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David Brooks, in a recent NY Times column, talked about having been (past tense) a sap for Obama. Remembering that Brooks is considered a conservative at heart and a political moderate (my favorite kind), he claims to have been buying into President Obama's rhetoric about doing the right thing for the country, i.e., being an "adult" with Republicans, thinking less about party ideology and more about helping you and me, hard-working, tax-paying, old-shoe Americans.
I guess I was a sap too. I believed the President. I believed in him. I thought his transparency was refreshing, his neutrality enlightened, and his intentions authentic. He was the least political president I could recall. He did not create the economic mess we found ourselves in. That dates back through the administrations from slow-witted Bush and brilliant philanderer Clinton to "Read my lips" Bush and debt-addict Reagan.
Did Obama contribute to the mess? Hell yes! You would have contributed to this mess if you'd had it handed to you as he did. Did he make it worse? It was likely going to get worse regardless of what he or anyone else did. Even brilliant economists can't say for certain what the right course was for combating this smelly beast of a fiscal crisis. Nor did any of them know how it was going to track. The key villains? Certainly some banks, deaf, dumb, and blind economists, investment houses, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, incompetent bureaucrats, sold-out politicians, Greed, Delusion . . . pick a card. At the end of the day, Fortune magazine's September 5 cover said it all for me: "American Idiots: How Washington is Destroying the Economy . . . and What We Can do To Fix It"—implying there is a solution.
There are solutions. And I still believe Obama is our best hope for crafting a way out. Call me a sap. I am willing to take the baton from deserter Brooks and run it to the finish line.
For my money, the only solution is every solution—i.e., raising revenues and cutting expenses. In other words, pissing every segment of society off, hopefully in equal increments. Jobs may be the #1 priority but they ain't going to happen until American business and the consuming public feel better about spending. The only way to make that happen is by finding enough money to pay down the deficit and create sustainable levels of entitlements. Obama wants $4 trillion. So give it to him!
The real saps are the political ideologues, the doomsayers, the wastelanders, and the sound-biters who persist in promoting laughable moralisms, maintaining that our bad economy is about everything but cold hard cash. I wish they'd stuff their Yosemite Sam hyperbole about socialists, disgusting fat people, lazy freeloaders, and vaccination conspiracies where the sun don't shine. And in my world, anyone willing to let this country spiral into a horrendous economic collapse just to prove a point, is a fool.
Yeah, I'm a sap. I believe we can make it happen. It will take ingenuity, hard work, innovation, commitment, sacrifice, compromise, and unity of purpose. If you're wondering if we have what it takes, first look inside, and then remember it took exactly the same things to make this country as great as it's been.


text: Babies Gear and Products The 10 Best Jogging Strollers of 2020 Take baby on the run By Fiona Tapp Fiona Tapp is a freelance travel and parenting writer who has written for The Atlantic, Forbes, National Geographic, Rolling Stone, Parents, MSN, and more. Learn about our editorial process Fiona Tapp Updated on October 19, 2019 Print More in Babies Gear and Products Baby's First Year Growth & Development Health & Safety Everyday Care Formula Baby Food Breastfeeding Preemies Postpartum Care View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Graco Fastaction Jogger Click Connect Stroller at Amazon"This #1 best selling stroller is a true multitasking crossover."Best Value: Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini 3W Single Stroller at Amazon"An affordable price point and ... an attractive design that will make a big impression at the park."Best Budget: Costzon Infant Stroller Baby Toddler Pushchair at Amazon"A high-performance budget model."Best Luxury: Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller at Amazon"Provides a smooth ride for your baby no matter how hard you run."Best for Everyday Use: Eddie Bauer TrailGuide Jogger Travel System at Amazon"It's the only stroller system you'll need."Best for Rough Terrain: Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller at Amazon"You won't need to 'hop' the front wheel up curbs or over rocks."Best for Serious Runners: BOB 2016 Strides Fitness Jogging Stroller at Amazon"Specially designed with fitness in mind."Best Double Stroller: BOB Revolution Flex Duallie Jogging Stroller at Amazon"Each seat can be adjusted separately, and they recline to an almost-flat position for easy napping."Best for Tall Parents: Thule Urban Glide 2.0 at Amazon"Has an adjustable handlebar, so it can accommodate parents of varying heights."Best for Toddlers: Baby Jogger Summit X3 at Amazon"It will accommodate most kids through the toddler years and beyond." Our Top Picks Best Overall: Graco Fastaction Jogger Click Connect Stroller Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart This #1 best selling stroller is a true multitasking crossover. With three large, air-filled rubber tires it offers performance for the active parent. Just lock the front wheel in place when you are ready to take things up a gear and really sprint. Compatible Graco car seats snap easily into place allowing you to get a workout even when your baby is very small. Once you get back home the revolutionary one second, one-handed folding mechanism ensures the stroller can be stowed away in tight spaces in an instant. It also stands up by itself when folded which is a practical feature often overlooked in stroller design. The large storage basket is useful when shopping and the extra large canopy provides plenty of shade for your little one to take a nap. The parent storage tray includes a spot to hold your smartphone in two different positions. At 30 pounds the Graco Fastaction fold Jogger is a lightweight, versatile jogging stroller. Best Value: Baby Jogger 2016 City Mini 3W Single Stroller Buy on Amazon The Baby Jogger offers all the features you expect from a jogging stroller at an affordable price point and in an attractive design that will make a big impression at the park. Lightweight and compact it easily maneuvers around tight corners and adjusts from everyday city riding to jogging trails with the front wheel suspension offering a cushioned ride. Featuring multiple recline positions this stroller allows you to gradually transition your sleeping child from sitting to lying down, with ease. The smart canopy offers UB 50+ sun protection and with two peek-a-boo windows, you can keep an eye on your little one throughout your jog. Best Budget: Costzon Infant Stroller Baby Toddler Pushchair Buy on Amazon This stroller has smaller wheels but at a very affordable price point and in a jolly bright red color, it's a high-performance budget model. A parent tray helps you to organize all your essentials like keys, phone, and money so that you can focus on your workout. The five point safety harness keeps your baby secure and stable while you run and the large basket is the perfect spot for baby supplies like your diaper bag and toys. The movement of the stroller can jostle your baby into a deep sleep, So once they drop off into slumber, the adjustable footrest will ensure they are comfortable as they ride or rest. Best Luxury: Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller Buy on Amazon Stylishly crafted with eco materials this deluxe model comes with three front wheel settings taking you from walking to jogging to running and with a three-year guarantee, you'll have peace of mind to pound the pavement. The 12" front and 16" rear wheels provide rolling resistance for safety and help you to easily conquer obstacles. The air filled tires can handle bumps and swerve along your route and the included pump ensures a flat will never stop you from getting out and about. This luxury jogging stroller isn't cheap, but at just 24 pounds it is a lightweight, quality product you can trust. The all-wheel suspension provides a smooth ride for your baby no matter how hard you run. Best for Everyday Use: Eddie Bauer TrailGuide Jogger Travel System Buy on Amazon This may be a jogger stroller but with the included infant car seat, it's the only stroller system you'll need. The infant car seat can accommodate babies from 4 to 35 pounds which allows you to get out for a jog as soon as the doctor gives you the all clear. As baby grows the cushion insert can be taken out of the baby seat and put in the stroller to protect your little one's precious head during bumpy rides.The adjustable handle can be customized for height and comfort regardless of which parent is doing the pushing. Whether you are just popping out to grab some groceries, meeting up with friends for coffee, or heading up into the forest trails for a workout, this travel system will keep your baby comfortable as you run errands and exercise. Best for Rough Terrain: Mountain Buggy Terrain Premium Jogging Stroller Buy on Amazon Hikers and those that thrive in the great outdoors will love the Mountain Buggy Terrain with its three-position swivel lock giving controlled performance on any terrain. The weight distribution has been engineered to be incredibly responsive, so you won't need to 'hop' the front wheel up curbs or over rocks. Need to take a break or avoid an obstacle? The one hand control squeeze brake keeps both of you safe and allows you to get back into your stride as soon as possible. This stroller comes with included bottle holders and a reversible liner. Parents can run with their pockets empty as this model has so much storage space, holding up to 22 pounds of gear, including a headphone port, mesh pockets and a basket with a zipper. Two sets of wheels are included to take you from cityscapes to the wilderness in no time at all. Best for Serious Runners: BOB 2016 Strides Fitness Jogging Stroller Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Some parents buy jogging strollers for the smooth ride but if you are a serious runner you'll want to choose one that has been specially designed with fitness in mind, like the BOB Strides stroller. Free with your purchase you'll receive a Stroller Strides fitness class coupon and a Stroller Strides Fitness Kit which includes a handlebar console, exercise manual, and fitness resistance bands to take your baby-on-board workout to the next level. The handlebar has nine amazing variations to make sure you have the perfect height for comfort on those longer runs. It is compatible with BOB infant car seats allowing you to start your new regime as soon as possible and with an extra large storage basket you can pack up everything baby might need for a day out in the city or on the trails through your local park. A simple two-step fold packs this stroller away neatly until your next adventure. There have been some concerns about the front wheel so be sure to install it correctly. This video shows you how. Best Double Stroller: BOB Revolution Flex Duallie Jogging Stroller Buy on Amazon BOB is the go-to brand for many when it comes to stellar strollers, and this double jogging stroller is one reason why. Its quality is top-notch, and the features like air-filled tires, an adjustable mountain bike suspension system, and a front wheel that can swivel or lock, make it a favorite. The handlebar is adjustable, so you can get a comfortable fit no matter how tall you are. It also folds up easily. For the babies on board, it offers a smooth, comfortable ride with padded seats, and a large UPF canopy and ventilation. Each seat can be adjusted separately, and they recline to an almost-flat position for easy napping. It's designed for use from birth up until children reach 50 pounds. For infants, you will need to use a car seat and adapter (sold separately). While it comes with a price tag that's heftier than many other double jogging strollers, reviewers say it's worth every penny if you're an active parent with two little ones. They say the quality is unmatched and it's great for everyday use as well as for running, hiking, and more. Best for Tall Parents: Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Buy on Amazon If you're a tall parent, finding a jogging stroller that doesn't have you hunched over can be a challenge, but this stroller from Thule has an adjustable handlebar, so it can accommodate parents of varying heights. Beyond that, it's a stellar stroller by most customer accounts. It features a ton of bells and whistles, including things such as twisting hand brakes that can help you control the speed on hills and a suspension system that makes for a smooth ride. It can be folded with one hand, and it has multiple storage compartments, making it ideal for daily use. It can hold kids up to 75 pounds, so you can get years and years of use out of it, and it's built to last for them all. Customers say while it's a bit pricey, it definitely lives up to the quality for which the Thule brand is known. They say it's great for running as well as navigating city streets and provides a smooth, comfortable experience for kids and adults alike. Best for Toddlers: Baby Jogger Summit X3 Buy on Amazon If you're running with a toddler in tow, you want to make sure you choose a stroller that can hold them. This one by Baby Jogger can hold kids up to 75 pounds, which means it will accommodate most kids through the toddler years and beyond. All-wheel suspension and air-filled tires make for a smooth ride, while hand-operated brakes help keep things under control on hilly terrain. You can conveniently control the front wheel to swivel or lock in place from the handlebar as well. This stroller also features a padded seat that reclines almost to a flat position and peek-a-boo windows on the sun canopy, so you can get a glimpse at what they're up to down there. A one-hand fold feature makes it easy to tote around, and there's ample storage. Parents say the ride is smooth, and it works in snow, rain and on any terrain. Many report that they use it for jogging as well as an everyday stroller and highly recommend it. Some note, however, that while the weight limit is high, taller toddlers can find their head up against the sunshade. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby's most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit

subset: commoncrawl


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Sales Channel Operations
Single Channel
Each Sam-Son client has a unique distribution model. Some have similar models, but no two are alike. The services provided by Sam-Son to fulfill each customer's model are tailored and documented as a set of specific operating procedures. As your needs and requirements change, Sam-Son updates and modifies your account's specific operating procedures.
Often, distribution models change. New clients have demands requiring alternative purchasing, packaging or fulfillment requirements. Frequently this can lead to additional "distribution channels". As your business grows, this is a likely event. Anticipation and planning can reduce the expenses and "channel conflicts" that may occur as your business growth develops.
Sam-Son will provide our experience and expertise to help you capture your expected profits, by reducing the unanticipated expenses of your growing business.
Multiple Channels
Multiple sales channels can be challenging for everyone. Managing these channels may require duplicate inventories with different SKU (line item) assignments and associated bar codes. They may have varying terms of freight. Whether you sell to an exclusive set of retailers/dealers, or you sell to distributors or direct to consumers, Sam-Son will help you develop a rational set of operating procedures.
Sam-Son provides some very unique and some very standard distribution services.
- Pick and Pack Order Fulfillment/ Open Box
- Breakdown/ De-Consolidation of Large Volume Shipments
- Custom Labels and Bar Codes, Label Printing, Label Application and Label Management
- Matched Sets, Matched Bar Codes, Matched Serial Numbers to order
- Liability/Management (re: retail charge-backs).
- Repackaging & Inspection Prior to Shipping
- Partial Shipments - Balance to Inventory


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From the anime series 'Attack on Titan' comes a Nendoroid of Mikasa Ackerman! She comes with three expressions including her standard expression, a shouting expression and a stunned expression. The Nendoroid also includes her Vertical Maneuvering Equipment and dual blades, as well as effect parts to display her soaring through the air with the equipment.
You can even pose her as if she were striking down into a Titan's neck by making use of the included blood effect parts which attach to her blades. The scarf that Eren gave her is also included to create even more scenes from the series.
This product can be purchased from our partner shops as well as the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP.
■ GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP Orders
This product will be available at the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP.
Orders can be placed between the 29th August 2013 (Thurs) from 12:00 until the 2nd October 2013 (Wed) at 21:00.
Preorder Bonus: Special Nendoroid Stand: Mikasa Ackerman Ver.
Please see the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP page for more information regarding delivery and shipping costs: GSC ONLINE SHOP Product Page
■ Special Nendoroid Stand: Mikasa Ackerman Ver.
All orders of Nendoroid Mikasa Ackerman from the GOOD SMILE ONLINE SHOP will
include a Special Nendoroid Stand: Mikasa Ackerman Ver.! (The design seen here is provisional.)
The special stand will be sent together with your order at the time of shipping.


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HE part which the great O'Connell took in the first half of the nineteenth century as the "Liberator" of Ireland, was taken
by Charles Parnell in the last half. During the decade from 1880 to 1890, when the questions of Irish rights and Home Rule led in British politics, Parnell, as leader of the Home Rule party, was little short of a dictator in parliamentary affairs. Entering Parliament in 1875, for several years he pursued the policy of obstruction with an audacity that caused great annoyance, and made him highly popular at home. In 1880 the method of "boycotting" landlords and agents was put into effect by him. He was sent to jail in 1881 for his forcible opposition to Gladstone's methods of dealing with Ireland, yet in 1886, when Gladstone began to work earnestly for Home Rule, Parnell became his close ally. Parnell's power vanished in 1890 and after, as the result of a divorce suit scandal, and soon afterward he suddenly died. As an orator Parnell was ready and forcible; less fluent and rhetorical than his famous predecessor, yet with much power of his own. In 1880 he traversed the United States as President of the Irish Land League, making there some of his best speeches. He collected on this visit $350,000 for the good of the cause.
[The selection here given is from Parnell's speech of March 4, 1880, delivered at St. Louis, during his tour of the United States.]
I thank you for this magnificent meeting—a splendid token of your Sympathy and appreciation for the cause of suffering Ireland. It is a remarkable fact that, while America, throughout the length and breadth of her country, does her very utmost to show her sympathy and send her
practical help to our people; while there is scarcely any hand save America's between the starvation of large masses of the western peasantry; England alone of almost all the civilized nations does scarcely anything, although close behind Ireland, to help the terrible suffering and famine which now oppress that country. I speak a fact when I say that if it had not been for the help which has gone from America during the last two months among these, our people would have perished ere now of starvation. . . We are asked : "Why do you not recommend emigration to America 2'' and we are told that the lands of Ireland are too crowded. They are less thickly populated than those of any civilized country in the world; they are far less thickly populated—the rich lands of Ireland— than any of your western States. It is only on the barren hillsides of Connemara and along the west Atlantic coast that we have too thick a population, and it is only on the unfertile lands that our people are allowed to live. They are not allowed to occupy and till the rich lands; these rich lands are retained as preserves for landlords, and as vast grazing tracts for cattle. And although emigration might be a temporary alleviation of the trouble in Ireland, it would be a cowardly step on our part; it would be running away from our difficulties in Ireland, and it would be acknowledgment of the complete conquest of Ireland by England, an acknowledgment which, please God, Ireland shall never make. No 1 we will stand by our country, and whether we are exterminated by famine to-day, or decimated by English bayonets to-morrow, the people of Ireland are determined to uphold the God-given right of Ireland to take her place among the nations of the world. Our tenantry are engaged in a struggle of life and death with the Irish landlords. It is no use to attempt to conceal the issues which have been made there. The landlords say that there is not room for both tenants and landlords, and that the people must go, and the people have said that the landlords must go. But it may—it may, and it undoubtedly will—happen in this struggle that some of our gallant tenantry will be driven from their homes and evicted. In that case we will use some of the money you are entrusting us with in this country for the purpose of finding happier homes in this far western land for those of our expatriated people, and it will place us in a position of great power, and give our people renewed confidence in their struggle, if they are assured that any of them who are evicted in their attempts to stand by their rights will get one hundred and fifty good acres of land in Minnesota, Illinois, or some of your fine Western States. Now the cable announces to us to-day that the Government is about to attempt to renew the famous Irish Coercion Acts which expired this
year. Let me explain to you what these Coercion Acts are. Under them the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland is entitled to proclaim at any time, in any Irish county, forbidding any inhabitant of that county to go outside of his door after dark, and subjecting him to a long term of imprisonment with hard labor, if he is found outside his door after dark. No man is permitted to carry a gun, or to handle arms in his house ; and the farmers of Ireland are not even permitted to shoot at the birds when they eat the seed corn on their freshly-sowed land. Under these acts it is also possible for the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland to have any man arrested and consigned to prison without charge, and without bringing him to trial ; to keep him in prison as long as he pleases; and circumstances have been known where the Government has arrested prisoners under these Coercion Acts, and has kept them in solitary confinement for two years, and not allowed them to see a single relative or to communicate with a friend during all that period, and has finally forgotten the existence of the helpless prisoners. And this is the infamous code which England is now seeking to re-enact.
I tell you, when I read this dispatch, strongly impressed as I am with the magnitude and vast importance of the work in which we are engaged in this country, that I felt strongly tempted to hurry back to Westminster in order to show this English Government whether it shall dare, in this year 1880, to renew this odious code with as much facility as it has done in former years. We shall then be able to put to a test the newly-forged gagging rules that they have invented for the purpose of depriving the Irish members of freedom of speech. And I wish to express my belief, my firm conviction, that if the Irish members do their duty, it will be impossible that this infamous statute can be re-enacted ; and if it again finds its place upon the statute-book, I say that the day upon which the royal assent is given to that Coercion Act will sound the knell of the political future of the Irish people.
HE name which has been most prominent in the political hisT tory of Great Britain of recent years is that of Joseph Chamberlain, whose work in bringing on the Boer war won him praise at home, but reprobation—deep and almost universal—abroad. Yet in the face of praise and blame alike Chamberlain went on, working for what seemed to him the proper course to pursue in the interests of Great Britain with a strenuous energy and single-mindedness which assimilates him with Roosevelt in America. While active in Birmingham politics, Chamberlain did not enter Parliament till 1876, at forty years of age. There he soon made his mark as a Liberal orator and worker, and gained wide influence outside the House, being regarded as the leader of the extreme Radical party. At first a follower of Gladstone, he became strongly hostile to his Home Rule Bill in 1886. In 1891 he made himself the leader of the Liberal Unionists in the House of Commons, and in the Salisbury Cabinet of 1895 was chosen as Secretary for the Colonies. It was this position that gave him the controlling hand in the Jameson raid and the Boer war, and brought him into such unsavory prominence. In the Balfour Cabinet of 1902, Chamberlain was looked upon as the "power behind the throne," the premier in all but the name. As a public speaker he is vigorous and plausible in manner, with much natural eloquence.
[Reform of the suffrage was one of the great battle cries of the people of Great Britain during the nineteenth century. In the 1830–32 campaign, and again, a third of a century later, it almost led to revolution. Yet with all the "reform" accomplished, it remained in a very unreformed state in 1883, when Chamberlain delivered the address from which we quote.]


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JANE came home early from work and met Brenda watching television in the sitting room. Her roommate still looked unkempt and was obviously not concentrating on the program going on. She was absent-minded and oblivious of her immediate environment.
This had been her condition since she came back from the hospital five days ago. Jane knew that there was very little she could do to bring her friend out of her depression, but at least she was going to try her best.
"I came back early so that the two of us can go out together. We can visit a fast food or any other interesting place," she gently said after dropping her bag and sitting beside her friend.
Brenda slowly looked at her. "Welcome home, but I don't want to go anywhere," she said. "I hope you don't mind. I just want to stay at home, that's all."
"But you have barely stepped outside since you came back from the hospital. Why don't you take some time out? It could change your mood, you know."
"I am worthless; I am just a piece of rag. What do I need to change my mood for? So that another man will see me, convince me that I am his all and all only for me to be dumped like a piece of rag? No, I just want to be left alone."
Brenda's situation was getting out of hand and Jane was beginning to think that she won't be able to handle her this time.
She'd witnessed two of Brenda's previous broken relationships, and sadly, unlike her, Brenda had always had plenty of male admirers but somehow seemed to always fall for the wrong set of guys. Jane had been brokenhearted before but the relationship had not been as deep and intense like all of Brenda's three broken relationships and she had found it easy to get over it. Right now, she was in a serious relationship with her wedding date just by the corner.
"Oh, c'mon Honey," she tried to soot; placing a hand on her friend's left shoulder. "You'll get over it…he's not even as cool as Benjamin!"
"Yeah, Benjamin," the other girl remembered. Her first serious love. "Yeah…that one was sure cute…and treated me like an angel!"
"You two had a very rosy relationship," her friend chipped in, trying to strengthen her ploy. "So rosy that I found myself unconsciously getting envious of you!"
And they both laughed at this silly incident in their past.
"It was that bad…," remembered Brenda. You almost hated me for no reason!"
"'Cuz not…," defended Jane. "I just wanted the marriage to happen."
"But it never did…." And Jane sighed. Another mood swing was about to envelope her friend.
Barely eight months into the relationship, Brenda had discovered that Benjamin had gotten another girl pregnant. Without any remorse, Benjamin had accepted responsibility for the baby, shoving Brenda away as if she never really mattered.
Jane had been there for her and made sure that she didn't allow the breakup to discourage her, and luckily enough, Brenda was strong and gradually got over Benjamin. But the scar still remained, despite her promising herself to be more careful with men. A promise she quickly failed to keep for herself, really.
His name was Derek Hunter and he had come into Brenda's life four months later.
An improved version of Benjamin, Derek was intelligent, smart and handsome. He was also very judicious and with little stress, he was able to convince Brenda to fall in love. Brenda was proud of Derek; he was a very confident man and made Brenda feel secured. Brenda trusted him and relied so much on his sense of judgment. He helped Brenda in living an organized life especially as regards her school activities.
The relationship lasted only seventeen months.
Derek worked with an oil company and was sent for three months training at a far away city. After a month, he stopped calling Brenda and his number was not available. No effort in trying to reach him worked, but she found out from his work place that he was perfectly alright. Therefore, she decided to wait for him to come back despite her worries.
And after three months, Derek had called her to tell her he would be back in a week's time, without bothering to explain anything. Fair enough, he came back as soon as the three months was up, but sadly, he had turned into a different person!
He stopped calling, claiming to be very busy and asked Brenda not to come around unless he asked her to do so. He never did.
"What're you thinking, girl?" Jane suddenly asked her, trying so hard to think up another tactic to get her friend out of the house.
"Oh, him…."
"Do you know I decided to pay him a surprise visit when he came back after those three months?"
"Brenda, don't do this to yourself," admonished Jane. "I really don't need to know what happened."
"I found him at home with a lady who was obviously his lover!"
"Please, dear . . . don't…"
"And he surprisingly walked me out, telling me he'll see me and work things out! Again, he never did…. Can you believe that – that asshole?" Now, she was so close to tears, and Jane could only bring her close for a consoling hug. Of course, she could remember what happened next. Brenda had cried day and night after all this, going through self-torture. It was only with Jane's help that she was able to get over it, although it was never easy.
She did get over it eventually.
And knowing how hard it was for Brenda before getting over that last breakup before Adam had come along, Jane was sure the present situation was beyond what she could handle. If possible, she knew she would need to get Brenda professional help. God, the girl was turning into a vegetable!
She left her in the sitting room and walked into the kitchen, for she was famished. From the look of the kitchen, Brenda had obviously not taken both her breakfast and lunch. Jane became angry. The girl had emaciated badly and would soon be sick if the situation was not properly handled!
She left the kitchen to confront her, but heard her cell phone ring and stopped in her tracks as Brenda answered.
"Hi, it's me, Michael."
"How are you?"
"I am fine; in fact, I am stronger than you can imagine…."
"That's nice to hear. And how is your friend, Jane?"
"She is fine. She just came back from work." Brenda looked up at her friend, who was observing her from the kitchen door.
"I just called to find out how you are doing and make sure that you have not fainted again," bantered Michael.
"No I have not fainted and I promise you that I won't faint again," she replied, trying so hard to sound cheerful.
"Ok. One of these days I'll come around and see how you are doing…. Perhaps we could go out together and get to know each other better?"
Brenda suddenly got angry. "Well, Mr. Michael, I appreciate your kindness, but I will appreciate it better if you forget about knowing us better. I believe you have better things to do; we are equally busy over here."
There was silence.
"Well, that is okay. I just want to wish you all the best. I will call you some other time."
The line went dead before she could reply. Of course, she wasn't expecting him to do that; she'd thought he was going to insist. Well, it was all for the best. He'd better not call again. She casually dropped the phone and fixed her eyes on the television.
However, Jane continued to stare at her. It was like Brenda had already forgotten that she was in the house.
"Who was that on the phone?"
Brenda gave her a boring look. "Michael? He just called to say hi. You remember him? The guy…."
"Yes, I remember," Jane cut in. "Should I bring you something to eat?"
"No, thanks."
"Look, Brenda…." She gently sat down beside her friend. "I don't like the idea of you not eating anything. Look at you; do you want to starve yourself to death? You are getting so thin and unkempt!"
"I am not hungry, Jane. Besides who cares about how I look? I might as well look like a scarecrow, does it matter?"
"Yes it does. And you might as well get sick as well! Have you thought of that? Don't you think I care about you?"
"Jane, I think it's best if you stop worrying about me. I promise you that I will take care of myself, just let me handle this my way this time. I will eat when I feel like doing so, but for now, I don't feel like eating and there is nothing I can do about it."
"Then let's just take a walk," her friend persistently pleaded.
"No. Not now, maybe some other time. Right now, I don't feel like doing anything."
Some other time. This had been her language since the breakup with Adam. Jane helplessly left the room. She was seriously thinking about Brenda. The poor girl needed help but she could never help her with this attitude of 'handling it her own way.'
She felt so frustrated that she could not find a way to help her friend. Something had to be done fast before the situation got out of hand. Brenda might turn suicidal. This thought made her more uncomfortable.
She could not do this alone; otherwise, her friend would continue to waste. She thought of alerting Brenda's parents, but then thought better of it. It won't be necessary to burden her poor parents, and Brenda would sure not be happy with her.
Her fiancé, Brad Stephens, had not been able to come around to visit Brenda since the breakup because of his tight work schedule. He had not bothered to call either, knowing it would be best if he spoke with her in person, although he made sure he got feedback on the poor girl's situation from Jane. Brad liked Brenda. He thought that Brenda's friendship with his fiancée was a very healthy thing for her and had always encouraged it. He was also fond of Brenda because Jane admired her a lot.
And of course Jane had spoken with her fiancé about Brenda's condition three days ago. He had sympathetically advised her to contact Dr. Chris and allow the doctor to handle the situation. At the time, Jane had thought it a nice idea, but her friend had become overtly hostile ever since she got wind of the entire arrangement.
She came back to the living room, where Brenda still had her eyes fixed on the television.
"Brenda, look you…"
"Please don't start again, Jane!" the other girl quickly cut in.
"You've refused to see Dr. Chris ever since I told you I met him some days back…why is that?"
"You sure know why, Jane!" snapped her friend, her exasperation very visible. "Don't you ever give up? God!"
"No I won't in your case!" affirmed Jane. "Dr. Chris said he'll need to see you, and…"
"And I'll never see him!"
Jane had never expected this vehement refusal from her friend and lost every will to continue the conversation. What could she do now? Brenda had refused to see anyone!
Yes, perhaps she should involve Michael. But wouldn't she be taking matters too far? Her friend may not like his involvement, and besides; she was not sure of what Michael could do. Dr. Chris had informed her that he was a Social Psychologist. He should therefore know something about matters like this.
Michael had called twice since he left them at the hospital. Jane wasn't sure if the young man had feelings for Brenda or not. It won't be a good idea to bring him in if he had any intention of asking her out.
Maybe he was just concerned for the poor girl he rescued from the street. He had seemed genuinely interested in helping Brenda. Jane was confused.
She had sought for Brad's advice earlier that morning, but Brad had neither encouraged nor discouraged her.
Perhaps she should talk to Michael first and beg him to offer professional help to her poor friend. Even if he intended dating Brenda, she could beg him to keep that aside for now and concentrate only on helping her get over her depression.
Jane did not know much about depression, but she had heard about people who had committed suicide or developed psychological problems due to their inability to cope with their depression.
She loved Brenda. They had gotten so close right from the first minute they'd interacted with each other in their first year at the university, and the last thing she wanted right then was for anything bad or worse than this to happen to her friend. She would never forgive herself.
"Suit yourself!" she finally said and walked away.
Brenda felt her outburst had been excessively harsh and sadly watched the only friend she had ever known for some time walk out of the room with an argument hanging over them both.
It did not have to be this way.
She cursed her travails for everything.
* * *
Michael dropped his cell phone and stared at it as if he was seeing it for the first time. Why was she so defensive? Did she actually turn his request to pay her a simple visit down?
Dr. Chris had said that she was suffering from heartbreak. The heartbreak must have gotten deep down into her brain. He wished he could see her and talk with her so that he can infer how depressed she was. She really sounded depressed on the phone.
Normally, ladies would want to be kind enough to people who helped them or at least pretend to like them just to show they are grateful, but Brenda had politely asked him not to come around. Well, he mustn't draw conclusions just like that.
Oh God, he really wanted to see her again, but he didn't want to visit her without her approval. He didn't want to be a nuisance and make a fool of himself. How could he get the chance to get to know her better?
He was concerned for Brenda and would really like to know what actually happened. Why would somebody in his right senses hurt such a harmless-looking girl? He wished he could get the chance to know her better, take care of her, and probably start a relationship if things worked out well.
Surprisingly Michael had found himself thinking about her since the day he set his eyes on her. A feeling he had not felt for a long time. This was what he had been waiting for and he would do anything within his power to get her attention. The news of the heartbreak could be a good one for him, given his secondary intention, but first, he must get the details of everything that happened to her. Sadly, he was out of ideas on how he was going to get the information he wanted.
A sudden knock on his door startled him, and then he remembered that he was expecting a friend. Joel had called him thirty minutes ago and told him that he was already on his way to his house.
"The door is open." He didn't have the strength for security precautions.
Joel Jackson, a dark short but thick man walked into the sitting room. Joel had a smile, which usually contracted his entire face. A smile that always appeared genuine, but never sincere.
He got married six months ago, but was always calling on Michael concerning his wife and how best to handle her. According to him, she seemed to be a different woman from the woman he had proposed to before the wedding! She was becoming more and more difficult every day and the way Joel complained, Michael was not sure the marriage would last two years.
Joel worked in the bank. Of late, his work, combined with his marriage, gave him less time to hang out with his friends. Michael's complaint about not seeing him often had led to the evening visit.
"Busy boy. Long time, it's really nice seeing you." Michael stood up from his seat to greet him. "How is the family?"
"Almighty Mike!" Joel hailed him as they both shook hands and hugged. "My wife is fine. In fact, she wanted to come with me but I found a way to convince her not to. She made me promise to come home early. She is beginning to miss me." He walked straight to the fridge. "I hope you have some cold drinks in here."
Joel opened the fridge and took a bottle of small stout. He was wearing sky blue jeans and a tight, long-sleeved red shirt. He looked very smart.
"I hope the relationship is improving?" Michael asked as Joel sat by his side.
"Well, like you advised me the last time I complained. I have learned to let some things go and make sacrifices for the sake of happiness and peace. My attention to little things is beginning to make her feel guilty. We are both adjusting, something we should have done earlier. I guess learning never stops."
"Yes, with time everything will come to normalcy and you will begin to appreciate yourselves like you have never done. I guess I won't have to keep you so long, for you must go home and stay with the wife."
"No, don't worry about that. I have already cooked up good reason to be out late. So how is Mr. Bachelor doing? I miss you, man," Joel said with a wide smile. "Are you still waiting on God to send down an angel for you?"
"Mmmmmh…, I might have seen my angel. I met a lady recently but there is a little complication," Michael thoughtfully replied.
"What complication?"
"I will be right back." Michael quickly stood up and rushed to the fridge. He came back to his seat with a bottle of stout. He picked up his remote control and pressed play. R. Kelly's music softly wafted out of his Home Theater DVD. Then he quickly told Joel about Brenda. "In fact this girl is a Godsend. She was made for me."
"This is a really complicated one. Depression from heartbreak is a very difficult one. But what can I say, you are the psychologist," said Joel.
"I just spoke to her on the phone, just before you entered. She turned me down when I offered to pay her a visit.'
"Take it easy now. Why are you rushing her? She is doing what she should do as a woman."
"I don't think the problem is that I am rushing her. She is shutting out men from her life because of what she is going through. Joel, I have never stopped thinking about this girl since I saw her. I am almost going crazy."
Joel laughed for some minutes. "This is serious. Mr. Bachelor needs a lady, I can't believe this."
"This is not a laughing matter."
"Well, I think you should give her time, and then concentrate on gaining her confidence," advised his friend.
"I just hope that it will not be too late. You can't tell the next move of a heartbroken lady." Michael was almost through with his beer.
"Give her some time, maybe a week, and then call her. You are the psychologist, you should know better," maintained Joel.
"Not when you are clouded with emotions." He stood up to get more beer. "I strongly believe I'll come up with a solution. After all she is my Godsend. So what have been happening with you?" He changed the subject as he sat down and handed Joel a second bottle. They talked about a lot of issues for about an hour. Michael enjoyed Joel's company a lot whenever he came visiting.
"I found out that I was expecting so much from my wife. I kept on blaming her and expecting her to be a perfect person. With your advice, I realized that I sometimes pushed her to the wall. I really appreciate you my friend," said Joel. He was sipping his third bottle of stout. "She could actually be a nice woman, you know."
"I thank God you are both learning to accommodate each other. Early marital problems are mostly caused by ambivalence couples face when they are trying to overcome marriage phobia."
"I know you are going to make a good husband, I wish you all the best in your endeavor with Brenda." Joel looked at his timepiece.
"Thinking of your wife?" Michael asked.
"Yes. I have to leave. I don't want her to get worried. I have really spent so much time with you."
Michael walked him to the door and came back into his living room. He felt lonely and decided to take another bottle of stout. Funny, the thought of the unknown Brenda was making him suddenly realize that he really needed a woman in his life. He also decided to watch a movie before going to bed.
As he was about to pick up his remote control, his cell phone rang. He answered the call.
"It's me, Jane, remember me? Brenda's friend."
He became both alarmed and excited at the same time. Was something wrong with Brenda? "Of course I remember you. How are you and your friend?"
"I am okay but my friend is not. I am so concerned about her that is why I called you. She really needs help and I don't know how to go about helping her. I was wondering if I could seek your assistance."
"What's the problem? Has she developed any complications?" Michael asked, wondering what the problem might be.
"I might be overreacting, Brenda just had heartbreak and she is taking it too hard. I am scared that she might do something stupid. I just don't know what to do."
"Do you need me to come over?" He didn't care about what the time said.
"No, I was thinking about seeing you and explaining things to you first. Will you be free by tomorrow evening?"
"No problem. Do you know Baker's Café?"
"Yes, somewhere in the middle of town?"
"Very good. Be there by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow or do you have anywhere else that might be convenient for you?"
"I think Baker's Café is alright. But I will only be able to make it by 5:30 p.m."
"No problem. Take your time. I will be waiting." He dropped the phone. He didn't know things had gotten this bad. He wished he could just reach out and help Brenda right away.
Well, this was what he had been waiting for. He would not relent in making good use of the opportunity that had just presented itself that evening.
He picked up his cell phone, switched off all electronic devices in his sitting room and went into his bedroom. He couldn't wait for tomorrow. He must be careful in handling Jane; he must make her trust him.
That night he prayed that Brenda's situation would not be beyond him and hoped that he would be able to help her.
He didn't know when sleep took over his consciousness. Brenda was reaching out for him in his dreams.
* * *
Throughout the next day, he was again made to stand in the sun with nothing on, and he was very tired and famished when nightfall came.
Hence, when he was pushed into Sean's cell afterwards, he could not even glance at his scared cellmate let alone look for the hidden camera the guards had threatened to put in the cell the day before. He just grabbed the plate of grub they'd placed on the floor for him and swallowed the food with his hands. Now a bit more oriented, he lay back on the floor and studied the other occupant of the cell.
"Hello, Sean…," he nicely began.
"Hi, Nim-Nimrod…!" whispered the scared man.
"We meet again…my friend," he added. "Just don't faint on me this time!"
Sean was younger than Nimrod, and had a girly air about him. A behavior he had never seen as a bad omen all these years, until now, that is. It had led the older man to him in the first place, and he wasn't ready for a repeat performance of that crazy experience they had together the other day.
"W-Why did they bring you here?" he suddenly wondered.
"So that we can be better acquainted, Sean," was the sarcastic reply as Nimrod smacked his lips. "Don't you like me?"
There was no reply to this.
"Okay…," he resumed, crossing his legs, "let me tell you a bit about myself, Sean…that way you will get to know me better, aye?"
No word came from the other man's mouth and this enraged him.
"Aye?" he bellowed.
"Aye!" let out an unnerved Sean, his knees buckling as he tried to stay standing.
"Good," his new cellmate went on. "I am vindictive, Sean, and do you know the meaning of the word?"
"No, sir…sir!"
"It means I am vengeful and spiteful, Sean…it means I'll get you before I leave this place for what you did to me, Sean!"
"But…," began the other man.
"But what? You made me go through hell for two days, man!" snapped Nimrod. "Or didn't you hear I'm a psychotic killer? Didn't any of the other prisoners tell you that? Don't you know my reputation here? I don't just love the act of killing; I also have a sadistic tendency which makes me inflict so much pain on my victims before killing them! I get so much pleasure from the sound of their painful cries, Sean, the way they plead and die slowly!"
"But…," resumed the sweating Sean, "I never told them about us! You – you must believe me!"
"I don't believe you!" snapped Nimrod, turning to face him. "You must know I'm a very organized person, Sean, and hardly makes any mistake in whatever I say, think or do! Therefore, I don't believe you, 'cuz I think it was you who spilled everything to the guards!"
He stood up and drew nearer the poor fellow cowering at the cell's corner.
"Don't think I'm abusing you, man, cuz you've seen nothing yet!" he coldly whispered and the latter swallowed hard, sweat freely pouring from his face. He was even beginning to whimper. "I grew up in an abusive home, Sean. I hated my father just as his own father hated him when he was alive! I had an elder sister who ran away from home before she was twenty, and you know why? Cuz my father took so much pleasure in beating us kids back then! Sadly, when my sister eloped with a stranger, he concentrated all his beating on me!"
Sean was now crying freely. "Oh, please…!" he begged as if for his life. He couldn't stand the torture anymore, but his tormentor was drawing even closer.
"The old man will beat me for every little mistake and sometimes, he'll purposely make me provoke him so that he can beat me again, leaving so many scares on my body in the process!" continued Nimrod as if he was deaf. "My mother was a drunk and never cared about what was going on at home. She would watch her husband almost strangling me to death, and then leave the house to come back late and very drunk!"
"Oh, please…!"
"I grew up becoming my father, Sean! At school, I exercised all I have learnt from him on my classmates. I will beat them and threaten them not to tell their teachers. And as you can tell, I was a very neat and organized young boy, and so was able to deceive the authorities into believing that I was a normal student!"
This assertion coming from a roommate was very frightening and Sean wondered whether it was time to start screaming for help, thinking better of this idea when Nimrod quizzically stared into his eyes as if reading his thoughts.
"Why…Why are you telling me all this?" he rather croaked.
"So that you'll know about my first kill, Mon ami!" replied the older man in a lighter mood. "It happened like this…" He was so close to Sean's face right now that the other man could smell his breath. "I made a mistake one day and one of my teachers discovered I was a psychotic bully. I was expelled from school and this shattered me. I became hopeless, without any plans for the future, and stayed at home wondering from one place to the other!
"But most importantly, Sean, I was also carefully planning on how I was going to get back at my teacher!" he added after some thought. "A year later, I found the opportunity I was waiting for and did not hesitate. I found my way into his house and stabbed him continuously until the stupid old man gave up the ghost! Then I was only seventeen years, Sean!"
"Jesus Christ!" involuntarily let out his victim. "Oh, sorry, sir!" he whimpered as an afterthought, and Nimrod slowly nodded, turning away from him but noticing the air he slowly let out afterwards.
"Do you know why I have successfully killed more than twelve people to date without being caught, Sean?"
"No, sir!"
"Because I love my freedom, Sean, and always took time to plan my actions!" he snapped, turning back to a drained Sean. "I was really enjoying my life before finding myself in prison, Sean, and now I need a girl!"
"You know there's a camera in here now…!" began the other prisoner with effort. "They will come if you start!"
"They will do no such thing…they're guards – they always sleep while on night duty!"
"They will come if I scream!"
"Then I will kill you before they get here!"
The other froze with unreasonable fright. He was so scared that his knees began to shake again and his body started going through quivering spasms.
Nimrod smiled at this and suddenly erupted into wild laughter. "Jeez, don't be afraid before your time, my friend. I don't think I'll need you now…no – not yet!" he tried to allay, albeit with sarcastic venom. "Right now I need to know how to get out of this joint…got an unfinished business with a fool out there in the free world!"
"Who…What – How?" stammered Sean, trying to steady his shaking hands.
"Once I leave this place, I must get back at the young man who made them get me!" his cellmate coldly replied. "He must die, and not only die, but die slowly and painfully! I'll teach the busy body fellow how to mind his own business!"
The other man was quiet. He didn't know what else to say. Surely the guy must know that the camera was switched on and rolling?
Nimrod got up and went to the prison bars. He held unto these and his anger rose a notch. "I wish I can squeeze his neck like these bars right now! Squeeze the life out of him! Make him lose speech…prevent words from coming out of his mouth again!"
"The camera…"
"I don't care!" he snapped, facing his cellmate once again. "Now, pull down and bend over!"


text:
Finally – a shifter
I finally got around to getting the shifter set-up. The first problem was the arm on the rear end was too long and hit the body.
That was easy enough to cut down. I was able to use the bracket on the rear end, I just had to make some adjustments on it.
Then I had to add an extension on to the Yamaha shifter assembly to get the cable to work properly. I also took that as an opportunity to add a little bracket so I could mount the disc brake reservoir. That was easier than welding a bracket to the frame.
I'm using the electric body, so I'll need to make a cover plate later on.
I can finally install this cover. I just need to get more body plugs.


text:
Any responsible authority or any interested party can, at any time, apply for a review of an existing premises licence/club premises certificate on grounds relating to one of the 4 licensing objectives, namely where issues relate to public safety, public nuisance, protection of children and crime and disorder are noted.
The person making the application for a review must send a copy to the licensing authority, to the holder of the premises licence/club premises certificate and to all responsible authorities on the same day.
The application for a review must be made on the application form:
Interested parties are any of the following:
Once a relevant application for a review is received we must:
We can reject an application for a review if we are satisfied that it is:
Where a review is rejected applicants will be notified of the decision and the reason for the decision.
Where a request for a review is accepted, a hearing will be held by the licensing committee to consider the application and any relevant representations.
Once an application for a review of a premises licence has been decided, the holder of the premises licence, the person who requests the review and any other person who makes a relevant representation in relation to the application, can appeal against the decision, by giving notice of appeal to the local Magistrates within a period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the appellant was notified by the licensing authority of the decision appealed against.
Busking and street entertainment permit
Contact information
Designated premises supervisor
Disapply a designated premises supervisor
Food businesses
Gambling Act 2005
Licensing Act 2003
Licensing committee
Notification of interest in a premise
Poole Safe Scheme
Town centre management
Using the high street


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Link: V3GGIE (Vegetarian) Search Engine
V3GGIE.com – the vegetarian search engine
Searching for Vegetarian specific information can be painful. Especially recipes and restaurants. How many times have you searched for "corn chowder" and weeded through pages of "clam chowder" recipes?
V3GGIE is a specialized search engine. It uses a large set of vegetarian and vegan oriented web sites as well as the vegetarian/vegan subsections of popular sites.
5 Vegetarian Search Engines in One!
V3GGIE includes 5 separate sections to give you the most appropriate information.


text:
The Franklin Room Is Coming to River North
The guys from Union Sushi + Barbeque have a neighborhood tavern with clever, classic details planned for April.
The Franklin Room (675 N. Franklin St., River North, no phone yet), the just-announced next project from the team behind Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, zigs off in a different direction from their first venture. "We found a great space right next to our current establishment," says Mike Schatzman, a partner. "Another Union Sushi next to Union Sushi doesn't make sense. It's literally right next door."
Instead, they chose to conjure the historical spirit of the tavern, a place where, the Franklin Room's press release says, you didn't just eat and drink, but also "pick up your mail, vote, and check on crop prices." Schatzman expects a mellower vibe in the 65-seat below-grade space than the high-energy feeling next door. "[It] has that old-school tavern-style feel, where you may want to hide from some people or use it as your getaway," he says.
The bar program will incorporate liquor from small-batch distilleries, designing flights of, say, Scotch or bourbon or tequila to explore the breadth of the spirit. Forrare bottles or special vintages, the Franklin Room will offer a bottle-keep program, where a customer can purchase a bottle to be stored at the restaurant, accessible later to the buyer or whomever the buyer gives a "buddy pass" to. "We also plan to try to incorporate a day-drinking element into the equation—2, 3, 4, or 5 o'clock," Schatzman says.
Chao Thapthimkuna will create the food menu, which currently isincubating in half-formed ideas. Inspirations include smoked fish, smoked meats, oysters, lobster pot pie, and fish and chips.
They plan to open in August. Until then, we'll be picking up mail, voting, and checking crop prices on our smartphones.
The Golden Age of the Sandwich
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Difference between revisions of "FlightGear on Android"
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{{FOA Navigation}}
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Latest revision as of 15:41, 9 April 2019
| This article has been nominated for deletion since 09 April 2019. To discuss it, please visit the talk page.
Do not remove this tag until the discussion is closed.
Reason for the nomination: All links are unavailable, nothing ever emerged out of this initiative and the page contains no further info. Serious doubts that the screenshots are indeed showing FlightGear on Android.
| This article describes content/features that may not yet be available in the latest stable version of FlightGear (2020.1).
You may need to install some extra components, use the latest development (Git) version or even rebuild FlightGear from source, possibly from a custom topic branch using special build settings:
This feature is scheduled for FlightGear (unknown).
If you'd like to learn more about getting your own ideas into FlightGear, check out Implementing new features for FlightGear.
|Started in
|Port FlightGear to run on the Android platform
|BlueSnowMan, Sebasgokart, Spitfirebruce21,Nebkat (since 08/2012),
|Note Also see Building FlightGear - Cross Compiling
Flightgear On Android is a project planning to get FlightGear onto the popular Android mobile devices. It is based on the FG official repos.
Please see Howto:Optimizing FlightGear for mobile devices
Hardware & Software Requirements
Your device should have at least a 1GHz processor and decent graphics chip (OpenGL ES2). Android 2.3 (min.) is a must and the device must be "rooted" (Rooting Wikipedia article for more info).
Our grand plan
The aim is to get a stable release onto Android, at the moment we have several builds ready for ALPHA, at this stage only to run on the supported devices as we have applied specific optimisations and changes Listed here plus one generic build.
The delay for release was due to major code changes with versions of Android & versions of FlightGear.
Development Progress
The development is progressing well, but any help would be appreciated.
At current the most we could want would be testers.
If you would like to help out send a email to BLUSNOWMAN (with the subject 'FOA Testing' and your device details (model, specs)). Your device will be available faster if this happens!
ALPHA release (Current)
ALPHA 1.1 is our first release. How to get it:
Fill out this Google Docs form to express your interest in the project.
We will get back to you with the files that you will need!!! We will email all the applicants with a link to download a ZIP file for FOA for their device or a generic build. The sources will be up this soon on the FOA Github Organisation.


text: toggle menuMENU Wedding ceremonies, receptions and celebrations at The Pavilions Wedding ceremonies, receptions & celebrations at The Pavilions, Mile End Park These stunning contemporary spaces are the perfect venue for your celebration. Set within the idyllic and natural surroundings of Mile End Park, the Art and Ecology Pavilions are ideal for those looking for a unique and flexible space in an unspoiled tranquil setting in the heart of East London. Our venues are available for hire for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and celebrations including Mehndi parties, Walima parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, birthday celebrations (over 25s) and wedding anniversaries. Please contact us for more information. Your Wedding Ceremony & Reception The pavilions are licensed for ceremonies, and are available as the venues for your ceremony and reception or to host your reception. Set in the heart of the East End, and the heart of the thriving arts hubs, the unique architectural properties of the pavilions in secluded and tranquil locations, combined with excellent transport links, make the pavilions the perfect venue for your celebration. The Pavilions are offered to you as a blank canvas. This allows for you to design or decorate these stunning flexible spaces to your own taste to create your own magical space. The buildings are both on one floor, are step free and have disabled access. Please note, In line with government guidance our venues are operating at a reduced capacity. Please contact us for more details. Please contact us for more information and to discuss your requirements: Tel : 020 7364 3115 email : email@example.com The Art Pavilion Address : Mile End Park, Clinton Road, London, E3 4QY This vast and beautiful earth sheltered space has a simple, clean and contemporary interior with a colonnade running parallel to the wall of glass. The immediate landscape encompasses the Arts Park, formally landscaped to include water pools, which are used to showcase exterior works of arts in idyllic surroundings. Bordering the Regents Canal and adjacent to the Ecology Park and Pavilion, the setting of the Art Pavilion ensures spectacular views looking both out across the water and inward to the light flooded interior. The Art Pavilion is offered with access to outside space. Capacity and facilities The Art Pavilion provides the following: capacity for 260 guests with flexible layout floor Space 480m2 food preparation area and use of caterers of your choice the venue is offered as a "dry hire" but banqueting chairs and tables can be provided. For plans and specifications please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com The Ecology Pavilion Address : Mile End Park, Haverfield Road (off Grove Road), London, E3 5TW Situated amongst the picturesque lakes and reed beds of the Ecology Park, the Ecology Pavilion provides a more intimate experience in a contemporary space in natural, wild surroundings. The Ecology Pavilion is perfect for those seeking a venue that offers tranquillity, beauty and exceptional value at the very heart of the East End. Once inside you will be greeted by the striking views of the nearby fauna and flora, while being only 10 minutes walk from Mile End Underground Station. The uniqueness of the setting makes this the perfect venue for special occasions. Capacity and facilities Capacity for 220 guests with flexible layout. Food preparation area and use of caterers of your choice The venue is offered as a "dry hire" but banqueting chairs and tables can be provided. The space is suitable for both large and small functions. For plans and specifications please email us at email@example.com How to get to us Bus Buses passing close to the pavilions are: 25, 277, D6, D7 Tube The nearest underground / tube, station is Mile End. This station is in Zone 2 and is on the Hammersmith and City Line, the District Line and the Central Line. Car There is very little car parking available near the park. The local streets operate a resident's parking permit system and are regularly patrolled by traffic wardens. Limited parking is available at Bow Wharf. In the spirit of the environmental ethos of the park we recommend that you leave your car at home.


text:
Helps protect the rear corners of the painted bumper from scratches and dings.
(Turbo Only) Not to be used with Blind Spot Detection
Fits Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, STI, WRXBUMPER CORNER MLDG 2-PC K
Your cart will be set to In-Store Pickup
By adding this item to your cart, the shipping option will not be available for your order. The In-Store Pickup option will now be defaulted at checkout.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Diisodecyl phthalate, Antimony Trioxide, which is [are] known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov


text:
Blog Posts : basements
May 2017
A Homeowner's Vision, from Design to Completion
Posted by rendon
Rendon Remodeling & Design completes a variety of home remodeling projects throughout Northern Virginia, from large home additions to basement remodels, to kitchen and bath remodels to exterior jobs such as screen porches. Let's look together at a chronicle of events for a specific remodeling project that Rendon Remodeling & Design finished recently with a … Continue reading "A Homeowner's Vision, from Design to Completion"
December 2009
What Is Green Remodeling And Why Is It Important
Posted by rendon
When people hear the term "green remodeling", most people don't really know what it is, except that it must be something to save the environment. The point that I would like to get across in this article, is to educate you on what green remodeling actually is and how it will benefit you and everyone … Continue reading "What Is Green Remodeling And Why Is It Important"


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Thursday, April 25, 2013
Five Things To Remember On April 25
1. Bishop Richard J. Malone of the Diocese of Buffalo, thanks to the hard work of the people of Daybreak TV, has been doing a weekly series of video reflections on Youtube called "Consider This." He tackles issues including the recent Boston Marathon bombing and Texas explosion.
2. With one week left in April, it's worth reminding everyone that it is Child Abuse Awareness Month. The Catholic Church works year-round to implement procedures to protect children today and in the future. The USCCB has a series of resources available on the topic.
4.We are saying goodbye to a friend in the media this week. Cathy Grossman is taking a buyout from the USA Today. Cathy brought depth and dedication to her craft, Sister Mary Ann Walsh says.
5. God loves you.
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Constructed in cabinets with furniture good quality knobs and pulls set this bank of cabinets prepared for your butler or for you personal use. Putting an island in the center of the kitchen that can supply freestanding storage that is also practical from any spot in the kitchen. When selecting colour for your new kitchen styles keep away from dark colors and large prints on towels, curtains, walls, anything that will be showcased. This can also serve as storage spaces and is convenient from any spot in the kitchen.
Working from the residence drawing plans already purchased, they will do a great job at letting your residence communicate a sense of intimacy and regard for meaningful details, as a smaller sized house should feel snug, not cramped. Then choosing the ideal kitchen appliances will make your kitchen really advantageous for your family and you. Color is anything else to take into account when trying to come up with a excellent small kitchen design.
With a tiny thought you could even incorporate some thing like a breakfast bar as part of your kitchen island style. The kitchen is a single of the most utilized rooms in a home and often overlooked when it comes to renovation and refurbishment. Cabinets or even hooks can be hung up on the sides of the island to make for much better storage spot and convenience.
In order to save space, it is convenient to develop an consuming region in the kitchen with tiny sized table and chairs that can be tucked into a corner anytime. Modern appliances have much more characteristics, are tough, and user-friendly than older appliances. If you have a little space for a kitchen it might at initial seem to be very challenging when you want to design your personal kitchen to your private preferences.
The best of kitchen design can fail if kitchen odors and cooking smells dominate the atmosphere. Though a lot of individuals think that little kitchen styles can be quite challenging it is not at all. Even with a little price range and developing restrictions, you can discover that there are numerous choices open to you to transform your kitchen into some thing far more perfect for your demands.


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People with disabilities are just like everyone else, except for their disability. They are just as likely as anyone to find themselves caught up in a commercial, labor, family or other dispute. All mediators - regardless of their area of specialization - need to know how to set up and run an accessible mediation session.
Under Title III of the ADA, mediators are required to make their facilities and services (as those of a "public accommodation") accessible to clients. In actuality, that responsibility may be a shared one. For example, an employer who uses mediation for an employment disputes has an obligation to ensure that the session is accessible to the employee with a disability. But that does not remove the obligation from the mediator's shoulders.
Mediators set the tone for their sessions. The mediator's ability to use appropriate disability etiquette and language and to handle access arrangements has an impact on the parties' future interactions, as well as on the interpersonal dynamic of the session.
When the mediator learns that one of the parties in an upcoming mediation has a disability, she should arrange to discuss access needs directly with that person. The mediator should not assume that she knows what will be most effective for the person who has a disability, nor should she take someone else's word for what his needs are. The person with a disability needs to know exactly what will happen in the session, in order to describe how to make the session accessible.
|A person who is hard of hearing may request an assistive listening device to amplify people's voices as they speak. However, amplification is not effective for all hard of hearing people, and real-time captioning may be most effective (like court reporting, with speakers' words typed out on a screen).
|Persons who have learning disabilities that make it difficult to concentrate may not think to request that the room be very simple, without loudly patterned curtains or pictures, which could be distracting.
|If a person is blind or visually impaired, offer to have the parties exchange documents in advance of the session date. Ask the person about his or her preferred format for the documents: large print (what point size), audio tape or braille.
|The ADA requires that a "qualified" interpreter be used when necessary to provide effective communication for persons who are deaf. "Qualified" is defined as "can interpret effectively, accurately and impartially both receptively and expressively, using specialized vocabulary." The parties must agree on whether the interpreter needs to be certified, who will determine whether the interpreter is qualified, etc.
While it is true that each person experiences his disability differently and that access issues need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis, having background knowledge lessens the amount of planning time. If the person has a disability that the mediator knows nothing about, she can learn information to make her more effective in mediating a session with this person.
|Persons with bipolar disorder may, in a manic phase, speak very quickly and jump from topic to topic. Being prepared for this allows the mediator to strategize about ways to handle it without making a judgement about the person's god faith effort to participate. For example, the mediator may decide to summarize frequently in order to ensure that she has not missed something. By summarizing, the mediator sends a signal that she places considerable importance on hearing everything the person has to say.
|Have a time-out room available for a person with a stress-related disorder. A time-out room may also be helpful for a person with Tourette syndrome, who may need to release the build-up of impulses to make sounds.
|A person with traumatic brain injury may have poor impulse control and poor social skills. The person may say something offensive to another party in the session that is based more on the person's lack of self-control than with any negative impulses. With advance preparation, the parties can avoid hard feelings.
|A person with AIDS may wish to schedule sessions for times when his medication is not affecting him. A person with lupus may tire easily and request that sessions be no longer than two hours. The other party normally does not need to know about this request, and the mediator is obligated to maintain confidentiality.
The way that the mediator interacts with the disabled person sets an example. The mediator should pay attention to her own attitudes, and monitor her responses.
|If the person has a speech disability, the mediator should give him unhurried attention, avoid interrupting or completing the person's sentences, and preventing other participants from doing so as well.
|A person with cerebral palsy may have slurred speech and involuntary body movements. The mediator's impulse may be to discount what he says, and she may have to remind herself not to make assumptions about the person's emotional or intellectual capacity based on his appearance.
|A person may indicate to you that she has trouble handling stress and she is not sure she will "make it" through the session. Don't dismiss this because you know that a mediation session can be stressful for anyone. Ask how you can help, and work with her to design ways to deal with it.
|A person with multiple chemical sensitivity, asthma or other respiratory disability may request that the room have good ventilation and that other participants not wear fragrances. Although it might sound strange to you, if you don't meet the person's needs, he may become seriously ill.
Work with the person to set up the room most effectively. Certain seating arrangements will impact on the person's ability to participate in the session.
|People who are hard of hearing rely on seeing the lips of people who are speaking to help them follow what is being said. Set up the table so that the person can see everyone's face, and so that others' backs are not to the source of light. Consider using a round table.
Some access plans depend on the cooperation of other participants at the session. The person with a disability will appreciate the mediator's explaining everyone's role, as long as it is done in a neutral, appropriate manner.
|The mediator should let participants know that they should speak to each other and not to the sign language interpreter, and that they must speak one at a time so that the interpreter can do her job effectively. Phrased in this way, the deaf person is not singled out.
|The mediator can ask each participant to say something when they are all seated, so that a person is blind will be oriented as to where each is sitting by their voice. (In a big session, the mediator can call on people by name before they speak.)
|Comments about a person's guide dog unnecessarily single out the person.
Throughout the session, observe disability etiquette and other measures so that the person with a disability has equal access at the session.
|Persons with mental retardation learn slowly, and have trouble using what they learn. Prepare to give directions slowly and clearly. Speak in simple and clear sentences, but don't use baby talk. Use concrete examples, rather than abstract concepts. Break down complex ideas into separate components.
|Do not touch a person's wheelchair, cane, crutch or other mobility device; they are part of his personal space.
Sometimes, the mediator finds herself dealing with a party who has difficulty participating in the session. This issue is hardest to deal with in the case of cognitive disabilities and psychiatric disabilities -- hidden disabilities that may interfere with the person's ability to communicate effectively. A person with auditory processing disorder (a learning disability) may have difficulty following what people are saying and/or putting his own thoughts into logical sequence.
The mediator can use the caucus to find out what she can do to facilitate more effective communication. If the person has not self-identified as disabled, the mediator should simply address what's going on in the session, and not frame it as a disability issue.
If the mediator discovers that the session is not accessible, and access cannot be arranged on the spot, she must reschedule it.
|For a person with a severe psychiatric disability, the mediator can arrange to co-mediate with someone who has expertise. Alternatively, the mediator can help the party arrange for a support person of his choice to attend a rescheduled session.
|If the sign language interpreter is not acceptable, or if there is no interpreter, the session cannot proceed using writing. Sign language is not a translation of English; many deaf people have low-level English skills. Conducting the session in written English denies the deaf person equal access.
If the person is deaf, the telephone conversation will most likely be by TTY. The TTY (tele-typewriter) is an appliance with a keyboard and screen that deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people use to communicate by telephone. If you do not have a TTY, the conversation will be via relay service. In the conversation, the parties need to use short, clear sentences.
For a wheelchair user, be sure that the table is high enough to accommodate a wheelchair and an accessible path of travel must exist to the meeting room, rest room, and all other areas the person will be using. It is not enough to ask the facility if these areas are accessible; ask about specific measurements: 32" doorways, 36" aisles, 5' turning room in the rest room stall, etc. If the way through the building is complicated, find out the most accessible path of travel and inform the disabled person of the most accessible routes.
The sign language interpreter must sit where the deaf person can see the persons speaking and watch the interpreter. Normally this would be next to the mediator, opposite the deaf person's side of the table.
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION from the author and publisher from SPIDR NEWS, Spring.
Copyright 1997 by Judy Cohen/Access Resources and by the Society for Professionals in Dispute Resolution, 815 15th Street NW, Washington DC 20005.


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Last Minute Makeover - Shop Assistant
Tags: Dress Up Games / Girl Games / Dressup Games / Makeover Games
Publisher: GirlGames.net
Video Walkthrough
This girl works in a fancy boutique in the city. Unfortunately her train was running late today, so she only has a few minutes left to give herself a makeover. Do you have what it takes to turn her into a beautiful shop assistant? Help her with the makeover, dress her up with some stylish clothing and apply some makeup so she'll be just in time to serve her customers.
Follow the instructions for the makeover. Select the items for the dressup.
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Democrats poised to embrace gay marriage
Charlotte, N.C. --
Eight years after California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said the push for legalizing same-sex marriage was "too much, too fast, too soon," the Democratic Party will make history Tuesday when it is expected to be the first major party to endorse same-sex marriage in its platform.
While the plank packs no legal power, it marks a cultural milestone.
"Another important societal cue that things are shifting," said Amy Simon, an Oakland pollster who is working for advocates who are pushing to legalize same-sex marriage in Maine and Washington. "As people are working through their conflicting feelings on this, they're looking for cues, and this is another one."
The platform declaration could spark political blowback, and one of the nation's leading opponents of same-sex marriage already is trying to make it an issue in pivotal swing states that have passed laws codifying marriage as a union of one man and one woman.
"By doing this, the Democratic Party is basically telling voters in places like North Carolina and Florida that they're a bunch of bigots," said Sacramento consultant Frank Schubert, the strategist behind California's Proposition 8 and similar campaigns opposing gay unions in four states where marriage is on the ballot in November.
The National Organization for Marriage began airing radio ads last week in North Carolina, targeting religious African Americans.
Support has grown
But analysts and pollsters say the issue is unlikely to be as volatile or powerful as it was in 2004, when 11 states put same-sex marriage bans on their ballots after then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom approved issuing wedding licenses to gay couples. Public support has grown since then, and now an average of 50 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage, according to the most recent polls.
But support in the polls has not translated into support at the ballot box. Voters have denied granting same-sex marriage rights 32 times when the issue was put before them. Voters in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington will decide the question this fall.
On Tuesday in Charlotte, delegates to the convention are also expected to support overturning the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act - signed by Wednesday night's keynote speaker, President Bill Clinton - which recognizes marriage only as between a man and a woman.
Democrats are trying to placate those with religious concerns: "We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference," a draft of the platform language states.
Obama's evolution
The party has come a long way in just four years, when it stopped short of endorsing gay nuptials, not wanting to contradict the stance of its nominee, then-Sen. Barack Obama. Obama said his views on the subject were "evolving."
Activists were so frustrated with Obama's position that some wore buttons saying "Evolve Already" at a White House reception last year for gay community leaders.
But when Obama expressed his full support for same-sex marriage in May, "that was a defining moment," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, a member of the party's platform committee. "It was a very clear political position that he supported marriage."
Tuesday's adoption of the platform, she said, "is a testament to (the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, which would not give up."
As the Democrats prepare to endorse same-sex marriage, Republicans hardened their opposition to it at their convention in Tampa, Fla., last week.
In the platform approved at the GOP convention, Republicans vowed to uphold marriage between a man and a woman "as the national standard" and promote it "through laws governing marriage."
The GOP even sought to cast the issue in economic terms, saying "the future of marriage affects freedom. The lack of family formation not only leads to more government costs, but also to more government control over the lives of its citizens in all aspects."
Dissent stifled
When Margaret Hoover, a GOP strategist and CNN commentator, tried to get her party to soften its platform, National Organization for Marriage President Brian Brown described her position as "seditious" in a blog post Friday, deriding same-sex marriage supporters as "Margaret Hoover Republicans."
"This position really hurts the party with Millennial generation voters," Hoover said. "It helps codify feelings among younger voters, particularly, that the party is out of touch."
Hoover has helped to raise $1.8 million for American Unity PAC, which will support three pro-gay-rights Republicans this fall, including Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs. Bono Mack has stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage, saying only that it "is a states' rights issue."
GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney's position on same-sex marriage has evolved in the opposite direction of Obama's.
Romney's pro-gay record
In 1994, when Romney was running for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts against the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy, he sought the endorsement of the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay and lesbian GOP group.
In a letter he wrote to the state chapter, Romney pitched his gay-friendly credentials: "I am more convinced than ever before that as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.
"If we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern. My opponent cannot do this. I can and will."
Now, Romney supports marriage only between a man and a woman - in tune with his party's platform.
Joe Garofoli is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Twitter: @joegarofoli


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Granted, there has been a little wolf-crying with Ike's Place, the hugely popular sandwich shop in the Castro. It was going to close because of complaints by the neighbors and then it wasn't. Then it definitely was. And then it didn't.
C.W. Nevius: SF Chronicle
And for a while it looked as if the legal confusion was going to keep Ike's open for weeks, if not months.
But no, this was really, really, honestly the end. At 9 a.m. today, Ike-ettes, wearing their trademark black T-shirts, were clearing out the equipment and packing up the grill.
If the next tenant has any luck, they will hardly attract any customers at all so it will be nice and quiet.
Meanwhile, around the corner, this is the bar that Supervisor Chris Daly says he is planning to buy.
C.W. Nevius: SF Chronicle.
By the way, Daly has told colleagues Matier and Ross that he plans to support John Avalos' alcohol fee (don't call it a tax or Avalos will get gruff with you). After all, one of the complaints is that although the fee is directed at wholesalers, the prediction is that it will be passed on to restaurant and bar owner — so this could actually end up costing Daly.
But if Daly is a bar owner won't that be a conflict of interest and should he recuse himself?


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Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware returned home from Monday night's game against the Houston Texans to discover that his house had been burglarized. Ware was understandably upset, but was also comforted by the fact that his house was equipped with hidden cameras.
Did one of those cameras catch the alleged thieves in the act? You bet they did! Look at these dummies:
The Denver police department released these images from Ware's security camera, and are seeking help in identifying the suspects. They are offering a $2,000 reward, which I think is a good enough reason to turn in the two men who appear to be your deadbeat uncle and your annoying second cousin.


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Discover your intrinsic Nature and Nurture through the planets and stars in this informative Astrological workshop. Learn how the cycles of the celestial world affect you personally, and how your unique blueprint – your Astrological birth chart - can help you live to your fullest potential. Find your strengths, challenges and which areas of life to empower and enable us and live with greater equanimity and awareness. Astrology is an ancient, powerful, well-tested and insightful tool to foster emotional and mental growth and transformation. The retreat will focus on the role of fate and free will, the planets in their signs and houses, the aspects they make to each other, the elements and modalities they represent and the importance of the position of the sun and moon in conjunction with the cycles of life. There will be stargazing sessions and sunrise yoga.
Margarita Celeste was intuitively drawn to the starry skies from a young age. In 2013, she enrolled for Rod Suskin's three year Diploma course, receiving a scholarship for her final year, after which she studied formally with the School of Intuition and Healing. Her passion is to help and guide others towards a more conscious state of being. She has a deep interest in alternative healing such as reiki, crystal therapy, kinesiology, chakra balance, tachyon healing and life alignment.


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Workaholism is a psychological condition manifested in the individual's compulsive obsession to work. This is often done at the expense of other aspects of his life, like family, friends and personal health.
Given their proclivity to work, workaholics often appear as ambitious, intelligent and succesful people. However, this superficial appearance masks a deep affliction, which if left untreated can sow the seeds of trouble in the future.
1. Psychological basis behind workaholism
The workaholic is usually a perfectionist, who believes that only he is capable of accomplishing the work. There is an innate need inside him for tasks to be completed so that he can have a sense of achievement. (While this is a normal sentiment, the workaholic takes it to extremes.) Given such a mentality, the workaholic is often unable to relax and continues to yearn to finish as much work (which is never-ending) as possible. As his self-worth is tied to his work achievements, the workaholic needs to continue to generate work in order to feel good about himself. This is also why workaholics like to consider the condition as a badge of honour or a respectable vice.
2. Signs of workaholism
Both the individual and his loved ones can help to keep a lookout for such signs.
- No clear separation between work and home (family, social, leisure)
- Work matters constantly on the mind.
- The individual clearly relishes talking about his work all the time, with no self-awareness that his life is just revolving around his work.
- Sense of achievement and self-worth is closely tied to work-related matters (i.e. projects, work titles, work responsibilities)
- Sense of guilt when not working
- Inability to relax during vacation or non-working moments
- Strong belief that others are incompetent, while only he can "save the day"
- Experience burnout due to overwork or increased stress
Workaholics Anonymous also provides a 20-question self-assessment test, of which 3 affirmatives mean that you might have a workaholic problem
(1) Do you get more excited about your work than about family or anything else?
(2) Are there times when you can charge through your work and other times when you can't get anything done?
(3) Do you take work with you to bed? On weekends? On vacation?
(4) Is work the activity you like to do best and talk about most?
(5) Do you work more than 40 hours a week?
(6) Do you turn your hobbies into moneymaking ventures?
(7) Do you take complete responsibility for the outcome of your work efforts?
(8) Have your family or friends given up expecting you on time?
(9) Do you take on extra work because you are concerned that it won't otherwise get done?
(10.) Do you underestimate how long a project will take and then rush to complete it?
(11) Do you believe that it is okay to work long hours if you love what you are doing?
(12) Do you get impatient with people who have other priorities besides work?
(13) Are you afraid that if you don't work hard you will lose your job or be a failure?
(14) Is the future a constant worry for you even when things are going very well?
(15) Do you do things energetically and competitively including play?
(16) Do you get irritated when people ask you to stop doing your work in order to do something else?
(17) Have your long hours hurt your family or other relationships?
(18) Do you think about your work while driving, falling asleep, or when others are talking?
(19) Do you work or read during meals?
(20) Do you believe that more money will solve the other problems in your life?
3. Effects of workaholism
The effects of workaholism are often felt after a prolonged period when the individual's work-life balance has long been upset, even though he might not be aware of it himself.
- Strains family and social relationships
- Brings about health problems, due to the individual's neglect of his own health (e.g. infrequent meals, not enough water consumption, prolonged sitting posture, neglect of personal hygiene)
- Prolonged workaholic habits can result in gastric and health problems.
4. Prevention / Treatment
A common misconception among workaholics is that they misunderstand the purpose and nature of work. While it is good both in terms of physical and mental health for people to work, workaholics over-prioritise work in their lives and place undue emphasis on it. They often forget to stop and ask themselves, "Is it worth it?" or "What has my work cost me?".
If workaholics are willing to acknowledge their own conditions and the toll it has taken on themselves and the people around them, they can consider some options to get back to a more healthy lifestyle.
- Acknowledge that the work ethic requires one to be responsible for one's work, but not at the expense of the other aspects of one's life.
- Learn to say no to yourself and be able to walk away from work.
- Remind yourself that your self-identity and self-worth should not be tied to your work.
- Spend more time with your family. You can always change your work. You can't change your family. Your family is all you have in this life.
- Take small steps to clear your mind from work matters. Do something else you like (even though it is just work that you like for now).
- Do not rationalise these steps as "doing it for your family or others". The main beneficiary of weaning off workaholism is yourself.
It is unfortunate that in today's corporate culture, the perception of not working hard enough is considered detrimental to one's career. Alternatively, having to profess that one would like to keep a healthy attitude towards work can lead to doubts about the individual's ability for higher responsibilities.
However, what the corporate culture and workaholics themselves do not realise is that workaholism is not working hard. Contrary to what their superiors might say, workaholism means spending a totally inappropriate (if not obscene) amount of time on a piece of work, while the time and efforts could have been spent more efficiently and productively. Hence, workaholics can actually be seen as inefficient workers, with poor time management skills.
No matter how "enjoyable" your work is or how much satisfaction you derive from it now, life is more than just work. After all, like a saying goes, "Nobody ever laid on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at the office."
At the end of the day, it is a personal choice. The individual has to think through his priorities in life and weigh the pros and cons of his working habits. Having made a considered decision will he be able to live with the consequences of his own choices.