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Organization: Save the Children
Country: Kenya
Closing date: 15 Feb 2017
Baseline Study for the Integrating Child Protection within the African Peace and Security Architecture 2016-2019 Project.
January, 2017
Terms of Reference
- Introduction
Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. As part of our contribution towards ensuring that every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation, Save the Children has been working with armed forces in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) since 1998 and with the African Union (AU) for the last ten years to promote the rights of children in conflicts, post-conflict and protracted political emergency situations.
Save the Children's Regional and Multi Country Programme Unit (RMCPU) engages with regional processes to accelerate transformative change for children, in all contexts, in East and Southern Africa by modelling effective program approaches, generating evidence, and influencing sustainable policy change. The unit primarily delivers regional mechanisms and multi-country interventions at Pan African level in East and Southern Africa region. Within a Pan African scope, the Unit additionally hosts Projects with a broad objective of integrating child rights within other regional mechanisms including the African Union (AU) and its institutions- the Africa Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), East African Community (EAC) and the East African Standby Force (EASF), Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC), as well as Multi-country research and advocacy initiatives in partnership with the respective SCI Country Offices and CS members.
- Background:
Save the Children has been training military personnel in Africa since 1998, with a focus on pre-deployment training of peacekeepers. This initiative was a response to a key recommendation from the ground-breaking Graça Machel study on the impact of armed conflict on children which clearly stressed the necessity of putting the protection of children on the international peace and security agenda1. Since then Save the Children has addressed child protection needs through training of the military in several regional and country programmes. In East Africa this began with training the Sudanese People's Liberation Army in South Sudan and the Ugandan National Armed Forces. In West Africa advocacy efforts led to the "Accra Declaration" which called upon the 15 ECOWAS Member States to introduce a course on child rights and child protection into their training curriculum both for their military units and for their peacekeeping contingents. It also called upon ECOWAS to set up a child protection unit within the organisation.
Since 2013, with support from Sida, Save the Children has worked towards strengthening Child Protection in African Union Peace Support Operations. The engagement has borne some incredible results including: The development and adoption of a harmonized and standardized curriculum and standards on child protection and child rights by the ECOWAS Standby Force (ECOWAS-SF), the East African Standby Force (EASF) and the AU Peace Support Operations Division (AU PSOD) respectively, which troop contributing countries are utilizing as their official training curriculum on child protection and child rights for their personnel; the development of a training management system and has provided platforms for learning and sharing information with key stakeholders in PSO through knowledge learning event and symposium. These efforts have enhanced collaborations and synchronized child protection engagements amongst respective PSO actors.
Building on the previous interventions and engagements, Save the Children seeks to continue augmenting efforts to protect girls and boys in conflict settings. As such, the 'Integrating Child Protection in the African Peace and Security Architecture Project' aims at strengthening the capacity of the Peace Support Contingents' in East and West Africa respectively, to effectively deliver their protection mandate by protecting and preserving the rights of children affected armed conflicts. and protracted political disputes. This would be made possible through systematic and standardized, mandatory pre-deployment trainings for troops earmarked for AU mandated missions using qualified trainers, a standardized curriculum and training tools. Though training remains an important component in peace support operations, however for peace support stakeholders to effectively fulfil their mandate in preventing and responding to violence against children, child protection must be an integral part of peace support structures and processes.
Learning from its previous interventions and internal assessments, Save the children in conceptualizing the current project, identified some gaps that limit the protection of girls and boys in conflict situations. These include:
1 Limited capacity within African peace and security institutions to prevent and respond to violence against girls and boys in armed conflict
2 Limited evidence generated on children and armed conflict within the African context to support policy development
3 Peace support operations policy and practice are not informed by the girls and boys affected
- Project Goal and Objectives:
Goal: African peace support forces prevent and respond to violence against children
Project purpose: Child Rights and Protection are institutionalized within the African Peace and Security Architecture
1 The AU, Regional Mechanisms /Bodies, and Member States have enhanced their capacity to prevent and respond to violence against children.
2 The AU, Regional Mechanisms/Bodies and Member States have an accountability framework for child protection in place which is implemented and monitored.
3 Policy and practice within Peace Support operations is informed by evidence and learning.
4 Girls and boys affected by armed conflict influence decisions and processes of the AU, Regional, Regional Mechanisms/Bodies and Member States.
To achieve the above objectives, Save the Children will work with existing stakeholders within the AU, Regional Bodies and Regional Mechanisms in East and West Africa, and national armed forces. With respect to the latter the project will place greater emphasis on the major troop contributing countries as a means of achieving impact on the ground. The project will continue to support the work of the ACERWC and engage civil society and girls and boys affected by armed conflict. The project ultimately contributes to Save the Children's Ambition 2030's global breakthrough on Child Protection: Violence against children is no longer tolerated.
- Purpose of the Baseline:
The overall purpose of the baseline is to develop indicators and establish benchmarks for the Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) plan for the project. The result will be used in measuring and tracking change/trend among the target beneficiaries and project stakeholders.
The specific outputs of the consultancy are as follows:
- Provide baseline information to aid in developing project progress measurement scales for measuring project progress, achievements and impact hence ensuring accountability and learning.
- Review and update project MEAL tools, and develop a road map for measuring progress through formulation of clear MEAL indicators for the project;
- Review and make recommendations to aid in developing a project accountability framework to guide in the process of strengthening the existing accountability mechanisms for monitoring and reporting violence against girls and boys contextualized to PSO situations within AU missions, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms and Troop Contributing Countries.
- Scope of work
Focus on African Peace and Security Institutions especial, the Eastern African Standby Force (EASF) and ECOWAS Standby Force operational capability and measures put in place to prevent and respond to violence against girls and boys in conflict situations, child protection training criteria for troop and police contributing countries. Review the existing Peace Support Operations policy and practice with a view of identifying avenues for incorporating children's voices.
Major tasks and deliverables of the study:
1 Establish a detailed work plan to be approved by the Senior Programme Manager.
2 Develop and present baseline study design (rationale, methodology) in a kick-off meeting to the team for review of process;
3 Carry out data collection, analysis, interpretation and write the baseline report with inputs from the team;
4 Present the baseline findings during the validation and dissemination meetings.
Approach and Methodology:
The lead researcher will propose methodology, tools, work plan and budget for the baseline survey. The lead researcher will also provide a capacity statement showing their previous experience in carrying out this type of work in the same or a similar context.
- Time Line
The tentative schedule below foresees the team delivering on both end of project and the training effectiveness evaluation respectively.
Inception Briefing and a discussion of the baseline process.
Inception Meeting
20th February, 2017.
Desk review of Documents and Existing MEAL Plans
21st to 23rd February 2017
Consultations with partners
Field visits
27th February to 8th March, 2017
Data Analysis
9th & 10th March, 2017
Submission of draft report and review
13th & 14th March, 2017
Final Report
20th March, 2017
Validation Meeting
24th March, 2017
- Competencies:
The consultant (s) shall have extensive experience (at least 5 years) in qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies and specific skills and experience in developing monitoring and evaluation systems and conducting baseline studies, preferably within the development sector or peace and conflict in East and West Africa.
- Minimum of Master's Degree in Development studies, international relations, peace and conflict, humanitarian affairs, law with demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Good understanding of the African Union and its institutions including the regional economic communities and regional mechanisms.
- Abreast with new trends in monitoring and evaluation techniques across programs and countries;
- Demonstrate experience conducting participatory research with children
- Experience in conducting research with a gender lens
- Good understanding of sensitivity for conflict and security issues on the continent
- Demonstrated high level of professionalism and an ability to work independently with tight deadlines.
- Remuneration
Daily rates will be determined after discussions with the consultant. Save the Children ESARO will cover for the consultant's air tickets on economy class to relevant field sites, accommodation on bed and breakfast plus airport transfers in the field. All other costs shall be borne directly by the consultant. Remuneration will be based on submission of deliverables. Payment will be made as par the agreed schedule. Taxation laws for Kenya will apply on the overall consultancy fee.
- Ethics, Child Safeguarding and Code of Conduct
As the consultant will be working on behalf of Save the Children they will be required to sign and adhere to the Child Safeguarding Policy and ethical guidelines. Note that background checks will be undertaken on all applicants.
The consultant will make clear to all participating stakeholders especially children of all ages that they are under no obligation to participate in the exercise and that it is purely voluntary. All participants will be assured that there will be no negative consequences if they choose not to participate. The consultant must obtain informed consent from all participants, including children and their care-giver if a child is to be interviewed. The consultant must receive prior permission for taking and use of visual still/ moving images for specific purposes. The consultant will assure the participants the anonymity, confidentiality and will assure the visual data is protected and used for agreed purpose only.
As regards the documentation, the title rights, copyrights and all other rights of whatever nature in any materials used or generated under the provisions of this consultancy will exclusively be vested with Save the Children International East Africa Regional Office.
- Submitting expressions of interest
Save the Children invites expressions of interest from individuals with the experience and skills described above.
1 Interested consultant must submit the following documents:
1 Cover Letter
2 CV including reference details of previous clients
3 Sample of previous work in similar consultancy work (assessment/survey/baseline assessment), with contact details for commissioning client.
4 Technical proposal including:
5 Detailed interpretation of the ToR
6 Outline of methodology and data collection tools to be used;
A timeline of consultant work plan (guided by Section 8 of this document)
1 Full budget based on activities of the consultant.
1 If an applicant intends to work in a team, they should indicate all team members and attach their CVs. Clearly highlight the Team leader (whose minimum qualification should be Masters' Degree)
How to apply:
Application Email: Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: 'firstname.lastname@example.com'
Read more here:: ReliefWeb


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North West 200: The heartbreak and thrill of road racing
- From the section Motorsport
"You can sit on a bike travelling at 200mph or you can sit on your sofa watching Coronation Street. That's the choice." Paul Owen, road racer.
Paul Owen sits astride his beloved bike and thinks about his beloved wife and beloved son Thomas. And for a moment he thinks about the mess he might leave behind. Given one mistake. That's all it takes. And then he sees the light.
Down to York Corner, up past the roundabout and now he begins to take flight. On past Station Corner, through Black Bridge and Owen is truly alive. "Once that light goes green," he says, "it's all forgotten about. I just do what I do. Flat out for three miles on a superbike - I don't care about anyone else."
Huddled behind hedges and perched on hills are spectators seeking vicarious thrills. Palms sweating, hearts pounding, some fearing the worst. Stand on University Corner and you'll hear them before they see you. Not that they'll be looking.
"When I come to the end of that straight," Owen says, "I'll often be gasping for air because I'll have forgotten to take a breath. I expect it's like being high on drugs. I wouldn't know, I can't afford them. I spend all my money on bikes."
If it's a riotous exhibition of what it is to be alive you're after, then come to Northern Ireland and see riders dice with death. The North West 200 might be the UK's biggest and most thrilling sporting event you've never heard of. And for the 150,000 punters - if it's sunny, which is doubtful - it doubles as a sobering lesson in the authentic. Think you're living? Think again.
"Some people think it's ridiculous," says John McGuinness, road racing legend and six-time winner at the North West, "to be sat on a bike going at 200mph. But you're not alive if you don't get excited by it: the sound and smell of bikes, wheel-to-wheel racing, 18 inches away from the next rider, grandstand finishes. I don't care what anyone says, everyone loves bikes.
"Stick your head out of the sunroof of a car travelling at 80mph and see how it feels. Now imagine travelling at 200mph and doing the same thing. In truth, we don't have time to think about how it feels. The only time it feels that fast is when something goes wrong. Then everything speeds up a little bit."
Nevertheless, McGuinness is keen to point out that he and his comrades amount to a whole lot more than "a bunch of lunatics howling around a road". "We're professional sportsmen," says the 41-year-old 'Morecambe Missile', who worries about newcomers such as Australian Josh Brookes, who is hoping to transfer his short circuit prowess to the roads of Northern Ireland's north coast.
"I'm still learning and I've done 18 North Wests and 16 Isle of Man TTs. Josh and some of these new guys are vulnerable: they know where they're going, they know it's left and right, but they don't know the niggly bits that catch you out. That's something you can't teach, you feel it inside with experience.
"Josh doesn't know about the bumps and manholes, the wind directions, the grip levels, the drops in temperature and pressure. Then old matey might have been dropping pig manure out the back of his tractor or one of the pipes on his JCB might be leaking and dripping hydraulic fluid all over the road."
While Honda rider McGuinness is part of the elite, Owen, also 41, is in it purely for the love of the game. Their bike might have the same name, it's just that McGuinness's, souped up to very last sprocket, costs about 20 times as much.
"I plough every penny I make back into road racing," says Welshman Owen - house-husband, odd-job man and semi-professional road racer. "It's not just a case of turning up, getting the bike out and sticking it on the start line.
"I've taken time off work, I've paid out £600 for the boat over, I've got to feed a mechanic and pay for his travel and accommodation, the tyre bill comes to £1,000 and every practice session and race takes a tank of fuel. Either my wife is a very understanding woman or she enjoys me being away."
But Owen's first true love never stops breaking his heart. It was colourful and sometimes controversial Lincolnshire rider Guy Martin who said: "I don't go out to kill myself - but that's the buzz." And so it goes.
Last year, Owen's friend Mark Buckley was killed after a crash at the North West 200; in 2010, perhaps his closest friend in the sport, Kiwi Paul Dobbs, was killed after a crash during the Isle of Man TT.
"There is that dark side to it," says Owen. "Stuff can happen. Luckily, Mark Buckley happened behind me so I didn't see it. But I was right behind Paul Dobbs. I stopped and tried to help but there was nothing I could do.
"The next day I went back out for the superbike race, sat on the bike at the start and said to my sponsors: 'I don't know if I can do this.' But Paul Dobbs's wife asked me to carry on. She said: 'Don't give up, he would have wanted you to go out and race.' I guess it's just one of those things. It's how you bounce."
"I've seen close mates laid out in the road," says McGuinness. "Most people would think: 'Right, that's it, I'll buy myself some golf clubs.' But it's an addiction. My team-mate Simon Andrews nearly lost his lower leg, came back, crashed at the TT again, broke his collarbone, and is back again. He's got that racing drug pumping through his veins.
"If it happens to me I just hope it happens pretty quick and there's no suffering. As long as nobody thought I was an idiot, that would do it for me."
Even the great ones are not immune. In 2000, Northern Irish legend Joey Dunlop, perhaps the finest road racer ever, was killed in a crash in an obscure race in Estonia. In 2008, Joey's younger brother Robert, who has more North West 200 victories than any other rider, was killed during a practice session for the 250cc race. Back in the field were Robert's sons Michael and William.
Two days later, 19-year-old Michael did what he does and won the actual 250cc race. "He had tens of thousands of people sitting on his bike with him," says McGuinness, who was directly behind Robert when his accident happened and was Joey's last team-mate. "He went from a boy to a man that day."
While Michael Dunlop is young - "raw," says McGuinness, "he wants to kill dead things" - McGuinness is middle-aged. Time to wind down and consider his commitments and responsibilities; to take up rambling or home brewing or to sit around, getting fat, doing nothing much at all. In other words, to die inside.
"When I was 21 I never thought I'd still be doing the North West at 41," says McGuinness, who admits to a degree of irritation that footballers can earn £200,000-a-week while he sometimes worries about paying the bills.
"But I'm still at it, still rattling away. When my son came along it made me think, 'Hang on a minute, I've got another mouth to feed.' And it made me go faster. And now I've got a little girl and I'm going even faster still.
"I hear Guy Martin saying he's going to win a TT and retire. We'll see, I bet he doesn't. That's what I said to my missus, and that was 14 years ago. You can't hang up your leathers just like that. There's always unfinished business."
McGuinness has had his fair share of lumps and bumps. But "nothing too bad". "I've cracked my kneecap," he says. "Broken quite a few bones in my toes. Most of my fingers. My left collarbone. Dislocated my shoulder quite a few times. Got a screw in my left wrist. Broke a few ribs. Been knocked out a few times, that's a bit weird. I also broke my femur in 2000 - 15 July, about 11:17 am. It hurt that much, the bone was sticking out through my leg.
"But I'm not out to kill myself. I always think I've got a little bit in hand, on the road you have to have a sub-conscious safety barrier. But any split-second and anyone can be gone, doing the North West or walking to the shops. Look at Mike Hailwood - 14 TT wins, retired and he died popping down to the chippy."
Meanwhile, Owen frets about his future away from the edge. "I've got a couple of years yet," he says, "but already I'm thinking, 'What am I going to do then?' All through the winter you're craving your next fix. But then you start thinking, 'Is this what I want to do? Do I want to put my family through it all again?'
"But when you get back on that start line and the light turns green, you get that feeling again. That feeling we can't explain. Pop down to the paddock at the North West - number 98, the bikes are white and blue. I'll put the kettle on."
Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose good health, low cholesterol and dental insurance. Choose sitting on that couch watching Coronation Street. But why would you want to do a thing like that? Choose sitting on a bike travelling at 200mph. Choose your future. Choose life.
- BBC coverage of 2013 NW 200:
Thursday 16 May: Practice - 10:00-14:30 live on BBC Sport website; 10:03-14:00 on Radio Ulster MW. Racing - 17:15-21:00 live on BBC Sport NI website and 17:30-21:00 on Radio Ulster MW
Friday 17 May: NW 200 preview BBC One NI 22:35-23:15
Saturday 18 May: Race day - 10:00-18:30 live BBC Sport website and 10:30-18:00 on Radio Ulster MW
Sunday 19 May: NW 200 Highlights 22:25-23:25 on BBC 1 NI
Monday 20 May: Ben Dirs piece on race on BBC Sport website. NW 200 Highlights from 22:35-23:35 on BBC 1 NI.

subset: commoncrawl


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An Oregon teen who posted a little too much information on Facebook found himself in hot water with the police after two of his friends on the site reported his activities to local authorities.
According to a report from the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Ore., also posted on the Facebook page for the local police department, 18-year-old Jacob Cox-Brown was arrested after telling his Facebook network that he had hit a car while driving drunk.
The teen sent this message out to friends on the site: "Drivin drunk ... classsic ;) but to whoever's vehicle i hit i am sorry. :P"
According to the report, two of Cox-Brown's friends saw the message and sent it along to two separate local police officers. In a statement given to the newspaper, the department said that they received word of the post through a private Facebook message to one of its officers.
After receiving the tip, police then went to Cox-Brown's house and were able to match a vehicle there to one that had hit two others in the early hours of the morning. They then charged the teen with two counts of failing to perform the duties of a driver, the report said.
Bradley Shear, a Maryland-based attorney specializing in social media law, said that this is a prime example of social media users being seemingly unaware of the digital footprint they're leaving with their posts — and the consequences they may face from an update.
"You never know who's watching," he said. "Once you post online, it can be repurposed in ways you never expected"
There is growing precedent for law enforcement officials using public social media disclosures in legal cases, Shear said.
For example, a 2009 Facebook post served as an alibi for a Brooklyn teen accused of a robbery. As the New York Post reported at the time, Rodney Bradford was released from jail when prosecutors discovered that he'd posted a status update to his account from his father's apartment in Brooklyn a minute before the robbery took place. Backed up by other witness accounts, the post was enough to exonerate the teen.
(Washington Post Co. chairman and chief executive Donald E. Graham is a member of Facebook's board of directors.)
Sign up today to receive #thecircuit, a daily roundup of the latest tech policy news from Washington and how it is shaping business, entertainment and science.


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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
THE MONITOUR Phase Two: "Sea to Shining Sea"
3/21 - El Paso, TX - Black Market
3/22 - Phoenix, AZ - Chryo Arts
3/23 - Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater
3/24 - Santa Barbara, CA - Club Mercy
3/26 - Visalia, CA - Cellar Door
3/27 - Sacramento, CA - Luigi's Fungarden
3/28 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
3/30 - Seattle, WA - Vera Project
3/31 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
4/1 - Vancouver, BC - TBD
4/2 - Missoula, MT - The Palace
4/4 - Fargo, ND - The Aquarium
4/5 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry @ 1st Avenue
4/7 - Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge
4/8 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Cafe
4/9 - Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
4/10 - Montreal, QC - Green Room
4/11 - New Paltz, NY - St. Paul Lutheran Church Parish Hall
4/12 - Allston, MA - Great Scott
4/13 - Bronx, NY - Rodrigues Coffee House @ Fordham University
4/14 - Purchase, NY - SUNY Purchase Student Center
4/15 - Philadelphia, PA - The Barbary
4/16 - Washington, DC - Positive Force DC @ St. Stephen's Church
4/17 - Charlottesville, VA - Random Row
4/18 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
4/19 - Atlanta, GA - 529
4/20 - Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio
4/22 - Columbus, OH - Summit
4/23 - Harrisburg, PA - Abbey Bar
4/24 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
Hopefully soon, we will be able to tell you that we are going to be playing with some totally badass bands on this tour. Right now, all I can say for sure is that on the 23rd of March, we will be playing with our boy Ted Leo! Woo! Whether or not there are going to be any other Pharmacists there remains unclear.
Yes, we will play all these shows, for no other reason that we love all of you and want nothing more than for you to be entertained. We shall drag our weary bones from coast to coast, all in the hope that, for one magical evening, you may forget all yr troubles and dance and sing and share in the joy of just being alive... but it isn't going to come for free! This is where you come in, all you punks.
First and foremost, the broke-ass boxcar bums of Titus Andronicus need roofs over our heads. Will you please let us come and sleep over at yr house after the show when we come to yr town? Accomidations need not be anything special at all - a floor and a ceiling are our only two requirements, though beds/couches/beanbags/etc. are always nice. If you will agree to let us come over, we will make it so that you can come to the show for free! You can even bring a friend. Hell, you can bring two friends. Just send an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com and we will work it out.
Now, here's a request for the slightly more ambitious punks. Those of you who are familiar with what a calendar looks like may notice there are a couple days in the schedule above where we don't have any shows. You are probably thinking: "They must be doing something really cool and top secret that day." Wrong! We're not going to be doing shit. Black Flag never took days off, so why should we?
I guess what I am trying to say is, if you want Titus Andronicus to come to yr town on one of those off days, we will do it. We are happy to play at yr house/community center/church basement/whatever. All you have to do is ask. Here are the days that we are looking to be constructively occupied, and roughly the areas we'd like to do it:
3/25 - between Santa Barbara, CA and Visalia, CA
3/29 - between San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA (not Portland, though)
4/3 - between Missoula, MT and Fargo, ND
4/6 - between Minneapolis, MN and Chicago, IL
4/21 - between Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH
Can you do this for us? It doesn't have to be a big deal. If you have a PA system, we'll play for you and the one other punk in yr town. Simply e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com and all will be well.
In other news, it is snowing today. What better excuse than to watch this sweet video of everyone's all-time favorite band Galaxie 500 playing their song, "Snowstorm?" There is none, so let's hit it!
Hmmm, I sort of feel like I had been planning to say something else. Apparently not!
Yr friend,
10 comments:
- Drew said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 10, 2010 at 12:17 PM
- Drew said...
I'm pretty bummed that you guys aren't playing bottletree on this tour. I guess I'll just have to go to Atlanta
- February 10, 2010 at 12:18 PM
- Brother Elijah said...
If you ever make it out to Madrid, Spain, you've got some floor. And a couch. And a chair. And a shitload of wine.
- February 11, 2010 at 10:18 AM
- Masamune3570 said...
Hell yeah man!
I think I could hook you guys up with some crash space for your tour date in Atlanta! I'll go ahead and hit you up with an email.
- February 11, 2010 at 10:54 AM
- Nicholas said...
This is exciting. Curious about details for the New Paltz show.
Also want to talk about potential press opportunities.
- February 11, 2010 at 12:35 PM
- The Post-Apocalyptic Photographer said...
Hey, my name is Rob, and I'm the one running the 'New Paltz' show.
It's actually taking place in Red Hook, though, about 45 minutes north of New Paltz, at the Red Hook High School.
You can email me any questions, if you like.
- February 11, 2010 at 2:29 PM
- The Post-Apocalyptic Photographer said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- February 11, 2010 at 2:29 PM
- Nicholas said...
What is your e-mail address, Rob? I look forward to talking to you.
- February 11, 2010 at 5:46 PM
- The Post-Apocalyptic Photographer said...
Any other questions could be referred there too, I suppose.
- February 12, 2010 at 9:12 AM
- saim said...
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I'll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
natural minerals
- January 16, 2012 at 2:35 AM


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LeRoy E. "Roy" Bruhn
LeRoy E. "Roy" Bruhn, age 82, of St. Bonifacius passed away Tuesday July 29, 2008 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.
LeRoy was born June 2, 1926 in Minnetrista Twp. to Harry and Esther (Thurk) Bruhn. LeRoy was baptized at Minnetrista Baptist Church.
On November 29, 1958 he was united in marriage to Phyllis J. Haugen at the Minnetrista Baptist Church in St. Bonifacius by Rev. Tom Harfst.
LeRoy was a loving husband, dad and grandpa and would do anything his family asked of him.
LeRoy was very active in his church serving as youth president and janitor, spending many hours fixing stuff at the church. He was a deep man of faith being a deacon for many years and enjoying gospel music.
LeRoy had a very dry sense of humor amusing people that were around him. LeRoy was a fan of western movies. One of his favorite activities was attending potluck dinners. LeRoy always had a Ford pickup truck of which he was very proud.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Esther Bruhn; brothers Lyle Bruhn and Wesley Bruhn; sisters Bernice Bruhn, Elaine Johnson, Gladys Johnson, and Betty Danielowski; sister-in-law Gladys Bruhn; brothers-in-law Warren Gregg and Donald Danielowski.
LeRoy is survived by his loving family; wife Phyllis; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Cindy Bruhn of Woodbridge, California; daughter Pauline Bruhn of St. Bonifacius; granddaughters Danica and Michaela Bruhn, and Mariela Bruhn; sisters and brothers-in-law Evelyn Gregg of Excelsior, Arlene and Jack Dahl of Mound, Vernon Johnson of East Grand Forks, ND; brother-in-law and wife Marlin and Sharon Johnson of New Ulm; sister-in-law DeDe Bruhn of Montrose; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Gilma Bothum of Austin, Carol and Stanley Thurlow of Kansas; special neighbors Ferdie and Pat Ehalt, Eric and Emily Falkman; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Sunday August 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Minnetrista Baptist Church in St. Bonifacius with Rev. Al Tuley officiating; Interment Minnetrista Baptist Cemetery.
Casket Bearers were Gary Gregg, Dale Dahl, Steven Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Donald Johnson, Daniel Formato, Eddie Bruhn, and Gary Sanden.
Arrangements were by Johnson Funeral Home of Waconia; online condolences at www.johnsonfh.com


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e-Learning Online Training
We provide hazardous materials / dangerous goods training on a variety of topics, including shipping by air, ground, sea, biological substances, dry ice, WHMIS & GHS regulations. Choose live in-person training, or e-learning online training. Training materials are also available, including guidebooks, training kits, training certificates, wallet cards and more.
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- Home
- Women's Shoes
- Why Hello in Black Glitter
Product Description
You just can't help falling for this adorable pair! Irregular Choice's "Why Hello" celebrates the world's most famous couple: Mickey and Minnie Mouse. These two romantics share a playful look as they twinkle on the tips of the toes against a black glitter background. Showcasing a darling scalloped edge and plenty of hearts, these perfect ballet flats are a must for any fan.
Why Hello in Black Glitter is part of the Limited Edition Irregular Choice/Mickey Mouse & Friends Collection.
These shoes run small. Consider getting the next size up.
-Fabric and pu upper
-Fabric lining
-0.625" Heel height
-Man made sole with images of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse "kissing" on the bottom
Why Hello is also available in Silver Multi.


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My first few days there, I was asked to familiarize myself with its workflow. It is refreshingly simple and very similar to working with my consumer-level printers (minus the mechanical issues of filament tangling, print not sticking to bed, etc). It is actually quite incredible in its simplicity and reliability.
The first item I chose to print was a model of a Taung Child Skull, featured in a recent Radiolab podcast and available on Thingiverse. Radiolab worked with MakerBot and the Field Museum in Chicago to scan the original skull.
This is is just one of the many exciting models to be made freely available through the increasingly availability of scanner and consumer 3D printers. In fact, you may want to check out the Smithsonian's entire X 3D collection!
The Taung Skull (named such because it was discovered in 1924 in Taung, South Africa) is a fossilized skull of a young member of the Australopithecus africanus species, in intermediate between apes and humans, and considered the first evidence of bipedal walking. It is thought to be about 2.8 million years old. The Taung Child was originally thought to be about six years old, but more recent investigations place the age more likely at 3 or 4 years. It has been hypothesized that the child was killed by a large predatory bird based on scratches in the eye sockets.
I am looking forward to sharing both the story and the model with my students.
The software is very intuitive. And you can easily add STLs to the "pack," printing multiple files at once. There is also the ability to auto-orient, which is nice. The support material, like most machines, is auto-generated.
You can see from the image below that this was a 16 hour print.
|click to enlarge
The printer itself is highly independent. It reminds me of a washing machine! One aspect I found interesting is that whenever it switches between support and material (it's PLA) and printed material (it's ABS) the nozzle returns to the back left corner, scraping over a steel brush to (I presume) clean itself.
|Final Skull Print
Maintaining this machine is not cheap. Our 1 kg filament rolls cost about $35 - $45. The uPrint's 1 kg rolls go for about $200 a piece!
Moving forward, I will be using the uPrint to print tomographic data sets, like our eggshell or this grapevine - so cool!


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I'm 23 yrs old and about a month ago started yearning for an exotic – (preferably crocodile, however python definitely caught my interest) so your recent post on the D'Angel bags had my attention. I've spoken to a few tpf-ers who purchased the bags in March, and was wondering if you had a chance to actually try on the bag and if you had any additional thoughts on it's quality/workmanship. (We all know there's no such thing as a free lunch!). I was specifically worried about the skin coming off on the handle where I would hold it in the crook of my arm and the tassle rope (from opening/closing).
As much as I'd love to buy an exotic, I know there were some concerns about "poor quality" and was wondering if you thought the bag would hold up to occasional wearing (perhaps day-long shopping trips twice a month) and still be usable 5 years from now. Note: I recently read the great thread on Parisian women's fashion in the Chanel forum and it really made me emphasize more on quality and not quantity, which is why I'm trying to be so careful!
In addition, I was wondering if you had a color you would suggest. The Fall red didn't seem as rich as the cranberry (I *loved* the cranberry and natural from spring/summer) and I was considering getting black as it'd be easiest to match and perhaps wouldn't be as "flashy" as some of the other colors. However, I wonder if black python will end up just looking like python replica. As I mentioned, I'm quite new to exotics and would really appreciate your input on the black.
Thanks Megs!


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Mine to Keep
ES Siren series #5
5 February 2018
All Sandy wanted was some R&R in Sydney before joining the Earth Ship Siren as head of Military Police. What she gets is a night of mystery and pleasure with a man so wickedly fascinating he can't possibly be law-abiding.
For professional con man Peter Stanton, Master Sergeant Alanna Sanderson, with her kick-ass body and cool blue eyes, is the most fun he's ever had. Eight months later, on the Siren, he gets to meet her again, but now he's Prisoner 141, and they're out among the stars, half way to the penal colony on Solitaire.
When a micrometeroid shower strikes the convoy, Sandy and Prisoner 141 are stranded on a stricken ship. Will he pull off the ultimate confidence trick and sacrifice Sandy for his freedom?
If only she could command her heart as easily as her stun gun, because when he betrays her, as he surely must, she's going to have to kill him.
This book is part of a series set in a shared universe, but it has its own romantic story arc and can be read as a stand-alone.
Spring, 2202. Sydney, Australia.
Aussies weren't a bad lot, mused Sandy, but they couldn't sing for shit. Every drunk in the pub was bellowing along with the karaoke machine. God only knew what the tune was, but they'd killed it deader than the fishes floating in the harbor. A night in the Siren's brig would do them the world of good - not that she had the authority to put them there. That was a crying shame in her opinion, but they were civilians, not her people.
Hooking a boot heel over the bar rail, she leaned back to tally the prospects. Oh, yeah, she was restless tonight, all keyed up and burning to cut loose. By god, she was due a celebration! Her grin kicked up a notch. Twenty years of sweat and dedication, but she'd done it. Master Sergeant Sanderson. Ah, it was sweet. Master Sergeant. Finally. She rolled her shoulders, enjoying the easy flex of strong, supple muscle, and savoring the sense of achievement fizzing through every cell in her compact body.
All she needed was- Her mouth thinned as her gaze moved from man to man, quickly assessing them: falling-down drunk; already taken; lard ass; obviously gay; just a kid; passed out on the floor. Dammit, Sydney was a bust. She might be ready to roll, but she had her standards.
The stentorian chorus was loud enough to drown out the rumble of the air scrubbers, though it wasn't as if the stupid things were much use. The fog inside the building was only marginally more breathable than the smog outside. No wonder slum-dwellers got chem-lung-especially the kids.
Here's to you, Sis. Sorry, honey. I'm so sorry. With a shrug, Sandy lifted her bottle and drank deep, the beer slipping thin and bitter down her throat. Poor Sis. There'd been nothing left of her by the end, just a small bony face, and the bright blood that flecked her lips and chin with every racking cough. But there wasn't a fucking thing she could do for her little sister, not then, when they'd been slum kids, and not now, when she'd got her promotion and a berth on the Siren, heading for the stars.
Well hell. Blessed be those who had the lung tissue to make any kind of noise. She drank another toast, this time to the healthy and tone-deaf.
Ah! Her attention sharpened. Broad shoulders, shaved head, trim waist. But when the man strode across the floor to a raucous group in the corner, his military carriage was unmistakable despite the civvies he wore. Sandy frowned. Nope, not another soldier. No way. Sure, she had an itch to scratch, but tonight she felt like something - someone - different. Irritated, she looked away, this time out the big windows that overlooked the street.
In the courtyard of a restaurant two doors down, black pants stretched tight over a taut, rounded ass. Sandy blinked. The man had left his chair and bent over to retrieve something from the floor behind a potted palm. He stretched and wriggled as he reached.
God have mercy.
She let out a hasty breath, resisting the urge to fan herself. Would the face match?
Mr Nice Ass straightened, but didn't turn, damn it. He wasn't a big man, but lithe and well put together, with thick dark hair and good shoulders. With a quiet comment, he handed something small - it looked like a data chip - to a well- dressed woman in her fifties. She and her male partner were obviously his dinner companions. Nice Ass seated himself opposite them and raised his glass in what was clearly a toast. The upmarket couple smiled broadly, leaned forward, and clinked.
Sandy grinned fiercely. If she was lucky, tonight would be good, very good. If she wasn't, well, hell, she could still enjoy the show. The couple facing her were Tower elite, out for a night of slumming, she'd bet her stripes on it. And she had a funny feeling about Mr Nice Ass .
The setting was perfect-the trio might as well have been spotlight on a stage, placed there purely for her entertainment. The restaurant was trying hard. Small tables were set among potted palms so sprightly they had to be fake. There were napkins and waiters-the works. Ritzy.
The pub was on the highest point of a gentle slope. If she lifted her gaze above the rooftops, she could see the fallen arch of the Harbour Bridge, looming out of the smog like an enormous broken tooth. Sydneysiders continued to use it, putting convenience above safety. How long before the bridge simply folded in the middle and sank beneath the filthy water? Not long, surely? But foot traffic streamed across it at all hours, even the occasional heavy freight hauler. Aussies were mad, everyone said so.
At the table below, Nice Ass was talking a blue streak, sketching something in the air with his right hand. But under the table, the fingers of his left were clenched in a fist, the only evidence of tension in his body.
Sandy's distance vision was excellent. The corrective operation was one of the things she'd bought with her first real pay, along with a martial arts sensei to teach her all the ways a small female could fight - and win. She had no problem recognizing the other woman's predatory expression as she leaned forward to catch Nice Ass's hand in hers. Sandy's eyes narrowed.
She had to see his face!
She drained the last of her beer, slammed the bottle down, and headed over to the windows. A beefy man with a beer in one paw and a frothy pink concoction in the other sidled along the bar toward her, grinning hopefully. "Hey, blondie, look what I-"
She brushed past without breaking stride. "Not now, friend. I'm busy."
Grabbing a stool, she hopped up and peered out. Perfect!
When a waiter approached, Nice Ass turned his head. Sandy's breath caught.
Oh. Oh.
Damn! Too young.
She slumped, absurdly disappointed.
She wasn't an ageist, but she had her limits, and cradle robbing was one of them. She braced her elbows on the window sill and rested her chin in her hands, brooding as she watched.
Mr Nice Ass had attractive mobile features, a face that showed every thought passing through his pretty head. Right now, he was thrilled about something, but more than a little overawed. His generous mouth trembled on the brink of a boyish grin and his deep brown eyes glittered. He was clean-shaven, olive skin nicely flushed over high cheekbones. The dark red fabric of his nicely tailored shirt flattered him outrageously. He couldn't have been more than twenty-five. Goddammit!
The older couple rose and Nice Ass leaped to his feet, draping the woman's coat over her shoulders with charming deference. They all shook hands. Nice Ass hesitated a moment, then leaned in to give the woman a shy peck on the cheek. When she moved right in, pressing her lips to his for a long moment, he blushed.
His back to Sandy, he stood and watched them all the way to the sleek ground vehicle waiting on the street. As it purred away into the smoggy night, he blew out a long breath, his whole body relaxing. Then he turned, grinning, and fell back into his chair. Lounging in an elegant sprawl, he lifted a hand to summon the waiter.
Sandy stared. What the--?
This was a different man, a man who'd removed a mask. He was still flushed, still excited and smiling, but now it was triumph, not pleasure, that curved his mouth. His face had gone hard, the pretty brown eyes filled with grim purpose. Something delicious fluttered in Sandy's stomach. Forget the handsome puppy - this man was a full grown wolf.
She was off-duty, fancy free, but tomorrow she'd be back on the Siren, sorting out her new command. Why not indulge herself? Down there waited a night of mystery and adventure, all wrapped up in a dangerous, attractive package. The man's youth and innocence had dropped away with the mask. The change added a good ten years, so she'd still be older, but not enough to trouble her conscience. Mr Nice Ass was plenty old enough to take care of himself.
Decision made, she swung out the door and into the street. By the time she reached the restaurant, her quarry was deep in thought, contemplating the heavy-bottomed glass he held. He had beautiful hands, she noted with pleasure, an artist's hands, with long fingers and well-kept nails. She waved the hovering waiter aside and made directly for his table.
"Mind if I sit here?"
His head jerked up. She got a quick, comprehensive glance, head to heels. His chocolate eyes warmed. "Sure," he said after an electric moment. "Make yourself at home." He pushed the other chair toward her with a casual foot.
They stared at each other. He cocked his head to one side, the smile growing. "Very nice," he said with genuine appreciation. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I saw you with your friends." She pointed to the pub. "From up there."
Immediately, his expression shuttered. Taking his time, he twisted to look back over his shoulder. "Really," he said evenly. "And what, exactly, did you see?"
"A man with a reason to celebrate."
"What makes you think that?"
Being on the other side of an interrogation was a novel experience. And that's clearly what this was - an interrogation.
Behind the puppy charm lurked a wolf's bite. Sandy's pulse rate picked up. She suppressed a grin.
"You closed some sort of deal, drank a toast, parted on excellent terms."
His eyes narrowed, though the smile lingered on his mouth. "You're quite the observer. Cop?"
"Army," she said honestly. If the prospect of a cop made him this wary, she wasn't going to spoil her chances by telling him she was Military Police. It didn't matter anyway, not for one night.
"Ah." He beckoned the waiter. "Let me buy you a drink." Pointing at his tumbler, he held up two fingers.
"Thanks." She held out a hand. "Alanna Sanderson. Call me Sandy, everyone does."
His grip was warm and firm. "Alanna." This time the smile reached his eyes. "Pretty name."
She couldn't help but snort. "Not really me."
Again, that tilt of the head. "Oh, I don't know," he murmured, long lashes fluttering. He enfolded her hand in both of his.
Smooth, very smooth.
"And you?" she prompted.
It wasn't his real name, she was almost certain. "Peter? That's all?"
"Stanton," he said without missing a beat.
And she was Mother Teresa.
Sandy turned her hand in his, drifted a finger over the calluses on his palm. "What sort of training do you do?"
"Much the same as you, I imagine." Bringing their joined hands to his mouth, he touched his lips to her knuckles, feather light. A jolt of sensation hit Sandy in the solar plexus. Before she could catch her breath, he transferred his attention to the rough patch at the base of her thumb.
"Stun gun?" He kissed the spot, his lips soft and warm, his breath hot.
Thoughtfully, she studied his bent head. A thick dark wave fell artlessly over his forehead. "Could be."
He glanced up. The amusement in his chocolate eyes invited her to share, to be complicit in her own seduction. "I'm on the right track then. Which makes these others--" With a fingertip, he traced the marks that were the legacy of the short staff and the wooden sword, the bokken. "Let's see - karate?"
Sandy laughed, a little startled by the strength of her response, the depth of her pleasure. "Mixed martial arts. A little of whatever works, but mainly aikido. I like the discipline."
She had to admit, she was enjoying the hell out of this, out of him. God only knew what he really was, but lord, he was going to be the most fun she'd had in three years, since her unit had been called in for the gang clean-up in Chicago. It had been a brutal roller-coaster of an operation, and incredibly dangerous, but she'd never felt more alive.
Without fuss, she freed her hands and met his gaze. "What about you?"
He shrugged. "It's a dog-eat-dog world. I can look after myself." Well, that had the ring of truth.
She'd bet a year's pay he was armed, but he wasn't wearing a holster - not under such a closely tailored shirt. Most likely he had a knife somewhere, or a small weapon in his boot.
Before she could follow up, the waiter arrived with their drinks. At the sight of the bill, Peter produced a portacomp in a case that was either real leather or an excellent imitation.
Cynically, Sandy wondered if he was hoping she'd stop him, offer to pay for her own or - even better - both of them. Then she took her first sip and nearly choked. "Holy shit!" She stared into the depths of the amber fluid, savoring the smooth, peaty bite. "Is this whiskey?" Jesus, her mouth was busy with an orgasm all of its own.
Peter finished the transaction on his portacomp and dismissed the waiter. Leaning back, he cradled his glass. "Yeah, the real thing. You like?" He favored her with a twinkle so blatantly, unrepentantly charming, he must have practiced in a mirror.
"Are you kidding?" Cautiously, she took another sip, rolled it over her tongue. This was nothing - nothing - like the rotgut her father had used to drink himself to death, though he'd called it whiskey. "I've never had anything like it. Didn't think it existed." She closed her eyes. "Oh. My. God."
On a master sergeant's pay scale, the nip of heaven in her glass had to be worth three months' wages. Sandy shot a sidelong glance at the waiter, half-expecting a scene when the transfer bounced, but the man continued folding napkins, unperturbed.
Her brows rose. Peter was either loaded or he'd just committed a felony. In any case, he was mighty slick.
"So," she said. "You must be elite. Which Family?"
He shrugged. "That was a long time ago."
His accent was a pure Aussie drawl, but beneath the flattened vowels lurked the cultured tones of the Tower elite. Sandy racked her brains. The Kwans had interests in Australia, but so did the Girandellis and the Steinbergs. Peter certainly wasn't a Kwan, but beyond that--? She had no way of telling.
"Think of me as a black sheep." His smile was rueful. "They do. I get by fine without them."
"Doing what?"
The smile became a frown. "You're very direct."
Sandy grinned. "Yeah, I am. No sense in pussy-footing around."
"I'm a broker, a go-between."
"You wheel and you deal. Is that how it goes?"
For a split-second, the wolf looked out of his eyes. "Something like that." He repossessed himself of her hand. "But I'm boring. Tell me about you, Alanna."
"Sandy." What the hell. She let him see the pride, the excitement. "I just made master sergeant. Only found out day before yesterday."
"Hey!" He lifted his glass to her, beaming. "Congratulations."
She took a sip, rolled the whiskey reverently over her tongue. "I'm thrilled. And tomorrow I join my new command on the Siren."
"The Siren? Isn't that one of the Earth Ships going to Solitaire?"
She nodded. "We'll spend this month getting outfitted, but after that--" She shifted in her seat, suppressing the urge to get up and dance. "--the adventure begins."
He looked grave. "They say there's every chance you'll be stranded there, light years away."
"Yeah, it's awesome."
"There's nothing here for me, nothing and no one. Earth's a shit-heap, but Solitaire's brand new, all squeaky clean."
"I can't imagine it." Peter grimaced. "God, I'd die. Earth's home for me." His gesture encompassed the street, the broken bridge, and the murky water. "Sydney's a blowsy old girl, but she's my city."
"I haven't been here before."
He emptied his glass. "Seen the sights?"
Sandy shook her head. "I've only got a twenty-four hour furlough."
"Well then." He rose, all lean, dark grace. "Drink up and let me show you. Unless ."
He drew her to her feet and into his arms. Jeez, he had some moves. Bending his head, he nuzzled her cheek, drifted his mouth to hers. "Unless you'd rather not waste time."
His breath was whiskey-scented and warm. When the tip of his tongue crept out, sleek and knowing, to slide across her lower lip, a sizzle shot down Sandy's spine, making her toes curl in her boots. Then it ricocheted up. He might as well have slid a hand between her thighs and cupped her. She gasped.
"Where are you staying?" he murmured, running a leisurely palm from the nape of her neck to the swell of her ass.
Sandy jerked back, eyes narrowed. "What's wrong with your place?"
"You wouldn't like it there," he said, not at all discomposed.
When he grinned, his whole face lit up, and she had to brace her knees to keep from clutching at him like a green girl. Irritated with her own weakness, she glared.
"Tough lady." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Is that your sergeant's face?"
He gave a theatrical shiver. "Should I be scared?"
She couldn't help but laugh a little. "God, you're good." Going up on tiptoes, she gripped a fistful of shirt. "I'm a twenty-year veteran, Peter." She gave him a quick shake. "You betcha sweet ass I'm tough. You don't want to know how tough."
His lips tucked up at the corners. "Is that a warning?"
"I guess it is." She was pleased to discover she only had to look up a few inches to meet his eyes. Most men loomed over her. "Do you care?"
"Nah, not at all," he said, all Aussie now. "Nothin' like a challenge."
She studied him. "I want you," she said. "I wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you, but don't think I'm an easy mark.
He gave a wry smile. "Duly noted. Kick-arse blond, icy blue eyes, not an easy mark." He brushed his knuckles along her jawline. "How many different ways do you know to kill me?"
"With or without a weapon?"
Peter chuckled, but for the first time, his gaze slid away from hers. "Shouldn't have asked," he said under his breath.
He slid an arm around her waist. "Okay, Sergeant Kick-arse, what'll be? Do you get to see the sights - or do I?"
Sandy stepped away and grabbed his hand. Pleasantly conscious of the blood fizzing in her veins, she towed him toward the door. "Show me Sydney first?"
"Ah," he said. "Foreplay on a power bike. I can do that."
© 2014 Denise Rossetti
Rose graphic courtesy of Corbis


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Tour code: GVT 0010
Route: Awash National park and Harar.
Transport: By car.
Day 1: Arrive Addis Ababa, met your Guide at the Bole International Airport and Transfer to Hotel. Overnight Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Early in the morning drive through the town of Nazareth (98 km) and Metahara (193 km) along the Great Rift Valley to Awash National park to see Mammals and Birds. Overnight Kereyu lodge.
Day 3: Early in the morning visit Mammals and Birds in the park and depart to the walled city of Harar. After check –in to Hotel, in the evening watch the performance of Hyena man. Overnight Harar.
Day 4: After breakfast city tour of Harar includes the Rimbaud house, Typical Traditional Harari house, the museum, the Christian market, the big colorful market, and the wall (3342 meters) with its five gates. Overnight Harar.
Day 5: Early in the morning drive back to Addis Ababa and make shopping in the capital. Overnight Addis Ababa.
Day 6: After having your breakfast city tour of Addis Ababa, includes National museum, archaeological museum, mt. Entoto and "Merkato" the largest colorful market in Eastern Africa. Transfer to Bole Airport for final departure.
Hotels: Addis Ababa has hotels that cater for all pockets, from the luxurious Sheraton and Hilton hotels to the tourist class hotels.Read more...


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The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational – Draft Review
One of the biggest phenomena during spring training has been the Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational put together by Justin Mason. He has organized several 15-team Roto leagues amongst dozens of fantasy baseball writers and experts to compete against each other. I was in League #2 and our slow draft just ended so I wanted to […]Read more


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E-Mail Forum
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Daily Newspaper and Tourism Guide for Reeves County Trans Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas
As the prospect of digging a shallow grave in Sierra Blanca to house low-level nuclear waste continues to be debated, the actual cost of cleaning up such plots is coming to the attention of many.
Pit 9, Idaho Falls, Idaho: amidst 50-odd other pits full of plutonium by-product, the cleanup of Pit 9 has now come to be priced at as much as $600 million dollars. And that's just for one acre Pit 9, we're not talking about the 57 other pits full of nuclear waste surrounding it.
Lockheed Martin Corp. originally bid the cleanup to the Department of Energy at just under $180 million, but the merger of Lockheed with Martin Marietta Corp. has caused a cost-overrun. The firm, according to a recent article in the Washington Post, has stalled cleanup before it ever began so that it may more effectively lobby Congress and the Department of Energy for a re-negotiated contract.
Even so, the old price of 180 million for a one-acre pit is quite a sum. Now multiply that by 58 plots (all full of nuclear waste, and all needing repair) and that's the bare minimum price of cleanup in Idaho.
Now consider George Bush's fight to secure the low-level nuclear dump here in scenic West Texas. Despite the location's earthquake activity, heavy erosion, and close proximity to the Mexican border (all of which, according to TNRCC's own guidelines, should rule the Sierra Blanca site illegal) the deal would still be a sour one. The compact agreement signed by Texas, Maine and Vermont, strands Texas with any and all financial responsibilities regarding the dump. The compact states that "No non-host party state"-that means Texas and only Texas-"will be liable for any harm or damage from the siting, operation, maintenance, or long-term care relating to compact facility."
Allow me to indulge in a few more dollar figures. Of the six existing nuclear waste dumps in the U.S. all have experienced dangerous levels of leakage but, disregarding the health risk (let's follow Bush on this one), look at the figures: we've seen Idaho Fall's figures easily working its way up to the billion dollar mark; Maxey Flats, Kentucky, has an estimated clean-up of $100 million (to be paid by taxpayers and waste generators); and Sheffield, Illinois, has a clean-up bill of about $500 million. So, chances are pretty good that the $100 million Connecticut has promised Texas, should the compact be ratified by Congress, will turn right around to clean-up costs before too long.
Understand that the compact does not stop with Maine and Vermont. The compact in its present form would allow Texas to enter into contracts with any other states for their nuclear waste. Several other dumps around the country are in the planning stages, but only so many dumps of this sort are viable economically, so the sooner the site is approved at Sierra Blanca the more waste from various parts of country may be pouring into West Texas and those thousands of acres of state land surrounding the proposed site will be looking better and better to certain state officials.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico were at the recent Reeves County Fall Fair hoping to instill public confidence in nuclear waste containment systems by displaying their formidable-looking transport trucks. But how do you adequately present the opposing forces of time and earth, forces which build and level mountains? Just look at the end result of these other dumps listed, all it takes is a little hind sight to find that facilities such as the one proposed for Sierra Blanca are not profitable environmentally, financially, or ethically.
Editor's Note: Greg Harman is an Enterprise Reporter whose column appears each Wednesday.
City directories are the best source of information for genealogical research, said Robert W. Martin in "My Sixteen, A Self-Help Guide to Finding your 16 Great-great Grandparents."
Martin describes his search for links to his past in such an interesting way that the reader is drawn along on a fascinating journey while learning the ins and outs of genealogical research.
Starting with scant information on grandparents he never knew, Martin used death certificates to locate their graves and their parents names; marriage licenses to add names to his search list; and old city directories to link names to addresses and other family members.
In just a short time, he had some information on four generations of ancestors, with leads to their homelands in many countries. Immigration and passeger arrival documents helped determine when they came to the United States. And immigrants who sought naturalization can be further traced through declaration of intention documents filed with the INS. Martin also used the census, birth records, Social Security death index and computers for his research.
The softcover book is available at $17.95 from Land Yacht Press, P.O. Box 210262, Nashville TN 37221-0262. It may be ordered through Amazon.com's online bookstore at www.pecos.net/news/bookstor.htm. ISBN 0965051307.
PEGGY McCRACKEN
A new book has just been published that is excellent for children. Actually it has a good story that adults would do well to heed.
It's entitled, "Laura's Star," written and beautifully illustrated in full color in this hard cover book by Klaus Baumgart.
Officially, the book is for ages 3-7 but my 8-year-old read it and enjoyed it immensely. It's 32 pages costing $16.95 with laminated boards and silver foil.
The story is about Laura, who is often lonely and longs for a friend of her own. One night, she is leaning out of her window and sees a falling star.
Quickly she runs downstairs, and picks up the injured star from the pavement.
She mends its broken tip and tenderly puts it on the pillow beside her. She tells it all her secrets and knows she has found a friend at last. But, when she wakes up in the morning, the star is gone.
This poignant tale of friendship and unselfishness is further enhanced by soft, gentle illustrations and the vibrant metallic star that shines throughout the book. It's a picture book that may well become a classic favorite.
It's published by Little Tiger Press and can be found at your favorite book store or by ordering online from Amazon Press through the Pecos Enterprise website at www.pecos.net/news at discount prices.
MAC McKINNON
Pecos Enterprise
Mac McKinnon, Publisher
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Phone 915-445-5475, FAX 915-445-4321
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Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.


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Welcome to Cybermage and this look at September.
September is a hectic month with all the Fall season premieres and returning shows. That's my excuse for not reading more and I stand by it. I read eight great books and REAMDE was the best book, easily Neal Stephenson's most approachable book for none genre fans. The Recollection was best science fiction with a lot of great ideas. I think I need to make an honorary mention of Armor by John Steakley too, a wonderful military science fiction that deserve to be read more.
New Shows
Person of Interest got a good start. Finch and Reese has interesting dynamics. Two believed to be dead guys fighting crime that is about to happen. Their first case is Anna 'Handsome' a district attorney. Surprising twists and a good cast. I like it so far.
A Gifted Man is kind of a genre show too. Mike lives to be a surgeon. One day he has dinner with his former wife. The day after he learns she has been dead for a fortnight. Not so much genre as human interest and drama but I want to watch a few more episodes.
I hold my opinion on Secret Circle for now.
Terra Nova's premiere was better than expected. I like where it is going with the mysterious scripts and the conflict with the sixes who are a mystery in themselves. It also has the usual family drama but I like the chemistry of the characters. So just because I liked it is probably going to be cancelled. I am not bitter just experienced.
Some new non-genre shows also premiered and I did watch some of them too. Prime Suspects got a spunky female detective you should check out. The boys club there was a great angle but it felt more British than American. Another female lead to check out is Carrie Wells in Unforgettable. Revenge however is more on the dark side with a female bent on revenge. Cute girls and sinister plans. Was that murder we saw in the beginning the end of the season? I hate knowing things like that. Charlies Angels première was a bit shocking but sexy girls doesn't make a show, sexy girls, cars and guns though… I expected more humor and banter but that could be the old show talking. Comedy wise I liked Two Broke Girls and New Girl not so much which seems to be the opposite to the general opinion. One episode doesn't make a show though, a new show deserves at least three episodes.
Returning shows
Lost Girl premiered the first Sunday with an excellent but a bit sad episode. Derek is back sans passion. The carnival people were creepy and Kenzi was hilarious. There is an added tension with this new crooked leader of the light Fae and I am just about to watch yesterdays episode. The lovers conundrum between Bo and Dyson reminds me of Buffy and Dark Angel. I am so looking forward to the rest of the season.
Fringe, my Fringe popped season four with the two Olivias discussing trust. Seems like there is very little of that going on between the two universes and what looked like a doppelganger attack doesn't help either. The observers want to keep Peter's disappearance hidden for reasons unknown while the cast keep missing something ore someone wherever they go. The "I need to check her anus" comment from Walter just cracked me up, especially by Astrid's deadpan reaction. The new enemies are cool and Peter is definitely around there somewhere. This is a season I am really looking forward to.
Supernatural continues where last season left off. Dean is fixing the car and Sam is fighting the memories from hell while Castiel visits his new flock. The news about god in a raincoat looking sexy is so typical of this show. This season is supposed to be a return to the road movie of the past but so far it has taken a different path than I expected. I did not expect that ending but the on the run Butch and Sundance talks makes sense now.
The wonderful Nathan Fillion returned with Castle. The murder of Becket's father case grows into a full conspiracy and Castle would do anything to protect Kate even lie to her and she has already been shot once because of it. Nothing stops him from investigating on his own though. Looks like another great season. I know it is not genre but it is Nathan Fillion, which is enough.
The Big Bang Theory returned with the usual fun. I so understand why it was renewed for next year too. That is one of my favorite shows. Two and a Half Men came back without Charlie and the first episode was hilarious.
True Blood's finale Sunday the 12th closed a lot of this season's plots and laid up for the next. Poor Lafayette but at least the witch is dead. Debbie Pelt survived longer than in the books wonder if the investigation and persecution will go along the same ways as the books though? Do Sookie leaving Bill and Eric leave a spot for Alcid? It didn't look that way, maybe there is another were for Sookie? I remember a Tiger from the books. Russel is out of the foundation and the vampires are on the verge on civil war. Time for a peace conference? I don't know. Next season could go many ways It might even be a fae war.
Another genre show bites the dust. ABC Family's Nine Lives of Chloe King was canceled this month with hints that they would be remaking Beauty & The Beast instead. If you have not seen Nine Lives yet I advice strongly against it. The finale leaves a horrible cliffhanger you will never see the resolution of.
Next month has quite a few genre premieres Merlin, American Horror Story, Sanctuary, The Walking Dead, Once Upon A Time, Grimm and Chuck. It will be a sweet sorrow watching the final season of Chuck.
You can read about Haven and Doctor Who's finales here
Books Read
Click the covers for a larger image and linked titles for reviews.
- Rogue (A Freehold novel) by Michael Z. Williamson (Baen)
- Armor by John Steakley (Blackstone Audio 2009, 1st 1984)
- War in Heaven (Veteran book 2) by Gavin G. Smith (Gollancz 2011)
- How Firm A Foundation (Safehold 5) by David Weber (Tor)
- Reamde by Neal Stephenson (William Morrow 2011)
- The Departure (Owner Trilogy 1) by Neal Asher (Tor UK)
- The Recollection by Gareth L. Powell (Solaris 2011)
- The End Specialist by Drew Magary (Harper Voyager 2011) – review copy
Please see my to be read list and request reviews
Reviews of Earlier Reads
Click the covers for a larger image and the titles for reviews.
- Debris (The Veiled Worlds 1) by Jo Anderton (Angry Robot) – review copy
- The Highest Frontier (The Frontera Cycle 1) by Joan Slonczewski (Tor) – review copy
- Finders Keepers by Russ Colchamiro (3 Finger Prints 2010)
Please see my list of books pending review and request reviews
Books Received
Click the covers for a larger image
Review copies
- Zone One by Colson Whitehead (Vintage Publishing) – review copy
Books bought by me
- Rogue (A Freehold novel) by Michael Z. Williamson (Baen)
- Armor by John Steakley (Blackstone Audio 2009, 1st 1984)
- War in Heaven (Veteran book 2) by Gavin G. Smith (Gollancz)
- How Firm A Foundation (Safehold 5) by David Weber (Tor)
- Stark's War (Stark's War 1) by Jack Campbell (Titan Books 2011, 1st 2000)
- Stark's Crusade (Stark's War 3) by Jack Campbell (Titan Books 2011, 1st 2002)
- Stark's Command (Stark's War 2) by Jack Campbell (Titan Books 2011, 1st 2001)
- The Departure (Owner Trilogy 1) by Neal Asher (Tor UK)
- Reamde by Neal Stephenson (William Morrow 2011)
- The Recollection by Gareth L. Powell (Solaris 2011)


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On May 15, 2014, Himmelstein Law Network filed a class action on behalf of consumers who purchased 22 "testosterone boosters" containing Testofen, including: Nugenix, Troxyphen, Troxyphen Elite, Ageless Male containing Testofen, Vitali-T-Aid, Vitali-T-Aid Energy, Test X180, Test X180 Alpha, Test X180 Ignite, Stack Factor 2 With Test X180, High T, High T Senior, High T Black Hardcore Formulation, High T Black Caffeine Free, Mdrive, Mdrive Elite, Test Freak, Ultra T Gold, PMD N-TEST 600, PMD Flex Stack, NO2 Red Test, and Testoril.
These products are advertised and marketed as "clinically proven" to increase free testosterone levels. The complaint alleges that these representations are false, based on universally-accepted principles of statistical analysis, and that the manufacturers and retail giant GNC continue to falsely advertise and promote these products as "clinically proven" testosterone boosters, despite knowledge of the falsity of these representations.
The complaint seeks a
refund to consumers of all amounts paid for any of these products, as well as treble and punitive damages.
If you purchased one of these products, please check the appropriate boxes and let us know which product(s) you bought, where you bought it, and how you heard about it.
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Story highlights
- Use these tips to carve out a pumpkin and a party for Halloween
- Choose smooth, firm and symmetrical pumpkins for carving
- Use the right tools: Melon ballers and linoleum cutters work!
The October Issue of Martha Stewart Living and the Martha Stewart Halloween Special Edition are currently available on newsstands.
(Martha Stewart Living)Host a gathering that kicks off Halloween with a movable feast, friends and family, and a riot of funny faces. Here's your go-to guide for everything including pumpkin picking strategies, carving techniques, and printable templates. We'll even show you what to do with the seeds!
Martha Stewart Living: 15 kitchen shortcuts that will change the way you cook
Smashing pumpkin Halloween invitations
Get your party started right with Halloween invitations adorned with a familiar grin.
Choose a carving location
If weather permits, consider having a daytime party outside on a picnic table, where it won't matter as much if you make a mess. Keep sharp instruments safely organized in buckets and on trays on the picnic table.
Whether you're inside or outdoors, cover your table (or tables) with newsprint or kraft paper for quick, easy cleanup. If inside, you may want to protect the floor, as spilled pumpkin flesh and seeds can be slippery.
Martha Stewart Living: 19 tips for perfect laundry every time
How to pick pumpkins
Ask guests to bring their own pumpkins, or plan on providing them for the whole party. Be sure to choose ones that are smooth, firm, and symmetrical. They don't need to be giant -- keep in mind that people will be taking their jack-o'-lanterns home at the end of the party. Have a few extra pumpkins on hand for any late arrivals.
What to ponder at the patch
Design dictates shape: If you know what design you want to make, pick a pumpkin accordingly. Tall, oblong ones will work best for vertical designs, whereas short, squat ones are better for horizontals. Flat can be fine.
Some pumpkins have a flatter side (where they rested against the ground as they grew). Work it to your advantage, since carving on a flat surface is easier than carving on a rounded one.
If you plan to group pumpkins, rotate them to see how your design will continue from one to the next. Also try rotating if you're stacking pumpkins: Some nest better at certain angles. (Leave the bottom pumpkin's stem intact, or just trim it—cutting it off can invite premature rotting.)
Martha Stewart Living: 20 super-efficient, super-effective ways to clean all the things
Nature's canvas
This year, try an upgrade on the usual toothy jack-o'-lantern and carve something that looks like art. Find inspiration for a design in the fabric of a favorite dress or a beloved wallpaper pattern from your childhood home. The results are so sophisticated and eye-catching, sometimes they don't even need the help of a candle to shine.
Plan the design
Consider how the pattern will fit on the pumpkin and how it will repeat. Tape it to the pumpkin. (You may need to cut slits into the perimeter of the template and overlap it so it conforms to the roundness.) Using an awl, a pushpin, or a T pin, prick every ⅛ to ¼ inch along the outlines of the template. Then remove the template, but keep it for reference.
Martha Stewart Living: No-mess one-bowl desserts: 12 recipes for lazy bakers
Create the design
Use linoleum cutters to scrape the pumpkin skin. Start with the outline of the design and work inward. For details, use a No. 1 or No. 2 blade. For larger areas, use a No. 3 or No. 5 blade. Scrape in the same direction in each section to keep the lines unified.
Pumpkin-carving tools
Look beyond the knife drawer to implements intended for other uses -- say, a melon baller or a keyhole saw. These pumpkin-carving tools will make carving an easy task for you and your guests.
How to carve pumpkins with kids
Try a new approach to pumpkin carving with smaller kids: Have children use their own drawings to create a template. First, sketch a design on a piece of paper and cut out the pieces of the face separately. Next, tape the parts to the hollowed-out pumpkin. (Note that as you're going from paper to pumpkin, you may have to interpret the layout of the face a little differently.) Then trace the lines of the template by pokingholes with a needle tool. Guide your kids if they need help with sharp tools. Last, remove the template and carve along the dotted patterns with a miniature saw.
Martha Stewart Living: Instant organization: Get it together in 15 minutes or less
Party menu and favors
When the crew starts feeling as hollow as their creations, let them break for fall fare, including sage popcorn in handheld portions.
The trio of cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina gives mac and cheese layers of sophisticated flavor, but it's still informal and delicious for all. The single servings make it easy to hold and carry.
Grown-ups can warm up with a hot whiskey sour with Nocello, a walnut-flavored liqueur that adds a nutty twist.
Sweet-potato soup gets its smoky essence from chipotle and a bit of crunch from a topping of salted pepitas; served in a mug, it's portable and hand-warming.
Make sure to save room for dessert, a tasty sundae with an apple "bowl" that's been hollowed out to accommodate a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, and toasted walnuts.
Make a classic Bundt cake, baked with caramelized apples, walnuts, and spices, to await the partygoers; the glaze is made with apple cider.
For party favors or treats, fill crepe-paper pumpkin pouches with tiny toys and candy eggs.
Keep your party treats somewhere special. Transform a few hollowed-out pumpkins into candy jar creatures by sawing open pumpkin tops and placing a bowl inside. Guests will love this witch who thinks she's gourd-geous.
The party doesn't have to end once guests have finished carving their pumpkins. Browse our best pumpkin-seed crafts and recipes, including a pumpkin bird feeder, a pumpkin seed necklace, and more creative ideas to keep the gathering going.
Martha Stewart Living: Curb your food cravings with yoga


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The first order of the day is organizing the procession of fruit trays and other food items. The close friends and family trot on over to a selected house where the groom and the bridal party (sans bride who is waiting upstairs at her house) get ready to lead about 40-50 people including dancers and musicians down the road and to the bride's house. Since the groom does not live nearby, we borrowed a relative's house (which happened to be the same location where my engagement procession started from 3 years ago).
There are several chairs set up along the walkway which have one tray each of fruit or food on them. As people arrive they sit down in the chairs from start to finish filling in the empty spaces. We were handed little red envelopes which had 500 Riel in each (about 12 cents worth). Because there weren't enough people to carry all the trays, there was some shuffling around and doubling up so that some people carried more than one tray (and more cash, too). I was in between 2 young girls. As we walked the section of my line decided to become less of a line and more of a blob of people. Obviously they didn't care about keeping two neat lines of people walking along the road.
Our procession became the object of some tourists' fancy as were were passed by a bus heading out of town. What a lucky break for them as they got to photograph Cambodians participating in a traditional activity wearing an array of brightly-colored silk dresses. The bus ended up stopping up ahead so that they people could get off and get better shots. I wondered if they would spot the one single white person in the mix. By the time my section of the line got close, though, they had already boarded the bus and were on their way.
We get to the house and everyone sits in chairs along an aisle that has been set up under one of the tents. This is so that the dancers/singers can do a little jig while collecting a piece of fruit from each person sitting in the rows. This collection of fruit is then offered to the bride's parents for approval to allow the bride to come downstairs.
What goes on next is just a bunch of staged photo opportunities of the bride and groom placing jasmine leis on each other's neck and holding flower arrangements. They then head back up into the house for the rest of the ceremony which includes some blessings and tying red string on their wrists. Everyone else scrambled over to the tables to eat the breakfast provided. I wasn't interested in eating as I saw what it was and it didn't appeal to me.
The rest of the morning I chilled out until the music started signalling the beginning of the lunch for all the hundreds of guests who would be arriving. At that point I needed to escape as I didn't care to have my hearing impaired by the unchecked excessive volume and bass that the Cambodians seem to think is perfect for a wedding. I scurried around the back of the house to shield me from the avalanche of noise and to the area behind the speakers where the grandfather's house is located. Underneath the house is the perfect area to sit as it receives the freshest breezes from the field, especially useful then as it was also excessively hot, too. I also wanted to see how long I could hide out and avoid putting my silk dress back on as I knew it would be stifling to wear it. I was supposed to be standing in the front of the party welcoming the guests to the wedding.
Aha! I was found out! Back on went the dress. To the front with all the music and to be a pleasant sight for all guests entering. But, no, there was a little girl standing next to me in the receiving line. Whose daughter she was, I don't know. I think she was a child from the groom's side of the family. She was neither dressed appropriately nor greeting guests in an appropriate way by holding up her hands in a prayer position in front of her lips. Why was she there? Then when she started telling all the guests the obvious fact, that is that I was a foreigner, I decided to attempt to teach her a lesson using my limited Khmer which essentially meant "shut-up." She got the message and shortly disappeared.
Most people acknowledged my presences, while a few didn't care or weren't really paying attention. I recognized a few people who were friends of mine or Da's. But overall it was hot and tiring to stand there. I was thankful when the guests trailed off which meant I could trail off and away from the sound, too. I found a bench in the shade (or what I thought was shade) on the other side of the house where it was only slightly less noisy. The other bonus was that I found a fan, too.
The peace and calm lasted for awhile until I was discovered by an older school teacher who was the host for my engagement party. He could speak English well enough to be understood and we spent some time catching up on old times. He even assisted me with some pronunciation problems in Khmer. However, it soon became very clear that I was merely a resource for him to asking an unceasing amount of grammar and vocabulary questions from me, seeing as I was the English teacher. At first it was cute, but it eventually became dull and my throat was parched. Some child brought him a Coke, but nothing for me. My throat was already on its last legs after the strain of the weekend.
Thankfully my savior arrived in the form of Da asking if I had eaten yet. He politely explained to the teacher that I was being requested to join the wedding party for their lunch now that most of the wedding guests had eaten and left already. Then the new husband also appeared and requested my presence. Yippee! However I had one stop and that was the table full of Da's good buddies and a few of my friends too. I needed to share a drink with them and have chat before they left as a courtesy.
Finally, I sat down and ate some food. It was the leftovers from the party. I didn't really care for much of it, but it certainly was impressive for the wedding food. As we ate, the music and tents were in the process of being torn down. Tables were being cleared away. All this stuff had to go to the next event as this is the peak of wedding season. I think I have filled my quota for participating and attending Cambodian weddings, even my own. If I don't have to do this long and drawn out affair ever again, I will certainly be content.


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What We Do
Our talented staff are constantly updating their skills and knowledge with the latest technologies and tools in order to provide the most suitable and cost-effective suggestions and solutions.
Custom and Quality Inc. is committed to quality and excellence, striving on customer satisfaction. Our success is also a result of sustaining long-term relationships with our clients, sub-consultants and sub-trades. We have proudly collaborated with some of the finest contractors and builders throughout Toronto and surrounding areas, creating our impressive portfolio.
Licensed and Registered
We are licensed and registered with the Electrical Safety Authority – 7009840.
Fully trained, Insured and Bonded
All Workers are fully trained, insured and bonded.
WHMIS, WSIB, Fall Arrest and Elevated Work Platform
Safety plays a key role in our success on every project.
All employees have WHMIS, Fall Arrest and Elevated Work Platform training, and are in good standing with WSIB. We take pride in meeting deadlines and exceeding quality expectations while keeping within or under budget. Our confidence, experience and industry knowledge allows our company to offer a comprehensive guarantee on all of our work. Our job isn't 100% complete until our client is 100% satisfied.
We specialize in everything electrical including residential, commercial and industrial.
Our master electricians, journeymen and apprentices provide the best quality electrical installation and repair services, are highly recognized and are well respected throughout the industry. Servicing home owners, corporations, landlords, tenants, and small businesses. We have assembled an excellent team with the knowledge, latest technologies and tools for a superior performance and to ensure safety and quality in every single project.
With our vast clientele of home owners, doctors' offices, restaurants, cafés, and small business, you can be rest assured that Custom and Quality Inc. will satisfy all your construction and electrical needs.
Some of our residential services include:
- New Construction/Custom Homes/Home Renovations
- Complete home renovation – carpentry, electrical, plumbing and hvac
- Custom homes, cottages, kitchens, bathrooms, basements and more
- Construction management and consultation
- Back up home stand by generators. Natural gas or propane
- Service upgrades, panel changes and sub-panel
- Custom lighting installation, upgrades and repairs
- Timers, lighting control and dimmers
- Saunas, hot tubs, pools and shower steamers
- Basement wiring
- Knob and tube replacement
- Indoor and outdoor lighting upgrades
- Security and landscape lighting
- Electrical inspections for real estate sales, insurance purposes, peace of mind
- Real estate closing repairs
- Mobile Home CSA / Silver Seal Acquisition
- Home security cameras
- Heated flooring and custom heated flooring mats
- Telephones, cable and data lines
- Central Vac systems (rough in and completion)
- Garage door openers
Some of our commercial services include:
- New construction, renovations and upgrades to commercial/retail facilities
- Insurance claims
- Transformer upgrades
- Wiring of offices, restaurants, retail locations, retirement homes, offices and much more
- New service installations
- Corridor and lobby lighting solutions
- LED Lighting design services
- Emergency lighting
- Back up stand by generators for all types of business's
- Telephone and data communication
- Security cameras
- Lighting retrofit programs
- Motor starters, disconnects and pumps
- Annual service and maintenance for commercial and industrial facilities
- Outdoor lighting
Some of our industrial services include:
- Lighting retrofit programs
- Annual service and maintenance programs
- Motor starters, disconnects and pumps
- Equipment moves, additions & changes
- Transformer upgrades
- Service upgrades
- Back up stand by generators
- New construction and general renovations
- Parking lot lighting – new and repairs to existing
- LED Lighting design services
- Insurance claims


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A pilot with VP-1 squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station has been charged in federal court for smuggling the drug Ecstasy into the U.S. from Canada, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Friedman.
Lt. Alan Vaughn, an Anacortes resident, was arrested at the Blaine border Feb. 23 following a joint investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
Friedman said Vaughn has been charged with importation of MDMA (Ecstasy) and possession with intent to distribute MDMA. The charges carry a prison term of up to 20 years.
Vaughn is accused of using his status as a naval officer to avoid scrutiny in smuggling large amounts of Ecstasy across the border, according to the affidavit from the search warrant. He sold $30,000 worth of Ecstasy to a confidential information in three transactions this year, the affidavit states.
Agents searched the pilot's home in Anacortes after his arrest.
Vaughn is a pilot of the Navy's P3-C Orion airplanes, which are loaded with electronic surveillance equipment. He was a first lieutenant with the wing, which means he was responsible for administrative spaces and wasn't actively flying, a Navy spokesperson said. He was originally from Citrus Heights, Calif.
Vaughn is being held at the federal detention center at Sea-Tac, according to Friedman.


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Around our anniversary we like to consider our future as a facilitator of cycling in DC. We look forward to improving service simultaneously using less effort doing so. We like to borrow from tech companies ideas for productivity. There must be a better way to do something.
It is why we have no storefront. It is why we take payments online versus upon arrival. It is why we have daily rates as opposed to hourly options. Soon, we are transitioning to real-time inventory service, which will change they way the site operates and looks. It will have a Zipcar-like feel to it. We're almost ready to show you.
They say luck is where preparedness meets opportunity. It appears we have come across some good fortune by partnering with the Omni Shoreham Hotel and WABA. They expressed interest in our hardware for their patrons. The hotel will house a 15 bikes on the premises, operating from a rental kiosk inside their spa/gym area. These stored rentals would be hybrids available daily from sunrise to sunset only, at a lower rate than our usual deliveries.
WABA wants 13 to 24 bikes for their weekend morning adult cycling classes. Who are we to deny assistance? Every weekend morning, weather permitting, they have 3 hour classes at varied locations offering the rookie rider a way to learn skills on the cheap.
We know we will convince other luxury hotels that our service improves theirs by keeping them up to date with our Nation's Capital's title as a cycling destination and transportation option for sightseeing. Two wheels are better than four!
Finally, we are gathering the resources for this doubling of our fleet. But along with the increase on bikes, we stumbled upon a unique find. An electric van able to travel 100 miles per charge and 21 feet in length. It could potentially hold 20 to 24 bicycles with the right equipment. This van was only sold to fortune 500 companies willing to experiment with this expensive piece of technology. It will make a great upgrade from our 2015 Nissan Leaf we modified to carry 12 bikes.
UPDATE: We have partnered with the Four Seasons Washington, DC in October 2016. Their guests will also have immediate access to a great bicycle, helmet and lock.
UPDATE: We will be completing expansion plans in 2017: van purchase, fleet update & increase.


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help a family in need.
so one of my zumba friends volunteers. a lot. for agencies that specifically help babies and young families.
one of these agencies is KCA - Kiwi Community Assistance. it's a registered charity that provides and assists in the provision of household goods, clothing and food to families in need in my local area.
Each family is assessed for their specific needs, so i asked my friend if there was anything that i could help with as part of my month of GIVING THANKS.
one family in particular needs a double buggy for their twins, so i found one online at trade me (ebay).
and i'll be handing it over later this week.