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"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle." – Sun Tzu, The Art of War
That is the significance of enemies in our life and the role they play in attaining our success and failure. Therefore, we must know our enemies in our path of pursuit. The sooner we know the better we prepare ourselves to deal with them.
When we start thinking about enemies, we start considering our external enemies, where as according to Law of Attraction philosophy, the internal enemies are more dangerous than the external ones. Here I would like to quote Buddha to give a deeper perspective.
"It is a Man's own Mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways." – Buddha
Yes, it is our internal thoughts and feelings that take us into the path that not meant for us. And one such intention or perception that drive us crazy is 'PERFECTION'.
Perfection is the No # 1 Enemy of Manifestation
Yes, your strive towards perfection makes you desperate, insecure and it reminds you consciously and unconsciously that you are far away from your goal. And these thoughts only create internal disturbances and pose hurdles on the way to your progress.
So be aware of your enemy
It is fine not to be perfect. However taking initiation and be progress oriented are more important than being perfect. If you wait till the perfect moment or till the time we acquire a skill to be perfect then you are delaying your progress and ultimately achievement. Because, when you focus on perfection, you get into minute details of small small things and most of you miss the big picture due to lack of focus. You also fail to set intention of achieving some important milestone in life.
When you start moving then only you will reach somewhere. When you start working on something then only you will be able to finish.
So take a leap of faith, believe in yourself and take the path you want to follow. Go for the adventure and do not wait for the perfect moment or resources to come. On your journey, you will get the way, the tools and the resources that you need to reach your destination. Trust me you will enjoy your journey, though it might be bumpy.
Love & Gratitude,
Awesome AJ
Stay Motivated, Stay Awesome!
If you like this video, share it with others on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more such packets of wisdom.


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It's always struck me as a bit daft to fly 12 hours across the world to the Far East, Indian Ocean or Caribbean for a week-long spa holiday, only to have all the good work ruined by jet lag and the skin-dehydrating long-haul flight back.
Cyprus - just four-and-a-half hours away - is probably best known as a package holiday destination, but if you're heading to the island in winter don't bother with sun tan cream. Temperatures are a pleasant 15 degrees or so - not hot enough for the sunlounger but just right for luxury indoor heated pools, saunas and treatments. The island has become something of a sanctuary for spa lovers, with several hotels upgrading their facilities in recent years, and numbers will be boosted further in March with the opening of The Retreat Spa at the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel.
All prices are valid for January 2005, based on flights from the London area and two people sharing a room.
Le Meridien Limassol
This 10-year-old hotel is home to Cyprus's oldest, biggest and most comprehensive spa. It can feel a tad old-fashioned: the staff wear traditional dark suits and ties whatever the sea son, and the toiletries in the rooms smell unnervingly like Glade.
Once I made it past all the conference delegates in the hotel lobby, the first thing that caught my eye in the spa was a fish tank with huge fish curling around inside. One guest had written in the visitors' book: 'Please note there are too many fish, by at least three times, for the size of your aquarium.'
Once into the main area you realise this spa is the real deal. The hotel's slogan - 'beyond the gate ... luxury and pleasure' - does set itself up to be knocked, though: without reading that, I might not have noticed that the pink bathrobes and towels were a bit threadbare.
But there are 32 treatment rooms, many with natural daylight and views of the sea, and a thalassotherapy centre with three indoor pools (four outdoor ones in summer) which you use in sequence. The first looks like an oil slick, and after a 10-minute wallow gives your skin a slight stinging sensation. The second pool, heated to 33C, has a high saline content allowing you to float effortlessly. You then pass into a big 29C seawater pool with jets, and finish off in a hamam which opens up your pores and prepares your body to receive any other treatments.
The list is extensive. I was strangely drawn to the 70-minute Elemis Hawaiian Wave Four Hand Massage. Gyrating Hawaiians in grass skirts with guitars it is not ... but it's pretty good all the same. The therapist gives you an eyemask to wear and then douses you with frangipani oil to hydrate the skin. She then uses brushes in sweeping motions up and down your body. A mystery second pair of hands then appears, sweeping the skin behind the first. Much of the massage is synchronised, so while one pair of hands is massaging your face and skull, the other kneads your feet and ankles.
The treatments
Around 100, from the Elemis Fennel Cleansing Cellulite and Colon Therapy to Thai massage.
What the brochure doesn't tell you
Conference delegates in name badges peer at you sitting in the rest room in your dressing gown as they sip coffee on an adjacent balcony.
The damage
Argo Holidays (0870 066 7070; argo-holidays.com) has seven-night B&B breaks including flights and transfers for £520pp. Massage from £42 for 55 minutes; day package including thalassotherapy, hamam, body scrub, facial, Indian head massage and lunch, £194; a 75-minute session in the thalassotherapy pools, £54; the Elemis Hawaiian Wave Four Hand Massage, £146.
The Anassa Polis
The Anassa is set in a stunning, remote northwestern spot of the island. Even if you didn't go near the spa, just sitting on your balcony listening to the sound of the ocean and breathing the air would make you feel relaxed. Rooms are cool with tiled floors and decor in whites and blues. The spa, built under the hotel chapel, has more of a built-in exercise element (at the Meridien, yoga and exercise classes are available in another area of the hotel). There's a large heated indoor pool, outside whirlpool, steam rooms, his and hers saunas and a candle-lit relaxation room for yoga and meditation, as well as a few small treatment rooms. Hatha and kundalini yoga run six days a week.
My first appointment was for an aromatherapy luxury foot and nail treatment. My feet and hands were lathered in exfoliating cream and covered in luscious-smelling mandarin oil. Paraffin wax-soaked tissues were wrapped on mummy-style, then removed for more massaging - a great treatment. It was just a shame that the therapist didn't explain anything about the treatment or its benefits.
I had more luck with an Indian head massage, courtesy of Morgan from Mauritius. He forewarned me of what he would do (always helpful from a stranger about to paw your body): lots of gentle hair-pulling, ear-folding, neck-flicking and kneading knots in my shoulders. He said my 'meridian lines were blocked' and offered distance-reiki healing on my neck - if I left my name, address and age at reception ...
At the Anassa the towels are thick and the food near-perfect (my lunch of red snapper with grilled fennel was washed down with Welsh Ty Nant mineral water). It would be a won derful place for recuperation in solitude, although the prices are high.
The treatments
A carefully selected variety, from head massages and reiki to Espa detox wraps and salt scrubs.
What the brochure doesn't tell you
During my winter stay the hotel had a ghost-town air about it - there were too few people knocking around in too big a space.
The damage
Expressions Holidays (020 7433 2615; spaexpressions.co.uk) has seven-night B&B packages for £1,320pp including flights, transfers and a free three-day treatment package if booked before the end of November. A 55-minute body massage is £51; three-day treatment package including salt scrub, thalasso bath, detox massage and hydrotherapy bath, £296; aromatherapy foot and nail treatment, £43; Indian head massage, £43.
Elysium Paphos
This is a palatial terracotta hotel of grand proportions with marble floors, bellboys, orchestral background music and staff in formal suits and ties. It's all built around a central pool complex with Jacuzzis and lagoon-style pools and bridges. As is often the case in Cyprus, the hotel itself is the holiday: the beach is not much to write home about (in fact the Elysium's was just a desolate corner of rubble when I was there).
After the contemporary feel of the Anassa, the Elysium is traditional and classic in style, even though it opened only recently. Rooms are heavily carpeted, wardrobes are dark-wood-panelled, and curtains are like duvets. It is the kind of hotel where they have an aisle of deserted boutiques on the ground floor, and they won't stand for guests buying their Evian at the local supermarket: a little sign above the mini bar informs me that 'only Hotel Mini Bar items are to be stored in the Mini Bar Cabinet of your room'.
The ground floor spa is reached through sliding doors. Day beds and candles are grouped around a small Jacuzzi, with treatment rooms leading off the central space. This is a small spa, and you need to book well ahead to get the time slots you want.
I tried the Aveda Elemental Facial which involved lots of hot towels and face, neck and shoulder massage, as well as a tangerine hand and arm massage while the mask was setting. For the head massage, warm oil was trickled over me while lots of balancing aromatherapy oils were placed around me on towels. It felt like a spring clean of the top quarter of my body.
The treatments
Around 30, including facials, body treatments (such as body masks and hydrotherapy baths) and massages plus beauty treatments.
What the brochure doesn't tell you
The spa is a nice extra during a holiday here but isn't extensive enough to be your main reason to come.
The damage
Erna Low Body & Soul Holidays (020 7594 0290;bodyandsoulholidays.com) has one-week stays for £640pp including flights, transfers and breakfast.
A one-hour massage is £54; a three-day treatment package including salt and oil scrub, hydrobath, aromatherapy facial, mud envelopment, reflexology, neck and scalp massage, full body massage and skin brightening facial is £360.
Thalassa Paphos
Despite the name, this 58-room hotel and spa has no links to thalassotherapy. The hotel, which opened in July, sits on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the sea, so all balconies have sea views. If you go for a room on the west side you'll get the sunsets, too. The unique selling point here is that each room comes with its own mobilephone-equipped personal butler, on call 24 hours a day. Want someone to unpack for you, run a bath, play tennis with you, or take you shopping? Then just ask Jeeves.
The spa has five treatment rooms and a dispensary of bath salts, essential oils and herbs where you can have any combination of smelly lotions and potions mixed up for you. There's also a yoga/pilates room and a gym. One of the best things about the spa is that you are not confined to the hotel for treatments. So if you fancy a massage on the beach or in the forest the hotel can arrange it for you.
The treatments
The spa uses Sodashi 100 per cent natural products (best known and used in the Far East and Australia). It has probably the most imaginative selection of treatments on the island, from Trhana Body Ritual, where yoghurt and fresh wild herbs are smeared all over you, to Kofo Therapia Me Keri, a candlewax treatment to draw wax out of the ear.
What the brochure doesn't tell you
Each 'residence' is usually two or three adjoining rooms. The hotel was originally designed as a three-star joint with standard size rooms, but when the building was upgraded to five-star they couldn't get planning permission to knock the rooms into larger ones.
The damage Elegant Resorts (01244 897515; elegantresorts.co.uk) has seven nights' B&B in a 'superior' double room, including transfers and flights for £1,755pp.
An aromatherapy massage is £54; a one-day purification package including hydrotherapy bath, body mask, reflexology, lymphatic awakening facial and sauna is £206.
Columbia Beach Resort
Choosing a spa hotel from the brochures can be tricky because they all look rather similar - lots of soft lit-photos with close-ups of pools and occasional tables. So it was a pleasant surprise to arrive at Columbia Beach Resort and feel I'd finally found what I'd been looking for. Something special.
The drive to this two-year-old, 94-suite hotel, is through windy roads and a little Cypriot village. The secluded resort (not to be confused with the three-star Columbia Beach Hotel down the road) is a low-rise property in the style of a traditional village - all terracotta tiled roofs and coarse brickwork, with a mountainous backdrop. The hotel is built around an extensive pool, but not because the beach is no good - there's a beautiful long stretch of clean sand great for those morning walks. The spa rooms lead off a circular teak wood room, and feature long windows with natural daylight flooding in from lush gardens. There is a wonderfully warm indoor pool which extends to the outdoors - even in mid-winter, the sun loungers inside were full of Brits reading Hello! magazine, or snoozing between treatments.
The list on offer here may not be very long, but it is interesting, and prices are more reasonable than some competitors. I chose a metamorphosis massage from a therapist called Photoula. She spent a lot of time tickling my toes and feet with oil and making my ears and cheek bones tingle. When I asked what the treatment would do she said mysteriously, 'It is something emotional. You tell me what you feel afterwards.' All I can say is, I highly recommend it.
The treatments
Around 25 including Chinese Taoist body massage, crystal colour therapy, ayurvedic massage and beauty treatments.
What the brochure doesn't tell you
Book treatments early, ideally before you arrive. All the hotel guests seem to be vying for treatments - even those who haven't come here for the spa - because they've heard they are so good.
The damage
Cyprus specialist Sunvil (020 8568 4499; sunvil.co.uk/cyprus) is offering seven nights from £737pp including flights, breakfast and car hire.
A one-hour aromatherapy massage is £36; one hour of the metamorphic technique is £42; half an hour of reiki therapy is £42.
How to get there
Cyprus Airways (020 83591333; cyprusairways.com) flies from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham to Larnaca and Paphos from £120 return (not including tax).
British Airways (0870 8509850; ba.com) flies from Gatwick to Paphos from £129 return and from Heathrow to Larnaca from £155 return, both including taxes.

subset: commoncrawl


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Capitol Cadillac Lansing Body Shop
Review for Capitol Cadillac Lansing Body Shop
Kathy J. on 01/22/2014
Kathy said it was good work. It was done promptly. They even cleaned her vehicle inside and out and she really appreciated it. They were very nice.
Category: Collision
Service Date: 01/16/2014
Review Created: 01/22/2014
This review was collected via phone interview by Customer Research Inc.


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Kid-steam.com ranks
#11,560,532 in the world and generates
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$404 USD for it's visitor traffic that has the potential for CPC and Display-based advertising.
This traffic data suggests the Advertisers with a Traffic Acquisition Cost (TAC) of
$0.55 for daily and
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organic referrals traffic from 95 websites around the world. Kid-steam.com servers are located in the United States.
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Commercial Grade Indoor PlaySystems, Hand Car Kiddie Rides, Electric Trackless Trains, Foam Machines and Moonwalks for the Amusement Industry
KidSteam is a manufacturer of interactive family entertainment focused on fun interactive rides, commercial indoor play systems, electric trackless trains, and foam party machine products that support green results, provide high patron volume and profits to amusement parks, family entertainment centers, malls, rental companies and individuals
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Guided Hiking Vermont's High Peaks and Historic Valleys
(June through October)
– Lodging. There is a mix of private & shared baths at the places we stay.
A single-supplement is never charged!
– Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
– Taxes and inn/restaurant gratuities
– Complete guide services
– Transportation between inns
– Pickups and drop-offs to/from the closest airport (domestic trips only),
or bus/train/ferry stations if needed.
Trip Cost: $1,895 pp/dbl occ., $200 single supp.
Min # of Participants 4
Max # of Participants 9
Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
Guided Hiking Camels Hump in Vermont
Although the mountain summits dominate the area's scenery, the valley below also creates pleasant landscapes that hold walkers captivated at every bend and turn of the pathway.
Lodging is in Stowe, VT at one of the fine inns, and dining as at the great area restaurants.
*Please note – All transportation to / from the trip starting /ending points is your
responsibility. We will provide instructions.
[ More Vacation Packages ]
[ Vermont Travel Information ]
Relaxing Walks or Challenging Hikes
It's your choice!
6 Days and 5 Nights
Named for the distinctive features of the state's highest summit, Mt. Mansfield, this trip offers some rigorous hiking options as well as the usual superlative backroads and footpaths that we are known for. We also enjoy some of our most amazing picnic spots!
There are challenging walks, such as the Stowe Pinnacle; and easier (and downright easy) walks like: the Stowe Recreation Path, Prospect Rock, Moss Glen Falls, the Von Trapp Lodge trail system, the Ranch Valley loop, and wonderful Stowe-area back roads, plus much more.
Although the mountain summits dominate the area's scenery, the valley below also creates pleasant landscapes that hold walkers captivated at every bend and turn of the pathway.
For more information, fill out the form below and submit. Request # 206
The package provider may be in the field but will respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
Plan Your own Vermont Vacation
Accommodations | Cabins & Cottages | Outdoor Equipment | Support Services | Vermont Outdoors Woman | Vermont Travel Information
ATVs | Biking | Canoeing | Climbing | Cross Country Skiing | Dog Sledding | Downhill Skiing | Fishing / Hunting General Info | Farm Tours | Fishing Charters | Fly Fishing | Hang Gliding | Health / Wellness | Horses | Hot Air Ballooning | Hiking | Hunting Resources | Ice Fishing | Kayaking | Nature | Paragliding | Sailing | Sea Kayaking | Skill Development and Education | Skydiving | Snow boarding | Snowshoeing | Snowmobiling | Team Building | Whitewater Rafting | Women's Challenges | Youth Programs
Adventure Guides of Vermont
P.O. Box 3
North Ferrisburg, VT. 05473


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Mr. Said Djinnit
The Special Envoy
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed on 17 July 2014 Said Djinnit of Algeria as his Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. He succeeded Mary Robinson of Ireland as she accepted new responsibilities to be the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Climate Change.
Mr. Said Djinnit served as the first African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, after holding various positions in the Organization of African Unity, including as Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
Mr. Aniefiok Johnson
The Chief of Staff
Aniefiok Johnson is Chief of Staff, Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary‐General for the Great Lakes region, located in the United Nations Complex in Nairobi, Kenya. He has acquired over 27 years of experience from progressively responsible positions in diplomacy and international relations, including: Foreign Service postings to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York; the High Commission of Nigeria to Trinidad and Tobago, with concurrent accreditation to Barbados, Guyana and Suriname; the Nigerian Embassy in Bonn and Berlin, Germany as well as senior positions in the United Nations.


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Nicholas is a specialist in the rehabilitation of community infrastructures. With more than 20 years' experience, he has coordinated teams of professionals for the construction and rehabilitation of community infrastructures such as water supply systems, sewers, rainwater management systems, roadworks, and municipal parks.
Nicolas ensures the high technical quality of projects. He has worked for municipalities, healthcare and educational institutions, and transportation companies, in addition to partnering with the private sector on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Nicolas never ceases to imagine and implement creative solutions to meet the complex challenges facing him. Along with his team, he devotes himself to developing public infrastructure designs that will provide better management of the environmental impacts related to stormwater collection, retention, and quality.
Among his accomplishments, Nicolas has worked on the restoration of the Le Breton flats for the National Capital Commission (NCC) in Ottawa. This project required land decontamination and the preparation of an infrastructure master plan to develop a panoramic park near Parliament Hill. The challenges were immense considering the presence of historical remains and institutions like the Canadian War Museum.


text: We are planning a vacation to WDW in August 2010. We plan to take the train to Kissimmee & would have to rent a car/van to get around. I have have frantically searching sites for a private home that is within 5 miles of the park. So far, I have narrowed my searches to Villa Direct Homes & Dream Villas of Orlando. Has anyone stayed in these places and if so, how was your experience? If not, does anyone have any suggestions as I am about to pull out my hair from planning this trip. Thanks.


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Traveling Luck for Lakeview Country Club, West Virginia, United States
Where is Lakeview Country Club?What's around Lakeview Country Club?
Wikipedia near Lakeview Country Club
Where to stay near Lakeview Country Club
The timezone in Lakeview Country Club is America/Iqaluit
Sunrise at 08:12 and Sunset at 17:58. It's light
Latitude. 39.6667°, Longitude. -79.8542°
Weather near Lakeview Country Club; Report from Morgantown, Morgantown Municipal-Hart Field, WV 8.1km away
Weather :
Temperature: 1°C / 34°F
Wind: 4.6km/h South
Cloud: Sky Clear
Weather :
Temperature: 1°C / 34°F
Wind: 4.6km/h South
Cloud: Sky Clear
Satellite map around Lakeview Country Club
Loading map of Lakeview Country Club and it's surroudings
Geographic features & Photographs around Lakeview Country Club, in West Virginia, United States
- stream;
- a body of running water moving to a lower level in a channel on land.
- Whites Run (1km)
- Maple Run (1.2km)
- Kelly Run (1.6km)
- Coles Run (1.7km)
- Quarry Run (1.7km)
- Crammeys Run (1.8km)
- Clay Run (2.6km)
- Buzzard Run (3.4km)
- Morgan Run (5.6km)
- Rubles Run (6km)
- church;
- a building for public Christian worship.
- Community United Methodist Church (1.2km)
- Zion Church (1.2km)
- Cheat Neck Methodist Church (2.6km)
- Great Neck Church (2.6km)
- Mount Union Church (2.9km)
- Avery Church (3.5km)
- Canyon Presbyterian Church (4.2km)
- Calvary Church (5.6km)
- Forks of Cheat Church (6.4km)
- populated place;
- a city, town, village, or other agglomeration of buildings where people live and work.
- Cheat Lake (0.7km)
- Sunset Beach (1.7km)
- Greystone (3km)
- Cheat Neck (3.2km)
- Tyrone (3.7km)
- Pierpont (4.1km)
- Canyon (4.1km)
- Easton (6.4km)
- Local Feature;
- A Nearby feature worthy of being marked on a map..
- Lakeview Country Club (0km)
- Interchange 10 (0.7km)
- Ices Ferry (historical) (0.8km)
- Laurel Iron Works (historical) (2.5km)
- Clay Furnace (historical) (4.4km)
- Interchange 7 (5.1km)
- Fletcher Chapel (5.3km)
- Coopers Rock (5.7km)
- school;
- building(s) where instruction in one or more branches of knowledge takes place.
- Oak Grove School (1.9km)
- Cheat Lake Junior High School (2.4km)
- Mount Pleasant School (3.4km)
- Vandevort School (6.5km)
- Easton Elementary School (6.5km)
- Sugar Grove School (6.6km)
Accommodation around Lakeview Country Club
- cemetery;
- a burial place or ground.
- Baker Cemetery (1.7km)
- Donaldson Cemetery (2.8km)
- Blaney Cemetery (3.8km)
- Pleasant Hill Cemetery (5.4km)
- valley;
- an elongated depression usually traversed by a stream.
- Birch Hollow (2.5km)
- Darnell Hollow (5.4km)
- Johnson Hollow (5.6km)
- Blaney Hollow (5.7km)
- spring(s);
- a place where ground water flows naturally out of the ground.
- Philip Mascioli Spring (4.9km)
- Camp Linwood Spring (5.4km)
- Municipal Airport Farm Spring (6.2km)
- Brooks Spring (6.3km)
- reservoir(s);
- an artificial pond or lake.
- Tibbs Run Reservoir (5.4km)
- Trout Pond (6.6km)
- park;
- an area, often of forested land, maintained as a place of beauty, or for recreation.
- Mont Chateau State Park (historical) (1.2km)
- West Virginia Botanic Garden (5.3km)
- building(s);
- a structure built for permanent use, as a house, factory, etc..
- Mont Chateau (1.2km)
- island;
- a tract of land, smaller than a continent, surrounded by water at high water.
- Grassy Island (historical) (4.9km)
- bridge;
- a structure erected across an obstacle such as a stream, road, etc., in order to carry roads, railroads, and pedestrians across.
- Ices Ferry Bridge (0.7km)
- dam;
- a barrier constructed across a stream to impound water.
- Tibbs Run Reservoir Dam (5.4km)
Wikipedia entries close to
Lakeview Country Club
- Cheat Lake, West Virginia city city o
- Coopers Rock State Forest city city o
- Cheat Lake city city o
- Morgantown Municipal Airport airport airport
- Brookhaven, West Virginia city city o
- Point Marion, Pennsylvania city city o
- Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium landmark sport
- Morgantown, West Virginia city city o
- Westover, West Virginia city city o
- Star City, West Virginia city city o
- Granville, West Virginia city city o
- Masontown, West Virginia city city o
- Greensboro, Pennsylvania city city o
- Big Sandy Creek (Cheat River) city city o
- Smithfield, Pennsylvania city city o
- Cassville, West Virginia city city o
Airports close to Lakeview Country Club
Elkins randolph co jennings randolph(EKN), Elkins, Usa (105km)
Pittsburgh international(PIT), Pittsburgh (pennsylva), Usa (117.4km)
Altoona blair co(AOO), Altoona, Usa (179.7km)
Youngstown warren rgnl(YNG), Youngstown, Usa (229.3km)
Akron fulton international(AKR), Akron, Usa (247km)


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STARmeterSEE RANK
Down 12,288 this week
Jane Pauley
Jane Pauley was born on October 31, 1950 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA as Margaret Jane Pauley. She is an actress, known for CBS News Sunday Morning (1979), The Jane Pauley Show (2004) and Today (1952). She has been married to Garry Trudeau since June 14, 1980. They have three children. See full bio »
Born:in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA


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In order to equip students for the world of the 21st century, QCS has technology resources available in the learning environment. In secondary school, there is a computer lab with 20 computer stations with internet access, basic programs for school-related research, writing and other assignments. Some computers are equipped with Adobe Suite and other programs for classes such as Digital Photography and Yearbook. Juniors and Seniors are also given a Kindle for the year which they use for reading books assigned and chosen for literature and other classes.
In the Elementary school, there is a mobile lab of laptops which can be used for special projects.
QCS is committed to guiding students, as they develop into responsible citizens, to become knowledgeable and careful users of technology.
Thomas L. Dugue
Technology Director


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Make sure you Like SHTFPreparedness on Facebook or Follow us on Pinterest to be updated every time we post great articles on Prepping, Homesteading, Survival, DIY and other topics!
Power outages are actually a common occurrence, especially if you get a lot of snow in the winter or a lot of storms in the spring. The refrigerator stops running and everything starts to defrost. If you live in the tropical climate, the air conditioning is the first to shut off and so are the ceiling fans.
Out comes the flashlights, and portable fans, and you just sit quietly, waiting for the power to return. Most power outages, caused by accidents that compromise power lines, are usually repaired in a day or two but some outages last for weeks and weeks, see how you can make it bearable below:
How to Make a Power Outage Bearable
Source link


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I made the mistake of hitting that start button.
Yes, the Murdoch clan have their finger in so many pies it is truly a big brother thing. There should be a law against owning so much media.
Here and there, snippets of news regarding the ill-doings from Murdoch's evil empire, News Corp. (call it Murdocor if you wish) barely surfaces above the radar. There is no clear news that investigations into Fourth Estate abuses continue. While news junkies cull the internet for News Corp. proceedings, MMA invites you to indulge yourself in a mid-week guilty pleasure. Wack-A-Murdoch How many doppelgangers can you whack? You may want to hammer out your frustrations before you continue reading this article. And, if you get through it, you may need to return to this frustration breaker from Save the News.org.
Murdoch's News Corp. not only encompasses has outlets all over the country. His media empire includes everything from local TV stations and cable channels to local and national newspapers. With so much control over news media, Murdoch has unprecedented power to influence public debates and judiciary decisions.
Journalists at Murdoch's New York Post, Wall Street Journal, and FOX "News," want people to know as little as possible about the 9/11 phone-hacking scandal which originated at Murdoch's News of the World. The official company line? he scandal is a political witch hunt orchestrated by jealous business rivals trying to tear Murdoch down, despite serious allegations that News Corp. employees broke United States and International law.
As of the last week, only few articles about News Corp. surfaced:
- "Murdoch's Pattern of Alleged Hacking Cover-ups" (Media Matters for America, 08.16.11):
When the News Corp. phone-hacking scandal broke big last month and Rupert Murdoch's company came under fire for previously insisting that lawbreaking at its tabloid had not been widespread problem, I noted that News Corp.'s initial internal investigation into the matter had either been completely inept, or part of a failed cover-up…. with more damaging scandal revelations from London tumbling out into plain view, it appears cover-up may have won out over ineptitude. And what's telling is that we're now beginning to see a pattern of alleged hacking cover-ups within News Corp. It's a pattern that extends from Britain to the United States, and one that law enforcement ought to be focusing in on.
- British PM's Former Aide Paid by News Corp While Working for Conservative (Voice of America, 08.23.11)
A former aide to British Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly received payments from Rupert Murdoch's News Corp while serving as the Conservative Party's director of communications in 2007.
- Arrest of LA correspondent takes hacking scandal into new territory (UK Independent, 08.19.11)
The Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal reported this week that American authorities have widened their inquiry into News Corp to establish whether there are grounds for investigating corporate wrongdoing at the media giant's US…
- Andy Coulson faces new hacking questions (UK Independent, 08.16.11)
In a separate submission to the committee, James Murdoch, the deputy chief executive of News Corp, disclosed payments worth £243,502 had been made to A spokeswoman for News International – News Corp's UK newspaper publishing…
- MPs split over disclosure of 'dynamite' hacking evidence (UK Independent, 08.16.11)
Mr Murdoch, the boss of News Corp in Europe, stands by his testimony to MPs that he had no knowledge of the so-called "for Neville" email, which suggests that knowledge of hacking went beyond one reporter at the NOTW.
Why should we care about the absence of any widespread, substantive news coverage regarding the charges against Murdoch and News Corp.? Do the allegations against the Murdoch empire affect us? Yes. You can run, but you can't hide. Holdings iclude National Geographic, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Dow Jones, provides a straightforward explanation as to why we are kept unaware of the developments in the News Corp. scandal. There were some rumblings about News Corp. buying Viacom and Nikelodeon, but so far any such information appears to be rumor.
Newspapers (U.S.)
Newspapers (International)
Dow Jones
Dow Jones Client Solutions
Other News Properties
Online Properties
How many Murdoch moles did you whack? Sure, you can try again. If you have any breaking news about News Corp. from the last week, please share.Click here for reuse options!
Before Reagan's deregulation, there was a law. Broadcasting companies were only allowed to own one AM radio station, one FM radio station, and one television station. But he broke up Bell Labs in "Baby Bells" because the communications company was a "monopoly."
I don't remember where I got this, but here you go…
In 1949, the Fairness Doctrine was established. The Fairness Doctrine was a major step forward in limiting the power of media corporations' control over communications systems and remains a model relevant in today's marketplace. It established that the media needed to serve the public interest in certain ways. It also emphasized the importance of allowing all points of view to be heard. In the words of the Media Access Project, an organization dedicated to improving media democracy, "for fifty years, the fairness doctrine advanced the public's First Amendment right to receive information on important issues. The fairness doctrine arises from the principle, reaffirmed by Congress and the United States Supreme Court, that broadcasters have special public trustee obligations, which they voluntarily incur in exchange for the exclusive use of scarce public airwaves." The Doctrine sought to ensure that the media served as a vehicle for the public to access to information and to make certain that controversial issues of public importance would be discussed in fair and balanced ways.
The concern for a diverse media ownership continued into the 1960s and 1970s. In 1964, the Local TV Multiple Ownership Rule was written into law. This law prevented owning multiple television stations in any given market, unless there are more than 8 stations within the market. In 1970, the Radio/TV Cross Ownership Rule was founded, which prevented big media from owning a television and radio station in the same market jurisdiction. Similarly, owning both a broadcast television station and a newspaper was barred in 1975.
Then, in the early 1980s, the wave of media regulation stopped. President Ronald Reagan began reversing regulation laws and systematically demolishing media restraints. First, Reagan rescinded the rules that ensured that non-entertainment programming would be broadcast. Reagan then initiated the major overturn of media regulation policy in 1987, when the Bush administration sought to put an end to the Fairness Doctrine. In the court case Meredith Corp. v. FCC, the courts ruled that the FCC was no longer responsible for regulating the Fairness Doctrine because Congress did not mandate it.


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Feast of the Watershed
Feast of the Watershed
April 24, 2016
5-9 p.m.
The Parlor
205 Lake Ave., Traverse City
Happy hour beginning at 5 p.m., hors d'ouerves by The Parkor and small plates inspired by the watershed we call home by some of area's top chefs.
Tickets: $35 each (via MyNorth Ticketing)
More information coming soon!
Net proceeds support The Watershed Center's mission to protect and preserve Grand Traverse Bay and its 1,000-square-mile watershed.


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UFC 139 domination: Faber fabulous in earning another shot against Cruz
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Urijah Faber was tired of hearing he didn't deserve an immediate rematch against Dominick Cruz for his UFC bantamweight title, so he took matters into his own hands and laid some lumber on Brian Bowles.
Faber crushed Bowles with an uppercut in the second. The Georgia native was stunned and eventually found himself on his back after Faber nailed him with a knee in close quarters. Faber went into overdrive on the ground. Bowles couldn't fend him off. Faber eventually got control of Bowles' head and locked him on a mean guillotine choke to get the submission victory at 1:27 of the second round at UFC 139 in the HP Pavilion.
[Related: Dan Henderson tops 'Shogun' in epic all-time battle]
Just seconds after the fight was finished, Faber (26-5, 2-1 UFC) immediately turned his attention to his nemesis Cruz.
"Dominick, you can run but you can't hide. Throw some gel in that widow's peak and let's do some work. Let's battle," Faber said.
Faber and Cruz brawled for five hard rounds at UFC 132. Cruz won via unanimous decision, but Faber believes the judges blew it. Before Saturday's fight, he admitted he needs to play to the judges more to get a win against Cruz, who is a whirling dervish that wins over MMA judges with his high-volume style.
Tonight, Faber showed some stones trading shots with the heavy-handed Bowles throughout the first. Bowles' lone path to victory was probably landing a big right hand. Faber's movement, fakes and speed threw Bowles off. He wasn't aggressive.
In the second, Faber took advantage of a very flat-footed Bowles. The 5-foot-6 Faber covered roughly five feet of space in a split second and landed the huge uppercut.
"I feel really good man. I feel great. I came out looking for the win and get a big finish like that. I think Brian Bowles is a warrior. I like that guy a lot. I had a general game plan going out there but I had to be ready. I'm sad for him but I'm really stoked for me right now," Faber said.
Bowles simply couldn't recover from the bomb landed by Faber.
"It was a tough fight, there isn't really much I can say about it. I went out there and I just really never got in my groove. Took a big punch, got rocked. He gave me a couple pounds on the ground and I didn't recover. I was rattled when he got the choke and I just never got back," Bowles said.
Other popular stories on Yahoo! Sports:
• Loyalties could make or break Sprint Cup winner
• Winners/losers: College football thrown into chaos
• Paul Pierce: Players needed to make stand


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Posted: 02/04/2016
The Toolcat™ 5600 and 5610 utility work machines can lift, haul and use more than 40 attachments to complete any job. In addition, the Toolcat 5610 has options for 3-point hitch, rear PTO and rear remote hydraulics. Both models provide unmatched ride, performance and versatility.
Imagine the time you could save by not slowing down to start up another machine. With the Toolcat 5600 or 5610, you can reclaim valuable space because you won't have to store equipment that gets used only occasionally. And, you can cut the extra costs of maintaining multiple machines. One Toolcat utility work machine does the work of a pickup, skid-steer loader, tractor, utility vehicle - and more.
Toolcat work machines can comfortably transport two people and all their tools to a site and finish the job in one trip. The four-wheel independent suspension system and automotive-inspired cab features, including foot pedals, adjustable seats, and adjustable tilt steering wheel, give the Toolcat models the fit, finish and comfort of an automobile. At the same time, these rugged machines are built to Bobcat® equipment standards - so they power through tough jobs with ease.
Tow 4,000 pounds with the standard 2-inch receiver hitch. The Toolcat 5600 and 5610 have all-wheel steering for working on sensitive surfaces, and four-wheel drive to travel through the toughest soil conditions. Unlike a truck, Toolcat utility work machines can lift materials and level ground. They have an amazingly tight turning radius - smaller than most ATVs - allowing you to maneuver in the tightest spaces. The hydrostatic braking system and multi-disc wet brakes give you confidence when towing. Haul 2,000 pounds of materials, tools and supplies in the hydraulic dump cargo box (Toolcat 5600 only) and unload in just seconds, without leaving the cab and without shoveling. When you want to transport bulky equipment, remove the Toolcat 5600's cargo box side panels and it becomes a flatbed.
Lift 1,500 pounds 7 feet high with the front-mounted lift arm. Toolcat utility work machines offer the tough durability of a skid-steer loader with more versatility, superior suspension and incredible operator comfort.
Both models have auxiliary hydraulics so you can take on many of the same jobs as a skid-steer loader. Optional high-flow hydraulics allow you to operate attachments even more efficiently. The passenger seat allows you to save time and gas/fuel by not having to drive a second vehicle to two-person jobs.
The Toolcat 5610 offers even more ways to transform the way you work. It unites lifting, towing and attachment capabilities with options for 3-point hitch, rear PTO and rear remote hydraulics. Blow snow, then blade the tight corners. Sweep, then blow leaves or debris. Easily transition between jobs - or finish two tasks in one pass.
Toolcat utility work machines give you a direct, comfortable view of your work. Tackle jobs with the front-mounted attachments. Plus, you can change the attachments in less than a minute - no tools required. It's easy to operate because the cab is intuitively designed and mimics driving a car. Operators unfamiliar with running a skid-steer or compact tractor find Toolcat utility work machines easy to operate and use. They even come with cruise control for long trips or for big mowing jobs.
Lift, dump and level ground. You'll enjoy the comfortable ride because of the advanced suspension system, adjustable seats, tilt steering and comfort cab features and options like an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning to keep you comfortable year-round. The more than 35 attachments add versatility. You can buy the attachments you use most and rent others for one-time jobs. With lifting, hauling and towing capabilities plus easy-to-change front-mounted attachments, the Toolcat 5600 will quickly become a versatile worker in your fleet or on your estate. Choose the Toolcat 5610 for front and rear work options - or the ability to perform two tasks at the same time.


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COLLEGE PARK – University of Maryland police last night arrested two squirrels suspected of committing several unsolved robbery and assault cases this semester.
The two squirrels were arrested after a foot chase that lasted several minutes, involving several trees, the gutters above Montgomery Hall, a Blue Line shuttle bus, and a power line. Police announced that a task force determined the two squirrels "fit the description" of several unsolved cases of assault and/or robbery in College Park this year.
Recently, a string of robberies and assaults have left College Park residents angry and demanding answers. Armed robberies have struck houses as recently as a few days ago, students have been beaten in public, and there have been several rapes over the past few years. The descriptions have always managed to fit the squirrels – black males, black hair, six feet tall. The squirrels have been committing their crimes out of trees and fences, boosting their heights.
"These crimes will finally come to an end," said UMPD spokesman Marc Limansky.
It was a joyous moment for University officials, who have enacted a series of initiatives to limit the black squirrel presence on campus, including banning them from approaching within 150 yards of all campus eateries, athletic facilities, and performing arts centers.
"We will rid the entire campus of these ungodly beasts," raved UMD Provost Ann Wylie. "Never again will these black bastards torment this campus. No more innocent humans and grey squirrels being beaten and raped. Never again will thievery reign throughout the land. Never again will they bring their barbarism and indecency to corrupt our peaceful gray-squirreled society. As long as we keep these monsters in check, we needn't concern ourselves that anything else is a problem."
No word yet on a response from the black-squirreled community. While some have suggested that a statement is not forthcoming since the squirrels are incapable of speech or thought, Wylie had a different opinion.
"They're learning their f—–g place."
Bullwinkle J. Moose contributed to this report. He can be reached at email@example.com
Follow us on Twitter @ThirstyTimes, find us on Facebook


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Love this case
I was looking for a new phone case that would compliment the look of my phone and provide good protection from damage. As my previous Obliq case protected my phone really well and had a great feel to it, I decided to go with Obliq again. Although this case was on the expensive side, I was not disappointed. It looks and feels great without adding extra bulk to the phone and I trust it will provide good protection should I drop it. I would definitely recommend this case.


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Results 1 to 12 of 12
June 17th, 2007, 06:00 AM #1
sales slow?
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Posts
- 62
Is anyone else seeing super slow sales since June 9th?
June 17th, 2007, 08:08 AM #2
- Join Date
- June 7th, 2006
- Posts
- 1,596
Not for me, doing pretty well actually.
June 17th, 2007, 03:30 PM #3
Today is damn slow. Is it Father's day ?
June 17th, 2007, 04:20 PM #4
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Posts
- 2,973
Trev - one of my sites is a resource for teachers, and so I've seen a marked drop in traffic and sales in June. For that site, the traffic and sales charts show a rapid, consistent drop-off from mid-May through this past week (as most schools close for the summer) -- traffic and sales are well below 50% of the April/May levels, which were already depressed from previous months. I expect traffic and sales will level out at current levels, until many teachers start planning in August.
There is a "normal" traffic and sales drop during the summer, which extends to all my sites, except a few seasonal sites (e.g. picnic/camping/outdoors).
During some of my "free time" (when not consulting for a client), I'm enhancing that "teacher" site, in anticipation of the upsurge in August and September. I'm also starting my "Christmas work," re-building and updating sites that drew strong sales this past Christmas, while planning for some new sites to try to draw more sales this fall and winter.
June 17th, 2007, 11:54 PM #5
summer is down for me, but nothing unusual since jun 9....well this weekend is slow because of the holiday.
June 18th, 2007, 04:11 AM #6
June has been the best month of the year for me
June 18th, 2007, 09:34 AM #7Originally Posted by jackson992
June 18th, 2007, 10:26 AM #8
- Join Date
- January 18th, 2005
- Posts
- 403
June has been pretty bad in everything but personals. Retail stuff stinks right now - clothes & shoes, home improvement, electronics, food & snacks, diet programs, select dating is bad but there are other sites rockin' right along. Can't wait till we get through these summer months and get back to school and into the holiday shopping season!
June 18th, 2007, 03:18 PM #9
Actually what seems to be hot right now is automotive
June 18th, 2007, 04:02 PM #10
From mid - June things slow up a bit for many products. People are outside, school is out, vacations are in the works and long days of sunshine keep more folks outdoors. I'll copy and paste this post each year at this time as a refresherJoin the Spicy Aprons Affiliate program on ShareASale Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/spicyaprons Follow us on Twitter @Spicyaprons
June 18th, 2007, 04:04 PM #11Originally Posted by jackson992Join the Spicy Aprons Affiliate program on ShareASale Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/spicyaprons Follow us on Twitter @Spicyaprons
June 22nd, 2007, 02:34 PM #12
- Join Date
- June 22nd, 2007
- Posts
- 1
I have shown a slowdown too. A Mega slow down since June 9th. Kids getting out of school makes sense. I was and will still wonder though. I was just starting to see money coming in. $25.00 last check, and then Since June 9th I have $2.44 and nothing for at least a week. I will be spending the summer gearing up for the fall :-)
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Author's Note:
I've always wanted to write something that involved my two favorite characters from Jurassic Park, and I've finally been able to sit down and do just that. This is a prequel to Jurassic Park, that begins in 1991, when Ellie Sattler first meets Alan Grant.
It is an in-depth look into their relationship and how it progresses. It will incorporate things from the novels, the films, and several versions of scripts. It will conclude with Hammond's proposal, in 1993, when Hammond asks them to go to that "mysterious" island, that is Jurassic Park.
So I hope you enjoy it. And please, comment and let me know how I'm doing. Comments (either here or through email) are excellent helpers for an inspiring writer, so please don't hesitate to tell me what you think.
Thanks, and now on with the story!
by Yvonne Bartha
Chapter 1: A Hero In The Night
May 17, 1991 - Friday
Ellie Sattler was driving on a very dark and narrow road. It was about 10:30pm, and she was trying to be cautious on the dangerously winding road. She was on her way to her new summer place in Northeastern Montana. She had been accepted as one of the new student volunteers, at one of the many dig sites located there, and she was ecstatically happy about it. She was only a thesis away from becoming a Paleobotanist. She planned on getting some field research in this summer and then submitting her thesis, back in California, the following semester. It would be a lot of hard work, being that a thesis was one of the toughest parts of any Ph.D., but she was determined and quite happy with the situation she was able to get herself into. She was expected to be there in two days, but her mother had assisted in getting her an apartment near the dig site, and that's where she was heading now. She wanted to have a few days to get to know her new surroundings, before reporting to the dig site on Monday morning.
She had the driver's side window rolled down, so that she could take in some of the fresh air. Her medium length blonde hair danced around as the night air entered the car. Even at night, on this lonely two-lane highway, she felt as though she belonged. Montana was a very scenic state, full of mountains and beautiful canyons, especially where she was headed, and she was anxious to take in everything the state had to offer. Her mother had tried to talk her out of moving so far away from home, in Georgia, but Ellie had promised that it would only be for the summer.
She was about to slow down and pull over, to look at her map again, when one of her tires on her car gave way, exploding with a loud "pop". Ellie's car sharply veered off to right and headed for the small cliff on the side of the road. She grabbed hold of the steering wheel and yanked it back the other way, but the car continued to go toward the cliff. She never panicked. She just kept pressure on the brakes and on the wheel, until the car slowed down enough for her to regain some control. It skidded to a stop, along the shoulder of the country road. Her body was jerked to the side, as the car stopped moving. She sat in the driver's seat, slightly shaking, as she thought about how close she came to driving off the cliff. It probably would have been considered suicide, she thought to herself.
She opened the car door and stepped outside, to survey the damage. The left rear tire was blown out and pieces of it were scattered all over the road. She walked to the edge of the cliff and reluctantly looked down, instantly regretting it. The sheer drop almost made her dizzy, as it shook her up even more. She walked shakily to the trunk and opened it, looking for the spare. She swore to herself, when she remembered that it was taken out about 2 weeks before. She had needed the extra space in the trunk to transport something for her mother, and she had forgotten to put the tire back. She swore silently again, and closed the trunk, hitting the top of it over and over in frustration.
She got back in the car, and reached over to the passenger seat, where her purse was. She opened her purse, revealing a portable phone. Her uncle was in the electronics business, and had insisted that she take one of his portable phones, if she was set on going to the middle of nowhere. She turned it on and called information. There was some static, but she was able to hear adequately. Information connected her to a local tow truck service station. She requested a tow truck, but couldn't figure out where the hell she was exactly, so the dispatcher told her they would be there when they could. She left the phone on and placed it back into her purse. She left the car accessories on, so that she could leave the headlights of the car on. That way, people could see her on the side of the road. She didn't like the idea of sitting out in the middle of nowhere . . . alone . . . so she turned the radio on, to distract herself.
She was about to give the tow truck place another call, when she saw headlights appear a short distance ahead of her. She smiled and put the phone down. For a precaution, she also casually grabbed the mace can from her purse. She was in the middle of nowhere in the pitch blackness, after all. She got out of the car and began to wave her arms in distress. The headlights become brighter and brighter, as the vehicle got closer. After a few seconds, Ellie could see that the headlights belonged to a truck. The truck slowed down as it approached, and then came to a stop right next to her. Now that she could see the truck clearly, she sighed as she saw that it wasn't the tow truck. She could see a man inside, which caused her to become a little alarmed. The window rolled down. The man had to roll it down by hand.
"What seems to be the problem here?" The man asked.
He had a hint of an Australian accent.
"Oh, well, my car blew a tire."
The man looked over at her car.
"Looks like you nearly ran off the side of the mountain."
Ellie slightly bent down to see the man's face more clearly. He had messy brown hair and was in need of a shave, as he had the beginnings of a beard. Her first impression of him was that he was nice looking, even with the messy appearance. She found herself staring at his mouth as he spoke. She snapped out of it, after realizing what she was doing.
"Yeah. I was frightened for a few minutes there. But I managed to get the car stopped."
"Do you need some help?"
Ellie wasn't sure why she felt so at ease with the stranger, but the plain fact was that she did feel safe.
"Oh, yes. Could you? I don't have a spare tire. I could really use a ride into the next town, if that isn't too much trouble?"
The man smiled.
"It's no trouble at all. Just get your things and we'll head out," he said.
Ellie turned and went to her car. She put the mace back in her purse and grabbed her portable phone. Then she grabbed one of the bigger bags from the backseat. She put the bag on the ground and closed all of the car doors, locking the car with her car keypad. When she went to pick up the large and heavy bag, the man from the truck appeared next to her, and grabbed the handle of the bag. His sudden appearance startled her and she almost screamed, as she reached her hand into her purse, securing the mace. The man could see that he frightened her, and so he tried to make conversation.
"I'm just trying to help here, so you can relax a little bit, okay? The name's Alan."
Ellie smiled at him. His face seemed vaguely familiar to her, but she couldn't place where she might have seen him. She decided to stop thinking about it for right now, as the man continued to look at her, waiting for her introduction.
"Well, pleased to meet you Alan," she said. Then she let the mace can go and pointed at herself, "Ellie."
"Well, welcome to Montana, Ellie," he said, smiling again.
She nodded. He picked up her bag, over-exaggerating its heaviness, and then carried it toward his truck. After putting the bag in the truck bed in the back, he walked around to the passenger side of the truck and opened the door for her. She smiled and got into the truck. As he was walking around to the other side, he began to think about the perfume she was wearing. It was mesmerizing really, and she was a very beautiful woman . . . he noticed that instantly. He opened the driver's side door and got inside, glancing over at her and smiling again.
"So, where are you heading?"
Ellie had no idea. It was then that she remembered the map was sitting in the passenger seat of her car.
"Well, I was on my way to Jordan, but I'm afraid to say I'm a little mixed up as to which direction that might be."
Alan smiled.
"Ah, Jordan. Nice little city. I know where it is."
"Oh, good. About how far, do you have an idea?"
"About another hour, a little bit less. You don't have that much farther to go."
He put the truck in gear and they began to drive away. Ellie didn't know what to do with her car. It probably wouldn't be wise to leave it here, in the middle of nowhere. As she was thinking about what to do, Alan spoke.
"When we get to the next town, you can call for a tow truck. It's only a few miles away."
"Oh, I already did that," she said, holding up her portable phone. "But because I have no idea where I am, I don't think they'll be coming anytime soon."
Alan glanced at the device in her hand. It was very big and clunky looking, making him snicker.
"That thing is a phone?"
Ellie laughed, too.
"Yeah, my uncle made me bring it. And I'm happy that I did now. I'll call the tow truck guy again, if you could tell me where we are."
Ellie dialed the operator again, and was connected to the tow truck dispatcher.
"Holanda Tow Services. Jack speaking."
"Uh, hello, Jack. My name is Ellie Sattler. I called a little earlier . . . about a car with a blown tire?"
Alan continued to drive, as he listened to the conversation. Now he knew her last name.
"Sure, ma'am. I remember you. Did you figure out where you were yet?"
"Very funny. Yes I have the location now."
"Care to share it with me, ma'am?"
Ellie rolled her eyes, and then she looked at Alan.
"Where is it again?"
"Off Highway 59. About 60 miles south of Jordan, off Exit 203."
Ellie nodded and repeated the location to the dispatcher.
"Okay, ma'am. It looks as though I have a truck in the vicinity. He'll be there in about an hour."
"An hour?" Ellie yelled into the phone, "In the vicinity . . . means a damn hour?"
Alan glanced at her while she was screaming, and then brought his attention back to the dark road ahead. He found her to be very outspoken, and he admired her for that. She was not only beautiful, but she seemed to be able to take care of herself.
"Whoa, ma'am, look, don't start swearing at the messenger. An hour is the best that I can do. Would you rather he didn't show up at all?"
"Of course not," she said into the phone, somewhat calmer than the previous outburst.
"Okay, good. Then he'll be there in an hour, ma'am."
Ellie turned the phone off and stewed in the truck for a few seconds, before blurting out how she felt about the situation.
"If that damn guy ma'am's me, one more time, I'll track him down and punch him."
Alan chuckled and Ellie looked at him.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm not about to call you ma'am," he stated.
She laughed.
"Well, thanks for that."
"You're welcome," he said, and then he changed the subject, "So, since the tow truck will be here soon, why don't I just take you to the nearest town and treat you to a late dinner?"
Ellie wanted to accept the invitation immediately, but she let the question linger in the air for a bit, before she responded.
"Sure. Only it's not necessary to buy me dinner."
"I insist."
Ellie decided to let him have his way for the time being.
"Okay, then."
"Good, it's settled," he said, smiling.
He glanced at her a few times, while talking with her, but now he paid attention to the winding road outstretched in front of him. He couldn't seem to stop thinking about how beautiful and vibrant she was. He hadn't really thought about a woman, since his wife had passed away a few years ago. He found himself wanting to know more about this particular woman, whom he found on the side of the road.
He drove the truck several miles down the road and pulled into a small roadside diner. Ellie looked at the rickety old building.
"This place is open?"
Alan smiled.
"Yeah, I think so. Everything around here kind of looks old and run down."
Ellie looked at him and spoke before she even thought about what she was saying.
"Not everything is old and run down."
Feeling completely stupid, she turned away from him, opened the truck door and got out. Alan sat there for a minute smiling, and then he opened the driver's door and followed her toward the building. He jogged up past her and opened the aging door. She nodded and smiled uneasily, and then went through the door.
As she went inside, she took in the environment. It was very casual, with a few people sitting in the small room. There were only about 7 booths and a bar toward the back, complete with about 10 bar stools. It looked as though there was just one waitress, which was adequate for a place of this size. It was somewhat run down, but it had a very nice homey feeling to it. She felt comfortable there, that was for sure. Alan walked toward one of the booths. When he found the one he wanted, he gestured for her to sit down.
She nodded again, as he played the gentleman part and waited for her to sit down first. He really was a very nice man, she kept thinking to herself. Whenever he would look away, she would stare at the features on his face, trying to decide how old he might be. She thought about asking him directly, but then decided she would just wait until another time.
"So, what kind of food do you like?"
"Oh, a lot of different things really. I'm not all that fussy."
Alan nodded and a few seconds later the waitress was at their table.
"What can I get for you two?"
Alan looked at Ellie, so she ordered first.
"I'll have a cheeseburger and fries, please."
The waitress nodded, but didn't write it down. She was one of those people who didn't have to write things down.
"And what to drink?"
"Some iced tea, please."
The waitress nodded, indicating she got the order, then she looked at Alan.
"And for you, sir?"
"Same," he said.
The waitress walked away and began to yell the order to the kitchen.
"Nice place here," Ellie said, looking around.
Alan looked around, too.
"Yeah, pretty nice. I've never been here before. I hope the food is good . . . so you don't hold it against me."
"Don't worry, I won't," Ellie said smiling at him.
She found herself smiling at him quite often and she told herself she needed to stop that, before he thought she was some crazy person.
Alan had been thinking about how much she smiled at him, too. He didn't find it crazy, though. He rather enjoyed it. There was something about Ellie that made him very comfortable, as well. He was beginning to feel like he might be able to talk to her for hours in this little dump.
They continued to talk about mostly nothing, and then the food came. They quickly ate, and then Alan went to the payphone to check on the progress of the tow truck. When he came back to the table, Ellie was getting money out.
"There's no need for that. Really. I told you I wanted to treat you to dinner."
"Oh, well, it's okay. I wouldn't feel right having you pay."
"It would be my pleasure," he said, staring into her eyes.
Ellie didn't say anything for a second, as she just stared back. Alan broke the silence.
"Besides, it would allow me to properly greet you into town. How's that?"
"Okay, then," she said, putting her money away, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Ellie changed the subject.
"So, did they get to my car yet?"
He was still staring into her eyes. When he heard the question, it took him a minute for it to register.
"Oh . . . uh, yeah. They found the car. He said they were fixing it right now."
"We should be heading back then," Ellie said.
Alan nodded in agreement. He went to the register and paid for the meal, and then he walked her outside. She quickly got in the truck and he did the same. They began to drive back the way they came.
"Can I at least give you some money for gas?"
"You're a very difficult man," she joked.
"I've been told that before."
"I bet you have," she countered.
Alan playfully slapped the dashboard.
"And I thought my people skills were improving," he said. Then looking at her, "Guess I was wrong."
She laughed at him. She enjoyed his company and she was getting disappointed, now that they were getting close to where her car was. Soon, they would depart and go their separate ways.
"Well, maybe someone just needs to work closer with you, in regards to those people skills of yours."
"Yeah, possibly," he said, watching the road and Ellie at the same time.
Ellie noticed that he was looking at something ahead of them. She looked that way, too, and saw the tow truck lights flashing. Alan drove about another mile and then slowed the truck down, as they grew closer. A few seconds later he stopped the truck, put it into park, and looked at Ellie.
"Well, it looks as though they fixed it already."
"Yeah," Ellie said, disappointed.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing."
Ellie opened the passenger's side door and got out of the truck, putting a cease to Alan's questions. She walked up to her car. The tow truck driver was still messing with something near the rear of the car.
"How's it coming along?" She asked, as she approached him.
The tow truck driver was hunched over, looking at something on the back of the car. Ellie startled him, causing him to jump to his feet quickly. His sudden movements startled Ellie in return, causing her to take several steps backward.
Alan was still in his truck, just waiting for her to get back into her car and drive away safely. When he saw her defensive movements, he quickly got out and headed toward her. He could hear her verbally disagreeing with the man, as she continued to shake her head in defiance. He reached Ellie and then walked past her.
"Everything all right?" He asked.
The tow truck driver looked up in a rush, as if the sudden presence of someone else was in no way possible.
"No, everything is NOT all right. The lady owes me money and she won't pay."
Just from uttering the first few syllables, Alan could tell the man was drunk. Very drunk. In fact, it surprised him that the man could even drive.
"I'm sure she's going to pay you . . . ," Alan looked at the name tag sewn into the man's shirt, "Raymond."
Ellie was happy to see that Alan hadn't driven off yet. It was well past midnight now, and being alone with this man on a deserted highway was certain trouble. She looked at Alan.
"He wants five hundred bucks. Or he says he'll flatten the new tire."
"Five hundred dollars?" Alan said, sort of laughing. He looked at Raymond, pulling some money out of his own pocket, "How about 30 dollars, Raymond? That's fair."
Raymond shook his head.
"I don't think so, mister."
Alan noticed the man had a crowbar in his hand and it made him a little uneasy. He backed off and joined Ellie, who was still keeping her distance. Raymond moved closer to them.
"If the lady doesn't have the money, she could pay it off in another way," Raymond slurred.
Ellie couldn't believe what the man just said. Alan became understandably angry.
"Raymond, I think you should quit while you're ahead."
"How am I ahead, mister? I haven't been paid. Now if she comes home with me, then . . . then I'll be ahead," Raymond said, snickering and still holding the crowbar.
"Well, I can tell you this much. She's not going anywhere with you."
"Mister, you want me to beat you to death with this thing?" Raymond stated gesturing to his crowbar.
Ellie already had a bad feeling about the situation, even before Raymond started to threaten people. She grabbed Alan's hand and pulled him away from Raymond.
"Let's just get back in your truck, okay?"
As Alan looked toward her, just for that second, Raymond made his move. He stepped forward, swinging the crowbar toward Alan. Ellie could see the whole thing. She screamed and pulled Alan toward her. The crowbar missed him and smashed into the backseat side window, causing glass to fly everywhere.
Alan rushed toward the drunk man, but wasn't able to do anything to him. Ellie was already doing something. She sprayed Raymond with her mace. They watched him grab for his eyes, lose his footing, trip over his own feet, knock himself out on Ellie's car door, and then fall to the pavement hard. Ellie was beside herself, as she tried to take everything in that had just happened.
"Holy shit! Are you okay!?" Ellie yelled from behind Alan.
"I'm fine," Alan said, looking at Raymond's unconscious body, and then glancing over at Ellie and her mace can.
"That damn guy tried to kill you!" She yelled.
"He's just drunk," Alan said, still trying to comprehend what had happened.
"Yeah, but he was a drunk with a damn crowbar."
"Where did you get that?" He asked, gesturing toward Ellie's mace can.
"I carry it with me for protection."
"Well, it certainly came in handy."
"Yeah," Ellie said, and then she snickered, "And to think, I was toying with the idea of using it on you when you first pulled up."
"Remind me to never upset you," he stated.
Ellie laughed. Alan smiled and then surveyed the damage to her car.
"The bastard broke your window."
"Better than your head," Ellie offered.
Alan looked at her. She still couldn't believe what had just transpired. She was full of energy and quite alert.
"Holy shit," she repeated, much softer than before.
They stood in the road, uncertain of what to do next. Ellie finally made the first move.
"Well, let's get him back in his tow truck at least. I'll call them and let them know where he is."
Alan nodded. Together, they were able to get Raymond back into his truck. Alan slammed the door of the tow truck and Ellie could hear the door hit Raymond in the head. She figured he did it on purpose, but didn't question him. She only snickered. Alan looked at her, laughing a little bit himself.
"You going to be okay driving that car?"
"Oh, yeah. No worries," she said in her best fake Australian accent.
"Was that some sort of Australian joke?"
"Uh, no."
"Good, because it was awful."
She laughed.
"Note to self. No more Australian humor."
After she achieved the desired response from him, she opened her car door and got inside, careful to check for glass that might have flown into the front seat. He closed the door for her and then leaned down to talk to her.
"I guess that's it then," he stated.
"Thank you very much for all your help . . . and dinner."
"You're welcome, Ellie."
She really liked how he said her name. She didn't want to just let him drive away, possibly never seeing him again.
"Perhaps we'll meet again," she said.
"Yes. I would like that."
Ellie went for it.
"Could I call you sometime, maybe?"
Alan took the bait and happily went along.
"Sure. Hold on, I'll write my number down for you."
Ellie opened her glove compartment.
"Here. Here's some paper and a pen."
He smiled and took the paper and pen from her, quickly scribbled a number on the paper, and handed it back to her. She didn't read it. She just put it in her pocket and thanked him. He nodded and walked toward his truck. Ellie started her car and put it into gear. She slowly drove toward his truck, where he was just getting in. He looked at her.
"If I'm ever attacked by an over-priced, drunk, crowbar-wielding madman again . . . I'll give you a call, okay?"
He laughed. She really liked his laugh and she found herself staring at his lips again, as he spoke. Now she wished she had figured out how to get a good-bye kiss from the endearing stranger.
"Okay, that's a deal. Hope to hear from you soon," he answered.
"Sooner than you might think actually. Which way to Jordan again?"
He pointed to the north.
"Okay, got it. Thanks again, Alan."
"It was no trouble. Well, not much trouble anyway."
He started his truck and began to drive away. He held his arm out of the rolled down window and waved at her. She waved back and began to drive her car down the two-lane highway, in the opposite direction.


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In 17 days, Batman Begins will turn 9 years old. In celebration of that, I've compiled a list of my favorite movie facts about the first film in Nolan's Batman trilogy. The next two articles will be published within the week, and will be linked at the bottom of this article when released. Enjoy!
All facts were pulled from the Batman Begins IMDB page, unless stated or sourced otherwise.
Much of Batman's gear and apparel, including his cape and suit, is based on actual military technology. Watch the behind the scenes on how they designed and created the Batsuit here.
When Christian Bale and Liam Neeson were fighting on the frozen lake they could hear the ice cracking beneath their feet. The next day, the lake was completely melted.
Director Christopher Nolan is reputed to have been so fascinated with Cillian Murphy's bright blue eyes, that he kept trying to find reasons/ways to have Crane remove his glasses.
Although Christian Bale performed many of his own stunts, he wasn't allowed anywhere near the Batmobile.
First live action appearance by Scarecrow, a villain dating back to Batman's earliest comic stories. While considered for the 1960s TV series he was never used, and was to be the main villain in the fifth Burton/Schumaker film that was shelved.
At the time of this film's release, Forbes Magazine did a breakdown of how much it would actually cost to become Batman. The magazine estimated that total expenses in US dollars would be around $3.5 million. Also, the 2006 Forbes Fictional 15 ranks Bruce Wayne as the 7th richest fictional character with a net worth of approximately $6.8 billion.
The language used by actor Ken Watanabe is neither Japanese nor Tibetan, or in fact any known language at all. It's just some gibberish he says he made up himself for the role.
Contrary to the previous Batman films, in which the Batcave was realized as a combination of a live set and matte paintings (done either by hand or computer), no visual effects were used in this film to show the Batcave. The entire Batcave is instead a massive full-scale set. You can view how it was constructed here.
All the big name cast members were initially not told that the movie was a Batman movie as the script they were sent was titled "The Intimidation Game". Michael Caine commented that when he first saw the title, he assumed the script was some kind of gangster movie.
However, according to this article from MTV in 2005, things happened differently.
"We were under strict orders not to tell anybody anything about anything," Caine said matter-of-factly, admitting that information was even kept from him at times. "I remember once I was talking on a show and I said, 'I'm doing "Batman," ' and they said, 'Don't tell them you're doing "Batman," tell them you're doing "The Intimidation Game," it's a gangster film.' I said, 'Christopher, it's "Batman." I can't tell them I'm doing "Intimidation Game." ' I didn't even know it was going to be called 'Batman Begins' until the end."
Christian Bale lost his voice three times during filming after altering his voice while playing Batman.
This is the only Batman movie (both live action and animated) to celebrate Bruce Wayne's birthday. He turns 30 - you can see a big '30' in the background when Rachel comes by to give him his present.
Due to his part in The Machinist, Christian Bale was vastly underweight when he was under consideration for the part. After being cast, he was told to become as "big as you could be" by Christopher Nolan. Bale underwent a 6 month dietary and exercise regimen and ending up weighing about 220 pounds (about 40 pounds above his normal weight). It was decided that Bale had become too large (friends of his on the film's crew dubbed him "Fatman") and he quickly shed about 20 pounds to have leaner, more muscular frame. Bale described the experience as an unbearable physical ordeal. Click here to see an overview on Christian Bale's weight loss/gain throughout the past 12 years.
Ra's Al Ghul is Arabic for "The Demon's Head". This refers to his position at the height of the Brotherhood of the Demon, also called the League of Shadows.
Since Alfred's sense of duty and loyalty towards Bruce Wayne reminded him of the comradeship that exists in the military, Sir Michael Caine based his character's voice on that of a colonel he knew when he was in the army as an 18-year-old.
When the prisoners are all released from Arkham, briefly visible is Mr. Zsasz, a serial killer from the comics with tally marks scarred into his skin, representing each of his victims. Mr. Zsasz also appears in the courtroom in the beginning of the film where he is being transferred to Arkham Asylum by Dr. Crane.
Amy Adams read for Rachel Dawes during Christian Bale's screen test. She would go on to play Lois Lane in Batman vs. Superman (2015) ten years later.
That's all! Is there anything that you felt should have been in this list? Let me know in the comments! Stay tuned for facts on The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises!


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Buying Real Estate In St Croix?
The great thing about buying real estate in St Croix is that it's the good ol' USA - so you get title and a recorded deed - and your investment is safe. Any licensed real estate agent here can show you any property that is listed in the MLS. We generally know about "FSBOS" (for sale by owners) as well, and can show you those that fit the bill for you.
The vast majority of agents here are "sub-agents" - which means that they actually work for the seller. Buying a home here is a MAJOR undertaking. Our passion is helping others find a home or piece of land here on St Croix, so if you are seeking a property here, We would invite you to request that we serve as a buyer's agent for you. We will do everything in our power to find the perfect match for you - regardless of who's listing it or what the commission is. When you find something you like, and want to make an offer, we will negotiate to get you the best price! Our job is to see that you find what you're looking for, and help bring you and the seller a place where you both are happy with the outcome!
an "as-built" survey (optional, unless you're getting a mortgage, but highly recommended in any case)
recording fees
mortgage fees
title insurance
a home inspection (it's optional, but a good idea)
Can You Represent Yourself as Buyer or Seller?
Click to Search the St. Croix MLS


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Young 'gagging' for clash
By Peter ORourke
Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am
Luke Young says Charlton's clash with West Ham will be the biggest game of his life.
Charlton skipper Luke Young has admitted Saturday's clash with West Ham will be the biggest game of his life.
Young is set to make his first start since December at The Valley against fellow strugglers West Ham after recovering from injury.
The England international accepts the crucial relegation showdown is a must-win game for both sides as Alan Curbishley makes his return to Charlton.
"This is probably the biggest game I've ever played in," he said.
"I'm gagging to get out there. I don't think either team will be happy with a point.
"We want three points. Anything less is unacceptable. So we're going out with all guns blazing."


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Toyota of Puyallup
Review for Toyota of Puyallup
THERESA M D. on 06/30/2015
"the new coffee/latte machine!!!"
just a recommendation for space between some chairs with places for coffee to sit, decreasing likelyhood of spills on chairs or carpet
Vehicle: TOYOTA PRIUS
Category: Service
Service Date: 06/29/2015
Review Created: 06/30/2015 05:49 PM
Kerry S., President & General Manager at Toyota of Puyallup responded on 06/30/2015
Hi Theresa. Thank you so much for your feedback. We appreciate it as we do read every review. We're glad you're enjoying the new latte machine in our waiting area. Stop by for a coffee anytime!
President & General Manager
Toyota of Puyallup


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The Chesterfield-based North Derbyshire Motor Club held their annual presentation of awards evening at the Sandpiper Hotel, Sheepbridge.
Awards were presented by Karen Swain, owner of Swains Go-Karting Centre in Buxton.
Trophies were presented to the winners of road-based trials held throughout the year: John Gillibrand (Cavendish Cup for winning the Cobweb Trial and the Kantlehner Cup for the Winners Trial); Matt Tomlinson (the Frank Hill Trophy for the Tavern Sign Run); Anne Buck (the Woodhead Cup for the Peaks Trial and the Parkin Cup for the Roundabouts Trial) and Mick Clark (the Wilson Cup for the Non-Winners Trial).
Off-road event winners were: Matt Tomlinson (both the Charles Ellis Blanksby Cup event and the Barrow Cup event) and Neil Bennett (Deane Cup and Clark Cup events).
Social event winners were: Andy Walker (Derbyshire Times 10-pin bowling Trophy); Helen Linacre (Spring Dominoes and Ladies Darts); Kate Gillibrand (Spring darts, Shove Ha'penny and 5's & 3's Trophy); John Staniforth (Norman Buck archery tournament trophy and Men's Dominoes); Richard Staniforth & Mick Clark (5's & 3's dominoes); Matt Tomlinson (Pool tournament); Neil Bennett (Go-Karting); Norman Buck (Herman Boyes Indoor Games and Men's Darts) and Kate Linacre (Ladies Dominoes).
The Norman Tomlins Organisers Award was shared by Anne and Norman Buck.
In the Championship Tables the Novice Off-Road Championship was won by Angela Parkin with 30 points and received the Woodhead-FIAT Trophy. Norman Buck with 27 points was runner-up and Rachael Chapman with 25 was placed third.
The Off-Road Championship for the Saunders Trophy was won by Matt Tomlinson with 30 points. Neil Bennett, also with 30, was placed second and Ashley Turner, with 20 points, was third.
In the road-based events, Angela Parkin won the Novice Navigators Championship with 45 points. Jane Turner(15) was second and Chris Willis (12) third.
In the Novice Drivers Championship the Joyder Cup went to Ashley Turner with 15 points, with Chris Miller second, also on 15.
Norman Buck won the Navigators Championship and collected the Herring Cup with 40 points, with Andy Walker (35) second and Angela Parkin (30) third.
Anne Buck won the Sawer Cup for heading the Drivers Championship with 40 points, with Matt Tomlinson (35) second and Alan Chapman (30) third.
Other awards presented included the Harry Lilley Cup to Anne Buck as highest placed lady driver; Alan Chapman (the Hardwick "Hard-Luck" Cup); Cliff Bennett (the Support Cup); Mick Clark (the Bulmer Trophy) and the Bernard Linacre Award for his endeavours for the club went to Cliff Bennett.
The new Jack Ellis Centenary Trophy, for the "Members Member", was won, after a secret vote by Norman Buck.


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Multi-hop operation is demonstrated with a prototype hybrid optoelectronic router for optical packet switched networks. The router is realized by combining key optical/optoelectronic device/sub-system technologies and complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor electronics. Using the hop count monitored via the time-to-live field in the packet label, the optoelectronic buffer of the router performs buffering with forward error correction selectively for packets degraded due to multiple hopping every N hops. Experimental results for 10-Gb/s optical packets confirm that the scheme can expand the number of hops while keeping the bit error rate low without the need for optical 3R regenerators at each node.
©2011 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
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Opt. Express 18(15) 15283-15288 (2010)
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Colombo, Sept. 28: Theres a new spring in their steps, a new gleam in their eyes, a new spirit in their hearts and they are not afraid to scale new heights in their quest for success.
For the present, Sourav Ganguly and Co. are raring to beard the Lankan lions in their own den on Sunday. The big match temperament will also come into effect and Team India has rarely buckled in such situations. The semi-final versus South Africa can only be a case in point.
Its just another game for us. We have played well so far. We just need to keep the momentum going, said the Indian skipper.
Nairobi and the loss in the final of the tri-series here last year are things of the past. Talk about NatWest. Our recent record against Sri Lanka suggests we enjoy the upper hand, Sourav said.
Meanwhile, runs or no runs, Sachin Tendulkar remains the focus of attention. His failure to come good in this tournament may have put him under some pressure but he still remains the biggest threat to Lanka. His mere presence is enough to leave the opposition shaking.
Clearly, the Little Master always enjoys such challenges and, as Vivian Richards said, He always looks to dominate. If the opposition knows theres no Sachin, they will start dictating terms.
There is no denying the significance of Sachins presence even though another player in his mould, Virender Sehwag, may be present with some well-timed success. The Delhi lad has a special liking for this island nation and will be in strong contention for Man of the Tournament with another blazing show when it matters most.
The hosts will have to come up with something extraordinary to curb his natural instincts.
The Lankan brains trust, however, played down any suggestion of this. Theres no special plans. We are not going to put ourselves under additional pressure by thinking about individuals, was all that Aravinda de Silva would say.
The crisis man, Rahul Dravid, along with Yuvraj and Kaif have made the lower middle-order look so invincible that even a thought of any collapse seems out of place.
The fielding, ridiculed not so long back, is one of their strongest point now. The Indians are likely to go into the final with a three-pronged pace attack with Ajit Agarkar likely to come in for Anil Kumble. Once it was made known that a different strip, which hasnt been used much in the tournament, will be made available on Saturday, it meant the spinners would be unable to derive the same amount of turn.
It is a good batting track and there will be more bounce in the wicket, Sourav said. The Mumbai allrounders inclusion will also mean that he could pitch in with the bat, if needed.
The availability of Jawagal Srinath he is expected to reach here early tomorrow morning will be a booster but how effective he will be in vastly different conditions remains to be seen.
Sourav is, however, banking on the early return of Jayasuriya since he knows his flourish will always give the Lankan innings momentum.
The hosts are planning to bring in Dilhara Fernando in place of Upul Chandana or Kumara Dharmasena. Tillekeratne Dilshan may also get a look in.
More than a battle of nerves, it will be a test of Indias new-found confidence against the Lankan home support.
India: Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, V.V.S. Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Jawagal Srinath.
Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya, Maravan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralidharan, Pulasthi Gunaratne, Upul Chandana/Kumara Dharmasena, Dilhara Fernando.
Umpires: Steve Bucknor, David Shepherd.Third Umpire: Daryl Harper. Match Referee: Clive Lloyd.
n India-Lanka stats: Page 14


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Microsoft is not in the same dominant position it was in the late 1990's when it had virtually 100% of the desktop operating system market. Flash forward 20 years to 2012 and Microsoft's share of the office software suite market has increased but its dominance in the desktop operating system market has not been maintained (see below, its roughly 80% with Windows 7 & Windows XP).
Microsoft has also lost significant market share in other areas including smartphone operating systems – do you know anyone that uses a Windows phone? Apparently 3.8% of us do.
Despite these negative shifts in market share, I was a bit surprised to see that Microsoft recorded its first ever loss in 26 years as a publicly traded company, roughly a $500 million loss. The graph below represents the last 16 quarters (fiscal years 2009 through 2012) of Microsoft's net income. Its actually very impressive; despite the loss in Q4 of 2012, Microsoft still earned almost $17 billion dollars in the last twelve months! Why is the loss interesting? Start by realizing that it is the first loss in over 100 quarters (26 years); we should be interested in what triggered or caused the loss. It turns out it is an accounting issue rather than something like plummeting sales of Windows or Office software.
Back in 2007 Microsoft purchased another company, aQuantive, for roughly $6.3 billion. The intent was to use aQuantive's technology to help boost Microsoft's revenue from online advertising (primarily via the Bing search engine). Five years later management has decided that that purchase was not a great use of the money as aQuantive's technology has not helped grow revenue as quickly as expected (i.e. not at all). What does this mean from an accounting perspective? In 2007, Microsoft purchased an asset, all the shares of aQuantive, for $6.3 billion. In 2012, management did an assessment of that asset and determined that it is essentially worthless. Accounting requires that we write down worthless assets so Microsoft ends up expensing the entire value (the journal entry would be:
CR Long Term Investment in aQuantive [Asset] $6.3 billion
DR Asset impairment expense [Expense] $6.3 billion
Therefore net income is decreased by the full $6.3 billion, resulting in an overall loss for the quarter of $492 million.
Some people argue that this is a temporary blip; Microsoft is still generating approximately $6 billion of income per quarter before write downs like the aQuantive one. In fact the stock market reacted positively to the earnings release so obviously shareholders weren't too upset by the loss.
On the flip side however, I believe that the write down suggests that either Microsoft made a fairly large investment ($6.3 billion!) in something that turned out to be worthless, shame on them, or their business model, particularly online advertising revenue is suffering substantially.
Its too early to determine if this loss will have repercussions for Microsoft, I will be keeping my eyes and ears open and post anything else related to this matter.
Note: this blog was originally posted on my site hosted by Pearson Education (http://php2.pearsoncanada.ca/highered/inthenews/accounting_in_the_news/)