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WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. consumer sentiment dropped to the lowest level in nearly 28 years in May as worries about inflation grew, according to the University of Michigan/Reuters consumer sentiment index released Friday.
The UMich index fell from 62.6 in April to 59.8 in May, marking the lowest since June 1980. The preliminary May index was reported at 59.5 two weeks ago.
Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had been looking for the closely tracked index to fall to 59.0 at the end of the month. See Economic Calendar.
Inflation expectations rose to their highest level in more than two decades, following steady increases in gasoline prices. Over the next year, consumers expect prices to rise 5.2%, up from 4.8% expected last month.
"Consumers are painfully aware that their living standards are shrinking under the weight of higher food and fuel prices and see little hope for improvement any time soon," said Richard Curtin, director of the survey.
"Consumers' ability to buy has been diminished by smaller income gains, fewer jobs, higher prices of necessities, falling home prices, rising credit standards, and record levels of outstanding debt," he said.
The consumer expectation index fell from 53.3 in April to 51.1 in May, the lowest since October 1990.
In a separate report isued Friday, the Commerce Department said real disposable incomes and real consumer spending were flat in April, as inflation wiped out all the increase in nominal terms. Wages and salaries fell for the first time in a year. See full story.


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This weekend, shop for crafts and take a step back in time during the 39th annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion.
There will nearly 300 arts and crafts vendors, a parade, pony pull, a plethora of free entertainment on two stages, and period demonstrations like weaving, blacksmithing, threshing, baling and wool spinning.
The festival is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with many activities on the grounds of the historical 1883 Wommack Grist Mill in Fair Grove. Admission is free, but parking is $4-$5.
Debi Phillips, vendor chair, said only homemade crafts are allowed in the festival, and there’s a wide variety of great food, from steak sandwiches to ham and beans to cobblers and pies.
The event was started in 1977 by the Fair Grove Historical & Preservation Society, which owns the Wommack Grist Mill — a Greene County Historic Site that is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Proceeds from the day help support the mill and benefit band booster clubs. For many church and civic groups that sell food, this is their biggest fundraiser of the year, said Marilyn Smith, secretary of the society.
A popular aspect of the festival is an old-time parade which kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday and features antique cars, trucks, and tractors (no political floats are allowed).
The mill will be open for tours but will not be running because the boiler is broken, said Smith.
“We have a fundraiser to get a new boiler. There will be buckets for donations at numerous locations throughout,” Smith said.
Music is a big part of this event, and this year there’s an excellent lineup of bands, said Smith. Genres include country, Western, bluegrass, and gospel music.
From 11 a.m. to noon, Pat’s Clogging Studio & Celtic Fire Irish Dance Company.
From 12:30-1:30 p.m., Riff Raff.
From 5-6 p.m., The Band NRG.
11 a.m. to noon: Sacred Fire Ministries.
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Missing Man Trio.
1-2 p.m.: Good Tymes Rock’N Roll Band on the Gazebo.
2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday: Lyal Strickland on the Gazebo.
Cost: Admission is free; parking is $4-$5.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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If you are trying to find the perfect wedding hairstyle near Marlton , you might want to consider wearing it down. Brides with long, beautiful hair can wear it down to create their perfect bridal look.
If you do wear your hair down, you should ask the stylist at the hair salon to add some special elements that will give you a wedding-worthy look. However you enhance your hair, it should work with your dress and the location of your wedding.
Consider adding flowers, a veil, or pinning part of the hair back to get the best effect. Check out this video for more ideas on how to wear your wedding down for your big day.
You do not have to go for an elaborate hairstyle to look beautiful on your wedding day. If you want to keep your wedding hair simple, you should ask your hairstylist to give you a sleek, chic ponytail. Whether you want it high and straight or low with some loose, romantic curls, the right kind of ponytail can complement any wedding dress.
If you want to add more romance to your wedding hair, you should consider asking your hairstylist for a romantic chignon. With a few perfectly placed curls, this stylish bun helps you look and feel your best on your big day.
Long, loose waves are a beautiful way to enhance your dress. You do not have to have an up-do to create a stunning bridal aesthetic. If you prefer to wear your hair down, you should ask the stylist at the hair salon near Marlton to create some long, loose waves that will add a whimsical feeling to your overall wedding look.
Ask your hairstylist to gather your hair together into a stylish ballerina bun at the top of your head for a classic, timeless look. A ballerina bun is the perfect complement to a veil or a headpiece for your wedding. You can even top it off with a flower or a unique braid to put more of your personality into your look.
This classic look works for brides with long or short hair. Whether you want to enhance the hairstyle with some curls, place a beautiful flower at the crown of your head, or create the perfect place from which to hang your veil, this style is perfect for any kind of wedding.
The foundation of Lotus Salon is creating personalized looks for every client. We do not believe in mass producing our cuts and colors or creating a level system for our hairstylists. Since we opened in 2011, we have hired employees with advanced education and skills to ensure that our clients get the best services.
Tara Bernardini and Nicholas Clark are the owners of this high-end hair salon and have more than thirty combined years of experience in the industry. With their creative ideas and skillset, they have built a team of top hairstylists that can offer clients the best haircuts and colors in the area.

industry_corpus2: Others


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The Infosys Cloud practice provides managed services across platforms and models. We ensure the smooth functioning of IT applications and enterprise operations while continuously optimizing cloud services. Our artificial intelligence-driven self-healing processes and automation tools meet the technical and fiduciary requirements of enterprise workloads.
Our cloud brokerage services help you compare cloud services providers based on their service offerings, capabilities and pricing policies. Our self-service portals simplify provisioning of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Enterprise-as-a-Service (EaaS), Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS), and Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS).
Policy-based cloud orchestration ensures security and streamlines resource management in multi-supplier cloud services environments. Our comprehensive suite of managed services improves IT and network management, while providing visibility into costs.
Infosys facilitates data replication across physical, virtual and cloud-based infrastructure, which enables superior cloud management and disaster recovery.
Infosys Cloud Managed Services span across provisioning, operations, monitoring, security, performance management, support, and sustenance of private, public and hybrid infrastructure.
Infosys cloud managed services are available in pay-as-you-use as well as conventional pricing models.
Partnering with an experienced cloud services provider to manage multi-tenant, multi-zonal, hybrid cloud ecosystems.
Cloud services partner must facilitate application development while addressing security as well as regulatory requirements.
Cloud services provider must have a proven track record of compliance with service level agreements to maintain available, resilient and secure infrastructure.
Business Service Assurance suite monitors cloud and hybrid systems at the business process and resource level.
Integrated service delivery guarantees performance and helps achieve goals defined in service level agreements.
Machine learning algorithms proactively monitor and analyze service logs to predict incidents and prevent issues.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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It's safe to say that folks were completely shocked when 21 Savage was arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February of this year.
From pies to Chinese food. Patti LaBelle has formed a partnership with restaurateur Stratis Morfogen to launch a frozen Chinese Food line in supermarkets, according to Page Six.
Kofi Kingston has been crowned the second black champion of World Wrestling Entertainment in the company's nearly 70 year history, and people have been celebrating on social media big time.

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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Information for Area Code 795 Have you received a text message or phone call from 795-650-9130? Please leave a comment below to help us determine who is calling from this phone number.
Comment: Have you received a phone call, text, or fax from 7956509130? Please leave a comment about it below.


text: (1929) "Legal Directory," Indiana Law Journal: Vol. 4 : Iss. 7 , Article 12.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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Singer Kelly Clarkson talked to "Extra's" Terri Seymour about her new album, love, and the tribulations of being a pop star in today's culture.
The singer revealed, "I like a funny guy. I need somebody that's got their own thing going on... independent, who isn't clingy." Clarkson added, "The clingers, man, it's like they're attracted to me... it's bad."
The "Breakaway" songstress described her 5th album, "Stronger," as "overcoming hurdles, obstacles in life... getting past it and moving on."
When Terri commented, "We always think of you as the queen of the break-up song," referring to Kelly's massive hit, "Since You've Been Gone," Clarkson replied, "That's sad!" She continued, "Apparently, I have a lot of rage for men, I don't know why, but I sell that well."
The sassy 29-year-old, who shot to superstar status after winning the first season of "American Idol," said, "Apparently I missed the pop stars' memo about just crazy outfits... like crazy shows! Maybe it's really different to just wear jeans and a t-shirt. Maybe I'm the odd one now."
"Stronger" is slated to drop October 25.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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Kristin Ohlson's new book, The Soil Will Save Us, explains how working with the soil works wonders for our planet.
Kristin Ohlson is a journalist and best-selling author in Portland, Ore. Her new book tells the stories of how people around the globe are healing soil and landscapes.
Kristin Ohlson is a Portland, Ore., journalist and best-selling author whose new book is groundbreaking. The Soil Will Save Us: How Scientists, Farmers, and Foodies are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet (Rodale, 2014) explains how taking care of our soil is the answer to some of today's most pressing issues.
She was inspired to write the book after hearing about a movement of "carbon farming" from a chef in Cleveland. As someone interested in local and organic food for his restaurant, he told her about farmers who were considering what was happening in their soil, about the complex biological relationships there, and the importance of helping the soil become healthier.
"That sent me off on an exploration of the subject," she says.
While researching her book she traveled to North Dakota, Vermont, Zimbabwe and both coasts of Australia. She says she was "blown away by the farmers and scientists and the local soil expert from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service" who are working collaboratively to figure out how to farm and ranch and heal the land at the same time.
"The book introduces readers to the ancient partnership between plants and soil microorganisms that created our lush planet," she explains. "It discusses how humans have interfered with that partnership to our peril, and how visionaries around the world are healing soil and landscapes."
While writing her book, Kristin discovered how much good comes from healing the soil. Farms are more productive, food becomes more nutritious, the air and water become cleaner, and the land is more resilient to droughts and floods.
"Then there's the biggie," she says. "We've lost 80 billion tons of soil carbon from bad farming and other land practices over thousands of years, a loss intensified by modern industrial agriculture, and most of that carbon is now in our atmosphere."
Through her engaging storytelling, Kristin explains how individuals are working to restore the partnership between plants and soil microorganisms, healing our soil and putting carbon back in the ground.
"I think this is good news. We have trillions of allies underground and people are finally figuring out how to let them do their job," she says.
Gardeners will be especially interested to learn how important it is to keep planting gardens.
"Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis and make food out of it for themselves," she explains. "But they also pass a lot of that carbon through their roots to soil microorganisms, which feed there and deposit the mineral nutrients that plants need."
Kristin says plants will be healthy if the soil is healthy. "What makes it unhealthy is tilling and digging. The less you disturb the soil, the better," she says.
She also recommends keeping the soil covered with growing plants, or even dead plants. That way the soil microorganisms have the food they need to do their many good jobs.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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The question everyone should be asking, especially the managers of public employee pension funds, is how much longer our economy can run on zero percent (adj. for inflation) interest rates, quantitative easing and deficit spending.
Which brings us to the topic of this post.
Like nearly every public employee pension fund in the U.S., the University of California’s pension system is underfunded. According to the Sacramento Bee, the system is 79 percent funded, which equates to a $7.2 billion unfunded liability.
What is going to happen to the UC System’s pension fund when these asset bubbles deflate?
The precariously low funded ratio challenging America’s public employee pension systems is itself based on the dangerous assumption that we are not experiencing unsustainable asset inflation. A healthy correction would lower asset values, making the basic necessities of life – housing and energy – affordable again. But a healthy correction in asset values would render pension systems insolvent because the value of their investments – already on the brink of inadequacy – would decline further.
In the public debate over this issue, there is another assumption at work, pernicious and misleading. That assumption is that faculty on the various UC campuses are making common cause with the students by insisting that state taxpayers pick up the tab for these pensions. But there is no common cause. Beneficiaries of public sector pensions are shareholders. From funds that control nearly $4 trillion in investments, this privileged class of state and local government workers collect pensions that – at least in California – average four times (or more) what someone with similar compensation (and similar withholding) can expect to receive from Social Security. And unlike ordinary shareholders, when the shares held by their pension funds decline, they are empowered to force taxpayers to cover their losses.
The faculty that populate the campuses of the University of California, and by extension, every public employee who collects a pension at taxpayer – and tuition payer – expense, have interests that coincide with the one percent of the one percent, and the biggest banks, and the hedge funds, and the Wall Street firms they love to demonize. They benefit from the asset bubble that is destroying the economic aspirations of the rest of America. When financial policymakers encouraged cheap interest rates so ordinary people could borrow more than they could ever hope to pay back, just so they could own a home, shareholders – including the biggest shareholder class in the U.S., pension funds – profited from the debt-fueled economic growth. When asset bubbles rendered a middle class lifestyle unattainable to most Americans, the public sector exempted themselves through automatic cost-of-living increases and enhanced pension benefits.
The solution to the University of California’s money crunch is to suspend cost-of-living increases, increase payroll withholding for pension benefits, and lower pension benefit formulas. Only then will the people who teach California’s youth truly be making common cause with their students.
As it is, the roadblocks to sustainable economic growth are those who benefit from debt fueled asset bubbles – super rich shareholders and their fully co-opted partners, government workers.
A 14-7 vote yesterday by the full University of California Board of Regents made it official: Golden State Democrats are deeply divided on tuition increases, thanks to the intractable politics of underfunded pensions.
On one side are Democrats who favored the increases, including UC President Janet Napolitano, formerly President Obama’s secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Regent Richard C. Blum, the husband of long-time U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; and the school’s overwhelmingly Democratic faculty, who seek the tuition hikes to fill their pension plan that is $25 billion underfunded and would benefit from the extra money taken from students.
Napolitano insisted the UC system could not maintain its “vitality” or “stability” without more money from students.
In the 14-7 vote, among those seven opposed were some heavy-hitters in Democratic state politics: Gov. Jerry Brown, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson — all just re-elected to their offices; and former Speaker John Perez. Also in this camp would be many students who have protested the increases.
Brown went to the extraordinary length of offering his own counterproposal, falling back on the traditional idea of convening a panel of experts to recommend a policy.
Although the split among Democrats has dominated the news, tuition has not been the only issue to introduce party fractures in recent months.
State Democrats previously divided on education in the wake of the Vergara ruling, wherein Judge Rolf Treu ruled that California’s teacher tenure system unconstitutionally violated students’ civil rights. The controversy helped tee up a close and rancorous race between union-backed incumbent Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and his challenger, Marshall Tuck. Both are Democrats.
But a broader range of issues also proved problematic. Environmentalists chafed, for instance, at Brown’s diversion of cap-and-trade fees into the costly high-speed rail project, which wouldn’t help reduce statewide emissions for years.
The pensions crisis, however, has been quietly pushing Democrats apart. Outgoing controller and incoming Treasurer John Chiang, encouraged by Gov. Brown, developed a reputation for laying bare the abuses of pension funds like the California Public Employee’s Retirement System, whose pension-sweetening machinations recently drew the ire of the governor.
Chiang’s relatively bold stand has led some observers to speculate he could upset an anticipated struggle between Newsom and Attorney General Kamala Harris to replace Barbara Boxer in the U.S. Senate two years from now. For the moment, however, Chiang has helped drive a wedge into the Democratic Party by giving political cover to Democrats willing to object to California’s pension burdens. And though the pension issues at the heart of the UC tuition increase have been an open secret, they have yet to receive a commensurate amount of media attention.
As Bloomberg recently reported, the UC system operates an independent $90.7 billion pension fund, underfunded by about 20 percent. The state of California covers the employer’s percentage of pension costs for most state employees, but not for UC teachers.
Nathan Brostrom, UC’s chief financial officer, put the problem to Bloomberg in blunt terms. “Frankly, if the state were to pay that, we would not be proposing a tuition increase,” he said.
Given Sacramento’s current level of pension obligations — and the fraught politics surrounding the outcome of pension-fueled municipal bankruptcies in cities like Stockton — state Democrats have not been motivated to take on the UC’s massive pension obligations.
Confusion and a sense of powerlessness among students have deepened the political impact of UC’s pensions.
Higher UC tuition hikes — for what purpose?
Last week, on a post-election panel presented by Capitol Weekly, I raised the issue of potential tax increases being contemplated by public unions and other groups in the next election and said that one of the reasons more revenue was sought was to cover pension obligations.
Actually, pensions were that day’s news if you read accounts about the University of California’s request that tuition be raised by 5 percent a year for a five year period.
The chief reason for the tuition increase appears to be retirement costs.
How can you read that without concluding that the money is for retirement costs?
Like other government budgets, pension costs are squeezing the college budgets like a boa constrictor. When pro-tax advocates talk about the need for more money to pay for services, we should ask for a list of how that money will be spent and how much will be used to offset pension costs.
Higher education costs do seem out of control, rising 100 percent in the last decade. The debt burden on student loans is unconscionable and should be dealt with, starting with an examination of student loan interest rates.
What are the other costs driving up costs of higher education?
Before tuition is raised, the Regents should audit the system to see what is driving the cost.
But let’s not hide from pensions’ sizable role in any budget debate.
That is not yesterday’s news. It is today’s news and tomorrow’s news until some reforms come to be.
Higher Ed Tuition Hikes for What Purpose?
Higher education costs do seem out of control, rising 100-percent in the last decade. The debt burden on student loans is unconscionable and should be dealt with, starting with an examination of student loan interest rates.
Before tuition is raised the Regents should audit the system to see what is driving the cost.
But, let’s not hide from pension’s sizable role in any budget debate.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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As the Coding Experts have previously reported, over the past several years the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has grappled with the appropriate valuation of surgical services, which contain multiple office visits in the post-operative global period. CMS is concerned that a greater number of post-surgical visits have been included than are actually delivered by the surgeon or co-managing provider during the 10-day (minor surgery) or 90-day (major surgery) global period.
On July 1, 2017, CMS began requiring doctors who practice with more than 10 practitioners and who practice in certain states (Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon or Rhode Island) to report CPT 99024 (postoperative follow-up visit) when the doctor provides a visit during the postoperative period for certain services. For doctors of optometry, this reporting would be done when the doctor is providing postoperative care to a patient after surgery. CMS only requires that the postoperative visits be reported with CPT 99024 for certain surgical services. Click here for a complete listing of the codes that trigger reporting in 2018.
CMS recently released data on the number of doctors who are complying with this requirement.
CMS estimates that there are 247 doctors of optometry who performed at least one of the 293 relevant global procedures and were affiliated with a tax identification number with 10 or more practitioners. Out of those doctors, approximately 158 reported the appropriate 99024 code (64 percent of the relevant doctors of optometry).
Through this data analysis, CMS has indicated that there is a very small number of postoperative visits reported using CPT code 99024 during 10-day global periods. CMS is considering whether this is an indication that many visits included in the valuation of 10-day global packages are not actually being furnished. Based on this analysis, CMS may consider revaluing the 10-day global procedures in the near future.
Doctors practicing in the states that are required to report and who have a practice with more than 10 practitioners should ensure that visits are being appropriately reported for all 10- and 90-day global procedures on the required codes. Codes that require this reporting include glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, laser treatment of retina, removal of eyelid lesion, closure of tear duct opening and many more. All doctors of optometry should be aware of this effort and the early CMS findings as this will likely result in reimbursement changes in the near future.
New ICD-10 codes went into effect on Oct. 1, 2018. A number of changes have been made that impact doctors of optometry, including the addition of new codes for malignant melanoma of the eyelids; paralytic ectropion of eyelids; mechanical lagophthalmos and more. The 2019 Codes for Optometry manual can be purchased from AOA Marketplace.
In the American Medical Association's (AMA) CPT coding guidance publication, CPT Assistant, information was included regarding the appropriate coding to report corneal cross-linking for both the procedure and the drug. CPT has clarified that Category III code 0402T, collagen cross-linking of cornea (including removal of the corneal epithelium and intraoperative pachymetry when performed), is reported for the operative procedure. However, when performed in the office of a doctor of optometry or another physician's office, "the supply of eye drops would be reported separately with code 99070," according to CPT Assistant. While this guidance was provided by AMA CPT, it was noted that coding for the procedure and the drug may vary based on payer.
AOA Coding Today is an online, comprehensive database that contains information in real time for CPT, ICD-10 and HCPCS coding and research. The website is tailored specifically to optometry, assists doctors and staff in correct reimbursement and compliance, and has an easy-to-use code diagnosis ability based on region. This exclusive member resource can assist you immediately with your coding questions.
If you have suggestions for how AOA can best support the coding needs of doctors of optometry, please contact Kara Webb, AOA's director for coding and regulatory policy, by email or call 703.837.1018.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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Many owners strive for the perfect, emerald-inexperienced garden, which frequently signifies that their garden mower suffers considerable use and abuse. So if the specifics of this one do not match your wants, any of the others are likely to be very solid mowers, ranging from this basic push mower to this $850 mannequin Our choose is actually the least costly of the 5 mowers in Honda’s premium HRX line.
John Neff has used a RWD Honda for over four years and is a former owner of a FWD Troy-Bilt. Final, the mower lacks a washout port, which provides an easy approach to hose off the underside of the mowing deck. You probably have a small garden (less than three,000 sq. toes), and you don’t mind the exertion, you can reduce your value degree even further and get a push mower. This lets you shut off the blade and step away from the mower without shutting off the engine, which is nice if you must empty your bag of grass or transfer some lawn furniture or a fallen branch out of the best way.
Which means negating a feature of the mower you campaign for (self-propelled) anytime I need to move the mower over any non-slicing surface ( just like the tremendous helpful and undoubtably prohibited observe of placing these bags of clippings on the back of the mower for a quick trip to the rubbish cans).
All the noise and emissions benefits of a corded mower but without the pesky cord getting in the best way. For the fourth straight yr, the Honda HRX217K5VKA is the best mower for many lawns. Without it, you will do issues the old-fashioned method: tipping the mower back and spraying it down (oh, and security first—flip the mower off beforehand). You primarily cannot safely navigate the mower utilizing the drive over any floor you’ll be able to’t reduce. A 4-year-old in Longview, Texas misplaced a toe and was hospitalized after her mother backed over her on a riding lawn mower.
Previous Post Which Store Is Better For Home Values?

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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A perfect off-roader, comfortable as an SUV. Check out the new converted version and a variety of unique accessories.
Check out our offer of unique interiors for the most popular premium car makes, and choose the style that suits you best.
A limited edition conversion, inspired by the gloomy art of Jeral Tidwell, which will make your van one of a kind.
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Our service AT YOUR PLACE is convenient, allows you to save time and be sure that the vehicle conversion is professional. Our experts come to the location indicated, and convert the car in a garage.
Order any of our products and enjoy free delivery within European Union.
Make the interior of your house or office even more stylish with unique pictures and graphics by the Carlex Design Studio.
Subscribe for the newsletter and you will never miss a sale and you will be the first one to receive information about new products!

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


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On to the Ironman Boulder bike report, but you can catch up on my swim report here!
The transitions at Ironman Boulder are so long! I had a wonderful volunteer in the change tent who helped me get ready. Then I ran over to my bike and I got to say hi to Neil, my mom and my dad. On my way out I spotted Angie (who was not expecting me) and yelled, “What just happened??” She went wild when she saw me!
I was so pumped about my swim but it was time to put that behind me and focus on the bike ride ahead of me. After driving the bike course earlier in the week I was really excited to ride here.
Minimize stopping on the bike. I spent 27 minutes stopped in 2014, wasted between bathroom breaks and stopping to deal with cramps.
Eat and drink like a champ.
I pedalled as easy as possible in the opening miles, taking the first hills in my easiest gear. We rode under a foggy sky which helped to keep the temperatures cool to start off.
The first loop of 23 miles held the toughest hills and it flew by quickly. I then started on my first of the two large loops around Boulder. Riding north on Foothills Parkway didn’t look like a huge climb but it had enough grade that this felt like a slow hard go. Luckily thanks to the race director’s great pre-race videos I knew to expect this and I tried to keep my effort in check as much as possible.
My lower back started to hurt around the third aid station just before 40 miles. I pulled off to the side to stretch a bit. I don’t tend to ride in aero that much around Calgary so I don’t think my body was used to spending so much time in this position on race day.
Once I hit the intersection of 36 and 66 I reminded myself that I now knew what to expect since I had ridden the next 16 miles of the course earlier in the week. I broke the course into mental chunks and before I knew it I was getting started on my second loop.
My low back pain persisted so I kept trying to switch up my riding position, plus my feet started to feel like they were cramping on me. I’ve had this happen on really warm days before. I started to make quick stops at the aid stations to pour cold water on my feet and for a quick stretch. It helped to do the trick to manage the discomfort.
The volunteers at the aid stations were so enthusiastic and positive. One team even advertised snow cones at their station! They had little cups of crushed ice topped up with orange Gatorade. A wonderful volunteer here offered to put some ice down my top, something I’ve never tried on race day before. Let me tell you…ice down the sports bra and in your back pocket feels heavenly!!
I made the final turn on 26th Street towards transition with a huge smile on my face. I felt so much better today than I did two years ago. Smiles all the way and easy pedalling to get the legs ready for the run! I also managed to ride a 51 minute best time on the Ironman bike.
Again, this was another long transition at more than 0.3 miles! Once I dismounted from my bike I pulled over to the side to take my bike shoes off so I could walk in socks. My feet were feeling so sore from the cramps I dealt with on the bike, but walking in socks gave a chance for my feet to stretch out. In transition I swapped out my socks, put some sunscreen on and headed out.
Pop Tarts! Yum! What a great idea for the bike ride!
Back pain on the bike is what caused me to stop cycling. Stopping to stretch is such a great idea – a few minutes off the bike probably saved you so much time overall!
The only thing about the Pop Tarts is I bought 3 for $5 because they were on sale at Target and I’m still eating pop tarts to try and finish them off, lol!!

industry_corpus2: Sports


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When I first started this blog it was all about fashion. I dressed up, took photos with my camera and wrote a quick story because I thought my readers needed commentary to explain the outfit.
Then one day I woke up and remembered how much I owe the Government for my English degree. I kid!! Joking..not really. What I really woke up to was the thought of having a space where single moms could visit, be encouraged and inspired because they saw pieces of themselves in my writing.
I wanted, NO want them to tap into their inner Diva while being a Mom and take control of their journey. Make the travel what thy deeply desire not what life deals haphazardly. So I stated talking (because I want my writing to read like I'm actually having a conversation) about the things I was going through, had gone through and where I'd like to see myself go.
I sit down at the computer and the story unfold. Out took a long time to get here. I've been on this space almost 4 years. That's a lot of life. So I begin to question if what I was doing here initially made someone believe single parenting was the easiest thing in the world. I questioned of I appeared superficial because it appeared that all I cared about your clothes and shoes. There was some other questions I ask myself but I can't think of them right now.
The result was when I would share in private with someone a good or bad experience, what I learned from it, how I grew and became better; they seemed so empowered that I wanted topi share more and I wanted to hear the speed of others like me. The layers and masks were / are being stripped away and I discovered /am discovering myself.
Some of those epiphanies were heavy, painful, bottled up from my childhood, some were swift kicks in the pants and I was forced to acknowledge I was out of the will of God and made a messy, I'm talking landfill mess of specific areas in my life. But they weren't all negative. I stated seeing the good I'd done, the valuable lessons passed on to me as well as the ones I learned journeying sometimes solo, dating the wrong guy, when there were changes in my village and support system, with a committed prayer life and when it was non-existent.
I wrote about those things. It was rewarding. I was able to look back and see from when I'd come. It was helpful to others. It was helpful to me. Allowing others to peek in my window provided insight where they might not have known what to do or what could be done. I'm no expert but real life, real people and real stories will reach my heart any day of three well. Genuineness is authentic. To be authentic you may be transparent. No curtians, drapes or blinds. Just a raw movie being played out.
That's why I'm here. To practice the art of transparency in hopes that a reader whose light may have dimmed will find their flame ignited, their spirit renewed and their mind alert, ready for change and transformation. Nothing I write here can be used against me! I've already lived it and survived. Ha, ha, haaa the irony.
Mom with a story that's on display.


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Imagine if your hotel guests checked into their room to find the power was out, or that it only worked some of the time? Well, that’s exactly how they feel when your hotel WiFi doesn’t perform. Like electricity and hot water, WiFi is a utility that has become integral to the guest experience, and your WiFi performance has become a direct reflection on the quality of your hotel itself.
Unfortunately, just offering hotel WiFi isn’t enough. It needs to be fast, reliable, secure and, most likely, free. If you want to avoid frustrated guests, bad reviews and spotty performance, here are the 7 things every hotel WiFi network needs to succeed.
Network security controls where your guests can go on your hotel WiFi network and what they can do. At a minimum, you need a Firewall and access segmentation to secure the hotel’s operational network and back of house completely from its guest network. Additional WiFi network segments may also be required for conference rooms and meeting areas, depending on your property. An incorrectly configured or inadequate hotel WiFi network can leave your hotel exposed to a potential security breach and the legal consequences of having poor network security.
Technology issues don’t sleep, and neither should your hotel WiFi service provider. Real-time monitoring and alerts are essential to verify that your hotel WiFi network is functioning properly, 24 hours a day. Ideally, you want a hotel WiFi provider that also conducts on-site visits, maintenance and emergency response upon request. Quickly diagnosing and solving hotel WiFi network issues is key to guest satisfaction and team member productivity.
A hotel WiFi service provider with live, U.S. based help desk support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year ensures your hotel guests get help quickly and efficiently, should a problem arise. In addition, a professional 24 hour help desk takes the pressure off your internal hotel staff, so that they can focus on serving guests in areas in which they have more direct control. The best hotel WiFi providers provide three levels of WiFi support and coordinate their help desk and installation technicians for a comprehensive support service plan. You also want to make sure to choose a provider who has local technicians available across the country for emergency on-site service.
Tiered bandwidth enables you to offer your hotel guests free WiFi service or an upgrade to a faster paid connection. If offering a paid option, it’s also important to work with a WiFi provider who is capable of integrating your hotel WiFi network with your existing PMS. This way your guests can either pay for their access directly via credit card on the Internet access landing page, or their billing information can be sent to your PMS to be billed at the time of checkout. Without PMS integration, hotel staff will be required to enter billing data manually into the PMS, opening up the potential for data entry errors, missed billing and billing disputes. Learn more about WiFi Speed and Bandwidth.
An Internet access landing page informs guests of any charges that they may incur, as well as the guest’s responsibilities as an Internet user in your hotel. These customized landing pages protect both the guests and your hotel from the hassle of disputed charges, and protect you from guests who may use the Internet for illegal purposes. In addition, customized landing pages have the ability to advertise other services that the hotel offers during the guest’s stay, potentially leading to additional revenue. To learn more about maximizing your ROI, read How to Make Your Hotel WiFi More Profitable.
WiFi is not a “set it and forget it” situation, it’s dynamic, which means you need to be able to monitor and measure your hotel WiFi network on an on-going basis. Your hotel WiFi provider should offer you access, either through an app or an online dashboard, to key information about your network performance. Some of the analytics and data you need to be able to review include your upload and download speeds, bandwidth utilization, support ticket status, guest survey scores and monthly revenue. The best hotel WiFi service providers also offer customer analytics and insights that allow you to turn your hotel WiFi network into a powerful marketing tool.
Technology changes at a rapid pace, so to save your hotel from the time and expense of future upgrades, your hotel WiFi needs to be designed for future scalability. You need a hotel WiFI provider who has extensive experience with hotel WiFi infrastructure, and is able to design a hotel WiFi network that not only utilizes best of breed solutions for optimum connectivity, but also meets your unique property needs for today’s usage and tomorrow’s technology.
Hotel WiFi is a highly-specialized skill, and many hoteliers get into trouble thinking they can find an inexpensive technician to handle the job or, worse, they try to do it themselves. Designing, deploying and managing large-scale, enterprise grade wireless networks is not an easy task – it’s critical to choose a hotel WiFi service provider who has experience.
Deep Blue Communications has been an industry leader in large scale hotel WiFi solutions for more than 15 years, and is a hotel WiFi provider for Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, Marriott and more. We have helped businesses all across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to elevate the WiFi experience for their guests, and we can do the same for you. To learn more about our customizable hotel WiFi solutions, call 1-844-389-2718 or contact us.


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Event co-chairs Janet Davis (left) and Barbara McDuffie (right) help awardee Susan Miller to the podium.
The stories of cancer survivors connect with us on a visceral level because they ring true in our own lives. They mirror our own experiences and the experiences of our friends, family members, and loved ones. By reaching out to others who have been through the same tribulations with the disease, we create a community dedicated to beating cancer.
To fight back against the disease, women are organizing events where they can share stories, raise funds for research, and stand in solidarity with survivors. At Georgetown’s annual Women & Wine event—organized by and hosted for women —survivors, donors, and business leaders come together to celebrate life and pursue the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research, established in 1989 by designer Ralph Lauren and the late Washington Post Company president Katherine Graham, as a tribute to their friend Nina Hyde, legendary fashion editor at The Washington Post.
From its beginning 12 years ago with 100 women in a room at the Palm Restaurant, Women & Wine has grown significantly, and raised a total of $2.5 million for cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi. The springtime event now features business networking, an extensive silent auction, and Georgetown doctors and scientists presenting the latest developments in cancer research to 650 attendees.
Growing research on gender and philanthropy points to different giving trends between men and women. For example, a 2015 report from the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy notes that women increasingly engage in forms of collaborative donor models such as giving circles. More than half of giving circles in the U.S. are women-only, and many prioritize issues that impact women and girls.
Women & Wine co-chairs McDuffie and Janet Davis agree, adding that women are familiar with the struggle that breast cancer survivors have faced, and they want their philanthropic dollars to make a direct impact.
Next year’s event will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner on April 18, 2018. Contact Sharon Courtin (sc830@georgetown.edu) to learn more.
Conor and Susan Miller discuss her care with Susan Moreland, DNP.


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The federal government has made more than $1-billion in profits from its passport program since significantly increasing the cost of a Canadian passport five years ago, according to newly released documents.
Canadian adults pay anywhere from $120 to $160 for an adult passport, despite the fact that it only cost the government $69.23 to produce the 36-page travel document in the 2016-17 fiscal year, according to immigration documents provided to The Globe and Mail by Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Richard Kurland. The price increase appears to have contributed to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual surpluses for the passport program from 2013 to 2017, totalling more than $1-billion over four years.
Mr. Kurland, who obtained the data under the Access to Information Act, said it is inappropriate for Ottawa to profit off the backs of Canadian taxpayers.
“A billion dollars made in just four years is a lot of money and the money comes directly from individual Canadians who are overpaying for their Canadian passports,” Mr. Kurland said in an interview.
Former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government increased the cost of passports in 2013 in an effort to cover the nearly $5 it was losing every time it issued a passport. In addition to boosting the cost of a five-year passport from $87 to $120, the government also started providing a 10-year passport at a cost of $160, increased the cost of a child’s passport by $20 to $57 and introduced a $45 replacement fee for lost or stolen documents.
Canadians ordering passports from outside of the country face the biggest fees today – $190 for a five-year passport or $260 for the 10-year document.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a statement that the passport program operates on a “cost-recovery basis,” meaning it finances its operations entirely from fees charged for passports and other travel documents. IRCC spokesperson Nancy Caron said the program is currently in the middle of its 10-year business cycle, which started in July, 2013, and plans to use revenues from the first half of that period to offset the anticipated drop in demand for passports as a result of the 10-year passport option.
“No changes are currently planned to the passport fee structure. The passport program closely monitors its financial status to ensure that it is in compliance with all relevant authorities governing the program,” Ms. Caron said.
However, NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan called on the government to conduct a full review of the passport-fee structure.
“The cost of the processing fees for passports should reflect the actual cost itself,” Ms. Kwan said.
Ms. Kwan said high passport costs limit the ability of low-income Canadians to obtain the important travel document. For instance, she said, many seniors in her Vancouver-area riding have complained about the high cost of a passport on a fixed income.
The Conservatives declined to comment on the passport-program profits.
Comparatively, American adults pay US$145 for a new 10-year passport, while British citizens are required to pay the equivalent of about $115.
Do I need a passport while driving in the U.S.?

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


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LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - November 29, 2016) - Sensay, the company known for its artificial intelligence messaging platform and chatbot network, has been awarded the Wavemaker Award for the Hottest Early Stage Startup at Siemer Summit and it is also a recipient of TechWeek LA 100 Award 2016. Sensay intends to be the AI powered connector for access to between one human to another for knowledge and experience.
Siemer Summit is an annual invite-only, two-day summit which gathers influential tech figures from around the globe for presentations, networking and relationship building. The award that Sensay was honored with this year, Wavemaker's Waverider Award, recognizes the most innovative and promising young companies and leaders. The winners each year are selected by an esteemed panel of Wavemaker Awards judges containing global industry veterans and representatives from top VC firms. This year, Sensay was honored among peers such as Thrive Market and Dollar Shave Club.
TechWeek 100 recognizes the top individuals and organizations, among them 50 Los Angeles based companies that "have made a significant impact on the technology and innovation ecosystem in which they operate." The list represents businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, as well as their leaders. Sensay was honored this year under the Innovator category along with companies like Dollar Shave Club, Soylent and Oculus.
As messengers are becoming the new operating system and bots are the new apps, Sensay straddles a very important area between helping you discover new things and new people. In September, Facebook's David Marcus announced that over 30,000 bots have been built since its opening of the Messenger app to bot developers in April. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Slack are also clamoring for the attention of bot developers onto their own platforms.
Founded in 2014, Sensay has now surpassed 55 million messages on the platform and also reached more than 1.5 million users, which exponentially increase the power of the community and network size.
"Sensay's recognition by these awards signifies its footprint as a trailblazer in the conversational age," said Ariel Jalali, CEO at Sensay. "As the first AI-backed peer-to-peer bot platform, Sensay is demolishing the idea that chatbots disappoint conversationally by demonstrating its value to anyone using the platform the first time they use it. 92 percent of people who used Sensay with needs receive real help from users like them."
Sensay is an artificial intelligence based messaging platform designed to connect humans through conversation across all popular messengers. Sensay is founded on the principle that all humans are valuable, and that knowledge and life experience are the greatest assets a human can own and pass on to one another. Sensay has been awarded the Waverider Award for the Hottest Early Stage Startup at Siemer Summit and TechWeek LA 100 Award in 2016. Founded in 2014, Sensay has raised 6 million seed capital from top tier investors including Norwest Venture Partners, NHN, Sweet Capital, Draper Associates, Amplify.LA and Greycroft Partners. For more information please visit: http://sensay.it.
About this company Sensay, Inc.

industry_corpus2: Artificial Intelligence


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While at Berkeley as a student, I was able to take 50 percent of my classes in engineering and the other 50 percent in science courses. The science courses were mostly in the field of physics.
I was always interested in small things such as atoms in crystals and molecular structures. I did not get interested in carbon nanotubes until I ran into a colleague at Purdue. His name is Timothy Fisher, and he is a mechanical engineer and professor at Purdue University.
Tim is an expert in carbon nanotubes and one day we started talking about our interests. I was working on nanoporous materials and he was working on nanotubes. So, we decided to combine our interests and lab experiences to see if we could grow the carbon nanotubes inside a porous material. This experience got me interested in carbon nanotubes. While working as a team, we both also learned more about each other's fields of study.

industry_corpus2: Technology & Research


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When you have no idea about the SDI exam while studying, we will be your study guide. Testpassport products can help you master the SDI Certification knowledge by clearly showing you the key points required in the SD0-401 exam. With the help of our SD0-401 training materials you will learn better without attending other expensive courses.
Testpassport updated real SDI SD0-101 simulation exam ,and there are 165 Q&As in Testpassport SDI SD0-101 exam material,which can make sure that you can pass the exam 100% ,the 165 Q&As as experience in your real tests.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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Healthy and Colorful Beet and Kale Salad! Paleo and vegan, with red and golden beets, blood orange slices, kale, and toasted pistachios.
Casserole of chopped fresh kale, mushrooms, onions, ciabatta bread, cheddar cheese, milk, and eggs.
This Kale Salad with Balsamic, Pine Nuts and Parmesan is our most requested salad over the holidays. It's a crowd pleaser!
Dinosaur kale, also called Lacinato or black kale, sautéed with garlic and olive oil and serve with poached baby potatoes.
Wilted kale recipe with arame seaweed, garlic, sesame, and fresh minced ginger.


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Access Lighting is a family-owned and operated business established in 1989 by Harry Rosenblatt in Tustin, California. The company’s motto “Where exclusivity meets affordability” rings true to this day, with contemporary lighting that can be appreciated and afforded by anyone with a passion for modern design. Access Lighting is a contemporary lighting brand excelling in the home-furnishings marketplace around the world. The company pairs contemporary design and long-lasting materials with cutting-edge technology while maintaining reasonable prices.
The brand’s vast collections include classic time-tested contemporary indoor and outdoor fixtures all while embracing the latest lighting technologies. With an in-house UL-certified conversion center in the United States their product line includes an array of designer collection pendants, flushmounts, directional spotlights, floor and table lamps all available in a variety of energy-efficient LED and fluorescent options. The brand also features ADA, Title 24 and Energy Star compliant fixtures. Whether you need a light fixture for your residence or to fit a commercial space, you will surely appreciate the range of light fixtures Access Lighting has to offer.
Access Lighting’s luxurious yet timeless style and innovative technology is best exemplified in the Spa LED Square Vanity Mirror. The fixture adds visual interest to your vanity thanks to its sleek design. It is made with an anti-fog heating coil that keeps the surface clear and is ETL-certified, making it ideal for damp locations. The square frosted diffuser and dimmable on/off switch allows you to adjust the LED illumination to the level you need, proving Access Lighting always has the consumer in mind in design and functionality.
If outdoor lighting is what you’re seeking, the Myra Outdoor Adjustable Spotlight offers the functionality and features needed to illuminate your exterior within a clean and simple profile. The adjustable head allows you to reach a precise angle and direct light where you need it most, ensuring safety and proper outdoor illumination.
Always keeping functionality in mind, Access Lighting’s unique design and quality is unlike any other on the market. Their dedication to creating indoor and outdoor contemporary lighting designs paired with cutting-edge technology at affordable price points allows everyone to enjoy great design that lasts.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Qualno has only six characters and only two syllables. Two-syllable names are highly rare and exceptionally desirable. Examples of popular two syllable names include Visa, Starbucks and Gucci.
Qualno.com is a dot-com domain. Dot com domains are the most valuable top-level-domain in the world, used by famous websites like facebook.com. Owning a dot-com says that you own the word "qualno" online.


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Welcome to the first HR L&D Podcast – created by Nick Day from JGA Recruitment.
In this episode CEO and Founder of Anders Pink, Stephen Walsh discusses “Content Curation for L&D Professionals”.
Anders Pink aims to help teams stay smart through continuous learning and by curating relevant content. They help find, filter and share the latest content on any topic, client, sector or industry which saves businesses time by locating better content faster and therefore improving engagement. Anders Pink are also able to embed curated content into your Learning Platforms and this is something we find out much more about in this episode of the HR L&D Podcast!
In this episode, we take a deep-dive into Stephen’s 20-plus years in learning technology and communications to help us understand how learning and development practitioners can achieve a culture of continuous learning and content curation for their businesses.
We also discover more about Stephen’s book ‘Content Curation for Learning’ and we explore how L&D professionals can intelligently filter the way people see information and better support organizations by creating habit-forming practices that will help you to improve your processes for continuous learning and content curation.
So, fasten your seat-belts for a journey deep into the world of content curation!
The key strategies behind Stephen’s “Seek, Sense and Share model”.
The key strategies you would recommend to help them make their content curation processes more efficient?
How you can own the content curation process?
The key ‘tangible business benefits’ of a business having a content curation strategy?
The HR L&D Podcast that requires your support for it to survive. It is a niche podcast created for a specialist audience, so if you like the show, please subscribe to it, review it and share it with as many of your HR or L&D colleagues as possible.
If you wish to get involved with HR L&D Podcast or indeed if you would like to suggest a topic or tell us what you think about it, please get in touch!


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Here at Dade City Transmission we are always willing to work on all of your transmission issues. Whether its grinding or shaking, refusing to go into gear or that the gears are slipping. If you smell burning or even if the transmission is leaking or has low fluid. No matter if the transmission is in need of replacement or a simple repair. At Dade City Transmission we are an Automatic Transmision Service Group (ATSG) and will work on new or old transmissions. If your check engine light is on get the problem diagnosed with us and we will get you back on the road in no time.
Dade City Transmission in Dade City, FL. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer. Our teams has over 25 years experience; ASE and ATRA certified; specializing in transmission, transfer case, and differential rebuilding. Our customers have come to value our high quality work at reasonable and competitive rates. Visit the shop at 15526 US Hwy 301, Dade City, FL 33523, just north of the Dade City Business Center and in front of the Pioneer Museum.
Our ASE certified technicians love working on your vehicles and it shows in the feedback we get from our customers. Their vehicles perform well and they feel the positive environment! Bring your vehicle in and let us get to work keeping your car, truck or suv in top performance condition.
2010 City of Columbus Platinum Savings Award. $134,861.30 SAVINGS. Suggestion award presented to Wayne Foughty for having submitted an idea resulting in a calculable dollar savings for the City of Columbus. Put our ideas to work for your fleet business.
Staying current with your certifications in today's ever changing world of automotive technology is important and what we do here at Dade City Transmission! ASE Certifications....up to date!


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It seems that there is a new horror story every day on essential oils and pets lately. Our Dr Benson addressed the concerns with essential oils and cats in her blog: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/ and now it is time to give our canine friends equal time.
The first thing that I will say about essential oils is that not understanding them or not being educated on appropriate use is what tends to cause the concerns that we see with dogs. If you are going to use essential oils in your daily life, find a reliable source to gain the education that you need to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe.
What are essential oils? They are basically the volatile, organic component of plants that give each plant its distinctive fragrance and taste. These compounds are found in the roots, stems, leaves, nuts, seed and virtually all parts of the plant. They are considered volatile because their molecules quickly go from a liquid or solid state into a gas or aroma. This is what makes aroma therapy possible. When you open a bottle of an essential oil, you very quickly smell the aroma as the molecules escape the bottle in the form of gas.
We have certainly seen an increase in essential oil toxicity in recent years due to the increase in pet owner’s desire to treat more holistically or with natural remedies. In dogs, the most common essential oil toxicities that we see are to Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil, Pennyroyal, Oil of Wintergreen, and Pine Oils. I want to break down each one of these potential toxins to give you a better understanding of where the danger exists with each of these oils.
Melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, is our most common essential oil offender in toxicities to dog. Tea tree oil originates from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. These exposures often occur with application or administration of the concentrated tea tree-oil by well-meaning pet owners attempting to treat their pet for various skin conditions or external parasites such as fleas. It is equally absorbed with both dermal or oral administration and both result in toxicity. These toxicities are not caused by the very low concentrations of tea tree oil in the various shampoos made for dogs. The concentrated products are the primary culprit. We can see signs of depression, ataxia (very uncoordinated gait), paralysis of the rear legs, vomiting, hypothermia (low body temperature), and dermal irritation. These exposures will require veterinary intervention. The signs can be present for up to 4 days with aggressive care and treatment.
Pennyroyal is an oil from Mentha Pulegium, more commonly known as European Pennyroyal or squaw mint. Pennyroyal has a long history in folk medicine with use as an insect repellent. It can be used by unsuspecting pet owners to treat flea infestations or to try to prevent flea infestations. Again, oral or dermal exposures can both result in toxicity. The short answer on the toxicity with pennyroyal is that it causes hepatic necrosis or liver failure. We can see the dog become sick after exposure with vomiting, diarrhea, both of which can be bloody, lethargy and death due to hepatic necrosis. Again, aggressive veterinary care is needed to try to support the liver and prevent liver failure. Pennyroyal is a known toxin to dogs and all forms of it should be avoided in dogs.
Our third essential oil of concern is Oil of Wintergreen. It is derived from the Gaultheria Procumbens or the Eastern Teaberry. Long story short, Oil of Wintergreen contains methyl salicylates, more commonly know as aspirin. It is many times used topically as a pain reliever for muscle aches and pains but may also be used in holiday candies with bakers having bottle of concentrated product. Dogs can show signs of aspirin toxicity and we can see signs of vomiting due to severe gastrointestinal upset and ulcers, along with potential renal and liver failure. Aggressive veterinary care is needed for gastrointestinal protection and renal and hepatic support.
On to Pine Oils. Pine oils are derived from Pinus sylvestris or the Scots Pine located in Europe. In fact, it is the national tree of Scotland. Pine oils are used as a natural disinfectant, deodorizer, household cleaning products and massage oils. The touted benefits of pine oil include increasing circulation, aids in decreasing swelling, tenderness and pain in sore joints and muscles along with antibacterial properties. What we can see in dogs with dermal or oral exposure can be dermal or gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting that may be bloody, drooling, weakness, ataxia, along with affects to the central nervous system, and potential renal and liver affects. Again, aggressive care is needed to limit or decrease the exposure and prevent worsening clinical signs.
Another element of concern with essential oils is with the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. Because of the viscosity of oils, we get concerned with the dog getting the oil in their lungs not only when ingesting it, but because of the irritation that it can cause to the gastrointestinal tract, we can see the oil be aspirated when it is vomited back up. For this reason, we do not recommend induction of emesis with oil products and immediate veterinary care is needed with most of these exposures.
Prevention is the best medicine in limiting essential oil toxicities in dogs. Many of the exposures that we deal with are from well-meaning pet owners that have used an essential oil without knowing the consequences or risks involved with these types of volatile oils. I would recommend discussing any use of essential oils with your veterinarian prior to use. If they do not have experience with essential oils, they will likely know someone in the veterinary profession that they can refer you to get the information that you need for safe use of essential oils.
If you have an exposure to an essential oil product in your pet, please do not hesitate to contact us for information. We are here 24/7 to assist you and your pet!


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The Crochet Extra Newsletter is published on the first day of every month except January. This newsletter provides information regarding happenings in the business, details and pictures of articles completed by customers, comments by customers, stock information pertaining to the monthly theme, monthly specials, book of the month and information regarding new products. The printed newsletter is designed for customers who do not have easy internet access and is mailed on a subscription basis (currently $13.00 per year for 11 issues).
The first part of the newsletter is also published on our website while the Specials, book of the month and new products are also available on our site providing the same information as the printed newsletter. All previous newsletters are also available.
If you wish to subscribe (for a period of one yaer) to have the printed newsletter mailed to you at the beginning of each month (except January) then please order below. You may also renew your subscription (for a maximum of one year) below as well.
Please NOTE the Crochet Extra Newsletter is NOT the same as email newsletters which provide email information about 3 times per month and may be automatically subscribed to by completing the boxes at the bottom of the product listing on the left side of the page.


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The city of Molyvos, near the sea, has two names: Molyvos and Mithymna. Molyvos is the name used during the Middle Ages or according to an other source: the name used during the Ottoman period. Nowadays you see mostly Mithymna but because I keep forgetting the modern name, I prefer using Molyvos.
Molyvos with its towering castle looks very inviting; you park your car just outside the city from where you have a magnificent view of the city.
Molyvos, Lesbos: view from a restaurant.
and I left my heart at "Istos", an unpretentious shop from the outside, in the A. Kyriakos square. A young couple, both framers, run this shop selling all kinds of pictures and images, mostly of Lesbos, a lot of them impeccably framed by the couple; I was so focused on the pictures, it was so terribly hot and the lack of time makes that I only remember clothes and some mugs as other articles in the shop; their business cards says: hand-made Greek objects, but I couldn't tell you what else they had besides clothes and some mugs. You definitely should visit this shop when you are in Molyvos! and the square it is on is very picturesque and inviting. Molyvos has great and sophisticated shops!
Mansion at A. Kyriakos square, Molyvos, Lesbos.
Do you love cutwork embroidery? I do! It is simple, yet sophisticated, it has a quiet but strong presence and is always elegant. Greeks like it also: their curtains are in it, their table cloths, even restaurants like "Kalderimi" in Mytilini, the capital of Lesbos, use them.
How about this one: a curtain in a restaurant we went to in November 2013 in Parga, Greece; a very very picturesque small city with a castle, a small monastery on a tiny island in the bay and many more.
We decided to take an other route back to the hotel and good for us, we found the small town of Filia on our road. At a small distance from the city, we got out of the car to take pictures of 2 very special houses along the road. They are a good example of the style of the houses in this town: natural stone and bricks are used and mixed together.
When we got out of the car and looked around, we saw that the city had a mosque; that meant that the city had a long history; we decided to pay Filia a visit. Entering from the side where the minaret stood, there was a nice surprise: we saw a small, lovely 3-arched bridge in true Ottoman style, obviously not in use any more even the riverbed was only faintly visible. On our way back to the car, we crossed the senior in the picture; he just said: "Turk"! We were much intrigued by his spontaneous remark: was he a Turk, still living among Greeks? was he referring to the mosque? what did he mean? We tried to start a conversation, but obviously he only spoke Greek and we didn't get any more information out of him.
Filia: 3-arched Ottoman bridge; courtesy of Suat Özönder.
We parked the car and went for the minaret. It is mostly intact, the mosque too but is used as a warehouse. It was surrounded by a fence so we couldn't take good pictures or have a good view.
Filia: view of the mosque; courtesy of Suat Özönder.
On leaving the city, we saw that there was much more to see and decided to come back to visit Filia some other time in the future.
Momardica charantina or bitter melon, bitter gourd.
Have you ever seen this plant? Do you know this plant? It is the momardica charantina or the bitter melon or the bitter gourd. According to an ancient Greek theory, the plant itself tells us what you can use it for, what it benefits are. What does it looks like to you? Doesn't it resemble the inside of a stomach? Yes: if you cut the fruit in pieces, clean it from the powerful colored red and sticky seeds and let it steep in olive oil for some weeks, if you then take a table spoon of the mixture on an empty stomach, it'll heal your stomach problems; it is also good for the skin and contains antibiotics. This decorative fruit is ripe in this season and if you don't have them in your garden, maybe your neighbor has some to spare! I made a collage with the clear green leaves and a tiny yellow flower, that becomes a hard to discover green, unripe fruit; when it turns bright orange in September, it is ripe; dry the seeds, store them well to plant next year!
Lesbos, as seen from Turkey at a wonderful sunset.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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1. In which castle are the Scottish Crown Jewels kept?
2. Which famous castle is on the island of Anglesy?
3. At which castle was there a major fire in 1992?
4. According to legend where in Cornwall is king Arthurs castle?
5. The Trip to jerusalem pub, said to be the oldest in Britain lies under which castle?
6. Which castle in Kent shares its name with a city in Yorkshire?
7. At which castle was Mary queen of Scots crowned in 1543?
8. Carisbrooke castle is on which island of the U.K?
9. Where did the investiture of Prince Charles take place?
10. In which English County is Corfe castle?


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We drove a 991 GTS to Stuttgart to meet its heir, the 992 – which is more powerful, faster, better looking and soon-to-be-available as a hybrid as well.
The model codes at Porsche can be quite confusing – numeric formulas that follow a progression of their own. Sometimes they’re so confusing that they appear to have come from the mind of a crazy mathematician – something that none of us have ever been able to understand.
Nonetheless, my photographer and I found ourselves on board a 991 – there’s no need to explain that to enthusiasts in the know, but it’s the current generation 911 for those who don’t know – heading to meet its heir, the 992. In this case, we must admit, that the progression makes sense. Before the 991, however, there was the 997, which in turn was preceded by the 996, 993, 964 and 930. Interesting, isn’t it? But none of that matters, because we were driving a Porsche par excellence, and the only numbers that we were interested were those of the 0 to 100km/h acceleration time (4.1 seconds) and the top speed as reflected on the speedo (312km/h).
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Stuttgart is still far away. In fact, between speed limits and long queues, we’re struggling to keep the GTS in check – especially when faced with smooth stretches of tarmac that tempt you to unleash this rear-engined beast. I was forced to put it in ‘Drive’ and enjoy the everyday usability of the 911. Frankly, the 911 makes for a great touring machine, with very little tyre and wind noise.
And what an engine it is. The 992, in its S version, for the very first time, transcends the 4-second threshold for the 0 to 100km/h sprint – it now takes only 3.7 seconds to race to the tonne, which makes it almost half a second faster than the 991. And the 4S version of the 992 takes only 3.6 seconds, thanks to its all-wheel drive system.
And if you opt for the Sport Chrono package, you’ll gain an extra two extra tenths. In short, for the price of an S version, you get a car that offers more performance than the current generation GTS. Speaking of which, after crossing into Germany, we were finally able to open up the 991 on the unrestricted stretches of the Autobahn.
But it’s not just top speed and acceleration numbers that are important, if anything, it’s the sheer balance of the chassis and the high levels of confidence that the 911 instils in the driver. And this is something that we got to experience first-hand on the winding country roads after leaving the Autobahn, as we got close to Stuttgart. But this inherent balance that we experienced wasn’t enough for the engineers at Porsche. ‘In order to meet the goal of further refining its dynamic behaviour, we wanted to start from the fundamentals, without resorting to electronics. Therefore, we decided to widen the front track, allowing us to use a less rigid stabiliser bar,’ says Achleitner. ‘The combination of these elements has improved traction, especially while exiting a corner. We widened the rear track as well’ – which has led to those voluptuous rear haunches.
Now, you also have the option of choosing between the standard and Sport chassis, which is stiffer and offers yet more performance. But Mister 911 assures us that this does not compromise comfort – especially if you opt for the electronically controlled shock-absorbers – which became available for the first time on the 991. The electronics have also been designed to help the driver in the rain, with acoustic sensors that work on the variation of the sound frequency within the wheel wells. In case of water accumulation on the road, the system informs the driver of the risk of aquaplaning, while the control system, acting on the same signals, automatically adjusts the stability control. Now the driver, at his discretion, is free to apply additional measures. For instance, he can modify the behaviour of the self-locking differential by activating the ‘Wet’ mode.
Let’s now talk about the engine, which remains a 3.0-litre, flat-six, twin-turbocharged engine. Achleitner’s team, however, have worked rigorously on its evolution – and the results are apparent. In terms of consumption, Achleitner says they’ve achieved efficiency gains of between 3 to 5%.
In order to reduce the weight of the vehicle, the body has undergone several modifications. For instance, the fenders, which previously were steel, are now aluminium. But the big wheels, the wider track, stiffer body, additional welding, and the particulate filter system don’t allow for a significant decrease in weight when compared to the 991. According to Achleitner, ‘These are compromises that are mandated by electrification.
We need just the slightest excuse to drive a 911 across Europe. In this case, our mission was to pilot a 991-generation 911 from Italy to Germany to delve deeper into the brand new generation – the 992.
Through small towns and cities, we drove a 991 to meet its heir in a photo studio near Stuttgart, but not before a quick stop at the historic Zuffenhausen and Porsche museum.
This shadow of August Achleitner, aka Mister 911, looms large – he is now free to retire.
Where did the gear lever disappear to? The gear knob is now a small lever that can be seen on the central tunnel. ‘It’s used only to switch between Drive, Reverse and Park. All the other functions can be performed using paddles on the steering wheel,’ says Porsche.
The cockpit now adopts a digital instrument panel. The rev counter needle remains the only analogue element.
The reflection of the 991 on the glass canopy of the Porsche Museum.


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There’s a lot of paralyzing questions you tend to ask yourself when trying to reconnect with a recovering addict in your life. It’s not easy to make sense of a lot of the emotions you’re feeling.
If you have a loved one in or going into rehab, we’ve got a guide on how to offer support.
But, if you love a drug addict that’s out of rehab, we have some tips on how to approach all those burning questions running through your mind.
Many people ask about how to talk to an addict. But, actually, the most important thing you can do is listen.
No interruptions. No criticisms. No judgement.
Even if they’re talking about something you personally don’t think is best for them.
It’s very important to stay a sounding board. It’s easy for a recovering addict to close up. Often, it feels like this whole ordeal is something they’re living through alone.
So, the more heard they feel, the more likely they’ll feel supported. And the more they feel supported, the better their chances of staying on the right road.
It’s best to try to see through their eyes as they speak. This isn’t a one-way road. Educate yourself on all the things they need to be doing to reconnect with you, just as you’re trying to reconnect with them.
Always refer back to rule 1: listen. But when it comes time for you to talk, you always want to avoid questioning their road to recovery.
The worst thing you can do is dismiss their uphill battle. Try not to downplay the seriousness of their addiction and how much it’s going to affect their new post-rehab life.
This is a lifestyle change. A permanent one, hopefully. And that’s not something to be deemphasized.
Don’t tell them you never thought they had a problem, to begin with. Don’t give them permission to see this long road to recovery as anything other than 100% necessary. Because it is.
No matter what brought them to rehab, no matter the history that may still be fresh in your memory, always let your loved one know that you still love and care about them.
It’s hard to know exactly what to say to an addict you love, but it should always be said with patience and affection.
They need constant and consistent support. The first step towards giving them that consistency is making sure your tone and your intentions always come from a place of kindness.
When you love a drug addict, always approach any conversation with an open heart, always trying to see things from their point of view. Even if you’re discouraged or upset with them, try to convey your emotions with warmth and kindness.
Stress is a common trigger for relapse, so what you’re telling them is just as important as how you deliver it. Everything you say should be wrapped in a verbal hug, especially if it’s bad news.
Boundaries are very important when it comes to recovery, especially when you’re living with an addict.
Both your boundaries and theirs.
Try not to ask too many questions or try to micromanage their life. Some of us want to make sure relapse isn’t even a possibility, so we tend to overdo it.
This can do more harm than good, causing your loved one to close themselves off. And isolation is a very bad place to be for a recovering addict.
Let them know that they’re free to tell you if you’re being overbearing. All they have to do is say a word and you’ll take a step back. Keep those lines of communication open and try not to take offense if they do say you’re not giving them enough space.
On the flip side, when you love a drug addict, you must stand your own ground yourself.
Let your friend or loved one know what is outside of your comfort zone, what you’re not willing to put up with, and set limits. The road to recovery needs to be full of rules and boundaries, especially when it comes to reforming friendships and relationships.
They need you and your support to know when they’re stepping out of bounds.
If they keep skirting your boundaries, don’t be afraid to carefully let them know. Just like dealing with anyone else, if the person doesn’t know that their behavior is bothering you, they’ll never know to change it.
Once you’ve set your limitations, it’s extremely important that you follow through with enforcing those boundaries. A recovering addict needs to know when they’ve been crossed and the consequences of those actions.
If they don’t make the effort to change their behavior, it’s okay to suggest counseling for the issue. That will ensure that you can work it out in a mediated environment.
Showing support isn’t just an empty set of encouraging words. It’s also about putting your presence where your mouth is. It’s all about showing up.
Tell your loved one that you will support anything they need in their time of recovery.
Do they need you at a family counseling session or couples’ therapy?
Do they need you to come to a meeting with them? Or take a call at an inconvenient time?
When you show up, they’ll show up, too. Knowing that there’s real-world support for them is invaluable during recovery.
And knowing that you’re willing to work through issues with them, will only make them easier to face head-on.
Always let a recovering addict know you will support them in seeking whatever they need to keep living a sober life.
It’s very important that you don’t bring up drinking or drug use around them.
Don’t ask them to be a designated driver.
Don’t ask when they can start drinking again.
Don’t tell them about how hungover you are or how drunk you got last weekend.
Any of these topics can be triggering for a recovering addict.
What you CAN do is encourage them to find a drug-free way to get those endorphins going.
This point goes hand in hand with everything we’ve already covered about how to talk to an addict. Listen. Don’t question their road to recovery. Show kindness. Don’t overstep your boundaries. Show your support for their progress. DO ALL OF THIS CONSISTENTLY.
The life of a recovering addict can be a rollercoaster. They need something they can depend on.
They need things in their life that are predictable.
Unpredictability can trigger stress. And stress can fuel addiction.
Be the example in their life that they want to live up to. Always be where you say you’ll be. Always hold your ground when you’ve told them they’ve crossed the line.
Accountability is extremely important in a recovering addict’s life.
The last thing a person that’s gone through addiction and rehab needs is a reminder of those times they’ve been working to get past.
Just like you shouldn’t be talking about your own vices with them, you also shouldn’t be reminiscing about their old life.
They’ve made a commitment to get past that place. They admitted they had a problem. They went to rehab. And now they need you to help them see the future – what all that hard work was for.
If there is a past instance you really feel like you need to work through with them, make sure you broach the topic lightly. Try to phrase it in a way that puts them ahead of those problems.
Acknowledge that you know they’re in recovery first, then bring it up with some verbal distance, being sure to make it sound like it’s far in the past.
It might be hard to trust a recovering addict, but it’s what they need now more than ever.
Offer help, but back off if they ask.
Don’t tell them what they need, ask first.
As long as they’re working through it, and it’s going to result in something positive, trust that their way is going to be just as good as your way.
At rehab, they were equipped with tools to help them. Let them use those tools.
Always be there as a backup, but try not to push.
It’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed while you try to be supportive of a recovering addict. We all learn as we go. Thankfully, there are so many resources and outstanding facilities available to help you help your loved one. They’re not alone and you’re not alone, either.


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Starting 01 June 2017, thousands of MTN employees in South Africa and across the operator’s 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East will be rolling up their sleeves and commencing the month-long and country-wide community upliftment initiatives to alleviate the plight of communities that are less fortunate.
This employee volunteerism initiative, known as 21 Days of Y’ello Care, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of high impact, community outreach programme.
In South Africa, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care is run under the aspicies of the MTN SA Foundation and encompasses employee and executive participation in a range of philanthropic activities across the country.
Integral to this initiative is the hosting of the fourth edition of the MTN 21km race on June 10, which raises funds for an educational cause.
Since its inception in 2007, over 32 000 man hours have been expended during 21 Days of Y’ello Care each year, with no less than 4 000 employees embarking on community outreach programmes that have benefitted over 20 schools and charitable organisations.
“We have been humbled and touched by the enthusiasm that our employees have shown in volunteering their time, resources and skills to making a positive and lasting impact in the communities we operate in,” says Graham De Vries, Corporate Services Executive of MTN SA.
“What has been the guiding principle in our community outreach endeavours has been the importance of sustainable corporate social investment that stays on even after the initiative has drawn to a close in any given year. The funds our employees have raised have been used to build classroom blocks, set up vegetable gardens and renovate sports facilities, funded the installation of computer laboratories, secured school shoes and bicycles and erected water tanks in water scarce communities,” adds De Vries.
The handover of a fully-equipped, 20-seater computer laboratory with printer, interactive white board and subsidized data connectivity to Funda uJabule Primary School in Pimville, Soweto.
These philanthropic gestures are not inclusive of the initiatives done to date by the MTN SA Foundation in the area of health and education.
To date, the MTN SA Foundation has handed over 300 multimedia centres to schools nationally, and has provided similar facilities to nursing colleges in all the nine provinces as well. In addition, MTN has made further contribution in facilitating access to education by providing school shoes to learners on an annual basis as part its back to school campaign.
“The handover of these multimedia centres and the school shoes is in line with the MTN SA Foundation’s strategy of partnering with government and local suppliers to provide connectivity to schools, particularly those with the greatest need,” De Vries concludes.


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Established in 1988,Donlin & Kitchen Group is a professional manufacturer of small household appliances. With 10 years development, D&K Group has turned to be a group with 13 factories, coverage of 500,000 square meters,16,000 workers & staff including 2,000 technicians and engineers. We mainlymanufacturing various Semiconductor coolers(Mini refrigerators without compressor), wine cellars, Ice cream makers, Portable cooler & warmer, Cosmetic cases and many others cooled appliances!
from 25/08/2005 to today 20/04/2019 for a period of 13 years and 241 days.


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Moringa and ginger have been used for decades, in order to combat a lot of diseases and they have always yielded great results. Some recent studies have shown that when we use these two ingredients in combination and in the right portion as well, their effect will be much faster and more effective as well.
This kind of tree is also known as the tree of life and it is part of the traditional medicine of India Ayurveda. It is actually native to India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, but thanks to its extraordinary properties, it has become so popular that it is now cultivated in a lot of other parts around the world.
Moringa contributes to reducing inflammation, because of its anti – inflammatory components. In addition to this, moringa also contains some minerals, like magnesium, iron, copper, potassium or calcium, which help in strengthening the locomotor system, thus avoiding diseases in the future.
Clinically, it has been observed that the extract from moringa leaves inhabit the proliferation of cancer cells because it contains benzyl isothiocyanate. A lot of scientific studies have shown that this chemical compound has chemoprotective abilities against cancer.
In one animal study, it was observed that the effects of the moringa can be compared with drug simvastatin to lower cholesterol – according to the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
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text: In the aftermath of the Aurelius acquisition, Mark highlights five key tactics that have enabled a smooth transition whilst maintaining business growth, aligning investment strategy, focusing on key strategic regions and evolving Getronics’ core capabilities and services. The combination of these tactics is what successfully drives the Getronics business and work ethic. How can this be done? By moving fast, sharing the vision, getting the right people on board, communicating changes to both customers and partners and finally creating customer intimacy.


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Reigning World's Strongest Man Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, who plays The Mountain on Games of Thrones, is admitting to using steroids during his strongman career.
In a 2017 interview with ESPN's E:60, that aired Sunday morning, Bjornsson replied, "Yes I have," when asked if he had ever taken steroids. "When you want to be the best, you do whatever it takes."
Bjornsson refused to elaborate on the timeline for when he used the performance-enhancing drugs, and if he was still using them.
"Can we just skip those questions?" he asked the interviewer.
It was quite a journey for Bjornsson to both star in the hit HBO show and earn the title World's Strongest Man.
“My dream was always to become a professional basketball player but that dream didn’t go too far,” he told ESPN “I broke my ankle twice. I had to have bad surgeries that ended my career."
Getting linked up with Game of Thrones in 2013, he explained, occurred when the crew heard about "this massive, muscular, handsome, big young guy" while filming in Iceland.
“At first I got an email. I didn’t have any acting experience and getting an email like that out of nowhere from Game of Thrones was like ‘nah, that’s not true, it’s got to be bulls—,'" he recalled. “So I didn’t answer the email. A few days later I got a phone call and it was a man who asked if I wanted to audition for Game of Thrones. I obviously said ‘Yes. I don’t know what I’m doing but yeah, let’s try it.'"
The auditioning performance was a little unconventional, he added.
“They asked me to pick one guy up, to see if I was strong enough. I picked the man up over my head easily. They were very surprised: ‘Woah, OK you’re strong,'" he told ESPN. “One of the main sword teachers in the show, I fought with him for a little bit with the sword. After about 10 minutes he said, 'You’re the guy. You’re the man we are looking for.'"
Bjornsson may have used performance-enhancing drugs to get where he is in his career now, but said he had never failed a drug test during competition. That doesn't mean he hasn't considered the negative effects of the dangerous drugs.


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When it came to thinking up what dishes to serve at their new Conwy cafe, the answer was as easy as pie for best friends Tony Forrest and Colin Royal.
It did not take long for the two to come up with a concept for the Rhos-on-Sea premises, in the former HSBC bank on Rhos Road.
On the menu was the not so humble pie - which was also the inspiration for the seafront shop's new name, which they simply called Pie.
Colin Royal and daughter Caroline Royal, proprietor and manager of Pie in Rhos on Sea.
But catering veterans Mr Forrest, 56, from Rhos-on-Sea, and Mr Royal, 61, from Llandudno, certainly did not want any half-baked ideas for their brainchild.
They decided to put a modern twist to a classic favourite by making a selection of their wares gluten free to ensure everybody can enjoy “proper hearty food”.
Caroline Royal, Mr Royal’s daughter, who runs the pie-bar, said: “We have had a lot of feedback from people on social media who said they would like to see gluten free and vegetarian options on the menu.
“There’s a demand for it in the area.
The menu boasts savoury favourites including steak pie and creamy chicken and mushroom, but their best seller so far has been the Mediterranean vegetables and goats cheese pie with gluten free pastry.
So to keep up with the demand, Mr Forrest and Mr Royal plan to begin trialing new gluten free recipes this weekend.
Caroline Royal, the manager of Pie in Rhos on Sea.
Ms Royal added: “It’s been very popular so we’re going to make cheese and onion gluten free pies.
And pies don't stop with the main course, it also offers banoffee pie, as well as cherry, apple, pecan and lemon.
Eventually, Pie hope to make all their savoury pies - which come with creamy mash and mushy peas - gluten free.
The pair, who have been friends for more than 30 years teamed up to create their very own business after winning over pie lovers throughout their career.
Ms Royal said: “Colin's been in the catering business for more than 40 years - he’s worked all over the place but he wanted to put his own stamp on this.
“Whenever he puts a pie on a menu, they always sell out so one day, we had a eureka moment and thought of opening a pie-bar which just sells pies.
“All the recipe’s on the menu are my dad’s own.
Pie cafe in Rhos on Sea.
Mr Forrest added: “Pies were the thing many years ago and now, people want their hearty food back.
“People are fed up with eating a bit of this and a bit of that, people are looking for proper hearty food.
“Rhos is a lovely village and it’s busy all year round so it’s the perfect place for this pie-bar.
Although Pie has opened its doors to customers, the official launch will take place in March to coincide with National Pie Week which begins on March 6.