By David Tomas, on 10 November 2020
The 2020 holiday shopping season is right around the corner. And the months of November and December have represented 19% of yearly spending for the past five years running. Despite COVID-19 and all its complications, shoppers are still poised to make the most of the season’s two biggest days: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
A survey from Pitney Bowes Inc. and Morning Consult, found that 57% will shop more online this year and spend $80 more than in 2019. Even more telling of how shopping has evolved, 45% of consumers surveyed said that online shopping makes up more than half of their purchasing –nearly three times pre-pandemic levels.
Creating a solid and creative marketing strategy for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a sure fire way to ensure your brand makes the most of the ongoing digital transformation.
In this article, we'll review 6 marketing ideas for Black Friday and Cyber Monday that you can use to make Q4 your best one yet.
Marketing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving (November 27th, 2020) that marks the beginning of the holiday rush. Traditionally Black Friday (named for pushing retailers into the ‘black’, or profitability) has been the biggest single day of spending but has been losing clout recently. With our current conditions this is being accelerated; many retailers are stretching Black Friday through the weekend leading into Cyber Monday—what’s now called Cyber Weekend. Let's review 6 strategies you can incorporate into your Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing plan.
1. Know Your Audience: Who’s Likely to Buy Online?
Making sure you’re targeting the right demographic is marketing 101, yet it’s a key consideration often forgotten. 72.6% of online users were digital buyers in 2019, but who were they? Unsurprisingly, 86.4% of users aged 18-24 made purchases and 87.6% of those aged 25-34. Compare that with 68.5% of 55-64 year olds and 48.9% over 65.
And age is only one factor. Research your industry data carefully and narrow down your audience.
2. Maximize Your Mailing List for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Those existing customers and pre-qualified leads? They’re the ones you want to focus on leading up to the days following Thanksgiving. Securing new customers can cost up to five times more than retaining existing customers. They’ve already bought your products and are likely satisfied (if not, you’ve got other problems), so why not begin informing them ASAP?
Create engaging, suspense building email marketing content that demands their attention. Offer them exclusive offers, sneak peeks and VIP customer service. By creating exclusivity you build on your existing relationship and create loyalty, which will serve you well during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond.
3. Create Video Ads for More Engagement
Studies show that video content gets 59.3 % of the engagement pie compared to image and text. Short, impactful videos highlighting holiday offers will do wonders for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday marketing efforts. You can focus on product benefits and features as well as show potential customers your brand culture and brand style. With the right personality on screen you can also build trust and be seen as a thought leader in your industry.
4. Create a Gift Guide
There are a multitude of options around this idea. By creating a curated gift guide that packages products together and highlights uniqueness of products as potential gifts, you’re creating an emotional connection with shoppers. Small touches like, ‘For Him’ and ‘For Her’ make people think of loved ones while browsing. A well designed and attractive gift guide can be:
- A downloadable file shared on social media or directly on your shop (in return for an email address, of course)
- Sent to your email list
- Sent via direct mail
5. Take Advantage of Facebook Live and Instagram Stories
Facebook and Instagram live/stories are the perfect tools for not only showcasing products, but for maximizing engagement with your audience. Instagram accounted for 32% of ad spend on Facebook channels between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in 2019. Instagram Stories played a significant role. Take advantage of these tools to build suspense with a countdown and sneak peeks. Collaborating with influencers is also a great option to reach more sets of eyes and create buzz.
6. Get Creative: Focus on Brand Integrity & Points of Differentiation
Reaching potential customers in our current times needs a special touch. Many of us have given materialism and the glitz of shopping the cold shoulder, in exchange for more quality time with loved ones and practical pursuits. Wallets are tighter and getting people to spend requires more effort. By providing exceptional customer support and service overall, one can set themselves apart quite quickly; integrity matters. 86% of millennials say they would switch brands following a bad customer service experience.
Letting the public know you support social causes takes things one step further. How are your products different from competitors’? If your operation is more sustainable, energy efficient or fair trade make these points pop in your ads. And don’t forget to mention if your product(s) are made in the good ol’ US of A!
How Black Friday will be Different in 2020
In 2019, ecommerce accounted for 20% of spending, but if numbers from our pandemic are any indication, these figures will increase. And with health concerns, many will indeed choose to do all their shopping online.
There’s no doubt Black Friday will be different in 2020. Yes, our current pandemic will have a sizable effect, but as previously mentioned, Black Friday has been losing steam for years. This ‘Pandemic Black Friday’ might just be the nail in the coffin. Traffic jams, camping in parking lots and hordes of people, doesn’t sound too appealing does it? Especially when you consider you can get similar deals from the comfort of your home while sipping hot cocoa!
64% of respondents from an Accenture study of 1,500 people said they’ve lost interest in Black Friday events compared to previous years. 61% from the same study indicated that they will minimize in store purchasing and over 40% said they won’t shop at retailers who have laid off employees due to coronavirus.
2020 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Trends
The good news for retailers, especially those with strong online presence, is that shoppers are still eager to buy, albeit differently. Amazon’s Prime Day was moved from July to October, starting the holiday shopping season even earlier. The two day sale generated an impressive 45.2% more in sales than last year. Some, like Walmart, are even breaking their sales up across multiple weekends. What's more is that many are focusing most, if not all of their efforts on online sales.
Conscious companies who support workforce diversity, treat employees well and create hygienic and safe shopping experiences are being heralded. Big box stores like Walmart, Best Buy and Target announced they will shut their doors on Thanksgiving Day. And the public agrees: enjoy family time at home and let retail workers do the same.
Image Source: DigitalCommerce360
Another trend for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 is the end of the one day, or four day super sale. Retailers like Macy’s are planning to stretch their sales across weeks. “We expect it to start in full force after Halloween," Macy's CEO Jeff Gennette said. More purchasing online combined with in-store pickups is also expected as a hybrid shopping option. Retailers will also likely offer better credit rates as an incentive for higher priced items.
More predictions for Black Friday 2020
- More exclusivity of products
- Bundling of products
- Push for more upselling and cross selling
- Overall lean towards bolstering online presence for coming years
A number of factors are contributing to what could be the end of Black Friday as we know it: a global pandemic; an increasing trend towards online and specifically mobile shopping; concerns over safety and health; people becoming more comfortable with doing daily activities like shopping from home, etc. That being said, holiday shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday will live on, just in a different format as consumer shopping habits evolve.


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Chateau des Tanneurs
Photos of Chateau des Tanneurs
TripAdvisor Reviews Chateau des Tanneurs Le Thillot
Travel Blogs from Le Thillot
... Marc, for only 6.50€ wow!! They were in heaven. On the way home to Schwyz we got a little lost, ended up on the 419 main road thru the French countryside. Then once we passed thru the border at Basel it started to snow, and boy did it come down, we arrived home safely but there were 100's of accidents reported that afternoon-evening. Thank goodness we had our experienced driver, Werner! Four fabulous day in the ...
Only took 2 hours, very quick on the autobahn. Parked the car to look around, what a quaint town, found our accomodation, very special one of the oldest buildings, 1540. Right in the main square. Brought a butter/pate knife at the outdoor market by the church, 10€. Had a fantastic lunch at Restaurant Bartholdi, he was the sculpture who designed the Statue of Liberty, ate duck with a beetroot and small red berries sauce, delicious, vegies were roasted fennel carrots turnip ...
Cindy & I went different ways today. I have had enough of Xmas markets, so stayed at Titisee today and explored this little village. It was nice to see the lake & town in daylight hours. Even had the sun breakthrough for a while. Had a walk around, took some photos, had lunch followed by a snooze after lunch. This afternoon we had a horse & carriage ride around the lake...very pleasant way to end the day. Mark I ...
... when I went
to do the backwards riding I was going too fast and I slipped and landed on my elbow.
Sadly I ended up with probably the biggest egg you can get right on my elbow. It is very sore.
Then next day we went 900 meters above sea level to see snow. It was Zara's first time seeing snow.
We had snow ball fights and we didn't go skiing because it was closed because ...
... so fake.
We are near the border of Germany so we took a day trip to Germany.
Everything is so much cheaper. So my Mum went to basically every shop we saw.
We drove home which took 45 minuets and rested for the day.
We went ice skating again.
It was more packed then the other times we were ...

domain: geography


text: This high-tech, high-concept boutique hotel in the fashionable waterfront area makes its home in a converted 18th-century corn mill overlooking the river. Several rooms have original exposed beams, mill mechanisms, or hidden cupboards, and all have a stylish contemporary look. All rooms have modern amenities like complimentary Wi-fi and plasma TVs with satellite channels. The public rooms have black-and-red furnishings that lend them a rock-and-roll vibe. When you book, ask for a room with a river view.

domain: design


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With the wonders of modern dentistry, many problems we encounter can be easily and swiftly treated. However, being able to avoid these problems in the first place is not only better for your health; it can save you considerable amounts of time and money.
Even if you’re rigorous in your oral care, visiting the dentist every 6 months can be a great way to identify any issues and ensure you’re maintaining good dental hygiene. Other than that, certain changes to your diet and lifestyle can protect against dental problems.
Like the rest of our body, our teeth and gums are at their healthiest when we subscribe to a healthy and balanced diet. However, we’re all prone to consuming foods and drinks that aren’t good for our oral health.
Overindulging in sugar is very harmful to our teeth. Certain oral bacteria feed on the sugars we eat to create an acid that destroys protective tooth enamel. This can lead to subsequent cavities, causing holes in your teeth.
By monitoring and reducing the amount of sugar we ingest, we can avoid tooth decay and the need for crowns and fillings. These sugars are also prominent in fruits like figs, grapes and mangoes.
Many of us rely on a coffee in the morning and look forward to a cup of tea when we get home. However, both can be detrimental to our oral health. Pigments from these dark coloured drinks work their way in between the natural gaps in tooth enamel, which can lead to staining.
Again, limiting your intake of these hot drinks and brushing your teeth shortly after consumption can help protect against staining. If the problem progresses, you may need to see a dentist about teeth whitening to remove the deeply embedded pigments.
In addition to your diet, there are many lifestyle choices you can make to maintain healthy teeth.
Smoking causes a host of problems including teeth staining, bad breath, a build-up of plaque, and an increased risk of oral cancer. Smoking can impair the normal functioning of gum tissue, making it more susceptible to infection and preventing it from healing in the case of damage.
Using a dental guard at night can be useful, especially if you suffer from teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism). Guards stop the upper and lower rows of teeth from grinding together, which contributes to morning headaches, chipped teeth and a tender jaw.
Dental guards also promote healthy sleeping patterns by optimising the resting position of the jaw, allowing the muscles to relax.
Correct Brushing and Flossing Technique
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day cleans away food particles and plaque (a thin film of bacteria that contributes to gum disease and more). Brushing and flossing are important for your overall oral health and they also promote fresh breath!
It’s always best to prevent dental problems before they arise, but you can’t always be prepared. In these cases, good insurance is essential. To learn more, check out our blog on Choosing the Best Dental Insurance for Your Family.
For even more information or to book an appointment, get in touch with the team at City Central Dental on 08 8231 9922 or contact us online.

domain: medical


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Vancouver is a coastal city and major seaport located in the Lower Mainland of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is bounded by the Strait of Georgia, the Fraser River, the Coast Mountains, and the city of Burnaby. Vancouver is named after Captain George Vancouver, a British explorer.
The population of the city of Vancouver is 611,869 and the population of Metro Vancouver is 2,249,725 (2007 estimate). Vancouver is also part of the slightly larger Lower Mainland metropolitan area which compromises a total population of 2,524,113. This makes it the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and the third largest in the country. Vancouver is ethnically diverse, with 52% of city residents and 43% of Metro residents having a first language other than English.

domain: sociology


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Today, with the man of my dreams, I journey to South Africa.
This has been a 21 year trip in the making. How the steps were created for this voyage are a beautiful story that requires a telling. On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was elected as the President of ZA. On the very same day, in a small town in East Tennessee, I gave a speech in English class about his life, legacy, heroism and he abolishing of apartheid. I considered it fate.
A year prior, I had watched intenesely, The Power of One, a fictional tale with Morgan Freeman, and I was inspired. Apartheid was not taught in my public high school and I could not imagine the atrocity of such a thing. It was beyond my understanding that one race could punish and enslave another. From that moment on, the remainder of my high school and college careers I spent writing about human injustices.
In college, while serving dinner as a volunteer at one function, I found out that the Archbishop Desmond Tutu was speaking in the same place. A man gave me his name badge to sneak in and I met the gentle, kind soul.
This journey has brought me to the flight I am sitting on heading to a country I have dreamt of visiting. While at River Sports today, Katie asked if I was going to blog about my travels. I hadn’t even considered that, as I had packed my traditional pen and paper. However, the more I considered it, the more I thought her idea was brilliant. Thanks, Katie!! ♡
The people, land, wildlife and culture of ZA are in my soul and our adventure is truly beginning.
There could have been no other to accompany on this trip than my husband, partner and fellow adventurer, Chad.

domain: artistic


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Rosemary Chicken and Wild Rice Skillet
We are adding the recipe to your Recipe Box.
This was added to your Recipe Box.
With a combo like chicken and wild rice, you can't go wrong! The rosemary and garlic give this easy chicken skillet an extra burst of flavor, taking this Rosemary Chicken and Wild Rice Skillet from ordinary to extraordinary.
What You'll Need
- 1 (6.2-ounce) package fast-cooking long-grain and wild rice
- 5 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
- 2 teaspoons prepared minced garlic
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
What to Do
- Remove seasoning packet from rice. Sprinkle chicken with 1-1/2 tablespoons seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining seasoning mixture.
- Combine flour, rosemary, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
- Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken to skillet; cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.
- Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in skillet over medium heat; add carrots, onion, and garlic, and saute 2 minutes. Add water and broth; bring to a boil. Stir in rice and reserved seasoning mixture; top with chicken. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Remove from heat, and place chicken on serving plates. Add spinach to rice mixture, and stir until spinach wilts. Serve chicken with rice mixture.

domain: food


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Salary DOE, or “depends on experience” is a phrase that is often used in job postings. This is an important part of a job description because it indicates that the pay rate is determined by the candidate’s experience. It also allows an employer to negotiate with the candidate about his or her salary.
Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, the phrase varies from company to company. Generally, a higher amount will be paid for a candidate with more experience than one who has less.
However, the DOE may be more difficult to understand for some candidates. For example, the DOE may be intimidating for a new graduate. If a candidate is uncertain about his or her own salary, it’s a good idea to do some research. There are several salary surveys online that can give you an idea of the range for a particular position.
Some companies opt to keep pay confidential. This is because it helps to maintain a positive work environment. In addition, it allows the company to avoid overpaying an employee.
What Does 100K Doe Mean?
When people hear the word “100K salary,” they might imagine a young man living a rich life. But the truth is, many of these high income earners still live paycheck to paycheck.
Despite the perception of a wealthy lifestyle, the truth is that people making $100,000 are still taxed at a higher rate. This can put a lot of pressure on them, which can lead to stress and burnout. However, being debt-free can help reduce your stress and anxiety, and can even improve your financial security.
A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10-15% of your income. In addition to being a great way to help you save money for retirement, this is also a good way to ensure that you don’t end up with more debt than you can handle.
Your budget should include a realistic spending category list. These categories include the things that you need to pay for every month, as well as the things that you simply want. Keeping these costs lower will free up more of your income for other important expenses.
What Does $20 Hr DOE Mean?
In this modern age of churn and burn, it’s no surprise that employers want to get the best hires possible. One way to do that is to include a well thought out salary range in your job posting. While salary ranges aren’t the only considerations in a job interview, they do play a vital role in the decision making process.
If you are on the hunt for a new gig, you may have been referred to a job posting that includes a DOE acronym in its description. These are a great way to make sure you are getting a job matched to your skills and experience level. You may also find that your chances of a successful hire increase if you are able to negotiate a fair deal for your services.
The DOE acronym is a good start, but you’ll need to do a bit of digging to find out what the oh-so-fancy pay grad is. You’ll also want to know what the DOE lingo means if you’re a prospective employer.
What Does DOE Stand For in Employment?
If you’re looking to land a job, you may be wondering what DOE stands for. It’s a term that job seekers and employers use when referring to salary. This acronym is used to indicate that pay is based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience and expertise.
Companies that offer a DOE salary understand that experienced employees are valuable. Those with minimal experience, however, have the potential to learn new tasks and grow within the company.
Some companies offer DOE salaries because they do not have a fixed budget. They are willing to pay more for the right candidate.
However, employers are not legally required to disclose the salary in a job posting. Instead, they may choose to include compensation data to entice applicants. A study conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management found that 74% of job seekers want to see salary information on their job post.
While it’s true that most job postings don’t include salary ranges, the same data is available on sites like Glassdoor and PayScale. These sites are populated by employees and contain information about pay for similar roles.
What Does 70K DOE Mean?
If you are a hiring manager, you have probably heard about the acronym DOE. It is used to describe the pay award to candidates that meet certain qualifications. The phrase can also refer to salary based on experience, expertise or education.
DOE is one of the reasons that many jobs do not include salary ranges in job postings. It makes it easier to attract the most qualified applicants. But there are some downsides to using it. Here are some tips to make your use of DOE work for you.
When using DOE, it’s a good idea to know how to calculate a salary range. You can do this by using sites like Glassdoor and PayScale. This can save you time and help you get the best candidate.
A DOE pay range is also a great way to attract experienced employees. Companies understand the value of a well-seasoned employee. However, they may not be willing to give a lower salary to someone who has little experience.
Another reason to consider DOE is that it can simplify the job posting process. Rather than having to create different job descriptions for each type of position, you can use a single post to appeal to all types of applicants.
What is DOE After a Salary?
If you’re searching for a job, chances are you’ve seen the DOE acronym. It is used to describe a salary that is based on a candidate’s qualifications and experience. This helps to prevent your company from overpaying or underpaying a prospective employee.
When a job posting uses the DOE pay term, it can be a good indication that the company has a budget, but that it is willing to pay more for the right candidate. However, this type of post can be a deterrent to other job seekers who aren’t comfortable with the concept of a fixed salary.
While some companies use the DOE acronym to advertise salary ranges, others prefer to keep compensation confidential. For example, some small businesses may not have the resources to match the salary needs of experienced candidates.
As such, many job posts don’t include salary ranges. In these cases, the acronym is more effective in attracting candidates than other types of posts.
By using the acronym on your job post, you’re able to attract experienced applicants, allowing you to negotiate a higher pay rate. Besides, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of negotiating with candidates.
What Does 80K DOE Mean?
Many job postings do not include a salary range. This can be a disadvantage to both employers and applicants. A salary range can help ensure that an employer can attract a variety of different candidates. However, if a salary range is not posted, a candidate may assume the salary is lower than competitors.
Employers can use the DOE salary to encourage qualified and experienced candidates. This can be a lucrative employment opportunity, as long as the applicant has the appropriate experience.
Often, a DOE salary is used for positions that have a salary range, such as entry level office assistants earning at least $22,824 a year. Some companies can also use the DOE salary to reward employees for additional skills and knowledge.
While many job ads are omitting salary ranges, the DOE pay system is still widely used. This method allows companies to know more about their potential employees and negotiate higher salaries without having to disclose any information.
The DOE pays system can also be interpreted negatively by some jobseekers. It can deter those who are less flexible. In addition, it can also waste a lot of time during the hiring process.
What Does 55K DOE Mean?
If you’re looking for a job, you’ve probably come across the acronym DOE. It can be a useful way to understand your compensation package. However, it can also be a deterrent.
The acronym DOE is often used to describe a salary that is based on a candidate’s experience, expertise, or other qualifications. Some companies make use of this concept to attract more talented employees. While it is a good idea to include this ad-hoc concept in your job posting, you’ll need to be cautious about how it’s used.
Although DOE is the name of a fancy acronym, it doesn’t mean that it’s always the best. In fact, you could miss out on an aspiring employee who’s only in it for the money. And if the company’s pay plan isn’t a fit, you’ll likely lose the job to someone with more experience.
Of course, there are other factors to consider. For example, you’ll need to do some research to find the average salary range for your position.
Using the DOE in your job posting is a good way to streamline your hiring process. Not only will it reduce the time it takes to find your ideal candidate, it’s also a good way to show potential candidates that you value their expertise.
Learn More Here:
2.) Salary Data
3.) Job Salaries

domain: economics


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The best way to shrug off other people's judgement
Mum shaming and judging others (and ourselves) isn't uncommon, but there are ways to address it without losing your cool.
Laura Mazza talks about Super Mum stereotypes00:42:39
Blogger and mother Laura Mazza talks about Super Mum stereotypes.
The verb “to judge” is defined as to “form an opinion or conclusion”.
Judgements can be made immediately in the moment – they’re the unconscious conclusions that are drawn within the first few seconds of an experience.
They can also be made after a period of conscious reflection. Judgements made in this way are influenced by the unconscious conclusions that have been drawn plus a range of other factors.
Judgements can be made outwardly, towards other people or experiences, or they can be made inwardly - our own inner voice is regularly self-judgemental.
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Judging can be made outwardly or inwardly. Source: iStock.
RELATED: ‘My pregnant friend is judging me’
It’s natural to judge
Judgements help the brain make sense of what’s going on, saving the body valuable energy. However, they can also be dangerous as they’re often reached before all the facts have been considered. This can lead to bias and poor decision making.
The nature of the judgements that are made are influenced by a range of complex factors and there is research to suggest that in many cases the seeds are planted in childhood.
Sometimes it’s obvious when you’re being judged – a stranger in the supermarket tells you how you should have handled your toddler’s tantrum or your friend tells you that you shouldn’t leave your children with a nanny and go away for the weekend with your partner.
Sometimes, however, it’s less obvious – you’re overlooked for promotion or you’re ignored at a barbecue when the conversation turns to investments because it’s assumed that you know nothing about these.
Some topics elicit greater judgement than others and parenting is definitely one of these – everyone has a view and many are keen to share it, whether they’ve been invited to or not!
There’s no escaping others’ judgement. So, what can you do to reduce its impact?
1. Get ahead of the game
Check out Dr Amy Cuddy’s research on the “postural feedback effect”. The research found that if you adopt an expansive posture, you’ll feel more powerful and confident.
RELATED: When mothers judge each other
Adopt an expansive posture (take up more room, open your arms, etc). Source: iStock.
RELATED: Mum-shaming is bad for mental health
2. Practise mindfulness
Mindfulness involves non-judgmentally accepting what’s happening in the present moment. This Mindful Ambition article explains that: “Non-judgement isn’t about stopping judgments from ever arising… Instead, it’s about changing your relationship to your judgements. Knowing that they’re temporary thoughts, and you don’t need to be swept away by them just because they arise in your mind.”
3. Volunteer to attend unconscious bias training
Here, you have an opportunity through your workplace to do so. Building your ability to avoid bias will prevent you from jumping to incorrect conclusions.
4. Stop trying to please everyone
Where more overt judgements are being made against you, remind yourself that it’s impossible to please everyone and that, if you try, the one person you’ll make unhappy is yourself.
Consider only those who are worth your efforts. Source: iStock.
5. Avoid engaging with others’ judgement
Avoid engaging especially if it’s coming from people you don’t know. I’m constantly surprised by the extent to which people engage in discussions about their decisions on social media. Log off and move on.
6. Pause and reflect
Self-reflection is an important life skill so feel free to pause and reflect upon whether the decision you’re being judged on was actually the right one.
7. Respond assertively not emotionally
Where you’re confident you have been judged, and you feel there’s a need to respond to this, pause, take a deep breath, and respond assertively not emotionally. Feel free to use humour to take any heat out of the situation.
8. Talk it through
Where people you’re close to regularly judge you, speak with them about it. They may not be aware of what they’re doing or the impact they’re having. Focus on their behaviour and how you feel. Keep it non-personal and remember, no-one can “make” you feel anything. And if nothing changes, maybe you need to spend less time with them, if you can - if they’re family members this won’t be possible.
Have a conversation about it. Source: iStock.
9. Don’t change your mind
Don't change your decision if it’s the right one for you and your family. No one knows your unique family context as well as you and to change your behaviour to please others would be to let them win.
10. Stay close to how you’re feeling
If you start feeling like you’re being pulled from pillar to post by others’ real or perceived perceptions of you, and you start regularly experiencing feelings like guilt, shame, embarrassment, anger, frustration or humiliation you may need to seek professional support.
This post originally appeared on Resilience in Kids and has been republished here with permission.

domain: psychology


BioA Sunny Day in Glasgow began as the bedroom recording projects of Ben Daniels and Ever Nalens. Ever moved to Glasgow to go to art school, Ben moved to London to, essentially, walk around alot and kill time. Both returned to Philadelphia after a couple years deeply affected by the weather there and decided to pool their musical ideas in the summer of 2005. After a couple of months Ever decided to leave the project while Ben pushed on, enlisting his sister, Robin, to handle the vocals. After a few months of recording as a duo, Robin's identical twin and Ben's other sister, Lauren was brought in to fill out the sound. The songs were all recorded in Ben's apartment in West Philly, with most vocals being recorded at their Mom's and Dad's houses in the suburbs (less cars driving by to get picked up by mics). The three put together a few songs they had been recording and released them as "The Sunniest Day Ever EP" in March of 2006. It was through college radio that several bloggers were exposed to the band and began writing about them. Eventually Pitchfork gave their song "C'mon" 4 stars and the band started getting serious label attention (well, a few phone calls with Gnarls Barkley's label at least). In October the band came to terms with NYC/Bloomington/Berlin based Notenuf Records for the release of their full-length record, which should be out in February 2007. They are very happy about this.


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A year's journey through photos
Beautiful flowers !
Rozen zijn altijd zo'n dankbaar onderwerp om te fotograferen. Mooie foto.
Good morning from Japan. I've been visiting your blog for these months. Your beautiful picture surely makes my day.
Beautiful flowers ...
beautiful roses... soon the tulips will be here also... and spring will just be round the corner... longing for it now.


Texans are feeling God's wrath:
Republican presidential contender Rick Perry canceled plans to appear at a candidate forum in South Carolina on Monday, the Texas governor returning home to oversee the fast-moving wildfires that have ravaged the state.
Perry had to return to Texas? Talk about a disaster. And, there are wildfires.
Texas and much of the South are in the midst of the worst drought in over half a century. In fact, it's so bad, they're praying for a hurricane. But as ironic as it would be to blame this on climate change, considering that Texas's wealth is built on oil extraction, there's absolutely no credible evidence to suggest that any of this is manmade. No, surely this is an act of God. Which raises the question: What have Texans done to piss off the Lord?


Automobiles are self-propelled vehicles used for transporting passengers and goods. They usually have four wheels, are powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor and can carry a small number of people. The automobile industry is one of the largest in the world, and it has spawned many technological advances. It has also become an economic force, generating millions of jobs and billions of dollars. The branches of engineering that deal with automobile design, manufacturing and technology are called automotive engineering.
Having a car makes it much easier to go anywhere you want, whenever you want. It can take you to work or school, run errands and visit friends or family. It can even help you save time and money.
In addition to providing a means of transportation, the automobile has a history as a symbol of American freedom and mobility. It has also played an important role in defining personal identity and social standing. For example, two women made a pretty bold statement when they drove across the country in 1916 to advocate for women’s rights. They decorated their cars with “votes for women” banners. This was a highly political act in a society when most women did not drive.
The modern automobile is a complex technical system. It has thousands of subsystems with specific design functions. These systems are based on technological breakthroughs in fields such as electronic computers, high-strength plastics and new alloys of steel and nonferrous metals. In addition to the mechanical components of the vehicle, the automobile incorporates a multitude of sensors and control systems that monitor and control its various systems.
Ultimately, it is the mechanical engineering that determines how well an automobile performs. For example, the braking system must be able to stop the automobile quickly when needed. Similarly, the steering system must provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Finally, the fuel system must be able to supply enough power to propel the automobile at desired speeds.
The first automobiles were steam engines attached to wagons, but they were slow and difficult to control. In the late 1800s, Karl Benz invented the first gas-powered automobile, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. It looked a lot like an elongated tricycle and seated just two people.
The development of the automobile continued to grow rapidly with innovations such as electric ignition and the automatic self-starter, both developed by Charles Kettering for the Cadillac Motor Company in 1910. The automobile was able to achieve mass production with the introduction of the assembly line in 1908. In the early 20th century, Henry Ford began to revolutionize transportation with his Model T. Today there are more than 1.4 billion passenger automobiles on the roads worldwide. They travel more than three trillion miles per year and consume over five trillion gallons of gasoline annually. This amounts to more than one-quarter of the planet’s supply. The automobile has become a vital part of human civilization and will continue to play an important role in global commerce.


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The name of this resort describes itself, perfectly. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, Quinta Rentals offers you the chance to have the perfect holiday with almost everything at your fingertips. The most stunning views are to be seen from Lakeside village, especially upon sunset.
Within the village, you have a pool, snack bar, tennis court to keep the kids happy and busy, world class golf courses within Quinta do Lago.
Down by the lake will find various water activities and two restaurants "The Shake" and "Casa do Lago". Just around the corner there is The Campus facility dedicated to sports enthusiast that like to keep active during the holidays. A little further afield through dusty roads, is the Ancão beach waiting for you.

domain: travel


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Boca Raton, FL At 1:35 pm today, investigators from the Boca Raton Police Services Department responded to the Nordstrom's parking garage at the Town Center at Boca Raton mall to investigate a report of a person in a vehicle who was unresponsive. Upon arrival, officers found an older white male deceased.The man was slumped over on the front seat of the vehicle and there were no obvious signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected.Next of kin has been notified.
The Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death.
Charles W. Burton
9557 Tavernier Drive
West Boca Raton, FL

domain: news


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Nobibi, a Japanese-inspired ice cream chain known for its over-the-top garnishes, will bring its fancified soft-serve to Dallas.
An update to the chain’s website indicates that it has plans to expand into Dallas, though no location has been announced just yet. The chain currently operates a location in Los Angeles, and it is the definition of extra. As Eater Austin reports, the L.A. outpost is painted in millennial pink and decorated with trendy cacti, giant stuffed animals, a ball pit, and plush sofas. Essentially, it’s a playground for Instagram-obsessed adults.
The ice cream at Nobibi appears to mostly be all about the garnishes, which range from a halo of cotton candy wrapped around ice cream cones that are dyed black to a small sheet of edible gold draped over swirls of soft serve. Blended drinks, teas, and other sweet options will also likely be among the offerings.
No word yet on when Nobibi is expected to shower Dallas in cotton candy and edible gold. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, feast your eyes on the kawaii that is en route.


Fierce opposition to COVID-19 measures is reverberating through Manitoba’s upcoming municipal and school board elections.
It’s believed at least a dozen people on ballots in October are vocal critics of pandemic-era restrictions, some of whom gained widespread notoriety for their dissent.
Dick Eastland said running for a school board seat wasn’t something he seriously considered before the pandemic. He said discussions with others who rallied against the restrictions and vaccine mandates changed his mind.
“We have been talking about this a lot privately from person-to-person and trying to inspire each other, to show some strength,” he said.
“For a lot of people, they’re getting completely out of their comfort zone.”
Dick Eastland said
This story was originally published on CBC News. To read the rest of this news worthy story, please visit https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/pandemic-protesters-politics-municipal-school-board-manitoba-1.6566020?cmp=rss.
This post was originally published on this site


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Christmas lunch with RVS
Banbury youngsters have been busy rocking around the Christmas tree with older residents by getting stuck into festive-themed arts and crafts, singing carol classics and sampling a tasty turkey lunch.
Prior to the festivities, the Youth Action Team supported the annual Christmas event by transforming into Santa’s elves and making homemade hats, decorations, cards and accessories for members of RVS to enjoy.
Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, youth arts programme manager at OYAP added: “It was a fantastic way for younger and older people to get together in a relaxed, creative and fun environment and the feedback we’ve received has been fantastic.
“We are all really grateful for Sanctuary’s support as it has enabled our members to continue their motto of young people inspiring creative change locally.”
About Bretch Hill’s Youth Action Team
Running for over a year, Bretch Hill’s Youth Action Team, supported by Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (OYAP) Trust, brings together young people aged between 11 and 20 to learn and develop confidence in a bid to change negative perceptions about young people.
Sanctuary in Banbury
Graham Nolan, Sanctuary’s head of neighbourhood partnerships, said: “The Christmas party was a great success and it’s rewarding to see how Sanctuary’s support enables local young people to engage with their community and other residents in such a positive way.”


According to a recent survey, 75% of data breaches happened lately due to the missing vulnerability management program. After COVID it's more likely that the percentage is going to increase because of the changing work culture. Here at AtoZsecure, we perform a vulnerability assessment scan using advance scanners and manual scripts. This ensures maximum coverage of test cases to identify security loopholes. Vulnerability assessment is a systematic process to identify weaknesses in a system or any application. This helps to identify vulnerabilities that can be possible due to security misconfigurations. The process consist of identifying, assessing, and classifying risks based on the severity that exist in your digital ecosystem. This helps you to avoid the most critical attacks by resolving high priority vulnerability promptly.
Inscope system or network is scanned either manually or via automated tools. With the usage of vulnerability databases, it identifies security flaws and weaknesses.
The detailed analysis is done, providing a clear sense of the causes of the vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and the suggested methods of remediation.
The severity matrics is prepared according to the ranking of vulnerabilities. This helps to prioritize the process, ensuring that the most urgent flaws are handled first.


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The village of Qsarnaba houses a temple built during the Roman period.
In 1903, during the first exploration of the German mission, houses were installed in the cella (sacred area) of the temple. Between 1933 and 1993, the edifice underwent extensive restoration works.
Qsarnaba is locally known as Qasr El Banat - The Castle of Women. Local tales consider that this place housed virgins during the Roman period. However, this theory remains debatable.
The temple was built on a rather high platform, so that a visitor had to climb an unusually long flight of stairs to reach the cult room. It rests on a massive rectangular foundation over 35m long and about 15m wide.
Open to the east, it has a hexastyle prostyle plan (temple featuring columns at its front façade) and Corinthian order, comprising a pronaos (entrance chamber) and a cella (sacred area) at the bottom of which theplatform of an adyton (sacred room inside the cella) surmounts a crypt.
At the entrance staircase, a monumental altar with small columns partially carved into the rock can be noticed. Two flights of stairs separated by a paved landing and carved from megalithic blocks are integrated into the podium.
The entrance used to have an immense pediment – the triangular upper part of the front building, typically surmounting a portico. The pediment is located today at the east side of the temple – it bears a high relief representing the bust of a bearded male figure, dressed in a tunic, provided with a sprinkler and surmounted by an inscription. Scholars propose to consider this character as the temple priest, named Nonianus.
The exterior facing of the walls are adorned with lion reliefs, symbolizing power and strength.
The diety venerated at the temple is unknown.
*Scroll down to enjoy the pictures and to locate the site on the map.
*Subscribe at the bottom of this page to receive weekly articles and events.
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
Julien Aliquot, La vie religieuse au Liban sous l’Empire Romain, Julient Aliquot, 2009
General view of the temple
A closer look of the sacrificial altar
The entrance pediment
The releif of Nonianus
The back of the temple - notice the scale of the structure


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Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu, Queenstown, located just within walking distance a 10 minute stroll from lively downtown Queenstown, this is the perfect location to relax, provide comfort and warmth, privacy, spacious living, just like a home away from home. Experience the changing colours of the ever-changing sunset and in winter the snow-capped peaks, a magical sight.
The Suite self-serviced apartment style is 5-Star Qualmark, includes 80 serviced suite rooms. The spacious luxury suites offering spectacular uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu taking in the vista of Queenstown’s rugged Mountains.
So, if you’re looking for adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline based activities. There are plenty to do in Queenstown if you enjoy the great outdoors, superb food and wine, and a more relaxed pace. Families have lots to choose from on land, lake or in the air, and if you love skiing, snowboarding, golf, biking, walking, sailing and fishing you will love Queenstown, the idyllic tourist destination offers something for everyone..


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|Photo: Binside TV|
|T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle face felony drug charges after a traffic stop Wednesday night.|
Police arrested rapper T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle for alleged possession of a controlled substance Wednesday night after Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from vehicle.
The newlyweds — they just got married on July 30 in Miami — were booked at the West Hollywood sheriff’s station, reports Jolene Michael at Gather. Both were held on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance, and bail was set at $10,000 apiece. Both had posted bail as of 4 a.m. Thursday, and are due back in court on September 3.
Deputies pulled over the multi-platinum selling rapper and his wife (a former member of Xscape) in an ultra-expensive Maybach (they sell for between $200,000 and $500,000 each) on Sunset Boulevard around 10:18 p.m., according to TMZ.
Deputies found an unspecified controlled substance while searching the vehicle. The substance was not cocaine, officers told TMZ, “but rather the class of controlled substance that triggered the arrest includes methamphetamine and ecstasy.”
T.I., 29, whose given name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., is still on probation after doing seven months in an Arkansas federal prison on weapons charges. The big question now is whether or not the drug bust will violate T.I.’s parole and send him back to the big house.
T.I. and Tiny, who are long-term partners despite being newlyweds, welcomed their second son together back in May 2008. Major Harris was the fifth child for T.I., and his second with Cottle. They were already parents to King Harris, 5.
T.I. was listed by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 20 Hip Hop Cash Kings. Besides being a rapper, he’s also a producer, actor (he appears in the 2010 hit movie Takers) and business owner.

domain: celebrity


The mutual already suspended repossessions and waived arrears until April in light of Covid-19 and the extended support will be part of further forbearance announced next week ahead of the Budget.
Its financial results for the year ending 31 December showed its arrears ratio ticked up to 0.62 per cent from 0.54 per cent, which chief executive Richard Fearon (pictured) said was still “well below” the market average and showed the strength of the mutual’s underwriting.
Its borrowers’ finances appeared to be back on track for the most part, as the majority of the 27,500 mortgage holders who took a payment holiday last year had resumed payments.
Profits and lending drop
Leeds Building Society’s gross mortgage lending fell from £3.5bn to £2.5bn for the year and profit before tax declined to £80.7m compared to £88m in 2019.
Growth picked up in the second half of the year with £1.5bn of gross lending, compared to £1bn in the first half.
Fearon described 2020 as a “game of two halves” saying the mutual rebounded powerfully in the second half of the year and ended with a record December for mortgage applications.
Increased mortgage activity continued into this year as mortgage applications almost doubled in January, Fearon added.
He said: “A lot of those people applying for purchases in January would not necessarily be expecting to meet the deadline for stamp duty holiday as that was before the recent speculation.
“That suggests there will be a good degree of resilience in terms of the market.”
Leeds Building Society was able to increase its capital and reserves slightly by £500,000 to £1.35bn and said its usual “prudent approach” allowed it to withstand the impact of the economic environment.
Fearon said: “One of the strange things about last year is the pandemic didn’t disrupt our investment programme, it actually accelerated it. We delivered everything we intended to.”
New developments within the mutual include its relocation of its head office in Leeds and the launch of its Mortgage Hub platform. It plans add extra features to its Hub along with the pilot of the Lender Connect function which will allow brokers to send information from their system to Leeds Building Society’s with one click.
The mutual also hired new underwriters and expanded its business development team to support its service levels.
Leeds Building Society’s plan to expand further into the buy-to-let market was slowed by the pandemic and while it returned to the holiday let segment it has yet to come back into homes in multiple occupancy (HMO) lending.
Fearon said it would take some time for the mutual to resume in all areas of lending or expand into new segments but said plans were being kept under review.
He added: “Our strategy is really working. I look to the year ahead and I’m expecting to see some real mortgage growth from us.”


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Overseas and overcharged
MORE than 60m Britons are expected to take overseas trips before the end of the year. But while we are all surfing the web for the cheapest deals in the sun, the savings could be eroded by the huge charges for using debit and credit cards abroad.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Brits spent more than £30bn overseas in 2004 and while holidaying we spend twice as much on plastic as we do on cash.
But it is estimated banks rake in £500m a year charging customers every time they use their debit or credit card on foreign soil. Charges are wrapped up in complicated foreign currency conversion calculations, leaving consumers confused about how much they are paying.
Typically, a tourist who uses a debit card to withdraw £200 in cash and to buy items worth £1,000 on a two-week overseas trip could end up paying up to £81 in bank charges. Using an ATM can cost up to £4.50 in charges alone, with a charge of 2.75% added and additional fees on top of that.
Natwest charges 75p per purchase on plastic, Halifax £1.50, while Lloyds TSB will increase its minimum charge to £2 at the end of May, just in time for the summer season.
On top of these charges, consumers should be aware that most providers charge a different interest rate to withdraw cash than they do for retail purchases, with most starting to charge as soon as the cash is withdrawn rather than give customers 56 days grace.
Nick White, personal finance expert at price comparison website uSwitch.com, says: 'This may not seem a lot but when you add it all together over the course of a family holiday, it can be a sizeable amount.'
It is estimated a family making two £100 cash withdrawals and buying £1,000 worth of goods on their card would rack up £36 in charges with Barclays, £36.50 with HSBC, £58.80 with NatWest, £66 with Lloyds and a whopping £81 with Halifax.
But there are ways of avoiding the charges. The Nationwide Building Society doesn't charge the 2.75% commission on its Cash Reward, Classic and Comic Relief credit cards when used overseas.
Other cards that don't impose charges for foreign purchases include Lombard Direct, although this has a slightly higher APR than Nationwide at 15.9% against 14.9%.
For the over-50s market, Saga's credit card has no charge for transactions made within the European Union and 1% for non-EU destinations.
SWITCH NOW: Find a better deal before you travel
White adds: 'The vast majority of credit card companies charge loading fees when transactions are made or when cash is taken out abroad.
'This charge is often put down to covering costs but in reality providers are actually using it to bolster their profits.'
If you are planning to switch cards ahead of your summer holiday, it is advisable to act now. Stricter money laundering rules require providers to be more stringent in assessing a customer's identity, leading to longer processing times.
In most cases, card providers are unable to deliver a card within a month of the first application being made.
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3D WORK-WELL IS THE ANSWER TO YOUR CORPORATE WELLNESS NEEDS!
Corporations Benefit by Decreasing Healthcare Costs
- Employers who invest in worksite health promotion programs can see a return of $3-$6 for every dollar invested over a 2-5-year period.
- Chances are 50 % of your workforce is afflicted by some sort of chronic disease, illness, or physical challenge.
- 1 in every 2 Americans has a chronic condition and 4 in 5 health care dollars are spent on people with chronic conditions and 7 out of 10 Americans die every year from a chronic disease that is lifestyle related.
- American employers lose more than 300 billion dollars of productivity annually due to illness, sick days, absenteeism and sub-par performance (presenteeism).
- The cost of healthcare for a single employee is on average $ 9,660 according to Tower Perrin and is increasing by at least 5 % each year.
- Employees working at a diminished capacity can cost you more than $2,000-2,800 per employee per year.
- Corporate wellness programs can net a 10-20% discount on healthcare costs.
- Recent research by the Wellness Council of America shows 80% of health care dollars are spent on diseases or conditions almost entirely preventable by diet and exercise alone.
- Documented savings are observed in:
- Medical costs
- Worker’s comp claims
- Short-term disability
- Presenteeism (lower on-the-job efficiency due to employee health problems.)
Corporations Benefit by Decreasing Worker’s Compensation Claims
- Research shows that pain affects more Americans than heart disease, diabetes and cancer combined.
- Over 35% of employees indicate they suffer from back, shoulder or neck pain and Over 40% of recordable injuries are due to “strain and sprain” injuries.
- A rapid increase in soft tissue injuries (leading to actual recordable injuries) has occurred following periods of inactivity (plant shutdown, line balance change, vacations, etc.).
- $1 of every $2 of Worker’s Compensation costs are spent on occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s).
- Employers pay $15-20 billion per year in Worker’s Compensation costs for lost workdays.
- Worker’s Compensation claims per injury equal $29,000-$32,000 per year.
- Medical bills for the average shoulder injury (excluding surgery) are $20,000 per year.
- Medical expenses and Worker’s Compensation costs from work-related MSD’s are increasing 2.5 times faster than benefit costs.
- Musculoskeletal disorders account for 1/3 of all workers’ compensation claims and also cost organizations hours of lost productivity, costly legal fees, tedious administrative time, and a damaged safety culture.
- Over $ 20 billion per year is spent on worker’s compensation insurance for carpal tunnel treatment and over $ 1 billion in lower back pain treatment.
- More than 1/2 of the nations workers have jobs with potential for repetitive stress injuries.
- Sitting by itself is an orthopedic disaster and can lead to the following problems: Neck pain, TMJD, Carpal tunnel syndrome, knee problems, lower extremity problems, shoulder dysfunction, poor breathing mechanics, low back pain, hernias, pelvic floor dysfunction and hip dysfunction, etc.
More Compelling Reasons to Invest in Worksite Wellness
- The leading causes of illness are largely preventable. Most chronic illnesses can be avoided with exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- 70 % of those who died today, died of a preventable illness.
- 80 % of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes can be prevented by healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Each year 550,ooo people die from cancer and 1/3 of all cancers are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity and carry excess weight.
- Worksite wellness programs have been shown a 28 % decrease in sick leave absenteeism, 26 % reduction in use of health care benefits and 30 % reduced worker’s compensation claims and disability management.
- Approximately one third of the American workforce spends its day seated at a computer or desk. Sedentary lifestyles are a known health risk.
- A current poll finds that among the 45-54 age group, 81 percent of employed men report work as a significant source of stress, compared with just 68 percent of employed women.
For more information on 3D WORK-WELL®, please reach out to:
Jeff Fellure, MS, CSCS, PES CAFS
Director of 3D WORK-WELL®


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Medicaid covers 1 in 5 low-income Americans, including many with complex and costly needs for care.
Medicaid and CHIP provide health and long-term care coverage to more than 70 million low-income children, pregnant women, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities. What percentage of people are covered by Medicaid/CHIP in your state?
Sixty-nine percent of Medicaid beneficiaries nationally get care through managed care organizations. Get state-level, MCO-level and parent firm-level data.
The rebate program reduces net federal and state Medicaid spending on prescription drugs. In 2017, Medicaid spent $64 billion on drugs and got $34.9 billion in rebates from manufacturers – for net spending of $29.1 billion.


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I shared an unfinished outline for this back in February 2016. It still doesn't have a finished outline, but it does, however, have some color to it. I don't know how many times I've done the eyes, but I have them at a point where I like them. The gray sections of the cat are so easy to color. It's everywhere else that is difficult. I only have a 36 set of Polychromos so I don't have many cool colors since my set has mainly warm colors. My only two grays are warm. That being said, it is very difficult to make a cool, slightly blue/purple undertoned flesh color that can somewhat look like the skin in the reference I am using. There are 9 separate colors in the ears alone. They actually have a lot of light blue (I don't remember the actual name) in them and it took a lot of erasing, layering, more erasing, bending with the eraser, more erasing, and more layering to finally get the ears to look how I wanted them. This drawing isn't exactly like the reference, I don't have that skill level yet, but I do like to try and color match whenever I am not using graphite just because I need more practice with color matching.
More progress with this will be slow considering I have started college AND have 2 acrylic paintings I have to actually do and finish before the beginning of November. Maybe in between layers of paint or while I wait for the paint to dry I'll work on this, but as of right now I'm in this mood where I want to draw and paint and stuff, but can't get myself to actually do it :/
Anyways, hope you like this progress shot!

domain: hobby


Today in an email that I received from Google Spain, I have been informed that on September 1 they launched an event called Google Chrome 2010 Challenge.
A challenge dedicated to Google Chrome extension programmers in which they will have to develop an extension for the browser. Bliss competition will be open from October 15, the winner will be presented with a Nexus One as a reward.
What if I don’t know how to code, but want to participate? Don’t worry, the Google Spain team will organize the next September 9 a free Workshop in which you will learn everything you need about creating extensions for the browser.
The places in this Workshop are limited, so if you want to attend the talk, you must fill out a form indicating that you are going to attend the next September 9 at the Google Madrid officesYou can do it through this form that Google has offered us: form.
If you enter the contest, you should be 2 people maximum as a team and the extension should be developed in Spanish. If you want know the winners of this Google Chrome 2010 Challenge, you can know from October 22.
If you want more information about this Google Chrome 2010 Challenge, you can access its official page and there they will give you extra information. But if what you want is send your extension for the challenge, you can send it through this form.


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Marilyn Mann is a very smart woman. She’s a securities lawyer. But she’s also educated herself about health care out of necessity. She’s a breast cancer survivor and she has a daughter with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disease causing very high LDL-cholesterol. She is one of the administrators of a Facebook group called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Discussion Group – intended primarily for people with FH or their family members.
Recently, Mann got a message from a PR woman who had joined the Facebook page.
A few months ago, I had emailed you about some research I was doing about a new treatment for FH. I am now working with a pharmaceutical company, and the company currently has a drug in development to help treat people with severe FH that may not be responding to current therapies. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Gary Schwitzer's HealthNewsReview Blog*


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If you log in, you can comment on buildings, submit new photos or update photos that you've already submitted.
Description: Great Lemhill Farmhouse
Date Listed: 4 July 1985
English Heritage Building ID: 128963
OS Grid Reference: SP2084001976
OS Grid Coordinates: 420840, 201976
Latitude/Longitude: 51.7161, -1.6997
Explore more of the area around Lechlade, Gloucestershire at Explore Britain.
SP 20 SW LECHLADE -
6/118 Great Lemhill Farmhouse
Farmhouse. Original block of late C17, considerably enlarged in
mid C19. Coursed rubble stone, stone slate roof with end and
scattered ashlar stacks, with moulded cornices. original range of
L-shape with additional rear range added in angle and to west and
north, mostly 2 storeys and attic. Main front to south-east has 3
windows with 2 blocked additional openings between, 2-light stone
mullion and transoms with square hoodmoulds, some with leaded
casements. Ground floor has 4 similar, restored with arched paired
casements to left of door, and with C20 casements to right.
Central doorway with wide stone shallow gabled porch and flattened
archway, 6-panel door to rear of porch with top 2 glazed and rest
flush, plain arched fanlight. Two raking dormers with twin 6-pane
casements. Main C19 front to south-west has the 2 gable ends,
coped to left, and with two 8-pane sashes with moulded stone
lintels on first and ground floors in gable end of right hand
(original) range. Steep central gabled timber porch.
Listing NGR: SP2084001976
This text is a legacy record and has not been updated since the building was originally listed. Details of the building may have changed in the intervening time. You should not rely on this listing as an accurate description of the building.
Source: English Heritage
Listed building text is © Crown Copyright. Reproduced under licence.

domain: history


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Tena koutou Metallions!
This weekend just been we were able to gather for a rehearsal for the first time in ages (since we have been gigging so much we put rehearsals on hold). We were able to smash through 4 brand new unperformed songs and can't wait to have them ready to perform for you.
We have future shows occuring in each month of the remaining year, first of which will be August 20 in Whitianga! We will post the upcoming shows soon so watch this space.
Keep it metal


New T-34/85 Russian Tank from Academy
The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank which had a profound and lasting effect on the field of tank design. Although its armour and armament were surpassed later in the war, it has been often credited as the most effective, efficient, and influential tank design of World War II. At its introduction, the T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection, and ruggedness. Its 76.2 mm (3 in) high-velocity tank gun provided a substantial increase in firepower over any of the T-34’s contemporaries; its heavy sloped armor was difficult to penetrate by most contemporary anti-tank weapons. First encountered in 1941, German tank general von Kleist called it “the finest tank in the world” and Heinz Guderian confirmed the T-34’s “vast superiority” over German armor and found it “very worrying.”
Here comes Academy with a brand spanking new tooling of one of my favorite subjects. This is the all new T-34/85 from Academy in 1/35th scale. The kit is nicely molded in dark green styrene and comprised of 18 sprues 2 of which are dark gray for the track links. A small fret of photo etch is also provided with the engine grille cover. This kit depicts the T-34 model built at the 112 factory production in Gorky. As with should expect from a new tooling, the kit is free from flash and heavy molding lines. All the injection gates throughout the entire kit are very fine and delicate evident mostly on all handle bars and small parts.
All the key details of this kit are there without being overly engineered. The ejection pin marks are well controlled and the vast majority will ve invisible once the lower and upper hull are cemented. There are 3 visible ejection pin marks on the hatch should you decide to display it open but nothing that a little bit of putty and a sanding stick may eliminate. I’m personally OK with the tracks but I think I will treat this kit to a nice set of AFV Club tracks.
As stated above, markings are for 6 different versions of the T-34 and are printed very nicely. The new T-34/85 from Academy should build as a fine model even out of the box and to make complement the kit, the gun barrel is molded in one piece (yay!) so getting rid of that fine molding line will be a piece of cake.


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16 King of Mortadella
Sandra, Detective, Fairytale, Animation, Series, Imira, Entertainment, Kids, Fo
SANDRA, fairytale detective, and her assistant, FO, travel into the tale of PINOCCHIO. He, who is now a real, flesh-and-blood boy, has inexplicably grown donkey's ears. At the same time, his father, GEPPETTO, has received an anonymous letter demanding a million liras, otherwise his son will be completely transformed into a donkey. SANDRA and FO investigate and discover that HONEST JOHN and his sidekick GIDEON, two villains from the classic tale, have stolen the BLUE FAIRY's magic wand and is turning the other characters in the story into donkeys.

domain: entertainment


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Found in every child’s room and on almost every Christmas wish list: Toy figures from Schleich. The toy manufacturer has now set itself the goal of manufacturing toys and packaging only from recycled or bio-based materials. There is also a change in the use of paint.
Toy manufacturer Schleich has set a goal to make its toys more sustainable. “Our goal is to only use sustainable materials.As a first step, all of our figures will be recyclable or biodegradable by the end of 2027. We are also working hard to find recycled or bio-based material for the future production of our toys,” explains Schleich CEO Dirk Engehausen. In addition, and to ensure the reuse of resources, Schleich is optimizing and certifying its products and packaging according to the principles of the Cradle to Cradle circular economy by the end of 2027, it says. Among other things, this means that Schleich figures will be recycled without any loss of quality. To achieve this, Schleich works closely with the consulting institute EPEA GmbH.
The durable and timeless Schleich figures have been passed down from generation to generation for decades and thus have a significantly smaller ecological footprint compared to many other toys. The aim of the new strategy is to minimize this footprint even further. The first measurable successes are already visible through the reduction of plastic content in packaging, Engehausen said. “We are researching durable and resource-saving materials for products and packaging. In as little as five years, our figurines will not only be recyclable or biodegradable, but thanks to the implementation of Cradle to Cradle principles, we are also ensuring that Schleich figurines are returned to the product cycle at the end of their lives, so that a Schleich figurine can ideally be turned into a new Schleich figurine made from the same high-quality material. We firmly believe that only with this holistic approach can we contribute to a more sustainable toy industry.”
Turning a dinosaur into a dino
“Sustainability is a journey and in the coming years we will take important steps on this path. Our products are so durable and of such high quality that they are already thrown away only in exceptional cases. If this does happen, the consistent implementation of Cradle to Cradle design principles can ideally turn a Schleich dinosaur into a Schleich dinosaur again – or a lion, a horse, a unicorn, instead of a product with lower material quality,” says Dr. Philipp Hummel, Head of Sustainability at Schleich. The first prototypes that meet the high safety requirements for children’s toys already exist. “In addition to materials and production conditions, our focus is on social justice issues at our sites and with our partners.”
Less plastic and water-based paints
By 2025, all Schleich packaging will be recyclable. Starting in 2023, the company will use only cardboard that is FSC-certified for its packaging, he said. Compared to 2020, the company says it has already reduced the amount of plastic in all packaging by about 20 percent. For example, the inside of Schleich Advent calendars will be made from cardboard from 2022. This will save just under 40 tons of plastic per year. The toy manufacturer can point to major progress in the area of paints: “From 2022, we will start painting our products with water-based paint. In addition, we are developing a paint with our partners that will be Cradle to Cradle certified,” explains Hummel.


The origin and development of the quantum theory
by Max Planck
Publisher: The Clarendon press 1922
Number of pages: 32
"The origin and development of the quantum theory" is Max Planck's Nobel prize address delivered before the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at Stockholm, 2 June, 1920. Planck sketches in outline the history of the origin of the Quantum Theory and gives a brief account of the development of this theory and its influence on the Physics of the present day.
Home page url
Download or read it online for free here:
Introduction to the subject of quantum mechanics, following the historical development of the theory. Physics and mathematics required. From the contents: atoms, the Feynman route to Schroedinger, the Schroedinger equation, entanglement.
by Peter E. Blöchl - TU Clausthal
Contents: Particle waves; Double slit; Towards a theory; Quantum effects; Language of quantum mechanics; Representations; Measurements; Dynamics; Symmetry; Specific Symmetries; Rotations, Angular Momentum and Spin; Atoms; Approximation techniques ...
by Eric L. Michelsen - UCSD
Wave mechanics, 1D scattering, matrix mechanics, angular momentum, spin-1/2, updated quantum electromagnetic interactions. This work is meant to be used with a standard text, to help emphasize those things that are most confusing for new students.
by H. C. Rosu - arXiv
A graduate course on elementary quantum mechanics. The topics included are the postulates of quantum mechanics, one-dimensional barriers and wells, angular momentum and spin, WKB method, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, quantum scattering, etc.


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The Sacramento River delta, sloughs and marshes, rich in flora and fauna. Sandhill cranes wade and forage in a small flock. The frogs are wary. The tiniest splash and it’s dinnertime. A hot summer day among the bulrush and the reeds.
Light beams from the moon come down through space to land on my old peach tree. The peaches, ripe and ready to pick, glow pink and orange in the other-worldly light. Reaching up, I gently take one peach and begin to eat it, and all the while I am watching the moon, full in mid-summer. The peach tree, the moon, and me; getting together at night like three old friends. And so we are.


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Soft Polenta in the Microwave
- 4 C. water
- 3/4 C. yellow or white cornmeal
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- Good pinch freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 C. softened gorgonzola cheese or 1/4 C. additional butter
With the microwave oven, the polenta is stirred only once during the entire cooking time; it is guaranteed lump-less, and it can be made for one or for a crowd. If you can cook this in a serving dish, choose one with a cover; it will prevent the polenta from forming a skin and will, at the same time, keep it hot.
Combine water, cornmeal and salt in a 2-qt. soufflé dish. Cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power for 6 minutes. Stir well, cover loosely with paper toweling and cook for 6 minutes more. If using a small oven, cook uncovered for 9 minutes; cover loosely and cook for 9 minutes more. Remove from oven. Uncover and stir in butter, pepper and cheese (or additional butter). Let stand for 3 minutes. Serve hot.
Yield: 8 servings as side dish
From: Microwave Gourmet by Barbara Kafka
To serve 1 or 2: Quarter all ingredients (use 3 Tbs. cornmeal). Proceed as for Soft Polenta above, cooking in a soup bowl for 1 minute 30 seconds, uncovered, and then for another 1 minute 30 seconds, covered.
To serve 3 or 4: Combine 2 1/2 C. water, 1/2 C. cornmeal and 1 tsp. salt in an 8 C. glass measure. Cook as for Soft Polenta above for 5 minutes. Stir and continue cooking for 5 minutes longer. Finish as for Soft Polenta, stirring in 2 Tbs. butter and a pinch of pepper.


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Basic Geometric Shapes - Still Life From Observation
Materials: vine or willow charcoal, 18 x 24 newsprint pad.
Exercise 1: four 5-minute drawings of a geometric still life. Each drawing should be from a different vantage point (see below). These quick drawings are warm-up drawings and are recommended before every drawing session.
Materials: compressed charcoal, 18 x 24 drawing paper pad.
Exercise 2: four 10-minute drawings of a geometric still life. Same idea as the first set of drawings but use stronger values to emphasize the shading.
In this drawing problem, you are to arrange a composition on a table using the three basic 3D geometric forms: sphere (e.g., apple), cube (e.g., small box), and cone (e.g., funnel). After arranging the forms (objects) in a composition, use a single light to illuminate your compositional arrangement. Now you are ready to draw the composition from different vantage points. For example, you can draw it from the left sitting at the table, then stand or use an easel so that you are looking down on the forms, or you could sit facing the light source so that the cast shadows are coming towards you. It is important to concentrate on the negative shapes (spaces) as well as the positive shapes (objects) you are drawing. The negative shapes are the space around and between forms. If you get these shapes accurate, you will have a very accurate drawing of what you are observing.
Examples of Students' Basic Geometric Still Life Drawings


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You’re sure to come across some genuinely stunning architecture on your travels around the globe. But after a time, all the cathedrals and royal residences merge into one amazing Gothic building in your mind.
In order to inspire you even after your European trip, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite cathedrals. These stand out to us due to their distinctive narrative, aesthetic, or size.
4 churches to see in Europe
Berliner Dom – Berlin, Germany
The Berlin Cathedral is one of the symbols of Berlin and the headquarters of the Protestant Church in Germany. It was built on the foundations of the chapel dedicated to Saint Erasmus, which was incorporated into Berlin Castle. In 1465, this was a Catholic church, but it was converted into a Protestant church during the first half of the sixteenth century.
In the middle of the eighteenth century, the church was completely destroyed. The new church was built in the Baroque style in 1750, but it was also short-lived. The foundation stone of the new cathedral was laid in 1894, and its construction was completed in 1905. The dome is 114 meters high, and the value of the cathedral is around 180 million euros. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Berlin.
Basilica of St. Johan Lateran – Rome, Italy
Basilica of St. John Lateran is the seat of the Roman bishop, that is, the official seat of the head of the Catholic Church – the Pope.
The Basilica of St. Ivan Lateranski is located approximately one kilometer east of the Colosseum and even six kilometers away from the Basilica of St. Petra. Despite this, this basilica is the official seat of the Pope, the bishop of Rome, and is therefore also the Roman cathedral, so if you are planning your trip to Rome, this is a must-see location. It is also one of the Vatican’s properties outside the territory of the Holy See, and the Lateran Basilica is also the most important of the four ancient papal basilicas in Rome.
The first church there was built by Emperor Constantine at the beginning of the 4th century on the former property of the Laterani family, after whom the basilica and the entire surrounding district were named. However, most of the current structure dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the interior is especially impressive, where the famous Francesco Borromini worked.
The beautiful cloister is worth seeing; it’s an ideal place to clear your mind, but it’s also an excellent architectural achievement and probably the best example of a Cosmatic mosaic.
St. Stephen Cathedral – Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in the center and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Vienna. It is the most significant building for Catholics in Vienna. It is located in the main pedestrian zone, in the historical part of the city, on St. Stephen’s Square.
The construction of today’s church was started in 1304, in the Gothic style. The cathedral has as many as three towers, and the southern, largest tower was completed in 1433; the tower is 136 meters high.
The bell in the northern tower was cast by cannonballs, with which the Turks tried to destroy the cathedral. The roof of the cathedral is made of colorful mosaic, made of as many as 230 thousand tiles of various colors, and the interior is imposing and rich and leaves you speechless.
High Gothic vaults are responsible for the acoustics of the cathedral, where concerts are held. The main entrance to the cathedral is decorated with reliefs of animals and saints and is called the “Giants’ Portal.” According to historical stories, a mammoth bone was found at the place where the foundation of the northern tower was laid.
Notre Dame – Paris, France
A magnificent building like Notre Dame makes Paris an even more attractive destination for tourists! Cathedrals are private to visitors because they remind us of castles from fairy tales, both because of their extraordinary architecture and because of the magic hidden within their walls.
Notre Dame is a cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The construction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris began in 1163 during the reign of Bishop Mauritius and was completed only in 1345 as the first masterpiece of Gothic art.
Notre Dame is distinguished by its specific architecture with typical Gothic elements, tall columns, and pointed towers, and its interior hides numerous works of art.
These basilicas and cathedrals are just a handful of the magnificent churches you’ll see while traveling across Europe’s most populous cities, but they do provide a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural zeniths of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Visit a few churches while you are in Europe, even if you have never been inside one before. They’re some of the most stunning and important structures you’ll see when traveling throughout Europe.


Moon is seen in the sky during the closest visible conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 400 years, in Tejeda, on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain December 21, 2020 Photograph:( Reuters )
The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme
NASA on Friday awarded a $2.9 billion contract to build a spacecraft to SpaceX. The goal is to put humans on the moon again, as early as 2024. Elon Musk’s SpaceX was picked by NASA over Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Dynetics Inc, a defence contractor.
The world’s first and third richest people respectively, Bezos and Musk have been competing to be at the helm of man’s return to moon for the first time since 1972.
While Musk’s SpaceX made its bid alone, Bezos’ Blue Origin had partnered with Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp and Draper. Soon after the announcement, Elon Musk took to Twitter, announcing “NASA Rules!!”.
The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. The agency added that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface.
"We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually.
According to NASA, SpaceX’s Starship system included a cabin and two airlocks to facilitate moonwalks. In addition, the architecture of the system allows it to to eventually used for reusable launch and landing.
"We are humbled to help @NASAArtemis usher in a new era of human space exploration”, SpaceX wrote on Twitter.
Apollo landings from 1969-1972 mark the only human visits to the moon’s surface. Now, NASA is relying on private companies to send astronauts to the moon to complete its space ambition projects.
But before humans make the journey, SpaceX will be required to conduct a test flight of the lander to the moon. On Thursday, NASA had announced plans to send its crew to the International Space Station on a SpaceX rocket on April 22.
(With inputs from agencies)


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Housing developer will unveil plans for houses at Wintringham Park at exhibition
- Credit: Archant
A two-day exhibition will take place in St Neots to give local people the chance to view plans for the eastern expansion of the town.
Urban&Civic will be hosting the event at Loves Farm House and The Priory Centre and will share the latest plans for a new housing development called Wintringham Park.
The site is established as a location for development in Huntingdonshire’s Adopted Core Strategy (2009) and is part of the St Neots Eastern Expansion Urban Design Framework (2010).
In 2013, it was subject to a failed planning application by a former consortium, which later appealed, but the appeal was withdrawn in May 2017 and the consortium disbanded.
Since that time, Urban&Civic has bought into the land owning partnership alongside long-term owners and the Nuffield Trust has been appointed development manager. The new design team has worked through the various issues identified during the planning process to date and evolved fresh proposals in discussion with key partners and stakeholders. At the exhibition, they will share their vision with local residents and test the approach in advance of submission of the application later this year.
The developers believe Wintringham Park represents an important opportunity to grow St Neots and the development will form a key part of the eastern gateway to the growing town. It will deliver:
• Up to 2,800 homes.
- 1 Small community café in St Neots "just hanging on"
- 2 Police dog helped find drugs and knife in Ramsey
- 3 New Toolstation branch to open in Huntingdon
- 4 Find out what's happening in Huntingdonshire for the Queen's Jubilee?
- 5 Great honour for two men awarded the freedom of Huntingdon
- 6 Come and see Huntingdon's Beacon lighting ceremony for the Jubilee
- 7 St Neots Street Food Fest promises to be "bigger and better"
- 8 Three dogs including pregnant Jack Russell stolen from Wimpole kennels
- 9 Large Hotel of the Year winner is proud of its history
- 10 Nursery rated inadequate after inspectors said safety was 'compromised'
• 63,500 sqm of commercial space, including R&D and creative space, as well as office and industrial units.
• two primary schools, with the potential for a temporary primary school to address immediate issues locally.
• Community and retail facilities focused on a local and district centre, including health care.
• Access improvements including capacity improvements, new access and landscape setting along Cambridge Road, and access points on to the A428 and Potton Road.
• Associated infrastructure and services.
The vision for the development draws extensively on the historic brooks that cross the site and puts green space and water at the heart of the design.
Tim Leathes, development director said: “The development of Wintringham is an exciting opportunity to deliver new homes to the growing town of St Neots in a way that connects the historic town centre with the countryside beyond. The town is one of the best connected in the region, with strong rail and road links, and the potential for significant investment in green corridors for safe cycle and walking routes to help people get about safely and connect with nature.
“Drawing on the strong partnerships we have developed over the last 17 years working in Cambridgeshire – including the jobs and skills delivery through the EDGE partnership – we intend to develop this site in a way that maximises the benefits for local people and creates a lasting legacy for the area.”
The exhibitions will be held on October 21 at Loves Farm House, October 23 at The Priory Centre.
For further information visit www.wintringham.org.


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15 Apr The DC Weirdo Show Presents: EWWW!
April’s The DC Weirdo Show Presents: EWWW! at The Bier Baron Tavern included local anatomical wonder, Sally the Cinch, and a tender homage to the stigma of being different performed by Xander Lovecraft. Adding extra humor and comic relief, EWWW! welcomes soothing burlesque therapy performed by Velouria throughout the show to cleanse audience palate and help prepare them for more WEIRD!
A mixture of awkward laughter and delighted surprise, DC Weirdo Show Presents: EWWW! paid tribute to the universal physical reaction to witnessing another human do something dangerously, hilariously, compellingly weird!
Photography by Cesar Guzman