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Looking for a pet friendly apartment community in Tampa, FL? Look no further than Oak Chase Apartments! As one of the few pet friendly communities, we proudly allow cats and dogs here at Oak Chase Apartments. Now your pet has the opportunity to relax by your side and enjoy the comforts of your apartment home.
Pets Allowed Upon Approval.
Breed restrictions apply.
35 pound per pet weight limit.
First pet fee is $300.00.
Second pet fee is $100.00.
Pet Amenities:
Dog Park
Monthly Pet Events
Pet Waste Stations
Welcome home to Oak Chase Apartments in beautiful Tampa, Florida! Our community is conveniently located near I-275. With easy access to beautiful parks, great shopping and dining at University Mall, let Oak Chase Apartments be your gateway to fun and entertainment in Tampa!
There's something for everyone at Oak Chase Apartments. Choose from five floor plans, up to four bedrooms, to fit your needs. Some of our apartment features include vertical blinds, washer and dryer connections, spacious closets and much more! Oak Chase Apartments offers residents a lifestyle of comfort and convenience.
The comfort doesn't stop at your front door – our community is surrounded by conveniences with you in mind. Take a dip in the shimmering swimming pool after enjoying the community garden. Relieve stress in our state-of-the-art fitness center or catch a game with friends on the volleyball court. With so many possibilities, Oak Chase Apartments is the place to call home!
Your search to find available apartments in Tampa, FL has led you to the right place. Just by clicking on a few buttons you will have a list of our current availabilities at your fingertips. Click below to find out more!Check Availability
12535 Tinsley Circle
Tampa, FL 33612
Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Sun: Closed
Thank you for your interest in our community. You will receive an e-mail confirmation shortly.


text: I've made slow progress on my king size quilt project. This one is for our bed. I've never done anything this big. So 12 of 16 block sets are complete. Don't they look yummy! The block design is a slightly modified Paint Box block from Elizabeth Hartman. Soon I'll need to decide on the sashing and borders.

subset: commoncrawl


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On Friday, November 15, the Home Builder's Association of Greater Chicago (HBAGC) honored Orren Pickell Building Group with three prestigious Gold Key Awards at the 41st annual HBAGC Key and SAMMY Awards ceremony. The HBAGC Key and SAMMY Awards ceremony were created in 1972 to recognize excellence in housing design, architecture, interior merchandising, remodeling and landscaping. Today, it is one of the premier housing programs in the country, drawing hundreds of entries each year. Orren Pickell Building Group once again received honors for all of its entries; demonstrating the firm's position as an industry leader in design and
"It is an honor to be recognized by our peers and the Home Builder's Association of Greater Chicago," said Orren Pickell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orren Pickell Building Group. "I am incredibly proud and continually inspired by our firm's unprecedented dedication to innovative design and superior quality."
A complete list of Orren Pickell Building Group's 2013 KEY Awards follows:
Olympia Fields Residence:
• Gold Key in Recognition of Architectural Design - Custom Home
Lake Forest Residence:
• Gold Key in Recognition of Excellence in Remodeling – Basement Remodel
Wilmette Residence:
• Gold Key in Recognition of Excellence in Remodeling – Whole House
The Orren Pickell Building Group is equipped with a number of divisions including Architectural Design, Custom Home Building, Remodeling Vacation Homes, Home Maintenance, and CabinetWerks. For more information, please call 847/572-5200 or visit pickellbuilders.com.


text: Our apartment homes were meticulously planned for a carefree lifestyle. We surround you with beautiful trees and landscaped grounds. Our floor plans offer an abundance of space, modern amenities, and plenty of closet space. We've combined quality design and luxury amenities to create a comfortable place to call home.This city is rich in history and this neighborhood has something for everyone.


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This hotel is NOT
Sweet Treat. Welcome to the Four Points by Sheraton York in the heart of the "Factory Tour Capital of the World." Located at the intersection of Interstate 83 and US-30, were just a short drive from local companies, area attractions, shopping, and sporting venues. Spend a day at the historic Gettysburg Battlefield, take a trip to Lancaster County and visit Amish Country, or head to Hershey – the sweetest place on earth. All the Comforts of Home. During your stay, enjoy a meal, a craft beer, or a slice of our signature apple pie in the York Grill. Relax in one of our 146 super comfortable 100% smoke-free guest rooms where you can find all the free extras you need like wireless High Speed Internet Access, a bottle of water, and a newspaper delivered to your door every weekday morning. Swim a Lap, Take a Nap. Our newly renovated indoor pool and hot tub are the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. For the fitness buff, keep up with your workout routine in our 24-hour, state-of-the art fitness center. Afterward, the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed is the perfect place to cozy up and flip through the channels of your TV. Meet & Greet. Hosting an event in our 3,700 square feet of banquet space is easy. Our professional sales and catering staff will help you plan and carry out your function right down to the last detail ensuring the success of your special event.
If you are the owner of a Pet Sitting or a Dog Walking business in York, Pennsylvania and wish to add your business listing free of charge to this city please submit your info here.


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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is the largest black sand beach in the state. Located south of the Volcanoes National Park on the coastal Highway 11 it is a beach that is basically fairly far from populated areas and most people will decide to enjoy a quick visit when they take the southern route to visit the volcanoes if they are staying in the Kona region. This is good because, although it is a beach that would easily find its place on any "top ten" list of beaches to see in Hawaii, it would actually fit into the category of a novelty beach to see, visit, take pictures and then move on because swimming and snorkeling here can be somewhat dicey if not downright dangerous.
The big draw to this beach is of course the black sand, and it is truly remarkable if you have not witnessed black sand before. You can hold the large black granules in your fist and allow them to fall in a stream from your hand to totally enjoy the texture and its rich deep color. Though it may be a temptation to take some of the sand home with you there are signs posted over the beach asking that you don't do so and in fact it is widely told that removing the black rocks and sand from Hawaii beaches will bring you bad luck ( at one point years ago when I first started my tour business in Lahaina on Maui a box was delivered to me from the post office by a person who had sent back a grapefruit sized lava rock along with an anonymous note that explained the severe difficulties that had befallen her since she brought the rock home with her).
The beach itself is a large crescent shape that is ringed by large palm trees. These trees give the beach much of its charm but you may notice that many of the trees have large coconuts that have not been trimmed recently and if so you should not decide (as we saw others do) to walk or sit directly underneath them.
The water of the beach is very beautiful but often quite wavy and there are numerous rocks in the way of making a water entry easy. In addition there are strong rip-currents that run along the beach making it even less desirable for a swim.
Another very interesting aspect of Punalu'u Beach is it penchant for attracting colonies of both the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and the Hawksbill Turtles. They nest in this area and can often be seen laying about on the sand enjoying the warmth of the Hawaiian sun or bobbing their heads about in the surf as they make their way across the length of the beach. Every effort should be made to leave them alone as there are evidently dangers associated with the introduction of human contagion to the turtles that do not have the systemic immunity to deal with the possible infections.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach has great facilities including clean bathrooms, showers and changing areas and there are large parking areas. This beach is located right off the highway so it is probably the most accessible black sand beach on the island.
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters however it is not advised that you enter the water at this location. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water. There are no lifeguard towers at this location.
This may be a first experience for you, but if it is it certainly won't be your last. Ahalanui Park pool is actually a thermal heated spring fed swimming area that is partially natural and partially man made.
When you speak of Anaehoomalu Bay on the Big Island's Waikoloa shoreline you are talking about history of the first magnitude in Old Hawaii. This bay was a spot of large population primarily because of its ocean resources and its spectacular fishponds.
As viewed from the air, the next beautiful beach to be found north of the Mauna Lani in Waikoloa is the gorgeous beach found in front of the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.
Hapuna Beach is practically a legend on the Big Island. In fact many people believe that Hapuna Beach is the most beautiful beach to be found here, and a good case could certainly be made for that.
Isaac Hale Beach Park is really quite a different type of beach park. Essentially it is divided into two sides. On one side is the only loading boat ramp on the entire Puna coastline.
Perhaps the very best and the most famous beach for snorkeling on the Big Island is Kahalu'u Beach Park. The variety and volume of fish found at Kahalu'u will rival any spot in Hawaii.
One of the most famous black sand beaches in the world was found in the area called Kalapana in the district of Puna on the Big Island. "Was" is the operative word here as this beach was completely covered by lava in 1990.
Kehena Beach in the Pahoa district of the Big Island is amazing for a couple of reasons: First because of the spectacular nature of the beach itself, and secondly because of the people who tend to go there.
If you're the type who enjoys a bit of 4X driving ( 2X drive if you're careful ) and hiking with your beach enjoyment Kekaha Kai Beach Park may just be the spot for you.
Kikaua Point Beach is a tiny but very beautiful beach that is located about ten miles north of Kailua-Kona. Kikaua Beach is perhaps the calmest beach on the Big Island being protected from the open ocean by a series of huge boulders and rocks that provide a rim for the pond-like beach within.
If you're searching for a beach with excellent swimming, great snorkeling and crystalline brilliant clarity, Kukio Beach is probably not the beach for you.
La'aloa Beach Park in the town of Kailua-Kona is also referred to as Magic Sands Beach, White Sands Beach and Disappearing Sands Beach. Though its Hawaiian name has implications suggesting it is a beach of sacred nature the other three more popular names refer to the propensity of the beach to lose its sand each winter and early spring to the currents, waves and storms that extract the white sands from the shoreline portion of the beach and temporarily deposit them further out to sea exposing dangerous exposed rocks in the process.
The single most beautiful beach closest to Kailua-Kona that you can get to without having to travel on an unpaved road over lava is Maniniowali Beach which is also known as Kua Bay.
Mauna Kea Beach ranks right up at the top of great beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is very close to its sister beach of Hapuna and shares many of the same attributes.
Both Mauna Lani Beach and Makaiwa Bay are located in this same description because they are entered from the same public parking access parking lot. Both are quite beautiful and snorkeling is excellent at both but they require a fairly long walk to get to each.
The Old Kona Airport landing field became obsolete in the early 1970's but the one-mile landing strip still exists. This huge stretch of asphalt lies right next to the ocean just north of the city of Kailua-Kona and today serves as the gigantic parking area for the Old Kona Airport Beach.
Many beaches are great for swimming but that is not true of this beach. Pololu Beach is located at the entrance of the Pololu Valley which is the last in the series of valleys beginning with Waipio Valley that guard the northern flank of the Big Island of Hawaii.
If it wasn't for the fact that Spencer Beach was located so close to Hapuna and Mauna Kea Beach, it would receive more notoriety than it does. Although it is a beautiful white sand beach with a sand bottom allowing for an easy water entry, it just lacks some of the luster and beauty associated with its nearest beach neighbor.
Waialea Beach is one of the most perfect all-around beaches on the Big Island's western coastline. One of the best things about the beach is that it is not located on or near a hotel so there is no problem with access directly from the road.
One of the first signs you will see when you arrive at the Wawaloli Beach Park just north of the town of Kailua-Kona is a sign that says "Low Flying Aircraft, No Kite Flying".
One of the oddest County parks on the Big Island is a small park called Whitington Beach Park. It is located at the 60 mile marker on the circle island Highway #11 and is a good spot to visit if you are traveling from Kona to visit the Volcanoes National Park.
The Big Island often gets a pretty bad rap when it comes to beaches. Yes, it is true that it is the newest of the Hawaiian islands and as a result it has not had enough geological time pass by to jump-start the laws of physics and allow nature to work its magic on creating the type of amazing beaches that can often be found on other islands of the Hawaiian chain.


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Uh! Thank Goodness!
Spring is back and kicking!!!!
I seriously had to use my sunglasses this weekend.
I found this dress on Modcloth. It is very flattering for those with curves…like me!
I love Modcloth because they display others that have purchased the dress and their rates, size and height. If you love vintage then Modcloth is the place to shop.
The Blue is definitely my favorite. You can find these Promise White Collyn heels are so pretty.They add a sophistication look to this edgy dress.
Which dress is your favorite?


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Product Description
Add a hint of style and glamor to your outfit !!!
Presenting you these brilliant royal blue crystal and pearl dangler earrings, to complement your traditional wear to perfection.
With its unique filigree design and elegant pearl and stone outline, this piece is sure to make you out shine others.
Care Instructions:
Handle with care. Make sure you don't spray perfume/deo onto the product and keep away from moisture. It's a good practice to wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth before replacing into the box after use.
Disclaimer: As all of these products are handmade there may be -
1) Slight variations in size of the stones/beads, placement, color, composition and texture.
2) Traces of glue marks and slight variations between the pieces.
These imperfections wont be visible when worn.


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The iPod Shuffle Party is back at the Waverley Blues
DRESS THEME: AROUND THE WORLD (dress up as a country!)
Choose a song and be in the running to win $750 and more!
Your songs will be thrown into a playlist, shuffle will be pressed, and the last tune played is the winner
WBFC clubrooms after Doncaster East away
7.30pm for an 8 pm Shuffle Start
$25 per song – includes entry into competition and drink on arrival
DJ Entertainment, finger food & drink specials all night!
Last song played wins $750 cash
1st played wins $50
25th played wins money back $25
50th played wins $100
100 songs available, with 10 of these to be auctioned off later in the night
Prepurchase of tickets and songs preferred:
Waverley Blues Football Club
Or online below
Tickets also available on the door, but if you want a song preference these must be submitted two days before the event: firstname.lastname@example.com
You can purchase multiple songs
Final songs list to be posted on WBFC Facebook Event Page


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How I Stay Hydrated with LIFEWTR and 7-Eleven
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and LIFEWTR. All opinions are mine alone. #ThirstInspiration #CollectiveBias
Can you believe we are already stepping our ways through spring (in our cutest sandals and most twirl-worthy dresses, of course)? Doesn't it seem like it was literally JUST yesterday we were all at New Year's parties, drinking champagne, making resolutions for all sorts of things and vegging out to football or parades the next day?
Time flies, right y'all? Unlike many people, I didn't have a resolution to lose weight (although I am working to lose some winter baggage). My resolution was to do a better job of self-care. . To limit things like sugar and sweets. To find time to exercise. To sleep more. And yes, to drink more water.
7-Eleven just happens to be en route to my side hustle, and I've gotten in the habit of stopping by a couple of times each week to stock myself with LIFEWTR. Why? I'll get into the specifics below, but number one is because I feel SO much better when I'm properly hydrated. No joke you guys. I have more energy, I think more clearly, and I sleep better. The vain part of me likes the fact that my skin looks amazing as well. I can tell instantly where I'm at with water-intake just by looking in the mirror. Dull skin and wrinkles that are noticeable or that pop up out of nowhere are giveaways that I need to reach for more LIFEWTR. It definitely is the ultimate accessory in my life.
In addition, did you know LIFEWTR is made only from purified water and is pH balanced, with electrolytes for taste? True story, friends.
Probably 90% of you reading this could benefit from being better hydrated, right? Join me in making a commitment to take a baby-step in that direction. Let LIFEWTR help and go to your local 7-Eleven to stock yourself up for the week.
See how I fit LIFEWTR into my life (picture below) and use the hashtag #MoreInspired in all of your LIFEWTR social media shares, so we can see how you work it into action as well!


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How to: Store the Results of a Query in Memory (C# Programming Guide)
A query is basically a set of instructions for how to retrieve and organize data. To execute the query requires a call to its GetEnumerator method. This call is made when you use a foreach loop to iterate over the elements. To store the results at any time before or after you execute the foreach loop, just call one of the following methods on the query variable:
We recommend that when you store the query results, you assign the returned collection object to a new variable as shown in the following example:
class StoreQueryResults
static List<int> numbers = new List<int>() { 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 };
static void Main()
IEnumerable<int> queryFactorsOfFour =
from num in numbers
where num % 4 == 0
select num;
// Store the results in a new variable
// without executing a foreach loop.
List<int> factorsofFourList = queryFactorsOfFour.ToList();
// Iterate the list just to prove it holds data.
foreach (int n in factorsofFourList)
// Keep the console window open in debug mode.
Console.WriteLine("Press any key");
Compiling the Code
Create a Visual Studio project that targets the .NET Framework version 3.5. By default, the project has a reference to System.Core.dll and a using directive for the System.Linq namespace.
Copy the code into your project.
Press F5 to compile and run the program.
Press any key to exit the console window.


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Crime - Sacto 911
Single assailant sought in attacks that left one victim stabbed, another beaten in East Sacramento
One man was stabbed and another was beaten early Friday morning in East Sacramento near the Capital City Freeway overpass, Sacramento police say.
Police Department spokesman Sgt. Bryce Heinlein said a single assailant is believed responsible for both assaults.
Officers responding to reports of a stabbing on the 3000 block of J Street at 5:34 a.m. found a victim they say appeared to have been in a fight with his assailant.
A second victim was located nearby underneath the Capitol City freeway overpass. He "had minor injuries as if he was been assaulted or struck," Heinlein said.
Both men were taken to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries. Heinlein said the stab victim was conscious and able to speak to officers when they arrived.
Police are investigating but late Friday morning had no suspect description.
Nashelly Chavez: 916-321-1188, @nashellytweets


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Caitlin Moran
Readalong hosted by the awesome Emily at As the Crowe Flies (and Reads!)
I think we all know what exciting thing happened in this section. Yes, I'm talking about The Sex. It finally happened.
But, first, let's rewind back and see how Johanna is getting on with being trouble.
Firstly she has a run in with 'The Kisser', a delightful sounding chap who is a little promiscuous when it comes to kissing and, surprisingly, 'he's just...normal'.
'That's what he does. He's got off with all my mates. You know those things they have outside shops thats like a giraffe, and you put ten p in and have a ride? He's like one of those. You just...get on him, then get off with him. He's a man slag.'
I'm sure his mother's proud of him.
'It appears to be some kind of factory preset kiss - one, two, three kisses on the lips, and then in with the tongue - but it's happening! I'm in a kiss!'
Go, Johanna! I was practically cheerleading at this point. Ah, the first kiss. Mine was on a swing with a guy who's mouth could have fit over my head. A special moment.
Johanna returns home, high from her kissing experience, and finds out from her Dad that the benefits are staying cut. But fret not, he has a plan:
'Nah - we got to utilise our assets. Which is - me and you. You write about music. I make it.'
I almost 100% sure that's going to work.
Johanna starts setting up her reputation as 'trouble' by smiting various bands in her reviews. After the smiting, some pretty obvious signs of Krissi's sexuality which Johanna entirely misses, and a few more mentions of SatanWankGate, this section spirals into the sex. Johanna gets to experience Tony Rich's mouth (reminiscent of my first 'boyfriend' again), and then she gets to experience a whole lot else.
'Here's the amazing thing about sex: you get a whole person to yourself, for the first time since you were a baby. Someone who is looking at you - just you - and think about you, and wanting you, and you haven't even had to lie at the bottom of the stairs and pretend you're dead to get them to do it.'
The next bit of this section spirals in to a serious of casual sexual encounters and a number of disastrous attempts to be experimental in the boudoir.
But then Johanna does this thing which seems wrong on so many levels - she allows him to have sex with her, without having sex with him:


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MICROMO Solar Energy Initiative
MICROMO Takes Big Steps Towards Energy Conservation
One of the Largest Solar Energy Projects in Pinellas County
MICROMO's micro motion technologies and products from FAULHABER are already well known for their high performance, high precision and energy efficiency. In late 2014, MICROMO embarked on a major project to bring energy conservation to the workplace, by installing solar panels on the roof of their 73,000 square foot facility located in Clearwater, Florida.
Today, there are 1,632 panels and 2,014 support stands installed on MICROMO's rooftop, covering about 35,000 square feet total. According to MICROMO's Facility Manager, Neil Struve, "We are able to produce a maximum of 500 kW on a cloudless day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun is located at the optimum axis. The panels are capable of producing about 60% of MICROMO's power needs."
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2016, MICROMO expects to have significant results in terms of energy and cost savings through the solar energy effort. This initiative strengthens MICROMO's industry leading manufacturing operations in the areas of efficiency and environmental care.
Along with having ISO 9001 and 13485 certification, MICROMO is also RoHS Compliant. Facility Operations include an Engineering Center with an Advanced Engineering Group, a 12,000 square foot Clean Room Assembly Area and a 5,000 square foot Machining Center.
Additional energy efficiency plans are expected to be rolled out later this year as part of MICROMO's Continuous Improvement program.
Learn more about MICROMO's facilities and engineering capabilities and discover the MICROMO difference.


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AutoCad 2017 Crack [ Serial Key + Product Key + Activation ]
AutoCad 2017 Crack – Computer-aided design or CAD consists of utilizing a computer that is few to create 2D and models that are 3D help designers, architects, and designers to hold on their daily work. And among those tools, there's the main one that stands apart above the rest.
We're talking about AutoCad 2017 Serial Key Full, something that is commercial's been a guide in the CAD sector because the start fo the 80s' and that renovates each year with new versions and brand new functions that are improved not lack behind.
Autodesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant reviews the PC software improvements, the custom settings migration tool, internet publishing and collaboration alternatives for 2D and 3D drawings, top-notch geometry viewing, center markings and centerlines, and PDF import tools and many AutoCad 2017 Product Key command.
AutoCad 2017 KeyGen Full FREE
Start viewing to become that much more productive and efficient with 2017 version of AutoCAD. AutoCad 2017 Crack provides us possibilities that are almost endless computer-assisted design, bidimensional and modeling that is tridimensional of and so the generation of documentation.
Nonetheless, it's a guitar for specific expert purposes, both as being a consequence of the knowledge needed to make many of it, along with its price that is high supplying an effort variation that is 30-day. Therefore, it's quite complicated for novices. How and where to determine how to use it? With a lot of patience and turning to the guides that are numerous instructional videos available regarding the internet.
Key Features:
AutoCad 2017 Drawings In PDF Format:
To utilize this feature type PDFIMPORT on the need line and press enters then find the file from command line and PDF that is found from your computer that is own and available. Now an Import PDF window will open select all options which can be required this screen and click OK then.
System Requirements:
How to Crack?
- Download Crack + Setup from given link below
- Install the program
- Run the Crack
- Generate the Serial Key
- Copy the Serial Key and Paste in the Program
- Done 🙂


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Most supervisors want employees who are willing to show appropriate initiative in their work - employees who do things without having to be told to do them. How many of you would like for your children to clean their room without being told? OK, maybe that is a little far fetched, but you get the idea. We know from a lot of research over the past 50-years that people with confidence are much more willing to take initiative. With this in mind, really good supervisors do everything they can to instill confidence in their employees. So how do they do it? There are three essentials to building confident employees (and children):
1. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses
2. "Engineer Opportunities for Success" based on those strengths and weaknesses
3. Acknowledge success to increase confidence
First, you have to honestly evaluate what each employee is really good at and where they could use some improvement. Second, "engineer opportunities for success" primarily for the areas needing improvement, but also for the areas that are already strengths. Remember, while we can learn from failure, confidence is built primarily on successes. Finally, "acknowledge the success". People need positive feedback from important people in their lives, and as a supervisor or parent, you are significant. Be a confidence builder and you will find that things get done faster and with less of your effort.


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Dive Site: Molla Wall
Location: Kabelvaag, Norway
Description: Wall dive
Depth: 7 - 45 metres (23 - 148 feet)
Visibility: 15 metres (50 feet)
Rating: ***
Molla Wall is near the mountain "Molla" in Lofoten. Approximately an hour ride from the Lofotdykk dive centre in Kabelvaag in the RIB the seas were very rough due to bad weather. The dive starts from a small cove which is sheltered from the wind and waves and allows the RIB to drop a small anchor into 7 metres of water. Entering from the RIB over the 7m shelf the visibility was excellent, although the water always had a deep green hue. This was due in most part to the lack of overhead sunlight. Although we got around 4 hours daylight per day, the sun never lifted over the back of the mountains meaning what little light there was did not penetrate very deep into the water. It was certainly advisable to carry a powerful torch so that you could appreciate the vivid colour and visibility.
As we headed away from the RIB with the rocky wall to our right shoulders the seabed dropped away in steps, until we reached a large drop off. Rather than dropping straight down into the depths the underwater mountain rolled away over a smooth, curved rock face which was simply enormous. Dropping to 45m the underwater cliffs seemed endless. We ascended slowly up the sloping face returning to the kelp covered slopes from 25m up. There were small brown cod drifting effortlessly amongst the kelp fronds and bright pink sea urchins. As we reached the anchor line we could feel the swell above from 6m as we made our safety stops. Wearing an otter super-skin membrane suit with thermal underwear, a long sleeve top and thinsulate was adequate for 40 minutes diving in the 6 degree water, however cold hands were always an issue in wet gloves.
Rik Vercoe, BSAC Advanced Diver
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Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Taylor
ELR Citation: 35 ELR 20018
Nos. No. 04-334-KI, (D. Or., 01/18/2005)
A district court granted summary judgment against environmental groups on their claim that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to perform assessment, evaluation, and determination duties within the Jordan Resource Area in Oregon. The groups failed to allege a discrete agency action that BLM failed to take in regard to seven of eight geographic management areas in the Jordan Resource Area. The court, however, deferred ruling on cross-motions for summary judgment in regard to the groups' second claim for relief that BLM's failure to implement a final revised grazing management strategy for the Louse Canyon geographic management area and instead employing an interim strategy for at least three grazing seasons, after having made an initial determination that the area failed to meet applicable standards, is arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.


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Euro League Week 1
Coming into this Euro tournament, the pick of who was favorite to win was quite ambiguous. Germany's youth was drawing plaudits, Spain's victory at World Cup 2010 had them picked by many to steamroll the competition, and Netherlands dream generation was hitting their stride. However, much has changed since the prediction prior to the tournament.
The Orange are feeling Blue
The Netherlands was a favorite for this tournament and for good reason. Prior to the tournament, the Orange showed true class versus Northern Ireland as their wealth of talent became clear. Robin van Persie came into the tournament with his best scoring record of his career and for once he wasn't being nagged by injuries, Klaas Jan Huntelaar was a scoring machine for Schalke in the Bundesliga, Wesley Sneijder was back on form with the new manager at Inter, and newcomer Ibrahim Afellay added great flair to the right side of the field that had so long been occupied by the engine Dirk Kuyt. Arjen Robben was coming off one of his worst performances versus Chelsea, but whenever he puts on his Netherlands shirt he is always a danger. Since stumbling versus the Danes, Holland has lost to Germany and now looks to Germany to beat Denmark and to themselves for strength through the adversity to beat Portugal (and heavily) in order to advance.
Hosts Doing Quietly Well
Before the tournament even began, Poland and Ukraine were drawing criticism for their incompletion of stadiums, extreme racist atmosphere, and their relatively inhospitable countries. Since then, they have impressed. Racism has been on the "dl" except for the Nigel De Jong incident, the stadiums look magnificent and the atmosphere that they foster is even better, and their welcome to people from all over Europe has been exemplary. Oh and did I mention their soccer teams are playing well too? With a win over the Czech Republic, Poland could advance out of their group and defy expectations. Ukraine secured a win over Sweden in the opening game with a blistering comeback and Andriy Shevchenko turned back the clock with his two headed goals. Now, Ukraine must defeat England in order to advance to the knockout round.
French Revolution
The embarrassment of World Cup 2012 will forever stain the history of the Les Blues, but since the firing of Raymond Domenech and the appointment of Laurent Blanc, France has started strong on the road to recovery. With a team focused around their attack of Franck Ribery, Samir Nasir, Karim Benzema, and Yohan Cabaye, France has thrown the old guard who embarrassed themselves and the Blue shirts they wore and ushered in a new era of beautiful football. Their game of possession football led by Nasri has impressed many and when a strike is needed their passing can literally cut up an opposing defense.
Jonathan Zinser
Euro 2012 Preview
Group A: Czech Republic, Poland, Russia, Greece
If there was any group that the door was as wide open as Charlie Sheen's bedroom door, this would be it. With Greece still living off of their Euro 2012 win like college football teams do their "glory days" and the Czech Republic well out of their prime generation, Poland and Russia might have an easy stroll into the knockouts. Poland is sporting their best roster is quite some time with highly rated German Champion Borussia Dormund trio Jakub Błaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek and Robert Lewandowski in the field and the impressive, young Wojciech Szcezesny in goal. Meanwhile, Russia's incredible depth of decent to above average players has them favorites for this group. If Andrei Arshavin can continue to show the form he showed at Zenit at the end of the year and if Alan Dzagoev can come good on his latent potential then Russia could make a run that is until they mean either the Netherlands, Germany, or Portugal in the knockouts.
Advancing: Russia and Poland
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Holland, Portugal
Group B boasts the group of death in this year's Euros and the similarity between this year's G.O.D and 08's G.O.D is that the Netherlands are present in both. Coincidence? I think not. Someone all high and tidy must want to prove that Holland is for real. Let me confide in you sir that indeed THEY ARE. Holland must contend with fellow tournament favorites Germany and the enigmatic but fantastic (when on point) Portugal. Oh shoot! I did it again. I forgot to include Denmark. I apologize to any Danish fan out there but even you know that Bendtner's Boys probably are not going anywhere except following the Danish strudel trail back to Copenhagen. Furthermore, Holland and Germany are pretty much home and hosed to go far in the tournament unless they stumble shockingly or Portugal finally shows the form that got them to 2006 World Cup semifinals.
Advancing: Holland and Germany
Group C: Spain, Republic of Ireland, Croatia, Italy
Come on! Can we just make Spain champions of this group already? In actuality, this group could prove quite difficult for the Spaniards. Croatia boasts a powerful starting 11 with a perfect balance between guile and grit, Ireland is consistent and doesn't let many goals in (plus they have Robbie Keane and he plays in the MLS!), and Italy, although they are well past their glory years, have the Balotelli Brigade and many of the other young Italians with massive potential. Spain has the same ole' squad centered around the experienced Pique, Xavi, Iniesta, and Puyol while Croatia, much like Belgium, has yet to be seen by many. Luka Modria, Niko Kranjcar, Ivan Rakitic, and Nikica Jelavic lead the way for Croats and if they are to advance their midfield must be hungry for the tackle because with teams like Italy, Ireland, and Spain they will have to dispossess….ALOT.
Group D: England, France, Sweden, Ukraine
Group D boasts some of the most hated people in world football. Or, should I say teams and people. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been on a tear since his move to AC Milan and Sweden will need him along with his strong midfield to rise to the occasion. England is much like Duke or Kansas in college basketball except they don't anything like the two latter and just piggyback off of the best soccer league in the world. Looking at the England squad, no one stands out and yells "I will make a difference". Wayne Rooney must sit out the first two games of the Euros deservedly and so new head-honcho Roy Hodgson must tamper with the striker position to find who works. Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard, and Gary Cahill have all been ruled out because of injury and Michael Carrick did not want to play because he "doesn't enjoy being a squad player". At least we know where Steven Gerrard will play? Or do we? France enters the tournament looking to shake their two previous miserable tournaments in Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010. Midfield and attack is where Les Bleus are strongest, with Laurent Blanc using a 4-2-3-1 formation to get as many attacking players into the game as possible. Yann M'Vila is a rising star and has made the holding midfield spot his own under Blanc, and he is ably supported by Franck Ribery, Samir Nasri, Florent Malouda, Yoann Cabaye, Jeremy Menez and Karim Benzema. In the back is where things get dicey with the likes of Roma's Philippe Mexes and Valencia's Adil Rami holding off impressive newcomer Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny from the starting XI. And following the injry of Bacary Sagna, Koscielny might get a consistent start anyway.
Advancing: Sweden and France
Jonathan Zinser
Battle of Giants
Just because you deserve something, doesn't mean that you always get it. Bayern knows that very feeling in every sense of the word. Bayern Munich thoroughly dominated the Champions League final game versus Chelsea but just came a few penalties away from making the trophy their own. Although Bayern were at home in this game at the Allianz Arena, the Blues fought long and hard to stifle Bayern's attacks and then take their turn in scoring.
The scoring started in the 83rd minute when Thomas Müller headed home a spectacular cross. However, Chelsea held their resolve and Didier Drogba headed home Chelsea's first corner with only two minutes to go. With the scores tied, the game entered extra time and another twist in the game occurred when Drogba clumsily knocked over Franck Ribery in the box. From the subsequent penalty, Arjen Robben drilled his penalty low but Petr Cech was equal to it as he gathered it from under him quite well.
Only one thing could decide the game now and so the two European giants went to penalties. It looked like Chelsea would lose the shootout as Juan Mata was denied by Manuel Neuer, but Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger missed and Drogba calmly tucked his penalty away to give Chelsea the trophy. With the victory, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League the only way they could and so denied Tottenham their birth in the UCL (even though they finished in 4th).
Although Bayern looked destinied to win with their plethora of chances, they were unable to finish them and their mistakes led to their demise. For Chelsea, with all their eggs in a basket to qualify for next year's UCL, they showed true guts and class to overcome the onslaught and satisfy Roman Abramovich's dream of being European champions. The only thing that indeed did disappoint was the commentators. I mean, honestly, could Gary Neville and Martin Tyler have been more biased in their commentary?
Jonathan Zinser
Final Day of the EPL Season
Some say in a "New York Minute" everything can change; for the EPL title race everything did change and in a matter of mere moments. Soon after Jamie Mackie's 66th minute powerfully headed goal, Manchester City looked as if they were not going to be able to unlock the defensive wall of QPR. Fans were crying, leaving, and incessantly calling their mates to find out the score of the Manchester United game. But with the game entering five minutes of stoppage time, City produced a simply implausible finish. First, Edin Dzeko nodded the Blues level before Sergio Agüero collected Mario Balotelli's return pass and drove home the goal that crowned City champions and denied their local rivals another title. Sir Alex and Co. could only be disappointed as they won 1-0 at Sunderland, but they could only helplessly watch City celebrate their comeback.
On the other side of the coin, QPR's loss could have dropped them into the relegation mire, but Bolton's draw at Stoke meant that the Hoops were guaranteed successive seasons in the top flight. For Bolton, it meant that their streak of 11 straight seasons in the Premier League had come to an end and that they'd be plying their trade in the Championship next year along with fellow relegated sides Wolves and Blackburn Rovers.
Wolves signed off their Premier League season with a 3-2 loss at Wigan although they showed true grit and class in their ensuing games after relegation. Blackburn, however, have not showed too much fight since their relegation was rumored and then confirmed. Yakubu scored a consolation goal in the 60th minute but that was indeed all it was as Blackburn returns back to the 2nd tier next year as well.
In the battle for European places, Arsenal and Tottenham both won. Arsenal won automatic qualification to the Champions League next year but Tottenham must wait until May 20th to see if Chelsea loses before they can celebrate their draw to the qualifying round of the Champions League. Newcastle United, although they lost, is guaranteed a spot in next year's Europa League. This season has been a great achievement for the Magpies as mid-table finish surely would've sufficed for them, but a battle to the end for a Champs League spot was a treat for the Jordie faithful.
Elsewhere, Swansea and Norwich capped their impressive debut seasons since their promotion with wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa, respectively. This season has been a breath air if you've watched Norwich or Swansea because of their fluid, intricate style of passing football and to see them return for next year is great for the EPL.
All in all, this season has been fantastic for fans (depending on who you support) as there was a changing of the guard in the title race. Newcastle, Swansea and Norwich City all blew expectations out of the water, and Liverpool and Stoke both drastically underperformed. This summer will be dramatic as usual in the transfer market because of the many underachieving teams and newfound wealth of others. For now, we wait for the drama of the Premier League season to start again and try to live up to the great season it has been this year.
Jonathan Zinser
Manchester United vs. Manchester City Preview
Frugality versus munificence…the Scot versus the Italian…the Reds versus the Blues…the Red Devils versus the Citizens…wherever you're from or whatever you call it, it's Manchester United versus Manchester City-the legendary derby destined to decide the 2011/2012 Premier League title race.
As unlikely as it appeared three weeks ago when Manchester United went eight points clear of City at the top of the Premier League table, Monday's title-deciding ultimatum will no doubt be pivotal regarding the destination of the long sought-after Premier League title.
Since the shocking loss to Wigan at the DW Stadium, United has won at home against a struggling Aston Villa side and squandered a two goal lead against Everton at Old Trafford. The latter allowed Man City to within three points, which leads us to the epic match on Monday night.
The Blues are the in-form side of course entering the game with the 3 wins in the last 3 after a disappointing loss to Arsenal. Throughout the week Roberto Mancini has not made it clear whether or not Mario Balotelli would return after he received a red card in that loss to Arsenal. If Mancini knew what was good for his team he would keep his starting 11 the same, most importantly in the frontline where Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez have impressed since starting together and in the attacking mid/winger spot where David Silva and Samir Nasri have showed the creative guile and goal-scoring potential that initially brought them together at the beginning of season. So then, where does Balotelli end up? Well hopefully for Man City, on the bench where he belongs…
For Manchester United, these last few weeks have been as painful as the 6-1 dismantling that the Blues handed them at the Theatre of Dreams on October 23rd. The Red Devils will have to respond immediately from last week's disappointment. If they're to complete this epic comeback in the title race, Alex Ferguson will have to put out his best lineup rather than underestimate his opponent like he often does. Basically, for Fergie, it means not starting Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick together in the center of midfield. Controlling the center of the park and not letting City's attack run rampant at the Etihad Stadium will no doubt go a long way in the winning the game (and title) for United.
In conclusion, it is everyone's hope that this game lives up to the hype and buildup that has been grown in the media. Whichever side you're on, this game will either make or break your season and will leave both sides crestfallen as they should…a draw of course would leave everyone on the edge of our seats for the last two games and anxiously awaiting the final goal difference of the season for each side.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
3- Tevez hat trick; 1- Rooney consolation goal
Jonathan ZInser
Champions League Semifinals-2nd Leg
Bayern Munich 1-2 Real Madrid (3-3 Agg.); Bayern wins on penalties 3-1
After successfully handing Real Madrid a disappointing loss in what has been a crazy week for Real with the two legs versus Munich and the El Clasico win over Barça, Bayern set a date in the Champions League final versus Chelsea. This after Bastian Schweinsteiger put away the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout to win it for the Germans.
The game was dominated early on by Madrid; they earned a penalty kick in the 6th minute after the referee made a harsh handball call on David Alaba and Cristiano Ronaldo then scored from the fortuitous penalty kick. Eight minutes later, Ronaldo made it two with a cool finish from a sweet Mesut Özil through-ball. The tie was back on a knife-edge 12 minutes later as Pepe was penalized for a push on Gomez as he tried to get on the end of Kroos' cross into the box. Arjen Robben stepped up and although he missed a decisive penalty in the title decider verses Borussia Dortmund just a few weeks ago, he calmly snuck the ball past Iker Casillas' hand.
As the game got farther along no team took their chances and the referees rejected many penalty appeals from both teams. Extra time could not decide the match either, and so the game moved to penalties where Ronaldo, Kaka and Ramos all failed from the spot to hand the Germans a place in the final on May 19.
Chelsea 2-2 FC Barcelona (3-2 Agg.)
Chelsea produced one of the greatest escapes in the history of European football as they survived the sending off of John Terry and the onslaught of Barça at the Camp Nou to advance to the final on May 19th to face Bayern Munich.
Terry looked to have ruined the title hopes for the Londoners as he stupidly kneed Alexis Sanchez from behind; however, the Chilean made the most of the love tap as he rolled around shamelessly in order to get the referee's attention like a baby cries to their parent's attention.
The Blues' 10 men stayed strong and persevered, fighting back from goals from Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta with a stunning chip from Ramires before half-time. The form of Petr Cech no doubt won the game for Blues as he pushed a Lionel Messi penalty onto the bar in the 49th minute.
Ramires' 45th minute goal put Chelsea ahead in the aggregate on away goals and Chelsea dug in from there as they thwarted numerous Barcelona attacks. In the closing moments, much to the agony of the home fans, the Blues put away Barça for sure as a long clearance found substitute Fernando Torres with 50 yards of space in which to run and he made no mistake as he rounded Victor Valdes and tucked home the clincher.
Players to miss final (due to suspension):
Bayern Munich: Chelsea:
Luis Gustavo Ramires
Arjen Robben Branislav Ivanovic
David Alaba John Terry
Holger Badstuber Raul Meireles
Jonathan Zinser
Title Run Heats Up
Back in October, the east side of Manchester was elated as their Blues had just run over title rivals Manchester United 6-1 and their own title prospects looked better than ever. City had a giant goal difference and were massacring every side they faced in the league. However, since the turn of the year, their form has slowed and has seen them eliminated from three different cup competitions. With only the league to fight for, Manchester City now has run into a difficult patch of fixtures and has only taken full points in one of the last six games.
On the other hand, City's rivals Manchester United have taken off since the turn of the year and have even eliminated Manchester City from the FA Cup, but like their cross-town enemies the Reds have been eliminated from all of their cup competitions this year. United seemed to turn their season around after a shocking defeat to FC Basel in the last game of the Champions League first round in which United were awfully disappointing and manager Alex Ferguson made controversial team selections. The run in which Manchester United are on has seen them pass Manchester City in first and extend their lead to five points after their win against Blackburn Rovers 2-0 on Monday night.
To make it worse for City, Manchester United plays QPR on Saturday before Manchester City plays Arsenal, who are on a hot run of form themselves. If United win on Saturday, then their lead will become almost unassailable with an 8 point lead with only six games left. But, if Manchester United do not win, then City could climb to within 2 or 3 points with a win themselves and then possibly overtake United with a win over the Reds on April 30th.
Remaining fixtures:
Manchester United: Manchester City:
4/8 Vs QPR 4/8 Vs Arsenal
4/11 Vs Wigan 4/11 Vs West Brom
4/15 Vs Aston Villa 4/14 Vs Norwich City
4/22 Vs Everton 4/22 Vs Wolverhampton
4/30 Vs Manchester City 4/30 Vs Manchester United
5/6 Vs Swansea City 5/6 Vs Newcastle United
5/13 Vs Sunderland 5/13 Vs QPR
Jonathan Zinser


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Lorraine Doron BA Hons MIFA Reg MAR. Celebrating 25 years of experience and success
Tel: 01342 349442
Payments can be made by cash, cheque or bank transfer
Mobile visits within a 6 mile radius are an extra £6. Please enquire about travel costs for visits further a field
For all treatments there is an initial consultation fee of £5
Please note: All courses of treatments are non-refundable unless cancelled by Lorraine. A course of 6 sessions must be taken within 4 months, a course of 10 within 7 months and a course of 15 within 12 months. Any changes to these terms and conditions are entirely at Lorraine's discretion.
There is a 10% discount for 6 treatments or 15% discount for 10 treatments or 20% discount for 15 treatments all booked and paid for in advance
For pamper parties, corporate functions and hen nights please call to discuss
Prefer pay as you go to paying for a course up front? Then my new Loyalty Card could be the solution. For every 9 treatments you can enjoy a 10th one (of the average value of the 9 treatments) for free! T & Cs apply. Not available for mobile visits.
Enjoy great Spa quality treatments (many of my clients say they are better..) without the Spa price tag. Get more muscle soothing. pampering, relaxation and feeling of well-being for your money.
For pamper parties, corporate functions and hen nights please call to discuss
- Gift Vouchers available: Click to buy on line
Bespoke treatments: You might want to mix and match your treatments to create your ideal relaxation session. A guide to how much this may cost is : 30 minutes £30, 45 minutes £40, 1 hour £45, 75 minutes £55, 90 minutes £65 105 minutes £75, 120 minutes £85.
Lava Shell treatments have different pricing.
Foot Reflexology
Initial treatment 45 minutes hands on with consultation: £45, 1 hour hands on with consultation £50
Subsequent sessions 45 minutes hands on £40
1 hour hands on £45
Course of 6 x 45 minute treatments: £216 Course of 6 x 1 hour treatments: £243
Course of 10 x 45 minute treatments: £340 Course of 10 x 1 hour treatments: £382
Course of 15 x 45 minute treatments:£480 Course of 15x 1 hour treatments: £540
Facial Reflexology and Reflexology Lymph Drainage
Initial consultation: £5 ( for new clients)
45 minutes : £40 (courses of treatments as in Foot Reflexology
Zone Face Lift, Bergman Method (10 years younger in 12 weeks)
1 hour £60
75 minutes £75
Course of 6 x 1 hourly sessions £324
Course of 6 x 75 minute session £405
Course of 12 x 1 hour sessions (12 for price of 10) £597
Course of 12 x 75 minute sessions (12 for price of 10) £747
Advanced Aromatherapy using different techniques such as Deep Tissue, Therapeutic and Holistic Massage
Initial consultation fee:£5
Express Neck and Shoulder Massage 20 minutes:£20
Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage 30 minutes: £30
1 hour massage: £45
Full Body Massage 75 minutes: £55
Course of 6 full body treatments: £297 (10% discount*)
Course of 10 full body treatments:£467.50 (15% discount*)
Course of 15 full body treatments: £660 (20% discount*)
You can have courses of treatments for other lengths of treatments too. It is 10% off a course of 6. 15% off a course of 10 and 20% off a course of 15.
Best of both worlds treatment:
For all treatments there is an initial consultation fee of £5
Reflexology combined with Back, Shoulders and Neck Massage: £55.00
Course of 6 treatments: £297 (10% discount), Course of 10 treatments:£467.50 (15% discount), Course of 15 treatments:£660 (20% discount)
For all treatments there is an initial consultation fee of £5
£30 – £55 per session depending on length of session which varies according to the individual need of the client. This can be from 35 minutes to 75 minutes.
Warm Lava Shell Massages: (if you are a new client please add £5 for the initial consultation): A Warming Lava Back Massage costs £38 lasts approximately 30 minutes.
A Warming Full Body Lava Shell Massage. £60 for 60 minutes, £80 for 90 minutes
Indian Head Massage 30 minutes. 1st treatment including health and lifestyle consultation: £35 Thereafter: £30
Reiki 1 hour (approximately) £45, 30 minutes £30
Taster Sessions: Still not sure whether to book? Then try a taster session available for my various massages and Reflexology. It is only £15 for 15 minutes. (One taster session only per client and applies to new clients only)
Gift Vouchers available: Click to buy on line
Cancellation Policy: .
- Your appointment times are specially reserved for you. While they are in your name in the diary nobody else can book that time.
- If you need to cancel or change your appointment please give me at least 24 hours notice otherwise a flat fee of £25 will be charged.
If you fail to attend your appointment or give me less than 12 hours notice then you will be charged the full value of your unattended appointment time


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It's the mark of a well-spent summer, one full of happy hours and happy neighbours: water rings on your wood furniture. Fortunately, there's a simple remedy for the two types of water stains you're likely to encounter.
Water that's only penetrated the finish usually presents as a white mark. Place a smooth cotton cloth over it, and iron it at low temperature (with the steam setting turned off) to drive out moisture. Lift the cloth frequently to check progress until the mark is gone or no longer changing. Rub Danish oil into the area, let sit, and wipe off the excess oil after 15 minutes.


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Dana De Greff is a Master in Fine Arts candidate in fiction at University of Miami. She also writes book reviews for The Miami Herald, is a freelance arts journalist, teaches poetry with O, Miami to children in Liberty City, and is working with Voice of Our Nation Arts Foundation (VONA/Voices) in community outreach.
When I moved back to Miami from Patagonia a few years ago, I wanted more time with family, a job, and a writing community. I got the first two quickly, but the latter was a bit more difficult.
Miami isn't devoid of a literary arts community. We have the Miami Book Fair International, O, Miami, The Center for Writing and Literature at Miami Dade College, Books & Books, and quality MFA programs at University of Miami and Florida International University. However, for a city this big, the options are limited. And the opportunities that do exist don't reflect the diversity of this city, whether we're talking age, race, or socioeconomic status.
As exciting as it is to go to festivals, author readings, and participate in writing classes, when you're constantly surrounded by the dominant culture, it takes a toll. I'm Latina and Jewish, and having so few like me around can be alienating, and quite frankly, depressing. I love this city, but there's a disconnect that prevents people of color from taking advantage of the options, especially when it comes to Millennials.
This is why when I found out last summer that Voices of Our Nation Arts Foundation (VONA/Voices) was moving from San Francisco to Miami to make a home at UM, I geeked out. Hard. VONA is the brainchild of literary luminaries Diem Jones, Elmaz Abinader, Junot Díaz, and Victor Díaz and is the only writers' conference in the country with a multi-genre focus on writers of color as both students and teachers. They offer classes in everything from fiction and poetry to travel writing, speculative fiction, and political content. They set out to break the mold.
Dominican author Junot Díaz is best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. He has also also published short story collections, the most recent being This is How You Lose Her. When I asked him via email for his impression of the move to Miami, he said, "The community support was extraordinary and of course the participants were the ones who brought the magic. We are simply an opportunity for these artists of color to weave their genius, and to be in the presence of such talent is to be on the receiving end of a great gift."
If this is starting to sound like a love letter to VONA, well, it is in a way. VONA has brought some of the most accomplished writers of color to our doorstep, fostering a sense of community that cannot be found anywhere else in the US.
During VONA's first public reading in Miami in June 2015, I turned around to look at the crowd. The faces I saw are what Miami looks like to me – young and old, black and brown, non-students – not what you see on television, movies, or glossy magazines.
The real Miami is made up of many voices, many colors, and many experiences – and VONA brings them all out.
Beverly Tan Murray, an alumna of VONA who participated in the travel writing class last summer with author Faith Adiele, described it as such:
"It's like being obsessed with Harry Potter all your life, not having anyone understand why you do what you do, and then showing up at Universal Studios and losing your shit. Suddenly, there's a tribe of people that gets you. Writing can be a lonely endeavor, but writing as an immigrant and a person of color is especially isolating. Constantly shape-shifting through the dominant narrative is exhausting. Until VONA, I didn't feel a sense of belonging, never knew there was a place for writers like me."
Miami is damn lucky to have VONA, but VONA is also lucky to have Miami. We have the opportunity to foster the next great immigrant writers, writers on the margin, writers who've been forgotten, writers who are told they don't stand a chance, writers who have to work three jobs, writers who have to explain why they won't use italics or translate a word, writers of color who want to write about more than color, writers who are done with fear, done with defending their work.
Find out more about VONA/Voices and apply for the 2016 summer workshop here. The deadline is March 15.
Follow De Greff on Twitter at @DanaDeGreff.


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America endorses punching journos
Republican Greg Gianforte has won the special election for Montana's sole U.S. House seat a day after being charged with assaulting a reporter. Gianforte defeated Democrat Rob Quist on Thursday to replace Ryan Zinke, who is now President Donald Trump's interior secretary.He must have won pretty handily. None of the AP results report the actual numbers. But all is not well in journo-punching land.
Gianforte was elected despite being charged with misdemeanor assault on Wednesday after witnesses said he grabbed a reporter for the Guardian newspaper and slammed him to the ground. The multimillionaire technology entrepreneur is an enthusiastic Trump backer, and his victory was seen as an endorsement of Trump.
Newly elected Republican congressman Greg Gianforte apologized to the reporter he's charged with assaulting.Uh oh.... Seriously, everyone to the right of the corpse of Che Guevara really, really, needs to read SJWAL. It is unsurprising, though, how what was previously claimed to be "a barometer on Trump" is suddenly "NOT SO MUCH A TRUMP TEST" now that the Republican won.
After being declared the winner in the U.S. House race in Montana, Gianforte told supporters Thursday night that he should not have treated Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs the way he did.
Gianforte told the crowd: "I should not have responded the way I did and for that I am sorry."
Breitbart reported the numbers: Despite all those factors in Democrats' favor, it seemed that Gianforte's win was a comfortable one. When The Associated Press called the race, Gianforte was leading Quist by approximately seven points.


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Kwali, I heard Mum talking about the Stinging Mantra. What is that? Should I worry?
Oh, dear Kumbi; no; you don't need to worry about that creature. Mum will always defend us against him.
Are you sure, Kwali?
Why shouldn't I be sure? She always has so far.
But what if Mum isn't here when he comes?
Then Dad will protect us.
Kwali, what is the Stinging Mantra anyway?
Well, Kumbi, let me show you what he looks like. Wait a minute - hey, go get me that photo album off the forty-second bookshelf, three stacks up, would you?
Sure, Kwali. Wait a sec. Okay, here you are.
Thanks, Kumbi. Now, let's see; I'll just turn this page, now this one - Here! Here's a photo Dad took on one of his deep-seize expeditions.
The Dreaded Stinging Mantra
Photo by George, edited by Carol
Oh. It doesn't look so scary, really, Kwali; do you think so?
I think so. It doesn't look so scary. Not to us. It doesn't sting us!
Why not? Who does it sting, then?
It stings the dogs who have humans who got stung by them.
How do humans get stung by them?
It's a long story, Kumbi. Literally. Humans think they have to understand us dogs. So they make up stories about us. They get mixed up, because they are really telling stories in their own images, human images. They think we're like humans. They think we care about power.
Return to BugABoogie
What's power?
It's that stuff that comes out of the mains. You know, the stuff that keeps going out when there's a big storm and the branches fall across the hydro lines.
Oh, you mean, like when the lights go out and the computer stops and Mum comes and lies down with us and we all snuggle up together?
Something like that.
I'm gatting lost. Didn't you just take off on a tangent?
What's a tangent?
A sideline. A ramble. A floating scent that drifts away and hangs on the bushes to one side of the trail.
Hey, pretty good, Kumbi! I follow you. Ready? Go!
Okay, here we go. Beware the Stinging Mantra, though. It might be hanging down from the branches up there.
Are you still worried about it, then? I tell you, it's not going to sting us. Not as long as Mum and Dad are around.
I still don't really know what it is. Would you give me an example? How does it sting?
Well, Kumbi, let's see - oh, I know one! Have you ever heard humans say this: "Dogs always ask, 'Who's in Charge?'" Can you believe that? Hahaha!
You're kidding me, Kwali. I don't believe you. That's silly.
But it's true, I tell you, Kumbi. Lots of humans say that. They believe it, too.
How can they? I don't understand.
Well, I can sort of guess. It's like when you go and bark at Mum to tell her it's our suppertime. Some humans think that's very bad, and they also think we think we're "In Charge" when we do that. They seem to get hung up on dogs are supposed to be seen and not heard, or something like that. Maybe they think it's insubordination.
Oh. My goodness! We're never guilty of insubordination. Couldn't be if we tried. You have to have rank, status, hierbarchy, or something like that, to achieve insubordination. We're all on one floor here; we have only one ceiling, We all breathe the same air. Insubordination? Impossible.
Right, Kumbi. But humans really do have some strange ideas; it's part of their cultures. They have this thing about packs or something like that.
Oh. Pax Nabisco. i get it. Sort of. I think.
You're getting silly, Kumbi; we'd better go to bed and continue this another time.
Fine with me, Kwali. Who's going to tell Mum it's way past bedtime? I will if you like.
Okay, go ahead. I'm going to bed.
Mum! It's way past bedtime! See, Kwali's already gone to bed. Boy, she's fast.
I'm coming, Kumbi; I'm coming! Good night, Kwali. Goodnight, Kumbi.
Kwali, I was reading a book last night that said dogs crave leadership. What is leadership? Is this something I ought to know about?
Kumbi, I've read that too. Heard it, too. Many times. I don't think you can know what Humans mean when they say that. It's part of that power-struggle idea they have. They seem to think we want power. Well, sure, electrical power is good stuff, as long as it's not in collars humans put on dogs. But they get awfully confused. It's like what you were saying about dogs asking, "Who's in Charge?"
I don't get it, Kwali. Where do humans get the idea we dogs are in some kind of power-struggle with them?
Think of it this way, Kumbi. Do you ever pull on the leash when Mum or Dad or someone else is on the other end of one that's attached to you?
Sure I do. Sometimes. Depends on the situation. Haha; remember that time the day before your cruciate surgery when both of us together dumped Mum on her butt?
Yeah, Kumbi, I remember that. We didn't really mean to; it was just that we hadn't been out for a bit, and the grass was so wet - Mum wouldn't have fallen if her boots hadn't slipped on the loose wet grass lying on top of the grass that was still growing.
Yeah; we wern't pulling that hard, but we were putting that tension on the leashes that Mum says she likes because she can tell where we are.
Kumbi! She likes it when we're following her, behind her, not so much when we're walking ahead.
Not so, Kwali; she likes a little bit when we're ahead of her; she knows we like it because then we can tell where she is.
Oh. Okay, Kumbi; you're right about that. And we tend to like about the same amount of tension either way. But I think you're getting off-track again, going off on a tangent from your original question, aren't you?
I guess so, Kwali; it's my tendency to follow sense in all directions, wherever the scents fall. The hot air sure does blow those sense around, doesn't it?
Well, yes. I do get confused sometimes. Scents can make perfect sense to us, but I don't know what is going on in those human minds. Some humans try to tell us things and think we're supposed to understand. Like the one I heard asking if it was okay to let her dog know it wasn't okay to bark - by spraying Bitter Apple at her dog.
I saw a human spray its dog in the face one time. It was mostly water, but had a trace of vinegar in it; I could smell it. I thought the human was playing with its dog. After all, the dog was a Lab; it loved chasing water-sprays. I don't know how the vinegar got in there.
So what happened, Kumbi?
Labby froze for a moment, but then it grabbed at the spray-bottle - what a great game! I would have grabbed at it, too. I don't much like water sprayed at me, but I think Labs might like it.
Probably the human was trying to stop the Lab from doing something. Barking, maybe?
Maybe, but Labby just barked more - well, after that first short freeze.
If Mum did that to me, I'd grab the bottle. I don't like water sprayed on me, either.
Me neither. I'd grab it, too. If I could. If not, I'd run away.
Me too.
Well, Kwali, who *is* in charge?
Whoever is electrified.
Mum isn't, except when she takes the clothes out of the dryer.
She should use Bounce, though I can't stand the smell of it; it makes me choke.
She did that for the first time a few weeks ago. It worked, too! But the stink was amazing; I had to leave. At least, though, she didn't charge me with that static electricity as she has sometimes in the past.
Kumbi, just stay away when Mum unloads the dryer. Or you could ask Blue or Deli, two of September Morn's dogs, to unload the dryer - did you know they do laundry for September?
Yes! Mum said she has photos to put on CoDog. She hsan't done it yet, though. I think she was too busy putting up all those photos of our vets and you and me and even Prancy. Not to mention Stuffed Sheep, who loves her Rocking Horsie because her legs are so short.
Stuffed Sheep riding her Rocking Horsie looks an awful lot like me when I ride you when we're playing, and Rocking Horsie looks quite a lot like you, at least, in the shape of his head, don't you think?
Actually, now tht you mention it, I quite agree.
All right, Kumbi, now, please get to the point. What is your problem this time?
Leadership. What is it? Does it have something to do with who says what to do when?
Something like that; that's what it looks like to me.
Like when Mum says, "Follow!" and we follow her around?
You got it, Kumbi. That's what Leadership is. It's someBody guiding, and someBody following. Like when you and I follow Mum or Dad around, and also, like when Mum or Dad follows us around. We can lead on leads. That's what leads are for. We can lead humans, and humans can lead us.
Oh. But somewhere in there, the Stinging Mantra gets in and stings, and something very strange happens to that definition. I don't want to be stung!
Kumbi, stop worrying so much. It's true dogs do get stung. But humans mean well when they say these things. They just get the points all mixed up, that's all.
I think I'm going nuts. So what is Leadership anyway?
It's guiding, and we can take turns leading and following. The way humans mix it up is, they think it's telling us who is the boss. Or they think we are trying to be the boss. That's how they can miss what we're really asking for.
Oh. You mean like when the water dish is empty, or it's mealtime, and we ask for water, or ask to be fed?
Yes; something like that. You notice, now that I'm either crated, penned or tethered, to make sure I don't tear up my newly-repaired knee, I have to ask Mum to take me out when I need to go out. Mum says she really likes it when I ask; it makes it easy for her to know when to take me out. Then she lets me go wherever I want on the leash, and I lead, and she follows. Mostly, anyway. Except when you start running off after Mister Mousie, and I want to run after Mister Mousie too. Then Mum picks me up and carries me inside. I wish you'd stop running after Mister Mousie. I really miss running after him.
Oh, sorry, Kwali. I just can't help it. After all, I'm a Terrier; it's my job to run after Mister Mousie, and catch him, if I can. Oh, brainstorm! Are you saying humans mean who takes care of who, when and how, is what humans mean by "Leadership"?
Yes, Kumbi; that does seem to be what they mean. As I was saying before humans use some words in very strange ways. They like to make them mean all kinds of things, whatever seems to be most convenient at the time.
But if they do that, how can they understand us? How can they know what we are talking about when we talk?
Often they don't. We can try as hard as we want, and still humans won't understand. Except Mum and Dad, of course, and luckily, there are other humans who do, too. Lots of them! Isn't that lucky?
Then how come so many still talk about "Who's in charge" as though that makes any sense to dogs? When what we're really asking is, "Will you feed me? Will you bring me water? Will you take me out? And if you don't, who will?"
It's the way they grew up, Kumbi. That kind of growing-up is pretty powerful stuff. Very hard to change what you thought you learned as a puppy. You know, Kumbi, even Mum and Dad don't always understand us perfectly, even when we can see they're trying to.
Yeah; you're right, Kwali. But Mum and Dad watch a lot, and they try to understand what we're asking for. Lots of the time, they get it right, and when they don't, they can see we're still asking, and they try again, till they get it.
True. And that, dear Kumbi, is why we won't get stung. Mum and Dad aren't stung. They're not afraid to ask us what we want. Why not? Oh, because we behave like perfect little Angels when our needs are met.
Kwali and Kumbi, how you do go on! You must take after me. Yes, I guess you do. I do try to meet your needs. And you don't abuse the privilege, either; after all, once your needs are met, you settle easily. I love to see you so contented. Now thanks for letting me have the keyboard again.
Kwali, what is NILIF?
Nothing In Life Is Free.
I don't get it. What does that mean?
It's a human way of saying a dog is supposed to earn everything. It's really meant to teach humans, not dogs. So it doesn't matter if it means anything to dogs or not.
Oh. Wait a minute, Kwali. Are you saying human dog-trainers use it to teach humans, not dogs?
Yes, Kumbi; that's why humans use that phrase.
But Kwali, there's something skewed there, isn't there? If dogs don't understand "Nothing in LIfe is Free," why are humans asked to use it on dogs?
Kumbi, some humans don't like to think they could ever make a mistake. So if there's a mistake, it's always the dog who is somehow at fault. So if a dog is being the natural dog it is, say, jumping up on people to greet them, then the human is supposed to make the dog Sit, instead. The idea is that the dog should "earn" the greeting from the human, by working for it, something like humans working for money.
Are humans so afraid of making mistakes? About us dogs, for instance?
Some humans are afraid ever to admit ever making any kind of mistake. And that's often true when they make mistakes with us dogs. It's so much easier just to say the dog is a bad dog, or that the dog is a problem somehow. Many humans seem greatly comforted when they think it's the dog who has, or is, the problem.
Kwali, do you mean these humans who are afraid not to be perfect can manage okay if they can blame us for their difficulties?
Yes. That's pretty much what I mean.
Well, then, what's the problem? Let them blame us; it doesn't make any difference to us, does it? We don't know what they're talking about or thinking anyway, so it doesn't matter to us.
Kumbi, haven't you seen humans tense up with us? Haven't you watched humans look at you with disapproval, so you know they're thinking, "Now there's a bad dog for you." Like when you grab a pebble and run into the house and jump up on the bed with it. Then Mum goes and gets you a kibble, and exchanges it for the pebble. You know what a blaming-human thinks of that, don't you?
Yeah; haha! The onlooking human thinks, "Now there's a spoiled dog." That human has no idea of the game. Suggest to that human I earned the kibble - not only that, but I initiated the action, too! - started the game myself - and the human will be running away in terror and probably calling me a Dominant Dog at the same time! Me, the ultra-gentle, very submissive-looking (but not actually submissive) dog.
Right, Kumbi; I think you got it. So many humans are terrified of dog-initiated actions. People who train with a clicker might be less afraid of it than some other humans, thank goodness.
Well, Kwali, if NILIF is a good thing, then I'm doing right when I bring in a pebble - I earn that kibble Mum gives me.
Kumbi, you forgot something there. You're supposed to do something the human says to do, not something you invented yourself, if you're to "earn" whatever it is you want.
So you mean, we're always supposed to speak Human language, but Humans aren't asked to speak dog language, nor even try to?
I think in effect, when humans tell other humans to use NILIF, that's what's going on. Do you think humans really believe dogs understand "Nothing In Life Is Free"?
Why not, Kwali? They seem to expect us to understand all kinds of weird things. For instance, if I bark a lot, and some human then sprays me with water - let's make this bad, and add a bit of vinegar, or lemon juice, to the water, just to make sure my eyes or mouth get really uncomfortable, or that they actually hurt - I'm supposed to understand that relates to my having been barking?
Kumbi, I know it's surprising, but humans really do often think we make that kind of association. They have no idea that some threatening action, or some actually punishing action on their part acts first on our emotions. So all we can do is get scared or feel threatened. Maybe they think their spraying worked because it takes us so by surprise that we freeze in our tracks.
Yeah, Kwali; I see what you mean. But back to NILIF - do you think it does any good - for the humans, anyway?
Sure it does some good. It substitutes for the rituals that let us dogs know how humans are scheduling their care of us. It makes humans pay attention to what we are doing. It makes them ask us to participate in the ritual that predicts the routine.
Oh! Oh my gosh! I see what you mean! So NILIF is probably a good thing for dog-trainers to teach other humans!
Yes. It probably is. I could wish humans could be a bit more realistic about the whole thing, say, by making even a gesture at learning our language, instead of making up their own to force us to do all the adapting, but all in all, it's not a bad idea. If there are left-over difficulties with it, those come about because of what the whole idea of NILIF means to humans. That is, it suggests that somehow dogs who don't earn their ways in human fashion are at least misbehaving dogs. We can't escape all the fallout from ideas like NILIF. But it's good if humans come to recognize the value of ritual to go with routine - ceremonious ritual, at that - the best kind of ritual. In the end, then, I suppose we can't complain.
Well, I could be a bit of a perfectionist, like Mum (she's totally terrible about that, you know), and wish then, that humans would look at us as the natural dogs we are, and work more directly with us. They could use our calming signals, for instance; heaven knows, though Mum's imitations are pretty undoglike; they still work; I can understand them, and so can you. So why can't humans begin there instead?
Kumbi - they're not geared to do that. Well, a few are, but not many. Many think they haven't a hope of understanding Dog or DogNess at all. But they could, if they would just look and watch. Heaven knows, we work to teach them, don't we?
Well, we do. Mum and Dad do fairly well, as humans go, anyway. I know a few other humans who do, too. Remember when Turid and Carolyn visited here? Wow; was that a blast! They talked to us with calming signals and grins and laughs and sometimes a few treats, and we surely had a great party!
We did, didn't we! Mum and Dad still talk about it, too. Anyway, Kumbi, if the idea of NILIF works for some humans, I'm not going to complain.
Okay. I won't complain either.
Kwali, what is Dominance?
I don't know, Kumbi.
You don't know?
You know everything. Why don't you know that?
I don't know. Do you know what it is?
No, or I wouldn't ask. I don't play games unless I'm playing games.
Well, right; I know that about you, Kumbi. Same goes for me.
Okay. Sorry I asked.
Ask any time, Kumbi; I'm glad to answer what I can when I can.
Tnanks, Kwali. Okay; I'll do that.
Last modified on
Sunday, 24-Aug-2008 02:55:08 PDT
It is now
Friday, 15-Nov-2019 08:22:32 PST


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Why Is This Phenomenon Of Casters?
The same is the Industrial Caster Wheel products, some very easy to rust, and some are difficult to rust. The Industrial Caster Wheels placed in the wet place are easy to rust, casters placed in a dry place is not very easy to rust; exposed in the air of the casters is easy to rust, painted casters casters are not easy Rusty.
What are the factors in the caster rust?
Through the experiment we found: water and oxygen is the cause of the casters easy to rust. Light and water will not make the caster rust, only when the air dissolved in water, oxygen in the water environment with the Industrial Caster Wheel of the chemical reaction, will generate a thing called oxidized casters, which is the foot wheel rust The Industrial Caster Wheel rust is a brown red material, it is not as hard as the Industrial Caster Wheel, it is easy to fall off. After a casator is completely rusted, the volume can be increased by 8 times. If the caster rust does not remove, this sponge-like caster rust is particularly easy to absorb moisture, casters also rust faster.
Know the caster rusty secret, we can effectively prevent the occurrence of Industrial Caster Wheel rust. The caster in a damp place is more rusty than a dry caster, because the caster in a wet place is more accessible to the water than a dry place caster. The painted castor products are not easy to rust because the paint played a role in the isolation of air and water. And if you want to reduce the rust of the casters, you can start from the experimental conclusion, any one of the conditions can be cut off rust.
If the above paint, then cut off the Industrial Caster Wheel and air contact. And some casters such as kitchen knife and other wipes dry and placed in a dry place, you can cut off the casters and water contact, so as to prevent the caster products rust.


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" A friend bought me a birthday gift - "/
" - card for Mi Cumbia and I'm so glad she did. I arrived at the small but hip salon (wooden tables, vintage signs) to a lovely welcome from the receptionist/fabulous hostess, and then sipped delicious Colombian-style coffee (free with a Yelp checkin deal, tea free always) while I waited a couple of minutes. I have never had such a careful manicure--I want to call it thoughtful--and it looks perfect: great shaping and application. (It's a sheer gel mani and I will report back on how it lasts.) The manicurist was friendly and she happily explained the salon's special nontoxic, water-based range of lacquers, which I'll be back to try soon. As other reviewers mentioned, it's so peaceful being in a salon with no toxic fumes! I loved the experience so much that I booked in for an eyebrow wax the same day, which was equally thoughtful, friendly, and well-explained as to what would suit my face and brow shape (after I asked for this advice). If you come here, you'll leave feeling gorgeous and well taken care of! " Becky H.


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If you are in need of a break this holiday season, consider getting away from your regular responsibilities and spending quality time in a totally new location. You can experience an amazing new world of art, culture, and architecture by planning your next trip to Florence, Italy.
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November 2019


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Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday said a re-run of the presidential election would go ahead on Oct. 26 despite the boycott by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"We have no problem going back to elections. We are sure we will get more votes than the last time," Kenyatta told a rally in the southern town of Voi, speaking in Kiswahili.
Odinga had announced his withdrawal from the elections at a news conference in Nairobi.
He said he was boycotting the polls because his demands for electoral reform had not been met.
A re-run of the presidential vote was announced after Kenya's Supreme Court nullified the result of the Aug. 8 election due to Odinga's complaint.
Odinga claimed that the computers of the electoral commission had been hacked to generate a victory for President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The initial results announced on Aug. 11, gave Kenyatta a second term with 54 per cent of the votes, followed by Odinga with 44.7 per cent.
Since the annulment, Odinga and his National Super Alliance coalition (NASA) have been demanding the removal of top managers of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and a change of suppliers of polling materials and technology.
In a related development, President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday expressed strong support for amendments to electoral laws being debated in parliament.
Kenyatta, who spoke in Mombasa, said the laws will fill the gaps identified by the Supreme Court when it annulled the Aug. 8, Presidential elections.
He promised to sign into law the controversial amendments that have sparked criticism once approved by the Parliament.
"I will not hesitate, for even a minute, to sign the new amendments into law once presented to me after debate and approval by parliament," Kenyatta said.
The proposed changes to the electoral laws by the ruling party Jubilee has created division among Kenyans ahead of repeat polls slated for Oct. 26.
While some, in particular Kenyatta's supporters, endorsed the changes, those supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga opposed the amendments of being a rigging plot.
One of the radical changes Jubilee proposes is that if only one candidate remains in a fresh presidential election, he will be declared president-elect without polls being held.
The bill, currently in Parliament, further proposes a custodial sentence of up to 15 years for any electoral officials, who knowingly refuses to sign, submits incomplete forms or willfully alters or falsifies documents relating to elections.
It also proposes to strip the powers of announcing the winner of a presidential poll from the chairman of the electoral commission to any other commissioner.
According to sections of the proposed new laws, the IEBC would be required to live stream the election results but they would not form the basis of declaring the winner, but only for public consumption, while the results would be declared manually based on paper returns.
Kenyatta said it was necessary to remove the lacuna in law cited by the Supreme Court in order to ensure the same gaps did not force the Court to deliver a similar dubious verdict in future.
A select committee of both houses of parliament is due to present the amendments to parliament this week for debate and approval.


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I wanted to blog about something but it looks like it's not going to happen because the Internet is so slow to the extent of not allowing me to upload pictures on blog. April is coming in like 2 minutes time, I'm really looking forward to April for some reason that actually everyone doesn't know. I encountered someone about two months back and the rest of the conversation shall stay covert. I really can't wait to see how the month of April will go for me, hopefully I am not expecting too much which might lead to disappointment.
It is just really funny how everytime I think about 'lucky-ness'. I was just talking to my mom about how lucky my brother is on his really awesome part-time job with freakishly loaded with benefits. I am similar to my mom in various ways and I will have to admit that this is one of them. She was telling me that she is not the lucky person where basically not the kind of person whom has the touch of winning things or in 4D. I was like 'Damn I can really relate to that' because for the past year or two, I have been really pondering on the whole 'luck' thing. I don't consider myself as a lucky person and I don't do luck. It's not that I don't want to, seriously, luck was just never on my side. No matter how much faith I have that I am going to be lucky on something, it just never turn out right. I really just don't get lucky, it is either blessings or hard work, even that I will have to say it is 60% hard work to get something. So basically, my life theory is easy 'don't work hard, you won't get anything' is that simple. I have to say sometimes even with hard work, I still don't get it. I know, it is really sad, what a depressing ideology. I shall just live life in moderate.
I have really been observing myself for the past year or two for me to actually come up with that thought. There is a lot of initiation and energy needed for the things that I do. Everyday I pray for some good miracle will happen because it sucks for me to go home and sit in my room thinking that 'today is just an ordinary day' when I am reviewing on 'how did my day go' segment. Even with my activities and all, it is getting really routine. It could probably due to classes that make my life so scheduled every week because I can't run away from them.
I have been really busy with assignments lately. This semester requires us to update our assignments on a weekly basis. My plan on getting organize is not coming true apparently, haha, I mean, I really don't know, I've tried but it always goes everywhere. So, I guess to have a little OCD is not all bad because or else you will be like me. I have no OCD or what-so-ever, thus, I don't really care if whether I am using the same pen for my planner or whether my clothes will have to be properly placed or whether anything will have to be in alphabetical order. I chuck things everywhere and my planner is a mess!
Just saw the announcement on moving to lakeside, 3rd May will be the degree students big day. We are practically the last of the last to move in. I DON'T WANT!!!!!!!!! I am getting hungry writing this. I'm going downstairs for some food hunting.


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Chris Brown's Bodyguard Suffered Massive Head Injury During Brawl With Drake's Entourage
Check out these gruesome photos of Chris Brown's bodyguard!!
By now, you've probably heard about the June 14 bar brawl between Chris Brown and Drake's entourage — but just wait until you see pictures of the victims! The latest photo is of Chris's bodyguard, Big Pat, who suffered from a huge gash in his head. Posted on Twitter, the picture reveals Big Pat lying on a hospital gurney with blood and bandages all over his head.
No official cause for his injury has been released, but it's clear he was involved in the hectic fight with Drake's entourage.
He appears to be doing well now, despite the gross injury, as he was later spotted walking into Chris' NYC hotel.
— Margaret Quigley
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The best things in life are free
If you take a look at the most successful companies in the world over the last decade, they seem to have quite a few things in common. The most predominant characteristic is their business model. Companies like Facebook and Google make products that take a natural part in our everyday life, but when did you pay your last invoice for using the Google search engine? The products from some of the most successful companies in the world are free! And at the same time, these companies are extremely profitable!
We are the product
The hundred of thousands of development hours needed to develop the worlds leading search engine and social platforms has been paid for by the advertising dollars from companies buying Facebook ads or Google Adwords to market their business. What they get in return is the best marketing money can buy. Google match their advertising with relevant product searches making the placement very relevant. At the same time, you only pay when somebody clicks on your ad (pay-per-click). Facebook steps it up one notch, as they probably know more about you than you know about yourself. They let you specify your target audience down to gender, age, where they live and what they like. In other words; we are the product!
How can you compete against free?
In the gaming industry the Free-to-play (F2P) model is growing increasingly popular. This makes you able to download the game and use it for free. If you really like the game and want to get serious about your game-play, you can purchase upgrades and equipment that will further improve the gaming experience. These payment models are now starting to find their way over to more traditional business segments. One of the worlds leading online invoice solutions, freshbooks.com has recently been challenged by a new company called invoiceclub.com (www.invoiceclub.com). InvoiceClub will give you an identical online billing solution, but thanks to their adware business model, you can use the system completely free of charge. How can you continue selling your product with the same profit when your competitor is giving away their product for free? The answer is simple; you can't!
Who will be the new market winners?
Rupert Murdock said;
The world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.
The challenge with just about every market leader is that as a result of their success, they have grown big. And according to Rupert Murdoch: big is not fast. Through free technology like Google analytics, small companies have access to the same business analytics tools that only 5 years ago was available only to the biggest businesses in the world. The ability to know what the market wants in combination with the ability to act fast enough will make these companies the winners in the future. The best things in life are free, and at the moment the best thing in business life is the ability to make fast & qualified decissions.
Freddy Aurso, MD Lighthouse8