Morning folks – I've been writing a couple more introspective blogs lately so I thought I'd get back to the meat and bone of volunteer work – projects!
I'm narrowing in on today's project because of its importance and because I'm celebrating the completion of the first of six bi-annual observation visits & the enrollment of 28 randomly selected households with nets. It was nice to break out my old research methods training, to put on my walking boots, and be an information hound.
The study is about the durability and insecticide persistence in Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) in Zambia. That's looking for holes, counting burns and rips, and randomly takin' a net and sending it to America.
Where do I come in? I always wanted to be a research assistant (RA) in college but this is much more exciting! I'm officially a Village Research Assistant working under the CDC in collaboration with PMI/USAID. As part of the process we had a fantastic two day training (you'll remember my tweets from March @davidnberger). My counterpart and I were trained in the process of random selection (of households), good clinical practices, ethical issues around research, and how to administer questionnaires. Pretty exciting!
Meaning that the fears of a resistant 'hard-to-treat' malaria might be realized sooner than we had hoped. This means it is essential to move away from a curative strategy to put a greater focus on prevention of infection.
In deference to high child mortality, that 5th birthday hashtag is USAIDGH's tagline for this year's work…that every child deserves to have a 5th birthday.
On the ground in Chisunka, we have been analyzing data. Although the register has some holes and there are recording quality/accuracy issues, in 2010 my clinic reported 4398 cases of malaria treated with anti-malarial medication – 2103 were clinical, 2342 were confirmed – 4470 slides/RDT were used. 1124 were cases in children under 1 year. 1422 were cases between 1-5 years, 1852 were 5 years and older. Of those only 1 death at the center during screening/care was recorded from malaria for the entire year. That last number is not an accurate count for the community as a whole, it is documenting specifically the deaths that occurred at the clinic during screening and or provision of treatment in the clinic ward.
Keep in mind that anti – malarial treatment is practiced assembly-line style. 30-150 clients come for various maladies – some are tested for malaria. Coartem is dispensed in the proper dosages and the client is sent on their way. There's usually only one staff member & a casual daily employee on duty. That means people are sent home unless they are seizing or unconscious in the screening room.
I'm still collecting the scraps of 2011's data. But it will be interesting to graph it and see the net distributions effect on case load etc. through service provision. That brings me to the next point!
Last year in June 2011 my province – Luapula – received a bulk net distribution. My community alone received nearly 5000 nets.
In 2011 there were 1756 households registered, with an average household consisting of 5.1 people. Two parents and 3 children remaining in the home with a significant number of variation and outliers. Most of my community's homes average 2 sleeping spaces: Adults and children under 5 years in one space and children over 5 sharing the other.
That accounts for nearly 3500 of the nets. Add in those that had three or even four sleeping spaces and we've got a better idea.
I'm not sure on adherence and use rates, but I know that every household inhabited in June 2011 received a permanet.
From this study (36 HH visited 28 eligible for enrollment), 1 of 4 houses only used one of the nets they received. 1 in 12 never put it up (still wrapped in its plastic) and 1 in 18 used an older net and had the new net packed away. Only 2 in the 36 total households visited for enrollment didn't use a net at all. One had cut it up and made curtains for their doors and windows. The other used it outside as a chicken coop for new chicks. By getting a sample from communities like mine across distribution areas, we can learn about use, durability, and net-longevity which will better allow aid organizations to provide efficient distribution schemes.
It is serious business – a mosquito net provides a different aspect of protection. Unlike IRS (indoor residual spraying), a net provides the physical barrier as well as the chemical. If preserved and maintained, a mosquito net can serve as good protection even after it's pesticide has been depleted.
On a side note – in a society where households build a gazebo-type structure to host visitors, gaining entry to residences and sleeping quarters was – interesting … to say the least. Talk about super awkward.
I'm excited to say that my community, the RHC (rural health clinic) and I have been busy preparing for World Malaria Day on the 25th. We're planning a football match with a halftime show of role plays and dramas & a pre-game health talk on malaria and prevention.
Mayoka Lodge and Scuba diving in Lake Malawi.


"its asian bro,n by the way u r so horny"
Jimmy Fallon is perfecting his shot. The Tonight Show host, 42, was snapped in New York City's West Village Friday filming a basketball-themed sketch for his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. Explore Jimmy Fallon's characters and sketches on Saturday Night Live. Dec 19, · Ariana Grande Helped Jimmy Fallon Recreate an Iconic and Festive 'Saturday Night Live' Sketch. Katherine J. Igoe The video, shared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
We already know singer-songwriter Snl jimmy fallon breast feeding Grande is hilarious and media-savvy. She's been out and about promoting her fifth album and teasing fans by hyping up anticipation for each of her songs. She's also been sharing personal details about her life, and isn't afraid to get candid about what's going on behind the scenes. Ariana wasn't even singing. She just stood there with a straight face, be-bopping along as her costars sang hilariously off-key.
This is what I call a well lubricated chick !


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Etiology: Hamster polyomavirus is a DNA oncogenic virus that induces two neoplastic syndromes in hamsters depending on the age of the animal at the time of infection. This syndrome has been described as transmissible lymphoma when the viral disease occurs in breeding colonies.
Incidence: The viral syndromes are uncommon.
Transmission: In young animals, the virus is shed in the urine. In adult animals, the virus is shed in infected epithelial cells.
1. Viral infection in young hamsters results in a multicentric lymphoma involving the mesenteric lymph nodes and abdominal viscera.
2. Viral infection in adult animals results in skin neoplasms described as trichoepitheliomas (A., B.).
Diagnosis: A tentative diagnosis may be made based on clinical signs and histopathology.


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text:
News Brooklyn Boro
Amid outcry, states push mental health training for police
April 5, 2021 Farnoush Amiri, Associated Press/Report for America
Cassandra Quinto-Collins, second from left, holds a photo of her son, Angelo Quinto, while sitting with daughter Bella Collins, left, son Andrei Quinto, center, and husband Robert Collins during an interview in Antioch, Calif., Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Angelo Quinto died three days after being restrained on Dec. 23, 2020, in police custody while having a mental health crisis. Lawmakers in several states are proposing legislation that would require more training for police in how to interact with someone in a mental crisis following some high-profile deaths. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The officer who Cassandra Quinto-Collins says kneeled on her son's neck for over four minutes assured her it was standard protocol for sedating a person experiencing a mental breakdown.
"I was there watching it the whole time," Quinto-Collins told The Associated Press. "I just trusted that they knew what they were doing."
Angelo Quinto's sister had called 911 for help calming him down during an episode of paranoia on Dec. 23. His family says Quinto didn't resist the Antioch, California, officers — one who pushed his knee on the back of his neck, and another who restrained his legs — and the only noise he made was when he twice cried out, "Please don't kill me."
The officers replied, "We're not going to kill you," the family said. Police deny putting pressure on his neck. Three days later, the 30-year-old Navy veteran and Filipino immigrant died at a hospital.
It is the latest stark example of the perils of policing people with mental health issues. In response to several high-profile deaths of people with mental health issues in police custody, lawmakers in at least eight states are introducing legislation to change how law enforcement agencies respond to those in crisis.
The proposals lean heavily on additional training for officers on how to interact with people with mental health problems. It's a common response when lawmakers face widespread outcry over police brutality like the U.S. saw last year following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. But none of the proposals appear to address the root question: Should police be the ones responding when someone is mentally ill?
In California, lawmakers introduced legislation on Feb. 11 that, among other things, would require prospective officers to complete college courses that address mental health, social services and psychology, without requiring a degree.
In New York, lawmakers in January proposed an effort to require law enforcement to complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of training that would include techniques on de-escalation and interacting with people who have mental health issues.
The proposal came nearly a year after Rochester, New York, officers put a spit hood over Daniel Prude's head and pressed his naked body against the street until he stopped breathing. The victim's family, like Quinto's, said they had called 911 for help after Prude, who is Black, began having a mental health episode.
Similarly, in Utah, the mother of 13-year-old Linden Cameron called 911 in September because he was having a breakdown and she needed help from a crisis intervention officer. Salt Lake City police ended up shooting him multiple times as he ran away because they believed he made threats involving a weapon.
He was hospitalized, and no weapon was found. The officers were not crisis intervention specialists but had some mental health training.
Last month, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation that will create a council to standardize training for police crisis intervention teams statewide.
At least 34 states already require officers to have training or other education on interacting with people who have physical or mental health conditions. But law enforcement experts say updated training is needed and agencies are far behind.
"The training that police have received for the past I'd say 25 years has not changed significantly, and it's out of date, and it doesn't meet today's realities," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington-based think tank. "I mean the last thing a mother wants when they call the police is for an officer to use force. Especially in a situation that didn't call for it because the officers weren't trained in how to recognize a crisis."
Some of the new legislation looks to strengthen or improve standards. But because mental health training is a mandate in a majority of states, some advocates and experts believe it may never fully prepare officers on how to respond.
The Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit dedicated to getting treatment for the mentally ill, concluded in a 2015 report those with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than others.
"The solution that would have the most impact on the problem is to prevent people with mental illness from encountering law enforcement in the first place," said Elizabeth Sinclair Hancq, co-author of the report.
Since that is not always possible, she said, another solution is to create co-responder programs where a social worker or other mental health professional assists officers on such calls.
That is what Philadelphia introduced in October, weeks before officers fatally shot Walter Wallace Jr., a Black man, within a minute of arriving at his address for the third time in a day while he was having a mental health crisis. Police said Wallace ignored commands to drop a knife.
Other cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, have similar programs.
For families of victims, who now say they regret calling 911 for help, required training and legislative reform are long overdue.
"In retrospect, it wasn't the smartest idea to call the police," said Isabella Collins, the 18-year-old sister of Quinto, who died in California. "But I just wanted him to be able to calm down, and I thought that they could help with that."
Antioch police didn't release details of Quinto's death for more than a month. Police Chief Tammany Brooks has denied that officers used a knee or anything else to put pressure on Quinto's head, neck or throat. An investigation and autopsy are underway.
The department didn't respond to a request for comment.
Quinto's family filed a wrongful-death claim against the city in February, claiming he "died as a direct consequence of the unreasonable force used against him."
"I guess it was really naive of me to think that he wouldn't get hurt," Collins said.
Good Morning, Brooklyn: Tuesday, January 18, 2022
January 18 | Brooklyn Eagle Staff
Our world in photos: January 14
January 14 | Michaela Keil
Good Morning, Brooklyn: Friday, January 14, 2022
How to Join a Community Board, and What to Know Before You Apply
January 13 | Rachel Holliday Smith, THE CITY
Eva May 5, 2021
I'm incredibly sorry to read such articles, where it is told that a person died simply because they did not have time to provide him with proper assistance. This is terrible in my opinion and I understand that we know very little about the human body and I would like it to change. I believe that such changes should affect not only medical workers, but all other social institutions. And such situations should no longer be repeated. It's hard to read about such a loss, and it's certainly very hard to lose your loved ones because others just didn't know to know exactly how to help a person.
My website https://bestketamineclinics.com/
New York City's most populous borough, Brooklyn, is home to nearly 2.6 million residents. If Brooklyn were an independent city it would be the fourth largest city in the United States. While Brooklyn has become the epitome of 'cool and hip' in recent years, for those that were born here, raised families here and improved communities over the years, Brooklyn has never been 'uncool'.
https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2021/04/05/amid-outcry-states-push-mental-health-training-for-police/

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
class APN::Notification < APN::Base
  include ::ActionView::Helpers::TextHelper
  extend ::ActionView::Helpers::TextHelper
  serialize :custom_properties

  belongs_to :device, :class_name => 'APN::Device'
  has_one    :app,    :class_name => 'APN::App', :through => :device

  # Stores the text alert message you want to send to the device.
  #
  # If the message is over 150 characters long it will get truncated
  # to 150 characters with a <tt>...</tt>
  def alert=(message)
    if !message.blank? && message.size > 150
      message = truncate(message, :length => 150)
    end
    write_attribute('alert', message)
  end

  # Creates a Hash that will be the payload of an APN.
  #
  # Example:
  #   apn = APN::Notification.new
  #   apn.badge = 5
  #   apn.sound = 'my_sound.aiff'
  #   apn.alert = 'Hello!'
  #   apn.apple_hash # => {"aps" => {"badge" => 5, "sound" => "my_sound.aiff", "alert" => "Hello!"}}
  #
  # Example 2:
  #   apn = APN::Notification.new
  #   apn.badge = 0
  #   apn.sound = true
  #   apn.custom_properties = {"typ" => 1}
  #   apn.apple_hash # => {"aps" => {"badge" => 0, "sound" => "1.aiff"}, "typ" => "1"}
  def apple_hash
    result = {}
    result['aps'] = {}
    result['aps']['alert'] = {}
    result['aps']['alert']['body'] = self.alert if self.alert
    result['aps']['badge'] = self.badge.to_i if self.badge
    if self.sound
      result['aps']['sound'] = self.sound if self.sound.is_a? String
      result['aps']['sound'] = "1.aiff" if self.sound.is_a?(TrueClass)
    end
    if self.custom_properties
      self.custom_properties.each do |key,value|
        result["#{key}"] = "#{value}"
      end
    end
    result
  end

  # Creates the JSON string required for an APN message.
  #
  # Example:
  #   apn = APN::Notification.new
  #   apn.badge = 5
  #   apn.sound = 'my_sound.aiff'
  #   apn.alert = 'Hello!'
  #   apn.to_apple_json # => '{"aps":{"badge":5,"sound":"my_sound.aiff","alert":{"body":"Hello!", "action-loc-key": "Yes"}}}'
  def to_apple_json
    logger.debug self.apple_hash.to_json
    self.apple_hash.to_json
  end

  # Creates the binary message needed to send to Apple.
  def message_for_sending
    json = self.to_apple_json
    message = "\0\0 #{self.device.to_hexa}\0#{json.length.chr.force_encoding 'ascii-8bit'}#{json}"
    message
  end

  def self.send_notifications
    ActiveSupport::Deprecation.warn("The method APN::Notification.send_notifications is deprecated.  Use APN::App.send_notifications instead.")
    APN::App.send_notifications
  end

end # APN::Notification

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Extract of sample "The Hard Lessons f Katrina"
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SP01 is a young design brand that offers a collection of beautifully detailed, hand-finished furniture designed in Australia and made in Italy. The ambition of the publisher SP01 Design is clear: to create a collection of furniture based on rigorous design and honest use of materials. SP01 collaborated with designers such as Tom Fereday for the outdoor collection or Tim Rundle for the Michelle mirror series, the Mohana small tables and the Caristo or Shu-Ying armchairs. The complete SP01 Design collection is available at our London showroom based in King's Road Chelsea. The Shu-Ying armchair, Mohana tables, Michelle mirror, and more pieces are on display in our showroom.


It's no secret that the mamas love Jacaranda Tree, Amsterdam's only Montessori playgroup. Deborah Nicholls-Lee tells us why.
If you thought children's activities in Amsterdam need to be noisy, high-energy affairs with lots of running about and shouting, think again. Jacaranda Tree, a Montessori playgroup founded by Australian Simone Davies in 2008, is a quiet, peaceful space where the children explore their surroundings in a calm and focused manner. In fact, the only frenzied behaviour is from the acrobatic class hamster, Jill, who demonstrates a theatrical range of movement as she hurtles around her cage.
As I enter the light and spacious rooms which accommodate the playgroup, I feel like a giant entering a miniature world. All the furnishings and materials are child-sized and, when my imposing 5'2" stature makes one small boy cry, I realise that, like the teacher and parents, I am more comfortable down on my knees at child-level to participate in this shrunken universe.
Not only are the children allowed to water the plants, they can do cleaning and washing up too. There is a miniature broom, dustpan, cloth, squeegee and water spray, as well as a tiny sink with a scrubbing brush and a scaled-down draining board. At home, many of these activities are off-limits but, at Jacaranda, the customised materials make it possible for the children to look after their little house themselves.
Everything's at the child's height. They come in and it feels like their little house.
I was surprised to see that the children even made their own snacks and pressed their own orange juice. There was no official snack time; each child could work at their own rhythm and eat, play, or read (there's a cosy bilingual book corner) when it felt right to them.
Many of the materials at the playgroup help foster this independence. There are fabrics where they can practise doing up zips and other fastenings, and there were clever tablemats to show them how they could set the table.
The adults are really facilitators and observers, while the child takes the lead. Jacaranda really enables the child in this way, promoting self-reliance and high self-esteem, and the kids seem to love it.
Simone has created special zones where the children can focus on different skills. She shows me the language corner with boxes of different themes such as camping, construction vehicles, and African animals. Some contain photographs or drawings which the children can match to the 3D objects. It's a potential talking point for children and parents, where they can handle the objects and explore new vocabulary.
Another area helps develop hand-eye coordination, with various attractive, tactile materials for sorting, posting and weighing. Elsewhere, there is some printing going on with halved apples and sticky orange paint and, on another table, some shape-cutting in pale blue play dough.
If you set up an engaging environment, they can explore and make discoveries and engage and learn in a much more natural way.
For Simone, the playgroup isn't just about the children, it's about supporting the parents in their parenting journey and spreading good practice. During the session, I noticed that parents would approach Simone for advice about their children. Herself a parent of two, with over 10 years experience working with families, she responded with reassurance, authority, and a mother's understanding.
Jacaranda Tree also reach out to English-speaking parents through the courses they host. These have included First Aid, Raising a Bilingual Child, Sibling Rivalry, and Setting up your Home Montessori-Style.
The fortnightly newsletter gives parents tips on using Montessori techniques, and Simone's YouTube channel 'The Montessori Notebook' provides video tutorials, taking the learning beyond the weekly classes and out into the community.
Simone's cheerful, supportive playgroup is a very special place to spend calm, uninterrupted time with your child. The hamster might be doing double-somersaults but your children will be far too busy to notice.
Jacaranda tree received an honourable mention for 'Best Baby Class' and 'Best Class for Toddlers' in the Amsterdam Mamas Recommends Awards 2016. For more information about Jacaranda Tree, visit their website.
Disclaimer: Jacaranda Tree has paid to be featured on Amsterdam Mamas because they believe that their services would be of interest and benefit to our readers, and we think so too. For more information on sponsored posts and advertising on Amsterdam Mamas, please see our Advertising and Disclosure policy.


Afarak is a vertically-integrated specialist alloys company. We extract, process, market and trade our specialised metals. We are trusted by a highly diversified customer base that includes industry leaders from the aviation, nuclear, oil & gas and automotive sectors. Through our investments we are today able to produce a unique alloy mix for every customer making us a boutique speciality alloys producer.
In all we do, we take pride in delivering on our promise to create value for all our stakeholders.
As we aim to create value across the product-chain, Afarak remains committed to sustainable development, investment and to delivering a healthy financial performance for its shareholders. As a global company, we seek to achieve a balance between our environmental, social and economic interests in all of our operations.
Below is a more detailed description of our operations.
We operate our own mines in South Africa & Turkey guaranteeing a high-quality input to our processing activities.
Our modern and state-of-the-art laboratories at our plant in Germany allow us to develop and test unique speciality alloys for every customer.
Our expertise and technology allow us to process our metals into speciality alloys.
Our industry insight and knowledge allows us to sell our products all over the world whilst building long-standing relationships with our clients.
Through our logistics platform we are able to deliver any quantity of speciality alloys to our clients whilst supporting them in their inventory management.
Our products are trusted and requested by clients all over the world. Today, we are honoured to have a geographically diversified client base.


We are lucky to have a variety of facilities here on the farm at Lambden which keep the horses fresh and happy and this undoubtedly helps lengthen their racing careers and rejuvinates older horses. We have a 1 mile oval grass gallop which was laid over 50 years ago, a 4 furlong all weather gallop, a round sand canter and varied schooling facilities and an all weather jumping arena. And there is varied hacking around the farm with quiet country lanes.


text:
Alhaji Grunsah bemoans new power shift in the FA
Accra, Feb 22, GNA - Alhaji Karim Grunsah, the fonder and bankroller of Kumasi King Faisal has expressed worry at the new power shift of the administrative hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The fiery Faisal Boss renowned for his outspokenness said it is very unfortunate that the new shift towards interest for the lower league clubs could hurt Premier League clubs who currently do not have much say as far as the two most powerful positions in the new Ghana football administrative structure is concerned.
Alhaji Grunsah made these remarks in an interview with the GNA Sports in Accra after Mr Fred Pappoe, one of the six Division One representatives on the GFA Executive Committee pipped George Amoaku, representing the interest Premier League Clubs for the position of Vice-President.
This means that the Mr Kwasi Nyantakyi, the GFA President representing Upper West Heroes and Mr Pappoe, representing Mitdjyland, both Division One clubs hold the two most powerful positions as far as Ghana Football is concerned.
The Faisal Boss said since the President of the GFA and his Vice-President are on the Executive Committee representing the interest first division clubs, he felt they should have been some horse trading during the election for the Vice-President so that the Premier League Clubs would also have their representative occupying the number two spot.
"Though people would say that the best person won on the day, since the election was done on the basis of universal adult suffrage, it is also sometimes important to have all interest represented, with some compromising to be done" Alhaji Grunsah said he has nothing personal against the GFA President and his Vice but that he only thinks the interest of the Premier League Clubs would have been better served if things were done the other way round.
"For now the Premier League Clubs are watching if their fears would come to pass".
He said for now they are patiently watching the situation but the moment they get the slightest inclination that their interest is being over looked they would be forced to form a Premier League Clubs Association to fight for their own interest. On Tuesday, 21 out of the 22 Executive Committee members of the GFA at its meeting in Accra elected Pappoe as the new Vice-President of the Association. Mr Pappoe polled 12 votes against Amoaku's nine votes. The power shift did not also end with the election of the Vice-President slot; it was also evident in the composition of the new Emergency Committee whose duty is to see to the day to day running of the association in between Executive Committee meetings. Of the five members made up of the GFA President, his Vice and three members from the Executive Committee, three represent the interest of First Division Clubs whilst two represent the Premier League Clubs. 22 Feb. 06


Pioneer's Butcher and Grill in Hazyview is all about great quality meat and a warm ambience, says Eat Out critic Hennie Fisher.
The meat is hand cut and dry aged for 28 days – it's safe to believe locals when they say this is the home of the best steaks in the Lowveld. Starters include many meat options such as trinchado (served with tomato, garlic and chilli salsa), bobotie spring rolls, or the Ma-John-Jean to share, a family favourite of 200g spiced sirloin, medium grilled and served with homemade bread and garlic mayonnaise.
A starter meal at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
There are two types of carpaccio – beef and ostrich – but also lighter starters such as rainbow trout fillets with lemon, thyme and black pepper cream cheese.
Steak weights are clearly indicated, with different portions to cater for all appetites. These can be ordered grilled in the traditional mode with only rock salt and pepper, or Pioneer's style with added basting. Side orders include onion rings, sautéed mushrooms, homemade chakalaka, and even boerewors.
Marrow bones served with bread at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
You could try the Rump Mozambique, served with peri-peri chicken livers, fried egg and anchovy, or one of the range of burgers and combos featuring poultry, seafood, lamb, pork and venison such as ostrich, kudu and crocodile.
Wines by the glass (served in a 250ml carafe) include three whites, a rosé and five reds, including an Arabella Shiraz and Kanu Rockwood. There is a substantial section of semi-sweet whites, including some legends one might not have seen in a long time such as Grunberger Freudenlese, Kupferberger Auslese and Nederburg Special Late Harvest. Interesting white options include the Backsberg Sauvignon Blanc; Durbanville Hills Biesjes Craal Sauvignon Blanc and Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc. Reds come from the likes of Knorhoek, Uitkyk, La Motte, Raka and Simonsig. The wine list also features some nice bubblies, MCCs and special bottles.
A mouthwatering streak at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
Like many restaurants with regulars, people grow so fond of the service staff at Pioneer's that they ask to be served by particular waiters. (Remember the name Moses). All the staff members are smartly attired, attentive and friendly, and are able to explain the intricacies of meat ageing and any specials of the day. They employ the European-style policy that allows all tips to be shared among all the staff, meaning that kitchen staff also receive 40% of this pool.
The rump served at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
During the day, the large stoep offers a welcome reprieve from the harsh Lowveld sun. Tables in elegant white are always set out here, and large windows allow you to feel part of the buzz inside the restaurant. At night, the golden glow spilling out from inside the restaurant is even more inviting, and you can opt for booths or table seating. The colour scheme of deep orange and brown offsets table settings in elegant white, with small cacti and succulents as table decorations.
Outside at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
Chef-patron Denee Fick Esterhuizen knows the area very well and is happy to make suggestions of activities, other exciting dining possibilities or just general feel-good stories about her area.
Have you satisfied your inner carnivore at Pioneer's Butcher and Grill in Hazyview? Let us know all about it in a review.
The food is great. But the service is unimaginable.. no one cared about us and the were only 4 tables occupied at that time. Even the manager couldnt even look at us when we were complaining. I am very disappointed.


text:
Entertainment Movie Reviews 04 Aug 2017 Jab Harry Met Sejal ...
Entertainment, Movie Reviews
Jab Harry Met Sejal movie review: Nothing but a free trip to Europe
DECCAN CHRONICLE. | ROHIT BHATNAGAR
Published Aug 4, 2017, 1:39 pm IST
Updated Aug 4, 2017, 2:01 pm IST
When the trailers were out, it seemed a no-plot film and it eventually turns out to be exactly the same.
Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in 'Jab Harry Met Sejal.'
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma
Known for making niche, off tangent romances all this while, director Imtiaz Ali brings his first-ever mainstream film Jab Harry Met Sejal. Exotic locations, Shah Rukh Khan, the film has every commercial aspect, but it seems plot has taken a major backseat.
Harry (Shah Rukh Khan) is a tourist guide in Frankfurt. Sejal (Anushka Sharma) is a Gujarati girl who is engaged to a mystery fiancé Rupen. On her trip to Europe, she loses her engagement ring and soon after, she seeks help from Harry. Their lives change upside down when the two find that a local goon Gas (Chandan Roy Sanyal) has her ring.
When there is Shah Rukh Khan in the film, one doesn't expect a plot, rather the focus is on his romancing skills on screen. His charm is such that it can easily overshadow the story of a film and Jab Harry Met Sejal is one such film. The tagline of the film says, 'what you seeking is seeking you', which clearly depicts a typical melodrama and cliched romance.
Director Imtiaz Ali marked his directorial debut with Socha Na Tha way back in 2005. The film wasn't a hit but later went on to become a satellite hit. The innocence of the love shown between Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia was pure and honest. His iconic characters of Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, Love Aaj Kal or Tamasha has almost a similar graph.
Undoubtedly, Imtiaz is a brilliant storyteller, but he seems to be detached with his characters in this one. Travel and self-discovery are the core issues of his films. Even his repetition of the storytelling has been ignored each time, but his latest offering has nothing to offer. Still you will be reminded of all his previous films. Being a Shah Rukh Khan film, you will also be reminded of Chalte Chalte.
Two people meet, roam, party and realise their love for each other when they depart. This old style of romance has been done to death. What more for an Imtiaz Ali film? Good music? That also is missing from the film. Guess Imtiaz works best with A R Rahman and Pritam couldn't strike the right chords.
When the trailers were out, it seemed a no-plot film and turns out it is exactly what was showed initially. It is very important for a director like Imtiaz Ali to work with a superstar and a bigger production house since none of his films worked commercially. This aspect has outstandingly made the film overrated.
Looks like Shah Rukh Khan has completely lost the track of his films. Dilwale, Fan, Raees and now Jab Harry Met Sejal. This film is purely for a newcomer, you can't expect a film like this with the so-called 'king of romance' in it, especially in 2017. Each time he can't pair up with a beautiful girl who is half his age and romance her in Switzerland. Even the audiences have become so damn smart that they seek content and not stars. Anushka Sharma, who plays this bubbly Gujarati girl in the film, is good but in bits and pieces.
On the whole, it is nowhere close to an Imtiaz Ali film. Watch it only if you are an SRK fan or you want to see Europe for the worth of your ticket price.
Tags: jab harry met sejal, shah rukh khan, anushka sharma, imtiaz ali, movie review
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■It was Grammy winner Diplo who convinced SRK to feature in JHMS's Phurr music video
■Jab Harry met Sejal's love song 'Hawayein' set to release soon!
■Shah Rukh collaborates with Grammy winner Diplo for Jab Harry met Sejal!
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text:
Q: how i can select element with double class with querySelector() i'm having problem when i want to select element using querySelector
<ul class="xoxo blogroll">
    </ul>

how i can select that ul element, in my code i'm use like this
var list = document.body.querySelector('ul[class="oxo blogroll"]');
    alert(list.innerHTML);

but the return is null,i'm sure element ul with class xoxo blogroll is defined...
thanks for your answer..

A: document.body.querySelector("ul.xoxo.blogroll")

And that is it...

A: Try this:
document.body.querySelector('ul.xoxo.blogroll')

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Volunteers make the difference in the success of the HomeStretch programs. With your help families can move to stable finances, employment, family relationships and housing. There are many opportunities throughout the year to fit your time frame and skill sets.
You or your group can volunteer for a few hours, a day or an extended commitment. Regardless of the time you invest, you can help transform the lives of HomeStretch families by sharing your time and talents. Send in the Volunteer Registration Form (complete online or download pdf) or call HomeStretch and sign up today!
Groups – Service groups from schools, corporations, civic and faith-based organizations are welcome. Projects can be arranged for older youth and adults.
Individuals – Many of the volunteer opportunities are perfect for individuals who want to support the HomeStretch mission.
Community Service Hours – HomeStretch is happy to provide verification for volunteer hours completed with us.
Nine years ago I answered a call in my church bulletin for front desk help at HomeStretch. What a compassionate and professional organization. We volunteers are helping HomeStretch change lives in our community. There is no doubt in my mind who benefits most from the time I share with HomeStretch - I do!
Fill out our Volunteer Registration and Waiver Form.
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, email us or call 770-642-9185.


The Mages Guild is an inter-provincial organization under a council of five archmagisters, dedicated to the study and application of magicka. The Guild is the official center of magical study in Tamriel, and has existed for at least a thousand years. It is often described as a school or club for mages; a place for spellcasters to congregate, study, experiment, and learn from one another. Applicants must show a minimum of magical ability before being granted admission, although the Guild does offer limited services to non-members. Most major towns in the Iliac Bay region have a Guildhall where spells and magical items are sold.
The Mages Guild offers many magical services; members and non-members may purchase spells or have enchanted items identified, for a price. Members, depending on rank, may also receive training in the various schools of magic, use the library, buy soul gems, purchase or create magic items or spells, summon daedra, and use teleportation services. Joining the guild requires fair aptitude in at least one school of magic.
The Guild also offers a variety of quests to adventurers. Most of these involve casting a spell such as Open or Sleep, protecting the guild, fetching an item, or killing an evil mage. Many of the Mages Guild quests also have you help out or step on the toes of other factions, so tread carefully.
The guildhalls of the Mages Guild come in a wide variety of building shapes and interior designs. While these vary widely from each other, the mages within will always be found in the same places across identical floorplans.
The Guildmagister is the head of a local Mages Guild guildhall. He or she offers a wide array of quests for guild members, a limited number for non-members, and any promised rewards for those quests. A guildhall's Guildmagister can usually be found standing near the main entrance.
The Odylic Mages specialize in perfoming Item Identification services within the guildhalls of the Mages Guild. If you find a magic item in a dungeon or receive one as a quest reward, for a fee they will tell you what enchantments it contains.
These services are available to everyone at a relatively low cost. The exact cost depends upon the value of the magical item and your reputation with the Guild.
The Academics are the spell merchants of the Mages Guild. Their spells are available for purchase by members and non-members alike. The price of a spell depends on the quality of the current guildhall, your mercantile skill, and also your current reputation with the Academics.
Unlike most types of Guild mages, there may be multiple spell merchants in a single guildhall.
The Patricians offer training and scholarly services within the Mages Guild. A Patrician can be found at every Mages Guild guildhall. Training services are reserved strictly for guildmembers.
The cost of a training session depends entirely on your character level; your reputation with the Patricians will not affect the price of their services. The cost to train a skill is 100 gold per character level. As with all skill training, the Patricians can only train a skill up to a maximum of 50%.
The Isolationists are the mages who can help you use the Spell Maker service within the Mages Guild. The Spell Maker is available to guildmembers only.
Since the cost of this service depends entirely on the created spell, your reputation with the Isolationists will not affect the price of their services.
The Utility Mages trade in magical items and soul gems to guildmembers of the appropriate ranks. The prices offered by the Utility Mages for these goods depends upon factors such as your mercantile skill and your reputation with the faction.
The Crafters are the mages who create enchanted items for the Mages Guild. Their services are reserved to members of the appropriate rank. Since the cost of creating such an item depends entirely on any applied magical effects, your reputation with the Crafters will not affect the price of their services.
Not much is known about the Cabal of the Mages Guild. It is generally supposed that their power comes from summoning great Daedra Lords and Princes. They are the cloaked, glowing-eyed mages who perform Daedra summoning for members of the Mages Guild. The price of this service depends entirely on your reputation with them.
The Traveler's League is made up of the mages that offer teleporter services within the Mages Guild. Their services are free to members of the appropriate rank. Beware, the trip is one-way.
You are loyal member of the Mages Guild ... Hunt down or befriend a former student practicing unsanctioned magic.
Help the renegade mage find a lost magical item.
This page was last modified on 13 August 2018, at 17:06.


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The Church of Scotland in the Galilee
ST ANDREW'S TIBERIAS
The Church of Scotland supports the work of a number of non-profit organisations throughout Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. These are three of our partners here in the Galilee region.
Sindyanna of Galilee
Established in 1996, Sindyanna of Galilee is the only certified fair-trade olive oil producer in Israel that operates among the country's Arab population bringing foresight, deep functional expertise, and a practical approach to build capabilities and deliver real impact. Our staff consists of Arab and Jewish women who share a vision of peaceful coexistence, and work towards this goal side by side with skill, care, and a passion for the craft.
Sindyanna has a unique partnership with the Church of Scotland. Here is what they say about it: 'The Scottish Grove project that was planted in 2012, is not just to help a farmer market his olive oil; we helped farmers reclaim 30 dunams of derelict, uncultivated land in the heart of the Jezreel Valley below Nazareth and transform it into a flourishing olive grove. Our partners in this exciting journey are the owners of the land – the Abu Hatum family from Yafi'a, and the Church of Scotland. This marvelous olive grove allows us to promote the modernization of traditional Arab farming and agriculture by introducing new techniques, irrigation, and olive cultivars; aid sustainable cultivation and agriculture; invest all future proceeds of the grove in community projects that promote fair employment for Arab women'.
Sindyanna's Visitors Center in Kfar Kanna, welcomes tourists from abroad as well as Israelis, while serving as a meeting place for Jews and Arabs.
http://www.sindyanna.com
House of Grace began in the early days of the marriage of Kamil and Agnes Shehade, when they opened their home to recently released prisoners, offering shelter, stability, respect and dignity. As the need grew, so did the House. The Shehades renovated the Madonna Greek Melkite Church in 1982 to create the first ever halfway house for released prisoners in Israel. Since then the House's unique warm family environment has become a haven for all marginalised members of society regardless of gender, race or religious background. Over the years the work of House of Grace has developed with the growing needs of the community.
Today, in addition to prisoner rehabilitation, House of Grace also provides support to families in need, offering modest financial help and guiding them through the process of accessing state support. It also runs a youth centre where children 7-17 years old can find help with their studies, receive counselling for family problems, and participate in volunteer activities within the community.
The mission of House of Grace is to empower the most disenfranchised and marginalized members of the local community in Haifa, who are mainly from the Arab minority, by encouraging personal responsibility, individual transformation and wider social change through our projects.
http://www.house-grace.org
The Galilee Society
The Galilee Society – The Arab National Society for Health, Research and Services (R.A.) – is a leading Palestinian Arab non-partisan, community-wide, non-governmental organisation located in Israel, which was established by four healthcare professionals in 1981. The over-riding goal of the Galilee Society is to achieve equitable health, environmental and socio-economic conditions, and to increase development opportunities for Palestinian Arabs inside Israel, both as individual citizens and as a national minority living in their homeland. In its work the Galilee Society strives for a modern, democratic society based on pluralism and equality while seeking to retain the national identity, rich history and traditions of Palestinian Arab culture.
The Galilee Society consists of several departments: the Regional Centre for Research & Development as well as Al Maissam Medicinal Plants Centre, the Health Rights and Environmental Justice Centre, and the Rikaz Databank. Included in their work has been an HIV/AIDS educational programme financially supported by the Church of Scotland and a programme to raise breast cancer awareness amongst Arab women.
http://www.gal-soc.org
Wi'am (Bethlehem): The Palestinian Conflict Resolution Center focuses on helping to resolve disputes within the Palestinian community by complementing the traditional Arab form of mediation, called Sulha, with Western models of conflict resolution. It also provides services for women and children and seeks to educate the local community on human equality and basic rights.
Tent of Nations (Bethlehem hills): Tent of Nations brings different cultures together to develop understanding and promote respect for each other and our shared environment. The organic farm is a centre where people from many different countries come together to learn, to share, and to build bridges of understanding and hope.
YWCA of Palestine (East Jerusalem and Ramallah): The YWCA of Palestine supports and aspires to create women leadership, especially among young women and girls, to realize their full rights and capabilities, and to promote and advance their full participation in decision-making on equal footing with men and in all aspects of their lives as they contribute to building a democratic and free civil society.
Atfaluna (Gaza): Atfaluna's mission is to improve the lives of deaf persons in the Gaza Strip by empowering them socially, economically, culturally, and civilly. Thousands of deaf children, adults, and their families are served annually at Atfaluna through deaf education, audiology, speech therapy, vocational training, parents', teachers' and community training and awareness programs, and many other services and programs.
St Andrew's Galilee
1 Gdud Barack Street
Holy Communion: Sundays 10am
The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian Church working in partnership with the Anglican and Lutheran Churches.


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Pearls of Wisdom: Tom Kerridge
By William Drew
Related tags: Chef
Tom Kerridge runs the Hand & Flowers in Marlow
Fresh from triumphing on Great British Menu, the chef-owner of Michelin-starred The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, Bucks, is back in his kitchen developing new dishes.
If you want to come here in shorts and flip-flops, thats cool with us. If you want to drink pints with your steak and chips, brilliant. Or if you want to spend 300 on a bottle of wine, even better.
I grew up on an estate in Gloucester and started working in country house hotels locally. From the word go I loved the buzz in kitchen, that sense of regimented chaos.
When we took on this site it was a pub doing 500 a week max. We started off keeping tables for drinkers, but when more people want to come and eat, youre not going to turn them down, are you?
The team is very young - apart from me they're all in the 20s, enthusiastic and hard working. My pastry chef is 33 but we count him as being 12 because he still rides a BMX...
My wife Beth's family are all self-made, whereas I'm from a background where you'd never imagine owning your own business. Once I'd retained the star at Adlards [in Norwich], I wondered what was next. Beth pointed out that it was pretty obvious.
John Bentham, who used to be head chef at Stephen Bull in St Martin's Lane, is an unsung hero. His understanding of simple, cheap ingredients and how to make them taste fantastic is just incredible.
The things people associate with Michelin stars - like stuffy French waiters in badly fitting suits is precisely the feeling I didnt want in my place.
Never say never, but I'm not interested in a second restaurant right now.
I'm not one for specials boards and daily changing dishes. We've been working on a new smoked mackerel dish for three or four months. I want it perfect before it goes on.
I'd love to establish The Hand & Flowers as the kind of place that's as well known in 10 or 15 years time as Le Manoir or L'Ortolan. But short-term, it's a case of making sure the larder section is set up.
I try to make sure all the guys in the team have fun. When youve got a happy team, that comes across to customers.
The process of opening your own restaurant is terrifying. On day one, we'd spent every single penny we had. I had to borrow 40 for the float in the till off my wife's brother. So we needed the business to work quickly.
Daniel Clifford, Simon Rogan, Sat Bains, Nathan Outlaw, Adam Simmonds up the road at Danesfield House. These guys are some of the best chefs in the country, maybe in Europe. And I'm lucky that they are great mates too.
I've got a young lad in from college he says they're actively told that water baths are de-skilling chefs. Somebody there simply doesn't understand what a water bath is about and how it can increase skill levels. And that can't be right.
Our chicken liver parfait is frozen, then its churned to order using a Pacojet, almost like ice cream.
Hushed temples of gastronomy don't do it for me. You want to be at the bar at Polpo or Terroirs, somewhere you don't have to pretend to be anyone you're not.
Related topics: People, Restaurants, Pearls of Wisdom
Tom Kerridge no longer part of The Rib Room re-opening
Tom Kerridge's latest TV show hits screens next month
Tom Kerridge reveals plans for second Marlow pub
Hand & Flowers voted best gastropub in the UK for third year running


text:
Ages of Arms & Armor
Thread: Ages of Arms & Armor
I have a D&D-compatable e-book that I'm wanting to publish, titled Ages of Arms & Armor. It is a comprehensive, play-tested, and balanced set of alternative combat rules for use with 3rd Edition D&D. (I will update it for 3.5, once those rulebooks come out.)
Damage reduction for armor is at the core of these rules. I've seen many posts on other message boards requesting and discussing this, but no one has yet come up with a comprehensive, as well as a thoroughly play-tested and balanced, set of rules incorporating armor DR into 3E D&D.
Ages of Arms & Armor is designed primarily for low- to mid-level (1st to 10th level) campaigns that have a more realistic and historical feel to them, while still keeping the heroic fantasy aspects of D&D. The Birthright and the Kingdom of Kalamar campaign settings are ideal for this. The various "mythical-historical" sourcebooks from Avalanche press are also fitting.
(Myself, I think the Birthright campaign setting is fantastic! I have just about every Birthright publication ever produced by TSR. I believe Ages of Arms & Armor is a great way to enhance a Birthright campaign.)
Ages of Arms & Armor is similar in purpose to Ken Hood's "Grim-n-Gritty" rules, only the former is neither as grim nor as gritty as the latter, and the former is much broader in scope. Ages of Arms & Armor is comprehensive, and it's all thoroughly play-tested and balanced. Above all, these rules are highly playable, and they maintain the abstract and heroic features of D&D combat. (This is NOT an attempt to make 3rd Edition D&D combat more like that in GURPS or RoleMaster or Harn.)
Although these rules have been thoroughly play-tested and balanced, I'm looking for further play-testers, those outside my gaming circle. (I'm especially interested in getting other DMs involved in this.) Also, I'm looking for someone to illustrate the e-book. (Mostly what I'm looking for are a few pieces depicting various fantasy-Medieval-Renaissance weapons and armor, and combatant using those weapons and armor against each other.)
If you're interested in getting involved in this project, either as a play-tester or an illustrator, e-mail me. I'll send you a preview copy of Ages of Arms & Armor.
azlan@attbi.com
Originally posted by Azlan
Congratulations and good luck on your project. One thing to note though is the moment you change the armor class system to a damage reduction one, which is used in many non-D&D d20 products, it is no longer "compatable" with D&D. The present armor class system and the magic system are two of the things that separate D&D from other d20 products. Once you deviate from them you no longer follow the "core rules" and per the OGL and other licensing requisites it is no longer "D&D".
I'm not saying that a damage reduction system for armor class is a bad idea, I think it really a good one. I'm only saying that it is no longer "D&D" but instead a medieval fantasy role playing game instead.:)
Originally posted by irdeggman
Technically (or should I say, "legally"?) you are correct.
As I said, Ages of Arms & Armor is designed primarily for low- to mid-level campaigns that have a more realistic and historical feel to them, while still keeping the heroic fantasy aspects of D&D. Thus, Ages of Arms & Armor is ideal for the Birthright and the Kingdom of Kalamar campaign settings. Above all, these alternative rules for combat are highly playable, and they maintain the abstract and heroic features of D&D combat. (These rules are not an attempt to make 3rd Edition D&D combat more like that of GURPS, RoleMaster, or Harn.)
Does that mean you're no longer playing D&D if you use Ages of Arms & Armor with D&D? Well, I guess it depends on your viewpoint. After all, Ages of Arms & Armor is really just as set of published "house rules". And there are many, many D&D campaigns out there that use a considerable amount of house rules. Is what they're playing no longer D&D as well?
Really, it all depends on what house rules a group is using, and what viewpoint you tend to take on this matter.
Azlan, several things to consider:
How will magical enchantments (i.e., enhancements) work? Will they add to the "base" AC of the armor or will they add to damage reduction? {This one will have a major impact on other aspects of the game.}
Will there be an increase in AC at all? If not then the concept of someone getting better at hitting someone else as they gain levels sort of fails. Other d20 systems utilize a defense bonus system that increase with class level. What this does is make it harder to be hit as a character gains levels, the damage reduction of armor (also present in some of these products - see Star Wars (revised rules) for instance) is a separate thing with armor adding no AC bonus. {This one could also have potential major impact on the "core rules" class systems.}
How will monsters be handled? Does natural armor translate into a damage reduction? {Another potential wide ranging impact on the "core rules", although this one probably is the easiest to handle making it "similar" to how armor is handled. It would just require substantial "rewriting" of the monster manuals.}
Will the damage reduction apply to magic as well as "normal" attacks?
This just sort of proves the point that even a "minor, limited" change can have wide ranging effects on a system. I just wish that the "powers that be" at Wizards would drop the "untouchable" concept of armor that has been maintaind in D&D (but dropped in other WotC games). As I mentioned previously Star Wars using defense bonus and damage reduction, Wheel of Time and d20 Modern both use defense bonuses that are class level based. Wheel of Time has defense bonuses and armor bonuses not stack, Star Wars there is nor bonus provided by armor so they don't stack and d20 Modern has defense bonus and armor bonus (equipment bonus) stack.
Just to point out that I did say I thought it was a good idea, or at least implied that by saying I didn't think it was a bad idea.
All of your questions and concerns have indeed been addressed in Ages of Arms & Armor. As I said, these rules are comprehensive.
I've been working on these alternative combat rules for the past two to three years, shortly after 3rd Edition came out. (I've DM'ed many, many campaigns, ever since 1st Edition AD&D, and I've gamemastered lots of other RPG's, including GURPS, Fantasy Hero, Pendragon, and Ars Magica.) My goal was to make combat more historical and realistic, while maintaining the abstract and heroic aspects of D&D combat. I wanted the Ages of Arms & Armor alternative combat rules to be comprehensive, balanced, and playable. To ensure this, for the past 2-3 years I've done much play-testing using Ages of Arms & Armor with my various groups and campaigns, refining and expanding the rules between campaigns.
Check out a copy of Ages of Arms & Armor, and see for yourself... !
3rd, 3rd edition, abstract, armor, armour, arms, balance, balanced, board, boards, change, circle, class, combat, core, d20, edition, fan, fantasy, feature, features, game, gaming, grim, historical, history, kingdom, level, luck, magic, medieval, moment, project, publication, purpose, sourcebook, TSR, weapon, weapons


At least a month in advance. However, JMP will do its best to accommodate the client's last minute needs.
This depends on the client. JMP loves photographing outdoors (but not limited to), and client recommendations on parks/locations etc…are much appreciated.
As many as the client prefers.
Can I request specific photos to be taken (i.e., grandchildren/grandparents, solo of kids, etc.)?
Of course, and is encouraged. After all, they are part of the family, too.
What do we need to bring to a Family Portrait Session?
I know what kind of look I want but I'm not sure what locations to achieve it, can you suggest options?
Absolutely, but JMP loves photographing in new locations each time and clients' ideas on locations are much appreciated.
Prepare clothing options. White clothing looks nice, but looks harsh in the sun, so try to avoid, especially on a bright sunny day. Black also can be very tricky. Colors make a photograph pop! Also, no need to have the family in identical outfits. Coordinating outfits look best. Just my opinion!
Most Packages come with hi res digital download of session, refer to investment tab.
If it rains, do you have a studio to shoot the photos?
I do not, but depending on the nature of the shoot, we can photograph in home. If not, we can reschedule at your earliest convenience.
Yes, in a private client gallery on Pixieset, as well as Facebook and Twitter (unless you prefer they not be).
You can contact me via my contact page or phone at 610-864-2879 to schedule your session. JMP generally requires a $25.00 deposit to hold your session date and time.
The products listed on your site are different than others I've seen. Is there any way to get different products?
Spring and fall are best because of the climate, but pictures in the snow in the winter, or by the pool in the summer, are fantastic too! All year round!
Typically before sunset or after sunrise, but this is not always the case, depending on the time of year and the look the client is going for.
JMP will reschedule the session at the client's earliest convenience.
I like to capture candid shots (i.e., a family having a good laugh). JMP will direct clients on posing.
Depends on the nature of the shoot.
JMP can reschedule with the client at a $25 rescheduling fee.
Of course…we are our own worst critics!
Yes, I typically use my best judgment depending on the photograph. You can always order black and white or sepia versions of a photo for an additional fee of $1 per photo.
Do you offer professional retouching (i.e., blemish removal)?
White clothing looks nice, but looks harsh in the sun, so try to avoid, especially on a bright sunny day. Black can also be very boring. Colors make a photograph pop! Also, no need to have the family in identical outfits. Coordinating outfits look best. Just my opinion!
Yes, visit the Portfolio section of my website or visit my Facebook page.
Typically $225 and up. View full product pricing on the Pricing page.
Yes, JMP offers á la carte prints/products via your private online client gallery.
To protect from being stolen or reproduced without JMP's authorization. There will not be a watermark on prints ordered by clients.
All Major credit cards, paypal financing, check & cash!
What other session fees or taxes are charged?
Sitting fee if applicable and taxes on prints/products ordered á la carte.
I've been shooting wedding professionally for three years. I've been a photographer for over 6 years.
What are the payment terms for a wedding?
$300 refundable retainer, balance due one week prior to wedding date in the form of a certified check or cash.
How many wedding do you shoot each year?
What are the payment terms for a portrait session?
$25 refundable retainer, balance due on the day of the session.


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The 3 Rs - Religion, Redundancy, Respect
Is there such a thing as divine intervention? A decision by the Supreme Court of New South Wales in South Head & District Synagogue (Sydney) (Administrators Appointed) (South Head) provides an interesting insight into the approach taken by courts when faced with the task of interpreting contracts founded on religious law.
When is a judgment not worth the paper its written on?
There is a general principle adopted by the Courts and judiciary that there should be finality in any litigation, this means that there comes a point when the Courts will not allow parties to re-ventilate the issues. It normally follows a contested final hearing or any appeal of that decision.
PPSR perfection – how to score ten out of ten
If used correctly, the PPSR can provide a platform for security interests to be registered and made public to anyone who wishes to search against a grantor or registration number. However if we fall victim to a PPSR faux pa, we face the ultimate risk - having an invalid registration.
A bikie walks into a gentleman's club and an insurer leaves blushing: a tale of non-disclosure
At first blush, it would appear obvious that a business-owner's association with a bikie gang would need to be disclosed to an insurer given the reputation of gangs and the increased risk of harm to the business. But is this the case where the business is that of a gentleman's club?


The benefits of iodine in the body are far reaching. Oddly enough, it is the least understood of all the essential trace elements.
This is the safest of all the essential trace elements which can be administered in large amounts when in an inorganic nonradioactive form.
Iodine is stored throughout your entire body – the skin, teeth, nails, all the organs, and bones.
Cherry angiomas are red moles on your skin which contain an abnormal amount of blood vessels.
These can be extremely small and less than 5 millimeters or can grow larger.
They are considered to be painless and harmless. Coloring can be from red to purple, often dome-shaped and may be located on the trunk, limbs, face scalp, neck, but rarely the hands.
These skin lesions are extremely common. Sometimes, they may appear as clusters of dilated capillaries on the surface of the skin or may appear alone.
Here is a photo of some of the red moles I have on my skin.
Most physicians and medical information would have you believe these skin lesions appear in mid to late adulthood.
However, the latest statistics report that ninety percent of women have this condition.
Of that percentage, eighty percent are women under twenty years old.
Unfortunately, this condition is now appearing on babies and young children.
Some doctors believe this is sun damage to the skin. Some believe it is a genetic malfunction.
They fail to fully address the question of why this skin condition is happening.
There is no guarantee any of these are a permanent cure. Sometimes additional treatment is needed.
Still, this does not address the underlying cause.
Cherry angiomas are caused by bromine poisoning. Research conducted by Drs. A. D. Cohena, E. Cagnanob, and D. A. Vardya, shows the correlation between bromine poisoning and cherry angiomas.
Mysterious red moles appeared on researchers' bodies after working for extended periods of time with brominated compounds.
Bromine poisoning, stored in the fat tissues, is a halogen. It is a known disruptor which prevents the absorption of iodine in the body.
Additional products containing polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs)can be found at The Environmental Working Group.


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Lavishly illustrated in a beautiful CGI style reminiscent of Pixar and Dreamworks animated films, Banana Tail's Colorful Adventure promotes the virtues of honesty and friendship in a gentle manner that even the youngest of readers will understand.
COMBAT JACKS is my new creator-owned project is a story about living, monsterous Jack O' Lanterns indigenous to another planet seemed like a natural place to go for a fun sci fi/ horror project.
Virtual Inks Inc encompasses the multi-leveled talent of a core group of artists that don't necessarily work in a physical studio. Thanks to the digital age, we can virtually unite to address queries and offer our artistic services through the internet.
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