text:
A little disclaimer, the views and opinions in this post is just my own and I don't want to offend anyone in any way. I think everybody should do whatever they want. It's a free World – you do you!
But I can't help wonder sometimes, are the makeup trends getting more and more intense? What is it we want to achieve with the makeup we apply on our faces?
Is It to cancel everything out and have that full coverage effect with almost no way of seeing our actually skin? Or is it applying makeup with a light hand that is almost invisible?
I am following different Youtubers each with their own style. I am following the Pixiwoo Sisters and I think it was Sam that said: 'I always look at a face and think, what's the last I can do to this face to make it look the best?'
That quote is very inspirational to me because I see a lot of makeup on Instagram and Youtube where people go all out for an 'everyday look'. I think that's fine. The only thing is that I don't see that this makeup is very wearable for the everyday women, wether she is working or staying at home with kids or whatever. So I was thinking, is it only me who thinks that?
I am Scandinavian and most of the time my friends, colleagues etc. say: I want nice looking skin – but I don't want anyone to notice that I'm wearing anything.
That's kind of funny ( and almost impossible) but it is very much in the Scandinavian culture that we want to look very natural and not to 'made up'. And it's very much the opposite than Instagram/Youtube makeup trends- even the everyday/natural makeup looks.
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE makeup, I'm a beauty blogger for a reason. Call me old fashion ed or just plan old :), but after watching a Youtubers everyday look I sometimes think: 'but could you actually wear that look and people on your work or school would like it?'
Not that you have to please people around you but at a certain point in your life you will be the 'face' of your work place and will your employer like that you are wearing heavy makeup?
I'm really interested in knowing what you guys think? Is It only in Scandinavia that we have this culture of less is more? Is the Youtube/Instagram makeup applicapple for the culture in your country?


text:
School Name
Department Name
Accordion Menu
Left Callouts
Human Resource Department
1200 North University Drive
Mail Slot 4942
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Office #: 870.575.8400
Fax #: 870.575.4653/4658
Main Content
Much of the material in the Faculty and Staff Handbook is summarized, excerpted or paraphrased, so the handbook is a guide rather than a complete source of information on employment-related subjects. Whenever possible, the source of the information is cited, and additional details can be found in the Board Policies, UAPB's Policies and Procedures Manual, University-wide administrative memoranda, state personnel policies, state laws and other documents referred to in the handbook. All policies are subject to changes when they are in conflict with federal, state, and local statutes. Information in this handbook is not intended to establish an employment contract of any kind or duration.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Join our Team today.
Yoga Therapy heals and unites the mind, body, and soul in a way that eases tension and promotes health and well being. Regular practice improves your breathing and outlook on life.
Yoga Therapy is a great way to improve your Health Quotient. After a Yoga Therapy Treatment, one not only becomes physically Healthy but Mentally, Emotionally, Socially, Spiritually Healthy and well being.
Yoga not only improves your body, but also helps with mindfulness and meditation. Take a break from daily life in order to focus on yourself and get clarity.
Check out this great video
Sign up for Yoga Therapy tips, healthy Lifestyle, and upcoming events.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.


text:
By ANGIE FORD/Montana State News
The Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Project held its annual meeting last weekend in Great Falls, drawing big names from around the world to talk about the future of carbon sequestration, particularly here in Montana.
"The point is to focus the attention of the national movement here on this local project, just like next week's national conference is to focus the members of the many local projects on the national issues. We want to create a shared knowledge base," said Kathryn Watson, BSCSP's outreach and communications director.
"The really neat thing about that is that Shelby, Montana [site of BSCSP's Kevin Dome storage project] gets on the map, and the community benefits, " said Watson.
Attending the conference were representatives of interested entities from across the U.S. and Canada. Twenty states were represented, as well as two Canadian provinces.
Representing the national level of interest, Department of Energy project manager William Aljoe gave an overview of the DOE Carbon Storage R&D Program. Speaking about Oregon's biofuel initiatives was Portland General Electric's Director, Wayne Lei.
On hand were scientists from a variety of specialties—a PI scientist from Lawrence Berkley National Lab who spoke about geologic modeling and flow, a geophysicist from Seismic Acquisition Services who presented on seismic surveying, and the president of Altamont Oil and Gas Inc. Patrick Montalban.
While the speaker list reads like a who's who of the balanced energy future, Watson says a large part of BSCSP's focus for the annual meeting is the people of the community.
"One of the purposes of the annual meeting is so national industry leaders can get a feel for the kind of community we are working in," Watson said, adding that, even more important, is that the annual meeting serves as an access point for the community—they can ask questions and voice concerns to anyone, from the director of BSCSP Lee Spangler, to the contractors who work with seismic monitoring, to the project manager from the Department of Energy.
"We care enormously about the feelings of the community where our project is located. We aren't here to make money, we're here for education, and we are reliant upon the community members' support. This is their home, and we want the project to benefit them."
Even the choice of the location for the annual meeting was based upon ease of access for community members of the Kevin Dome storage project, located an hour and a half away, near Shelby, Montana.
For more information, you can visit BSCSP's website at: http://www.bigskyco2.org/
Edited by Matt York.


text:
smartcomp 2017 registration
Registration is required for all participants of IEEE SMARTCOMP 2017.
On-Line Registration – Click here
On-Line Registration – Click here
- Students rates (S1 and S2) only apply to students not presenting (nor authoring) papers at the conference.
- All authors (including workshop authors) should have submitted a registration under category F1 or F2 to cover their paper publication.
- All registrations include participation in all technical sessions, workshops, refreshment breaks, reception and banquet.
- Students registered under category S1 or S2 must further provide proof of current student status (e.g., a valid student card) when picking up the conference badge.
Registration Policies for Authors
To be published in the IEEE SMARTCOMP 2017 Conference Proceedings and to be eligible for publication in IEEE Xplore®, an author of an accepted (regular, WIP/demo, PhD forum, or workshop) paper is required to register for the conference at the full rate (F1 or F2), i.e. each accepted paper must have one of the authors registered at the full rate (F1 or F2). The accepted paper must be presented by an author of that paper at the conference unless the TPC Chair grants permission for a substitute presenter arranged in advance of the event who is qualified both to present and answer questions. One full registration is valid for one accepted paper. Accepted and presented papers will be submitted to IEEE Xplore®. Registration categories S1 or S2 cannot be used to cover any paper publication.
Authors must register by 28 April 2017.
Policies on No-shows and Substitute Presenters
Each paper must be presented by an author of the paper in person at the conference. Presentations via teleconference (e.g., Skype) or pre-recorded tape are not permitted. Permission to have the paper presented by a substitute presenter may be granted by the TPC Chairs under certain extraordinary circumstances. Authors with travel contingencies should consider arranging a substitute presenter. A substitute presenter must be qualified to answer questions regarding the paper.
A paper not presented or presented by a non-author without prior written approval by the TPC Chairs will be removed from the final conference proceedings before uploading to IEEE Xplore®. No refund will be made to authors of these papers.
Refund/Cancelation Policies
All refund/cancellation requests must be received by 28 April 2017. There will be an administrative fee of HK$800 deducted from each refund/cancelation. There are absolutely no refunds for authors with registered papers or those who have requested and have received a visa/invitation letter. No refund will be given for any paid registration after 28 April 2017.
Enquiries on Registration
Please contact the conference organizer at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
hyper-intelligent defectuve
making the impossible possible
Independent and Honest
Dysability Inclusion Issues Consultant, Trainer, and Activist
Since I was 3, I knew I wanted to work for myself and at that time, I told everyone who would listen to me that I would write books. I have never had fixed ideas about what I wanted to do as I never had that kind of job.
I have been running a business in one way or another since I was 16 in one way or another, as well as employing my own personal assistants since 1992.
The range of work I can do covers 20 activities including advocacy, acting, article writing, campaigning, coaching, comedy, consultancy, providing information, lecturing, mentoring, modelling, policy development, presentations, product testing, research, being a role model, site audits, teaching, training, and youth work.
I have experience and expertise in over 25 topics including AAC, assistive technology, campaigning techniques, cerebral palsy, communication skills, customer service, disability equality, disability politics, hospital discharge, identity development, impairment literacy, impairment management, inclusive education, independent living, lifestyle development, online retailing, personal assistants, personal development, public transport, sexuality, social care, social policy, technology and virtual worlds.
While most people have a story that is steady and often not fulfilled to its full potential, my story has often been to dip into other people's stories, make a specific difference and popping out again. This metaphor is really how I work as organisations ask me to work with them in various ways that is very often ad-hoc and unique in supporting disability and other issues.
I have been working with local, national and international governments in a number of ways for many years, primarily in the field of disability issues and social care.
I regard campaigning as a form of activism in that I see a problem and I fix it. it is not a matter of trying but succeeding by determination and giving up, always exploring new ways to achieve my goal.
My techniques include write papers and articles, emailing the individuals responsible for a specific matter, meeting with them, and generally being persistent.
My independence from any group and established way of thinking, along with my willingness to be straight talking, makes me a ideal catalyst for change.
I do however recognise that telling the truth is often a once in a blue moon opportunity and therefore my interventions are often short but profound.
With over 190 organisations and even more individuals supported in this way, it is a formula which is successful and I look forward to dipping into your story to support you to improve the life opportunities and experiences of everyone, specifically people with significant impairments.
I previously ran an online shop using eBay called Lifestyle Select selling a wide range of equipment for people with additional or changing needs including swimming nappies and bibs.
I am very active on social media with many followers on a range of social networks. In 2015, I was named officially the 43th most influencial twitter user in the West Midlands in terms of the impact on the whole of the UK by the Birmingham Post, as well as one of ten people listed as the most influential in the West Midlands from the world of social media.
What I do varies from day to day as I literally do not know what is coming up from next. There can be weeks or months when I have no paid work and I am spending my day emailing up to 50 organisations each day looking for work. When I get paid work, I literally have no idea what it may be or who my customer may be.
The way I work means I have an unstable income but the work itself is very rewarding.


text:
Museum Hopping: The Benaki
It's time for another museum field trip! Who made the decision that adults no longer need field trips? Weren't field trips one of the greatest perks of grade school? If you missed our first Museum Hopping trip, you can go on that trip in this post.
Today's field trip takes us all the way to the heart of sunny Athens, Greece. I had the pleasure of working in Athens several years ago and I used my off time to explore all of the city's beautiful museums. There are many great museums in Athens, but my favorite, for many reasons that I'll show you, is The Benaki Museum.
Before we go inside, I have a little confession to own up to about museums. I have been to a lot of museums. I mean A LOT. Hundreds. I love museums for learning about a country's culture. However, I have also learned (the hard way) that you can easily over-do your museum experience if you aren't careful.
I think everyone has a maximum limit of glass cases they can look down into, red velvet ropes they can shuffle past, sculptures they can walk around and paintings that they can gaze upon. It is different for every person. After you hit your limit, your brain goes into what I call "Museum Glaze". You are walking around, looking at priceless things, but they all start to blend together until youcan'trememberifyou'vebeeninthisroombefore… Museum Glaze can strike anyone, anywhere, even when you've finally reached the front of the line to see the diminutive "Mona Lisa" at the Louvre.
So, when I tell you that The Benaki Museum (pronounced: "ben-AH-kee") is one of the best museums I have ever been to, it is in part due to their lovely collection. It is also due to the fact that they've skillfully laid out the museum to fight the dreaded Museum Glaze. It's fantastic! The Benaki should give master classes to other museums.
The Benaki Museum was founded by Antonis Benakis (1873-1954). Born into a wealthy family with a strong civic devotion to Greek culture and history, Antonis had always been a collector of fine art and folk art. Here is Antonis with one of his sisters, Penelope Delta, who was a celebrated children's author:
Antonis came up with the idea of using his collections to create a museum for all Greek citizens to enjoy fine items from their history. His brothers and sisters liked the idea so much that they offered their collections for the museum, too. They also had a great idea for the museum's location. Why not use Dad's old family home (umm…mansion) to house it all?
The family home was inaugurated as a museum in 1931. Established as a public-benefit organization, the museum is run on the monetary donations of benefactors and artistic donations of collectors. Here's an example of how the earliest galleries of the museum looked:
Can you see how this is a rather small room? It could have been a spare guest bedroom before the house was a museum. My theory is that using these smaller rooms as they were is one of the many ways the museum feels approachable and intimate. (Take that, Museum Glaze!)
Major renovations have occurred to the original mansion over the years, as the collection has expanded. As of 2011, the museum now includes 7 different buildings across the city. Let's go inside…
This what greeted me in the first gallery.
I'm not gonna lie. My first thought was, "Oh dear. I hope this huge mansion isn't full of ancient pottery shards." (I did warn you that I am a very jaded museum visitor.) Happily, my attitude was very, very wrong.
This bowl was in the Neolithic gallery of the museum. It dates from 5,300-4,500, BC. Think of how many everyday dishes you have broken in your own kitchen and then realize that this glazed bowl (I get the "glazed" irony, believe me) is over 7, 000 years old. I was impressed.
A few rooms later I found a few of these:
I love these types of Grecian urns, properly called "hydria", because they all tell stories. Some tell the stories of great Greek myth heroes and others, like this one, show scenes of daily life. I love to see how other people lived, even if it means staring at their version of Corningware.
A few rooms later brought me to this:
This gold wreath of oak leaves dates from the late 2nd century, BC. It was made by pounding gold into flat leaf, then cutting and decorating the gold to resemble oak leaves, then mounting the leaves on a decorative gold headband.
Can you see the flowers attached along the "stem" of the headband, too? The leaves are so thin, I found myself holding my breath as I leaned in for a closer look. I can't imagine securing something so delicate to my hair. How on earth did this survive for 4,000 years?
And there was more:
Can you guess what these are? For all you art history lovers out there, these are masterpieces from Hellenistic and Early Roman gold work. Look directly below the big circles at the top. Can you see the little muses reclining as they play their lyres? Remember that these are hand-made: coiled, carved, pounded and sculpted from gold. Any guesses as to what these are? They're earrings. (I'll wait while you ogle them some more. Just don't get any drool on the glass case. Museum directors don't care for that…)
Just when you think you can't look down into one more glass case, we are changing floors and changing exhibit items. It's now time to see how the Greek people have lived in their homes over the past centuries. I'm only going to show you some of my very favorite items. There are a lot more treasures to discover when you visit someday!
This called a "sperveri", which translates roughly to "curtains for the bridal bed". It comes from Rhodes and the 17th-18th centuries. I'm not a skilled seamstress, so I am really impressed by the perfect symmetry of the patterns embroidered in silk on this fabric. So beautiful. This bed is also rather small when you stand next to it, which is another great reminder of how much humans have grown over the past centuries of better nutrition.
Speaking of bridal things:
This is a bridal costume from the 19th century Attica region of Greece. The gold cloth you see is actually entirely embroidered with spun gold thread. (Eat your heart out, Kate Middleton.) Doesn't this look comfortable?
There are many more costumes to see, but maybe this is enough fabric for you? Time to change it up again. (I'm telling ya, these museum directors are genius!) House tours time:
This is a reconstruction of a 19th century home on the island of Skyros. See the clean, white washed walls? You can also see some beautiful ceramics here, which was common way to decorate a home around the Greek War of Independence. I think this looks very cosy and comfortable. I love the colorful embroidered pillows!
Here's a few older homes:
These two 18th century reception rooms (above & below) were actually re-located in their entirety from their original homes for preservation in The Benaki Museum. You can stand in these rooms in the museum. These pictures do not do them justice.
I have always been a big fan of a window seat, so a whole room full of them seemed rather modern and chic to me.
Whew! We've done a lot of walking, but The Benaki has your back. We are three-fourths of the way through the museum and we need a break. And right here is where find the inviting museum cafe and outside terrace.
I'd love to show you a picture of the beautiful view from the terrace, but I can only offer you three words: camera battery fail. (*sigh*)
While we're taking a little break, I also want to mention that this museum also features galleries of Islamic art:
modern acquisitions:
and several galleries titled: "Greece through the eyes of foreign travelers". I found this outsider's perspective of your own country's history rather original in a national museum. I wish more countries embraced this open-minded idea.
The top floor of this museum is four small galleries celebrating The War of Greek Independence. This part of Greek history is riveting and I knew very little about it before I visited Athens. The Greek people struggled to free themselves from Turkish occupation for 11 years (1821-1832) before gaining their independence. The Greek Revolution embodies many of the same ideals and memorable characters of the American Revolution. (You learn more of the basics about it here.)
Wandering through the galleries of Greek revolutionaries was not unlike standing in front of great portraits of Patrick Henry, John Adams and George Washington. Here is an elegant example of a Greek patriot:
He seems heroically fierce to me. What a gorgeous uniform. I would certainly want him on my side in a war. Did you notice the room he is standing in? It looks just like the reception rooms we visited earlier in this post. Real living, 19th century style.
I hope you've enjoyed our field trip to The Benaki Museum today. I'd take you to the gift shop, too, but the dollar-to-euro exchange rate is really working against us right now. Still determined to browse? Here's their online gift shop.
All of the images you have seen in this post are courtesy of the generous Benaki Museum. I know I have raved about them a lot today, but the museum staff at the Benaki are some of the most welcoming and helpful I have ever run across, especially if you are a guest who doesn't speak Greek. I think Antonis would be proud of today's Benaki Museum.
If you ever find yourself in Athens, Greece, be sure to put this museum on your things-to-see list. They also offer fabulous concerts, book signings, lectures and special events. In the meantime, you can also browse the English version of their website here: http://www.benaki.gr/index.asp?id=40207&lang=en
Now it's your turn! Did your like our museum visit today? Have you ever experienced "Museum Glaze"? Do you have a great idea for a future Museum Hopping post? Leave a comment!
Posted on May 6, 2011, in Museum Hopping. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Wow! Thanks for the tour. I feel like I got a real taste for the museum. I love the colors of the fabrics on the clothes. I do get museum glaze, but I love that this museum has more than just art on the wall and pieces in glass cases. I'd love to walk through one of their full room exhibits.
Thanks for saving me the plane fare to Greece!
Great choice for a favorite museum. I loved it when I went through it years ago. I never really understood that part of Greek history and the Byzantine culture and the Benaki does an excellent job explaining it. The art is amazing! Thanks for bringing back the memories.


text:
Be More Naughty Than Nice This Holiday Season By Playing Despicable Me: Minion Rush
Prepare to go on a holiday rush with the Minions.
In time for the holidays, Despicable Me: Minion Rush has just been updated with several seasonal enhancements.
Most notably, in the new version of the popular Gameloft-published behind-the-back endless runner, Gru's Lab has been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with fun and festive decorations. It's just like the opposite of Gru's Residential Area back in October when it was decked in doom and gloom for Halloween.
In Gru's Lab, the occasionally appearing boss is Vector, Gru's archrival in the original "Despicable Me" film. And in the holiday-themed Despicable Me: Minion Rush, Vector has been "winterized" to be "naughtier-than-ever."
The newly updated Despicable Me: Minion Rush also features new obstacles, new missions, new achievements, and new Snowboarder Minion and Santa Minion costumes.
The new holiday-themed version of Despicable Me: Minion Rush is available now in the App Store for free. The game is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad running iOS 5.0 or later.
For other popular behind-the-back endless runners that have been updated for the holidays, see Run As Santa And Spread Ho-Ho-Holiday Cheer In Temple Run 2, Join The Holiday Gold Rush With Santa Claus Himself In Rail Rush, and Surf The Snow-Covered City Of London This Holiday Season In Subway Surfers.
And for other endless running games of note, check out AppAdvice's Endless Running Games AppGuide.


text: Yoga means a combination, a configuration for better co-operation of planets and for better results. In religion, Yoga is of mind and body. In Ayurveda, Yoga of two medicines may give auspicious results. In Astrology, Yoga means a pattern or configuration of planets which gives special results. Yoga's are generally formed by placement of planets in a particular pattern. A particular Yoga is strong or weak depending upon its constituents. Strong planets make strong Yoga's, weak planets such as in enemical house, or a bad house or under pap kartari gives bad results. These aspects of malefic planets spoil Yoga. All good Yoga's normally gives Sukh-Shanti, Maan-sanmaan, Dhan-Dhanya. There are hundreds of Yoga's that cannot be explained in detail here.


text:
FreeSol, 'Fascinated', Feat. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland – Song Review
Justin Timberlake is finally back to making music -- sort of. The chairman and CEO of Tennman Records took a hands-on approach with FreeSol. Timberlake sings the hook on the Memphis bred band's new single, 'Fascinated', dropping the same day as their video for 'Rolemodel'.


text:
jiāng shān yì gǎi,běn xìng nán yí
Snow leopard.
This Chinese idiom means "It is easy to change rivers and mountains, but hard to alter one's nature". Or in other translation, it can also mean "A leopard can't change its spots". From a free dictionary in the internet, this idiom means that a person's character, especially if it is bad, will not change even if he or she pretends it has.
My husband texted me this line when we were not in our best mood last weekend. We fought over the same thing. Well, I made him angry over the same thing, to be exact. Unreasonable jealousy and over-control. Somehow, I am always the one who pick the fight between us. I like to test his love on me. And when he really can't take it anymore and is finally really angry, I get so scared. I apologize and promise him to change. Over and over again.
This happens repeatedly. Although deep inside I seriously dread for the worst consequences from him (one day), I still do the pattern. Again and again. I never change.
Will I not change?
*Photo randomly taken from the internet since I never took a photo of a leopard, although I saw one in a zoo I think.


text:
About WASO
We've been helping adults living with intellectual disabilities since 1981. We do this through innovative programs that involve work, life, social, recreational and employment opportunities.
Spanning several locations, WASO is a thriving resource for individuals seeking recreational, life skills and employment support. Many corporate and nonprofit organizations seek out the talents and skills of individuals supported by WASO.
Social Opportunities
WASO offers social opportunities throughout the work day at all of our locations.
How to become part of the WASO team
If you would like to access our programs or have questions, we'd love for you to visit and take a tour. You can also take part in work experience to help you decide if WASO is the place for you.
Talk to your community services or vocational rehabilitation worker or contact our Head Office at 204-669-6688 for more information.
WASO's Social Club
The WASO Social Club is a place where organized activities are planned throughout the year. It is open to anybody who wants to come out an join an evening of fun. Please stay tuned to upcoming events which are posted on our website under Social Club
840 McLeod Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R2G 3P3


text:
Many people come to us for help clearing migraines. It really doesn't matter if you've had migraines for years or they are a new thing to you, we can identify the underlying cause and clear it.
Below is an email we have received from Gail Johnson from Qld. She contacted us with completely debilitating migraines. She couldn't go to work, drive, or even function in any capacity. This had been going on for months.
This is what she said in her email after her first plan:
I have not had a migraine since the weekend after I called you. I thought for 2 weeks it was just a coincident because I was so scared they would come back. The thing is I hadn't gone 2 weeks without a migraine in so so so long. I have been pretty stressed with step kid trouble and my husband was made redundant not long ago but even with all that stress…….. no migraines. Very slight case of minor dizzy spell but nothing like I was and only probably 3 or 4 times since treatment. It has been miracle to go from wanting it to die to nearly all gone. I am feeling relaxed now because I can feel they won't come back. I've been nervous waiting for the return of them.
I am feeling the best I have in years. My head is clear and focused. No more having to race home and put a pillow over my head.
I can't thank you enough. You have given me my life back.
I don't know what you do or how you do it but since that day my world has changed.
Thanks Cathy.
To book in for your first Healing Plan click here. For more information about Healing Plans click here.


text:
O'Hair custom interior and exterior from Moreland's shutters are custom crafted to each individual order. They are made in America from responsibly harvested and carefully seasoned American hardwoods.
These shutters represent the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and computer controlled precision, with construction techniques that far exceed what is seen in competing products, providing the ultimate in quality and stability.
Thanks to our compellingly beautiful finishes and custom installation system, your shutters merge with your existing décor and architecture to provide the look of master planning.


text:
Jake Ellenberger knocks out Nate Marquardt in the very first round of their welterweight showdown on the pay-per-view (PPV) main card of the UFC 158: "St. Pierre vs. Diaz" event last night (Sat., March 16, 2013) at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
"The Juggernaut" not only spoiled "The Great's" return to the Octagon, he made a strong case for himself as the next number one contender to Georges St. Pierre's 170-pound title. Thanks to UFC President Dana White revealing Johny Hendricks is now unquestionably the next guy in line, Ellenberger is going to have to take another bout in the meantime but it's clear that technical knockout loss to Martin Kampmann is now a fading memory in his rearview mirror.
That happens when you impress this much.
For his part, Ellenberger is at least trying to set up a fight with Hendricks before "Big Rig" gets his shot at "GSP" but don't expect it to happen. Can't fault the fella for trying, though.
To get a more detailed look at Ellenberger's knockout win, one that earned him an extra $50,000, click here. For complete UFC 158 results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action click here.


text:
Amazon has a few deals worth sharing tonight. Looking for a cheap housewarming gift? Try this Two's Company Cabana Stripe Oven Mitt and Pot Holder Set on sale for $3.80 + eligible for Free Shipping ($25+).
We never have enough cereal at our house! Especially after I bought the cereal dispenser from Amazon, now we go through several boxes a week! The kids love making their own meals. You can save by buying in bulk, Lucky Charms Cereal, 11.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4) on sale for $6.97 and eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping.
I could see my young cousin riding the TP Activity Bouncycle on sale for $31.98 + eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping. Sounds like a birthday gift idea to me!
Sending your son or daughter off to college? Or already did? They might really like to use this
Richards Homewares Gearbox Bedside Caddy, Kahki/Black at the foot of their dorm room bed. It's on sale for $7.99 and also eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping.
Ships free with Amazon Prime or Super Saver Shipping. Find out how to get a FREE one month trial to Amazon Prime.


text:
Fillerina Day Cream Grade 2 50ml
Product Availability: Yes / Manufacturer: FILLERINA
replenishing treatment
We Ship To United States.
Fillerina Day Cream Grade 2 ensures that visible wrinkles and expression lines are eradicated from the complexion painlessly yet effectively.
Developed to mirror the effects of the Dermo-Cosmetic Replenishing Treatment Grade 2, Day Cream Grade 2 recovers the skin's former plumpness and 'plumps up' wrinkles. Attack wrinkles with this incredible beauty necessity that contains six Hyaluronic Acids that magnificently fight the signs of ageing.
Formulated with moisture-rich ingredients such as Vitamin E and exfoliating components like Salicylic Acid, Day Cream Grade 2 guarantees to correct all facial creases and expression lines whilst caring for the rest of the complexion. Incredibly gentle to the skin yet powerfully effective, this revolutionary anti-ageing cream provides magnificent day-long moisturizing hydration whilst simultaneously reducing the appearance of facial imperfections
Apply every morning to face and neck. Warm up in your palm and pat on skin.
Aqua, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Ceteareth-20, Isodecyl Oleate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), Cetyl Alcohol, Aluminium Starch Octenyl Succinate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Xylitol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Glyceryl Oleate, Limonene, Silica, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Cyathea Cumingii Leaf Extract, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, BHT, Hexylene Glycol, Hexyl Cinnamal, BHA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Geraniol, Citronellol, Hyaluronic Acid, Coumarin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Citral, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Arginine, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-30, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Acetyl Hexapeptide-37.6 Hyaluronic Molecules, Xylitol, Matrifull, Vitamin E, Hexapeptides, Salicylic Acid, Sunscreen, Coconut Oil.


text:
It's time to dust off one of my favorites from the exercise archives, the Cottontail Crusher!
My daughters and I had fun making up this Easter-themed workout for you.
Happy Easter!
Ever wonder why there are all those mirrors in fitness centers? I'm asked that question often. Some might think it's so you can check out the guns after your fifteenth set of bicep curls. They're really there to check your form. Making sure you're performing an exercise with correct form both helps stay safe and makes sure you get the greatest benefit from the exercise.
Back to the first one though. The guns. The pecs. They're the first things people see when you're coming at them. So, most people focus their attention on them at the expense of the other muscles that can really help these muscles grow.
It's important to train the muscles in the front of the body that you can see in the mirror as well as the ones you can't. The posterior chain, which includes the hamstrings, glutes, and back are critical. If your posterior chain is weak, you'll never fully develop the "mirror muscles".
Here is a five exercise complex that will help give you a powerful posterior. Perform this routine as a circult without rest between exercises, doing the prescribed repetitions and repeat the circuit five times
Have fun! Comment here on this blog and let me know how you like the complex.


text:
A Fundamental Change | Interview with David Ahmadian (Iranian Guard)
No caption needed here! After a long day of rehearsal David still graciously busts out a tune right on the spot. Congratulations to an incredibly talented cast! Be sure to check out all their bios and other information at www.afundamentalchange.com or on our Facebook page.
Make sure to go see "A Fundamental Change" by Sunday September 29th. Can't make the show? Want to be kept posted on possible future debuts? Email firstname.lastname@example.com with your contact information and we'll keep you posted!


text:
Comments from the Press Box – Bruins -Isles
Got here the start of the game So I do not have the luxury about commenting on the pre-game stuff.
What I have seen.
1. Defensive zone has been sloppy. First passes out of the zone have not only been weak, but if Boston was quick to capitalize, it would have been a 4-0 score in the second, as opposed to 1-0.
2. For someone who was injured days before this game, Blake Comeau has looked well. His job on the kills in the first period were superb.
3. Chara is getting booed in the building like a Boston player at Yankee Stadium would be.
4. Speaking of the Boston D, I remarked on Twitter – that they looked like the Berlin Wall, before Reagan had it taken down. It is easy to see why the B's are at the top of the conference.
5. PA Parenteau's big knock is that he is a one zone player. Unfortunately, he is showing that tonight on a larger scale.
6. Zenon Konopka must have studied some of Kyle Okposo's moves. If only he was able to finish it in this level.
Unfortunately – my battery is dying quickly and I did not bring my power cord. So I will be blogging more after the game either tonight or tomorrow.
Hopefully, the Isles can get their game together, and get the two points needed.


text:
The Secret History of the American Empire
in the international corporate skullduggery of a de facto American Empire. This riveting, behind-the-scenes expos? unfolded like a cinematic blockbuster told through the eyes of a man who once helped shape that empire. Now, in "The Secret History of the American Empire," Perkins zeroes in on hot spots around the world and, drawing on interviews with other hit men, jackals, reporters, and activists, examines the current geopolitical crisis. Instability is the norm: It's clear that the world we?ve created is dangerous and no longer sustainable. How did we get here? Who's responsible? What good have we done and at what cost? And what can we do to change things for the next generations? Addressing these questions and more, Perkins reveals the secret history behind the events that have created the American Empire, including:
? The current Latin-American revolution and its lessons for democracy
? How the ?defeats? in Vietnam and Iraq benefited big business
? The role of Israel as ?Fortress America? in the Middle East
? Tragic repercussions of the IMF's ?Asian Economic Collapse?
? U.S. blunders in Tibet, Congo, Lebanon, and Venezuela
? Jackal (CIA operatives) forays to assassinate democratic presidents
From the U.S. military in Iraq to infrastructure development in Indonesia, from Peace Corps volunteers in Africa to jackals in Venezuela, Perkins exposes a conspiracy of corruption that has fueled instability and anti-Americanism around the globe. Alarming yet hopeful, this book provides a compassionate plan to reimagine our world.


text:
Marvel One:12 Collective Moon Knight BY MEZCO TOYZ
Brand: mezco toys
Product Code:
Availability: Out of stock
Mezco toys Moon Knight ONE-12
During a mission in Sudan, Marc Spector was left to die in the dessert by the hands of a bloodthirsty terrorist. Discovered by locals, Spector was brought to a tomb and placed at the foot of a statue of the moon god, Khonshu. After being pronounced dead, Spector arose suddenly, claiming Khonshu had restored him to life. Donning a cloak taken from Khonshu's statue, Spector became Moon Knight, delivering vengeance in Khonshu's name.
The Moon Knight is presented in a fitted suit with 3D crescent insignia and removable hoods and is part of the One:12 Collective figure series. Included with the figure of the mystically-enhanced vigilante are two head portraits and a range of combat weapons including a crescent blade, staff, nunchucks, and a grappling hook baton.
Product Features
- 6.70 inches (17cm)
- Made of plastic
- One:12 Collective body with over 32 points of articulation
- Hand painted authentic detailing
- Packaged in a collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind
Box Contents
- Moon Knight figure
- 2 Heads
- 8 Interchangeable hands
- Pair of fists
- Pair of posing hands
- Pair of grabbing hands
- Pair of throwing blade hands
- Fitted suit with 3D crest insignia
- 2 Hoods (removable)
- Wrist gauntlets
- Duty belt
- Knee-high boots
- Crescent blade
- Staff
- Pair of nunchucks
- Grappling hook baton
- One:12 Collective display base with logo
- One:12 Collective adjustable display post


text:
It is warm outside with the hot Summer air, it is time to feel cooled and refreshed! Our specially- formulated Rehydrating Cooling Masque from the Revelations From Within product-line not only removes puffiness from around the eyes, but it makes your skin feel refreshed and cooled down to a pleasant feeling. Cucumbers are known to help combat against wrinkles, and Healing Haven only uses the freshest organic ingredients in all products. Healing Haven also offers facials and body wraps with your choice of cream or masque. The Rehydrating Cooling Masque works great on both the face and the body leaving the skin feeling renewed against the breeze. Each product from Revelations From Within are made and blessed in the USA, infused with pure love and light.
Our product line was born from a passion of self care with only pure and natural ingredients. All of our products are free from chemicals and harsh additives— each one hand made to perfection for our customers and is blessed upon completion. Each product has a life changing message and effect that will benefit your whole being. Give it a try and enjoy!
You can call 832-577-3998 to order, or buy it online: HERE
While applying the masque affirm to yourself five times, "I now drench myself in Living waters daily."


text:
When the Bible is stripped of its flowery language, it's a lot less impressive.
If you enjoyed this post, get updates via Twitter, Facebook, or RSS.
Read a random selection from OFT's very best posts:
A Failed Revolution
Visit the full "Best Of" archive.
Hear Paul and his good friend Amy Jane Gruber on their mildly-popular Just The Tip comedy podcast.
If you shop at Amazon, support One Foot Tsunami by clicking this button first:
Shop at Amazon


text:
Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has created a task force to address the ongoing infrastructure needs of the County including roads, bridges, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term planning. County Commissioners sought a broad group of people to assist with this effort, including various community members and stakeholders.
For more information on the Infrastructure Task Force, please email the Lancaster County Commissioners or call them at 402-441-7447.


text:
300 S. Wacker
Chicago, Illinois
Project SF: 6,900 SF
Project Architect: FORM Design Studio
As the largest creative staffing agency in the business, Creative Circle connects advertising, creative, marketing and interactive professionals with top companies throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Reed Construction was selected to complete interior renovations for Creative Circle's Chicago office. The open space included high-end custom millwork, polished concrete flooring, custom walnut doors, and pendant/track lighting. The space also featured unique custom cork wall panels imported from Italy that encourage collaboration among the team.


text:
I've been taking advantage of this long Summer season for pushing forward some projects for my own collection. One of these is a Henschel type 33 truck, painted for Condor Legion service with some German crewmen of Xan Miniatures replacing the default Spanish driver. Not any master piece of work, but it will do nicely on tabletop.
Here you have the original article in my personal painting blog (Catalan language only, sorry)


text:
Over the years Macaroni and cheese was always a favourite dish of Janine and me. Recently I decided to have a go at a Macaroni and Cheese Casserole that I saw on a HILO box. It turned out delicious!
1. Stir Macaroni into 6 cups of boiling water (1 tsp. Salt)
2. Boil rapidly for 7 to 10 minutes until macaroni is tender
3. Drain macaroni
4. Add 1/4 cup butter of margarine, 1/4 cup milk and contents of cheese packet
5. Stir until smooth and creamy over very low heat.
1 package Macaroni & Cheese
1 can 170g ( 6 oz.) tuna fish (drained)
1 can 284g (10oz.) cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp. salt
1. Prepare Macaroni & Cheese as directed.
2. Add tuna fish, soup, milk, onions and salt, mix well.
3. Bake at 177oC (350oF) for 30 to 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Substitute 1 cup chopped chicken, turkey, beef, pork, ham, sausages or 4 hard boiled eggs in place of tuna fish or add other vegetables.
As one can see from the picture above I went with one of the variations, the sausages. I also put some paprika on the top!:)


text:
Welcome to the Intelligent Millionaire Network, the global and local network whose intention is to get you the tools, support, and connection to get your business to that first million. If you are a millionaire, we support you to get you to that 10 million mark, and those who dare to push the 100 million, we give you the tools to do so as well.
"We don't teach you how to become millionaires, we create them".
The best way to become one is to learn from our local and global millionaires, who have been there, done that, and continue to make money in their business. Now our members are being taken on this journey. No stones will be unturned, every opportunity from passive wealth, business growth, property investments, business management, etc, will be explored.
Every entrepreneur strives to become a millionaire.
At first, it's all about the money and being financially free, owning your own business that is thriving and successful, and is giving back to the world. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.
For some, being a millionaire means having a lot of money in your business account, for others having a successful business that generates millions means you are helping a lot of people.
To become a millionaire in this economy you can't be afraid to fail.
There are a lot people that are more talented than you, smarter than you, but what you have is the first that burns inside you, what you will have is a network and a movement backing you with the wind behind your sales.
It isn't an easy ride, it's a lot of hard work, but with the right connection and the right mindset, you are unstoppable.
We are not a "get-rich-quick" club where you become a millionaire tomorrow.
We strategise and do deals together, so we can grow as a network by adding value to others. This is not like any other business club where every month an ordinary speaker speaks and at the end they try to sell to you some book or CD set.
This is your millionaire accountability group, who will not let you fail.


text:
Check our forum and documentation. Maybe your case is already solved.
Questions on payment methods, delivery and replacement.
Emlid has more than 20 dealers worldwide, find the closest one to you.
Write us at email@example.com or use the contact form below.
On business days we'll normally reply within 24 hours.


text:
A few years ago, a man went into a Target supermarket in Minneapolis to complain to the manager, because the store had sent his teenage daughter a personalised leaflet packed with coupons for maternity clothing, nursery furniture, baby clothes and other maternity offers.
'My daughter's still in school', the man said, angrily. 'What are you trying to do: encourage her to get pregnant?' The manager apologised profusely for what was clearly a mistake.
A week later, the man spoke to the manager again: this time, to apologise himself. It turned out his daughter had been pregnant, after all – she just hadn't told him.
So how did Target's mail-personalisation system know she was pregnant before her own father did? The answer: a statistician named Andrew Pole.
Pole's job was to analyse customer data, to find patterns that could grow Target's sales. He realised the most likely time to change customer shopping habits was during lifestyle changes: graduation, moving jobs, moving house, marriage, divorce and, especially, having a baby.
If you can get a pregnant customer to buy their baby goods from you, they'll buy everything else from you too, because convenience is paramount. But, if you wait till after the baby is born, they'll be inundated with offers from other stores and you'll probably lose them.
So the trick is to know they're pregnant before anyone else does.
Pole analysed the purchasing patterns of thousands of pregnant customers to identify telltale changes: for instance, switching to non-scented soap, buying calcium and zinc supplements and large packs of cotton balls. When customers started showing this behaviour, they'd be sent money-off vouchers for maternity items (just as the man's daughter had been).
The result was that millions of pregnant women began spending a lot more money in Target. The same thing happened when Pole analysed other lifestyle triggers. By 2010, his analysis had helped to grow Target's sales by over 50%.
What's interesting about this is that everybody else had access to the same information Pole had. They all had the answers in front of them.
But he was the only one asking the right questions.


text:
- This event has passed.
HFG Zoom Teleconference
August 13, 2020 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm CDT
Join us every two weeks on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to video talk on Zoom with other guild members. It has been fun to talk and see what others are working on. The August meetings are August 13 and 27. The September meetings are September 10 and 24. We will send out a reminder email the Wednesday before each call with the link to the meeting.


text:
Sensorly adds mobile speed data to crowdsourced coverage map app
Sensorly, the French platform for crowdsourcing cellular and Wi-Fi coverage maps, has updated its app to also show users what sort of speed they should be expecting.
The service, which offers 300 maps across 50 countries, has actually allowed users to test and upload the mobile broadband speeds they receive for a while, but this is the first time that it's feeding that data back to members of the community so they can see what performance carriers generally offer in a given area. Rivals for this kind of service include RootMetrics and OpenSignal.
Sensorly's updated Android(s goog) app is out on Monday (the app has seen over 600,000 installs, half in the U.S.) and a new version of its iOS(s aapl) app will follow later this week. However, as CEO Boris Lacroix told me, iOS users still won't be able to contribute to Sensorly's coverage maps due to limitations imposed by Apple on the app's functionality.
"When you look at the map you can see the coverage and it's always up-to-date," Lacroix said of his company's app. "We refresh throughout the day."
Compared to its rivals, Lacroix sees Sensorly as being more community-focused. And of course, feeding analytics based on the community's data back to users provides an incentive to feed more data into the system. So the new version of Sensorly allows users to scroll through the various carriers in their area to compare their performance, with graphs to show how those speeds compare with the previous month, for example.
Sensorly monetizes this data by selling it back to the carriers – it gives them a fuller picture of how their networks are performing. The company also sells a white-label version of its software to the carriers, so they can deploy it among their customers if they wish.


text:
Hey y'all! I hope you've had a great week and are gearing up for another fun summer weekend. We will be traveling to Georgia to help celebrate Ryan's grandparents' 60th Wedding Anniversary. 60 years—isn't that amazing?
I had a few minutes to think over my Friday Five, and I want to offer some advice to all of you out there who use a bank, which is most likely all of you. I work in banking as a Financial Specialist. What does this role involve, you might ask? Let me tell you. Yes, I do all of the basic "teller" transactions, but I also have the ability to open checking, savings, and money market accounts and CDs, too. I dispute fraudulent debit card charges, I send wires (domestic and international), and I also assist with basic account maintenance. I see a lot of the same people on a daily basis—many of them come in to chat with us for ten or fifteen minutes while they make their daily deposit.
During my eighteen months as a banker, though, I've learned that some people struggle with certain aspects of banking. It is a difficult concept for some people—really, I'm not kidding. So, for my Friday Five, I offer you FIVE handy tips. These will, hopefully, help you out in some way the next time you head into your local bank to made some deposits or cash a check.
- If you don't know how to fill out a deposit slip correctly, don't even try. I know this might sound discouraging, but if it's difficult for you to write in how much you're depositing in cash and checks and calculate the final total, don't try. I can do it for you very efficiently. Now, if you're really curious about how to fill out a deposit slip, I'll happily help you learn so you can do it correctly the next time. This also leads me to the point that, if you see your banker have to cross through the same thing on every single deposit slip you've written out, it probably means you've done something incorrectly. Observe and ask how to do it correctly next time.
- At least offer to do the necessary work for your transaction. If you are fully capable of filling out a deposit ticket or withdrawal slip, at least offer to do it yourself. Obviously, you have to sign it whether I fill in the other info or not, but at least offer to fill it out instead of assuming that I will do it.
- Don't talk to the banker while he or she is counting cash back to you. Believe me, this is how people get shorted cash or I accidentally give you an extra $5 of $10. I definitely don't want to short you, but I also don't want my drawer to be out of balance at the end of the day. When you're chattering away about something, it really distracts me when I'm trying to count out a specific amount of cash to you.
- If you have recently made what could be considered a "private" or "embarrassing" purchase with your debit card please don't ask your banker to review your debit card purchase history with you. Seriously. This has created some very awkward, colorful moments, and I don't think that I need to know that much about my clients. So please, please, please think about where you have been shopping before you ask your banker to go through each and every charge individually.
- Last but not least, NEVER assume that the person behind the teller line is "just a teller". This is a common mistake, and some banks haven't adopted the "universal banker" role yet, but a lot of them have. I can help you with almost any issue you are having, and I can help you with almost any service that you need. Want to send an international wire to India? I can do that for you. Need to know the best CD rates we're currently offering? I can help you with that. Don't insult the person behind the teller line by assuming that he or she can only run basic transactions. Instead, compliment that person by assuming he can do it all!
So there you have it. Just my two cents. Keep this in mind the next time you step up the to the teller line at your bank. I promise, if you put these tips into practice, your bankers will appreciate it.
Bye y'all,
P.S. Credit for helping with this post goes to my coworker, the awesome Leah B., who has taught me so much about 90s pop culture, good food, and banking!


text:
Body Worn Video Enthusiasm on Global Rise
Ever since protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting of Michael brown by police, the rush to buy body worn video cameras as significantly increased. American magazine Police Mag recently announced OfficerStore.com's offering of Reveal RS1 Mini body worn camera due to the increase in police scrutiny, and on-the-job video evidence provides a clear account of incidents and greater transparency for the public.
Additionally USA Today reported the hike in interest for body cameras in an on-line video report in which one example of video from an officer shows how he shot a suspect who threatened a victim with a knife – a case which may have drawn parallels with the Michael Brown event if body worn video was not used in this case, which was proven to be justified.
Also, Vancouver Police Department have recently issued body worn video cameras to 8 officers after a court order to evict homeless persons from Oppenheimer Park, with a view of doing so efficiently and safely. However the cameras are not being deployed to regular patrol officers and the cameras used in this case are simple retail substitutes for the state of the art technology that Reveal provides. Chief Constable Jim Chu said:
"There are several studies we are launching right now and the cost of video storage is a major hurdle we have to deal with before the VPD can look more seriously at regular officers wearing cameras."
The announcement shows how body worn video can be applied to specific situations, for example The Independent a short time ago released an article by Chair of Digital Rights Ireland, Dr.TJ McIntyre, about how the Gardaí are using body cameras whilst on duty at the water meter protests taking place in Dublin for evidence gathering. A key issue in this case is the maintaining of the relationship between the police and demonstrators, with the use of cameras focused on protecting the public and providing an account or evidence of an incident if required.
In New Jersey a bill put forward will require all patrol officers to have a body worn camera, with State Senator Donald Norcross, responsible for drafting the bill, stating:
"We laid the groundwork with the [vehicle] dashboard [camera] bill, and I wouldn't be surprised to see other states following suit. Now it's time to get cameras on all our patrol officers."
In Scotland body worn cameras have become a focus for the police, to which a spokesman said:
"We are considering options for the use of body-worn videos, building on the experience we have in using them across the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and Moray Divisions."
Chief Superintendent Adrian Watson, Aberdeen City Commander, said: "The cameras have helped to bring about earlier guilty pleas - which means officers are able to spend less time in court and more time out and about in communities."
Plus, a recent study conducted by the College of Policing in England - where data protection legislation is the same as in Scotland - was published on Wednesday, showing body cameras helped secure convictions in tough and complicated cases, such as domestic abuse. Significantly, the four month trial found a higher proportion of people being charged with an offence when officers wore cameras.


text:
Overview of recent US-China-Hong Kong sanctions and their impact on the financial sector
IBA Webinar: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
So far 2020 has been a year of drastic change and developments due to factors such as COVID-19, the continuous escalation in the US-China trade war, economic slowdown, and global political unrest. Sanctions and export control regimes have continued to play an increasingly significant role in shaping business operations and internal compliance measures, particularly for global businesses. This webinar will focus on recent sanctions and export controls developed in relation to the ongoing US-China Trade War and the situation around Hong Kong.
The webinar will cover the following topics:
1. General Overview: Current US-China trade war.
2. Regulatory measures related to Hong Kong.
3. Other sanctions and regulatory developments in both US and China. (e.g. related to Tik Tok, WeChat)
Alexander Dmitrenko, Head of Asia Sanctions - Based in Tokyo.
Alexander specializes in compliance and regulatory areas, with a primary focus on anti-bribery/corruption and sanctions. He has substantial experience advising Japanese and other Asian companies with respect to all aspects of compliance - establishing compliance policies and procedures, conducting due diligence and compliance clearance on new projects and investments, and conducting internal and regulatory investigations related to potential violations (e.g., the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and OFAC sanctions). Alexander regularly publishes and teaches on compliance-related topics (including the course on International Compliance at Temple Law School). He is the Chair of the Japanese Committee of the Asian Advisory Board of the Temple Law Centre for Ethics and Compliance. He speaks English, French, Japanese, Russian, and Ukrainian. Prior to joining Freshfields Tokyo in 2015, Alexander worked at major international law firms in New York and for a Japanese trading house in Tokyo. He is qualified in New York, Russia, and England & Wales. He is registered as a Gaikokuho-Jimu-Bengoshi with the Daini Tokyo Bar Association
Tim Mak, Partner - Based in Hong Kong.
Tim's practice focuses on regulatory compliance, investigations, and enforcement, often with a cross-border angle. He is admitted in Hong Kong and England & Wales. Tim has lived in Hong Kong since 1994. He began legal practice in 1998 as a commercial litigator with an international firm in Hong Kong, before becoming an in-house counsel at the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in 2000. While in-house, he advised the Commission on numerous matters relating to the performance of its regulatory functions, focusing on cases involving compliance, discipline, and enforcement. He was also involved in policy work and legislative drafting. Since returning to private practice in 2002, Tim has acted for securities regulators (Hong Kong and overseas), international and regional investment banks, commercial banks and private banks, listed companies, listed company directors, investment funds/managers, brokers, and inter-dealer brokers, market professionals and others in relation to a multitude of complex legal, regulatory and reputational issues.
You must login to register for the event.


text:
Search Grandpa's Blog
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Return of the Gamesmen: a look at "When Good Games Go Bad"
(This review originally appeared at http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_reviews_info.php?&reviews_id=80493&products_id=106127 which is where all those backslashes came from.)
A solid hit. It\'s going over the center fielder\'s head! It\'s going - it\'s going!! It\'s GONE, right out of the park!! A solid HOME RUN!!
Sequels are rarely as good as the originals. Hardly ever do they TOP the original! I can only think of two in the movie field: Bride of Frankenstein and Spider-Man 2. As for games, there\'s this, the sideways-sort of sequel to the Gamesmen of Kasar - and a partial answer to the riddle of what IS the motivation of these Gamers? And who are they?
You\'re a person of some note in this solo. That is, you\'re of interest to the government (such as it is) of the planet, and they\'d just as soon jettison you into the nearest star. But if you can solve the problem/mystery of why the bizarre building, which houses an arena or something (No one really knows.) has gone berzerk and sent out robots to kidnap citizens -- well, that\'s just unseemly! And the robots and building being impregnable to their enforcement agents -- that\'s a disaster in the making!
So you courageously (?) walk up to the entrance, announce yourself as another of the many who used to play their game in their arena, and wait to be show in --
To what?
Robots, aliens, monsters, and a big honking -- no, I shan\'t reveal it. But one of the most glorious of the classic monsters can be yours for the low, low price of taking the wrong turn.
And you\'ve got to love Jeff\'s art - If H.P. Lovecraft merged with Earl Otis and had a pawkish sense of humor, this is the art he\'d create. To make it even more bizarre, Jeff is blind - and still one of the best artists in the business.
This solo opens up what may be a campaign, and delivers more mystery even as it answers some of the mystery of the Kasar solo.
Roy Cram has been absent from adventure creating for far too long! His return with \"When Good Games Go Bad\" has us excited for further adventures in this series.
Creepy as it might be.
(Did I remember to add a Comments section this time? If so, don't you want to leave a comment?)
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
There have been so many efforts to clean up Beijing's air lately. But despite things like forming the 'smog police,' replacing all taxis with 'clean-energy' vehicles and shutting down the city's last coal-run power plant the pollution has actually gotten worse.
PM2.5 levels in Beijing and its surrounding areas increased significantly during the first four months of the year, Shanghai Daily reports.
In the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region PM2.5 levels jumped by 20 percent to 85 micrograms per cubic meter from January to April, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection. In Beijing the daily average for the first four months of the year was 76. That's up 11.8 percent compared to the same time period last year.
Despite the poor air quality, the capital still has grand plans to drastically cut down on air pollution levels. As of now, the goal is to reduce PM2.5 levels to below 60 micrograms per cubic meter by the end of this year. In 2016, the daily average was 73.
READ MORE: Smog-Free Bicycles Might Soon Become a Real Thing in Beijing
The good news is that Beijing's air quality did see some improvements in April. The average for the month was 53. Even still, Beijing is going to have to do a lot better if they want to meet their lofty goals.
[Image via Shanghai Daily]


text:
The other evening, PBS news featured an interview with Lev Grossman who has published the 3rd book in his fantasy trilogy. The new title is, The Magician's Land. What's interesting about the author's work is that it's targeted to adults rather than to young readers. Grossman sensed a strong market for adult fantasy, having noticed that many parents who bought books for their youngsters became fans of Harry Potter, Twilight and His Dark Materials. Unlike Haruki Murakami who is what I call a quantum writer (Blog 10/30/14) in that he defies our presumptions about what is real, fantasy writers explore extraordinary realities but they are guided by a strict cannon. Central to the story is a hero or heroine who is admirable, something Murakami doesn't require. The heroine of Murakami's epic work 10Q84 is a serial killer. Also, required in fantasy are a set of rules so that the extra ordinary world unfolds with a predictable logic. In Murakami's scenarios, logic is banished.
As a writer of fantasy, Grossman defends his work though some critics accuse him of dumbing down literature. He counters that a book's merits aren't determined by whether or not it is difficult to read but upon whether or not it tells a good story. Unfortunately, the author wasn't allowed time during the interview to share his thoughts on the elements of a good story, so I've decided to fill in the blanks for him.
I agree with Grossman that obscurity is no standard upon which to judge a book's merit. Obscurity can be the result a writer's ineptitude or laziness. No matter how complex an idea, it can be expressed simply. Think E-MC2. As to whether or not people are awakening to an appetite for a good story, I doubt that's new. People have been drawn to a good story since Homer began telling his saga. If I had to guess at a reason for why adult fantasy has a growing an audience, I'd say it reflects a longing for an existence less complex and more innocent than our own. In fantasy, we escape into a world where justice is unswerving and good triumphs over evil. Any book that taps into that general hunger speaks to a collective consciousness where readers feel less alone. That is the magic of a good story.


text:
Obama's favorite green company calls it quits
Despite support from President Obama, a solar-panel manufacturer in California is closing its doors and laying off more than a thousand employees, citing foreign competition as the impetus that has made domestic production no longer "scalable."
Solyndra Inc. announced that they will be filing for bankruptcy and sending 1,100 employees home immediately from its Fremont, CA plant since it cannot afford continue to produce products that encourage clean energy. The green energy prevailers were in the spotlight last year after President Obama visited the Fremont plant and touted the company for their energy-efficient manufacturing. With Obama's encouragement, the US Energy Department put plans in motion last year for a $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra, but GOP lawmakers fired back at the attempt, with Republican representatives going as far as to call Obama's decision to support the company "a dubious investment."Now mere months later, the company says it must shut down as foreign competition is creating products with prices that they can't compete against. "Solyndra could not achieve full-scale operations rapidly enough to compete in the near term with the resources of larger foreign manufacturers," the company says today in a statement. They go on that a slowing demand for solar panels coupled with a global market has rendered them unable to continue. Financial analyst Adam Krop adds to Bloomberg that he doesn't expect anyone to step up and give the company another go. "I don't see anyone swooping in," says the analyst from Ardour Capitol Partner in New York. "I don't see this technology as very viable in the long-term."Spectrawatt Inc and Everygreen Solar Inc., two other American-based solar power manufacturers, also called it quits in August. With the latest forfeit from Solyndra, stocks for both First Solar Inc. and Suntech Power Holdings dropped on Wednesday. Clean energy factories abroad also saw stocks drops, with companies in China all seeing declines this week. The Associated Press reports that heavy competition from those Chinese manufacturers has caused the price of solar panels to drop nearly 50 percent in 2011. "Chinese firms that have received billions of dollars in low-cost loans from state banks and have access to a well developed domestic supply chain for solar manufacturing," GTM Research analyst Shyam Mehta tells Reuters. He adds that Solyndra has been "swimming upstream ever since it entered the market," despite the encouragement from Obama.Even with the president's blessing, Republicans were weary of the federal loan, which Representatives Fred Upton from Michigan and Cliff Stearns of Florida calling Solyndra "the latest casualty of the Obama administration's failed stimulus."In an email to Bloomberg News today, Solyndra rep Damien LeVera confirmed that the company had already borrowed all but $8 million of the $535 million expected from the Department of Energy, but still couldn't stay afloat.


text:
Hey lovelies,
NZ Indie Polish Month is here again! This is our second year doing this and I'm so excited to see all the lovely things the other PANZ gals post.
What is PANZ?
PANZ (Polish Addicts of NZ) is a New Zealand based Facebook group for nail polish lovers! We're super friendly and love meeting fellow polish addicts so please feel free to come join the fun here.
What is NZ Indie Polish Month?
It's the brainchild of Serra from Peacock Pie, a month long celebration of all things New Zealand made indie polish! We have some awesome local brands making really cool stuff and we want everyone to know about them. We'll be using the hashtag #nzindiepolish on social media, please feel free to join in!
The first polish I have to show you is Throwing Copper by Peacock Pie! Now this is sort of a mean post, because Serra is currently on a polish making break and you can't buy her polish at the moment, but she is awesome and I want more Peacock Pies in my life, so Serra.... *puppy dog eyes* pwwweeeeeeeeeease come back?
Throwing Copper is a baby blue crelly with subtle pearly shimmer and a mixture of periwinkle, navy and copper hexes along with a generous helping of blue microglitter. This was three easy coats, no topcoat.
- Shop Peacock Pie on Etsy (HINT HINT SERRA)
- Like Peacock Pie on Facebook
- Follow the Peacock Pie blog
- Follow Peacock Pie on Instagram
Will you be participating in NZ Indie Polish Month?


text:
Swamp Titi is an extremely interesting and underused shrub or small tree for our area. It grows to perhaps 20 feet (more often 12-15 feet) and can be described as having both lustrous evergreen or tardily deciduous leaves and colorful fall foliage! Its trunk(s) and branches are very nicely contorted, with cinnamon-colored bark (maturing to grayish, exfoliating), and it puts on a long-lasting, stunning floral display in the summer, followed by seeds attractive to birds. In the Southern U.S., it is found in swamps. bogs, pocosins, wet places in the piedmont and coastal plains from Virginia around to Texas and is associated with Bald Cypress, Pond Cypress, Tupelos, Sweetbays, Redbays and Atlantic White Cedar. But its range extends much further, through the Caribbean to Central and northern South America. In these tropical places the trees are much taller, and evergreen. We have collected seeds from shrubs/trees growing in thickets or colonies pond-side in the Sandhills. Like many plants originating in wet places, Titi grows well in upland soils as well. This is a beautiful plant.
Cyrilla racemifloraTiti, Swamp Cyrilla, Swamp Titi, Littleleaf Titi, He-Huckleberry, Leatherwood, Red Titi, White Titi, Black Titi, Palo Colorado
Photo by
Last Updated: May 15, 2019


text:
Seek First the Kingdom of God
Kingdom Business Fellowship is open to all those in business or desiring to be in business. At KBF we teach Kingdom Principles relating to business and finance. The Bible says that the "But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant" Deu 8:18
KBF is a great way to network and fellowship with like minded Believers who feel that God has called them into the business realm. Services are held monthly, there is no charge for attending and are open to the entire public.


text:
Area 1
Here you can:
- Get information
- Purchase Orange Bags
- Purchase Recycling or Compost Bins
- Pay for chargeable items
- Weigh in for tipping materials
- Questions or concerns
- Lost and found
Things to know:
- For all information and purchases please drive up on the scale for your safety.
- All credit/debit card transactions are subject to an additional 3.5% service fee
- We do not accept out of state solid waste to comply with state laws. If your load originates from out of state, please look into other methods of disposal.
- Please be vigilant when approaching scale, wait at stop sign for vehicle to clear scale before pulling up to window. For your guidance there is a traffic light to the right hand side of scale.
- We do not accept hazardous waste at our facility. For hazardous waste information, please scroll down to the bottom of this page
- Please explore the tabs below for our rates and fees. For any items listed under tipping fees and individual chargeable items please pull onto scale prior to drop off. For anything listed under non chargeable items feel free to proceed to the allocated drop off area. For more information on any of the commodities listed below please check out the area page associated to the item you are looking to drop off.
|Tipping Fees Effective October 1, 2019
|Minimum Fee
|Price per ton
|Demolition (Residents)
|$10.00 up to 200lbs
|Demolition (Non-Residents)
|$20.00 up to 380lbs
|Solid waste (Residents)
|$10.00 up to 200lbs
|Solid waste (Non-Residents)
|$20.00 up to 380lbs
|Rubble (Residents)
|Commercial Compost
|Commodity Effective July 1, 2017
|Fee per unit/gallon
|Freon appliances including:
Refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water coolers
|Upholstered Furniture
|Small Propane Tanks (20lbs and under)
|Large Propane Tanks (larger than 20lbs)
|Small Tires (lawn tractor, car, and pickup truck)
|Large Tires (commercial truck)
|Drop off location
|Area 4
|Cooking Oil
|Area 4
|Scrap Metal
|Area 2
|Motor Oil
|Area 4
|Motor Vehicle Batteries
|Area 2
|Area 2
|Area 2
|Sod and Loam
|Area 5
|Fluorescent light bulbs
|Area 4
|Mattresses and Boxsprings
|Area 2
|Stove ashes
|Area 5
|Household paint
|Area 4
|Clothing Items
|Area 4
|Area 5
Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste is not accepted at this facility but may be disposed of at Eco-Depot in Johnston, Rhode Island. This is a free service for Rhode Island residents and is by appointment only. For a list of on site and off site collection dates and locations, click HERE. Call 401-942-1430, extension 241 to schedule your appointment.
Hazardous Categories
A substance is hazardous if it falls into any of the following categories:
- Toxic: Poisonous or lethal when ingested, absorbed, touched or inhaled
- Flammable/Combustible: Ignites under almost all conditions
- Corrosive/Caustic: Deteriorates metal and causes irreversible alteration of living tissue by chemical action
- Reactive: Creates an explosion or produces deadly vapors


text:
CRE CRM cost analysis
What's the real cost of your commercial real estate CRM?
Don't invest in a commercial real estate CRM until you know the real cost. The real cost includes substantially more than just your subscription fee.
Take 60 seconds now to compare the cost of any CRM solution to ClientLook.


text:
, ">
Come on in and SNEAK A PEEK!
Our candles are more then triple scented, made with the finest wax, lead free wicks and uncut oils . Each are handmade, no two will ever be the same. Email me with any of your questions or requests. Thanks and Happy Shopping!


text:
Reception July 12, 2014, 5-8 pm
Join us for a special evening of Fine Art Fotografia of Italia by Joan Schuler, interior designer and photographer, at South Stage Cellars, 125 South 3rd Street in Jacksonville. Explore Italian art, wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and conversation.
Joan E. Schuler's lifelong admiration of architectural structure and nature's details inspired her desire to study all aspects of design. While traveling and being surrounded by beautiful surroundings, she discovered her passion for photography and interior design. Photography captures magnificent moments and scenery to share with others as fine art in living spaces. Joan's exhibit will showcase color photography and canvas prints from a month long travel in 2011, touring from Rome to northern Italy.
Joan's designing has been featured in HGTV, DIY, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Affluent, Southern Oregon, and Medford Living magazines. Her focus is to create interior ambiance that reflects
Continue reading Fine Art Fotografia of Italia by Joan Schuler at South Stage Cellars


text:
On 21 March 2003, Antigua and Barbuda requested consultations with the US regarding measures applied by central, regional and local authorities in the US which affect the cross-border supply of gambling and betting services. Antigua and Barbuda considered that the cumulative impact of the US measures is to prevent the supply of gambling and betting services from another WTO Member to the United States on a cross-border basis. According to Antigua and Barbuda, the measures at issue may be inconsistent with the US obligations under the GATS, and in particular Articles II, VI, VIII, XI, XVI and XVII thereof, and the US Schedule of Specific Commitments annexed to the GATS.
© World Trade Organization
- 07 Apr 2005


text: The yarn is packed. And most of it's in the form of new projects. Here we have the Orange Hat (pattern still undetermined) and We Call them Pirates Hat , still in yarn form. Also in the knitting bag are the top priority Leg Warmers and Marble Arch Socks. With 14 hours of travel time, I plan on getting lots of car knitting accomplished as well as lazy NJ knitting.


text:
City of Murrieta sponsoring workshop on federal grants
The City of Murrieta is sponsoring a free workshop on how to secure small business federal research grants Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. a...
Martin Kleckner, who has more than 25 years experience in senior level operations, general management, marketing and business development, will be speaking at the event. Kleckner works with companies on corporate planning, strategy, commercialization, and public policy throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. His start-ups have won eight grants in the past 18 months.
This workshop will cover topics such as the best practices to win a federal grant, how to form university partnerships and agency-specific decision making processes. To RSVP to this event, email firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
There are many people on the internet who call themselves web designers and web design companies. Many people do it for fun, as a hobby or part-time.
A full-time web design company operating is the way to do it. A web design company that does it for life will take your project seriously. Make sure your web design company has done enough research about internet technology.
If you want to opt affordable web design services, then you can simply click at https://beokwebdesign.com/.
Image Source: Google
A professional web design company will work with you rather than for you. This will help you determine the requirements of your organization. However, you must have a basic idea of what your website can do for you. Will it function as an informative catalog? Will it take on new clients? Will this strengthen relationships with your existing clients? Will it serve the needs of your workers?
There are some initial requirements that your organization must pay attention to:
- The intended audience for the website
- The intended project objectives
- Anticipated budget for the website
- How the project will fit into a larger marketing/company scheme
- The individual/department in your organization responsible for the project
These initial requirements will help you find the web design company that is best suited for your project. You must document it and use it as a basis for evaluating every web design company. This document will serve as your benchmark for measuring every web design company.


text:
|Name of walk
|Dalton, St. Mary's Tower Outing 2016
|Date of walk
On Saturday the Dalton, St. Mary's ringers held their annual ringing tour. This year we were visiting bell towers in and around Clitheroe, Lancashire. Calling at Samlesbury, Ribchester, Clitheroe and Waddington. I left home at 7.40am to pick up the other Barrow, St. James' ringers.
Our first tower was St. Leonard The Less at Samlesbury. It dates from 1558, but the tower was only added in 1899 and has eight bells. Wonderful autumn colours at the entrance to the church.
The tower entrance was round the back, unfortunately we had no access to the church itself.
A small ringing room.
Next up was St. Wilfred's in Ribchester. I was looking forward to this visit as the university students I had carried out the geophysics survey of Gleaston Castle with, had raved about its significance. The village of Ribchester was built on top of an important Roman Fort, Bremetennacum. The ruins of parts of it are still visible today.
St. Wilfred's Church dates from the 13th century. The small ringing room is hidden behind the organ. The opening is tiny, only slim ringers need apply! The tower has six bells. Jacqueline and Ken up in the gallery. Ringers can spill out to the seating here, as there is room for virtually no seating inside.
View down the nave from the gallery.
A very rare sight, blink and you'd miss it! Me actually ringing a bell on a ringing tour. In small ringing rooms I usually manage to sneak in at the start, take a few photos and sneak out again before anyone notices, but alas, this time I wasn't quite quick enough. I decided that I would be able to extricate myself quicker if I acquiesced, than if I argued. This proved to be the case, as after a disastrous attempt at Grandsire on the 4th, where both my brain and body failed to engage with any degree of competence or skill, I was soon out in the fresh air exploring the delights of Ribchester. (AP)
The River Ribble.
On my right, opposite the White Bull pub are a row of weaver's cottages noteworthy for their unusual configuration of windows. Built for the hand loom weavers they have three levels with a single window at the top.
I had parked my car on Church Street, just next to the Millennium Sculpture Garden, the result of a community project to create public art to commemorate the Millennium. Four sculptures, created by sculptor Fiona Bowley, are set in a garden leading from Church Street into the village's playing field. The sculptures all reflect aspects of Ribchester life and history; they include a sun dial and a column (modelled on Trajan's column in Rome) showing aspects of Ribchester's history.
A track alongside the River Ribble leads to the Roman Baths.
An overgrown section of a stream.
Back beside the river. The museum is now open, but I don't have time to visit it today. I walk back to the church and visit The Granaries.
Adjoining the churchyard of St. Wilfrid's Church, and out of sight, are the excavated remains of the granaries which belonged to the Roman fort.
I was successful in persuading both Rob's wife and Andy and the boys to have a look at the ruins.
We have lunch at the Black Horse in Pimlico Village, near Clitheroe. Unfortunately only the far end of the table had lighting! Not to worry, it was certainly atmospheric! Early on we discussed lighting the candles on the table with a match, but none of us were smokers......then the waitress clicked a button on the bottom of each candle and they lit up! Oopps! Now that could have been embarrassing! Thanks to Carl for organising the lunch!
Keith, who was responsible for running the ringing in each tower, read out part of a letter from Dalton, St. Mary's Tower Captain, Stan, who for the first time in 50 years was unfortunately unable to make the outing, due to illness. He was still wanting to make sure that the ringing was the best quality possible, and that he would know if it wasn't!!
Freddy Krueger! For St. Mary's Church in Clitheroe town center, I parked at Tescos. We went in and bought something so we had a valid receipt. Freddie was offering Ginger Bread Cake for a donation to Diabetes Research. Neither Andy or I could resist!
St. Mary Magdalene Church, Clitheroe. The earliest record of a church on the site is in 1122. The tower and east window of the present church date from the 15th century. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1828–29. The tower is separate from the church, which was shut. It has eight bells.
You could see into the church through the window of the small ringing room.
Clitheroe has a Norman, 12th century castle at the top of the hill. The keep is the second smallest surviving stone-built keep in England. The keep is on the summit of a large carboniferous rock, which is the highest and most prominent point for miles around.
The keep.
The war memorial with Pendle Hill on the horizon.....in the cloud today!
Inside the keep.
I head on to the viewing area around the keep. On a good day the views would be superb. Today was just low cloud everywhere.
I could hear the bells the whole time I was out. They still sounded good from the top of the castle.
View down Clitheroe's main street.
Looking down on the castle's curtain wall, stables and courthouse and out to the hills, which today are barely visible. I would like to come back to Clitheroe again and explore the castle in more detail. I need to make my way back to the church.
Iwan has learned a very important lesson today....don't keep a Cadbury's Wispa Bar in your pocket.....it melts!
Last up is St. Helen's Church in Waddington. The church dates from about 1500, but only the tower remains from that time. The nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1898–1901.
It is a ground floor ring, so the bell ropes have guides to stop them from coming down out of reach. Above the inner arch of the west door are nine carved heads.
Some very ornate carving behind the altar.
The first opportunity for ringers to sit, spread out and relax and not have to play sardines in a small ringing room
An ornate rood screen too.
On our drive into Waddington I had noticed the gardened river walk, so I went off to explore before the light went.
Andy's photo got the church in too.
I walk right the way down beside the river to the village outskirts and back again.
A very quiet village. By the time I return it is time to set off home.
A long day! I got home just before 7.30pm. Thanks to Andy (AP) for the use of a few of his photos.


text:
When We Feel Stuck
Photo credit: Bigstock
"But feelings can't be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem." - Anne Frank
Lately, I've felt like I am living the cliché of pushing and pushing against a brick wall and nothing is happening. I know something is bothering me. Heck, a lot of things are bothering me. But I don't know what to do about it. I just assume I'll figure it out when I have time.
Yet, any time I do have, I keep filling with activity. Kind of a backward thing to do for someone with a desire for some quiet time. It feels a bit insane. I have to remember that insanity is the definition of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Well, nothing different was happening.
I felt stuck.
A lot of things are changing for me. One big thing is that I have felt sad about my kids growing up, and was not acknowledging all of the feelings that went along with this reality. I was spiraling in a whirlwind of self-induced chaos. I thought I wanted out, but I didn't know how to get out. In some ways, I was thriving on the chaos. I was running and running, and felt exhausted, but it diverted the attention of having me pause and deal with my feelings.
And as silly as it may sound to some, there is a degree of loss. My babies are growing up. The baby-stage is gone. I have been diminishing my feelings because I feel it's wrong to feel sad about this. I should just be happy they are healthy and growing. So many people have much worse situations.
But that didn't take away my feelings.
I was comparing my thoughts to the situations of others, therefore invalidating what I felt. And that certainly doesn't honor me or help me deal with anything. I didn't give myself permission to feel what was really happening, therefore inhibiting any progress that needed to happen to move forward. I needed remind myself of what to do when I am stuck. My personal growth was stagnant, because I was not challenging myself.
No pain, no gain.
But pain is uncomfortable! It hurts, and I don't want to hurt. Why would I purposely walk into something I know wasn't going to feel good? So, I continued putting myself in circumstances that were not inherently bad, but did not feed me. It kept me on the surface, which is where I was comfortable. Until I was not. That's how it is with me. I circle around until I know I have to deal with what is bothering me. Sometimes I honestly don't even know. But this time I sort of did.
So, I made myself vulnerable.
I shared my true feelings with a group of people. I cried. I had no structure to my sentences and felt I had nothing of importance to say, because only phrases came out between the sobs. I put aside my need to be perfect, my need to seem intelligent, my need to seem put together. In part, I put it aside because I had no other choice. I couldn't put a disclaimer to everything I was saying because once I opened the door, I had no control of what spilled out of my mouth, out of my soul.
I relinquished my need to be boxed up, to tough it out.
And then I waited. I waited to miraculously feel better. The tears had stopped and I was waiting for the bolt of lightning to hit me and make all of the pain (and possible embarrassment) pay off and get my reward of feeling better.
Nothing happened.
I took all of my tissues that were so kindly donated during my release of tears. I got in my car, and then started to cry again. What the hell. Seriously. I thought I was done. Apparently not. That's what happens when we hold stuff in and then release. We don't know when it will stop. We just have to take a leap of faith.
As I went through the rest of my day, I kept waiting for the relief. That feeling of "Well, I looked like an idiot, but it was so worth it because I feel so much better now." It never came.
That night I was anxious about an event, but went through it anyway. Still bumbling a bit, but shared a few moments of real conversation with someone and felt vulnerable, but real. She was real right back to me. Mini lightning bolt.
I woke up the next morning, and I realized I felt a little better. The ickiness wasn't all gone, but I felt lighter. Another mini lightning bolt.
I can't say everything is all peachy, and yet, I can say I feel better. I can live with the puffy eyes for a few extra days, because that means the tears aren't welled up behind my eyelids threatening to release at any moment. My increasingly frequent stomachaches over the past few weeks have dissipated. My neck is a little less tight. Our emotions truly are stored in our body, and I opened a few pathways for these feelings to get out.
Life is complicated.
Things don't feel as simple as they used to be. The huge lightning bolts don't happen immediately, or with guarantee. Yet, I feel as if I opened a little piece of my wall to the world around me. It just takes me to get completely stuck pushing up against my own wall, to stop and clear my eyes to see the door right in front of me. I just have to open it.


text:
"Mommy, I can't wait 'til Christmas!" Claire squealed as she did a cartwheel.
"I know, Claire," Mommy said. "You only have to wait a few more days."
"How many days till Christmas?" Claire's little brother, Camden, asked.
Mommy laughed. "Only five more! While we're thinking about it, let's talk about why we have Christmas."
"Oh, I know," Claire said quickly. "That's when Jesus was born!"
"That's right!" Mommy answered. "Christmas should remind us of God's gift to all the world—his Son Jesus. God said that when Jesus grew up he would 'save his people from their sins'" (Matthew 1:21).
"What does that mean, Mommy?" Camden wondered.
"Sins are the wrong things that we say and do. Things like disobeying your daddy and me, fighting with each other or telling lies. The Bible, God's special book, says that 'all have sinned' (Romans 3:23)—children and adults, too.
"When you do something wrong at home or school, you know you're in trouble when you get caught. God knows all about us and knows every time we sin. And our sins get us into trouble with God! That's why he sent Jesus to be born here on earth.
Jesus never sinned, and when he became a grown man, he chose to be punished for our sins, so we wouldn't have to be. He 'died for our sins' on a cross, just like the Bible says (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), then he came back to life."
"Jesus must really love us to die for us!" Claire exclaimed.
"That's right," Mommy replied. "He did it so we can have a very special gift. The Bible says 'the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 6:23). Eternal life means living with Jesus and God in heaven forever and ever!"
"How can we get the gift of eternal life, Mommy?" Claire asked.
"The Bible says that 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life' (John 3:16). If you believe with all your heart God sent Jesus to die for you and that you want Jesus to forgive your sins, you can tell God with a prayer like this:
Dear God, I believe that Jesus died because of my sins. I trust you to forgive my sins. I want to live in heaven with you forever. Thank you!"
Just like Claire and Camden, you can have your sins forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. Christmas may be days away, but you can have God's greatest gift right now!