So most of you know that I eventually got a cute picture of Natalie in her birthday outfit.
It took a lot of work to get that picture.
So I sang another Yo Gabba Gabba song. I was all, "I want to be big, big, big, not small, small, small," and a guy walking past went, "Sorry to hear that." "It's a song!" I shouted back. Great. Now Stranger Dude thinks I have height issues.
Still, Natalie refused to smile.
Then she blatantly ignored me. Apparently grass was more interesting than her mother. The woman who birthed her.
I refused to give up. So I went to what usually works.
I ran into the side of the house.
A-ha. I was getting somewhere. And yes, it's a little disturbing that violence gets her to smile.
She is such a beautiful little girl! I love her tutu! My daughters' birthday is coming up end of April. I will probably have the same issues getting them to smile! By the time I get the other one to smile, the other one is pouting.
I've ruined Jay for cameras and he won't smile on command for me. I just have to wait until I get lucky. I will have to try running into the house next time!
That outfit is SO cute, especially the tutu!!!!
Wow. You are one determined papparazzi. At least she'll be used to it when she's famous.
What a darling outfit!! Natalee is such a cutie.
I'm so excited that you are sharing your professional photog techniques with us - I know these will come in handy.
I am laughing out loud. I've previously thougtht people wouldn't believe the antics I create to get smiles from my child (camera or not...) however I do believe you would be nodding your head as we shared ice packs (or Booboo Bears). Fortunately my Girlie is very free with her smiles. Capturing them with a slowass digital camera is another issue entirely.
Awww what a cutie!! Can you email me? I have something for you!
Such a great picture. And, yes, bruises are sometimes worth it for their smiles.
I am so jealous of her hair! My poor oldest girl has fine hair that takes FOREVER to grow. My youngest might luck out with thicker hair but it has quite a bit of curl so we'll see.
For that pretty smile, I'd say it was worth a few bruises! Absolutely precious pics! she is adorable. I swear Gymboree needs her to model for them!
and it is all worth it...black and blue and beautiful pictures.
This is exactly why I want a girl: the tutu.
She's even gorgeous when she's petulant!
"I want to be big, big, big, not small, small, small," and a guy walking past went, "Sorry to hear that." "It's a song!" I shouted back. Great. Now Stranger Dude thinks I have height issues.
I don't think he was referring to you height. LOL!
I am hiring you to dress my children. Would that work for you?
Oh darlin, you never fail to make me giggle. Hopefully she doesn't get used to you slamming into things - I would hate the hear that you had to escalate your behaviors just for a good photo! haha.
But it did turn out cute!
You mean she didn't read the entire Health Care Bill? LOL!
She is an imp. A very well dressed one, but an imp nonetheless. Do people FLOCK to your garage sales when she outgrows her outfits.. I know I would!
Do you think she'd like the Three Stooges?
Or watching Chevy Chase do the fall on old episodes of SNL?
It might be less painful for you!
heehee. . . this is a battle that I am VERY familiar with. Lucky for me, for the last 6ish months or so, T has begun to allow me to bribe her. Life is MUCH easier now!
So glad she's not over the whole running into the side of the house thing. That's a classic.
She is gorgeous. It was certainly worth the bruises!
the face in pic number three is just flat out priceless!!!
and oh what a little beauty she is!
She is rocking the birthday outfit!!
Oh she's sooo cute!!! And LOL about asking her about the health care bill. Thanks for my daily giggle.
I just found your blog... so cute!
Real moms fear no pain, right? It is those plastic, crazy moms who won't go to these lengths. She rocks.
The story makes the photos all that much more enjoyable! She's so beautiful - happy birthday!
That's really super cute. I love the birthday outfit...and the way she apparently loved it, too!
You ran into the side of the house? Haha that's so funny!
She is a beautiful child. Love the pictures.
Isn't that the truth!?!? You want to capture these priceless moments, but they just don't want to give up a smile for you. Then, act like a clown and get hurt - and there it is - BIGGEST SMILE!
Hers was so worth it. Adorable.
At least she's not doing the *fake* smile--you know just to get Mommy to go away and give it up with that camera already.
That is the CUTEST outfit ever!!! Love, love, love it! Great job Mom!
and the picture turned out perfect! she's adorable!
The bruises are worth it. She's so beautiful!
You can't fool me - she loves the camera! And she should because she is a dollface!
I have been having quite a time with my models lately as well. They refuse to give me eye contact. I mean, seriously, if I can't take your picture, what are you good for : ) That is what I tell them. And they just say "Can I have another cookie?" Brats.
I don't know, you sound like a laugh a minute. I don't know why ANYBODY wouldn't laugh at the sight of you, and I mean that in the NICEST way, REALLY!
Sounds like you've taken that crash course more than once...I wonder if the neighbors are all, "that lady 'cross the street's runnin' into her house again...". :) You are funny girl!
I'm glad you persevere with getting her to pose - she is so durn cute.


Representing the optimal blend of tarmac tearing performance and silky smooth highway refinement. Top features include power windows, an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, adjustable pedals, and 1-touch window functionality. It features an automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, and a powerful 8 cylinder engine.


People go to hospitals to get better, but the sad reality is that each year patients fall ill or die as a result of errors in hospital care. To improve awareness of hospital safety, the government launched the Hospital Compare website. Now, the government has updated the site with patient safety data based on Medicare claims from thousands of hospitals nationwide.
Under these categories, hospitals are rated on how well they manage specific medical problems and how often complications occur. The hospital's rating is then compared to the state average, when available, and the national average for each measure.
The addition of patient safety data arrives just ahead of a significant change in Medicare reimbursement policy scheduled to take place next year.
Under the Affordable Care Act, a value-based purchasing program began in October 2012. That program compares a hospital's outcomes to the national averages and adjust Medicare medical insurance reimbursements accordingly. Poorly performing institutions can potentially lose up to 2 percent of their regular Medicare reimbursements.
This year's Medicare open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. The open enrollment period allows Medicare-eligible individuals the opportunity to switch between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage as well as select supplemental health insurance for prescription drug coverage.
While original Medicare pays for services provided in most U.S. hospitals, Medicare Advantage plans may limit members to using only those institutions within its network. Individuals selecting Medicare Advantage medical insurance may find it helpful to determine which local hospitals are in the plan's network and check the Hospital Compare website before enrolling.


Come and meet the Aimsun UK team at stand K025 and we'll treat you to a free speciality coffee and give you a demonstration of our mobility modeling software. We'll also be present at the Siemens stand, D010, showcasing our UK collaborations.
In addition, Gav Jackman, Managing Director of Aimsun Ltd, will be announcing a major new modelling project at 11.20 am on Tuesday 2nd April (News Alert Session, Trading Floor Theatre).
Gav will then present this dynamic project in more detail on 10am on Wednesday 3rd April.
As a teaser, we can reveal that Aimsun is engaged in building one of the largest Aimsun Next macroscopic and mesoscopic integrated models in existence. This will provide the client with the missing link of a model that is both large-scale and dynamic, which will constitute a vast improvement in model functionality and the traffic management process.


Winter is almost over. It's now March and even though it's still below freezing outside, it will soon be springtime. Gone will be the winter squash and beets (stupid stupid beets). Soon enough, we'll be seeing peaches and tomatoes at the farmers market. At least, I hope that happens soon. I can't spend another day chipping ice and almost slipping multiple times on the way to work.
I made this soup with a great pumpkin I got in my CSA box. This soup is absolutely wonderful, creamy, delicious and spicy. It's a great main dish meal with a piece of crusty bread. It would be a wonderful first course soup as well. We enjoyed it immensely for several days.
Cut pumpkin in half a scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake the pumpkin in the oven for 30-45 minutes until tender. Scoop pumpkin out the skin when cool enough to handle.
In a large pot, sautee the onions, garlic and ginger in a little olive oil until tender. Add spices, pumpkin and stock. Cook for another half hour until the flavors blend and season to taste.
Pour soup into blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot over low heat.
Taste soup and add cream or greek yogurt as desired to mellow the flavor of the ginger. Simmer until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with desired garnishes.


Video Premiere: Mark De Clive-Lowe Tackles "That Minnie Break"
Mark De Clive-Lowe brings us something special with a breakdown of the beloved keyboard break from Minnie Riperton's "Inside My Love" in the third installment of the #OneTake series. The track is a live rework of the original sample that recreates the jam according to the infectious groove of A Tribe Called Quest's "Lyrics To Go", which captures the irresistible warmth of the song's unmistakable sweet spot. Turning things up a notch, Mark remixes the live track with a seamless blend into the timeless beat for the Slum Village classic, "Fall In Love." Employing three iconic tracks, Mark De Clive-Lowe may have officially outdone himself with a joint that straddles crucial eras in music to deliver a funky homage to a handful of masters in a matter of minutes. Mark begins with "That Minnie Break" and easily wins the hearts of the masses with his own take on an essential piece of hip-hop nostalgia that will undoubtedly take you higher. The track – assembled in one take – is the latest to arrive in support of the forthcoming CHURCH LP. Check the footage below to watch Mark De Clive-Lowe make magic in episode three of the #OneTake series. Be a part of musical history and donate to Mark De Clive-Lowe's crowd funding campaign to help fund production of the CHURCH LP via Kickstarter. Stay tuned for more.


A broking big cheese has replaced a heavy-hitting CEO, who recently took up a new position at Austbrokers.
With the industry's image still a stumbling block the thoughts of many are turning to how to transform the insurance industry. On this week's Insurance Business TV we speak to Mark Searles of Austbrokers, Kate Fairley of Get Informed and Peter Marshall of ProRisk for their insights.
Heavy hitters from CGU, Wesfarmers and Ansvar have aligned themselves with the network as the group strives for strategic growth.
An acquisition-hungry cluster group has done it again, buying a major stake in a broker with "entrepreneurial spirit" just days after investing in a GI intermediary.
The "natural acquirer" has laid out how much it hopes to make from its massive IPO, what it will do with the cash and its plans after listing.
A broker network has bought a major stake in an intermediary which was formerly a member of its closest rival.
The impending IPO of cluster group Steadfast may be the hot topic in the insurance world right now, but its chief rival Austbrokers blazed that trail several years ago and is still growing fast. This week on IBTV, CEO Mark Searles says that Austbrokers' impressive growth is set to continue – and that acquisitions will be a central part of its strategy.
One of Australia's largest cluster groups has confirmed that its buying spree will continue in an exclusive interview with Insurance Business TV.
A 'tripartite union' between three bloodstock brokerages will make it a force to be reckoned with in the London market, according to management.
The Australian Insurance Industry Awards are back. Find out if your company made the cut.


'Maganda Lang 'Yan Pag Naka-Makeup?' Joshua Garcia Responds to Mean Comments Toward Julia Barretto - MYX | YOUR CHOICE. YOUR MUSIC.
Envy-worthy kind of beauty. Legions of diehard fans. V.I.P. treatment wherever, whenever. Celebrities seem to have it all, don't they? But fame comes with a prize. Only the thick-skinned ones survive the ruthless public scrutiny when they're in the limelight.
And as it turns out, Julia Barretto got what it takes to deal with haters—and her rumored real-life boyfriend, Joshua Garcia, played a huge part in making that happen.
"Maganda lang 'yan 'pag naka-makeup". "Shallow". "Dimples lang naman asset nyan." Can these words bring Julia down? Can these rude criticisms affect how Joshua feels about her? Definitely not. And JoshLia's newest video made with OPPO F7 sums up their response to these mean comments.
No epic clapbacks needed. No revenge tactics to shut down bashers. Julia Barretto knows who she is. And her loyal ally, Joshua Garcia, chose to see the real Julia—despite all the negative things being thrown at her. With that attitude, JoshLia will definitely go a long way in show business.
Be with someone who will love and #CaptureTheRealYou no matter what. If you can't find your own Joshua Garcia yet, might as well start with getting your own OPPO F7. It'll bring out your best side—thanks to its promising 25-megapixel selfie camera and Advanced A.I. Beauty Technology. To learn more about the product, visit https://www.oppo.com/en/smartphone-f7.


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« Pondering the Pundits
Why disco made pop songs longer »
Article One Powers
by ek hornbeck
Among them is to set their own rules of order. Filibuster in the House? Sure, why not? We've already had the Hastert Rule, named after a convicted pedophile- Dennis Hastert.
In court submissions on sentencing considerations filed in April 2016, federal prosecutors made allegations of sexual misconduct against Hastert, saying that he had molested at least four boys as young as 14 while he worked as a high school wrestling coach decades earlier. At the sentencing hearing later that month, Hastert admitted that he had sexually abused boys whom he coached. The judge in the case referred to Hastert as a "serial child molester" and imposed a sentence of 15 months in prison, two years' supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Majority (shudder) rule in the Senate? Yertle is your Turtle! Blue Slips, Minority Rights? Antiquated relics of the distant past much like Yertle himself.
And it's actually more important than you think. Consider a Party (any party, doesn't matter) that controls both Houses of Congress by a majority of even a single vote AND has a willing pen in the White House.
Among the least of the things they could do is pack the Courts. While my reading of the Constitution indicates a minimum of 3 (Chief Justice and plural Associate Justices), maximums are notably absent and the Article One Powers are explicitly charged with organizing the Courts.
Heck, give them enough Judges so they quit whining about their case load.
Frankly I expect Strangelovian levels of Mutually Assured Destruction until every other person you meet on the street is a Supreme Court Justice and the only way to tell is the secret handshake and the fly robes.
What if the pen is not so willing?
You're back to bad old Constitutional Super Majorities (or, as those of us who've fought wars of attrition like to call them, Minority Rights).
I think a Filibuster a blunt instrument for most things, I like Blue Slips because they're subtle and nobody knows you the way your homeys do. I think there are many reforms to be made in allowing Minorities access to Committee Hearings and Testimony, I think having the Staff do the bulk of the questioning would discourage showboating.
Likewise I think the Minority should be allowed by rule to bring a certain number of Bills forward for consideration. Hey, if your Majority is all that great, vote them down.
I am wary of impossible Super Majorities because they make blocking things too easy. You might mess with the threshold but is 55% all that much better than 60% or 50% + 1? Seems like you're just moving the goal posts and unless the margin is sufficient to require another party's votes (quite a volatile number) where's your consensus, if that's what you desire? Might just as well mandate directly you need at least 5 or 6 Quislings.
Tags: ek Politics
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Home News Dutch Regulator to Keep Sharp Eye on Sports Betting During World Cup
Dutch Regulator to Keep Sharp Eye on Sports Betting During World Cup
Sadonna Price
Dutch Gambling Authority Paying Extra Attention to Online Sports Betting Companies During World Cup
During the World Cup, the Dutch Gaming Authority will be looking closely at sports betting to make sure no Dutch minors are tempted to take part.
Sports Betting Participation
In the Netherlands, participating in what the Dutch Gambling Authority considers games of chance, like sports betting, is allowed, but only for over-18s. Operators are obliged to ensure that minors do not participate in betting, and only the section of the Dutch Lottery known as the Toto is legally allowed to offer such wagering on sports events.
For such wagers, only one license has been issued, based on the country's law regarding games of chance. All other online sports betting providers have to ensure that consumers in the region do not participate. One way to prevent punters with Dutch IP addresses from taking part in sports betting is by geo-blocking.
Supervisory Agenda for 2018–19
Earlier this year, the Gaming Authority announced that within its new Supervisory Agenda, it would be focusing on preventing minors from taking part in games of chance. This effort is a top priority for the regulator as it feels young people are a vulnerable group, and gambling providers need to make every effort to prevent the participation of minors.
The Gaming Authority has created a Minors Reporting Form in which individuals, even minors themselves, can report sports betting activity. The information is said to be used for dealing with illegal providers and will not be used to fine minors who have taken part in sports betting. Information provided on the form includes name and address along with how the minor was able to register with the provider and which provider and/or website was used to gamble.
iGaming Situation in the Netherlands
For operators and affiliates in other countries, the online gambling situation in the Netherlands is not too good. Both are being fined for operating in the country without a license, but there is no opportunity for such operators to obtain licensing. Operators like 888 Casino have stopped offering services to Dutch players due to regulatory constraints.
Last summer, legislation known as the Online Gambling Bill was passed by the Dutch Lower House, but the Senate has yet to approve the measure. Despite the delay, it seems that most House Representatives are in favor of the bill. The measure would see online gambling activity regulated, allowing foreign operators to apply for a Dutch gambling license. While it looks likely that operators will eventually be able to obtain licensing, it doesn't help the situation right now.
The current bill would change the fact that online gambling is illegal in the Netherlands. The Dutch Gaming Authority has issued several warnings that online casinos, regulated by other authorities, offering their services in the region could face fines for offering them to Dutch players. If the legislation is passed into law, it would see the Dutch Gaming Authority able to issue gambling licensing to outside operators.
Posted in: Legislation Sports
Tags: Dutch Gaming Authority Kansspelautoriteit Netherlands online gambling sports betting World Cup
BGC Chief Warns Against Stricter Affordability Checks, Cites Study on Unlicensed Gambling
By Andrew O'Malley
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By Thomas Stead
By Thomas Stead - January 30, 2023 January 30, 2023
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Experience of both EDA and PCB Solutions? Read on! My client is a leading EDA company and they are seeking a Field Applications Engineer to manage their innovative PCB solutions! You will be covering the DACH region and living close to Munich.
· Customer-facing experience and a clear ability to translate the technical into commercial reality.
· Aiding with customer designs whilst retaining a commercial mind-set.
· Development of sales strategies with the sales team; working closely with them on customer projects.
Open to a technically savvy individual who is seeking to develop their skill-set into a more commercial role! You will be able to travel regularly and keen for an opportunity to grow in a world-wide organisation!


Two Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) engineers, arrested after the foot overbridge collapse near Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station, have moved separate bail pleas before a Mumbai sessions court claiming the case against them is "false and concocted".
The engineers, Anil Patil and S F Kakulte, were working with the bridges department of the BMC. They were both arrested days after the 40-year-old bridge, connecting the area near the Times of India building with the CSMT railway station in south Mumbai, collapsed on March 14, killing six people.
Earlier, their bail pleas had been rejected by the Metropolitan Magistrate court.
In their fresh applications moved before additional sessions judge MS Azmi Monday, the two engineers claimed they have been "falsely implicated" in the case and have nothing to do with the said offence.
The allegation against them is "false and concocted" and there is nothing on record to involve them in the crime directly or indirectly, they said.
The accused claimed that even admitting that they had not done their job properly, in the worst case scenario it can merely be dereliction of duty and not the Indian Penal Cod sections applied in the case.
In its reply filed before the court Tuesday, the police said the engineers were not present on the spot during the structural audit of the bridge even for a single day. It is mandatory to carry out the inspection of such bridges before and after the monsoon, but the accused never did so, the police said.
Their bail applications will come up for hearing Thursday, public prosecutor Mangesh Arote said.
Besides the engioneers, police have also arrested structural auditor Neeraj Kumar Desai in connection with the incident.
Neeraj Desai, who worked with a private firm, had allegedly given clearance for continued use of the ill-fated bridge after a structural audit.
A preliminary report into the collapse submitted by the BMC had said the structural audit of the FOB was not carried out properly.


This post is part of a travel diary series about my trip to Hong Kong. Please check back in later this week for more posts!
I used to work for a company that had satellite offices in China. I spent three years booking flights, and hotels, and emailing with concierges in China, and eventually the curiosity got too strong. My co-workers would come back talking about a place I knew nothing about — and eventually, I had to know.
Fast forward to now: I had vacation days since January but nowhere picked. Bo and I thought it would be good to go to Rome, but the ticket prices were high. It was the same scenario for London, the place highest on my travel priorities list. But I'm learning that to travel cheaply you have to throw the priority list out the window, and go when it's cheapest to go. Hong Kong was on my list, but not for years away, but the ticket was cheap now. Without waiting on Bo, I decided to make a solo trip there. I was a little nervous, I'll admit, but that was the point.
As I'd planned it, I wouldn't be totally alone. My friend Sirus, "Bright Star" as he is sometimes nicknamed, would be right across the border in Shenzhen. However, there was a big flaw in this plan, Sirus was hard to get a hold of. The last time we'd been in contact was last year, by some fluke the Chinese government allowed them to use Gmail, but otherwise, we had no other way of reaching each other. Not even by phone. I tried desperately to email him at other addresses, to Skype him, and even messaged his mother via Facebook but I never caught him, it would truly be a solo trip.
Knowing this, I filled my itinerary and booked a hike and a smattering of touristy things. Last Tuesday night Bo squeezed my hand in the back of a cab to JFK. "You're going to the country with the largest population, you're going to see Asia!" he exclaimed. I wished so badly that he could come and experience it. We parted at the gate, and 15 hours later, I landed in Seoul, Korea, and then eventually, Hong Kong.
On Thursday, March 26, I stepped off a plane at Hong Kong airport, and felt like a pioneer. No one in my immediate family had yet to make a trip to China (let alone South Korea). I walked myself to a red taxi cab due to the hotel. My driver, at 120 kilometers an hour, sped me across bridges and highways. Hong Kong is made up of over 200 little islands, and from that vantage point, I could see them dotting the ocean. We passed a bus full of Chinese tourists, and one of them, an elderly man, waved as I passed.
I looked out at the palm trees that decorated the sides of the highway and flanking the bottom of the high rises. Unlike New York, the Hong Kong high rises were in pastel peach and green, and very uniform. The cars drove on the left side, a holdover from their British history.
The driver pulled me up to the corner of my hotel, The Empire Causeway Bay. I wasn't as jet lagged as I thought I'd be, so I took a quick nap and dressed and went for a walk in Victoria Park.
It was 70 degrees, and I reveled in the warmth. The sun started to set on the park, and Hong Kong's citizens were doing post-work walks. Kids were in the ball courts and couples were walking to dinner. At the end of the park I found myself in the thick of Causeway Bay, a neighborhood that seems devoted to shopping. I found a cute cafe, Cafe Eos, for dinner. It wasn't the authentic Chinese food I hoped for, but I needed to eat. Then I went back to the hotel to sleep at 8 pm. The next day, would be my six-hour hike in the woods.
I booked a tour guide, Kent, through Back Country Tours to guide me on the 17 kilometer route around Plover Cove, a succession of lush hills around Hong Kong's reservoir. It's a part of the city that most tourists never see. It's rural, quiet, and the true definition of "off-the-beaten-path". I booked a hike because I needed to see some green. Sure, the city has Central Park, but one is never truly alone there, and I needed to do something that scared me a little bit. I needed to turn a corner and not know what was on the other side.
We took three MTR trains to the last stop, and a rambling mini-bus to Bride's Pool, the start of the climb. The legend is that a bridal party went to take wedding photos at the top of the waterfall and the bride fell and died.
Kent explained what else we would be seeing: a multitude of abandoned villages once occupied by the Hakka (Hong Kong's oldest settlers), farms, streams, and very lovely views.
"Too bad the weather," he said, gesturing to the overcast sky. The sun had been hiding behind the clouds ever since I landed in Hong Kong.
Kent had done the climb on Wednesday to "suss it out" for me. In the abandoned village of Lai Chi Wo, he has been followed by a wild dog, to monkeys and further down the path saw a snake. This news, made it even more exciting.
"Snake?" I said. He laughed.
"Yeah, I just waited for him to pass," he said.
After seeing Bride's Pool we started our ascent. The beginning was rough and steep. We crossed concrete foot paths with stepping stones, and large warning signs along the way. At the first village there were four feral cows (two calfs). Kent explained that they didn't belong to anybody and roamed free through the area.
We heard the call of monkey's in the trees, a low and strange sound. The path then went straight, on a raised track made of pink stone. We walked through another village, past a beach surrounding the Hong Kong reservoir. China was on the other side. I kept having moments of sheer excitement and appreciation. The world is so beautiful, it's a shame we only see such a small percentage of it.
We had a picnic at a look out point, Kent packed smoked salmon (so I could observe Lent), and pita, hummus, cheese cucumber, tomato and Dragon fruit.
"I've never had it," I said.
We talked about life. I told him about some big decisions Bo and I were facing, and he offered some good advice. I asked him about life in Hong Kong, and he noted that the city was quite busy this week because of the Hong Kong Sevens, a big international Rugby tournament.
Finally we reached Lai Chi Wo, the most famous of the Hakka villages. We peeked in an old temple, and passed the homes. They were eerie, but still quite beautiful. "Ever saw 'Spirited Away?'" I joked with Kent, referring to the opening scenes of the film. We happened upon a farm where both women and men were bending over the crop in silence.
The last hours of the hike were tough. We went up about six flights of steep stairs. A couple in their mid-40s appeared behind us, at and a resting place, the husband had enough.
The wife, excitedly, hit her husbands arm.
At the end of the hike, we reached a tiny little town (literally just three restaurants and a few outdoor tables). The villagers watched Kent and I suspiciously as we waited, I guessed they didn't see many strangers very often.
After reaching the hotel, I had promised Kent I'd email to see where he and his girlfriend were going out. I sat in the bed just to close my eyes, but didn't wake up until the next day.


text:
> Team Sports
Related topics: Marketing & Sponsorships, Other, Safety & Security
Parents Turning To Courts to Mediate Their Disputes in Youth Sports
By: Tracey Schelmetic
It's a whole new level of pushy parenting in the frustrated super-jock mold: Increasingly, parents who believe their kids are spending too much time on the bench are taking to the courts to resolve the issue.
Detractors are decrying the lawsuits as harmful to kids: young people are supposed to learn resilience on their own, and Mom, Dad and their lawyer stepping in to try and make everything better is the wrong message. Some parents, however, believe that if they're going to invest the time and money in a sport – and to be fair to parents, the average costs for league sports run into the thousands of dollars – their kids should have something to show for it.
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, it's not only benched kids that are inspiring parental lawsuits. Other parents have sued when their children were cut from teams due to not following rules (as in this case from Camden County, Pennsylvania) or due to injuries, yelled at by coaches or even fouled too harshly.
"Some experts see such lawsuits as part of a shift in youth sports in recent decades away from sandlot play and intramural teams to professionalized leagues and tryout teams partly aimed at snagging scholarships for players and giving them a leg up in college admissions," wrote the Post's Justin Jouvenal. "Parents are spending thousands and giving up countless weekends for kids to participate on travel teams and prestigious high school programs. Experts say parents want a return on that investment — and a handful are willing to sue if they don't get it."
As youth sports become increasingly competitive – many students are competing for coveted spots on teams – their focus has shifted from fun and exercise to a stake in the child's future. And where their children's futures are concerned, some parents get positively rabid, wrote Arthur L. Caplan and Lee H. Igel of NYU Sports & Society for Forbes recently.
"There is no doubt that youth sports, as a whole, is becoming increasingly organized, professionalized, and, not to put to fine a point on it, crazy," they wrote. "For some parents, committing thousands of hours and thousands of dollars to anything related to sports participation is a worthwhile tradeoff for the chance at a college scholarship or even a crack at the pros. But, for the vast majority of others, parents are starting to ruin what is supposed to be fun rather than yet another chapter in the litigious world of America."
Luckily, say school and youth athletic officials, it's still a rare occurrence for parents to sue when they feel their child is being treated unfairly. (Though it's common for them to threaten to do so.) But the cases are increasing in frequency, and child psychologists say the effects could have consequences. Young people who feel entitled to play on a team simply because they practice are being done a disservice, and the students whose parents file lawsuits might attract ridicule and bullying from other team members and students.
Youth sports officials are likely keeping an eye on this case, profiled by the Washington Post, in which the parents of a 16-year-old Virginia girl who won a coveted spot on a volleyball league but then wound up on the bench, filed suit against the Chesapeake Region Volleyball Association (CHRVA). The plaintiffs contend the CHRVA will neither let the girl play not allow her to switch teams, citing the contract she signed when she was accepted.


A little more than a month ago I was lucky enough to get tickets for TIFF to see Passion Play, a romantic thriller from first time director, long time writer/producer Mitch Glazer. Though the movie sports a solid cast of Mickey Rourke, Megan Fox and Bill Murray, (in a smaller role than the movie's billing would have you believe) I had heard mixed reviews coming into the film (leading me to start questioning my 20 dollar purchase a week prior to the screening) but I attempted to stay as optimistic as possible still elevated by the prospect of my first experience at TIFF. Despite my natural high, I should have known it was a bad omen when the box-office printer was broken and my tickets had to be printed out by hand.
Before I begin going over the movie itself I should probably state that the movie follows Nate (Rourke) a down and out jazz musician and his quest to save his winged mistress (Fox) from the "evil" hands of the heartless gangster, Happy Shannon (Murray). (I should also point out that "winged mistress" is not a metaphor, Megan Fox actually has wings!) So let's go over what we have going into the movie: Mickey Rourke falls in love with a winged beauty who is captured by an antagonist ironically named "Happy" and I didn't mention this because I assumed it was obvious, but Rourke stumbles upon Fox at a circus, in the dessert, being run by Rhys Ifans.
So now that we all have a great idea of what Passion Play is all about, I think I can start discussing my actual thoughts on the movie. The movie started off surprisingly well and this would continue through the first seen. However, by the time Chuck Liddell's drives Rourke to the dessert to kill him, around 90 seconds after the first scene, things have gone surprisingly downhill. (Don't worry if you're confused at this point because I know I was.) As Liddell held a gun to Rourke's head I vividly remember clutching my armrest so that I wouldn't stand up and scream "No Chuck! Don't do it!" but before I lost all control Rourke was saved just in the nick of time by a group of Native Americans who just as easily could have been Ninjas. It was these opening five minutes that really got the ball rolling because the Indians immediately walk away after saving Rourke, which then leads him to walk the dessert…into a circus.
At this point I really need to give the film credit because the first scene in which Rourke encounters the winged Fox (a scene that has been circulating YouTube for quite some time now) was quite spectacularly done between the score (which was solid throughout the movie), cinematography and the one genuine scene from Fox throughout the entire movie. It is a scene that involves no lines but I felt there seemed to be some genuine emotion coming from Fox. From this point on in the movie it was around sixty-five minutes of poorly executed scenes that were occasionally saved by a mediocre Bill Murray. Before everyone gets on my case for being so unimpressed by Passion Play, I will say that there was one other great scene in the movie. It was, of course, a passionate love scene between Rourke and Fox that not only got laughs but people out of their seats, and out of the door. Two things I had never seen happen back to back. So good on you for that Passion Play.
Despite all the negative things I have said about Passion Play it truly was a movie that I looked forward to seeing and was disappointed by when it underachieved. It is a movie that strives to be good but unfortunately stumbles along the way due to a writer who over stepped his ability in attempt to direct his own work. In the end I walked out of the movie extremely happy. Not because my feelings on the movie have done a complete one-eighty over the past 4 weeks but because my first experience at TIFF was most definitely one that I will not forget for quite some time now.
Passion Play hits theaters in Los Angeles and New York this Friday, May 6.


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Harpoon and WhistlePig's New Collab: Beer Finished in Boss Hog Barrels
Dec. 14, 2020 at 12:03 PM
BOSTON – If there ever was a boss in the world of lagers, it would be the famed and formidable Doppelbock. In pursuit of perfecting this nearly flawless beer style,Harpoon Brewery announced today a second collaboration with WhistlePig Rye Whiskey –the premier aged rye whiskey– with an elevated beer for sophisticated palates,The Bock Hog.
Fans of both brands will immediately recognize the play on words, as Harpoon's Doppelbock – a strong, flavorful, malty lager – is conditioned in Spanish Oak and South American Teakwood barrels that previously housed WhistlePig's The Boss Hog VII: Magellan's Atlantic, which was inspired by the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe.
Like the whiskey that rested in these rare barrels before it, Harpoon's The Bock Hog embodies a spirit of adventure and chasing perfection that is just beyond the horizon.
"We share more than just roots in the New England community with WhistlePig: we also share a sense of innovation, exploration and a dedication to our craft," said Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Harpoon Brewery. "During a time where we are limited in how far we can travel, I'm proud of our brewers and the distillers that created The Bock Hog and allowed the flavor profile of this beer to go the distance for us."
With the base notes of the Doppelbock including toasted rye, toffee, rum raisin, and cacao, the Spanish Oak and South American Teakwood barrels add complexity with top notes like holiday spice, roasted nuts, vanilla, and char. Brewed at 9.0% ABV, this lager will warm you on cold winter nights at home and whisk you away for an exploration of flavors.
"The barrels used for The Boss Hog VII: Magellan's Atlantic are incredibly special to us, but we knew they were in good hands with our neighbors at Harpoon Brewery. It's the first time beer has ever been finished in South American Teakwood and it pairs masterfully with the flavor profile of a beer like Harpoon's Doppelbock," said Meghan Ireland, Whiskey Blender at WhistlePig.
Harpoon's The Bock Hog is a limited release and will be sold as single 22 oz. bottles, sealed with a wax coating. It will also be available on draft starting this month at Harpoon's Boston and Vermont breweries. Visit www.harpoonbrewery.com to learn more.
About Harpoon Brewery:
The Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by beer lovers who wanted more and better beer options. When the Brewery was founded, Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first to brew commercially in Boston after a dormant period of about 25 years. Since then, it has expanded to a second brewery in Windsor, VT. Harpoon's line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Founded in 2007, WhistlePig Rye Whiskey is the premier aged Rye whiskey, featuring the bold and often untapped flavor of Rye. WhistlePig Whiskey is leading a surge of innovation in the emerging field of North American whiskey. As the most decorated Rye whiskey – having received the coveted 'Best in Show Whiskey' title from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, WhistlePig is widely viewed as the world's finest Rye. With the opening of its distillery on its 500-acre Vermont farm in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig has also become one of the leading farm-to-bottle Rye whiskeys in the world. For additional information please visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. Please enjoy WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Responsibly. For additional information please visit whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Harpoon Brewery
Harpoon was started in 1986 by Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti. They were three friends who loved beer and loved drinking beer together but found the beer choices at the time to be limited....


Megastar Chiranjeevi, who is super busy with his next film titled "Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy" under the direction of Surender Reddy, signed his next film with most sought-after film director Koratala Siva.
Now, the latest buzz says that Chiru is planning to shed few kilos for his next film as he managed to gain weight for "Sye Raa".
Currently, Koratala Siva is busy roping in actors for the movie and the film is expected to begin in February this year.


Joyce was born on May 14, 1931 and passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2019. Joyce was a resident of Wyoming at the time of passing. She grew up surrounded by an interesting and large extended family on a farm near Mondovi, Wisconsin, which She attended Devaney School, in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, for eight years. Joyce J. Laya May 14, 1931 - April 11, 2019 Service Date: A Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Holy Name Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. with a Rosary at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Kane Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Holy Name Church.Interment will be in the Elks section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery, With a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Donations in Joyce's memory may be made to Holy Name School, c/o 121 S.Coroner, Sheridan, WY 82801 Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Get email updates about Joyce Laya delivered directly to your inbox.


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ExpatsMobility
18/04/2018 Wed 11:03 in All markets by Jerene Ang
Asia's most expensive cities for business travel
For the 5th consecutive year, HR Distinction awards will again honour the very best in the HR industry. Winning is both an affirmation of the exceptional quality of your work in the industry and among peers. Submit your entries now!
Contact us now for more details.
閱讀中文版本
Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore (joint third), and Seoul (joint third) are now the most expensive Asian locations for business travel, revealed ECA International's Daily Rates research.
Updated annually, ECA's Daily Rates reports provide average costs for hotel accommodation, as well as meals, drinks, laundry, taxi transport and daily essentials.
According to the report, the average cost of a business trip to Singapore has increased to USD479 per day, up from USD472 in 2016.
"Although only a small increase, the rise in business travel costs in Singapore reflects a growing trend," Lee Quane, regional director – Asia for ECA International, observed. He added, the main reason for Singapore's rise has been the increased cost of eating out in restaurants frequented by business travellers in the city over the past year, while hotel costs have only risen slightly in the past 12 months.
A typical business trip to Tokyo now costs on average USD501 per day, down from USD537 in 2016. While the cost of business travel to Hong Kong (USD508 per day) has remained unchanged from last year.
Although Hong Kong has overtaken Tokyo in the rankings this year to become the most expensive location for business travellers, Quane explained the change is mostly due to the fall of the Yen in USD terms.
ALSO READ: The most expensive cities for expats
On the other end of the spectrum, the cheapest cities in the region continue to be in Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur (USD206 per day) and Johor Bahru (USD170 per day) remaining at the bottom of the rankings.
"The continued weakness of the Malaysian Ringgit against major currencies has ensured that the cost of business travel in Malaysia is cheaper than elsewhere in Asia," Quane said, adding the cost of a business trip to Kuala Lumpur is less than half of what it is in Hong Kong.
In other parts of Asia, Thai cities in the survey all saw a slight increase in business travel costs, with Bangkok (USD278 per day) moving into the top 50 for the first time.
Chinese cities have also witnessed an increase in cost for a standard business trip, with Shanghai (USD394 per day) now ranked as the 9th most expensive location for business travel in the region.
Quane said: "Increased prices of goods and services commonly consumed by business travellers has led to the rise of many Chinese cities in our rankings."
Although Singapore is among the most expensive in Asia, globally, the city state ranks out of the top 40 locations and is significantly cheaper than first-placed New York, where the average business trip costs USD793 per day.
Second in the global rankings, and the most expensive European location for business travel, is Geneva where the average business trip would cost USD720 per day.
Top 10 most expensive business destinations in the world:
Bridgetown, Barbados
Photo / 123RF
84%亞太區人才經理表示有僱用「零工員工」
Areas of development for Malaysia's digital leaders
10/21/2016 Fri 11:32 AM in All markets by Aditi Sharma Kalra
Trick or treat: 5 things that keep recruiters up at night
It's a nightmare on recruiting street when job seekers either lie on a resume or follow up with you on your home phone... at night..
01/02/2019 Wed 11:39 AM in Hong Kong by Samantha Chan
New year, new hires?
Survey reveals less than 40% employers plan to hire new staff in Q1...
11/28/2017 Tue 10:20 AM in All markets by Jerene Ang
SMRT fires eight staff over tunnel flooding incident
Additionally, five others have been found responsible including a vice president and senior manager who are no longer with the com..
Tech companies in Singapore plan to increase salaries by 4% in 2019
Among the eight APAC countries in the report, China and India report the highest salary increase budgets at 7.8% and 10.5%, respec..
05/03/2019 Fri 11:05 AM in Hong Kong by Contributor
與利豐首席人力資源官楊世豪的問與答
優秀的全球招聘策略的主要特點、利豐的數碼品牌推廣策略和人力資源人員在數碼化策略中的角色。..


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I am a pro...
Speech and...
Information, help and advice for speech and language therapists working with children and adults with Down syndrome
In this section, you will find information about our Down Syndrome Ireland Speech and Language Therapy Special Interest Group (DSI SIG) and how you can get involved as well as a pathway to our dedicated SLT section which is broken down into life stages from early years right up to adulthood.
Down Syndrome Ireland speech and language therapy special interest group
The Down Syndrome Ireland Speech and Language Therapy Special Interest Group (DSI SIG) was founded by Down Syndrome Ireland in 2009.
The primary purpose of the DSI SIG is to promote evidence-based practice through the provision of specialist training and education for speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with people with Down syndrome. The DSI SIG also provides a structured forum for SLTs to share and develop expertise and research findings.
The DSI SIG is one of the many ways the national organisation for people with Down syndrome and their families provides services and resources to the professional community.
There is no membership fee required to join the DSI SIG.
If you would like to be added to the list of Speech and Language Therapists with a special interest in Down syndrome (DSI SIG), please send your full name and contact details to Nicola at nicola@downsyndrome.ie
Dedicated SLT area
Our dedicated Speech and Language therapy section has been compiled by Nicola Hart, our Speech and Language Advisor and head of our Member Support Team. The information is broken down into life stages from early year's right up to adulthood and is a very useful tool for professionals working with people with Down syndrome.
You can access it here.
Pre-school educators
See and Learn is an evidence based, structured teaching programme which teaches speech, language and reading skills in small steps for children with Down syndrome up to 6 years of age.
The programme is designed to help parents and educators provide young children with the additional support and practice they need to learn language.
For queries or for further information, please contact our National Speech & Language Advisor Nicola Hart on 01 4266500 or email her at info@downsyndrome.ie


Walter Wimberly is a web developer, college instructor, speaker and author. He uses his experience as a web developer to teach others how to design effective web sites and how to make easy-to-use web applications.
In addition, Wimberly writes and speaks for small business owners about real life solutions to problems that they encounter online, including search engines, social media, web tracking, and more. He authored the book, "Putting Your Business Online (A Do It Yourself Guide for Small Business Owners)."
Wimberly is an adjunct instructor at Seminole State College in Lake Mary, FL. and FORTIS Colleges and Institutes online. He instructs on web site development and management including how to use social media, Google Webmaster Tools, and analytics to help make the website more effective.
Wimberly currently runs Access2Learn, where he instructs on how to develop websites. He is also the owner and web developer for WaltDesign and Development, a company that helps small to medium-sized businesses achieve greater online success.
Wimberly holds his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Masters in Computer Information Systems.


Twenty-9 weddings. Wow. The first wedding began on New Year's Day with Chelsea & Pretlow. The last of the 2015 weddings ended with Lisa & Jay's fun-tactic New Year's Eve wedding (which, in part, has me writing this post now).


Style: Name Necklace/Love Necklace Pendant Size: 2.5cm/0.98" Hook: Single Hook Chain type: Cable Chain Material: 925 Silver Style: Name Necklace/Love Necklace Pendant Size: 2.5cm/0.98" Hook: Single Hook Chain type: Cable Chain Material: 925 Silver Double Name Open Heart Necklace with Birthstone Sterling Silver - Stylish love necklace with engraved two names & birthstone, adorable necklace for love! Own one to celebrate your love or make one of your parents!
When it comes to taking care of your jewellery be sure that you remove it before going in the bathtub or shower. This is important because not only do you run the risk of losing it down the drain, but the cleaning materials used safely on your body may cause temporary or permanent damage to your jewellery.
I just received this necklace, and it is exactly what I expected! I cant wait to wear it, its beautiful! Shipping was quick and the price was great!