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Our Research Notes series invites authors to describe their process for a recent book, with “research” defined as broadly as they like. This week, Kathy Fish and Robert Vaughan write about their collaborative collection Rift from Unknown Press.
My “research” for the stories in Rift was mostly in the form of Googling odd things I was curious about or watching YouTube videos. I am not very scholarly. I’m incredibly drawn to and inspired by the treasure trove of bizarre that is the world wide web. So here’s the background on a few of the stories I wrote for Rift:
“A Room with Many Small Beds”
I thought of the times when I was young and I’d get a little spacey and float out of my body and watch myself. Usually at school. I was a strange kid. I’d written about this before, in an old story called, “How Elm Trees Die.” I wanted to write about it some more, in a new context. I wanted to write a segmented story using dream imagery as well.
Googled: out of body experiences, weird children, The Five Glorious Mysteries
“A Botched Affair”
I watched the Zapruder film of JFK assassination on YouTube one night after too much wine. Scanned brother’s Twitter timeline. The one who teaches “Hippie History” to high school students and tweets abut the JFK assassination. Read: “A 21 year old was put in charge of removing Kennedy’s brain.” Ok. I was definitely using that.
Another late night watching YouTubes. Found a documentary about a guy who cheated at the game show Press Your Luck in the 80s. Fascinated. Began the story there and let it fly. I ended up bookending the story with a fictionalized version of the cheater.
“There is No Albuquerque”
Working from a photo prompt of a vintage freak show advertisement, I remembered I’d written something years before into a notebook in a Panera Bread while my kids were at the movies nearby. Something about a woman with horns. Like so many things I scribble in notebooks, I’d abandoned it. Thought maybe I could make something of it. Searched old notebooks. Flipped through all the pages. Finally found it in a blue notebook from 2011. Sat out on the deck one July night with my laptop. Messed with the thing until well after midnight. The final draft is much more tender than the original version which surprised me in a good way.
Googled: animal horns, animal tusks, humans with horns, freaks, freak shows, molting
My “research notes” are life stories, they are not deep texts, or notes from studying the Bible late at night, or even irreverence from photos out of some old Encyclopedia, although that sounds fun. Mostly it was late nights, taking a new prompt from our foursome included in the Night Owl Café, and placing bubbles all around the prompt with possibilities. Then firing away on blank pages the following caffeinated morning.
I also selected four to give a closer example of process:
I wrote this story shortly after a big transition, moving from New York City to Los Angeles. Those darkly lit hell-holes did certainly exist — The Formosa Lounge (mentioned in “Night Life”), or Cat & Fiddle. I was writing my first play, Boink, which premiered in San Francisco (1988) and was smitten by Jay McInerney’s Bright Lights, Big Cities, which I’d named my two cactus houseplants. Within three months of living in East Hollywood, I’d already grown that East Coast — West Coast division in my heart, and my pen. In various newer drafts I kept some snark (toned it down) and added more sensory details.
“When He Left It All To Me”
Originally published as a poem. I think the constructs of prose and poetry are slippery, and used more by bookstores. I decided I liked the idea of this enough to sort it out as a story. The rest of this was based in half-truths from my life — there was a quick exit, and the surprising donation of a blue coat (stay open when your heart is breaking!) Even the nod to Eva Cassidy and “Fields of Gold” are somewhat close to what happened. He’d given me a mix-tape, too. So, the construct, all of the material needed is there. Feedback: who is Eva Cassidy? What if I don’t know her? And I’d say — look her up. Then Listen.
“The Literary Savant”
There are some pieces that are more fun, and some easier to write than others. For me, they tend to be the most bizarre. It’s as if once I throw that switch open, my mind just goes anywhere! This story started with my friend Joel, having tea on my patio one July day, and complaining about the latest dating scene, out of the blue, saying “I would date a dog!” And, I said, “Really? What kind?” The entire piece pounced out of me that very day. How could it not? It was more fun to not know how to wrap this up than just staying in every word, each line just getting more and more obtuse. It also plays with disconnections, the way people truly talk with one another.
“The Guy in This Sky”
A mixture of many elements went into this one — some subtle gay references and also the back story hints — a dark shared history — one runs, the narrator hides. So, I attempt to shade with humor, because when you deal with “heavy hitting” material, that black humor quotient helps. There is also a palpable sadness, with the imagery at the end. What is this character longing for? Love? Passion? To be “real” with who we are? Well, aren’t we all, even a little?


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Automation System Integrator a Mandate For The Success of Business
Owning a business is challenging particularly if your business has intricate business orders; since it needs you to build up a perfect system which cannot be very easy to control. Every successful business ensures to have a powerful automation system integrator in it.
As the growing overall economy constant to strive, tons of businesses happen from one destination to another. Many people want to make their way to be known the available industry. So that as numbers of business owners, providers, merchandisers, and manufacturers raises, the demand for system integration also spill in.
The primary task of Automation system integrator is set up various different components into one place and offer hardware as well as software programs that aren't usually available over-the-counter.
Why you need to use the service of professionals:
They understand your business and ensure that all you need to make your business procedure as easy, reliable and successful ones plus they provide end to get rid of the solution. To make certain that you will in a position to maximize the utilization of this system or you involve some other changes and concerns, automation system integrators offer consultation. They'll sit together with you and discuss things of nervous about the relation to the personal computers they made, any changes and rearranges if needed. Automation system integrator is definitely a great help for each and every business. No real matter what kind of business you are working, ensure that your business will flourish and can grow higher when you yourself have the service of automation system integrators.
There are several companies having strong competition with the other person and each providing online and remote control tech support team for customers as if you. You need to produce a good research to get the most suitable one and find the best offer for your service.

domain: economics


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Modesto is located in Stanislaus county and has a population of 188,856.
Computer Animation schools in Modesto charged students an average tuition of $624.00 if they were California residents, and $5,184.00 if they were non-residents, during the 2009 - 2010 school year.
Books and supplies for computer animation schools in Modesto cost an average of $1,200.00. There is one computer animation college in Modesto for students to choose from. In the 2008 - 2009 school year, reportedly 0 students completed computer animation programs in Modesto.

domain: geography


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The picture: I drew a girl looking out from behind a birch tree. I chose the birch tree because it stands for love, life and happiness. It symbolizes a new beginning.Read more
What are you looking for?
Diversion ACT ADHD Anxiety Treatment methods Message Diagnosis Nutrition Flamenco Spring five phases quite ill community healing intimacy isolated power bodily harm lockdown distrust nature opiates justification Resilience shame bad conscience Pain scale Pain spiral Snowflake Guilt Weakness Self-help Sing Proverbs Stress Dancing Therapy column Trust incurable invisible Vulnerability condemnation change Forest bathing Place of well-being

domain: psychology


text: We are one of the most important organizations of broad range of White Marble Lord Hanuman Ji Statue. Our provided stone statue is beautifully carved by our deft craftsmen using optimum quality material. It is extensively demanded in many places. Due to its elegant design and perfect finish, the offered statue is widely cherished among our customers. Also, the offered White Marble Lord Hanuman Ji Statue is available to our customers in different decorative sizes at reasonable rates.

domain: artistic


Wednesday, December 01, 2004, 01:00 pm PT (04:00 pm ET)
Mac OS X 10.3.7 to improve FireWire drive compatibilityMac OS X 10.3.7 continues to gain improvements as development presses forth.
Apple Computer this afternoon seeded developers with build 7S210 of Mac OS X 10.3.7, a maintenance update to the company's "Panther" operating system, currently under development.
With this latest latest build, Apple has asked that developers focus their testing efforts on audio, printing, storage or audio-based FireWire devices, and graphic intensive games that utilize OpenGL.
In a three page seed note accompanying the build, Apple said that Mac OS X 10.3.7 will offer a compatibility fix for installing Xsan and improved DVD Player performance with ATI Radeon 9800 cards.
The company also informed developers that the update will improved compatibility with FireWire drives that have previously failed to mount. Developers testing this feature are encourage to power cycle their FireWire drives after installing the Mac OS X 10.3.7 updater.
Last week Apple seeded build 7S206 of Mac OS X 10.3.7, noting SMB printing compatibility between Mac OS X 10.3.7 and Windows Server 2003. Earlier builds have revealed improvements to FireWire Audio, better compatibility between PDF printing and HP raster printers, and color collaboration fixes.
Mac OS X 10.3.7 is reportedly scheduled for released within the next 4 weeks.
On Topic: General
- 'Historical implications' made Apple Watch more difficult to design than original iPhone, Jony Ive says
- Former head of Android Andy Rubin leaves Google to start tech hardware incubator
- Seth Rogen to play Steve Wozniak alongside Christian Bale's Steve Jobs
- President Bill Clinton, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella & others praise Apple CEO Tim Cook for publicly announcing he is gay
- 'I'm proud to be gay,' Apple CEO Tim Cook says in open letter supporting equality


text: Deep value companies that have plunged over 50% in the past year After the shake out this year so far I thought you would be interested to see what companies have lost over 50% in value over the past year. Perhaps you can find a few good deep value investment ideas for your portfolio. What the screen looks like This is what I screened for: All companies in the Quant Investing stock screener's 22,000 company universe With a one year stock price decline of more than 50% (to do this I used Price index 12m = Current stock price / stock price 12 months ago) Sorted with companies with the biggest decline at the top These were companies with the biggest price fall: Click image to enlarge As you can see some very wild stock price falls. Adding good fundamental momentum What happens if we only look for companies with good fundamental momentum? To do this I used the same screen as above but screened out companies with a Piotroski F-Score greater than 6. You can read more about the Piotroski F-Score here: Piotroski F-Score back test Can the Piotroski F-Score also improve your investment strategy? This academic can help you make better investment decisions – Piotroski F-Score Use the Piotroski F-Score to seriously improve your returns How to increase your returns on average 210.6% (max 363.0%) – Piotroski F-Score Ever thought of using a fundamental stop-loss? This is what the list of companies now looks like: Click image to enlarge Less extreme price falls but still high Only look for cheap companies What happens if you only look for undervalued companies? To do this I used all the above mentioned criteria and sorted the list of companies using our own developed composite rating called Qi Value. You can read more about Qi Value here: This investment strategy is working even better than we expected +711% This outperforms all other valuation ratios (14 year back test result) Qi Value Investment Strategy This is what the list of companies look like now: Click image to enlarge Looks like the largest number of companies are from South Korea but really from all over the world – even the USA. Please do your own research As with all screens this is just a list of companies that because of the large price fall may have VERY BIG problems. Therefore do your own research and fact checking. Your deep value analyst wishing you profitable investing PS To get this deep value investment strategy working in your portfolio right now click here PPS Why not sign up right now before it slips your mind?

domain: finance


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"Every willful desire for death is directed toward peace, not toward nonexistence. Although a man erroneously believes that he will not exist after death, nevertheless by nature, he desires to be at peace; that is, he desires to be in a higher degree."
I'm posting the final two chapters of my unpublished manuscript, "Life, Death and Love" (most of the rest is available in the side bar of my blog) in response to St. Augustine's observation about the deeper and spiritual motivation for suicide. I have spent most of my adolescence and adulthood with an undercurrent of longing for death. Like many human beings, I've had suicidal thoughts situationally intensified. There is indeed an element of escapism in fantasy about death self inflicted, but as Augustine points out, it is ultimately a desire for peace, to BE at a higher degree. That higher degree is ultimately realized in love, and as St. Paul confesses, the desire to depart is often conflicted with the need to stay. (Phil. 2)
CHAPTER 14 The Gospel According to Romeo and Juliet
“Ah. dear Juliet, why art thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantial death is amorous; and that the lean abhorred monster keeps thee here in dark to be his paramour? For fear of that I still will stay with thee, and never depart from this palace of dim night again: here, here will I remain (here with worms that are thy chambermaids; 0, will I set up my everlasting rest; and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars from this world wearied flesh.) Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and lips, a the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come bitter conduct, come, unsavory guide! Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on the dashing rocks thy sea-sick weary bark! Here's to my love! 0 true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die." Romeo
"What's here? a cup, clos'd in my true love's hand? Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end: 0, churl! drink all, and leave no friendly drop to help me after? I will kiss thy lips; haply some poison yet doth hang on them, to make me die with a restorative. Thy lips are warm! Yea, noise! then I'll be brief - 0 happy dagger this is thy sheath, thet'e rest and let me die." Juliet
"We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us ... the one who does not love does not know God, for God is love."
Romeo and Juliet. Love and death. I am the incurable romantic; I am drawn to death because I am drawn to God.
I wish to die because I am desperately in love with my Beloved. This is the heartbreaking joy of passion, it is the Divine Romance.
All lovers know that love bids us die for the sake of our beloved. This is the beautiful tragedy of love. The romantic amalgam of love and death is the highest, the simplest and most profound of all mysteries held tenaciously by the human heart. This is Truth: Death is the final witness to the true depth of passion of the lover for the beloved. It is not when, at the end of the story, the lovers finally make love that touches our very souls. The most captivating and romantic of all endings is when two lovers willingly and gladly die for the sake of eternity in one another's arms. Death for the sake of love is simply the gospel according to Romeo and Juliet. Death is embraced by lovers because they know in death they will shed all the limits of the world and hindrances of this flesh and be ushered into the final and complete union of their hearts. In death for the sake of love there is a trust as deep as their love that there will be a resurrection of the two as one, inseparable, complete and eternally bound. This is Truth, eternal, inescapable.
The heart of love knows that love and death are indeed a single substance. There has never been a lover who has not sworn he would forsake his very life for his beloved; every lover offers to his beloved his willingness to die for the sake of his love, for the sake of her love, as evidence of the passion in his heart. Love lays down its life for the beloved, sometimes in a single act, more often in acts done singlemindedly over the years for the sake of the beloved. Whether a life is sacrificed in a moment or over a lifetime, it is laid down for the sake of possessing the heart and soul of the beloved, it is gladly and willingly given to the one desired above all others.
But it is when we hear of two lovers choosing the moment, the single act with hope for some eternal certainty of one another's presence that our hearts are touched in a place that is sometimes too fearful and holy for even ourselves to enter and seek its blessing. Our reasonable, calculating minds will tell us the lovers' suicide pact was a waste of life, an eternal mistake, an unthinking and terribly short sighted solution to traverse the barriers of loving in a world that seems hostile to passion. In our world-bounded humanity we resist touching the holy sorrow deep within us that envies them. We try to reason away the inexorable logic of love that, in our hearts, understands the reasonings of the heart broken by the desire for unhindered union with the beloved. We do this perhaps because in our humanity we fear death, and sometimes truly fear love more than death; but somewhere deep in our humanity we know death for the sake of love is what life is truly about, that it is an anchor of hope cast into eternity itself. If we will, and we must, set aside our fears and open wide the door to the mystery of love and death we will find the One to whom both love and death belong, in whose image we are created, whose nature we share. The door opens to the very dwelling place of our eternal Lover, God who gladly died for the sake of becoming one with us, his beloved, for all eternity.
This is, thus far the end of my pilgrimage in my search for the meaning of my desire for death. I can go no further or deeper than the very love of God himself. This is the place I rest, this is where I am content to dwell for now: My desire for death is a witness to the very passion of God that has won my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is a manifestation of my desire dwell forever in the heart of my Beloved; in death alone can I truly know the depth of love that loves to death.
In death alone I know that in love there is resurrection, that the love I share with my Beloved is stronger than death, a flame of passion many waters cannot quench. In death alone I know life is a burden gladly shed for the sake of eternity with my Beloved; all that keeps us apart, all our adversaries, the limitations of my flesh and heart are rendered powerless by death. In death sought for the sake of the Beloved, love alone is sovereign, our true union is consummated, finally and completely, and we will never be lost to one another again.
CHAPTER 15 “…and boy gets girl."
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. Come, and I shall show you the Bride of the Lamb. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, and made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 'And I heard a loud voice say, 'Behold, the very presence of God is with his people, and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain: the first things have passed away. ' " The Revelation of
This is the whole of The Book. It is a story of love, surely, but of a love like all true loves, one that suffers greatly for the sake of finally and eternally possessing the beloved. It is the divine romance, the story of God's passionate pursuit of his beloved through Hell and high water to have her for himself. And the heart of sorrows is the heart touched by this True Love, it is the heart that longs for the ending of the story.
The Revelation of John is at the end of the story, an epilogue of sorts, told in images of such high definition cataclysmic, epic proportions with surround sound, that the mesage cannot be missed if we will stand back from the screen instead of standing with our noses to it. It is simply a retelling of The Love Story in ghastly and beautifully awesome images in case we did not understand when it was told in the terrifying human drama in which it actually happened: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl both suffer greatly, insurmountable odds are overcome, boy gets girl in the end and they live happily ever after.
And this is the end of the matter for the heart of sorrows, the One bruised and beaten by and for the sake of Love. This all lovers know, to this all lovers will say it is so and Amen: In the end, in love, nothing, but nothing, matters except the presence of our beloved. If that presence is ours we at once lose everything and possess all creation. This is Truth: When I finally sit in the presence of my beloved, embraced in her unconditional passion and love for me all the pain and sorrows of the joining of our hearts, the hell of the fear of rejection, all my longings for her in her absence, all of my doubts about her love, all of the darkness of being abandoned by her because of doubts and fears, all of our unbelief, lack of faith, all of it is consumed, all is swallowed up in our love. None of it matters, none of it is of any consequence, none of it is even remembered, all the first things have passed away, all things are new in her present embrace. There is now only my beloved; no belief or unbelief, no fear, no doubts, no past, no future, no sense of the passing of the present moment, only the two now one in a mystery and the eternal sense that it is now as it was intended from the beginning. For that moment love reigns supreme, the world, the two of us, God himself and all his creation is a seamless tapestry; everything is woven together by the bright threads of romance and passion. This is the final and best mystery, the hope to which all we know about human and divine love, and that to which John finally points us.
This is the eternal moment I long for most desperately. To rest in the arms of my True Beloved, to sit in the presence of His divine passion for my heart and soul, to be lost in Him, to be one with Him, finally and completely. It is then that I know all of life with its tears and desperations, hopelessness and fears and sorrows will be swallowed up in His holy and fearless love. It is then I will know that I am, but it is truly more than knowing: I will be, yes I will BE my Beloved's and He will be mine.
"Arise my darling, my beautiful one. For behold the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers have appeared in the land. Who is this that grows like the dawn, as beautiful as the full moon, as pure as the sun? I am my beloved's and his desire is for me. Come my beloved, let us go out into the country. Let us spend the night in the villages. Let us rise early and go to the vineyard, let us see whether the vine has budded and its blossoms have opened, and whether the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love."
"The Spirit and the Bride say come…"


CVS Pharmacy is looking to maintain a large storage container at its 17 East Jericho Tpke. property in Mineola. However, they’ve already been housing containers at two village locations illegally, according to village officials.
At a public hearing last week in front of the Mineola Village Board of Trustees, CVS reps were called “horrible neighbors” before the board postponed its decision on the store’s request.
Village officials said CVS had been issued violations for the containers as well as property upkeep and snow removal.
Three years ago, Bryan Dilberian’s life irreversibly changed, some would say for the second time. The first had occurred during his junior year at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn in Junior ROTC, when he decided to join the army because of the 9/11 attacks.
“Every New Yorker should have said ‘hey, let’s join the infantry and let’s go back at them,’” he said on Friday, July 11 at Memorial Park during a Village of Mineola fireworks show and concert by the
Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra. “New York always gives that reputation how we’re bad-ass.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Congressman Steve Israel have teamed up to present a Veterans Casework Seminar on Monday, July 14 at 9 a.m. at the Williston American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park.
The Village of Mineola authorized more than $96,000 in payments signaling progress beyond the planning stage for the bandshell in Memorial Park. It is the first of many proposed improvements to be
completed over the summer. The board of trustees selected Jackson Avenue-based Valente Contracting to handle the majority of the park’s revamp in May.
Valente’s $1.55 million bid was the lowest of four sent to the village. Village officials expect work to begin “relatively soon”.
The Mineola School Board held its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, July 1, kick starting the 2014-15 school year. Newcomer Margaret Ballantyne-Mannion was sworn in to the board for her first run in the district. School board President Artie Barnett and Vice President Christine Napolitano were again appointed to their positions on the board for another year.
“I’m very anxious to get started,” Ballantyne-Mannion said. “I’m looking forward to an exciting year.”
Mineola resident Daniel Martins feels his arrest by Nassau County police last month was unlawful. He claims he had been targeted because of his political views.
During a one-man protest, Martins, 21, placed and stood next to an American flag and a “Impeach Obama” sign on a foot bridge over the Long Island Expressway, according to a YouTube video Martins made of his encounter with authorities. He displayed banners for two hours between exits 40 and 41 every Friday since September 2013, he said.
The Williston Park Fire Department announced it will hold its annual Independence Day Parade on Friday July 4, with the parade stepping off at 9:30 a.m.
The parade will begin at Lehigh and Broad Streets in the village and proceed through the neighborhood. The parade route concludes in front of Fire Headquarters and is followed by a short program in which village officials and other invited dignitaries speak on the history and greatness of our nation and the importance of remembering the steps taken by our founding fathers to give birth to a way of life we now enjoy today as Americans.
Community groups are invited to participate in the parade and are encouraged to bring banners, floats, bands, and other festive materials to carry with them in the parade.
“Today’s a day of endings and beginnings, a day full of mixed feelings,” Mineola High School Principal Ed Escobar said on Satuday, June 28 on stage at the Tilles Center at C.W. Post during the school’s 123rd commencement exercises.
Mixed due to the happiness shared by the 195 graduates up on stage, but with a small touch of bittersweet due to the absence of one high-profile member: Frank Trivigno, who was tragically killed in an accident in upstate New York last year at the age of 17.
“Because of how kind-hearted Frank was, we united as a class and were inspired to keep his spirit alive with everything we do,” said class president Emilia Beszterda.
Hope you like LEGO, Mineola, because they’ll be in prominent view on the big screen at the third annual Movie Night at the Park in Mineola on Friday, July 18, with a rain date of Saturday, July 19.
The free event will start in Wilson Park at dusk and feature The LEGO Movie. The first two films shown in 2012 and 2013, were The Lorax and Despicable Me, respectively.
“Bring your lawn-chairs and set up because it’s going to be a great night,” Mineola Chamber of Commerce President Bill Greene said. “We’re expecting a couple hundred people to show. Last year we had 350 come.”
For Maestro Louis Panacciulli, the 30th anniversary of the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra is not just about giving back; it’s paying it forward. That’s his message in honoring war veteran Bryan Dilberian at the Tribute to America concert and Village of Mineola Fireworks Show at Memorial Park in Mineola on Friday, July 11 at 8 p.m.
“Bryan’s a great American,” Panacciulli said.
Dilberian, a triple amputee, was on patrol in Afghanistan near Kandahar in July 2011 where he hit an improvised explosive device, losing his legs and left arm.
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New Delhi: Congress ministers on Friday downplayed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh`s remarks appearing not to rule out his being in the PM race for a third term but party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said people have a desire that Rahul Gandhi should be the Prime Minister.
Union minister and Congress leader Rajiv Shukla remarked that the Prime Minister had said nothing to suggest he was ready for a third term.
"In my view he was responding to a pointed question. And, what he said? He only said that when bridge will come we will decide how to cross it," he said.
Shukla also appeared to suggest that the media was giving different interpretations to Singh`s remark.
"Dr Manmohan Singh is a very reluctant politician. But what is surprising is that few days after Holi, the reluctant politician has shown his true political colours. And that too being audaciously ambitious," BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters in response to a question.
"Whether the comment of Manmohan Singh is more aimed at his foes in Congress or to put a question mark on Rahul Gandhi`s claim for the post of Prime Minister, for which a consistent chorus is going on within the Congress, is entirely the internal matter of Congress," Prasad said.
The Prime Minister yesterday appeared not to rule himself out of the race for prime ministership after the next Lok Sabha elections.
Asked by reporters on Thursday whether he would accept another term in office if Congress president Sonia Gandhi offers him prime ministership again after 2014, Singh said: "these are all hypothetical questions. We will cross that bridge when we reach there".
Gandhi had recently maintained that asking him about prime ministership is putting a "wrong question" to him.
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh had said that the model of having "two power centres" has not worked well and suggested that Rahul Gandhi should not opt to nominate a Prime Minister if the party gets a majority in the next Lok Sabha polls.
"... I strongly feel that ... when time comes and if the Congress gets majority or it is in a position to form the government, I think Rahul Gandhi should take the call.
"Even if a Congress-led coalition emerges, he (Rahul) is mature enough to handle the intricacies of coalition politics. Then ofcourse, we have senior leaders who have very successfully helped the UPA to complete two terms," Singh had said.


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Welcome to Our Practice
Dentists Berryville, AR - Geoff West, DDS
At Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry, Infection Control is always a top priority.
Please know that all instruments are sterilized in the autoclave, and all surfaces are wiped down with CDC-approved wipes between every patient.
If you are not feeling well, please give us a call to reschedule your appointment. Otherwise, we are here to serve your dental needs in a safe, clean, dental environment.
—Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry Team
"We are excited to announce our new practice name, Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry! Check out our new logo below! While our name has changed, our team remains committed to providing outstanding dental care for all of our wonderful patients." Dr. Geoff West
Thank you for considering Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry for your dental needs. Our practice has served the Berryville, Green Forest, Eureka Springs, and Holiday Island, Arkansas area for more than 30 years with Dr. Jim Blanchard starting the practice in 1982 and Dr. Geoff West joining the practice in 2015. Dr. Blanchard retired in 2017.
Give Ozark Lakes Family Dentistry a call at 870-423-6963. Like us on Facebook
Our vision:To provide the highest level of clinical dentistry possible as well as, most importantly, authentic love for our patients and our community.
Our mission:Wishing to reflect God's love for our community, we are committed to abundantly generous outreach and compassionate patient care.
"Inspiring Smiles, Impacting Lives"
A healthy smile is all you really want. Dr. West and the dental staff have the expertise and tools to make that happen. Please see our helpful patient resources .

domain: medical


text:
今天，EB5Sir找来的这篇文章，是Vaughan de Kirby律师的一篇就抵押贷款，这种当前用的相对最多的资金来源证明方式，投资者所需要提供的材料的清单，供各位朋友们参考。
原文作者：Vaughan de Kirby律师，原文网站：www.visaanswer.com。
EB-5 Investor Visa: Documents Proving a Loan as the Lawful Source of the Investment Funds
To qualify for an EB-5 visa, the investor will need to show that the invested capital came from a lawful source. Funds obtained by a loan are acceptable so long as the loan is secured by the investor’s personal assets. To prove a loan as the lawful source of the investment funds, substantial supporting documents will need to be included with the EB-5 application submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. The following documents, if available, should be included with the application to prove that a loan secured by the investor’s personal assets is the lawful source of the investment funds.
• Income tax returns for the past five years. The investor should submit his or her individual tax returns for the past five years. In situations where a company pays taxes on behalf of the employee, records from the company showing that such filings or withholdings have been made should be included with the EB-5 application. An inability to provide tax returns may be offset by providing the other mentioned documents in this section. USCIS will look at the submitted documents as a whole when determining the lawful source of the investment capital.
• Investor’s capital source statement. The investor should include a statement explaining that the investment capital came from a loan. The statement should describe the terms of the loan and must explain that the investor’s personal assets secure the loan.
• Written loan agreement. The investor should submit the written loan agreement with the EB-5 application to demonstrate that the funds were derived from the proceeds of a loan. The terms of the loan should include the interest rate, a description of the investor’s personal assets securing the loan, and the repayment period which should generally be no longer than two years. As noted, the investment will not qualify under the EB-5 program unless the loan proceeds are secured by the investor’s personal assets. The assets used to secure the loan should be clearly identified.
• Bank statements evidencing receipt of loan proceeds. The investor’s bank statements should be included with the EB-5 application to show that the investor received the loan proceeds.
• If the lender is an individual, evidence establishing that the loaned funds came from a lawful source. When the lender is an individual, as opposed to a bank or lending institution, USCIS sometimes inquires into how the lender obtained the loan money from a lawful source. Although the investor will not need to trace the source of specific funds from the lender, the investor will need to provide at least some basic evidence that the lender has lawful income that could account for the accumulation of the loaned funds. Documents evidencing the lawfulness of the lender’s funds may include:
1) Lender’s capital source statement. The investor should include a statement by the lender detailing how the lender accumulated the loaned funds.
2) Income tax returns for the past five years. The lender’s individual income tax returns and, if applicable, business tax returns for the past five years. If the lender has not filed tax returns at any time during the previous five years, an explanation for the missing tax returns should be included with the EB-5 application.
3) Other documents. Other documents demonstrating the lawfulness of the lender’s funds will depend on how the lender obtained the capital. The same documents used to prove the lawfulness of the investor’s source of funds may be used to prove the lawfulness of lender’s capital. For example, if the lender lawfully accumulated his or her salary over time, documents that help demonstrate this accumulation include an income certificate from the lender’s employer, the lender’s employment contract, and the lender’s bank statements demonstrating salary payments accumulated over time. Please refer to the appropriate source of funds section of our website for a list of documents that may be used to prove the lawfulness of the lender’s capital.
• If the loan is secured by real property, evidence regarding the real-property is needed. Where the loan is secured by real property, the investor should submit additional evidence regarding the real-property, including:
1) Mortgage agreement. The investor should submit the written mortgage agreement to demonstrate that the investment funds came from a mortgage.
2) Real-property ownership certificate. An ownership certificate should be submitted as evidence that the investor owns the real-property.
3) Real-property purchasing invoice. A purchase invoice for the real-property should be included with the application to show that the investor owns the mortgaged property.
4) Tax certificate. To further demonstrate ownership, the investor should submit a tax certificate demonstrating the payment of taxes on the real-property.
5) Real-property appraisal report. The appraisal report of the real-property should be included to demonstrate the value of the property.
6) Documents evidencing lawful source of funds used to purchase the property. The investor should submit documents proving that the mortgaged property was purchased with lawful capital. The documents demonstrating the lawfulness of funds used to purchase the property will depend on how the lender obtained the capital. Please refer to the appropriate source of funds section of our website for a list of documents that may be used to prove the lawfulness of the capital used to purchase the property.


Official Product Announcement: Olympus PEN E-PL9 Compact System Camera
A sophisticated design with the power to express your photographic imagination.
Olympus Australia is pleased to announce the Olympus PEN E-PL9 with availability to market scheduled for March 2018. Featuring a flip down selfie screen and packed with a variety of features, the PEN E-PL9 makes photography more enjoyable. The Art Filter mode allows for more creative images, and a versatile array of interchangeable lenses further expand your photographic expression by providing different perspectives or beautiful defocusing effects for outstanding images. Featuring an easy to use connection to smartphones and automatic transfer function makes sharing images on social media easier than ever before. This compact, lightweight, sophisticated, and easy to us use high-performance interchangeable lens camera is incredibly portable when combined with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 Electronic Zoom lens.
On our website – PEN E-PL9 Camera: Click here OR
Official Product Announcement: Olympus LS-P4 Voice Recorder
Experience high-resolution recording anywhere, anytime. Meet the compact, Bluetooth equipped LS-P4. The new Olympus LS-P4 Hi-Res Recorder packs the advanced technology of Olympus’ flagship LS series linear PCM recorders, with Bluetooth® connectivity, FLAC recording and playback and much more into a portable size.
Olympus Australia is pleased to announce the new Olympus LS-P4, the latest addition to the LS series of linear PCM Recorders. This high-resolution recorder captures professional quality audio for video, live sound recordings, interviews and includes convenient functions to support business needs. The LS-P4 features Olympus’ advanced TRESMIC 3 microphone system for expanded frequency response in stereo sound capturing and better-than-CD Linear PCM 96kHZ/24bit format. New to the LS series – and a big advantage in its class, is the option to now record and playback in FLAC format up to 96kHz/24bit with the LS-P4. This allows users to achieve the same quality as Linear PCM with smaller recording file sizes. Not only can you use the LS-P4 as a Hi-Res music player, thanks to Bluetooth® connectivity and on-board features like Normalisation, Overdubbing and Fade-in/Fade-out, you can easily edit your original high-resolution recordings and share wirelessly with friends.
On our website – LS-P4 Voice Recorder: Click here OR


3D printing has taken over the world by storm and has brought great technological advances in our lives. It is such a win-win situation for everyone, especially designers, as they can see their designs come to real life on the spot rather than waiting out the whole manufacturing process. This lets them examine their designs more closely and make changes to their products as required and only then send it in for mass production. You can customize almost all the items using 3D printing and get wonderful products and designs from it for yourself.
There are many companies that offer 3D printing service and you can choose the one that you feel comfortable working with. These companies are more popular in Melbourne where they have state of the art technology and services for 3D printing. Since the 3D printer service has gained popularity, you can find it affecting many people living in Australia as the crowd there has resorted to these services and enriched their lives in a better fashion. They have learnt to take advantage of the 3D printing service and the designers are very content with their final products as they are getting to work on the prototypes right away. There are many ways in which the 3D printing is benefiting the people living in Melbourne and Australia, such as follows:
You can create better designs with 3D printing as it lets you work on the prototypes quickly and easily so that you can perfect the final version of your designs. This would result in people making good designs and benefiting the society as a whole.
You can manufacture any object using 3D printing within hours and do not have to waste time in deciding on which prototype would be the final product. The traditional process of manufacturing would take a long time and is slowly dying out because of 3D printing.
You can save on a lot of raw material and prototype manufacturing cost, at least by tenfold. You can choose the products that you want to work it and manufacture only that prototype using 3D printing in order to better your results.
New Shapes and Patterns
You can innovate into a lot of shapes and patterns using 3D printing as it can make any product that you have designed and benefit the society as a whole. You can make complex or unique shaped figures as well as the possibilities are endless with 3D printing.
The waste is reduced to a minimum using 3D printing as compared to conventional manufacturing methods as it uses additive technique and does not cause a lot of wastage in the environment.
Increase in Jobs
3D printing would create a lot of job opportunities as the companies would need more engineers and designers who can work with the 3D printer and get faster results without causing a lot of wastage. This will benefit the society largely.
Contribution to Medical Industry
Doctors can benefit largely with 3D printing as they can create prototypes of organs and many such matter and use it to analyze the conditions further. It can also be used by teachers to teach medical students on a live 3D printed prototype.
There are many such benefits that the 3D printing has brought to the society, especially in Melbourne and Australia, and the people in the society are largely benefiting from the advantages of it. It is a process that is still picking up in the society and is becoming popular over time.


'05 Dakota: New Look, More Performance, Better Handling
The new engine is way more refined than the previous offering, and the interior is noticeably quieter. Steering is lighter but more sensitive and responsive; overall handling balance is light years better than the old Dakota. Seating is also much improved in the new Dakota. Forward visibility (A-pillar width and placement) is about the same, though the peripheral and rear-quarter visibility is better with the new model. The new Dakota's towing manners are at the top of its class. We'll give you the full report in our Sport Truck of the Year Competition in the Feb. '05 issue.
'04 Ford F-250 Harley-Davidson
The 6.0L Ford Power Stroke diesel in the nose of the F-250 makes it one heck of a formidable sport truck. It's a torque monster, with 570 lb-ft of torque running through a five-speed automatic that flat moves this 5,000-pound beast musclecar-quick. And we have to admit, the Ford's custom version of a commercial vehicle delivers good handing for an office building on wheels, with a ride that, while not luxury by any means, is very comfortable. It's also a great-looking truck that's further enhanced by subtle custom Harley-Davidson touches such as signature badges, pedal treatments, and HD-colors paint scheme with Harley-Davidson script. If you're in the market for a truck that'll pull a house off its foundation, accelerate like a musclecar, and handle better than you think a truck of this stature should, now is a good time to check with your local Ford dealer to see if it has any left on the lot. Maybe you can negotiate a good deal.
All-New '05 Frontier: It's A 265hp, 284-Lb-Ft Road Rocket
Nissan North America Inc. says its all-new Nissan Frontier pickup will go on sale at Nissan dealerships nationwide in December 2004. The '05 Frontier is completely redesigned and is available with a 4.0L DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine that is rated at 265 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. Nissan is claiming that the above specs make the new midsize hauler the power-master of V-6-equipped pickups, midsize or fullsize. We'll have to fact-check that assertion thoroughly later in the year when we'll put the new sport truck in a head-to-head competition.
What we can say now is the new piece is as impressive as the Titan. The truck has the Titan styling cues and backs it up with a strong performance. Our annual Sport Truck of the Year Competition is going to be a tough battle between some powerful midsize performers.
The New '05 Hummer SUT
You can't mistake the H2's extremely boxy body and rectangular windshield and windows for any other vehicle, save an H1. The squared box of a body offers a significant amount of interior room given the size of the rig, and we can always use more room in our trucks. But equally important is the hard-edged industrial, almost handtool, design of the H2 SUT, which gives it a unique, masculine street presence. We're big fans of using the functional aspects of the design, such as the exposed components (hood lift handles, hood latches, and fasteners) to enhance the visual impact of the machine.
Obviously, the newness of the H2 SUT is the cargo bed. It's a 4x6-foot pickup bed that you can create after you drop the rear window into the midgate, which then folds easily forward, displacing the rear seat area Avalanche-style, only much easier.
In addition to the great styling and much smoother midgate design, we found the SUT to be full of the coolest conveniences and gadgets. One of the coolest was being able to, with the push of a single button, lower all four side windows and the rear window. The standard sunroof opens with a separate switch when you want a truly open-air feeling. We also like the OE application of a front receiver hitch in addition to a rear hitch. Both receivers accommodate a regular Class 3 trailer hitch, so you can hook up on either and yank your boat out of the water or put a trailer into a tight spot.
GM says the H2 SUT is powered by a standard Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 with 325 hp at 5,200 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm that is backed up with a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L65-E four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. It also comes standard with a "powertrain-integrated" Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system that is capable of reducing H2's gear ratios by 2.64:1.


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EghtesadOnline: Iran exported 4.58 million tons of agricultural and food products worth $4.57 billion during the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 21-Nov. 21) to register a 7.9% growth in value compared with last year's corresponding period.
The growth is an all-time high, according to the latest report released by the National Agriculture and Water Strategic Research Center, which draws on data provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.
Agrifood exports accounted for 6.1% and 14.5% of the total volume and value of Iran's non-oil exports of 75.27 million tons worth $31.49 billion respectively over the period, the news portal of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture reported.
The exports mainly included fruits worth $987 million, vegetables worth $772 million, milk and dairy products worth $463 million, saffron worth $252 million and fish worth $155 million, accounting for 21.6%, 16.9%, 10.1%, 5.5% and 3.4% of the total value of agrifood exports during the eight months respectively, Financial Tribune reported.
Iraq, Afghanistan, the UAE, Pakistan, Russia, India, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Vietnam and Germany were the biggest export destinations in a descending order, as around 82% of Iran’s agrifood exports went to these 10 countries.
Each ton of agrifood exports was valued at $998 on average, which is 139% more than the price of each ton of non-oil exports ($418) over the period.
Imports of agrifood products during the same period stood at 12.81 million tons valued at $6.88 billion, which register a 4.5% fall in value compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year.
The imports accounted for 52% and 20% of the total volume and value of Iran’s total non-oil imports of 21.49 million tons worth $29.54 billion respectively.
The main imported agrifood products during the period included corn ($1.29 billion), rice ($1 billion), soybeans ($932 million), vegetable oils ($633 million), red meat ($525 million), barley ($356 million) oilcake ($337 million) and fruits ($286 million), which account for 18.8%, 14.5%, 13.5%, 9.2%, 7.6%, 5.2%, 4.9% and 4.2% of all agrifood imports during the eight months respectively.
The above-mentioned products accounted for 78% of the total value of agrifood imports over the period.
The biggest exporters to Iran were Switzerland ($1.04 billion), India ($972 million), the UAE ($677 million), Singapore ($530 million) the Netherlands ($495), the UK ($483 million), Turkey ($314 million), Russia ($296 million), Brazil ($289 million) and Pakistan ($185 million).
The above-mentioned countries accounted for nearly 77% of Iran's total agrifood imports.
Each ton of agrifood imports was valued at around $537, which was 62% less than the price for each ton of imported non-oil products over the same period ($1,398).
The above data show Iran recorded an agrifood trade deficit of more than $2.3 billion for the eight-month period, which shows a 22% improvement year-on-year.


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domain: food


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Reviews for Phoenix Tree Garden
one month ago
I like to go Phoenix Tree Garden on Wednesday jazz music night :) such a gorgeous outdoor dining area! ive been there 6times and their mushroom melody, braised tofu hot pot, Vietnamese chicken noodle, garlic prawn and scampi were outstanding but the rest of menu were average taste. owner and staff are extremely friendly. also upstairs has lovely oriental deco with traditional wallpaper and furniture for intimate date or family!
2 months ago
Phoenix Tree Garden is not a restaurant for fusion food, but one which offers varied Asian cuisines. My friends & I had an early Sunday dinner with lamb entrails soup in a hot pot - not many diners would pick, deep-fried garlic & peppered prawns with green salad, stewed lamb spare-ribs, and Assam fish fillet. The ratings at Zomato hasn't been encouraging, but we had a go anyway.
First to come was the soup; entrails included slices of heart, liver & tripe, with some rice noodle & veggie - beautifully prepared, but rarely offered in NZ. Then lamb spare-ribs with carrots & onions - again, rich in flavour & delicious. Assam sauce wasn't quite what I anticipated, but not at all bad; fish itself was a bit bland. Prawns were also done pretty well, however, plating was a bit odd. (Food - 4/5; Service - 3.5/5; Ambience - 4.5/5)
by Lisa Ma
6 months ago
We went there for high tea. Very disappointing. Food wasn't nice. Taste like something bought straight from Chinese supermarket. I think it was designed for western customers since they probably didn't taste those food before so they don't know what it is like . It is actually very average and nothing special. The male manager is very cool and not welcoming. The only good thing of this restaurant is the interior design and atmosphere. However the food and staff totally waste it.
7 months ago
The moment I walked into this restaurant，I felt the romantic atmosphere due to someone playing the paino. Very nice deco indeed，and as a group of 8， we all satisfied with the service as the staff were helpful and friendly. BUT don't expect to have any authentic Chinese cuisine. As this is a place that appeals to Western customers，I wasn't surprised that lots of dishes are on the sweet side. The pic shows below is the boiled fish with pickled cabbage. Can see the plating is unique（lovē the container）unfortunately，it tastes rather disappointing.
Overrall，I'm not a fan of Asian fuision，I guess. The food is not pleasing. Other people on my table ordered many other dishes and they seem to agree with me.
8 months ago
It has been raining all day! What's going on??
I've been to this place for quite a few times, the money bag is worth a try (the only one that is ...) the Tom Yum Soup is for 1/2 person! And it's $15! The cabbage was a joke ... The fish with pickled cabbage and chill was alright. Service - okay! Live music.. He played a song for us! I really wanted to give some tips but I didn't bring any cash with me sorry !!!!! Overall, nice dining environment! Good service. But! Don't expect too much for the food everybody !
by Kaim Argonar
11 months ago
Been to the Phoenix Tree Garden twice. First time I went there was with my girlfriend. The service was good and so was the food, the best thing was the setting and atmosphere. The garden was beautiful and there was a pianist playing there, very romantic.
The food was good but we both felt it was way over priced, the portions aren't great. WAY TO PRICEY.
Second time I went was for a Christmas dinner for work. We ordered heaps of dishes and was kind of disappointed with all of them. With the only exception being this mushroom dish and squid dish. My boss had been here several times and we both agreed the food wasn't very good this time.
I'm not sure I'd come back again, just too pricey. My boss said he's rather go to Shaolin Noodles, haha...
11 months ago
I went there with my boyfriend. It's a small restaurant but has a very good environment. It has a beautiful garden and has a pianist. It's good for couples. I ordered two dishes. The customer services are very good. They were very nice and spicy. I like spicy food. However, it has small portions and the price is very high. Average price for dish is around $25-$30. I like all except the price. Haha
Oct 24, 2014
I have always lived nearby this place and I am an avid fan of asian cuisine, so I went with a couple of friends. We were seated in a beautiful outdoor garden with a pond and covered by a gazebo of sorts. Great atmosphere. I ordered a few appetizers: Vietnamese dragon rolls and money bags. I found the money bags oily and the filling was frozen veggies and an odd brown sauce, however the dragon rolls were fantastic, they were fresh and had a good amount of mint and prawn. On to main: I had spicy popcorn chicken, this was very good although I found the spice slightly overpowering (and I can really handle my spice). Overall though, they were crispy and has an Asian twist. Other people on my table ordered a chicken hotpot (bland) and a Thai green curry, I was very dissapointed in this because it was more like veggies with a sauce instead of a soup like texture. Also I thought I might just say that, unlike most asian restaurants, rice doesn't come with curries and stews (which I found very strange). Overall I think this place was made for the westernised version of Asian cuisine. Not many authentic dishes and the standard was overall not that pleasing.
by Maye Elle
Sep 08, 2014
I loved the spring rolls
Viet rolls rice paper was too thick but the flavours were alright
Prawns were good although the bread was stale and flavourless, probably better without it or replace with crunchy ciabatta bread
Salad had a nice pineapple touch / was yummy
Apple shortbread seemed store bought and I in general only like apple raw
Tiramisu was nicely balanced to me, although my friend thought it lacked coffee flavour.
Lemon tarts flavouring was good but the pastry was way too thick and I could not finish it. We felt like it was probably store bought or didn't blind bake it
Mochi ball tasted like pearls to me so black tea was probably used and had cream inside. I didn't think it was bad but I'm not a big fan of mochi unless it's thin and has ice cream inside hahha
Overall - service was good and they were attentive. The decor was cute and there are other things on the menu other than high tea as well as the garden area being a beautiful place to relax on a sunny afternoon. Unfortunately for me, the food let this place down. I didn't feel the high tea was cohesive/ felt like it was confused and that some of the food was probably store bought.
I feel that I won't come here again for the high tea BUT I do commend them for what they're doing and love the idea of an Asian high tea and the outdoor seating would be perfect for date night and service wasn't bad. It is also something I think everyone is going to have to try for themselves.
(having trouble uploading pics will have more up when my nets better - will be on my blog from 12/09)
Aug 30, 2014
Went here with a Grab One High-Tea Voucher.
Not impressed there are much better places for High Tea then here.
This is a Chinese Version for High Tea.
The food was okay, it didn't taste fresh.
by Jemma Eldridge
Aug 24, 2014
FINALLY! I heard so much about this place and was really excited that we managed to get a reservation for my birthday on a Thursday night. The ambiance is very cool, I highly recommend the marquee seating in the garden. To my surprise, The Phoenix Tree Garden has live piano music on Thursday nights, it looked like something out of a movie. It definitely made my birthday a lot more enjoyable, sipping on cocktails whilst listening and relaxing to the piano playing in the background. I will definitely be coming back here and most likely on a Thursday. The service was impeccable and the food was DELICIOUS! Many thanks Phoenix Tree Garden for making my birthday so special and catering for so many guests.
by Georgie @ Georgieats
Aug 10, 2014
Three of us went here for dinner last night. I had received a voucher from Zomato, so was excited to try Phoenix Tree out as I have walked past it many times. However, after reading all the reviews on the internet about Phoenix Tree, I was wary about the service, the food and the overall experience we would have.
My sister and I arrived at 6.30pm (my sister's boyfriend arrived about 10 minutes later) and we were greeted with a friendly 'hello' by the manager/boss (??) and were led out past the kitchen, up some stairs and into their outdoor garden patio seating area, which was surrounded by a plastic marquee. It was very pretty as it looked out onto a beautiful lush green garden. However, it was not ideal for this cold winters' night. Although it seemed like you were closed in under a marquee, it was still cold. The plastic walls were not exactly zipped up around the edges of the patio, leading us to having cold feet all night. This was the beginning of a not-so-enjoyable dining experience.
The first thing I noticed was our table was only set up for two people, even though I had called the restaurant earlier saying that there would be three of us dining. The waitress brought over two glasses of water as requested. When my sister's boyfriend arrived, the waitress did not ask him whether he wanted a drink or a glass of water, and after 20 minutes, I finally asked her to bring over another glass. Instead she brought a bottle of water and simply forgot the glass. She was sorry, but I still could not understand why she did this.
We first started with tea. We tried the Hibiscus Flower Tea ($9.50). It arrived served in a glass teapot. It was very pretty as the pot was filled with different flowers and the taste was lovely. This was one of the very few highlights of the night.
For entrées, we ordered the Money Bags ($9) which were prawn, crab stick, green peas, carrot and corn all fastened up in a spring roll wrapper. They were tasty, and we could have eaten another plate of them! We also ordered the Dragon Rolls ($12) which were like small rice paper rolls with prawn, silk noodles, carrot, cucumber, mint and basil with a spicy chilli sauce. They were far too many silk noodles inside each small roll and we could not taste the prawn or anything else.
For mains, we ordered the Tom Yum Soup with prawns, mushrooms, broccoli and tomato ($15), the Vietnamese Noodles with chicken ($15.50) and the Seafood Noodles with tomato sauce ($16.50).
First off, the Tom Yum Soup. It arrived in the most beautiful looking pot, but when we started ladling the soup into the small bowls, we realised there was only a small amount of sauce and not many prawns at all. For $15, it was a complete rip-off. It was only about 300mls in total, which would have been more suited as an entrée, rather than a main dish. The Seafood Noodles were terrible. The noodles tasted like the tinned spaghetti ones and we all agreed that noodles with a tomato sauce is definitely not an Asian-fusion dish. It did not even taste like Italian spaghetti! Actually we could not even tell you what ingredients they used, because it was that bad. We left almost all of it as none of us could eat more than a few bites. I ordered the Vietnamese Noodles for my main and I was really hoping it would be better than the other two dishes. While the chicken on top was delicious, the noodles and salad were very bland. Also, none of these mains were served with rice, so that was a real let down. You have to pay an extra $2.50 for rice. We also ordered the Gold Silver Bread on the side ($6) which consisted of three steamed buns and deep fried bread, which you could dip in condensed milk. It was definitely the highlight of the night. The bread was sweet and filling, so we did not order any desserts.
As for the service, well it was not great. All three of us have worked in restaurants and cafes / studied hospitality and I hate to say this, but it was the worst customer service I have experienced in my life. The service was literally non-existent. The waitress was nice, but not trained very well. The manager/boss was friendly when we arrived, but we did not see him for the rest of the night. Below are a few examples:
- When we arrived at the restaurant, the table was only set for two people, even though I had rang earlier to say there would be three of us dining tonight.
- When my sister's boyfriend arrived, the waitress did not ask him whether he wanted a drink or even a glass of water. After 20 minutes, I had to wave the waitress down to ask her for a glass of water. Instead she came over with a bottle of water. I was thinking...how is he going to drink water with no glass? She finally came back with a glass!
- We had to wait at least 30 minutes for our entrées and main dishes. The entrées came out within a few minutes of each other, which I guess was okay. However, we expected the main dishes to arrive at the same time, as it is common sense that they are meant to. Alas, no. The Tom Yum Soup came out and then two of us were waiting for our main dishes, with no time estimate from the waitress. I waved her over again (throughout the night she seemed so oblivious about what she was doing) and told her that we had been waiting ages for our main dishes and asked her when they were coming out. She went back to the kitchen and about 10 minutes later, they finally arrived. Because my sister's Tom Yum Soup had come out earlier, she had to sit there while we ate our long awaited meals. Poor display of service here.
- My sister's boyfriend also noted that the other diner's meals were all coming out at different times as well. In addition, none of the other tables were set when we arrived. In fact, the waitress was setting up all the tables while the diners were seated before her!!! We thought this was unacceptable as you just do not do that, ever!
- Our water glasses were never topped up. We finished drinking all the water from the bottle and this was never replaced. Also it took ages for the waitress to remove our plates after we had finished eating. I even put the plates right on the edge of our table, hoping that she would notice them and take them away. She did not.
I gave the Phoenix Tree restaurant a 2/5 rating because we all agreed that the food was mediocre, the service the worst we had received and overall, a unmemorable experience. The only highlights of the night were the hibiscus flower tea, the money bags and the gold silver bread. I really wanted to enjoy this restaurant, because I have so far, enjoyed every restaurant I have been to.
When you have such a bad experience, you can't lie and say you enjoyed it. The food was definitely not authentic, compared to all the Asian restaurants we have tried over Auckland and beyond. To be honest, I will not be coming back. It was extremely disappointing.
[Side note: When we went up to pay, the manager/boss asked how the food was. I replied "It was okay". My sister's boyfriend said he did not enjoy it. The manager/boss looked like he did not care. He did not respond, no reply, no sympathy, nothing].
by Fabiola Milligan
Jul 13, 2014
A group of friends went for the high tea with discounted vouchers. We found the customer service really great, friendly and accommodating.
The setting is very nice, looks clean and is was nice to spend a winter afternoon in the covered garden area.
The food was fine, the hot chocolate was delicious. We had a great afternoon.
by Ashley Walker
Jul 12, 2014
I am a lover of all Asian food, but this was by far the best Asian restaurant I've ever been to, I am so lucky to have discovered this place as they offer genuine Asian food. There is no need to travel halfway across the globe for good Asian food, when we can experience the taste of Asia in our very own Remuera.
Phoenix tree garden is not your typical after-work ‘local’. It's both sophisticated and glamorous yet surprisingly, there is nothing pretentious about it. The restaurant provides all aspects of Asia, the atmosphere is mesmerising, with an enchanted feel. The outdoor seating is set in a Chinese garden, it is perfect on any day as it's sheltered by a gazebo with the heart of China in mind. The experience is enhanced with the cocktails they have to offer, the blue lagoon cocktail is my personal favourite as it captivated all my senses offering just the right amount of kick to the taste buds. Get the most out of your dining experience with the beautiful Asian Dishes complimented with the perfect cocktail. I also highly recommend the high tea, a touch of elegance, definitely an entirely different experience one simply cannot miss.
The indoor seating is also just as good the outdoor garden seating, with the constant aroma of scented candles and the music catering perfectly to the mood it has a fantastic ambience. If you feel like a change of scenery but don’t want to travel far, Phoenix tree garden should most definitely be your first choice as you'll never forget this dining experience. The service provided by the friendly staff is impeccable. As a major foodie, I can confidently say this place deserves a 5 out of 5 and believe me, I would give it a higher rating if I could!
Apr 16, 2014
My friends and I went here for high tea as we had a deal voucher and luckily we did! The service was okay but the waitress had no idea what she was doing. She didn't explain any of the foods on the high tea tray so we were left to wonder and explore. The cutlery was dirty and the place seemed like a fusion between Asian and European food. The food was okay, some tasted not fresh. A few of them I didn't want to eat cause they made my stomach turn. It was definitely pricey for what we paid as there weren't a lot of high tea options. Unfortunately I won't be back as there are other better places for the same price out there.
Apr 05, 2014
Went today with three friends, we had purchased vouchers for the high tea and cocktails. The venue is very nice, garden lovely, and the staff were attentive and professional.
The food was lovely, we all enjoyed the range of foods for the high tea, with a mix of savoury and sweet, and even a little salad. Unfortunately one of our party is deathly allergic to prawns, so she wasn't able to eat two of the savoury dishes, but she still felt that she had had enough to eat by the end.
I will be recommending this place to friends, and with the groupon deal it's certainly well worth the money.
Mar 10, 2014
I bought their voucher for high tea online and went there yesterday with my kids. I would say the garden like surrounding was great and my kids loved the food. But I do think they are overpriced and I wouldn't go again without the voucher. Also their service was not friendly and professional, my child played the small service machine on the table and touched the button accidentally, after a long time (we almost forgot it), the waitress came and tried to blame my child. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to my friends.
by Reza Razavi
Feb 06, 2014
I have got very good service and yummy food from Phoenix tree perfect food
by Steven Wei
Jan 30, 2014
I don't usually write reviews but felt compelled to. My third time there and another awesome experience yet again. Absolutely love their authentic Asian food. The garden at the back sets up a vibrant atmosphere and the staff there really took good care of the group of us. Would recommend this place in a heart beat!
by Sweets And Brains
Dec 22, 2013
Came here with family friends to celebrate my aunt's birthday. Even though the weather wasn't so good we were able to enjoy their garden outside as we ate in the tent/marquee. They had interesting decor inside as well. Their customer service is very good and accommodated our large group really well. I thought it was cool that they had blown up photos of their food in their iPad menus in addition to their normal menus. They had quite a range of food that was good but I wasn't particularly bowled over by any of them.
more photos on: http://sweetsandbrains.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/random-eats-10/
Oct 24, 2013
A couple of my friends and I went for the supposedly "high-tea" at Phoenix Tree. I would say that the food is very average, and I wouldn't pay the money for it had I known. The tea, supposedly "refillable" doesn't seem like it's worth having a second run of water. It tastes like water after a second pot.
They also messed up our booking. I booked for a Saturday, but when we showed up we were told we don't have a table & they couldn't find the booking in their records. I even called them a second time that day to move the time to be half an hour earlier, and they said ok. If they couldn't find an original booking, how could they agree to move the time? In the end they found my name, but it was under a Tuesday. When I was trying to clarify it, one of the wait staff even said - oh, no you said Tuesday. I was adamant that I booked for a Saturday. Anyway, they found a table for us which was just vacated by previous patrons. We had to call their attention a number of times before they would bring things for us.
Never going back there again. Don't be fooled by group deals or vouchers too.
Apr 21, 2013
Went there to try their 5 course degustation menu. The presentation skills were good. However, the cooking technique was very disappointing. The appetizer was mostly cooked frozen veggies placed on a piece of lettuce. The Mackeral fish was a bad choice of fish to serve. It was extremely fishy and full of bones. The steak was unevenly cooked. One side medium rare, one side overcooked and tough. Will not be going back.
by Aline P
Apr 20, 2013
I like their high tea. It is unusual because they serve both your usual pastries and cakes but also a fusion of Asian savouries such as Vietnamese rolls, Malaysian curry turnovers, tempura and the like. Then you finish off with the sweet pastries. Aside from the usual teas, they serve a pinkish tea of herbs and flowers. Very aromatic. If you are coming for the first time, it is a must-try.
The ambiance in the outdoor garden resto is very relaxing and rustic while the indoor seats upstairs is set in a romantic and Zen like tone.
The staff is friendly and prompt but I would have liked a more polite manners on the phone.
by David & Beth Reid
Feb 16, 2013
Went there to celebrate a family birthday. We were well greeted by the staff, and then shown to our table. The staff were very attentive & knowledgeable about the food. The entrees were brought out very quickly. The clearing of the table was a bit haphazard though. The mains came quickly, but there had been a misunderstanding with one, and most people were nearly finished when I got mine. While delicious, beware of the chili meals, the menu shows one chili, but it is a hot chili And I love hot food! Over all a wonderful night, and a place we would consider going back to.
Feb 15, 2013
Four of us went here for dinner as its a new local place and we wanted to try it out. Setting is charming out the back and there is a fun function room upstairs for 15.
That's about all the place had going for it. Despite being mid February the Christmas decorations were still up as were the Christmas greetings on the wall in the gazebo!
The food is over-priced and under-whelming - in fact the food is dismal, boring, very limited in selection and at $27 a dish ridiculously expensive. The duck salad was bland and the skin slimey and not at all crispy, the chicken the most boring of all dishes (they brought us the wrong chicken dish initially) and the entree platter to share something from a chinese restaurant 30 years ago. What a shame.
Avoid this totally.
Jan 07, 2013
Went here for lunch and ate in the garden area. I definitely recommend eating in the garden area if you're giving this a try, the setting is lovely with a nice atmosphere. Went on a very quiet day, the staff were attentive and friendly and food quick to arrive, though I'm not sure how it would be on a busy day. I really enjoyed the food, especially the duck salad, however I would say if you're looking for authentic Asian food this is not it. I do think it's a bit overpriced, but it is a Remuera restaurant.
by Ben Mostert
Dec 19, 2012
One of the best meals I had for some time. Attractive garden environment, good service and a excellent food.
by Jane L
Dec 11, 2012
We recently enjoyed an excellent experience at this restaurant. The food was the best Thai/Asian fusion, my husband and I have both come across. A misunderstanding regarding a voucher was managed very effectively. We will be returning again and encouraging others to try this restaurant also. If you do come, we recommend requesting the garden area.
by Margaret Khoong
Nov 26, 2012
The location, the atmosphere and the garden settings are great.
But the food is average and well overpriced. A main was average $25-$32, and it does not come with rice or salad!! With the same amount of money we spent, we would have had a much better meal elsewhere. The waiting staff are friendly but absolutely inexperienced. Ordered a few bowls of rice and expected it comes in a bowl individually, instead they have put all the rice in one big bowl!! Had never been served in such a way, so inappropriate! The most disappointing moment was at the cashier counter, the lady was rude and pulled a long face when we told her we have a couple of the deal vouchers. Definitely not going back there even with any specials!!!
by Amy Bowen
Nov 19, 2012
Location, setting and food were very good.
However the service was pretty bad. It appears the waiting staff have no experience and it shows.
We were moved not long after being seated as the table we were at had been booked by another group. Not a problem, except they attempted to move us to a table with a pole next to it and there was no way the 5th chair to the table would fit. We had to shift our own chair, the new table was not set up correctly and while 2 people had water, the waiter did not come back for the rest of us. We had to flag him down.
The food took a little while to arrive but it was tasty.
We were not asked if we wanted dessert and again had to flag down the waiter. Having taken our order he left all the menus on the table and the dinner plates etc were not cleared all at the same time.
When paying, 2 of our group paid cash and were not given change until another member asked if they were going to be given it. The reply was "they did not ask". These may seem like minor complaints when added up, especially when you could tell they were trying to present an upmarket, classy establishment, just didn't cut it.
Definately would not come back. There are far too many other good Thai places where the food and the service are good to bother with this place!
by Maxine Pairama
Oct 27, 2012
First time diners and found everything Outstanding food environment, staff. My favourite was the duck salad 10/10. The garden seating was comfortable, and very spacious.Highly recommend this new restaurant would definitely go back!! Awesome, awesome evening. Thanks again to the chefs and staff!!
by Jim Johnston
Oct 17, 2012
We are have been twice now and on each occasion received exemplary service and had two super evenings. The first time outside in the garden with another couple , also first timers the second inside downstairs for just two.
The menu varied but not too big, attention to detail in all facets of service excellent from first entry to ongoing at the table and we consider it very good value for money.
The decor is unique both inside (upstairs and at ground level)and outside and you are made to feel very special. In all two thoroughly enjoyable evenings.
by Derek Schneideman
Oct 08, 2012
We have dined at Phoenix Tree Garden twice and on both occassions enjoyed a superb evening. Our second visit was for our teenage daughter's birthday attended by 14 of her friends. The organization and preparation by the folks at Phoenix Tree was outstanding. The food and service was wonderful. Similar to other reviewers we would highlight the duck salad, spring rolls, and dragon rolls. The outdoor garden area is dleightful and the upstairs dining area very intimate.
Special mention must be given to the restaurant Manager JOJO who is a ball of fun, Renald who is the epitome of charm, the 2 waiters who exude charm and good manners. Finally the owner Wen is exceedingly gracious if a little shy.
If price is not your overiding criteria we thoroughly recommend Phoenix Tree Garden as great eclectic Asian themed restaurant
by John D
Oct 01, 2012
We had an evening of pleasure in this delightful restaurant and were amazed by the variation in atmosphere. Nice traditional tables in the front with some amazing seating upstairs. Then outside to a completely hidden outdoor area. The lovely wait staff of brother and sister were very friendly and took time to chat about the food. The food itself was great and the best laksa I have eaten in a long time - including in Malaysia!! When something minor didn't arrive at the same time as something else a free plate of garlic bread instantly appeared. I think Beverley P must have been to a different Phoenix Tree as I can't wait to go back to this one. Looking forward to the ribs that I only saw from a distance!!!
by Olivia Winston
Sep 28, 2012
Had a lovely lunch here, with a splendid seafood laksa. I chose from the blackboard lunch specials, so it was only $12.50. Great flavours.
Extremely nice staff and good service.
I thought the surroundings were nicely decorated, and the chairs were particularly comfortable!
There's a secret garden area out the back too, which is quite huge, and beautifully presented.
by Beverley Pollard
Sep 22, 2012
I have only walked out of a couple of restaurants in my life and one of these was the Phoenix Tree last night.
The service was appalling, with 5 adults and 1 child we had 4 entrees served and the 5th one never arrived. We then had 1 main served and a salad. 3 more mains turned up and the 4th one was not served. We gave up and left after nearly 2 1/2 hours of trying to have a family celebration meal.
Disfunctional, disorganised and extremely disappointing. Needless to say, we will not return or recommend. They need to go back to basics, employ some waiting staff and cooks who can co--ordinate to serve in a timely manner.
by Lancy Chua
Sep 09, 2012
I had been waiting for this cafe/restaurant to open since they put their signs up about two months ago and now it is! Tonight we went to give it a try and it was certainly worth the wait. What was once a drab looking Chinese restaurant (great food tho’) has now been transformed into a classy, warm dining experience with an extensive menu of Asian dishes (a selection of Thai, Vietnamese, SE Asian flavours) presented beautifully in good sized portions for a shared meal by four people (or individual servings). Everything was delicious starting with the duck salad in a delightful plum sauce, then braised spare ribs in a spicy broth, a mushroom medley, and on to dessert with fried banana dribbled in Valrhona chocolate sauce and french vanilla icecream. There is so much more on the menu that I would like to certainly go back and try. It has been one of the more pleasurable restaurants I have been to lately.
by Elisa Kirk
Sep 01, 2012
Stunning garden seating, plush indoor seating, really enjoyed our meal here. The Dragon Rolls and Duck Salad entree were out of this world. Cant wait to return to try more dishes. Thanks for a lovely evening
by Robin Smith
Aug 30, 2012
The food is disappointing and overpriced. We waited at least half an hour for the starters, given that we were only customers that night.
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