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South African Reserve Bank: Quarterly Report
Finance Standing Committee
19 April 2000
Meeting Summary
A summary of this committee meeting is not yet available.
Meeting report
19 April 2000
Documents handed out:
Governor Mboweni's Speech (attached to end of minutes)
Slide Presentation by National Institute for Economic Policy
Slide Presentation by Deutsche Bank [If this slide presentation takes too long to download, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com for Power Point presentation]
South African Reserve Bank website: http://www.resbank.co.za/
International and domestic financial and economic statistics were presented and Mr Tito Mboweni presented a statement on the New Monetary Policy Framework. Following a discussion, Mr Gordon Smith, Chief Economist at Deutsche Bank, spoke on "Has the bubble burst: a South African financial market perspective" . Dr Asghar Adelzadeh from the National Institute for Economic Policy spoke on "Quarterly Reserve Bank Bulletin in a new era" .
International Conditions
This summary of international financial and economic statistics was presented by Dr Guma (see website for quarterly report).
Domestic Economic Conditions:
The summary of domestic financial and economic statistics was presented by Dr van der Merwe (see website for quarterly report).
New Monetary Policy Framework.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank's statement touched on the primary objective of monetary policy, inflation targeting, specification of the inflation target and monetary policy operational procedures (see document).
Mr K Andrew (Democratic Party) noted that there were purchases and sales of equities by non-residents this year when in other years this did not occur. What had caused this change in foreign investment patterns?
Mr Mboweni replied that there were many factors causing this to happen some of which were the following:
· The United States current account deficit of 4% of GDP, which continues to attract funds back into the United States.
· The rise in oil prices led investors to move away from resource based developing markets. It is however probably only a temporary condition.
In answer to Mr Andrew's query on whether the recent occurrences in Zimbabwe had affected the economy, Mr Mboweni expressed his concern about the Zimbabwean crisis and said that it does create a negative mood on all Southern African markets and that South Africa also suffers from that effect but that is not yet of serious concern.
Mr Andrew Feinstein (ANC) asked how the SABR's decisions are influenced by projections and what period of time these projections cover. Were the events on the NASDAQ the corrections which the analysts had expected?
Mr Mboweni replied that the decisions of the Central Bank is always made with the projections for the next 18-24 months in mind. Alan Greenspan had already given warnings about market exuberance in Wall Street and asset price inflation and therefore corrections were bound to happen. He also mentioned that many dot.com companies are simply chasing ideas and have not yet declared a dividend and as such what happens in these markets in the short term is not considered in making interest rate decisions. Interest rates decisions are made using information on what has happened in the last 18-24 months.
Ms SJ Leeuw (ANC) expressed her concern that there is no regularly available information on some SADC countries. She also asked the governor how economic growth is projected in relation to the development of skills.
Mr Mboweni replied that the Reserve Bank tries it best to obtain all the required information but some SADC countries are not willing to give this information, often for politically motivated reasons. He admitted that having SADC information not readily available is problematic, especially when he is on official foreign business and asked questions about the region. It creates a poor image of competency in the government. The problem is however being attended to, focusing on electronic information.
In answer to the second question he said that skills productivity improvements are critical for economic growth as can be seen in the.
Mr Mboweni said that the development of skills is closely linked to economic growth. He noted the economic growth of the United States as being due to the high levels of skills and productivity. An increase in production is critical for economic growth and therefore government projects to improve skills are very important. Workers especially need to be technology literate.
Mr Nigel Bruce (DP) asked whether the SARB should have a policy on block rand.
Mr Mboweni replied that it is still a subject of discussion in the Central Bank and a issue that needs to be dealt with. There is a continuing process of lifting controls on residents. Even with the possibility of residents taking money out if exchange controls are lifted the bank will still go ahead and do it over time though - as long as the fundamentals remain good.
Mr Bruce (DP) inquired about the current stability and quality of the South African banking system.
Mr Mboweni commented that the IMF and World Bank had concluded that there is a good financial and banking system but that does not mean there is no possibility of bank failure. The Reserve Bank will not always salvage banks which are in trouble. There is no governmental guarantee that there will be no bank failures, therefore consumers must choose well-managed banks. Competition allows scope for choice in the bank sector and monopolization will not always be good. There should however be a minimum of four major banks. The Reserve Bank is thinking of increasing the capital adequacy ratio to enhance stability. Entering into the bank sector should not be made too easy, in order to help prevent failures.
Dr Rabie (New National Party) asked if the Rand will stabilize.
Mr Mboweni replied that the expectation is that it will stabilize but the US dollar is very strong and it should not be forgotten that other currencies are also depreciating against the dollar such as the Australia dollar (8% since the beginning of the year) the Brazilian Real and the Euro (from 118 to 97 this year). So the rate of depreciation of the Rand is not so bad compared to other currencies.
Mr Andrew asked what the Central Bank plans to do about the low saving rate which is restraining the economy.
Mr Mboweni agreed the savings rate was low. He expressed gratitude for the decrease in income taxes introduced by the Minister of Finance. The decrease in tax would however naturally lead to an increase in spending, and not savings. The tax decrease remains a positive turn and the effort should now go into reversing the consumer psychology. To begin with, the returns on savings should be improved.
Mr Andrew also asked if it is not unreasonable to tell consumers to invest in sound banks, as most people believe that if a bank is registered it is safe and they do not have he ability to assess the soundness of banks.
Mr Tito Mboweni agreed that consumers are not expected to do analyses of banks. However careless reporting about banks can cause disasters because banks need confidence. The New Republic Bank is an example of a good bank which went down because of careless reporting.
Prof. Turok (ANC) asked where South Africa is in the business cycle at the moment and why the role of the public sector is currently diminishing.
Dr van der Merwe replied that it is always difficult to determine the exact turning point of the economic cycle. He supposed that the last turning point has been at the beginning of 1999 and that we are currently in the early part of economic recovery.
Mr Mboweni stated the cause of the diminishing role of the public sector as the decrease in gross fixed investment. The reason for this is the cost inflating decisions taken in 1998 and 1999. It should be noted that the key is private sector investment. Some remarkable investments have nevertheless been made, such as in the airway companies.
Dr Koornof (UDM) remarked that most figures of economic variables are regularly available, except those for employment. He asked whether such statistics should not be more available for policy decisions.
Mr Mboweni agreed that the employment figures were not coming out as regularly as they should. This had been discussed with Statistics South Africa would said they will be able to provide statistics twice a year since it is vital for policy decisions. He commented that the data presented by the Reserve bank is more disaggregated this year than ever before.
Dr Koornof (UDM) asked what is being done to ensure that there is access to capital for emerging entrepreneurs, especially the previously disadvantaged, by banks.
Mr Mboweni requested the committee to ask the banks what their lending procedure is.
Following this discussion was a presentation by Gordon Smith from Deutsche Securities on the South African economy titled "Has the bubble burst: a South African financial market perspective" .
Dr Asghar Adelzadeh from the National Institute for Economic Policy also made a presentation titled "Quarterly Reserve Bank Bulletin in a new era".
Appendix 1:
1.1The primary objective of the Reserve Bank is to achieve and maintain financial stability in South Africa, i.e. price stability as well as stabilit1 in the financial sector. Price stability is achieved when changes in the general price level do not materially affect the economic decision-making process. Stability in the financial sector is achieved when there is a high degree of confidence in the ability of the financial infrastructure to meet the requirements of market participants.
1.2In this statement the current monetary policy stance to achieve financial stability is described in some detail, with reference to:
(i)stability in the financial sector;
(ii)recent developments in domestic prices;
(iii)the inflation outlook;
(iv)the monetary policy measures applied;
(v)the monetary policy decision-making process; and
(vi)the transparency of monetary policy.
2.1In contrast to many other emerging-market economies, the South African banking sector proved to be remarkably resilient during the global financial turmoil of 1997 and 1998. The banking sector's thorough preparations to avoid the possible effects of the transition to the year 2000, were also very effective. With the exception of a few minor disruptions that generally were not Y2K related, normal operations were reported by the banks during the change to the new millennium. The positive spin-offs of large-scale technology renewal, the rationalisation of systems and processes, the improvement of human resources and closer co-operation in the sector, should enhance efficiency.
2.2Although the non-performing loans of banks have increased during he financial crisis and in 1999, increased provisions were made for bad and doubtful debts. As a ratio of total loans and advances, gross overdues in the banking sector increased from 4,6 per cent in the second quarter of 1999 to 4,9 per cent in the fourth quarter. However, provisions for doubtful debts were also increased and amounted to 57,5 per cent of total overdues in the fourth quarter of 1999. This is much more conservative than the international norm of 40 per cent.
2.3The banks in South Africa are well capitalised and other sound banking principles are being applied. In particular, the anticipated short-term liquidity mismatch of banks, i.e. the difference between liabilities maturing within the next 31 days and assets maturing during the same period, decreased from 14,0 per cent of total liabilities in December 1999 to 12,6 per cent in February 2000.
2.4All the other statistical information available to the Reserve Bank shows that conditions in the banking sector are stable and that profitability improved during 1999. Although some of the smaller banks experienced a temporary liquidity squeeze towards the end of 1999 and the beginning of 2000 due to the reduction of wholesale deposits, these problems were dealt with quickly and efficiently.
3.1The annual average rate of increase in the consumer price index for metropolitan and other urban areas, excluding interest on mortgage bonds, declined marginally from 7,1 per cent in 1998 to 6,9 per cent in 1999. However, the year-on-year increase in this index picked up somewhat from a low of 6,5 per cent in October 1999 to 7,1 per cent in February 2000. This rising trend in consumer prices could mainly be attributed to increases in the prices of petrol and diesel, transport equipment and food.
3.2The decline in interest rates on mortgage bonds brought overall consumer price inflation down from a year-on-year rate of 9,4 per cent in November 1998 to 1,7 per cent in October 1999. The rate of increase in this index then accelerated to 2,4 per cent in February 2000. The annual average increase in the overall consumer price index amounted to 5,2 per cent in 1999, compared with 6,9 per cent in 1998 and 13,9 per cent in 1992.
3.3By contrast, production prices have risen sharply in recent months, mainly on account of the rise in international crude oil prices. Increases in international oil prices are reflected with a short lag in imported prices when contract prices are adjusted to reflect auction prices on international markets. The year-on-year change in the prices of imported goods rose from 5,9 per cent in December 1998 to 14,4 per cent in February 2000. The year-on-year inflation in the prices of domestically produced goods rose from 3,7 per cent to 6,5 per cent over the same period. As a result of these developments, the annual average increase in the total production price index accelerated from 3,5 per cent in 1998 to 5,8 per cent in 1999.
4.1The recent acceleration in the increase in the all-goods production price index indicates that consumer prices will rise more rapidly over the coming months. The second-wave effects of the increase in international oil prices and domestic food prices will probably contribute to sharper increases in consumer prices over the short term. However, oil prices have started to decline from late March from levels in excess of US$30 per barrel to current levels of around US$22 per barrel because of a decision by OPEC to increase oil production by 1,7 million barrels per day. The favourable agricultural conditions experienced over the past six months should also have a positive spin-off on food prices. It is, therefore, expected that the acceleration in price inflation will peter out.
4.2Various other developments reinforce this positive inflation outlook over the medium to longer term. The rate of increase in nominal unit labour costs in the non-agricultural formal sectors of the economy, for instance, has declined from nearly 11 per cent in 1994 to 3,5 per cent in 1999. A slowdown in the growth of earnings of workers was partly responsible for this development. The growth in nominal salaries and wages per worker declined from levels around 14 per cent in 1994 to about 7 per cent in 1 999. In addition, labour productivity continued to rise sharply in the past five years. The average annual increase in productivity came to nearly 41/2 per cent from 1995 to 1999. In view of the underutilisation of labour resources it seems likely that the growth in nominal unit labour costs will be contained in the next few years, although a shortage of skilled workers could arise with a prolonged pick-up in economic activity.
4.3There are no signs of excessive increases of domestic demand in the next three years. More rapid growth in economic activity is projected, but this growth is not expected to lead to unduly large deficits on the current account of the balance of payments. Favourable international conditions could lead to continued high growth in the exports of South Africa, which should partly offset increases in imports emanating from higher capital investment and a rise in domestic demand during the expected economic upswing.
4.4South Africa should not experience any difficulty in financing the deficits on the current account of the balance of payments, provided that large disruptive international capital outflows do not occur. From 1994 to 1999, a net inflow of capital of about R78 billion has been recorded, of which R38 billion consisted of direct investment by non-residents in South African companies. The planned further restructuring of government assets should promote an even larger inflow of direct investment capital in the next three years. The total foreign debt of the country at a ratio below 30 per cent of gross domestic product is comparatively low. This allows some scope for foreign borrowing if the need should arise.
4.5Conditions therefore seem favourable for the exchange rate of the rand. Inflation differentials between South Africa and its main international trading partners and competitors, however, could at times lead to a systematic and contained depreciation of the rand, which could affect the prices of imported goods. The planned further reduction in import duties and South Africa's trade agreement with the European Union will probably restrain the growth in imported prices and, through increased competition, the increase in domestic prices.
4.6In addition, there are indications that inflation is rising in many of the advanced economies, which could narrow inflation differentials between South Africa and these economies. Price increases in advanced economies, however, are expected to be relatively moderate and should not have any significant impact on the prices of imported goods. These pressures on imported prices could also be alleviated by an expected sharp reduction in the inflation rates of developing countries and of the so-called countries in transition.
4.7A prudent monetary policy will be pursued by the Reserve Bank to control the growth in money supply and bank credit extension. Inflation is a monetary phenomenon and cannot occur without more rapid increases in the quantity of money than in output, provided that changes in the velocity of circulation of money do not offset the growth in money supply. The Reserve Bank will continue to influence the growth in money supply and bank credit extension carefully by managing overall liquidity in the banking sector and the total demand for money. Considerable success has recently been achieved in this regard, and the growth rates in both money supply and bank credit extension have subsided to relatively low levels.
4.8A further factor pointing to a decline in the inflation rate over the medium to long term is the fiscal discipline applied by the government. The public-sector-borrowing requirement has been brought down from a level of nearly 6 per cent in the fiscal year 1994/95 to only 1,7 per cent in the first nine months of the fiscal year 1999/2000. In the Medium Term Expenditure Framework the government has indicated that it intends to keep a tight rein on expenditure over the next three years. Considerable success has also been achieved in improving the collection of government revenue.
5.1Taking account of the favourable inflationary outlook and the generally more stable international economic conditions, the repurchase rate of the Reserve Bank was reduced considerably during 1999. At the height of the international financial crisis, when the Russian government declared a moratorium on the repayment of debt, the repurchase rate of the Reserve Bank rose to 21,86 per cent on 28 August 1998. The repo rate was held steady at this level until there was clear evidence that the crisis was over. From 13 October 1998 the repo rate was gradually reduced to 11,75 per cent on 14 January 2000, or by just more than 10 percentage points.
5.2The marginal lending rate was also reduced during 1999. The marginal lending rate was initially introduced at one percentage point above the repo rate. This rate was then increased to a level of 20 percentage points above the repo rate during the global financial crisis. As a result of the more stable conditions internationally, the marginal lending rate was then reduced in steps to 5 percentage points above the repo rate from 25 November 1999.
5.3 In view of the pressures on domestic prices which arose during the last few months of 1999 and the projected developments in the inflation rate, the Reserve Bank managed the daily liquidity requirement of the banks in such a way that the repo rate remained at a level of 11,75 per cent from the middle of January 2000 . In making this decision the Bank not only took note of domestic economic developments, but also of the fact that official interest rates in many of the advanced economies have been raised from the second half of 1999 and that it is generally expected that they could increase further in the near future. Long-term interest rates and yields have also increased in these economies and the spread between yields on South African securities and those of the advanced economies narrowed considerably.
5.4Obviously capital flows to and from South Africa can be affected by changes in interest rate differentials. In determining the level of official interest rates it is important to avoid any unnecessary fluctuations in interest rate levels. This is not always possible because of unforeseen developments. Likely domestic and international developments, however, have to be carefully taken into account when determining the monetary policy stance.
5.5Greater stability in domestic interest rates also seemed warranted on account of the heightened volatility in many financial markets. These gyrations were to a large extent sparked off by volatility in the share prices of companies in the information technology sector in the United States. This was the first time in the past two years that developments in emerging markets were not responsible for global volatility. The uncertain conditions nevertheless led to increased risk aversion and affected portfolio flows to South Africa. In March 2000, non-residents were ret sellers of bonds and shares to the tune of R5,9 billion. In April these net sales seems to have come to an end. The stability in domestic short-term interest rates contributed to an orderly adjustment in the external value of the rand.
5.6The present level of interest rates in South Africa does not seem to be out of line with international interest rates. The real repo rate in South Africa at the end of February 2000 amounted to 4,3 per cent, compared with 2,5 per cent in the United States, 3,6 per cent in the United kingdom and Australia, 6,3 per cent in Mexico and more than 10 per cent in Brazil and Argentina. The real yield to maturity on domestic long-term government bonds at 6 per cent at the end of February 2000 was also not much higher than the 3,6 per cent in the United States and 4,7 per cent in Australia. In evaluating the level of long-term interest rates and yields in South Africa some allowance must be made for currency and country risk.
5.7The Reserve Bank's liquidity management during 1999 was aimed at increasing the private banks' dependence on central bank funding in order to create a more effective and efficient functioning of the daily auction of repurchase agreements. The operations of the Bank to withdraw liquidity from the market included increases in the issue of Reserve Bank debentures, reverse-repurchase transactions and foreign currency swaps with private banks.
5.8Towards the end of 1999 the Reserve Bank actively engineered a sharp decline in the private banks' liquidity requirement to alleviate possible Y2K problems. The liquidity requirement of banks accordingly declined from R11,3 billion at the end of September1999 to R2,4 billion at the end of December 1999. Subsequently, the Bank has again increased the liquidity requirement to approximately R8 billion at the beginning of April 2000.
6.1The decision-making process in the conduct of monetary policy was changed considerably with the establishment of a Monetary Policy Committee. The Monetary Policy Committee consists of the Governor and deputy governors as voting members and senior officials of the Bank as non-voting members. It held its first meeting on 13 October 1999. Since its establishment the Monetary Policy Committee has now convened five times. This Committee has proven to be of great value in the formulation of monetary policy. International and domestic economic developments are analysed in depth and the Committee has made consensus decisions at each meeting about the policy stance to be pursued.
6.2Monetary policy is always forward-looking because of the long lags of between 18 and 24 months between monetary policy steps and their impact on inflation. Considerable use is therefore made of econometric models to forecast the likely path of inflation and other related variables. This does not imply that the results of models can be followed blindly. The Reserve Bank realises that econometric models have serious limitations, but they are nevertheless useful instruments to aid decision making.
6.3The Reserve Bank currently uses a large, multi-purpose econometric model to assist the Monetary Policy Committee in reaching decisions. This model has 169 equations, of which 88 are stochastic behavioural equations. Although this model has been carefully constructed and maintained, it is not primarily focussed on inflation targeting and therefore of limited use in this regard. Internationally, inflation-targeting countries prefer more simplified and smaller models, because the maintenance of larger models is cumbersome.
6.4With the assistance of a number of central banks the Reserve Bank is busy with the development of a suite of models which should be invaluable in the decision-making process. In particular, a core model is being developed which will be supplemented by a number of other models when forecasts of inflation are prepared.
6.5The aim is to keep the core model concise so as to focus on key economic variables influencing inflation. The framework of the core model will consist of about 40 equations, of which about half will be stochastic behavioral equations. These stochastic structural equations are being estimated with co-integration and calibration techniques. In addition to the core model, a small-scale macroeconomic model of five equations, Philips-curve models and vector auto-regression models will be developed.
7.1For the effective application of monetary policy and greater credibility of the central bank, transparency is regarded as an important precondition. In the past year the Reserve Bank has made a major effort to enhance the transparency of its policy stance and operations without becoming counter-productive. The adoption of the inflation-targeting monetary policy framework has further assisted in making monetary policy transparent. The announcement of a numerical inflation target makes the intentions of monetary policy clear and precise. If targets are not met, the central bank will have to explain what went wrong.
7.2The monetary policy stance is now communicated regularly to the public. This is done by means of a monetary policy statement after every meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee. A Monetary Policy Forum has also been established to open an avenue for on-going discussions on monetary policy and general economic developments and to ensure that the views of interested parties are taken into account in the determination of monetary policy. The Monetary Policy Forum will meet twice a year in the major centres of South Africa to allow as many stakeholders as possible to participate in these discussions.
7.3The Reserve Bank also plans to publish twice a year a Monetary Policy Review to increase transparency in the application of monetary policy.
This Monetary Policy Review will attempt to describe in more detail the decisions taken by the central bank and will analyse developments in South Africa and the rest of the world that could affect inflation. In addition, the Bank already publishes a Quarterly Bulletin, Annual Economic Report, the Annual Report of the Bank Supervision Department and the Governor's Address at the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders. These publications and addresses of the governors are also made available on the website of the Bank.
8.1By striving for financial stability and carefully analysing underlying economic conditions before adopting a specific monetary policy stance the Reserve Bank believes that it is making its contribution to economic development in South Africa. Although financial stability will riot automatically lead to higher employment -creating economic growth, it will contribute significantly to that end and is an important precondition for the improvement of the living conditions of all the people of South Africa.
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Meet Saloni Goel- Founder of Katib, an application that connects creative people.
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I'm almost there. Well, I'm actually way past the first there—the initial 10 pounds I set as my original goal. Once I'd gotten to that goal, I set myself the goal of a total of 20 pounds before we left for Europe (on Monday!). That last stubborn pound just won't give up, but neither will I. I almost always lose weight when we are traveling because we are usually very active, so I guess I'm just going to have to leave that last little bit in Italy or France. They can keep it.
Looking back on the last nine months, 19 pounds and 2,045,695 steps (yes, that's really the number my FitBit has recorded) I've realized that thinking about losing the pounds and doing the exercise is really much harder than actually getting out and doing it. It's so easy to get yourself into an endless loop of Scarlett O'Hara-ism. "I'll think about it tomorrow." Like many people, I'm not really a fan of exercise, so it's very easy to come up with a bunch of excuses to not go out. "It's raining." "I have to fold laundry." "After I get all the Hay Day crops harvested on my iPad." I'm sure you, too, have some silly excuses. It really is easier to not think about it, put the iPad away, forget the laundry (it'll still be there when you get back), put on your rain gear and just get out. I have also realized that I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I have finished a walk. I like to think of it as vanquishing, what cartoonist Matthew Inman (AKA, The Oatmeal) calls, "The Blerch," that part of you that just wants to sit on the couch with a bag of chips, binge watching something horrible
As I have mentioned before, distractions help. I have listened to some really good books in the last 9 months. Some stinkers, too, but that's to be expected. Right now, I'm listening to Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation Speaks," his sequel to "The Greatest Generation." I highly recommend it. Motivators help the exercise regimen, too, and I recently found an exercise app called Charity Miles which will track your distance and for every mile walked, ridden, or run, one of their corporate partners will donate money to one of several charities that have signed up with the organization. It's a satisfying feeling to know that while you are out doing something for yourself, you are helping others. So far, in 36.8 miles, Humana and Johnson & Johnson have donated $9.20 to the Alzheimer's Association and the National Parks Foundation! Every step counts!! Another blow to the Blerch.
So, now that my weight goal is nearly there, it's time to look ahead. My original reason for doing this should have been for better health and all that, but it wasn't. My original reason was so that when we take off on our European lark, I wanted to be able to enjoy the fun foods and wines and still be able to zip my skirts. I'm good, now!
We are super excited about this trip. It all began last winter when we were watching "Rush," the movie about Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda. I casually mentioned that it might be fun to go to an F1 race, and that was all that was needed to set the, um, wheels in motion. We are going to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza and then spending a couple of weeks exploring France, including Avignon, Carcassone, Britany, the D-Day beaches and Chartres. We are flying Iceland Air, so on the way home, we will take three days to visit Iceland, too.
So, folks, it's time for me to start packing, but before I end this essay, I'd like to leave you with a question to think about: what can you do to "Beat the Blerch?"*
*Used by permission from Matthew Inman. Think about entering his Carnation "Beat The Blerch" I really mean that. Next year. This year is sold out.
— By Cheryl Wolotira
This is the latest in a series of fitness columns by Cheryl Wolotira, a retired educational technologist and middle school teacher. She is married, the mother of two adult children and three Labs. Cheryl loves to read, is a keen traveler, an enthusiastic consumer of technology, and is passionate about food and wine, which is why she has to exercise.
Cheryl is working with Pritam Potts, owner of Edmonds-based Advanced Athlete LLC, to reach her fitness goals.


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A Norwgian builder of quality traditional style motor boats. The company formed in the 60's started to produce their double ender range of craft in the 80's and today they build about 100 modern stylish craft per year.
Saga Boat Models
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Clients like to hire "beer-worthy" lawyers, according to an expert on social media and legal marketing. Clients like to hire lawyers they know, like and trust, according to Adrian Dayton, who wrote the book, Social Media for Lawyers: Twitter Edition.
[via: Are You 'Beer Worthy'? It Could Make Clients More Likely to Hire You at the ABA Journal]
* Like this? Click here to get our weekly email featuring in-house news, jobs and announcements *


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Henlopen Acres III
6 bedroom, 6 full bathroom and 2 half bath, 5,155 sq.ft. home nestled in the pines covered lot. Home features large eat in kitchen, sand room for beach prep, elevated veranda and multiple entertaining spaces.
Read more testimonials
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Having Echelon Build our home was a wonderful experience. Very little stress and our home is amazing!Kyle Shaffer


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category: TV & Film
Podcast 29 - Bakemono-ghost-ari (because we're hilarious)
Mandi, Carle, Brandon, Joe, and ESPECIALLY Austin chit chat about spooky, gory, scary, or otherwise Halloween themed anime perfect for the season. Also, most live action anime remakes are terrible. There, we said it.
Ending: Bradio - Flyers (from Death Parade)
Animoo ©WeAreAnimoo
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HighBrowAnimeEnthusiasts/?fref=ts
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Research Grants
This page is used to provide assessment scores for the grant. Please use the rubric below the grant details
to enter your assessment score
Diversification patterns of the tribe Sauvagesieae (Ochnaceae)
Project summary:
We aim to use a robust and widely-sampled phylogeny, and quantitative methods to assess the relationships between diversification dynamics and trait evolution in the tribe Sauvagesieae (Ochnaceae), attempting to contribute to an integrative understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that have configured the flora in biodiversity hotspots of South America
Cost: $
Sandra Reinales
Highest degree:
Master of Science
Year obtained:
Applicant Status:
Current student
Flowering plants
Universidade de São Paulo (USP) - São Paulo
Relevant publications (minimum 1, maximum 4):
Reinales S & Parra-O. C. 2020. Phylogenetic position and evolution of glandular structures of the unusual and narrowly-distributed genus Rhytidanthera (Ochnaceae). Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, DOI:10.1093/botlinnean/boaa008.
Reinales S & Parra-O. C. in prep. Taxonomic revision of the genus Rhytidanthera (Ochnaceae). Expected journal: Systematics and Biodiversity.
Reinales S, Ferreira de Sousa HC, Pirani JR, Trovó M. & Cardoso D. in prep. Comparative seed structure and evolution of dispersal systems in the tribe Sauvagesieae (Ochnaceae). Expected journal: New Phytologist.
Referee 1:
Thais Vasconcelos
Referee 2:
José Rubens Pirani
Scoring Rubric
Your name:
Scientific merit
1. Contribution to novel methods for research in systematics and taxonomy and/or
Building taxonomic capacity in developing countries
2. Contribution to the generation of novel systematic data
3. Quality and significance of questions being addressed
4. Adequacy of methods for testing hypotheses (data collection/analysis/use of different tools)
This proposal scores:
IAPT community building
5. Student's potential for professional success
6. Perceived need; extent to which the project will benefit from IAPT funding
This proposal scores:
Broader Impacts
7. The research will yield durable benefits (revisions, databases, websites)
8. Potential of the proposed project to generate an impactful publication
9. The proposed research involves outreach/mentoring and broad dissemination
This proposal scores:


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Referral Line: 484-628-HELP
Reading Hospital: 484-628-8000
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Tower Health is re-opening safely for your health. Visit our re-opening page to learn more.
Reading Hospital Celebrates National Nutrition Month With 'Power Bowls' | Tower Health Reading Hospital
Home > News & Media > Reading Hospital Celebrates National Nutrition Month With 'Power Bowls'
Published on March 18, 2019
March is National Nutrition Month and to celebrate the Reading Hospital Nutrition Services team will be offering "Power Bowls" as a special lunch option in the employee cafeteria on Thursday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The fully customizable power bowl station will offer a wide variety of ingredient choices. The standard build of a power bowl starts with a base of leafy greens or grains, then adds a host of toppings, falling into the categories of vegetables, protein, complex carbs, sweet, crunch, and topping off with a flourish of herbs or a light dressing.
"Power bowls are a fun, tasty, and easy way to have a balanced meal with nutrient dense foods," says Jennifer Aletras, RD, LDN, Reading Hospital Nutrition Services. "Though you still need to be mindful of the ingredients you are choosing and your portion sizes, power bowls are a great place to start for people looking to make healthier meal choices."
Reading Hospital is committed to educating individuals about healthy food choices and making those choices accessible. This event will engage hospital employees and give them tools to start making positive dietary changes in all aspects of their life.
Find out info regarding Media Contacts, Interviews and Photography and Patient Conditions.
Contact Us


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- Start Date: April 30, 2019
- Acres: 16,871
- Personnel assigned: 152
- Crews assigned: 6
- Cause: human, under investigation
DELTA JUNCTION, Alaska – Mop up activities along the primary fireline west of Delta Junction have been finalized and firefighters are transitioning to structure protection in the Whitestone, Southbank and Richardson Clearwater communities.
Fire Managers and representatives from state and federal agencies decided to move firefighters after continually evaluating risks of working close to ordinance remaining in and near the Impact Area, which has been in use for more than 50 years. Firefighter safety is the top priority.
Several fires have been fought near the impact area in past years, but Fire Managers are aware of unexploded ordinance both within and outside the boundary the impact area, and crews continue to find evidence of military activity. Managers and agency administrators agreed reduce risk to firefighters by using a more indirect strategy involving point protection of resources. Crews will travel to communities today and protection activities will commence Friday. Although crews will not respond to initial attack of new starts within the impact area, they will respond to new starts threatening other areas.
In 2013, crews protected structures in all three communities from the Mississippi Fire. The same crews, composed of many of the 2013 firefighters, will be returning to those communities to install and test equipment and help residents prepare for the potential of a nearby fire.
The Oregon Lakes fire is expected to continue to expand to the north and west as warm weather and seasonal southerly winds continue. Rain showers over the past few days have slowed the spread of fire, but have not been sufficient to put the fire out. Warm temperatures in the afternoons have continued to dry vegetation and increase the likelihood of combustion.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area will expand to prevent outside aircraft, including military aircraft, from interfering with aerial transportation or suppression efforts.
Forecasted weather: Light showers and thunder cells are forecast today with southerly winds. Temperatures will reach a high of 70 degrees. Relative humidity will remain low, bottoming out near 27 percent. Rain showers are predicted for tonight, but will not be sufficient to reduce the overall dry dryness and probability of ignition.
For More Information
- Akfireinfo.com
- Inciweb.nwcg.gov
- Facebook @BLMAFS
- Twitter @BLM_AFS
- Firewise: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
Categories: AK Fire Info


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By Staff Writer
The U.S. administration is ready to accuse Iran of violating an international treaty that bans chemical weapons, according to two US officials on Friday.
The officials, who declined to be named as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, explained that the Trump administration plans to make their announcement about Iran's non-compliance with the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits the production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons, at some point this week.
The US's findings, based on recent intelligence, do not say that Iran has used chemical weapons, but that the Regime has maintained the relevant facilities and equipment to produce them.
While this determination would not invoke immediate US penalties, it could be used to file a complaint against Iran at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – a 193-member body based at The Hague that oversees the treaty.
On Friday, lawmakers were told of the upcoming determination and to expect an official announcement as early as Monday, according to the officials, although as of writing none has come out.
US pressure campaign
This is believed to be part of the Trump administration's efforts to put "maximum pressure" on the Iranian Regime and isolate it from the international community, with the ultimate goal being to halt Iran's destabilising activities in the Middle East and beyond.
This campaign began in May after Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 nuclear deal, otherwise known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and announced the reimposition of nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.
The first round of sanctions, introduced on August 6, targeted Iran's use of the US dollar and its auto industry, while the second round, introduced on November 4, targeted Iran's lucrative oil industry and central bank. The ultimate aim is to force Iran to the brink, so that the mullahs accept a new comprehensive nuclear deal, which will confront all of its malign activities, from nuclear weapons development to repression of the Iranian people to interference in the affairs of other nation states to support for terrorism.
Already, the Iranian economy is in turmoil, with the value of the rial (Iran's currency) having dropped dramatically since the beginning of the year and mass protests against the mullah's corruption and mismanagement being a daily concern. However, it is important to note that these were going on long before the US weighed in. The Iranian people support the sanctions because they see this as the best shot to achieve regime change in Iran.


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Bone up with an ink-jet printer
IMPLANTS that encourage bone regrowth could one day be printed using ink-jet technology.
In the current edition of the journal Advanced Materials (http://tinyurl.com/2ydraj) a team at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, reveal how it can be done. They "print" droplets of a tricalcium phosphate suspension, layer by layer on a hydroxyapatite surface. These minerals reacts to form brushite, a calcium phosphate that hardens into a porous 3D scaffold. This slowly dissolves in the body to be replaced by real bone.
Better still, the team, led by Jake Barralet, has successfully encouraged a network of blood vessels to grow in their …
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Employee Onboarding
You Find Great People and We'll Get Them Onboard
Seamless onboarding is the first step to ensuring that your new hire feels confident and satisfied in their new role. New hire training programs must do more than educate about company policies and procedures. A successful program integrates employees into the company culture, instills confidence, and makes them happier and more productive, enabling them to become a vital addition to your team. Depending on needs, training can be designed to be delivered live, online, or in a blended format.
Skye Can Help You:
- Analyze current training programs to identify ways to speed time to competency, increase retention, and boost engagement more efficiently.
- Design solutions aligned with your business goals and culture that allow employees to bypass content not relevant to their role.
- Determine which technologies and training methodologies are right for your unique situation.
- Develop content that instills values, motivates employees to meet the highest standards, shapes on-the-job behavior, and provides valuable feedback that enables continuous improvement.


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94. Moustache:
Maybe you recently watched an episode or re-run of Magnum P.I. on TV. Or there is a chance that you were watching narcos with the attractive and cool cops. Or there is also a chance that you are just worried about the way your upper lip is and as a result you wish to grow a Moustache. Ask any man and he would tell you that no 2 moustaches are alike. Each is a class on its own. Whatever the reason might be, if you are a man who wishes to grow a moustache then you have come to the right place. You might require a little motivation to get this task done. As we all know, there will always be people who will try to dissuade and discourage you from this challenge. But remember that if you push away all the naysayers and the people who dissuade you then you may end up with a mush that will be the envy of every guy out there.
You could try getting a Moustache like Tom Selleck. This is a classy and timeless look. For most people, the very word "moustache" brings up an image of the gentleman also famous called Magnum P.I. This moustache is luxuriant and thick, it's neat and well groomed. It is basically everything you could wish for in a moustache. While on one hand Selleck's famous moustache is completely American, some may even say South American, Errol Flynn's moustache on the other hand is quite Continental It is a moustache that is debonair, and should be carried with charm, wit and a no care attitude. It is a moustache that looks great for the evening. Ron Swanson is known for carrying the serious man's moustache. This is a luxurious, thick and full moustache. This moustache isn't for the faint of heart. So be prepared.
The baseball player look was a popular moustache during the 80's and is back in fashion today. Moustaches like the handle bar moustache were extremely popular during this time. This mush needs to be worn with some attitude and thump. It is the kind of moustache that always looks good with denim. Richard Roundtree is a man known for having one of the most bad ass moustaches of all time. It is highly unlikely that a cooler moustache has ever graced popular culture. The character played by him of private detective John Shaft is a look that we shall remember for years.
Mahatma Gandhi is a legend when it comes to Ahimsa and non-violence but he is also a legend in the moustache department. You could also try growing a moustache like Burt Reynolds. This moustache was the epitome of class and style. This mush is both busy and streamlined at the same time. The Gunslinger would have to be one of the most bad ass moustaches of all time. It is a look that goes really well with cowboy boots and a dusty trench coat. But keep in mind, not everyone can pull of this mush. So now that you have an idea about some of the greatest moustaches of all time, why not try to see if yours will match that standard.


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I'm trying to create a new page template that allows me to create pages on my site that will automatically have the latest posts added to the bottom of the page in the same format as they would be displayed on the default homepage, the only difference being that I would like them to be the same width as the page content. To do this I'm making an edit of the "template-page-fullwidth.php" file renamed "template-page-fullwidth-with-posts.php".
I presume that I'll have to add some php code to the template between where the page content ends and the footer begins.

wp_link_pages("\t\t\t\t\t
".__('Pages: ', 'thematic'), "
\n", 'number');
edit_post_link(__('Edit', 'thematic'),'','') ?>

// calling the comments template
// calling the widget area 'page-bottom'
// in here perhaps?

I'm not even sure if this is the best way to do it, and none of the code I add from other pages which use the blog posts seem to work. My knowledge of PHP is extremely limited, and any help on this would be gratefully appreciated (especially if I'm going about this all the wrong way.)


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Milani 3D Glity Glamour Gloss Review and Swatches
As I was titling this post I happened to make the mistake of typing, "MAC 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss" doh! I can't help but associate the new Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss with dear old MAC Dazzleglass.
Jump for the cheap girl's dupe to Dazzleglass.
Available in seven shades for $6.99 or less, Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss is a perfect little budget fine. Before I review…CVS has Milani Buy One, Get 1 50% Off this week and most of the CVS stores I headed into had all of the Milani Spring Collection 2010 available so if you're yearning now is a good time to haul and save.
3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss…big name for this product, let's just stick with uber shimmery gloss! These are really nice and I'm quite impressed. As with most Milani products I'm not in lust with the packaging but the actual product is ace.
The glosses are a beautiful shimmery formula, disco ball haters beware, they contain a healthy dose of sparkle. They have a very nice hydrating formula that leaves behind a glossy finish without being overly sticky, tacky, or uncomfortable to wear on the lips. I purchased two shades, Leading Lady which is a ruby shade laced with gold and Designer Label which is a golden beige with golden sparkle. For the most part Designer Label is quite sheer but will pair up lovely with peaches, corals, and warmer shades of lipstick where as Leading Lady has enough pigment to work on it's own or apply on top of your fav reds and pinks.
Sadly, the gloss does suffer the same downfall as MAC Dazzleglass in that once worn away it'll leave a bit of glitter on your bare lips. This personally doesn't bother me in the least as a quick reapply and I'm golden however I do know it's a pet peeve for some. The glosses both have a brush applicator which so far hasn't split so quality is pretty nice. Split brushes are quite common with Bobbi Brown glosses and it's a personal pet peeve of mine, but thankfully no such failings with this. The gloss wears a decent time perhaps 3 or 4 hours if I'm not chewing it off or trying to ingest it myself. Although the product contains a healthy dose of beautiful sparkle they do not sport a gritty texture and have a nice smooth finish on lips.
Overall, can't beat the price on these. I did feel the color selection was a little lacking, I'd love to have seen a few more warmer shades, aside from that it's a total cosmetic win and has a Muse Approval for purchase.
Get 'em, totally a nice product.
If Milani isn't available in your area you can purchase online at www.milanicosmetics.com
Disclosure: The following item was purchased by me for review purposes (and because I like flinging my money at makeup products of any kind) on Musings of a Muse. For further information please see my FTC Guidelines or my Disclosure/Disclaimer posts.


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Christmas Tree Family Session With Nikki Santerre
We get choices.
We get them every day. And tucked in the folds of these everyday choices come these bigger decisions that define everything: choosing one another. Picking a person out from a crowd. Placing our hand into someone else's and whispering through the nerves, "I choose you. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing the world just how much I choose our love."
These are the choices, the real-time blessings, I capture with my lens. Through a hybrid film style of shooting, I look to find these blessings everywhere: in the way two first look at one another on that big day. In how their hands spread wide open to what it looks like to become one. How the world seems to hush and say through the silence, "They are in love. They are very much in love."
In addition to offering some of the best products for professionals, we are excited to start featuring
photographers from around the world and showcase their portraits documenting what they love."


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B Records has announced the release of the Paris-based Quatuor Girard's new album: Saint-Saëns.
Comprising family members Hugues, Agathe, Odon and Lucie Girard, the disc features Saint-Saëns' String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor Op. 112 – coupled with Saint-Saëns' Piano Quartet in E Major, with pianist Guillaume Bellom.
"To record the incredible works of Camile Saint-Saens has been an unbelievable opportunity to really explore these unique scores – the source of so much inspiration for us as a quartet …" the ensemble has told The Violin Channel.
"It's been pure joy to explore the sensibility, unexpected colors, expression, great delicacy and ingenuity of this Nineteenth Century mastermind," they have said.


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Penelope Wilton visits the Kyra Women's Project in York
PUBLISHED: 16:51 26 November 2015 | UPDATED: 16:51 26 November 2015
Copyright © 2015 Kate Mallender
Downton star supports York women's campaign
Scarborough-born star of stage and screen Penelope Wilton came back to Yorkshire to show her support for a York women's charity.
Penelope, famous for her strong female roles in a four-decade acting career, said she was passionate about 'giving women back their choices in life' as she launched a fundraising campaign for the Kyra Women's Project.
She is patron of the project which supports women through challenging circumstances such as depression, bereavement, divorce, domestic abuse or alcohol problems. The actress herself has experienced bereavement and divorce, celebrated Kyra's second birthday at its one-stop-centre in St Saviourgate, York and highlighted the Friends of Kyra campaign for more funding to reach its £50,000 target.
'Nobody comes to Kyra with a label – it's a place where women can be themselves,' said Penelope, who has starred in Calendar Girls, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and as Isobel Crawley in ITV's Downton Abbey. 'Many of the women Kyra helps have had their choices taken away from them and the charity gives them back that choice.
'However, without funding none of this can happen – the project is run solely by volunteers, with no paid staff, and without their expertise and enthusiasm Kyra could not function. I'm committed to getting more people to become a Friend of Kyra, and in turn be a friend to all these vulnerable women that so desperately need our help.'
Interested in becoming a Friend of Kyra? Contact Yvonne at firstname.lastname@example.com or Cath at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Looking to impress your crush, friends, wife, by romantic quotes you landed at the perfect place to find super romantic quotes for you lover, Let them know how much you mean to them we have perfect words for your feeling how you feel we cover it all.
Enjoying Super romantic quotes for her from the bottom of heart we collected these quotes from all over the internet and we did some survey also what the most romantic saying they have ever heard.
Romantic Quotes for wife
♥A beautiful woman delights the eye; a wise woman, the understanding; a pure one, the soul.
♥I lean on you. You lean on me. That's the way it will always be.
♥Seeing life through the lens of love makes it so much more worth living. Thank you for everything.
♥If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.
♥Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would, I'd never leave.
♥Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze.
♥No matter what has happened. No matter what you've done. No matter what you will do. I will always love you. I swear it.
♥Angel, a crowd of millions couldn't hide you from me. I found you once. I'll always find you.
♥Love should feel like a hand-sewn quilt made by grandma, wrapping you up on a cold winter morning.
♥When I gaze deep into your mind, I am met with the beauty of a thousand diamonds.
♥My ideal weight is when yours on mine.
♥Forget the butterflies, I feel all the zoo when I am with you!
♥I don't want you to write a love letter, just smack me on the back and say "I am glad that as is mine"!
Romantic Quotes for her
♥It is not being in love what makes me happy. It is being in love only with you what makes me happy.
♥Not every other person deserve my love. It takes a special quality to be eligible for being my beloved. And with you, I feel a different kind of happiness. So I want to be in love with you only.
♥You have got a smile that could light up my whole life!
♥Girl: "Describe me in one word." Boy: "Mine"
♥How cute! What more sentimental words can there be except saying her 'you are mine'. It makes her feel so special and emotional.
♥I'll kiss you in the rain so you get twice as wet.
♥Yes, it really happens. When a girl loves you and you get a chance to love her in the rain, she will get wet by rain and again by you know!
♥That little moan they make when they stretch.
- ♥Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears!
- ♥Did you sit in a pile of sugar? Cause you have a pretty sweet ass.
- ♥Are you a camera? Because every time I look at you, I smile.
- ♥Do you have a Band-Aid? Because I just scraped my knee falling for you.
- ♥Do you work at Starbucks? Because I like you a latte.
- ♥If you were a vegetable you'd be a cute-cumber.
- ♥Excuse me, is your name Earl Grey? Because you look like a hot-tea!
You may also like: Attitude Bio for Instagram/facebook/WhatsApp
Romantic Quotes for gf
- ♥I'm not a photographer, but I can picture me and you together.
- ♥Do you have a pencil? Cause I want to erase your past and write our future.
- ♥Are you religious? Because you're the answer to all my prayers.
- ♥Are you my Appendix? Because I have a funny feeling in my stomach that makes me feel like I should take you out.
- ♥Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you, the entire room became beautiful.
- ♥Is your daddy a Baker? Because you've got some nice buns!
- ♥I wanna live in your socks so I can be with you every step of the way.
- ♥Do you play soccer? Because you're a keeper!
- ♥Did you invent the airplane? Cause you seem Wright for me.
- ♥Do you have a map? I'm getting lost in your eyes.
- ♥I don't have a library card, but do you mind if I check you out?
- ♥Do you have a sunburn, or are you always this hot?
- ♥I was feeling a little off today, but you definitely turned me on.
- ♥Are you a fruit, because Honeydew you know how fine you look right now?
- ♥Do you live in a cornfield, cause I'm stalking you?
- ♥Even if there wasn't gravity on earth, I'd still fall for you.
♥In a room full of art I'd stare only you.
♥And suddenly all the love song were about you.
♥I caught you starring and I caught some feelings.
♥You wanna know who I'm in love with? Read the first word again.
♥I fell in love with you. Not for how you look, just for who you are. Although you look pretty great too.
♥I will spend an eternity loving you, caring for you, respecting you, showing you every day that I hold you as high as the stars." – Steve Maraboli
♥Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control.
♥In case you ever foolishly forget: I am not thinking of you. – Virginia Wolf
♥I am so in love with you that there isn't anything else." – Ernest Hemingway
♥There are only two times that I want to be with you… Now and Forever.
♥I dropped a tear in the ocean, the day that I find it is the day I'll stop loving you.
♥I remember the first day I ever looked into your eyes and felt my entire world flip.
♥I don't want to lose this feeling. If I could choose a place to die, it would be in your arms.
♥I still fall in love with you every day!
♥Being in love with you makes every day an interesting one.
♥I love you no matter what you do, but do you have to do so much of it?
♥You are my second weird half, I love going crazy with you.
♥I love you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you are yet to become.
♥I have the place, which you can touch, and it`ll make me crazy… It`s my heart!
♥Your arms around me is all that I need to face anything that life throws at me.
♥When you came into my life, there is now no reason for my fear. Thank you for making me feel secure all the time.
♥I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then.
♥Grow old with me. Let's count each other's wrinkles as the years pass by. Let's see who losses all of the teeth and who will need the help of the walking stick first.
♥I'm permanently in love with you, always and forever.
♥Before I met you I never knew what it was like to look at someone and smile for no reason.
♥I don`t know why I`ve fallen in love with you. But I know for sure that you are my destiny.
♥No one can ever replace your love. In my heart and in my soul, you will always be my one and only love.
♥My angel, my life, my entire world, you're the one that I want, the one that I need, let me be with you always, my love, my everything.
♥I love you because I know no matter what happens, you'll always love me back.
♥You have no idea how my heart races when I see you.
♥Two souls share a single thought as both hearts beat as one.
♥I only want 3 things… See you. Hug you. Kiss you.


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The RRW all-terrain UTV tire was developed for affordability and durability. Our radial construction tires have been tested hundreds of miles in the desert and on trails and are proven to endure any harsh outdoor elements.
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Construction: 8 ply radial construction means increased durability and resistance to punctures and flats compared to factory stock tires
Weight: 49 lbs each (just a bit heavier than stock tires but a whole lot stronger)
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Eco-tourism still damaging wildlife irreversibly
WASHINGTON - Nature lovers and eco-tourists might be damaging wildlife irreversibly even if they restrict their activities to tiptoeing discreetly through the undergrowth, a study by experts warned.
WASHINGTON – Nature lovers and eco-tourists might be damaging wildlife irreversibly even if they restrict their activities to tiptoeing discreetly through the undergrowth, a study by experts warned.
There has been a "dramatic, fivefold reductions in the native species" like bobcats and coyotes, said Adina Merenlender, University of California (Berkeley) who conducted the study with Sarah Reed of San Francisco-based Wilderness Society.
In 2004, eco-tourism outpaced the tourist industry threefold. One in five tourists now go on eco-holidays, which has been found to impact a range of species, from dolphins and dingoes to penguins and polar bears, according to a New Scientist report.
The dilemma is that revenue from eco-tourism provides one of the best incentives for local communities to protect endangered animals instead of hunting them.
Wildlife management specialist Philip Seddon, from the University of Otago in New Zealand, said the finding that such apparently harmless activities may alter the make-up of wildlife communities contradicts the objective of ecotourism – to minimise impact and maximise benefits.
Merenlender and Reed concentrated on 14 protected zones of oak woodland in northern California. At each site they collected faeces left by the target species along a series of 500-metre sampling paths.
They then compared the quantity found in areas out of bounds to humans with that found along sampling paths in similar "paired" areas nearby where access was allowed.
When people were banned from an area, native species such as bobcats, coyotes and grey foxes thrived and were typically five times as abundant as in more heavily trafficked areas. Likewise, faeces of domestic animals, particularly dogs, were only found in the areas visited by humans.
It is well known that human activity can alarm animals, but Merenlender said this is the first time a consistent effect has been demonstrated across entire communities. "We see it over the whole park, not just a single trail."
This should not, however, be taken to mean that low-key eco-tourism is always harmful, said David Sheppard, head of the programme on protected areas run by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
"It's hard to make generalisations. It can depend heavily on species, as some are more affected by recreation than others," he said.
Large predators might be unusually sensitive to human activity because people hunt them. "These animals have high intelligence, and those that are cautious survive," said Paul Eagles, eco-tourism expert at the University of Waterloo, Canada, who chairs the tourism task force of the IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas. The team reported its findings in Conservation Letters.


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Applies from Fri 27 Mar 2020, 2.53pm to Wed 30 Sep 2020, 2.45pm. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Jun 2020, 9.42am
Closed areas: Lake Eckersley campground closed
Lake Eckersley campground in Heathcote National Park is closed until further notice. All other campgrounds in the park are open. Please call 02 9542 0648 for further information.
Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby.


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As published in the Western Morning News on Friday, 23 June 2017
After 12 months since the EU Referendum, we are finally negotiating for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union and cancel our membership of the Brussels Club.
The 24-month window is already down to 21-months, so no one can say that the negotiating team hasn't got its work cut out. That's why we cannot let the recent election result distract us from the business at hand or chip away at the democratic result of last year's referendum.
Contrary to what the opposition parties may desire, another general election or change of Prime Minister would only weaken the United Kingdom's position at the most crucial time. The negotiations put the UK opposite the EU itself, and its 27 other member states, all of which are likely to have a different slant on the negotiations and differing preferred outcomes. The unelected elite behind the EU experiment will no doubt want to punish the UK, to serve as a deterrent to other member states, whereas the majority of the individual governments are more likely to want to negotiate a deal that doesn't penalise their respective economies.
Let us not underestimate the power of the free movement of goods and services to EU member states that depend upon them for their economic growth. Tens of millions of EU jobs rely on trading with the UK. With the UK importing nearly £60 billion more than it exports to the EU, any attempt by Brussels to slap tariffs on us will inevitably harm them more.
Since triggering Article 50, Brexit seems to have become either 'hard' or 'soft', as if it were a boiled-egg. It's time to put this rhetoric to bed, as there is no such thing as a 'hard Brexit' or a 'soft Brexit'. Trying to water down the outcome before it has happened is nothing more than an excuse to protest and an attempt to undermine our position in the negotiations.
The result of the EU Referendum was clear. The Conservative Party attracted the most votes on 8th June, gaining 2.3 million more votes than in the 2015 election. These two outcomes combined reinforce the view that the people of Great Britain want to leave the EU.
During the recent election campaign, I spent six weeks knocking on doors and speaking to many individuals and small businesses: the biggest thing that I took away from this was that there is still a strong will amongst people in Cornwall to leave the EU. I respect the view of those who voted Remain but in a democracy, they should also respect the referendum result and want to support the UK in achieving the best outcome for all of us.
Here in the South West in general, and North Cornwall in particular, there are two clear priorities for Brexit: firstly, taking back control of our fishing waters and secondly, reforming our agriculture sector, as both farming and fishing have been ravaged by the bureaucracy of EU policy.
Cornwall's fishing industry has been decimated by the Common Fisheries Policy, while the region's farmers have been bogged down by the Common Agricultural Policy. Not only do our farmers and fisherman know this but so do the residents of Cornish communities. A single policy is a one-size-fits-all solution that by its very nature means there will be winners and losers. Where you have 28 member states spread across a continent, a single policy is not a good system.
I made it clear on the doorsteps of North Cornwall that I would be in Parliament to stand up for everyone in North Cornwall and, in particular, our fishing and farming sectors as they are vital to the region's economy and the nation's economic prosperity. Farmers and fishermen do not want preferential treatment but they deserve fair treatment and a level playing field.
It is no coincidence the farming and fishing-focused counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset saw almost all of their Conservative MPs retain their seats earlier this month, which means with so many Conservative MPs in a government with a reduced majority, we are in effect a West Country Conservative power block that in the post-2017 election landscape will use its political weight responsibly, but to the maximum effect.
We will ensure that the West Country's voice is heard loud and clear - something that has not always been the case with London and the South East having traditionally been listened to more. The election results prove that we are no longer at the geographical and therefore 'metaphorical' outlying end of the nation's politics. The West Country Conservatives have shown themselves consistently to be a dependable and loyal backbone of the Party, so let Westminster be in no doubt that we will speak with a unified voice when it comes to ensuring that the West Country and the interests of its constituents are heard.
It is important that we see no backsliding on Brexit, as any half-deal would be the worst possible outcome, ensuring continued uncertainty and maintaining EU policies. Theresa May has made it clear that Brexit will continue, so let us stick to the programme set out when Article 50 was triggered. It is up to us to make a success of it and to prove the naysayers wrong.


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In Talenox, by default, employees will be eligible for Reservist Leave if they meet the following requirements:
- Gender: Male
- Immigration Status: Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
How do you add Reservist Leave in Talenox?
To enable your employees to apply for Reservist Leave, you will need to add this option under Leave Settings > Add a custom leave type.
How do you submit Make-Up Pay (MUP) claims?
In our settings, there are 2 options: Direct Scheme for Employers and Indirect Scheme. Here's the definition breakdown for your understanding:
- Direct scheme for Employers: Employer will pay salary amount as per normal and claim directly from MINDEF.
- Indirect scheme: Employer will pay part of the salary amount and MINDEF will pay the rest of the amount* directly to the employee. You will need to do this via Manage NSmen Payments on the NS Portal.
If you choose Indirect Scheme (Item 2), do calculate the salary proration for that month using our Salary Proration Calculator. Thereafter, select the NS Leave Claim Deduction pay item under Ad Hoc Payment/Deduction tab and key in the amount. You can refer to your employee's NS letter and follow the necessary steps as stated in the letter. 😁
* Do note that MINDEF's reimbursement to the employee is a Net Amount. Full CPF contribution will still be deducted by the employee's company.


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Some Convenient Facts; Sun & Ocean Driving Climate, Not CO2
Posted by Thunder Pig on January 26, 2008
I am at a public terminal so I will be brief as I have 8 minutes left on my time:
The above video is something you won't hear from the Chicken-Littles in the
Global Warming Climate Change fear monger community. Below, is a portion of an excellent article:
Atmospheric CO2 levels have been rising over the past century, and show no sign of slowing down. The apparent association between rising CO2 levels and rising surface temperatures has fueled an apocalyptic media feeding frenzy over the past decade and a half–carrying many politicians and opportunists along with a gullible public. A more sober analysis appears to indicate that other factors may be much more important than the low level CO2 effect.
Source: Al Fin, where there are charts, and links to more information on this most dangerous hoax that is being perpetrated on our civilization.


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Global development body lauds improvement in LRT ops
MANILA An official of International Finance Corporation (IFC), a global development institution and a member of the World Bank Group, has lauded the improvement in the operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1).
IFC Chief Executive Officer Philippe Le Houerou recently visited the country to assess the LRT-1's operations and maintenance, as well as its Cavite Extension Project.
Le Houerou commended rail operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) for its successful rehabilitation of the first generation trains of the LRT-1.
So these are good quality trains. They look good and it's very clean, he said.
Meanwhile, LRMC president and CEO Juan Alfonso said the visit was an opportunity to showcase the improvements in the LRT-1 as a result of its partnership with the government.
This is in line with our policy on transparency and commitment in ensuring the right strategy for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project and other improvement programs for the train line. The occasion was a good opportunity for us to show how we have improved the riding experience of our passengers. These are direct effects of the successful PPP program of the Philippine government working with the IFC, Alfonso said in a statement on Monday.
Since taking over the LRT on 2015, the LRMC has implemented measures, which resulted in the improvement of its operations - as well as ensured the orderliness and cleanliness of all its trains and stations, which currently serve an average of 500,000 passengers daily.
The company was able to increase the number of operating trains from 77 to 112, increase the number of daily trips from 505 to 554 and extended its operating hours to serve more passengers and reduce queuing time in stations and trains.
These efforts resulted to increased passenger capacity, improved customer satisfaction, and the achievement of ISO certifications for quality management and environmental management all unprecedented milestones in the 34-year history of Manila's oldest light rail system, the LRMC said.
The LRMC is constructing the first phase of the LRT-1 Extension project which covers the Redemptorist, Manila International Airport (MIA), Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. A. Santos stations.
The LRT-1 extension is projected to reduce travel time from Baclaran to Bacoor by 30 minutes from the current one and a half hours during rush hours. It will consist of eight new stations Redemptorist, NAIA Avenue, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Pinas, Zapote, and Niog which are expected to serve around 700,000 to 800,000 passengers once it is completed by 2021.
The IFC was engaged by then the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) to design the concession agreement and help select the private concessionaire for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project.
LRMC is a consortium put up by Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Ayala Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings and took over the operations and management of LRT-1 in September 2015. (PNA)
Source: Philippine News Agency


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Today's tune is
This interesting tune title could cause some speculation into its meaning. So, let's see, hurry up and sneeze from breathing in the pepper. Um, someone named Rush had a prized pepper from the garden. Oh, maybe it was a dog and cat named, respectively, Rush and The Pepper. I could find absolutely nothing that gave me a clue as to the "why" the tune was titled this way. It is a fun tune, however, especially with the up and down the scale in the A part contrasted with the half note measures in the B part. The notation used comes from the playing of Jesse Abbott.
Here is the guitar TAB and notation – Rush and the Pepper – Gtr TAB
Surprisingly, there were several videos on YouTube to choose from. Here is a version that comes pretty close to the notation. They start playing at about :43.
This peppy tune will make it worth your time to get out your guitar.:)


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Here at Fifteen Minutes we have pulled out all the stops to bring you seasonal blog content. Look at this Christmas tree-shaped cone! How Christmassy can you get?
Our Christmas day walk in Chambourcy is, of course, the nostalgic Muddy Walk. There is a new feature on the Muddy Walk now in the form of a small pond or reservoir. It's no fun though. There's a high fence all around which means that in order to fall in the water you'd have to scale it first. Today there was a handsome golden duck on the pond. I wanted a photo of it, instead of the deplorable cone, but the limitations of my camera phone made themselves woefully evident once more.
We found this solitary and unusual looking lone duck a little strange. Why was he all alone? Especially on Christmas day! Why did he seem so tame and yet so un-photogenic? Full of puzzlement we pondered these mysteries as we continued up the hill.
Blurry Ruddy Shelduck or Brahminy Duck (this duck is sacred to Buddhists)
As we walked uphill between the gardens we came to a chicken run with some noisy occupants. Next to the chicken run there was a whole collection of poultry including Chinese Pheasants, Ruddy Shelducks or Brahminy Ducks, some other kind of nondescript ducks and various cockerels. The handsome golden duck on the pond obviously escaped from here. The pond is just a few hundred feet from here as the crow flies or more to the point as the Brahminy Duck flies. Brahminy ducks are not common hereabouts.
Mystery elucidated. It was rather elementary really. And we learned a new sacred duck.


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Dale, Donald Madison
Birth: Tuesday, August 27, 1935 in Olympia, Washington
Residence: Leonardtown, Maryland
Death: Wednesday, November 01, 2017 at the age of 82
Condolences: Click to View or Post
PNC Donald Madison Dale, USN, (Ret.), 82 of Leonardtown, MD passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 27, 1935 in Olympia, WA to the late Woodie Madison Dale and Barbara P. Saeger Dale. Donald joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 19. He retired in 1976 after dedicating 22 years of service to his country. After retiring from the Navy, Donald worked for the U.S. Postal Service until February 2017.
Donald loved to be outside working in the yard and garden. He was happiest when he was spending time with his grandchildren and family. Donald was known for his huge heart and was always willing to give his time. He often volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He was a life time member of The National Rifle Association, a member of VFW Post 2032 and Post 255 of the American Legion.
Donald is survived by his wife, Catherine Lynn Dale, his children; Barb Landers (Allen) of Great Mills, MD, Donald "Butch" Dale (Cindy) of Lexington Park, MD and Patricia Weers (Terry) of Great Mills, MD, sibling; Bill Dale of Lacey, WA. Donald also leaves behind 7 beautiful grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Marilyn Jo Dale and grandson Christopher Dale.
Family will receive friends for Donald's Life Celebration on Friday, November 10, 2017 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM with a memorial service at 3:00 PM at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650. Inurnment will be private. Donations may be made to, St. Mary's County Office of Aging, Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.


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A Beautiful Christmas Party Venue in Rural Warwickshire
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Come and celebrate with us at Woodside.
Located just moments from the historic town of Kenilworth and nestled within 32 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, we have a fantastic range of celebration rooms for you to choose from, and with award-winning food and 74 bedrooms available, we promise to make your occasion one to remember.
Whether you're looking to hold an exclusive party, join one of our popular party nights or simply dine in our restaurant, an occasion at Woodside is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Festive Afternoon Tea
Get in the festive spirit and enjoy afternoon tea with a Christmas twist and a glass of fizz at Woodside Hotel in Warwickshire this December.
Hold Your Own Private Christmas Party
Why not host you own private Christmas party or lunch? We love hosting groups of people, we've been doing it for over 50 years now, and pride ourselves on outstanding service. Our team of award-winning chefs have created a festive menu especially for the season.
Join A Shared Party Night
We know how to throw a memorable Christmas party, so why not leave the planning to us? Available on Friday and Saturday nights throughout December.
See In The New Year
Welcome in the New Year in glamorous style at Woodside. Let us spoil you with a fantastic evening! Dress to impress and throw on your best tux or your finest evening gown and prepare for a night of glamour, sophistication and fun.
For more details of Christmas and New Year's Eve 2020 click below
Make Enquiry
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Give your team a day of team building from £205+vat per person
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Woodside Hotel, Warwickshire
Enjoy Christmas afternoon tea at Woodside Hotel in Warwickshire this December.


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A SPECIALIST hot chocolate and coffee shop in Bowness has been ranked as Cumbria's top place to eat on Tripadvisor, just a year after opening.
ChoccoBar, of Quarry Rigg in the town, creates its own unique hot chocolate drinks using real Belgian chocolate, not powders, and also offers a range of speciality teas, coffees, confectionery and light snacks.
The venue opened during Easter 2015 and has had the top Tripadvisor rating for Bowness for some time.
Owner, Mark Tomlinson said: "Being named as Cumbria's top place to eat on such a renowned review site is really some accolade, even more so considering we've only been open a year.
"People like something new, something different and we think we're certainly offering that. Our chocolate is thick enough to trick your mind into 'chewing' but it's still thin enough to drink.
"And the wide range of unique flavours we offer gives an extra wow. We even do a smoky bacon and a venison flavour!
"Certainly from the fantastic response we've had, the wonderful comments people leave us and the fact we're now number one in Cumbria makes us so grateful and extremely proud of what we've done in the past 12 months."


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Officials at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, in Tuscon, Arizona, allowed a rainbow-striped, same-sex American flag to fly at someone's home. This is perfectly acceptable, but don't you dare fly a Confederate flag.
The Washington Times reported that officials at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, in Tuscon, Arizona, are reportedly allowing a rainbow-striped American flag to remain flying at someone's home after an airman complained it violated Title 4 of the U.S. Code.
Writing for The Blaze, former Senior Airman Brian Kolfage said he was driving through the base when he saw an American flag with rainbow stripes instead of red and white stripes flying high on a two-story house.
Mr. Kolfage argued that the flag violates a section of Title 4 that states the American flag "shall be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white; and the union of the flag shall be forty-eight stars, white in a blue field."
"The flag I saw is a parody of the American Flag with 50 white stars in the union, smeared with the rainbow colors as the stripes. The moment the flag took on the union stars is where it becomes a violation, with my understanding of the U.S. Code," he writes.
The 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office first told Mr. Kolfage that they were reviewing the issue, though no action had yet been taken.
"We take seriously our responsibility to abide by federal law and defend the Constitutional rights of all citizens," the office said.
Three days later, Mr. Kolfage received the following message: "The installation commander carefully considered the opinions of legal professionals and the law. The display in question is not an altered U.S. flag; therefore, its display does not violate federal law. No action will be taken."
Read the full story at the Washington Times