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Thursday, May 12, 2011
Radagast the brown
No one ever seems to draw Radagast from Lord Of The Rings, I thought I would work up a quick portrait.
2 comments:
this is beautiful. It looks a bit like scratchboard due to such interesting whites. Did you use gouache and brush, pen nib??ReplyDelete
I actually used a standard photoshop brush with a low opacity. I have found you can get a really traditional look in cs and layers allow me to correct any mistakes on the fly unlike messier traditional acrylic whites, which can be time consuming, and I am usually pressed for time freelancing for several different companies at once. Art directors do not seem to care if it is traditional or digital as long as the quality is there.ReplyDelete
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Empowering Entrepreneurs
Partner with AMI to deliver online & blended learning solutions to the SMEs and entrepreneurs you supportDownload Brochure
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Building small businesses with practical & affordable training programmes
Why enrol in this Programme?
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AMI works with a range of organisations – banks, enterprise development programmes and incubators – to support networks of entrepreneurs through practical and affordable learning programmes. AMI has created 3,000+ practical business tools and over 50 online courses to help small businesses and entrepreneurs master the key skills needed to run their businesses. Training is delivered via a low-bandwidth platform that can be accessed anytime, anywhere via a computer or mobile phone. Online courses are combined with optional in-person workshops, as well as access to our iCoach tool, which helps entrepreneurs set and monitor business milestones with the support of their peers. This scalable, affordable approach helps entrepreneurs build critical business skills, translating into real business growth.
AMI has partnered with numerous organisations to complement their existing services for entrepreneurs or to scale up SME programming. We work with each client to design a programme that works for them, with the right balance of online and in-person training, and the right mix of content. We provide detailed data analytics and reports that track learning progress and business impact across cohorts of entrepreneurs.
To find out more and talk to someone about how AMI can help the entrepreneurs in your network build their businesses, download the brochure and get in touch at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Story from the field
7,000 Nigerian entrepreneurs say YES!
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AMI and EDC trained 7,000 entrepreneurs with the skills they needed to build their businesses. The participants started with AMI's online platform, where they access a customised programme of 18 of online courses and over 1,000 downloadable tools. Participants were part of a private 'YES' online community, where they could collaborate, network and engage each other. The most successful during the online component were invited to continue with in-person training and some were offered invsetment for their businesses.
YES participants downloaded over 1 million resources and contributed over 30,000 online posts. Online-only courses worldwide have a completion rate below 10%, but these keen young people have recorded completion rates between 75% and 95%. 98% of surveyed participants said they were applying their new skills in their businesses and two thirds said they had increased business revenue since completing the programme.
"I have learned more from this programme, and especially the online courses, than in my 4 years of college. Thank you AMI" – YES participant

subset: commoncrawl


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Certegy's Website - Laugh-Out-Loud "Link Policy"
You may create a hypertext link to the Certegy Inc. homepage (www.certegy.com) provided such link does not portray us (or our affiliates or any of our products and services) in a negative, false, misleading, or derogatory manner... Finally, your right to link to our homepage may be revoked at any time by us, for any reason.
Um. No. What a person does on their own website is their own business. Certegy, you may have our financial information by the short hairs, but you're not in charge of the Interwebs. You don't have any say whatsoever in my "right" to link to your page. No permission is needed for a person to link to a publicly accessible web page.
The only possibility of a lawsuit here would be one of libel, and that would fall flat as well. I have not, to my knowledge, posted anything false or misleading. Everything on this site is derived from personal experience, experiences sent to me by others, and information obtained from reliable news sources. If an error or falsehood is found, I encourage people to contact me or comment about it.
Regarding "negative" or "derogatory" remarks, I will say only that this, of course, is a blog. It's common knowledge that blogs are repositories of personal opinions, in this case, mine. If my personal opinion of Certegy is extremely low, I have every right to say so. Welcome to the First Amendment.


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"Right now, I'll tell you first, I'm working on an album with Damian Marley, and we tryin' to build some schools in Africa with this one, and trying to build empowerment" said New York masterful MC Nas at the 2009 Grammy Awards.
"Distant Relatives" is set to be released on may 28th, and I just found out the first single "As We Enter" (and guess what, it's a bomb)
Frankly speaking, I'm not a huge fan of hip-hop, but I do worship Nas. He's way beyond the usual US hip-hop crap that easily crosses the ocean through MTV and similar mainstream channels (take 50 cent, this is just pure formated whatev')
Anyway, this collaboration album's definitely a big thing coming up. They're talking about Africa, the album is for Africa (it will finance schools building program in Congo) and they do it sooo well.
Damian Marley, as written, had a great dad and followed his steps quite well. From classic reggae music to more fusion style, plus this really interesting collaboration (mixing reggae and hip-hop isn't such an easy thing to do) he proved his talent many times (rush on his tune "Welcome to Jamrock")
Nas & Damian Marley – As We Enter
One more thing, Nas & Damian Marley will be top of the bill of the 2010 Paris Hip-Hop festival, with a gig on June 28th (at the Zénith)
Pierre K.


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- Clean and trim the scallops, removing any roe. Slice each scallop horizontally into 3 or 4 thin slices. Arrange on a platter in a single layer.
- Combine the lime juice, sugar, salt and oil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pour this over the scallops, ensuring each slice is covered and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- To serve, transfer scallops from steeping mixture and arrange on a plate. Lightly toss the avocado and herbs (if using) in the steeping mixture and arrange in a mound on top of the scallops.
Epicure Recipe Cards #32 & #12: Scallop Ceviche, Sesame Butterfly Prawns
17 comments:
hehe i have weird issues with scallop roe for some reason but zomg your cerviche looks awesome!ReplyDelete
I don't eat seafood, but I know my mum would LOVE those prawns! I may just have to treat her to some :P Best daughter ever?ReplyDelete
Oooh nice work finding scallops with the roe attached, I don't understand why the roe isn't always served, it's my favourite part! Mmm all that seafood looks so fresh and yumReplyDelete
Oh Lady! you MUST start using fresh herbs! They just lift some of these dishes so much, though I do understand what you mean about not using them.ReplyDelete
coriander and mint are two of my favourite herbs and i use them in all sorts of things. So I go through them very quickly.
Coriander is hard to grow. Mint isn't, but likes to be wet, wet, wet.
Coriander roots freeze excellently and can be used for curry pastes etc
Good luck!
Scallop with roe is delicious! Your dishes all look amazing, restaurant-quality, though I don't think I'd be able to put in the effort like you did.ReplyDelete
wow the butterfly prawns look so pretty!! such a good work :)ReplyDelete
I love my fresh herbs and use them a lot in my every day cooking. This dish sounds delicious Rita!ReplyDelete
Don't decapitate the fookin' prawn!!!ReplyDelete
I like your style of waste-reduction, scallop roe and bread is probably the best form of recycling since I started using scrap newsprint for a papercut robot
Love the prawn recipe. Nice presentation and looks like it'd taste great even with its few ingredients.ReplyDelete
Wow your prawns look awesome, wish I could get Gianna to make them for me but apparently I am the one that has to cook.ReplyDelete
Oh lord, this is a whole pile of greatness. Squishing the roe onto warm, crusty bread? Be still my beating heart!ReplyDelete
ooh, scallops please! Yes, I'm wearing shorts and thongs for as long as I can. I;m in denial summer is over until the end of Autumn!ReplyDelete
I love eating and making ceviche. It always looks so posh and a breeze to make! Thx for the recipe.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous10 March 2011 at 08:54
Love both dishes! Seafoods and prepared in refreshing ways.ReplyDelete
I find it funny seeing people cut off scallop roe and not eating it - really is delicious!ReplyDelete
Love both your dishes, and yes Off With Their Heads!!!
Hey chocolatesuze, embrace the scallop roe, sunbeam!ReplyDelete
Hey Kristy, and they're so easy to make too!
Hey Stephcookie, I didn't like any sort of roe as a child but it's one of my favourite things now!
Hey Reemski, coriander doesn't tend to feature in my cooking so I'd probably not plant that, but spring onions and basil are high up on my list! Thanks for the tips =)
Hey Bel, haha, it was surprisingly easy with very little technical cooking skills required!
Hey sugarpuffi, and easy to make in a large batch if needed!
Hey Maria, thank you! Seriously need to look at growing some herbs.
Hey Ninja, and then there were, like, all these prawn heads, like, every-waaaare...!
Hey Simon, easy party food too, I think - just bung a whole tray of them in the oven.
Hey Demos, haha, and here I am always complaining that my husband doesn't cook!
Hey Conor, seafood, garlic and butter are a fairly fail-safe combination, yes?
Hey Adrian, with every breath of warm weather I'm still tricking myself to think it's still summer =p
Hey Anh, I've never made ceviche before! Agree that it's easy to make and presents well too.
Hey Ellie, refreshing and easy! Doesn't involve much washing up either =p
Hey Sara, no to wastage of yummy roe!
Wow! Nice delicious recipes you have provided in your site. From your site, I have got some new ideas about many types of the recipe. Thanks a lot....ReplyDelete


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Karina wanted me to name this post "Shieva is amazing for having an open 5th period and baking her boyfriend Kevin brownies and letting us eat some"... but I thought it was a tad too long.
But OH- they were such good brownies.
Perfectly crisp on the outside, hot and soft on the inside with gooey chocolate chips...
They were delicious.
Thank you, Shieva.


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Industry News
Celebrity Hourglass Nail Trend
Celebrity nail stylist Naja Rickette has joined the cast of the reality Television show L.A. Hair where the Nail Guru, as she is known, views her role as a great opportunity to educate the viewing public about the nail care profession.
Her A-list clients include Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Pink, Mariah Carey and Miranda Lambert. According to Naja, one of the hottest summer nail trends, favored by the celeb crowd, is the hourglass manicure.
Here are two versions:
"The standard hourglass manicure is slimming and flattering to anyone's fingers, whether they have long or short nails, and there are unlimited variations," says Naja.
" You can either create a standard hourglass or you can add a third color to really add a strong pop of color for summer at the beach," Naja says.


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This recipe of Steamed Flounder with Vegetable Couscous from Everyday Food Light was one I was really looking forward to. Owen loves couscous and fish so I knew this was something that would please him, not to mention I also enjoy light dinners like these as well.
It wasn't until I started making this that I realized the entire dinner is cooked in the microwave! Something I thought might just ruin it, but intriguing enough to keep an open mind. Of course, microwave cooking is super fast, so before we even started making the fish we roasted sweet potato wedges in the oven as a side. Now, I should mention, flounder is not a fish we find available around here, so I substituted sole and it worked just perfect.
All I can say is, wow! This dinner is so beyond delicious. We all love it I can't wait for an excuse to make it again. The final drizzle of the dijon based dressing sets everything off. Super fast, light, inexpensive and healthy this is definitely one of the best recipes in Everyday Food Light.


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Welcome to the next "Thrifty & Vintage Finds" link party!
If you found an amazing deal lately, new or vintage, then play along and link up!
It was hard to decided my favorite pick from last week's link party. I finally decided on this one: Brittany Ruth from The Rococo Roamer bought this vintage seafoam green and gold windup clock at a flea market in Germany.
Isn't it beautiful? I love that color.
Thanks for linking up again, Brittany Ruth! Feel free to add this button to your blog post, and I hope you'll link up again.

I actually didn't buy much this week. But I added these items to my booth at the Newburgh Vintage Emporium that I don't think I've mentioned yet:
If there is something you like, I hope you live close by so you can stop by the Emporium. Or I'm happy to ship it to you.
Have you picked up a thrifty or vintage find lately?
How to link up:
- Link up posts about your thrifty or/and vintage find.
- Please add the party button to your post {see code below} or a link back to this link party post so others can be inspired to join in the fun. Only posts with a link to this party will be considered to be featured.
- No links to giveaways, or shop or Etsy sites please.
- By submitting a link you are authorizing for your project to be featured. Featured links will include a photo and a link back to the originating site.


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I highly recommend you listen to this Podcast courtesy of Peak Prosperity and Eric Hunsader of Nanex LLC.
Further more, the more we as human beings allow ourselves to understand less regarding the coding needed for automation of certain jobs, the more damage we open ourselves up to. Having machines enable us humans to expand beyond our limitations is a great thing, but when they are created by evil intentioned participants, the society as a whole is at risk. Consider this presentation of TedTalk


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Hey, honey, guess what I did?
"Wouldn't it be something," Ted Kemp asked two friends one day late last month, "if I got another one?" Another ... what? Well, once you learn that the three guys were standing on the tee to the par-3 eighth hole at Muscatine (Iowa) Municipal Golf Course, you probably can guess that Kemp was referring to a hole in one. He admits to thinking along exactly those lines when he pulled an 8-iron from his bag, stepped to the ball, and whacked his drive toward the green 182 yards away.
"I thought it was going to come up short," he told the Muscatine Journal afterward. But it landed only a few feet from the cup and rolled right in. Now, a hole in one is always a thrill for a golfer, but as we've seen, this wasn't Kemp's first. Or even his first that day. In fact, it was his second on consecutive par-3 holes. OK, so now we go to the back nine at Muscatine, which feature three more par-3s. Could he do it again? Ah, no.
"I pretty much came back to earth" on those, he said. All in all, however, what he accomplished was "pretty unreal" for a golfer who says he basically uses a "trial and error" approach to the game. In 2000, Golf Digest magazine asked an expert mathematician to calculate various odds for accomplishing a hole in one. For two by the same person in the same round: 67 million to 1.


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- - This item's measurements are:
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Shown here with: Maison Margiela Top, Adam Lippes Pants, M2Malletier Shoulder bag, Acne Studios Sandals.
- - Keshi pearls, total weight: 0.20-carats
- - Butterfly fastening for pierced ears
- - Keshi pearls: China
- - This piece is made from 100% recycled gold
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Hello Ai friends and happy Monday!
I know that it's only March but I'm definitely having the winter blues. Are you ready for summer yet? Sally from the Sally Swimmer set (SKU#4323) sure is ready for the beach! So, grab your favorite bathing suit, flippers, and swimming gears!
Hope you like it and have a fabulous day!
See you at the beach! ;)


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Brand Label: Jourden
ITEM MOVED TO ARCHIVE: On January 31, 2018 4:39 am, Fashion Stylist Online noted this item may be out of stock at Shopbop because it was not referenced in their latest online catalog. If this item is out of stock at Shopbop, you may be able to find similar fashions sold there or elsewhere on our Jourden Designer Brand Directory.
Available for Purchase Online at Shopbop for $535.00Pin It
Fabric: Technical taffeta Stripe pattern Gathered style Mini dress cut Hidden zip at side Shell: 100% nylon Shell: 100% polyester Dry clean Imported, China Measurements Length: 24in / 61cm.
Shop other brand label items from Jourden on FashionStylist.com.
This item was published for sale online by Shopbop on January 30, 2018 9:49 am and last updated by us January 31, 2018 4:39 am.
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Holistic Courses, Healing Training & Spiritual Counselling DiplomaThe Holistic Healing College offers Diplomas in:
and Certificate courses in:We are based in London running an accredited and insurance eligible professional counselling diploma, holistic courses and healing training.
Spiritual Life Coaching
Soul Plan
Soul Transformation Therapy
Spiritual Life Coaching
Soul Plan
Soul Transformation Therapy
Our diploma courses are made up of a number of related modules and include;
- Counselling and Psychotherapy Skills
- Intuitive and Psychic Development
- Holistic Life Coaching
- Hypnotherapy & NLP
- Subpersonality /Parts Therapy
- EFT and Energy Psychology
- Mindfulness for yourself and clients
- Soul Plan Reading
- Counselling for Loss
- Sound Healing
- Intutive Card and Symbol Reading
- Core Issue Skills Integration
- Relationship Healing
- Ethical Marketing
- Chi Kung and energy clearing and enhancing
See our diploma section for more details of our Spiritual Counsellor Diploma incorporating healing training, holistic courses and spiritual life coaching.
Professional spiritual counselling, spiritual life coaching and holistic courses in London.
Participants come from as near as London and the South East and as far as Australia and Japan...
Click here to enrol now for the Spiritual Counsellor Diploma. It is usually possible to join at 3 different points throughout the year.
Next opportunity to join the Counselling and Healing training courses:
- To begin the Spiritual Counsellor or Holistic Healing Practitioner Diploma Courses in London: next intake November 2018 or January 2019 (closing enrolment shortly) Apply Now
- The Spiritual Life Coaching Certificate course is a shorter training (4/5 weekends spread over several months) in our unique transformational and healing coaching methods starting June (check if already full) or September Apply Now
- Shorter Soul Plan and Soul Transformation Therapy Practitioner courses take place regularly in the UK, USA, India and Japan. These courses take place over 3 days and train you in Soul Plan Reading and a totally new and unique healing system known as Soul Transformation Therapy. As these courses are also available as a one off short course they are often oversubscribed so to ensure a place we suggest you Apply Now
These one day events here at Holistic Healing College London or well known venues such as Alternatives in St James Piccadilly or Mind Body Spirit Festival or Hay House Summit provide a great introduction to Soul Transformation Therapy and are also designed to provide personal healing and reconnection for participants...
Soul Plan and Soul Transformation Therapy Events with Blue Marsden:
Blue Marsden's next visit to Alternatives in Piccadilly will be in March and he will be a guest presenter at this years Mind Body Spirit festival in November where he will be talking about and demonstrating Soul Transformation Therapy


text: PLYMOUTH -- On the surface, it appears Plymouth is headed for another great year. Coming off an 11-1 season, football coach John Barron is returning a host of skill players, including three-year starting quarterback Chad Clinton. "We're going to be a very good football team," Barron told the Plymouth faithful at the Aug. 5 soap scrimmage. "We have a large senior class. We have a lot of skill kids coming back." Actually, Plymouth has a lot of players, period. After the first full week of practice, the Class 4-A Rockies had more than 100 kids representing the four grades. That includes a large sophomore class that went undefeated as freshmen last season. But dig a little deeper into the lineup, and Barron has some concerns. First, there is the offensive line. He's replacing a large number of the group that protected Clinton for 11 straight wins. The only game the Rockies lost last year -- to Concord in the playoffs -- was when center Tom Flynn, who has since graduated, was injured. Sophomore Doug Booth will take over the snapping chores. He will be flanked by Kenny Bachtel and Drew Flora at guards and Blaine Schaefer and Kyle Wickens look like the probable starters at tackle. Barron also plans to have Jason Renz and Alex Quintana splitting time at tight end. Joe Scott and Alex Morris look like the probable starters at the wide receiver slots. Seniors Brent Corbett and Michael Hooker will be in the running back slots, looking to keep the pace set by Coty Singleton last year. The defensive perimeter is set with six starters coming back, Barron said. The question marks again focus on the line and inside linebackers. "We have the secondary, outside linebackers and Michael Hooker set," Barron said. But the first week of practice hadn't finalized any of the other slots. Barron is anticipating that some younger players could move into starting roles, but he also knows that might not happen until later in the season. One thing is certain starting the season: Corbett, Hooker and Quintana will play both ways, especially in the fourth quarter. Barron hopes that other players develop quickly enough to give them a breather during the games. Possibly the biggest question facing the Rockies is in the kicking game. Plymouth lost both punter Michael Brown and field goal kicker Rick Davis to graduation. Barron said those losses cannot be underestimated. The Rockies outscored their opponents by an average score of 31-14 last season, with the majority of those games coming in the tough Northern Lakes Conference. During their 11-game run, they won two double-overtime contests. "The importance of the kicking game can't be overstated," Barron said. "We spend one-third of our time on it. Field position is so important in what it allows you to do offensively." And the offensive side of the ball will be the strongest component for Plymouth. Barron expects Clinton to have a year that is even better than last season. "He has developed so much," he said. "He is one of the most solid football players I've seen. He doesn't have the best arm or the most speed, but he is tough and smart. He audibles well. He's in total command back there."


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Humane Society of Lincoln County Humane Society of Lincoln County
Here's a sample of our volunteer opportunities:VIEW AS
Please wait . . .
Mission Statement
Our mission is to operate the animal shelter, reduce the overpopulation of cats and dogs, educate the local population on responsible animal ownership and seek justice for animal cruelty offenders and ensure the proper and humane treatment of all animals.
We are a small shelter serving a rural community and rely on dontations from the community to keep our doors open. We have a small staff that works hard at providing the care needed for the over 400 animals that come through our doors yearly.
Social Media
Would you recommend Humane Society of Lincoln County?


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Thanks 'Inspired' Kathy for the visit to your awesome blog!'I Am A Reader, Not A Writer' to read the interview and enter a giveaway for a signed copy of The Flight of the Griffin!
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?A fire starter machine thingy... a fishing outfit and Maria Kirilenko to ...errr... play tennis with:)
What is one book everyone should read?Anything by John Steinbeck. It was only after reading his writing that I realised there really is a difference between an average writer and the very best. I can only aspire to one day come close to his level of work.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?Green tea Ice cream available from my local sushi shop, it's incredible!
One food you would never eat?Meat. I've been vegetarian for over thirty years ... cant quit remember why it all started now but it must have been a good idea at the time and the thought now of eating bits of cow etc just.... I'm pretty messed up on my food likes as I do eat fish. I guess Maria Kirilenko and I wouldn't starve on that island at least.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. You should read The Flight of the Griffin because .....(cont.)


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Why should a court order a company or ad agency to include members of certain population groups in its ads? Not only is this undemocratic, but it could go in all sorts of absurd directions: Must men appear in ads for feminine hygiene products? Must women appear in ads for condoms, aftershave, or PED medications (oh wait. They already do)? Must people of color appear in ads for sun protection products? Must Asians appear in ads for hair straighteners?
When will Israelis learn that the courts are not our patrons? You don't like Cnaan for succumbing to Haredi blackmail? Then find out who their clients are and boycott them. You oppose Isracard's decision not to feature Gila Almogor in Jerusalem? Get out your scissors and cut your Isracard in half. Put your money where your mouth is; don't expect the courts to waste their time with what is after all a consumer preference issue. Besides, the womenless ads are only a symptom of the problem, which is that this group that we call the Haredim — I don't know a better way to put it — have us by the proverbial balls.
So, Roni Shuv, regarding assuming in advance what Haredi individuals' positions are on every subject, well, yeah, guilty as charged: I'm not interested in whether the Belz don't sing the national anthem, but the Shmelz mouth the words; or whether the Bangkok Lubavich believe the rebbe's dead while the Katmandu Lubavich think he's just on vacation. I'm interested in what they all do have in common, which, yes, I happen to know "in advance": They compel me, the taxpayer, to support them. Which means that yes, as per that definition, they're parasites: They're not disabled; they're able to work.
And not only do I unwillingly support them, but I support their schools, which not only thumb their noses at the core curriculum, but hatch an entire ethos based on maintaining their self-image as "us against the goyim", only now that they don't have the handy Cossacks persecuting them any longer, they've made us (non-Orthodox Jews) into the goyim. Twisted, I know. No doubt about it: They've made persecution into a fetish.*
They remind me of a girl in my social studies class who, upon learning about the Holocaust, raised her hand to inform us that, "The early Christians were persecuted by the Romans too." Oh really? They had to meet in catacombs to worship? For like, what? Two years? If I'd been drinking coffee at age 10, I'd've snorted it out my nose. Not that it's a competition or anything.
But today I'm not laughing, certainly not at Jews dressing up their children as concentration camp inmates. Talk about disrespecting those who gave their lives for kidush haShem [the sanctification of God's name]. As far as chilul haShem [the desecration of God's name] goes — as well as chilul haAdam — this disgrace takes the cake.
* For a much more accurate picture of our situation vis-a-vis the Haredim, read Aner Shalev's description.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Just when you thought it couldn't get any more disgraceful
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Despite the insecurity in Syria, Tarik feels it is too dangerous to return to Iraq, a country where more than 5,000 people have died this year from sectarian violence.
Today Tarik lives in Jaramana, a densely populated area of Damascus, home to Iraqis and Syrians, Christians, Druze and Muslims. Jaramana is well known for its diversity, affordable lifestyle and social vibrancy. Yet, there has recently been a sharp increase in violence in Jaramana as combatants contest for nearby territory. In addition to the mortars, rockets and bullets, a car bomb in October killed at least six people in Jaramana.
Tarik's testimony. My story is like that of many Iraqi families. We're all victims of war. I'm a 51 years old heavy machinery mechanical engineer. I'm married with one daughter and two sons. My youngest son has mental health problems because of the many murders he witnessed on a daily basis in Iraq.
We were first displaced for religious reasons. We're a Sunni family, but my mother-in-law is a Shiite. So we ended up falling victim to persecution from all sides in Iraq, owing to our family's religious diversity. We left Iraq and sought safety in Syria – like so many other Iraqis.
We moved to a suburb of Damascus, called Harasta, in 2009. We went to the UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and registered, allowing us to receive support.
When conflict spread to Harasta, we were displaced again. Yet again we fled violence. With the help of the UNHCR, we moved from Harasta to one of the collective shelters in Damascus city in 2012. Conditions were very difficult there, so we moved to Jaramana.
But life in Jaramana is difficult because the financial support we receive from UNHCR is not enough to pay the rent and buy the basics. It's harder in the winter. We don't have any winter clothes or warm blankets. Using gas to heat our home is too expensive.
Our financial difficulties linger. I'm no longer able to work for health reasons. What's more I suffer from arthritis in my knees, which costs my family a further 10,000 Syrian pounds (75 US dollars) per month in medication. We receive enough food support now, but milk, not included in the food basket, has become an expensive rarity.
Iraqis in Syria. Tarik's story is not unusual to the hundreds of thousands of Iraqis still inside Syria with very few options before them. With the closure of the US and other European embassies in Syria, resettlement options for Iraqis inside Syria have been put on hold. Although neighbouring borders remain open, it remains very dangerous to travel south to Jordan or north to Turkey through intense fighting zones.
Iraqis cannot easily enter Lebanon, and for many it is not possible to return to Iraq because of the ongoing extreme sectarian violence. Hemmed in on all sides by conflicts and burdened with financial woes, Tarik and others have little choice but to remain in Syria.
As the region is eclipsed by the Syrian conflict, and humanitarian agencies struggle to meet the most basic needs of nearly eight million Syrians, Iraqis are a "forgotten" refugee population, increasingly forced to eke out their existence on the sidelines of yet another conflict.
JRS provides Tarik and his family with monthly food baskets and summer and winter clothing for the children.
* Name changed for security reasons
Countries Related to this Region


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Refining Una the Ultimaker/
I think you should know I endured a lot of pain to fit this part…
Just because I'm on holiday, doesn't mean I don't get to play with tech. I spent a big chunk of today fiddling with Una, my Ultimaker 3D printer. I don't usually give my devices names, but since I've discovered that this particular device has moods I thought a name would be appropriate. The great thing for me about 3D printers is that they don't work all the time and you can always persuade yourself that there are things you can do to make them better. Perfect for a tinkerer like me, who was brought up on Meccano.
Today I convinced myself that by replacing the wooden end bearing caps with adjustable plastic ones I could probably improve print quality. I could certainly cut down on the banging and crashing that I was getting during printing, when the print head changes direction and the rods it slides on are pushed into the side of the case. I'd already made one change earlier in the week, when I upgraded the fibre feed mechanism that pushes plastic into the machine. That had improved print quality a bit and so I figured I was on a roll with this.
So I set to and printed all the parts (finding a matching colour for the case, which was nice) and then I had to fit them. This was where the fun started. I put the original fittings on as I was constructing Una, and then put lots of parts around them. This meant that the nuts holding the end caps in place were really hard to get to. I tried printing out a "nut calumet", which sounds like a desert from a posh restaurant, but is really something you can use to put the nut on the back of the bolt. But eventually I found the best way to replace the fittings was just to jam my finger inside the machine behind each nut, so that it held it in place, undo the existing bolt and put the new one straight back in. This removes the need to put the nut in place, as it never goes anywhere, and leaving aside the pain involved in forcing your finger inside very tight spaces, worked very well.
I'm not sure if the print quality is that much better to be honest, although printing is a lot quieter and smoother than it used to be. I'm a bit worried that steel bolts in the end caps are going to grind chunks out of the steel rods they are rubbing against, so I've ordered some brass bolts (which cost the princely sum of 14 pence each) to replace them with. These should form a bearing against the steel and be a bit smoother.
If you have an Ultimaker then I think it is a worthwhile upgrade, just because it makes printing much quieter. If you are about to build one from a kit, I'd advise getting some end caps printed so that you can put them on during construction and save yourself a bit of pain later.


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Or rather good colleagues. I've been absent working as hard and as fast and as long as my little legs can carry me. Its near the end of the term. I am dealing with large amounts of teaching. I am dealing with idiots in the women's group here (long post on that... sometime when time > n, where n = now).
But I got this email from a colleague, a person I truly respect, who has had a much harder road than I have:
Hi Potnia, I have been thinking of you lately. I was reading through my hard copy file of your reprints, and came across 2 papers (both on bunnies and biomechanics) that are so fantastic!!!! They really helped out with 2 separate projects I am working on with grad and undergrad students.
It reminded me of how amazing your work is, and how many different cool studies you have done.
xxxx and happy hanukkah,
To tell the truth, I do not feel either amazing or cool or that my work is either of those. When I start feeling sorry for myself, and thinking I have been fighting these fucking battles since the dawn of time and then the department chair asks me to help with the Xmas party (because, after all I am the senior woman in the dept), I remember that there women whose roads have been longer and rougher than mine.


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Our mission is to provide programs, services, technology and leadership to enhance the genetics of the Angus breed, broaden its influence within the beef industry, and expand the market for superior tasting, high-quality Angus beef worldwide.
See Management for Calculators/Tables
The Angus breed is home to the industry's largest beef cattle performance database, fueling genetic progress through each generation. Breeders rely on the comprehensive set of data to continue growing the nation's quality beef supply.
Angus Media provides unrivaled marketing opportunities for cattle producers with Association programs that allow breeders to set their calves apart from the crowd.
Registered-Angus cattle continue to set the industry pace for quality genetics. Demand remains strong year after year, as reflected by strong sales trends and an increase in Angus cattle on the market.
The American Angus Association and its members are proud to offer comprehensive programs and services aimed at improving productivity and profitability in the commercial sector of the cattle industry.
Stay up-to-date on the latest headlines in the American Angus Association's Newsroom, where you can read articles, watch videos and learn more about the organization's programs and services.
Continued education is central to driving progress within the beef cattle industry. Through Association events, connect with fellow breeders and discover applications that make a real difference on the farm or ranch.
The American Angus Association store features both high quality, yet attractively affordable apparel and home décor. Items were personally curated to fit the aesthetic of any hardworking, yet stylish ranch lifestyle. Proceeds directly benefit the Angus Foundation and its mission of youth, education, and research.
As the nation's largest beef breed organization, the American Angus Association serves more than 25,000 members across the United States and Canada.
Developmental Duplication (DD) Fact Sheet
- A fact sheet providing information about DD, DD testing and registration policies.
Watch the video:
Understanding Developmental Duplication in Cattle
Important Notice: DD testing procedures for Tex Demand 2791 progeny.
Important Notice: DD status update for Tex Demand 2791 as of June 27, 2016.
DD Test Results
An updated listing of DD test results. Test results are updated daily as received from authorized testing labs.
Important Update on Developmental Duplication as of September 12, 2013:
Policy Update on Developmental Duplication (DD) and the Display of Information Relating to Genetic
Conditions on Pedigrees,
Click here.
A message from American Angus Association President Phil Trowbridge
- in regard to the policy on Developmental Duplication (DD).
Click here.
Notice of August 12, 2013:
Genetic Condition Update - A new genetic condition has been identified by Dr. Jon Beever, University of Illinois.
A Task Force of the Board has been directed to meet this week to develop an approach on how the full Board should address this issue.
For more detailed information on the genetic condition and the Board's action,
click here.


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Reliance Jio 4G Smartphone Rolls
Reliance Digital launched the first week of this month listed its entry level LYF smartphone or LYF mobile, the LYF Flame 1 on its official website. The same branded company on Feb 28th 2016 Sunday officially announced the smartphone or mobile along with a fresh look of LYF Wind 6 Mobile Currently reliance capital share price was running under profit's now due to this handset
Reliance Jio LYF Wind 6 Costs @ Rs 7090 Only
LYF Flame 1 is priced @ Rs 6490, now the mobile costs Rs 7090 at the Reliance Digital website. The mobile can be purchased from the official company's of Reliance Digital Stores
For more detail : http://ladduz.in/technology/reliance-jio-4g-smartphone/


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It's been nearly a year since Glass Haus Kitchen opened its doors for business in the Downtown warehouse district as an American haute cuisine restaurant that turned high profile heads with its technical approach to local flavors. What looked like the start of a restaurant dynasty will come to an early end on Saturday, October 26, as the restaurant's owners recently announced its impending closure.
Executive Chef Ian Boden—who had the The Washington Post raving earlier this year in a review that claimed his kitchen was "a compelling case for plugging Charlottesville into your GPS" and described a dish of foie gras with steel-cut oats as "(trust me on this) magic"—is turning in his apron and returning to his home in Staunton for personal reasons.
Owners JF Legault and Francois Bladt said they have no regrets about their year-long run, but Legault admitted that allowing a business to hinge entirely on one person's skills was a risky move.
"In doing this, I went against the grain of everything I know," Legault said. "Never leverage a chef as much as we have."
Unlike many of its local competitors, which have longstanding customer bases, Glass Haus' success has been driven by its star chef and his inspirations. Legault said the restaurant would need a complete concept overhaul if it were to function without Boden, and he and Bladt decided instead to close their doors and operate the space as an event venue.
Boden was guarded about his reasons for leaving, but he acknowledged that his departure may have forced the owners' hands.
"That's the difference between opening up a new place in the modern culinary scene where things tend to be chef-driven, as opposed to places that are concept-driven," Boden said. "There's lots of institutions in Charlottesville that can rotate out key members. But in the new restaurant scene, that's just not something that happens regularly."
Legault and Boden added that Charlottesville is simply too small for a restaurant like Glass Haus to be successful long term—there's just "not enough asses for the seats."
Boden said the type of chef-driven high-end eatery is successful in major metropolitan markets, but is tough to pull off here.
"Conceptually, it would be exactly the same," Boden said. "Volume-wise, you've got a larger market. Price point is less of an issue, and people tend to eat out four to five days a week in larger markets."
According to Legault, Glass Haus Kitchen will remain open as an events venue, and will continue to host cocktail parties, chef dinners, and local beer and wine events


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total: 2
1864 - 1866
Owned and used in Tasmania by the family of Deslie Welsch of Mount Ousley and was donated to the Illawarra Museum when the family home was being cleared. It has evidence of alterations and use ...
1825 - 1830
This is an important and charming printed cotton dress that was worn by a female member of the Barnes family from Lancashire, England. The family believed the dress was worn to Queen Victoria's coronation procession ...
Copyright Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences and contributors.
Use is licensed under CC-BY-NC


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A consortium led by Blue Water Shipping has been awarded an additional contract by Tengizchevroil (TCO)
In 2016, Blue Water Shipping announced the signing of three contracts in connection with the Tengizchevroil (TCO) Future Growth Project-Wellhead Pressure Management Project (FGP-WPMP). For these contracts, Blue Water Shipping is leading two consortiums that will supply 20 specially designed Module Carrying Vessels (MCVs) for the transportation of modules through the Russian Inland Waterway System and on the Caspian Sea to a new offloading facility in Prorva, Kazakhstan.
Blue Water Shipping can now announce a new contract in support of TCO's FGP-WPMP. Blue Water Shipping is leading a consortium which includes Manchester Shipping. This consortium has been awarded a contract for the international transport of modular cargo from the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea – via the Russian Inland Waterway System – to Prorva in Kazakhstan. This will involve the use of up to 11 barges and 29 tugs. These vessels will be upgraded and modified where required to meet the specific transport requirements of the cargo movements.
The consortium will work in close cooperation with the leading Russian tug and barge operators for the provision of the vessels' crews and services within the Russian Inland Waterways. This will bring significant investment into the Russian system and the client will benefit from the combined expertise and experience of the involved companies
"Blue Water Shipping has more than 20 years of experience in complex transport in the Caspian Sea region, and we are honored and very delighted to have been awarded these contracts for TCO. We are in close partnership with strong and leading companies for each of the contracts," states Kurt Skov, CEO and founder of Blue Water Shipping.
Tengizchevroil LLP is a Kazakhstani partnership that explores, develops, produces and markets crude oil, LPG, dry gas and sulfur. TCO conducts its operations in accordance with world-class safety and environmental standards. In April 1993, Tengizchevroil was formed between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chevron Corporation. Current partners are: Chevron Overseas Company, 50 percent; KazMunayGas NC JSC, 20 percent; ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., 25 percent and LUKARCO B.V., 5 percent.
Source: BWS


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Thursday October 20th, 1:00 am
Mary had fled the scene, she went home to sleep the horror away. (Asleep at 2am)
Police arrived at the scene of Stromberg's home and took a statement from the witnesses.
Douglas and Annie had crazy dreams. The yellow-robed-tentacle-god offered them powers and rewards to finish off the last follower who "claims he follows me, and yet denies me to others." Annie feigned ignorance. Douglas agreed.
Thursday October 20th, 10:00 am
Mary woke up (+8 hours rest) to a messenger knocking and brought her to the police station. She learned that they had not been taking good care of the captured cultist. Upon inspecting him, he was pale and muttering "Gotta put him away. Gotta get to the home. Ellen. Gotta finish. Take me back, gotta put him away."
Elsewhere, Douglas awoke (+5 hours rest). He meant to head to the tailor, but wandered instead to the police station. "Oh, I guess I meant to come see my friend" he says after a short conversation with the receptionist.
He was barely in the room for a minute when he began to strangle the cultist. Mary was not able to stop him from choking the life away from the cultist; Douglas was too strong and too strongly willed. When the cultist was dead, Douglas was confused, realizing what he had done.
Annie, 11:00 am
Annie was awakened by a knock at her door (+6 hours rest). It was Kieth. "We need you to come look at Rick's house. Somebody ransacked the place. We were supposed to get something, but the place was torn apart. He had the clipboard with asylum visitors."
Rick lives at 23c Arbuckle, Annie headed there with Kieth. Along the way, Annie picked up a newspaper.
Douglas and Mary
Scott detained Douglas, and asked that Mary be near when he brought someone to speak with Douglas. He was sending for Jim Darknun.
Annie and Kieth arrived at the scene of Rick's trashed apartment. There, she discovered a bloody labcoat partially burned in the fireplace. So, she set out to find Edward, to share this new piece of evidence.
Johnny and Angus
Johnny and Angus woke around 12:00 pm (+7 hours rest). They went to talk to Sherman about the ritual they had discovered. Unfortunately, Sherman said Walter had visited and offered to fix Sherman's finger. By agreeing, Sherman may have doomed himself to turn into a rat.
Douglas and Mary
Jim Darknun showed up to the police station. He interrogated Douglas a while.
Douglas, Annie, and Mary
Annie showed up while Jim and Mary were speaking about Douglas, and she showed Jim the bloody smock. He discovered in the pocket a tag from Taylor's Pawn and gifts, #3123. As the two of them discussed the finer points of who should investigate, a boy delivered another letter to Douglas.
Johnny and Angus
Johnny and Angus headed back to Johnny's place, where Angus spent an hour devising a trap for Walter rat. Angus wanted to visit Orkliff. The two of them went to the hospital to visit Sgt. Stromberg. Of course, he was in intensive care and not to be disturbed, so the two of them went to the Curiosity Shop.
The shop owner piqued their interest with a few cult-related books. Spells, elder gods, and more. They also bought some white beeswax candles, and Angus went on a shopping spree. He bought a couple of protective amulets, a shrunken headless body. Johnny spotted some spheres with liquid within it, said to banish monsters, demons and ghosts.
Douglas Annie and Mary
Along with Mary's insight that Douglas was most likely "just acting out deep rooted anger from the scene he had witnessed the previous night", and that "it is most likely a single episode brought on by the psychological trauma", Annie convinced Edward to release Douglas. So the three of them warned the police that a murder was imminent tonight, and that it would probably be in Stamford, between Princess Drive and Cedar Oaks.
They left and went to 13 Lafayette (former residence of Ellen Deepton) to see what the cultist had been gibbering about. Mary waited outside while Douglas and Annie explored the house. They found tons of cultist paraphernalia, including some sort of protected circle with symbols of "summoning and consolidation" on one side and "separation and confinement" on the other. The circle contained 5 candles – burnt to the ground, and was surrounded by a circle of salt that had been broken in several areas by rat tracks.
In the corner of one room, they heard a deep buzzing sound, and a mass of cockroaches, beetles, hoppers, and flies erupted and slammed into Douglas. Then they retreated and slammed into Annie. Douglas and Annie tried to use a chant they had seen to banish the possessed bugs, but it didn't seem to work. To get away from the bugs, they fled. During their flight, they were magically compelled to panic.
Mary witnessed the two of them burst from the house and split up and flee.
Angus and Johnny
Angus and Johnny left the Curiosity Shop and went to Johnny's house. Johnny went to work on checking number-ish clues against the map.
Angus went to another room and offered to unite his shrunken head with the shrunken body. When he combined the two, they grew together and started laughing. In surprise, Angus dropped it, and it started cackling and running blindly into things. "I can't see, Angus. You want to see the Dark Lady again, don't you. But I can't see her – she saw to that. Give me eyes, Angus, give me eyes and I will be able to see her"
Angus was confused, and asked "who's eyes", to which the shrunken head replied: "You can't stop it, but you may be able to stop the next one if you knew what the Dark Lady knows. Give me the young girl's eyes. She won't need them; she'll be dead."
Angus asked: "Who's going to be killed? Where will she be killed?"
Shrunken head answered: "There are many possibilities. It is not set yet. But when the time comes, I'll tell you… if you give me her eyes!"
- Cultist wanted to "get back to the house and finish"
- Cultist mentioned Ellen and Lafayette
- Curiosity Shop is closing
- Angus's two spheres
- Walter's trap is set
- Find Carl Sinster
- Pawn Shop
- Find maps to locate caves
- Murder tonight
- Throat-ripped-out murder victim
- Lady with itchy skin screaming about flies and roaches


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Say Again?: A Note to Readers »
Each month, AVweb publishes about a half-dozen columns on a range of aviation topics. If we do things right, these simply appear on the site, for all to read free of charge. What's less obvious is the behind-the-scenes work and thought that goes into these columns. That's another way of saying producing a monthly column isn't easy, nor is it sustainable forever. In that context, effective this month, Don Brown has ended his long-time popular column, Say Again? . More


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Before acquiring his own service dog, Jordyn was shy and cautious around the ADS dogs and puppies in training, but he was immediately very accepting and comfortable with Nelson.
They had an instant connection, and Nelson's calm, quiet and cuddly nature is ideal for Jordyn.
Jordyn delights in watching Nelson just being himself, and Jordyn's mom, Kelli reports that during the first moments the pair was happily engaged with each other. Kelli continues to enjoy watching Jordyn giggle at the sight of Nelson being his silly dog self when he's out of his service dog jacket, and loves seeing him snuggle up to Nelson for comfort. Jordyn explores his new companion by looking in his ears, nose, and mouth by lifting up his jowls. And Nelson is calm and patient throughout each examination. Kelli was most surprised to see Jordyn seek comfort from Nelson by lying across him, something she never thought he would do with any dog. This is one of the biggest benefits Kelli witnessed early in the process, the comfort Nelson has brought to her son.
Jordyn has learned how to feed Nelson, and Kelli assists him with this daily responsibility, which also helps increase the bonding process between the dog and his child. Walking is another regular part of the family's routine and Jordyn is getting really good at walking him outside and in between places. It is Jordyn's job to hold onto the handle on Nelson's service dog jacket. This is a big leap in independence for Jordyn who used to hold onto mom's arm while walking and transitioning.
Communication has also been a bit benefit of having Nelson involved in the daily routine. Jordyn repeats a lot of the commands after his mom, and Kelli initially thought he was echoing her commands, but when she asks "what do we tell Nelson now?" Kelli learned that Jordyn gives her the correct answer each time and this gives Jordyn a sense of control that Nelson responds to him and follows his directions.
Jordyn and Nelson have been working with each other for the past few months. We look forward to hearing their progress in the future. Stay tuned for further updates on this amazing team!
To make a donation in honour of Jordyn and Nelson please visit: Jordyn's Giving Page


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Day Tour
Custom walk (Budapest) (3 Hours)
Context Travel
Valid for Travel Now Through: 22 Mar 2019
Tour Features
- Culture, History & Arts
- Sightseeing
Recommended Ages
All Ages
Activity Level
About Us
The Context vision is to create an atmosphere—a context, if you will—for curious travelers to engage with local experts; to give them access to places and cultures that might otherwise remain out of sight to the casual visitor; to invite them off the tourist track and into the real life of the people, history, and heritage that make these cultural capitals amazing. With no more than six people, you'll participate in an intimate, hands-on, conversational experience. No Tour Guides - Our docents are first and foremost scholars or specialists, with MAs, Ph.D.s, or other terminal degrees in their fields of study.
Insider TipContact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor for insider knowledge to help enhance your experience.
Terms & Conditions
Context walks can be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the walk with an 85% refund. Within 48 hours all reservations are final and cannot be refunded. Walks are held rain or shine with some variations to accommodate the weather. If you are running late for your meeting with our docent, we ask that you call to alert us so that we can relay the message to the docent. No shows are treated as last-minute cancellations and are non-refundable. Cancellations within three business days need to be made by phone to the emergency number provided in your confirmation email. Cancellations within three business days made via email or by calling our U.S. 800 number may not be honored. Other terms and conditions may apply.
The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50. California CST# 2069091; TA# 808 - Registered Iowa Travel Agency; Washington UBI # 601 554 183. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Reviews and Recommendations for Context Travel
of 3 guests


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LONDON, UK 08 MAY 2014 — 3CX, developer of the award-winning Windows VoIP PBX 3CX Phone System, today announced that its 3CX Phone System has achieved VMware Ready™ status. This designation indicates that 3CX Phone System has undergone detailed test procedures and is supported on VMware vSphere® 5.X for production environments.
"By using 3CX Phone System for Windows with VMware vSphere® 5.X, businesses can rid themselves of expensive and difficult to manage PBX hardware and consolidate their telecoms infrastructure onto their VMware platforms, enabling them to make significant savings on server and administration costs," said Nick Galea, CEO of 3CX.
"We are pleased that 3CX Phone System qualifies for the VMware Ready™ logo, signifying to customers that it works effectively with VMware vSphere®, and can be deployed in production with confidence," said Sanjay Katyal, vice president, Global Alliances & OEMs, VMware.
The VMware Ready program is a co-branding benefit of the Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program that makes it easy for customers to identify partner products certified to work with VMware cloud infrastructure. Customers can use these products and solutions to lower project risks and realize cost savings over custom built solutions. With thousands of members worldwide, the VMware TAP program includes best-of-breed technology partners with the shared commitment to bring the best expertise and business solution for each unique customer need.
3CX Phone System can be found within the online VMware Solution Exchange (VSX) at https://marketplace.vmware.com/vsx/.
About 3CX (www.3cx.com)
3CX is the developer of 3CX Phone System which is an open standard unified communications platform for Windows that works with standard SIP phones and replaces any proprietary PBX. 3CX Phone System is more manageable than standard PBX systems and delivers substantial cost savings while increasing productivity. Some of the world's leading companies and organizations use 3CX Phone System, including Boeing, Mitsubishi Motors, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, Harley Davidson, City of Vienna and Pepsi. 3CX was named a CRN Emerging Vendor in 2011 and 2012 and has been awarded CRN's 5-Star Partner Program rating in 2013. 3CX has also been awarded Windows Server Certification and won the Windowsnetworking.com Gold Award, the Windows IT Pro 2008 Editor's Best Award and a Best Buy Award from Computer Shopper. 3CX has offices in Australia, Cyprus, Germany, Hong Kong, Malta, South Africa, the UK and the U.S. Visit us at: https://www.3cx.com. You can also find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/3CX/ and on Twitter @3cx.
3CX Phone System for Windows is copyright of 3CX Ltd. 3CX is a registered trademark, and 3CX Phone System for Windows and the 3CX logo are trademarks of 3CX Ltd in Europe, the United States and other countries.
VMware, VMware vSphere and VMware Ready are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and other jurisdictions. The use of the word "partner" and/or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership relationship between VMware and any other company.


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The number of NHS trusts referred to the health secretary over financial concerns has increased almost three-fold in a year, a report has revealed.
Nineteen were flagged up to Jeremy Hunt this financial year, compared with five in 2012-13, according to the Audit Commission.
Marcine Waterman, controller of audit at the NAO said auditors were reporting concerns about the financial resilience of a third of trusts this year, compared with a quarter for the previous 12-month period.
She added: "This level of reporting is worrying and reflects the increasing risks to the financial sustainability of individual NHS trusts as they continue to face sizeable financial pressures due to a rising demand for services and the necessary focus on quality of care, whilst balancing the need for continued cost savings."
Among those referred to Mr Hunt for failing to meet their statutory break-even duty, were the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals and Ipswich Hospital Trusts.
Mid Essex Hospital Services, North West London Hospitals and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trusts were also on the list.
The NAO report − entitled Auditing the Accounts 2013-14: NHS Bodies − covers the timeliness and quality of accounts, arrangements to secure value for money and auditors' use of their statutory reporting powers at 101 NHS trusts and 211 CCGs.
It found timeliness and quality of trusts' financial reporting had improved and that the majority of NHS bodies put in place proper arrangements for securing value for money.
But it also revealed that auditors at 34% of NHS trusts issued a non-standard value for money conclusion relating to concerns about financial resilience, compared to 26% last year.
Ten trusts, including North Cumbria University Hospitals and Croydon Health Services, received "adverse" conclusions, meaning the auditor was not satisfied the body had made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.
Readers' comments (1)
The picture is fragmented as the 151 FTs are not inlcuded in this report - and one would imagine that part of the reason that the 74 trusts being audited in the report aren't FTs is that they've lacked financial stability to allow it. so it shouldn't be a big surprise to anyone. It's simple enough maths - increased demand against a background of significant funding cuts.
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text:
Next Episode of It's Tommy Cooper is
not planed. TV Show was canceled.
The series featured more bad magic and jokes from the one and only Tommy Cooper.
Looks like something went completely wrong!
But don't worry - it can happen to the best of us,
- and it just happened to you.
Please try again later or contact us.


text:
If this is booked, please try VRBO Listing No. 471133. Free Two Lounge Chairs with Cushions and Umbrella ($30 value a day), WiFi and HBO. Electronic Lock; no need to carry a key and no worry about someone else having the copy of the key. Recently remodeled with new granite counter tops, kitchen cabinets, vanities, appliances, light fixtures, etc.
Beautiful views of the white sugar sand beach and crystal clear water. Sixty feet long eight feet high glass wall from floor to ceiling along the beach. Sliding glass doors are in bedrooms and living room. All rooms including dinning room see beach and ocean.
Large bedrooms with private baths and walk-in closets. Master bath has two sinks. This place is huge and very well equipped to accommodate 8 people. Master has king bed and second bedroom has one double and one queen beds. Living room has a sleeper sofa.
Each room has a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall view of the gulf, feel close to the beach from this third floor condo. Watch the beautiful sunsets and relax with your favorite drink at the balcony.
This is a low-density condo, which has only 32 units each building; a total of 64 units! No waiting for elevators. Two parking spaces for each unit are located under the building on the main floor. This a very nice vacation spot located west end of Panama City Beach, yet conveniently located close to all types of dining, shopping, family amusements and activities at the brand new Pier Park complex! You're close to upscale and casual dining as well as within walking distance to a grocery store, shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and the Panama City Beach Pier Park.
New large HD TVs in bedrooms and Living Room with DVD player. A fully stocked kitchen and a full-size washer and dryer, free WiFi and HBO making this 'home away from home' perfect for families, couples and friends.


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The Benefit of Subliminal Messages TodayAlmost all of us all have one thing we want to alteration of our lives. Several might choose to quit smoking or remove different harmful behavior within their lives, even though some may want an overall makeover to enhance their thought of life. Some simply need a little more push of determination, while some basically think positively about themselves in addition to their knowledge.
Every one of these, however, may be tough to do, mainly about this present globe. Smokers notice tons of e cigarette ads close to, career individuals face plenty of competition and criticism - the whole world is simply full of damaging talk. And if you let that get to you, you are set for a traumatic, disturbing, as well as restrained existence.
Now, experts have launched a new treatment for overcome the unfavorable speaks and finally recognize all those modifications that happen in your lifetime. And that is through the use of subliminal mp3 messages.
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- Office Locations
- 10 Chiropractic Locations to Serve You
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If you are in search of chiropractic care in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Clayton, Fuquay, Garner, Wake Forest, or anywhere in the North Carolina Triangle, you should connect with the network of professionals at Chiropractic Partners! We are a network of 10 offices that have been serving the chiropractic care needs of area families for over 20 years. Our chiropractors in Raleigh and the triangle are experienced in massage therapy, pediatric and prenatal chiropractic and family wellness. From work related and automobile injuries to back pain and migraines, discover why so many people from all walks of life have found relief with Chiropractic care from Chiropractic Partners! We are here for you!
When our practice was started in 1995, chiropractic care was being embraced in North Carolina by medical doctors and patients alike. We started with four chiropractic doctors and quickly grew to seven, then ten doctors. Today, Chiropractic Partners is a network of 16 chiropractors serving families in the Triangle. We have treated Olympic athletes and weekend warriors. We have helped thousands of patients including people just like you. Our network of doctors is experienced in a variety of massage therapies and chiropractic treatments to target specific issues with our individual patients.
Through the years, Chiropractic Partners has been selected as official chiropractor of North Carolina State, University of North Carolina, Duke University and the Carolina Hurricanes. We have provided chiropractic services for SAS, PGA and Seniors golf tournaments. We have also worked with the Durham Bulls, Carolina Mudcats, Carolina Courage and others. When you select Chiropractic Partners, you are choosing the absolute best in chiropractic care available in North Carolina.
Our network of chiropractic care in North Carolina focuses on finding the source pain and discomfort, not just on masking it with drugs. By addressing pain at its source, we focus on long-term health and wellness, allowing the body an optimum opportunity to help heal itself. We then encourage our patients to live a life of renewed wellness.
Many of our patients initially see us when they are experiencing pain. The pain may be associated with an auto accident injury, recurring migraines, lower back pain, neck pain, or even carpal tunnel. After undergoing an initial examination, we determine a treatment program. It may include a regimen of chiropractic adjustments, massages, exercises, and more. Your treatment may also include some lifestyle and nutritional changes to help you improve wellness. With our network of chiropractors, you are assured experience in the various forms of chiropractic care to help you achieve a pain-free life.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment with an office near you. If you are in immediate pain, we will make every effort to get you in to see a chiropractor immediately. Whether you are looking for chiropractors in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Clayton, Fuquay, Garner, or Wake Forest, if you live anywhere in the North Carolina Triangle we can help. Contact Chiropractic Partners today!
Featured Services
Office Locations
Cary, NC Chiropractor
Dr. Chris Sullivan
Dr. John Lancaster
Phone: (919) 467-7797
Clayton, NC Chiropractor
Dr. Nicholas Ferez
Phone: (919) 550-9355
*Saturday Appointments can be arranged by calling our office.
Durham, NC Chiropractor
(Durham Chapel Hill Blvd)
Dr. Michael Krasnov
Dr. Dustin Houser
Phone: (919) 383-9890
Saturday Appointments Available from 8am-10am
Durham, NC Chiropractor
(Southpark Drive)
Dr. Arturo Presas
Phone: (919) 572-2312
Fuquay Varina, NC Chiropractor
Dr. Brook Wallace
Phone: (919) 577-0660
Garner, NC Chiropractor
Dr. Betsy Case-Luca
Dr. Michael Ward
Phone: (919) 772-1113
Raleigh, NC Chiropractor
(Midtown Raleigh)
Dr. Greg Baldy
Dr. Alan Houfek
Phone: (919) 787-8883
Raleigh, NC Chiropractor
(Celebration Square)
Dr. Brian Ransone
Dr. Matthew Schmid
Phone: (919) 847-3122
Raleigh. NC Chiropractor
(Capital Blvd)
Dr. John Smith
Dr. Sean Smith
Phone: (919) 878-8848
Saturday Appointments Available from 8am-12pm
Wake Forest, NC Chiropractor
Dr. Russ Redd Chiropractor
Phone: (919) 556-2014


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Here's my card:
I'm also entering it into the following challenges:
This is such a beautiful card!! Really love the flowers over the kraft colored card stock!! Well done! Thanks for sharing your creation with us at Addicted to Stamps & More! Hugs & Smiles - *Vicki*-DT member
Great combo of lilac and kraft, and the amber accents look fantastic.
Lovely card! Thanks so much for joining us this week at Sketch Saturday! Hugs Deb
pretty card! Love all the patterns and the layout you created :) Thank you for playing a long with us at simon says stamp wednesday challenge!


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This picture is a 16" x 16" study painting done for a client in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She is opening a children's boutique on the water. She called me to ask if I would come and paint a children's mural. I, of course, agreed right away and started working on the planning.
She knows exactly what she wants - an underwater munchkin land with kid mermaids. She wants it to be cartoony and more fantasy than reality. Each mermaid is to be very different, some girls and some boys. She gave me a list of how they should be dressed and what kind of patterns their tail fins should have. A few examples are: blond haired, blue eyed boy with plaid tail, red haired, brown eyed girl with pink lace tail, red haired boy with mohawk and camouflage tail, etc....
This has been a fun project for me, so far, and I look forward to doing the mural. I will keep you posted!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Mermaid Munchkin Land Mural
Posted by Painter Mommy at 5:13 AM 10 comments
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Welcome to your No.1 site dedicated to the Evil Queen from ABC's hit series Once Upon A Time. We offer you all the latest news, images, media and more about the Evil Queen/Regina. Thank you for visiting! — Admin
Owner: Beth
Opened: October 2014
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This is a non profit fansite dedicated to the show and Lana Parrilla. We do not have contact with the actors/actresses or producers of the show. All images belong to their rightful owners. Please contact the admin if there is a problem with anything featured on this site.


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It seems like my rant offended someone and they quit *following* my blog.
Ah well, maybe they will go follow someone else that doesn't offend them
I just don't have time or patience enough to be "politically correct". If I occasionally post a rant expressing my opinions and it offends someone, tough.
Grow up people and realize not everyone on this planet has the same opinion about everything.
On to the farm!
The heat is killing my goats milk production. Feed and water...they get plenty. My girls just want to browse a bit and then rest in the shade, get up to drink, go back to the shade, lather-rinse-repeat. Their milk production is down by at least one third.
They sleep a lot of the day and are a bit more active than normal in the evening hours.
Anyone got suggestions on how to get their milk production back up?
My birds....sheesh!
They are ALL laying like gangbusters! Peafowl, chickens, turkeys, ducks....a crazy amount of eggs! My incubator is full, Heloise the goose is setting a nest, Daphne the duck is setting a nest, even Tinkerbell the turkey is setting a nest! The peahens just lay an egg and wander off. Wish I could get them and my gimpy turkey to set!
All the chicken eggs....well, I have sold some, given some away and I use them in every recipe I can find.
Having deviled eggs with dinner tonight. Had chopped eggs in our salad last night and egg salad sandwiches for lunch yesterday. I know I shouldn't complain, but I wish my hens would slow down just a bit!
I am down to 15 hens and I am averaging between 10 and 12 eggs a day!
I am using some turkey eggs in baking and the occasional peahen egg in baking, too.
The Darlin' Man ordered another incubator so we can try to hatch out more of the peafowl and turkey eggs as those chicks sell for high prices around here.
For when they do hatch, I am converting our front porch into a brooder room. We have the hanging lamp and ordered a bulb for it when we ordered the 2nd incubator. They should be here by early next week.
Have to get another plastic wading pool for the actual brooder, though.
Debating about what to put in the wading pool brooder for the hatchlings to walk on. Some people use wood shavings, some use sawdust, some use newspaper, some use straw. I will probably go with newspaper. Never had a brooder before, so all suggestions are welcome!
I plan to get out and take some pics of Nugget and her brood and some of the other critters later.
Hoping all out there are having a good day!


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Federal District Court in Massachusetts Denies Summary Judgment to General Contractor Following Injury by Allegedly Defective Tool
Typically, a worker who is hurt on the job is limited to benefits available to him or her under the Massachusetts workers' compensation laws. However, there are a few limited circumstances under which a third party may be liable in tort for the employee's injuries.
One of these circumstances arises when a defective product was to blame for the worker's injuries. Additionally, in some cases, the general contractor on a construction project may also be liable for the injuries of a subcontractor's employee.
Of course, liability is never automatic, and these defendants – like most defendants who are facing the payout of a substantial verdict due to another person's injuries – usually fight hard against a finding that they are legally responsible.


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BOSTON, Mass. - Someday, they would love to have the chance to say, "thank you."
That's what Walter "Smitty" Marvin said a couple of days after his son, Brock, received a long-awaited new heart in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 11.
"We would love to meet them and just have the chance to thank them," said Marvin about the family who lost the loved one whose heart now beats for Brock. "You just hate to think about what they are going through, but you hope that they would look at Brock and see that their decision or the decision of their loved one is the reason why he is living today."
Marvin said the only way that the family would get that opportunity is if the donor family wanted to find out where the organ went.
"We've discussed that, but there is a very stiff protocol and the hospital can't tell you anything," said Marvin. "If the donor family opts that they want to find out, then there is a whole set of practices that they have to go through and it is all run through the hospital."
Marvin said it had been an exciting week for families of patients at the Children's Hospital in Boston, Mass., as two other children waiting on the transplant list also received the news they had been waiting for.
"The night before, a 21-month old from Malone received a transplant, and a teenage girl got one a few days earlier," Marvin said. "The tempo has really been up here because there had been a dry spell for heart transplants and now they have had three in 10 days."
Brock's surgery was performed by Dr. Betsy Blume, and Marvin said that the procedure went smoothly.
"It all happened so quickly once we found out the heart was on its way," said Marvin. "They brought him in around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday to prep and they made the incision into his chest at about 4:50 a.m. They had him on an external pump at about 5:30 a.m., the heart was in the hospital at about 5:45 a.m. and once they had it in, it started beating on its own. Everything really went flawlessly - it was a really perfect case scenario."
Marvin said that he was in the Intensive Care Unit when his son first woke up after the surgery, and was surprised by the first thing he heard.
"Brock said, 'Do they have the heart put in yet,'" said Marvin. "I told him that it was and that the surgery was over."
Marvin said Brock was also trying to get used to a new reality, one without a defibrillator attached to his heart.
"We were moving him in the bed and he started shaking," said Marvin. "I asked him what was wrong and he said that he did not want the defibrillator to go off again. I looked over at the monitors and told him that his heart rate was at 80 and he didn't even have a defibrillator in him any more. Even though his heart is in, his brain hasn't figured it all out yet."
Marvin said as of Tuesday, Dec. 14, Brock was expected to remain in ICU for two more days and eventually would be able to leave the hospital.
"We will get an apartment here for about six weeks so they can continue to monitor him and make sure that the heart is not being rejected," said Marvin. "At around eight weeks, if all goes well, he should get the green light to come home and would only have to go down once a week for testing."
Marvin said while they had been waiting for the transplant, they got a chance to meet almost everyone in their wing at the Boston Children's Hospital.
"You get to know all of the other families and you all get close," said Marvin. "Someone gets a heart, and everyone is so happy for that person. You know that they have received that gift and that you are that much closer to yours."
Marvin said the joy that he felt when he saw others receive their needed heart was something that helped him after his son's surgery.
"You walk by the rooms with people still waiting and you almost feel guilty that your son got one," said Marvin. "But then you remember how you felt when you saw someone else receive a transplant and you know they feel the same way."
Marvin added the joy that he and others felt was only possible because someone made the choice to be an organ donor.
"I really want to stress to people how important it is to be an organ donor," said Marvin. "It means so much to so many people, including our family."


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Sunday, July 1, 2012
Convention Swap Cards
Wow! I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. I have never been the best blogger, but I can't believe that it has been over three months now. The last three months have been absolutely insane in our house. Nick and Ryan both graduated High School in May. Then a week later, Ryan left for the Marines and Nick started his classes at the Vast Academy at HCC in Houston. What a crazy, fun, wild ride these last few weeks have been. James and I are both teaching summer school. Jefferson is enjoying the time off before his junior year and Kendall can't wait to start kindergarten. Ok, now that everyone is caught up on our life, on to the good stuff! I have been making cards for the upcoming Close To My Heart Convention in Dallas, TX. This is my first convention and I beyond excited!! I have made fifty cards (10 each of 5 designs) to swap with my wonderfully, talented CTMH sisters. Here are the five cards I created. I hope that someone (well actually 50 people) is willing to swap with me! Let me know what you think and I will try to post a little more often. I actually have several layouts I need to post and some great family stuff to share!
Posted by LaJeania Hicks at 8:52 PM
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Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro...The name alone is enough to send shivers down defenders' spines. He doesn't just play football. He lives it. He embodies what it means to have passion for the game. It's no wonder your youngster loves CR7. He's a once in a generation player so needless to say his gear is a hot commodity. Now your kids can share in the passion of Ronaldo with the Nike Youth CR7 Mercurial Victory IV FG Soccer Cleats! The CR7 Victory IV is a lightweight performance boot built specifically for the junior player's use on natural firm ground surfaces. The white/loyal blue/total crimson colorway makes these boots pop with unique Cristiano Ronaldo styling. As a member of the Youth Nike Mercurial Vapor Shoes family, you know it has performance to back up its good looks. Now for the technical details. Upper: Soft, supple synthetic upper for great ball feel. Midsole: Innovative Nike Jr. Support sockliner mirrors the natural junior athlete's foot shape and provides great support and low-profile cushioning. Outsole: Full-length TPU plate with innovative Vapor traction system. Now's your chance to get your youngster Ronaldo-approved gear at a piggy bank-approved price! Find your child's size in the Nike Youth CR7 Mercurial Victory IV FG Soccer Cleats today!
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Turn a 2 Star Cabin into a 5 Star Cottage Resort
These Tips will turn your 2 star cabin into a 5 star cottage resort
Check out these tips from @colinjustin to turn your 2 star cabin into a 5 star cottage resort! @Hossmagazine
Comfort and practicality have always topped the list of what Canadians expected out of their cottages, but attitudes are changing and a new priority is elbowing its way in. We're talking, thank goodness, about style. Practicalities remain important, of course, but style and strong interior design are becoming key as homeowners look to cottage country not only as a getaway, but as an investment. If you want to update your weekend retreat without breaking the bank, or if you want to flip your cottage for profit, Colin and Justin have all the answers.
Create a new kitchen for less
If your cottage kitchen is a little dated, swap out the tired counters for Butcher Block Timber from Ikea. Update wooden cabinets by rubbing them down first with sand-paper then applying several coats of satin–finish paint with a small foam roller. Thin coats build up to provide strength and colour density, so take your time. Add new handles, under-cabinet lighting and new appliances, and your old kitchen will look as good as new.
Make more of the views
There are legions of Canadian cottages situated in the most beautiful countryside, yet many have small windows, which effectively shut out the view. We've been known to cut entire walls out of existing guest rooms and install full-height windows to let cottagers connect with the great outdoors. Go big or go home!
Add an ensuite shower room
If you can, transform a master bedroom into a suite by adding a dedicated shower room. Having your own bathroom is amazing in the city, but even more indulgent out in cottage country!
Transform your basement
We transformed one cabin's bare, drywalled basement into a bedroom, shower room and TV zone. We clad the entire area in beautiful cedar to echo the 'loggy' nature of the home above. Presto: a dated space suddenly became a luxury inclusion—and a major investment boost.
Give your cottage a clear design identity
We transformed a dated log-cabin interior simply through our furniture and accessory selections. Using second-hand furniture pieces adds heritage, while luxury faux antler chandeliers, a reclaimed hemlock table and modern grey sectional sofa all balanced country and modern style perfectly.
Comfort = luxury
It's worth spending a bit more on comfort, so do your best with your choice of bed, chairs and sofa to really up the luxe factor. Indulge with lamb's wool or cashmere mix throws and opt for feather-filled cushions over foam for that little bit extra!
Create atmosphere
Use lighting to adjust the mood and make more of your cottage. Add a dimmer switch to an overhead fixture (easy and inexpensive) or use table lamps to create mood and focus.
Add a screened porch
Adding a screened porch makes a huge difference to the cottage or cabin experience. Put simply, being able to sit 'outside' bug-free makes each day extra special.
Take the lifestyle luxe outdoors
Building a dedicated firepit or outdoor fireplace really enhances the cabin experience: everyone can enjoy late summer evenings sitting around the fire. The warming flames also mean folk can linger outdoors longer through the fall.
Give it a name
We named our first, last and current cottages (Hemlock Hill House, Grey Gardens and Plan B) and had guest books, towels, beach bags and slippers monogrammed to celebrate each one. Treating your retreat like an exclusive hotel will make you extra proud of it and give your guests a fun extra touch when they visit.
Catch Colin and Justin on their hit shows Colin and Justin's Cabin Pressure, Sunday nights on Cottage Life and Game of Homes, Tuesday nights on W Network. Follow them on Twitter/Facebook @colinjustin and on Instagram @colinandjustin.


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Vino Tech happy hour at Vino Vino
Enjoy a 75ml glass of red or white wines from estates such as Katnook, Cono Sur Organic range, Cotes du Rousillon and Corte Glara from RM10++ to RM14++. While it is from RM20++ to RM27++ for 150ml. This offer is during their happy hour at both their bistro and their lounge upstairs. Enjoy it with the two piece band they have on each Wednesday and Thursday at their newly refurbished lounge upstairs from 8.30pm to 11.30pm.
|Event phone:
|04 645 9922


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i am no stranger to swear words. believe me, i have said my share in my day. with the kids being literal sponges, though, i have tried to curb myself to a point. there are still some words that escape my mouth during times of frustration...but i have to give myself a little wiggle room because i am a work in progress.
since my faith has begun to grow, i have also been trying to refrain from gossiping about other people. i will chat with someone about someone if 1) i would say the same thing to their face (or already have), and/or 2) it's only to inform someone about the facts of their life.
however, i'm struggling with someone bearing false testimony against me. i'm having a really hard time right now with not-losing-my-temper-and-telling-this-person-to-kiss-my-butt.
a person that is part of our extended family by marriage has been talking about me in an untrue manner. not even just in a mean way, although that is occurring also. but he is saying very mean-spirited and untrue things. i am being called manipulative, mean, a poor parent, etc.
this person is a person that has had quite a few life events pertaining to my career (medicine and health), for which i have helped him in many ways in the recent past. he is a family member that has leaned on us for advice, for help, for various other things that we gladly do, because he is family. that is what family does!
but i'm unclear on where to proceed from here. i have looked to myself, to see if there is truth to what he is saying. i don't consider myself manipulative. do i like to get my own way? well sure! i'm stubborn and tenacious and, at times, audacious. but i don't sit around in the evenings, twisting my figurative mustache and trying to figure ways that i can make people do my bidding and calling. am i a poor parent? i hope not. yes, my husband and i are on the strict side and ask that our kids behaving politely and that they are rightfully and proportionately punished for things done wrong, but they are also proportionately rewarded for the things done well, and things done without asking.
the problem is that i believe all of this to the depth of my soul. Hubs believes it. and the problem becomes what do we do as far as the children are concerned? i don't believe that the children should be around this person for a few reasons...number one being that i don't feel that at the ages of 3 and 5 they should be put in a position where they feel they have to defend their mother against what another family member is saying. they are 3 and 5, for goodness sake. i don't feel it's right that someone be around them that is going to be putting down their mother. they shouldn't be put in that position. number two is that i don't feel great about having my kids around someone that is supposed to be their role model, letting them believe that it's okay to speak about a person that way without confronting that person. spreading infectious thoughts without going to the source. i just don't believe that is a proper way to behave, especially as an adult.
i have a thick skin, and the things this person is saying about me doesn't bother me insomuch as i don't believe him...and i respect the fact that he can have his own opinion and he doesn't have to like me at all. it doesn't truly matter what anyone else thinks of me except my children, my husband, and my God. i know that. it doesn't bother me that he is saying these things except i don't know what to do about my children. this person is a prominent figure in their lives, and this leaves me feeling that i have to pick and choose. and i don't like being backed into a corner.
i can forgive and forget. if this person said nothing like this in the future, i'm not going to hold it against him, and i have already forgiven him for the things said in the past. but it continues to happen, and i'm afraid my children will be in his presence sometime when he decides to have a rant.
what do i do?