text:
What's this? By following some of the links found on this page, you will leave the U.S. Government's NOAA Ocean Explorer Web site.
View Larger Google Map of the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer Pier 66 commissiong location.
Related Links
View FLASH Commissioning Slideshow
Video of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer Commissioning
NOAA's Sand Point Facility (Google Map close-up view)
NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery: Vessels
Ocean Explorer YouTube Channel Video


text:
What girl doesn't love getting her hair styled for a special occasion?
A lot of thought and effort has gone into choosing the Communion dress or Confirmation outfit and having the perfect hairstyle will finish off the look.
Having long hair opens up a variety of choices when it comes to choosing a hairstyle but there are many options no matter what the length of your hair. If wearing a veil or head piece that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing the hair style for the day.
The award winning team of hair stylists at Salon 2 have come up with some pretty options to choose from. To book an appointment for your special day call (071) 9160341
A boys First Holy Communion is possibly the first time your little man has worn a 'smart outfit' since he had an opinion on his clothes! You might just want a tidy hair cut that will 'stay put' for the day and look tidy in the photos or you may want to give him a trendy 'new look'.
A boy making his Confirmation may be quite image conscious and probably has his own opinion of what he'd like from his favourite football player.
Whatever look you're trying to achieve Salon 2 can help. Here are a few of the current favourites in Salon 2 with some of our younger clients.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Standing at the threshold of the 21st century, soybean breeders have a clear and unlimited view. Researchers worldwide continue to look for genetic answers to yield inhibitors of climate, disease and insects. There is much work yet to be done. And, fortunately, there's plenty of genetic material to do it with.
Countries will continue to look to the U.S. for breeding materials that can build their yields through disease resistance and increased production. But other countries have an ample supply of genetic stock to offer as well - particularly China.
Soybeans are native to China. In the National Gene Bank there, scientists have collected more than 23,000 soybean accessions, or genetically distinct populations. Among those varieties are soybeans that have high levels of the amino acids methionine and cystine, resistance to drought and resistance to diseases. At least 50 of them have shown immunity or resistance to different races of soybean cyst nematode (SCN).
"A new yield barrier, discovered in 1998, will be discussed that has the potential for having an impact on future soybean yields similar to the discovery of the lodging barrier in 1967," says Ohio State University's Dick Cooper.
American scientists continue their search for higher yields as well, and will discuss their findings at the Global Soy Forum.
The demand for more soybean varieties with more traits in the 21st century will be answered, in part, with new developments in biotechnology. As this new science becomes more sophisticated, and its products accepted more widely, potential for new soybean products becomes almost unlimited. New research has scientists ever closer to understanding the gene makeup of soybeans and how each gene affects the ultimate productivity of the plant.
Each innovation is a step closer to "designer" varieties, created through biotechnology, that allow plants to flourish where climate, soil types, disease or insects once limited production.


text:
Beaminster (/ˈbɛmɪnstər/ BEM-in-stər) is a village and civil parish in Dorset, England, situated in the Dorset Council administrative area approximately 15 miles (24 km) northwest of the county town Dorchester. It is sited in a bowl-shaped valley near the source of the small River Brit. The 2013 mid-year estimate of the population of Beaminster parish is 3,100.
Beaminster town centre
|3,100 (2013 estimate)
|OS grid reference
|• London
|145 miles (233 km)
|Civil parish
|Unitary authority
|Shire county
|Sovereign state
|United Kingdom
|Post town
|Postcode district
|Dialling code
|Dorset and Wiltshire
|South Western
|EU Parliament
|South West England
|UK Parliament
|Beaminster Town Council
In its history Beaminster has been a centre of manufacture of linen and woollens, the raw materials for which were produced in the surrounding countryside. The town experienced three serious fires in the 17th and 18th centuries; the first of these, during the English Civil War, almost destroyed the fabric of the town.
Beaminster parish church is notable for its architecture, particularly its tower.
In the Domesday Book of 1086 the manor of Beaminster was recorded as being owned by the See of Salisbury. Bishop Osmund gave it as a supplement to two of the Cathedral prebends in 1091.[1]
In the English Civil War the town declared for Parliament and was sacked by Royalist forces in 1644. Prince Maurice stayed in the town on Palm Sunday,[1] though his stay was brief because a fire, caused by a musket being discharged into a thatched roof,[2] almost totally destroyed the town.[1] The town suffered further accidental fires in 1684 and 1781.[3]
Previously Beaminster was a centre for the production of linen and woollens. Flax was grown and sheep kept on the surrounding hills and the town was locally more important than it is today: factories were constructed in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and as many as seventeen inns existed in the town in the early 20th century.[4]
No railway line came through Beaminster and as a result the town declined relative to other local towns such as Bridport and Dorchester.[5]
Horn Park, about 1 1⁄2 miles (2.4 km) northwest of Beaminster, is a neo-Georgian country house of five bays and two storeys, designed by architect T. Lawrence Dale and completed in 1911.[6] Inside the house the central corridor is barrel vaulted and leads to a drawing room whose groin vault is reminiscent of the work of Sir John Soane (1753–1837).[6] The drawing room includes Jacobean features re-used from the largely mid-16th-century nearby Parnham House,[6] which was being altered and restored at about the time that Horn Park was being built.[7] Horn Park is Listed Grade II. Its gardens are occasionally open to the public as part of the National Gardens Scheme.
Beaminster is sited 50 to 80 metres (160–260 ft) above sea level in a bowl-shaped valley, surrounded by hills which rise to 244 metres (801 ft) at Beaminster Down to the northeast. The River Brit and many small streams emerge from springs on the slopes above the town.[8] The confluences of several of these streams are within the town's boundaries. Beaminster's growth has historically been along the course of these streams, resulting in a settlement pattern that is roughly star-shaped.[9]
Beaminster is situated approximately 45 miles (72 km) south of Bristol, 38 miles (61 km) west of Bournemouth, 35 miles (56 km) east of Exeter and 15 miles (24 km) northwest of the county town Dorchester.
Beaminster is sited mostly on Middle Jurassic fuller's earth clay, with some Inferior Oolite in the south of the town and Bridport Sand Formation north of the town centre. The hills north and east of the town are Cretaceous chalk with a scarp face of Upper Greensand Formation, while those to the south and west are of Bridport Sand Formation. There are several faults running west-northwest to east-southeast through the town and its southern environs.[9] Horn Park Quarry SSSI[10][11] produced building stone from the Inferior Oolite and some quality fossil specimens[12] before becoming a light industrial estate on the road to Broadwindsor. Apart from the ammonites, the site displays a remarkable flat erosion surface and the most complete succession in the Upper Aalenian ironshot oolite limestone of the area.
Beaminster parish
Dorset County Council's 2013 mid-year estimate of the population of Beaminster parish is 3,100.[13]
The historic population of Beaminster parish from the censuses between 1921 and 2001 is shown in the table below.
Census population of Beaminster Parish 1921-2001 Census 1921 1931 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Population 1,651 1,612 1,785 2,000 2,350 2,370 2,770 2,920
Source: Dorset County Council[14]
2011 census
Published results from the 2011 national census combine information on Beaminster parish with the small neighbouring parish of Mapperton to the southeast. Within this area there were 1,680 dwellings,[15] 1,529 households[16] and a population of 3,136.[17]
Economy and society
DuPont produce Nisaplin (E234), a commercial formulation of the natural bacteriocin nisin, at a factory in the town.[18] It was first isolated by Aplin and Barret and produced in the 1950s in the factory laboratory then at 11–15 North Street. The Clipper tea company is based in Beaminster. It is currently owned by the Dutch company Royal Wessanen.[19][20]
Beaminster hosts the Beaminster Festival, an annual music and art festival.[21] Whitcombe Disc golf course at Beaminster has hosted the British Open Disc Golf Championship several times and the European Disc Golf Championship in 2003.[22] The town is twinned with the town of Saint-James on the Brittany/Normandy border in France.
Beaminster is also home to an annual vintage dog and pony show called Buckham Fair, hosted by Martin and Philippa Clunes on their farm in Beaminster. Attracting, on average, around 15,000 visitors for this one-day event in August, the event is run solely to raise money for a nominated local charity. To date, Buckham Fair has raised over £500,000.
The nearest railway station is 5 miles (8 km) north of the town at Crewkerne. Exeter International Airport is 30 miles (48 km) to the west. The main road through the town is the A3066, which leads to Bridport to the south and Mosterton and Crewkerne to the north. The road north passes through Horn Hill tunnel, which opened in June 1832[23] and is the sole pre-railway age road tunnel that is still in daily public use.[24]
Primary schools in the town include St Mary's Church of England Primary School.
Beaminster School is the town's secondary school. It has a combined sixth form with The Sir John Colfox Academy, in the nearby town of Bridport.
Beaminster has an Anglican church, St Mary's, and a Catholic church, St John's.[25] St Mary's is notable for its architecture, which is considered among the best in the county.[1] The tower in particular has been described as "a handsome example of its period" and "the glory of Beaminster".[4][26] St Mary's construction mostly dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but was restored twice in the 19th. The eastern part of the north aisle incorporates part of an earlier 13th-century building, and the font bowl is late 12th-century.[26] The pulpit is Jacobean.[1] A chapel of ease, Holy Trinity Church, was built in 1849-51.[27] After becoming redundant in 1978, it was converted into a private residence, Trefoil House.[28][29]
In literature
Beaminster is referenced as "Emminster" in the fictional Wessex of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.[30]
Dorset's 19th-century dialect poet William Barnes wrote of Beaminster:[30]
Sweet Be'mi'ster, that bist a-bound
By green and woody hills all round,
Wi' hedges, reachèn up between
A thousand vields o' zummer green.
It is a location for part of the story for the post-apocalyptic novel The Day of the Triffids.[31]
Notable people
- Beaminster was the boyhood home of the arctic explorer, naturalist and author Samuel Hearne. Hearne is considered by some to have been the inspiration for the tragic figure in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.[32]
- Beaminster is the adopted home town of actor Martin Clunes.[33][34]
- Mat Follas had his first restaurant The Wild Garlic[35] in the town square, though in 2013 it was moved to larger premises elsewhere.
- Beaminster is also home of Lynne Reid Banks, author of The L-Shaped Room and The Indian in the Cupboard.[36]
- The furniture maker John Makepeace lives in the town after selling nearby Parnham House, where his school for craftsmen in wood was originally based. Alumni of Parnham House include Earl Snowden.[37] Parnham was also the home of William Barnard Rhodes-Moorhouse, the first airman ever to receive the Victoria Cross, following a daring, though ultimately fatal, bombing mission over Courtrai in 1915.
- Graham Stansfield (1940-2018), Organist & Composer, pseud. "Graham Field", founder & leader of the 1969/70 Prog-Rock-Band "Rare Bird" (Sympathy, No.1 Hit in EU)
- Hammond, Reginald J. W. (1979). Dorset Coast. Ward Lock. p. 41. ISBN 0-7063-5494-X.
- Treves, Sir Frederick (1905). Highways and Byways in Dorset. Macmillan & Co. p. 299.
- Newman & Pevsner, 1972, page 86
- Wightman, Ralph (1983). Portrait of Dorset (4th ed.). Robert Hale. pp. 151–154. ISBN 0-7090-0844-9.
- Bettey, J. H. (1974). Dorset. City & County Histories. David & Charles. p. 88. ISBN 0-7153-6371-9.
- Newman & Pevsner, 1972, page 88
- Newman & Pevsner, 1972, page 87
- Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Pathfinder Series, Sheet ST 40/50 Crewkerne & Beaminster, published 1984
- "Beaminster Part 3 and 4 Context and sources". Dorset County Council/web.archive.org. February 2011. Archived from the original on 19 March 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
- "Horn Park Quarry Geology Guide".
- "Horn Park Quarry SSI".
- "Horn Park Quarry Teachers Information Pack" (PDF).
- "Parish Population Data". Dorset County Council. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
- "Parishes (A–L), 1921–2001 Census Years". Dorset County Council. 17 March 2010. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- "Area: Beaminster (Parish), Dwellings, Household Spaces and Accommodation Type, 2011 (KS401EW)". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- "Area: Beaminster (Parish), Key Figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
- "Area: Beaminster (Parish). Key Figures for 2011 Census: Key Statistics". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
- Delves-Broughton, Joss (24 September 2007). "Use of Nisaplin® as a preservative in pasteurised liquid egg products". engormix.com. Retrieved 19 March 2014.
- "Clipper Teas bids whittled down to five". The Grocer. 10 November 2007. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- "Clipper tea firm to stay in Dorset, new owner Wessanen says". BBC News. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- Gerryts, Rene (10 June 2011). "Beaminster Festival: Melvyn Bragg one of the headlines at annual event". Bridport NEWS. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- "PDGA Results search". Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- "'A tunnel wide'". Dorset Life. November 2010.
- "BEAMINSTER: A LITTLE HISTORY". Beaminster Town Council. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- "In and around Beaminster". Beaminster Town Council. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- "'Beaminster', An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Dorset, Volume 1: West (1952), pp. 17–27". British History Online. University of London & History of Parliament Trust. November 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
- Hine, Richard (1914). The History of Beaminster. Taunton: Barnicott & Pearce, the Wessex Press. pp. 414–21.
- "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Web.archive.org. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- "Beaminster Town Council". Beaminster-tc.gov.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- "Surrounding towns and villages". Dorset County Council. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
- "Where the Day of the Triffids takes place". Triffids.guidesite.co.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- McGooghan, Ken (2003). Ancient Mariner: The Amazing Adventures of Samuel Hearne, the Sailor who Walked to the Arctic Ocean. HarperFlamingoCanada.
- Gerryts, Rene (18 August 2010). "Martin Clunes shuns Hollywood for Beaminster". Dorset ECHO. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- Tyzack, Anna (20 August 2012). "Martin Clunes interview". The Telegraph. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- The Wild Garlic
- Beckett, Andy (20 August 1995). "Indian Summer". The Independent. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- Peter Dunn (12 January 1994). "Architecture: The school that got lost in the woods - Peter Dunn on the collapse of a dream of hand-crafted timber furniture (CORRECTED)". The Independent. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- "British towns twinned with French towns [via WaybackMachine.com]". Archant Community Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 5 July 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
- "Beaminster twinned with Saint-James". Beaminster Community.net. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- Thoury, Michel. "31 ème anniversaire du Jumelage à Beaminster". Site de L'Office de Tourisme Saint James (in French). Archived from the original on 29 July 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- "Dorset Twinning Association List". The Dorset Twinning Association. Archived from the original on 21 June 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- Newman, John; Pevsner, Nikolaus (1972). Dorset. The Buildings of England. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. pp. 84–89. ISBN 0-14-071044-2.
External links
- Beaminster at Curlie
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Beaminster.


text:
H.R.2344 - Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009111th Congress (2009-2010)
|Rep. Inslee, Jay [D-WA-1] (Introduced 05/12/2009)
|House - Judiciary
|Committee Reports:
|H. Rept. 111-139
|Latest Action:
|06/30/2009 Became Public Law No: 111-36. (TXT | PDF) (All Actions)
This bill has the status Became Law
Here are the steps for Status of Legislation:
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Subject — Policy Area:
- Commerce
- View subjects
Summary: H.R.2344 — 111th Congress (2009-2010)All Information (Except Text)
Shown Here:
Public Law No: 111-36 (06/30/2009)
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Webcaster Settlement Act of 2009 - Prohibits the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia from taking this Act into account in its review of the determination by the Copyright Royalty Judges of May 1, 2007, of rates and terms for the digital performance of sound recordings and ephemeral recordings, pursuant to specified provisions.
Defines "webcaster," for provisions relating to licenses for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings via webcasting, as a person or entity that has obtained a compulsory license under specified provisions. (Current law defines such term as a person or entity that has obtained a compulsory license under specified provisions to make eligible nonsubscription transmissions and ephemeral recordings.)
Terminates, 30 days after enactment of this Act, the authority to make commercial or noncommercial webcasting settlements under existing provisions.


text:
Norfolk village angered by naming of wind farm substation
Credit: Steve Shaw | Dereham Times | 05 January 2018 | www.derehamtimes.co.uk ~~
A substation that was built in a Norfolk village to support a large off shore wind farm has caused controversy due to a newly erected sign.
The sign for the substation in Necton, near Swaffham, was put up at the beginning of December and reads 'Necton Substation' but many of those living in the community say the sign should be changed as they do not want their village to be linked to the site.
The residents fear that by putting the village name on the substation, which is operated by the National Grid and linked to a wind farm owned by Dudgeon, it will result in Necton being permanently associated with the site and in turn impact house prices.
Jenny Smedley, leader of a substation action group in Necton, said: "This sign is just another example of how the people on the ground are disregarded. It's perfectly obvious that any house-hunters coming along the A47 will see that sign and the name Necton will be coupled with substation immediately and could easily put them off."
The issue is now set to be debated in an upcoming parish council meeting, where a number of residents will call for the sign to be changed to read 'Dudgeon substation'.
However, it is not clear if the community's demands can or will be met as it would mean breaking away from a nationwide naming convention that has been employed by National Grid.
"Our substations are always given the name of a nearby village to aid locating the site, particularly for safety reasons in the event that the emergency services need to be called out," a National Grid spokesperson said.
"We take the same approach elsewhere on our network when a new site is established."
Two more substations could be built on edge of the village, measuring up to 25 metres high and covering around 18 acres each, if plans for two offshore wind farms from energy company Vattenfall are given the go-ahead.
The plans would also see the Dudgeon substation treble in size from five acres to 17.
Necton residents have been campaigning to stop the development and played a key part in the debate about how wind farm infrastructure will impact Norfolk.
The parish council meeting will take place at 7.30pm on January 8 at Necton Rural Community Centre.
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe "fair use" as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar "fair dealing" provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
|Wind Watch relies entirely
on User Funding


text:
Microsoft Exchange Server is a go-to solution in many organisations for business email, scheduling, and more. While most of us are familiar with how they work, just like any technology, it's how you consume, configure, and maintain these tools that makes the difference.
Global Point's certified Exchange server infrastructure engineer can provide your company with expert guidance and services to support, manage or migrate your server into Office 365. We understand that there are several versions in current circulation but rest assured that our engineers are familiar with them and as a certified Microsoft partner they can contact Microsoft with issues that can be outside of the scope of our expertise.
We can assist your business with Microsoft Exchange 2007 or Microsoft Exchange 2010, Microsoft Exchange 2013, Microsoft Exchange 2016, Microsoft Exchange 2019 and exchange online such as Office 365.
Our service engineers can help with various issues that can affect exchange server and migrations


text:
Butterfat ingredients
Butterfat ingredients
Belgomilk Ingredients offers butterfat-based ingredients (butter, cream) for the following applications:
- bakery
- chocolate
- cookies
- ice cream
- cheese
- potato sector (such as mash)
- ready-to-eat meals
- dairy industry
Depending on the season, Belgomilk Ingredients can supply both summer as well as winter butter. We offer both sour and sweet butter, and both unsalted and salted butter. Our butter tends to be more typical of Northern European butter, meaning it has a somewhat harder texture.
We package our butter in 25 kg boxes with a blue PE liner.
40% cream is also available in bulk shipments of 25 metric tonnes each.
More info? Please contact Mr. Peter Riskin by telephone on +32 (0)3 730 1800 or fax us on +32 (0)3 730 1905, or send an email to email@example.com.
Go to page
Go to page


text:
The Regency magazine rack in yew is an attractive yet functional piece of occasional furniture, suitable for any living room in this attractive wood style..
We offer free UK delivery on all products costing £500 or more. On products costing less than £500 a small delivery charge applies which will be shown in the checkout. For full details on our delivery policies click here
Payment Options
Here at The Place for Homes we offer several finance options in order to spread the cost, simply select the Close Brothers Retail Finance option at checkout and you can apply on line. For more information click here
Returns Policy
If you're not totally satisfied with your purchase from The Place for Homes we do offer a returns policy, for full details on this please click here
Staingard Protection
We are able to offer Staingard Protection on all of our sofas and armchairs that we sell at The Place for Homes, for further details please click here


text:
PT Mitratata Citragraha presenting a Program for Asean Project Manager's Center of Excellence (APMX) functions as one node in a global network of Project Management Professional practitioner's working as a "Virtual Organization". Our Objective is to serve as "missionaries" to bring "the Word" of effective Project Management to SE Asia. We believe in the philosophy of "Develop Globally, Implement Locally" when creating solutions for our multi-national clients.
Bilingual Expertise
We offer training, mentoring and facilitation in English, Bahasa Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Hakka and Hokkien Chinese, and Japanese languages. All of our Associate Facilitators hold advanced degrees from Singaporean, Australian, American or other internationally accredited Universities, and all are Certified as Project Management Professionals (PMP) and/or Certified Cost Consultants/Engineers (CCC/E).
Industries Serviced
Our associates all have "hands on" project management expertise in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical, Telecommunications, Generals Construction, Information Technologies; Airport, Airbase and Military Installations; Bridges, Highways, Roads and Infrastructure; Schools and Universities and Government building, Biotechnology and "Clean Room" projects, as well as "Good Governance" and Social Safety Net Projects funded by the World Bank, Asean Development Bank and UN.
Area of Operations
As we are centrally located in Jakarta, Indonesia, we are ideally situated to service Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, China, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines and Papua New Guinea through our Jakarta Office. By way of Strategic Alliances with Universities, recognized individuals, subject matter experts and established vendors of Project Management tools, we are able to react swiftly to any need or challenge our customers may face. To achieve this end, we have developed standardized yet flexible project delivery processes consistent with all Capability Maturity Models, while implementing these methodologies using local people in deference to regional cultural, religious and social sensitivities.
Our Vision
To earn the recognition and acceptance as the leading source of applied Project Management solutions in the AustralAsia Region, and to do so in such a manner that transfers technology to the local practitioner cost effectively.
Our Mission
To develop, maintain and implement a comprehensive portfolio of Project Management Tools, Techniques and Resources to support organizations to increase the success rate of their projects through effectively implementing proven Project Management methodologies.
Our Values
We execute our day to day actions and decisions based upon a professional code of ethics and conduct our business with respect for the diversity of our fellow human beings and our Mother Earth.
Our History
PT Mitratata Citragraha presenting a Program for Asean Project Manager's Center of Excellence (APMX) was founded in 1991 by Paul Giammalvo and Yani Suratman, with the original mission to provide Technology Transfer in Applied Project Management to Indonesian professionals. The company has since grown to include 5 strategic alliance partners, 14 full or part-time associate partners, in support of over US$500 million dollars worth of projects. We service clients within an area roughly defined and bounded by India, China and New Zealand.


text:
More Protests in Yemen
Protesters continue to take to the streets of Sanaa but appear divided over demands. Video courtesy of Reuters.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the the protesters continued to speak to the streets in Yemen's capital Sanaa ... Yemen has been overrun with mass demonstrations that have often turned violent ... and government forces clashed with protesters ... but the mood on Saturday was tested ... with many waiting ten years and clapping along to music ... although they are United in their determination to keep pressure on President Ali Abdullah Saleh ... many remained divided over their demands ... this woman says she will settle for nothing less than the president's immediate departure ... others hope the government will be forced to hand down Beacher reforms ... on the weather that we are now asking the president to take some steps that can ... help ... we need change we need change it better ... to new talent steps that we can feel in our reality ... this is what we need ... it ... on Friday seven said he would step down ... but only after he tended his power over to seek and ... his commentary immense pressure from protesters opposition groups and some military leaders after ordering Scrapers to fire into crowds last Friday ... killing fifty two people ... since then his promised parliamentary and presidential elections at the end of the year ... as well as reworking the Constitution ... Jessica Gray ... Reuters


text:
All About SPARK ( Single Parents Raising Kids)
Single Parents Raising Kids or more popularly known as SPARK is an organization of single parents based in the Montgomery County in the United States state of Maryland. SPARK also covers other single parents in the surrounding areas.
SPARK as an organization of single parents was instituted and formed in 1987. The founders were nine single parents who have successfully coped p with life being single parents. The nine SPARK founders initially aimed to make SPARK an organization or venue in helping numerous single parents to cope up and deal with stressful single parenting issues.
SPARK as an organization
Like most other organizations, non-government organizations that is, Single Parents Rising Kids or SPARK has a self-imposed mission of building a community characterized by interaction among local single parents.
SPARK aims to help single parents in Maryland provide a support group system to strengthen each other and be able to share experiences and insights on related experiences to make each other learn from experiences and mistakes.
SPARK purposely aims to attain its mission statement by instilling active participation among its members and planning and presenting a program of family that is balanced. The organization also aims to give out social and educational programs to each of its members.
As an active organization, SPARK comes out with a monthly calendar of events that can help its members interact comfortably though informal and friendly gatherings.
To do such, SPARK once in a while organizes concerts, movie premieres, pot-luck dinners and other activities that would help members appreciate and interact with each other in the most comfortable and conducive means.
The headquarters of SPARK is located at SPARK Incorporated, PO ox 288, Rockville, Maryland 20848.
SPARK membership
It should be noted that SPARK, being a non government organization, is also and mostly, to be emphasized clearly, not a for-profit organization. That means SPARK exists mainly because of its advocacy roles and commitments and not because of any other causes.
The organization, being a social interaction group, is not intended to generate income or revenues to its founders and leaders. Instead, the compensation SPARK gets is the great feeling it attains if it effectively provides support and wisdom or insights to its members, which are all single parents.
SPARK is a volunteer-organization that is run and managed by volunteers. Solicitations and contributions that make SPARK running and existing are generated through the voluntary contribution and offer of single parent members.
SPARK is open to all single parents in Maryland and the adjoining states whose child or children are below or under eighteen years. The child or children may be with or without custody.
Purpose of SPARK
Single Parents Raising Kids is an organization whose purpose include giving members great and bright ideas to resolve emotional, social and financial problems arising from single parenthood. Thus, SPARK principally aims to provide single parents the opportunity to:
• Participate in wholesome but fun activities with other single parents.
• Learn more and generate more knowledge about single parenthood.
• Share insights on experiences that could be beneficial other single parents.
Insights on SPARK
The modern generation of single parents are somehow very much more fortunate than their counterparts in the past generations. Gone were the days when single parents are ostracized and looked down by the society due to the stigma and social burden incurred from a failing marriage or pregnancy out of wedlock.
Te single parents of today are really lucky to be able to enjoy most stuff and support groups that help them out carry the burdensome role of having to raise a child or children solely amid all the odds.
SPARK is one organization that could have helped many a single parent in the decades and centuries that have passed. However, it is better late than never. Thank God, single parents now have to get support from SPARK
Now wish that SPARK expand from Maryland to the rest of the world.


text:
Level 1
For players and school teachers who will experience field hockey coaching for the first time.
Level 3
For the experienced coach for at least one year who have followed the basic course.
Coaching Course
We offer enthousiastic players, teachers and coaches the possibility to develop social and hockey coaching skills.
Exercise book
Course students receive an exercisebook (200 exercises) for different level players and coaches.
We have created a You Tube Channel to help all coaches in exercises, guidance, skills and drills.


text:
How to Wash Towels
Healthy skin is vital to our well-being, so the next time you step out of the bath or shower, make sure that you give your body the drying treatment that it deserves with a nice, soft towel! Understanding not only how to wash towels, but how to keep towels soft and luxurious is, therefore of great importance and shouldn't be saved as a treat or indulgence. Here we answer some everyday questions to help you show your appreciation to the everyday towel.
How often should you wash your towels?
Every time you dry your body with a towel, you brush off dead skin cells, even after washing. Hardly a pleasant thought and, what's worse, these cells collect in the fibres of your towel and breed germs in the moisture. It is, therefore, advised that you wash towels once a week, or after every three to five uses. Hang up your towel to dry after every wash, being careful to avoid bunching so that it can dry out properly.
What's the best way to wash towels?
The best way in which to wash towels is on a high heat (we recommend 60 degrees Celsius) using a quality laundry detergent like OMO Auto Liquid. Always remove towels from the machine as soon as the cycle has finished in order to prevent mildew. Tumble drying on a high heat will help to keep your towels soft, but if you don't have a tumble dryer, hang your towels outside to dry in the sun.
Both methods will help sanitise your towels further but a tumble dryer can actually kill more germs than the wash itself. Alternating between the two (tumble drying for 20 minutes before hanging on a clothesline) will help to protect the fibres of your towel and produce the best results. Once your towel is completely dry, carefully fold and store in a cupboard or drawer.
What's the best way in which to wash white towels?
You can wash your white towels as you would any other towel – but, in order to prevent any discolouration or colour bleeding, wash your white towels separately from towels of other colours. You can also use cleaning products like oxygen bleach or other laundry products specifically suited to cleaning white clothing and items - just be sure tofollow the directions on the label.
What's the best way in which to wash new towels?
It's a good idea to wash new towels before you use them at home in order to ensure they are clean and soft.
Can you wash towels with clothes?
Even the softest of towels are made from pretty sturdy stuff, so it's important that you don't treat them in the same way as you would your clothes. Towels could damage the fibres of more delicate clothing items, so it's best to wash towels separately or with heavy items like jeans or trousers.


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Nov 9, 2016
Category: Gear
Carbon fiber is magic. It's a string of carbon a tiny fraction of a millimeter in thickness that is woven into a black sheet which is one of the most durable materials ever created. Since it begins life as a fiber, it can be molded into almost any shape imaginable, and is quickly becoming one of the most adored materials in the 3D printing world. We love it because when you slap a little carbon fiber on your EDC gear it becomes a sexy black beast that looks good with everything, laughs off damage, and disappears into your pocket.
Ultra-light and extremely low-maintenance, carbon fiber is a favorite of military personnel, space explorers, and anyone else whose job is right on the razor's edge. Nearly anything made correctly out of carbon fiber can live in your everyday carry kit, so the problems isn't in locating something good. The problem is in finding the right mix of style and substance so you can get more than just another matte black piece for your pocket. With the 20 carbon fiber EDC essentials, you're well on your way.
Vktech Real Carbon Fiber Money Clip
Test Drive: We suggest the VKTech clip for everyone thinking about going deep into carbon fiber carry. Despite the price, this clip can last for years without ever showing the punishment it receives.
Centri Designs Bottle Opener Keychain 2.0
Conversation Piece: Perhaps a few dollars more than we would usually spend for a bottle opener, there's a smoothness to this keychain; a raffishness that will bring it out time and again for examination by curious onlookers.
Carboneer Keychain Clip
Get Attached: You don't need to change your whole EDC kit to rotate in a simple new gadget. Weighing scant ounces, with a slim frame that won't consume pocket space, the Carboneer is just enough multi-tool for you to get a glorious taste of having carbon fiber on hand.
Ultralight EDC Comb
Friend of the Groom: Able to fit into a breast or hip pocket with ease, then appear to tame your luscious locks, the EDC comb is a requirement for anyone who has ever been plagued by stray hairs or substandard pomade.
NukoTools Fatboy
Punch Drunk: Essentially a carbon fiber knuckle duster, there's twill on the exterior of the FatBoy with unidirectional fibers comprising the inside. The dual fibers make for a more dense pack that makes the Fatboy hit like half a brick in a sock.
Boker Plus Tactical Pen K.I.D.
Fight or Write: Perhaps one of the only times that carbon fiber is used to its intended purpose, this is a tactical pen made for scrawling notes on the hood of a Humvee. It will handily withstand a life of action, and switches from being a writing implement to a weapon in a moment.
Monteverde Jewelria Carbon Fiber Pen
Learning Letters: At the midpoint between the expensive carbon fiber pens you would never take out of your house and the EDC pens you can use and lose exists the carbon fiber pen from Monteverde Jewelria. Twist action prevents parts from breaking and lets you decide how to use it.
Boker Plus Anti-Grav Knife
Pure Pottery: A ceramic blade is actually what makes this knife special, as it can go to as fine and deadly an edge as you could want. Fluid release and a superb pivot mechanism show that with a good CF handle, anything is possible.
Leatherman Skeletool CX
Just a Hint: Mostly stainless steel, any carbon-fiber purist is going to want to have the Skeletool on their belt. Made to be a lightweight multi-tool outfitted with a comfortable grip that's intended for fast, mobile work, it's a true laborer through and through.
Titanium/Carbon Fiber KeyBar
Best of Both: Here's two of the most useful EDC materials combined to form a sharp and unbreakable way to tote your keys. Titanium on one side, carbon fiber on the other; with multiple screw sizes for any number of keys, this is how a professional organizes.
Carbon Trim Solutions iPhone 6/6s Case
Original: The first company to make a carbon fiber case for the iPhone 6 is also one of the first to perfect it. Smooth as fine Huzhou silk in a glossy or matte finish, the case itself works to help show off as much as protect your device; because if you buy Apple, you want people to know it.
Invicta 12562X Pro Diver Watch
Water Wear: A simple stainless steel band surrounds the carbon fiber dial on this diving watch complete with unidirectional bezel for a safer diving experience. 660 feet worth of water resistance shore it up against wetness, and a mineral crystal protects the interior and shows minimal scratches over time.
KeyClip 6 Clear
Identity Guard: The 6 Clear is mostly 6061 aircraft aluminum meant to help you hold a few credit cards and some cash, or whatever combination of cards, cash, keys, and USB drives you want to put on it. In this case, the carbon fiber is to protect you from digital thieves, so it's downplayed and left on the interior.
The Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber
Cash In: Made for the man who still wants to keep everything in his wallet, this is a nod toward minimalism that works more like a standard bi-fold or tri-fold wallet, but with the added security of carbon fiber.
Spyderco Sage
Premium Cuts: To the adherents, the Spyderco name says that this is a quality knife. If you want more proof, look at the CPF-S30V steel with the LinerLock system and the comfortable, ergonomic twill body complete with deep carry clip and broad flat-ground cutting surface.
Atlas C57 Flashlight
Artisanal Illumination: Triple aesthetic options to choose from, the C57 is an impressive 1000 lumen spotlight in a pocketable carbon fiber body. A sapphire lens and aluminum frame add in resistance to damage without compromising weight or size.
Zero Tolerance 0770CF
Fighting Chance: ZT is a brand on a mission. Made with a military mindset, their entire lineup is fast flipper knives for hard work in terrible conditions. The 0770CF carries on this tradition in style, using a reversible clip, ELMAX steel, and our beloved carbon fiber scales on the ergonomic handle.
Casio G-SHOCK GW-S5600-1JF Solar
Back in Time: A style that has become 80's retro, the G-Shock is a seriously tough watch meant to stand up to seismic shocks, literally. Solar power keeps it charged and easy world time settings permit jet-setters to make their meeting in Dubai without a hitch.
Benchmade 940-1 Osborne
The Legend Continues: Benchmade is a power unto itself in the EDC world, but the Osborne is known to those who have never otherwise heard of the company. The powdered S90V steel is nothing short of elegant, the handle a slender work of art, and the Tanto blade makes for a serious self-defense knife.
Carbon Fiber 'Damascus' Grain Ring
Rule Them All: Precious metals come with mining, which isn't ideal for the environment, and getting the right size can be difficult if you don't fall into standard categories. With this piece you get a striking black ring marked by a robust grain that draws notice faster than platinum. Fits any size finger.
HiConsumption is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


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In the spirit of Thanksgiving we would like to thank all of the Louisville.com readers of this weekly article who have adopted, spread the word, and generally helped us get our featured pets new forever homes. There are still over 200 pets who need to get their forever loving homes at Louisville Metro Animal Services and together we can help them get there. We introduce you to this week's featured pets.
Tubby is an adult male Chihuahua. He is neutered and ready to go to his forever loving home. If you love Chihuahuas then why not give this little guy a chance at happiness? If you are interested in Tubby then have his Pet ID # A470390 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services.
Adalae is a young spayed one year old Labrador Retriever/Hound mix. She is still a puppy at heart and a very active doggie. She would do best with a fenced-in back yard to exercise in. She needs training but is very smart and learns quickly. Someone experienced with working with dogs would enjoy training this young lady. She has the unmistakable hound bark and loves to use it. If you think Adalae could use your expertise and love then have her Pet ID # A474457 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services about her.
Autumn is a three year old spayed female Beagle. Right now she is scared and shy, but once she gets to know you she becomes a snuggle bunny. Autumn would love to be with another dog or stay at home human to keep her company. If you love the Beagle personality and think Autumn would fit into your home then please have her Pet ID A479192 when contacting Metro Animal Services.
Meet Bandit, an adult neutered male Boxer with beautiful brindle coloring. Bandit hopes someone will steal him away to his forever home. If you love Boxers then why not give Bandit a chance at a forever loving home? If you would like to find out more about Bandit then have his Pet ID # A439065 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services about him.
Ceri is an adorable spayed happy-go-lucky 8 month old Australian Shepherd mix. She isn't that big but when her little tail starts wagging she gets an irresistible personality. Look at her smiling face, that says it all about this young girl. She is a social girl who gets along with other dogs and loves people. If you think this young lady will light up your home with that shining personality, kids would love her, then have her Pet ID # A468712 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services about her.
Sugar is an older spayed female 5 year old Poodle. She would be a great first time dog for those who haven't owned a dog before. Sugar is sweet and will need regular grooming of her poodle coat. She is very gentle and sweet and most likely does not understand why she has ended up at the shelter. If you have a child who could use a sweet little companion then Sugar would be it. If you think you can give this sweet lady a good forever home then have her Pet ID # A479635 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services about her.
Okay this photo says it all about adult male cat named Terry. He is mister personality and loves to play kitty games. If you'd like a cat to while away the time with you then Mr. Entertainment here is the guy for you. Terry is neutered, micro-chipped, litter box trained, and up-to-date on his shots. If you think Terry will be the faithful companion who will keep you in stitches then have his Pet ID # A450647 ready when contacting Metro Animal Services. He'd love to come home with you.
Peter is one of so many young kittens now at Louisville Metro Animal Services. Look at those big luminous eyes. Peter is a male neutered kitty and he is so ready to find his forever home, along with all the other kittens and adult cats at the shelter. If young Peter strikes you as the kitten for you then have his Pet ID # A477569 when contacting Louisville Metro Animal Services.
Louisville Metro Animal Services also has some bunny rabbits and hamsters available for adoption.
To see all the adoptable pets at Louisville Metro Animal Services go to their section on the Petfinder website here.
For more information on this week's featured pets contact Louisville Metro Animal Services at: 502-473-PETS (7387), or by email:
For more information on adopting a pet go to the Metro Animal Services website here.
Metro Animal Service's Animal House Adoption Center is located at 3516 Newburg Rd., Louisville, KY 40218.
Photos: Courtesy of Metro Animal Services, Louisville


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VANCOUVER, B.C. — Watch out, Michael Nanchoff.
There was a new No. 13 at Swangard Stadium during a Whitecaps training session on Tuesday, but the face was a familiar one.
Whitecaps co-owner and basketball star Steve Nash suited up with the first team to stay fit during the NBA offseason — one that could be extended due to the ongoing labor dispute in that league.
"It was good, it was a lot of fun," Nash told MLSsoccer.com following Tuesday's training session. "For me, it's a great opportunity not just to meet the players as a fan — it's fun to get to meet them and know them — but as an owner, it's also fun to get the temperature of the club and how the guys' spirits are."
Nash played as a striker and midfielder in his hometown of Victoria, B.C., during his time in youth soccer before eventually deciding to focus on basketball.
"Everyone knows he's a big soccer fan and plays the game himself," captain Jay DeMerit said. "To not play for a long time and step in with this group of guys shows the quality he has."
While the 37-year-old looked fit and didn't look too out of place, he's not ready to quit his day job just yet.
"By the way I played today, they're not going to have me come back for a while!" Nash joked with reporters. "But we should all be really excited. There's a lot of positives — we've got a lot of good players, a great residency program, and on top of that, we're moving into a new stadium. We've got the third-highest attendance in the league, so everyone should be really proud of the efforts this year."
The former NBA Most Valuable Player also provided insight into the level of his involvement with key decisions the club has made this season, such as the two coaching changes.
"I leave it up to the guys who are working on this day in and day out," Nash explained. "For me to come in and add value where I can is my benefit at this point. [The club is] in good hands — they don't need to call on me for every decision, but I'm here as a resource [if needed]."
Martin MacMahon covers the Vancouver Whitecaps for MLSsoccer.com.


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I have often read about the dreaded "pre-existing conditions" that prevent people in the U.S. from being able to optain health insurance. I assumed these were serious medical conditions, like cancer or some other chronic or life threatening problems. But according to this, Healthburn | Dustin Curtis , the author was denied insurance because he reported having had heartburn. Yes, that's right.
You should read the whole thing.
The more I learn about health insurance in America, the more I think it is the biggest bamboozlement pulled on the American public since cigarettes.


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God hears and He answers
As the prayer ministry of Capital Life Church, we are committed to prayer and intercession for the local church body, church leadership, and those in need. We lift up the name of our Savior on others' behalf and build one another up through the peace and power of the Holy Spirit. We teach others to pray by example, teaching, discipling, corporate prayer and altar ministry. Our mission is to inspire and encourage a meaningful prayer life for each church community member.
Pray that Jesus can reach Claire's heart and soul and that she seeks His salvation, grace, truth, compassionate love, and grace. Pray for reconciliation between Claire and me (Beth) her mother. I love my daughter very deeply. And I know God loves Claire even more profoundly.
Received: April 19, 2018
Powered by Prayer Engine


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Trish Stratus Hypes Edge's Hall Of Fame Induction & Future Of Tough Enough
Trish Stratus also did an interview with The Miami Herald to publicize WrestleMania 28 and spoke about fellow Canadian Edge going into the Hall of Fame, Tough Enough and Rock/Cena. Here are some highlights:
Edge's Hall of Fame induction and herself going in: "I'm so proud of him. I think Adam does deserve it. I think it's very fitting the way his career came to an end. This is just an amazing exclamation point for that. For me, of course, it was like winning the women's championship. I went into the business hoping to become the best women's wrestler ever and winning the women's championship was the ultimate goal. As I wrapped up my career the ultimate goal was to leave a legacy and be remembered for everything I did. So a WWE Hall of Fame induction is something that would be a way of recognizing that. One could only hope."
A second season of Tough Enough: "Absolutely zero word. I think there is a focus on the launch of the WWE Network, and that is a huge undertaking. I think once there is a clear idea on individual programming, I think that is when we will get a clear idea if or when there would be a season two. It's a timing thing. I had a great time doing it. When they called me, I happened to be available. So if I'm available, and they have me back, of course I would entertain it."
The Rock vs. John Cena: "It's hard for me to answer that question because I can answer as a fan or a booker. To be honest, after watching in the past weeks, I'm not sure what they are going to do. Vince is sneaky. The minute you think he is going to go this way, there is a swerve on you. It was like my WrestleMania with [Chris] Jericho. I thought we were going walk away as this new babyface couple until I got there that day when I found out I was about to have my heel turn. I'm telling you eight months of storyline leading up to me and Jericho being the big babyface couple who were going to be this sarcastic. corky, babyface couple that we really haven't seen before. We were really excited about it. Vince brought us into a room and said, 'You know, I have this idea.' Nobody knew what to think. His instinct was super dead on. It really took my career in a whole different direction, which was great. Vince has that way of dealing it out. I'm just interested and going in not know what is going to happen. I'm feeling it is going to be as iconic as the Hulk Hogan/Rock match at WrestleMania 18 with that same energy in the building. I'm excited to see that."
How she would have booked Divas at WrestleMania 28: "If I was booking it, I would have had Kharma and Beth run strong leading up to 'Mania. I think that would be an epic match. I really do. I would love to see those two go. It's funny how Twitter can give you a real pulse about what the fans are thinking. Initially, people were telling me that Beth and I would be amazing. Then of course Kharma came back at the Royal Rumble and people said Kharma and I would be amazing. Now, with the Eve storyline, they are saying Eve and I would be amazing. So it's interesting to see the minute there is a highlight on TV I get that. Kharma coming back was an exciting moment because they saw her and Beth as two characters that can really see go."
Tags: edge, Hall Of Fame, tough enough, Trish Stratus, wrestlemania
Source: The Miami Herald


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I have a new batch of short stories and, naturally, I'd like to see them published. I looked at submitting some off to magazines. Most magazines say they don't print stories that have been previously published online. I can understand that. My thinking is- do the stories I choose to publish online have to be ones I consider not my best? I'd like to put some new stories this blog. People follow it and I'd like you to read my latest work. Surely the biggest chance of readership is publishing something on the internet?
I'm musing on this because, despite how fun writing itself is, I need readers. I don't mind admitting I crave approval for my work. Otherwise I have to rely on myself and I'm my own worst critic. But that's another matter. With online publishing there is a huge amount of potential readers. This is an extremely appealing prospect.
I've been thinking about publishing e-books on Amazon. This is a bit hypocritical of me, because I have been quite disparaging of the Kindle (or Kobo). E-readers have never really appealed to me. I like books. Not just what's in them but the book itself. I like that there's a books all over the house I live in. But of course, I was willing to throw this all aside when I read about the 70% royalties you can get via Kindle publishing.
In no way do imagine I'd become a major success publishing e-books. I imagine I could make a very small profit out of it. I think I know a few friends with Kindles who would buy an e-book by me. I don't see myself making a major success, but just knowing I've got work waiting to be sold would make me feel pretty good. All the 'publicity' would be down to me, but even if I only sell ten copies, that would still feel pretty damn good.
So, watch this space. E-book publishing may be the next thing for me.


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Last year, I lost all my basil plants to the drought (and not watering them, ahem…), but this year, they are going crazy! Which makes me extremely happy because I love making fresh pesto in the summertime. The uses for pesto are really endless from pasta, to sandwiches, to these potatoes. I really like the baby Yukon gold potatoes because all you have to do is rinse and dry them and pop them in the oven.
First, if you aren't growing your own basil, find a neighbor who is. She'll be happy to share! Second, double the recipe on this pesto and keep it in one cup portions in the freezer. Third, you can make pesto with really any kind of raw nuts. Pine nuts are standard, but I always have walnuts on hand, so I often use those. Almonds also work great!
Classic Pesto
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cups basil leaves
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
juice of one lemon
2/3-1/2 cup olive oil
In a food processor chop garlic. Add basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper, and pulse until finely chopped. While processor is running, stream in olive oil until desired consistency. Squeeze in lemon and pulse to combine.
Oven Roasted Pesto Potatoes
2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (use a little less than you think you need)
Preheat oven to 400º F. Wash and dry potatoes and place on sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them around until they are well coated. Sprinkle with salt and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until tender. Every 10 minutes or so, jiggle the pan so the potatoes will roast evenly.
Toss the hot potatoes with 2 tablespoons fresh pesto and serve immediately.


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The Bengal was first produced by crossing domesticated tabbies with the Asian Leopard Cat, creating the first hybrid females.
About the Bengal
Bengals, often known as "little leopards," are very affectionate and can be a lap cat if they want to be, but in general they much prefer playing, chasing and climbing. Bengals are devoted companions and are patient with other household pets and children.
These are confident and curious cats who are always investigating. As active cats, it is important to ensure they have a lot of stimulation and opportunity to exercise and interact with their owners.
Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from World Cat Congress (WCC)
Breed specifics
- Size category
- Medium
- Avg life expectancy
- 12–16 years
Confident / Sociable / Vocal / Energetic / Playful
Key facts
A Bengal's life storyFind out how to care for the Bengal in each stage of their life.
Up to 12 months
Bengal kittenTheir active nature means that, even from a young age, Bengals like to climb and be up high. A cat tree and plenty of cat toys are recommended to keep this breed happy and healthy.
These confident kittens are very sociable and are known to be patient with other household pets and children.
Their intelligent nature means that they can easily become bored, so Bengals are best suited to homes with lots of activity, where they won't be left alone for long periods of time.
From 12 months
Bengal adultThe Bengal is a very striking cat, with a short, distinctive coat. Their large eyes and paws make them incredibly effective hunters.
Exercise and groomingAdult Bengal cats are very energetic and as such, after the appropriate vaccinations, should be allowed access outdoors to ensure they get plenty of exercise.
Thanks to their short, close-lying coat, the Bengal requires very little grooming. Adults need occasional brushing to keep their coats healthy.
Bengal health and agingBengal cats are considered aging when they reach 12 years old. The Bengal's intelligent and sociable energy lasts into old age. That being said, their health and nutritional needs will change as they grow older.
It is a good idea to arrange regular check-ups with a vet at this stage, as they will be able to advise on any nutritional changes or health problems that aging may bring.
A healthy start to life
Kittenhood is a time of huge physical and behavioral change, and a steep learning curve for new owners. Find out how you can provide your kitten with the best start in life so they develop into strong, healthy cats.Learn more
Health advice for your cat
Get advice and information on how to provide the best care for your cat at every stage of life.Learn more


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My stream/recording looks pixelated. How can I make it look better?
By default, XSplit Gamecaster automatically sets conservative settings to record or stream your game to avoid any possible performance issues that may hinder your gaming experience or in the case of recordings, conserve your hard drive space.
You may override these defaults by going into the Settings Tab of the XSplit Gamecaster window and selecting a custom resolution for your Streaming Settings:
Or your Recording Settings:
You can find more details about this in the Advanced section of this guide.


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Triathletes typically love or hate the swim. Because swimming is so technique driven and an early adoption sport "adult onset swimmers" are disadvantaged from the start. Rarely are late onset swimmers able to rise to level of even an average swim team kid.
The good news for the adult onset swimmers is of that the swim comprises such a small percentage of a triathlon, that it's often not the deciding factor between winning and losing. The intent of this article is not to debate about how much you should swim or whether you should bother to swim in the off-season. Instead, let's look at how the swimmers can fully maximize their particular brand of superpower to truly WIN the race on the swim.
We'll look at a number of minor variables, which when stacked, can make an appreciable difference. And as you'll see below, you can boost your advantage on severals ways, but none more so than in a reverse current situation such as the proposed Chattanooga 70.3 Worlds course in September.
Race Olympic Distance – In an olympic distance triathlon, the swim comprises a larger percentage of the total race than a standard sprint, half, or full. Think about it. In an olympic, you swim .9, bike 24.x, and run 6.2. In a half, you swim only a teensy bit more, yet bike and run more than twice as much. When you double that distance to an IRONMAN, the effect is even more pronounced. The result? The swimmers are crushing the adult swimmers in the Olympic distance but possibly getting beat themselves at a 70.3 or 140.6 distance.
Race Non-Wetsuit Swims – As average swimmers, our safety blanket is that snug neoprene blanket that allows us to mitigate the advantage of the swimmers. While you, as a swimmer may only gain a few seconds of advantage with a wetsuit, we adult swimmers with our inferior body position and biomechanics gain much more. The result? I may end up several minutes behind you on a choppy, non-wetsuit course, while I'm practically on your heels when it's wetsuit legal.
Race Technical Swims -The typical delta between swimmers and adult swimmers increases when you introduce additional technical factors. Take a choppy swim like IRONMAN Florida 70.3 or IRONMAN Texas and the race gets a lot tougher for the non- swimmer dealing with navigation, choppiness, and non-wetsuit.
Don't Race Current Aided Swims– This is easier said than done in the southeast. Our preeminent 70.3 choices Chattanooga and Augusta both feature current aided swims. Because math, current aided swims can be a massive advantage for the non-swimmer. Consider the example below on our hometown 70.3 courses.
Top Swimmer versus MOP Swimmer at Augusta 70.3/ Chattanooga 70.3 Example
Consider a top triathlon swimmer going three miles per hour which is about 1:10/ hundred yards. Their time for a 70.3 swim would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 minutes. Now think about that swimmer on a current aided swim. Together that swimmer with a current of 1 mph will be going 4 mph. Racing at that speed on the Augusta or Chattanooga course will net them a time of 18 minutes. Seven minutes seems like a big difference.
But now let's pit them against a more average swimmer going 2 mph or about 1:42/ 100. On a straight 70.3 swim you're looking at 36 minutes. But looking at them on the current aided swim of 1 mph, their time drops to 24 minutes to complete the course, a fairly typical time/ situation at Augusta 70.3.
On the non current aided swim they were 11 minutes behind the super swimmer, now they're only six minutes behind! A current has the effect of pushing athletes together and heavily mitigates a swimmer 's advantage
Race Against the Current – Now let's look at at the opposite situation, the rare and feared against- the- current swim. Personally I have only done one against the current swim, Age Group Nationals in Alabama in 2009. That was quite the struggle and they had to pull many swimmers out of the water. Yes, at Age Group Nationals. In fact, it took me a full 45 minutes to complete the swim!
Most triathletes heard that orginally Chattanooga 70.3 was expected to be against the current. Let's take a look at the math and exactly HOW much this situation will favor the swimmers among us.
Top Swimmer versus MOP Swimmer at IRONMAN Chattanooga 70.3 Worlds Example
We can use the same example athletes as last time. The super swimmer swimming a 70.3 at a 1:10 pace (3 mph/ 24 minutes), and a more typical swimmer swimming 1:42 pace (2 mph/36 minutes). The example above uses a typical current speed for previous Chattanooga swims, so let's stick with that same expected river current speed of 1 mph.
Our super swimmer's pace with the reverse current drops to 2 mph, and he's at least close to first out of the water in 36 minutes. However, our typical swimmer is now in trouble. He drops from 2 mph net to 1 mph which means it will take him a whopping 1:09, that's one HOUR nine minutes to complete the swim, one minute from the swim cutoff of 1:10.
With a 34′ difference in swim times between top and mop swimmer, it now stands to reason that the proposed swim course Chattanooga 70.3 Worlds was a course to truly win on the swim. In fact, the swim as proposed with a one mph current would have meant that more than half the swimmers would not finish within the cutoff time!
A peek at the courses on the race website, indicates that the course will now be approximately 1/3 upstream. While this doesn't constitute quite the same swimmer advantage it's safe to say that Chattanooga will still be more of a swimmers race than any other Chattanooga race!


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Acer Aspire 5050 Review
by Andrew Chan
According to Acer's website the Aspire 5050 is targeted at entertainment enthusiasts who want reliability and performance. With a display size of 14.1" and weighing about 5.28 lbs, the notebook borders on the thin and light category with price points of budget laptops. The 5050 model line can be equipped with AMD's Turion MK-36 or TL-50 processors, 512MB to 2 GB of ram and hard drives ranging from 80-120 GB. Styling and components are very similar to the Acer Aspire 5102WLMi
Acer Aspire 5050 (view large image)
The Aspire 5050-5827 reviewed here was configured as follows:
- Processor: AMD Turion64 x2 TL-50 (1.6 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache total, 256 KB on each core)
- RAM: 1 GB 533 MHz DDR2 RAM (2 x 512 MB)
- Hard Drive: 80 GB Hitachi 5400 RPM HD
- Screen: 14.1-inch WXGA Acer CrystalBrite screen
- Gaphics: ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 integrated graphics (64-256mb shared memory)
- Optical Drive: Dual layer DVD +/- RW combo
- OS: Windows Media Center Edition 2005
- Wireless: Atheros Wireless 802.11 b/g with Signalup high efficiency antennae
- Battery: 44.6 W 4000 mAh Li-ion battery (6-cell) with a rated 2.5 hrs battery life
Why bought and Alternatives
Currently I am trying to finish my graduate studies. I wanted a portable machine so I can use it for research and writing while on the couch, in a library, and on the go. I would probably also watch the occasional movie, burn CDs and play the occasional 2-3 year old PC game. Having never owned a notebook before, or even using one for an extended period, I can't compare this notebook to others. I will however be able to make some not so useful comparisons to the old desktop I currently own.
Being a studious person, I attempted to perform research of the various model lines out there. After all was said and done, the Acer 5050 was the cheapest dual core and 64-bit machine with Vista approved graphics, part of my main future proofing criteria. I was also encouraged by a thread on NBR about the Aspire 5050-5554. Since I would typically use an external monitor when at my home desk, the smaller screen size (14.1" display) is acceptable and means less weight and bulk to carry around.
At the time I was comparing the Aspire 5050 to these models.
- Toshiba A100, Celeron M4XX
- Acer 3050-XXXX (basically the same model with a sempron)
- Acer Aspire 5102WLMi
- Acer 5100-XXXX (basically the same, with 15.4" display)
- Dell Inspiron 1501 (configured with Sempron & Turion X2)
- Used Dell D600 Series
Where and How Purchased?
The item was purchased at FutureShop for $749.99 (CDN) on December 9, 2006. The FutureShop list price was actually $799.99, but they had an online promotion that weekend for $50 off if you spent more than $500. This purchase was 5 months ago and the specific SKU configuration I got is no longer available, but the Aspire 5050 is available with new SKUs and higher configurations such as having 2GB RAM, 160 GB hard drive, etc.
Build and Design
Acer Aspire 5050 top view (view large image)
Much like the 5102WLMi, the 5050 features Acer's folio design with silver plastic and black trim. With the lid closed the size of the 'folio' is just a bit bigger than a typical file folder. Dimensions are listed as 341(W) x 251 (D) x 35 (H) mm. I was able to purchase a slim notebook bag and I'm quite pleased with its small footprint. Unfortunately the silver plastic on top is easily scratched. But the hinges on the lid feel sturdy. So sturdy in fact, that you need to hold down the base to open the notebook. There is some flexibility with the LCD, but nothing alarming.
Front view of Acer Aspire 5050 (view large image)
Left side view of Acer Aspire 5050 (view large image)
Right side view of Acer Aspire 5050 (view large image)
Back view of Acer Aspire 5050 (view large image)
Screen and External Display
The LCD screen is a 14.1" widescreen, with a native resolution of 1200×800 (WXGA). It is equipped with Acer's CrsytalBrite technology (glossy). Not having much to compare to, I can say that images look good and the glossiness does make movies more vibrant. When watching movies, I am able to detect a bit of response lag when compared to my desktop setup. The horizontal viewing range is good, but I have found myself constantly adjusting the display to find the right vertical viewing angle. Applying moderate pressure to the LCD's back produces the typical ripple pattern.
There are approximately sixteen discrete contrast levels and while in a dimly lit room I have found the maximum setting to be too bright. There is a little bit of light leakage and it was only noticeable in a dark room.
Minor light leakage can be seen on the Aspire 5050 screen (view large image)
I have used the external display quite frequently in conjunction with the LCD. I have noticed that images on the external display are not as crisp and clean as my desktop output that uses an ATI Radeon 7500 graphics card.
The Acer 3Dsonic speakers are mounted on the front of the unit radiating outwards and offer HD audio support. Reading other reviews, the speakers on notebooks typically lack any sort of bass. No surprises here as the bass is definitely lacking. The included driver and software package has an equalizer feature that can turn up the bass a bit, however I have noticed distorted sound quality when the bass is turned up too high.
Processor and Performance
One of the main irritations of this notebook is the start up time required for the unit to become responsive. However, I suspect that this is caused by the slower HD (5,400RPM) rather than the CPU and the fact I have not removed most of the Acer pre-loaded processes. In comparison, my desktop computer with a 7200rpm HD and my trusted old Socket A T-Bird boots up in half the time.
Overall performance and responsiveness is good. I do not notice that it is faster using several applications at once than my ancient desktop when using just one application at a time. The factory install comes with Acer's standard partitioning scheme of:
- A hidden system partition
- C: (Fat32) and
- D: (Fat32) drives.
As someone who formats and installs Operating Systems on a whim, I appreciated the partitioning choice made. Others don't though.
So far, the laptop has frozen on me a couple of times displaying a colour bar type pattern. The exact nature of this issue is unknown, however others have experienced similar symptoms here. As I mentioned in that thread of discussion, the installation of new display drivers alleviated my problem (mileage may vary).
I won't be going into detail about gaming as this is not a gaming machine. It plays Counter Strike:1.6 fine @ 1200×800 (50-70fps) as I enjoy being target fodder for countless thousands. Compared to my desktop setup graphics card, an AIW Radeon 7500, the Xpress1100 is a king, just don't ask it to run 3DMark05 (see why below).
Nothing special here with these benchmarks folks, move along…
|Acer Aspire 5050 (1.6GHz Turion X2)
|2 mins 11 s
|MSI M677 (1.8 GHz Turion X2)
|1m 53s
|Fujitsu LifeBook N6420 (2.00GHz Core 2 Duo)
|1m 02s
|LG S1 (2.16 GHz Core Duo)
|1m 11s
|Dell Inspiron e1505 (2.0GHz Core Duo)
|1m 16s
|Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (2.0GHz Core Duo)
|1m 18s
|Toshiba Satellite M100 (2.00GHz Core Duo)
|1m 18s
|Samsung X60 (1.66GHz Core Duo)
|1m 29s
|Sony VAIO FS680 (1.86 GHz Pentium M)
|1m 53s
PCMark05 Results
|PCMark05 Score
|Acer Aspire 5050 (1.6GHz Turion X2, ATI Radeon Xpress 1100)
|4,411 PCMarks
|Fujtisu Siemens Amilo Xi1554 Review (2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, ATI X1900, Windows XP)
|5,066 PCMarks
|Fujitsu LifeBook N6420 (2.00GHz Core 2 Duo, ATI X1600)
|4,621 PCMarks
|Fujitsu LifeBook N6410 (1.66GHz Core Duo, ATI X1400)
|3,487 PCMarks
|Sony Vaio SZ-110B in Speed Mode (Using Nvidia GeForce Go 7400)
|3,637 PCMarks
|Asus Z84Jp (2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, Nvidia Go 7600)
|4,739 PCMarks
|Asus V6J (1.86GHz Core Duo T2400)
|3,646 PCMarks
|Alienware M7700 (AMD Athlon FX-60, Nvidia Go 7800GTX)
|5,597 PCMarks
Comparison Results for 3Dmark05
|3D Mark 05 Results
|Acer Aspire 5050 (1.6GHz Turion X2, ATI Radeon Xpress 1100)
|593 3DMarks
|Alienware Aurora M-7700(AMD Dual Core FX-60, ATI X1600 256MB)
|7,078 3D Marks
|Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (2.0GHz Core Duo, ATI X1400 128MB)
|2,092 3D Marks
|Asus V6Va (2.13 GHz Pentium M, ATI x700 128 MB)
|2,530 3D Marks
|Fujitsu n6410 (1.66 GHz Core Duo, ATI X1400 128MB)
|2,273 3DMarks
|HP Pavilion dv4000 (1.86 GHz Pentium M, ATI X700 128MB)
|2,536 3D Marks
|Dell XPS M1210 (2.16 GHz Core Duo, nVidia Go 7400 256MB)
|2,090 3D Marks
That's right, in 3DMark05 the Aspire 5050 got a whopping 593! It was amusing to watch the video go at 1-3 fps!
Everest: Memory read (3078 MB/s), write (1530 MB/s), latency (71.3 ns)
Heat and Noise
After 2 hours of use on AC power, the palm rest on both sides are warm, but not uncomfortable. The underside near the fan exhaust does get warm to a point where it is annoying on my lap. Forcing the CPU to maximum speed causes the exhaust fan cycles to high and low, and is a source of noise in a quiet room. Forcing the CPU to minimum speed greatly reduced the need for the exhaust fan to cycle and the annoyance on my lap. I have also noticed that changing the ATI PowerPlay settings to optimal battery while on AC power reduces heat and fan noise.
The DVD multi drive is also a source of noise when spinning up and on certain discs. During the DVD battery test the noise from the drive did not impact the DVD sound playback.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is pretty standard for almost all Aspire notebooks. It has a soft feel with a bit of flex near the middle. Button arrangement is fine, as I'm still getting used to the placements. The touchpad is located a bit off center to the left and frequently my palm has interfered with its use. Other than that it works as intended and I do enjoy the 4-way scroll button at the bottom.
(view large image)
Input and Output Ports
Although most of the connections on the 5050 are pretty standard now, it was still a factor when looking at the budget models. The 5050-5827 model includes S-video and VGA outputs both on the left. The VGA output is capable of independent resolutions. Three USB 2.0 ports are included, two on the back and one on the left. One PCMCIA slot and a 5-in-1 card reader (SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD) are also included. Line out (with S/PDIF support), microphone in and line in ports are located on the front.
Wireless works fine, and the antenna signal is usually a few bars stronger than my desktop (PCI wireless) in the same location. The actual model or chipset of the mini-PCI card is an Atheros AR5005G. The unit is not equipped with Bluetooth or an infrared port.
The battery is a 6-cell, 44.6 W, 4000mAh unit, rated to last 2.5 hours (150 minutes). It is a 'slim-line' style battery that is flush with the notebook when inserted. Real life usage has been a bit disappointing, as I have typically only gotten 2 hours out of the battery, even when I have disabled the LAN, Cardbus, modem and forced the CPUs to run at 800Mhz.
(view large image)
The DVD movie test, with most peripherals disabled, CPU @ 800 Mhz and LCD @ 87% (reasonable brightness setting), only yielded 103 minutes (1 hour 43 minutes) before the low battery warning. Charge time was about 2 hours while the notebook was in use, but longer when off. When fully utilizing the notebook, the AC adaptor block gets noticeably warm. The AC adaptor block is quite small 107x43x27mm and power is rated at 65 W.
Operating System and Software
The unit came with Windows XP Media Centre 2002, updated to 2005. Current store models will most likely be updated with Vista Home Premium. No recovery disks are provided, however upon my first use I was prompted to create the recovery disk(s). You can also create a backup disc for the applications.
Pre-installed software includes Acer's ePowering Suite, Cyberlink Power DVD & Power Producer, NTI CD-Maker, and Norton AntiVirus.
Customer Support
I have emailed customer support on a few occasions (driver, software related) and response is slow. Other than that, I have only heard of some unpleasant things in the forums about Acer technical support. Typically a week passed before a response came. To extend the original warranty by 2-years it was $99 CDN and being a sucker for warranties, I bought it immediately.
This unit was and still is clearly advertised as '64-bit' and I completely fell for it. The support site does not provide 64-bit drivers should you choose to use the '64-bit power' as advertised by Acer. I am also disappointed that I was not allowed to choose the 64-bit version of Vista for my express upgrade. I know that suitable 64-bit drivers are out there, and I have to fish for them, but it's still an irritation.
It is hard to provide clear conclusions having never owned a notebook before. I can say that you do get what you pay for. Some of the minor annoyances and observations show a lack of refinement. I can only assume that attention to the small details would be addressed in higher end models and better technical/driver support from the bigger named retailers (the Inspiron 1501 has 64-bit driver support). Battery life is poor, so if it is a main concern stay away from this and other older AMD CPU based chipsets as Intel solutions are typically much better.
After using it for several months I still would prefer a non-glossy with standard aspect ratio screen typically found on business class models. That would have probably broken my price criteria as non-widescreen models are becoming a rarity. This is clearly a personal preference, however I thought I would mention it to other potential first time buyers looking for a 'work' machine.
In the end the Aspire 5050 gets the job done for my purposes without draining my wallet. I did choose a few specific upgrades which increased the price, but I fully intend on having this unit for more than 3 years (remember my ancient desktop?). It is smaller and lighter than the conventional 15.4" budget model and I can carry it and a few accessories around in a slim bag or while on the couch. Once it completely boots up, it is responsive and has more than enough processing power to perform the tasks I normally execute. It has video outputs and doubles as my TV's DVD player. Purchase timing was also a bonus as I now have a choice between XP or Vista. I am generally satisfied with the results of my purchase.
- Style is visually appealing, doesn't look cheap (as I'm told)
- Good price/performance ratio
- Includes a variety of ports as a budget model
- Partitioning of hard drive space (personal preference, a con to others)
- Fan constantly cycling on/off, even on battery
- At times, noisy optical drive
- Slower hard drive
- Top cover is easily scratched
- Lack of 'extra' driver support


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The East London Football Podcast
PUBLISHED: 13:00 10 August 2018 | UPDATED: 14:17 11 August 2018
PA Wire/PA Images
West Ham United get their Premier League campaign underway on Sunday when they make the long trip north to face Liverpool.
New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini will hope to get his tenure off to a good start, while there could be several debutants in action for the east Londoners.
Leyton Orient, meanwhile, go in search of a first Vanarama National League win of the season when they host Barrow on Saturday, before visiting Maidstone United on Tuesday night.
The O's took on Ebbsfleet United in midweek and earned a 1-1 draw, which was the same result Justin Edinburgh's men got in their season opener at Salford City last weekend.
Divisional rivals Daggers, meanwhile, are still looking for their first points of the new term and welcome Maidenhead United on Saturday, before visiting Aldershot Town on Tuesday.
Daggers were beaten 2-1 at home to Maidstone United in midweek, while the Peter Taylor era began last weekend with a 1-0 loss at Boreham Wood.
All this, plus the start of the new season in the Bostik Leagues, is discussed on this week's East London Football Podcast.
Host Matt Withers is joined by Dave Evans, George Sessions, Ned Keating and Jacob Ranson to mull over another week in east London football.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Ilford Recorder. Click the link in the orange box above for details.


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As I was prepping for a leadership speaking session on communication, I came across this side-splitting story of communication gone horribly wrong. It makes the perfect blog entry for April Fool's Day.
You likely stopped in to FaithWalkers expecting some pithy wisdom for your walk. Instead, you get some pious bathroom humor.
I suspect you'll enjoy it — even if you are a Baptist. I chose not to use it in my upcoming leadership session simply because there's no way I'd get through it without collapsing in uncontrollable laughter. And I'd likely not get invited back.
Enjoy. (HT to Richard Powell for sharing it. I'd love to hear any pastor who could actually use this in a sermon.)
A rather old fashioned lady, was planning a couple of weeks vacation in Florida. She also was quite delicate and elegant with her language. She wrote a letter to a particular campground and asked for reservations. She wanted to make sure the campground was fully equipped but didn't know quite how to ask about the "toilet" facilities.
She just couldn't bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter. After much deliberation, she finally came up with the old fashioned term "Bathroom Commode," but when she wrote that down, she still thought she was being too forward. So she started all over again; rewrote the entire letter and referred to the "Bathroom Commode" simply as the "B.C.".
Does the campground have its own "B.C.?" is what she actually wrote.
Well, the campground owner wasn't old fashioned at all, and when he got the letter, he couldn't figure out what the lady was talking about. That "B.C." really stumped him. After worrying about it for several days, he showed the letter to other campers, but they couldn't figure out what the lady meant either. The campground owner finally came to the conclusion that the lady was and must be asking about the location of the local Baptist Church.
So he sat down and wrote the following reply:
"Dear Madam: I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take pleasure of informing in that the "B.C." is located nine miles north of the camp site and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along, and make a day of it.
They usually arrive early and stay late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now, there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats. They plan to hold the supper in the middle of the "B.C.", so everyone can watch and talk about this great event.
I would like to say it pains me very much, not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely not for lack of desire on my part. As we grow older, it seems to be more and more of an effort, particularly in cold weather. If you decide to come down to the campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks.
This is really a very friendly community.
For those of you deeply offended by this moving tale, my apologies. For those who thought it hilarious, share it freely to brighten someone else's day.
And for those who think they never miscommunicate, think again.
Feel free to share your own funny stories of communication gone wrong — if appropriate. Remember we do have kids reading here — or at least adults who occasionally act like kids. And I'm sure there are some tales involving Presbyterians out there somewhere. If so, bring 'em on.
May hilarity ensue.


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I was intently peering inside my favorite Aqua Lock & Lock water bottle (it says 'We make your table more elegance with our design water bottle' on the sticker-on product label, so guess where it was manufactured from?) because I had been feeling unsettled by the yellowish discoloration at the inside bottom of the bottle which I had been drinking from for several days already — when Laj walked into the office pantry.
Me: Laj, tingnan mo nga 'to. Why is the color yellow-ish at the bottom? I think it's moss.
Laj: Na-a-arawan ba siya on your table? I think that's algae.
Me: Well, yah, 'coz I leave it on top of my table lang naman and when the sun is high and mighty, it gets exposed to heat.
Laj: Yup, that's algae alright.
Can you believe that? It turned out I had been drinking algae with my water for several days already and I didn't even bother to investigate at the first sighting of the yellowish thingy inside my water bottle! I'm surprised all this while that I had been inadvertently snacking on algae I did not grow gills or whatever these fish that feed off on algae have. Took a quick glance on my skin just now and I didn't see scales – yey, I'm safe!
These things always happen to me. There were times before when I would take a swig off a Yakult bottle or have a sip of milk only to realize after several gulps and the initial sour taste lingered, that those were actually expired stuff in my fridge! Seriously, who does that?!? The problem with me is that I go crazy when doing grocery shopping. I buy so much stuff, mostly perishables, leave them in the fridge for several days without bothering to eat them because I often feel full already from the meals I had taken during work hours. By the time I remember I still have them stored somewhere, they're expired. Moments like this, I can almost hear Kassy say 'Gumu-gujab ka na naman!'
This week is war week at work for all of us. Our Boss is in town and we have so much ground to cover in terms of projects pending, and those that will be launched in the near offing. Good news: the first VOYAGER mock-up is ready to be presented to the Boss later. I am really proud of my VOYAGER Team! Call it great talent or serious pursuit of perfection finally paying-off but we are really coming up with great issues one after the other. The last issue which was distributed to our convention participants in Malaysia last May was already pretty nifty and it got great reviews from the readers – and then I saw the first mock-up of the latest issue and it definitely stood head and shoulders above any of the past issues!
Not only that, we have gone online as well. Wanna see it? It's right here. You can browse through Issue no. 7, no. 6, and no. 5 and see what fun and informative stuff we have put together all these months and years.
FTW Magazine is now on its final stages of editing and proofreading and will be hitting the printing press in no time! This one is exceptionally special for the FTW Team (Kassy, Marga and Chad) and our growing roster of supporters and sponsors because this is something we put together with only our ideas and daring in our limited arsenal. After weeks of putting together this piece of wonder and talking to so many sponsors and partners, we are inching closer and closer to actually touching and smelling the printed pages of the magazine. Yey for us! Not to be yabang or anything but I am pretty sure you would all agree when you see this mini magazine that we have just outdone awesome.
By the way, please don't forget to drop by TRINOMA Activity Center on the 15th of September, from 5:30 to 8:30pm, for the REEBOK EasyTone Launch and FanCon. We have tons of surprises in store for all of you Reebok fans and converts and you would loathe to miss all of it! For details, check Team Reebok Running page on Facebook regularly.
On the running front, I must say I am mighty proud of myself for logging decent mileage during the past weeks. Just before I left for Singapore nearly two weeks ago for a workshop, I accumulated a whopping 100.5k mileage in seven days! Unfortunately, Chris and I were only able to run twice while I was in Singapore and did not immediately jump into running when I got back. But after a few days, I was back on the road and have been running an average of 15k every morning – with the longest distance of 25.38k in 2:32:30 last Saturday. I had wanted to do a full marathon distance, LSD pace, with KB Runner that time but he had prior running commitment with some runners down south. I had to settle for nearly 26k, all by myself. I would have gone on to cover a bit more distance than that but I had FTW meeting + family dinner + hangout with the becky's on the same day.
The past three days, however, I had to take a break from running as I had been waking up lightheaded – which I now attribute to the damned algae on my water bottle! hahaha. But last night, I started to feel the excess weight and the sluggishness that come with it so I committed to start running again when I wake up in the morning. I'm telling you, I am no longer used to not doing cardio everyday. I get cranky, impatient, and I feel bloated even when I'm not. Since I got all maniacal and obsessive about this whole fitness thing, I even feel guilt-stricken having to eat food when I know I haven't worked out previously.
So anyway, this morning, I did 15.35k in 1:35:30. I was slower than usual, I know, but I think it was because of the fact that my legs went on vacation for three days. Ang tatamad ng mga hitang 'to! hahaha.
Oh, and I have also been using Claudia for most of my training and she's awesome! She's the perfect combination of superb performance and ultra comfort.
I have two major races coming up: One is the PAU 50k from Tagaytay to Nasugbu and Manila Marathon (i'm doing full mary here) back-to-back in September.
This will be my second PAU ultra race, the first one being the memorable Mt. Pinatubo 50k trail race last year which I kind of aced. Last Saturday, the trail runners took to the crater and back again with the 2nd Mt. Pinatubo race but I didn't join because I am not feeling so confident. I don't want another DNF on my record, no siree!
Aaaaand that's all folks! Tune in again in a few days when I post a fresh update. Meanwhile, go and get yourself some good vibes and give back loads as well. Cheers Loves!