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Crescent City Council members wrongly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits for nearly 15 years, according to a confidential legal analysis obtained by The Daily Triplicate.
Exactly how much money council members received from these health and welfare benefits remains undetermined. But according to the city's payroll and accounts payable records, council members from January 2003 to December 2006 were paid more than $250,000 in addition to their salaries.
"This is a government that made the wrong choice, that was doing something illegal," Crescent City Payroll Administrator Deb Snodgrass said about the distributed benefits. "I have a really difficult time when elected officials in a small town decide to take an elective benefit ... We have very limited resources."
How Much They Received
Timeline: How the Benefits Evolved
In 1992, the City Council created a classification of employee that could be reimbursed for medical costs and could receive a monthly contribution toward a retirement fund. These benefits were available to city employees who met strict criteria for which only council members qualified. This is a violation of California law, according to the legal analysis.
For the next 14 years, council members received these improper benefits, many of them oblivious to their questionable beginnings. No current council member served when the benefits were established.
"I had no idea about any of this until it all started being discussed a couple of months back," Council Member Kelly Schellong said. "I don't think that the council was aware that it was unlawful."
In November 2006, city staff discovered these payments. The city hired Richards, Watson and Gershon andndash; a San Francisco legal firm specializing in municipal law andndash; to investigate the legality of the council's benefits, specifically council members' health insurance and medical care reimbursements, and contributions made to annuities. The city paid the firm nearly $35,000.
In the 20-page analysis delivered April 7, 2007, to Crescent City Manager Eli Naffah, the firm urged the city to stop all payments, which may be in violation of state law, to council members.
"We recommend the City discontinue the annuity payment and any payment for alternative insurance coverage that is not also available to City employees," the report reads. "Amounts currently held by the City in the annuity accounts should be retained by the City and not paid ... .
"The monthly contributions toward a group annuity benefit and the group annuity are not an authorized health and welfare benefit ... Cash may not be provided to City Council Members in lieu of authorized benefits because cash is not a health and welfare benefit, as defined under the statute."
City suspends payments
The city ordered all improper benefit payments to council members to stop in November 2006. But some payments continued through December of that year.
Following Richards, Watson and Gershon's recommendations, the city also seized all annuity funds that were still held in the city's name. The amount seized so far is between $200,000 and $250,000, but city officials say there is still more money that needs to be transferred back to the city's control.
The Daily Triplicate filed a California Public Records Act request with the city to find the total amounts paid to council members. On Thursday, the city denied the request.
Whether the city can recover money already paid to past council members remains uncertain. "The applicable statute of limitations will depend on the legal theory used for recovery," the legal report states, adding that the limitations period for recovery typically is three years.
"For us to recover for the past three years is good that we could even recover any thing at all," City Finance Director Joei Sanches said.
If the city doesn't end the annuity funds or stop the payments, she said, it could be in violation of the law.
"It could be construed as misappropriation of funds," San-ches said. "This is public money and we have to act as good stew-ards of the money."
The city has placed the seized annuity funds into a temporary account where it will earn interest until the council decides what to do with the money.
"The money is being transferred from the city-controlled annuity funds into a city-controlled savings account," Naffah said. "Until it's determined that the money belongs to the city, and not to somebody else, then we as a city cannot do anything with it."
Naffah and Sanches declined to comment specifically on the Richards, Watson and Gershon report, citing attorney-client privilege. But Naffah said he expects more direction from the firm and other attorneys on what the full remedy for the city should be.
"They've given us some information, and we're still waiting on some (other) information," he said, including that the city might hire a tax attorney to analyze the benefit policy as well. "So, it is still evolving."
'No one thought it was illegal'
The April 7, 2007, analysis lists current council members, Mike Scavuzzo, Kelly Schel-long, Mayor Dennis Burns and Irene Tynes, as well as former council members Ray Martell, Glenn Gary and Herb Kolodner, as receiving unauthorized payments. But the document notes that any council member receiving the benefits since they were created in November 1992 should not have received them.
Some current and former council members said that when they learned of Richards, Watson and Gershon's report, they were surprised andndash; either because they were victims of circumstance or because they didn't agree with the firm's conclusions.
"No one thought it was illegal. Everyone spoke to the contrary, that it was legal and appropriate," former council member Herb Kolodner said. He resigned from the council for health reasons in May, and in the law firm's report had more than $50,000 in his annuity fund.
"If the city attorney, the city manager and the finance manager all say that this is the correct thing for everybody, I don't see that the burden of what is proper or improper falls on the individual person," Kolodner said. "Now it's boomeranging to our detriment."
Schellong said she did find the benefits a little unusual. She said when elected in November 2006 she accepted the city's in-surance coverage because it was better than her other employer's.
"They (city staff) told me I chose (my coverage) from the benefits package," Schellong said. "When I did, they paid me the difference in cash, and that's when I thought it was unusual."
But even then she said she had no idea that the benefits might be considered unlawful.
"I didn't run for office to receive illegal benefits," Schellong said. "I just think we need to correct it and move forward."
Like Schellong, Burns said he was offered the benefits when he first was elected.
"When I first began as a council member, it was pretty simply put to me that, 'Do you want to have that (benefit) as an annuity or as insurance (coverage)?'" he said, and since he was already covered he took the annuity. But Burns said he had no idea that it was questionable at the time.
"It would have been nice to have," Burns said of the money, "but I'm more concerned with doing the right thing."
Former council member Gary said he unsuspectingly signed up for the benefits too, though he had no idea that they were improper.
"I already had a full-time job with benefits. I was (a council member) because I love helping people," Gary said. "I never did it for the benefits."
And though current council member Richard Enea is not mentioned in the Richards, Watson and Gershon report, payroll records indicate that he also received improper benefit payments. But like the other council members, Enea was unaware of their questionable nature.
"It was just a matter of fact when you were signing up for work your first day," Enea recalled, "then it was never thought about again."
He added that if the payments are deemed improper, then the corrective action should be taken by the city and the council.
"If that money was illegal, then probably we're going to have to recover it," Enea said, "because that's the public's money."
But Scavuzzo, who received a majority of his payments in cash, said he doesn't think Richards, Watson and Gershon correctly analyzed the benefits' legality.
"To me this is much ado about nothing, taking up time, and they've cost us a hell of a lot of money," Scavuzzo said. "They screwed up everything ... if you look at it (the report) it's done erroneously."
Scavuzzo said he believes the law firm was given inaccurate information from the outset of its investigation into the council's benefits and, because of this, came to the wrong determination.
"There's so much confusion (about the report) ... The council is not getting anything different that any of the other employees are getting," Scavuzzo said, referring to the fact that andndash; even though the council members' retirement plans were structured and paid out differently andndash; other city employees were allowed to have their own retirement plans through the Public Employee's Retirement System, or PERS.
"To me (the money) was legally given to me, just like anybody else," he said. "Why would I give it back?"
Tynes could not be reached for comment, and Martell declined to comment. Former council member William Youngblood, who is listed in city payroll records as receiving improper benefits payments, also could not be reached.
'They were dead on'
But Snodgrass says she believes Richards, Watson and Gershon was correct in its findings. She was the one who alerted city staff to the improper benefit payments in the first place.
Snodgrass, who has worked in payroll at California public agencies for 25 years and is a certified payroll professional, was only working at Crescent City for two months last fall when she discovered the payments that "absolutely surprised" her.
"I said, 'What is this?' And my eyes just about fell out of my head," Snodgrass said. "I just said, 'This is not right, and it needs to be corrected.'"
After researching the payments, she learned that it had been going on for 14 years.
"The more I looked into it, the more my mouth dropped open," she said. "How were we allowing this to happen?"
Snodgrass said after her discovery she brought it to the attention of Naffah and of City Attorney Thomas French. At that point, the city suspended the questionable payments and hired Richards, Watson and Gershon to conduct an analysis.
Though Snodgrass said she could not comment on what the law firm's specific findings were because of attorney-client privilege, she said she agreed with its synopsis.
"They were dead on, right on, extremely dead on," she said. "It's a very well written document ... extremely truthful."
Benefits grew
The benefits began in 1992 when the City Council andndash; without any present-day members serving andndash; passed a resolution providing medical insurance or reimbursement for medical costs and a $150 per month annuity, Richards, Watson and Gershon's report stated. These benefits came in addition to the monthly salary paid to members for their service on the council. But at this time, the amount council members received in medical cost reimbursements is unclear.
For the benefits to comply with state statutes, however, they also must be available and paid for by the city for its employees. They also must be provided to a large number of employees, the report stated.
The resolution limited the benefits to include only a specific set of city employees andndash; those who were an elected official or supervising employee that was paid less than $300 per month in salary.
"City staff has been unable to identify any employee of the City who has ever met this criteria," according to the law firm's analysis. "Thus there is no employee who has actually received the City Council benefits by application of the selection criteria."
In 1995, state statues further limited benefits, so that council members elected on or after Jan. 1, 1995, could not receive benefits greater than those provided to the city's non-safety employees, the report stated.
Despite this change, council members continued to receive the benefits.
In fact, in 1998 the council amended the original resolution to give the benefit to any elected official and employee earning $400 per month. This occurred following an increase in council salaries to more than $300 a month.
Two years later, when the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act allowed the city to create a flexible benefits package for health care coverage, the council doubled to $300 the amount that the city would contribute monthly to the annuity.
But funds should not have been directed into an annuity fund because other employees were not provided that same option, Richards, Watson and Gershon's report stated.
Council members received that benefit until it was suspended last November.
What's next?
The City Council will revisit its benefits on Monday. The agenda for the council's meeting states the council will consider and discuss a cafeteria-style benefit plan and other council benefits.
Naffah said he hoped to have a resolution ready for the meeting, but is still waiting for a draft from Richards, Watson and Gershon.
He said the new resolution will probably include a 457 deferred compensation plan into which council members could transfer their health benefit reimbursements into.
"It would be similar to the same plan as the other employees have," Naffah said. "It would take the health benefits that the council receive and (those funds) would go into that 457 plan."
But he also said the city plans to pass other resolutions regarding its benefits as well in order to fix the problems Richards, Watson and Gershon found with the original benefits plan.
"That's part of it, to be consistent with the employees' (benefits)," Naffah said. "And over the years the employee M.O.U.s (Memorandums of Understanding) have changed, and we want the benefits to be consistent over time."
Burns said he doesn't know what the new resolution will look like, but that it will be based on what the law firm decides is correct.
"We're just waiting on what the attorneys (Richards, Watson and Gershon) come up with," Burns said. "I'm assuming the resolution will just amend the previous one to make us comply with all the government codes, state law and federal laws."


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- Quick Takes: Justine Zinkin on Personalization
- When Employees Need More Than an Advance on Their Paycheck
- Justine Zinkin, Profiled in HERMES, the Columbia Business School's Alumni Magazine
.@CFSInnovation's @jisledge kicking off #EMERGEForum17 live from Austin 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/rnKiW7Zje05 months ago
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subset: commoncrawl


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Call 01752 663895 Now
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Or just complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Office 01752 663895 / Mob 07886 962052 (Matt) / Mob 07790 481961 (Dave)


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London's glamorous spa escape
12 Treatment Rooms
Down beneath the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge, lies Bulgari Hotel Spa, a space oozing in glamour and gold leaf. The spa, part of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London is 21,527 square feet of calm, with the exception of the thumping fitness center where the likes of actress/model Cressida Bonas has been known to work up a sweat.
This is a two-floor, no-expenses-spared ode to Bulgari's rich Italian heritage, where sand-colored Vicenza stone, warm oak, glass mosaics and generous splashes of green and amber onyx are used in abundance to create an oasis of opulence. It is the work of award-winning architectural and interior design firm Antonio Citterio and Partners, which boasts a portfolio of luxury lifestyle projects, including Bulgari hotels in Shanghai and Turkey, the W Hotel in St. Petersburg and Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
While open to the public for beauty treatments, full use of this luxury spa's facilities and gym is purely for hotel guests, members or day-spa visitors booking a minimum treatment time of two hours, a policy in place to ensure the space retains its exclusivity and remains at a comfortable capacity.
Pop in on a weekday morning and it almost feels like you have the place to yourself, while afternoons and weekends are busier; it's recommended to book ahead.
Access to the London spa is via an elevator from the hotel lobby. When the doors open to the spa floor, you're greeted with the fresh scent of palmarosa, sweet orange and lavender from the ESPA restorative diffusers. The tranquil reception area is dotted with white orchids and softly lit with glowing onyx, lamps and candles.
The Pool Area
At 82 feet in length, The Bulgari Spa's pool is arguably the most glamorous pool in London with its shimmering green and gold mosaic tile lining, heated to a comfortable 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lined up alongside is a row of cabanas with sinkable loungers and white curtains draped on either side to provide privacy. On a little table next to it, you'll find a button to press for service, should you wish to order a drink or light bite from the menu.
There's also a table by the entrance with a help-yourself selection of nuts, fresh fruit, Kangen Water and a stack of leather-clad, glossy magazines. At the far end, the vitality pool, tiled top to bottom with gold-leaf glass mosaic, shines like something out of Aladdin's cave. A waterfall and pressure jets massage away aches and pains.
The Facilities
There are 11 treatment rooms in this spacious spa with impossibly comfortable beds. Heavy wooden doors keep all noise out, and lights are turned down to a relaxing low.
For couples or friends seeking privacy, there's the Onyx Spa Suite, which features two treatment beds, a hydro-massage tub, a steam room, a private changing and relaxation area and, as the name suggests, lashings of green onyx.
For men, an intimate and discreet Gentleman's Grooming room serves up hot-towel shaves, facials and haircuts in more masculine surroundings complete with black leather barbershop chairs.
The male and female changing rooms each have a sauna, a steam room and an ice fountain. You'll find a robe, slippers and towels in the lockers and a vanity area stocked with Babyliss ionic hair dryers and amenities such as deodorant, dental care products, combs and hair ties.
Pre- or post-treatment, you are invited to settle into one of the thick-toweled beds in the relaxation area, a conical room, with an open fire, where you can read one of the magazines, snack on the bites laid out, enjoy a pot of fiery ginger tea or simply recline and enjoy the quiet.
The Treatments
The Bulgari Spa prides itself on being a pioneer of new beauty and body treatments, with a regularly changing Trend Room menu, which tends to everything from poor sleep and gut health to anti-aging. The emphasis is on gaining impressive results through a natural approach and high-quality products, with services ranging from the indulgent 24k Gold Rejuvenating Facial, by renowned acupuncture practitioner David Peters, to the intense Clinical Fire and Ice Facial.
Bulgari is also the only U.K. spa to serve up Swiss Perfection and Georgia Louise treatments. For those traveling by long-haul flight, the Pure Flow Pulsation Therapy is supposed to be the ultimate jet-lag remedy.
The spa does the basics very well here, too. The signature Personalized Massage uses your choice of ESPA body oil and expert techniques to sweep away aches and pains and leave you refreshed. There's a long list of ESPA facials, massages and treatments on offer to pick and mix.
There's also the onsite Neville Hair and Beauty salon to tend to your tresses, nails and makeup so you can walk out of the spa and straight to dinner.
The Gym
This may look like any other fitness center, with top-of-the-range Technogym cardio machines, free-weights, TRX and boxing punching bags, but the approach is anything but. The Workshop Gymnasium is founded by Lee Mullins, former director of personal training at Bodyism and a man whose celebrity clientele includes actors, models and singers.
Through the signature Framework assessment, clients are prescribed holistic personal training plans based on a series of tests, including genetic analysis, food intolerance and metabolic testing, hormone profiling, functional movement screen and body composition analysis. The plans are collectively designed to achieve impressive results.
Group yoga and Pilates along with one-on-one swimming lessons are some of the other services available.


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Toyota Bragged it Saved $100M in Floor Mat Recall, Now 34 Dead
February 22, 2010
(ChattahBox)—Internal Toyota documents obtained by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, reveal that the automaker boasted about saving more than $100 million, when it convinced federal safety regulators that only a limited recall of floor mats was required to address the lethal accelerator problems. After successfully limiting the recall of Toyota vehicles with sticky gas pedal problems, Yoshimi Inaba, chairman and CEO of Toyota Motors Sales U.S.A., traveled to Washington last August, where he made a presentation entitled "Wins for Toyota" that included the $100 million savings. But their savings at the expense of human lives did not last for long. The floor mat recall did not fix the sticky gas pedal problem and while Toyota officials congratulated themselves on a "win," hundreds of drivers experienced accidents, which included 34 fatalities.
Toyota released a statement claiming that it always puts customer safety first:
"Our first priority is the safety of our customers and to conclude otherwise on the basis of one internal presentation is wrong," the company said in a prepared statement. "Our values have always been to put the customer first and ensure the highest levels of safety and quality."
Since the first floor mat recall, Toyota was forced to recall about 8 million vehicles due to problems of sudden acceleration. This time the Japanese automaker declared that the problem was with the gas pedal and it delivered parts to dealerships to repair the sticky gas pedal. Toyota has continued to insist that the problem is not with the vehicle's computer. But the automaker recently announced that it would be providing a brake-override software fix on 2007 through 2010 models of the Toyota Camry, Avalon, Lexus ES and IS models. The software override will become standard on future Toyota vehicles, but the company is refusing to make it available to customers that are covered under previous recalls.
In addition to the new gas pedal recall, Toyota recalled more than 400,000 hybrid vehicles, including the Prius, for faulty brake systems that stopped working momentarily when driving on slick or uneven surfaces.
Congress plans to reconvene the hearings on Toyota's handling of safety problems on Tuesday.
4 Responses to "Toyota Bragged it Saved $100M in Floor Mat Recall, Now 34 Dead"
Old Man Dotes on
February 22nd, 2010 12:21 pm
Toyota's decision to save money and knowingly put customers' lives at risk has converted me from a decades-long loyal Toyota customer to a Ford fan. My wife stated flatly, "I will never buy another Toyota as long as I live." So I'd have to say that Toyota not only didn't save $100 million; they lost $billions in consumer perception and customer loyalty.
My next car will either be a Ford, a Kia, or an Aptera, depending on who has the electric car I want when I go shopping.
Scott Thomas on
February 22nd, 2010 5:34 pm
Toyota & Honda dropped the ball on handling the recalls , they should have came forward with a full disclosure. Instead of waiting for a huge media blitz and tons of public pressure. But Toyota & Honda are not alone , I never seen so many car companies having recalls all at the same time. I had no idea my car which is not even a Toyota or Honda, was affected until I searched on http://www.carpedalrecall.com and found I had a bad Anti Lock control unit on my 2008 Pontiac G8 , So be careful check daily, it seems more and more cars are being recalled .
"Toyota Internal Documents Brag of Saving $100M by Negotiating "Limited" Recall [Toyota Recall]" and related posts | THE News Pundit on
February 23rd, 2010 4:20 am
[…] it to recall millions of cars.New Questions Arise Around Toyota Recalls – KickingTiresToyota Bragged it Saved $100M in Floor Mat Recall, Now 34 Dead – ChattahBox News BlogUS committee subpoenaed confidential internal documents from former […]
Toyota Bragged it Saved $100M in Floor Mat Recall, Now 34 Dead … | Drakz Free Online Service on
February 23rd, 2010 5:24 am
[…] Toyota Bragged it Saved $100M in Floor Mat Recall, Now 34 Dead … Share and […]
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Authorities in Massachusetts are responding to a tractor trailer rollover on a highway ramp Friday morning.
State police say it happened on Route 24 southbound to the ramp to Route 139 in Stoughton.
The ramp will be closed for several hours.
A viewer photo shows at least one lane blocked.
It's unclear if there are any injuries.
No other details were immediately available.
Published at 11:16 AM EST on Nov 18, 2016 | Updated at 11:55 AM EST on Nov 18, 2016


text: I was starting up gbatemp.net using Google Chrome when the site apparently made me download something. I cancelled it before it fully uploaded. I looked at the downloads page when I saw that it was named "download" As far as I could see, it did not have a file extension. Weird.


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- Yiying Zuo, Madeleine Mony, Babak Bahamin, Etienne Grondin, Vincent Aimez, David V. Plant
- Applied optics
- 2007
We propose two novel electro-optic (EO) deflectors based on two new nonrectangular geometries: the parabolic and the half-horn configurations. These devices not only provide excellent deflection angles, but also have the potential to build nonblocking 2 x 2 optical switches. A deflector figure of merit is defined, and comparisons with existing EO deflectors… (More)
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The design and simulation of a 1×N optical switch is presented. Sub-¿s switching is achieved through a voltage-controlled optical phase array. Electrode voltages are provided by a high-voltage CMOS chip. Switching angles are within 2°.
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The first fully integrated array of High Voltage (HV) Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) was designed in DALSA Semiconductor's 0.8um CMOS/DMOS HV process technology. The 6-bit 300V DACs are based on a current-steering, thermometer coded architecture and show a DNL of 0.16 LSB and an INL of 0.18 LSB. The current-to-high-voltage conversion is done using a… (More)
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A novel reprogrammable optical phase array (ROPA) device is presented as a reconfigurable electro-optic element. One specific application of the ROPA, a 1 x 6 electro-optic space switch, is fully described. Switching angles are within 2 degrees , and switching is achieved through a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) controlled, diffraction… (More)
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It's always hard not to notice Lady Gaga. When she performed her duet with Elton John during the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards the outlandish duo were both rocking Swarovski-encrusted sunglasses custom-made by Giorgio Armani.
Dressed exclusively in Giorgio Armani Privé, the designer collaborated with Lady Gaga on all her attire, from head to toe, that she wore throughout the evening. It was definitely a winning combo as she took home two Grammys, one for Best Dance Recording for "Pokerface" and another for Best Electronic/Dance Album for "The Fame."
"The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic," says Lady Gaga. "They represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist."
Not to be totally outdone, five-time Grammy winner Elton John wore a Giorgio Armani black two-button notch lapel tuxedo with a classic black evening shirt and black neck tie.
—Jackie Micucci


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There has been a lot of discussion about the new congressional maps that was approved earlier this month, but there is another map that Iowa Republicans might want to get their hands on.
The Iowa Department of Transportation is out with its new 2011 road map. Beside the new picture on the front, the only noticeable change is the two pictures on the back. Gone are photos of Chet Culver and Patty Judge, and in their place are photos of Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.
With a dozen or so Republican presidential candidates out driving around Iowa, it only seems right that the map has a Republican governor on it.
Here are pictures of the front and back of the map.
Here is a huge pallet of maps that had a sign that said, "for legislators only." I doubt they will miss the one I took.
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Bring Back the Family Walk! 6 Ways to Make Walking Fun and Engaging for Kids
Around here, we've had an unusual warm streak. 60 degrees in February in the Midwest?!? While I know this won't last, it has made me start to think about spring, and getting outside, fresh air, and more exercise…
One thing that seems to come with all of those things is going for a family walk. One of my kids isn't especially fond of this…she doesn't see the point (unless we are walking to the park). When Spring springs for good around here, these are the ideas that I hope will make walks more enjoyable for her. Some we've used with my son (and had great success!), others are new. I hope you enjoy them!
Make a Prediction
Before you set out on a walk, make a prediction for something that you might see. For example, you could predict the number of white mailboxes that you will see while walking. You could predict the number of open garage doors…the number of dogs in the yards…the number of flags. The possibilities are endless! Then, as you walk, see how close you get to your prediction. This activity sets a purpose for walking and keeps kids engaged and actively looking around. You could set one prediction together, or you could set individual predictions and make it a competition!
Shape Walk
This walking activity can be a great review for younger kids, or a challenge for older kids. For the younger kiddos, pick a few basic shapes to focus on…whatever your little one needs to practice. As you go for a walk, look for these shapes. For example, if you are looking for circles and squares as you walk, you might find that they are naturally all around us…the square of mailbox flag, the square windows on a garage door, the circle of car tires, etc. For older kids, make it more of a challenge. You could work together to see how many different shapes you can see in nature or in the neighborhood. You could include the basics, as well as more challenging shapes…trapezoids, parallelograms, crescents, etc.
ABC Walk
Have you ever played the Alphabet Game while traveling on a road trip? The idea here is similar. Start at the letter A, and as you walk around the neighborhood, look for items that begin with the letter A. Once you find one, move on to the letter B, and look for items that start with that letter. Then, move on to C. You get the idea. This can be a collaborative effort, everyone working together to reach the goal. Or, it can be more of a competition, seeing who gets to the end of the alphabet first. This game works best if you look for items that begin with the designated letter, not actual words on signs. 🙂
Color Walk
Do you have younger kiddos who need to practice their colors? Use a family walk as an easy way to do that! As you walk, make it a game to spot specific colors. One person states a color, and everyone else looks to see what might be that color in the area. After items have been called out, the next person states a color and the activity continues. This activity keeps kids engaged and looking around the area. It sharpens their observation skills, and it provides good practice for kiddos still learning their colors.
This activity can lead to some interesting discussions, especially with older kids. As you walk, ask everyone to be on the lookout for positive ways and negative ways that humans are affecting the environment. When one is spotted, briefly discuss it. For example, if a car drives by and you can smell the exhaust, you might discuss air pollution. If you walk by a house that has a bird feeder up, you might talk about how that is positive for wildlife in the area. This activity not only sharpens observation skills, but it gets kids thinking about the environment and their neighborhood as well.
Just Talk
Sometimes a walk is just a really great opportunity to talk to kids. There is something about it…maybe it's the steady pace, maybe it's the fact that eyes are usually forward instead of looking at each other…but kids will often share more and talk more on a walk than they will just sitting face to face in the house. Use a family walk as a time to ask about your child's day. Ask them what their "high point" of the day was and why. Ask about the "low point" of the day and why. Share about your day. Use the time to connect with your kiddo. You may find that you walk a little further than planned, just to keep the conversation going. 🙂
Walking has so many great benefits! If you have ideas to add to the list, please share! We will all benefit. 🙂
Take good care.
RELATED POST: Save Your Sanity: Travel Games for Kids


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UFC 200 Salaries: Brock Lesnar Tops Payroll with Record $2.5 Million Purse
Brock Lesnar made history in his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Lesnar pocketed an MMA record $2.5 million purse following his unanimous decision over 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix winner Mark Hunt in the UFC 200 co-main event on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The World Wrestling Entertainment superstar, in his first appearance inside the Octagon since 2011, stymied Hunt with takedowns and ground-and-pound across 15 minutes. "The Super Samoan" banked $700,000 for his night's work.
Meanwhile, newly minted UFC women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes pocketed $100,000, as she dispatched Miesha Tate with a first-round rear-naked choke to claim UFC gold in the main event. Tate walked away with $500,000.
Fourteen of the 24 fighters who competed at UFC 200 earned at least six figures, including Anderson Silva ($600,000), Jose Aldo ($500,000), Daniel Cormier ($500,000), Cain Velasquez ($300,000), Frankie Edgar ($190,000), Travis Browne ($120,000), Jim Miller ($118,000), Gegard Mousasi ($110,000), Joe Lauzon ($108,000) and Sage Northcutt ($100,000). Enrique Marin was the low man on the totem pole with $13,000, as he dropped a unanimous decision to Northcutt on the undercard.
The Nevada Athletic Commission on Monday released disclosed salaries for the event. A full rundown follows:
UFC 200 'Tate vs. Nunes' Disclosed Salaries
Miesha Tate: $500,000
Amanda Nunes: $100,000 (no win bonus)
Brock Lesnar: $2,500,000 (no win bonus)
Mark Hunt: $700,000
Anderson Silva: $600,000
Daniel Cormier: $500,000
Jose Aldo: $500,000 (includes $100,000 win bonus)
Frankie Edgar: $190,000
Cain Velasquez: $300,000 (no win bonus)
Travis Browne: $120,000
Julianna Pena: $64,000 (includes $32,000 win bonus)
Cat Zingano: $35,000
Kelvin Gastelum: $86,000 (includes $33,000 win bonus)
Johny Hendricks: $80,000
T.J. Dillashaw: $50,000 (includes $25,000 win bonus)
Raphael Assuncao: $42,000
Sage Northcutt: $100,000 (includes $50,000 win bonus)
Enrique Marin: $13,000
Joe Lauzon: $108,000 (includes $54,000 win bonus)
Diego Sanchez: $80,000
Gegard Mousasi: $110,000 (includes $35,000 win bonus)
Thiago Santos: $28,000
Jim Miller: $118,000 (includes $59,000 win bonus)
Takanori Gomi: $55,000
Note: The disclosed purses reported by state athletic commissions do not include any performance-based or discretionary bonuses that may be awarded to a fighter by the promotion. Additionally, the reported figures do not reflect any deductions made by the commission for taxes, insurance, etc., and do not include any sponsorship money that fighters may acquire for their performance.


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Balm of gilead
any of several plants of the genus Commiphora, especially C. opobalsamum and C. meccanensis, which yield a fragrant oleoresin.
Also called Mecca balsam. the resin itself, a turbid yellow, green, or brownish-red water-insoluble gluey liquid, used chiefly in perfumery.
a hybrid North American poplar, Populus gileadensis, cultivated as a shade tree.
any of several trees of the burseraceous genus Commiphora, esp C. opobalsamum of Africa and W Asia, that yield a fragrant oily resin Compare balm (sense 1), myrrh (sense 1)
the resin exuded by these trees
a North American hybrid female poplar tree, Populus gileadensis (or P. candicans), with broad heart-shaped leaves
a fragrant resin obtained from the balsam fir See also Canada balsam
The region of Gilead abounded in spices and aromatic gums, which were exported to Egypt and Tyre (Gen. 37:25; Jer. 8:22; 46:11; Ezek. 27:17). The word "balm" is a contracted form of "balsam," a word derived from the Greek _balsamon_, which was adopted as the representative of the Hebrew words _baal shemen_, meaning "lord" or "chief of oils." The Hebrew name of this balm was _tsori_. The tree yielding this medicinal oil was probably the Balsamodendron opobalsamum of botanists, and the Amyris opobalsamum of Linnaeus. It is an evergreen, rising to the height of about 14 feet. The oil or resin, exuding through an orifice made in its bark in very small quantities, is esteemed of great value for its supposed medicinal qualities. (See BALM.) It may be noted that Coverdale's version reads in Jer. 8:22, "There is no triacle in Galaad." The word "triacle" = "treacle" is used in the sense of ointment.
Tagged: b
Read Also:
- Balm
any of various oily, fragrant, resinous substances, often of medicinal value, exuding from certain plants, especially tropical trees of the genus Commiphora. a plant or tree yielding such a substance. any aromatic or fragrant ointment. aromatic fragrance; sweet odor: the balm of orange blossoms. any of various aromatic plants of the mint family, especially those […]
- Balmoral
a colored woolen petticoat, formerly worn under a skirt and draped so that portions of it could be seen. (lowercase). Also called bal. an ankle-high shoe, laced in front. a brimless Scottish cap with a flat top that projects all around the head. Contemporary Examples The corgis are an integral part of royal holidays, and […]
- Balmacaan
a loose-fitting, somewhat flared, single-breasted overcoat, often of tweed and having raglan sleeves, originally worn by men. Historical Examples There was the balmacaan coat and the round plush hat; and to Patsy, impulsive and heart-strong, it sufficed. Seven Miles to Arden Ruth Sawyer He wore a balmacaan of Scotch tweed and carried a round, plush […]
- Balmain
Pierre (Alexandre) [pyer a-lek-sahn-druh] /pyɛr a lɛkˈsɑ̃ drə/ (Show IPA), 1914–82, French fashion designer. Contemporary Examples There were no Balmain buckles, no Alexander Wang-style cutout dresses, not even a one-shoulder number by Obama favorite Jason Wu. The White House Goes Glam Rebecca Dana November 23, 2009 Goofy has shed his passé pants and turtleneck for […]


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Quantum of the Seas lives up to the hype
WOW is an expression often used by Royal Caribbean, and never has a word been more apt than for Quantum of the Seas. I haven't cruised on Allure or Oasis of the Seas, so this was easily the largest ship I have ever been on. And from the moment I completed my pre-cruise information and was asked to upload a photograph, I knew this was going to be an experience like no other.
Checking In
I arrive at Cape Liberty Cruise Terminal in New York and am greeted in the foyer by a staff member armed only with a tablet device and a smile. Using my Set Sail Pass, this friendly individual was able to check me in before sending me on for security screening. Making sure the photo I had uploaded was indeed me, I was onboard the ship within 10 minutes of arriving at the cruise terminal - super-quick!
Well-appointed accommodation
Arriving at my cabin, my room key/cruise card is waiting for me at the front door. But once inside, I realise that I don't have much use for it. One of the new innovations on Quantum is a wristband that you wear like a watch, that offers the same functionality of a cruise card - far easier than a lanyard round your neck or placing it in your back pocket.
The cabin itself (superior balcony) is beautifully presented, with a contemporary fit-out. The bed is set up next to the balcony doors, with the sitting area between the bathroom and bed. This is a nice idea, allowing you to easily lie down and look out your balcony window. Another neat cabin feature is the missing shower curtain in the bathroom. Instead, this has been replaced with a glass-enclosed shower. Minor detail I know, but cruise ship showers can be quite small - and they get even smaller when you try and avoid contact with the curtain.
A sweet taste of the Big Apple
Taking a cruise from New York is something I will never forget. Yes, they play any song that references New York or USA very loudly as you sail away (think James Brown's Living in America), but the experience of viewing the Manhattan Skyline and Lady Liberty, 15 storeys above the water on a cruise liner, is truly memorable. If you are looking for something to put on your cruising bucket list, setting sail out of New York is an essential.
A revolution in dining
Dining on Quantum of the Seas is different. In the evening, Quantum offers "Dynamic Dining", which means there are no set times to eat, no large venues that seat 500+ people and no required formal nights. In the evening, you have a choice of four different free-of-charge dining rooms: American Icon Grill, The Grande, Silk and Chic. These do require reservations, which can be made by phone or the Royal iQ app on your iPhone or iPad.
In addition to these four, there are seven casual dining choices that require no reservations, including the Windjammer buffet. There are also seven Specialty Dining options onboard (cover charges apply). These are Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver, Chef's Table, Chops Grille, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Wonderland, Devinly Decadence and Michael's Genuine Pub.
Dynamic Dining may ostracise some traditional cruisers. But if you are travelling as a group or prefer to sit at the same table every night with the same waiter, you can still do this by making reservations for the entire cruise. However, I believe you will really miss out on experiencing what this wonderful cruise ship has to offer.
Entertainment and technology combined - 270
The venue 270, located at the aft end of the ship on decks 5 & 6, was one of the most talked about features before I boarded and I can understand why. During the day, 270 offers fantastic, 270-degree panoramic sea views through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
By night, it transforms into a stunning entertainment venue. The show Starwater was easily the most entertaining production I have ever seen at sea. The windows turn into massive projector screens, while aerialists and performers take the stage.
The fun of the fair at Seaplex
Another WOW feature of Quantum of the Seas is Seaplex. This is the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea. The space itself is very versatile, offering activities ranging from dodgems/bumper cars, circus school with trapeze lessons, roller skating and a basketball court. I was even told it can convert into a nightclub on rare occasions. Apparently the crew had a party there one evening before passengers joined the ship.
Fly high on North Star
The North Star is probably the most iconic feature of Quantum of the Seas and a feature that was in hot demand. It's basically a glass capsule (think London Eye) that rises up above the ship giving you 360-degree views, 300 feet above the ocean and over the side of the ship.
North Star is a must-do if you take a cruise on Quantum or Anthem of the Seas. However, pick your time carefully because the capsule only takes approximately 12 people at a time and the ride can last up to 14 minutes. So, even if there are only 50 people waiting, this can mean close to an hour's wait. My recommendation would be give it a few days before deciding to board the North Star when the queues have died down, or arrive early before it starts for the day.
Where robots rule - Bionic Bar
Now this was cool. The Bionic Bar is a great place to just sit and watch, as you enjoy the buzz of seeing bionic bartenders at work. And let's not forget your perfectly mixed cocktail!
To order a drink, you need your wristband and an iPad. On the iPad you can order whatever you want and how you wish it to be made. Or you can choose from one of the many cocktail options available. Once your order is submitted it appears on a screen next to the bar - and you can clearly see when your drink will be made and the time it will take. When it's ready, simply walk up to the bar, present your wristband to a panel and your drink is then released to you.
Sky's the limit with RipCord by iFly
Ripcord by iFly is the first ever skydiving experience at sea, and while I was hesitant at first, I'm so pleased I went through it. Now I've had a taste, it only confirmed that I have to skydive from a plane one day. Located at the aft end of the ship, above "FlowRider" (the surf simulator), there is a fantastic view to take in while you contemplate what you are about to do.
Staying connected at sea
Quantum of the Seas is known as the technology ship. With the streamlined check-in procedure, wristbands replacing cruise cards, virtual balconies, Bionic Bartenders and the fastest internet speed at sea, it's an obvious title. For me, however, one of the beauties of taking a cruise is turning off from your normal life where you are constantly checking emails and looking at your phone. Using the Royal iQ app, you find yourself glancing at your phone far more regularly than you should be - and there have been no proven medical issues from not checking your emails for a couple of days.
Who cruises on Quantum?
The best way to describe Quantum of the Seas is that it has Celebrity Solstice styling onboard, while maintaining the family-friendly aspects of Royal Caribbean.
In my opinion, what Royal Caribbean are trying to achieve with Dynamic Dining, Seaplex, 270, Ripcord by iFly and high-speed internet on Quantum of the Seas is an experience that will attract new cruisers and a fresh generation of passengers. You wouldn't stay at a hotel on land if it took more than a minute for a web-page to load, so why should you expect to wait at sea.
The Quantum of the Seas itinerary
Quantum of the Seas will cruise from Cape Liberty, New York, until May 2015 before repositioning itself in Shanghai, where it is based year round.
Anthem of the Seas, sister ship to Quantum, will launch in April 2015 and be based out of Southampton, before repositioning to New York in October 2015.


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Hi everyone! First of all many, many thanks for all the support you have given us during the past few difficult months. For the first time we had to postpone a series of shows due to John our keyboard wizard having to be at his son Dan's bedside after Dan was critically injured in a motor cycle accident in Australia last June. It was touch and go for a long while but we are pleased to say that Dan is slowly recovering from this ordeal and John is back home.
Updated date sheet
The shows we postponed have been re-arranged as per the updated date sheet and we are still working hard to get the ones we have not been able to do this year sometime in 2018.
A new guitarist
We also have some news about our guitarist Darren. Sadly, Darren has chosen to leave the band sometime this year due to family and work commitments. We of course wish him the very best and it has been a pleasure to have him in Mama. Thanks for all your hard work matey and good luck from all of us.
His replacement was closer to hand than we thought. Step forward Eddie Devlin! Eddie is the guitarist in the original band The Swan Chorus that Dave and John W are members of. He jumped at the chance to join Mama and is working hard to make the transition seamless. We expecting his first show to be at The Old Courts in Wigan in October and he is chomping at the bit to show you what he can do. For those who want a taste of his ability, have a look at this video on YouTube:
We will be back in the rehearsal rooms soon and are looking at some new songs to freshen up our set list. Thanks again for sticking with us. We really so appreciate it.
Regards, JW.
« IMPORTANT INFO RE: HOLLAND SHOWS Holmfirth here we come! »


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Thinking of Selling 'For Sale By Owner' (FSBO)? Think again.
| By Peggy Crowe |
Going FSBO sounds perfect on the surface. Saving realtor fees is invariably what drives that decision. Put a sign in the yard, post it online and you are good to go. Some are successful if they have the time and skills. But most unrepresented sellers lose out in more ways than they could ever imagine.Michelle Marshall and Linda Patterson of West Asheville were delighted that they chose not to go the FSBO route. "We are thrilled that our house sold quickly for cash substantially above asking price. We initially planned to do 'For Sale By Owner' and put out feelers with a lower price and got a lot of interest. However, we soon began to realize there is more to selling a house than meets the eye and recognized we are not brokers nor did we want to be. We met with our realtor, decided on an asking price and followed her suggestions (sometimes kicking & screaming) on getting the house ready. Forty people attended our Open House and we had an offer above asking price by the end of that day. We had six very good offers in the two days allotted. Our goal was to have a cash offer and be closed by Election Day. We closed on November 2nd, no fuss, no muss. Our realtor did her due diligence, all of the footwork, and we closed in 22 days. Using a savvy broker was the best thing we could have done to sell this house."
Here are the 5 reasons that they were happy with their decision.
1) Pricing: Sellers believe they can net more money because they aren't paying an agent's fees. But the truth is that FSBO sales generally net the sellers less than if they listed with a REALTOR®. Why? FSBO sellers generally rely on online sales information, which may not be accurate or similar to their home. Sellers often think their home is more valuable than the market does. If you price it too high, it will never sell.
REALTORS® know how to find accurate comps that closely match your home, hitting the "sweet spot" for securing a quick sale. According to a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2015 national study, FSBO homes' median sales price was $210,000 while agent-assisted homes sold for $249,000 – a $40,000 increase. Even after paying agent fees, sellers netted much more than they could have going solo.
2) Marketing: Marketing begins at home. REALTORS® know what buttons get buyers excited to put in an offer and which things turn them off. They are generally easy fixes such as staging, cleaning the house, de-cluttering, touch-up paint, changing out some fixtures or getting rid of pet odor.
While FSBOs have access to sites such as Craig's List and Zillow, 88% of online searchers still use an agent. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) automatically downloads to all local and national websites such as realtor.com. That's where the great photographs and write-ups pay off. Agents often pay for a "boost" to market your home on Facebook. What would your marketing strategy be? Do you have the time to implement it?
Besides online, agents have a fine-tuned strategy that won't cost you a dime. They generally hire a professional photographer who makes your home stand out from the competition. Floor plans with measurements or personal notes from sellers to buyers can make a huge difference. Agents email the 2600 local MLS affiliated agents about your home. REALTORS® also have buyer clients on automatic searches. When their desires match your house they get notified once it is listed and each time anything changes.
3) Knowledge about the Process: You know your home better than anyone and it's emotional. When an unrepresented buyer submits a low-ball offer because it's a FSBO, sellers take it as a personal affront and often walk away. If you do get an offer, who understands the paperwork, logistics, negotiations and legal requirements, which could potentially get you, sued?
Having an agent-represented buyer is a double-edged sword. You are only paying half of what you would have paid in commissions but you are dealing with a professional that does this every day. You, on the other hand, are a novice and the odds are stacked against you.
This is where a REALTOR® who represents you exclusively becomes your full-time advocate. Agents go through extensive training honing their skills. The REALTOR® paperwork and laws are constantly changing and vary greatly from state to state. Most sellers don't have the time or expertise to understand the nuances of the legalese and necessary forms.
4) Your Time and Safety: If you are trying to go it alone, you will be amazed how much time it can eat up. Can you drop everything every time the phone rings or someone wants to see your home immediately? If you have a serious buyer they will want to spend several hours looking at everything. You need to be there but not shadow them. If you get a contract, then you will have to be available for a steady stream of professionals evaluating your home, some of which can take up to four hours.
Safety is another issue that most FSBO sellers don't take into account. Craig's List is a great tool but you don't know if they are serious buyers. Also, while you are allowing buyers to have their needed space, your medications or valuables could be in jeopardy.
Agents have many ways to safeguard your home and time. They are available when buyers are ready who expect an agent to be with them the whole time. Also, the local Board of REALTORS® has a system where agents who want to show your home must get an appointment approved by you, then have to log in with their phones which indicates when they entered and left.
5) Negotiations: This is where the rubber meets the road. If you are dealing with an unrepresented buyer, neither of you understand the process nor legally mandated paperwork. If you are working with a Buyer's agent, they understand everything. You don't. But if you have your own REALTOR® they understand all of these things and advocate for you every step of the way so you are on equal footing.
There are two sets of negotiations. The first determines the price and terms. Securing a viable contract that is to your advantage isn't always obvious to a novice but a professional knows how to ensure you get what you want.
The second stage is after the buyer has had the chance to inspect everything. This involves the buyer utilizing the gathered information with a request for items to be repaired, replaced, or to lower the price. Again, these requests often feel like a personal assault and can be deal-killers. A Buyer's agent is ethically bound to do everything they can for their client, which often means asking for many things. It is hard for FSBOs to determine in a short amount of time what items are necessary, optional, or fluff.
A REALTOR® knows how to negotiate just as hard on your behalf at every crossroad as the Buyer's Agent does for their client. They know the nuances of the forms and how to get you what you want. Plus they are the buffer between you and the buyer and will be the unemotional voice of reason in all the calls and emails it takes to close the sale.
The decision is yours. Do you have the time, energy, knowledge, and skills to sell your home yourself and make the profit that you were expecting? As Linda and Michelle found out, having a REALTOR® simplified their lives and made them a great deal more money.
Peggy Crowe is a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker King who covers Asheville and the contiguous counties. Check out her video, contact information and testimonials at http://www.cbasheville.com/agents/peggy-crowe/


text: Is it possible to put the stock 2-tire tail wheel from a MT Walker on a MC tractor? Reason being, I could then put low-pros on front and a 9.5 catcher, and basically have a poor-mans MT I think I would be able to just switch out the fork and tire and wheels, and it would be as simple as that. Anyone parting-out a MT?


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by Anna IankovaBallet Days #2 This is the work of retired photographer Anna Iankova depicting her life with ballet schools in St. Petersburg through her photographs. Please read her short biography bellow. This is the second of her many upcoming volumes of her work. Each volume portrays a particular young student backstage, preparing for audition or performance, with thirty full page color photographs of exceptional quality.
An Aspiring Ballerina's Guide to: Auditions
by Gemma PearceFor most dancers, at one stage in your career you will have to attend an audition; whether it is to get into a school or to get that job you've always wanted.Unlike a performance where you've had the opportunity to practice your steps many times before displaying them to an audience, the audition process can be a completely unfamiliar and nerve wracking experience, requiring you to face new
The Complete Book of Ballroom Dance Wedding, Ballroom Dancing for Kids, Ballroom Dancing Classes, Parties, Fitness and FunThe ultimate guide about ballroom dancing, ballroom dance wedding, ballroom dancing for kids, ballroom dancing classes, ballroom dance studio and more.
America's #1 Guide to Autograph Books for Kids, Autograph Letters, What You Would Want to Know About The Autograph World, Autograph Books and MoreFeast your eyes on the best book that shares the truth and nothing but the truth about autograph letters, autograph collection, autograph books, the insider's grasp on the autograph world and autograph books for kids.
by Marcus BakerZumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. Zumba routines incorporate interval training- alternating fast and slow rhythms- and resistance training. An aerobic activity, Zumba can count toward the 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity recommended for most healthy adults by the Department of
by Anna IankovaBallet Days #1 This is the work of retired photographer Anna Iankova depicting her life with ballet schools in St. Petersburg through her photographs. Please read her biographic outline bellow. This is the first of her many upcoming volumes of her work. Each volume portrays a particular young student backstage, preparing for audition or performance, with thirty full page color photographs of exceptional quality.
by Alberto PianIl Tango richiede certamente perizia e interpretazione. Ma qui il fotografo non ha voluto prendere come base del proprio lavoro alcuni dei molti gesti tecnici che caratterizzano il Tango. L'osservazione si è invece rivolta all'atmosfera che avvolge i protagonisti, indipendentemente dal grado della loro tecnica. Questa atmosfera, a cui tutti prendono parte, è composta da varie sfumature e non è
Создатели и зрители: Русские балеты эпохи шедевровКультура повседневности Главный герой новой книги известной писательницы, критика балета Юлии Яковлевой, — Мариус Иванович Петипа, человек, который создал русский классический балет, каким мы его знаем. Но знаем ли на самом деле? Юлия Яковлева очищает историю русского балета от культурных наслоений советского времени — и погружает читателя в быт театральной конкуренции и балетомании, в условности изнурительной подготовки
Questo mio saggio è dedicato al alcune compositrici italiane vissute nel periodo il 1542 e il 1833. La biografia della maggior parte di loro era scritta in inglese e non in italiano come sarebbe sembrato naturale data la loro nazionalità e quindi ho dovuto tradurle e rielaborarle. Ci sono state delle città in cui si è avuta la maggior fioritura di donne compositrici, prima tra tutte Ferrara e la
An Aspiring Ballerina's Guide to: Feet & Pointe Shoes
by Gemma PearceEver wish that your pointe shoes came with a user manual? Well wish no more, the Aspiring Ballerina's Guide to Feet & Pointe Shoes was designed to make your life that little bit easier.- Do you want to know how to make your feet feel and look good in any shoes? This guide covers the basics on how to prepare your pointe shoes, as well as special techniques to customize your shoes and make them look
Welcome to Belly-Dance. Ask Before You Undulate!Do you love to dance? Interested in Belly Dance? Do you not know where to turn? Are you unsure about what is acceptableand what is not? How do you know if a teacher is good or not? This book will answer these questions and more, then guide you in the right dirrection. It will tell you what you need to know and more, before you make a mistake and waste your money. Badly uneducated teacherscan harm
Whys, Dos, Don'ts, and Shoes (Second Edition)
by Matt BarberHere it is! The ballroom book You´ve been looking for! Beginning Ballroom: Why's, Do's, Don'ts, and Shoes is the user manual for all those who want to get the most out of their ballroom dance lessons. Whether You're curious about the ballroom culture, the history of the dances, how to practice, how competitions work, or just what all this talk of rhythm and smooth is all about, Beginning


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Caisis is a web-based medical information system designed to integrate and improve productivity for research and clinical practice for cancer and other diseases.
Other Useful Business Software
User Ratings
User Reviews
Awesome program overall. I am an administrator in a small clinic and I specially like how the easy the program can be integrated into my everyday work. Install the program and volia, everything is there to upload and examined at. This program improved the decision making process and the quality of decisions that are made since we now have more information to examine. Bravo! 5/5
good project caisis


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User: DeeFromBrooklyn
This tank looks better than 89.76% of tanks in this category
The Average Score for this tank is: 6.24
This tank has been rated : 157 times.
The Average Score for this category is: 5.1
Photo Caption
125 gallon reef - The Brooklyn Hoodlum Fish 30 gallon Sump 2 WP40 Wave Makers 3 DSuny LED Fixtures
Tank Description
Aquarist keeping both Planted Freshwater and Reef Aquariums. Member of the Brooklyn Aquarium Society
Tank Size
About Yourself
Keeping fish since 8 yrs old. Kept many species of saltwater and freshwater fish and inverts. If we don't challenger ourselves how can we learn.
Fish Kept
Corals/Plants Kept
Finger leather Coral, Kenya Tree, Cabbage Leather, Purple Mushrooms, Riccordia Mushroom, Devils Hand, Duncan, Yellow Palys
Date Submitted
Nov 13, 2016
DeeFromBrooklyn - Additional Pictures
Pavona Coral Located in the Frag System
17 times.
Rated higher than 62.91% of tanks in this category
Ranked #878 out of 2367 worldwide


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(Updates toll to 15, adds quote)
By Sujoy Dhar
KOLKATA, India, Feb 15 (Reuters) - About 100 Maoist rebels, many riding motorcycles, stormed a police camp in eastern India on Monday and killed at least 15 policemen as they fired indiscriminately and set fire to the site.
Police said the ambush was on a camp in the state of West Bengal, 200 km (125 miles) west of the state capital Kolkata, in the same area where a major anti-Maoist offensive was launched last year.
"No less than 15 security personnel were killed," senior police official Surajit Kar Purakayastha told Reuters in Kolkata.
In June last year, police pushed back the rebels to regain control of Lalgarh, a cluster of 150 villages in the same West Midnapore area.
West Bengal Director General of Police Bhupinder Singh said the rebels took away a huge cache of weapons in the latest assault.
A rebel group leader, who calls himself as Kishenji, telephoned a Kolkata-based news channel to claim responsibility for the attack.
"(It was) carried out to retaliate against the combined operation of West Bengal police and central paramilitary forces against the Maoists," he told the news channel.
The Maoist rebellion began four decades ago, championing the cause of poor peasants in the east, but has now spread to about 20 of India's 29 states, with the rebels targeting police and government property in hit-and-run attacks.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has warned the rebels have managed to retain support among a cross-section of society and remain the country's biggest internal security threat.
After a resounding general election win in May, the Congress party-led government has decided to take on an estimated 22,000 Maoist rebels who hold sway over swathes of countryside.
(Editing by Matthias Williams and Raju Gopalakrishnan)


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Reviews of A Garden from a Hundred Packets of Seed
|Book Profile
|On Feb 21, 2006, lafko06 wrote:
This is a small book of 125 pages packed with James Fenton's 100 easy to grow from seed annuals. According the book, the majority of the seeds are self sowers. I looked up every plant in Plant Files and yes, WELL over 90% of the annuals listed self seed based on my research. I also cross checked the list on Thompson and Morgan to see if they were truly "easy" to grow and the T&S website confirmed the ones I could find there (which was most of them). I find myself picking this book up again and again to reference something. I suggest considering adding this to your reference shelf for "at your fingertips" information on self sowing annuals. I'm very pleased with this book.
|On Feb 24, 2004, Ninamaria wrote:
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the quality of the writing in this book was as good as the information presented. It turns out that the author is a professional poet which explains why the book is such a gem. It presents one hundred of the author's favorite flowers which can be grown from seed. A fun read.
Add your own comment and rating to this book
Return to the Garden Bookworm homepage


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The accompanying four sorts of extortion have suggestions for all organizations and us as a whole need to consider methods for diminishing the hazard they posture.
Digital Misrepresentation.
There are an excessive number of sorts to go into here, however, I will say something I have experienced a considerable measure: Phishing. Individuals send me messages with connections or connections that contain infections or malware. A portion of the messages are in themselves deceitful, for example, fake solicitations, or asking letters, however even those having all the earmarks of being receipts or messages from your bank are hazardous.
Monetarily Advancement brings to you the best reviews on economic and human right situations of countries in the world both developed and developing.
Monday, 31 July 2017
How A Minor Shortcoming In The Plan Of A Framework About Prompted A Major Money related Embarrassment
When taking a gander at the Money related Hazard, recall that Extortion is by all account not the only hazard in this classification. Blunders of different sorts can have genuine budgetary outcomes. In this article, I will recount the narrative of a disastrous arrangement of occasions prompting a very humiliating result. The one fortunate thing about it was that the money related cost was insignificant. The harm to the association's notoriety was the genuine misfortune. I will call attention to a portion of the failings and how they could have been maintained a strategic distance from, as I see things. Maybe you will think about some others. You may likewise see that those same weaknesses could have left the association powerless against a cheat.
What Are the Likenesses Amongst Assembling and the Congregation?
I have been hearing as of late about issues confronting various assembling firms and have been struck by the likeness between that part and the Congregation.
Many assembling organizations have a maturing workforce. This is on account of they have been great at holding workers and have been encountering static turnover, accordingly having little need to select. This has the upside of having individuals with the encounter, despite the fact that they can be impervious to change. The huge threat is that a considerable measure of them will resign over a genuinely brief period, making an enlistment emergency.
Many assembling organizations have a maturing workforce. This is on account of they have been great at holding workers and have been encountering static turnover, accordingly having little need to select. This has the upside of having individuals with the encounter, despite the fact that they can be impervious to change. The huge threat is that a considerable measure of them will resign over a genuinely brief period, making an enlistment emergency.
Saturday, 8 July 2017
Development Industry - Work in Building Elective Vitality Undertakings Goes Away in 2012
Have we gone to a please where we've mentally programmed general society and all the school kids graduating of the idea that presenting elective vitality extends through open subsidizing will expand occupations, spare the earth, and lead us into another time of clean vitality? It appears I can't go a solitary day without perusing an article or conversing with somebody who has been sold on this idea of option vitality, on how it will really help our economy and make occupations as we make the changeover.
Obligatory Sun based Board Rooftop Equipment and Append Focuses Required On Every single New Home?
Prior to the lodging emergency, there was a mind blowing number of new lodging begins, lodging tracks were going up everywhere in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Yes, in numerous different states too, yet those are the ones that truly took off. Amid that time the administration was calling for more vitality proficiency and needed those homes to be better outfitted with protection, double paned windows, and appropriately dressed entryway jams to hold in the warmth or aerating and cooling relying upon which time it was. Approve so we should discuss this for second might we?
Difficulties of Demonstrating in Ventilation work
Mechanical, Electrical and Pipes configuration can be multifaceted and require a lot of coordination action keeping in mind the end goal to make the fundamental detail and plan parts to introduce frameworks viably. The difficulties that BIM modelers confront in Revit 3D BIM displaying not just include issues required with programming lacks, the test of planning with ventilation work against ventilation work additionally organizing areas of segments with reference to different orders, and sometimes making outline data for outsiders who may wish to incorporate into another programming.
Thursday, 15 June 2017
7 Best Inspiration Executioners That Representatives Can Keep away from
Ladies pioneers in business must discover approaches to remain persuaded to achieve objectives with or without outside support. You may need to work alone in the in this exertion as you seek after expert open doors. You can turn out to be more mindful of ways you may be losing your inspiration by understanding these seven best inspiration executioners that an agent can figure out how to keep away from or change.
7 Best Tips to For Building Certainty For Ladies in Business and Authority
As a woman pioneer in the firm, you need to know how to expand on your levels of confidence. Fortunately remaining confident about your capacities is something that you can control. These seven best tips give you particular ways that you can build up your capabilities and increment your mindfulness in an initiative.
7 Best Tips to Outline a Showcasing Methodology For Promoting Achievement
Have you seen that a retail strategy requests an advertising system? An advertising methodology comprises of a progression of continuous exercises you plan to execute over some undefined time frame to accomplish a specific objective in your business.
Impact at Work - 7 Best Tips For Better Work Environment Correspondence
Do you think correspondence is for the most part done through words? Consider the possibility that you discovered that communication is 70% non-verbal. That implies it's your non-verbal communication including your developments, eyes and even hands that say things more frequently and louder than your mouth. The capacity to speak with lucidity and adequacy is an essential aptitude for hierarchical pioneers. Here are important approaches to make your correspondence more profitable and fruitful.
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It seems that Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would not be able to escape the wrath of Malay rights wing group Perkasa.
Irwan Fahmi Ideris, the Youth Chief of Perkasa slammed Marina for showing solidarity with Christians when over the Allah controversy when she handed flowers at the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Klang on Sunday. Irwan said that Marina should not be doing that but should be with Perkasa to defend the rights of the Muslims to use the Allah word. He said that she should not be showing any support for the church and that would only show that she might be supporting the use of the Allah word by the Christians and that has raised questions among Muslims. Dr Mahathir is the patron for Perkasa.
Written by MalaysiaToday


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Raheja Navin Minar, located in Near Shadipur Depot, Delhi offers 3 BHK apartments, with the price being on request. It provides amenities such as gymnasium, swimming pool, club house, cafeteria, night club, proposed helipad at top of the tower, steam and sauna, CCTV monitoring, card controlled entry, observation desk, 3 level car park, spa, 3 tier security systems, and automated boom barriers. The popular educational institutions of this area are Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Sarvodaya Co-Education School, and Millennium International. Navjeevan Hospital, New Medical Centre, Kailash Nursing Home, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Hospital, and few others are the major hospitals of the locality.
Highlights –
- Located in Shadipur Depot, New Delhi
- Options in 3 BHK Apartments
- Luxury condominiums spread approx. 50 acres of greens.
- Wide open green spaces that are home to a privileged few.
Call for More Info – 9811750130
Visit Webiste – www.rahejanavinminar.in


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Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra India (PressExposure) October 01, 2007 -- Bharat Book Bureau, a leading market information distributor has tabled a report Liability Hedging and Portfolio Choice [http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=8238]
The first book of its kind, this provides a detailed analysis of the interplay between liability calculations, the use of derivatives (including the highly innovative market in inflation derivatives), accounting rules and corporate finance. Summary
Highlights radical rethinking that has taken place in corporate risk management, brought about by the new pension crisis, with its sharp deterioration in funding status for corporate pension funds. The book offers an integrated corporate finance / risk management approach that is fully consistent with corporate decision making.Written by Bernd Scherer, managing director of Deutsche Asset Management and bestselling author of Portfolio Construction and Risk Budgeting and Asset and Liability Management Tools. For more information kindly visit : [http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=8238]
bharatbook.com, a leading information aggregator, facilitates and supports the business information needs for market research , corporate / strategic planning by providing the latest information in the form of reports, journals, magazines and databases on varied industries like automotive, oil and gas, shipping, textiles, pharmaceuticals, energy, banking, finance, insurance, risk management, country intelligence, consumer & durable goods, chemical and more. With over 90,000 reports, you can get instant access and insights on the studies in your areas of interest. Contact us at +91 22 27578668 / 27579438 or email firstname.lastname@example.com or our website http://www.bharatbook.com