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b r o k e n b i r d
. . . .
A natural draw to the experimental side of things
*CREATION IS ALWAYS AWAKE , IT LIVES UNCAGED & FREE, NO RULES TO FOLLOW , ONLY NEW SEEDS TO EXPLORE~victoria pettella*
a night of poems & black wings
seeds of creativity~
Themes of transformation & transiting through cycles of life, breath, death & healing seem to seep into my work. Nature, magic, creation & the ever-morphing seasons are a constant guiding force & inspiration.
* ART ~WORD~ IMAGERY & EXPLORATORY SEEDS*
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
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* * * * *
raven in love with the moon
ghosts of introversion
a u r a
g h o s t b i r d
** ethereal dreamworlds **
visual potions ~by candlelight
Poems seeking light
To all the rare flowers
**b e a u t i f u l ** s o u l s**
We are all strange and unusual; flawed, broken and beautiful ~victoria pettella
shadows & souls
moonlit flora spells
visual potion~ sun, shadow & strings
Nature is a Meditation
visual spells ) o (
ash and seed
Creative Encounters & Kindred Spirits
I love to meet and connect with fellow creatives! I have a deep appreciation for all artists, creative thinkers, unique souls.
While my nature is mostly introverted and I thrive as a hidden -solitaire, I have found connecting with other creative-spirits to be profoundly nourishing and deeply magical in ways my soul understands. To those I have met along the way that have enriched my life with your art-music-writing-creations-passion-energy-open-mindedness....I thank you immeasurably ! and to those I have reconnected with..thank you for giving me a sense of community in a world I always felt on my own in. Thank you for these creative encounters, they have transformed me.
A beautiful and moody image. I love the carved stone or wood in the backdrop! Trying to guess where it was taken, a cathedral maybe?
the title drew me in
It's so beautiful and magical, amazing photo! Me gusta mucho!!)
Fragile and beautiful- sensitive introspection and body prose. Wow!
Thanks so much Laura for your kind words, yes a definate moody vibe. it is a rather large carved panel I am sitting near.Thanks for visiting, see you soon!
Thanks very much Tammie..a mysterious vibe..I love that..thank you!Much appreciation!
Yay Uliana, I am always happy when you stop by! Thanks for such beautiful words...I love that you feel it is magical! Thanks my friend!
Thanks Lori for such a super beautiful compliment...you have expressed the exact essence, much appreciation for your amazing words!
Beautiful, mysterious and magical! Big Hugs ;o)
So evocative...tinged with deep sadness.
How I ache to take this tragic broken bird into my hands and ease it's pain...
Oh how utterly spell-binding.:))
Fondest Blessings, dear Kindred. xoxoxo
Magic Love Crow
Many thanks Stacy for your lovely words..much appreciation!
Massive thanks Ygraine..your beautiful words and expressive thoughts touched my soul! beautiful! Deep appreciation kindred-sister!
This looks a rather sad photograph, especially with this title.
What a story could be woven round it.
Maybe for a historical thrilling novel of Romance?
And I hope this bird will heal in time...
Beautiful imagery, dear Victoria...
I hope you are having a splendid Summer!
thanks for your intriguing words, much appreciated. Loved your thoughts about the image for a novel...beautiful!!
Thanks so much my lovely friend..appreciate your super beautiful words so much! Yes , thank you and wishing you a sparkling summer too!
And I thank you, dear Victoria, for your warm and always luminous energy in the messages you leave on my posts...thank you so much!
Wonderful pictures, thanks for your inspiration <3
Thanks so much Lorkyn for your beautiful words, much appreciation! Lovely to meet you
Gorgeous image!! I love it!! And the backdrop!! Xo
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(Crain's) -- Burger King Holdings Inc. franchisees have rejected the company's proposal to temporarily sell a double cheeseburger for $1, roughly half the current price.
Burger King sellers nix $1 double cheeseburger
The plan failed to garner enough votes from franchisees, according to a memo obtained Thursday by Dow Jones Newswires.
However, Burger King isn't deterred. The fast-food chain will ask its franchisees to vote Friday on offering a $1 double cheeseburger for only six weeks, Dow Jones Newswires reported. In the original proposal, the discount was to last four months.
The promotion by Miami-based Burger King was a direct move against Oak Brook-based McDonald's Corp. as the two fast food giants battle for marketshare among consumers who've become more careful about spending during the recession. McDonald's took its double cheeseburger off its Dollar Menu last year after franchisees said the lower price was cutting into their profits.
Burger King franchisees were apparently worried about the same margin pressures when they voted down the discount double cheeseburger plan, Dow Jones Newswires reported.

domain: economics


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Finally, im done with our unity candles. but have'nt posted the big one kc pinapatuyo ko pa. it's almost the same thing...puro beads. hehe.
here are a couple of pictures. well, i basically used tacky glue lang over an acetate film and poured the beads and voila!!!
100% pure love!!!

domain: artistic


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I got really crazed with stress earlier and I needed to get out of the house, so I drove down the road to the Center of Hope thrift store and poked around in one man’s trash.
I like and collect records, especially old Disney ones. I found this one labeled with an oil pen 39 cents. I thought that was awesome. When I got to the counter, it was 25 cents. I thought that was even better.
The cover says A magnificent full-color illustrated book and long-playing record, Walt Disney’s Story and Songs From Babes in Toyland, copyright 1961. Music based on the Victor Herbert Operetta, adapted by George Bruns, with new lyrics by Mel Leven. And it does have a super-sweet storybook inside, with crazy-cute retro illustrations.
I haven’t played the whole thing through yet, but I’m going to in a little while so I have something fun and nostalgic to play while I try and polish up my manuscript. Can’t wait! 🙂 Then I might watch the 1986 version of the movie, because I haven’t seen it since I was very small, and this record reminded me of how fun it was.
Until next time.

domain: hobby


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With the arrival this year of the first proper summer since the onset of the pandemic, any HR exec worth their human capital salt is dishing up big on benefits – offering employees everything from unlimited holidays, to shorter work weeks, to work-from-anywhere policies.
In a recent letter to Airbnb employees, introducing a work-from-anywhere policy for the “vast majority” of staff, CEO Brian Chesky declared that remote working and flexibility would “become the predominant way that we all work 10 years from now”.
And even the most hardened employers – those who were until recently demanding all workers return full-time to the office – are jumping on the flexible work-perk bandwagon.
Here’s looking at you Goldman Sachs, whose CEO David Solomon had until recently repeatedly insisted that employees return to the office full-time; but has since told its most senior bankers they can take as much holiday as they want so they can ‘rest and re-charge’.
This sentiment to ‘re-charge’ after what has been a particularly long and difficult few years is popular among forward-thinking firms, as they look to reward and incentivise workers with more holidays and WFH allowances.
In fact, for employers, this work perk might just be the secret sauce needed to tackle the growing rate of employee burnout, and attract and retain employees amid tight labour market conditions and the Great Resignation.
Life-work balance is the goal for employees, and employers
The roll-out of such summer work perks comes as pressure mounts for employees to return to the office post-pandemic.
In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted people are more productive in the office, while leading businessman Alan Sugar has derided shorter summer working hours a joke. In the US, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been on a dogged mission to bring office workers back to the city, and Wall Street giants JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley continue to take hard-line stances on bringing employees back to the offices.
But workers, it seems, are playing hard ball. Having enjoyed flexibility for the last two years, they are not only putting their health and happiness first – with 53% of global workers more likely to prioritise wellbeing over work than before the pandemic, reports Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index – but they are reaping the benefits of a better work-life balance.
For the first time in seven years, work-life balance trumped salary as the main thing prospective employees look for in a job, with 65% ranking it as most important, Randstad research reveals. In Singapore, from July to December 2021, 64% of employees who switched employers or careers cited work-life balance as the main driver in searching for new jobs.
Life-work balance is the employee goal du jour, especially for women and younger generations, who are generally considered to be more driven by purpose, and want flexibility. And bolstered by a strong jobs market and new priorities, employees are empowered, and increasingly vocal in their quest for an optimal work-life blend.
Inflexible employers could lead to a ‘flexidus’
And if they don’t get one, they will leave for a better opportunity. Dubbed ‘flexidus’, new research from LinkedIn has shed light on employee sentiment – and it’s not looking good for employers.
While the majority of businesses (80% in the UK, 97% in the UAE and Saudi,) have improved their flexible working offer since the pandemic, and around three-quarters of firms believe their employees are largely satisfied with it, a staggering 70% of those surveyed in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and 55% of women globally, say they are considering leaving their job due to lack of flexibility.
In Australia, more than two in three women say they want more flexibility, and globally, 71% want increased annual leave allowance, and 68% a four-day working week.
“The pandemic has brought a revolution in flexible working,” says Ngaire Moyes, VP of Communications and brand. “And now many professionals, particularly women, rightly, don’t want to go back to the way things were as it has improved their lives in untold ways.”
And with the current war on talent and Great Resignation raging on – four million workers left their jobs in April 2022 in the US alone, to seek out higher salaries and more flexibility, according to the Labor Department – firms are having to up their flexibility work perks to attract and retain the best talent.
Zurich UK is a case in point. The insurer has seen applications from women for senior roles soar by 19.3% after including flexible working options in its job adverts, attracting double the number of applications from both genders for every role since the change.
According to Steve Collinson, head of HR at Zurich, “workers want a new deal and there’s a danger that businesses that don’t get on board won’t be able to compete for the best and brightest minds”.
Flexible benefits – no one size fits all
That’s the thinking perhaps behind Goldman Sachs’ introduction of unlimited vacation for senior execs, as it looks to stem attrition and attract top performers. The bank has been haemorrhaging executives of late, among them Goldman’s top lawyer, one of its head of asset management, one of its few Black female partners, and the head of its consumer banking business.
While unlimited vacation policy is nothing new (IBM was one of the first big businesses to introduce it in 2007), it’s a benefit that has picked up pace during the pandemic, with 20% of employers saying at least some of their employees were offered unlimited time off in 2021, up from 14% in 2018, reports Mercer.
Netflix, LinkedIn, GitHub and Kickstarter all offer unlimited vacation time, with LinkedIn’s former global talent lead, Pat Wadors, once saying it gives workers “the ability to better meet their personal needs, which will then allow them to bring their best self to work”.
It’s a view held by many executives, including Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, who recently wrote in a letter to employees that “wherever you feel most productive and creative is where you will work, and that includes working from home full-time forever”.
While Twitter isn’t giving workers unlimited vacation time, it is letting workers choose how and where they wish to work, totally remote if it suits them, in an acknowledgment that no one size fits all.
Similarly, accounting giant Grant Thornton believes benefits today mean varied and flexible offerings that change depending on where people are in their lives, and what they are experiencing. The Chicago-based firm delivers a roster of benefits that include flexible time off as needed, along with flexible work arrangements such as reduced-worked schedules, compressed work weeks and flexible days, regardless of level.
To further boost its flexi offer, Grant Thornton recently introduced additional summer benefits giving US-based colleagues a shorter week during summer (half-day Fridays from June 3 to August 26) and extended weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labour Day will all be four-day weekends) – all part of the firm’s mission to ensure employee wellbeing, which it believes will cultivate better-supported, happier professionals who can continue meeting clients’ ever-evolving needs.
Improved employee wellbeing leads to increased productivity
The narrative is similar at Big Four firms PwC, KPMG and Deloitte, all of whom have introduced extra employee paid leave in the lead-up to summer.
Deloitte has said its 22,000 employees will now be able to choose when to take UK public holidays, on dates that are most meaningful to them. Acknowledging that everyone is different, Deloitte’s aim is to cultivate wellbeing and inclusivity.
PwC has announced plans to shut its US and Mexico offices for two weeks a year, including a week in July, to help employees recharge. This is in addition to paid vacation days of 3-4 weeks annually, and is part of PwC’s US$2.4bn investment in benefits and wellbeing (My+ employee experience program), as the consultancy competes with parallel suitors in industries like fintech, health-tech and clean-tech to hire top talent.
PwC’s Canadian counterpart has also opted to give workers five extra paid days off over summer as five long weekends; and in the UK, has committed to re-introducing summer working hours, first trialled last year. From June 1 to September 1, PwC’s people will be able to condense their working week to finish Friday lunchtimes.
Kevin Ellis, Senior Partner at PwC UK said the decision to introduce summer working hours this year came on the back of last year’s pilot scheme in which “positive impact on wellbeing surpassed expectations”.
In fact, nearly three-quarters of PwC employees said the new summer hours positively impacted their general wellbeing to a great extent, with the greatest benefits to spend more time with family and friends (74%) and focus on wellbeing (71%).
The same is true at Kellogg’s UK. The food manufacturer, which has offered its 420 workers the chance to finish work at midday on a Friday in summer for the last 19 years, has found that its now well-trodden summer hours policy “massively improves motivation” and “boosts productivity”.
While the question of whether remote/hybrid working and/or extra vacation days leads to productivity increases is one for individual companies to answer, global surveys suggest many industries have seen a rise in productivity.
Research from CIPD found that 90% of employees consider flexible working to be a key motivator to their productivity at work, even more than financial incentives (77%), while a Stanford University study of 16,000 workers over nine months found that working from home, or anywhere else, increased productivity by 13%, with attrition rates cut by 50%.
And companies including Splunk, Affirm, and Microsoft have all reported a large spike in productivity.
Work from anywhere – the future looks nomadic
In a further move to empower, motivate and retain employees, smart companies are introducing work-from-anywhere (WFA) arrangements, some for limited periods of time, others permanently, encouraging staff to take more holidays.
Though not yet the norm, according to data from FlexJobs, with 95% of remote jobs requiring employees to be based in a specific location, WFA is on the up.
Google lets its people work from any location four weeks a year, ideal for those who want a hybrid holiday, while PwC is permitting staff in eight countries to work remotely for up to eight weeks; and from July 2022 onwards, PwC US professionals will be allowed to work overseas for up to 20 days per year.
In a similar move, KPMG Canada has unveiled its ‘Roam’ remote work and travel program, allowing partners and employees to work outside their home province for up to eight weeks, including up to four weeks outside of Canada; while Deloitte and KPMG Australia now permit extended overseas working holidays.
And Yahoo Japan – which has been offering workers remote work since 2014 – recently doubled down on flexible perks, telling its 8,000 employees they can do their jobs from anywhere in Japan, and the company would fork out for their flights to the office if they ever need to come in.
Then there are those companies who pay for your holiday, among them travel companies Expedia, Airbnb, TravelZoo and TripAdvisor and tech firms BambooHR, Moz and Evernote which offer reimbursements or coupons ranging from US$250 to US$3,000. While tech firm FullContact gives workers holiday allowance of up to US$7,500 per year and has a policy prohibiting staff from working while on vacation.
According to the company’s VP of global HR, Michelle Warren, this perk not only “creates engagement, motivation for the work and energy around knowing that they can fully disconnect”, but also helps the firm in the war for talent. FullContact has an 85% retention rate, which Warren says is “amazing during the Great Resignation and particularly in the tech industry”.
Airbnb leading the way on work from home
Unsurprisingly, leading the charge on WFA is home-sharing giant Airbnb, which recently unveiled what it calls “the biggest change to Airbnb in a decade”. Tripling down on its credo that the WFA phenomenon is here to stay, the company said staff could work from home, or anywhere else, consistently and permanently, including taking extended ‘workations’ – living and working abroad for up to 90 days at a time.
“This means you can move from San Francisco to Nashville, or from Paris to Lyon,” Chesky said, adding that Airbnb was even “partnering with local governments” to make the visa process easier.
And the bonus? Employees remain on full pay, whatever option they choose, marking a world ‘work perk’ first – last year, Google, Microsoft, Meta and Twitter said they would pay employees less if they choose to move further away from the companies’ Silicon Valley HQ.
Not only a perk for employees, WFA is being seen as massively beneficial for employers in today’s war on talent, as companies are no longer limited by geographical boundaries and can access a bigger talent pool, ensuring they attract the best talent, and a more diverse talent pool – crucial both for a competitive advantage (gender diverse leadership teams deliver an 18% return on equity premium, reports McKinsey) and a big tick for ESG goals.
Confident that this new WFA culture introduced at Airbnb is the future of work, helping employers attract the best and most diverse talent while unlocking creativity and innovation, Chesky recently wrote in an open letter:
“We want to hire and retain the best people in the world… If we limited our talent pool to a commuting radius around our offices, we would be at a significant disadvantage. The best people live everywhere, not concentrated in one area. And by recruiting from a diverse set of communities, we will become a more diverse company.”
3 startups powering the future of work
anywell – improving wellness in the community
Described as a “new way to work remotely”, anywell is an Israeli-based Workspace-as-a-Service platform helping firms transition to a hybrid work model by enabling employees to work from spaces in their local communities. With a market presence in Israel and New York, and plans to expand globally following a recent fund raise of US$10m, anywell has to date partnered with 200 hosts, from cafes to co-working spaces. With expenses covered by employers, workers can use choose a local venue to work from on any given day. “Employers who join anywell commit to not only putting their employees’ wellness first, but also to supporting local businesses and giving back to the community,” says Chemi Peres, founder of Pitango, investors of anywell.
Remi – building culture for remote teams
As remote/hybrid working sets in, team culture remains a challenge with employees often feeling disconnected, and less psychologically safe in their teams, which in turn leads to less productivity and higher turnover. This is where culture-building platform Remi comes in. Acting as a people experience manager, the Berlin-based platform, which has just raised €1.2m in funding, takes a proactive and intentional approach to culture building, curating and facilitating social interactions via team-building rituals and proactive nudges. Insights from interactions gives employers the chance to optimise cultural interventions in teams to improve belonging and connection.
Clockwise – avoiding employee burnout
Clockwise, a time management and smart calendar tool, has optimised calendars for some 10,000 organisations, including Netflix, Twitter, Coinbase, and Atlassian. The platform, which recently raised US$45m in funding, uses AI to help teams free up their workdays and avoid the challenges associated with remote and hybrid workplaces, like burnout. Clockwise optimises team’s schedules to create more time, so workers “can feel present when working together and focused when working alone”, says CEO Matt Martin.
DID YOU KNOW…? Employers offering flexible work arrangements can now shout about it, as they look to hire top talent. Flexa is a new platform that aggregates workplace benefits, including remote working and flexibility, giving employees complete transparency on employers before applying for a job. Used by 150 companies including Allianz, Farfetch and Paddle, the platform only features companies “who meet a certain standard of flexibility and who are willing to be upfront about what they offer”, says Molly Johnson-Jones, co-founder.
Rise of unlimited time off work
Originally a perk offered by startups and tech companies, unlimited vacation policy, otherwise known as DTO (Discretionary Time Off) or unlimited PTO (Paid Time Off), is gaining traction, especially in the US, where workers take less vacation time than many of their counterparts worldwide.
LinkedIn said in 2015 that it shifted to unlimited PTO in a bid to give employees more flexibility and a sense of empowerment, while Airbnb is betting on a wider talent pool and increase in diversity. Some businesses have adopted the policy to encourage workers to take more vacation time, as a way to limit burnout and increase productivity.
The results of unlimited PTO appear as varied as the reasons. Talent consulting firm WilsonHCG, which unveiled its unlimited PTO program in 2020, has seen the number of vacation days employees take rise by 57%, while HR platform Namely found that employees with unlimited vacation plans take an average of only 13 days off per year, whereas traditional-plan employees average 15 days.
Regardless of results, the offer of unlimited PTO is considered a major perk by many, and is known to help in recruiting and retaining talented employees, and in increasing morale and reducing burnout. When asked what non-traditional perks and benefits interest employees, 80% said increased paid leave or paid time off, according to the 2021 US Employee Benefit Trends Study by MetLife.
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- Book Club: Tackling quiet quitting with positive leadershipLeadership & Strategy

domain: news


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Microsoft Xbox One will be released on November 22, 2013 but one lucky customer got his copy earlier than the rest. He is also uploaded a video on his youtube channel. He claimed that he pre ordered his unit on TARGET and he was surprise he receive it earlier. Infact its 14 days earlier. Huwow!
Watch the unboxing of the new Xbox One. This console was labelled as the most expensive Microsoft console ever to arrive in the market.
This lucky customer has been busy giving us updates via on his twitter #1 Source 4 XBOX ONE ?@Moonlightswami about this new Xbox one.

domain: entertainment


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The Federal Government has tasked scientists, plant breeders and relevant stakeholders in the cassava value chain on the need to develop more improved varieties of the crop.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Ernest Umakhihe, stated this in his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the NextGen Cassava Project Annual Meeting in Abuja.
Umakhihe underscored the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders to figure out how genetic improvement of cassava crop could help Nigeria realise its potential yield level.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Roots and Tuber Department, FMARD, Mr. Raji Akinbamidele, the permanent secretary noted that the interaction between the national cassava research scientists and specialists from other continents, would contribute immensely to efforts in addressing challenges facing the cassava sub-sector.
His words: “The sector has continued to gain prominence as shown in its continuous contribution to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Between April and June, agriculture has contributed 23.2 per cent of the total GDP, in spite of challenges such as flood, climate change and other natural disasters, insecurity, banditry and kidnapping among others.”
On his part, Head of Abuja Station, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Prof. Lateef Sanni, emphasised the need for genetic improvement of cassava varieties in the country to boost food sufficiency.
“We will continue to collaborate with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners and stakeholders in the cassava value chain for farmers to get the best seeds, “he added.
Also, the Registrar, National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Dr Sunday Aladele, disclosed that the committee had registered over 706 varieties of 39 crops, cassava inclusive.
He said, “Cassava is one of the most important root crops which contribute significantly to the livelihood of millions of people in Sub Saharan Africa. “It plays an important role in the supply of carbohydrates and vitamins, which in most cases serve as a substitute,” Aladele added.
According to him, the meeting will envision what is in the pipeline for future cassava improvement for food security and industrial uses.
Aladele ,therefore, appealed to scientists to take a cue from modern techniques deployed by the NextGen project to fast track crop improvement in the country.


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A dog and his boy go back in time to relive history in Mr Peabody and Sherman, released on Friday at the Showcase in Bargeddie.
Mr Peabody is a business titan, inventor, scientist, gourmand, two-time Olympic medallist and genius - who also happens to be a dog.
Using his most ingenious invention, the WABAC machine, Mr Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman hurtle back in time to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time.
But when Sherman breaks the rules of time travel, our two heroes find themselves in a race to repair history and save the future, while Mr Peabody may face his biggest challenge yet - being a parent.
Lost writer Craig Winning adapts characters from the 1960s The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, with direction by The Lion King’s Rob Minkoff.
Mr Peabody and Sherman is rated U and runs 92 minutes.
For listings visit Showcase Cinemas


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This adorable DIY Sassy Scarecrow Costume is an easy to make last minute hit!
Pairing a rolled cowboy hat with sunflowers is a fun way to top off a folded bandana kerchief.
There’s even a friendly crow to perch on the arm of this cute and clever Halloween costume for women. A Scarecrow Woman makeup tutorial is included in the step by step instructions, so don’t be scared, click here for the full instructions!
Love this costume? Vote for it here in our DIY Halloween Costume Contest, you could win $50!


Beyond the Same Thing
The Forgetting podcast: Inside The Mind of Alzheimer’s
Dealing with Alzheimer's amid the pandemic has particular challenges for patients and caregivers. Greg and David talk about isolation, rage, and coping.
Season 2, Episode 6
Greg O’Brien and David Shenk take to Zoom to record their latest podcast installment because the pandemic prevents them from getting together. Greg talks about the challenges that come with social distancing and quarantining, making every day feel like Groundhog Day. David reveals he almost wrote a book about the movie Groundhog Day. Meanwhile, Greg has a reveal of his own regarding a well-known actress and musician who will make a special appearance on a future installment.
This episode was recorded Sept. 3, 2020


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William P. Carl Fine Prints was established in 1983. Before that, I was working at the Wiggin Print Room of the Boston Public Library. Then, in 1976, I started working at Childs Gallery in Boston for seven years. 2023 marks 47 years in the print business. I was always looking for new and interesting artists. My focus has been the period 1850-1950 with an emphasis on American, British, French, Belgian, and Dutch works. Theera of modern Dutch printmaking is of special interest, and I have a large selection of works in this field. Museums and private collectors are my best clients.
Stow Wengenroth, New York Nocturne
Henri-Edmond Cross, La Promenade
For this the 2023 IFPDA Print Fair, I’ve put together excellent works by many artists including some great rarities. We will be showing Gerald Geerlings Civic Insomnia printed in color, a hand-colored surrealist print by Joan Miró, Charles Sheeler’s rare lithograph called Roses, a number of Stow Wengenroth’s New York City images, Theo van Hoytema’s set of two lithographs called Christmas and New Year, a rare woodcut by William E. Smith, the Cleveland African American artist, and a fine group of etchings by the contemporary Dutch etcher, Charles Donker.
We will be bringing more than two hundred prints by a wide array of artists. About 35 works will be on the walls and the rest are in tabletop print racks and floor racks. Please view the PDF checklist for a list of the framed prints we will bring to the show. The rest are too numerous to mention.

domain: library


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- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
Whether you are from Wyoming, vacation there or want to visit Yellowstone someday, our custom printed Wyoming wall maps add amazing landscapes to your home or office. Our maps are beautifully rendered from a combination of historical data, modern technology, and hand design. From our eye-catching elevation maps and geological relief maps to our meticulously restored historical maps, every map of Wyoming we offer reflects the high quality and attention to detail our customers have come to love and expect from Muir Way. See why a map of the Equality State from Muir Way is more than your typical wall map.
What makes Muir Way maps of Wyoming unique?
When you purchase a Wyoming wall map from Muir Way, you’re not purchasing a mass-produced print. You get a custom-printed archival piece of art designed to last for generations. Unlike a glossy poster, our maps are printed on archival fine art paper and are certified to last 100 years. The artwork on our maps is designed to bring new light to the beautiful terrain it features. Our elevation maps incorporate hand-shaded relief and Digital Elevation Data with historical map data, creating a unique 3D effect on a flat surface, and our hydrological maps depict every river and stream in crisp detail. The meticulous craftsmanship and design we bring to our Wyoming maps create heirloom quality artwork to last for generations.
Does my Wyoming map come framed?
It can! You can purchase your Wyoming map professionally custom-framed with real wood, or unframed if you prefer to use your own. If you’d like to purchase a framed Wyoming wall map, there are several different wood finishes to choose from. If you’d prefer to use your own frame, all of our maps come in standard sizes for easy gift giving.
Does a Muir Way map of Wyoming make a good gift?
Yes! Our custom-printed maps of Wyoming make the perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, to commemorate family vacations or as a thank-you gift for someone special. Memorialize the experience of a special holiday at Yellowstone or Grand Teton national parks, or any of the other amazing Wyoming landscapes. One of our state relief maps can be a perfect graduation gift for a student about to leave home for the first time, or a reminder of home for someone from Wyoming but who no longer lives there. Our maps also make beautiful corporate gifts that will remind your clients or colleagues of you every time they see it.
Where should I display my Wyoming map?
Our maps are eye-catching from across the room and up close. Hang a framed wall map as a central focus, or purchase several maps in a similar style or from a particular region and arrange them near each other for a complementary series. We offer several Wyoming National Parks maps that would make a great series. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to find a map to suit your décor.
Our Wyoming maps are available in several different styles, including:
Wyoming Relief maps - Our relief maps of Wyoming bring historical map landscapes together with modern technology to show Wyoming’s mountains and grasslands in a new way. Using Digital Elevation Data and hand-shaded relief, we custom enhance vintage maps to create a 3D effect on a 2D surface. See Wyoming’s spectacular terrain in vibrant colors on our Wyoming 1985 Relief map, or take a closer look at Yellowstone National Park outlined on our Yellowstone 1878 Relief map.
Wyoming elevation maps - Our Wyoming Elevation map uses Digital Elevation Data from the USGS and hand-shaded relief just like our relief maps to create a high-contrast 3-dimensional effect in stunning black and white.
Wyoming hydrological maps - Our hydrological maps showcase the intricate network of waterways, from sprawling lakes to narrow tributaries that flow into larger rivers. Trace Wyoming’s waterways on our Wyoming Hydrology Series map and you’ll see every body of water greater than 0.2 mi in diameter. What makes our hydrological maps unique? We apply a method called the Strahler Stream Order to show the hierarchy of streams as they flow from their source, with rivers shown thicker as they acquire the flow of tributaries. Map available in black, blue, or green. Want to see the ‘big picture’? See our Great Basin Hydrology Series map for watersheds across much of North America including Wyoming, or the Missouri Regional Hydrological map.
Enhanced vintage Wyoming maps - Enjoy the history and charm of vintage maps in a new way with our Montana and Wyoming Territories Map 1872. Unlike our elevation maps, Muir Way historical maps don’t feature enhanced elevation effects, but they do feature a record of history beautifully restored to retain its vintage charm without the wear & tear. Our vintage Wyoming maps are also custom printed using archival materials.
Wyoming’s geographical terrain features a variety of environments, from the peaks of mountains to grasslands, to pine forests, imposing rivers and pristine lakes. Magnificent national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons come alive with our relief maps.
Wyoming is a state of plateaus broken up by mountains. The Rocky Mountains sweep across much of the state. The state is also home to the Big Horn Mountains, the Laramie range, the Black Hills, the beautiful Teton Mountains, Absaroka Range and others.
If you like snowmobiling or skiing, our Jackson Hole, Wyoming map will captivate you with dramatic elevation changes. Each line of our TOPO map represents a particular elevation, so you can determine the degree of a slope by how close the lines are to one another, allowing you to relive those breath-taking slopes.
Wyoming is home to the Continental Divide, which spans north–south across the central portion of the state. Rivers east of the divide drain into the Missouri River Basin and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. On the west side of the Continental Divide, rivers eventually drain into the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.
Wyoming has three main geographical regions:
If you like our collection of Wyoming maps, you may also be interested in maps of our other Mountain States. Click below to browse:


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This can be as:
- A long term agreement
- Day support
A stepping stone for someone to live independently.
What is ‘Shared Lives’ ?
Shared Lives supports a variety of different arrangements where families and individuals in local communities can offer accommodation and/or support for up to three adults.
Shared Lives carers are recruited and approved by Positive Steps Shropshire Limited, which is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Who are Shared Lives carers ?
Shared Lives carers are people from all walks of life, and can be single people, couples or parents with children. They use their own home as a resource. Everyone who becomes a Shared Lives carer has to undergo an assessment by a Positive Steps Shropshire Limited worker, which is then presented to an independent approval panel as part of the approval process.
A DBS check, references and relevant training are taken up before any arrangement can take place.

domain: sociology


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Introduction: Approximately eighty percent of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed with advanced disease. Even with cutting edge surgical techniques and the best regimens of standard therapies most patients relapse and die of drug resistant disease within five years of diagnosis. Dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy can induce anti-tumor T cell immunity in patients and holds great potential in the era of modern anti-cancer treatment.
Areas covered: This review outlines critical factors regulating the outcome of DC immunotherapy in ovarian cancer, summarizes the important findings in ovarian cancer DC clinical trials, and discusses new directions which may improve the effectiveness of DC immunotherapy. Expert Commentary: Administration of DC vaccines with other forms of immunotherapy may enhance the efficacy of these treatments, ultimately increasing cures for this disease.
Keywords: Dendritic cells; clinical outcome; immune suppression; immunotherapy; ovarian cancer; suppressor macrophages; tumor antigens.

domain: medical


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HAMPTON, Va. — The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise at the Hampton VA.
By Friday night, there were 25 positive veteran cases. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, those break down to 16 inpatient cases and nine outpatient cases.
As the number of coronavirus cases at the VA grows, so does concern from people who are in that environment.
The local union is voicing its concerns. The president of the union believes staff members are also testing positive for COVID-19.
President of the AFGE Local 2328, Sheila Elliot said her concern is not only the growing number of positive cases among veterans but among staff members as well.
In a tweet from the Local 2328 it says staff is desperate for PPE, which is Personal Protective Equipment.
“What needs to happen is we need to do the right thing by our staff,” Elliot said. “If they didn't have a shortage why require staff to wear PPE's up to 7 days.”
Congresswoman Elaine Luria said the healthcare system here and across the Commonwealth will have to adapt to this surge.
“As testing increases, I think the number of reported cases will go up because we have the ability to identify those cases,” Luria said.
The Hampton VA was not able to comment on the situation.


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Author(s): Bhm SK, Grady EF, Bunnett NW
Abstract Share this page
Abstract The large and functionally diverse group of G-protein-coupled receptors includes receptors for many different signalling molecules, including peptide and non-peptide hormones and neuro-transmitters, chemokines, prostanoids and proteinases. Their principal function is to transmit information about the extracellular environment to the interior of the cell by interacting with the heterotrimeric G-proteins, and they thereby participate in many aspects of regulation. Cellular responses to agonists of these receptors are usually rapidly attenuated. Mechanisms of signal attenuation include removal of agonists from the extracellular fluid, receptor desensitization, endocytosis and down-regulation. Agonists are removed by dilution, uptake by transporters and enzymic degradation. Receptor desensitization is mediated by receptor phosphorylation by G-protein receptor kinases and second-messenger kinases, interaction of phosphorylated receptors with arrestins and receptor uncoupling from G-proteins. Agonist-induced receptor endocytosis also contributes to desensitization by depleting the cell surface of high-affinity receptors, and recycling of internalized receptors contributes to resensitization of cellular responses. Receptor down-regulation is a form of desensitization that occurs during continuous, long-term exposure of cells to receptor agonists. Down-regulation, which may occur during the development of drug tolerance, is characterized by depletion of the cellular receptor content, and is probably mediated by alterations in the rates of receptor degradation and synthesis. These regulatory mechanisms are important, as they govern the ability of cells to respond to agonists. A greater understanding of the mechanisms that modulate signalling may lead to the development of new therapies and may help to explain the mechanism of drug tolerance.
This article was published in Biochem J
and referenced in Journal of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology

domain: literature


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About the Author
Linda Boulanger is an award-winning author of historical romance who is said to take you on a journey where Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones without all the gore. While her books are mostly set in the Medieval era and Ancient Worlds, you'll often find time travel, dragons, angels, fairies, and other mystical beings mixed into her stories. Having grown up in the magical land of Alaska, her imagination was her refuge when winter days got too cold or she needed to hide away from overly large mosquitos in the summer. It was during those days that the storyteller was born, though it would take many years, and several hat changes, before she realized the voices in her head were characters screaming for their stories to be written.
When not traipsing into imaginary historical lands or designing book covers, Linda can be found spending time with her family in NE Oklahoma's Green Country.
Be sure to visit her at www.LindaBoulangerBooks.com.


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This Wonder Plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Since the root has a form similar to human body, the Chinese considered it beneficial for the hole body. In order to understand the effects, you must know there are three major ginseng varieties:
- American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Its root contains ginsenosides, which are thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties. Chinese medicine, which has used ginseng for thousands of years, considers American ginseng a “cool” calming tonic.
- Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): Also referred to as Korean ginseng, Asian ginseng also contains ginsenosides, although in different proportions than American ginseng, and is considered an adaptogenic herb. According to Chinese medicine, Asian ginseng is a “hot” stimulant.
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng and does not contain ginsenosides. Its active components are called eleutherosides, which are thought to stimulate your immune system.
Like American and Asian ginseng, however, Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen that’s traditionally been used to increase energy, stimulate the immune system, and increase longevity.
Ginseng was traditionally used as stimulant, tonic and to support the immune system.
Health Benefits of American Ginseng
American ginseng cannot be used for medicinal purposes until it’s at least six years old (the wrinkles around the neck of the root reveal its age).
Memory. American ginseng was found to improve working memory and mood in young individuals and middle-age adults.
Cancer: It has anti-cancer properties, as it appear to suppress tumor growth. It has shown particular promise in treating colorectal cancer.
Diabetes: American ginseng appears to have anti-diabetic properties. In one animal study, extract of American ginseng root lead to weight loss and lower blood sugar levels in mice with type 2 diabetes. It’s also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals.
Cold and Flu: A study has shown that taking an extract of American ginseng had reduces the risk and duration of respiratory illness in half. It was also found to be a safe and effective treatment for reducing the absolute risk of recurrent colds and the mean number of colds per person.
Immune System Function: American ginseng is generally known as immunostimulant, as it helps your body fight off infections and disease.
Health Benefits of Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is regarded as heating and is not generally recommended for stress relief. For that purpose American ginseng is more suitable.
Heart health: Asian ginseng may protect against symptoms of heart disease and support healthy cholesterol levels. It protects heart health, including anti-hypertensive effects and protection against heart failure.
Some research suggests Asian ginseng increases blood pressure at typical doses but lowers it at higher doses, so be careful with its use if you have high blood pressure.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Some studies show that Asian ginseng may have neuroprotective properties, including maintaining homeostasis and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and immune-stimulatory activities.
The herb could potentially be useful for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders.
Stroke: Asian ginseng’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties appear useful as a promising neuroprotective strategy in stroke.
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF): CRF is the most common symptom in patients with cancer. Those who used high-dose Asian ginseng reported improved fatigue, quality of life, appetite and sleep quality.
Cold and flu: Like American ginseng, Asian ginseng appears to stimulate the immune system.
Erectile dysfunction: Asian ginseng may be beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction, and it may also improve sperm production, sexual activity, and sexual performance.
Mental performance: Asian ginseng appears to boost alertness as well as thinking and learning.
Menopausal symptoms: There is some evidence suggesting Asian ginseng may help relieve certain menopausal symptoms, particularly depression and well-being.
Short-term use of ginseng is considered to be safe among adults. Asian ginseng is best taken in cycles, such as every day for two to three weeks, then taking a break for two to three weeks. In choosing a supplement, fermented ginseng may provide faster, more consistent absorption compared to non-fermented varieties. And if you choose Asian ginseng, look for the unpeeled variety (sometimes called red ginseng), as it will retain more of its bioactive compounds.
- University of Maryland Medical Center, American Ginseng
- Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Ibarra A, Pipingas A, He K, Roller M, Stough C,Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010 Oct;212(3):345-56
- Kim MS, Lim HJ, Yang HJ, Lee MS, Shin BC, Ernst E, Ginseng for managing menopause symptoms: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials,
J Ginseng Res. 2013 Mar;37(1):30-6
- Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, Meyer M, Ibarra A, Roller M, Pipingas A, Wesnes K, Scholey A, Improved working memory performance following administration of a single dose of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) to healthy middle-age adults, Hum Psychopharmacol. 2015 Mar;30(2):108-22
- McElhaney JE, Goel V, Toane B, Hooten J, Shan JJ, Efficacy of COLD-fX in the prevention of respiratory symptoms in community-dwelling adults: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled trial, J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Mar;12(2):153-7
- Ginseng root, American Botanical Council, http://cms.herbalgram.org/
- Hee Jin Kim, Pitna Kim, and Chan Young Shin, A comprehensive review of the therapeutic and pharmacological effects of ginseng and ginsenosides in central nervous system, J Ginseng Res. 2013 Mar; 37(1): 8–29.


State Education Commissioner Pam Stewart is moving full steam ahead with Florida Standards, the new education benchmarks based on the Common Core State Standards.
But Common Core opponents aren't giving up the fight.
One group, Florida Parents Against Common Core, plans to protest Sunday afternoon, outside a private fundraising event being held for Gov. Rick Scott on Jupiter Island.
"Our intent is to send a loud and clear message to the governor and leadership," the organizers of the protest wrote in a press release. "We want HB 25 and SB 1316 to be heard in the education committees. Committees will only be meeting for two more weeks and time is of the essence."
HB 25 and SB 1316 seek to prohibit Florida from fully implementing the new standards.
Neither proposal seems to be getting any traction, though the Senate bill by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Pensacola, has picked up two additional co-sponsors: Republican Sens. Alan Hays, of Umatilla, and Lizbeth Benacquisto, of Ft. Myers.
The House bill by Rep. Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, now has six co-sponsors: Republican Reps. Ray Pilon, of Sarasota; Travis Hutson, of Elkton; Matt Caldwell, of Lehigh Acres; Charles Van Zant, of Keystone Heights; Dane Eagle, of Cape Coral; and Doug Broxson, of Midway.
The Sunday protest is scheduled to take place near the home of Julie and Amin Khoury, who are hosting roundtable discussion and barbecue to raise money for Scott.
Common Core opponents also plan to demonstrate in Tallahassee on March 13.
The planned protests come just weeks after the Republican Party of Florida Legislative Affairs Committee took an official position that the state ought to cease further implementation of the Florida Standards.
The group is encouraging Scott to take executive action if the Legislature does not act.
State education officials are moving forward with the standards anyway.
Stewart has said she will select a vendor to create state assessments based on the Florida Standards this month.


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I’m a big cat lover! And usually, cat lovers have the most creative DIY outdoor cat house ideas, so you’re in good hands if you’re searching for some DIY cat houses.
You can use some of the following ideas for making a feral cat shelter and keeping stray cats warm and dry in winter. I’ve included both simple and more complex ideas.
Making a shelter for homeless cats is one of the noblest things you can do. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some ways you can keep kittens safe and dry.
What Do Outdoor Cats Like To Sleep In?
Outdoor cats pick the places where they sleep very carefully. As you probably know, living outdoors isn’t safe for cats, especially when they’re asleep.
Therefore, their seeping space must meet certain criteria. Usually, cats pay attention to the next factors when choosing a permanent sleeping space.
Although cats count as predators, they’re still small creatures that can easily become the prey of bigger animals. And they’re aware of the possible danger, so they pick their home carefully. For instance, most cats pick a sleeping space that’s high up and secluded.
That way, they can keep a close eye on everything that goes in and out of their area and act accordingly. As you can notice, cats aren’t big fans of any surprises.
Cats, in general, prefer a private and quiet sleeping space. Therefore, it’s not surprising if a cat that lives at home has a few favorite blanket-lined sleeping spots around the home.
Stray cats, on the other hand, must provide that for themselves. So, they often pick a secluded sleeping space outdoors. They can sleep behind a bin, amongst a pile of boxes, etc.
Cats hate the cold. And since stray cats live outdoors, they must find space that’s both warm and dry. In winter, you can find cats sheltering in public places like parking garages.
Usually, cats will cuddle together in dry spots for heat and companionship. Meaning, the warmth stays at the top of their priorities when searching for sleeping space in winter.
This Is Where Cats Go When It Rains. Watch This Video to Know:
How Do You Make An Inexpensive Outdoor Cat House?
If someone doesn’t like cats, I don’t trust them. How can you not like these small creatures that remove stress and anxiety, and improve your mood?
Luckily, you can return the favor by building a simple and inexpensive outdoor cat house where they can feel safe and sleep without worrying about anything in winter.
This section includes a few DIY outdoor cat house ideas that can help you make a weatherproof, strong, and safe shelter for both home and stray kittens like a real pro.
They’re fairly easy to put together and won’t take too much out of your time. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the greatest cat shelter ideas.
DIY Bucket Outdoor Cat House Idea
The popular bucket shelter provides waterproof and safe sleeping space for stray cats. You can make it from two similar buckets.
Then, cut a small hole in one. Finally, connect the two buckets with a drill. Or nails. You can also add some canopy against rain and water.
Learn More About How To Make Cat Shelters Easily with This Video:
East DIY Box Outdoor Cat House Idea
If you’re looking for a cheap solution, you can take hay layers and two boxes of different sizes. You can make a hole for easy access in the front part and provide a comfortable shelter for winter. The hay and two-fold boxes will keep stray cats warm during the cold days.
DIY Styrofoam Outdoor Cat House Idea
The Styrofoam outdoor cat house doesn’t take much time or supplies to make. All you need is a cutter, a large Styrofoam box, and hay or other soft materials you can place inside. Make sure to put two wooden beams that will keep the cat shelter above the ground.
The Ultimate Guide To Create Shelters For Strays:
Simple Tyre Outdoor Cat House Idea
Another simple cat house idea includes a large tire. Rubber tires provide warmth and enough space for cats.
You will need two rubber tires for this project with two larger holes for easier access. You can also attach wooden panels on the sides and top for climbing.
Step-by-step guide on how to make a type cat house. Let’s watch this video:
Double-Deck Outdoor Cat House Idea
The double-deck outdoor cat house idea includes two tiers with doors at different sides as entries. Add legs for support and bottom protection against water during the rainy season.
It’s a project that needs only basic and easily available materials. Finally, you can paint the DIY house in different colors. You can also leave the natural wooden color and save money.
Tutorial On How To Make A Stackable Insulated Cat House. Watch This Video:
Easy Pallet Outdoor Cat House Idea
If you have a wooden pallet hanging around the house, you can build a cat house and put it to good use. First, split the pallet into two parts.
Then, place a hay layer on the bottom and a mattress on top. Finally, use a metal sheet as a roof and make two holes at the bottom for easier access.
Detailed Guide On How To Make A Pallet Cat House. Watch This Video Below:
Chicken Wire Outdoor Cat House Idea
The chicken wire outdoor cat house looks like a jungle gym for kittens. Made of wood, chicken wire, and small roof tiles, this project won’t take too much of your time and money.
You can connect the mesh cages with a wooden bridge. However, make sure the bridge is also protected by the wire, enabling the kittens to roam around and explore. I would also suggest that you decorate the whole thing with some flower pots. They will add a lovely touch to the area.
Learn How To Make A Large Cat Enclosure (Cheap and Easy):
Barrel Pot Outdoor Cat House Idea
The barrel pot outdoor cat house requires a plant container and reused barrel. There’s no better way to reuse a barrel that you don’t use than building a cat house. It’s very spacious, so your cats can hang out comfortably inside. Make a large hole, then fill the barrel with soft materials.
Just make sure that the bottom of the barrel is completely dry. Once you’re done with the basics, add a wooden platform that will serve as both a dining table and stairs for your cats. Also, if you want to take this project to the next level, use the top part of the barrel as a flower planter.
This Is How To Make A Dog/Cat House Out Of Barrels. Let’s See:
Cooler Outdoor Cat House Idea
The cooler outdoor cat house is one of my favorite ideas on this list. You can easily reuse the old cooler in your garage and provide a safe and warm sleeping spot for kittens in your area.
You will need a large cooler, mounting base, zip ties, zip ties, carpet or some other type of bedding, wood screws, foam pad, jigsaw, glue, hot glue gun, and rope lighting if you have harsh winters.
With these materials, you can create a heater house that will keep your kittens warm and safe all winter long. The best part? There’s also space for water and food inside this DIY house.
Tips On How To Make Cat Houses Out Of Coolers. Watch This Video:
DIY Floating Outdoor Cat House Idea
You can easily make a floating outdoor cat house. The project consists of a plastic platform on the wall. The inside of this outdoor cat house can accommodate both food and water bowls, and a sleeping area.
Cylindrical Outdoor Cat House Idea
If you don’t prefer square cat house ideas, then you can build a cylindrical cat house. It’s a wooden shelter with a tubular shape and a hole as the access point.
You can coat the exterior with some warm materials and paint. It’s a simple but functional house that will keep stray kittens warm in winter.
Learn How To Make A Cylindrical Cat House From Scratch:
Cardboard Outdoor Cat House Idea
Many people opt for cardboard outdoor cat houses because they’re easy to make and don’t cost money. If you find this idea interesting, just grab some old cardboard boxes. Then, cover all the boxes with some old t-shirts for protection. Fill the boxes with soft materials and place them in a safe area.
The best part? You can build as many houses as you have cardboard boxes and old t-shirts. This solution provides the same warmth and comfort as the rest of the options mentioned in this article.
Container Outdoor Cat House Idea
Another easy idea that will blow you away includes plastic containers. Grab a plastic container with a lid. You can insulate this shelter with a ½ sheet of foam. Then, cut out a hole at the front and add something soft such as a pillow or cushion inside for warmth and comfort.
This Is How To Make A Cheap Container Cat House. Watch This Video:
Converted Dog House Outdoor Cat House Idea
You can easily transform a dog house into a shelter for stray cats or your new kitten at home. Since dog houses are bigger, you can easily divide the inside with some plywood and provide holes for each part of the house as entry points. Then, fill the divided parts with soft materials like hay, old shirts, etc.
Tutorial On How To Turn Dog Houses Into Cat Houses:
Heated Igloo Outdoor Cat House Idea
You can easily build a heated igloo outdoor cat house using a Styrofoam cooler and a heated pad with a fleece cover. I saved this idea for last because it’s a little expensive.
However, if you have harsh winters, you can spend a couple of dollars and provide a heating system for your cat or stray cats in your area that will keep them warm and dry.
Tree Outdoor Cat House Idea
If you have low trees in your yard, you can build a cat house inside the tree using wooden panels. It’s a bit challenging and time-consuming. However, it’s not impossible.
First, explore the structure of the tree and see where you can realize your idea. Cats love trees, so they will also appreciate your effort and enjoy the treehouse in winter.
Cabinet Outdoor Cat House Idea
If you have a small old wooden cabinet that’s just rotting in your basement, you can use it as a house for stray cats. Just provide access and fill the cabinet with hay or old t-shirts.
Then, place it in a secluded place. You can do the same with similar old pieces of furniture that seem like they can be transformed into a house that will keep stray cats warm in winter.
This is how to make a cat house out of cabinet. Watch this video:
Old TV Outdoor Cat House Idea
Remember those old TVs that your grandfather had? Well, if you have one of those old TVs just hanging around somewhere, you can use it as a cat house.
Just take out all of the electronics and everything else that could harm the cats, and use the shell of the TV as a setting for a cat house. Fill the inside with some materials that will keep the cats warm in winter. Then, put the house somewhere safe and hidden.
Tutorial On How To Turn Your Old TV Into A Cat House:
Kitchen Cabinet Outdoor Cat House Idea
Another cool idea I have for you is a cat house made of a kitchen cabinet. It’s very easy! Just transform your old kitchen cabinets into cat shelters by providing holes for access on the sides. Then, fill the cabinets with some materials that will keep the cats warm.
Instructions On How To Make A Kitchen Cabinet Cat House:
I know that you can’t adopt all the stray kittens in the world. However, if you have free space at home, consider adopting abandoned kittens, at least for the winter period.
Hopefully, today’s list of ideas can help you make something that will keep your kittens dry and warm in winter. If you have any other ideas, please drop a comment below!
This Is How To Tame A Feral Kitten. Watch This Video:
Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted
After exploring, tired cats need a safe and warm resting place where they can spread their paws and just chill. However, stray cats don’t have a secure resting place where they can keep themselves warm in the winter. Luckily, you can create simple but still comfortable shelters for stray cats.
Just click through the list of DIY outdoor cat house ideas above and pick the one that seems most doable to you. Cats don’t need much. A weatherproof spot with food and water somewhere in a secluded place will do the job. Share this article with other cat lovers and inspire people to help!

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The last blog gave a brief introduction to EQ8. As EQ8 is software produced for quilters it is capable of a lot more than drawing blocks.
When you open the software, it gives you options under 3 headings, when you click on the heading it will then give you further options.
Design a quilt from scratch. This gives you a completely blank canvas to work on.
Start with a quick quilt project. This allows you to open and work with a predesigned project. Once the project is open you can either use it as it is or you can edit it if there are elements you don’t like.
Open an existing project. Here you can open a project you have previously worked on. The software will show you the list of projects stored on your computer.
Design a block from scratch. You can design pieced, applique or combination blocks. I use mainly pieced but that is just person choice as I don’t do a lot of applique work.
Search for block patterns. There is a library of pre drawn blocks, which you can print, design with, or edit to make your own.
Work with fabrics
As with blocks there is an extensive library of pre-loaded fabrics to use in your projects.
Import and edit fabric images. You can either scan or use photographs of your own fabrics and import it into EQ8 to use in your quilt design. I have only used this function once as I decided with the wide range of fabrics available in the fabric library it wasn’t worth the time and effort. I used either the colour palette (you just choose a colour instead of a fabric or a similar fabric to mine from the library.
Using EQ8 to design a simple quilt from scratch
The starting point is to open the quilt worktable and click on layout. This gives options about the style and layouts available, I decided to use the horizontal layout.
If you have really good eyesight you can see that the default settings are a 4 by 4 grid of 9” blocks. It is easy to change these by using the arrows and sliders in the worktable, but we will work with the default layout. You can also add borders from here. I used the default option and added 2” borders.
Once you have decided on the layout the next step is to design your quilt. Click on the design tab and you will open the design worktable. The sketchbook blocks panel opens with the default blocks. You can use a selection from here, you can open the library and use blocks from there or you can draw your own but to make a quick and easy design I will use one of the blocks from here. For the quilt on the left, I used the block straight from the block worktable but I was not happy with the colours one of the functions of the software is that once you have designed your quilt it is easy to change colours and fabrics. This enables you to audition colour and fabric combinations to give an image of how the finished quilt will look. I use this tool a lot as the colour and fabrics used, and the placement, can totally change the appearance of a quilt.
I hope I have shown you how accessible the software is and how easy it to create a simple quilt of course this is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what EQ8 is capable of.
Where do you go from here?
At this point we do not have enough information to start making the quilt. We do know from the layout table that the interior measurement of the quilt is 36″ x 36″, and the border is 2″ all round, thus the exterior measurement is 40″ square. (all measurements are finished ones). We also know the blocks are 9″ square so 16 in total.
(It is worth noting that the software will not convert imperial measurements to metric. There is an option to use metric but if we changed our quilt to metric the block would be 9 cm it would not convert it to the equivalent metric size.)
A further function of EQ8 is that it can print the fabric yardage required, blocks, motifs and stencils, templates and rotary cutting charts.
One function that I use a lot is printing foundation patterns but I will focus on this in the next blog. I just want to show you the printouts for the quilt we have created. (If I can manage to get them into here from EQ)
The image of the quilts above were copied from the print function.
This is the yardage requirement printout.
This one is the rotary cutting printing chart and this combined with the yardage requirement helps you work out how many of each patch, the fabric and the size to cut. E.G. for patch A the fabric is the grey quilters linen you need to cut a strip 2 3/4″ wide then cut 2 3/4″ squares from the strip. 4 patches for each block and a total of 64 blocks.
You can also do the same for the border blocks but if they are plain, like the ones on our quilt, I don’t usually bother as the are fairly straight forward.
The printouts are A4 size so much easier to read than the formatted copy on here. You will notice (again, if you have good eye sight) that the cutting size for block B is 5 11/16 EQ8 has settings for rounding, I would usually set the rounding to the nearest 1/8th do instead of the 5 11/16 it would be given as 5 3/4.
One of the things that the software will not do is to tell you how to construct your quilt, therefore, you need to be confident to assemble your quilt from the information given on the above printouts. With a one block quilt like this one, even for a novice quilt maker that shouldn’t prove too difficult but with some of the more complex designs I have had to admit defeat.
You can also print templates and foundation papers ( this is the feature I use most) which I will look at in the next blog as well as some of the more complex blocks you can use. Just
EQ8 has an in depth manual and there are classes on the website, there is also a blog and lots of other features on the website, so there is plenty of projects, guidance and support as well as the manual. Just a quick view of some of the resources available. I am now going to play with serendipity.
If you want to own your own copy of EQ8 and start designing then the website has been given a copy for you to win. Just click here and follow the instructions


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Gluten has recently been in the spotlight, after being in the dark for many years. This lack of awareness has caused many people to live through their lives eating food they didn’t know would cause problems. Now that there’s a name for it, people are doing better, but some are still misinformed. Here are 8 signs that point toward gluten intolerance that you must check out.
1. Frequent stomach aches.
The pain is a result of an inability to digest gluten properly. The first thing that points toward gluten intolerance is the stomach ache. If you are intolerant, you are likely to get one each time you consume something with gluten. If you do, this should be your first sign to consult a medical professional.
2. Rapid mood swings.
Those who consume gluten, but are unaware of their intolerance face a barrage of mood swings. The stomach pain, coupled with the generalized physical stress that is a result of your digestive system’s repeated failed efforts to digest gluten, causes these mood issues. A lot of people who suffer from this ailment report anxiety, irritability, and sometimes depression.
3. Unexplained dizziness.
If you feel faint for no apparent reason, you might have gluten intolerance. Those suffering from this allergy have reported disorientation, feeling off balance, and many other cognitive disruptions.
4. Chronic headaches.
Those who are sensitive to gluten might experience recurring headaches. They flare up an hour after eating and their potency depends on the amount of gluten consumed.
Feeling tired is common among those with gluten intolerance. Your body expends a large amount of energy trying to digest gluten and the mood swings don’t help. If you feel tired, even though your sleep is adequate, you may have a gluten allergy.
6. Itchy skin.
When your body endeavors to digest the gluten it cannot process, itchy skin should be expected. The itchy skin is caused by inflammation that is the result of your body producing a lot of antibodies to deal with the gluten.
Gluten causes fibromyalgia, which is a very painful condition. “When patients are helped by a specific dietary measure, it is often because of the presence of a secondary condition that does have a recognized response to diet. And when you take care of that, you do get some relief from all the symptoms. You feel better overall.”
8. Gluten and lactose intolerance are very similar.
Gluten and lactose are very similar in the effect they have on the body, and the symptoms they cause. If lactose is already hard to digest for you, gluten might be too.
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Star Maa live on Bigg Boss Telugu 2 Grand Finale
Exclusively 365cinekhajana Presents: Bigg Boss Telugu Winner
Time-09:00 PM: Finally its to be an end Kaushal Manda is Bigg Boss Season2 winner.
Time-08:58 PM: Nani journey AV is going on…
Time-08:55 PM: Victory Venkatesh as Chief guest on Bigg Boss stage
Time-08:53 PM: Its time for Geetha Madhuri Av is going on….
Time-08:50 PM: Its time for Kaushal Av is going on….
Time-08:40 PM: Royal exit of these two contestants Kaushal and Geetha Madhuri from the house.
Time-08:38 PM: Nani entered into Bigg Boss house
Time-08:25 PM: Some memories of Bigg Boss AV going on
Time-08:16 PM: Done with Tanish journey AV. It’s time to commercial break
Time-08:07 PM: Its time to eliminate 3rd contestant. Elimination in new style Kalusal should be in Confession room, Geetha Madhuri in the storeroom, Tanish will be smoking zone.
Time-08:10 PM: Tanish out from Bigg Boss house.
Time-08:03 PM: A special song by USA fans, danace performance.
Time-07:57 PM: Done with journey AV. It’s time to commercial break
Time-07:47 PM: Deepthi Nallamothu is out from house
Time-07:38 PM: Before eliminate 4th contestant, its time to small commecial break.
Time-07:30 PM: Show started with ex contestants dance.
Time-07:24 PM: Samrat on Stage, followed by his journey AV. It’s time to commercial break
Time-07:14 PM: Samrat is out from Bigg Boss house.
Time-07:08 PM: Its a commecial break
Time-07:06 PM: Its time to Eliminate the last contestant from the house.
Time-07:03 PM: Nani Launches Telugu Titans T-shirt.
Time-07:01 PM: Show started with Telugu Titans Kabbadi Team on stage.
Time-06:53 PM: Its a commecial break
Time-06:52 PM: Nani speaks with Tanish.
Time-06:50 PM: Nani speaks with Samrat.
Time-06:48 PM: Nani speaks with Geetha Madhuri, she was fully emotional.
Time-06:45 PM: Nani speaks with Kaushal.
Time-06:43 PM: Nani speaks with Deepthi.
Time-06:42 PM: Nani is on Nani TV.
Time-06:38 PM: Its break time
Time-06:35 PM: Nani continuoes speaking with ex contestants, they are expressing their views.
Time-06:27 PM: Nani speaks with ex contestants about their beautiful memories in Bigg Boss house.
Time-06:25 PM: Rocking performance by all the ex contestants on stage Bigg Boss Telugu 2.
Time-06:22 PM: Show started with elimineted contestants dance.
Time-06:17 PM: Break for ads
Time-06:15 PM: Nani speaks with Kaushal wife (Neelima) & Son.
Time-06:12 PM: Nani speaks with Tanish mother, Deepthi (Son & Husband)
Time-06:08 PM: Nani speaks with Geetha Madhuri mother, Samrat father, and Mother.
Time-06:05 PM: Bigg Boss Show was the BlockBuster Show says, Nani.
Time-06:00 PM: Nani makes an grand entry with Nani Movie back to back songs

domain: celebrity