text:
Elder Patriot- President Trump's tweet last evening was part of coordinated effort with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who had traveled to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library to address an audience of Iranian-Americans. Secretary Pompeo made it clear that President Trump would be providing the oppressed people of Iran with the tools they need to fight for their freedom:
To Iranian President Rouhani: NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER CONSEQUENCES THE LIKES OF WHICH FEW THROUGHOUT HISTORY HAVE EVER SUFFERED BEFORE. WE ARE NO LONGER A COUNTRY THAT WILL STAND FOR YOUR DEMENTED WORDS OF VIOLENCE & DEATH. BE CAUTIOUS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 23, 2018
"The mission set for our team is clear. It's to deny the Iranian leadership the resources, the wealth, the funds, the capacity to continue to foment terrorism around the world and to deny the people inside of Iran the freedoms that they so richly deserve."
Left unsaid, the Iranian people will have to be active participants in bringing an end to the tyranny they have been made to endure.
Compare this to President Obama when began courting the Iranian regime when he opened back-channel negotiations with them while he was still a candidate in 2008.
Former National Security Council and U.S. Defense Department consultant, Michael Ledeen revealed that Obama's point man for these illegal negotiations was retired Ambassador William G. Miller who had previous experience negotiating with Iran.
Ledeen said that Miller confirmed his involvement to him.
According to Ledeen, Miller told him:
"The actual strategy is detente first, and then a full alliance with Iran throughout the Middle East and North Africa."
By the time our Manchurian president had left the White House, the Middle East was in turmoil, sanctions against Iran had been lifted, plane loads of money had been sent to them, Iran's funding of its global terror network was greater than ever, and they had been given access to U.S. financial systems.
Iranian hegemony was in full swing.
As a result Obama left the White House $40 million dollars richer than he entered and the payoffs have accelerated since then following his signing of deals with Penguin Random House ($65MM) and Netflix ($50MM). All told he's expected to earn as much as $242MM dollars according to data collected by [email protected] of the American University.
The elites take care of their own. Compare their treatment of Obama to the nearly $1 Billion dollar loss to his net worth that Donald Trump has endured at their hands.
Obama is reaping the payback from his globalist partners who don't care that he allowed the mullahs and their closest allies to amass billions of dollars in wealth while the Iranian people suffered.
The rial is plummeting. A third of #Iran's youth are unemployed. A third of Iranians live below the poverty line. But if you're a politically-connected member of the regime's elite, the Iranian economy is going great. pic.twitter.com/NCfyv3rCn1
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 23, 2018
Similarities to the concentration of wealth in the United States under Obama's leadership is unavoidable.
Secretary Pompeo:
"Economically, we see how the regime's decision to prioritize an ideological agenda over the welfare of the Iranian people has put Iran into a long-term economic tailspin.
"During the time of the nuclear deal, Iran's increased oil revenues could have gone to improving the lives of the Iranian people. Instead they went to terrorists, dictators, and proxy militias.
"Today, thanks to regime subsidies, the average Hizballah combatant makes two to three times what an Iranian firefighter makes on the streets of Iran.
"Regime mismanagement has led to the rial plummeting in value. A third of Iranian youth are unemployed, and a third of Iranians now live below the poverty line."
It is against this backdrop that President Trump is attempting to restore freedom and prosperity to the people of Iran. It is important to the president's plan that the people of Iran know the taste of freedom and prosperity, and that they are highly educated.
It's apparent that Trump is implementing the same strategy that he did in attempting to find a peaceful solution to North Korea. The president is applying maximum pressure while dangling the carrot for better times ahead.
The difference in this case is that President Trump is dangling the carrot in front of the Iranian people. The mullahs are free to grab it, of course, but it's the will of the Iranian people – who have been rioting in the streets – that the president is really seeking to encourage.
They must seize the moment. They must be prepared to pay the price to earn that freedom for themselves and their progeny. That's what our Founders did and that sacrifice is why our thirst for freedom endures.
And, President Trump is letting them know that we have their 6:00.


text:
Regular price 7.000 KD
The Hario V60 02 is a conical pour-over brewer design to allow coffee to extract out of both the sides and the bottom of the coffee dripper. The V60 has raised ridges along the side-wall which allows the coffee to exit out the sides, creating an even extration for all of the coffee in the dripper. The V60 02 is the medium size of the Hario V60, ideal for brewing coffee for one to four people.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Alliance Points are points earned through Alliance Wars Quests, PvP, Skirmish Hall, Defense of Crete, and Legendary Quests. Points earned by the player are contributed to their chosen alliance. The points are also a measure of the player's contribution to the "Total War Effort", the sum of all points earned by players of a particular alliance when determining alliance ranks and Empire Points rewards.
- Determining alliance ranks can be found via here.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
Back to Blog
Exeter Transport Strategy
Devon County Council has launched a public consultation on its draft Exeter Transport Strategy which can be viewed by using this link. Since access into and out of the city will affect villagers, DPC encourages you to provide feedback to Devon CC. Note the deadline for comments is 28 February 2019.
Leave a Reply.


text:
To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Putnam, 30 November 1782
From Benjamin Putnam
ALS: American Philosophical Society
Bordeaux 30th. Nov. 1782.
Honble Sir
Having this day negociated to Mr. John Augustus Byrne of this City the four Bills as undermentioned3 the first & second of which I have heretofore transmitted to you,4 & not being advisd by your Excellency of their Acceptance or payment I think it proper to mention the 1sts. of sd. Bills are accepted in your hands. Mr Byrne remitts them to his Banker Mr. Julian of Paris5 who is to recieve their Amount.
I am your Excellency's most Hble Sert.
Benja. Putnam.
Addressed: A Monsieur / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire des états unis de / L'amerique / prés Paris / A Passy
3. The list of bills is missing.
4. Probably those sent in December, 1781: XXXVI, 239.
5. Louis Julien & fils: Lüthy, Banque protestante, II, 280, 458, 699.


text:
CTV News | Top Stories - Breaking News - Top News Headlines
BMW to unveil its fastest road-legal sports car: the M4 GTS
The BMW M4 GTS (BMW Group)
BMW has chosen the Tokyo motor show as the event for the global unveiling of its fastest, most potent and one of its most expensive, track-focused, road-legal sportscars in history, the M4 GTS.
At the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance back in August, BMW teased what it described as a conceptual hardcore take on the already fast M4 and at the end of this month when the Tokyo motor show opens its doors to the public, the car will have made the journey from prototype to road-going limited-edition reality.
The BMW M4 GTS is described as a technological showpiece and from its ingenious water injection system that fills the combustion chambers with vapor to reduce temperature and organically boost horsepower to its OLED rear lights (both production car world firsts) that's in little doubt.
But the 700 serious drivers that will be lucky enough to get behind its sports steering wheel and sit in its racing seats will care more about its vital statistics.
The car may only have a 3-liter twin-turbo straight six, but it delivers 493bhp, and thanks to weighing just 1510kg has a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a governed top speed of 189.5mph (304km/h).
"We've taken a radical route with the set-up of the BMW M4 GTS to create a sports machine for the race track that delivers top-end dynamics and inspirational performance. It allows us to demonstrate what is possible today with a road-legal car. Owners can drive their BMW M4 GTS to circuits such as Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring or Laguna Seca -- for clubsport events, for example -- and then set lap times there that raise the bar to extremely high levels for road-legal cars." said Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH.
Despite being called the M4, the car was built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M3. Two years ago, the company decided to give its coupés an even number and its sedans an odd number, so the three-door M3 is now known as the M4 and its sporty four-door sibling is now called the M3. This might lead to confusion, but what is abundantly clear is that this is the fastest road legal M3/M4 in the company's history. During testing, it lapped the aforementioned Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 28 seconds.
When the car goes on sale, prices will start at €165,000 making it almost twice as expensive as the company's flagship 7-Series sedan, which will be making its Asian premiere at the Tokyo motor show, alongside the second-generation X1 SUV and BMW's latest plug-in hybrid cars.
The Tokyo motor show opens its doors to the motoring press on October 28 and to the public on October 30 until November 8.


text:
- This event has passed.
#ACROSUNDAYS with ACRO BUDDHAS!
February 4, 2018 @ 1:00 pm - 3:15 pm EST
Join us for #ACROSUNDAYS with Miranda & Ryan, aka ACRO BUDDHAS!
During this ongoing workshop offering we will explore the practice of acro yoga to find strength, release and connection.
This workshop is open to all levels and will evolve as we move in harmony together.
We will explore acro yoga movements and calibrations to discover how we can refine our practice and move with ease. Unlock new skills with heightened awareness in alignment and movement!
Let's move smooth!
ACRO SUNDAYS will be a mix of the following:
– acro yoga postures
– counter balances
– variations within postures
– moving from one posture to another
– creative entries and exits from postures
– learning to string postures together; evolving into acro yoga washing machines
– options to kick it into acro yoga beast mode (Yes, we just said beast! Rawwrrr! For all you acro ninjas looking for an extra challenge.)
– acro tribe postures and movements connecting the entire group
– standing acro postures
– conditioning and stretching
Each workshop will be unique and in alignment with each participant's level of practice.
We will provide offerings to keep all acro yogis and yoginis growth stimulated.
Let's grow and connect every Sunday!
No partner required.
Please bring your own yoga mat.
Mats are also available for rent at Yoga Tree.
Sunday February 4
1pm – 3:15pm
Yoga Tree Studios – Bay & Dundas
123 Dundas Street West, Toronto
$40 /person
Spaces are limited.
WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS: An established yoga practice or fitness regime of at least three months on a regular basis. Please wear athletic apparel you can move in. No loose baggy clothing.
To learn more about Miranda & Ryan, please visit
Terms and Conditions: Participation is limited to 24 people. Online or in-person registration prior to the start date is required. Class cards, memberships, and other promotional discounts cannot be used for or towards this workshop. No refunds or credit for cancellations or absence from the workshop.


text: Editors Note: The print version of this story published on August 14th erroneously headlined it as, 'Ph.D. in global business added.'. This version has been updated to include the right headline 'Ph.D. in global leadership added.' The Tropolitan apologizes for this error and will be re-printing this story with the correct headline and redaction in the Read MoreRead More


text:
I've been stuck, honestly, thinking I should write about how our car was stolen. But what is there to say?
He was a 1995 Honda Civic, the first "big" thing I ever bought. He carried every important person in my life across seventeen years I owned him, took little Zoom home from the hospital, he drove the country three times, and he had a name. Cobie. After the soccer player Cobie Jones.
Last Tuesday night, someone stole him from in front of our new home. We think it was around 2:00am. Sean had put the Club on him, the doors were locked. We live in a "safe" neighborhood at the end of a long cul-de-sac. The police can not believe that a thief would drive down this long cul-de-sac, risk getting caught, for a car.
Sure, I know that the 1989-1997 Hondas, Toyotas and Acuras are still the most stolen cars in the US. Yes, I'm aware that the Club doesn't deter thieves. I get it. I'm not sure how those statistics and information are ever an appropriate piece of conversation to bring up when someone tells you they've had their car stolen. "I'm sorry," or "that's terrible," seem to be more fitting.
Because you see, this was my Cobie. And, really, all I would have liked was to say good bye and thank you for being a great car. I would have liked to have a moment to acknowlege what memories were created in that little car, to have spent a few moments remembering the back roads of Kansas with it's big sky, the forge we visited in Pennsylvania with my mom, the crazy time we rolled down the snowy driveway in Connecticut, the sweet drive home with Zoom for the first time. And I would have like to have chosen his next owner, to have known where his next adventure would take him.
A week has passed and even the police know nothing more than we did that first morning we found out he was gone. That pit-of-your-stomach feeling, seeing the blank space on the driveway, the "he's surely around here somewhere" moment, and then knowing, no, he's been taken.
We will hold out hope that Cobie will come home. I've already fought with our insurance, insisting that they extend the date they will mark the car as a "total loss." They thought I was crazy and told me most people just want the check, and to move on. And to that, well, I have to imagine that most of those people have not just bought a home, are not living on one income, and are not strangely sentimental about a sweet little blue car they named and loved and cherished.


text:
Annemaree Callander
Annemaree Callander is the CEO of Brisbane Youth Service which has been providing "New Futures for Young People" in Brisbane since 1977.
Brisbane Youth Service supports young people aged 12-25 and their accompanying children to find and maintain housing, address physical and mental health issues, establish successful relationships and support networks, and re-enter education and employment.
Annemaree has worked in the human services industry for 31 years in both government and non-government roles.
She has experience in policy, program and direct service in the areas of youth, homelessness, climate change, and early childhood.
Annemaree is Secretary of the Qld Network of Drug and Alcohol Agencies and Co-Chair of Under 1 Roof, a consortium of homelessness, housing and community agencies focussed on ending homelessness in Brisbane.
She is a strong advocate for young people and is passionate about evidence informed policy and practice.


text:
A couple of hundred years ago, the following anecdote was told to Dr. J. Todd by an old hunter in the forests of America…
"I had been out all winter alone trapping for furs. It was in March, when I was hunting beaver, just as the ice began to break up, and on one of the farthest, wildest lakes I ever visited. I calculated there could be no human being nearer than one hundred miles. I was pushing my canoe through the loose ice, one cold day, when just around a point that projected into the lake, I heard something walking through the ice. It made so much noise, and stepped so regularly, that I felt sure it must be a moose. I got my rifle ready, and held it cocked in one hand, while I pushed the canoe with the other. Slowly and carefully I rounded the point, when, what was my astonishment to see, not a moose, but a man, wading in the water—the ice water! He had nothing on his hands or feet, and his clothes were torn almost from his limbs. He was walking, gesticulating with his hands, and talking to himself. He seemed to be wasted to a skeleton. With great difficulty I got him into my canoe, when I landed and made up a fire, and got him some hot tea and food. He had a bone of some animal in his bosom, which he had gnawed almost to nothing. He was nearly frozen, and quieted down, and soon fell asleep. I nursed him like an infant. With great difficulty, and in a roundabout way I found out the name of the town from which he came. Slowly and carefully I got him along, around falls, and over portages, keeping a resolute watch on him, lest he should escape from me in the forest. At length, after nearly a week's travel, I reached the village where I supposed he lived. I found the whole community under deep excitement, and more than a hundred men were scattered in the woods and on the mountains seeking for my crazy companion, for they had learned that he had wandered into the woods.
It had been agreed upon that if he was found, the bells should be immediately rung and guns fired; and as soon as I landed a shout was raised, his friends rushed to him, the bells broke out in loud notes, and guns were fired, and their reports echoed again and again in forest and on mountain, till every seeker knew that the lost one was found. How many times I had to tell the story over. I never saw people so crazy with joy; for the man was of the first and best families, and they hoped his insanity would be but temporary, as I afterwards learned it was. How they feasted me, and, when I came away, loaded my canoe with provisions and clothing, and everything for my comfort. It was a time and place of wonderful joy. They seemed to forget everything else, and think only of the poor man whom I had brought back."
The old hunter ceased, and I said, " Don't this make you think of the fifteenth chapter of Luke, where the man who lost one sheep left all the rest and sought it, and brought it home rejoicing; and of the teaching of our Savior, that there is joy in heaven over one repenting, returning sinner?" "Oh, yes; I have often compared the two, and though I don't suppose they ring bells and fire guns in that world, yet I have no doubt they have some way of making their joy known."
My dear friend, may I add that if you are that lost person, the one wandering alone in the wilderness of sin, that there is a hunter looking for you! His name is Jesus, and he will not stop looking for you until he finds you. And when he finds you, all of heaven will rejoice! It will be the news piece of the heavenly air waves, angels will sing and cry with joy… over you! Will you not let Jesus find you? Will you not pray to him right now, Jesus save me!?! Yes! I pray that you will. Find me, Oh Lord Jesus!
"There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents." — Luke 15:10
Story taken from, Anecdotes Illustrative of New Testament Texts, Author Unknown


text:
Natalie Symons
Natalie Symons' plays have been developed and produced at freeFall Theatre, ACT, Aurora Theatre, American Stage, New American Theatre, Theater Schmeater, Florida Studio Theatre, Bridge Street Theatre, Theatre22, Amas Musical Theatre, New Century Theatre, and Urbanite Theatre.
Awards/recognitions: Lark Eden: Suzi Bass nomination, Creative Loafing Readers' Choice 'Best Playwright.' The Buffalo Kings: 8 Theatre Tampa Bay Award nominations including 'Outstanding Play,' Broadway World Award 'Best Play,' Creative Loafing Critics' Choice Award 'Best Playwright,' Naming True: ACT/Theatre22 The Construction Zone New Works Festival, Recipient of Palm Beach Dramaworks' Dramaworkshop Prize, Bridge Initiative Women in Theatre Playwright of the Year Award finalist, Ashland New Play Festival finalist, Hope and Optimism (University of Notre Dame and Cornell University) finalist.
Natalie's commissioned play Schooney's Home for Girls and John, inspired by the book Strong is the New Pretty by Kate T. Parker, will premier at Florida Studio Theatre this spring. Natalie will be the Playwright in Residence for the 2018/19 season at American Stage. She is the author of the upcoming novel Call Her Frank, a literary mystery set in a forgotten steel town in Pennsylvania. Natalie has a degree in human services and drama therapy, and studied theatre at Boston University.
Artist's Blog
I Write to Feel Right
I Write to Feel Right
I've been an actor most of my life. It wasn't until later in life that I started writing fiction and plays. Whether I'm on stage telling someone else's story or at my desk writing my own, I'm happiest when I'm story-telling. Or rather, I feel most myself when I'm part of a made-up story.
Odd right?
Because that's when I'm furthest from myself – living in, sometimes lost in the make believe worlds of my characters. Maybe it's my escape. Or my coping mechanism. Or my attempt to heal and forgive and be at peace in a world that often makes me sad.
I don't work as an actress much anymore. Partly, because someone has to grant me permission to act. In other words someone has to cast me. And life is short, I don't have time to wait around to do what I love – tell stories. But I can always write!
So I do. I write often. And when I haven't written for a full 24 hours I start to get anxious, antsy, something doesn't feel right. So I write fiction. I write to get my head straight. I write to make sense of the world – the real world. I write to drown out the noise.
I write to feel right.
Leap of Faith
Leap of Faith
About a year and half ago I was having coffee with Daniel Kelly, the director of my new play that was set to world-premiere at Urbanite in Sarasota. We started talking about the commitment that new work takes from actors and designers vs. the commitment of doing tried and true plays. There is an enormous leap of faith that is required to invest in new work. That is not to say that this doesn't happen when working on already-produced plays. But new work requires belief in the unknown.
Let's look for a moment at a play that has had one or more productions – which are what make up the seasons of most theatres. That play has a track record, a reference point. To use the analogy of an explorer – think of plays that have had one or more productions as terrain that has been explored and therefore it is safe, or rather safer territory.
However, new plays are essentially new frontiers of uncharted, unexplored, undeveloped land.
Given the amount of money and resources that a theatre must invest in a production it's easy to see why artistic directors are cautious about committing to new work. There is a financial risk for putting a new play in a season.
But beyond this there is the time and energy investment that goes into developing new work. Unless the play has had extensive workshop development, the first production is where the playwright works out the kinks and figures out the timing. Films are polished and shaped in the editing room. Plays are polished and shaped in the first production.
Next week I start developing my newest play at American Stage. So to all of my collaborators past and near future: thank you for your fearless commitment to new work. Thank you for your leap of faith.
The Agony of the Untold Story
The Agony of the Untold Story
Maya Angelou said: "There is no greater agony than bearing the untold story inside you."
For me, the reason I write is because of that agony that Maya Angelou spoke of. That torment of "bearing the untold story" is so undeniable that I have no choice but to write. Otherwise I'd give up.
I can't tell you the amount of times that those voices get in my writer head telling me: "This is terrible." "I'm no good." "No one will like this." "I'm unworthy." "Don't quit your day job." "This is a waste of time."
And then there's all the times that I've felt the sting of being told been told NO. The times my stories have been rejected. That is the reality for a writer. And if I lived in that reality I would have given up on writing years ago.
I believe that in order to continue to write there is probably something fueling most writers that squelches the thoughts of "this is terrible writing, I'm no good, who am I fooling." There must be something greater than us, that is undeniable. That is as Maya Angelou said "agonizing."
*Creative Pinellas welcomes submissions from practicing artists for publication in our artists directory. To submit, please fill out the form here. Such publication does not constitute on endorsement by Creative Pinellas and does not imply a judgement about the quality of the work or the participating artist.


text:
You cannot place a new order from your country. United States
COVID-19 | We continue to operate. Delivery of 2 to 5 days*
Any questions? Contact us
No products
Filter by:
Set / Gift Set
L'Air du Temps edt
Nina Rouge edt
Luna Blossom edt
Nina edt
Nina Bella edt
Ricci Ricci edp
Premier Jour edp
Nina Fantasy edt
Nina L'elixir edp
Mémoire D'homme edt
Product Brands
Nina Ricci was one of the most famous designers of Haute Couture in the history of Italy. However, his preference was always the perfumes for woman so it turned over most of its efforts on highlighting this aspect. So much so that characters of the likes of Andy Warhol collaborated in the realization of some of their fragrances. Proof of the success of the Nina perfume Ricci some of their creations, such as L'Air du Temps, belonging to the olfactory family Floral fragrance, has been on the market since 1948. However, the signing of Nina Ricci has always bet for the innovation and constantly reinvent themselves as regards their fragrances. For this reason, time are new creations that update and improve the previous Nina Ricci fragrances. A good example of this is Premier Jour and its refreshing floral aroma with a citrus touch. Similar but more are Nina L'Elixir and Ricci Ricci, both of recent origin but which had great success.


text:
Affiliate Marketing Fanatics – A couple of hyper-caffeinated affiliate marketers (Mike Buechele) and (Trisha Lyn Fawver) talk about all things Affiliate Marketing. From blogging to branding, social media to search, video and more!
It's the countdown to Affiliate Summit East 2010! It's going down in just 5 weeks, so we're taking this opportunity to interview some speakers for the show. We kick this venture off by interviewing long time MC, first time keynote Jim Kukral! We talk a bit about how he's preparing, what exciting things he's doing to get noticed, and a little bit about his book Attention! This Book Will Make You Money: How to Use Attention-Getting Online Marketing to Increase Your Revenue. In in this episode we discuss:
- Jim's keynote. Find Jim at JimKukral.com.
- Jim will be doing a book signing at the show after his keynote.
- Want a free silver pass to Affiliate Summit? Pre-order Jim's book & tell him & he'll hook you up!
- Learn more about the book at AttentionTheBook.com.
- Jim says come early to the keynote – he can't say why, but COME EARLY!
- Jim's prediction on Lebron James' move.
Want to catch up with us & ask questions for the next show? Find us on Twitter: @MikeBuechele & @TrishaLyn. You can also ask Trisha questions through FormSpring.me. Or leave us a comment!


text:
Darren Nichols – Executive Director
Darren Nichols is the executive director of the Great Lakes Commission and is inspired daily by its mission to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life for current and future generations. Prior to joining the GLC he served as executive director of the Columbia River Gorge Commission, associate director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center for collaborative public policy, and as a statewide manager for Oregon's land use planning program. Nichols also previously served as executive fellow with the Center for Governance and Public Policy at Willamette University's Atkinson School of Management, and as adjunct faculty at Portland State University's School of Urban Studies and Planning.
Nichols joined the Commission in 2018, continuing his passion to help people and communities work together to solve problems and capture opportunities. He brings experience in regional planning, resource conservation, collaborative facilitation, economic and community development and construction contracting. Nichols has worked extensively with local, state, federal and tribal governments as they wrestle with natural resource and economic development issues.
Nichols holds a Bachelor of Science in business economics from Willamette University, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College.
Darren and his wife Mona are proud to raise three energetic boys in and around the Great Lakes basin.


text:
200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Valencia, 5th – 27th October
This teacher training has a special offer on when you book through Soul Seed Travel. Fill in the form to make an enquiry or booking and we will get back to you within 24 hours. You can also contact the team direct on firstname.lastname@example.com.
200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Valencia
Our 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course emphasises teaching from beginner to intermediary levels. It therefore concentrates on safety, the use of props, correct breathing and alignment, restorative asana, relaxation and meditation as well as more dynamic and strong asanas to improve strength, endurance and will power.
Students need to respect their own limitations and are not expected to exercise beyond their own physical capacities. However all students should be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires.
The course will be taught in English. The practical part will be evaluated by continuous assessment and you may write the final exam in your own language. Practitioners are advised to have a minimum of 2 years and 100 hours yoga experience. It is also helpful for students to have a basic understanding of the philosophy of Yoga, life style and diet; however all these subjects are taught during the course.
Successful applicants should be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires. Individuals who do not meet these minimum requirements may still apply for a place and their applications will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Course objectives
This program will enable future graduates to teach with confidence. The sequences taught are designed to provide an excellent foundation to all the basic poses, to teach avoiding any injury and where necessary adapt poses and sequences for differing physical levels and needs.
Emphasis is on getting prana (energy) to flow while doing the poses, to understand their therapeutic benefits and for each person to practice with enjoyment, correct breathing, correct alignment and sincerity: Ultimately harmonizing mind, body and energy.
The spiritual notions of yoga can also be found in other philosophical/spiritual traditions such as Buddhism or the Western traditions. This will be looked at more closely in the yoga philosophy classes.
Gerry Rixen is a registered senior yoga teacher SYT with Yoga Alliance Professionals and a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance International and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.
He started his yoga practice with the Iyengar method and developed his approach in Yoga therapy over 25 years, with professional experience as a teacher and therapist in Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine including thousands of personal treatments.
He is the founder and director of SYM-Ltd and has been teaching Yoga, Shiatsu, Chinese medicine, and related subjects in France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and the UK.
His profound knowledge of oriental healing arts, martial arts and philosophy is enhanced by his deep understanding of western spiritual and esoteric traditions, including Platonism and Hermetism, Astrology and Psychology.
Over the years he has fused his unique understanding of diagnosis, energy healing, nutrition, oriental and western therapy, psychology and philosophy to create truly interesting workshops related to personal transformation and breakthrough, deep psychological insights, the healing of chronic and degenerative disease and spiritual clarity and advancement.
After completing his studies in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University he worked as a language teacher and TV-news journalist before dedicating himself full time to healing and teaching. Gerry is fluent in English, French, German and Spanish.
Course Syllabus
200 hours
This course is divided into 180 contact hours with a teacher and 20 non-contact hours of individual and/or group study
Yoga Asanas: 86 hours
Basic routine, postures and variations, sun salutation, relaxation, abdominal breathing; full yogic breath, two pranayama techniques, recuperative and advanced postures, meditation.
Practice and Teaching: 20 hours
Beginners and intermediary classes for all levels and ages, in depth asana practice and variations (touches on classes for: the elderly, children and yoga for pregnancy).
Teaching techniques – Guiding, coaching, leading, use of language and communication, use of props, hands-on assisting, finding your personal teaching style, designing classes for mixed levels, teaching new postures in-depth, assessing individual needs, ethics and safety guidelines.
The course also includes discussion on teaching yoga as a business including self employment, safety, legal requirements and marketing.
Anatomy, Physiology: 16 hours
Basic anatomy and physiology; including muscles, bones, the spine, the hormonal system, the nervous system, the urinary system, the immune system and the reproductive system but with particular emphasis on respiration, circulation and digestion.
Chanting, Shiatsu, DVDs, Discussions: 18 hours
Chanting, Introduction to body work, Shiatsu and Chinese meridians, Developing sensitivity, Tuning into energy fields and the chakras, DVDs; relevant documentaries.
Homework and Group Study: 20 hours (non-contact)
Daily Schedule
07:30 – 10:00 Pranayama, Asanas, (main asana class)
10:00 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 12:00 Meditation, Philosophy, Ethics
12:00 – 16:00 Lunch & Break
16:00 – 17:45 Anatomy & Physiology, Yoga Psychology, Yoga Theory
17:45 – 18:00 Break
18:00 – 20:00 Asana, Teaching & Practicum, Yoga Therapy
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner & Break
21:00 – 23:00 2 Evenings per week only; 5 evenings are free
This is an example of the daily schedule; please note times may change slightly due to season and location.
Accommodation includes a big traditional villa and a town house. Both have easy access to the village swimming pool, cafe, bar and shops. Food is prepared and served in the main Villa where some classes are also held. The main yoga hall is an easy five minute walk from both locations.
All meals are vegetarian and prepared by our cook at the house and will include a completely vegan option. We advise students not to eat any breakfast before the morning asana class but there is time for snacks in the morning break.
Retreat price
Dormitory (Max 5 people) : € 2200*
Twin : € 2500*
Single : € 2800*
* At least one excursion to the beach for a morning of practise, swimming and meditation
* Yoga course Manual
* Yoga textbook
* Anatomy and physiology text book
* Mats, props, cushions, supports
* 2 full meals a day
* Accommodation
What past students have said
"I'm so blessed to have taken my 200 hour yoga teacher training in Cervera Del Maestre with Gerry as the head instructor. Just over 3 weeks of training I found myself very centred and inspired I would do this training all over again with no hesitation. I highly recommend this training for anyone who wants to teach yoga and immerse themselves in the Spanish culture! It's incredible and an experience I'll never forget." Cory Dillingham, Colorado, USA
"The 200 hour teacher training in Spain was satisfying and fulfilling in every single way. It was exactly what I was looking for. The teachers explain in detail how to get safely in and out of each pose and what the correct alignment should be like…. And all that in a very relaxed and easy going atmosphere. Not to mention the food: I have never eaten such healthy, quality food in my entire life. An experience never to forget!". Griet, Belgium
"Gerry's unique esoteric knowledge ties Indian philosophy to the Western traditions, making the theory very interesting and relevant to our own ancient culture. The deep understanding of the chakras and prana taught opened up a different dialogue for me allowing for a truly profound experience. The asana practise was challenging, therapeutic and energising, and i took away a wealth of knowledge to improve my practise and help others with. The food, people and location were all wonderful and I highly recommend this course for all those ready to embark on their yoga journey." Ana, London, UK
What to pack
* Clothes for yoga practise and meditation
* Plain clothes with no big logos. Preferably white, but also blue, yellow, orange, pink, ect all are ok. We work with colour in yoga and therefore wear colours that permit the flow of energy and light.
* Your swim wear, and sun hat!
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Health insurance (EU Health card)
How to get here
Cervera Del Maestre, Valencia is a small village in the mountains 16 km inland from Benicarló, on the Spanish Costa del Azahar 2 hours drive south of Barcelona and 1 hour north of Valencia. The region is well known for its abundant agricultural produce, beaches, mountains and historical towns and villages. You will fly to Castellon where we shall pick you up.
We recommended SkyScanner to search for the best airfare.
To request further information on this 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Valencia, please complete the form below and someone will get back to you within 24 hours.


text:
Aktis is on a mission to change the world of Compliance and Disclosures - from Supervisors to the Supervised and back. We want to make Compliance and Disclosures easier for everyone.
It all starts with people. We look for confident, passionate, smart and creative people who can see things differently. We recognize that people of different backgrounds all add their own skills and perspectives into the mix, so we're committed to diversity and equality in everything we do. With people of 17 nationalities working across our offices in London and Prague, we're a diverse organization that our people love being a part of.
It is an exciting time to join our small and extremely motivated team here at Aktis!


text:
Usage-Based Insurance: Drive Less, Drive Safely & Save
You only drive your car on weekends, and you're a cautious, defensive driver. Yet you're paying just as much for car insurance as other people who commute daily, some of whom boil over with road rage. Now you have a way to prove to your insurer how few miles you drive and how gently you drive them.
It's called usage-based insurance, but most people are more familiar with insurance company brand names like Progressive Snapshot, Allstate Drivewise or State Farm Drive Safe and Save.
Usage-based insurance is growing in popularity. According to a Towers Watson survey, its share of the car insurance market grew from 4.5 percent in February 2013 to 8.5 percent in July 2014.
It isn't for everyone. You probably won't save if you drive a lot or if you're an aggressive driver, and not everyone is comfortable having their driving tracked.
But for some drivers "the upside is that you could reduce rates because your insurer isn't guessing about your mileage," says Michael Barry of the Insurance Information Institute. "Prove you're safer, then you'll see savings."
Is Usage-Based Insurance Right For You?
The greatest discounts for usage-based insurance are given to people who drive fewer miles than the average motorist. That makes these plans ideal for some students, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and drivers who don't commute in a car because they work from home or take public transit to work.
Usage-based insurance will only save you money if the following descriptions fit you:
- You drive less than 13,500 miles per year. That's how many miles the average driver logs annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. So if you drive that much or more, you aren't likely to save on premiums by picking a usage-based program.
- You drive gently. Many insurers track your driving style, and they will penalize you for things like braking hard or driving at high speeds.
- You don't mind being tracked. Make sure you are comfortable with your insurance company monitoring your daily driving, which in some cases can include location data. Given that most of us carry Internet-connected cell phones with GPS location tracking, adding your car insurance company to the list of corporations that can track your movements may not be of great concern.
If you pass those tests, read on to learn the ins and outs of usage-based insurance plans.
How Usage-Based Insurance Works
To get started with usage-based insurance you need a way to transmit data about your driving to your insurance company. You may be able to use built-in telematics systems like GM's OnStar or Ford's SYNC. If your car doesn't have a compatible system built in, your insurance company will provide a device that will plug into your car's diagnostic port. In the case of Allstate's Drivewise program, you can even use a smartphone app to track your driving habits.
As an incentive to sign up, you'll generally start with an introductory discount of 5-10 percent. Then after a data collection period of up to 6 months, the insurer will calculate a discount tailored to your driving that, in most cases, will be applied at the start of your next renewal period. While some insurers say a discount of up to 50 percent is possible, for most drivers, discounts will fall somewhere in the range of 10-15 percent.
To help you save and to encourage safety behind the wheel, most programs provide feedback on your driving. If you use this information to improve your habits, you can save even more. Some examples of available tools are:
- Some Progressive Snapshot devices will beep to notify you when you're braking hard enough to be penalized.
- Smartphone apps from Allstate Drivewise and Metromile analyze driving habits and display reports after every trip.
- In almost all cases, you can log into the insurance company's website to see how your driving is affecting your insurance premiums.
Most insurance companies promise that data collected about your driving will be used only for discounts not be used to increase your premiums. Progressive is the exception to this rule: It is possible to get a surcharge instead of a discount when you sign up for their Snapshot insurance plan. Also be aware that, as with any auto insurance policy, your base premium may increase each time your policy is renewed, diluting the value of your discount.
The details of each program vary pretty widely, with each insurer emphasizing different behaviors as they apply discounts.
- Emphasis on low mileage. Travelers and National General only track miles driven, and discounts are purely based on how many miles you log.
- Emphasis on safe driving. Allstate Drivewise does not offer low-mileage discounts. They just want to see that you avoid unsafe behavior, such as hard braking, high-speed driving and using your car during late-night hours.
- One-time scoring of driving habits. Nationwide only tracks your driving for an initial period to score your driving habits. You then send the tracking device back, and any discount will be applied for as long as you keep your Nationwide auto coverage. Safeco's Rewind offering works similarly. It's an accident forgiveness program that gives you a 4-month opportunity to prove that your driving habits are safer than your driving record would indicate.
- "Pay as you drive." Metromile puts you in direct control of how much insurance you buy each month. Their policies start with a low base insurance rate, and when you use your car, you're charged an additional fee for every mile driven.
Insurance Companies Offering Usage-Based Coverage
There are currently ten major insurance companies offering some form of usage-based insurance (including Safeco, which has two options). You can see details on each of their offerings in the table below. Keep in mind that not all of these programs are available in all states.
|Insurance Program
|Factors for Calculating Pricing
|Additional Considerations
Allstate Drivewise
|- High-speed driving
- Late-night driving
- Hard braking
|Instead of discounted premiums, drivers get rebates every six months based on driving behavior
Can use smartphone app instead of device connected to car's diagnostic port
|25 states plus D.C.
Esurance Drivesense
|- Miles driven
- Speed
- Time of day
- Sudden acceleration
- Hard braking
|Initial discount of 10%; maximum discount of 25%
|32 states
The Hartford TrueLane
|- Trip distance
- Trip duration
- Acceleration
- Braking
|Initial discount of 10% discount; maximum discount of 25%
|All states except AK, CA FL, MA, HI, LA, MT and NC
|- Miles driven
|Driver pays a monthly base rate plus per mile charge
Per mile costs are charged only for first 150 miles/day (250 miles/day in Wash.)
|CA, IL, OR, VA and WA only
National General Low-Mileage Discount
|- Miles driven
|Only offered to OnStar subscribers
Must drive less than 15,000 miles/year
|35 states
Nationwide SmartRide
|- Miles driven
- Night time driving
- Fast acceleration
- Hard braking
|Initial discount of 5%; maximum discount of 10%
Data only tracked for 4-to-6-month evaluation period
|All states and D.C.
Progressive Snapshot
|- Miles driven
- Hard braking
- Driving between midnight and 4 a.m.
|In some states there is no initial discount until after 30 days of data collection.
After 75 days of data collection, premium is calculated for next renewal period.
Customer might be assessed a surcharge instead of a discount
|All states and D.C.
Safeco Low Mileage Discount
|- Miles driven
|Must drive less than 8,000 miles per year
No device needed; driver periodically reports odometer reading to Safeco
|"Not available in all states"
Safeco Rewind
|- Miles driven
- Speed
- Acceleration
- Time of day
- GPS location
|Safeco Rewind is an accident forgiveness program that can offset premium increases after a moving violation or at-fault accident
Eligible driver must have no more than 2 moving violations or at-fault claims on driving record
Data only tracked for 4-month evaluation period
|"Not available in all states"
State Farm Drive Safe & Save
|- Miles driven
- Acceleration
- Braking
- Turns
- Time of day
- Speeds over 80 mph
|Initial discount of 5%; maximum discount of 50%
Data tracked for 4-to-6-month evaluation period before each renewal
|"May not be available" in every state
Travelers Intellidrive
|- Miles driven
|Initial discount of 10%; maximum discount of 30%
Must drive less than 13,000 miles/year
|AL, CT, IL, IN, ME, OH, OR and VA only
As of July 2015
Ask The Experts: Privacy Issues And Usage-Based Insurance
Allowing your auto insurer to track your driving habits raises negligible privacy and security issues. To get a better understanding of how consumers can protect themselves, we ask a panel of industry experts for their insights.
- Are there any laws that restrict how insurance companies use data that they collect from usage-based insurance devices? Should there be?
- Are insurance companies required to notify their customers of changes to their policies for using this data?
- Under what circumstances can an insurer be compelled to provide telematics data to the courts or to government agencies?
Image: iQoncept / Shutterstock
Was this article helpful?


text:
Learn, Empower, Uplift. Welcome to the hemp revolution.
The Trim is an online resource and community where you can engage with thoughtful multimedia content that demystifies the complexities of cannabis. With legalization comes great curiosity about the plant; we're dedicated to spotlighting responsible consumption, health benefits, trends, niche communities and social issues.
"Trim" is the "unwanted" plant matter cut away from cannabis flowers before curing. Although often lower in THC, trim still has value, and can be made into concentrates, edibles, or topicals. All parts of the plant matter, from root the flower – and that's what we seek to reflect with compelling, inclusive content.
Join us in our effort to educate and de-stigmatize. Submit your queries and article suggestions here.


text:
First of all...
I love you, Sarah Paulson. (And you're gay, yay!) (And she was on my favorite radio show this morning, Elvis Duran!) You make an amazing supreme, and you couldn't have looked any better in last night's Coven finale. Seriously, didn't she look amazing? I did not see it coming, but it totally makes sense that Cordelia, being Jessica Lange's daughter and all, would be next in line for the title of supreme. (I have to admit, I thought it was going to be Misty Day (Lily Rabe). And, aww, Jessica Lange, even when you're dying you look beautiful.
But you woke up in hell, looking sleepy, but gorgeous... "KNOTTY PINE!!!!!" My favorite line of the night. "Balenciagaaaaaaa!" was my second favorite line. Third was "open the doors." Knotty pine was just amazingly hilarious, though, even though my poor Fiona was in hell.
I almost forgot about Stevie Nicks. Holy shit. That was epic, and Seven Wonders is my favorite song. Here she is talking about it and being fabulous.
This blog is so poorly written, I'm sorry, I'm just so excited! And sad that it's over, but EXCITED! Oh, it was so good!
Myrtle Snow, played by Frances Conroy, was amazing at all times. She compared something awful to Halston selling his line to JCPenney which made me laugh my ass off. Oh my God, I will miss this season! SO MUCH!!!
I can't wait for what's next, and I hope they reuse the cast of Coven. Most importantly Cordelia, Fiona, Myrtle, and Kyle (Evan Peters). I have a major crush on Evan Peters; however, I hate that he's dating that Madison (Emma Roberts) girl. Even if she's the nicest person ever in real life, I'll always hate her because of her character Madison. Irrational? You betcha!
But, then again, I'm a fan of American Horror Story. What's rational about that?
P.S. Thank you, Ryan Murphy, for another amazing season! I can't wait to see what's next!
P.P.S. Aaaahhhh! I can't believe it's over!! What will I do until season 4!?)
P.P.P.S Sorry for gay-ing out on you like that. It's just what I do when I'm excited, natch.
Here's Stevie!....
I am in the midst of making plans to visit New York City this spring after having stumbled across The High Line Park website earlier today. Few things catch my interest as much as this incredible idea for a park built on an abandoned rail line elevated to pass over city streets full of traffic below. What a brilliant solution to a tough problem.
As the city takes the shape of the needs of the current residents, there are bound to be problems that arise. Instead of investing good money into tearing down the elevated rail, it was thought that this could be the site of a public park in a locale where real estate is a commodity few can afford, and where green space is scarce.
Here is a history of the High Line as it is posted on their website:
1847 The City of New York authorizes street-level railroad tracks down Manhattan's West Side.
1851 – 1929 So many accidents occur between freight trains and street-level traffic that 10th Avenue becomes known as Death Avenue. For safety, men on horses, called the West Side Cowboys, ride in front of trains waving red flags.
1929 After years of public debate about the hazard, the City and State of New York and the New York Central Railroad agree on the West Side Improvement Project, which includes the High Line. The entire project is 13 miles long, eliminates 105 street-level railroad crossings, and adds 32 acres to Riverside Park. It costs over $150 million in 1930 dollars—more than $2 billion today.
1934 The High Line opens to trains. It runs from 34th Street to St. John's Park Terminal, at Spring Street. It is designed to go through the center of blocks, rather than over the avenue, to avoid creating the negative conditions associated with elevated subways. It connects directly to factories and warehouses, allowing trains to roll right inside buildings. Milk, meat, produce, and raw and manufactured goods come and go without causing street-level traffic.
1950s Growth of interstate trucking leads to a drop in rail traffic, nationally and on the High Line.
1960s The southernmost section of the High Line is demolished.
1980 The last train runs on the High Line pulling three carloads of frozen turkeys.
Mid-1980s A group of property owners lobbies for demolition of the entire structure. Members of this group own land under the High Line that was purchased at prices reflecting the High Line's easement. Peter Obletz, a Chelsea resident, activist, and railroad enthusiast, challenges demolition efforts in court and tries to re-establish rail service on the Line.
1999 Friends of the High Line is founded by Joshua David and Robert Hammond, residents of the High Line neighborhood, to advocate for the High Line's preservation and reuse as public open space.
2001 - 2002 The Design Trust for Public Space provides a fellowship for architect Casey Jones to conduct research and outreach for "Reclaiming the High Line," a planning study jointly produced by the Design Trust and Friends of the High Line, which lays out planning framework for the High Line's preservation and reuse.
March 2002 Friends of the High Line gains first City support—a City Council resolution advocating for the High Line's reuse.
October 2002 A study done by Friends of the High Line finds that the High Line project is economically rational: New tax revenues created by the public space will be greater than the costs of construction.
December 2002 The City files with the federal Surface Transportation Board for railbanking, making it City policy to preserve and reuse the High Line.
January – July 2003 An open ideas competition, "Designing the High Line," solicits proposals for the High Line's reuse. 720 teams from 36 countries enter. Hundreds of design entries are displayed at Grand Central Terminal. (View Competition Entries)
July 2003 Friends of the High Line and the City jointly testify before the Surface Transportation Board in support of High Line reuse.
March – September 2004 Mayor Bloomberg announces City funding for the High Line. Friends of the High Line and the City of New York conduct a process to select a design team for the High Line. The selected team is James Corner Field Operations, a landscape architecture firm, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, an architecture firm, and experts in horticulture, engineering, security, maintenance, public art, and other disciplines. (View the High Line Design)
September 2004 The State of New York, CSX Transportation, Inc. (the railroad company), and the City of New York jointly file with the Surface Transportation Board to railbank the High Line.
April 2005 An exhibition showcasing the preliminary design by James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro opens at the Museum of Modern Art.
June 2005 The Surface Transportation Board issues a Certificate of Interim Trail Use for the High Line, authorizing the City and railroad to conclude railbanking negotiations.
November 2005 The City takes ownership of the High Line from CSX Transportation, Inc., (which donates the structure), and the City and CSX sign a Trail Use Agreement. Taken together, these two actions effectively preserve the High Line south of 30th Street.
April 2006 Groundbreaking is celebrated on the High Line with the lifting of a rail track. The first phase of construction on Section 1 of the High Line begins. Construction begins on Section 1 (Gansevoort Street to 20th Street). Tracks, ballast, and debris are removed, and the tracks are mapped, tagged, and stored (some will be reinstalled in the park landscape). This is followed sandblasting of steel, repairs to concrete and drainage systems, and installation of pigeon deterrents underneath the Line. (View Construction Photos)
2008 Landscape Construction begins on Section 1, with construction and installation of pathways, access points, seating, lighting, and planting.
June 2008 Final designs are released for the High Line's transformation to a public park. (View the Final Designs)
June 9, 2009 Section 1 (Gansevoort Street to West 20th Street) opens to the public.
June 8, 2011 Section 2 (West 20th Street to West 30th Street) opens to the public.
April 25, 2012 The New York City Planning Commission votes unanimously to approve a zoning text amendment that secures the eastern portion of the High Line at the Rail Yards, including the 10th Avenue Spur, as public open space.
July 25, 2012 The High Line at the Rail Yards is saved. The City of New York acquires the title to the third and final section of the High Line from CSX Transportation, Inc., which donated the final portion of the structure to the City.
September 20, 2012 Groundbreaking is celebrated on the High Line at the Rail Yards. Construction proceeds in three phases, with the first phase projected to open in 2014.
Spring 2014 Nick's first visit to The High Line. (Hopefully Mike will join me--I haven't asked him yet!)
I really can't wait to visit. Spring can't come soon enough! The main images above and below this entry link to The High Line Organization website. All the information you need can be found there.
I'm not a huge fan of Glenn Beck, but I really appreciated this discussion about the Common Core. The Common Core will dictate what every student in the United States should know at the end of each grade from Kindergarten through 12th grade. In this YouTube segment, it is implied that Bill Gates (Microsoft), Yahoo, and Google are dumping millions of dollars into funding for the Common Core Initiative so that students will be educated in the ways of working for Microsoft, Yahoo, Google and the like.
Students, under the direction of teachers who have been taught everything they need to know to prepare students for work in technology related fields, will be funneled into huge corporations as employees that push power to the higher ranks. This will ensure that competition in the form of new upstarts will cease, and these already powerful corporations will become more powerful, and are guaranteed that power for years to come.
This scares the hell out of me. Topics like this have been written about by authors for centuries, and the books they produce have been labeled as dystopian fiction. This isn't fictional, this is real. Welcome to the United Corporations of America.
Further reading: Common Core Initiative Page, Wikipedia Common Core Page
It's a proud day for New Jersey, and all gays in the tri-state area. Gay marriage just came a little closer to Philly, and Joanne Schailey and Beth Asaro became the first gay couple to officially tie the knot in Lambertville, New Jersey. (Lambertville, NJ is located right across the bridge from New Hope, PA.) At 12:01 a.m. the couple were married by the mayor in front of friends and family. They walked down the aisle to Shania Twain's "You're Still The One," and as they came together before the mayor, they began singing it to one another. It's too cute to miss, so check out the full article and video at ABC's website, and share it with all your friends! This is cause for celebration!
Subscribe for Updates
About Me
My name is Nicholas Emeigh, but everyone calls me Nick, and I prefer it. I'm usually called Nicholas when I'm in trouble. I'm from the Philadelphia area, work in business, and fancy myself as a freelance graphic designer, writer, and artist. I have a passion for art in all its forms including music, but I restrict my singing to the shower and the car for the good of society. If you'd like to know more, just send me an e-mail. I really appreciate you stopping by.
August 2014
Flickr Feed
Poetry Readings


text:
"Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God (Isaiah 40:1)" My heart is heavy with grief, and I mourn. Today is Saturday, October the 27th in the year 2018. The city is Pittsburgh and a demonized brute enters a Squirrel Hill synagogue and murders those who have come to peacefully worship. This is one of … Continue reading And I Weep
Month: October 2018
To Whom Will You Turn?
"...men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth..." (Luke 21:26) In my meeting numerous people, especially during the last few months, I've detected a mood of despair and gloom. Most of the news is just plainly bad. Personal afflictions are multiplying. Domestic problems are increasing. … Continue reading To Whom Will You Turn?


text:
Llegue de casualidad, via el blog Zero Hedge, a un post –escrito por Paul Wilmott– sobre High Frequency Trading y su impacto en la liquidez y en la volatilidad de los mercados (Como diría un profesor de economía que tuve, "¿pero de que mercados me hablan?" cuando exigía claridad en los términos).
I am concerned about High-frequency Trading (HFT) for two main reasons: Reduction of the relationship between value and price; Potential for positive feedback.
But feedback can be positive or negative.
Negative feedback is when an up move in a stock leads to a sell signal, and thus a fall in the price, and a down leads to a buy, and thus a rise in the price. This dampens volatility.
Positive feedback is when an up begets a buy, which causes the stock to rise again, causing another buy, etc. etc. And when a fall begets a sell, causing another fall, and further selling, and…
So which is it? Does HFT result in a reduction of volatility via negative feedback or an increase via positive feedback? This is an easy one. If you are a hedge fund manager which of the following would you prefer? A or B?
A. Low volatility. Shares go up or go down fairly predictably. No skill is required to make money, even by the man on the street. Hedge funds can't charge large fees.
B. High volatility. Very difficult markets, experts needed and can charge large fees. If a fund does well they make a killing because of the enormous profit they have made for their clients. But they are just as likely to lose all their clients' money, in which case…nothing bad happens to the fund manager.
Yes, we are in that familiar territory of moral hazard. Of course the funds want to increase volatility and they have found themselves in exactly the place they want to be to make this happen.


text:
7 day weekend was fronted and managed by Rick and the band was good fun to be in. Again I have no idea how I ended up in the band but I know it had some good players and a brass section. Again my memory of names fail me but those I remember was Rick (vocals), Gary K (guitar) and 'Rooter'on trumpet (Maybe it was rooder…?) The other players I can picture but cant put a name to them-sorry (Any helpers to amend this?)
Best gig I remember doing was the Marble Bar in the city and I played with them for a few months in Mid 1989 (I think..)


text:
Snapshot: If you're an intrepid explorer who wants to travel the length and breadth of the country, across varied terrain, a rugged body-on-ladder SUV with a tall ground clearance, and powered by a large capacity turbo diesel engine is your best bet. While new SUVs can prove to be expensive, sparingly used 3 year old SUVs with under 36,000 Kms on the clock can be had for under 8 lakh rupees. CarToq profiles five such SUVs.
Mahindra Thar CRDe 4X4
The Mahindra Thar is a very capable off roader. Also, the SUV's independent front suspension means that it holds its own at high speeds on highways. In a nutshell, the Thar 4X4 CRDe is a good option for cross country jaunts along with a few modifications to boot. The on-off roader is powered by a 2.5 liter CRDe turbo diesel engine that outputs 104 Bhp of peak power and 250 Nm of peak torque.
The SUV is equipped with a 4 wheel drive transfer case with 4WD low and high ratios. A lot of people buy the Thar allured by its "Jeep" appeal. However, many of these buyers grow over the Jeep fad and sell their Thars off. Mahindra Thars are dime a dozen in the used car market and a 3 year old examples with under 40,000 clicks on the odometer can be had for about 4.5 lakh rupees in Delhi.
Tata Safari 4X4 EX
Moving to a more refined package with bells and whistles, the Tata Safari 2.2 DICOR is a tough, body-on-ladder SUV that can seat 7 adults. Higher variants of the Safari come with a 4X4 transfer case with a shift-on-the-fly function. The Safari DICOR is powered by a 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine that outputs 138 Bhp-320 Nm. A 5 speed manual gearbox is standard. Used examples of the Safari DICOR 4X4 in EX trim go for about 5.5 lakh rupees in Delhi. Buy one that has an extended warranty cover to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Mahindra Scorpio Getaway 4WD
The Scorpio Getaway platform is an ideal base for an expedition vehicle. The 5 seat SUV comes in a twin-cab, pick up truck body style and is powered by Mahindra's highly reliable 2.6 liter CRDe turbo diesel engine that outputs 115 Bhp-280 Nm.
The SUV gets a shift-on-the-fly 4X4 transfer case and a five speed manual gearbox. The Getaway 4X4 is not very common in the used car market. If you do come across one, expect to fork out about 6-6.5 lakh rupees for a 3 year old example with about 40,000 kilometers on the clock.
Mahindra Scorpio SLE 2WD
The Mahindra Scorpio SLE doesn't offer the 4 wheel drive function but comes with other useful attributes such as the responsive 2.2 liter mHawk turbo diesel engine (120 Bhp-290 Nm) and ABS, which can prove to be a life saver on the unpredictable Indian highways.
Although rear wheel driven, the Scorpio SLE acquits itself quite well in low grip conditions with a Eaton MLD. The Scorpio SLE is quite a popular choice among buyers and plenty of examples turn up in used car markets. 3 year old versions that have done about 40,000 Kms can be bought for about 7.5 lakh rupees.
Tata Aria Pleasure AWD
Tata Aria is a dud seller in India and the poor sales have meant that the Aria luxury crossover is available at throwaway prices in the Indian car market. Don't let the poor sales detract you from the Aria for it is a highly capable crossover that comes with an all wheel drive layout, spacious interiors loaded with luxury, a bevy of safety features and a 7 seat layout.
The Aria Pleasure variant with the all wheel drive function comes with a 2.2 liter DICOR turbo diesel engine that outputs 138 Bhp-320 Nm. The crossover gets a body-on-ladder frame with a hydroformed chassis to keep weight in check. You can buy a 3 year old example for 8 lakh rupees at Delhi.
Want to see your photo feature about that exciting road trip published on Cartoq? Share your details here


text:
- If intelligent life does exist and makes contact with us or we with them, will this force world religions to rethink certain ideas?
- Will these beings need salvation?
- What if they have a different view of God(s)?
- Will they have a soul?
- What if they claim to have "engineered" the human race by manipulating the genetic pool in primitive Earth?
NOTICE: I have decided to put a hold on this blog page until further notice. No new comments will be allowed. The content will remain, but no new posts will be included. Please go to the alternate site to comment, discuss or debate:
This is a blog for discussions and debates regarding Faith and Reason.
Please be respectful, polite, use proper language, no profanity, stick to the topic discussion, no circular argumentation or fallacious reasoning, and avoid personal attacks/ad hominem.
All posts and original content are copyright Sacerdotus/Rationally Faithful. Whatever you post becomes property of this blog.
All posts and original content are copyright Sacerdotus/Rationally Faithful. Whatever you post becomes property of this blog.
Please ask for permission before using any content and if permission is given, provide credit to the author, do not alter the content and backlink to the original post.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Alien Life and Religion
Labels: Alien, Aliens, ET, Extraterrestrials, God, Habitable zone, Intelligent Life, Kepler-62, Planet, Religion, Salvation, Soul, Space, Universe
1 comment:
Thank you for reading and for your comment. All comments are subject to approval. They must be free of vulgarity, ad hominem and must be relevant to the blog posting subject matter.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you for reading and for your comment. Please be patient if you posted a comment. Spammers and other people who hide under "anonymous" sometimes post vulgar or nonsensical comments that I cannot post for obvious reasons. If your comment pertains to the posting and is free of ad hominem and vulgarity, rest assured it will be posted.
Sacerdotus Radio
Find Additional Christianity Podcasts with Sacerdotus on BlogTalkRadio


text:
Love how spacious this kitchen looks from keeping everything so light. Pops of yellow added, and Im sold! is creative inspiration for us.
Get more photo about home decor related with by looking at photos gallery at the bottom of this page.
We are want to say thanks if you like to share this post to another people via your facebook, pinterest, google plus or twitter account.
Right Click to save picture or tap and hold for seven second if you are using iphone or ipad.
Full size is 683X1024 (Link to full-size image) pixels.
Source: lizmarieblog.com


text:
I've been trying to acquire screenprints from my Galaxy S to illustrate a post about the excellent Tasker app (to follow). It took me a while to get this working and so I thought it would be worth documenting the steps, to hopefully help anyone else following in these footsteps.
First off, I followed the guide at MakeTechEasier to install the Android SDK and get Eclipse set up.
When I fired up ddms, my phone wasn't showing up. I then found this thread at UbuntuForums.
So I edited /etc/udev/rules.d/51-android.rules and added the following line;
SUBSYSTEMS=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="04e8″, ATTRS{idProduct}=="681c", MODE="0666″
I found the Vendor and Product ID at http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids
A simple "reload udev", plug the phone in, start ddms and, hey-presto, screenshots galore.


text:
Building a Food Marketplace Like UberEats: Features, Cost and Tech Side
Recent study finds that around 44 percent of consumers in the US use food delivery services at least once per month. Great time for online food startups to flourish, isn't it? And that's exactly what UberEats, Foodpanda, GrubHub, and other food delivery platforms do.
But building a food marketplace is not that easy. Its development takes a lot of time, finances, and you won't fit all required features in a single app. There's rather one app for users, another for couriers, and admin panel for restaurants. Each having its own features and complexities.
In our article, we're discussing all the ropes of building a food delivery marketplace and promoting it. So if you want to find out more about UberEats-like app features, tech side, marketing, and development cost – keep reading.
Food Delivery Marketplace Models
There are two main food delivery startup models taking a big share of the current market. Let's take a more detailed look at both.
Food Ordering Platform
Food ordering apps act as an aggregator offering nearby eateries to its users. They connect customers with a wide network of food venues and simplify their interactions. The system constantly gathers information about restaurants, and users can access this data after registration. Using food ordering apps, customers can easily check menus and look through restaurants' rates and reviews.
This model helps restaurants to expand their market while customers simply look for a good place to order food from. Although these platforms do not offer delivery services (restaurants have to use their own couriers), they gain profit by charging up to 15% commission to restaurants.
Here's how the system works:
- Users choose food and place an order.
- The payment is authorized within the system.
- A restaurant receives the order and starts preparations.
- The food is handed to the restaurant's courier.
- The courier brings food to the customer, payment is deducted.
The biggest challenge for such startups is building a wide network of nearby food venues. App owners should look for all possible partners, including small eateries. This is done to attract as many users as possible to a particular food marketplace.
The examples of food ordering apps are:
All these platforms are well-designed and have different filters (by dish, location, price, etc.) to help users find the best eatery. Still, they remain limited in options and income sources.
How food ordering platforms work
Food Order & Delivery Platform
Food delivery model differs from restaurant aggregators as it provides full logistics support. These services are a great asset for startups, small restaurants, and other minor venues in the food industry. As new entrants often don't have enough resources to establish their own delivery, they turn to companies providing such services for a fee.
With a food delivery platform restaurants no longer need to worry about delivery management – no personnel, vehicles, fare cost, and so on.
Order and delivery platforms work in the following way:
- Users place an order, payment gets authorized.
- Eatery receives the order and starts food preparation.
- The platform arranges delivery by providing their own couriers.
- When the order is ready, the eatery notifies a courier.
- The courier picks the food up and completes the delivery.
- When the customer confirms the delivery, payment is deducted.
These platforms charge restaurants up to 30% of total order price. In addition, customers also pay a delivery fee (fixed or depending on the distance).
The best examples of these platforms are:
How food order&delivery platforms works
A Word About Monetization
In this article, we're covering Uber-like apps and thus order&delivery model. So let's find out how these platforms earn money.
UberEats delivery rates currently depend on distance (previously the company charged a fixed $4.99 fee in the USA). It's a great resource of stable income, still, the company doesn't stop on a single approach.
If there are more orders in a certain area than available couriers, Uber charges so-called 'fee for busy areas'. This fee ensures that customers will get food in time even if all delivery partners are busy.
As mentioned, UberEats also charges restaurants 30% commission. So if a customer has paid $50 for their order, the restaurant will only get $35 (Stripe fee not included).
Finally, UberEats gives restaurants a chance to promote their services through paid advertising. In simple terms, UberEats offers to feature venues on the top of the list for an additional fee.
How UberEats monetize their services
As you can see, both models have their benefits. Although the food delivery platform is a way more profitable, it's also more expensive to launch. So if you're new to developing food delivery websites, it may be better to start with the order-only system. As soon as your business grows, you can easily transform it into an order & delivery platform.
What to Consider Prior to Food Marketplace Development?
If you want to develop a food marketplace, building a single app is not enough. For instance, UberEats consists of Customer App for clients, Delivery App for couriers and Admin Panel for restaurants.
Still, prior to contacting a company that provides marketplace app development development services or works with mobile platforms, make sure to define the features you need.
Customer App Features
We've listed the most important features your app should have, starting with customer application.
Must-have Features
Let's review the following customers' features of a food delivery marketplace:
- Registration and profile management
- Search field
- Order placement
- Payment
- Order tracking
- Notifications
- Rating & reviews
1. Registration and profile management
Users get acquainted with the app directly from the sign-up page. That's why the registration process should be fast and easy, asking for minimum details. Most apps use email, password, and phone number combinations or integrate the platform with Google or Facebook.
After the registration, customers should be able to customize their profiles by adding photos, preferences, entering and saving payment details, and delivery address. Or they may like to choose default profile settings which should be applied automatically with each new login.
Finally, not only registering but logging in through Facebook or Twitter instead of entering email/phone+password is much simpler for the users.
2. Search field
After profile setup, users get access to the data and require a configured search option to navigate. Customers search where to order food using restaurant's or cafe's name, location or menu for their convenience. In addition, search fields usually include various filters to simplify the process and let users sort options by choosing price ranges, cuisines, or even ingredients.
3. Order placement
When it comes to making an order, the process should be clear and easy. Otherwise, you risk losing customers before getting any income. Users should be able to add a dish to their carts in one-two clicks, as well as edit or remove it. Then goes the summary including important details about the order that should be confirmed before making a payment. And consider adding a range of delivery services – customers can probably pick the order up by themselves, no couriers needed.
4. Payment
We're done with picking dishes and delivery methods, so it's payment time. The main points to take care of on this stage are speed, security, and convenience. Mind integrating a few payments gateways like a credit card, PayPal and Stripe. Start with offering 2-3 payment methods and when your business expands you can always add more if needed.
Looking for secure payment systems? Check our comparison of PayPal vs Stripe vs Braintree.
In case users have previously added payment details to their profiles, let them choose this option during check-out to simply the process.
5. Order tracking
The payment is complete and we have hungry people waiting for their food. That's when the tracking feature becomes more than handy as can easily find out when the order will reach them. Courier's tracking is done by using Location API provided by Google (Android) or CoreLocation framework (iOS). Both determine couriers' current location to let the app display an approximate delivery time.
Users can track couriers via the app
6. Notifications
Busy customers don't have time to track the process. That's why notifying users about order's status (Placed, In Progress, On Its Way, Delivered) via push notifications or SMS works perfectly. Just make sure that you send only important notices.
Custom notifications sent by UberEats
7. Rating & reviews
The food has finally reached the customer, and they may want to share their great experience. The best way to do that is giving the highest rating or writing a review. Engage users by offering them to evaluate their experience – delivery services, waiting time, and the dish itself.
Review section will surely let you and restaurant owners know if there are some issues with the personnel and food quality.
Rating system in UberEats app
Additional Features
The features I've listed above are required for a food delivery marketplace. Still, to enhance UX, you may think of applying additional options to make your app stand out.
They include:
- Bookmarks
- Order history
- Estimated delivery time
- Discount system
- Social networks
1. Bookmarks
When customers need to get something to eat quickly and don't have time for searching, they're likely to check bookmarks or wishlist. Using this feature, customers can mark dishes they want to try or add best food places to order from.
2. Order history
A list of previous orders is another feature working on great user experience. By checking the order history, customers can easily find the names of dishes they liked the most and order them once again.
3. Estimated delivery time
It works great for user experience. Now people can plan their time and keep pace with modern life. And you are offering relief from waiting and guessing how soon the food will arrive right from the start.
Users can see when their food will be delivered
4. Discount system
It's simple yet extremely effective to offer rewards. For instance, start with offering free delivery services or a drink for big orders. Apply membership or cumulative discounts, or special promo codes to customers to boost their loyalty.
5. Social networks
Allowing users to link their social network accounts works for both consumer loyalty and the company's promoting. After all, which company doesn't want to have their own hashtag on Instagram or Twitter?
Courier App Features
It's high time to move to delivery guys. Here I've mentioned the most important features that cover the needs of personnel and business owners.
Here's the features I cover:
- Registration and profile setup
- Order management
- Status updates
- Delivery history
- Earnings screen
1. Registration and profile setup
Same way as customers, delivery personnel should have their own profiles for identification. Once the profile is created, couriers get access to the system's database and can track recent orders.
2. Order management
As soon as the couriers have registered in the system, they can access all relevant information including the list of nearest orders. To start accepting offers, couriers should toggle 'go online' button. Also, delivery personnel should be able to accept or decline customers' requests.
Couriers toggle the button and start accepting orders
Couriers toggle the button and start accepting orders
3. Status updates
For customers' convenience, delivery personnel should update their statuses along the way. In this case, clients will remain aware of order processing and estimate the waiting time.
For example, these statuses may include:
- Accepted/declined
- Delivery in progress
- Delivered
Once the delivery is complete, the customer should confirm it via the platform. The payment is then deducted from customers' account or handed out to the delivery partner.
4. Delivery history
Making notes and reviewing the list of delivered orders is useful for couriers. This way they can leave a note next to difficult delivery places or routes.
5. Earnings screen
In addition to delivery history, couriers should be able to check their daily and monthly earnings. The app should also display the current balance, recent transactions, promotions, and cashing out possibilities.
My earnings screen in UberEats
Admin Panel for Restaurants
The goal of an admin panel is to transfer order information from the customer to the restaurant staff. Then restaurants process orders in their way and pass the dish to the couriers. They may work with internal delivery services provided by the app or use their own delivery personnel.
In this section we're reviewing:
- Registration and profile management
- Content management
- Order management
- Payments
1. Registration and profile management
Works the same way as with customers and couriers. However, the restaurants should also be able to add all business' details to their profiles. It can be their name, location, menus, and more.
2. Content management
Restaurant's admin panel mainly focuses on attracting clients and promoting the eatery. Thus, it's important to let restaurant staff add or update details about the dining place, including its name, address, working hours, etc.
After that comes the menu management. Staff should be able to add names and description of dishes, edit or remove positions, update prices. Finally, don't forget about adding photos as it's a great tool for user attraction.
Menu management from restaurant's side
3. Order management
In order to manage the process efficiently, the staff should track incoming orders and update their statuses. Real-time updates on the preparation process, order cancellation or completion and delivery status are also must-haves.
Order management screen
4. Payments
Here comes the best part of any business – when the venue receives the money. The payment should be released to the restaurant as soon as the client confirms successful food delivery.
Synchronization via API
As mentioned, food marketplaces consist of three apps, and in order for the whole system to work, they should show only up-to-date information. Thus, an arrangement of data exchange between apps and the server is vital for the whole service.
In order to synchronize data developers apply client-server architecture using API for data exchange. When a user places a request, the client first reaches API which defines their profile type (super admin, restaurant, courier or customer) and only then goes to the database to return relevant information.
Although data is usually 'pulled' from a database via API request, in some cases information get cached and thus can be accessed through the client even when there's no Internet connection.
How synchronization works
Ways to Promote a Food Delivery Marketplace
Promotion is often as important as mobile development itself. Otherwise, how customers are ever going to find out the app exists? To help you with this uneasy task, we've prepared top tips and tricks for promoting a food delivery marketplace. They work both for app users and eateries, introduce the target audience and explain why the design is that important.
Tech Side and Development Team
Now is the time to dive into more technical aspects of food marketplace development. Based on our experience with food delivery apps, we've singled out an approximate tech stack for this kind of project.
Technology stack:
- Programming languages: Kotlin (Android) and Swift (iOS)
- Back-end development: Node.js
Frameworks and libraries:
- Mailing service: Amazon SES
- SMS service: Twilio
- Synchronization: Socket.io
- Push notifications: FCM
- Social media integration: Facebook SDK
- Maps: Google Maps
- Navigation: Google Directions
- Addresses: Google Places
- Payment provision: Braintree
Please keep in mind that the aforementioned list of technologies is not final. It differs from app to app according to business objectives, features, platforms and so on.
Development team:
- Project Manager
- Business Analyst
- UI/UX designer
- Android engineer (2)
- iOS engineer (2)
- Front-end developer
- Back-end developer
- QA engineer
The Cost to Develop a Food Delivery Platform Similar to UberEats
Finally, it's time to define the approximate cost of food delivery platform development. Our experienced business analysts and engineers have estimated the development cost of the following applications and their features:
- Customer App
- Courier App
- Admin Panel for restaurants
- Super Admin Panel for owner
- Frameworks and libraries integration
Please note that food marketplaces often include a fully-fletched web application which was not added to the estimation.
Need more?
Haven't found answers to your questions or need a free custom-made estimate of your food delivery platform? Fill in this short contact form and our managers will contact you back as soon as possible.
Still not sure? Here are several ways how we save our clients money by reducing the overall development time.
1. Documentation. We have a workflow template for both web and mobile development. All the points are already added to the specification, and we only adjust them to each new project.
2. Front-end. We use Inspinia to provide a prepared template of the admin panel, so there's no need to spend time on its designing.
3. Back-end. We have a ready-made architecture framework for web development.
4. Mobile applications. Our engineering team has created a starter project with a common authorization approach with developed architecture.
Our Expertise
Finally, we'd like to introduce an on-demand platform we've developed – Ayio. The service allows users to find a specialist in various fields – from repairing jobs to babysitting.
What we were up to?
- Adjust quick switching between customer and vendor, and provide top-notch service.
- Design simple and intuitive UI/UX
- Build a high-functional and user-friendly service remaining within the MVP budget
We've offered a solution that led to creating a functional platform with good looking UI/UX design.
Ayio main features include:
- Sophisticated search system. Developers created a complex search system (including search by categories). Its engine memorizes the last user request, making the search process faster and more convenient.
- Custom payment account. We've developed a payment profile as custom one using Stripe. Users don't have to manage their accounts constantly. Instead, it's created once and then funds are transferred to the banking account automatically.
- Activity tracking. With real-time tracking of income and expenses, users can easily estimate certain services. And vendors track their pays and spendings, drawing receipts in real-time mode.
Technologies used for Ayio delivery
Want to hear more from us? Subscribe to our blog! Just enter your email address into the 'Subscribe' box on the right and you won't miss any of our updates.


text:
Emma Blooms at Last
One Big Happy Family, Book Two
- $10.99
- $10.99
Publisher Description
Romance is in the air during the fall wedding season in the Amish community of Cedar Creek. But while one loving couple prepares to tie the knot, Amanda and Wyman Brubaker's large family faces a threat from outside their happy circle…and must learn to pull together.
Recently wed Amanda and Wyman Brubaker are thrilled that their children from previous marriages have blended together to form a strong family. But when the construction of Wyman's new grain elevator is delayed, making the project more expensive than anticipated, Amanda's determination to rally the kids into taking on work to improve the family's finances comes into conflict with Wyman's sense of responsibility as head of the household....
Meanwhile, as James Graber and Abby Lambright prepare for their long-awaited nuptials, folks gather from far and wide. Amanda's nephew Jerome has long been smitten with James's sister Emma and wants to seize this chance to woo her. But Emma's been burned once and is twice shy of trusting the fun-loving, never-serious Jerome. As Emma and Jerome struggle to understand each other, and find the courage to make a leap of faith, the Brubakers face a bigger challenge than they first anticipated and begin to discover just what it means to fight…the Amish way.
Quiet, shy Emma Graber is afraid love has passed her by now that her childhood crush has married someone else. Romantic happiness is everywhere she looks: her brother James is settling down with her best friend, Abby (star of Abby Finds Her Calling), and Amanda and Wyman Brubaker (from Amanda Weds a Good Man) are also merging their families. Emma is startled and skittish when handsome, confident Jerome Lambright starts flirting, and she tries to freeze him out. Jerome has always been carefree, but having to work for Emma's regard helps him settle down and plan for the future. Meddling matchmaker Amanda dispenses common-sense advice as Emma struggles with a number of life changes. The focus of Amish romance is always on the family, but families in King's fictional Cedar Creek feel more real than most: they're big, joyful, and loyal, and they have their faults as well. The family scenes are heartwarming and tender, making each expression of love all the sweeter.


text:
Microsoft is so confident it will not be split into two separate companies it will not even consider revising its local distribution model, despite District Court Judge Thomas Penfield's order.
The US District Court Judge approved the Department of Justice's plan to split Microsoft into two firms, with the operating system architecture separate for application software.
It would seem Microsoft is implementing the ostrich technique in response to the ruling, with the managing director of Microsoft Australia, Paul Houghton, stating the company would not consider alternate distribution strategies, even as a worse case scenario.
"We don't expect that the company will split, so we are not contemplating any action," said Houghton. "From a distribution and partner point of view we will continue to move forward. The channel will be unimpacted."Microsoft will not consider alternative distributions strategies on any level, he added."Today's distributors get products from hundreds and thousands of vendors, and that model will not change.
"At the end of the day, our distribution model is simply not on resellers radar screens. Our products stand alone and are very successful in the market because they are good products with good partners supporting them. The Australian channel is very strong, with a robust reseller base."Microsoft will appeal Judge Penfield's order and will also seek a stay in the implementation of the order pending the outcome of the appeal. Houghton said the time frame for the process could take as little as a few months, but would more likely take more than a year to finalise.
"Most of our partners in the marketplace are supportive of our position," Houghton said. "There haven't been any market driven requests to come out with plans and contingencies.
"At the end of the day we have built a model that relies heavily on a strong partner community and we have brought technology together to develop quality products. Why stop a good thing?"Microsoft distributors could not be contacted for comment.


text:
Taking a color spin on the Annabelle, this version features our signature vermeil beads and lapis stones. The Annabelle is a chunkier option with dispersed pearls to create a statement.
lapis beads + white baroque pearls
length: 16" + 1.5" toggle
Made with love in the great state of Texas!


text:
Alireza Ansari Vaghef
PhD Topic
Analysis of Local Intermediary Services in Supporting Technology Absorption of SMEs - Case Study Iran
- Absorptive capacity (ACAP) enables a firm to understand and apply the knowledge or technology that it acquires from other actors of the innovation system and conduct innovation efforts. Therefore, ACAP is a key factor on transferring foreign innovation efforts to internal innovation efforts. The research investigates the functions that intermediaries play in development of ACAP of Iranian SMEs.
- 2004 - 2009 Bachelor of Science in Mine Engineering, Islamic Azad University South Tehran Branch, Iran
- 2011 - 2013 MBA in Small and Medium- sized Enterprises Promotion and Training, Leipzig University, Germany
- 2014 - to date PhD candidate at International Small Enterprise Promotion and Training Program (SEPT), Leipzig University, Germany
Professional Experience
- 2008 Intern in Oil Ring Management at Exploration Management Of Iran National Oil Company, Tehran, Iran
- 2008-2011 Supervisor of Marketing Sector at Emkangostar Gmbh, Tehran, Iran
- 2011 Trainer at Iran Technical and Vocational Training Organization, Tehran, Iran
- Since 2014 in4in Coordinator for Iran Network at the International SEPT Program, Leipzig University, Germany
Scholarships and Awards
- 2013 DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship for MBA in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Promotion and Training, Leipzig University
- 2013 Best Conference Paper in 1st International Conference on IT Industry & Export, Tehran, Iran
- 2014-2015 DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship for PHD in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Promotion and Training, Leipzig University
Key Qualifications
- Business Development
- Entrepreneurship Promotion
- SMEs Export Promotion
- SMEs Internationalization
- International Market Research
Publications and Conferences
Ansari Vaghef, A., Dornberger, U. (2018): The role of intermediary services in enhancing technology absorption capacity of SMEs. G-Forum Jahreskonferenz 2018, 22. Interdisziplinäre Jahreskonferenz zu Entrepreneurship, Innovation und Mittelstand. 11. -12. Oktober 2018, Haus der Wirtschaft, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart.
Ansari Vaghef, A., Dornberger, U., Beermann, H.: An Overview Of The Innovation System In Iran. Fraunhofer Centre For International Management And Knowledge Economy IMW. June 2016.
Ansari Vaghef, A.: An Analysis of the Legal Framework and Governmental Supports in Enhancing International Performance of Iranian IT SMEs. 1st International Conference on IT Industry & Export, June 2013, Tehran, Iran.


text:
While it was obvious to both fans, and Ryan Reynolds himself that Deadpool needed to be R-rated. It was a risk that paid off for the studio. Making an R-rated superhero movie is difficult because it eliminates a large portion of the expected audience. Of course, there will be that annoying mom who takes her 8-year-old to see Deadpool and then complain online about how it was too sexual or violent or whatever, but that's a rant for later.
Aside from the annoying mother, Deadpool was a huge success in its opening weekend, which is great and paves the way for more rated R superhero movies. Of course the R-rating should be used delicately. Not all superhero movies need to be rated R, but now that we've had one, it's definitely worth considering. Simon Kinberg, the producer of Deadpool explains that pretty well when he spoke with Collider;