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"A brand is the name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's goods or service as distinct from those of other sellers"
At BITBYTEBIIT, we understand the importance of brand management and maintaining cohesion between social trend, and empirical values. We model our brand development on a step-by-step process which captures the essence of your value proposition and positions it within the 'audience sweet-spot' where the relationship between your product and the consumer is fostered.
Your company logo, wordmark, symbol, or both, is often the first visual association a customer will have with your brand. Proper use of an appropriate, distinctive, memorable logo will boost recognition rates, and, when coupled with a positive brand experience, can help generate return business and increased ROI, as well as instilling trust among your valued customers.
Favicons and avatars
These miniature icons can fortify your brand's stature by demonstrating that careful attention is paid to the smallest details. Perhaps, the most frequently seen by your customers.
Style guides
This is particularly useful for medium-to-large-sized organisations where more than one person is responsible for handling the visual identity. You'll find some examples in these style guides from around the world (on Logo Design Love).
Digital Collateral
Document templates, power-points, PDF, report cohesion and formatting etc. We work with all current Microsoft, Google, Adobe and OO platforms to enhance your digital outputs.
Website Branding
Please see Web Design & Development.
For specific requirements or any questions, by all means ask


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I've said before that it's a privilege to be a blogger and share some very personal writing from authors. Lovely Jennifer Gilmour is staying in with me today to tell me more about another of her books and it's a welcome return to have her on Linda's Book Bag. Previously, when Isolation Junction was published, Jennifer provided a guest post about writing motivation that you can read here, and another about tackling domestic abuse through fiction which can be found here.
If you're an author who'd also like to stay in with me to tell me about one of your books, please click here for more details.
Staying in with Jennifer Gilmour
Welcome back to Linda's Book Bag, Jennifer. It's lovely to have you here. Thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.
Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?
I've brought my second book, Clipped Wings, and I have brought it because it is a book that gives a voice to those who have suffered and I think their voices should be heard.
(I quite agree Jennifer.)
What can we expect from an evening in with Clipped Wings?
Clipped Wings is my second publication and non-fiction which is unlike from my first publication.
Clipped Wings is about identity and how those who are oppressed do have courage to survive and thrive so you will have an emotional and uplifting evening.
I feel very proud of this publication and to those who were involved, I felt as if I was helping fixing those wings to be able to soar and their voices to be heard. Others seem to be understanding what I am trying to achieve with my writing and are supporting my journey in writing with a message.
Author Isabella May says:
To pen 'Isolation Junction', her first novel, was one thing. But to then go on to compile an anthology, working with domestic violence survivors both female and male, from all walks of life and backgrounds; that was quite another. An emotional roller coaster in every sense of the word.
Jessica Johnson says:
Whilst it is heartbreaking to read some of the accounts and what the people went through in their relationships, it is ultimately an uplifting book. The stories are as much about courage and recovery as they are about violence and abuse.
I would say this book is a must read for anyone who wants to hear first hand how people can survive such terrible abuse and come through the other side.
(What brilliant responses Jennifer. You must be so proud of what you've achieved.)
What else have you brought along and why?
I have brought along all the survivors that have written or been interviewed for Clipped Wings as working on this project was very personal and I am in many conversations with them; I feel it has brought a close connection which I am delighted about.
(It's my pleasure to host them all.)
I have brought along all those who backed my Kickstarter campaign to be able to give a paperback to those who gave their story. They are friends, family, followers and supporters who have seen me flourish since coming out of my own abusive relationship.
I bring along some chocolate for everyone as comfort food because its emotional, thought provoking, concerning as well as inspiring and motivating.
I always love chocolate! Thanks so much for staying in with me Jennifer and telling me about Clipped Wings. it sounds a hugely inspirational and moving book.
Clipped Wings
The silent chorus.
Just imagine you thought that you had met the man or woman of your dreams. This person was charming and you thought they were the one or perhaps that this was fate; it was just meant to be.
But as the months go by things start to change. Their behaviour towards you isn't the same, they are more critical, more particular about your appearance, what you do, how you do it, who you see. Time goes by and you feel isolated from your friends and family because that behaviour has now changed to threats, maybe violence and you feel that your identity is all but gone. But still you stay. Where would you go? Who would help you? You are not worthy.
But you are.
A group of survivors have spoken about their own experiences. In their own words they show that survivors do have a voice and that it needs to be heard. They show that abuse isn't unique or strange but that it is, unfortunately, a surprisingly common problem in today's society.
The message of this book is one of courage, as with courage comes awareness and an ability to understand what has happened to you and take the steps needed to become a survivor yourself.
Clipped Wings is available for purchase here.
About Jennifer Gilmour
Born in the North East, Jennifer is a young, married mum with three children. In addition to being an author, she is an entrepreneur, running a family business from her home-base.
Her blog posts have a large readership of other young mums in business.
From an early age, Jennifer has had a passion for writing and started gathering ideas and plot lines from her teenage years.
A passionate advocate for women in abusive relationships, she has drawn on her personal experiences to write her first novel Isolation Junction. It details the journey of a young woman from the despair of an emotionally abusive and unhappy marriage to develop the confidence to challenge and change her life and to love again. Since the publication of her debut novel, Jennifer has continued to be an advocate for those in abusive relationships through her blog posts, radio interviews and Twitter feed. Jennifer also gained a qualification in facilitating a recover programme for those who have been in abusive relationships. Jennifer continues to publicly support those who are isolated and struggle to have a voice. Jennifer hopes that Clipped Wings give's a voice to survivor's experiences and raise's awareness further of the types of unacceptable behaviour which fall into the category of domestic abuse.
You'll find more about Jennifer on her website, on Facebook and by following her on Twitter @JenLGilmour.

subset: commoncrawl


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2018 Miss Acton Pageant
The Miss Acton Pageant is looking for participants for this years event.
The stage is set for the crowning of the 55th Miss Acton Fall Fair
The event has undergone a lot of major changes in the past 54 years, but the idea behind Miss Acton has remained the same:
an opportunity to represent Acton and the Acton Agricultural Society, to meet new people and learn about the town and yourself.
The Miss Acton Pageant will take place on the opening night of the fair, Friday September 14th, 2018.
The winner will begin a year-long experience of representing the Acton Agricultural Society and the town of Acton at numerous functions and events.
If you are between the ages of 16 and 22, attend Acton High School or live in Acton, Limehouse, Ballinifad or Rockwood areas, you are invited to be a contestant.
If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Miss Acton Pageant,
please contact Dominique Zeldin at firstname.lastname@example.com
The Pageant format consists of a private interview with a panel of judges, an onstage appearance and greeting, and a two minute prepared speech on a pre-approved topic. After the initial judging's are completed, finalists are chosen and they are asked to answer an unknown question. The qualities the judges will be looking for in the next Miss Acton are: her ability to make people feel comfortable; her friendliness and attitude; presentation and public speaking, poise and control.
Contestants are to bring two outfits the night of the pageant. The first is to be more conservative, something you would wear to a job interview. The second outfit is to be more formal and reflect how you would portray yourself if you were selected to be Miss Acton. Make-up services are available to those who wish to use them.
All contestants receive a small gift and passes to the fair.
Online 'fillable' Form (fill out form online, print & mail)
Blank Form (print blank form, complete & mail)


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Sprint along paths with lightning fast speed and collect coins.
Select a runner and sprint along racing tracks while collecting a needed number of coins within a limited time to earn bunny trophies and to open the next track.
Make use of the MOUSE to run. CLICK and HOLD, your runner will follow the pointer.


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|Includes 48 contiguous states.
|SmartNotes cuts through the clutter to intelligently deliver pertinent flight information based on chronological and geospatial data, and minimize pilot interactions with the mobile device.
Organized Track System (OTS) provides critical information for oceanic flights when appropriate airports are selected.
Fully indexed and searchable Jeppesen Standard Airway Manual text sections are available to help you better prepare for your flight.
SID/STAR with own-ship – increase situational awareness by viewing your flight with respect to the terminal air structure.
SID/STAR picker – select specific SID/STAR routing to fit your flight plan and operations. It makes the proposed flight track visible and the performance predictable.
Green/amber annotations – annotate terminal charts with quick notes so all information is at hand and clearly sorted
VFR and cultural data layer to support VFR operations.
Product Details
|Designed specifically for business aviation operators as well as individuals and enthusiasts, Mobile FliteDeck delivers the world's best-in-class data-driven enroute data and terminal charts directly to your iPad®. With its interactive, dynamically rendered charts and data – all backed by Jeppesen quality – Mobile FliteDeck provides everything you need for improved decision making, exactly when it counts.
Unit of Sale
|Annual Coverage


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Follow Me
As much as I enjoy my day job of chiseling away at words, sentences and paragraphs for hours on end, you can't beat the feeling of capturing a moment in a matter of seconds – taking a photograph. Making me choose between Twitter and Instagram is another 'tea or coffee' type of situation…
Email Me
Go on, challenge me. I have written everything from engineering webcopy to dating profiles, for clients around the world. But email me whether you want to discuss work opportunities or not. I like reading as much as I enjoy writing, unless it's Twilight. That story was totally my idea.


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The Tucson City Council voted unanimously last night to support the federal Fix Gun Checks Act of 2012 after hearing testimony from survivors of the January 2011 Tucson shootings.
"Based on the testimony from them, based on what's happened in the last couple of weeks in Milwaukee and Aurora, and just the history we have, we truly need to examine how we can reduce the ability for folks, who may be unstable, to have weapons put in their hands," Councilman Paul Cunningham tells New Times. "I don't want to infringe on anybody's rights, but at the same time, we have to be very realistic about what's going on here."
The Fix Gun Checks Act is a congressional bill that calls for increased scrutiny of background checks for gun owners. The measure would mandate that the names of people who are banned from buying guns be entered into a national database. It also would require that anyone looking to purchase a gun get a background check, according to Fixgunchecks.org.
Jared Loughner -- the man responsible for the Tucson tragedy, which left six people dead and 13 injured, including former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords -- may have been prohibited from legally purchasing a gun had background checks been mandated. He pleaded guilty yesterday to 19 felony charges and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
In light of Loughner's recent plea, last week's temple shooting in Wisconsin, and last month's movie theater shooting in Colorado, there seems to be a stronger push to reform certain gun-control laws.
In fact, a poll conducted by known conservative analyst Frank Luntz in late July shows that even current and former NRA members support better background checks for perspective gun purchasers. The poll of 945 gun owners found that 74 percent of them -- formerly or currently affiliated with the NRA -- support better background screening for potential buyers.
"I don't think there are any easy and quick answers," Cunningham says. "I don't think we're going to move the ball down the field anytime soon. I think that first we've got to get everyone at the table."
Cunningham says he was fired up by last night's meeting testimony and will begin to formulate an agenda on responsible gun-control reform. He said the agenda could include a push for limits on local Tucson gun shows, statewide reform on private gun sales, better classification on intended uses for weapons, and limits on guns with high rounds of ammunition.
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"I don't want to be some hardcore, lefty, gun-control freak. That's not who I am. But seriously, we've got to do something," Cunningham says. "Virginia Tech, Columbine; it happens once every year. Obviously what we doing [isn't] working. Let's figure it out.
Here's a video of Tucson shooting survivors calling for President Obama and Mitt Romney to make a meaningful gun-control reform plan:


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This dual-cabin cruiser features sleeping accommodations for four with two berths—one in the forward bow and another midships—making it ideal for overnight excursions. Just below deck is a fully equipped galley, and the forward berth converts to a dining area. A fully enclosed standup head includes mirror, overhead lighting, generous storage, sink, manual-flush toilet, and shower. Lots of space, numerous standard features, many options to choose from, and the 250CS is still easily trailerable to endless destinations.
•3-Year Hull Blister Protection Plan
•5-Year Hull Protection Plan
•Certifications: NMMA, USCG, IMCI, EC
•Cooler/Storage Box with Drain
•Exclusive Z-plane Hull
•High Output Bilge Blower
•Performance Notched Transom
•May qualify for 2nd home tax deduction
•Bow Anchor Storage
•Bow Storage
•Enclosed Head w/ Vent Window, & Lighting
•Lockable Cabin Doors
•SS Multi-Step Boarding Ladder
•SS Stern, Bow, and Spring Line Cleats
•Backlit instrumentation & Ckt breakers
•Integrated Electric Horn
•Prem. 36oz. Foam Backed Vinyl w/ PreFixx
•Helm Seats w/ Fore & Aft Adj.
•Oversized Cup Holders
•Self Bailing Cockpit
•Steel Burl Trim Package
•Throttle-Trim Control w/ Safety Switch
•Sport Bucket w/ Bolster
•Adjustable Cabin Lights
•Enclosed Head w/ Shower
•Freshwater Sink
•Power Trim and Tilt w/ Indicator
•Remote Oil Change System
•Power Steering (Engine Driven)


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Mushrooms with Fried Eggs
(Mantarli Yumurta)
1 cup mushrooms, cleaned, cut in 2 or 4
1 small onion, sliced
2-3 strips of red Bell pepper
1 tbsp butter or 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 eggs 1 tsp butter
Saute the onion with butter for about 2-3 minutes at medium heat. Add the mushrooms and red peppers, continue to saute at a little bit over medium heat. Do not over cook!
Meanwhile fried the eggs with butter in a pan. Serve Mushrooms with Fried Eggs with freshly baked Turkish bread and Turkish Tea for breakfast or lunch or brunch on weekends:)
Labels: Breakfast


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The Call Of The Wild is a novel by Jack London. The story was published in 1903 and is still considered a classic novel. In this article I have listed 20 of my favorite quotes from the story, and I have given a short summary of the story.
In the novel Buck is a strong dog that is living with a nice family in California. Buck lives a pampered life, having all of his food given to him and not having to work at all. One day one of the servants working at the house sells Buck. Buck ends up in Alaska in the harsh cold environment. Buck struggles to adapt to the change in scenery but eventually finds himself competing to be top dog in a dog pack.
Buck becomes involved in a struggle for power with another dog, Spitz. They end up fighting and Buck wins, taking over as leader of a sled dog team. The dog sled team ends up changing ownerships multiple times. Bucks new owner gets the whole team killed, luckily Buck is saved by a kind man named John Thornton.
Buck learns to love his new owner and saves him from death on several occasions. John and a few other men go on a voyage with Buck to find gold in the wilderness of Alaska and succeed in finding huge amounts of gold. While searching for gold, Buck went off into the wilderness many times sometimes stay out for weeks at a time.
At the end of Call of the Wild, Thornton is killed by the Yeehat tribe. Buck takes revenge and kills the all. He then joins and leads a pack of wild dogs, who roam through the wilderness of Alaska.
Quote: "Men,groping in the Arctic darkness, had found yellow metal, and because steamship and transportation company were booming the find, thousands of men were rushing into the Northland. These men wanted dogs, and the dogs they wanted were heavy dogs, with strong muscles by which to toil and furry coats to protect them from the frost."
Quote:"Perrault knew dogs, and when he looked at Buck he knew that he was one in a thousand- "One in ten t'ousand," he commented mentally."
Quote:"So sudden was it, and so unexpected, that Buck was taken aback. He saw Spitz run out his scarlet tongue... he saw Francois swinging an axe, spring into a mess of dogs. Three men with clubs were helping him scatter them. It did not take long. Two minutes from the time Curly went down, the last of her assailants were clubbed off. But she lay there limp and lifeless in the bloody, trampled snow, almost literally torn to pieces, the swart half-breed standing over her and cursing horribly... No fair play. Once down, that was the end of you. Well, he would see to it that he never went down. Spitz ran out his tongue and laughed again, and from that moment Buck hated him with a bitter and deathless hatred."
Quote:"A shout from Francois hailed his appearance. "Wot I say?" the dog-driver cried to Perrault. "Dat Buck for sure learn queek as anyt'ing."
Quote:"His muscles became as hard as iron, and he grew callous to all ordinary pain. He achieved internal as well as external economy. He could eat anything, no matter how loathsome or indigestible; and, once eaten, the juices in his stomach extracted the last least particle of nutriment; and his blood carried it to the farthest reaches of his body....And not only did he learn by experience, but instincts long and dead became alive again. The domesticated generations fell from him."
Quote:"Thus, as a token of what a puppet thing life is, the ancient song surged through him and he came into his own again; and he came because men had found a yellow metal in the North, and because Manuel was a gardener's helper whose wages did not lap over the needs of his wife and drivers small copies of himself."
Quote:"Buck's feet were not so compact and hard as the feet of the huskies. His had softened during the many generations since the day his last wild ancestor was tamed by a cave-dweller or river man."
Quote:"Splendid running was achieved not without great trouble and vexation on the part of Francois. The insidious revolt led by Buck had destroyed the solidarity of the team. It no longer was as one dog leaping in the traces. The encouragement Buck gave the rebels led them into all kinds of petty misdemeanors. No more was Spitz a leader greatly to be feared."
Quote:"Francois knew he was behind all the trouble, and Buck knew he knew,"
Quote:"In a flash Buck knew it. The time had come. It was to the death.... To Buck it was nothing new or strange, this scene of old time. It was as though it had always been wonted way of things. Spitz was a practiced fighter... In passion to rend and destroy, he never forgot that his enemy was in like passion to rend and destroy."
Quote:"Buck stood and looked on, the successful champion, the dominant primordial beast who had made his kill and found it good."
Quote:""Eh? Eh? Francois cried, slapping his thighs gleefully. "Look at dat Buck. Heem keel dat Spitz, heem t'ink to take de job." " Go 'way, Chook!" he cried, but Buck refused to budge."
Quote:"He lay gasping in the snow and yearning toward them... Here the train halted. The Scotch half-breed slowly retraced his steps to the camp they had left. The men ceased talking. A revolver shot rang out. The men came back hurriedly. The whips snapped, the bells tinkled merrily, the sleds churned along the trail; but Buck knew, and every dog knew, what had taken place behind the belt of the river."
Quote: "He had caught the contagion of the excitement, and he felt that in some way he must do a great thing for John Thornton. Murmurs of admiration at his splendid appearance went up. He was in perfect condition, without an ounce of superfluous flesh...His furry coat shone with the sheen of silk...Men felt his muscles and proclaimed them hard as iron."
Quote: " Every man was tearing himself loose, even Matthewson. Hats and mittens were flying into the air. Men were shaking hands, it did not matter with whom, and bubbling over in a general incoherent babel."
Quote: "Sometimes he pursued the call into the forest, looking for it as though it were a tangible thing, barking softly or defiantly...Irresistible impulses seized him. he would be lying in camp, dozing lazily in the heat of the day, when suddenly his head would lift and his ears cock up, intent and listening, and he would spring on his feet and dash away, and on and on, for hours, though the forest aisles."
Page: 117
Quote : "But especially he loved to run in the dim twilight of the summer midnights, listening to the subdued and sleepy murmurs of the forest, reading signs and sounds as a man may read a book, and seeking for the mysterious something that called -- called, waking or sleeping, at all times, for him to come."
Quote: "The blood-longing became stronger than ever before. He was a
killer, a thing that preyed, living on the things that lived, unaided, alone, by virtue of his own strength and prowess, surviving triumphantly in a hostile environment where only the strong survived."
Quote: "Again Buck knew [the sounds] as things heard in that other world
which persisted in his memory. He walked to the center of the open space and listened. It was the call, the many-noted call, sounding more luringly and compelling than ever before. And as never before, he was ready to obey. John Thornton was dead. The last tie was broken. Man and the claims of man no longer bound him."
Quote: "When the long winter nights come on and the wolves follow their
meat into the lower valleys, he may be seen running at the head of the pack through the pale moonlight or glimmering borealis, leaping gigantic above his fellows, his great throat a-bellow as he sings a song of the younger world, which is the song of the pack."
Page: 137
Quote: "All that stirring of old instincts which at stated periods drives men out from the sounding cities to forest and plain to kill things by chemically propelled leaden bullets, the blood lust, the joy to kill -- all this was Buck's, only it was infinitely more intimate. He was ranging at the head of the pack, running the wild thing down, the living meat, to kill with how own teeth and wash his muzzle to the eyes in warm blood."


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Year: 2013
Duration: 1h 50min
IMDb: 6.7
Country: South Africa, France
Actors: Orlando Bloom, Forest Whitaker, Conrad Kemp, Inge Beckmann, Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Regardt van den Bergh, Randall Majiet, Patrick Lyster, Joelle Kayembe, Tanya van Graan, Danny Keogh, Christian Bennett, Iman Isaacs, Nomhle Nkonyeni, Denise Newman
As a child, Ali Neuman narrowly escaped being murdered by Inkatha, a militant political party at war with Nelson Mandela's African National Congress. Only he and his mother survived the carnage of those years. But as with many survivors, the psychological scars remain. Today, Ali is chief of the homicide branch of the South African police in Cape Town. One of his staff is Brian Epkeen, a free-wheeling white officer whose family was originally involved in the establishment of apartheid but who works well with Neuman. Together they have to deal with crime that inevitably exists in sprawling areas of un- and under- employed people, crime exacerbated by gangs, both local and from other parts of Africa. Their job gets even more difficult when the corpses of two young women are found. A new evil has been introduced in the city and a new drug has been introduced to its residents, including both murder victims. At the chaotic crossroads where brutality and modernization collide, the echoes of...


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The city of Toronto in Canada is a bustling metropolis with eye-catching sights like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Art Gallery of Ontario. It's home to a diverse population and is a hot spot for tourists looking to get a taste of the Great White North. There are a lot of different ways to get around in Toronto, such as by subway, streetcar and bus and on foot. Sometimes, however, driving a car is the most convenient way to go. Renting a car in Toronto is not too complicated, and there are a number of internationally recognized car rental companies throughout the city.
Decide on Your Destination
Before deciding to rent a car, figure out where you need to go. A lot of the city is accessible by public transportation or on foot. The traffic in Toronto can get congested, especially during morning and evening rush hours. This can sometimes double or triple your transit time. If you do need to drive, avoid rush hour so that you can make it to your destination on time.
Select a Car Rental Company
A number of rental car companies service the Greater Toronto Area, many of which will be familiar to international travelers. Car rental companies have locations at Toronto Pearson International Airport in addition to inside the city proper. If you are coming to Toronto from the airport but don't want to use a car rental company that is located there, you can request a pickup from a different company. Many car rental companies will pick up travelers from Viscount Station, which can be accessed from the airport through the Terminal Link train. Be sure to ask for any special items you might need, such as a GPS or car seats for kids.
Renters who are between 21 and 24 years old might be required to pay a daily underage surcharge and might face certain restrictions on the kinds of cars they are able to rent.
Know the Rules
Before you get in the driver's seat, be sure to know the rules of the road. Drivers in Toronto drive on the right side of the road, which is the same as in the United States. A valid driver's licence is required to rent a car and to drive. In addition, car rental companies require renters to purchase auto insurance if they don't already have some. Also, be aware of strict seat belt laws in the province.
Parking can be a hassle in Toronto. Many main and side streets do not allow parking, so always check for "No Parking" signs before pulling into a spot. Often, parking is not allowed on the street during morning and evening rush hours. There are a number of public and private parking lots that have both daily and hourly rates.
Consider the Weather
Winter in Toronto brings plenty of snow, hail, ice and slush, which can make driving conditions difficult for those who are not familiar with that kind of weather. Before heading out on your trip, check the weather to ensure you won't run into any trouble. If you're traveling to Toronto in the winter, request snow tires on your car to avoid skidding on the road.
Many Canadians joke that Canada has two seasons: winter and construction. Frequent roadwork can cause delays and require you to take alternate routes. Check for road maintenance and road restrictions in your area before heading out.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
Photo Credits
- Attribution: Lencer; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
- Attribution: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license
- Attribution: Buffyjossdollhouse; License: public domain
- Attribution: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license
- Attribution: John Vetterli; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license


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Why Your Accountant (CPA) or Capital Adviser Should Work with an Online Lender to Help your Business Access Capital
As a small business owner, you may have witnessed how much harder it has become for you to access capital in the form of small non-collateral loans. After your bank says no, you may be looking for help to identify a competitive and disciplined online business lender that you can get funding from.
The banks have completely exited the "lending small" space as regulation has made it unprofitable and has forced them to seek higher loan amounts they can underwrite for a profit. The government response to the credit crisis, essentially Dodd-Frank, has tightened reserve requirements on banks and added new layers of regulation over U.S. financial firms.
For all the good that Dodd-Frank did to protect consumers, it also facilitated the demise of thousands of small banks. In 1984, the U.S. had 14,400 banks, but that number shrank to 5,083 by 2016. Most of the lost banks were small, and many had to merge with bigger competitors. The result is that it is harder for your small business to get modest loans of up to $300,000, because many banks nowadays focus on larger and more profitable business loans above $500,000 – high overhead costs tied to regulatory costs, limited human resources, make small loans unprofitable for most banks.
Despite, or rather because of, the retrenchment in conventional business lending since 2008, online business lenders have been trying to fill the void. And many CPAs and tax advisers should be able to help, and even be excited to save you time in looking for a small non-collateral loan that works for your small business.
Think of it from their point of view:
- The loan application and documentation burden imposed by conventional banks requires a fair amount of work. Financial statements, projections, multiple year tax returns, and the myriad other forms that banks require to underwrite a business loan can consume a lot of a CPA's time and energy.
- By contrast, your CPA or capital adviser can help you apply for an online loan quickly and with minimum effort. All that is really needed is a minimum of 3 months' worth of your business bank statements (easily downloaded from most banks), most recent tax returns, a copy of your driver's license and a voided check. None of the audited financials, or fancy business plans so precious to banks are needed by IOU Financial. If you mention to your accountant a need for short term working capital, all s/he has to screen for is monthly bank deposits of at least $10,000, an average daily bank account balance of $3,000, 10 or more deposits per month, and 80% ownership in the business with at least one year in operation.
- Banks have high loan-rejection rates, due to constraints placed on them by regulations, unprofitable nature of smaller loans, timid loan committees and over-reliance on credit scores. Online business loans, like those offered by IOU Financial, sidestep these problems because they welcome smaller loans and value cash flows as much as credit scores. In other words, online lenders don't waste your CPA's or their clients' time… your time.
- Speaking of time, online lenders can approve a loan request in a few hours and fund the borrower within 24 hours. A CPA or capital adviser who is helping a business owner respond to rapidly shifting cash flows knows that waiting weeks for a bank to decide a loan is completely unresponsive to the business' needs.
- Bank loans don't tend to be flexible, but your CPA knows that a small business relies on flexible funding to survive and prosper. IOU Financial allows a borrower to re-borrow once 40 percent of the original loan is repaid.
- CPAs are paid, among other reasons, to keep a sharp eye on expenses. They are therefore gratified to learn that IOU Financial loans costs much less than merchant cash advances.
- CPAs help owners manage cash flow so that the business never gets caught short. The fixed, daily or weekly, automatic repayments of IOU Financial loans means that cash outflow is spread equally over the month instead of accumulating into a large monthly payback that can weaken the business' cash reserves. Budgeting is easier and impact upon inventory purchasing is minimal.
- Your CPA can work with IOU Financial to ensure the request loan does not put unnecessary strain on the business cash-flow. Sometimes, borrowing less is a good idea as it gives time to the business owner to work through debt repayment and get used to the loan; your CPA and IOU Financial can work together to find the right loan for your business.
Unless owners have special skills and plenty of time on their hands to deal with fastidious bank loan procedures, a business' accounting and tax prep are best left to professionals like CPAs. Don't make them bill you for the extra hours it takes to get a bank loan. Save money through a business loan of up to $300,000 from IOU Financial.
Ask your CPA or Capital Adviser to give us a call and will be happy to answer questions and make sure our capital can help your business grow. Call Christophe Choquart at 678 809 6685 to discuss how an IOU Financial loan may be right for your business.


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The first two weeks of this course are an overview of performing improvisation with introductory and advanced exercises in the techniques of improvisation. The final four weeks focus on applying these concepts in business situations to practice and mastering these improvisation tools in leadership learning.
Special software is required to use some of the files in this course: .rm.
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Introducing Duraguard Xtra with 'Superset Technology'. A revolutionary technology that uses optimum amount of water to lend the cement enhanced work-ability, high compaction and optimum setting time through a unique ball bearing mechanism. It renders balance to the strength and duress of the concrete making it the perfect companion for building your perfect home.
Duraguard Xtra gives high density concrete or mortar by decreasing voids between cement particles. The factors that contribute towards reduction in its internal friction are:
– Water Content
– Aggregate/ Cement Ratio
– Size of Aggregate
– Shape of Aggregates
– Grading of Cement Particles and Aggregates
– Surface Texture of Cement Particle and Aggregates
– Use of Admixture
Product Brochure – English
Product Brochure – Hindi
- Higher work-ability at lower water-cement ratio
- Work-ability Enhancing Cement Technology for easier application
- Optimum setting time without compromising strength
- 360 degree compact packing and interlocking
- Secures reinforcing steel bars against external weathering agents
- Best in class advanced Superset Technology


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Grown in Cameron Highlands, Lushious Green Chili is an alternative for your taste. They come with Green, smooth and glossy skin, and fleshy with hardy fresh stem. Green Chili have thicker wall and almost straight with 9 to 15 cm in length. They are also slender but with less sharp piquant flavour compared to Red Chilies.
Lushious Green Chili is packed with 250g of quality selected Green Chili in plastic bag.
Buying and Storing Tips;
Look for even-coloured chillies with taut skin. Store in the crisper section or in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge for up to one week.
Health Benefits;
High in anti-oxidants and vitamin C, Green Chili contain capsaicin, which may aid weight loss by increasing metabolism.
Product Catalogue


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CAMBRIDGE — The Cambridge-South Dorchester High School Class of 2015 continued the senior tradition of musical theater with performances of "Damn Yankees" Friday through Sunday. The final show, a Sunday matinee, drew a near-capacity crowd to the school's auditorium.
A prepared statement from Director Mike James and Co-Director Donna James said, "Eighteen years ago, the C-SD Class of 1997 performed 'Damn Yankees.' Since then, we have regarded it as one of our favorite senior class plays, performed by one of the most talented classes to ever grace our stage. So, it was with some trepidation that we began the process of reviving this play. But, from the moment this production was cast, there was never a doubt that this class had the 'Heart' to make 'Damn Yankees' a success."
The directors were joined by Choreographer Jessica Hindman Wheatley, Musical Director Laura Todd, Vocal Coach Arlinda Barnes, and Stage Manager Natalie Brewer-James.
On the student staff were Producer Paloma Sterrett, Stage Managers Thomas Anderson and Erik Hauge, Choreographer Maddie Watkins, Hair and Makeup Coordinator Sheniell Sinclair and Buttons Dylan Anderson.
Musicians were Conductor/Drums Shelby Clendaniel, Piano Laura Todd, Trombone Craig Dueling, Clarinet and Trumpet Scott Bunting, Guitar Moe Weimer, Bass Gary Barnes, Clarinet and Percussion Kailee Bullock, Baritone Horn and French Horn Jacob Dashiell, Flute Ashley Willey, Tenor Sax Marquis Harbert and Alto Sax Jacob Kruger.
The cast was comprised of Bob Grierson, Erica Doty, Sean Grier, Colleen Hughes, Samoris Bryden-Clarke, Alex Hernandez, Trey Johnson, Paloma Sterrett, Nora Hauge, Thomas Anderson, Markell Pinkett, Jerwan Hayes, Jacob Tieder, Anthony Woolford, Dayne Robinson, Logan Robinson, Carter Malkus, Noah Perry, Jacob McCroy, Garrett Ruark, Trevor North, Dylan Anderson, Kristie Malkus, Erik Hauge, Logan Robinson, Elizabeth Downey, Ben Coleman, Kenny Romain, Ray Brohawn, Jacob Weber, Garrett Ruark, Brett Harris, Tanner Collins, Tyler Wright, Ben Coleman, Noah Perry, Hannah Taylor, Allison Hayton, Maddie Watkins, Shelby Glessner, Lindsey Long, Kelley Schauber, Allison Shenton, Lauren Robinson, Lida Allen, Trejan King, Anna Hyde, Luci Thomas, Maddy Levi, Anna Turner, Katelyn Madsen, Brooks McDuffy, Becca Yockey, Ariel Montgomery, Lexi Newton, Michelle Barnes, Max Marshall.
"Like the cast of '97, many of your have worked with us since childhood through Drama Camp and A.C.T., which makes this an even more than usually bittersweet moment," the directors said. "We have watched you grow as performers, crew members and individuals, and we are very proud of all of you. You have all surpassed our expectations."


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Some Like it Hot. (Critters, Not So Much)
Are critters stealing suet from your feeders? We have the solution. We've added some heat to some of our bird foods, including our exclusive seed cylinders and no-melt suet cylinders. While birds such as chickadees, finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and wrens readily eat foods containing hot pepper, pesky critters will shy away from them.
For best results, use a cylinder feeder with a roof to prevent the hot pepper from being washed off or diluted by the weather.


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What would your real estate business look like if you had had a system that would allow you to consistently find, secure and sell listings – and make every listing client a raving fan?
Come to our masterclass on February 22nd in Bethesda to learn how to ensure that your business runs on amazing listing inventory.
At Bulletproof Listings, you will learn:
-How to build a pipeline of consistent listings to fuel your business
-The marketing plan that ensures trackable, consistent results for clients
-Win every listing no matter the competition
-Never miss the mark on pricing your listings
-Bulletproof your listing presentation and make it your own!
-5 tactics to win every negotiation
-The ultimate seller checklist – never miss a detail
-Generate referrals from every seller client
We'll be joined by some all-star local agents who will be sharing some of their best tips for securing and selling listings.
Admission is free, but space is limited. RSVP to secure your spot today!


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The Lee-Mar Ranch Equine Center exists so that the five county area has a central facility in which our rural community & equine heritage is celebrated, families, and individuals are nurtured, and community is fostered.
It is our mission to build a community program designed to improve the quality of life for all ages. We provide affordable, accessible, and effective equine-facilitated activities with an exceptional learning environment that will support individuals with disabilities and children at risk.
Lee-Mar Ranch has been a staple in the Granite Falls community for over 50 years. Starting in the late 1950's by Lee and Martha Mooney, Lee-Mar was built to house the Mooney show horses and provide a state-of-the-art training and show facility. It was recognized as a local premier equestrian facility for many decades and today is still home to Granite Falls Western Fest PRCA Rodeo held each year in June.
In 2008 it became knowledge that the family would be interested in selling the Lee-Mar Ranch barn site. A small group of local citizens began exploring the possibility of restoring this beautiful community icon while developing a therapeutic riding program. After much research and deliberation a Board of Directors was formed, State of Minnesota incorporation applications were filed and Lee-Mar Ranch Equine Center was granted a 501c3 non-profit status by the federal government. The group was then able to purchase the indoor arena and stables along with 9.23 acres of land.
Over the past 2 years, with the help and generosity of local businesses and individuals, Lee-Mar Ranch has begun the task of restoring the facilities. Our volunteers have clocked thousands of hours of work while residing, painting and re-roofing the arena. Renovation projects are also planned for new handicapped bathrooms, tack & feed rooms and arena view area.
The first of our therapeutic riding classes began in the spring of 2010 and we continue to hold spring, summer and fall sessions. In addition we have held a number of clinics, exhibitions, fundraisers and assorted family fun days. Lee-Mar Ranch is also sponsor and host to the Minnesota Region 2 High School Rodeo each year. The future is bright for Lee-Mar Ranch Equine Center and we look forward, with great anticipation, to the time when Lee-Mar is once again a great community icon.


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We all know how much I love tattoos and hot guys. So put those two things together with some hot chicks that have tattoos and I'm hooked. LA Pink is a fun time from start to end. Burning Angel's big fall release is sure to get your juices flowing. Parodying the hit TV show LA Ink, they hit upon all the classic and cliché characters. Joanna Von Angel is the cat's meow in the tattoo world and everyone wants a tattoo from her. Involved in the madness are her kooky and sex charged tattoo artists and the assistant they all like to yell at. Things in the shop are about to change when a big time CEO offers Joanna a frozen pizza deal. Can they handle all the changes? You will just have to watch and see.
So I wasn't lying when I mentioned the hot guy part. Two of my absolute favorites get their penises played with, not at the same time. That would have been awesome. The lovable Brain Street Team has a blow bang with Coco Velvet, Draven Star and Andy San Dimas. Brian was the funniest part of this movie; I was rather impressed with his acting skills. Plus he has the best one-liners out of everyone. It's not often I'm made to laugh when watching porn (unless it's really bad) and he got me laughing. But best part was watching him and his penis have fantastic time.
To keep reading click read more.
My other wet dream is James Deen, who gets it on a few times in the movie. I would seriously let him do naughty and dirty things to me. He has a really good scene with Misti Dawn that was hot. They bond over being assistants and then bond his penis with her vagina. He bangs her in all sorts of positions even getting some anal action in at the end. I'm going to guess it's one of Misti's first times doing anal because James was being really careful. But she took it like a champ.
Oh yeah there were girls in the film too. Andy and Coco are like Joanna's two little sexual sidekicks who like to tag team the tattoo clients. Lucky Erik Everhard learns first hand about just how sexual they are. It's a pretty hot little three-way. Another scene with some three-way action is Joanna, James and Sean Michaels in the limo. Sean plays the Pizza CEO who constantly enjoys handing out his business cards. They get pretty down and dirty. Everything from anal to some double penetration action. Before that Sean and Joanna even had some alone time to get down and dirty.
Joanna was a busy girl is this movie. She starts it off with a masturbation scene on the rooftop of the shop. Then she gets all hot and heavy with Draven in the confessional room. If you want some hot girl on girl action then you have found the right scene. However if that isn't enough for you there is all girl orgy at the end of the movie with Draven, Misti, Coco and Andy. Well it starts off all girl but soon Joanna and James get in on the action. James is a lucky guy surrounded by 5 hot girls.
There are also some really fun extras, including a pretty funny behind the scenes thing. I really enjoyed watching this movie. Not only for the sex but it was pretty funny. Plus they had the most ridiculous tattoo stories being told. But I'll watch anything with Brian Street Team and James Deen in it. You watch out boys, I'm going to AVN this year and will find you. Although Brian already said we would be making out so I'm pretty stoked about that!
Monday, November 2, 2009
LA Pink Review
Posted by Lucy Vonne at 7:59 AM
No comments:
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On Jul 1, 2009, at 10:45 PM, Thomas Lord wrote: > Fine, then they can simply not license their fonts for > web use. The rest of us will get by, just fine. Ask > Zapf. Wow. I think contentious comments like this and others show that people are losing sight of the goal. We're all here to find a way to make fonts work on the web in a way that satisfies the needs, not necessarily the wants, of all parties. If that turns out to be one format that is supported by all browsers and is easy for users to use, would that be the worst possible outcome? Please note that I, a type designer, am not endorsing a single format, two formats or anything at this point. This is an extremely complex and nuanced issue for those of us who make fonts. Polarizing statements are not helping us type designers feel any more comfortable with the risk we are being asked to take. TalReceived on Thursday, 2 July 2009 18:58:19 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Friday, 17 January 2020 22:37:32 UTC


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The Ice Rink Forest Hill City hosted the Pretoria Capitals and Sabres under 12 teams 23 August 2015 at 8am.
Complete Photo Album
Pretoria Capitals vs Sabres u12 Ice Hockey
Last "knights" function at Southgate Mall for the opening of the "hot" ice rink was a singular experience. We had 5 Little Knights representing the club. The evening's events were opened by various dignitaries who spoke about the project to launch the synthetic ice rink as part of Ice Hockey South Africa's attempts to develop the sport. They are making a concerted effort to develop the sport to the Southern Part of Johannesburg.
The ice hockey players took the "ice" at 20:30 and played exhibition matches. The clubs who attended were Forest Knights, Pretoria Capitals, Ice Hawks and Vipers. Our Star Player of the evening was Joshua Grant, who scored 3 goals against the Viper Goalie.
"Hot Ice" opening at SouthGate - 13 September 2015
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You are currently browsing the tag archive for the 'The Dramatics' tag.
Yeah its a rainy saturday in Taipei City. Im still laughing my ass off about our new flyer. Its gold. Absolutely brilliant. Glimpses of Genius even. Scroll down if you havent seen it yet.
Here is some very random news from Internet Land. Michael Jackson, the king of pop just announced his final concerts in tne UK in July. This guy has been through so much in the press, that its amazing to see how loyal his real fans still are. They are people near tears in the crowd because they got a chance to see their idol. Im willing to bet my next few months salary that he puts on a fucking amazing show.
On to other amazing things. Watch this video. This guy survives, by some form of miracle, getting hit by a truck that was hit by a train. Incredible.
Fucking incredible right?!
I know
And I just came across this new Young Jeezy video, 'Circulate'. Its directed by Terry Richardson who is one of those hipster photographers that all the hipster kids love. He's shot for Vice and American Apparel, Staple, etc, etc. The song is produced by Don Cannon and im loving the horn blasts. Its some good morning music.
Here's a little Saturday rainy day bonus for y'all.
The Dramatics – In the rain
Hit the gym beeches, HHHT weekend is coming up.
Shuffle b-word shuffle


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The Denon AVR-2313 In-Command Integrated AV Receiver represents a sweet spot in the new line of their 2012 AVR offerings, providing most of the goodies of its bigger brother AVR-3313CI, including 3D and 4K pass-through, and Audyssey MultiEQ room equalization, all at a nice price.
Denon AVR-3313CI Integrated Network A/V Receiver Review
Denon updates its top entry in the "In-Command" AV Receiver line with the AVR-3313CI model, adding a third HDMI output, and most seriously, 4K pass-through. A great hub for home theater with Audyssey MultiEQ XT software, and the potential for 7.2 surround sound, the AVR-3313CI is an excellent value for performance at this level.
Denon AVR-3312CI AirPlay Audio-Video Receiver Review
Denon delivers an audio/video receiver that handles about every audio and video source on the planet. The AVR-3312CI will fill the bill for home theater enthusiasts just fine.
Denon S-5BD Integrated A/V Receiver/Blu-ray Player Review
Denon has introduced an unusual piece, the S-5BD, which combines a top-notch Blu-ray player with a high performing A/V Receiver. This "ray-ceiver" acquitted itself well in both viewing and listening tests. A smart solution to home theater systems limited in space and for those desiring simple set up and operation.


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Birds and boat trips, seals and stories...
The Farne Islands lie between two and five miles off the Northumberland coast, and are visible from many points along the coastline. There are about fourteen islands at high tide, and generally another fourteen or so poke their heads out of the water when the tide recedes. They are formed by the most seaward outcrops of the Great Whin Sill, a volcanic layer which can be traced from High Force waterfall in Teesdale, to the Farnes and the rocky outcrops on which Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh castles perch.
Early in 2013, Sir David Attenborough was being interviewed live on the BBC website, when he was asked about his favourite UK wildlife-watching experience. His reply: "The Farne Islands, during Spring". That's quite a recommendation, from a man who knows what he's looking at!
A visit to the Farne Islands is a very popular thing to do, and rightly so. Along with Sir David, many very keen birders say to us that it has been their best ever birdwatching experience, even when comparing it to trips to exotic far-flung birding hotspots like the Galapagos!
It's the sheer mind-bending numbers of beautiful - and often uncommon - birds which creates such an unforgettable experience. At some stages of the season you have to be careful not to stand on the chicks, so close are they. Most of the photographs on this page were taken by Andrew Douglas. He runs trips to the Farnes aboard Serenity, and his passion for the birds and wildlife around the Farnes makes him our trip of choice. Billy Shiel's Farne Islands Boat Trips is a third-generation business which also runs very fulfilling trips.
The Farne Islands are also home to the UK's largest colony of grey seals, who are curious and photogenic too. And with common seals and dolphin, minke whale and basking shark out there too, it's a dreamland for wildlife-watchers. And - is there anything more cute than a baby seal?
But the Farne Islands also have other significance; St Cuthbert, who became a reluctant leader of the monastery on Lindisfane in the 6th Century came here to live as a hermit, and eventually died on Inner Farne in 687AD. The chapel constructed in his memory in 1370 is still standing. And of course Grace Darling was living with her family in the Longstone lighthouse when she rowed out with her father to rescue survivors from the shipwrecked Forfarshire in September 1838 - and became something of a reluctant and accidental herione and superstar.
If you are visiting the Farnes during the breeding season, which is about mid-May to end of July, you should bring a stout hat (or put some bubblewrap inside a flimsy one!) or put up your hood. When the tern chicks are on the nest, their parents get very defensive, and since you cannot avoid walking close by their nests, they will dive-bomb you and perhaps pelt you with droppings, and peck your head. It's amusing at best - but they can draw blood! Do wear a hat, and don't wear your best jacket... Take some food too - there are no cafes. There are no public toilets out on the islands.
The way to visit the Farnes is to take a boat trip from Seahouses harbour, which is just a few minutes stroll from St Cuthbert's House. There are a number of different boat companies, (links are below) each of which has commentary and will explain what you're seeing.
In essence you need to choose between the different sorts of trips available; there is the 90-minute-or-so 'Sailaround', which gets you close to the cliff faces and gives you a good look at the nesting birds and those in flight around the islands - but without getting off the boat. Or you can choose a landing trip, which is basically the sailaround plus one hour ashore, either on the rocky outcrop which is Staple Island (generally in the morning, tide permitting) or Inner Farne, where it is easier to disembark the boat, and which has a boardwalk to guide you (and which we think is the better island to land on.) Landing is always at the discretion of the Skipper - and if he thinks there is any risk involved, then who are we to doubt him?
Be aware that these islands are National Trust bird sanctuaries, and so you will need to pay an admission fee to land, or flash your NT membership card.
Some companies offer an all-day trip which lands you on both of the National Trust islands, and another can land you on Longstone Island (made famous by the Grace Darling story - no landing fee on Longstone, but then again there are no birds there either.) You can get a lot of information about the various trips from their websites below.
Here are the various companies who can get you to the Farne Islands:
- Serenity - We've already said that Andrew Douglas is passionate and knowledgeable about the birds and wildlife of Farne Islands, as his blog and his twitter feed show. You can be sure of a great trip with him, and he is our go-to boat-trip. He also sails a catamaran, which is a bit more stable in the water.
- Billy Shiel's Farne Island boat trips - William's family have been taking visitors to the Farnes since 1918, and have had several members of the Royal Family aboard.
- Golden Gate for a trip with George Shiel to Longstone Island and the lighthouse made famous by the Grace Darling story.
There is a team of wardens looking after the islands - often volunteers and students who come to live in the medieval pele tower adjacent to the lighthouse on Inner Farne for nine months of the year to monitor, count and generally keep an eye on the wildlife. We like to follow them on Twitter because we find out what's happening out there, as it happens! The National Trust's Farne Islands website is here.
If you have any questions about a Farne Islands trip, then just ask!
There's an interesting site to waste a few minutes with here. It shows live shipping movements and information, and we like to see what ships are sailing by the Farne Islands. Maybe you will too. The red 'exclamation marks' are lighthouses, and the coloured arrows are ships. Click on them to see details.


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I just thought it might be important to convey that to you, after spending three posts complaining about awful board meetings. I truly wasn't looking forward to this one – it was a planning retreat for university administrators that started at 8 am on a Monday after a long summer of blissful, meeting free time. But the planners used a number of tools that made the meeting seem far more productive than I expected.
I'll get to some of the structure ideas later. But first, I want to share a couple of techie tools with you before your email dings six or seven times and you have to leave.
The first one is called Plickers (a play on the older, but now antiquated "clicker" technology). With the Plickers tool, each person gets a card with a kind of QR code on it. To vote, they hold up the card with the proper response facing upward, and the facilitator scans all of the responses in the room. Results show immediately on the screen. This allows a vote to be taken quickly, and anonymously. The website shows Plickers being used in classrooms of all ages, but I think they would be enormously useful in adult meetings as well.
Another tool I've used successfully in the classroom is Poll Everywhere. Poll Everywhere is different than Plickers (or clickers) in that it requires no special tools, and allows for individual answers, not just voting on a select number of choices. This means that it can also be easily used to collect ideas, do assessment, and raise questions. Again, interactive so everyone participates, requires less time than raising hands, and has the advantage of anonymity.
Okay, those are the tools. Now a couple of other ideas from my more-successful-than-expected staff retreat:
There was an opportunity to provide feedback for discussion prior to the meeting
Several days in advance, the facilitator sent out a prep document with several questions about issues facing our college in the coming year. Filling out this questionnaire and sending it in prior to the retreat allowed the facilitator to get a sense of the room (and possible problems) before the meeting started, and also reassured everyone that even if they didn't get a chance to speak at the meeting, their voices would be heard.
There were a variety of types of interaction
In the morning (when we were fresher), we had unstructured discussion about overarching issues. Later in the day, we had short, informative presentations from various people in the university whose job it was to support us.
The messaging was consistent and positive
As a university professor, I've grown accustomed to doom and gloom. Most staff meetings in the past several years start with announcements of what else has been cut from the budget, what new administrative hoops we need to jump through, and what pronouncements are coming from the state to make our lives harder. This was different. Early in the day, we dispensed with the idea that we had to avoid talking about big ideas and new initiatives because we couldn't afford them. Our facilitator (who happens to be a poet) coined the phrase "Looking for the Loophole to Greatness" to exemplify the attitude that we need to find a way to make the important things happen, not just figure out how to do more with less.
There was followthrough
For the items on our pre-retreat questionnaire that weren't discussed (by our choice, see above "plickers" voting cards), the facilitator promised to collate our answers and send them in a document for later reading.
There was food
Always a good idea.
So carry on, meeting planners! Look for the Loophole to Greatness! There is hope!


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The epic adventure that set the stage for BLACKEST NIGHT is now available in a single trade paperback volume collecting GREEN LANTERN #21-25, GREEN LANTERN CORPS #14-19 and GREEN LANTERN: SINESTRO CORPS SPECIAL #1! Sinestro – Hal Jordan's former mentor and archnemesis – has gathered an army of soldiers fueled by the fear they instill in others, consisting of Arkillo, Karu-Sil, the Cyborg-Superman, and more of the most terrifying villains the universe has ever seen!
Colorist Moose Baumann, Patrick Gleason, Tom Nguyen, Andy Kubert, Gary Frank, Jesse Delperdang, Prentis Rollins, Rodney Ramos, Oclair Albert, Ethan Van Sciver, Justino David Curiel Pena, Rod Reis, Ivan Reis, Jonathan Smith, Guy Major
Cover Color by: Moose Baumann
Inker Rebecca Buchman, Julio Ferreira, Vicente Cifuentes, Rob Hunter, Prentis Rollins, Rodney Ramos, Jerry Ordway, José Marzán, Jr., Drew Geraci, Dan Davis, Marlo Alquiza, Oclair Albert, Angel Unzueta, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis
Letterer Ken Lopez, DC Lettering, John J. Hill, Jared K Fletcher , Rob Leigh
Penciller Patrick Gleason, Angel Unzueta, Pascal Alixe, Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Dustin Nguyen, Jamal Igle
Written by: Peter J. Tomasi, Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons


text:
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Australia or New Zealand (01/15/09)
TITLE: Would the Real Devil Please Stand Up | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lynda Schultz
A sharp flick of the rat-eared magazine added emphasis to Tom's words.
"Easy on, Tom, your ears are turning red and you're scaring the ankle biters." Trixie pushed one of her remaining young into her pouch with a not too gentle shove. "It's not as if it isn't true, is it? You're grouchy most of time."
"And you're not grouchy? Who are they to point their useless, wimpy appendages at us. Humans fly into rages 'if threatened by a predator' too. We got driven off the North Island—and it wasn't chauffeured in any Yank tank either, was it? Mark my words; it won't be long before we go the way of the tigers…"
Trixie could tell that Tom was just warming up. His ears were the colour of ripe cherries and their tree hollow began to fill with an unpleasant smell—and it wasn't from the rotting carcass her mate had uncovered and eaten last night. The devil was in the "Devil."
" …As far as fighting for a mate is concerned, those drongos do that too."
It had been a big mistake to go through the garbage at the campsite. The magazine had been wrapped around a rather tasty bit of dog's eye. Unfortunately, the grease had not soiled the article on Tasmanian wildlife.
Trixie admitted that hers was a violent community, though she kept herself to herself, as did most of her kind. Then again, humans killed their own young too. Maybe Tom had a point—those people had no business criticizing. Personally, she resented being called a "devil." Trixie wasn't sure exactly what that was, but the fear and disgust that lent emotion to the word spoke volumes. Lost in her thoughts, Trixie hadn't realized that Tom was silent. She looked over to his corner of the hollow. Her mate had fallen into a state of tupor. She kept still, knowing that the slightest movement would instantly rouse him to full alertness. He appeared dead but appearances were deceiving.
If people left us alone we wouldn't…
A sharp sneeze sounded from outside the hollow. Immediately, Tom's mouth stretched wide showing 42 lethal weapons ready for action. Fear? Uncertainly? They couldn't see, but they could hear growling, the sure signal of a fight about to take place. Tom, taking the lead, poked his nose out into the night. In the shadows cast by a full moon glowing through the trees, he saw two forms locked in deadly combat. The snarling, snapping, and growling grew fierce and Tom drew back into the safety of the hollow.
"Who is it?" asked Trixie.
"Buzz. He's finishing off old Charlie."
"Isn't he the one with all those lumps around his mouth? Poor old duffer hasn't eaten in weeks."
"That's the one. Some kind of disease.* I hope Buzz doesn't get more than indigestion from old Charlie."
Trixie paused, lost in the thought of the carnage outside her door.
"I guess that magazine is right, then."
"What?" said Tom.
"Buzz just killed Charlie and is probably feasting on his bones. I'd guess that makes us cannibals just like they say."
"Trixie," Tom shouted, ears suddenly darkening to the colour of old blood. "I'm getting fed up to the back teeth with you. We're supposed to be violent, mean, and without conscience—we're the animals. They, on the other hand, are supposed to be improving into something better. We've got an excuse—which is more than can be said for them."
Tom's mate shook her head in solemn assent.
"Now that's the duck's guts. I guess the devil is in the details."
Kangaroos loose in the top paddock = the lights are on but nobody's home, a few bricks short of a load, not all there
Ankle-bi = meat pie
Drongo = stupid, dimwit, a fool
North Island = mainland Australia
Yank Tank = an American car
Tigers = the extinct Tasmanian tiger, a relative of the Tasmanian devil
Duffer = silly person
Fed up to the back teeth = losing patience
Duck's guts = the heart of the matter
*Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), which threatens the survival of the Tasmanian devil population
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Will Nicholas Henderson become a bishop after all?
by Jonathan Clatworthy
from Signs of the Times, No. 22 - Jul 2006
The story so far. In July 2005 the Revd Nicholas Henderson, currently Vicar of two West London parishes, and until a few years ago General Secretary of the MCU, was elected Bishop of a diocese in Malawi. He was well known to the people, as he had often visited to promote various development projects.
Subsequent objections from five people in the diocese led the Archbishop of Central Africa, The Most Revd Dr Bernard Malango to refuse to confirm the election, on the ground that his association with the Modern Churchpeople's Union made him 'not of sound faith.'
In February 2006 Mr Henderson visited Malawi and, much to his surprise, was given a hero's welcome at the airport. He was then carried shoulder-high in procession, by local clergy, to the Archbishop's office, where they demanded a meeting with Dr Malango to present their case for appointing him.
Instead of agreeing to meet them, the Archbishop ran out of the back door and left Malawi. Later he appointed James Mwenda, a retired bishop, to the post. The manner of the appointment was unconstitutional, as correct procedure would have required the support of other clergy and officials. The enthronement service was conducted by Frank Dzantenge, the Vicar General appointed by Archbishop Malango. We are informed that both Malango and Dzantenge are subject to accusations of misusing church funds. The service was not well attended: four serving priests, three retired priests and two suspended priests. The rest of the diocese boycotted it. One of the priests who had been suspended (for misappropriating funds) locked the church elders in the vestry for the duration of the service, and was afterwards rewarded with the post of Archdeacon. During the service the cathedral was surrounded by police to keep protesters away. Two men were arrested for throwing stones.
After the enthronement the laity sealed the bishop's house, preventing Mwenda from taking up residence there, and applied to the local court for an injunction preventing him from conducting his duties. They also appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury to rule in their favour.
On 12th April a temporary court injunction forbade Mwenda to carry out his duties as bishop. The case was heard on 25th May and determined that the matter should be settled by the church courts. They found Mwenda in contempt of court for failing to abide by the terms of the injunction.
Nevertheless, Mwenda took it that he and Dzantenge were free to take up their duties until such time as the Panel of Reference reported. He got on with his business as bishop, doing tasks like sacking clergy who opposed him.
Which led to another court case. On 28th June the court ruled that the sacked clergy were to be reinstated, and Mwenda and Dzantenge were to cease performing their duties until the Church court issues its verdict.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has referred the issue to the Panel of Reference set up after the Primates' Meeting at Dromantine. This in itself is a surprising development. The primates' intention in setting up this Panel was to provide a court of appeal for conservative parishes who objected to their bishops for being too sympathetic to homosexuality. This is the first time it will be used for a different purpose.
The wheels will turn slowly. We expect a decision some time next year.
Jonathan Clatworthy lives in Liverpool and is MCU General Secretary. He has worked as a parish priest, university chaplain and lecturer in Ethics.


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Winter Warmers – Cosy Interior Ideas from Dorset Magazine
PUBLISHED: 13:15 28 October 2011 | UPDATED: 20:12 20 February 2013
With the nights drawing in, it's time to get your home ready for the big chill. Here are some ideas to create a wonderfully cosy interior...
Winter Warmers Cosy Interior Ideas from Dorset Magazine
With the nights drawing in, its time to get your home ready for the big chill. Here are some ideas to create a wonderfully cosy interior...
Get afur throwand twodecorative fur pillowsto snuggle; they will give the room a luxurious and cosy feel look at those made by Pierre Frey.
Henriette von Stockhausen, VSP Interiors (Dorchester),www.vspinteriors.com
Create a mixture of intimate and open areas in the room by furniture layout and colour selection;darker colourswill often make an area feel closer.
Christian Flux, Nicer Designs (Dorchester),www.nicerdesigns.co.uk
Wool hot water bottle cover (hot water bottle included), small 35, large 42.The Fine Cotton Company, 0845 602 9050,www.thefinecottoncompany.com
Hungarian goose down duvet (13.5 tog), 135-260.John Lewis, 08456 049049,www.johnlewis.com
Maroq light garland (28 LEDs), 36.Cox & Cox, 0844 858 0744,www.coxandcox.co.uk
Sheepskin rugs (ivory, vole and dark chocolate), 70 - 335.Celtic Sheepskin, 01637 871605,www.celtic-sheepskin.co.uk
Hand-carved mahogany Brodsworth bed, from 9,675 (50), available up to superking and emperor bed sizes.And So To Bed(Bridport), 01308 426 972,www.andsotobed.co.uk


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That's correct… No action on three in Lingam probe
From The Malaysian Insider
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 — Three out of four persons being investigated in relation to the infamous V. K. Lingam video clip case, have been cleared of graft charges, the prime minister told Parliament today.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi told Wee Choo Keong (PKR-Wangsa Maju) in a written reply that the three cases had been marked "NFA" — which means no further action will be taken.
The file on one of the four persons originally investigated remain open. The PM did not name any of the four persons.
Abdullah said there was insufficient evidence to charge the three persons under the Anti-Corruption Act 1997.
The Lingam video clip was widely circulated on the Internet in 2007.
In the grainy clip, Lingam is recorded having a telephone conversation apparently with a minister and appears to be brokering judicial appointments.
The video clip which was recorded by Loh Gwo Burne, who is now the PKR MP for Kelana Jaya, sparked a major public outcry.
A Royal Commission was set up to investigate the videp clip but the findings were inconclusive regarding Lingam's role in any alleged brokering of judicial appointment.
During the hearing, Lingam famously said "it looks like me, it sounds like me," when questioned if he was indeed the man in the clip.
The V. K. Lingam video clip scandal was a significant contributing factor towards the Barisan Nasional (BN) government's poor performance in last year's general elections.
Four investigation files were opened by anti-corruption officers, the prime minister said in Parliament today.
Three of the cases were "deferred" to the Attorney-General's Chambers, while one was marked "NFA" by the director of the legal and prosecution department in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Of the three cases "deferred" to the Attorney-General's Chambers, two were marked "NFA" while the remaining case remains open.
Wee told reporters later that the director of the legal and prosecution department did not have the power to decide on a case but to only investigate.
"This is unheard of and first time as a lawyer. Why are they taking so long? The last time they said that the paper has already been sent but now they say it is for further investigation," he said.


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This egg-themed pop-up is eggcellent
This place is no yolk.
It's the most confused hawk the world has ever seen.
Who fell first? The chicken or the T-rex?
They were named Betty and Mumbles.
Spoiler alert: chickens look funny in reverse.
Do not ruffle this birds' feathers.
Quit sleeping on the job, chicken.
Baby she was hatched this way.
Battery hens have trouble acclimatising to normal outdoor conditions once they are released, so Nicola Congdon came up with a creative solution.
"It sounded like a war was going on."
Commuters and villagers stopped to help gather the cute cargo.
In order to fix her lame right leg, Cecily's owners are footing the bill for a $2,500 surgery in which the hen will receive a 3D-printed prosthetic.


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Why L.E.A.N.?
Benefits of living L.E.A.N.
- Boosts your mood – Eating a diet of healthy, whole foods helps you feel happier.
- Helps control weight – A healthy lifestyle helps to eliminate the dieting roller coaster.
- Prevents illness – Eating immune boosting foods means that you will be sick less often.
- Improves concentration – Avoiding the wrong kinds of foods helps combat ADHD symptoms in children and adults.
- Focus on the building family – The program works to build family and does not single out any one family member
- SIMPLE – no tricky formulas or recipes to master
Who should take a L.E.A.N. class?
Do you have kids at home? If you do, the L.E.A.N. program is a great option for your family. Both the L.E.A.N. Essentials and L.E.A.N. Start program are designed to help parents learn more about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. These programs also have the added benefit of teaching parents how to get their kids excited about being healthy.
- LEAN Essentials and LEAN Start classes are for anyone. The classes are geared toward parents with children between 3 and 12-years-old, but the information is applicable to anyone.
- LEAN Expectations classes are for pregnant and nursing moms (and their partner). These classes can be taken at any point during pregnancy or post partum. Taken early in pregnancy they are a nice segue into a birthing class such as Hypnobabies offered by Julie Byers.
How much do the classes cost?
- LEAN Essentials 2-hour seminar: $25
- LEAN Start 6-week series: $45-89 - Click here for details
- LEAN Expectations: $30/class or all 3 classes for $75
I already know about nutrition why should I take a L.E.A.N. class?
- LEAN Essentials and Start classes provide a good review of nutrition, some tips for getting even those picky eaters to try new foods, and give you hints about teaching kids about living a healthy lifestyle. The concept of traffic light eating, the central theme in these classes, is fun and simple for kids and adults alike.
- LEAN Expectations classes go beyond basic nutrition by focusing on the unique nutritional and self-care needs of pregnant and nursing moms. The Expectations series also helps you understand the changes that occur during pregnancy and prepare you for the weeks following the arrival of your baby.
Is L.E.A.N. the right choice for your family?
Here are some common questions and concerns that many families have before adopting the L.E.A.N. approach:
Can I still eat my favorite/comfort foods?
Yes! I don't know what I would do without spaghetti sauce in the crock pot during the winter. We all have comfort foods. Usually they can be lightened up so that they are more healthy but don't lose and of the "comfort" factor. If they can't be lightened up, you just have to be careful to pay attention to how much you eat and how often. (My secret weakness after a long, hard week: brownies)
Do I have to give up pasta and other carbs?
No. There are good carbs and bad carbs. Good carbs such as those found in fruits, veggies, and whole grain foods are good carbs. These carbs are usually found with protein and fiber. The bad or "junky" carbs are the ones that you want to limit in your diet (e.g., white breads, cakes, pastries, etc.).
Can I still eat dessert?
Yes. Dr. Sears says that eating dessert is OK, you just need to do it in moderation. Dessert should be reserved for special occasions. If you don't have a party or holiday coming up, go ahead and indulge in some dessert once a week. I have a HUGE sweet tooth that I satisfy with a fruit smoothie during the week then if I still want a traditional sweet on the weekend I can enjoy.
Will the food taste like cardboard?
No. Fresh, whole foods have a lot of flavor without the salt of packaged products. By using fresh ingredients and adding simple spices to your cooking food usually tastes BETTER than you are used to.
Will it cost a lot more at the grocery store?
Alright, here is the truth. Yes, it will cost a little more but you will spend less in the long run paying for medical care. Eating right will help you stay healthy and minimize your risk for disease. Make changes slowly and do what you can given your personal budget. Even making one or two small changes in your life can make a big difference.
I don't have time to cook dinner every night. Will I still be able to succeed?
Yes. Start with small, manageable goals for your family. If you are currently eating out 7 nights a week, make the goal to only eat out 5 nights. Then on the two nights that you cook make something that can be used for a second dinner later in the week. For example, cook a whole chicken in the crock pot during the day on Monday. On Monday night have the chicken with some steamed green beans and baked sweet potatoes. Then on Wednesday use the leftoever chicken and make a chicken salad using grapes and plain greek yogurt (or any kind of yogurt you like). Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens and you have a terrific and easy dinner. One night of cooking and you have 2 healthy dinners.


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Home >> Daily News >> Laos News >> Economy >> Laos fears growing Chinese presence
Laos fears growing Chinese presence
This casino is not in China, where gambling is strictly forbidden, but across the border in Laos.
Investors have leased the whole town and its surroundings from the Lao government for 60 years. In Boten, the road signs are all in Chinese, staff in the hotels speak Mandarin, and the town's main strip is a line of food stalls selling dumplings and fried duck, outside which young Chinese prostitutes parade up and down until all hours of the night.
Chinese investments in northern Laos go beyond casinos. Chinese rubber companies have started building offices in nearby Luang Namtha. Over the border, China's Yunnan province is a booming global rubber processing industry, producing rubber for everything from car tires to condoms.
But with no room left to plant more trees there, Chinese companies are looking farther. The Lao government believes it has spotted an opportunity.
Gambling that Chinese rubber money could open a fast track to development in the region, it has offered generous incentives in the form of tax breaks and land concessions. Ban Chagnee is a Lao village in one of those concessions.
The Lao government argues that the strategy of trading villagers' land in exchange for jobs is necessary to benefit the country as a whole.
A rubber plantation requires three or four people per acre to maintain it once in full production.
Add up all the land ceded to Chinese companies already, and that means over a million people are going to be needed.
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Infographic Commission from Country Child Magazine
Summer is here (keep telling yourself that) and if you're not lucky enough to be jetting away to the South of France like some, it's quite likely you're trying to keep your offspring amused outside in this great country of ours. Which sometimes means taking them to places with outdoor organised fun.
There's nothing I like better than stomping about in the mud with a baby, toddler and bbq-crazed dog – we've just been camping for the weekend and I have to admit I employed the cake tactic more whenever I could (well, everyone gateau even if they don't live in a chateau…)
The lovely Country Child magazine asked me to do an infographic, so I thought I'd go all instructional. Here's How to Have a Right Royal Country Child – and keep your heir tamed while you holiday.


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It's time to sow seeds for fruits and flowers next week – best days are Sunday 10th October 2016, + Thursday 13th – Friday 14th [here in New Zealand] All plants with above-ground fruits, flowers, seeds that we eat and enjoy.
Before the full moon on 16th October.
In Auckland the weather has been milder – warm and wet, wet, wet!
I am already noticing molds starting – even on calendulas where, in past years, it had not been an issue. An early start to a warm, moist, humid season?
The grey molds reduce vitality of plants they grow on, so I'll keep a closer eye on this issue now.
I will sow seeds of
- Pumpkins/squashes/zucchini [courgettes] – love Tromboncino squash – a long crook-neck type. These green-skinned ones came from 'Runningbrook Seeds'. We have also grown an orange version from 'Diggers Seeds'. In Auckland we find the green variety tastiest. There is another version 'Rampicante crook-neck squash' which is similar.
- Peas and beans [I sow direct and protect from snails and slugs] We will plant more climbing 'Emu' beans – a later producing bean which keeps on producing young beans even when there are many older ones drying on the vine! A great asset. Also some more dwarf varieties – I wonder which will do well now? As the young beans appear with their first leaves is a great indicator to me to plant the next generation seeds for a continuous supply.
- Chilies, peppers [capsicum] and eggplants [aubergine] They really do best in summer heat and warm ground. Is it time to plant the special little pots from last month out yet? Maybe, as it's a warm early Spring, I can plant some of them out in the garden now? And leave some to plant in November when it will be warmer again and less likely that storms will flatten them.
- Tomatoes [also heat-lovers so they'll go in somewhere warm – maybe some more in seed trays and some direct into warm ground by a warm patio?]. I'll sow a number of varieties again – the ones that are powering along from last month's sowing and maybe some others. The orange Moonlight, Oregon Spring [which was prolific last year; a red staking variety], Sweet 100 cherry [one of our favorites] and the 'Self-sown cherry from the ginger pot' [from many years ago which grows lovely mid-sized fruit] are our staples. I wonder what else will grow well this season?
- Corn! Our first sowing can go into really rich ground now. Early Gem and Bantam have grown well here in the past so we'll see this year.
- Flowers of all sorts. Especially sunflowers, including 'Russian Giant'. Just because…
I take indicators from successes and failures from the past month sowing. If one variety is really doing well this year, we'll plant more of it – and also plant a variety of other types because experiments to find new options are good fun for us.
Hopefully some we plant now will do well so we will have a harvest no matter what the weather does this year – hot/dry/cold/wet.


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2016 International Observe the Moon Night
October 8, 2016 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm UTC-4
The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center and its partner the Delmarva Space Sciences Foundation will host a viewing event for International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) on Saturday, October 8, from 7 – 10 p.m.
The event begins with a Moon Mania presentation at the NASA Visitor Center's Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. followed by moon and night sky observations through telescopes and the naked eye on the grounds of the Visitor Center from 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Moon-themed movies, hands-on activities and crafts also will be available.
The event is free and open to the public. The Moon Mania presentation will take place regardless of weather; however, the telescope viewing is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.
The NASA Visitor Center, located on Va. Rt. 175 about six miles from U.S. route 13 and five miles from Chincoteague, is open Tuesday – Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free.
For more information about International Observe the Moon Night or the Visitor Center, Call 757-824-1344 or visit:


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We'll work right alongside you to explore possible courses and discover the Canadian educational institution right for your future dreams. Don't worry about the technical aspects of your application – we'll ensure that you meet the minimum entry requirements and are always ahead of application deadlines.
Entry Requirements for Undergraduate*
- Valid Passport
- High School results
- Post-secondary transcripts (if applicable)
- Predicted grades (or mock results)
- Personal Statement/Essays (we'll help you with this aspect, should you need us to)
Entry Requirements for Postgraduate*
- Valid Passport
- High School Certificate
- Degree transcripts
- CV/Resume
- Recommendation Letters (where applicable)
- Personal Statement/Essays (we'll help you with this aspect, should you need us to)
*The above list is not exhaustive and different institutions and programmes might have additional or different requirements


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I'm snowed in today which is both good and bad! Good to have zero commute, be able to have the TV on whilst working and be cosy on the sofa all day.
Whilst watching Loose Women (yes that's right!) I decided to get snowy with my nails. Nails Inc Southbank is a cool glossy grey. Love it! It fits perfectly with the weather right now and would go with anything. Like all Nails Inc it went on well, two coats and dried quickly.
Hoping it will last as long as the snow does!


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Thanks Alan Muskat for bringing this lovely excerpt from the work of Krishnamurti to my attention…
"In the space which thought creates around itself, there is no love. This space divides man from man, and in it is all the becoming, the battle of life, the agony and fear. Meditation is the ending of this space, the ending of the me. Then relationship has quite a different meaning, for in that space which is not made by thought, the other does not exist, for you do not exist.
Meditation then is not the pursuit of some vision, however sanctified by tradition. Rather it is the endless space where thought cannot enter. To us, the little space made by thought around itself, which is the me, is extremely important, for this is all the mind knows, identifying itself with everything that is in that space. And the fear of not being is born in that space. But in meditation, when this is understood, the mind can enter into a dimension of space where action is inaction. We do not know what love is, for in the space made by thought around itself as the me, love is the conflict of the me and the not-me. This conflict, this torture, is not love.
Thought is the very denial of love, and it cannot enter into that space where the me is not. In that space is the benediction which man seeks and cannot find. He seeks it within the frontiers of thought, and thought destroys the ecstasy of this benediction…
If you set out to meditate, it will not be meditation. If you set out to be good, goodness will never flower. If you cultivate humility, it ceases to be. Meditation is the breeze that comes in when you leave the window open; but if you deliberately keep it open, deliberately invite it to come, it will never appear…
It had rained heavily during the night and the day, and down the gullies the muddy stream poured into the sea, churning it chocolate-brown. As you walked on the beach the waves broke with magnificent force. You walked against the wind, and suddenly there was nothing between you and the sky, and this openness was heaven. And that evening, walking there on that wet sand, with the seagulls around you, you felt the open freedom and the beauty of love that was not in you or outside you but everywhere. You felt this suddenly, like a great wind that swept through you and over the land. There you were denuded of everything, empty and utterly open. The beauty of it was not in the word or in the feeling, but everywhere about you, inside you, over the waters and in the hills…
After the rains the hills were splendid. Still brown from the summer sun, and now all the green things would return. It had rained all night and the beauty was indescribable. The sky was still cloudy and in the air was the smell of sumac, sage and eucalyptus. It was splendid to be among them, and a strange stillness possessed you. Unlike the sea far below, the hills were completely still, and your mind too was washed empty. All through the night it pursued you, love's stillness, and when you woke, long before the sun, it was still there in your heart, with its incredible joy, for no reason whatsoever. It was there, causeless, and it would be there, all through the day, without your ever asking or inviting it to stay."
Krishnamurti, Meditations 1969
5 Comments
Thank you for the light breeze, the great wind, the endless open space, the puryfying rain, the stillness of the heart, the indescribable beauty and the incredible joy :)
I've read Krishnamurti, and I have don't understanding him well. He seems to say that nearly all forms of human agency or useless. The only thing that you can do is "leave the window open". But it's not clear to me what he means by this. hmmmmm.
Excuse typos. typing too quickly.
This is my understanding.
The only mind-thing we humans know is thought. There is/are other dimensions to the mind/brain.
Thinking starts with a center. That center is you.
This scheme of affairs is destructive, as we can all see very well.
Its me versus you, us versus them, etc, in this world.
He says there is another dimension, where the mind does not create a center. Naturally that other dimension has nothing to do with thought – becuz thought always requires a center.
Its probably what all religions are about, at the core.
But JK has put in nicely, in modern words.
Krishnamurti On Love and Meditation | Fierce Love
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My Islam
Collaborating with Amir Ahmad Nasr on My Isl@m was a privilege — I'm delighted to have played a part in bringing this important story to the page. Here's what reviewers said about this memoir:
"Nasr seamlessly blends memoir with political thought and activism. The book smoothly follows his journey out of a simplistic understanding of Islam, through rationalism and semi-atheism, towards a conversion to Sufism. Personal history . . . is the book's strongest aspect, delivered in Nasr's casual, conversational tone. . . A valuable and enjoyable read."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Structured wittily around a love affair with Islam, Nasr's account is straightforward, fluent and full of lively allusions for further readings. A candid, cosmopolitan look at the experience of Islam in the digital age."
– Kirkus Reviews


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Gifs of yellow a letter
- Share
Everything of Animated Letters for your smartphone now in gifmania.us If several letters together with motion, compose texts that move in a very amusing way. The letters are in different colors and styles, to find the one you like. You can also create some texts like known films, as Disney or Harry Potter. Create your own words with our letters animated gif!
Animated gifs of Animated Letters your your mobile phone.Animated Gif Letters for texts and words. Animated alphabets graphics for emails, Web sites, signatures. We will help you to create your own moving text. With these different animated characters you can download animated characters to make moving texts. Animated alphabets to make words.


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IoT and libraries
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Libraries
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Libraries
breakdown of IoT functionality, from Deloitte. They give 5 general types of services that IoT "things" can do:
- Internal state: Heartbeat- and ping-like broadcasts of health, potentially including diagnostics and additional status reporting (for example, battery level, CPU/memory utilization, strength of network signal, up-time or software/platform version).
- Location: Communication of physical location via GPS, GSM, triangulation or proximity techniques
- Physical attributes: Monitoring the world surrounding the device, including altitude, orientation, temperature, humidity, radiation, air quality, noise and vibration
- Functional attributes: Higher-level intelligence rooted in the device's purpose for describing business process or workload attributes
- Actuation services: Ability to remotely trigger, change or stop physical properties or actions on the device.
Examples of IoT in action
There are some pretty well-known IoT products that some of you already use, including:
- Nest Thermostat (and others). These allow you to control your AC from your phone, anywhere that you can connect to the Internet.
- Smart lights: Same concept, but for lights. You can turn lights on/off from your phone. Phillips Hue is an example of this
- Bluetooth Trackers – Tile (https://www.thetileapp.com/) is an example of a Bluetooth Tracker. Put one on that thing you always lose (i.e., car keys). The next time you lose those keys, you can find them again via an app on your phone.
- Smart Home appliances – things like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomeKit.
- Smart power switches – Belkin's Wemo Insight Wi-Fi Smart Plug is an example. They let you turn the plug (and therefore anything connected to it) on and off, set schedules for the plug, monitor energy consumption and use, etc. You can also connect it to Amazon Alexa and Google Home for hands-free voice control
- Health and exercise trackers – Fitbits "fit" into this category, too.
How does IoT affect libraries?
Here are some ways libraries are already incorporating IoT technology into their libraries:
- Smart Building Technology: As libraries retrofit their buildings with newer technology (or build new buildings/branches), they are starting to see more IoT-based technology. For example, some libraries can can adjust heating, cooling and lights from a smartphone app. Some newer building monitoring and security systems can be monitored via mobile apps.
- RFID: RFID technology (sensors in books) is a type of IoT technology, and has been around for awhile.
- Beacon Technology: There are at least two library-focused companies experimenting with Beacon technology (Capira Technologies and Bluubeam).
- People counters: Check out Jason Griffey's Measure the Future project. Here's what he says about Measure the Future: "Imagine having a Google-Analytics-style dashboard for your library building: number of visits, what patrons browsed, what parts of the library were busy during which parts of the day, and more. Measure the Future is working to make that happen by using open-hardware based sensors that can collect data about building usage that is now invisible. Making these invisible occurrences explicit will allow librarians to make strategic decisions that create more efficient and effective experiences for their patrons."
- Library classes! Libraries are also teaching classes about the Internet of Things. These include classes focused on introducing patrons to IoT technology, and classes that focus on an aspect of IoT, like a class on making things with Arduinos or how to use your new Fitbit.
more on IoT in this IMS blog
proposal for Arduino library counter: https://blog.stcloudstate.edu/ims/2017/11/18/service-based-learning-library-counter/


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BeBetsy is inspired by Kitchenaid's Cook for the Cure®. This is a program where passionate cooks can support the fight against breast cancer through culinary fund raising with programs like Pass the Plate. We are excited to be a part of this effort!
We've purchased the beautiful 2012 plate designed by Jacques Pepin. Each time the plate is passed on from one foodie to another (and we register that event) Kitchenaid will make a $5 donation Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.