text:
An Historical and Literary Account of the Formularies, Confessions of Faith ...
De Charles Butler
a Greek word, signifying, a person living alone. For the same purpose of pious retirement, others, particularly in times of persecution, retired to inaccessible mountains or lonely deserts. Of these, the first whose name has reached us, is St. Paul, usually called the first hermit. In the 250th year of the Christian æra, he retired to the Upper Egypt; and, having attained his 113th year, died in 341. About the same time, St. Anthony, after spending many years in perfect solitude, permitted a numerous body of men to live in community with him, and to lead, under his direction, a life of piety and manual labour, sanctified by prayer.
St. Pachomius was the first, who composed a written rule for the conduct of monks. The communities under his direction inhabited the desert of Tabenne, a small island in the Nile, between the town of Girge and the ancient Thebes. Thirty or forty of them occupied one house ; thirty or forty houses composed a monastery, and the desert of Tabenne contained about thirteen monasteries. A dean was placed over every ten monks; every house had its superior, every monastery its abbot, and a general director superintended all. Every Sunday, all the monks of the monastery met at its common oratory: and, at Easter, the monks of all the communities, sometimes amounting to 50,000, assembled in one body, for its celebration. It sometimes happened, that, after passing several years of a monastic life, a monk, aiming at higher perfection, retired, with that view, to a stricter solitude. This divided the monks into two classes, the Coenobites, who lived in community, and the Anchorites, who lived in separate cells. Each separate cell was sometimes bounded by a small inclosure; their general precinct was called a Laura. With such establishments, Ægypt and Libya abounded. The number of these monastic establishments was very great : almost all of them were destroyed by the Saracens: the few, which remain, are described by Father Sicard, (Missions du Levant, tom. II. pa. 29–79, tom. v. pa. 122 -200.)
Such was the origin of the monastic state.—Nothing in sacred biography, is more interesting than the accounts of its founders, and their most eminent disciples. These were written by their contemporaries, and have been translated into almost every modern language. Every Roman-catholic recollects with pleasure, the exquisite delight, with which, when he was at school, he perused the Lives of the Venerable Fathers of the Desert, the name assigned to them by the Roman-catholic church, as they are written by Arnaud d'Andilly in his Vies des Pères du désert 3 ool. 8vo. or 2 vol. 4to: by Villefore, iu his Vies des Saints Pères des déserts d'Orient et d'Occident, 5 vol. 12mo.: by Rossweide, in his Histoires des Vies des Pères des déserts, 1 vol. fol. by the late Doctor Challoner, in his Lives of the Fathers of the desert, I vol. 8vo. and by Mr. Alban Butler, in his Lives of the Saints, of which a stereotype edition, in twelve volumes octavo, with elegant engravings has lately appeared.
Similar establishments of inonastic communities, but much fewer in number, were established for the female sex.
ST. ATHANASIus introduced the MONASTIC STATE INTO THE WEST.
III. 1. About two hundred years after its introduction, St. B2NEDICT, an Italian monk, framed his religious rule for the government of a convent at Mount Cassino, between Rome and Naples, over which he presided. It was formed on that of St. Pachomius, and contained the same division of time, for prayer and manual labour : the same silence and the same solitude: but there was some relaxation in the article of diet. St. Pachomius allowed his disciples twelve ounces of biscuit, to be taken by them at two repasts; one, early in the afternoon; the other, late in the evening, with an occasional, but not a very frequent allowance of cheese, fruit, herbs and small dried fish. Meat was expressly forbidden by St. Benedict, to be served to his disciples except in serious illness. They were indulged by him, with a daily allowance of half a pint of wine : which bis
disciples exchanged, in the northern climates, for a proportional allowance of strong beer or cyder. His rule was embraced by all the monks of the West.
Among the benefactors to humanity, none, perhaps, are entitled to a higher rank, than the disciples of St. Benedict. A celebrated Protestant historian, M. Mallet, in his Histoire des Suisses ou Helvetiens, (tom. 1. p. 105) expresses his opinion of the services rendered by them to society, in the following terms :
" The christian clergy, like the druids of Gaul, were the only " depositaries of knowledge; the only lawyers, physicians, as" tronomers, historians, notaries; the only persons, acquainted " with the Belles-Lettres ; the only persons who could instruct " youth ;-except among them, profound ignorance reigned " every where. The monks sostened, by their instructions, " the ferocious manners of the people; and opposed their " credit to the despotisni of the nobility, who knew no other " occupation than war, and grievously oppressed their sub" jects and inferiors. On this account, the government of " the monks was preferred to theirs. The people sought them " for judges: it was an usual saying, that it was better to be " governed by a bishop's crosier, than a monarch's sceptre. « The monks were engaged in useful employments; they clear" ed and cultivated desert and savage lands. We find that, in " many places, where those missionaries established themselves, " agriculture, next to preaching, was their principal occupation. " Where St. Gal built his church, he planted a garden and reared " a flock of sheep: he recommended to his disciples to support " themselves by the labour of their hands. Was it possible that " such men should not be venerated, both during their lives and * after their deaths ? Can, then, history reckon up such a supera" bundance of men, who have devoted themselves to the welfare " of their neighbours ? At a later period, the monks were cor" rupted by riches and power : this is the common fate of men : " but, at the time of which we are now speaking, they had never " been other than respectable. The monastery of St. Gal had also " a school, which by degrees became famous; both laymen and
" persons, who devoted themselves to the church, flocked to it " in crowds; there, they copied; there, several precious works " of ancient writers were discovered, which must have perished " in the general confusion of barbarous ages, without these " asylums, where religion still threw out some light. When we " consider the profound ignorance of the nations, who-in" vaded the Roman empire, and established themselves on its " ruin, their exclusive passion for war, their contempt for the " sciences, the arts, and even for writing, one perceives that " every thing then concurred to produce in Europe, the barbarism " which had reigned so long among the Celts, the Scandinavians " and Sarmatians. What was it, which, in this æra of the " Roman empire, preserved the human mind from being plunged " into the darkness of the greatest barbarism, and from losing " the last remains of Greek and Roman lore! For this blessing, " mankind is indebted to the Christian religion. Nothing less " than the power of religion could subdue those barbarous pre" judices, which carried the contempt of the sciences, even to " writing. It was necessary that there should be a sacred book, " which made the knowledge of writing indispensable :-a par" ticular class, an order of informed men, bound to study and " teach its contents." It should be added that in every age and country, the Benedictine monks have rendered the greatest services to religion. Few nations can read the History of the first introduction of Christianity among them, without being sensible of their obligations to the Benedictine monks; their services' to literature have been equally great ; the shelves of libraries, to use Mr. Gibbon's strong expression, groan under the weight of Benedictine folios.
" The world," says a writer in the Quarterly Review, for the month of December, 1811, " has never been so deeply indebted " to any other body of men, as to this illustrious order ; but histo" rians, when relativg the evil of which they were the occasion, have " too frequently forgotten the good, which they produced. Even " the commonest readers are familiar with the history of that arch" miracle-monger St. Dunstan; while the most learned of our « countrymen scarcely remember the names of those admirable
" men, who went forth from England, and became the apostles " of the north. Tinian and Juan Fernandez, are not more " beautiful spots on the ocean, than Malmsbury and Lindisfarne, " and Jarrow in the ages of our heptarchy: a community of pious "men, devoted to literature and to the useful arts, as well as to " religion, seems, in those ages, like a green oasis, amid the de" sert; like stars in a moonless night, they shine upon us with a « tranquil ray. If ever there was a man who could truly be called " venerable, it is he, to whom that appellation is constantly fixed, " Bede, whose life was past in instructing his own generation, and " preparing records for posterity. In those days the church " offered the only asylum from the evils to which every country " was exposed; amidst continual wars the church enjoyed peace; " it was regarded as a sacred realm, by men, who, though they " hated each other, believed and feared the same God. Abusea, " as it was, by the worldly-minded and ambitious, and disgraced by " the artifices of the designing and the follies of the fanatic, it " afforded a shelter to those, who were better than the world in " their youth, or weary of it in their age; the-wise, as well as the 6 timid and the gentle, fled to this Goshen of God, which enjoyed '" its own light, and calm amid darkuess and storms."
III. 2. In consequence of the general devastation and confusion occasioned in Italy, by the Lombards, in Spain, by the Saracens, in France, by the civil wars among the descendants of Charlemagne, and in England, by the irruption of the Danes—the Benedictine monks fell from their original fervour into great disorder. St. Odo, restored it, with some modification, in his monastery at Cluni: and several monasteries adopted his reform. They were called the Congregation of Cluni; but, by degrees, the congregation of Cluni itself wanted reform; and the general decline of virtue and piety in the Benedictine order was so great, that, in the beginning of the eleventh century, it was difficult to find a single monastery, where even a faint likeness to the state, in which the order had been left by its original founder, was discoverable. But, towards the middle of the eleventh century, several eminent men arose in the Benedictine order, who endeavoured to restore it to its ancient purity; and while each of them


text:
Le capitaine de corvette Pierre Jacques Marie Bichon, né le  à Vertou (Loire-Inférieure, de nos jours Loire-Atlantique) et mort le  à Vertou, était un officier de marine français.

Biographie

Notes et références

Liens externes
 .
 .
 .

Naissance en juillet 1897
Naissance à Vertou
Décès en juin 1986
Décès à 88 ans
Décès à Vertou
Élève de l'École navale
Officier de la Marine française
Commandant de sous-marin de la Marine française
Militaire français de la Seconde Guerre mondiale
Officier de la Légion d'honneur

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


n (daig) coll. sharp pains, pangs: re doightech na narann, 23 K 42, 156.5 . doighech doighthech, IGT Decl. § 22 . a troigheach dár cind um chló | mó lim a doighech do Dhia. Do mhaithfedh sé an troighech toll | 's gidh é doighech na ndernann (troightheach . . . doightheach, v.l.), ex. 798 , 799 .


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Check out these great East Bay destinations to watch this year's Big Game.
By Jonathan Roisman
It's that time of the year again when the country pauses to pay its respects to America's biggest game, The Super Bowl. Instead of sitting at home, go out and indulge at these theaters and bars to take advantage of their specials on gameday, Sunday, February 6.
Theaters:
The Vine Cinema
The always-popular Vine Cinema is kicking their party off at 2 p.m. with free seating in both of their theaters. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and food and drinks are delivered to your seat. It wouldn't be a Super Bowl party without meatloaf sliders and a tall Sierra Nevada. 1722 1st St., Livermore, (925) 447-2545, vinecinema.com
The New Rheem Theatre
The Rheem is offering first-come, first-serve seating for over 600 guests in a single theater. There'll be plenty of people to interact with, so you know you won't be bored. And the best part: it's free. 350 Park St., Moraga, (925) 388-0751, thenewrheemtheatre.com
McCovey's
$4 drafts and an all-you-can-eat BBQ including pork ribs and chicken for $25.99 is only the start at McCovey's. The party begins at 2:30 p.m. in the dining area, and 2 p.m. at the bar. The game will be broadcast on every TV in the place, including the enormous one right in the center. Get their fast because seating won't last long. 1444 N. California Blvd., Walnut Creek, (925) 944-9444, mccoveys.com
A $10 entrance-fee grants you access to a number of beer specials, delicious food, and of course, an all day pass to watch the biggest football game of the year. They'll also raffling off jersey's every quarter, so you have a chance to bring home a souvenir without going to the game. 3712 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, (925) 361-0447, buffalowildwings.com
Pete's Brass Rail
While they'll be closing their doors for the day for regular dining, you still have the opportunity to purchase a $125 ticket that'll grant you exclusive access to their Super Bowl festivity. Best of all, all of the money will be donated to the charity Autism Speaks. The ticket gives you access to unlimited food and drinks, including alcohol. Space is limited, so reserve your seat as soon as you can. 201 Hartz Avenue, Danville, (925) 820-8281, petesbrassrail.com
Beeb's Sports Bar & Grill
Enjoy the big game on nearly two-dozen TV's including two big screens. It'll cost you $25 to get in, but that'll entitle you to an all-you-can-eat buffet full of appetizers and desserts. About half of the seats are full for the event, so you should reserve your place soon. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. 915 Clubhouse Drive, Livermore, (925) 455-7070, beebsatlaspositas.com
George & Walts
The jukebox will be turned off and the nine television sets will be fired up for the game at this family owned and operated bar for over 75 years. Admission is free and they'll be a gratis nacho bar and other food available pre-game. 5445 College Avenue, Oakland, (510) 653-7441, georgeandwalts.com

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I have been teaching yoga for 3 years, and I have been a student of yoga for 10 years. I specialize in beginner yoga, but I work with all levels. I also teach children, large groups, and overall wellness workshops. Anyone can benefit from a yoga practice, no matter who you are. Urban Zen Yoga will help you become more comfortable with yourself and healthier in body and Mind.
I am passionate about the difference a yoga practice can create in anyone's life. Ten years ago, yoga changed my life by helping me to overcome depression and obesity. It was then that I decided I wanted to help other people draw peace and well being into their life's by taking a little time for themselves with yoga. I seek to inspire others around me by spreading yoga and meditation in any way that I can.
I always start with a conversation of what the students goals are, if there are specific things that led them to pursue a yoga practice. I just t try to learn as much about the student as I can, do that they get as much from their practice as possible.
I am 200 hr certified and trained specifically in meditation, hatha yoga, yin yoga, & power yoga. I consistently train so that I am constantly learning and staying current with yoga research and teaching techniques.
Standard pricing starts at $70 a lesson for up to two people within a 10 mile radius from my residence. Rates increase depending on distance and amount of students per lesson.
I began practicing yoga in 2007 when I found out I was prediabetic at age 26. I was 245 pounds and wanted a way to get healthier. 6 years of practice and 100 pounds later, yoga helped me love and care about myself. That's when I realized that I could help others discover what yoga could do for them by sharing my love for this practice. I received my certification in early 2015 from the Yoga Institute in Houston Texas.
I have had the privilege of working with all levels of yoga practitioners. Athletes, gymnasts, running groups, etc.
I have also worked with hospital facilities, rehabilitation, and mental health development programs.
I currently manage a yoga studio, and on numerous occasions, clients have shared how a yoga practice had helped them personally. Some have said they feel better in their bodies, that it helps them to be more calm, even with health issues. Nothing makes me happier than to hear that people are finding the benefits of a yoga practice.
I would say to keep an open mind and know that you are capable of anything, despite any current doubts. I am always here to help anyone who wants to learn.
Consider why you want to begin. Allow this to be your first focus. Ask yourself why and what you want to gain. Yoga is more than a physical practice, it can be spiritual and mentally enlightening as well. Identify any ailments that you have so the instructor can give you any modifications you might need.


Rhythmic Gymnastics | View topic - FIG's first RG newsletter!
I definitely agree with the artistic execution and dance steps sections. I think the brevet judges dropped the ball on applying composition deductions, especially among the more technically proficient gymnasts.


text:
using System.Text.RegularExpressions;

namespace AbpODataDemo.Web.Views
{
    public static class UrlChecker
    {
        private static readonly Regex UrlWithProtocolRegex = new Regex("^.{1,10}://.*$");

        public static bool IsRooted(string url)
        {
            if (url.StartsWith("/"))
            {
                return true;
            }

            if (UrlWithProtocolRegex.IsMatch(url))
            {
                return true;
            }

            return false;
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Just Write It: Creativity in Covid America
Posted bysarahemurphy72 July 30, 2020 July 30, 2020 Posted inUncategorizedTags:Morse Pond School, T.M. Murphy; The Just Write It Class
By Sarah E. Murphy
I recently visited my brother T.M. Murphy's Monday morning session of The Just Write It Class in Falmouth Heights. Thankfully Covid-19 hasn't cancelled the 2020 season of this long-standing summer tradition, now in its 25th year. Since he first started teaching in The Writers' Shack, Ted has encouraged kids to follow their dreams and creative aspirations through writing and storytelling.
The rustic ambiance of the Shack, where we once hung out in our youth, lends itself to inspiration, and the exposed beams are now covered not only with tattered U2 posters, but the signatures of students past and present, and further evidence of their prolific work in Ted's class. Additionally, the act of writing lends itself to social distancing, so with safety precautions in place, it's been business as usual for these aspiring young writers. Classes are offered for ages 9-12; 12-15; and 16-19. Each two-hour session consists of group instruction through writing prompts, followed by free writes, enabling students to come away from each class with a rough draft, work-in-progress, or finished product. Students also get the chance to practice public speaking, as they share their work at the podium. After each reading, their classmates offer feedback, but there's one rule: constructive criticism only. The supportive environment results in the forming of new and lasting friendships.
Ruthie is a rising sixth-grader at Morse Pond School in Falmouth. Like the rest of the Monday morning writers, she's a returning student to the Just Write It Class.
"I like how we can meet with friends we made last year, and that even though there's a pandemic going on, we're still able to do this and have fun," she said.
Lila agreed. "It's nice to spend time with people who aren't my family and to have something to do other than sitting at home."
Will enjoys the structure of The Just Write It Class. "I can write freely and experiment with all my ideas," he said.
Caitlin also appreciates having that creative freedom. "I like being able to write about whatever I want instead of being given an assignment," she said. Witches is one of her favorite subjects, and one of her many stories hangs prominently in the Shack.
Max and Cullen have become fast friends and creative collaborators; they're currently working on a story together.
"I wanted to take this class again because it lets me be more imaginative," Cullen said. "I can write about whatever is in my mind."
Max credited the teacher for setting the tone, which he believes contributes to the overall atmosphere. "I like how Ted has a certain sense of humor. He's actually funny," he said. "Having a teacher like that helps you make a certain connection, and it just makes you want to learn more."
A few spaces are available for the final summer session of The Just Write It Class, for ages 9-12, beginning Wednesday, August 5 from 8:45-10:45 am. To register, contact Ted Murphy at tmmurphywriter@gmail.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
Freedom Village
Children of the Sea: For Courtney
One thought on "Just Write It: Creativity in Covid America"
joannamurphy@yahoo.com says:
How wonderful for these kids to be able to be together and create in a safe environment! Great job, Ted. Beautiful photos too!


I am trying to determine MACs for Cka in U using the approach outlined in the XMAC program of SAMx. Unfortunately in UC, at higher voltages there is a U peak (N iv O iv)on the PC2 crystal that nearly completely obscures the Cka peak. However, by measuring U on its usual crystal (PET or QTZ), I can know how much U is in the sample. By knowing the U concentration in the sample, the program should be able to determine the size of the U peak (in cps/na) that must be obscuring the C peak and subtract it out. The remaining counts should be those from CKa.
1. If the U obscures the C peak, I cannot empirically determine an APF, therefore I must use the integral. Correct?
2. In order to use the xMAC program, I need to know the background corrected Cka in cps/na in U without the added counts from U. How do I find out the magnitude of the U overlap correction so that I know how much cps/na to remove from the C signal? Is it available in the software? Do you think this is the correct approach?
Wow, this is a tough one I must say. I saw it yesterday when you posted it, but needed to think about it overnight. I think I have some solutions for you.
Now as far as the interference of U on C Ka in determining the MAC, I think the solution is going to be that you'll have to measure both C Ka and U Ma quantitatively at each beam energy and specify the interference correction(s). How does this help, well it's not generally known but if you specify interference corrections in Probe for EPMA, the correction for spectral interference occurs during the matrix correction quantitatvely, so in the end you have not only concentrations corrected for interferences, but *also* you'll have k-ratios corrected for interference as well! See note below.
By the way, this is why acquiring thin film intensities in Probe for EPMA works so well for spectral interferences on thin film samples. The k-ratios exported into STRATAGem are *already* corrected for spectral interferences!
Now XMAC doesn't care what units the intensities are in, so you could just take the spectral interference corrected k-ratios from Probe for EPMA and utilize those intensities for the empirical determination of your MAC. It might end up being an interative process because you might want to enter the empirical MAC determined from XMAC into PFE to improve the accuracy of the calculation.
Note: I looked at the (default) NIST x-ray database and I don't see a uranium line near C Ka (between 40 and 50 angstroms) , though I do see a 2nd order O Ka line. I believe you but in what table are you seeing the U line near carbon Ka? Is this the modified xray.mdb that you and Philipp developed for PFE?
I'm actually analysing C in U right at the moment and talked about this very interference problem at the AMAS symposium a couple of months ago. You can't completely separate the C and U lines but you can reduce the degree of interference by using the 2nd order C Ka line on either an LDE1/PC1 or a Pb-stearate. This puts the line at the top end of the spectrometer range, where the resolution is better. The stearate has the highest resolution of the light element crystals, and almost completely separates the two peaks but the intensity is really lousy (<200th that of the LDE2/PC2). Both still need overlap correction (really easy to set up in PfE, thanks John!). I'm using the LDE1/PC1 as a compromise between level of correction and useable count rate (~20th that of LDE2/PC2). Thanks to Ben Buse for suggesting this method. As John says, the k-ratio values that PfE outputs include the overlap correction.
I have a sort of linked question though: The interfering U line is the N6-O4 at 0.286keV, with a relative intensity of 0.01% (Bearden, 1967), but there should also be a N6-O5 line at 0.294keV which Bearden lists with a relative intensity of 1% (i.e. 100 times bigger than the N6-O4 line), but I see no evidence of this peak. My working theory is that the O5 shell in U isn't normally occupied so the line can't be fluoresced and the 1% intensity in Bearden is just a default value when the actual intensity hasn't been measured. However, my understanding of how shells are occupied is very limited and I might be completely misunderstanding the diagrams. Can anyone confirm or deny this hypothesis?
OK, after discussions with Xavier, it looks like I am mistaken about the shell occupancies: For U the 5f shell is partially filled and this corresponds to the O6 and O7 levels (I was wrongly equating the 5f with the O4 level) so the N6-O5 transition should be possible. However, unlike Bearden, the Penelope database lists the intensity of this transition as 1/10th that of the N6-O4 which may explain why I haven't seen it. That does make more sense since why would Bearden list it if it wasn't a possible transition. I guess the 1% relative intensity is just a default value if the actual value isn't known. Since I have some DU in the probe at the moment I'll try a slow scan to see if I can tease this peak out of the background.
I've checked the electronic configuration of U and is 5f3 6d1 7s2 so in principle the O4 and O5 levels (5d) are filled. Those that are partially filled are the 5f levels, which would correspond to O6 and O7 levels. So if I'm correct, both two N6-O5 and N6-O4 lines should exist.
So perhaps this could explain what you're seeing?
The (modified) NIST x-ray database included with Probe for EPMA does include some N emission lines, but not all apparently. I guess we need a KLMN x-ray database!
By the way, I also searched Philipp Poeml's modified replacement NIST x-ray database, which has additional emission lines for the actinide elements, and it doesn't have these N emission lines for U either.
It did take some digging to work out what the overlapping peak was, none of the software tools showed any U lines in that region of the spectrum. We had to resort, as the late Douglas Adams put it, to twig-technology and dig out the hard copy x-ray tables.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I will let you know what I find out when I try these suggestions.
I do have a question about the overlapping line though. My Bearden 1967 clearly describes the U line at 286 ev as "N4O4", not N6O4. Is that a misprint in the article?


text:
Posts Tagged 'Country'
Denny Strickland sees Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn character as inspiration for new song
Denny Strickland's new track, Harley Quinn, dropped on Friday 25th October: His inspiration for the song comes from the character Harley Quinn in DC comic-book movie Suicide Squad, which was released in 2016. Denny explains, ...
Calle Ameln is practically on autopilot throughout "HEYO"
Calle Ameln is a Swedish singer-songwriter with a background in hard-rock and metal, who mixes Americana, heartland rock and country styles into his earworm tunes. Currently Calle is getting set to release his brand new country...
Briana Renea Puts It All Out There With Her New Single -"Maybe You Can Be My Man"
Briana Renea Releases Her New Single and puts her heart on the line while singing about what it takes to be her man. It has become rather customary for her devoted fans to witness Briana Renea in her most fierce and passionate ...
Ron Hamrick: "Nothing But Sunshine" – Mellow yet uplifting
Singer-songwriter Ron Hamrick who grew up in Michigan, has multiple Top 10 Billboard hits to his credit. He studied classical music as a youngster and formed his first band at the age of 14, after seeing the Beatles perform on ...
Bill Abernathy: "Crossing Willow Creek" – a portrait of an artist totally comfortable in his own skin
Kansas City, Missouri resident Bill Abernathy, began writing songs in his early teens. He played all through his school years, but then life took over. Bill got married, built a business career, and raised his children. Af...
Whitney Lusk's album "Who I Am" undoubtedly describes her as an artist
Whitney Lusk is a homegrown Country Artist from Utah. From the age of 3 she has been belting out every song she learns. From the age of 8, she has been vocally trained by industry professionals. At the age of 14 Whitney perform...
Latest Single From Australia's Born n' Bred Called 'White Lies'
The latest single release from Australian Country band Born n' Bred reflects similar Country genre characteristics, including honesty and storytelling. However, this latest number from Born n' Bread delves into the ...
Lyrics Of Two: "Summer Song (Hey, Hey)" – a splendid homegrown organic track!
Founded by Los Angeles born, head songwriter and poet, who is classically trained in piano and has a degree in Sociology from Mount St. Mary's University, Lyrics Of Two have established themselves as accomplished lyricists,...
Emmanuel Dalmas & Kirby Howarth: "This Is Love That I'm Feeling" – really solid writing
Emmanuel Dalmas a company founder and high level executive in the scientific industry from the South West of France, also moonlights as a multi-genre music composer. Dalmas has been steadily building his music catalog since ki...
Don Woods is ready to take Country's reins
Though many country music lovers feel that the true country sound is gone simply because of what they are hearing on mainstream radio these days, the truth is that it isn't gone at all but you just have to dig a little deeper...


The problem with being a Mark McGwire overachiever is managing expectations. Hit 52 home runs in 1996 and they'll want 58 in 1997. Manage that Herculean feat and they'll want even more. Eventually, you're battling Sammy Sosa, 70 is the only number that will do and your (very thick) neck is suddenly deep in a steroid scandal. All cause you just wanted to please the fans.
The automotive industry's equivalent to performance enhancing drugs is model proliferation. The basic trick is to see how many different models you can get out of one single platform — the industry's nomenclature for the basic framework that underpins every automobile — and then see how many niches you can fill or, if you're lucky, like Subaru with its Outback, create.
One of those niches that Audi needed to fill was the baby sport ute. BMW has long been making hay with its X1 and the GLK is the second most popular model in Mercedes' lineup. Little wonder then that Audi Canada has a new Q3 just now hitting our shores, filling out an SUV lineup previously limited to the hulking Q7 and the mid-sized Q5.
Though touted as significantly more piccolo than the Q5 (the Q3's wheelbase is some 204 millimetres shorter), you'd never know it from the front seats of the Q3. Thanks to the space efficiency of its crossways sitting engine (as opposed to the lengthwise orientation of the Q5's powertrain which eats up cabin space), the Q3 is barely smaller than the Q5 inside and virtually all the difference is in rear seat legroom (where the Q3 is significantly tighter). The cargo area's 473 litres (1,365 L with the rear seats down) is likewise decently spacious, its main limitation the more pronounced slope to the Q3's rear roofline. The powered tailgate helps mitigate some of the disappointment.
Nor is there much sacrifice in the Q3's powertrain. Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI four may be a ubiquity in the company's lineup — indeed, throughout the Volkswagen empire — but it is no less sensational for it. I've long lauded this as the best engine Volkswagen makes, but I'll now go further than that and label it the best small turbocharged engine in the world. Ford's marketing might may have seen Dearborn usurp VeeDub as the perceived leader in turbocharging, but an Ecoboost 2.0L is a crass and profligate affair compared with the creamy smoothness that is Audi's TFSI. Indeed, the vast majority of the people driving a Q3 would never know it has a four-banger unless reminded, the highest compliment to be paid to an engine configuration that, until the last decade, would have been considered an aberration in a luxury automobile. The Q3's main sacrifice in the powertrain department is that this 200 horsepower version of the 2.0L is mated to a six-speed automatic rather than a high-tech eight-speed like the Q5, the main reason the latter can boast a quicker zero to 100 kilometres an hour acceleration time — 7.1 seconds — versus the former's 8.6 seconds. Don't be deceived; the Q3's 207 pound-feet of torque — available at a subterranean 1,700 rpm — make it feel livelier than the numbers suggest.
The same applies to the Q3's handling. As BMW tries to go mainstream and Audi tries to boost its sporting bona fides, distinguishing the comportment between two competitive models is getting more difficult, a comparison that I think is more a compliment to Ingolstadt than Munich. More stiffly suspended than one might expect from an Audi sport cute, it suffers less of the nose-heavy handling common to Audis with longitudinal-mounted engines (which, stretching further forwards, put too much weight ahead of the front axle).
The but in all this — that I assumed you all knew was coming — is that while this Q3 is new to Audi Canada, it is not new to Audi, having been sold in Europe for the last three years. Indeed, it is due for a mid-model refresh that will arrive next year as a 2016 model (which, ironically, we'll test in a few week's time; yes just as the 2015 model hits Canadian dealerships). And while that hasn't affected this Q3's performance or road-holding, its interior feels a little dated, at least by Audi's standards.
Oh, the quality is there; the interior's build quality is beyond the Q3's (relatively) modest $38,300 starting MSRP, panel gaps all but nonexistent and the trim materials the best in the industry. Ditto for the leather on the high-end Technik model. The problem is that after sampling more recently revised Audi interiors, the Q3's seems a little overwrought with too many buttons and dials. This is especially so for the air conditioning rotary knobs, which seem positively antiquated compared to the much-simplified Virtual Cockpit design soon to be seen in Audi's forthcoming remake of the TT. Ditto for the gauge set and the navigational system, though the actual functionality of the Q3's navi system was beyond reproach. It's just that I have seen the future of Audi interiors and it is indeed another revolution. Which, I predict, will be one of the improvements to be seen in that 2016 revision I mentioned is coming (along with an eight-speed transmission).
That said, the Q3 can only be considered a disappointment if one was expecting yet another in the long line of the McGwire-like home runs Audi has been hitting lately. As I noted, success comes with its own curse and if a solid stand-up double like the Q3 is a disappointment then I'd suggest that it is more our expectations that need adjusting than Audi's design.


I love wreaths. Last year I wanted to make about 15 different kinds and hang them all on one wall in my living room as a giant wreath statement. I wound up not doing that because between a full-time job, raising a then 3-year-old and 16-year-old and living my life, there wasn't a whole lot of free time for making 15 different wreaths. But this year, I decided to go for one-I-can-do-this-with-my-kid-and-it-will-be-fun-wreath. And do you know what happened? We did do it and it was fun, and it was finished before December 1st!
First, sort out all of your materials. Everyone should pick what they are going to paint so that fighting is minimized during the process.
Next, begin to sort out the wooden shapes. We picked this bag up for about $6 and it had an assortment of hearts, stars, squares, circles and leaf/petal/oval shaped wooden pieces. These are really great for little hands who might only have the attention span for 5-10 minutes. Emily managed to sit and paint for about 3 hours before losing interest for other things.
Sorting the shapes was great for Emily, and she enjoyed the process, but it'd be equally fun for 2-year-olds and a way to help reinforce/teach what the different shapes are. We used the petal/oval shapes to make leaves on the wreath and we wound up using almost all of the ovals in the bag. So if you go this route, make sure that you have enough of your base color because between this and the styrofoam, you go through a LOT of paint.
Next step - start painting! Anything goes. I wanted a toy/kid theme for our wreath. Combined, it took both of us painting throughout one afternoon and me finishing up some more detailed pieces the next morning to get everything done. Of course, if you do a smaller wreath or less detail or go with more of the finished cut-outs, it will take less time. More hands would also help to decrease the time.
After painting, you can begin the assembly. I started with the leaves. I simply stuck the leave shapes in the side of the wreath. I didn't measure, or try to line things up evenly. I staggered them so it looked more layered and I pointed some at different angles. The color variation in the pictures is from Emily and I mixing some yellow and white into the green paint just to give it a little variation. We used foam brushes to paint the styrofoam, and even though it made for quick application, it destroys the brushes, so just keep that in mind if you decide to go that route.
After all of the leaves have been inserted, you can begin to place all of your cut-outs. Again, I didn't get technical with this - I just placed things around and re-arranged items until I liked the arrangement. Emily had a lot of opinions on where things should go, so we had fun compromising.
After getting the right arrangement, it's time to glue. I used a hot glue gun and worked in small areas. I kept all of the pieces on the wreath, and only removed 3-5 pieces at a time. You can see that I have a lot of overlap, so if you go the same route, just be sure to start gluing from the bottom up. Emily's job during this phase was to hand me new glue sticks and help wipe away the "spider webs" that the glue gun glue creates. I used a small piece of ribbon on the back and glued it down in a loop in order to hang the wreath.
And here's the finished piece with my very sassy Dora nightgown model. She was very proud of her pieces and there are even some cut-outs that we painted together. It's definitely something all ages can enjoy!
Tomorrow I start week 2. It's all good though, and in the middle of all of that change and focus, we've had birthdays, summer school start and end for the big kid, the medium kid with us and lots of other life details big and small.
This weekend has really been the first weekend where I've felt free to relax. I don't have a bunch of if/then's or how or but's bouncing around in my brain. The change is done. Now I just have to settle into it. I have to remind myself that might take a little time even though I wanted to feel settled on my first day. But like I said, it is all good.
Like I was also saying, this weekend was the first one in quite sometime, where I felt a bit more relaxed and visited some of my favorite food blogs that I haven't seen much of over the past couple of months. I had lots of fun catching up on some great recipes and my hour's worth of browsing actually inspired over half of our dinner menus for the week, including tonight's which was so yummy.
I decided to pair them with a tried and true favorite from one of Heather's favorite bloggers - Homesick Texan. We no longer have corn on the cob any other way than this. It is the bomb. Seriously. Unfortunately for us, we didn't have parmesan cheese (a good substitute for the cojita cheese) on hand, so we went without, but honestly the corn is still great. I love the hint of spice that the chipotle gives it.
And to top dinner off, we had these. I met these cookies earlier this year when I made them for the night of the Oscar's. It was love at first bite. These have 3 of my favorite cookie ingredients all in one - chocolate chips, peanut butter and oatmeal. So good. I've made these many times since the Oscars. I do three things differently than the recipe. First, I just measure. Second, I make the cookies smaller than what the recipe calls for. Third - I don't make them into balls and twist - I find that just using a spoon to make a rough ball shape is all the action required to give them a "crinkly top" I also think I prefer using mini chocolate chips vs. the big ones. But, seriously - the cookie dough - addictive. So, so good. Go try them today. You won't regret it.
Lelia is a regular fixture around our house during the summers and school breaks. She is Felicia's half sister, but Emily has claimed her as her full sister - even confusing her teachers at daycare for a few days by talking about her big sister. We love Lelia. Lelia loves Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, which is funny because we haven't had them since last fall, but she remembers them. So when I asked the kids what sorts of snacks they wanted in the car ride to Disney, she was the first to yell, "Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins!" So I had to oblige by letting her make some.
I found this recipe awhile ago, over at Meal Makeover Moms. I've used a lot of their recipes over the past couple of years. Some I've adapted to our own tastes, and others I stay true to the recipe. This is one that doesn't need any tweaking. It's easy, good and best of all - the kids all love them!
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat 24 mini muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Whisk together the flours, ground flaxseed, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Combine the pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl and stir until well combined. Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Remove the muffins and cool an additional 5 minutes before serving. When making 12 full-size muffins, bake for 20 to 23 minutes.
Yes - it's been a few weeks. Life Happens. This week will be all about catch up so what better place to start than with my birthday.
We headed to Disney to celebrate my 40th birthday and Emily's 4th. This has been a trip that's been in the works for almost a year, and in hindsight, I'm happy we had all of the anticipation because that in itself was so much fun.
The first day we headed to Magic Kingdom, which also happened to be my birthday. We spent most of our time in Fantasyland. Emily loved It's a Small World. We met Pinocchio, which Emily loved despite not having a clue as to who he is (we still have some classics to catch up on).
Em wanted to eat every 5 seconds, so it made the morning a bit challenging and then it started to rain.
And it rained. By this time my sister had taken Felicia and Lelia off for their own adventures and we decided to hunt the princesses down. Emily was most interested in seeing The Princess and the Frog, so we found her garden and we waited. And waited. And waited. After an hour, it started to rain again but the princess keepers came and got us and led us to a gazebo area that was covered, and there we met the beautiful Princess Tiana. She was very sweet and had the perfect New Orleans drawl.
After that, we decided to head back to the hotel while Liz and the girls stayed to enjoy the Electric Light Parade.
I had not felt great the day before - I slept a lot of the afternoon, so when we got back from the Magic Kingdom, I laid down again, and then proceeded to stay in bed for the next 2.5 days with an oh-so-fun-but-not-so-magical stomach bug.
While I hung out in the room, the rest of the family went on to enjoy the Animal Kingdom on day 2 and Blizzard Beach on Day 3.
The met lots of characters - Goofy was a favorite, and Emily lasted each day until about 2-3pm, which I thought was pretty good for her.
Heather and Felicia took part in one of their favorite traditions - the eating of the sour candy. This is something I will never understand, because I long ago gave up the notion that sucking up a bunch of sour powdered candy was fun, but they do it whenever they find the stuff and I do my part by taking pictures.
The last day I was feeling better and we ALL headed to Epcot, and we started it off with breakfast with the princesses. We met Belle, Aurora and Cinderella. Watching Emily watch the princesses was priceless. She was wide-eyed and excited. When they came up to us, she got a little more shy, but was still thrilled with the whole experience.
We hung out in the land area, and visited the Nemo area. The most impressive experience of Epcot to me was the Talking Crush show. Kids and People got to interact with Crush the Turtle from Nemo and it was really really cool how they did it. Heather, Em, Leila and I headed back to the hotel around lunch time and proceeded to enjoy the afternoon at the pool.
It was definitely not the trip I was anticipating, but it was nice to have a break and overall I think the kids really enjoyed the experience. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to go, and look forward to our next trip - probably in a few years - where, with some luck, we'll all be able to enjoy the entire adventure!
My birthday is today - June 1. I love my birthday and I love making a big deal about it. But what a lot of my friends and family probably don't know is that I also get quite introspective around my birthday. I think a lot about what I've done over the past year, what goals I've met and not quite met and where I want to go. This year is the big 4-0 and I find that the decade years are always a good time to reset. I've been looking to 40 for quite some time. The older I get, the more comfortable I get in my own skin, and I can't help but think that with that forward motion the decade of 40 is going to rock.
33. I believe in ghosts.
37. I don't hang out with negative voices.
My dear friend Megan shared this idea on Facebook, and I fell so instantly in love with the idea that I asked her if she would mind doing a guest post on my blog. She quickly agreed, and I'm so delighted and honored that she did. Check out this amazing idea for honoring those in your family who have served our country! To learn more about Megan, you can visit her blog aboutthesame.blogspot.com or you can find her on twitter @megstanish.
Earlier this week, I wrote a post on my blog about the lack of Memorial Day parades in the metro Atlanta area, where I currently live. In it, I made the case that these parades not only bring people together in celebration of those who have served our country, but they also serve the purpose of introducing the concept of Memorial Day to our children in an engaging way, allowing them to assimilate the true meaning of it as they grow and evolve.
After getting over my initial grump about the lack of the marchy marchy in my immediate vicinity, I started to wonder about how I might incorporate something exciting into the weekend to help my children – who are 3 and 4 years old – start to "get" what Memorial Day is all about. I thought about placing a few hundred flags around my lawn, but I decided that would be less meaningful and more just plain old messy.
Then I thought about the idea that each flag at Arlington Cemetery stands with and for a veteran. After more pondering on this, I decided on the plan: set up a flag in my front yard for each of the four veterans in my family and create a simple "plaque" to name and honor each one.
When working on this project, two things are imperative from the get-go. First, if you plan to involve children, take a deep breath and realize that mess is an almost certain (and likely fun!) part of this project. Second, determine if you want your plaques to be relatively disposable or long-lasting. This second point will determine your materials. I decided that our plaques would be disposable. Why? Well, first of all, they'll be sitting out on the lawn, so who knows what kinds of messes may come their way during the day? More importantly, I want to do this project anew every year with my kids as they grow and learn to appreciate the meaning of the day. I see this as an annual opportunity to reintroduce my children to their great-grandparents and to the heroism of each individual's commitment to serve. I'm kind of a sucker for nostalgia.
Cut the white posterboard in half; each half will become a plaque for a single veteran.
Using the glue stick, paste one veteran's photo onto a plaque. Place the photo about 4 inches below the top of the plaque to ensure your veteran's image is high enough off the ground to be seen from a distance but low enough to allow space for his or her name to be written at the top of the plaque. In tall lettering (3"-4" tall), print the veteran's name across the top of the plaque; I recommend block lettering.
Next, allow your child or children to place stickers around the plaque. I know it's tough not to help, but try not to direct the placement too much! However, I recommend reminding small children several times not to decorate the veterans' faces, then watching them pretty closely. My 3-year-old did not heed this request during the sticker phase of the project, and after getting a good laugh about how "starry-eyed" my step-grandfather looked (yes, his eyes were covered with star stickers), we ended up reprinting and repasting his photo. Not a tragedy, but inconvenient.
After this, it's up to you how best to decorate the plaque, depending on your preferences, materials and the child's or children's age(s). For us, our children's ages and the fact that we really wanted them to be relatively independent with this project dictated us sticking with easily-glue-able and very sparkly materials. We poured piles of each color glitter and each type of sequin onto paper plates, for easy access by tiny hands. We then handed each child a glue stick and allowed them to create independently. For the adults, our jobs included pouring off excess glitter or sequins, encouraging the kids' efforts and the ever-necessary ooh'ing and ah'ing.
Let the plaques dry, then shake off or replace any loose materials.
To wrap this up, I'll share a little conversation I had with my 4-year-old tonight at bedtime. He asked me, "Mommy, why did we do that project for Memorial Day?" I thought a moment, then said, "Well, what are the first three syllables of the word 'Memorial'?" Together we said, "Mem-o-ry." I asked him, "So what does that make Memorial Day?" My lovely son smiled and said, "It's a day for Remembering." From out of the mouths of babes.
Em: When I get big and I'm a mommy, I will make you a grandmother.
Em: What kid am I going to have?
Me: I don't know - it's a surprise.
Em: What is my kid's name going to be?
Me: I don't know, but you get to choose it just like we chose your name when you were a baby.
Em: But I don't WANT a baby! I want a kid.
I know some new moms that might feel the same.
Hope your weekend is filled with wonder and big dreams.
At the beginning of the year, I chose a word to carry with me throughout 2011. I spent the last 3 months of 2010 thinking about different words, but over and over again, I came back to the word, mindful, which became my word for the year. When I chose the word, I don't think I really had any clue as to how much of an impact it would have on my world.
I knew that I wanted to use the word as a way to set and keep intention. I spent a lot of 2010 pretty checked out. I didn't listen to myself, I didn't pay attention to my dreams or wants or interests consistently and I knew coming into 2011 those were areas I wanted to change. Being mindful of what I want, and more importantly, what I need has allowed me to communicate with others more effectively. It has allowed me to hold boundaries because I am mindful of what I need. It has helped me to say no to things that otherwise I might be prone to give in to. It has helped me create space in my life for things that are important to me and in doing so, I feel more confident and more clear on what I want and don't want in my life.
I knew that this would help me stay accountable for my goals, but what I didn't know was that it would allow me to hear feedback and criticism in a more constructive way. I mean, no one likes to hear that they are doing a bad job, but knowing what I want and need to do and recognizing the areas that still "need improvement" makes it easier to hear that feedback from other people. The result of this has been less negative self-talk. I can accept my imperfections more and can own up to the fact that I still fall short in some areas - like cleaning the cat box.
The most powerful part of this word selection so far has been the sense of accomplishment I have. I've set several small goals for myself, and while I haven't met them all, I am so proud of the ones I've achieved. I'm also proud of myself for setting so many to begin with. This act alone, is such a huge improvement over the past couple of years. I feel that I am living with intention - for myself and for my family. I'm listening to my gut and it's been such an awesome ride. Not each day has been perfect, and there have been LOTS of times over the past 6 months where I've fallen down, fallen short, lost my temper, lost my cool or felt out of control, but the process of getting out of those negative spaces or situations is becoming easier. I ask myself what I need. Sometimes I know right away. Sometimes I have to sit with it for a couple of days, but each time I've asked myself this question, I've figured it out.
I've also been able to compartmentalize certain areas better so that a negative situation in one area of my life does not negatively impact other areas. I think the biggest area I've seen this with has been my mommy skills. I am not a perfect mom. Sometimes I embarrass myself or can't believe the things that are coming out of my mouth, but there are times when I've had a crappy day at work and I just want to come home and whine or moan but then I think of the kind of mom I want to be and I'm getting better at being able to reset myself so I can be the happy, calm(er) mom that I'm trying to be. Again - I'm not at all perfect, but it all feels like good, forward progress, and who doesn't love that?
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the year with my little word.
On Sunday we went to the Georgia Renaissance Festival. I wasn't sure how the day was going to go since this was the first big festival for Em. It started out a bit rocky, but after getting enough carbs in that little body to support her current growth spurt, she perked up and we managed to have a really fun day. The best part?
Now, I've mentioned our fondness of fairies before, but I really wish there was a way I could send these fairies a thank you note and basket full of love, because I totally would. They made my little girl's day, even if we were a bit stalkerish about it. We first met them under the tree. Emily said hello and they were each very friendly and we asked to take a picture, which they accommodated.
From there we went on our merry way, only to find that they were doing a show in one of the pavilions a few hours later. We went in, and they brought her up to the front to meet the fairy queen who remembered her from earlier. They gave her some fairy dust and returned her back to me. That hand over mouth move she's got going on -- that's 'I'm really happy, but really shy' move.
We hung out in the show for awhile, but Em really wanted to get her face painted and then come back to see the fairies, so we snuck out and headed for the face painting tent, where she wound up with a unicorn on her arm. As soon as the painting was done, she turned to me and said, "Mommy, I want to show the fairies my unicorn." So being the supportive Mommy that I try to be, I said ok, and off we tromped to the other side of the park.
We returned to the pavilion only to find that the show was over, but I caught a glimpse of the fairies walking around a corner. We ran, and got about 30 feet away and I told Emily to run and catch them. Let me pause here to say that ordinarily the overly protective mama bear in me would have never have let her go that far away from me, but there were only about 4-6 other people in the area at that time and I really wanted to see if she'd go up without me. She took off and caught up to the fairies. She held her arm out, and they all stopped, turned around and cooed over her unicorn, and her. I almost burst into tears because of how proud and happy she was. She talked about them all the way home, before bed and throughout today.
They are magic, those fairies. They are.
Like most kids, we go in cycles with books. We might read the same book over and over for days, and then we don't pick it up for months. Lately, we've read a lot of "If you give a pig a party." I was the first one to get up this morning and was hanging out in the paint room, when Em came in and said, "I want to do what the pig does."
At first, I wasn't sure what she meant. I mean, it was before 7am and I hadn't finished my first cup of coffee yet. Then she said, "in the book" and I knew right away what she meant, but by that time she was off to find the book so she could show me. Sure enough, she wanted a fort.
So I built a small one, which she is still arguing with me that it needs to be bigger. I also gave her a 'mix.' We do mixes around our house when we are on the go, or for the occasional break out of the mold breakfasts. Mixes go into a plastic bag and are usually a combination of cereal, raisins, craisins, nuts, some times pretzels, and always a small spoon of chocolate chips to make it fun. We just dump it all in, and shake. I must have shook the bag extra good this morning because I was just asked, "why did you hide the chocolate chips so good?"
Hope your Sunday is filled with things you love.
Anyway, we are bringing 3 girls, and while this trip has been something we've been planning on for quite some time, I still want to find ways to cut costs where possible. I decided to make autograph books for the girls instead of buying them at the park. Considering I had most of the supplies on hand, I was able to make 3 books for about $8, and my guess is that is probably the cost of 1 in the park.
Step 1: Decide the page size since it will determine the size of the cover. I decided to go with a finished 4" x 6" page, but to allow room for the binding, my inside pages were 4" x 7". I added an inch to those measurements to allow for the cover. Once determined the size, I cut my chipboard to size. For this project, I actually did two layers of chipboard just because I wanted extra sturdiness.
Step 2: Create the bind edge. Once I had my chipboard cut to the 4" x 7" size, I cut an inch off. I did this so that the cover had more give in order to allow for the book to open flat but still maintain sturdiness. I was making 3 books, so I took an assembly line approach and cut everything all at once.
Step 3. Cut your cover cardstock. For the cover, I added 2 inches to the size of the chipboard, so I cut 7" x 9". This is going to be an example of an imperfect project. The sad part is, I realized my mistake on the first book, but repeated the same stinkin' mistake on my second book. You'll see it at the end if you haven't noticed already.
Step 4. Center your chipboard on the back side of your cover paper. If you have been hanging around the blog for awhile, you've probably already guessed that I just eyeballed this. If you are new, I'm not all into perfect measurements. Just get it close enough and move on to the next step.
Step 5. Time for the glue or adhesive. Little tip, keep once piece in place while getting the other down, that way you don't lose your centering. You will want to leave a little spacing between the two pieces of chipboard...I leave about as much space as the chipboard is deep, 1/8th-ish inch or so.
Step 5. Once you have your chipboard secure, you'll want to cut your corners. There are two schools of thought. One says to just cut the corner off of your paper in a triangle that butts up right against the corner of your chipboard. I have varying degrees of success with that, so I employ the method shown above which is cut it at an angle to right above the corner and then cut back out. No measuring, but you can play with these two options and see what works best for you.
Next step, adhere your flaps down. Make sure you get it tight against the edges.
Step 7. Flip the book over and take both of your hands and grab the book so that both of your thumbs meet in the middle (I had to take a picture, so pretend my left thumb is there looking exactly the same as my right). Then using your fingers to bend the binding up, use your thumbs to crease the paper, so that it creases inside the fold. You'll run your thumbs down the middle of the crease to keep the paper going in the direction you want. If you don't employ this thumb maneuver, your paper might crease/bubble on the outside of the fold.
Step 8. Looky here - I'm measuring! Now for the pages. So here, I measured an inch on the side of the page, and then at the 1" and 3" mark, I drew a perpendicular line. This is all leading up to cutting some holes in the book.
Next, I found the half inch mark on each short line and marked the spot with an x.
And then I punched. Note - if you are doing 3 of these suckers, go ahead and invest in a 3 hole punch. I used to have one and don't know where in the world it took off to, but after this project of punching 100+ holes, I'm getting a new 3-hole punch.
For those of you who are taking the single hole route, you only need to draw/mark one page. From there, just stack 2-3 (whatever is not too stressful to cut through) pages behind the already cut page, and line your punch up to cut within the holes you have already cut. Repeat this process until you have all of your pages cut. For each new batch, I used a different template to work from. I did this to lessen my chances of cutting the holes too big on one page which inevitably happens when using the same template over and over. For each book, I did about 20 pages.
Step 11. Back to the cover. Ok, so in the first picture did you notice that little Sharpie marker? Well, I thought it would be a good idea to fasten the pens to the books. So here's how I did it. Take the big glue dots and run a line of them down your back cover. I chose to place mine right by the binding, but you can choose another area - whatever is most comfortable for you.
Step 12. Cut a long piece of ribbon. I cut about a foot and a half of thin red ribbon. I placed it on top of the glue dots like you see above.
Step 13 (picture not available), cover both of your inside covers with cardstock. For my inside cover, I chose a paper that complimented my covers. Since the total size of the cover was 4" x 7", I subtracted about 1/4" of an inch total - 1/8" on each side. Put a lot of adhesive on this paper, making sure that you have it running up against the edges of the paper.
Step 14. Take one of your inside pages and line it up along the spine of the back cover. Mark another x, and punch holes.
Step 15. Take your back cover, and place it right side out on top of your front cover which should be right side out as well. Once they are aligned, mark an x or trace the hole circles on the inside front cover so you know where to punch.
Step 16. Assuming you have cut all of your pages, you are ready to assemble the whole thing. I used brads to keep my pages in place. I did this for 2 reasons. First, I'm anticipating that I might need more signature pages, so I want an easy way to get back in the book. Second, my goal is to add pictures to this when all is said and done and I don't know if I will need more pages or not, so again - I want access to get back in. You could use yarn or ribbon and just do a loop and cut into it later if you want. You can also use binder rings.
To keep small fingers from opening the brads, I covered each one with stickers.
Step 17. Attach the Sharpie. These were perfect since they had the little hook on the cap. I simply tied a double knot and trimmed the edge a bit.
Step 18. Decorate the cover. I picked up some cute glitter mickey stickers, so I used some of the extra card stock to create a background and then I placed my stickers and added each girl's name to the cover.
Obviously, this is Emily's finished book. Did you notice what is "wrong" about these? Take a good look at the paper. The words are upside down. The second book is just a page filled with the outline of Mickey's head so it's a LOT more noticable noticeable but such is life. I didn't have the character paper to start over with, and the girls didn't even notice until I pointed it out. Not all projects turn out perfect. What's more important to me is that it's done, and in this case cute and functional.
I'm thrilled with how these came out and the girls seem excited to use them. Here's hoping we'll have enough room for all of the signatures we collect!


text:
Q: How to make some part of bitmap transparent? I have a bitmap something like that http://i.hizliresim.com/GYR6jV.jpg on file system.
I need to make the black part of image transparent and obtain circular bitmap.
the transparent method that i used:
 public static Bitmap makeTransparent(Bitmap bitmap, int replaceThisColor) {
        if (bitmap != null) {
            int picw = bitmap.getWidth();
            int pich = bitmap.getHeight();
            int[] pix = new int[picw * pich];
            bitmap.getPixels(pix, 0, picw, 0, 0, picw, pich);

            for (int y = 0; y < pich; y++) {
                // from left to right
                for (int x = 0; x < picw; x++) {
                    int index = y * picw + x;
                    int r = (pix[index] >> 16) & 0xff;
                    int g = (pix[index] >> 8) & 0xff;
                    int b = pix[index] & 0xff;

                    if (pix[index] == replaceThisColor) {
                        pix[index] = Color.TRANSPARENT;
                    } else {
                        break;
                    }
                }

                // from right to left
                for (int x = picw - 1; x >= 0; x--) {
                    int index = y * picw + x;
                    int r = (pix[index] >> 16) & 0xff;
                    int g = (pix[index] >> 8) & 0xff;
                    int b = pix[index] & 0xff;

                    if (pix[index] == replaceThisColor) {
                        pix[index] = Color.TRANSPARENT;
                    } else {
                        break;
                    }
                }
            }

            Bitmap bm = Bitmap.createBitmap(pix, picw, pich,
                    Bitmap.Config.ARGB_8888);

            return bm;
        }
        return null;
    }

Thanks.

A: hey if you want to create a circle image you can use https://github.com/hdodenhof/CircleImageView
Edit:
Another solution is to first draw a transparent image form ressource then draw the image in the disc (and only the disc)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


priced reduced ** Outstanding Location! Close to Swansea and Bristol sits this nice condo. Condo has a nice open floor plan, good size bedrooms, basement storage and off-street parking. Affordable condo fees and great highway access. Close to everything. BONUS -$1500 selling agent bonus with successful COE by 3/29/2019.


There's Love In Jesus' Name!
Christ offers so much love, in his name!
He offers his life for yours, in exchange!
He gives life eternal and eternally secure!
His love is everlasting! That's for sure!
He offers much more than this world can give!
He'll bless you, each day that you live!
He brings true happiness and much more!
He truly is someone worth living for!
Won't you accept his love and acceptance?
Won't you come before him in repentance?
He can take a life that's been worn out.
His love can totally cleanse throughout!
when you need a friend!
Won't you give him a chance today?


text:
Kevin De Weert (* 27. Mai 1982 in Duffel) ist ein ehemaliger belgischer Radrennfahrer.

De Weert belegte im Juniorenrennen der Straßenweltmeisterschaften 1999 Rang sechs. 2002 erhielt er einen Vertrag bei Rabobank TT3, dem Farmteam des niederländischen Radsportteams Rabobank. Er gewann die Gesamtwertung sowie eine Etappe der Lüttich-Rundfahrt, worauf er 2003 in das Profiteam wechselte. Im Jahr 2005 wechselte De Weert zum ProTeam Quick Step-Innergetic, bei dem er den größten Teil seiner Karriere verbrachte. Er gewann zwar keine Eliterennen des internationalen Kalenders, entwickelte sich aber zum Rundfahrtspezialisten. De Weert beendete die Tour de France 2010 als 18. und 2011 als 13. Im Mai 2015 erklärte De Weert seinen Rücktritt. Nach einem schweren Sturz bei der Vuelta a España 2013 habe er nicht zu alter Leistungsstärke zurückfinden können.

Platzierungen bei den Grand Tours

Weblinks

Einzelnachweise

Radsportler (Belgien)
Belgischer Meister (Radsport)
Belgier
Geboren 1982
Mann


text:
August 29, 2008 / 5:47 PM / 11 years ago
Bush declares storm emergency in Louisiana
Tropical Storm Gustav is seen in a NOAA satellite image taken August 29, 2008. REUTERS/NOAA/Handout
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Friday declared an emergency in Louisiana as Tropical Storm Gustav headed for the Gulf of Mexico on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's deadly strike on New Orleans.
"The president today declared an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from ... Gustav beginning on August 27, 2008, and continuing," the White House said in a statement.
Gustav was expected to strengthen in the warm Caribbean on Friday as it left flooded Jamaica and churned toward the Cayman Islands.
The storm, which killed at least 70 people in the Caribbean, plowed toward superheated waters south of Cuba where it could absorb enough energy to strengthen into a major hurricane before ripping through the heavy concentration of U.S. oil and natural gas platforms off Louisiana.
The White House says it is closely watching storm developments. Bush and his administration were widely criticized for a slow federal response to Katrina.
Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; editing by Mohammad Zargham


Companies often need funding for starting or continuing business operations. Small businesses typically need start-up funds, while medium and larger companies may need funding to expand operations or purchase competitors. Different types of funding are usually available based on the company's size and needs. Companies may choose to use traditional funding sources such as banks and equity investors or apply for government grants or venture capital funds. Each funding type offers different advantages to companies.
Traditional funding methods for business operations include banks and equity investors. Banks and other lenders usually require information on a company's finances and operations before lending funds. Small businesses may have a more difficult time obtaining bank loans since they may have limited business history. Larger or publicly held companies may find individual investors, mutual funds or other equity investors to purchase stock in the company. Venture capitalists are private investment groups willing to invest large sums of money into businesses.
Venture capitalists may have more requirements when investing funds into companies. Companies may need to offer venture capitalists a fixed rate of return, significant ownership stake in the business or input on major management decisions to obtain their investment funds. Venture capitalists require these options to ensure that they earn sufficient return on their invested capital. Start-up companies or companies operating in industries or business sectors with high risk may need to offer more benefits to venture capitalists in return for an investment.
Companies should carefully consider the terms of each funding source before agreeing on the investment structure. Banks and other traditional lenders usually require fixed payments starting almost immediately. This creates a negative cash flow for businesses that may be struggling to generate revenues in their early years. Equity investors require companies to maintain consistent periods of income growth. Failing to provide a decent rate of return may lead equity investors to sell investments and lower the company's wealth.
Working capital is the funds generated through normal business operations. External financial resources allow companies to maintain their working capital for daily operating purposes. Companies may also be able to negotiate favorable terms with lenders to defer payments or limit negative cash flows. Using internal working capital may also allow companies to avoid short-term financing needs; short-term funding sources generally have the most unfavorable terms for companies.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) may offer information for companies regarding government grants and government-guaranteed bank loans. This type of funding is usually offered at the state and local level because local SBA offices have a better understating of local economies. Companies may be required to go through a lengthy application process and compete with similar businesses looking to obtain the same funds. Guaranteed banks loans offered by the SBA help companies limit the collateral offered to banks for debt financing.


Emma loves adventure! In 2011 she had many opportunities to enjoy both her passion's for exploring the world and writing while backpacking around Europe. When the bank ran dry, Emma settled into life in London and worked as a Nanny/P.A for Australian Director Kim Gehrig. In her free time Emma enjoyed working as a freelance writer for East LDN Magazine where she interviewed local creatives. In 2017 she made the move back home to Australia with a determination to change her career path. With the skills she developed in her previous roles Emma managed to convince RMK that she was exactly what they were missing. Her positive attitude and ability to take on any task presented to her makes her an fantastic asset to the RMK team.


text:
Nashville Charter Buses
Nashville Charter Bus Rental Service
The premier minibus, motor coach & charter bus rental company servicing Nashville, Tennessee. Book your charter bus now by calling (615) 913-8444.
(615) 913-8444 Our live reservation agents are available 24/7
Here are just a few of the companies that have trusted us with their group transportation needs.
9.97 out of 10
from 284 unique reviews
Helpful Bus Rental Resources
Guide to Type of Buses
Find Group Activities in Nashville
The Attractions You Shouldn't Miss in Nashville
Check out the GOGO Charters Deals for Nashville Bus Rental
What's The Weather Like in Nashville?
I'm curious about pricing
I'd like to get a quote online
I'd like to learn about GOGO Charters
Nashville Minibus & Charter Bus Rentals
Looking for a reliable charter bus company in Nashville, Tennessee? GOGO Charters has the largest selection of charter buses in Nashville and surrounding areas. Our service has been used by Fortune 500s, professional sports teams, and some of the largest universities across the United States. The buses we can get for you range in size from 18-passenger minibuses for short-distance trips, to 56-passenger charter buses for longer hauls, to entertainer buses with sleeping bunks for musicians on the road. Upon request, your fleet can come equipped with premier amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, televisions, lavatories, and storage bins. For more information on pricing and availability, contact our office 24 hours a day by calling (615) 913-8444.
CALL (615) 913-8444 FOR CHARTER BUSES IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Nashville is a city rich in interesting attractions, so it's best if you take your time when visiting, but if your time in Nashville is limited, make sure you include at least these sights in your itinerary:
Musical sights: You can't visit Nashville and without heading to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where there are numerous relevant exhibitions and live performances. The Johnny Cash Museum is also an interesting attraction to visit. If you have the time, you can admire Musica, a 38 foot tall sculpture situated in the center of Music Row.
Sights: There are some "must-see" landmarks that define the spirit of Nashville to include in your itinerary. The AT&T Building, also known as the Batman Building, is the tallest building in the state and it's easy to spot in downtown Nashville. Midtown Nashville is usually packed with tourists flocking to its streets lined with restaurants, art galleries, and beautiful buildings. Stop for a moment to admire the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge, built between 1907 and 1909, which is now a pedestrian pedestrian bridge and offers beautiful views of the downtown skyline and riverfront.
Museums and Landmarks: If you want to see a historic plantation, head to Belle Meade Plantation, which houses a mansion dating back to 1853 and a carriage house built in 1890. You will also get a chance to see the oldest log cabins in the state, built in 1790. The Hermitage gives visitors the opportunity to discover the house of the former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, while the Belmont Mansion invites you to visit 16 beautifully decorated rooms. Fort Negley and Fort Nashborough are also interesting landmarks if you're passionate about history. You should also consider visiting the Tennessee State Capitol and Tennessee State Museum.
Day Trips: Groups who come to Nashville often choose to rent a Nashville charter bus for their sightseeing trips to Chattanooga as well as Knoxville, Louisville, and Lexington.
Contact our team now at (615) 913-8444 and get the best deal for your Nashville bus rental. We are an experienced and professional charter bus rental company that is ready to provide the best charter bus for your trip or event. Whether you're planning a wedding, business meeting, church event, field trip, or attending a sports competition, we'll help you find the perfect transportation option for your guests.
What's The Weather Like in Nashville ?
SUNJanuary 19th
Highest Temp.
Lowest Temp.
9℉
More About Group Travel in Nashville
Nashville's Guide to Campus Tours by Charter Bus
Popular Bus Types
We have access to a wide variety of bus types and bus models. You can see a few of those below. Call us if you don't find what you need!
SetraBus
39 - 56 Passengers
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Tampa's beautiful beaches, thriving craft brewery scene, and exhilarating theme parks are all wonderful reasons to visit. But what if you're a local? Then you've probably already brewery-hopped through Ybor...
Spring means festival season in San Antonio. Massive celebrations like Fiesta and Mardi Gras draw thousands of visitors to the city, and smaller festivals like Monarch Fest and San Antonio...
Dallas hosts dozens of fan conventions, business conferences, and trade shows at venues like the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. And if...
120 Donelson Pike Suite 201, Nashville, TN 37214, USA


text:
Q: Expand and collapse animation I'am trying to achieve expand and collapse animation in RecyclerView and tried this solution but it's have a lot of problems and i can't use it anymore, Also o tried a lot of solutions but it's not working as requested from customer like scale the view using this to collapse the view:
view.animate().scaleY(1 / item.getHeight()).setDuration(300).withEndAction(new Runnable() {
    @Override
    public void run() {
        item.setVisibility(View.GONE);
    }
});

I want the animation exactly like this:

Is there any way to do this?

A: you can always use a 3rd party library for a nice implementation , but I  use this way to reduce the amount of libraries in my app .
 int mExpandedPosition = -1;
 int OldOpen = -1;
 @Override
        public void onBindViewHolder(final Example.ViewHolder holder, final int position) {

//what ever your bind logic goes here

            holder.textViewKey.setText(allData.get(position).get("key"));

//expanding this view will collapse any other one open`

            final boolean isExpanded = position==mExpandedPosition;
            holder.itemView.setOnClickListener(new View.OnClickListener() {
                @Override
                public void onClick(View v) {

                   OldOpen = mExpandedPosition;
                    if (isExpanded == true) {
                        mExpandedPosition = -1;
                    } else {
                        mExpandedPosition = position;
                    }
                    TransitionManager.beginDelayedTransition(CompanyDetailsRecycler);
                    if (OldOpen != -1)
                        notifyItemChanged(OldOpen);
                    notifyItemChanged(position);
                }
            });


text:
Q: Is it always safe to unsubscribe from an event inside the handler? Lets say that I have this (incomplete) class, in which I raise an event without first assigning it to a variable to make it thread-safe:
public class Test
{
    public event EventHandler SomeEvent;

    void OnSomeEvent(EventArgs e)
    {
        if (SomeEvent != null)
            SomeEvent(this, e);
    }
}

Would it be safe to unsubscribe an event handler from itself, or could there be any problem similar to what would happen when removing items from a collection while enumerating it?
void SomeEventHandler(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    testInstance.SomeEvent -= SomeEventHandler;
}

A: To clarify the other answer a bit:
Events are based on delegates (in almost all cases). Delegates are immutable. This applies to multicast delegates, too.
When invoking an event the delegate is loaded and then invoked. If the field that the delegate is stored in is modified then this does not affect the already loaded delegate.
It's therefore safe to modify the event from the handler. Those changes will not affect the currently running invocation. This is guaranteed.
All of this only applies to events backed by a delegate. C# and the CLR support custom events that could do anything at all.

A: It would be safe, however, just know it is not a guarantee that the code in SomeEventHandler will be executed only once. A race condition might occur if you have multithreaded code.
Edit:
Unsubscribing from an event will, behind the scenes, combine delegates to produce a list of delegates. (Lots of details can be found on that article by Jon Skeet the man himself)
Note that the event uses locks to guarantee thread safety on the Delegate combination. Once you have combined a delegate to your event, you will have a resulting list of delegates. When raising an event, however, what is not guaranteed is that the latest version of the combined delegates will be used. (see Thread-safe events) but this is unrelated to the fact the event was un-hooked from the inside of the event.
I hope my edit provides enough clarification :)


We are delighted to announce that the team at Winnow has been awarded Tech Disruptor 2019 in The Circulars. Presented at the World Economic Forum, the prestigious awards recognises achievement in developing the circular economy. Previous winners have included IKEA, Nike and Patagonia.
The Circulars is an initiative of the World Economic Forum and the Forum of Young Global Leaders. It is widely regarded as the world's premier circular economy award program. The award offers recognition to individuals and organizations across the globe that are making notable contributions to the circular economy in the private sector, public sector and society.


Mt Warning on a chilly morning.
They did it at Uluru, should we ban climbing at Mt Warning?
Our sleeping giant: Mt Warning overlooking the cane fields of the Tweed.
Lightning hits the top of Mt Warning.
Accommodation | Mt Warning | Enjoy 5 acres of beautiful riverside gardens and lush rainforest.
NO DANGER: Mt Warning is not likely to erupt any time soon.
The stunning view from Mistere Spa and Retreat of Mount Warning.
Holiday and travel guide for the Northern Rivers, New South Wales – Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland region of Australia.
Beautiful rainforest, flowing creek, inspiring views and crisp mountain air, with a challenging rock scramble at the end – all on a well maintained path.


text:
Q: React Axios return undefined fetchApi.tsx
This is where I fetch the api using axios
import BASE_API_URL from "../"
import axios from "axios"

const fetchClient = () => {
  const defaultOptions = {
    baseURL: BASE_API_URL,
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
};

let instance = axios.create(defaultOptions);

instance.interceptors.response.use(
 function (response) {
   return response;
 },
 function (error) {
    return Promise.reject(error);
 }
);
return instance;
};

Data.tsx
This file is where I put it all together to be call in the main file
import React from "react";
import ApiUrl from "../Common/api/ApiUrl"
import fetchClient from "../Common/api/fetchApi";

const data = () => {

    fetchClient(ApiUrl.USER_CURRENT)
    .then(response => {
        console.log(response.data) --> this return what I wanted
        return response
    })
}
export default data;

Main file
 useEffect(() => {
    const result = data();
    console.log("--- ",result)      --> result is undefined
  }, []);

When I call useEffect in the main file, data() return undefined but it show me the data I wanted inside data.tsx, any thought?

Inside the main file I want to set the data to useState([])
I was able to get it to work by using normal fetch
fetch("some url")
.then(res => res.json)
.then(result => {
    setSomeData(result.data)
}

I want to do some url configuration to make the code cleaner and shorter inside the main file.

A: In your code, data doesn't actually return anything. You return in the .then() but that returns that inner function, not the outer. data() either needs to be an async function or return the Promise. If you convert to async functions, keep in mind that a useEffect cannot be async.
Generally the pattern for this kind of code is:
async function data() {
  // do something;
  return something;
}

useEffect(function() {
  const getData = async function() {
    const something = await data();
    // set state with something
  }

  getData();
});

A: I believe that defaultOptions needs to be outside of fetchClient to be accessed by the axios.create() method.
Another option would be to leave everything in the same context within fetchClient.
import BASE_API_URL from "../"
import axios from "axios"

const fetchClient = () => {
  const defaultOptions = {
    baseURL: BASE_API_URL,
    headers: {
      "Content-Type": "application/json",
    },
  };

  let instance = axios.create(defaultOptions);

  instance.interceptors.response.use(
    function (response) {
      return response;
    },
    function (error) {
        return Promise.reject(error);
    }
  );

  return instance;
};

export default fetchClient;

You also forget to export your module.

A: You have to use promises in order to use data that's not readily available and will be available sometime in future. I recommend the neat Async/Await syntax.
const data = async () => {

    const response = await fetchClient(ApiUrl.USER_CURRENT)
    console.log(response.data) --> this return what I wanted
    return response
}

useEffect(() => {
    const getData = async () => {
        const result = await data();
        console.log("--- ",result)      --> result is undefined
    };
    getData();
  }, []);


Understanding your needs is our priority. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their objectives – providing an outstanding client experience for every client, every time. This is underpinned by our intense focus on understanding our clients, their needs and expectations and building meaningful, long-term relationships. Highly-skilled and accessible, our senior people have a wealth of experience and are trusted and principal advisors to many, varied clients including major Australian and multinational organisations.


text:
Lequio Tanaro is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Cuneo in the Italian region Piedmont, located about  south of Turin and about  northeast of Cuneo. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 731 and an area of .

Lequio Tanaro borders the following municipalities: Bene Vagienna, Dogliani, Farigliano, Monchiero, Narzole, Novello, and Piozzo.

Demographic evolution

References

Cities and towns in Piedmont

lmo:Lequi


To find out how much it will cost to get your windows cleaned, get in touch with us. Either send an online request or call 020 3746 1366 now. Our quotes are free and non-binding.
We have well-trained roof cleaners who can perform high quality house roof cleaning. Jet washing devices is put to use to remove mould, mildew, algae, unsightly stains as well as any moss from roofs. Your roof has to be effectively cleaned out on a regularly, so that your home looks good, and so that no damage will appear due to dirt and all the other detrimental clumps on it. The problem with microorganisms that dwell on your roof is that they may destroy the roof if left neglected for long time. Our firm provides a efficient and inexpensive roof cleaning service, which will save you the difficulties of having to climb on your roof or on a ladder to do the cleaning yourself. Be safe, and order our completely insured cleaning service right now.
For a professional cleaning of any type of windows, gutters and roofs, do not be reluctant to call us now!
Proper gutter cleaning must be done at least once a year in order to avoid clogging of the downpipes and gutters. Ashlee House Cleaning can provide you with efficient and quality guaranteed gutter cleaning. Our gutter cleaners are well-trained to use the professional dry or wet vacuum cleaners and telescopic poles to reach to any debris. Small cameras installed on the end of the poles allow the cleaners to find and clean all twigs, leaves and other waste. You will be given before and after pictures of the condition of your downpipes and gutters. We offer our clients a quality guarantee of one month for this service.
We have a really efficient system for service reservations. Our customer support staff is available 24/7 to process your demands. Simply call 020 3746 1366 or send us an booking form. Within the following two hours you will receive an email confirmation for your reservation. Our professional window cleaners will clean not having any ladders and without stalking into your home windows if you are up to the Fourth floor. Our services come at fair rates, with no hidden fees. Book more than One service and you can save both time and funds. There are advantageous offers for those who book early on, for our frequent clients, as well as for local property firms and property admins. Therefore, if you want your windows meticulously cleaned - schedule our window cleaning Streatham Hill SE27 service right away!


What time is it where Tibetans are?
Click on any word on this site to see a definition.
What is your ip address?
Everything i know about WordPress! Truely!
I've tried to organise things, in the path we follow when we are trying to build a WordPress site. So just follow the numbers ... and let me know if something doesn't make sense: I will try to improve my writing!
"Sure it's easy. Easy to do badly, hard to do well, and impossible to do perfectly."
For those who like to poke around inside the machine!
Things i do when installing and configuring WordPress.
These are the details of things i do when installing and configuring WordPress.
How-tos and more info for installing and upgrading WordPress.
"posts" and "pages" - We explain here!
For most of us, use WordPress built-in gallery.
What they are and how to make them.
Advanced how-tos for making themes. See the links page for getting started.
If we want major changes, then we make our own theme.
A theme built from underscores (_s).
The metas of coding for WordPress.
Consummate coolness: command-line control of wordpress!
A little info about selling online, mostly using PayPal.
Info and code for customising comments.
James' picks of WordPress plugins.
Practical how-tos for plugins i use.
How to change the admin area however you want.
We can enable editor to manage widgets, and more.
Useful processes, plugins, and code for managing a WordPress website.
The heart of your WP website.
Helping WordPress to run faster.
How to make Tibetan WordPress.
Tracking use of your WordPress website.
Some tips for getting help from the Internet. And giving also.
WPMU - WordPress MUltisite - make sites for many users.
This site built with Open Source: html/css, php, apache, linux, vim, air, water.
which is made in and working for — thank you, China!


Pets and People Humane Society will hold its 16th annual charity auction on Saturday, November 11 at the 10 West Main event center in Yukon. Photo provided.
YUKON, OK – Pets & People Humane Society will hold its 16th annual Charity Auction fundraiser on Saturday, November 11. The auction and dinner will be held at 7 p.m. at the 10 West Main event center in Yukon. The charity event is Pets & People's largest fundraiser of the year.
The organization is currently collecting tax deductible items and gift certificates to create auction baskets that will be taken home by the highest bidder that evening.
All proceeds will go toward funding medical treatment for dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered to help end the cycle of unwanted pets in Oklahoma.
"We usually have about 500 items available, including gift baskets with services such as restaurant certificates and spa packages," said board member and full time volunteer Edy Bauer. "We always have a very eclectic group of things at our auction, which makes for great Christmas shopping.
"We have a wonderful caterer, Bob Bean, that will serve an impressive buffet with roast beef sliced to order, roasted chicken and a vegetarian entrée with an assortment of veggies salads and desserts." Bauer added.
Auction tickets are $25 if purchased by Monday, November 6 at the Pets & People Humane Society. 701 Inla Avenue, in Yukon. The shelter is located two blocks north of Route 66 and one block west of 5th Street. After Nov. 6, tickets will increase to $30.
Pets & People is open from 12 – 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. Tickets are also for sale in advance online at petsandpeople.com.
Event sponsorships are avaialble for $250, which include a table for eight and signs recognizing the sponsors. The number of sponsorships is limited to 25. The deadline to become a sponsor is Nov. 6.
Pets and People was founded in 1990 by Pam Wright, Mel Berger, Donelda Wheatley and Jody Harlan, as a pet therapy program where volunteers visited nursing centers in Yukon.
The organization later expanded into a full service humane society, which rescues dog and cats from nearby area animal shelters.
Since its beginning, Pets and People has added a foster home program, community projects, and school education projects emphasizing the importance of spaying and neutering animals.
Proceeds from the Pets and People Thrift Store, located at 322 Elm Avenue in Yukon, also go to benefit the organization. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays by appointment only. For more details, call 405-350-3199.
Financial donations can also be made to Pets and People to help support their annual auction. Recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible.
Pets and People's adoption fees are $130 for dogs and $85 for cats. The donation includes spaying or neutering, rabies certification and tags, microchipping and worming. Adoptable pets are up to date with other vaccinations and have tested negative for various diseases, including heartworms for dogs and feline leukemia for cats.
For more information about adopting a pet, the Charity Auction, or to make a donation, contact Pets and People Humane Society at 405-350-PETS (7387), or visit PetsandPeople.com or their Facebook page.