text:
- 30-foot throw distance
- 180-degree adjustable chute with oversized handles
- Quick clamps for handlebar adjustment and assembly
- Handlebar mounted chute control
- Collapsible tool-less handlebar
The WORX 18 inch snow thrower will help you get through winter with ease. Powered by a high performance 13 amp electric mower capable of slicing a path 18 inches wide by 9 inches deep and throwing snow up to 30 feet, clearing snow from your walkway and driveway will be a breeze. This WORX snow thrower is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and increase user comfort – its 3-position adjustable handle lets you choose the appropriate height and the collapsible/ foldable handle makes the unit ultra compact for off season storage. For added convenience, the 180 degree rotating chute comes with oversized chute adjusters for easy use with winter gloves and the handlebar mounted chute directional control is easily accessible. It is equipped with compact wheels for improved maneuverability and the rubber-tipped steel auger makes throwing large amounts of snow easy.With the WORX WG650 Electric Snow Thrower, clearing off driveways, sidewalks, and patios is no longer a tiresome chore. Powered by a 13 amp electric motor, this thrower is capable of clearing a path 18 inches wide and 9 inches deep, throwing snow up to 30 feet from a 180-degree rotating chute. A three-position adjustable handlebar lets you choose the right height to work comfortably, with oversized chute adjusters designed for easy use with winter gloves. When not in use, the collapsible handlebar and lightweight design make compact storage simple.
Powerful, easy-to-use design takes the hassle out of clearing snow.
Move Large Amounts of Snow with Ease
Equipped with a powerful 13 amp electric motor and a rubber-tipped steel auger, the WORX snow thrower can throw snow up to 30 feet. Clearing paths 18 inches wide and 9 inches deep, this thrower is ideal for walkways and driveways.
180-Degree Adjustable Chute
Move snow in any direction you like with a smooth-rotating 180-degree chute. The oversized chute adjuster is mounted on the handlebars, making it easy to operate on the move, even while wearing bulky winter gloves.
Adjustable Handlebars with Three Height Settings
Quick-clamps make handlebar adjustment and assembly a breeze, no tools required. Three height settings allow you to set the handlebars at a comfortable level, reducing unnecessary fatigue.
Compact Design Makes Storage Simple
Compact wheels give the WORX snow thrower versatile mobility and positioning while taking up minimal space. When not in use, the handlebar can collapse down to save room in storage. A lightweight design allows the thrower to be hung up on the garage wall with ease.
What's in the Box
Electric snow thrower and instruction manual.
Buy with confidence from Amazon


text:
Tamaki Recreation Centre is a shared facility with Tamaki College and supported by Auckland Council for the benefit the local community and surrounding areas.
During the day approximately half the building is available for community hire with Tamaki College using the other half for their classes and curriculum needs.
After 5.00 pm the centre operates fully as a community facility with a variety of activities taking place through to 11 pm Monday to Sunday
As a stand-alone organisation the centre is managed and operated by the Tamaki College Community Recreation Centre Trust who aim to provide low cost recreational activities.
The Trust is registered on the Charities Register operating under the name of Tamaki Recreation Centre, Operating during peak hours the centre is also available for hire from 7.00 am through until 11.00 pm Monday to Sunday, please contact the centre management if you have a hire or use enquiry.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The pigmentation is excellent, the eyeshadows are buttery soft and have great colour pay off, even the matte black shade which can often end up chalky - but not in this quad. The grey-white shade works well as a highlighter, although it is a bit frosty, but it would look nice in the inned corner of the eye. I love the teal shade, it is absolutely gorgeous and the blue is stunning too. I created a really nice smoky teal-blue look with this quad and the eyeshadows stayed on all day with no creasing or fading. (No photos though sorry, it was a busy day.)
The quad is priced at £37 and you get 7.2 g of eyeshadow which is quite a decent size actually (makes it cheaper gram for gram than Mac single eyeshadows for example). You also get a decent sized mirror inside the compact which is always a plus and a double ended foam applicator which is not going to get any use from me, but maybe some people would find it useful.
Have you bought this eyeshadow palette yet? Are you planning on indulging? Let me kow in the comments!
See more pictures including swatches after the jump!
|Taken with flash
|Taken without flash in direct sunlight


text:
A full plate today. An invitation, Professor Mainero's new job, the prickliness of campaign finance, the ongoing saga of the OC Fair, let's throw in some composting and a Look Back on this day in history fifteen years ago, and we have a full plate.
The first piece is another Mickadeit column in the OC Register (their new font for their name will not copy). Frank mentions one of my "minions" (this must be "Socratic dialogue"), Professor Mario Mainero. The good law professor now focuses on helping Chapman Law School students in their efforts to pass the bar exam. Achieving an 81 percent pass rate should put a glow on Dean John Eastman's face.
Professor Mainero was part of a team at Chapman that was responsible for the highest bar pass rate in the school's history, a team that included Assistant Dean Jayne Kacer, Professor Rick Faulkner, several Legal Research and Writing Professors, and three outstanding members of County Counsel, Mark Batarse, Nicole Sims, and Nicole Walsh.
The bar pass rate was 81% for all Chapman first-time takers, and 82% for the class of 2009. This rate was higher than all other OC law schools, and a number of other California schools, including University of San Diego and Pepperdine, and was just a few points lower than Loyola and UCLA.
The Professor teaches a for-credit bar prep course that discusses the substantive law and essay writing in each of 15 bar subjects, and helps coordinate the supplemental bar prep program, where a team critiques students' essays as they prepare for the bar and also conducts sessions on taking the multiple choice portion of the bar exam. And my office gets to have some of his precious time as a part-time policy advisor. Congratulations to all.
One area that Professor Mainero has been focusing some time is on TINCUP (Time is Now, Clean Up Politics), which passed as a ballot measure in the late 1970s. Even during my candidacy for Treasurer in 1994 I was asked to violate a portion of TINCUP in order to make it a test case to address its unconstitutionality. I didn't have time for this maneuver, as running a practice and running for office were plenty at the time, thank you. But, that unconstitutional provision is still in the ordinance. Shirley Grindle agreed that certain provisions should be modified. My office worked with her and we provided two ballot measure proposals to address the issues. The first provided clean up language, which was critical. The second offered the voters a review panel because there seemed to be no active enforcement of TINCUP, other than one compulsive Shirley Grindle. My colleagues on the Board voted the ideas down with a 3-2 vote. Soon thereafter, the OC Grand Jury reviewed TINCUP and issued a report with revision recommendations very similar to the ones we had proposed. As Chair, I established a committee to address the topic.
Shirley Grindle doesn't talk to me much because I was quoted as calling her "prickly" in the press. Well, she is prickly. Maybe too prickly. And she doesn't show the signs one would like to see for the potential of mellowing out. You'll see what I mean in the second article, in this week's OCWEEKLY, on what the good Professor and County Counsel Ann Fletcher are receiving for all of their patient and diligent work on this topic.
Some thirty years after the passage of TINCUP not one Board of Supervisors has voted to put a measure on the ballot to repeal it. Maybe they realized that it would fail? My office took the approach to fix it. So much for trying.
Another columnist for the OC Register weighs in on the current OC Fair Board and does her community service in holding individuals accountable. This is one episode during my tenure as Supervisor that has made me ill with grief. The sooner the Governor's office puts the RFP process out of its misery, the better. Barbara Venezia's piece is the third article below.
The fourth and last article comes from the Long Beach Press-Telegram and provides an update on the composting issue. In our congenial lunch meeting in my office two months ago, we agreed to wait for Major General Harrel (also a member of the California Attorney General's staff) to complete his legal review of the contract. The assurance did not seem to be digested well by the Mayors subsequent to the meeting and they have decided to put on a full-court press.
Please come to our Third Annual Christmas Open House on December 16th, from 3 to 5 p.m.
10 Civic Center Plaza
333 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Fifth Floor, Second District
(Park in the lot off of Ross Street)
To RSVP, please call Margaret Chang at 714-834-3220
Finals bring tense times to Chapman Law
By FRANK MICKADEIT
Countless drafts of legal writing and research, 414 pages of civil procedure and 320 pages of torts later, we stare into the face of the beast. I sit now on the patio outside Kennedy Hall with my laptop and cigar, having just left the last lecture of the semester, crafting this column before I take a carrel inside Rinker Library and narrow my entire bodily focus to the singular goal of smiting the beast, The Law School Final Exam. They begin next week.
Over the last few weeks, I have felt the tension on the Chapman law school campus growing almost daily, particularly among fellow first-year students. Smokers are smoking more. Questions of professors have more of an anxious quality. Professors' office hours are booked solid, with students jostling to make it onto the sign-up sheets on office doors, and then, upon not getting a slot, imploring the professor to add more.
The hornbooks – very thick versions of undergraduate Cliffs Notes, if you will – are coming out. Vendors of these aids and of last-minute exam-prep courses lurk in hallways and the law-student lounge, where the queue at the foosball table is shorter than it was in October. Is it worth $399 for a two-day essay-writing course by a guy who claims he made law review? These things we ponder.
There's almost a paranoia about the flu. Hand-sanitizer dispensers abound, and two weeks ago we all trooped to the student health center, where under an awning in the parking lot nurses administered the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines as if it were Guam 1942, and we were lining up outside an Army tent to be inoculated against yellow fever. We know the reality: Go down now and there's no mercy. Might as well just asked to be shot and left on the side of the road like a lame Army mule.
Professors instill varying degrees of fear and hope. One, informing my class how we did on a practice essay exam a few weeks ago, said, "I have to tell you: It wasn't good." She said she actually hoped we had not studied, implying that if we had, it meant that as a group we weren't very bright. I mentioned this to one of the deans, who said: "Sounds like she's right on cue" – implying that this prof tells her 1L's that every fall to scare them into studying harder. It's working.
Another professor looked out on a sea of haggard faces in torts class one day after several students had to pass on engaging him in Socratic dialogue (unheard of until then), stopped the session cold and took pity. Trying to put into perspective the place that all law students find themselves in the last few weeks of their first semester of their first year – even presumably an Oxford and Stanford man such as himself – he said in his British accent: "You are at the grimmest point of your law school experience, these next few weeks. It doesn't get any worse than this." That helped.
My method of study is fairly typical. I take the entire semester's notes for a class – maybe 100 pages – and first condense them to an outline of maybe 30 pages. I check those against the hornbooks and outlines upperclassmen have passed down. This takes a day or three. Then I take that down to about 15 pages. Then I convert that to handwritten color-coded index cards. I spend hours going through those. Along the way, I practice writing essays based on old exam problems. In the car, I listen to lecture CDs my daughter gave me.
The finals are closed book, closed note. One requires knowing the names and holdings of maybe 60 cases and 20 other laws numbered by code. That's just the memorization. Application is where the points are.
I visited the third-floor campus office of Mario Mainero, the Moorlach aide who is also a Chapman professor with the main task of ensuring graduates pass the bar exam at a high rate. He was crowing about the Class of 2009's just-released numbers: 81 percent,11 percent higher than the statewide figure.
Mainero walked me through his techniques, handed me a couple of practice exams and told me – pretty much ordered me – to stop writing columns for a bit. Taking orders from one of Moorlach's minions is anathema, but I'm going to obey. Haven't decided whether to take my editor's advice and get more flu shots.
Mickadeit writes Mon.-Fri. Contact him at 714-796-4994 or email@example.com
Shirley Grindle Runs Out of Patience With TINCUP Reform Committee
By SPENCER KORNHABER
Published on December 02, 2009 at 1:03pm
· John Gilhooley
Shirley's got your campaign finance right here
TINCUP More Than Half-Empty?
Grizzled watchdog Shirley Grindle runneth out of patience with the committee responsible for reforming the county's campaign-finance law
For a few hours nearly every month this past year, you could go to the Orange County Hall of Administration in Santa Ana, take the elevator to the third floor and watch Shirley Grindle fume.
In an over-air-conditioned conference room, a committee appointed by the Board of Supervisors has been trying to rewrite the county's law limiting the influence of money in campaigns for office. Grindle, a 74-year-old former aeronautics engineer and one-term planning commissioner, wrote and lobbied for the passage of that law—referred to as TINCUP, short for Time Is Now, Clean Up Politics—in the late 1970s. Monitoring its enforcement has been her No. 1 pastime ever since. But, as Grindle likes to say, "I won't be around forever." In July 2008, supervisors appointed a committee that would update the law—partly in preparation for the day when Grindle isn't able to serve as a watchdog.
With its final meeting scheduled for early next year, that committee is approaching the end of its task. And Grindle isn't happy with the results. "I avoid thinking as much as possible about that stupid committee because every time I think about it, I get very upset," Grindle says. "My advice to the board would be drop the whole damn thing."
TINCUP isn't popular among Orange County's elected officials and the people who help them get into office. The law caps the amount that any one donor can give to a candidate at $1,600. To many conservatives, the contribution limit is tantamount to an assault on the First Amendment. "In Sunday School, I learned it is a blessing to give," County Supervisor Chris Norby said during a hearing on TINCUP in February 2008. "And yet the whole purpose of these restrictions on free speech and political giving make it a crime to give and a blessing to receive."
Supervisor John Moorlach, though, wants TINCUP reformed for different reasons. Portions of the ordinance have been struck down as unconstitutional, while others don't take into account realities of modern campaigns: the rise of the Internet, lawsuit challenges and debt financing. For her part, Grindle has been lobbying for an overhaul of the way the law is enforced. For decades, she has tracked campaign finance in the county using index cards in her Orange home—one card per donor, listing every contribution that donor has made since 1978. If anyone violates TINCUP by donating too much money to one candidate, Grindle telephones that candidate, and usually, the money is quietly returned.
The power to prosecute those who willingly break the law lies with District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. But TINCUP has never been invoked in any of that office's criminal or civil prosecutions. Historically, the DA's office has declined to prosecute campaign-finance complaints due to lack of evidence or, in some cases, referred them to the state's Fair Political Practices Commission—which will punish violations of state laws but not local ones such as TINCUP. Grindle points to those facts as evidence that Rackauckas is unwilling to enforce the ordinance.
The DA's office disputes such characterizations, saying that none of the complaints filed over the years warranted prosecution. "Shirley Grindle and her nine cats don't know what [TINCUP] says," declares DA's office spokeswoman Susan Kang Schroeder. "If Shirley or anyone in this world would file a complaint, and if there's evidence to support it, there's going to be a criminal filing."
To take the burden of monitoring the law off Grindle and the DA, Moorlach proposed in February 2008 the establishment of an unelected, apolitical commission that would monitor and prosecute TINCUP violators. The Board of Supervisors, though, rejected that idea by a 3-2 vote. Three months later, the grand jury urged them to reconsider. In response, Moorlach proposed the creation of an ad-hoc committee, which would be staffed with two appointees per supervisor. "I was hoping to clean up the ordinance and make it a little more user-friendly," he says. "Let's put together a team, and let's hammer this out."
From the beginning, Grindle thought the committee was a "stacked deck." Among its members are prominent county Republican campaign consultants John Lewis and Adam Probolsky, as well as Phil Greer, the go-to elections attorney for many in the GOP establishment. All three make money from campaigns; it stands to reason, Grindle says, they would profit from a loosening of TINCUP's restrictions on campaign fund-raising. The presence of supervisorial staffers on the committee also worried Grindle: Three of the supervisors have already voted against an update to TINCUP, and it's unlikely, she says, their aides would vote differently.
Lewis laughs off accusations of a conflict-of-interest. "You could exclude all campaign consultants, all campaign treasurers, anybody who has a professional involvement in a political campaign," he says. "But then you'd have a really poor understanding of the practicalities of everything you're trying to do."
Grindle believes the majority of committee members are more interested in weakening TINCUP than fixing its deficiencies. Committee-meeting minutes show that the discussion has often centered on whether there should be a county campaign law at all. In a straw vote, a majority of members said they thought TINCUP should be repealed. Members have also lobbied to raise the law's contribution limit to the level for state legislative candidates: $3,900.
One provision being considered would allow candidates to establish a "defense fund" to pay for representation in legal challenges. Some members—elections lawyer Greer among them—have said there should be no cap on donations to such a fund. "Makes me sick to my stomach," Grindle says. "Don't tell me for a minute that some guy who gives $300,000 to you, an elected official, that you aren't influenced by that when the guy's project comes up."
Similarly, a provision about "slate mailers" has proved controversial. In 2002, the Board of Supervisors enacted an ordinance regulating mailed "slates" of endorsements after Lewis allegedly abused a loophole in state and county law while running Norby's supervisorial campaign. Now, Lewis and others have tried to lessen the slate-mail restrictions in TINCUP, while Probolsky has said he wants to do away with them altogether.
Meanwhile, the issue of how to enforce TINCUP remains unresolved. While Grindle and a few committee members have supported the creation of a commission or the appointment of a "compliance officer" to monitor the law, the majority has advocated leaving that job with the district attorney.
Moorlach's senior policy adviser, Mario Mainero, has been working with county counsel Ann Fletcher and county assistant CEO Rob Richardson to write a version of TINCUP that reflects the committee's progress. A draft recently distributed to committee members shows that much of the law's language has been smoothed out. But on the contentious questions, there's only a list of the options favored by various committee members.
To Grindle, that means the entire exercise has been a waste of time: The very problems the committee was meant to help solve will be punted back to the Board of Supervisors. If they decide to weaken the law, they'll need county voters to approve.
"The board has really put themselves in a terrible position," Grindle says. "If they put this committee into place to solve a problem, then it backfired bigtime."
Venezia: OC Fair Board should be removed
Barbara Venezia
Why isn't anyone calling for the removal of the current Orange County Fair Board? Doesn't personal responsibility matter anymore? When you take into consideration the collateral damage they've caused with this ridiculous self-serving shell game of buying the fairgrounds, every single one of them should be held accountable, including the two who were not part of the nonprofit shenanigans.
When I asked board member Julie Vandermost why she wasn't a part of it, she emailed, "It's a matter of not having enough bandwidth in my schedule." David Padilla didn't return my call; rumor has it he wasn't even asked to participate in the nonprofit. If true, you have to wonder why.
I'm not buying Julie's clever excuse and David's non-response speaks volumes. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out they were probably the first ones who saw something hinky in this plan. Why didn't they speak up? Was it because they didn't want to rock the boat and lose the lucrative perks of being on the Fair Board? Or were they afraid of the blow-back speaking against powerful fellow board members could bring?
Does personal responsibility go out the window if you just keep your mouth shut?
This Fair Board's questionable behavior should be enough ammunition to explore removal. Let's not forget they were smack dab in the middle of the Mike Carona trial with board member Debbie Carona. Then there was the whole messy ticket/private dinner scandal that some argued amounted to "gifts of public funds," perks estimated at approximately $40,000 plus. When this was taken away, tongues wagged that 50 percent of the board considered quitting.
Now Costa Mesa's setting aside beaucoup bucks to create a plan B, (making a bid to buy the fairgrounds), should plan A, (getting the governor to rescind the sale), not work. This exercise in futility could've been avoided had the OC Fair Board done their job and not lobbied for the sale or formed their own nonprofit to buy it.
When is someone going to talk about the elephant in the middle of the room? It appears this board is not looking out for the best interest of the public. Politicians generally hate going after those who fund-raise and have political juice, but what if they're out of control?
Maybe it's a task for Supervisor John Moorlach; after all, accountability's something his office has preached repeatedly. Sure his administration's taken its lumps as they've gone after some sacred political cows like pension reform, but whether you agree with them or not, this group seems fearless. It would make sense for Moorlach and company to lead this charge.
But will he? He's gearing up for a tough re-election bid. Going after political heavyweights on the Fair Board could cause a rift within his party; then again, being pro-active on this issue could give him a leg up with voters. Wonder if he's a gambling man?
Costa Mesa, coupled with the OC Board of Supervisors, could accomplish rescinding the sale and requesting new board members. So who'll have the chutzpah to stand up for personal responsibility? We all should.
Freelance writer Barbara Venezia's opinion column appears online and in The Current every Friday. Email BV at firstname.lastname@example.com
Shore Patrol: Communities moving against compost at Joint Forces base
By Joe Segura, Staff Writer
The nudging is escalating into a firm push.
Seal Beach and several of its neighboring communities are pressing forward to halt a compost facility's operation at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
The city officials – from Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, Cypress and Garden Grove – are strongly hinting at a possible lawsuit to stop the operation, contending it presents a number of noise and pollution problems.
The tough talk is somewhat new; it's been heated before, but not with the clear warnings of legal action.
Last June, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James P. Combs took the brunt of the heat, when he found himself under fire from Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Cypress residents irked by large trucks rumbling through their neighborhoods.
Combs decided to halt the operation – for now, saying the five-year pilot composting program would be reviewed by federal attorneys to assure that it's not been selectively restricted by Seal Beach's municipal codes, banning the use of trucks weighing more than 3 tons.
The commander's decision was on the heels of the council's unanimous vote in June to prohibit "gross weight vehicles over 3 tons" on Lampson Avenue, from Seal Beach Boulevard to the city's east limits.
The base intended to have 15 to 18 semi-truck daily deliveries on Lampson – or about one truck every 30 minutes in an eight-hour work day.
Following the council action, Combs told the Press-Telegram he wasn't sure if the vote constituted selective enforcement.
However, until there's a legal review, the truck operations would be halted along Lampson, according to Combs.
"One of the things the military is good at is following the rules," the general added.
In early October, after more than five months of effort, a West Orange County consortium of mayors announced it had been successful in working with the base brass to order a cessation of the composting project "until further notice." The decision was outlined during a meeting Oct. 7 between the mayors of Cypress, Garden Grove, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach, base commander Major General John Harrel, Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach and Alfred Coletta, president of the Rossmoor Community Services District.
Harrel could not be reached for comment, nor could Capt. Harry Chang, who had been meeting with the mayors.
However, recent complaints about odors emanating from the composting facility occupying nearly 12 acres on the southeast section of the base have apparently crystallized the ongoing concerns, the mayors asserted in a recent letter.
Harrel's statement supporting future discussions of the composting on the base were not enough.
A terse letter was sent to Harrel, and after a short period, a follow-up letter was sent Nov. 19 to his boss, John McHugh, the secretary of the Army, demanding the operating license be terminated immediately.
"Revoking the license is the only meaningful way to mitigate the significant and on-going adverse impacts from these composting activities," the letter states.
The pushy part:
"To do so would be an appropriate gesture … particularly given the lack of transparency in the awarding of this license, and the lack of meaningful environmental consideration of composting activities undertaken prior to awarding the license."
One key source, asking for anonymity, said court action would be a last resort, adding that Harrel will be replaced at the base early next year.
firstname.lastname@example.com, 562-499-1274
December 4
Fifteen years ago, today, it was a Sunday. The news kept coming out as reporters worked overtime on the biggest news story to hit the OC in decades.
The LA Times had a piece by Dana Parsons, perhaps his first including me, titled "Treading the Murky Waters of the Investment Pool Fiasco." Parsons takes Citron's "bunker defense," both during the campaign and the last few days, to account.
I don't know about you, but nothing makes me more panicky than someone calling a press conference and telling me not to panic.
[Citron] said virtually nothing at the press conference, then made himself unavailable to the media on Friday. If this is his idea of the way to stem a loss of public confidence, he's wrong. He surely knows the markets much better than the average citizen, so why not explain to us why a skid of $1.5 billion is nothing to worry about.
Unfortunately, his attitude reflected the way he ran his campaign against Republican challenger John Moorlach in the spring. Moorlach was all over Citron for risky investments, and Citron, first elected in 1970, acted like the feudal landlord being questioned by a serf. That the serf actually may have known what he was talking about is now rather obvious, and you'd think Citron would give us Joe Six-Packs of Orange County at least a primer on his investment strategies.
The OC Register's lead editorial in their Commentary section was titled "Mr. Citron's gamble." It also took Citron to account, along with a few others.
It is the upward thrust of interest rates that sent the fund's value tumbling, as critics of the strategy – most notably Costa Mesa accountant John Moorlach – had predicted for months.
Supervisor-elect Marian Bergeson should set an example for her colleagues by pledging – today – that she will vote for no tax increases to cover any losses to the county because of Mr. Citron's gambling.
We single out Ms. Bergeson because earlier this year when Mr. Moorlach was challenging Mr. Citron for the treasurer's post, Ms. Bergeson ostentatiously withdrew her endorsement of Mr. Moorlach because of his criticisms of the Citron investment strategies. Ms. Bergeson thus became a leading spokesperson for the don't-confuse-us-with-the-facts irresponsibility on the part of establishment politicians (read: all the sitting supervisors, with Tom Riley being the most vocal) that has helped lead to this impasse.
As a legislator in Sacramento, Ms. Bergeson has been known as a reliable vote for tax increases authored by the governor. Let's hope she doesn't adopt the same expedient in response to the county troubles.
Disclaimer: You have been added to my MOORLACH UPDATE communication e-mail tree. In lieu of a weekly newsletter, you will receive occasional media updates, some with commentary to explain the situation, whenever I appear in the media (unless it is a duplication of a previous story).
I have two thoughts for you to consider: (1) my office does not usually issue press releases to get into the newspapers (only in rare cases); and (2) I do not write the articles, opinions or letters to the editor.
This message should appear at the bottom of every e-mail you receive. If these e-mails should stop arriving in your mail box, it will be because your address has changed and you did not provide a new one. If you do not wish to receive these e-mails, then please e-mail back and request to unsubscribe.


text:
Spark Whitening Reviews
Using 22% carbamide peroxide and xylitol, Spark Whitening is an online-only, at-home whitening system that's claimed to give you sparkling white teeth.
About Spark Whitening
Spark Whitening is an at-home teeth whitening system that's claimed to feature 100% pure, safe ingredients, including 22% carbamide peroxide and xylitol, while being 85% less expensive than in-office whitening treatments.
In order to help you "get sparkling white teeth," Speak Whitening is claimed to work over the following steps:
Customize the included mouth tray using hot water, which will help ensure the bleaching solution covers all of your teeth evenly, while preventing it from coming into contact with your gums. According to the manufacturer, this can be accomplished in less than 10 minutes.
Next, you'll use Spark Whitening's syringes to add bleaching solution to the trays.
Finally, you'll place the trays in your mouth, which causes the bleaching solution to oxidize away surface stains caught in the "pores" of your teeth.
Sure, Spark Whitening might be easy to use, but will it really help your teeth become whiter? Will it provide a solid return on investment? Consider the following:
The Flood of Online, At-Home Teeth Whitening Systems
First and foremost, it's important to mention that online-only, at-home teeth whitening systems like Spark Whitening have become increasingly popular over the past year or so, including Whitening Coach, Action Pro White, Smile Pro Direct, and more.
Despite appearances otherwise though, all of these products seem to be manufactured by the same company based out of Henderson, NV (more about this later), with similar website designs and nearly identical packaging images.
Despite their recent marketplace appearance, Spark Whitening's manufacturer claims, "With over 30 years of experience, our scientific researchers have gained a reputation as the worldwide leader in providing effective teeth whitening products," which, by all indications, almost certainly isn't the case.
What is 22% Carbamide Peroxide & Xylitol?
According to Wikipedia: "Hydrogen peroxide - urea is a solid composed of equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and urea. This compound is a white crystalline solid, which dissolves in water to give free hydrogen peroxide. Often called carbamide peroxide in the dental applications, it is used as a source of hydrogen peroxide for bleaching, disinfection, and oxidation."
In essence, because carbamide peroxide must first be broken down in order to be effective, it's generally considered to be a less potent version of standard peroxide. As such, "A bleaching product containing 10 percent carbamide peroxide yields approximately 3.5 percent hydrogen peroxide."
On the other hand, xylitol is simply "a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener" that tastes sweet, but doesn't promote cavities like traditional sugar sweeteners. In other words, xylitol will help Speak Whitening's bleaching solution taste better, but it won't provide any whitening benefits.
Is Spark Whitening as Effective as an In-Office Treatment?
According to the product's website, "Whether you choose to whiten your teeth with an at-home treatment, like Spark Whitening, or at your dentist the science behind it is essentially the same. In fact, really the only difference is that you will pay over 85% more when you choose to whiten your teeth at a dentist."
However, this isn't necessarily the case. Why? Because as we outlined in our How to Choose an At-Home Teeth Whitening System that Works article, while dentists may use a peroxide-based bleaching agent to whiten your teeth, they'll generally use higher concentrations that provide faster results.
On top of this, the fully customized mouth trays fitted and formed by your dentist might provide better coverage, and the thicker peroxide gels they use are more controllable, leading to less tooth sensitivity.
Granted, your dentist will charge a much higher price for an in-office whitening visit, so you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
What Kinds of Stains Does Spark Whitening Address?
Regardless of whether you visit your dentist or choose an at-home system like Spark Whitening, keep in mind that traditional whitening gels are only intended to remove surface stains (e.g. those located on the enamel), and not stains present in deeper tooth layers, such as the dentin or pulp.
Spark Whitening Side Effects
Most customers who use Spark Whitening will experience little-to-no side effects, although for those who do, the most commonly reported is tooth sensitivity, which should subside soon after the whitening gel is rinsed away. This can be minimized by using a toothpaste specially formulated for tooth sensitivity while you're undergoing treatment.
Similar Products to Spark Whitening
Also, keep in mind that there are hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of at-home whitening products you can choose from, most of which will be less expensive than Spark Whitening. In fact, these types of products are so popular that you'll almost certainly be able to find a similar option locally, and at up to 75% less expensive than Spark Whitening.
Spark Whitening's Arbitration Agreement
Finally, remember that by placing an order through the Spark Whitening website, you'll be automatically bound to an arbitration agreement. If you experience any damages, this means you won't be able to become part of a trial by jury or a class action lawsuit, among other restrictions.
Customers Don't Seem Happy with Spark Whitening
There were several online complaints for Spark Whitening at the time of our research, including MoneySavingsExpert.com, ReviewsTalk.com, RipoffReport, ScamBook, and more, all of which referenced problems with the "free trial" (more about this next).
Spark Whitening, based out of Henderson, NV, also had an F rating with the Better Business Bureau based on 23 closed complaints (as of 7/1/15), all of which also referenced problems with the trial.
Spark Whitening Pricing & Refund Policy
At the time of our research, the only product available on the Spark Whitening website was a 1-month supply of the system, which includes 2 mouth trays, 2 syringes of bleaching solution, and a shade chart, for $129.99 plus $10.91 S&H.
However, there was a free trial and autoship program enrollment (called the Constant Dazzler Club) noted in Spark Whitening's Terms & Conditions. If you enrolled, this means you'd continue receiving a 30-day supply of Spark Whitening once every 30 days, and your credit card would be charged $129.99 plus $10.91 S&H each time.
Although this option wasn't available when we attempted to check out, in general, we recommend avoiding any products sold only through a free trial and subsequent autoship program.
Spark Whitening comes with a 30-day refund policy, less S&H charges, although this only applies to "product [that] is unopened with its seal intact and in good, marketable condition without package blemishes." If this isn't the case, you'll be assessed a $19.60 destruction/repackaging fee.
In order to request a refund, you'll need to contact Spark Whitening's customer service at 866-711-2831.
Can Spark Whitening Give You a Whiter Smile?
Chopping to the point: In short, because Spark Whitening's primary ingredient has been used for so long, it's likely. However, you can realistically only expect 1-2 shades of whitening, although this can be improved with continued, regular use.
Despite this, solely because of Spark Whitening's ultra-high price and the manufacturer's relatively poor online customer reputation, we might recommend exploring local, less expensive options before placing your order.
SEE ALSO: How to Choose an At-Home Teeth Whitening System That Works
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
I am furious!
I was led to believe that I was only paying shipping for a free sample, not a free trial that would automatically start billing my credit card $94+ per month. I did cancel as soon as I realized it, but they won't give me back the $94.31 credit card charge for a product I never wanted.
I'm going to do everything I can to get my money back, but I wanted to warn as many people as possible as soon as possible. I wish I had seen all these complaints before I agreed to their crappy free sample. Do not give these people ANY information about yourself; not your email address, not your mailing address and certainly not your credit card number!
It's a crappy product that is in no way worth $94+ per month, which is precisely why they are using such shady, unethical tactics to rope people into this outrageous scam. I am furious!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Professional Scam Artist
I highly recommend that all consumers stay clear of this business along with any products advertised. I rarely make online purchases without conducting a minimum amount of research. Going to blogs are for the most part, not relevant research tools, especially when connected to those with a vested interest. Locating independent blogs that incorporate a platform for authentic evaluations along with consumer protection in its core can be a challenge.
Like many others, I made the error of purchasing the Spark Whitening product for my wife. The process was quite simple; having completed an order form at their site that stated, just pay $1.03 plus $3.87 S & P. This order was for their 10 day trial period; however just 5 days later my account was billed for $94.31.
Immediately, I called to inquire about the additional charge prior to the 10 day trail period. It was my flawed thinking that one should at least receive the product first before any trail period was to began. Furthermore, it was my lack of insight relating to this business model that led me to believe that bringing this matter to their attention would render an amicable resolution.
After informing them that I was not in receipt of their product and no longer wanted to complete the purchase, I was instructed to return the product upon receipt and fax a confirmation of the returned item. I did receive the sample as well as an email confirming the cancellation of any additional orders that same day.
It has been 2 weeks since this ordeal began and today I decided to call Spark Whitening to check the status of the refund. I already know what most of you are guessing; but no, the refund was not in the mail. I am just as surprised as you are (sic). After explaining to a customer service rep that the order was cancelled, and never delivered and thus I was not required to fax anything to them. The rep informed me that I was being held liable for this infraction of not following instructions and forfeited all but $14 of the amount tendered. After a moment of silence, which was to try to understand their logic I informed the rep that this matter would certainly be reported to BBB as well as the fraud department at my bank. Please do not do business with this company. If you insist on purchasing this product, then do so from a reputable entity.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
I think this is a scam
I sent for the FREE sample. I understood that I had to pay shipping ($4.00). I received the FREE sample and they also sent me the complete program and charged my account $94.31. I called and canceled this so called membership. I was assured that my membership was cancelled with an email and confirmation number. My $94.31 was not refunded. When I called they told me that I can get a 60% refund or a 75% if I returned the product. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told all the supervisors were in a meeting for an hour. I am planning to call them back. But for now I only get $54.00 back. I haven't even tried to use the product yet and I don't intend to so that I can return it.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
It's a total scam, but I beat it
I ordered the free trial sample, then canceled my order before the eight day trial period, and they still charged my account. When I called to discuss it, they told me that my order wasn't canceled in time, that I was mistaken, refused to refund my money, and hung up on me numerous times. I was so mad and frustrated that what should have been a simple phone call, turned out to be a shouting match, with me stating that I was going to call my lawyer, report them to the BBB, and that I was sending the police to their establishment. After researching their location and getting set to voicemail at the BBB, I realized that what I promised could not be delivered in a quick enough timeframe. So I called my bank, canceled my card, filed a claim, and got all my money back! Haha, who's mistaken now?
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
Scam, watch out
The actual product is acceptable, but the manner in which Spark Whitening goes about collecting money is nothing short of outrageous! They sent me a sample and then told me that I had to already received my sample, which is not true. They charged me $99 for what I did receive, which should actually have been my sample. They could never get their story together so I canceled my subscription, which is too bad because the product is actually pretty good.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
8 out 8 people found this review helpful
Spark Whitening - do not order from this company.
I have gotten a 35% carbamide from a dentist and I can tell the difference in 1 application.I have used this several times and seen not one bit of difference. They also send you a trial and then before a week is up, they send you another one for almost $90. I got the one from my dentist for $99 for a years supply. My dentist retired so I thought I would try this out. It didn't work. This company would not accept a return and proceeded to send out an additional set of pens and I got stuck with it. My credit card company tried to reach a resolution with this company but they have an iron clad fine print with no returns whatsoever. I just don't want anyone else to get suckered into this deal.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
Beware of the free offer. It's only a free 10 days, then you pay.
First of, all I received was a paste gel and no tray piece to apply my gel into. Second, the whitening kit free trial has an element of scam. It's only free for 10 days and not really free. Free to me is totally free, no limitations. After free trial, I can understand the next time you pay for the product. But the first time should be really free. So you should say - buy the product for $97 dollars and if you don't want it, you have 10 days to return and not be charged. This is a forge of words by using the word free - it's not free. So beware. And you don't get your "free" money back either. Scam. I want my money back.
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend


text:
"Make Me Pink" is a bit misleading of a name in my opinion. If I could give it a better name, I'd choose Make Me Mauve.
This purplish, mauve-y color doesn't have much pink at all. Don't get me wrong, it's a pretty color but I don't understand why it's called Make Me Pink. So the color was definitely disappointing seeing how they advertized it as a …Read more
About reviewer (170 reviews)
SkinSensitive, Fair, Not Sure
HairBrown, Other, Other


text:
WASHINGTON — Holiday shopping, strong auto sales and a recovering housing market helped boost the U.S. economy from the middle of November through early January, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday.
The Fed said 12 of its regional banking districts reported "modest or moderate" growth in the final weeks of 2012. Of those, only St. Louis said growth had slowed from the previous survey, which covered October through early November.
Consumers increased spending at the end of the year in every district. Auto sales were steady or stronger in 10 districts. Nearly all of the districts reported increases in home construction and home sales.
Still, employers in some parts of the country delayed hiring because of uncertainty over the fiscal cliff. Congress and the White House reached a deal on Jan. 1 to prevent sharp income tax increases from hitting most Americans. But they put off decisions on government spending cuts.
The report, called the Beige Book, provides anecdotal information on economic conditions through Jan. 4. Overall, analysts said the survey showed the economy looked better at the end of the year.
"Despite concerns about the dreaded fiscal cliff, the economy looks to have improved slightly in recent months," said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. He said the latest survey probably had not fully captured the improvement in business sentiment that has occurred with the January deal to avoid most income tax increases.
Congress must still decide what to do about automatic spending cuts that are now set to take effect in March.
The survey showed that companies in six districts — San Francisco, Boston, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago and Kansas City — held off on hiring because of those looming cuts. Many of the companies are in the defense industry, which is slated for some of the cuts.
The information collected for the Beige Book survey will be used as the basis for the Fed's policy discussion at the Jan. 29-30 meeting. The Fed last month said it planned to keep its key short-term interest rate at a record low even after unemployment falls close to a normal level — which it said might take three more years.


text:
Please Note: Any 3rd Party Rebates/Coupons Are Not Valid
Coast to Coast Furniture is know for there high end designer style home furnishings at an affordable price!The 1027 collection features four glass doors, turned pedestal legs and a distressed finish that's available in TEAL, GREY and CREAM.
The 1027 Credenza by Coast to Coast Furnishings at Furniture Fair - North Carolina in the Jacksonville, Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Wilmington NC area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.
The 1027 collection is a great option if you are looking for furniture in the Jacksonville, Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Wilmington NC area.
Browse other items in the 1027 collection from Furniture Fair - North Carolina in the Jacksonville, Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Rocky Mount, Wilmington NC area.
This item has been tagged as: Living Room Furniture, Accent Furniture, Occasional Furniture, Cabinet, Cabinet Tables, Storage Tables, Small Storage Cabinet, Chairside Cabinet, Short Cabinet, Accent Cabinet, Commode, Cocktail Tables, Lift – Top Cocktail Table, Storage Table, Cocktail Coffee Table, Cocktail Table with Storage, Coffee Table, Lift – Top Coffee Table, Coffee Table with Storage, Couch Table, Magazine Storage, Sitting Room Tables, End Table, Chairside Table, Coffee and End Tables, Furniture End Tables, Accent Table, Lamp Table, Pedestal Table, Hall Tree, Storage Hall Tree, Hall Tree with Storage, Coat Rack, Hall Tree Coat Rack, Entry Hall Tree, Hat Rack, Hall Trees with Benches, Bench and Hall Tree, Clothes Tree, Hall Tree Furniture, Entry Furniture, Foyer Furniture, Sofa Table, Furniture Sofa Table, Console Table, Sofa Console Tables, Sofa End Table, Secretary Desk, Table Desk, Wine Rack, Wine Glass Rack, Wine Storage, Wine Bottle Storage, Wine Storage Rack, Wine Bottle Rack, Cabinet Wine Rack, Wine Glass Storage, Wine Storage Cabinet, Larder, Kitchen Storage, Dining Room Storage, Occasional Tables
Nothing on this page may be copied or reproduced without explicit permission.


text:
In an interview last Monday, Ms Asante said the board was to ensure that anyone who used folklore for commercial purposes such as using a Ghanaian proverb in a rap song or 'Adinkra' symbol as logo of companies must pay for it.
Ms Asante described folklore as ways in which culture was expressed, including singing, acting, eating, dressing, creating things, performing rights and celebrating festivals, which are everyday activities.
The acting director said the Adinkra symbols were codes of communication which signified strengths and weaknesses, and therefore, anyone using them as logos should compensate the owner of that folklore.
"The move is not to deter anyone from using our folklore because it is a way of promoting Ghana's folklore, but we have to ensure that there is a balance. You duly compensate the owners and contribute to the development of the nation," she said.
She said the board had started a sensitisation programme to enlighten individuals and organisations on the use of folklore and the need to make the necessary compensations to the State.
She said the payments would be done in consultation with a law firm to ensure transparency and accountability.
"During our celebration of the World Folklore Day last month, we had a symposium on the role of folklore and intellectual property in branding Ghana and that is where the sensitisation began," she said.
Ms Asante said UNESCO figures indicated that 29 million people were employed in the culture and creative arts industry worldwide.
However, only 1.98 per cent of Ghana's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was from culture, which showed that the country had not done enough.
She said the country's folklore had potential; hence, the need to improve on it to drive economic growth.
"Culture is our way of life and that is the easiest way to make money. We will be able to work better if we love what we do, package it well and make it uniquely ours," she said.
She urged Ghanaians to repackage the country's indigenous products such as "Alata samina", referred to as "African Black soap" so as to compete favourably on the global market to maximise profit.
Answering a question as to whether the board was certain that every folklore item was Ghanaian, Ms Asante said: "Sometimes there is contention that the ownership of folklore crosses certain borders, but the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation with a team of experts to adjudicate as to who owns which aspects of folklore, so till another country lays claims, it is yours"
Read Full Story


text:
Why Jane Austen's eleventh letter was a milestone in her life
Ashton Dennis from the 'voices of men' and contributor to The Loiter, is an adent Austen supporter exploring her novels from a male perspective. His article, "I was too proud to make any inquiries", discusses the poignancy of Jane's eleventh letter dated 17th of November, 1798, to her sister, Cassandra. Ashton asserts that the eleventh letter was a milestone in life of Jane Austen.
I wish to discuss a letter written by Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra on November 17 of 1798. This is the eleventh letter in the most recent edition of Jane Austen's letters published by Deirdre Le Faye (1997) and the tenth in the first collection of her letters published by her grand-nephew (Lord Brabourne, 1884). The latter reference is available on line at the Brabourne Collection. Let me begin with an observation: If Goethe himself or even if one of the Russians had written this letter for a fictional character, he would have been very proud of himself—and for good reason. I find the letter to be very interesting and very affecting and I suspect that you will as well. Several biographers point to the most important passages in the letter, the ones dealing with her meeting with Madame Lefroy, but I want to do something more. I will discuss those in the context of other passages in the letter because only in that way can the full impact be felt.
First I must provide some background. Jane Austen was twenty-two years old, and a month shy of her twenty-third birthday. The family home was still at Steventon at this date and Jane was writing from there. Cassandra was visiting their brother's estate ("Godmersham") in Kent. To an Englishwoman of this time, it must have seemed that her world was coming undone. 1798 was the year of the Irish Rebellion and only a year after the Naval mutinies at Nore and at Spithead. Jane's "sailor" brothers were at war with the French and the names of Napoleon and Nelson were much in the news (however, their greatest moments were yet to come). This was the end of a five-year period of bad harvests, financial crises, and there was a good deal of social unrest—there was talk of revolution. The King was demented and that was becoming public knowledge. Public matters were all a mess.
In contrast, Jane herself was nearing the end of her first great creative period. She had completed the first draft of Pride and Prejudice (nee First Impressions) in the previous year and her dad had offered it for publication at that time. It is important for what I have to say to note that this offer was turned away by the publisher. In that same previous year, she had begun the conversion of Elinor and Marianne from its epistolary form into the manuscript we know as Sense and Sensibility. In the same year as the letter, 1798, she had written the first draft of Susan which later became Northanger Abbey. Good Lord!—remember, she was only twenty-two years old. Again, it is important to notice that the eleventh letter marks the end of this productive period and she would not have another burst of creativity for nearly a decade. That observation alone should arouse your interest in the eleventh letter even if nothing else does.
The more significant portion of background information is of a personal nature and so let us turn to that. Everything relevant to our discussion evolves from Jane Austen's friendship with a neighbor, Mrs. Lefroy. Anne Lefroy was the wife of the Rector of Ashe, an Oxford man of good family and pleasing manners. The wife was known in the neighborhood as "Madame" Lefroy out of respect for her considerable charm and as an acknowledgement of the impressive connections in both her family and in that of her husband. Madame was generous, vivacious, energetic, kind, and liberal minded [Honan, Chapter 3]. This was a woman much admired by her neighbors. And, admired by you and I as well because she chose to make Jane Austen her particular friend even though "Madame" came from the same generation as Jane's mother. Everyone in Jane's family recognized and applauded Jane's talents, but here was a literate outsider who saw what might be in store for our culture, and that was confirmation indeed.
Fateful events took place in late 1795 and early 1796, nearly three years before Jane would write the eleventh letter. Madame's husband had a brother who commanded the 9th Light Dragoons, and this brother had a handsome son, Tom Lefroy. Tom had a single, important benefactor, his Grand-Uncle Benjamin Langlois who was, in fact, Madame's uncle. The young man had completed his studies at Trinity College, Dublin and was much in need of rest before going to live with Uncle Benjamin and completing his preparation for the law. As a result, he was invited to the Rectory at Ashe for a bit of R & R. While there, he and Jane Austen fell in love. Here are some excerpts from her letters to Cassandra during this romance.
(Saturday, January 10, 1796)
"In the first place, I hope you will live twenty-three years longer. Mr. Tom Lefroy's birthday was yesterday, so that you are very near of an age. After this preamble I shall proceed to tell you that we had an exceedingly good ball last night, ... Mr H. began with Elizabeth, and afterwards danced with her again; but they do not know how to be particular. I flatter myself, however, that they will profit by the three successive lessons I have given them. You scold me so much in the nice long letter which I have this moment received from you, that I am almost afraid to tell you how my Irish friend and I behaved. Imagine to yourself everything most profligate and shocking in the way of dancing and sitting down together. I can expose myself, however, only once more, because he leaves the country soon after next Friday, on which day we are to have a dance at Ashe after all. He is a very gentlemanlike, good-looking, pleasant young man, I assure you. But as to our having ever met, except at these last three balls, I cannot say much; for he is so excessively laughed at about me at Ashe, that he is ashamed of coming to Steventon, and ran away when we called on Mrs. Lefroy a few days ago. ... After I had written the above, we received a visit from Mr. Tom Lefroy and his cousin George. The latter is well behaved now; and as for the other, he has but one fault, which time will, I trust, entirely remove—it is that his morning coat is a great deal too light. He is a great admirer of Tom Jones, and therefore wears the same colored clothes, I imagine, which he did when he was wounded. ..."
[LeFaye-97, #1]
So vivacious, and all a flutter—Incidentally, Jane was less than one month past her twentieth birthday and, to a person of such an age, a grant of a mere twenty-three additional years to a sister might seem generous or even excessive. There is so much more, but where do I begin? The scolding being passed on by Cassandra was an echo of the sort of thing that Tom was sensing at Ashe; Madame was upset with him; there was simply no money for such a match. In the case of another relative, Grand-Uncle Langlois had given clear demonstration that he would not tolerate a match of this nature; Tom would be cut off from fortune and connections. Madame was quite aware that a large number of the Lefroys would be Tom's dependents (Park Honan sets the number of dependents at seventeen!), and to meet that responsibility, he must study hard and, above all, he must marry well. Tom was being sent away from Ashe and he would never be invited back.
Observe that Jane wrote "...(he) ran away when we called on Mrs. Lefroy a few days ago". There were, perhaps, two reasons for that; partly this must be due to the pressure that Tom was receiving and, partly, it may have been due to his nature. Honan says this about him: "... He was a dutiful boy with such a 'kind disposition and affectionate heart'... He was also shy and reticent. ... probably alert enough to know that his 'foreign' Dublin inflections would do him little good in Hampshire; he might best keep his mouth shut. ... he was tidy and immaculate ... with a tendency to display a hauteur caused by 'great shyness'. Jane responded to his stupid silences; she admired his conservative air. She had much in common with him in outlook. A political novelist might have put them together. She decided to fall in love, ...". [Honan, Chapter 8] There was one situation in which Tom could put aside his shyness, he was excellent at debate. And, actually, a novelist would put them together--in Pride and Prejudice.
We could pause here and discuss so much more; for example, it is amusing to note that this minister's daughter is quite familiar with Fielding's ribald classic and teases her "Irish friend" in an easy way about it. (And, yes, those first few meetings when in love are like a wounding are they not?) But none of that is to the point. Instead, I must continue with the excerpts. This is from that same week.
(Thursday, January 14 - Friday, January 15, 1796)
"...Our party to Ashe to-morrow night will consist of Edward Cooper, James (for a ball is nothing without him), Buller, who is now staying with us, & I—I look forward with great impatience to it, as I rather expect to receive an offer from my friend in the course of the evening. I shall refuse him, however, unless he promises to give away his white Coat. Friday.—At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, & when you receive this, it will be over—My tears flow as I write this, at this melancholy idea. ..."
[LeFaye-97, #2]
Yes, laugh and joke Jane, that is your way. And so Tom Lefroy was sent away as Jane Austen was left to invent her cover of jocular indifference. All the while, she was collecting and copying out Irish songs, perhaps for that time when he might return by invitation or otherwise. Her time would have been better spent doing other things. And she did better things; she wrote the first draft of the novel that you and I know as Pride and Prejudice. It is a story about a young man who, as his housekeeper would relate, was always kind and affectionate as a boy and as a man. Not many would guess that, because he was the kind of man that displayed an hauteur caused by great shyness. An hauteur that got him into great trouble because it led him to make such a terrible and misleading first impression. This was the Jane Austen character who was too silent in unfamiliar company and would only show his wit when challenged to deadly debate by the woman he loved. This was Fitzwilliam Darcy. I have offered this opinion of Darcy's nature in another place. Darcy was not the perfect copy of Jane's Irish friend because she decided to liberate this copy by bestowing upon him a great personal fortune. In this way, Darcy was given independence and freedom-of-action that Tom Lefroy was never to possess.
I want to point to something else in Pride and Prejudice; I want to point to a conversation between Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner. (Incidentally, "Gardiner" was the maiden name of Tom's mother (Honan spells it "Gardner"); however, it should be noted that the name also appears in other contexts in JA's biography.) Elizabeth was displaying a growing affection for the penniless Wickham and the good aunt wished to head her off:
" 'You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you on your guard. Do not involve yourself, or endeavor to involve him in an affection which the want of fortune would make so imprudent. ... But as it is - you have sense, and we all expect you to use it. ...'
'My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed.'
'Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise.'
'Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. I will take care of myself, and of Mr. Wickham too. He shall not be in love with me, if I can prevent it.'
'Elizabeth, you are not serious now.'
'I beg your pardon. I will try again. ... In short my dear aunt, I should be very sorry to be the means of making any of you unhappy; but since we see every day that where there is affection young people are seldom withheld by immediate want of fortune, from entering into engagements with each other, how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow creatures, if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it will be wisdom to resist? All I can promise you, therefore, is not to be in a hurry. ... In short I will do my best. ... But really, and upon my honor, I will try to do what I think to be wisest; and now, I hope you are satisfied.'
Her aunt assured her that she was, and Elizabeth having thanked her for the kindness of her hints, they parted; a wonderful instance of advice being given on such a point, without being resented." [Chapter 26]
This may have been written at a time when Jane Austen herself might have liked to make such a pert, cleverly evasive reply to a few people. In any case, both Mr. Wickham and Mr. Tom Lefroy proved themselves to be more practical than Elizabeth Bennet.
We can only imagine the feelings of Mrs. Lefroy. Many would condemn her, much as they condemn Darcy's interference in Bingley's love affair, or Emma Woodhouse's meddling, or the guidance of Lady Russell given to Anne Elliot. Many of our generation would condemn these actions, but I do not. Who can observe the divorce rates, domestic cruelty, and the alienated sexes of our generation and then imagine that the current culture has anything useful to offer on these matters? The truth is that the choice of a marriage partner is one of the most important and more difficult tasks that any of us attempt. And, we are called to this task at a very early age. We can only hope to do this well if we at least listen to the observations of our friends and, surely, we should heed the advice of the wiser, more experienced members of our family and community.
Still, while we have our divorce rates, those in Jane Austen's circle would have their heartbreaks. Madame Lefroy would have been conscious of that and the realization must have brought her the greatest pain. Perhaps she could make some compensation? It appears that she tried to provide Jane some compensation by making a good match for her young, dearest friend. Madame Lefroy had a young male friend, a certain Samuel Blackall who was a fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Honan describes him this way: "No Cambridge College has wined and dined a man more pleased with himself. ... and on near inspection proved to be as grand as Mr Collins of Pride and Prejudice, who resembles him in the pontifical mode of address and the unbearable heaviness of his discussion of the lightest matters of everyday life. ..." [Honan, Chapter 9]. OK, but perhaps he would prove to be suitable compensation for Madame's young friend. It appears that he took the hint and pursued Miss Jane with all the correct intentions.
From that point in 1796, Jane Austen's letters would never be quite as happy; certainly, there were other balls and dancing but the taste for it all had disappeared. That brings us to November of 1798 when Jane sat down to write the eleventh letter to Cassandra. She wrote to tell her sister of a visit. This was written three years after Tom had left the neighborhood; England was being delivered to hell in a hand basket; a publisher had refused to even read her manuscript of First Impressions (Pride and Prejudice); and, Madame Lefroy had just called, perhaps to support Blackall's suit.
Jane couldn't bear to start the letter with the most important matters, she begins with some information about their mother's health. Then, she turns to main point: "So much for my patient—now for myself. Mrs. Lefroy did come last Wednesday, and the Harwoods came likewise, but very considerately paid their visit before Mrs. Lefroy's arrival, with whom, in spite of interruptions both from my father and James, I was enough alone to hear all that was interesting, which you will easily credit when I tell you that of her nephew she said nothing at all, and of her friend very little. She did not once mention the name of the former to me, and I was too proud to make any inquiries; but on my father's afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise." Good for you, Papa! At this point, it seems that the interview turned to a discussion of Samuel Blackall: "She showed me a letter which she had received from her friend a few weeks ago (in answer to one written by her to recommend a nephew of Mrs. Russell to his notice at Cambridge), towards the end of which was a sentence to this effect: 'I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Austen's illness. It would give me particular pleasure to have an opportunity of improving my acquaintance with that family—with a hope of creating to myself a nearer interest. But at present I cannot indulge any expectation of it.' This is rational enough; there is less love and more sense in it than sometimes appeared before, and I am very well satisfied. It will all go on exceedingly well, and decline away in a very reasonable manner. There seems no likelihood of his coming into Hampshire this Christmas, and it is therefore most probable that our indifference will soon be mutual, unless his regard, which appeared to spring from knowing nothing of me at first, is best supported by never seeing me. Mrs. Lefroy made no remarks in the letter, nor did she indeed say anything about him as relative to me. Perhaps she thinks she has said too much already." Yes, perhaps she had.
And what of Jane Austen's mood on November 17, 1798?—That is what I would like to know. Buried in the letter is this comment: "My mother desires me to tell you that I am a very good housekeeper, which I have no reluctance in doing, because I really think it my peculiar excellence, ..." It is a joke of course, but one that can be read on several levels. I can't help but recall that she had been rejected at the publishers and, if you think about it, she had been rejected at the Ashe Rectory as well. She very well might have had a gloomy view of her place in the world. At another place she wrote "I am very fond of experimental housekeeping, such as having an ox-cheek now and then, I shall have one next week, and I mean to have some little dumplings put into it, that I may fancy myself at Godmersham". She had been at Kent, earlier in the year, with Cassandra and her parents; but it was Cassandra that stayed on when the rest of the party left to return home. It would always be like that, Cassandra would be favored by the sister-in-law, Cassandra was the one who fit in better with the high-toned society at Godmersham.
For me the very worst is this passage; "There is to be a ball at Basingstoke next Thursday. Our assemblies have very kindly declined ever since we laid down the carriage, so that dis-convenience and dis-inclination to go have kept pace together". That must be painful to anyone who has read Persuasion and can remember Anne Elliot's growing "dis-inclination" to dance and the reason for it. And what can be said about the recipient of the letter? What do we know of Cassandra's mood? Well - nothing obviously, but we would guess that she was very unhappy. Cassandra was an Austen and that means that she was amiable and good spirited in public. In private, she was still grieving; in November of 1798, it had only been a bit more than a year since she had learned that her fiancé had died suddenly of yellow fever while on a tour of the Caribbean. The sisters had much in common, did they not? Well, there it is--there is my view of things. I know that others will have alternative interpretations and I will be interested to see them. For my part, I will only argue for plausibility. There is one point that I will hold firmly to, however; the eleventh letter is a milestone in the life of Jane Austen and someone in the community ought get it right. Finally, here is the complete text of the letter - read it and weep.
Saturday, November 17, 1798.
My Dear Cassandra,
If you paid any attention to the conclusion of my last letter, you will be satisfied, before you receive this, that my mother has had no relapse, and that Miss Debary comes. The former continues to recover, and though she does not gain strength very rapidly, my expectations are humble enough not to outstride her improvements. She was able to sit up nearly eight hours yesterday, and today I hope we shall do as much. . .
So much for my patient—now for myself.
Mrs. Lefroy did come last Wednesday, and the Harwoods came likewise, but very considerately paid their visit before Mrs. Lefroy's arrival, with whom, in spite of interruptions both from my father and James, I was enough alone to hear all that was interesting, which you will easily credit when I tell you that of her nephew she said nothing at all, and of her friend very little. She did not once mention the name of the former to me, and I was too proud to make any inquiries; but on my father's afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise.
She showed me a letter which she had received from her friend a few weeks ago (in answer to one written by her to recommend a nephew of Mrs. Russell to his notice at Cambridge), towards the end of which was a sentence to this effect: "I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Austen's illness. It would give me particular pleasure to have an opportunity of improving my acquaintance with that family—with a hope of creating to myself a nearer interest. But at present I cannot indulge any expectation of it." This is rational enough; there is less love and more sense in it than sometimes appeared before, and I am very well satisfied. It will all go on exceedingly well, and decline away in a very reasonable manner. There seems no likelihood of his coming into Hampshire this Christmas, and it is therefore most probable that our indifference will soon be mutual, unless his regard, which appeared to spring from knowing nothing of me at first, is best supported by never seeing me.
Mrs. Lefroy made no remarks in the letter, nor did she indeed say anything about him as relative to me. Perhaps she thinks she has said too much already. She saw a great deal of the Mapletons while she was in Bath. Christian is still in a very bad state of health, consumptive, and not likely to recover.
Mrs. Portman is not much admired in Dorsetshire; the good-natured world, as usual, extolled her beauty so highly, that all the neighbourhood have had the pleasure of being disappointed.
My mother desires me to tell you that I am a very good housekeeper, which I have no reluctance in doing, because I really think it my peculiar excellence, and for this reason—I always take care to provide such things as please my own appetite, which I consider as the chief merit in housekeeping. I have had some ragout veal, and I mean to have some haricot mutton tomorrow. We are to kill a pig soon.
There is to be a ball at Basingstoke next Thursday. Our assemblies have very kindly declined ever since we laid down the carriage, so that dis-convenience and dis-inclination to go have kept pace together.
My father's affection for Miss Cuthbert is as lively as ever, and he begs that you will not neglect to send him intelligence of her or her brother, whenever you have any to send. I am likewise to tell you that one of his Leicestershire sheep, sold to the butcher last week, weighed 27 lb. and 1/4 per quarter.
I went to Deane with my father two days ago to see Mary, who is still plagued with the rheumatism, which she would be very glad to get rid of, and still more glad to get rid of her child, of whom she is heartily tired. Her nurse is come and has no particular charm either of person or manner; but as all the Hurstbourne world pronounce her to be the best nurse that ever was, Mary expects her attachment to increase.
What fine weather this is! Not very becoming perhaps early in the morning, but very pleasant out of doors at noon, and very wholesome—at least everybody fancies so, and imagination is everything. To Edward, however, I really think dry weather of importance. I have not taken to fires yet.
I believe I never told you that Mrs. Coulthard and Anne, late of Manydown, are both dead, and both died in childbed. We have not regaled Mary with this news. Harry St. John is in Orders, has done duty at Ashe, and performs very well.
I am very fond of experimental housekeeping, such as having an ox-cheek now and then, I shall have one next week, and I mean to have some little dumplings put into it, that I may fancy myself at Godmersham.
I hope George was pleased with my designs. Perhaps they would have suited him as well had they been less elaborately finished; but an artist cannot do anything slovenly. I suppose baby grows and improves.
Sunday.—I have just received a note from James to say that Mary was brought to bed last night, at eleven o'clock, of a fine little boy, and that everything is going on very well. My mother had desired to know nothing of it before it should be all over, and we were clever enough to prevent her having any suspicion of it, though Jenny, who had been left here by her mistress, was sent for home. ...
I called yesterday on Betty Londe, who inquired particularly after you, and said she seemed to miss you very much, because you used to call in upon her very often. This was an oblique reproach at me, which I am sorry to have merited, and from which I will profit. I shall send George another picture when I write next, which I suppose will be soon, on Mary's account. My mother continues well.
To: Miss Austen, Godmersham.
That little boy, born on Saturday evening, would grow up to become Jane Austen's first biographer. A year after this letter, Tom married an heiress and Jane Austen would never mention him again. This Irish friend would eventually rise to the post of Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. Jane Austen would be raised much higher, but only after rousing herself from the long dormant period that followed her eleventh letter.
For further information: http://www.theloiterer.org/ashton/letter11.html
Fashionable Georgian and Regency JewelleryNext Article
The Basingstoke Ball - a poem by Mrs Cassandra Austen
Blog TagsBooks, Theatre Reviews, Films, Interviews, Book Reviews, Theatre Shows, Latest News, History, Food and Beverages, Writers, Tours, The Knight family cookbook, Jane Austen Video, An Experimental Cook


text: ASP.NET futures release is shipped today, you can read more about it at http://www.asp.net/downloads/futures/default.aspx?tabid=62. ________________________________ From: users-bounces at lists.ironpython.com [users-bounces at lists.ironpython.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Chu [redmoon17 at gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 9:28 PM To: Discussion of IronPython Subject: Re: [IronPython] IronPython 2.0 Alpha 1 Released I want to know IronPython for ASP.NET<http://ASP.NET> have any changes? On 5/1/07, Sanghyeon Seo <sanxiyn at gmail.com<mailto:sanxiyn at gmail.com>> wrote: 2007/5/1, Guy Robinson <info at r-e-d.co.nz<mailto:info at r-e-d.co.nz>>: > How does the DLR affect IP2.0 on mono platforms? Will IP2.0 only run on > Windows? I can't compile IP 2.0a1 with Mono 220.127.116.11<http://18.104.22.168> at the moment, but I see no reason why it can't be done once relevant compiler bugs are fixed and missing classes and methods implemented. -- Seo Sanghyeon _______________________________________________ users mailing list users at lists.ironpython.com<mailto:users at lists.ironpython.com> http://lists.ironpython.com/listinfo.cgi/users-ironpython.com -- Once in a Redmoon -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://mail.python.org/pipermail/ironpython-users/attachments/20070430/b679fab4/attachment.html>


text:
I don't get to see my friend Jackie very often so when we do see each other, we make sure it's for at least a weekend. I headed upstate for her birthday in April and spent Easter weekend with her family. It was a weekend of treating ourselves and we held nothing back in terms of food and drinks. We had the most delicious hibachi birthday dinner and at the end of the meal, the restaurant gifted Jackie with a balloon animal and photo. We also devoured cake batter ice cream with Fruity Pebbles waffle cones and had ourselves some late night Dunkin runs for coffee.
Easter was spent with Jackie's big Italian family, who I adore so very much. An Easter egg hunt was set up for the kids and I had my camera, Debbie, with me to capture all the adorable moments. Baby Cassano and his old man outfit was the cutest thing I've ever seen. I love when babies and kids wear miniature adult clothing. For dinner, we sat down at Jackie's grandparents' long dinner table where I've enjoyed so many meals with the entire family. We had homemade ravioli, ham, sweet potatoes, and salad (much to the jealousy of my boyfriend who was getting plate by plate updates and was missing out).
In between servings, the family played with my Fujifilm Instax and were delighted to see the photos instantly develop. It's always so fun to use that camera around people who haven't seen a Polaroid camera in ages. Using the Instax never fails to stir up feelings of nostalgia and endless smiles. And having a tangible photo seems to be so rare these days in the digital age, so having those physical photos becomes truly special mementos. It was such a lovely weekend visiting my dear friend and I'm glad to have spent her birthday with her. In the midst of the every day chaos of graduate school, it is always so refreshing to get away and enjoy quality time with those you love most.


text:
Cheryl plans to quit her £3.5million mansion "lock, stock and barrel" before husband Ashley comes home.
The X Factor babe told pals the Surrey pad holds too many painful memories after discovering Ashley had allegedly cheated on her.
She hopes to have moved out completely before the Chelsea and England star gets the all-clear from medics to leave the French sports injury clinic where he is being treated for a broken ankle.
Cheryl, 26, has viewed two luxury properties nearby and wants Ashley to buy her out of her share of the posh pad.
In the meantime, the Girls Aloud singer plans to rent somewhere.
Ashley, 29, is desperate to get home before she leaves so he can try to convince her to give him another chance.
His injury is due to be re-assessed by medics tomorrow at the CERS clinic in Capbreton.
Ashley was due to fly home on Tuesday but his leg had not healed as well as doctors had hoped.
They told him if he ignored advice and left to see his wife as planned, he would be putting his chances of playing in this summer's World Cup at risk.
Yesterday he cut a lonely figure in the clinic's oceanfront gym as six inches of snow fell on the surfers' paradise.
A fellow patient said: "He looked like a man on a mission – head down saying nothing. His life is a serious business right now."
A source close to Cheryl said: "She wants to be gone before he gets home. She doesn't want to see him.
"Her plan is to have her stuff out of the house before he flies home, then if they do meet, she can dictate the terms.
"The house holds too many memories after everything that has gone on. He can have it.
"She's going lock, stock and barrel.
"She's already looking for somewhere else for her, her mum and her two dogs."
Ironically, Cole tried to blame his mum-in-law Joan, 50, for their split, claiming her being there ruined his sex life.


text:
The South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC) is committed to improve quality of care and to ensure all patients receive the right care, at the right time, every time. As the designated QIO-Like Entity for South Dakota, SDFMC performs medical case review for Medicaid patients across the state.
SDFMC also serves as a partner of the Great Plains Quality Innovations Network, the quality innovation network-quality improvement organization (QIN-QIO) for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services serving Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.


text:
You are here: Home > Store Catalog > SOLIDWORKS Training > SOLIDWORKS Electrical Training >
Shop for electrical design training courses for SolidWorks Electrical 2D or 3D products, and SolidWorks Routing Add-in included with SolidWorks Premium software.
The SolidWorks Routing course explains how to create, edit and manage Electrical routes, with the SolidWorks Routing Add-in from the critical routing components and their design requirements to the sub-assemblies that contain the routes.
Duration: 2 Days
(Price per attendee)
Javelin Blog
Javelin Flickr
Javelin Blog RSS
What's New RSS
Since 1997 Javelin has helped thousands of companies with solutions for mechanical design, electrical design and rapid prototyping. Large or small, we have the skills and experience to propel your organization to new heights. Learn More »
© Copyright Javelin Technologies Inc.
3457 Superior Court, Unit #1, Oakville Ontario, Canada, L6L 0C4
1-877-219-6757 | firstname.lastname@example.com
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions


text:
Archives - October 2011
Kitten Found in Box by Dumpster
Grino | October 24, 2011
Marli the Cardboard Box Rescue
Marli is a wonderfully happy kitten considering her rough start to life.
Marli was found abandoned in a cardboard box by a dumpster behind a gas station. Luckily, she was found by someone who knew to call VOKRA and we are overjoyed to now have Marli with us.
See happy ending below!
WEll now for the good news. We found an ad on craigslist and called it. This lucky little kitten is back home with owner
She was found only a short while ago in another area...closed in a box in the middle of a road. Seems to have a bit of a theme going. She is dearly loved and a pal with the owners original cat. They both got out through a screen and only the older cat came back. As she was found in a box in a dumpster it is more than likely that someone found her and put her there..as she could not have made it in on own. Please check all your windows and screens for strength and put a collar on your cats..INDOOR CAT and your phone number.. this is fastest way to have them returned safely.. A happy ending for this sweet kitty.
Vote VOKRA Everyday to Win $$
Grino | October 3, 2011
Vote everyday! it is easy and VOKRA wins $$ in the Aviva Community Fund!
Vote Everyday until Starting Dec 5th again!
Vote everyday! it is easy and VOKRA wins $$ in the Aviva Community Fund!
Voting starts again on Dec 5th for the semi-finals. If we make it past the semi-finals, into the finals, then the next step is for AVIVA to choose the winners of the Grant Money!
VOKRA needs about 5000 votes to be in the top 10 to have a chance at winning much needed Grant money! That's about 300 people to vote for us with all their 15 votes! And with 1500+ Facebook Fans, we know we can do it!
Thanks, Fans.
Allan Palmer
Grino | October 2, 2011
Kenny Pawgers Needs our Help
Grino | October 2, 2011
Kenny Pawgers
The Gambler
Maria Soroski, aka the, Mad Trapper, akaCat Angel, akaQueen of the Night, takes a day off every now and again. This is what her last one was like:
August 29, 2011:
"Murphy's Law: My one and only day to have off and go to the PNE to see Kenny Rogers. I get a call in the am, kittens in a warehouse, gotta go get 'em, bottle feed 'em, take 'em to a foster to pet-sit so I can go to PNE and then set a trap for the mom. I go to the PNE, get dozens of calls on my cell re rescue. Finally get home after PNE (waiting for a bus forever, feet swollen and back hurts from sitting for hours to get a good seat to see Kenny), and get a call that the stray in an alley is there, so get in my van and go get him. Back home 12 midnight. Drop into bed"
The stray in the back alley was an old-timer with dirty, white fur and a few rotten molars who had been drinking from muddy puddles. It may be that Maria has a soft spot for unkempt, old guys who drink in the wrong places - maybe that's why she and I get along so well. In any case, the old boy needed a name, and Maria didn't need to think about it very long. He is now christened "Kenny Pawgers".
Kenny is an old street cat who likes people. Obviously, he had a home once, and he'd like to have one again. He was trying to sneak into apartments on the East Side and sleep in the occupants' beds, possibly thinking they wouldn't notice or wouldn't care; maybe hoping that they'd like him and let him stay. Nobody did. So poor, skinny Kenny slept in lawn chairs, drank from puddles and got by as best he could. Then, he met Maria.
He spent the next day with his head in his food bowl, coming up once in awhile to catch a breath and smile his toothless smile. When Maria let him out of his cage, he would leap into her arms without much encouragement and cover her face with wet, sloppy kisses. He is, she says, the most affectionate cat she has ever known. That's pretty high praise from someone who's known as many cats as she has.
When Maria got home last night, Kenny was sick. He was vomiting foam, dehydrated, lethargic and even thinner than usual. She rushed him to emergency, where he was put on IV fluids. This morning, he had emergency surgery. The vet removed a tumor about the size of a golf ball from his twisted stomach. Later today, he was moved to Maria's vet and is eating, smiling and giving wet, sloppy kisses again.
Kenny is doing much better today, but his surgery will cost VOKRA about two thousand dollars. Once again, it's money that VOKRA hasn't got to spare; once again, I'm shaking the tambourine, hoping you've got a few more of those rolled pennies in the bottom of your drawer.
I know that all of you are stretched pretty thin these days, and I know that I ask for your help a lot.
If you're wondering what's in it for you, I've heard about this nice, old, toothless guy who gives great kisses. And no, it's not me!
Thanks again - be well, friends. To Donate, click here.
Kenny, OCt 1, 2011, on the CBC at the Day of the Blessing of the Animals. Kenny it eating boiled chicken and Goat Milk. Maria tells us he is the most affectionate cat she has ever met. He is an angel.
ONLINE Auction! Custom made portrait on canvas of your Pet(s)
Grino | October 1, 2011


text:
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Call (603) 433-1774Directions
Get directions to thisWebsite
location on Google Maps.
location on Google Maps.
Open websiteShare
in new tab.
in new tab.
Share this business
on social media.
on social media.
Stifel is a full service brokerage and investment banking firm. The Company provides securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities.


text:
LONDON (Reuters) - The Bank of England has proposed easing the burden of European Union capital rules for insurers, but the industry urged the regulator to go further and meet calls from British lawmakers for more radical change.
The BoE's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which supervises banks and insurers, published a consultation paper to lighten some reporting requirements under the bloc's Solvency II rules.
The PRA said the proposed changes take into account recommendations for reform made by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), and by parliament's Treasury Select Committee.
"The PRA believes that these proposals would, in particular, reduce the reporting burden for smaller firms," the watchdog said in its consultation paper.
Solvency II came into force in January 2016 and was the PRA's single biggest regulatory task at the time. The ABI has called for several changes and has found backing from UK lawmakers.
The TSC said in a report last October that the BoE and insurers must find common ground over proposed tweaks to keep the 1.9 trillion pound sector in Britain competitive after the UK leaves the EU in 2019.
The PRA is too focused on capital levels and not enough on allowing insurers to compete, the TSC said.
Lawmakers want the PRA to urgently ease the "risk margin", an add-on capital requirement to cover what a third party would need to safeguard policies if an insurer goes bust.
But PRA Chief Executive Sam Woods has so far resisted making unilateral changes to the risk margin, and hopes that the EU would step in before Brexit to change the risk margin have faded.
Woods is expected to respond to the TSC report when he addresses the ABI's annual conference on Feb. 27.
The ABI said the PRA's proposals were a "step in the right direction" after Solvency II increased reporting requirements by four to eight times compared with previous rules.
"There still remains plenty of opportunity for the PRA to go further to ensure our insurance industry is able to fulfill a vital role in helping Britain thrive post-Brexit," said Steven Findlay, the ABI's head of prudential regulation.
Reporting by Huw Jones; editing by Mark Heinrich


text:
(10 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Amman & Jerash, King's Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dead Sea
TThe ultimate private Jordan tour, this incredible itinerary features private touring of the cultural and scenic highlights throughout the country, including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the many fascinating places in between.
Begin in Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel, lively souks and shopping streets, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city. Also explore Amman's best shops selling high-quality Jordanian crafts.
Next, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.
Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Also participate in a private cultural activity such as henna painting or writing Arabic calligraphy. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill. Other options include seeing Shobak Castle, another Crusader fort in the countryside, or taking in breathtaking views over the hills and canyons of Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
Continue to Petra, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city by sculpting monuments and tombs into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder, see Petra's most famous ruin—the iconic Treasury—and explore the atmospheric Siq (gorge). Also see impressive Royal Tombs and Roman ruins, and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If desired, also venture to other parts of the site such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for unforgettable views over Petra. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange the Back Door to Petra hike.
Continue into Jordan's southern desert to explore the spectacular natural environment of Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this UNESCO-inscribed landscape is filled with red sand dunes, dramatic stone mountains, rock bridges and petroglyphs. The otherworldly landscapes have been used as filming locations in Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other movies. Enjoy private touring of the scenic and cultural highlights of the region, and spend the night at a luxury Bedouin-style tented camp, where dinner is served under the stars.
Then, visit Aqaba, a port city and popular resort area on the edge of the Red Sea. During private touring, visit local souks and historic sites such as the Aqaba Fort. One day, enjoy a private charter boat cruise on the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, including the option for snorkeling or scuba diving over colorful coral reefs and wrecks.
Continue to a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lavish facilities, including a private beach that provides direct access to the Dead Sea where you can float in the mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy the resort's spa, swimming pools, restaurants and lush grounds that spread over acres.
|Itinerary Overview