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“Sometimes life requires more of you than you have to give & demands you plunge into the reinvention of yourself if you truly wanna live.” – Curtis Tyrone Jones
My name is Donna, and I’ve been writing about my life in a very special and what I consider, enchanted, forest, since 2008. Over the years I have shared thousands of pictures of my animals, thousands of stories of happiness, heart break, triumph, humor, struggle, and adventure. I’ve written hundreds of thousands of words, and opened up my life, and also my heart.
My blog, Our Forest Haven,
has lead me to meet some very special people, to write articles for many wonderful homesteading magazines, and online blogging and news sites. I have met a whole world of people who I am very grateful have taken the time to read my words, and get enjoyment out of my pictures, and share my life with me from afar.
For several years now I have been getting progressively sicker as I have been through seven major surgeries and diagnosed with more than one devastating auto immune disease. I have almost died twice since 2015, and I lost my husband to a heart attack without any warning at all.
All by time I was 30 years old.
My last few years on the farm have been a struggle and while I continued to write, I have done much less so publicly lately for many reasons.
My illnesses alone have caused me to give up a lot of things I used to be able to do, and made my future so uncertain. But they have also taught me and continue to teach me every single day, to be grateful for every day, and every little blessing, because they matter more than we usually realize. It’s easy to just take them for granted.
It took me a long time to decide if I could come back to the blog and continue writing, or if I should just quit, or start over. The first seemed like the best option because that blog was my home, and my history. But my heart has needed time to adjust. And much has changed, and continues to.
Starting a new blog, with a familiar, but also new, direction, seemed like the best way for me to move forward, as quitting blogging, quitting writing, quitting sharing, left a very empty space in my heart & spirit.
I feel very much like I have just been sitting around, waiting to start over, for years now.
It feels like I have been waiting for a special event, occasion, or certain date… I’m not sure what it is. But I did feel like something would have to specifically happen in order for me to actually “start over” in order for me to actually begin “living” again. It was hard for me to notice that all this time I have been continuing to actually live, even if sometimes it felt like only survival and not actual living.
But without me actually realizing it, I have already “Started over.” There was no big announcement, no big realization that it had happened, and no “aha” moment. It just happened quietly, and without me putting much thought into it, other than the realization that I needed to remember to truly live and not just survive.
I have been grieving for a very long time. Grieving the loss of my old self, my health, my husband, my animals, my old life. Grief like that doesn’t just go away, and you do not just accept it and move on. It’s a constant weight you carry, you cope with, and you need to manage.
I have also been in denial for a very long time in regards mainly to my health, and the fact that while my diseases are manageable, I will never be magically cured, I will also have to be on numerous medications, I will always have periods of flares, and it will in fact change and limit the things I do in the future. For quite some time now it felt like it meant I just had to completely give up on my dreams. Homesteading, living in the forest, farming, raising animals, living with nature… this is all I ever wanted from life, it’s what feeds my spirit, it’s what makes me want to get up in the morning. It’s what makes me want to keep living and breathing, and it’s what makes all of the struggles life throws at us completely worth it to me. But being as sick as I am, and with chronic and unpredictable illnesses, it has felt like not only would I have to change plans, I’d totally have to give up on them altogether.
Prednisone, such a fun drug that I am constantly going through withdrawls on since I have adrenal fatigue and am dependent on it now, makes my emotions harder to deal with. I have less rage issues and more just mood instability and bouts of depression, which also come along with the constant flares, and exhaustion. Chronic fatigue is awful. Always being exhausted, so exhausted mentally and physically you can barely speak or get words out. It’s frightening, frustrating, and it’s very difficult to not let it affect you. I like to pretend that I’m tough enough and that it doesn’t affect me emotionally at all – that I can handle anything. But that’s a lie. It’s one of the many challenges I face every single day.
On the days I feel better, even a tiny bit better, it’s very easy to feel positive and like I can indeed still do some things, and still work towards some of my dreams. Every other day it feels like nothing is possible, and I can’t see a way forward at all. The challenge is getting through those days and not feeling that way – remembering to just rest, to just keep moving forward, and that this is my normal now, it’s not the end of the world, it’s just one of those days.
I will have to change my plans going forward, but I will not have to cancel them as I once thought, and as many people have told me I would. I will need to learn to cope better, and to work within my limits, but I will not give up, and I will not alter my course. I will adjust my sails, slightly. I will do things on a smaller scale, and I will need help. But even during my worst moments I have promised myself to make a committed effort to remind myself, everything is still possible. All is not lost. Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want them to – and sometimes that’s OK… sometimes they are not meant to, because sometimes something better lies ahead.
I am waking up. I am starting to dream again. Some days my inspiration comes back full force. Some days, I can do nothing but sleep. Part of my journey will be learning to accept each day, and each challenge for what it is.
I am lucky enough to have a man in my life right now who wants to share in this journey with me, who wants to build something with me, and learn with me, and grow with me. Who accepts the inspired, happy, Donna, as well as the sick, fearful, Donna. I am grateful for that, and I am also grateful for my own strength. I have gotten myself this far. I am… quite frankly, exhausted. But I am also excited. There is much to be done, there is much life to be lived.
I want to continue sharing my journey with you. All of it. The good parts, the fun parts, but also the difficult parts, the struggles. I want everyone to know that despite our individual struggles, limitations, and, challenges, anything is still possible if we are willing to take the risks, make the sacrifices, and work within our means.
I want so share the scary parts, the good days, the bad days. And I hope you’ll want to share them with me too, whether you are old followers & friends, or new.
I hope to continue to share my life, adventures, writing, stories, pictures, and also, videos, with you, about the farm, moving forward, my animals, our projects, challenges, my health…
For a long time I have been standing still because I was unsure how exactly to move forward.
And then it dawned on me.
It’s very simple.
All you do is just take one step.
One single step.
And continue from there.

domain: literature


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Heroes Evolved: Una Skin, MVP Slam Dunk
The cute Una has a new skin for Heroes Evolved: MVP Slam Dunk! Check out this fantastic cosmetic in their latest teaser.
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domain: news


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LONG BEACH – Nick Bierbrodt’s dream of becoming a major league pitcher began in 1996 when the Arizona Diamondbacks made the former Millikan High star their first draft pick.
Bierbrodt, a 6-foot-5 left-hander, signed for more than $1 million, making his debut for the D-backs in 2001. He was 2-2 in 23 innings with Arizona, before joining the Tampa Bay Devil Rays later that year, winning three more games, while striking out 56 batters in 61 innings.
After big-league stints with Cleveland, Texas and a second go-round with Tampa Bay, Bierbrodt found himself in the minor leagues in 2004 with his big-league dreams fading away.
Bierbrodt’s last several years in independent ball have been a struggle and the 30-year-old was resigning himself to a career as a firefighter or something other than baseball.
Bierbrodt spent much of this spring coaching the junior varsity baseball team at Millikan, while working to get his arm ready for the alumni game.
“I started throwing better than I had in a while and decided to give it one more shot,” Bierbrodt said.
Former Houston Astro and Long Beach State standout Mike Gallo, a friend of Bierbrodt’s, was having lunch with Armada general manager Steve Bash, and mentioned Bierbrodt was open to playing in Long Beach.
“I was surprised to hear we had a shot at signing Nick and went out to lunch with him and we’re thrilled to have a Long Beach guy of Nick’s quality on our roster,” Bash said. “He is someone we’re counting on to get us to the playoffs, but I’d like to see him get another shot in the big leagues.”
Bierbrodt is 1-2 in five appearances, but acknowledges he isn’t yet fine-tuned because of a minimized training camp.
“I have had a couple good games and a couple that haven’t been as well as I’d like, but it’s still early in the season and it would normally still be spring training,” Bierbrodt said.
Bierbrodt and his Armada teammates welcome the Yuma Scorpions in tonight’s 7 p.m. home-opener at Blair Field.
Bierbrodt will be on the mound Sunday at 5 and hopes it’s the start of recapturing a career in the big leagues.
“I am realistic and know its still a long shot, but I haven’t thrown as well as I am capable of and I am not giving up,” he said. “My mom hasn’t seen me play in four years and it’s going to be nice for her and my friends and family to be able and come out and see me on the field again.”
Bierbrodt may not be at the level he is accustomed to pitching, but his teammates and manager like what they see.
“Nick has made a hell of a contribution,” Armada manager and former Dodger Steve Yeager said. “He is a veteran guy that keeps the guys loose and gives us the opportunity to win ball games.”
Bierbrodt talks of the struggles of independent league play, but loves spending time with his teammates and coaches.
He makes a team-high $1,500 a month and takes the long bus rides in stride with the Armada and the hopes of bigger things.
The Armada finished their game Thursday night in Reno and got on a bus headed back to Long Beach for an 11-hour journey that was scheduled to get them back in town late this morning, hours before taking on Yuma.
“If you know what these guys make and what they go through, it’s obvious that they are doing this for the love of the game and deserve to have the support of our fans,” Bash said of the trials of minor league baseball.
Yeager and the Armada have put together an entertaining team that averages more than seven runs per game and has several players hitting over .300, including Chris Klemm, Ryan Lehr, Octavio Martinez, Norm Hutchins and Steve Moss.
The Armada will play nine games in the next 10 days, taking on St. George (Utah) and Orange County after their three-game series with Yuma.


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ALLOY.COM POSTS QUARTERLY PROFIT ON CASH BASIS
Byline: Valerie Seckler
NEW YORK — A milestone was achieved in cyberspace Thursday: Teen commerce and community player Alloy Online joined the rarified ranks of publicly held dot-coms that have notched a quarterly profit on a cash basis.
After Wall Street’s closing bell, Alloy, based in nearby Silicon Alley, reported it earned $779,000, or 4 cents a share, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, before charges for various non-cash, non-operating items, including $3.3 million for goodwill amortization; $85,000 in stock-based compensation and $4.2 million for losses on the sale of securities. Cash earnings topped the 2 cents a share analysts had expected. The bottom-line loss of $6.8 million, or 32 cents a share, was versus a loss of $4.4 million, or 30 cents, a year earlier.
Sales more than doubled, totalling $36.6 million, versus $14.9 million in the prior-year period.
“The hockey stick growth that a lot of dot-coms like us had experienced is behind us,” said Matthew Diamond, chairman and chief executive officer of Alloy Online Inc., in an interview from San Francisco earlier this week, where he was participating in an investor conference ahead of the fourth-quarter earnings report. “We’ve moved to stable- growth mode.”
In citing the hockey-stick phenomenon, Diamond was referring to the rapid runup in sales, after a sluggish start, that was experienced by so many fledgling e-tailers over the past few years — a dynamic that made it increasingly difficult to make reliable projections on which to build those businesses, whether in the realm of finance, logistics, or other operations.
Sales in the fourth quarter were up 51 percent over third-quarter sales of $28 million.
The difference for Alloy, of course, is that unlike many of its dot-com cousins, the teen-focused Internet destination has survived in the volatile virtual environment long enough to achieve a cash-based quarterly profit. But Diamond, 32, isn’t exactly kicking back into mellow mode. Quite the opposite.
“There’s more growth opportunity in the next six to 12 months, but if we don’t capitalize on it now, we’ll miss out,” Diamond said, in speaking of chances — both to build user traffic on alloy.com and to obtain fresh financing. “Managing the growth in an environment where competition has gotten thinner, but the number of users is continuing to expand, is job number one,” he added, when asked about the chief challenge currently facing Alloy Online, sounding most unlike the beleaguered ceo typically found at the helm of the many Web sites that have been buffeted and bruised while the dot-bombs drop around them.
To that end, Diamond noted, “We have to be more aggressive in looking at acquisition opportunities and looking for new media outlets. We are in talks over some smaller things,” he added, without specifying. “We’re not looking at anything that isn’t making money.”
While introduced more recently, the firm’s offline properties, including mail-order catalogs, books and magazines distributed by Alloy, under such names as Alloy Girl and Strength, have grown more rapidly than the Web destination at Alloy.com, which, Diamond said, was “fully developed” in August 1996. “Offline developed much faster than online,” Diamond related. “Over the past three or four years, the Web traffic has caught up.” Alloy launched its catalogs, along with its Web site, back in 1996; books were added through a deal with Penguin Putnam in November 1999, and magazines, distributed in schools through an agreement with Scholastic, became a part of the multimedia picture during the second half of 2000.
Indeed, Diamond, who brings a background in finance at GE and a Harvard M.B.A. to the dot-com he co-founded in January 1996, cited the firm’s multimedia platform as the foundation of the company’s first quarterly profit. And he forecast on Monday that the platform’s planks will be sturdy enough to enable Alloy to weigh-in with a full-year profit, again on a cash basis, for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2002.
For the most recently completed fiscal year, Alloy saw its loss widen to $16.5 million on a cash basis from a loss of $13.9 million a year ago, while its net loss expanded to $29.7 million from $14.9 million. Sales for the 12 months more than doubled, tallying $76.7 million against $31 million.
Analysts estimated about $15 million of those 12-month sales stemmed from advertising, and $60 million of it from e-commerce. For the current fiscal year, they see Alloy’s revenue rising to roughly $30 million in ad sales and $110 million in e-commerce. According to Diamond, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb are the company’s three biggest advertisers.
Prior to the earnings report, Alloy’s stock gave up 19 cents a share to close at $10 in Nasdaq trading Thursday. During the past 52 weeks, shares of Alloy have ranged as high as $20.25 and as low as $5.75.
Fresh figures from Web ratings agency Media Metrix show that, in February, Alloy.com was the fifth most popular site among teens visiting Net destinations where traffic is driven by users ages 12-17. That group accounted for 42.9 percent of Alloy.com’s visitors in February, or 329,000 people, for example, compared with PacSun.com, the e-tailer that topped the teen-share chart, with 45.6 percent of its visitors in February, or 93,000 users, falling into the 12 to 17-year-old range.


Joe S. Jones
What a Legislative Session. Roads, ethics and education were supposed to be the big ticket items. By any standard, none of these issues were properly addressed much less resolved.
However, the most important issue for engineers, the Engineering and Surveying Practice Act, did not have the broad, statewide notoriety as the big three, but this legislation did not make it either.
Thanks to engineers Joe Greenburg, Melvin Williams, Gene Dinkins, Marguerite McClam and surveyors Brian Bonds, Will Fairey and Elliotte Quinn. These engineers and surveyors came to the State House and worked with Adam Jones and me. We called out their legislators from the House and Senate and talked to them in the Lobby. Then we called out members of the House and Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Committees and talked to them about the practice act.
Joe Greenburg prepared a statement to give at the Senate Labor Commerce and Industry Subcommittee meeting on May 28. However, he did not get to testify. The Practice Act was the last bill on the agenda; the chairman heard two people speak in favor of the bill and then ask for those opposed to testify. Gene Dinkins and I got to testify, but Joe did not.
Summing up the oppositions’ positions, they were opposed to the QBS language and the brokering section, and another group, Carolinas AGC, wanted to make the word “engineer” generic.
After the opposition testified, the committee chair said members had other meetings to attend and suggested the Practice Act be carried over. A motion was made to carry over the Practice Act until next session and it passed.
Therefore, the Practice Act is dead for 2015; nevertheless, it will be back on the Senate’s LCI Committee agenda next January.
Engineers and surveyors have time to contact their legislators and get them primed for action next session.
As part of the lobbying efforts this last session, I began asking engineers and surveyors to join Adam Jones and me at the State House on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This practice got members (ACEC-SC/SCSPE /SCSPLS) actively involved in the legislative process, and it let legislators see their engineer and surveyor constituents active and interested in the outcome on legislation. I trust the engineers and surveyors will support this activity next session.
The Charleston massacre is the most tragic end of a legislative session I’ve ever experienced. As awful as it was, it may bring different factions in the General Assembly together and hopefully, one of the results will be a better operating legislative body where major issues facing this state can be debated and conclusions drawn.


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Planned Parenthood is reportedly working to reshape its image, in an attempt to survive the Trump Administration’s growing restrictions on abortion funding.
According to an article published Tuesday in USA Today, the abortion giant is now emphasizing the “breadth of care” it offers, which allegedly includes the treating of depression, screening for cancer and diabetes, and more complex medical issues like maternal mortality rates.
Though analysts have suggested that these efforts could protect Planned Parenthood from both the Trump Administration and abortion opponents, Planned Parenthood president Leana Wen admits to being cautious about the new approach. Wen doesn’t necessarily want to distance Planned Parenthood from the abortion-related services that shaped the organization’s identity in the first place. Instead, Wen is attempting to walk the line between the two approaches.
“We cannot separate out one of our services,” Wen told Kaiser Health News. “That’s not how medicine works.”
But some think that focusing less on abortion might be the right way to go.
“The minute you start talking about abortion, it’s a risky strategy,” said Karen O’Connor, a political scientist at American University who studies the politics of reproductive health care. “It’s likely to attract strong reactions from people who see abortion providers not as reproductive health professionals but as ‘baby killers,’” she said.
“If I was doing it – and this is as somebody who studies social movements and women’s organizations – I would take abortion out of the equation and talk about ‘reproductive health is health care,’” O’Connor added.
Pro-life advocates are already criticizing Planned Parenthood’s bid for a new identity as a more general community health care provider, claiming that it’s unlikely to be effective.
“This framing is simply a PR exercise,” said Mallory Quigley, vice president of communications at the Susan B. Anthony List, a Washington-based pro-life group. “I don’t think this campaign will be successful, and I don’t think it will last long.”
Pro-life advocate Abby Johnson also spoke out against Planned Parenthood’s attempt to rebrand itself. Johnson is a former Planned Parenthood clinic director, whose story is the basis for the film Unplanned.
"The mission they say they are trying to promote is NOT really what they promote. It’s false," Johnson told Life Issues USA in an interview.
But abortion advocates, including Wen, believe the strategy is in line with current health standards. Wen has embarked on a national listening tour to spread the word.
“It’s who we are," Wen said. “We are a health care organization. That’s what all of our affiliates do around the country, is meeting people where they are with the health services they need.”
So far, Wen and other Planned Parenthood officials have visited 17 affiliates in locations around the country. Wen’s staff confirmed that there are plans to visit more.
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood’s national leadership is reportedly working to identify the health programs that could be expanded, and encouraging clinics around the country to consider implementing them.
But in spite of the attempt at rebranding, abortion is still said to be key for the nation’s leading abortion provider. Wen has emphasized Planned Parenthood’s abortion services at each stop along the tour, trying to weave abortion into the narrative of public health.
“Abortion is part of the spectrum of full reproductive health care, and we know reproductive health care is health care,” Wen said to applause at a news conference in Rhode Island. “And health care is a human right.”
Join the conversation as a VIP Member


All Library locations will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24 and remain closed on Thursday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
This computer class will cover the basics of learning how to use a computer, including hardware and software components. Class is flexible upon participants interest.
Registration is required. Please call 816-701-3483 to register.


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Sour Kush Weed Strain Review
Or Sour OG Kush
Sour Kush (also known as “Sour OG Kush”) is a hybrid cannabis strain. It is a cross between Sour Diesel and OG Kush.
This is an excellent strain for daytime pain relief. You can expect an overall uplifting experience without the overwhelming sedative effects some strains provide.
Additionally, this hybrid is great for day-to-day consumption, as it will not make you want to cancel your plans and take a nap.
Let’s get into what makes this strain so special.
Sour Kush Weed Strain Review: Effects
This lovely strain provides an upligting and giggly feeling followed by intense bodily relaxation. It’s ability to relax the muscles and body makes it excellent for those struggling with chronic pain or inflammation.
Beyond the medicinal effects, the top reported feelings this strain provides are happy, giggly, and hungry. This is because Sour Kush has an amazing ability to relax the body and mind, allowing us to fully unwind and relax into a more tranquil state.
Some negative effects that people report about this strain include, dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness.
Sour Kush is around 23% THC which is on the higher end (no pun intended!) But seriously, take caution when smoking this strain as it is pretty potent and probably not the best strain for beginners.
Flavor and Aroma
This is a pungent strain, so make sure you have an airtight container to keep it in. Even with an airtight container, Sour Kush is very pungent.
The top flavors are diesel, pungent, and skunk. This is a very diesel and skunky strain, due to its parent genetics. Aside from how pungent the strain is, the overall aromatic and flavor profile is a pleasant one.
The most dominant terpene in this strain is caryophyllene, which explains the potent pain relieving effects of this strain. Caryophyllene is found in black pepper, and actually works as a cannabinoid within the bodies systems to combat inflammation. Read more about it here.
Curious about growing this strain?
Successfully growing cannabis takes a tremendous amount of experience, patience, and time. You are in luck though, Sativa University has some of the best online and hands-on courses out there for cultivating cannabis.
Sativa University’s courses are led by industry experts with years and years of growing experience on their belts. Rookie mistakes can cost growers lots of time and money and they often end up with no harvest. Avoid wasting your time and money and do it right the first time!

domain: medical


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Woman Ironing by Pablo Picasso (Guggenheim Museum)
This is not the first time that a hidden painting has been discovered beneath one of Picasso’s works.
Experts found a portrait of a man with a moustache beneath his 1904 painting "Woman Ironing", which is held by the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Described by the museum as “a celebrated demonstration of the sensitivity, skill, and emotion with which Pablo Picasso depicted the working poor”, the painting of the woman performing the chore was painted over the earlier portrait of the man.
“Analysis revealed a detailed painting of a male figure oriented upside down beneath the surface composition,” the museum explained on its website.
Fruits on a table or still life with a small dog by Gauguin (Daniele Leone/ AP)
In April this year, a long-lost masterpiece by Gauguin was found 40 years after it was stolen by conmen from the London home of an heiress to the Marks and Spencer empire.
The recovery of the painting, "Fruits on a table or still life with a small dog”, was described as “extraordinary” by Italy’s culture minister.
It was the culmination of a convoluted saga which began in June 1970 when the art work was stolen from an apartment near Regent’s Park.
The home was owned by Mathilda Marks, a renowned philanthropist and the daughter of Michael Marks, the founder of Marks and Spencer.
The unidentified thieves smuggled the paintings by train through France and into Italy but then dumped them for unknown reasons on a train heading towards Turin.
They were found by railway officials and languished for years in a dusty lost and found office before being put up for auction by Italy’s national railway operator.
There they were snapped up for a pittance by a Fiat factory worker who, not knowing the provenance of the works, hung them on the wall of his kitchen, first in Turin and later, after he retired, in his home town in Sicily.
Branch Hill Pond: Hampstead by John Constable (Tate)
In November last year, a previously unrecorded oil sketch by British artist John Constable was discovered at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The painting, of trees underneath an unsettled sky, was found concealed on the back of “Branch Hill Pond: Hampstead”, another work by the English Romantic painter.
V&A experts found the sketch, which was probably painted in 1821 or 1822, while attempting to remove the lining on the reverse after it became loose.
Constable, who is known for his paintings of the Suffolk countryside, was thrifty with materials and sometimes painted sketches on both sides of a support.
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo di Vinci (Salvator Mundi, LLC)
In 2011, a painting thought to have been the work of a protégé of Leonardo da Vinci was attributed to the Renaissance genius himself after extensive study by experts.
The oil painting, which depicts Christ with one hand raised in blessing and the other cradling a globe, is entitled 'Salvator Mundi' or 'Saviour of the World'.
Its discovery was hailed by scholars as one of the most important artistic finds of the last 100 years.
For centuries it was believed to have been the work of a protégé of Leonardo.
But restoration work convinced a panel of eminent scholars in Britain, Italy and the US that it was created by the Renaissance master.
The oil on wood painting was once owned by King Charles I, and after his execution was passed it on to his son, Charles II.
It then vanished into obscurity until it turned up in the possession of Sir Francis Cook, a 19th-century British collector.
It was sold in 1958 for just £45, having been attributed to Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio, one of Leonardo’s pupils.
Experts claimed to have found a long-lost drawing by Leonardo da Vinci in 2011.
The sketch, drawn in red pencil, depicted the profile of a man with long hair, a straggly beard and an aquiline nose. It was found tucked into a book more than 70 years ago.
Art historians said they believed that the style of the sketch, the paper it was drawn on and other clues strongly suggest that it was produced by a young Leonardo in the early 1470s, when he was living in Florence.
Prof Luigi Capasso, from Gabriele d'Annunzio University in the medieval town of Chieti, said the type of paper was almost identical to sheets used in three Leonardo sketches now kept in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
The scholars also noticed that near the neck of the bearded man is a faint sketch of a bear or dog – animals which Leonardo is known to have studied in Florence in the 1470s.
There is also evidence that the sketch was torn from the largest existing collection of da Vinci works, the Codex Atlanticus, which is held by the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, a library in Milan.
In the 12th volume of the codex there is a blank space which corresponds to the dimensions of the drawing.
A dab of glue in the codex has an imperfection which matches a mark on the back of the sketch.

domain: artistic


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ISU News: Performing Arts
Idaho State-Civic Symphony announces Julie Sorensen as interim conductor
POCATELLO – The Idaho State Civic-Symphony has named Julie Sorensen as interim conductor for the 2017-2018 season. Sorensen is currently part of Idaho State University’s music faculty and is the conductor of the symphony’s Youth Orchestra.
August 18, 2017
Idaho State University Department of Theatre and Dance announces 2017-18 season
POCATELLO – From classic to contemporary, Dr. Seuss to opera, Idaho State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will offer a great selection of productions for the 2017-18 season.
August 14, 2017
Idaho State Civic Symphony announces 2017-2018 schedule, season tickets now on sale
POCATELLO— The Idaho State-Civic Symphony announced its 2017-18 concert schedule and that season tickets are now on sale for the season.
August 14, 2017
Idaho State University announces ‘A Season of Note’ concert series lineup; season tickets go on sale Aug. 4
POCATELLO - Idaho State University will host a range of entertainment during the 2017-18 “A Season of Note” series with all performances at the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center’s Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.
July 31, 2017
ISU Summer Theatre program to present “Fiddler on the Roof”
POCATELLO – Idaho State University’s summer musical “Fiddler on the Roof” will be performed on June 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16 and 17 in the Beverly B. Bistline Theatre of the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center. All performances start at 7:30 p.m., except a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on June 8.
June 1, 2017
Idaho State University to host first annual ISU Summer Dance Festival in June
The College of Arts and Letters will host the first annual ISU Summer Dance Festival on June 26-30.
By By Kirsten Cooper, MarCom CPI | May 16, 2017
Inaugural ISU Fiddle Competition May 20 features $5,000 in prizes
POCATELLO – Idaho State University will hold its inaugural Fiddle Competition on National Fiddle Day, May 20, in Goranson Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The event will feature concerts, camping, food trucks, scholarships and more than $5,000 in prize money.
By Melissa Lee | May 4, 2017
Grammy-winning artist Amy Grant still loves life on the road; performs May 18 at ISU
POCATELLO – After almost four decades of performing hundreds of shows on the road, Grammy-winning singer Amy Grant expressed excitement about performing at Idaho State University on May 18, the final show of her most recent tour.
April 28, 2017
ISU Choirs Spring Concert set April 22
POCATELLO – The Idaho State University choral ensembles will present the ISU Choirs Spring Concert on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Jensen Grand Concert Hall of the Stephens Performing Arts Center.
April 13, 2017
ISU theatre program named #2 on the list “The Top 10 Most Underrated College Theatre Programs for 2017 – North West Region”
POCATELLO – Idaho State University’s theatre program was ranked second on onstageblog.com’s “The Top 10 Most Underrated College Theatre Programs for 2017 – North West Region.”
April 12, 2017

domain: entertainment


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iPhone 15 Pro Design Discloses New Buttons, Titanium Frame, More
Apple’s upcoming high-end smartphone iPhone 15 Pro will reportedly feature a titanium frame with a rounder-edged design, new buttons, a giant camera bump, and more.
According to GSMArena, the size of the individual camera protrusions will increase once again, and the entire hump will thicken.
Moreover, the report mentioned that iPhone 15 Pro Max sports a smaller camera protrusion as well, which is rumored to house a periscope zoom lens.
According to previous speculations, the iPhone 15 Pro’s cameras will have “all-new sensor technology that will capture more light and reduce overexposure or underexposure in certain settings”.
USB-C port is also widely expected to be included in all iPhone 15 versions, but the fastest charging will be limited to USB-C cables certified by Apple.
The report further showed that the volume and mute buttons will be haptic rather than physical, with two haptic engines dedicated to simulating button presses.
The mute toggle will no longer be a sliding switch, but a haptic button.
As with the back glass, the screen glass will have a subtle curvature, transitioning seamlessly into the titanium frame, with only 1.55mm bezels all around.
The thinner bezels will make the iPhone 15 Pro narrower than its predecessor, since the screen size will stay the same, according to the report.
The dimensions of the new model will be 146.47 x 70.46 x 8.24 mm, compared with 147.46 x 71.45 x 7.84 mm for the iPhone 14 Pro.
Besides the ‘hero’ deep red color, the phone appears to come in white, Space Black, and gold as well.
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domain: design


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Pregnancy discrimination is a type of employment discrimination that occurs when expectant women are fired, not hired, or otherwise discriminated against due to their pregnancy or intention to become pregnant. … The Maternity Protection Convention C 183 proclaims adequate protection for pregnancy as well.
It was recently reported that an employee of Google reported her employer for passing derogatory comments about her pregnancy and also treating her unfairly.
This report went viral as many people felt, the employers of Google treated the employee with disdain and total disregard.
As many women keep on sharing their experiences on how being pregnant denied them of great opportunities, Our very own outspoken actress and Entrepreneur Yvonne Nelson has added her voice to the issue.
In a recent tweet, Yvonne Nelson shared her experience of how she was dropped by a telecommunications Company after she came clean and told them about being 6 months Pregnant.
According to Yvonne Nelson, the company wanted her to shoot an ad and she told them she had 3 more months to go before putting to bed.
See her tweet below;


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Fernando Martí is an artist, community architect, and activist. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and since 1992 has made his home in San Francisco, where he has been deeply involved in and in uenced by community struggles in the Mission and South of Market Districts. He practices community architecture and planning with Asian Neighborhood Design and the Council of Community Housing Organizations and creates political poster art with the JustSeeds Artists' Cooperative (justseeds.org). His art explores the clash of the Third World in the heart of Empire and the tension between inhabiting place and the urge to build something transformative.
Danzante 1 (art)
Sueño con Serpientes (art)
Danzante 2 (art)
Joseph A. W. Quintela marshals words unto the battlefield with little regard for their souls. That is a lie. In fact, he cries each time a word is felled. In solitude. Where the tears cannot be mistaken for a waterfall. Beautiful. Innocent. He raises letters and tells them that a story is a lie that is necessary for their existence. He raises punctuation marks and tells them they are letters. When they all grow up to be morticians and serial killers, he feigns surprise, draws a knife across his supper, and says, "Nothing can be told without death." (josephquintela.com.)
:le streghe (witches' dance)::::::::::::::::::::::::: (poetry)
Okasha Skat’si is a writer/artist/photographer, ex-academic, and current art student whose work centers on environmental and mythic themes. She is Tsalagi by blood and was multicultural before there was a word for it--born in Mexico, spoke Spanish before English, lived most of her life on the Texas/Mexico border. She writes about the history and environment of the border region under the byline Penelope Warren. As Okasha Skat’si, she is coauthor of The Growing, an SF novel that made the 2007 Gaylactic Spectrum Best Novel shortlist.
Tío Checo and the Baby Jesus (stories)
Jon Radlett has been taking photographs for about forty years, but has only relatively recently started doing table-top work with dolls. The attraction of using dolls, apart from subverting ideas of innocence, is the ability to explore the psychology of human interaction through nonverbal communication and to do things with inanimate objects that he would never want to do with real people. When not taking photographs, Jon is a psychologist and teacher.
Woman's Hand With Cigarette (art)
Dance and Doubts (art)
Old Train (art)
Dara Weinberg is from Los Angeles and lives in Kraków, Poland. She writes poems and texts for performance. Her opera libretto PENNY, with music by Douglas Pew, premieres at the Washington National Opera in 2015. Website: darastrata.com.
Zdravka Evtimova was born in Bulgaria, where she lives; she works as a literary translator from English, French, and German. She has published the following collections: Bitter Sky (SKREV, 2003), Somebody Else (MAG, 2005), Miss Daniella (SKREV, 2007), Good Figure Beautiful Voice (Astemari, 2008), Pale and Other Postmodern Bulgarian Stories (Vox Humana, 2010), Carts and Other Stories (Fomite, 2012), Time to Mow and Other Stories (All Things That Matter, 2012), Impossibly Blue (SKREV, 2013), and Endless July (Paraxenes Meres, 2013). She has also published two novels: God of Traitors (Book for a Buck, 2007) and Sinfonia Bulgarica (Fomite, 2014).
The Hawthorn Bush (stories)
V. V. Saichek writes stories that explore the flow of consciousness and how one's several inner personas battle for supremacy. Ms. Saichek utilizes this pull of inner conflict to develop characters and craft stories with strange, dream-bound resonance. Ms. Saichek's artwork explores the archetype of the Shadow and other mythical impulses, using flamboyant colors and disconnected imagery to draw the viewer into relating with "The Other".
Howdy Stranger (art)
Mithran Somasundrum was born in Colombo, grew up in London, and currently lives in Bangkok, where he works in an electrochemistry lab. His recent short stories have appeared in GUD Magazine Issue 4, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, The Sun Magazine, and the minnesota review, among others. He is currently working on a novel.
Adrenaline Inc. (stories)
Christine Schrum's writing has appeared in McSweeney's Internet Tendency, A Verse Map of Vancouver, Quills Canadian Poetry Magazine, The Writer, and other publications. You can find her online at christineschrum.com, and on Twitter: @Schrumza.
Two Reasons (poetry)
Ross Hickerson is an EMS-helicopter dispatcher from Omaha, Nebraska. His work has previously appeared in The Nervous Breakdown and also Paddlefish. Ross once ate a sandwich with Amiri Baraka. If he was a guitar, Ross would be a Danelectro '56 single-cutaway with lipstick humbuckers. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Five Women, Five Stories (poetry)
Patricia Russo has had stories published in Fantasy Magazine, ChiZine, Lone Star Stories, Talebones, Tales of the Unanticipated, Not One of Us, Electric Velocipede, and many other places, online and off. Her stories have appeared in the anthologies Corpse Blossoms, Zencore!, The Best of Not One of Us, 52 Stitches, and The Best of Talebones. Her novella Hearts Starve was published as an e-book by Eggplant Literary Productions, and her first collection of short stories, Shiny Thing, was recently released by Papaveria Press. She doesn't have a website, but the book does: www.shiny-thing.com.
With the Blue Heart People (stories)
Lezli Rubin-Kunda is a multidisciplinary artist who works in site-specic performance, installation, video, drawing, and photography, to explore her relationship with her environment. Through her own body, and using common, available natural or man-made materials, she carries out simple actions that connect her intimately with her locale and with the physical as well as the cultural, social, and metaphoric context of the site. She has performed and exhibited in the United States, Canada, Israel, and Europe, and her performance videos have been shown at many different venues. lezlirubinkunda.com.
Wrapped in Morning Glory (art)
David Gullen was born in South Africa. Three years later King Neptune baptised him at the equator when his parents returned to England. His novel Shopocalypse, a near-future story of talking cars, shopping, and nuclear war, is available from Clarion Publishing (2013). His short fiction has appeared in various magazines and anthologies. One story was shortlisted for the James White Award; another won an Aeon Award. His collection Open Waters (theEXAGGERATEDpress) appeared in early 2014. He recently coedited the charity SF anthology Mind Seed. David lives with the fantasy writer Gaie Sebold. He is represented by the John Jarrold Agency.
Just War (stories)
Eve Sweetser lives in Berkeley, and teaches in the Linguistics Department, the Cognitive Science Program, and the Celtic Studies Program at UC-Berkeley. She's interested in metaphor, categories, frames, language-accompanying gesture, and the meanings of words and grammatical constructions--also medieval Welsh poetry and Breton satirical novels. She's looking, among other things, for ways to connect understandings of culture, cognition, and language with understandings of literary style. Her major hope for this project lies in the younger generation, whose categories are less entrenched.
Categories, Genres, and Labels, Oh My.... (reports)
Rhiannon Rasmussen-Silverstein is an Oregonian printmaker from Hawai‘i who uses the ancient craft of woodcutting to explore giant robots, things with claws, and the boundaries of the human. But mostly claws. Her website is rhiannonrs.tumblr.com.
Robert T. Jeschonek is an award-winning writer whose fiction, comics, and poetry have been published around the world. His young-adult fantasy novel, My Favorite Band Does Not Exist, won the Forward National Literature Award and was named one of Booklist's Top 10 First Novels for Youth. His cross-genre science-fiction thriller, Day 9, is an International Book Award winner. Simon & Schuster, DAW Books, PS Publishing, and DC Comics have published his work. Visit him online at thefictioneer.com. You can also find him on Facebook and follow him as @TheFictioneer on Twitter.
I Love You More Than the Color Pink, Mirrorballface (poetry)
Lisa Haag Kang is a poet and essayist whose work has appeared or is forthcoming in Hayden's Ferry Review, Spillway, Third Wednesday, The Examined Life Journal, and others. In June of 2013, her poetry chapbook Recombinant Loves was published as a runner-up in the Main Street Rag poetry-chapbook contest. Her poetry chapbook A Benign Sort of Cannibalism was the winning manuscript in the 2013 Clockwise poetry-chapbook competition and will be published later this year by Tebot Bach.
Field Dressed (poetry)
Joshua Ben-Noah Carlson was born in Duluth, MN. He lives in Minneapolis, plays piano, builds boats, does yoga, and reads and writes.
Coconut Pie (stories)
Lisa A. Grabenstetter: Born in the nonstate of America, zie enjoys absorbing and creating anything (writing, images, material, binding) that might go into a book. More of hir work can be found at magneticcrow.com.
I grew this so you would visit. (art)
Tony Mangia. Reporter/photojournalist. NYC bar owner for twelve years. Boxer. Photo website: mangiamedia.net. Contributor to sports website: yardbarker.com/…. Work published in The New York Times Magazine, the Associated Press, The Boston Globe, New York Post, and The Village Voice. Just spent a month in Kenya with the Kenyan Defense Force, photographing the struggling tourist villages along the Somali border. Would like to return and photograph the Somali refugee camps.
Rustin Larson is the author of Crazy Star (Loess Hills Books, 2005) and The Wine-Dark House (Blue Light Press, 2009). He is the host of the radio talk show "Irving Toast, Poetry Ghost": kruufm.com. Read his blog at The Iowa Source online: iowasource.com/blog/…-rustin/.
Bum Canto 1 (poetry)
Polenth Blake lives in England with her pet cockroaches. She's had work published in Nature, ChiZine, and Strange Horizons. Her website lurks at polenthblake.com.
Monkey Bait (poetry)
Sabrina Vourvoulias is the author of Ink (Crossed Genres, 2012), a speculative novel that draws on her memories of Guatemala's armed internal conflict and of the Latin@ experience in the United States. It was named to Latinidad's Best Books of 2012. Her short stories have appeared in Strange Horizons, in Crossed Genres, and in a number of anthologies, including Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History, forthcoming in May. Follow her on twitter @followthelede.
Paper Trail (stories)
Alicia Hoffman lives, writes, and teaches in Rochester, New York. Author of Like Stardust in the Peat Moss (Aldrich Press, 2013), her poems have appeared in Redactions: Poetry & Poetics, Poets/Artists, Camroc Press Review, Tar River Poetry, A-Minor Magazine, and elsewhere. She is currently completing her MFA in Poetry at the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University, where she is guest poetry editor for A River & Sound Review.

domain: library


Batteries International is the world’s leading magazine dedicated to reporting the fast-changing energy storage industry. The magazine, published for the past 25 years, has set the benchmark for accurate, well-balanced and responsible journalism, serving a business sector that is always the ‘hot topic’ but often misunderstood.
CHARGED Electric Vehicles Magazine
CHARGED Electric Vehicles is the acclaimed international B2B EV industry magazine, website and newsfeed dedicated to bringing the EV industry to primetime. Each issue features vehicle and company profiles, battery and technology news, big picture analysis – covering government, utilities, fleet, energy, and more. From auto makers and design firms, to Tier 1 suppliers, fleet managers, energy suppliers, policy makers and academia, CHARGED EV’s qualified subscribers are the key decision makers throughout the electric vehicle industry. The vehicles, the tech, the infrastructure. www.chargedevs.com.
The EES International – The Electrical Energy Storage Magazine – is the most important international online magazine for storing electrical energy, serving manufacturers, suppliers, project developers and distributors. The online magazine provides information on topics and trends from related fields of industry, such as renewable energy, electric mobility, smart homes, distribution structure and energy policy.


1, Business development goals
(1), establish a modern enterprise management system
The establishment of a systematic and standardized modern enterprise management system, the full use of intelligent information systems, the formation of good, healthy and progressive corporate culture, improve their core competitiveness.
(2), leading the industry scale
The establishment of large-scale production base, through restructuring and integration, and strive to Gaoxiang fight into the domestic cold-chain refrigeration industry in the flagship enterprise.
2, Become well-known brand management development goals
In good faith-based, pay attention to product quality, to meet customer wishes, the main core refrigeration equipment has become China's well-known brands.
3, Construction of high standards of research and development centers
(1), the introduction of high-end test equipment, production, learning, research combined with the continuous development of high-tech products needed.
(2), establish a high level of intelligent design and manufacturing information development system.
(3), the application of new technologies, new technology, new materials, new equipment, cold chain refrigeration product development and application of the industry leader.


text:
Cut Paper Art • Paper Engineered Books • Collector's Books
Moveable Book Society~Philadelphia 2014
A most dynamic meeting this year in Philly, produced new paper engineers doing the most incredible things. Paul Johnson was our keynote speaker and he took the house down with his new art book editions. He is a magician in his presentations making a flattened, folded book come alive with one motion.
The presentations of collections, conservator's notes, new ideas and art books were spectacular. The new paper engineers are creating astounding mechanics along with animation and LED lights.
Helen Hiebert's published book has interior pages that you can cut to make dimensional without removing the page!
Emily Martin, the carousel expert and art book maker and printer, showed how she adapted the carousel design from the 1800s for her own special uses, adding a text panel in between the page folds.
Colette Fu, David Carter and Ray Marshall gave workshops in Beijing after the conference! See FB albums under Colette Fu's timeline page.
Carol Barton at the rare book collection at the library.


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Ghana deputy captain Andre Ayew admits the black stars fell short on the night and says Cameroon fully deserve their 2-0 semi-final win.
Andre Ayew acknowledged the Black Stars are very disappointed that they could not make it to the finals of the Afcon 2017.
Centre back Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui scored first after a miscommunication between Razak Brimah and John Boye.
Winger Christian Bassogog scored the second on the counter-attack in the dying seconds.
“We are very disappointed because I think we couldn’t play our game. We didn’t manage to do what we do best,”
“We have to be honest, Cameroon deserved the victory. We didn’t do what we had to do so we are very disappointed and there’s no much to say.
“We just need to shut up, go home, work and prepare for the next two years.”
Ghana will face Burkina Faso in a third-placed play off on Saturday in Port Gentil.


text: That’s all folks! Thanks to everyone for tuning in every Tuesday and I hope you all won’t miss your regular slice of afterlife weirdness too much. I’ve written a longer news post about the end of the series over here. And, while Ghosts may have reached it’s end, that doesn’t mean your Tuesdays will be empty of new webcomic goodness at E-merl. Tune back in next week, same place, same time, for the debut episode of my brand new webcomic serial, Solid Metal Override.

domain: hobby


text:
Nebraska baseball cruised to a 22-2 victory in 12 innings against Cloud County Community College at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park on Saturday afternoon.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team remained perfect on the season, sweeping Michigan (29-27, 25-17, 25-14) Saturday night. The Huskers improved to 15-0 with their ninth sweep
Nebraska women’s gymnastics’ Csenge Bácskay, a sophomore from Budapest, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics as an individual in vault representing
A pair of big innings powered the Nebraska softball team a 12-4 victory over Creighton on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Bowlin Stadium.
Creighton scored a pair of unearned runs in the top of
Beatrice, Neb. – The winning streak continues for the North Platte Community College volleyball team.
The Knights took on the Southeast
Nebraska senior guard Keisei Tominaga was honored Friday morning, as the Big Ten Conference announced its preseason All-Big Ten team.
Tominaga was one of 10 players selected by a vote of
The Big Ten Conference announced on Thursday the football opponents for the 2024 through 2028 seasons. The Big Ten will maintain a nine-game conference schedule with the
Cary, N.C. – Nebraska women’s tennis’ Raphaëlle Lacasse and Isa Adrover Gallego ended their doubles run at the ITA All-American Championships on
The Nebraska Swimming and Diving team opens the 2023-24 season with an intrasquad meet on Friday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m.
The Huskers look to build


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- Strategic Design for Impact: Learn to craft visually compelling YouTube thumbnails by mastering design principles, color psychology, and typography to captivate your audience.
- Mobile-Friendly Mastery: Optimize your thumbnails for diverse devices, ensuring clarity on smaller screens and leveraging mobile-centric design strategies to boost engagement.
- Data-Driven Success: Elevate your content strategy with A/B testing and analytics insights. Discover how data-driven refinement can significantly enhance click-through rates and overall video performance.
Welcome to the digital realm where visual allure reigns supreme – a universe governed by clicks, views, and the irresistible allure of YouTube thumbnails.
If you’re a content creator navigating the vast landscape of online video, you already understand the pivotal role thumbnails play in the success of your channel.
These small yet mighty images serve as the gatekeepers to your content, enticing viewers to take that crucial first step – the click.
In this Ultimate Guide, we delve deep into the art and science of crafting YouTube Thumbnails that not only capture attention but also compel users to dive into your video content.
From understanding the technical specifications to unlocking the secrets of design psychology, this comprehensive resource is your roadmap to mastering the thumbnail game.
The Unseen Power of Thumbnails
In an ocean of digital content, YouTube thumbnails are the beacons that guide viewers to your shores. A compelling thumbnail is your digital storefront, displaying a tantalizing glimpse of the content within.
It’s the difference between being lost in the algorithmic abyss and standing out as a beacon of intrigue. As YouTube continues to dominate the online video space, the significance of thumbnails has never been more pronounced.
Why Thumbnails Matter More Than Ever
As the battle for attention rages on, YouTube thumbnails have emerged as the unsung heroes of content discovery. Beyond serving as mere visual placeholders, they are the silent persuaders that influence a user’s decision to click or scroll past.
In an era where attention spans are fleeting, and competition is fierce, a meticulously designed thumbnail is your secret weapon.
The Ultimate Guide Unveiled
Embark on a journey through the intricacies of thumbnail design, where each pixel holds the potential to captivate and convert.
This guide is more than a tutorial; it’s a comprehensive exploration of the symbiotic relationship between visual aesthetics and viewer psychology.
Whether you’re a seasoned content creator seeking to revamp your approach or a newcomer navigating the captivating world of YouTube, this guide is tailored to elevate your thumbnail game.
What Lies Ahead
Next, we demystify the technical aspects of thumbnail creation, explore the psychology behind design choices, and provide actionable insights backed by real-world examples.
From the intricacies of colour theory to the impact of mobile viewing, we leave no stone unturned in this quest for thumbnail mastery.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of the YouTube algorithm, captivate your audience at first glance, and witness the transformative power of thumbnails.
The Ultimate Guide awaits, offering a roadmap to not just designing thumbnails but creating visual narratives that resonate with your audience and propel your channel to new heights.
Let’s embark on this journey together, where pixels become storytellers and thumbnails wield the magic of content discovery.
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Designing YouTube Thumbnails – your passport to digital visibility and channel success.
Before we venture further, we like to share who we are and our digital experiences.
From developing a solid marketing plan to creating compelling content, optimizing for search engines, leveraging social media, and utilizing paid advertising, AppLabx offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services designed to drive growth and profitability for your business.
AppLabx is well known for helping companies and startups leverage YouTube marketing to drive web traffic to their websites and web apps.
At AppLabx, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every project, working closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and goals, and developing customized strategies to help them achieve success.
If you need a digital consultation, then send in an inquiry here.
YouTube Thumbnails: The Ultimate Guide To Designing Them
- Understanding the Basics
- Design Principles for Eye-Catching Thumbnails
- Tools and Software for Thumbnail Design
- Thumbnail Elements for Click-Worthy Content
- Best Practices for Mobile-Friendly Thumbnails
- A/B Testing and Analytics for Thumbnail Performance
1. Understanding the Basics
Thumbnail Dimensions and Specifications
YouTube thumbnails are like digital first impressions, and their dimensions play a pivotal role in how they are displayed across various platforms.
YouTube recommends a resolution of 1280×720 pixels for thumbnails.
Ensuring your thumbnails meet these specifications ensures optimal visibility and clarity across devices.
Pro Tip: Opt for high-resolution images to future-proof your content against advancements in display technology.
Aspect Ratios and Composition
YouTube thumbnails follow a 16:9 aspect ratio, aligning with standard video dimensions.
This consistency provides a cohesive visual experience for viewers as they navigate through different content.
When crafting thumbnails, consider centralizing key elements to maintain clarity, especially when viewed on smaller screens or mobile devices.
Example: Channels like “Tech Insider” consistently adhere to the 16:9 ratio, ensuring a seamless visual experience for their audience.
Pixel Perfect: Importance of High-Resolution
Pixelation is the enemy of visual appeal. High-resolution thumbnails not only look more professional but also convey a sense of quality and attention to detail.
A higher-resolution image enables viewers to discern more minute details and gives them a greater sense of assurance regarding the accuracy of their perceptions of the scene.
Catering to Retina Displays
With the proliferation of devices equipped with retina displays, ensuring your thumbnails are optimized for such screens is crucial.
Retina displays demand higher pixel density, meaning standard or low-resolution thumbnails might appear blurry or pixelated, potentially turning away viewers.
Branding Elements in High Resolution
Whether it’s your logo, a consistent colour palette, or specific font choices, maintaining high resolution across branding elements in thumbnails reinforces brand recognition.
As viewers scroll through recommended videos, a recognizable brand identity can significantly increase click-through rates.
Example: The YouTube channel “TED-Ed” incorporates high-resolution branding elements in their thumbnails, contributing to their widespread recognition and engagement.
Typography Tips for Better Readability
Font Size and Style
Choosing the right font size and style is akin to selecting the tone of your thumbnail’s voice.
It should be legible across devices and complement the overall aesthetic.
Bold, sans-serif fonts often work well, ensuring readability even in smaller thumbnail sizes.
Contrast for Clarity
In the thumbnail landscape, contrast is your ally. Ensure text stands out against the background, utilizing color variations to enhance readability.
A well-contrasted thumbnail not only captures attention but also communicates information effectively.
Example: The gaming channel “PewDiePie” often employs high-contrast text against vibrant backgrounds, contributing to the visibility of their videos in crowded genres.
Cohesive Visual Style: Crafting a Recognizable Aesthetic
Consistency Across Thumbnails
Creating a cohesive visual style is like designing a signature for your channel.
Consistency fosters familiarity, making it easier for viewers to identify your content amidst a sea of recommendations.
This extends beyond just color schemes, encompassing overall design elements.
Example: The beauty and lifestyle channel “Zoe Sugg” (Zoella) maintains a consistent visual style, creating a visually harmonious feed that attracts and retains viewers.
Incorporating thematic elements that resonate with your content genre establishes a visual language.
Whether it’s recurring symbols, specific color schemes, or stylized borders, these thematic elements become a visual cue for your audience.
In understanding these basics, you’re not just designing thumbnails; you’re architecting a visual journey for your audience. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the psychology of design in the next segment of our Ultimate Guide.
2. Design Principles for Eye-Catching Thumbnails
Crafting thumbnails that stand out in the vast ocean of content requires an understanding of design principles that go beyond aesthetics.
In this section, we explore the psychology of design, leveraging colour theory, contrast, and typography to create thumbnails that not only grab attention but also entice viewers to click.
Color Psychology in Thumbnail Design
The Language of Hues
Colours speak a silent language, evoking emotions and influencing perceptions. In thumbnail design, leveraging colour psychology strategically can be a game-changer. Consider the emotional response you want to evoke in your audience and select colours that align with your content.
According to a study, 90% of snap judgments made on products can be based on colour alone, depending on the product, emphasizing the psychological impact of colour on decision-making.
Vibrancy and Visibility
In the crowded landscape of YouTube recommendations, vibrant colours can make your thumbnail pop. However, striking the right balance is crucial. Overly saturated colours might appear garish, while muted tones may go unnoticed.
Example: The beauty and fashion channel “NikkieTutorials” often incorporates vibrant, eye-catching colours in their thumbnails, contributing to their high click-through rates.
Effective Use of Contrast and Saturation
Contrast for Clarity
One of the fundamental principles of design, contrast, is equally applicable in thumbnail creation.
Ensuring a clear distinction between the subject and the background enhances visibility, especially when viewed on smaller screens or in fast-scrolling environments.
Saturation to Command Attention
Strategic use of saturation can draw attention to specific elements within a thumbnail. Bold, saturated colours can guide the viewer’s gaze, directing them towards crucial components like text or the main focal point.
Typography Tips for Better Readability
Font Selection for Impact
Typography is not just about choosing a font; it’s about selecting a visual language for your thumbnail. Fonts convey tone and personality, influencing how viewers perceive your content. Opt for bold, easily readable fonts that align with your brand identity.
Example: The technology review channel “Marques Brownlee” uses a clean, sans-serif font in their thumbnails, maintaining readability even at smaller sizes.
Regarding text in thumbnails, the size should be optimized for legibility across devices.
Consider how the thumbnail appears on mobile screens, where a significant portion of YouTube viewers engage with content.
Creating a Cohesive Visual Style for Your Channel
The Power of Recognition
Consistency is not just a design principle; it’s a strategy for brand recognition.
A cohesive visual style across your thumbnails builds a visual identity for your channel, making it easier for viewers to identify your content amidst a sea of recommendations.
Pro Tip: Conduct an audit of successful channels in your niche to identify common visual elements and incorporate them into your design strategy.
Thumbnail Templates for Efficiency
Streamline your thumbnail creation process by establishing templates that align with your brand.
Consistent layouts, color schemes, and positioning of elements create a unified visual experience for your audience.
Example: Gaming channels like “Markiplier” often use consistent thumbnail templates, contributing to a visually cohesive feed that appeals to their target audience.
Incorporating these design principles into your thumbnail creation process can significantly elevate the visual appeal of your content.
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of thumbnail elements in the next segment, you’ll discover how to strike the perfect balance between visuals and information for click-worthy thumbnails. Stay tuned!
3. Tools and Software for Thumbnail Design
Creating visually stunning YouTube thumbnails is a craft that demands the right set of tools and software.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore an array of graphic design platforms, both free and premium, that can empower content creators to craft eye-catching thumbnails, captivate audiences, and elevate their online presence.
Overview of Popular Graphic Design Tools
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, encompassing industry-standard software like Photoshop and Illustrator, stands as the go-to choice for professional-level graphic design.
With robust features and unmatched versatility, it caters to creators who seek intricate and customized thumbnail designs. In the middle of 2022, Creative Cloud has around 23 million active users, underlining its dominance in the creative community.
Canva has emerged as a democratizing force in graphic design, offering a user-friendly platform that caters to both beginners and seasoned creators.
Its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and vast library of templates make it a popular choice for those prioritizing efficiency without compromising quality.
For creators who value speed and simplicity, PicMonkey provides a quick and effective solution.
This online design tool offers templates and features for rapid yet impactful thumbnail creation, making it accessible to creators at any skill level.
Example: PicMonkey has gained popularity, boasting millions of users who leverage its platform for various design needs.
Tips for Beginners and Advanced Users
- Start with Templates: For newcomers, leverage pre-designed templates provided by platforms like Canva. This helps you grasp design principles without starting from scratch.
- Limit Text and Elements: Maintain a clean and uncluttered design. Limit the amount of text and additional elements to ensure a visually appealing thumbnail.
Advanced Users’ Strategies
- Layering Techniques: Platforms like Photoshop allow advanced users to experiment with layering techniques, creating depth and complexity in their thumbnails.
- Custom Brush and Filter Effects: Utilize custom brushes and filters to add unique textures or effects, setting your thumbnails apart from standard designs.
Thumbnail Design Best Practices Across Tools
Consistency in Branding
Regardless of your chosen tool, maintaining consistency in branding elements across your thumbnails is crucial for audience recognition. Use consistent colour palettes, fonts, and logos to establish a visual identity.
When it comes to your brand, the colour palette you choose can increase your brand recognition by up to 80%, emphasizing the importance of consistent branding (CXL).
4. Thumbnail Elements for Click-Worthy Content
Mastering the art of creating click-worthy thumbnails is akin to unlocking the gateway to increased viewership and engagement on YouTube.
In this detailed exploration, we delve into the key elements that make thumbnails irresistible, from compelling visuals to strategic text placement.
Compelling Visuals: The Heart of Click-Worthy Thumbnails
Striking Imagery for Instant Impact
- High-Quality Imagery: Use high-resolution images to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Example: The photography channel “Peter McKinnon” consistently employs high-quality visuals in thumbnails, contributing to their visual appeal.
- Focal Point Dominance: Ensure a clear focal point that stands out, guiding the viewer’s attention. This can be achieved through color contrast, focus, or central positioning
Incorporate emotions in visuals to establish a connection with viewers. Faces expressing emotions tend to attract attention and evoke engagement.
Incorporating Faces and Emotions: Humanizing Thumbnails
The Power of Faces in Thumbnails
- Expressive Faces: Feature expressive faces relevant to the content to evoke curiosity and emotional connection.
A study found that images with faces receive 38% more likes on Instagram, underscoring the impact of human connection in visual content.
- Eye Contact: Direct eye contact establishes a personal connection with the viewer, increasing the likelihood of clicks.
- Consistent Branding in Faces: If using faces, ensure consistency in style, expressions, or colour tones to establish a recognizable brand identity.
Example: Lifestyle vlogger “Zoe Sugg” (Zoella) consistently incorporates her face in thumbnails with a consistent style, contributing to brand recognition.
Balancing Text and Imagery: The Art of Information Delivery
Strategic Text Placement for Clarity
- Text-to-Image Ratio: Strike a balance between text and visuals. Too much text can clutter the thumbnail, while too little may not convey enough information.
YouTube recommends keeping text concise and limiting it to key information to maintain viewer interest.
- Contrast for Visibility: Use colour contrast between text and background to enhance readability, especially for viewers on mobile devices.
Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails: Data-Driven Improvement
A/B Testing for Performance Enhancement
- Experiment with Variations: Use A/B testing to upload variations of thumbnails and analyze performance metrics. YouTube’s built-in analytics provide valuable insights into click-through rates
Iteratively refine thumbnails to align with audience preferences. Regularly revisit and update thumbnails for optimal performance.
5. Best Practices for Mobile-Friendly Thumbnails
In an era where mobile devices dominate content consumption, ensuring your thumbnails are mobile-friendly is paramount for capturing viewer attention and driving engagement.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the key best practices to optimize your thumbnails for mobile users.
Understanding Mobile Viewing Landscape
Mobile Dominance in Content Consumption
- Mobile Traffic Surge: In the first quarter of 2023, mobile devices (excluding tablets) generated 58.33 per cent of global website traffic.
- Varied Screen Sizes: Mobile users access content across a spectrum of screen sizes and resolutions, emphasizing the need for thumbnails to be visually effective across diverse devices.
Optimizing Thumbnail Dimensions for Mobile Devices
Responsive Dimensions for All Screens
- Follow YouTube’s Recommendations: Adhere to YouTube’s recommended thumbnail dimensions (1280×720 pixels) but ensure that crucial elements are not placed near the edges to prevent cropping on smaller screens.
- Test on Multiple Devices: Regularly test your thumbnails on various devices to ensure they remain visually compelling and readable across different screen sizes.
Simplifying Designs for Clarity on Smaller Screens
Streamlined Visuals for Maximum Impact
- Avoid Clutter: Simplify your thumbnail design to prevent visual clutter, ensuring that key elements are easily discernible on smaller screens.
Example: Channels like “Techquickie” maintain visually streamlined thumbnails, optimizing for clarity on various devices.
- Large and Readable Text: Use bold and easily readable fonts with a size that remains legible even on smaller screens.
Strategic Use of Colors and Contrast
Color Considerations for Mobile Visibility
- High Contrast Elements: Utilize high contrast between text and background to enhance visibility, especially considering the limitations of smaller screens.
- Color Psychology for Mobile Users: Leverage colors strategically, considering the emotional impact on viewers even on smaller screens.
Mobile Testing and Optimization
Continual Iteration for Mobile Success
- A/B Testing on Mobile Devices: Conduct A/B testing specifically for mobile users to understand how different thumbnail variations perform on smaller screens.
- Iterative Improvements: Regularly revisit and optimize thumbnails based on mobile performance data, adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of mobile devices.
6. A/B Testing and Analytics for Thumbnail Performance
In the dynamic realm of YouTube content creation, understanding the nuances of A/B testing and harnessing the power of analytics are essential elements in crafting compelling and high-performing thumbnails.
In this detailed exploration, we dive into the methodologies, benefits, and real-world examples that showcase the impact of A/B testing and analytics on thumbnail performance.
The Science Behind A/B Testing: Elevating Thumbnail Effectiveness
Introduction to A/B Testing
- Defining A/B Testing: A/B testing involves creating two or more variations of a thumbnail and measuring their performance to identify which version resonates best with the audience.
YouTube creators often leverage A/B testing to refine thumbnails, increase click-through rates, and enhance overall video performance.
- Elements for Testing: Thumbnails can be tested for various elements, including colors, text placement, font styles, imagery, and overall design.
Setting Up A/B Tests: Methodologies for Success
Key Steps in A/B Testing
- Identifying Variables: Begin by selecting a specific element or elements within the thumbnail to test. This could be the color scheme, text size, or the use of faces.
- Creating Variations: Develop multiple versions of the thumbnail, ensuring that each variant differs only in the identified variable.
- Randomized Distribution: Distribute the different thumbnail variations randomly to your audience to ensure unbiased results.
YouTube provides a built-in A/B testing feature that allows creators to test different thumbnails with a portion of their audience.
Analytics for Thumbnail Performance: Data-Driven Refinement
The Role of YouTube Analytics
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): CTR measures the percentage of viewers who click on your video after seeing the thumbnail. Analyze CTR data to understand which thumbnails are more effective.
Half of all channels and videos on YouTube have an impressions CTR that can range between 2% and 10%.
- Impressions and Views: Track the number of impressions (how many times your thumbnail is shown) and views to gauge the overall visibility and engagement of your content.
YouTube Analytics provides a detailed breakdown of impressions, helping creators gauge the reach of their thumbnails.
- Watch Time: Examine the watch time generated by videos associated with specific thumbnails. This metric provides insights into how engaging your content is after the initial click.
Iterative Improvements: Evolving Thumbnails Based on Data
Implementing Learnings from A/B Tests and Analytics
- Identify Successful Elements: Analyze A/B test results and analytics to identify which elements contribute to higher engagement, be it colour choices, text styles, or overall design.
- Continuous Refinement: Regularly update and optimize thumbnails based on A/B test insights and performance analytics. The YouTube algorithm favors fresh content and adaptability.
7. Avoiding Common Thumbnail Mistakes
In the visual landscape of YouTube, thumbnails serve as the gateway to audience engagement. However, certain pitfalls can hinder their effectiveness.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore common mistakes that creators often make with their thumbnails and provide insights on how to steer clear of these pitfalls.
Cluttered and Busy Designs: Simplifying for Impact
The Pitfall of Visual Overload
- Overloading with Text: Avoid cramming excessive text into thumbnails. Viewers often scroll quickly, and cluttered text can be overwhelming, diminishing the visual impact.
- Busy Backgrounds: Steer clear of intricate or overly busy backgrounds. A cluttered visual environment can distract viewers and make it challenging to discern the main message.
Misleading Thumbnails: Building Trust with Authenticity
Deceptive Imagery and Clickbait Tactics
- Misleading Imagery: Avoid using images that misrepresent the content of the video. Deceptive thumbnails may lead to higher click-through rates but can result in viewer dissatisfaction.
- Clickbait Strategies: Steer clear of clickbait tactics that promise content not delivered in the video. While it might generate initial clicks, it can harm the channel’s reputation in the long run.
Inconsistent Branding: Establishing Visual Cohesion
Lack of Visual Continuity Across Thumbnails
- Inconsistent Colors and Fonts: A lack of visual consistency can confuse viewers and make it harder for them to recognize your content. Stick to a consistent color palette and font style across thumbnails.
- Changing Thumbnail Style Dramatically: While experimentation is encouraged, abrupt changes in thumbnail style may result in viewer confusion. Gradual evolution aligns better with maintaining a recognizable brand identity.
Example: The gaming channel “Markiplier” maintains a visually cohesive thumbnail style, contributing to brand recognition.
Neglecting Mobile Optimization: Designing for Diverse Devices
Overlooking the Mobile Viewing Experience
- Unreadable Text on Small Screens: Ensure text remains readable on smaller screens. Neglecting this aspect can lead to a significant loss of engagement from mobile users.
According to Google, 70% of global YouTube watch time happens on smartphones and tablets.
- Ignoring Varied Screen Sizes: Thumbnails should be optimized for diverse screen sizes and resolutions to maintain visual appeal across the spectrum of devices.
Complex Typography Choices: Prioritizing Readability
Font Selection and Readability
- Tiny or Ornate Fonts: Avoid using tiny or ornate fonts that compromise readability, especially on smaller screens. Bold and clear fonts work best for conveying information effectively.
- Inconsistent Font Choices: While variety can be engaging, ensure that fonts are consistent with your brand and maintain readability across different thumbnails.
Example: The lifestyle channel “Emma Chamberlain” uses consistent and legible fonts, contributing to a visually appealing feed.
Congratulations on completing the ultimate guide to designing YouTube thumbnails.
In this extensive journey, we’ve delved into the intricate world of thumbnail creation, uncovering the artistry, strategy, and science that contribute to captivating and click-worthy visuals.
As you embark on your thumbnail design endeavors, let’s recap the key takeaways and set the stage for your continued success in the dynamic landscape of YouTube content creation.
The Visual Power of Thumbnails: A Gateway to Engagement
Thumbnails aren’t mere visual placeholders; they are the gateway to audience engagement.
From high-quality imagery to strategic text placement, we’ve explored the fundamental elements that make thumbnails visually compelling. By prioritizing striking visuals and humanizing elements, creators can establish an immediate connection with their audience.
Strategic Design Principles: Crafting Thumbnails with Intention
Understanding the basics of design principles is crucial for standing out amidst the sea of content. Leveraging color psychology, contrast, and effective typography, creators can elevate their thumbnails to not only grab attention but also convey the essence of their content.
Consistency in branding and the use of templates further contribute to a cohesive visual identity that resonates with viewers.
Tools and Software Mastery: Unleashing Creativity with Efficiency
Armed with the right tools and software, creators can streamline their design process and unleash their creative potential.
From Adobe Creative Cloud’s professional capabilities to the user-friendly interfaces of Canva and PicMonkey, a carefully chosen platform can significantly impact the efficiency and quality of thumbnail designs.
Mobile-Friendly Designs: Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Devices
In an era dominated by mobile content consumption, optimizing thumbnails for various devices is non-negotiable.
By adhering to recommended dimensions, simplifying designs for clarity on smaller screens, and strategically using colors and contrast, creators can ensure their thumbnails shine across the diverse spectrum of devices.
A/B Testing and Analytics: Data-Driven Refinement for Success
The journey doesn’t end with creating a captivating thumbnail; it extends into A/B testing and analytics.
By purposefully experimenting with variations, analyzing metrics such as click-through rates and watch time, and iteratively refining thumbnails based on data insights, creators can unlock the true potential of their content.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Navigating Pitfalls with Precision
As you venture further into thumbnail mastery, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your success.
From steering clear of cluttered designs and misleading imagery to maintaining consistent branding and optimizing for mobile, precision in design choices is key to sustained viewer engagement.
Continued Exploration and Growth: Your Thumbnail Journey Continues
In the ever-evolving landscape of YouTube, the journey of thumbnail mastery is a continual exploration.
As you continue to refine your skills, experiment with new trends, and adapt to the changing preferences of your audience, remember that each thumbnail is an opportunity to captivate, connect, and compel viewers to click.
Armed with the insights gained from this ultimate guide, you are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of YouTube thumbnail design.
Whether you’re a novice seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced creator aiming to refine your approach, the art and science of thumbnails are at your fingertips.
As you embark on your journey of content creation, remember that each thumbnail is a visual narrative—a story waiting to be told. Stay creative, stay data-driven, and most importantly, stay inspired.
Here’s to the continued success of your YouTube journey and the magnetic allure of your thumbnails in the vast digital landscape.
If you are looking for a top-class digital marketer, then book a free consultation slot here.
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People also ask
What are YouTube’s best practices for thumbnails?
YouTube thumbnail best practices include using high-quality images, readable text, consistent branding, and strategic color choices. Optimize for mobile, A/B test for performance, and leverage analytics to refine designs. Craft compelling visuals to captivate and boost click-through rates.
What YouTube thumbnails get the most clicks?
YouTube thumbnails that get the most clicks feature striking visuals, clear text, and high contrast. Thumbnails with emotional faces, engaging imagery, and authentic content representation tend to attract viewers. A/B testing and analyzing analytics contribute to optimizing for maximum click-through rates.
What is the best YouTube thumbnail format?
The best YouTube thumbnail format is 1280×720 pixels, maintaining a 16:9 aspect ratio. Ensure your design elements are within the safe zone to avoid cropping on different devices. Striking visuals, legible text, and brand consistency make for an effective and engaging thumbnail.


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We support the Hampton Board of Selectmen's decision to request a rehearing of the Zoning Board's approval of a new development at the site of the Shirley Inn and Aegean Motel at Hampton Beach, which is taller than the maximum allowed height in town.
Anyone who is aggrieved by a decision has the legal right to request a rehearing.
Having said that, we hope selectmen accept the decision of the board even if it decides not to hold a rehearing. The last thing we want to see is a legal battle between town boards with the taxpayers footing the costs for both entities.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is an elected body that voters have entrusted with granting or denying variance requests from the town's zoning ordinances.
To receive a variance, an applicant must meet the five criteria on which variances are given, including that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that literal enforcement of the ordinance would result in an unnecessary hardship to the applicant.
After weighing all the evidence at its March 21 meeting, the board voted 4-0 to approve the Green Co.'s request to knock down existing structures at 339 and 345 Ocean Blvd. and replace them with a large condominium building that includes 24 residential units atop five street-level commercial units.
The board approved seven variances to the town's zoning ordinances, including Section 4.4, which calls for a 50-foot maximum building height.
The Zoning Board's motion to approve the height variance called for lowering the building by 4 feet, which would result in an approved building of 70 feet at the elevator override and 65 feet at the northern roof line.
It appears by the selectmen's motion for a rehearing the board's main objection to the project is the height, saying it is contrary to the spirit of Hampton zoning ordinances and the Hampton Beach Master Plan.
Selectmen noted that if this variance were granted, it would represent the second recent project to receive a height variance.
The project is similar in scope to the Sea Spray Condominiums, another Green Co. endeavor built at Hampton Beach, which received a height variance to construct a building of 57 feet at the roof line and 61 feet on top of the cupola.
Selectmen made a good point by raising the concern that the "Zoning Board is legislating new height restrictions on a case-by-case basis without the required voter approval necessary for a zoning amendment."
They also note the Hampton Beach Master Plan specifically references the desirability of small-scale development with "low building heights."
The only person to speak out against the height variance at the March 21 hearing was Selectman Ben Moore, even though all abutters to the proposed development were notified about the project as required by law.
Also, the Hampton Beach Area Commission — which is charged with implementing the Hampton Beach Master Plan — recently spoke in support of the project.
Proponents of the new building argued that it would increase retail activity in a section of the beach that needs more traffic and that denying the project would be seen in a negative light by other developers eyeing the region.
They also noted the additional tax revenue the town will receive from the project.
Former Selectman Rick Griffin, who still serves as the selectmen's representative to the Hampton Beach Area Commission, also brought up the point that voters approved $12 million in infrastructure "with the idea that there was going to be more development down there."
"For many years now, everybody's been looking forward to having numerous projects, all that were bigger than what this one is," Griffin said, adding, "Frankly, I'm really surprised all five of the selectmen did ask for a rehearing."
In the end, we hope selectmen abide by whatever the Zoning Board decides. The one positive about hosting a rehearing is that it will give one last opportunity for people to speak out in opposition or in support of the project.
It may also start a conversation on the bigger question: Do we, as a town, want to change the maximum height of a building at the beach as spelled out in the town zoning ordinances?

domain: law


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Songs from the download catalogs of all five major record labels will be offered via Internet radio services on MTVi. Combined, the labels have about 8,000 songs available for download; around 50 percent initially will be offered through this deal.
MTVi will let people download certain songs through its Radio MTV.com and VH1atWork Radio services. When listeners hear songs they like, which happen to be the songs for sale, they can purchase the tracks in digital form.
Songs will range from 99 cents to $2.49 for singles and will cost $9.99 to $17.99 for entire albums through RioPort.
"We want to make it as easy as possible to discover music that's tied to our on-air programming or our Internet-only channel and then to purchase music," said Nicholas Butterworth, chief executive of MTVi, the online arm of Viacom's cable music channel.
The partnership falls at an interesting time in the online music industry's turbulent existence. The record industry has fought a bitter war against file-swapping service Napster for alleged copyright violations. Napster has captured millions of members by letting them trade songs for free, thus putting a temporary stake into the heart of the major labels' efforts to sell songs directly online.
On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing about the future of online music. Legislators have criticized record industry executives for dragging their heels in finding a marketplace solution to file-swapping threats. Nonetheless, executives told senators that the February decision against Napster by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has helped them find more common ground in striking their own partnerships.
Already, Warner Music Group, EMI Recorded Music, BMG Entertainment and RealNetworks said they will create a new company, MusicNet, to develop a music subscription service. The other two major labels, Sony Music Group and Universal Music Group, have formed their own subscription company dubbed Duet.
Labels have attempted individual downloads before. But none of their initiatives have taken off, mainly because of the sweeping popularity of Napster, which lets people download for free using a single digital format: MP3.
The RioPort offering supports many different formats. For streaming audio, it supports Microsoft's Windows Media and RealNetworks' RealAudio. For downloads, it supports Windows Media and InterTrust. These formats protect audio files from being illegally distributed but could be a hassle for people to switch around.
RioPort CEO Jim Long said the audio format would depend on what the labels feel comfortable using.
Ted Cohen, vice president for new media at EMI, said the days of free music online are nearing an end. Now, music fans will have to pay like they always had before the Web.
"I think there is an end in sight," Cohen said about free access to music online.


Arsenal vs Wolverhampton predictions and betting tips on May 28, 2023
100% Bonus up to $100
On May 28, Emirates Stadium (London) will host the match of the 38th round of the English Premier League, in which Arsenal will compete with Wolverhampton. The battle will start at 17:30 CET.
The team made a pretty controversial impression. On the one hand, it added in the game more than in a serious way. If for many years, since the times of “late” Wenger, and then being under the rule of Emery and Arteta, it was not possible to break into the Champions League, then the current season brought a confident 2nd place. Still, on the other hand, “the Gunners” fell apart in the end again. After all, they managed to start even April in the status of the undisputed leader of the Premier League, keeping Manchester City at a fairly comfortable distance. Nevertheless, there was a failure – there happened 3 draws and a defeat in a full-time duel with “the Citizens”. Speaking about the current month, “the Red and Whites”, having started with the victories in the matches against Chelsea and Newcastle, finally capitulated in the dispute for the title, losing to Brighton (with a home 0-3 score!) and Nottingham Forest.
The club ends the season on the verge of the bottom third of the standings. At the same time, it may be really satisfied with how it added in the game in winter and spring, if to compare to the terrible autumn results. It was in November that Julen Lopetegui took over as coach. And the Spanish manager coped, at least, with the primary task. Being under his rule, “the Wolves” climbed up from the very bottom of the table in a quite confident and steady way. “The Wolves” finally answered, having won 3 out of 4 matches in a segment close to the finish line, the question about the relegation to the Championship in April, however, it had been clear that they were stronger than many outsiders even earlier in the spring. Still, the previous round brought a trip to Everton, which ended in a 1-1 draw (even without motivation).
The statistics of head-to-head matches
Speaking about the previous year, Arsenal won all 3 head-to-head matches against Wolverhampton. The scores were completely different – 1-0, 2-1 and 2-0.
Bookmakers believe that “the Gunners” will finish the season with a confident victory. In fact, no one really needs the duel, thus, we are waiting for “total: under 3.5” (odd: 1.68).
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A blissful tropical climate softened by Atlantic trade winds, pinkish-white, sugar-soft beaches, fabulous scuba diving, and laid-back catamaran cruises… These are just some of the fabulous experiences to be savoured in one of the Caribbean’s most popular and welcoming destinations - Barbados.
Walt Disney World Resort 2023 - The Magic is Yours
The magic is… a fairy tale castle, a galaxy far, far away, pixie dust. It’s that look of amazement on your loved ones’ faces. It’s that family time you’ll cherish forever and ever. And now, with this 2023 package, The Magic is Yours, an unforgettable holiday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Book this package by 29th Sep 2022, for arrival dates between 1st Jan to 25th Mar and 17th Apr to 17th Dec 2023, and you’ll get up to $1,200 Disney Dining & Merchandise Credit per room, Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a 7-Day and $100 Disney Spending Money.
This means you’ll have up to $1,200 to spend on delicious dining and magical merchandise at hundreds of locations across the Disney Resort hotels, Theme Parks and Disney Springs. Breakfast with Disney Characters, nights of fine dining sampling a wide selection of world cuisines and cocktails – the choice is yours! If you’re looking for gifts and souvenirs, you’ll be spoilt for ideas with the range of homeware, clothing, soft toys and so much more.
With Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a 7-Day, you’ll have double the days to discover all the magic of the famous Theme Parks, Water Parks and beyond. There’s so much to see and do, from living classic Disney stories on iconic attractions to playing your part in modern adventures that are more immersive than ever – wait until you see Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the spectacular Harmonious nighttime show and the hyper-thrilling new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
Finally, with $100 Disney Spending Money in your pocket, you can add even more dining and merchandise delight to your stay, or treat yourself to some excellent experiences, such as boat and bike rentals, spa treatments and guided tours.
This amazing offer is available during most school holidays.
So, if you’re dreaming of your next big family holiday, this is it. Get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today and book the best offer for 2023 and start counting down the sleeps until The Magic is Yours at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
For over thirty years, Regent Seven Seas has been synonymous with luxury cruising, consistently wowing us with its "Every Luxury Included" ethos. This prestigious cruise line dazzles with unrivalled experiences that go beyond the ordinary, from its exemplary service and gourmet dining to its extraordinary onboard facilities. We’ve highlighted several breathtaking voyages from Regent's current portfolio, each offering amazing adventures at sea with savings of up to 50%!
From champagne and caviar to showering in a luxurious nose-cone spa suite, Emirates is an unparalleled way to traverse the globe, with flights from seven UK airports to thrilling global destinations, including the Middle East and the Maldives.

domain: travel