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Met up with Dave the Welder a bit West of Lansing & headed north up M66. A successful roadside repair was made to my sidecar rig to adjust the car's alignment. The rig was pulling pretty hard right. The adjustment helped, but it still took a bit of grunt to hold a steady line.
We arrived at Cycle-Moore campground just after dark (250 Zilla miles since Kzoo) We set up camp then went in search of food. We took the sidecar rig (aka grocery getter) with Sean as ballast to the store for brats, dogs, beer & fixings. A quick meal and it was off to bed.
Sean, Dave, Mark & Dan got off to a good start north Thursday morning. A slight oops in that the banner & log books were left in the chase vehicle. But not to worry, Bill and his truck were pretty much on the way to Elk Rapids where Rat Racer and Fuzzball were to meet up with The Thundering Hurd.
A day of wrestling the sidecar took it's toll on me. I elected to turn the rig south and ride easy on home. Will prolly make it a two day trip. I'm disappointed about lost Zilla miles and especially bummed about not meeting fellow forum members, but there was just no way these old bones were guna make the ride safely. Better to survive and ride again next year!!
Ride safe gents! Have fun and do GZ proud!!
Little update and progress report from Dan - Bankerdanny this AM. Godzilla is in Sault St. Marie and heading for Marquette. Two riders went down within around 1/2 hour in lower peninsula on the way up. One bike-fairing was tweaked back at the bridge,one riders bike may have sustained some damage as well as rider receiving sprained ankle and road rash.Think him and bike may be getting picked up today. Sure some first hand accounts and pictures of Godzilla etc will be comeing in the near future. Sounds like the CycleX stop may be off for the guys since the owner is not going to be there Be safe all and have a good ride.
Ouch, sorry to hear a couple guys went down, but glad to hear they're okay. At least it looks pretty clear for most of tomorrow in the UP weather wise tomorrow. Thanks for keeping me/us updated Eric!
Good report and pics. Glad the guys are OK and hope their bikes can be repaired with no problems. Looking forward to meeting up with GZ at Lambeau Field Saturday afternoon. Ride safe guys!!!
Also sorry to hear of any mishap. I think this is the first casualty?
2. Upload pics to said acct.
Saturday morning update-------Godzilla will become a Cheesehead later today.!!! The Boyz report that the weather has been and will be fantastic. Yesterday was one of the best legs of their ride as they were able to enjoy some wonderful smooth twisty roads along Lake Superior combined with some great views and good times.Sorry for not knowing who but believe a gracious member hosted them last night at his home,makes for better times.Lotsa pics were taken and maybe a few good beers were sampled along the way Go Team and Good Luck to Wisconsin on their historic quest.
I sent the guys off a bit late today. Sean's bike needed a new rear tire and finding one up here on a Saturday morning is a tall order... and an expensive one. By the time I post this, our Lizard Pal should be in Wisconsin.
I'll own up to being the gravel-muncher who wrecked out of The Relay. I'm feeling much better now that I've had a day of rest. A HUGE thanks goes our field medic Danny and the rest of the crew who scraped me off of M119 and another thanks to Fuzzball's wife who finished patching me up in the Soo. On the plus side, the only things on the bike that broke that I wasn't going to have to replace this winter were the peg and a good sized dent in the tank. Now I'm considering using the crash as an excuse for tearing the bike completely apart, re-building the motor, and re-building the bike as a true cafe bike.
What happened? Glad you're OK.
I came around a blind corner (I wasn't speeding but I will admit that I should have been going a little slower) and found my lane was entirely covered with a thin layer of very fine gravel. All I could do was ride it the rest of the way down.
My bike was ride-able enough to get to Sault Saint Marie for the night but I had to have my wife grab my truck and come get me the next day as I didn't feel up to riding with a sprained ankle.
I got to take Godzilla over the Mackinaw Bridge and into the UP... that is what I set out to do, and hell or high water I did it. No regrets.
RR: Glad to hear you weren't seriously hurt. We are constantly at the mercy of road and weather conditions.
I've always heard that GZ's wrath is a force to be reckoned with. Good thing you weren't too close!

industry_corpus2: Sports


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English planisphere for 20° South , perfect anywhere between 15° and 25° South. A round planisphere, 25 cm in diameter, with instructions and a few interesting tips on the backside. For use in: Central South America, Brazil, Southern Africa, Madagascar, Northern Australia.
English planisphere for 20° South , perfect anywhere between 15° and 25° South. A round planisphere, 25 cm in diameter, with instructions and a few interesting tips on the backside.
For use in: Central South America, Brazil, Southern Africa, Madagascar, Northern Australia.

industry_corpus2: Others


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Thanks for your comment on my blog. And I'm wishing you power energy with getting on track again.
Seems to be going around. Personally, I'm gearing up for the big push starting Weds.
Week 8 More like it!


text: Paul E. McMahon (pemcmahon@acm.org, www.pemsystems.com), Principal, PEM Systems has been an independent consultant since 1997 helping organizations increase agility and process maturity. He has taught software engineering at Binghamton University, conducted workshops on engineering processes and management and has published more than 50 articles and multiple books including It’s All Upside Down: What I’ve Learned About Software Development and Why It Seems Opposite to Everything I was Taught; Integrating CMMI and Agile Development: Case Studies and Proven Techniques for Faster Performance Improvement; and 15 Fundamentals for Higher Performance in Software Development. Paul is a co-author of The Essence of Software Engineering: Applying the SEMAT Kernel. Paul is a Certified Scrum Master and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. His insights reflect 24 years of experience working for companies such as Link Simulation and Lockheed Martin, and 20 years of consulting/coaching experience. Paul has been a leader in the SEMAT initiative since its initial meeting in Zurich. On the personal side Paul enjoys long distance running, golf and writing science fiction stories that could come true in the near future. His business and personal interests converge in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and ethics. He writes science fiction under the pen name Fred E. McMichaels. Refer to fredemcmichaels.com.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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Kids Outreach is an organisation committed to making a difference in the lives of kids, and has been doing so for over two decades through various projects.
- Love For Kids - Estonia (LFK-E) -- A short term outreach project to Estonian children's camps.
- Step Up to the Mission -- A sister programme to Love for Kids - Russia.
- Family Homes for Orphans (FH4O) -- A project sponsoring approved families adopting orphans into their loving care.


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Havas is shuttering its MPG and Media Contacts monikers as client-facing brands, the firm confirmed Thursday. Those operations will be rebranded and folded into the newly created Havas Media Group.
The move follows by less than a week the departure of MPG global CEO Maria Luisa Francoli Plaza from the company. At the time, no reason was given for her leaving, but the agency now confirms that the departure was a result of the restructuring.
Lori Hiltz, who was promoted last September to North American CEO Havas Media, will continue in that role. She was also North American CEO of MPG but now drops that title. Previously, she had reported to Francoli Plaza. Now she reports to Dominique Delport, who has been appointed global managing director for the Havas Media Group. Previously, he was CEO of Havas Media France.
The rejiggering of the media operation is part of a broader Havas rebranding initiative that began last year when the company said it was consolidating its global brand identity under two primary entities: Havas Creative and Havas Media. As part of the creative rebranding effort, flagship agency Euro RSCG was renamed Havas Worldwide, now a unit of Havas Creative.
In some ways, the moves signal a re-bundling of disciplines to foster more effective integration in the digital age. Or at least a “moving together of our creative and media companies,” as Havas CEO David Jones put it last September when the broader company rebranding was announced. At that time, the company also hinted at changes to come on the media side, noting that its disparate media services brands — including MPG and Media Contacts — would receive a “new visual identity” in 2013.
As part of the reorganization, the group has formed a new executive committee led by Rodes. Delport, in his new role, reports to Rodes and is in charge of the commercial activity for all countries and all Havas Media Group brands, strategy, new business, digital integration and intelligence.
Michel Sibony takes on the new role of managing all global planning and buying operations, as well as the group’s digital and specialist offers. Jordi Ustrell becomes the global head of back office operations and will oversee the global support services, such as IT, HR, legal and finance.
The rebranding takes effect Jan. 24.


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Rated 1 out of 5 by Ted3 from Adventure with something out of place... Eli Roth who usually works with horror directors and producers including Quentin Tarantino and whom directed the R rated "Hostel", would appear to be a bizarre choice to helm a child's fantasy film such as "The House with A Clock in its Walls". But it isnt just the wordy title that mars this CGI filled 'fantasy film, there is something strangely off with the casting of so-called comedy actor Jack Black (Tropic Thunder, Shallow Hal) with serious actress and at times snobby Cate Blanchett (The Aviator, Carol), that this film really disappoints. It isn't clear as to what direction this film is taking. To sum up: it is a mess. Doen't really impress as either a child fantasy film or an adult drama. No laughs, no tension, no entertainment...a truly hit and miss epic. Yes, a bi-polar film.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Lisjim from awesome features Love this movie I'm glad I brought it. My son can't get enough of it.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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Are a Surfer’s Paradise and a significant emphasis on culture mutually compatible? Australia’s City of Gold Coast thinks so, as evidenced by its ambitious competition for a new cultural precinct. The site of the Cultural Precinct competition is the Evandale district, separated by a river and Chevron Island from the city’s premier attraction—Surfer’s Paradise. As indicated by the latter’s name, the city has gained a large share of its revenue as a tourist attraction. Outside of the inviting coastline, there is much to supplement the entertainment needs of tourists, including 40 golf courses and five theme parks. But as Australia’s fastest growing city—now at almost 600,000—the focus has now turned to the arts as a major asset.
The city already has a performing arts center and film theater on the site; but the new plan envisions adding a brand new art museum and amphitheater. All this will necessitate some major changes in the built fabric, including the removal of a present, outdated government administrative building—to be moved to an adjoining neighborhood location across the water to the west. The City Council Chambers will be retained at the present location, since the quality and footprint of this more recent structure indicate that it is not an obstacle to intended development.
To create a more attractive park environment, it is assumed that the large surface parking area, which covers almost half of the site, will be removed and accommodated below grade. Also, improved bus service and a new bridge to Chevron Island should facilitate more accessibility from the east and Surfer’s Paradise. Aside from the above challenges, competitors were to indicate that their projects can be built in phases and within budget.
commissioned for intensive exploration and presentation of ideas and possibilities for the cultural precinct. Stage Two asked that the competitors present designs “that represent a substantial cross-disciplinary design investment.” Competitors were expected to respond to Stage One with a full understanding of the overall competition ambition as outlined in the brief. Most importantly, the client stated, “Stage One Submitted Designs are expected to be only high-level and indicative, with depth and detailed definition to come in Stage Two.” The client also stated that the three Stage Two finalists would each receive AUD225,000 for their work.
• Michael Sorkin, author and editor of 15 books on architecture, Principal, Michael Sorkin Studio and Director of the Graduate Program in Urban Design at The City College of New York.
• John Kotzas, Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane.
Playful and inclusive, ARM Architecture’s winning design promises to entice residents and visitors to experience and participate in a new platform for the Gold Coast’s rich and distinctive arts and cultural life. ARM presents a design, which embraces the city’s egalitarian and celebratory character while cleverly addressing the city’s evolving cultural facility needs.
It adopts the dynamic and generative principles of a voronoi diagram, to establish a distinctive and memorable pattern language. This web-like theme recognizes that the evolution of the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct will not be a single project that develops in one swoop, but a series of progressive stages encompassing adaptive reuse of existing assets as well as the construction of new facilities which will be brought together over time.
This pattern – its DNA – organizes and connects elements across the entire Cultural Precinct. It creates a delightful, lyrical landscape of soft and built forms that vary in scale from the grand and voluminous to the modest and intimate, capturing the Gold Coast’s playful and energetic spirit and allowing for a diversity of experiences, from opera to skateboarding, contemporary art, fashion and design and cinema.
A quirky, twisting 12-storey New Arts Museum will rise from the landscape as a beacon of Gold Coast arts and culture. An exterior walkway spirals up the building to a roof lounge with panoramic views of the wider Gold Coast landscape from the hinterland to the sea. This tower form will be unique and distinctive among art museums worldwide, offering visitors many ways to both physically and emotionally connect with the artworks on display. It will also help to liberate ground space contributing to a net increase of open green and waterplay spaces throughout the precinct. In turn, this outdoor Artscape is envisaged to grow into a world leading subtropical pleasure garden.
The existing Arts Centre building will be expanded and wrapped within a voronoi superstructure to create the new Living Arts Centre for performing arts and cinema. New facilities within will include a 1200-seat state-of-the-art theatre and a renovation of the existing theater. Centre stage on the site will be a large external amphitheatre that will provide a spectacular and effective outdoor venue.
The concept blends playful possibilities of the landscape with more serious site-specific environmental solutions, with development a new watercourse and underground spaces that can be flooded; harvesting of energy by a variety of solar systems and water collection and re-use throughout the site. The design addresses the complex requirements of movement and circulation, managing separation of pedestrians, cars and service vehicles.
Nikken Sekkei’s striking design reflects the ‘web of water’ which defines both the Gold Coast and surrounds the cultural precinct site.
The web is incorporated, both dramatically and subtly, into the submission’s landscape and built forms. Most spectacularly, a grand ‘water stage’, with dimensions of 195.9m x 195.9m, celebrates the founding year of the Gold Coast in 1959.
These twin references, of the city’s founding date and the ubiquitous presence of water – shimmering, flowing, falling – celebrate the site’s location and its coastal character. They come together in a bold and arresting landmark statement.
Centrally located, the water stage links three landscape zones; nature park to the north, waterfront to the north east, and the civic field to the south west. A series of smaller landscapes are created as sub-divisions of these three primary zones, such as a rain forest, grass land, water garden and indigenous garden. Dual approaches from a Chevron Island green bridge deliver visitors either to ground-level or the elevated water stage. The five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste are engaged across the site.
The water stage doubles as a multi-purpose performance venue and promenade, offering arresting views of the city skyline and hinterland. Depth of water is cleverly controlled, ranging from only a few centimeters deep to dry, providing opportunities for small and large performance spaces to emerge. It also mirrors a typical ‘Queenslander’ roof, offering protective shade to the central amphitheatre below.
Clustered around a central axis, CRAB/Vogt/DBI have assembled a village of fluid forms, ranging in scale from modest to monumental. This axis, defined as the great terrace, frames the view on arrival, of the river and city skyline and represents a beguiling and sculptural presence on the site. Structural volumes are carved out to create a series of vaults, arches and scooped out undercrofts.
Apparent gravity-defying cantilevers thus created, serve the dual purpose of protecting visitors from the elements while creating a theatrical spatial setting for the heart of the Cultural Precinct. In the context of the Gold Coast, with its blue skies and deep shadows, these forms promise great potential to generate poetic, transient shadow plays on the surface of the buildings.
Similarly, inspired deployment of real-time informatics and projections serve to transform the buildings into large-scale digital canvases, with particularly remarkable opportunities for dramatic night-time illumination.
Alongside these large dominant forms, small and incidental buildings and shelters are proposed across and beyond the site, establishing a dynamic tension between large and small, formal and informal, institutional and ‘ad hoc’. This approach provides for the precinct’s potential staging and changing uses, and suggests rich potential for engagement with local creative communities. The design’s informal elements, including its ‘confetti of kiosks’ that appear dotted across to Surfers Paradise, provide opportunities for one-off and small scale participation by individual artists and creative producers.
At the fulcrum of these built forms lies the Great Terrace, intended as a large, open-air room. To the east of the terrace is an open amphitheatre looking out to a water stage. To the west the terrace leads diagonally to the corner of Bundall Road and Crombie Avenue.
A meandering river is introduced, delineating the core cultural precinct area from a zone for potential partnership development on adjacent land abutting Bundall Road. Many built assets are retained and a staged approach invests early in an arts walk from Surfers Paradise, linking up to the Artscape.
COMPETITIONS: I assume you attended sessions during both stages of the competition, How long did they last?
Michael Sorkin: I think they were both a couple of days each. At the second session there were presentations by the teams, which were long enough. It was very professionally and equitably organized.
COMPETITIONS: Although the competition brief was only 29 pages, I thought it was one of the best documents of that type I have come across.
MS: It was very succinct and well done. I have been involved with the people who were engaged in the organization of the competition before, and there was a very high level of competence.
MS: It was a very congenial group. There was no violence, but there was a good discussion. Everybody was looking for a good outcome, and we did end up picking one of the most visionary schemes submitted. I would say that in terms of the way that the projects progressed from the shortlist to the final presentation, these people (the winner) did an extraordinary job. Theirs was the scheme that was the most thoroughly mature in that process.
MS: It was a planning stage; but it was clear where they were going architecturally. It wasn’t just a site planning stage; there was a decided tectonic component.
COMPETITIONS: In other words, the new art museum component as a high-rise was already there?
MS: Their scheme did change from the first to the second stage with that tower; but the formal direction was clear from the first to the second stage.
COMPETITIONS: All the schemes saw it necessary to put the parking underground.
MS: Yes. And there were certainly planning issues having to do with the way you got across the water and back into the center of the town and the way in which the site adjoined a developing but not very attractive avenue to the west. There were low-density neighborhoods nearby; so there were plenty of important planning issues to engage.
It was also clear from the get-go that they were looking for something with strong symbolic resonance to put the town on the map, other than a beach and bar scene.
COMPETITIONS: But the city has grown very fast. It’s apparently the fastest growing city in Australia.
MS: You’re in the middle of nowhere, and there are now skyscrapers, where forty years ago it was a two-story beach town.
COMPETITIONS: Can you draw a comparison to other places, such as South Florida?
MS: There is a little bit of that southern California, south Florida sensibility. But this is Australia, and it’s pretty laid back. Also, I think there is a fair amount of Asian money coming in, which is driving the real estate market to a certain degree.
What I would cite was the very professional organization—the succinctness of the brief, the congeniality of the jury, and the mayor was there—at least for the first round. The ….. was open, and we picked a scheme, as things go in the architectural world, that was reasonably out there. Everybody was delighted with it, and it was a good environment in which to make decisions.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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In a food processor, combine the cilantro, chiles, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, coriander, cumin and water and process to a fine paste.
In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, chicken stock and the spice paste and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Season with salt.
Beer Wine is a tough match for these spicy curries, but cold beer is ideal. Lager beers tend to be light in color, brisk and moderately hoppy (the floral-bitter character imparted to beer from the flowers of the hop vine, used in brewing).

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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Still having difficulties with 'Il court' Want to improve your French? Test our online French lessons and receive a free level assessment!
Do you have smart way of remembering this rule? A tip to avoid making a mistake on 'Il court'? Share it with us!

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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The redesign by Snapchat has been contentious, to state in a few words. A couple of months back, the well-liked social media application made to the news after throwing consumers for a loop with its move to display Stories in a sophisticated sorted way instead of a chronological manner. It seems that the firm is now paying attention to the grievances of its users, and is taking back the redesign (at least for most of the consumers) and in its place displaying Snapchat Stories in reverse chronological manner one more time.
When Snapchat first provided its fresh look, Evan Spiegel (the CEO of the firm) posted in, “We are dividing the media from the social, and taking a significant step towards making stronger our relations with the media and our relationships with our friends.” The thought was that Snapchat will provide its consumer base more modified content. That thought, while well imagined, was not specifically well taken by everybody.
Snapchat is now taking back things by a fragment. As initially posted by TechCrunch, some users are now witnessing the reverse chronological approach of Stories both in the variants of the application where there are individual Chat tabs and Stories, as well as the design where there is just All tabs and Stories.
Earlier, the firm rolled out a fresh function called as “Map Explore” that will make it simpler for people to find events and look at updates of friends on Snap Map. The firm stated that the location as well as travel upgrades will automatically be seen on Snap Map of the consumer when other users pick to share their position, stated the local media. The new update will also show Explore function for Story snaps, including other breaking news and events from all across the world, stated the report earlier at that time.


text:
Stock boss icons of officers, members of royal family and other leaders.
Ask Questions about Small Boss Icons.
Please be aware that Brothersoft do not supply any crack, patches, serial numbers or keygen for Small Boss Icons,and please consult directly with program authors for any problem with Small Boss Icons.

industry_corpus2: Gaming


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Presented at the 5th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation, June 10-12, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Presented at the 25th IMP Conference, September 3-5, Marseille, France.
Presented at the 17th Nordic Workshop of Interorganisational Research, August 16-18, Åbo, Finland.
proceedings of the 16th IPSERA conference, April 1-4, Bath.
Presented at the 12th IFPSM Summer School on Advanced Purchasing Research, July 7-12, Salzburg, Austria.
Det kan finnas fler projekt där Lars Bankvall medverkar, men du måste vara inloggad som anställd på Chalmers för att kunna se dem.


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It's no secret that Cheeburger Cheeburger serves up some of the the best burgers in town.
Why? Because Cheeburger Cheeburger uses only the finest ingredients in its burgers - 100% All-Natural Angus Beef. No additives. Nothing artificial. Try The Hawaiian Burger - adorned with grilled pineapple, grilled ham, teriyaki sauce and swiss cheese. Or the Western Burger, topped with onion rings, cheddar cheese, bacon and bbq sauce. Or just keep things simple with the Original Cheeburger or the All-American.
Cheeburger Cheeburger offers up plenty of non-burger and vegetarian options as well. We're talking grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, vegan burgers and fresh salads.
Oh - did we forget to mention their famous fresh-cut fries and onion rings that are made fresh every day right in the restaurant? And wait 'til you see their endless selection of made-to-order milkshakes. Make sure to save room for dessert!
Entire $20 voucher must be used in one transaction. No change will be given.
To Redeem: Please present your voucher to server, printed or on a smartphone.
Valid only at the vendor locations listed above. Multiple vouchers may be purchased and redeemed. Cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or discounts. Not valid on prior purchases. Additional service charges may apply. Vendor is responsible for the quality of the products or services provided at redemption. Operating hours are subject to change; check directly with vendor prior to visit. Merchant cancellation policy applies.


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Banfield is the largest veterinary pet care provider in the world, with more than 750 hospitals across the United States. Banfield came to Oneupweb with three very specific goals: to rank within the top 10 listings on the leading search engines, to enhance brand awareness and to increase veterinary visits.
To meet Banfield’s goals, we put on our lab coats and began crafting a multi-platform strategy that consisted of natural search, pay-per-click and display advertising. Our natural search team created listings for Banfield hospitals with locally optimized content for all hospital locations. Then our team optimized Banfield.com with highly competitive industry search terms. Downloadable coupons were added to promote veterinary visits.
In light of the success of the campaign, Banfield expanded the project scope to include a dynamic global landing page, which delivered a better user experience, lower cost-per-click and delivered an even higher conversion rate.
Generated over 500,000 clicks within a 20-mile radius of Banfield hospital locations throughout the U.S.
Want similar results? Work with us!

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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When we moved into our new home, we finally had enough space to have a girl room and a boy room. And since my little girl is 5 and my little guy is 3 (4 next week), we felt it was time to separate them. (Though, that was a really hard adjustment for them at first. They LOVED sharing a room and really missed each other for the first few days. Now, they love having the separation of a “boy” and “girl” room. Funny kids!) We found a really great bed for our little dude at a furniture store that was discontinued and clearanced out. We couldn’t resist, so we snatched it up. For my little girl, I couldn’t justify a whole bedroom set and all that matching headboard stuff. Nope, just couldn’t stomach (or afford) it. And I don’t really want everything to match anyway. So, I had my eyes peeled for a good deal.
When in another furniture store a while later, I found a pile of old dresser mirrors back in the clearance section of the store. The glass must have broken in all of them……so they put the wooden part of the mirrors back in clearance. I noticed that they were all marked down to about $10……so I just stood there and stared at them. My husband came up behind me and asked why I was staring at mirror-less mirror frames. I told him I didn’t know yet. That’s when it hit me. I was totally going to use it as a headboard……and add tufting to that center section where the mirror was. Sold.
See that old frame? Not so pretty at first. But it turned into such a nice transformation for my little girl’s room.
With a little spray paint and some tufting magic, I made a great little headboard for much less than those dang headboards at the furniture store.
See those Cover Buttons? Don’t they add great charm to a headboard? They’re for sale all over the place right now, and it’s no wonder.
Do you want to see her “surprised/happy to see her new headboard” face?
P.S… If you love the fabric of this duvet cover, I didn’t make it. But once I saw it here at Ikea, I had to get it for my purple-loving daughter. So there’s not actual fabric for sale (not that I know of)…..but this duvet cover was only $20. Cheaper than I could have made it with a cute designer print.
Do you have an old dresser mirror that you are either tired of or the mirror has broken?
Well, check out the size and see if it will work as a headboard. But if not, buy a piece of thin wood or press board (you don’t want anything too heavy or it will be hard to secure against the wall. And follow this same tutorial to make a plain tufted headboard.
For this tutorial, I’ll show the process to make the tufted headboard using an old mirror as the frame around the tufted section. But remember, you can adjust this and make one without the old mirror.
First, I took that backing piece of wood out (which used to hold the mirror in place) and and spray painted the frame with white spray paint. While that was drying, I used that backing piece of wood as my base for the tufted section of the headboard.
HINT: If you’re spray painting (rather than paint and a brush), spray even and long lines of paint, moving the can slowly across your project. And don’t hold the can too close. When you start spraying, don’t start right on the wood either. Begin spraying off the wood then slowly move the can over the wood, spray all the way across and don’t let go of the nozzle until after you go off the wood again. Repeat until the entire project is evenly covered. This will help with drips and uneven lines of paint. Works wonders!
To keep the batting in place, I clothes-pinned the edges to the wood.
Then I placed a large piece of fabric over the batting and wood, about 3-4 inches wider on all sides. Then I folded the edges over and pinned them in place.
Next, I covered 8 Cover Buttons (just like shown here) in the same fabric.
Now, you’ll need some supplies. Some upholstery thread (which is thick and super strong) and some large flat washers.
Next, thread our needle with your upholstery thread and wrap the end through and around the washer a few times, then knot in place.
Then, starting from the back, poke your needle through to the front. Pull all the way through until the washer sits right against the wood.
Then from the front, thread the needle through one of the Cover Buttons and then poke the needle back through the fabric. But not exactly through the same spot you poked it through, skip a little of the fabric so the thread will have something to hold onto after you pull it through. Then continue to push the needle through, trying to make it through the hole in the wood.
Once you pull it through to the back again, keep the thread really tight as you loop the needle through the washer a few times and then knot the thread in place. NOTE: You have to keep the thread pulled tight so that it’s a nice tufted look from the other side. So keep it tight and hold a finger on the thread at all times, as you are looping the thread through the washer a few times.
Repeat with all of your holes and Cover Buttons.
Then turn your board back over and start pulling the edges of the fabric tight as you hot glue them to the back of the wood. Do one side at a time and fold over your corners so they’re nice and crisp. Then hot glue the washers flat so that they won’t rub on your wall.
Then re-attach the wood to the frame (that has dried from painting it), the same way you removed it. Mine was screwed on, so I replaced each screw around all the edges. (Be sure your tufted section is straight from the front before screwing it in.
Now, if the headboard would have been the exact width as the metal bed frame, I could have screwed this headboard right to the bed frame. But the headboard is too wide. So to be sure that the headboard didn’t go anywhere, I attached picture frame hooks to the back of the headboard, right along the top. Any type would work, I just had these on hand…..so I hammered them in. Then I was able to anchor the top of the headboard to the wall with these hooks and then I pushed the bed up against the bottom half to keep it against the wall as well. Works great.
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This is absolutely adorable and so creative, great job. Your daughter is as cute as can be too!
Great tutorial. Blessings and Thank You 4 sharing!
I am a litte addicted to your incredible site. I check it all the time. So, when I say this is one of my very favorite posts you’ve ever done and I can’t wait to have our own house to decorate and make one, it really means something because I’m pretty sure I’ve looked at nearly every single one of your projects. :) Thanks so much and great job!! You’re always inspiring.
Love it. Something to keep in mind for when my daughter gets a twin bed.
Wow! So creative! I will definantly keep this in mind in case the need ever arises at our house!
P.S. Your daughter reminds me of one of those models for children’s clothing stores. She is so sweet!
love this idea!!! great job!!
This is just fabulous! Can you hear me applauding? I sure hope your family does, because you deserve it! What a great, great idea this is!
Brilliant! seriously This is a fantastic idea! I think i have seen ‘broken’ mirrors on craigslist too, sometimes for free!
Ingenious! And so cute. I love that color of purple.
This is brilliant! And that shade of purple is positively majestic. I love it!
Ashley, you’re pretty much a genius!! This is adorable!! I made a headboard for our bedroom, but failed miserably at the tufting. So I gave up and left it how it was. I think I will try again using your tutorial when I makeover our room!!
Haha, I’m not sure there are any “rules”. We just kinda kept feeling like it was time. However, if we were still living in a smaller place and we had no other choice, they’d still be in the same room. And if that were the case, we’d just still keep talking about privacy and keeping themselves covered when the other was in the room, etc. However, you know that’s not always the case, especially when they streak from bath to bedroom, etc. Haha! I wouldn’t worry but would just keep the “privacy conversation” alive. Good luck Mary!
I love your site and think you are a quite special person.
But I just don’t get you guys over there being so concerned about a sister seeing her brother naked -and vice versa.
Your kids are about the age my kids are – and I think it’s totally ok for them to share a room and go to the tub together.
How should they learn about their bodies and the differences between them other than that?
Well, anyway,I love you blog and your kids are adorable!
love, love, love the tufted headboard! great find and idea with the mirror frame.
So cute! One question….Is there a reason to hot glue the edges of the fabric down after putting the buttons on instead of before? I’ve never done anything like this, so just curious.
I decided to do it after to not mess the with tufting. I wanted to get the tufting all nice and pretty and pulled nicely between each button first, and then mess with the edges. It would probably work the other way too. I was just paranoid about getting the tufting to look nice.
Ashley – I love your blog. Thanks for all the great inspiration. This is a fabulous idea! Taking something broken and cheap and turning it into cool and chic. You rock!
Fabulous tutorial!! And score for you (and your daughter :) )!!
Did you make the green pillow it’s awesome! I want to make one.
What I really love about this headboard is that the frame goes all the way to the floor. I’ve seen so many DIY tufted headboards that don’t do that. By only making it as large as the area that will show, its obvious that its NOT a part of the furniture. My mom spent loads of time making one for her king-sized bed, and once it was installed, it looked like…well, a fabric-covered board hung on the wall. Disjointed. Weird. By using the mirror frame, it doesn’t mysteriously cut off at the bottom of the mattress — your eye continues to travel to the floor which grounds the piece and makes it look like an awesome, solid piece of custom furniture. Way to go! It looks fabulous!
you make me want to try that too, and when you are doing it it looks so easy….
What a cute transformation! And the mix of headboard / duvet cover / lamp is just perfect!!!
Wow – what an amazing bedhead! That just looks beautiful.
This looks like something that would come from a high end kids furniture store. Great work Ashley!
that is a great way to think out of the box and it turned out really great!
I just love your website! I like how you show all of the steps for everything. I am not that great of a seamstress so it helps when I put your steps into the sewing section of my mind. I have a two questions though.
1. I made one of your shirts (the dolman style) and I decided not to add and extra piece at the top because it was too hard.
2. And I put the bottom piece on and it wasn’t snug like in your picture. I wear it underneath anyway.
Is there any advice you can give me about those two things?
Another beautiful project done by you……..you are AMAZING. I love the rich color of the purple fabric. One question for you….is there a reason you didn’t use a staple gun to hold the fabric onto the wood….instead of the glue gun? Thanks for the beautiful and very very well done tutorial.
Great question. I was going to use staples…..but I didn’t have any shallow staples and I didn’t want my staples to split the wood. They would totally work though if your wood is thick and sturdy enough. Hope that helps!
This is beautiful, you did an amazing job. I would love to have something like that for my own bed.
I love your blog Ashley – you are so creative! Last week when you did the blackout curtains I was so excited because I just happened to have bought about 12 yards of blackout fabric to line curtains in all our bedrooms facing east, but had no idea where to start. Then your little tutorial came to my inbox and problem solved! (Those were so easy and turned out great!) I’ve had a headboard that I’ve wanted to add tufting to in the center, exactly like you did. I’ve had this project on my to do list for 3 years (or more)! So once again problem solved. Thanks for the inspiration to finish my to-do’s!
You are a stinkin genius! That is so pretty. I’d never think to make a dresser mirror into a headboard… Thank you for sharing!
The duvet is so cute. I have actually been working on one for my bedroom. I love that you saw the potential in the broken mirror. I bet there are going to be many ladies out looking for something similar to make over.
I spotlighted you on this little blog of goodness, that I created for my mother to read. She has cancer and loves to read about creativity. Since right now she has no energy to be creative. I know she will love your blog and find it as up lifting as I do.
Oh my goodness, I would have died to have a room like that when I was little–or now, if I was still single! I love purple. And LOVE how you see potential in stuff and then turn “junk” into a masterpiece!
Very nice! I’ve been looking for headboard ideas for myself and never thought about repurposing something else. Thanks for the inspiration.
I always enjoy your posts, i would just like to make a suggestion… Could you please make your pictures smaller, not the size but the pixels, (i trick my pictures when needed by opening them in Windows Paint and drawing a small “box” on picture and saving them image, I’m sure there is a more technical way of doing it but that is the only way I know how) your pages on your blog and in Google Reader take FOREVER to load. Again I do enjoy your very cute projects, Thank you for crafting and Keep up the Great Work!!!!!
This is exactly what I want to do, but was worried that I would totally mess it up without step by step instructions! Yay! Now I can go shopping for fabric!
I’ll never look at an old bedroom mirror the same way again! What a great tutorial. I don’t have to create something “okay” out of wood…it’s probably cheaper and faster! I love your site. Keep up the great work!
I love it! I think it looks better then a headboard that is the same width as the bed, richer, or something.
My daughter also loves purple with pink in a close 2nd.
I gotta go find me a reject mirror and copy this exactly. Just absolutely darling!
What type of fabric did you use? It looks heavier than regular quilting fabric.
I have a california king and need a headboard. I want to make one of these but have a question, I am thinking broken mirror wouldn’t come large enough so if I did it frameless would you suggest any additional steps to the edges? Thanks for any suggestions and I am glad I saw this as we just moved into our house :) Other than the mattress & basic frame I am starting from scratch.
I just knew your site yesterday it’s the most wonderful site so far. If my mom were you i will ask her to make me everything haha. You’re inspiration!
I love the washer idea on the back to secure the buttons. I’m in the middle of refinishing my bed and this is going to help me a ton to get my tufted headboard finished!
Wow! What a fantastic idea and such a beautiful job! This is perfect for sitting up and reading at bedtime, or listening to a story. Love it, and the room pulls together so nicely.
I’m clumsy and can break anything, so I had one fearful thought — those picture hangers look (to me) like an accident waiting to happen…if the be were moved for cleaning or something, and someone bumped the headboard, ouch! I’d mount it more securely, probably with screws into the studs. Just a worried mother, your call!
We are making tufted headboards for our girls’ bunk bed. Here are my two questions, what quite of weight fabric did you use? It looks lil cotton broadcloth? How is it holding up over time? Thanks!
I just meant what weight of fabric, I don’t know where the “quite” came in, sorry!
And lil = like, this is what I get for commenting with a baby in my lap!
Haha…..no worries, I’ve typed with babies on my lap too. I completely understand!


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Extravagance autos can be a lucrative speculation. Prior this year, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for $48.4 million at Sotheby’s. It appeared to be a sizable winning for its past proprietor, an early Microsoft worker who acquired the vehicle in 2000 when such an auto told an estimation of about $10 million.
More financial specialists are wagering that the regular person may likewise need a bit of those benefits. On Thursday, New York City-based Rally Rd. brought $7 million up in Series A subsidizing driven by Upfront Ventures, adding to another $2.9 million seed round.
Here’s the means by which it works: Rally Rd. clergymen a choice of vehicles with possibly significant yields and records it on their application (which has gotten endorsement from the Securities and Exchange Commission). There, clients can spend as meager as $50 for a bit of a Jaguar or Ferrari.
With the crisp financing, the startup intends to grow the model to resources, for example, top of the line memorabilia, a market that incorporates things, for example, Babe Ruth-marked balls. Past that, Rally Rd. is likewise investigating different fields, for example, music, expressions of the human experience, and into distributing rights.
“We’re taking a gander at any field that has a high premium level, that has driven enormous returns and have huge fan bases, however doesn’t approach the market truly,” said Rally Rd. Fellow benefactor and Chief Product Officer Rob Petrozzo.
The thought behind Rally Rd. may likewise stable well-known to those in the blockchain space. Defenders of the innovation, which is a decentralized record of exchanges, have frequently indicated the advantages of setting and notwithstanding exchanging resources on the blockchain. In principle, doing as such would accelerate exchanges while discovering responsibility for, for example, fine art, which has been stolen.
At a certain point amid the association’s creation in late 2016, Petrozzo and Bruno say they considered applying blockchain innovation to Rally Rd. “As we propelled the stage, we assessed going on the blockchain instantly,” said Bruno. Be that as it may, they at last chose that the innovation was excessively youthful, the control excessively inadequate, and that it was something of an “answer searching for an issue,” he said.
To be clear, the firm is brimming with crypto fans: All three organizers including Chief Financial Officer Maximilian Niederste-Ostholt claim some type of cryptographic money. Furthermore, in an offer to keep the group murmuring, Rally Rd. was compelled to bind all discussion of computerized monetary standards to the ten minutes between 10:50 a.m. to 11 a.m.— however that was at the pinnacle of crypto madness before the end of last year when the estimation of Bitcoin was still in the quintuple digits.
Indeed, even now, the organization trusts in the innovation and is it might be said, arranged when and if blockchain innovation makes a leap forward and ends up adaptable. The authors composed the stage in a way that would enable it to port.
“It’s a simple switch for us, if and when the tech begins—and if there’s a route not to estrange financial specialists, and not distance clients,” Bruno said.
In any case, until further notice, the organization can and is extending without blockchain.
Today, about 50,000 speculators exchange over Rally Rd’s. 12 autos which are justified regardless of a total $3 million.
The company’s organizers intend to push the quantity of autos exchanging up to around 100 before the finish of 2019. It’s additionally wanting to open a show room in New York City—bringing issues to light of the organization. Rally Rd. autos are at present housed in an atmosphere controlled distribution center in Pennsylvania, where vehicles are protected by 24-hour surveillance cameras and overhauled by an attendant.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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VTech Activity Cube Just $16.90! Down From $30!
Head over to Amazon where you can score VTech Activity Cube for just $16.90 down from $29.99 PLUS FREE shipping with Amazon Prime or for orders over $25!
The Sort and Discover Activity Cube by VTech is five sides of fun! Your little one will love exploring seven fun activities and two electronic panels that introduce colors, numbers, animals and more. Turn the book page, twist the spinner and slide the animals to develop fine motor skills. The activity cube also develops hand-eye coordination with the shape sorter and colorful shape blocks.


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Prayer Shawls - where Heaven Meets Earth! - 3 Strand Cord Silks - Glowing Silk Flags & Billows based on the Bible, Jesus and His Church, to enhance your worship of God!
We want you to know that we actually pray over every silk we create - especially the Prayer Shawls. When we go to our place of prayer, it is truly where Heaven meets Earth! The Lord listens to our prayers when we pray according to His heart, in the name of Jesus.
Our Prayer Shawls are hand-dyed on the finest silk - so lightweight that it feels like a breath or a caress. Our prayer is that you will love your place of prayer, and love your new Prayer Shawl. And yes, they are nice to dance in worship with, too!

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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McGills Warehouse,Invoice & Tracking Info.
Please follow the steps below to view your orders history and status of your current order, obtain invoices and/or tracking information.
- "Date delivered" on our website indicates your package was delivered to the shipping carrier.
- The actual delivery date to the final destination is available on the shipping carrier website.
- The tracking information may take 24-48 hours before it's available.

industry_corpus2: Transportation


text:
Bryan Singer looks to have departed X-Men: First Class as director due to scheduling conflicts, and will now only serve as producer on the X-Men prequel.
The director is currently in pre-production with 'James and the Giant Killer' for Warner Bros, and Fox had hoped Singer would depart the dark 'Jack and the Beanstalk' re-imagining, so they could fast-track production on 'X-Men: First Class' for a 2011 release.
Studio enthusiasm for the film and especially Jamie Moss's script is what prompted Fox to move up the film's production schedule, resulting in Singer being unavailable to direct.


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Armis research finds vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Low Energy chips are making for a major IoT security risk.
Vulnerabilities in chips made by Texas Instruments open enterprises to attacks that are capable of breaching even network segmentation, a major security strategy used to guard against the risks of IoT devices, according to research from Armis.
The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chips are used in many products, according to Armis. The highest risk for the enterprise comes from the chips in the Wireless Access Points (WAP) made by Cisco, Meraki and Aruba. The vulnerabilities allow an unauthenticated attacker to broadcast a BLE beacon, take over the access points, spread malware and move laterally across network segments, according to Armis. The vulnerabilities can’t be detected or stopped by traditional network and endpoint security solutions, according to researchers.
As far as researchers know, such an attack has not happened outside the research done in the labs of the IoT security startup. But its risk signals two things to enterprises: that they need to view access points as unprotected and unmanaged devices, and that network segmentation, a primary security strategy, is at risk in the IoT age, according to Armis.
The good news is security updates for the so-called “BLEEDINGBIT” bug have already been provided by Texas Instruments. Cisco, Meraki and Aruba were expected to announce patches Thursday, and Armis researchers are confident the patches will address the vulnerabilities.
The bug gets its namesake because it is a lack of a masking of the highest (and most significant) bit in BLE packet’s length field, according to Armis. Turning this bit on will cause a memory corruption that can lead to RCE (remote code execution). This one bit will cause the entire chip to bleed, according to Armis.
The vulnerabilities are borne of two issues. First, a hacker can broadcast malicious BLE packets, and any vulnerable access point within range would be compromised. The hacker can use the BLE chip to compromise the main operating system and gain full control over it, according to Armis. This vulnerability impacts TI cc2640/50, embedded in Cisco and Meraki Wi-Fi access points.
A second issue comes from a feature left on in the BLE chip that was not supposed to be shipped in production. Using this over-the-air download (OAD) feature, the hacker can install a new and different version of firmware, effectively rewriting the operating system of the device, according to researchers. By abusing this feature, an attacker can gain a foothold on an access point through which he can penetrate secure networks, according to Armis. This issue affects Aruba Wi-Fi access point Series 300 with TI BLE chip (cc2540).
Most organizations that use these wireless access points don’t use the features enabled by the BLE chips, according to researchers. For that reason, in addition to applying the patches, researchers recommend turning off the BLE chip if the organization doesn’t need it.
In all, the vulnerabilities show the implications of chip firmware and unmanaged devices in enterprises.
“Every device should have a zero trust approach right now,” said Michael Parker, vice president of marketing for Armis.
The international testing firm is positioning itself as a neutral and nimble industrial cybersecurity authority.


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Wilmslow pressed from the start and indeed had most of the play in the first half. Joe Booth was in particularly lively form causing Stockton problems from a number of positions.
From one of his attacks, Ben Jones opened the scoring with a neat reverse stick effort.
Wilmslow Men’s 2s lost an exciting encounter away to a very fast Lancaster University 1st XI, 4-5.
The Men’s 3s proved far too strong for Eirias 3s and beat the Colwyn Bay side,10-0.
In the two matches against Sale, Wilmslow 4s lost 1-5 to Sale 2s, but the 5s beat Sale 3s, 3-1.
For the first half hour of the match Wilmslow camped out in the Crewe half of the pitch, but even Carla Botha’s aggressive dribbling could not get past the visiting keeper.
As sometimes happens with such a pattern of play, a Crewe breakaway resulted in the opening score.
The Tangerines continued with game plan and eventually Honey Dickinson struck to level the scores.
Soon after a Charlie Platts attack sent the ball past the goalie and an athletic diving deflection by Danni Harvey made it 2-1.
Wilmslow Ladies’ 2s had a record win, 15-0 away to Bebington 1s. This moves them to second place, level on points with Neston.
The Ladies’ 3s were disappointed to go down 1-2 at home to a young Deeside Ramblers 3s.
The 4s fared slightly better with a 0-0 draw away to Deeside 4s but the 5s gave the Bebington ladies some consolation by going down 1-4 to their second string.


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Seems as if the time is passing so quickly – for that I am incredibly grateful!
My neices left with their mommy and daddy on Saturday morning. I was a little sad to wake up and not have them around but they were an absolute, exhausting joy during their time here. I absolutely loved having them around!! Here are a few pix from our dinner the night before they left!
Fourth of July was so fun! Did a little “one for you, one for me” shopping (I gifted Thomas his fav cologne, I gifted myself a pair of gorg sandals), saw most of Transformers in 3D (I slept for about 45 mins of it), then went to Freedom Over Texas with some friends! I also had a cupcake! Delish, as always!!!
We have another appointment on Thursday afternoon. This time, I don’t think the treatment will be as clear cut and simple due to the possible polyp I may have. I’m sure I’ll have an ultra sound to confirm the polyp then we will talk about what we’ll do next. We’ll see. No stress. No over thinking. Nothing but trusting in God for His will will be done.
We’re at the doctor at least three times in a two week time period every month – it can be draining and down right annoying! Although, at the same time, it’s fun too because you know why you’re there and it gives you a little bit of hope! I’m PRAYING that we’re successful by August because I don’t want to use up all of my vacation days within the first couple of months of school due to treatments. That’s one of the reasons, at least. The other reason is if we have the baby by April, we’ll have all of April, May and the entire summer with our kiddo before having to go back to work in August. That’s OUR “perfect” plan – I’m excited to see what God’s uber perfect plan is!
We’re focused on keeping the faith and staying hopeful! It’s a lot easier when you’re focused on what’s important!
LOL! That’s cute!!! lol… I’d love to go shopping!!!! So fun! Tell your mommy I said “Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!” 🙂 Thank you for your prayers and support! Truly appreciate them all!!
OMG!! I so needed to read this!!! My 2ww is coming to a close this weekend, and I’m already having the “what will we do if the IUI wasn’t successful” thoughts! We’re only completing our first treatment, but you’re right, those doctor appts can be annoying!!! The doctors at FSH are great, but I find that my wait time is pretty long! *sigh* I guess I should calm down, and not think about the next step until I have to….

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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Beauty Infusion is a perfect way to get all of your beauty nutrition. If you are like me you are aging and you do not want to look one day older than you are.
Beauty Infusion is very easy to add to your morning routine. Every morning before my coffee I fix myself a beauty drink ~ 8 oz of cold water and one scoop of Beauty Fusion. They recommend you take Beauty Fusion on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Beauty Infusion taste is very light citrus - not bad at all. The taste is in the middle between orange juice and a powdered orange drink (Tang). It taste better than Tang but not quite as good as orange juice.
It only takes one scoop a day to make a huge difference in the quality of your skin. Easy step to take to ensure that you stay looking great.
Sunscreen for sure to block the dangerour rays! Thank you so much!
Eating lots of veggies and exercise help you look younger.
Not smoking is very helpful in keeping young looking.
Avoiding tanning booths and the sun as well is also another way to keep the skin from wrinkling prematurely.
Hi, you have described composting so good. Easy to understand and enjoyable!! Thank you so much for sharing and I love the idea about BEAUTY INFUSION .


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In 2015, SenesTech was one of 23 recipients of the Tibbetts Award. The award is given out each year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to exemplary organizations, business, and individuals that have participated in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The 2015 recipients will be formally honored on June 15th in Washington, D.C. at a White House ceremony. The annual Tibbetts Awards are presented to leaders from all over the United States who have been instrumental in supporting the success of the programs and/or utilizing SBIR/STTR investment to develop an ‘idea’ into a product or service that benefits the federal government’s research and development needs, the general public’s well being, and the nation’s economy through technological innovation and the creation of high quality jobs – sometimes in newly created industries. You can learn more about the Award here.
SenesTech, Inc. is a development-stage platform biotechnology company specializing in animal fertility control. SenesTech’s application of their technology to the control of the Southeast Asian Rice Rat will be able to feed an estimated 380 million additional people annually. In 2013, SenesTech signed agreements with the USDA, Somerville, MA and MTA in New York for rodent control. In 2013, SenesTech presented at the Ag Innovation Showcase, and in 2012 was a National Institute of Health CAP grant recipient that participated in the Larta Institute commercialization assistance program.
Join our mailing list to receive updates on programming, keynotes, announcements and more!


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For one thing, a few good, long entries can act as a skeleton of sorts for the rest of the grid, in place of the theme. For another, if you place your best seeds in different parts of the grid, you ensure that solving will be enjoyable throughout the puzzle, as long as your shorter entries are also good.
Now that was satisfying to write in, right across the middle of the grid. Cross that with the lovely and talented ELLIE KEMPER of the goofy, hilarious “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and we’re off to a great start, in my opinion. I know, there are some of us who don’t appreciate pop culture, but there are just as many people who yearn to see current entries to which they can relate, and these two entries are fresh and fun. Right next to Ms. KEMPER is the older SILVER ARROW Mercedes, as well as Sherlock Holmes’s DEERSTALKER HAT. So don’t say that there isn’t something for everyone here.
After the seed entries are placed, the rest of the grid needs to be filled, and Mr. McCarty seems to have a good eye for late-week fill. I did not know the word SEMIBREVE, for example, but now I do: it’s the British term for what we Yanks call a musical whole note. For further proof that we don’t speak the same language as the British, please note that they call their quarter note a “crotchet,” which is a fun word that is both hilarious and has absolutely nothing to do with measurements as we Americans know them. If I’m reading this correctly, two quavers would equal one crotchet, and four crotchets equal a hemiliter. I don’t know, I’ve never been great with the metric system.
And then there is the cluing. A good Saturday clue, in my opinion, will make your heart sink a little. It will take some work, there will be a point at which you hold your head in your hands, and then you will solve it. Hands up if you are someone who engages in the sport of fencing. You are most likely the only people who will know 55A (“Fifth of eight parrying positions in fencing”) right off the bat. But it’s the only fair way to clue the word QUINTE, which is itself a rare word to see in a puzzle. But the crossings are kind in that section, and by the time you work your way across, you’ve learned that QUINTE is a fencing position. Feel free to work that into conversation at your next staff meeting or cocktail party. Don’t be alarmed if people move their seats.
So, tl;dr: By the time you get to Saturday puzzles, relinquish the idea that you won’t have to look anything up. There’s no shame in learning something new. Savor the seed entries and look at the fill around it: Are these satisfying entries to write in? Do more than a few clues make you smile or curse the constructor and editors? Then you’ve had a good time, my friends, and that’s what working your way up to solving the Saturday puzzles is all about.
■ 1A: It took me a while before I realized that the clue was about the ground kind of meal rather than one of the daily meals you eat. You would grind that meal using a mortar and PESTLE.
■ 13A: Thank goodness for crossings. I didn’t know that “Fats Domino’s real first name” was ANTOINE, but now I do.
■ 24A: Not the musical kind of “Practice composition.” Today we’re looking for the abbreviated composition of a medical practice, and that is made up of DRS.
■ 1D: There is more than one anise-flavored French liqueur, but the only five-letter one I can think of is PASTIS, which is both delicious and will knock you on your keister if you’re not careful. Not that I would know.
■ 25D: Hands up if you had TANS before SUNS. Me too.
■ 44D: First appearance of COATES clued as the author Ta-Nehisi Coates, author of “Between the World and Me.” Nicely done.
■ 40D: Not just any “Group of 100 people.” The U.S. SENATE.
I’m very humbled and excited to be debuting in The New York Times, especially on my favorite crossword day of the week — Saturday!
I began doing New York Time crosswords at breakfasts in college with some friends and quickly got addicted. Soon after I began trying to construct some of my own puzzles — I found the process had a lot of similarities to what I was studying at school with music composition and coding. I’ll let you all imagine why.
My fiancé and I had been singing along with “THE SCHUYLER SISTERS” from the “Hamilton” soundtrack multiple times in a row one night when I thought it would be a fun idea to use Angelica, Eliza, (and Peggy) in a new puzzle. I crossed SCHUYLER SISTERS with ELLIE KEMPER, a fellow Princetonian, and set off from there. I’m happy that I was able to reference several strong women and people of color, including Ta-Nehisi Coates, whose “Between the World and Me” I coincidentally started reading last week.
I’m proud to say that I made this puzzle completely by hand, which was a fun exercise. It took a long time to construct, but definitely made the whole experience much more palpable.
Lastly, I want to give a special shout-out to Ariana and Drew, whose wedding I’ll be celebrating today! This puzzle is dedicated to them!
Happy nuptials, Ariana and Drew! And come back soon, Mr. McCarty. I like your style.


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Darren has worked in the field of Military Influence since 2002. He lectures on Information Operations, Psychological Warfare and Military Deception. His current research work looks at active network defence via Cyber Deception.
Darren has worked extensively with government organisations tasked with national security.
Darren is a Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Science at Cranfield University at the Defence Academy of the UK.
In his current role Darren is Course Director for the UK MOD's MSc in Cyber Operations and Head of the Information Operations Group within the Centre for Electronic Warfare, Information and Cyber.
Ashenden D & Lawrence D (2016) Security dialogues: building better relationships between security and business, IEEE Security and Privacy Magazine, 14 (03) 82-87.

industry_corpus2: Technology & Research


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The US-led Multinational Capability Development Campaign (MCDC) is a transformation force-multiplier in which Allied Command Transformation has participated for NATO since 2002. NATO’s participation in MCDC benefits from Allied Command Transformation’s geographic co-location with the US Joint Staff; the result is a vibrant partnership which engenders close cooperation and synergy.
The MCDC is designed to develop and deliver new capabilities to enhance partnerships and effectiveness in joint, multinational and coalition operations. The Campaign provides a venue for collaborative joint, multinational and coalition concept and capability development and, in the spirit of true partnership, strives to maximize opportunities for resource sharing.
With a focus on ad-hoc coalition operations, as opposed to standing Alliance operations, the MCDC provides a flexible testbed which is highly adaptable and well-suited to the pace of contemporary and emerging operating conditions. The MCDC participants seek to build and strengthen multinational partnerships and promotes collaborative concept and capability development.
Throughout every two-year campaign, multinational teams are working on topics directly relevant to NATO ongoing efforts, such as Autonomy, Hybrid Warfare, Cyber, Medical, Logistics or Strategic Communication. Findings of “Role of Autonomous Systems in Gaining Operational Access” and “Counter Unmanned Autonomous Systems” projects, for example, provided a foundation for the NATO programme on Autonomy.
Partnerships – MCDC makes a significant contribution to extending Allied Command Transformation’s transformational network, connecting military and non-military entities at project-level.
Low-cost/high-payoff – NATO, by participating in a single project in an MCDC Campaign, obtains access to the thinking and finished products of multiple projects.
A low risk environment (political) within which to influence the development of interoperability and capabilities with a diverse range of actors, and a venue for practical collaboration with European Union's European Defence Agency.
Rapid two-year cycle to develop and deliver benefits within a strong governance structure.
Quality assurance - all MCDC innovative products are evaluated through rigorous peer review mechanisms that ensure added value to its customers and stakeholders.
Leading edge - flexibility to study new and innovative subjects that have not yet entered formal NATO thinking. Scope and develop ideas in a less controversial environment reducing risk prior to full commitment to enter into a NATO/ACT programme.
Leverages the co-location of NATO's Allied Command Transformation and US Joint Staff J7, enables mutual support, and adds tangible strength to the transatlantic bond.
The new Multinational Capability Campaign (MCDC) webpage offers access to all outcomes of the past campaigns, and insight into the current edition.
Please follow the MCDC library access guide to register, and enjoy!


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A daughter and granddaughter of slain black nationalist Malcolm X have been charged with stealing a rental truck that was found in southern Maryland carrying seven pit bulls in what police described Friday as inhumane conditions.
Malikah Saban Shabazz, 51, of Berlin, New Hampshire, and her daughter Bettih Bahiyah Shabazz, 19, of Stark, New Hampshire, were released in Charles County on Thursday after posting bond of $2,000 each, according to online court records. The records do not list defense attorneys, and calls to the women’s possible telephone numbers were either not answered or not returned.
The women were arrested Wednesday night in a Wal-Mart parking lot in La Plata by a deputy responding to a report that the U-Haul truck in which they were traveling had been reported stolen earlier that day to Vermont State Police, according to charging documents.
The truck’s enclosed cargo area contained seven dogs, locked in crates and covered in their own waste, the documents state. One dog had injuries to its face, neck and eyes that required emergency care, the report said.
The dogs were taken to an animal shelter, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Janelle Love said.
Malikah Shabazz told investigators that she owns the dogs, according to charging documents.
Both women are charged with stealing the truck, valued at $40,000. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Malikah Shabazz is also charged with seven misdemeanor counts of animal abuse or neglect, each punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The arrests were first reported by TMZ.com.
Malikah Shabazz is one of six children of Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, and Betty Shabazz. She was born seven months after her father was assassinated in February 1965 in New York City by three members of the Nation of Islam, which Malcolm X had left a year earlier.
She pleaded guilty in 2011 to stealing the identity of a 70-year-old woman to obtain credit cards and make purchases totaling $55,000.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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2451 nodes (12%) are attached to their parents as punct.
1552 instances of punct (63%) are left-to-right (parent precedes child). Average distance between parent and child is 8.2280701754386.
The following 11 pairs of parts of speech are connected with punct: VERB-PUNCT (1484; 61% instances), NOUN-PUNCT (487; 20% instances), PROPN-PUNCT (198; 8% instances), ADJ-PUNCT (183; 7% instances), AUX-PUNCT (31; 1% instances), NUM-PUNCT (31; 1% instances), ADV-PUNCT (10; 0% instances), SYM-PUNCT (9; 0% instances), PRON-PUNCT (7; 0% instances), X-PUNCT (6; 0% instances), ADP-PUNCT (5; 0% instances).


text: To apply Isomorphology is to play a game of observation; the aim is to derive understanding, from direct experience, which adds to the study. Training the eye to perceive abstractly and the mind to think creatively whilst simultaneously maintaining a strong connection to the individual specimen is a complex practice. I believe this understanding can be shared with others as a playful educational model, which relies on science while at the same time building an altered perspective; liberating form from the confines of scientific convention. Isomorphology encourages both learning (non-linear) and ‘unlearning’ – we are de-constructing inherited taxonomies in order to create new knowledge and new approaches.


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PRIZE: The competition prize (to be awarded to the winning entrant) is a £30 One4All Gift Voucher. The winning entrant is to be drawn at random by the Chair of Aylesham Hub Ltd.
CLOSING DATE: Closing date for entries is midnight on the 31 December 2018.
DRAW DATE: The draw will take place within 7 days of the closing date.
ENTRANTS: The competition is open to ages 13 and up to 19 – years of age as on 31 December 2018, except Board members of Aylesham Hub Ltd, their families, agents or anybody connected with this competition or third party company including third party promotional partners. Entry to the competition is free. No purchase is necessary.
CRITERIA: For entries to be considered valid, all entrants must complete an Aylesham Hub Ltd Young People’s Survey on paper or online. Any entries not adhering to the criteria will be considered invalid and void. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit. Entries submitted with incomplete or inaccurate data will also be considered invalid or void.
The winner is responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prize.
ACCEPTING THE PRIZE: The winner has 28 working days to confirm acceptance of their prize. If the winner cannot be contacted by email in this period or cannot accept the prize, then Aylesham Hub Ltd reserves the right to draw another winner from all the other valid entries received before the closing date.
DISCLAIMER: In case of a dispute arising, Aylesham Hub Ltd’s decision is final. Aylesham Hub Ltd reserve the right to modify or withdraw the competition at any time.


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The below post shows the an easy method to create a SCD TYPE 3 functionality.
Step 4 . Lets take a look at an example for a complete overview.
I am updating the salary to 8210 and 7710 respectively at the source side .
Step 5 . Save and run the interface .
Let me change salary data for two records and lets see if it comes through.
It does. Have fun and look for odiexperts for more fun and interesting ideas.
I am not sure how to implement it.
I believe when you set the columns behavior all of this can be achieved.
Did you set the JKM and test it?
Make sure you have take the “Oracle Incremental Update” KM only to customize, else it would throw errors.
ODI-1228: Task SCD_TYPE3 (Integration) fails on the target ORACLE connection ODI_STAGE.
Would appreciate if you can explain the type2 scd in ODI. i am facing problems in executing the same.
Can you please tell us what is the error you are getting and what are steps you are doing.


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Julianne Margulies is a psychiatrist who is attempting to treat a young man with multiple personalities. The man responds to phone calls as another person. When he switches from one personality to another his facial features and body contort into frightening and unbelievable positions. One of the characters is in a wheelchair and cannot walk.
She learns that each of his personalities is a murder victim. She must hurry because the next victim may be someone she loves.


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Elegant Topics have been in operation for eight years, and have served over 500,000 clients to date. In the process, they’ve grown into a workforce of over 50 employees working in many nations — a far cry from their humble beginnings working out of creator Nick Roach’s college apartment.Elegant Themes currently offer 87 WordPress topics and five plugins. Access to all their themes (including their flagship’Divi’ theme — more about this below) and plugins will set you back $89 a year, which makes them quite competitively priced. If you are considering using their products for many years, though, it’s really their slightly pricier’Lifetime Accessibility’ plan that is the very best value alternative, providing you with access to all present and future products to get a one-time fee of $249. However, is lively Themes the right selection for your project? Let’s find out.
Let’s start looking at the several topics on offer, before moving on to the plugins.As mentioned, signing up with Elegant Themes provides you access to 87 WordPress themes for the price of what you could pay for just 1 motif elsewhere. However, there are two options to consider. Since the arrival of Divi at 2013, the attention of Elegant Themes has been around making this the only best WordPress theme available. Extra followed soon after, and together they have come to be the highlights of the Elegant Themes portfolio.
While Divi, also, to a lesser extent, Extra, are multipurpose topics which may be used to create any sort of website, the other topics are somewhat more focused on a specific type of project. |} It’s possible you could discover a motif from that the Elegant Themes back catalog that’s right for your site. However, if you really need to benefit from everything Elegant Themes has to offer and has been working for the past few years, you should only think about the Divi and Extra themes from their collection.While signing up with Elegant Themes gets you access to Divi, among the very best WordPress topics around, and the remarkable additional magazine motif, do not get too excited about the other 85 options. However, as we will see in the next section of this Elegant Topics review, there are far more reasons to choose this company than just their flagship WordPress themes.
As stated before in this review, the team behind Divi and Extra also have produced a number of high-quality WordPress plugins. By linking Elegant Themes on either the mid-level $89 Developer program or the top tier $249 Lifetime accessibility plan, you gain access to all of these plugins.
Being able to email your viewers every time you publish a new article, launch a product, or possess some other significant statement to make has many benefits. Unfortunately, building a list of email readers is not easy. Luckily, Bloom is a plugin that can help encourage your customers to sign-up and hand over their email addresses.After triggering Bloom, you can start including a number of email optin or sign-up forms to your website. Form choices comprise pop-up, fly-in, below post, inline, and widget forms. There is also a locked content type that requires your customers to enter their own email address and subscribe to a list to gain access to a specific piece of content.Bloom also includes a fantastic selection of email optin form templates which can be customized through the plugin’s editor.As and the ability to personalize the appearance of types, you also get a fantastic amount of control over how they work. You can pick an intro animation that determines how the form appears, and you can also set a time delay that controls when the form looks. Custom triggers can also be used to restrain the form’s visibility, and more.Through the Bloom form screen settings, it is possible to specify where on your website each kind will be more active. These options include activating the shape for your whole website, the home page, person posts and pages, and even more. As you are able to create numerous kinds and then display them on particular parts of your site, you can really tailor the design and content of your forms to coincide with the articles on which they’re displayed.Bloom also comprises a split testing tool that makes it easy to compare two kinds to discover which one works best with your viewers. As a result of these attributes, Bloom compares well to another top email optin type plugins, such as OptinMonster and Thrive Leads.Nearly every type of site can benefit from having a record of email subscribers, and Bloom is a capable tool that may help you grow your listing.
The Monarch plugin has been created to help you increase the amount of times your articles has been shared on social networking. Social shares not only help drive more traffic to your website, however they may also help your articles to rank more prominently in search engines such as Google.Once Monarch is live, it is possible to display a range of social sharing buttons on your site. Over 20 social networks have been encouraged, and you can display the buttons in five different locations — including on images and videos.As well as showing floating, always-visible sharing buttons, Monarch enables you to pick from a range of trigger-activated buttons. Timed flaws, page scroll position, following commenting or purchasing, and after a period of inactivity can be used as triggers to control when a pop-up or slide-in pair of social sharing buttons is presented to a visitors.You can additionally use Monarch to display hyperlinks to your social networking profiles, complete with follower counts. This feature provides you with a fast way to incorporate social proof to your website.Like the remaining Elegant Themes tools, Monarch offers you a great deal of control over how your social networking buttons and links are exhibited. The customization work takes place via a user friendly interface, with lots of options and settings to ensure this plugin works exactly how you want it to.Monarch is one of those best social media plugins for WordPress, so it’s great to get access to it within your Elegant Themes membership.
With such a sizable userbase, it’s no surprise that a large ecosystem and community has built up around Elegant Themes and its own goods. There are now a range of busy Facebook groups, marketplaces selling kid themes, and blogs dedicated to Divi. The Elegant Themes blog is among the busiest WordPress websites. In addition to publishing suggestions and suggestions for web designers and WordPress users, the blog frequently shares brand new page layouts along with other extras for Divi users. There is also the Divi Nation Podcast for interviews and news with Divi users.
Some years before, Elegant Topics had a bit of a reputation for providing less-than-stellar service to their customers. After checking into this and being a happy customer for a while now, I am pleased to report that Elegant Themes seem to have solved any problems there may have been.Their flagship products are regularly updated and improved, and the online documentation to their themes and plugins is extensive, such as walkthrough text and videos. Those with an active Elegant Themes account may open a service ticket by posting a question in the support forums.As well as a General Questions sub-forum, every Elegant Themes merchandise has its own busy sub-forum. The Elegant Themes support forums have been staffed by a team of tech support representatives, who, in my experience, react to queries quickly and inexpensively.


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Year 2015 is fast becoming the year of affordable housing, with one more Dubai developer entering the property arena with a product matching the market need.
In an emailed brochure to clients, MAG Property Development revealed plans to build ‘MAG 5 Boulevard’, an integrated residential community in Dubai World Central residential district, adjacent to the Expo 2020 venue.
The development will have 13 ground plus six-storey buildings, housing 1118 residential units. Prices for studio units start from Dh380,000, one bed units from Dh499,000 and two-bed apartments from 799,000 and three bed units with private garden from 1.399 million.
“Apartment prices start from Dh6200 per month,” the brochure states, adding, buyers will be offered five year developer financing at zero per cent interest.
The project is slated for completion in 2018, the brochure states.
Emirates 24|7 reported on Wednesday how developers were waiving off four per cent Dubai Land Department registration fees, offering interest free monthly installments and payment options post handover of the units.
Mashreq, a top bank in the UAE, said in In its 'Wealth Gauge' report in March that real estate development with innovative payment plan was the need of the hour and back-loaded schemes especially for off-plan properties whereby developers demand chunk of the payments to be made only after the unit is handed over were in demand.
In March 2015, Emirates 24|7 reported that Dubai Municipality (DM) had allocated over 100 hectares of land for affordable housing in Muhaisnah 4, Al Qouz 3 and 4, mostly to meet the demand for dwellings for people earning between Dh3,000 and Dh10,000 per month.
Khalid bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Investments, a Dubai stock exchange-listed company, also told this website that affordable housing market was going to outshine luxury market segment in 2016.
The government has announced the new Dubai Metro Route 2020 project - an extension of the Metro’s Red Line from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro station to the Expo 2020 site.


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This massage improves blood circulation throughout the body; build-up of positive energy; detox; reinvigorated body. The wide variety of scented oils used in this treatment also makes it the best-smelling remedy for stress, problem skin and other ailments.
Balinese massage for 90 minutes.
Improves blood circulation throughout the body .
Build-up of positive energy detox and reinvigorated body.
Wide variety of scented oils used in this treatment.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment time. We will not be responsible for your late arrival. If you require transportation, please call our Customer Service Center. Guests who are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart conditions or other medical complications, are advised to consult their doctors before using any spa services. Please advised before booking any treatment if you have any physical ailments, allergies or disabilities, or are taking any medication, as this may affect your treatment. Also available for 120 Mins Massage for 440 AED.
Also available for 60 and 120 minutes. Brilliantly combining reflexology, acupressure and aromatherapy, Balinese Massage, is one incredible massage therapy that many people regard as magical, perhaps a godsend.


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BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure (NYSE:BUI) to go ex-dividend.
On 8/3/2017 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure ( NYSE:BUI ) announced that it will be issuing a monthly dividend in the amount of $0.12 up from $0.12 making the yield 6.84%.
On 2/4/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a quarterly dividend of $0.36.
On 5/2/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a quarterly dividend of $0.36.
On 8/4/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a monthly dividend of $0.12.
On 9/4/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a monthly dividend of $0.12.
On 10/2/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a special dividend of $0.12.
On 11/4/2014 BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure announced a monthly dividend of $0.12.
Shares of BlackRock Utility and Infrastructure closed the previous trading session at 21.24 up +0.09 0.43% with 59,179 shares trading hands.


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The Webinar Marketing: How To Use Webinars To Make Online Income training consists of three sections: Section 1 covers webinar basics. Section 2 goes over a webinar platform, and Section 3 explains how to make profits.
Webinar Traffic – Twitter is one of the best places to get traffic for a webinar.
How to Find Create Content – Answering questions is a great way to create content for Twitter.
JV Partners – Joint venture partners can give their lists a lot of value by sending them to a webinar instead of a sales page.
GoToWebinar Intro – GoToMeeting has a variety of programs and services.
Scheduling Webinars – First, you can schedule a webinar that’s similar to one you have started before.
Recording Settings – You can record your webinar. Then, you can use it as a piece of content.
Start the Webinar – Practice is always a good idea, especially if you have more than one presenter on the webinar.
Polls – You want to find out what your audience is thinking. You can find out what they thought of the webinar, or what type of information they want to learn about.
Follow Up – After you conduct polls and surveys, you can send out follow up emails to the people who attended.
Success Tips – If you’re going to be successful with webinars, you have to be sincere and genuinely try to help people.
How to Convert Your Audience Members Into Buyers – Spend the first 80% of the webinar giving value to participants. Give some free content and really help people.
Webinar Revenue – You can use your webinar to sell group coaching. Webinars are great for group coaching, since you can use the platform to help lots of people at one time.
As you can see, you have lots of options for making money with webinars. With that in mind, it’s time to get started. Come up with a plan so you can make some money with webinars.
I’ve only included what I think are the most important factors in optimizing and monetizing your blog. I hope you get a lot of value from this course and as always I’d love to hear your feedback!


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Early in the school year, Mr. Spriggs asked me to sit in on a conference with his most challenging student. Jon rarely participated appropriately in class, instead drawing attention to himself by “accidentally” dropping books, suddenly having coughing spells and loudly expelling air from either end.
“Stronger Together” is not the name of the latest social-media fitness app. It’s a grant proposed in President Obama’s new budget, reviving an idea that hasn’t gotten much policy attention in decades: diversity in public schools. If the request is approved, $120 million will go to school districts for programs intended to make their schools more diverse.
Joanne’s mother had died a few years earlier, and now she was a single parent (recently divorced) with no job, living off welfare benefits so she could provide for her young daughter. Worst yet, she was battling extreme depression and on the verge of suicide. But, she had an idea…and belief that it was important.
As we seek to refine and reform today’s system of education, we would do well to ask, “What is education?” Our answers may provide insights that get to the heart of what matters for 21st century children and adults alike.
Why Learning to Learn is More Important than Ever!
Well, it’s that time of year again … the start of a new school year. With it often comes the irresistible urge to make another list, or even better … many lists! Lists help us to plan, and they can also help us reflect and assess.
Gamification has been part of teaching strategy in K-12 even before it was common for computers to exist in the classroom. Teachers have used games for decades to keep students engaged in the learning process, to make instruction easier to digest for students with varying learning styles, to get an idea of how students are doing that may not be reflected in test scores, and to boost morale in the classroom.
Teaching is a constantly evolving profession; new ideas and new techniques that may help you become a more effective educator are constantly emerging. However, ongoing training for teachers often comes in the form of expensive conferences that are beyond the district’s budget.
“I encourage people to tell an ‘opportunity story.’ How might this topic come up later in students’ lives?” – David Perkins Our world is getting increasingly complex; so how do we know what is worth teaching and learning?


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Disability benefits are a program through the Social Security Administration that provides financial assistance to those who have become disabled and are unable to work. Disability benefits can cover the costs of medical bills and everyday living expenses.
Disability benefits are for people of all ages. They are available for people who have recently become unable to work, such as a cancer patient. They are also available for people who have never been able to work, such as someone with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.
To receive benefits, you must first qualify both medically and financially. To medically qualify for disability benefits, your medical condition must prevent you from being able to reasonably perform any type of work. Financially, there are certain income limits that prevent you from being eligible for disability benefits, based on the type of benefits for which you apply.
Have earned a specific amount of work credits. These credits depend on your work history.
Whether you are eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits, to be approved by the SSA, you must meet certain medical disability requirements. The easiest way to medically qualify for disability benefits is if you are able to meet a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book.
The Blue Book is a comprehensive list of disabilities that the SSA uses to determine your disability benefit eligibility. It is divided into adult and childhood disabilities. If your listing is included in the Blue Book, the SSA will determine if your unique case matches the criteria for that listing based on your medical evidence.
For example, brain cancer is listed in the Blue Book, but to medically qualify for disability benefits with brain cancer, you must have a highly malignant tumor on your brain or spinal cord, or your brain cancer must return or worsen after treatment. If your brain cancer does not meet one of these requirements, you are not eligible for benefits under that condition.
If your disability does not match a condition in the Blue Book exactly, another option is to “equal” a disability listing. Equaling a listing means that the impairments and symptoms caused by your medical condition are equal to another listing in the Blue Book.
For example, you may suffer from seizures that are not related to epilepsy, but they may impair you from holding any type of work comfortably. Therefore, you may argue that the impairments and symptoms caused by your seizure disorder equals the Blue Book listing for epilepsy.
The SSA may request that you see a different doctor independent from your own for a consultative medical exam. This doctor will review your medical records and determine the extent of your disability and how it affects whether or not you are able to work. It is important that you follow through with the SSA’s request for a consultative medical exam. Your own treating physician’s determinations and statements will still be reviewed and held in as high of a regard as those of the independent doctor.
For certain medical conditions that are particularly severe, such as most forms of severe cancer, the SSA allows for quicker approval times than usual through the Compassionate Allowance program. This way, a process that usually takes three to sixth months can be approved in as little as 20 days so that you are able to start receiving the benefits you need.
If you cannot match or equal a Blue Book disability listing, you do not medically qualify for disability benefits, but there are still options available to you. You can provide non-medical evidence to prove your eligibility for disability benefits with a medical-vocational allowance. Under a medical-vocational allowance, the SSA determines that you are unable to return to work or work a less demanding job based on a variety of factors.
One of these factors is your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), or your ability to work with your current disability. The SSA will take a look at your RFC assessment, which is a combination of factors, including your medical records and especially the opinion of the physician or specialist treating your specific disability.
The SSA will also consider your age, education level, and work history. For example, if you are older, have not had a lot of education, and have only held one specific type of job for most of your life, the SSA may be more likely to approve your disability benefits. This is because you wouldn’t reasonably be expected to learn a new skill and try new types of work at your age and experience level.
If you have decided to apply for disability benefits through the SSA, your first step is to complete and submit the initial application. This includes the application itself, as well as compiling and sending in all relevant medical evidence and documentation. The application can be completed online, over the phone, or at your local Social Security Administration office, of which there is at least one in each state.
On your application, remember to provide as many details as possible, as this will help the SSA in making an informed decision about your disability and won’t prolong the process of having them ask you for any missing information. Answer each question thoroughly, honestly, and to the best of your ability. Don’t fill in your application with just “yes or no” answers, or leave any questions blank, as this will result in your application most likely being denied.
Lastly, consider hiring a disability lawyer or advocate to help you with your disability benefits application. A lawyer can help you fill out your application, gather your medical evidence and documentation that will help your case, and answer any questions you may have throughout the process. A lawyer will also ensure that the entire initial application stage goes smoothly and be there to help you in case your application is denied and you would like to appeal the SSA’s decision.