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Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution provides substantial reductions in leakage losses and energy costs
Proportional pressure management saves energy and reduces leakages in the Municipality of Ploesti, Romania.
The city of Ploesti, just 60 km from the city of Bucharest capital of Romania, has implemented a Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution solution for proportional pressure management of their water supply. Initially, proportional pressure is implemented at the Ploesti Nord Gageni water supply zone, one of four water supply zones in this city of over 230,000 inhabitants.
Owned and managed by Veolia Apa, the Ploesti Nord Gageni pumping station operates two 110 kW Grundfos Horizontal Split-case HS pumps with Control MPC-EF integrated into the water utility's SCADA system.
The situation at Ploesti Nord Gageni
The Ploesti Nord Gageni zone supplies water to 60,000 consumers at 13,000 households. The weekly pumped volume is approximately 100,000 m3 per week, or 5 million m3 per year. Pump pressure was 2.9 Bar during the day and 2.6 Bar at night. Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses were at 30%, meaning 1.5 million m3 water is lost per year.
Over the previous two years, Apa Nova and Veolia had invested in new Horizontal Splitcase HS pumps with Control MPC-EF for the Ploesti Nord Gageni pumping station. In addition, repairs to pipes in the network had also been carried out.
Following this period of new investment with various flow reduction and energy saving measures, the owners of the Ploesti Nord Gageni pumping station agreed to implement a Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution proportional pressure management solution, in an attempt to gain even greater reductions in energy consumption and NRW. To accomplish this, a basis for comparison needed to be made.
Calculating a basis for comparison
Flow and energy consumption were monitored for varying periods on two occasions in the second half of 2010. The reason for two periods of monitoring was the unforeseen consequences of seasonal variations in air temperature.
The first period of monitoring was in August and September 2010 and covered the following situations:
- Constant pressure at 2.9 Bar during the day and reducing the pressure to 2.6 Bar at nights (between midnight and 6am).
- Constant pressure 2.9 Bar 24 h/day
As expected, when the existing constant pressure model with reduced pressure at night was compared with the results for the same pressure 24 hours a day, there were savings on water flow. However, simply reducing the pressure during night time did not provide a significant benefit of reduced energy consumption, because during night time the pumps operate at low flow and consequently have a low energy consumption at any pressure.
The second period of monitoring was in October 2010 and covered the following situations:
- Constant pressure 2.9 Bar
- Demand Driven Distribution
As we shall see below, comparing the existing constant pressure model with a Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution model showed that a pressure management system generated substantially higher savings for energy consumption and reductions in leakage loss.
Ploesti Nord Gageni had reduced water losses from 50% to 30% over the last 10 years, by installing new pumps, replacing pipes and dropping pressure at nights.
"Following our efforts over the years to reduce leakage and energy consumption, we didn't really expect we could achieve substantial further savings," says Alina Mihalache, Directeur Exploitation, Apa Nova Ploesti, Veolia Apa). "We were therefore surprised and delighted by the results achieved with the Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution solution."
A further reduction of water loss of almost 7% is realised by using Demand Driven Distribution, and the substantial energy savings accrued when the pumps run flexibly according to consumer demand proved to be over 7%.
About the calculations
Energy savings are based on the measured specific energy (kWh/m3) from the test periods outlined above.
Savings on reduced NRW are calculated from accepted international calculations of leakage rates and estimated reductions, using FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharges) methodology, developed by the International Water Association (IWA). FAVAD equations are able to take account of pressure and flow, even where precise figures are not available due to insufficient knowledge of the network. These calculations are based on the following assumptions:
- The number of connections
- Legitimate consumption, meaning the expected consumption in the given population i.e. number of households multiplied with the expected average night consumption
- Exceptional users, meaning known users that exceed the legitimate flow
- Minimum night flow, averaged over one hour, based on 15 minutes samplings between 3am and 4am.
For the Ploesti Nord Gageni zone calculations, the following equation was applied:
NRW (Leakage) = Minimum Night Flow - (Exceptional User + Legitimate Consumption)
Leakage rates and possible reductions are calculated from estimated yearly flow, based on the figures from the test periods outlined above.
Results – and benefits
Presented below are the percentage deviations for Annual Energy Consumption and Total Leakage according to FAVAD. Percentage deviations are shown for, respectively, running at constant pressure with reduced flow at night and for constant pressure 24 hours per day.
Results from test 1 – Constant Pressure versus night time duty:
- Night time lowering of pressure reduced NRW (leakage) losses by 2.5%.
- Night time lowering of pressure reduced specific energy (kWh/m3) by 3%.
Results from test 2 – Constant Pressure versus Demand Driven Distribution:
- Demand Driven Distribution reduced NRW (leakage) losses by 6.6% ≈ 146,000 M3/year.
- Demand Driven Distribution reduced Specific Energy (kWh/m3) by 7.4% ≈ 48,000 kWh/year.
Reducing pressure at night resulted in reductions in NRW (leakage) losses and energy consumption, when compared to Constant Pressure (Test 1).
Demand Driven Distribution doubled the reductions for both measurements, when compared with Constant Pressure (Test 2).
Over the previous couple of years, Ploesti Nord Gageni had already upgraded with Grundfos pumps and MPC controller. The task was to upgrade the control unit further to the latest version, and to implement Grundfos Remote Management (GRM), which enables communication, remote monitoring and control. For other installations, the best solution may be a new Control MPC – or even a completely new pumping solution.
The triple benefits of Demand Driven Distribution are savings with energy consumption, reduced leakage losses, and reduced repair and maintenance costs, all of which prolong asset lifetime.
The next step for Ploesti
The Demand Driven Distribution is easily installed at the waterworks or pumping station and helps reduce costs and limit water loss in a water distribution system by effective pressure control. This is done by compensating for surplus pressure in the pipe system and by reducing water hammer which causes new leakages.
Ongoing optimisation of the Demand Driven Distribution solution means the system effectively becomes self-learning, and measures for optimising the control curve for friction loss compensation can continue.
The Demand Driven Distribution operation can be further optimised by means of sensors in the pipe network, for example using pumps with Grundfos unique AutoAdapt technology. Changing from 1 Duty Pump to 2-3 smaller Duty Pumps would also have a beneficial effect, as would a general lowering of system pressure and introduction of discrete boosters.
In Ploesti Nord Gageni, Demand Driven Distribution saves 50,000 kW/h energy per year and 150,000 m3 water in reduced leakages per year
Ploesti, Romania
Grundfos Romania
"We were therefore surprised and delighted by the results achieved with the Grundfos Demand Driven Distribution solution." says Alina Mihalache, Directeur Exploitation, Apa Nova''
The control panel containing the central elements of the Demand Driven Distribution solution.
If you need a similar solution, please contact us for further information.
If you need a similar solution, please contact us for further information.


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Latest version of LittleDog from CLMC and Boston Dynamics (video)
Our last look BigDog from at Boston Dynamics, most agreed that its movements were beginning to look eerily life-like. The latest version of LittleDog, shown in the video below, is nothing short of breathtaking. Six teams were provided with the LittleDog chassis and funding; this version contains AI software created by the Computational Learning and Motor Control Lab at USC (specific project webpage). See the video after the jump.

subset: commoncrawl


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MONTREAL - A few weeks ago, I was lunching at Lawrence, one of my favourite restaurants in Mile End. Lawrence is a restaurant renowned for serving dishes that range from classic to unusual, with a gastro-pub backbeat and an emphasis on offal. Add to that bright flavours and appealing plate presentations, and you have the unique cuisine of chef Marc Cohen.
Nothing at Lawrence is fussy, but everything is tasty – no, make that delicious. I like the tongue dishes here, the tartares, the hamburger, the pork chop, the duck hearts, the cider-imbibed mussels – it's all good. The desserts are simple and delectable and I especially love the soups, which is why I leaped at the chance to order the kale and borlotti bean soup that graced the oft-changing menu last month.
When the dish arrived, though, I looked down at it perplexed. The soup was brown and khaki, and floating on top were cooked kale leaves, reddish-grey beans and brown mushrooms. The stock was the colour of gravy. Quite frankly, the overall appearance would best be described as sludgy. Spoon in hand, I cannot deny I hesitated for a few minutes before digging in.
Lifting the hot soup to my lips, I looked down at this mix and braced myself for the worst. But the moment it hit my tongue, it was game on. What a soup! Strong in flavour, this hearty potage had a definite woodsy taste, thanks to a serious dose of cep mushrooms. A few handfuls of cheese were in there, too, providing both flavour and texture. The forest-green kale leaves added a cabbage-like (or should I say "brassica-ous") dimension, and the beans gave the soup a heartiness that could take it from appetizer to meal. Despite the fact that it looked like something served at an army canteen, the whole thing was just delicious! And in true Lawrence style, the only accompaniment was a thick slice of generously buttered brown bread. Nice.
When I requested the recipe from Ethan Wills, he agreed. But when I asked if we could take a picture of the soup, I heard silence at the other end of the line. "What do you think of an illustration of the soup?" he asked, knowing full well it looked about as sexy as a bowl of baked beans. I agreed, especially as the drawing was done by Lawrence's dishwasher, Mitch Dixon.
The illustration doesn't really resemble the soup, yet consider that a good thing. This soup may not be a looker, but it's absolutely gorgeous.
Lawrence, 5201 St. Laurent Blvd. (at Fairmount Ave.), 514-503-1070, lawrencerestaurant.com
Lawrence's Cep, Kale and Borlotti Bean Soup
Serves 6
About 4 cups dried cep (porcini) mushrooms
2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup good quality olive oil
3 bunches kale, washed, trimmed and finely chopped
1 litre light stock (like chicken or vegetable)
6 cups cooked borlotti beans
3 cups grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Juice of 1½ lemons, or to taste
Soak the ceps in 10 cups of warm water for 30 minutes, making sure all the mushrooms are well submerged. Strain and reserve liquid.
In a large pot, sweat onions in a few tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the chopped kale.
Cook over medium heat until soft, about 45 minutes.
Add soaked ceps and cook down for a few minutes. Add cep juice and the stock. Bring to a simmer.
Purée 2 cups of the borlotti beans in a blender (add a bit of soup stock if they seem too dry) and add the purée to the soup along with remaining 4 cups of whole beans. Return to simmer.
Add grated Parmesan and remaining olive oil. Simmer until cheese is melted.
Season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
Serve with more grated Parmesan sprinkled on top.


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Explore the world as a traveller, not a tourist, on a trip packed with inclusions. VIP experiences and first-class, insider encounters.
Cosmos is for those that adore the explore without breaking the bank. Hassle-free and flexible, you dream it and we create it.
You're a lone ranger but don't want to be completely alone. We'll help plan your itinerary and set you up with our friends. Less hassles, more amazing, that's Monograms.
Get personal. This is experiential river cruising, your way. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, Avalon is relaxed luxury with choices as many, and individual as you.
Ahhhh, Asia, an entire continent of endless possibilities to fire the imagination. Steamy interior jungles, islands with azure waters fringed by palms, urban metropolis and traditional villages, Asia is a beguiling tapestry of juxtapositions. From traditional Japan to historic Myanmar, the bustle of Bangkok to the intoxication of India, a Cosmos tour in Asia will have you taking the local pulse. Awaken your inner explorer and be immersed in 'wow' moments you'll re-live forever.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step", made famous by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. China is truly a country on the march. Bolting into modernity and leaving the world in its wake, this multi-faceted country is bewildering in its immense vastness, intriguing social complexity and incredible icons. There's the razzle-dazzle diva of Shanghai, with cosmopolitan rooftop bars and cutting edge design, the 250BC ancient terracotta warriors of Xi'an, the UNESCO listed Great Wall of China, Beijing's Forbidden City and rural areas where traditional life remains unchanged. But one thing is clear – China's going places. Jump on-board to destination 'wow' with a Cosmos Tour.
India is alive with colour; from the Taj Mahal- the blinding white temple of love, to the fluorescent saris and turbans found in The Golden Triangle and the blue-hued houses of Udaipur. Cosmos India Tours always serve up a dish of the unexpected. Just when you think you have India figured out, she takes an unexpected twist. So don't resist this magical country: relax, live it easy, go with the flow, and dive headfirst with us into the vitality that runs through India's veins. Everyday moments will give you goosebumps, whether eating a meal from a banana leaf, savouring the heady scent of flower markets, breathing in the exotic scents at spice plantations, cruising on the Arabian Sea, or house-boating though tropical Kerala backwaters. India is truly a must-see.
Japan is no one-trick pony. She's part futuristic (rocket cross-country on a bullet train or witness the eye-watering fashions in Tokyo's Harajuku district), and part living in the past adhering to centuries of tradition. Hyperactive metropolises enthrall, but rural areas are equally entrancing – head into the country's most remote regions and see the UNESCO World Heritage listed thatched houses of Shirakawa, or the untouched alpine town of Takayama. No matter where you head in this slinky archipelago, a Japan tour with Cosmos will connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences.
Sri Lanka is hot, hot, hot. This exotic teardrop of a country at India's base is sizzling as the forerunner in travel trends. Off the map for decades while civil unrest ruled, it has rightfully returned onto the scene, bright and shiny with allures aplenty. Tea plantations sweep as far as the eye can see, breathtaking white sand beaches anchored by palm trees, ancient monasteries and eco-parks teeming with wildlife, all beckon adventure seekers. Travel is easy – distances are short. It's gorgeous, affordable and still uncrowded. Be ahead of the pack and explore Sri Lanka with Cosmos before tourism truly settles in.
The colonising French vigorously put their stamp on this sector of the world, leaving behind sophisticated architecture in Vietnam's quaint Hoi An and crusty baguettes in Cambodia's Phnom Penh. Yet the overall flavour is uniquely South East Asian at its very best. Words fail to describe the enigmatic sight of Angkor Wat rising from the tangled jungle, like a beacon of Khmer genius, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, or the pervasive charm of Hanoi. With a long and often turbulent history, the present-day Vietnam and Cambodia are filled to the brim with intoxicating adventure. Go Live It every moment of it on a Cosmos tour.
Calling all soul travellers: the mysteries of the planet await you in Jordan. From its spectacular ancient stone-carved cities to the warmth of the locals, Go Live It Easy with Cosmos in Jordan. Feel goosebumps as you walk ancient trails in the Jordan Valley, breathing in history alongside the incredible view. Drink in the salty air of the Dead Sea, as local legends share the secrets of this natural wonder. With a Cosmos Tour Director providing all the intel to this ancient land, we make the simple special, giving you the freedom to Go Live It Easy in Jordan.
If awe-stonishment has a birthplace, it's Israel. This holy land is packed with thousands of years of stories – and now you have the chance to go make your own. Your story begins in Tel Aviv, where the sun and sea will lure you to play all day. Travel back in time as you explore Caesarea and its ancient Roman Theatre, where local legends will reveal local secrets. Discover the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built over the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Feel the goosebumps as you follow the footsteps of his last days, as you travel from the Garden of Gethsemane up to the Way of the Cross. All this and more will give you thrills as you Go Live It Easy on a Cosmos tour in Israel.
At Cosmos, we know why you travel. We're experts in 'thrillology' - the art of bringing you an experience, time and time again.
With over 50 years of 'wow' under our belts and no sign of slowing down. We'll help you turn your bucket list into a "better-than-I-dreamed" list. When adventure is knocking, Cosmos makes it easy to open the door!


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Equity futures are up with a typical no volume overnight ramp job that followed yesterday afternoon's daylight high volume sell-off. Below is a chart showing 30 minute DOW futures on the left and 5 minute S&P futures on the right:
The Dollar is down slightly, while the Euro is up. Bonds are down yet again, oil and gold are back up a little.
The final revision to 4th quarter GDP came in revised downward to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The consensus and prior report was 5.9%. Econoday's report follows:
Fourth quarter economic growth was up but not quite as much as previously believed. The good news is that we have moved well beyond the final quarter of last year and forward momentum is now probably a little better than seen in GDP. Real GDP growth for the fourth quarter was revised downward to an annualized 5.6 percent from the prior estimate of 5.9 percent. The consensus expectation was for no change from the previous estimate. Both final sales and inventory investment were revised down. Final sales grew a meager 1.7 percent, following a 1.9 percent rise in the third quarter.
The 0.3 percentage point cut in the GDP growth rate primarily reflected downward revisions to nonresidential fixed investment, to private inventory investment, and to personal consumption expenditures.
Year-on-year, real GDP held on to its return to positive territory, improving to up 0.1 percent from minus 2.6 percent in the third quarter.
Inflation is still barely noticeable as the GDP price index was revised down to a 0.5 percent gain, compared to the prior estimate of an annualized 0.4 percent. Analysts expected no net revision to the prior estimate of 0.4 percent.
Were today's report the initial estimate for the fourth quarter, it would be upsetting how weak final sales were. But more recent monthly data show a gradual improvement in consumer spending, business investment in equipment, and an uptrend in exports. Basically, there should be little reaction to today's GDP revision.
All I can really say is that I believe the entire GDP report and associated growth to be as false as the bank's mark to fantasy accounting. This is an annualized number, measured in dollars and it contains all the false inflation data errors, plus it reports financial engineered and government engineered "productivity." Wake me up when we stop lying to ourselves.
Citizen Sentiment is released at 9:55 Eastern.
Yesterday's zoom to the moon followed by dive into the close is a typical intraday reversal that is often seen near major tops. These types of reversal signals, however, have been manipulated away during this past year's rally, but one day one of them will be for real, it certainly could be this one as the market internals are now badly diverging and the oscillators have all issued sell warning. Breadth is deteriorating as seen in the Advance Decline line.
Most important is what's occurring in the bond and currency markets. Bonds are selling off hard as supply is overwhelming and the Fed is talking like they are going to really, truly, cross their hearts, mean it when they say they are going to end their nonsense. Right… right up to the moment that the markets begin to roll over again and it turns the pressure back on.
The pressure, however, is already on. The middle and long end of the bond market is signaling that higher rates are coming. Below are 2 year charts of TLT (20 year bond fund) and the TNX (10 year Treasury), both have broken smaller H&S patterns that target higher rates than here, and the TNX has broken, although not yet convincingly, the very large 2 year (inverted) Head & Shoulders pattern neckline. This portends higher rates are coming and targets may well be achieved within the next 6 month to a year.
Now, they still are not yet convincingly below the neckline, so there is still time to come in and continue to manipulate the bond market again, but in the end the manipulations can only last so long, otherwise the government winds up being the only players in the market.
The TNX is currently just under 4%, that was a doubling of rates from 2%. The target on a break is 6%. While that may not sound like much, it is a tripling of the borrowing costs from a little over a year ago. And while it is closer to historic norms in terms of rates, what's different is that the level of debt in the system has grown exponentially and there is a ton of supply still coming on. Most of it was financed short term and that presents a problem going forward. Also, if those targets are achieved, interest rates will break a 28 year downtrend line, portending the possibility of even higher rates. So, it's crunch time again. They either try to stop it here again, or they let the markets do what they are going to do.
Keep an eye on the VIX here as well, it broke above the most recent downtrend line yesterday as seen on this 3 month chart:
Hey, it looks to me like the bond market (DEBT) has got them under a little pressure:
Billy Joel – Pressure:


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Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Anchor by Mindy Gledhill.
I so wanted to do a video just like this, but it looks like someone beat me to it. But don't worry, I think they did a better job (especially in the beginning). Mr. Bean, Cookie Monster, Indiana Jones are all represented here. Are there any more library movie scenes they missed? And have a fantastic weekend, everyone!
Feature Fun Friday - LIBRARY MONTAGE
Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Anchor by Mindy Gledhill.
3 comments:
- Marie Dalgaard said...
Scenes from JUMPER, NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS, RED, are some that I can think of, that they missed. But that of course, only applied if library scenes in movies is the only requirement. (:
- January 27, 2012 at 3:30 PM
- Heather Zundel said...
Oh, you're right! And the first national treasure has that whole scene at the Library of Congress. There may need to be a library montage 2.0 after all... :)
- January 28, 2012 at 11:05 AM
- Marie Dalgaard said...
.. I feel bad now. I forgot about the library scene in National Treasure 1. And I've seen that movie sooo many times. And it's such a good part....
"Did you know that Edison tried 2000 different way, before he made the lightbulb work? He said it wasn't 2000 mistakes, but 2000 ways not to make a lightbulb." Or something along those lines (:
- January 31, 2012 at 1:42 AM


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If Daniel Craig punched you in the face not only would your head explode but your future child's would too. That's a well known fact. It's on the internet! So look at his commanding pose in the new "Cowboys & Aliens" poster and give him the respect he demands. Give it to him! Or your entire bloodline will immediately become a bunch of headless freaks. You've been warned.
Put it in the books folks, it's officially boner time! Yeah I said it. Why you might ask? Well because season 2 of "The Walking Dead" has officially begun filming and the jolly young fellows at AMC have posted a new behind the scenes video from the first day of filming. From the looks of things we get started on the road to magic town this season and things get hectic real quick. Boner time, it's the most special time of the year.
In a recent interview Liv Tyler drop the knowledge that she has no idea what the hell is going on with "The Strangers 2" which has apparently had a script sitting around for a while now. Along with not having a clue on the status she also hinted to the fact that she most likely won't have anything to do with the film if it does happen. She also said that she loves unicorns and thinks Hollywood is confusing and stuff. I'm sorry, that first part about unicorns was a lie. She seems like a perfectly nice girl and I shouldn't take out my anger on her. Girls didn't like me in High School... there I've finally said it.
Oh come on! They're already planning a season 5 of "True Blood"?! Haven't we suffered enough? According to the jagoffs in Hollywood it looks like Scott Foley has been added to the cast as a character that if you knew the name of would spoil something that happens in season 3 which starts this Sunday. Confused? Good. You look adorable when you get all cross eyed and drooley.


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Kenji Toma
Youll need a 7 3/4-inch-diameter trifle dish that is at least 4 3/4 inches deep. The recipe makes an extra gingerbread cake; have it for breakfast the next morning. If you prefer to make 12 individual trifles, use all three gingerbread cakes and cut each in half horizontally. Using a pretty glass as a guide, cut out 4 cake rounds from each cut cake layer. Alternate 2 cake rounds with 2 to 3 layers of the mascarpone cream, a few candied kumquats, and some poached cranberries in each glass.
- Yield
- Makes 12-16 servings
- For candied Kumquats:
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 cups sliced seeded kumquats
- Wine-poached cranberries:
- 2 cups fruity red wine (such as Syrah)
- 2 cups sugar
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- Gingerbread cake:
- 1 cup extra stout (such as Guinness)
- 1 cup mild-flavored (light) molasses
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
- Mascarpone cream:
- 3 8-ounce containers mascarpone cheese* (3 cups)
- 3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 4 teaspoons finely grated orange peel
- For candied kumquats:
- Stir sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Add kumquats; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until soft mixture to medium bowl. Cool. Cover and chill until cold. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.
- Before using, pour kumquat mixture through strainer; set kumquats aside for trifle. (Reserve syrup for another use.)
- For wine-poached cranberries :
- Stir wine and sugar in large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil wine mixture 5 minutes. Add cranberries and simmer until soft but still intact, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Cool. Cover and chill until cold. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.
- Before using, pour cranberry mixture through strainer; set cranberries aside for trifle. (Reserve syrup for another use.)
- For gingerbread cake:
- Combine stout and molasses in large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda (mixture will foam up). Let stand until completely cool, about 1 hour.
- Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Generously butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Dust pans with flour; tap out excess. Whisk 2 cups flour and next 6 ingredients in large bowl to blend. Whisk eggs and both sugars in medium bowl to blend. Whisk oil, then stout mixture into egg mixture. Gradually whisk stout-egg mixture into flour mixture. Stir in fresh ginger. Divide batter among prepared pans (about 12/3 cups for each).
- Place 2 cake pans on top rack and 1 cake pan on bottom rack of oven. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, reversing position of pans halfway through baking, about 28 minutes total. Cool cakes in pans on rack 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks; cool completely. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in plastic; store at room temperature.
- For mascarpone cheese:
- Using electric mixer, beat mascarpone in large bowl until smooth. Add all remaining ingredients and beat until peaks form and mixture is smooth (do not overbeat or mixture may curdle). Cover and chill up to 2 hours.
- Using serrated knife, cut each of 2 cakes in half horizontally for a total of 4 cake layers. (Reserve remaining cake for another use.) Trim 1 cake layer to 7-inch round. Place trimmed cake round in bottom of 7 3/4-inch-diameter, 43/4-inch-deep trifle dish. Scatter scant 1/2 cup drained kumquats in single layer over cake. Top with 11/3 cups mascarpone cream, spreading evenly to sides of dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup drained cranberries over. Repeat 2 more times with cake layer, kumquats, mascarpone cream, and cranberries. Top with fourth cake layer. Spread 1 1/3 cups mascarpone cream over. Spoon remaining cream into pastry bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe rosettes of mascarpone cream around top edge of dish. Tent loosely with foil; chill at least 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled. Cover and chill remaining kumquats and cranberries separately.
- Scatter remaining kumquats and cranberries over center of trifle and serve.
- An Italian cream cheese; sold at many supermarkets and at Italian markets.
Test-kitchen tip:
The kumquat and cranberry syrups will keep in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. They can be added to holiday drinks or sparkling water, or spooned over ice cream.


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Welcome to Latvia — birthplace of the zither. Chief export: wood. Currency: the lat. Oh, also, their national hockey team tied the U.S. on Wednesday at the Winter Olympics, 3-3.
To repeat, we almost lost to Latvia. Population 2.3 million, which is slightly less than Chicago. Their entire navy consists of 797 people. But they played the U.S. to a standstill in the opening round of Olympic Group B, despite having only two current NHL players on their roster and employing a 39-year-old goalie — former NHL player Arturs Irbe (who, you may recall, almost had his career ended in 1994 when he was bitten by his own dog). We can't imagine what actually happened in this game; when we picture it, all we see is Latka Gravas sitting alone in the stands wearing his white mechanics jump suit and waving a small Latvian flag.
So what's next for the U.S. team? Losing to the Cayman Islands? A 4-1 drubbing by Yemen? A scoreless draw with Kazakhstan? Oops, that last one is our next opponent, actually. Um, go USA!
U.S. Hockey Ties Latvia in Tournament Opener [MSNBC]
U.S. Hockey Team Fit to bet Tied With Latvia [San Diego Tribune]


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Looks good, reminds me of a good home defense gun without the stock.
Yeah I had to do the same things to the hammer and trigger hook on mine, I knew about the hammer and copied the original, but didn't know about the trigger and had to fight to get it apart once I realized it.
If you feel like it later you could get these, they are nice & a decent price
Saiga 12 Shotgun Trigger Guard
Saiga Parts :: Saiga Selector Stop - AK-Builder.com


text:
Focus Moment
Focus Moments are short video segments highlighting Gwinnett County Public Schools news and events, reflecting GCPS' ongoing commitment to academic excellence. Watch informative feature stories and learn why GCPS continues to be the school system of choice.
The Chesney ES Champion Bookmobile Selected Episode
Atlanta Families Awards winner Kara Cowdrick hits the road to keep students' reading levels up during the summer break.
Produced July 2016
- School Nutrition - Back to School
- Graphic Novels at Trickum Middle School
- The Chesney ES Champion Bookmobile
- Partee Elementary School's Maker Space
- Elementary School Retrofit Wraps Up
- Gear Up for Graduation at Lilburn Middle School
- Alcova Career Day
- Sports Hall of Fame
- County Dance Day 2016
- The Peachtree Ridge High School CARE Closet
- Head Elementary School's National Champion Robotics Team
- Gates Millennium Scholarship Ceremony 2016
- Riverside Elementary School Student Leadership
- Couch Middle School Parent Math Night
- Readers Rally 2016
- Dramarama 2016
- Concussions and GCPS
- Tapestry 2016
- Science Fair 2016
- Teacher Externships 2016
- Ivy Creek FLAME
- Magic Wheelchairs
- Falcons Fire Up the Gwinnett Heat
- Masterworks 2015
- Quaker State Challenge
- Principal for a Day 2015
- 3 Tips to Help You Thru the End of the Year
- Baggett Elementary School Discovery Classes
- Norton Math Night
- First Responders Visit Central Gwinnett High School
- Discovering Career Connections
- Career Day for Students with Visual Impairments


text:
Welcome to Approach!!!
Learning English in Boston
Approach International Student Center
is a well established English language
school located in Allston, MA, only
5 minutes away from Boston – one of
the most dynamic student centers in
the world.
Surrounded by great colleges and
universities such as Harvard University,
MIT, Boston University (BU), and Boston
College, we teach over 200 students every
month ranging from 13 to 70+ years old.
Our students come from all over the world
to attend a variety of full-time and part-time
English courses. A flexible schedule
ensures students can start every Month and
choose classes at the schedule that best suit their
needs. We are open year round and offer classes
Monday through Thursday from 9AM to 8PM. On
Fridays the school is open for electove classes,
extra help, self study and use of all school resources
including the school library, testing room, computer lab
and for meetings with course coordinators at no
extra charge.
Quality ESL courses at affordable prices
We offer small classes with certified teachers, a
monthly calendar of activities chaperoned by our
staff, and access to tutors for extra help in our
self study room.
Our facilities include a library, computer
labs with internet access, listening and video
labs and a library for students to read and
relax at the end of each day.
Course choices include our Intensive English
program or Semi Intensive English program,
test preparation programs such as TOEFL,
GMAT, GRE and SAT, a comprehensive ESL
(English as a second language) teacher training
internship and specialized ESL programs for
advanced students including the Advanced
Academic preparation and the ESL volunteering
experience programs.
Approach International Student Center is accredited by ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training). ACCET is listed by the U. S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
We pride ourselves on offering quality and flexibility to our students at unbeatable prices.
The support you need as an international student
In addition to our courses, we understand F1 student immigration regulations. We help our
students get organized to apply for a student visa (F1) at a consulate abroad, and we
prepare the documents to change permitted immigration status to the F1 student status
here in the US.
We also provide transportation to and from the airport, housing placement with an
American host family or in a dormitory or apartment, help selecting a good health insurance
plan, and translation and interpreter services.
Upon graduation from Approach, many of our students take advantage of our college
and university partnerships, where partner institutions facilitate the admissions process for
Associate's and Bachelor's degrees.


text:
Dear ol' dad deserves something great for Father's Day, and you're looking for a way to curb his espresso addiction. Well, we can't help you with the latter. With the Saeco Xsmall espresso machine, it's never been easier to craft the perfect cup of espresso.
Innovative Features
With the quality of its grandfathering line of Saeco espresso machines, you get that phenomenal quality that Saeco is famous for. With the Xsmall, it's an absolute breeze to load, reload, and fill your espresso machine with water. Clearing grinds out has never been an easier task; everything, and I mean everything is accessible through the front access panel. No more pulling you espresso machine out only for it to leak grinds or murky water. In terms of ease and maintenance, the Xsmall blows all other competitive models out of the water. Also consider Delonghi.
Why You Should Get The Xsmall For Your Home Kitchen
Dad likes straight espresso, but Mom enjoys a nice hot latte; she'll benefit from this just as much. With classic milk frothier, it's never been easier to make your own custom made lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos from home. It's ease of use, cleanliness, and compact size makes it the perfect addition to any kitchen for the caffeine enthusiast in your home.
Engineering For You
You don't have to wait moments at a time for the internal components to heat up in the morning. Simply use the rapid boiler technology to immediately brew your espresso or coffee without having to wait around twiddling your thumbs.
Grind your espresso beans with the all-ceramic inclusive grinder. No clunky metal, no rapid vibrations causing a loud buzz in your kitchen. Some espresso machines sound like wood chippers, but with the ceramic grinder, you'll get the perfect solace of absolutely nothing. It also detaches for easy cleaning.
Every time you start up your Saeco Xsmall, and even when you shut it down for the day, integrated technology automatically uses water to clean the components of your machine, ensuring a flavourful and consistent taste to your espresso based beverages every single time.
With its stainless steel wand, sleek and stylish chassis, and lightweight design, there's no reason not to add the Saeco Xsmall to your arsenal of coffee equipment or replace your previous system entirely. With all these functions at the helm, it's an impossible to resist machine, boasting exceptional technology alongside a phenomenal output.
Where To Buy
There's no finer outlet for all your coffee needs than Anthony's Espresso Equipment, Inc. With everything you'd ever need for your own at-home coffee bar, from actual coffee to sweeteners and syrups, grinders and accessories, Anthony's has it all.
You can get the Saeco Xsmall espresso machine for $499.00 CAD and enjoy it upon delivery. You'll be rushing to unwrap the box like a child on Christmas morning.
Media Contact
Company Name: Anthony Espresso Inc
Contact Person: Eran Hurvitz
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 905-264-0433
City: Toronto
State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Website: http://anthonysespresso.com/


text:
- Material: Cast Stone
- Indoor or Outdoor Use
- Dimensions:10.25″ x 7.25″ x 9.5″
- Weight: 18 lbs.
Fur-Ever Friends
Clean with Soft detergent and brush
Clean with Soft detergent and brush
Note: For Paving Stones, Slabs & Retaining walls; the order will not be accepted without Refundable Pallet deposit. Please use Product Calculator to find the number of pallets required.
All product returns & exchanges are available within 14 days of purchase. Some exceptions apply. Pallet refunds are available within 30 days of the deposit date. After 30 days, pallet refunds are subject to a $25.00 surcharge. No exceptions can be made. All product returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee.
To qualify for a refund; Product should be in new condition and with original packaging. Also, please do not assemble or modify the product in any way. The policy doesn't include:
Clearance Items
Gift Certificates
Personalized Items
Items Marked "Non-Returnable" (clearly indicated on the sale page before placing your order)


text:
Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday downgraded its outlook for the higher education sector to negative across the board, saying even prestigious, top-tier research universities are now under threat from declining enrollment, government spending cuts and even growing public doubts over the value of a college degree.
Previously, its outlook had been stable for those better-positioned institutions, and negative for the rest.
The report explaining the decision outlines a range of financial challenges now burdening virtually all institutions, though in different measures in different places — stagnant family income that limits pricing power, substantial state funding cuts, a demographic dip in the population of new high school graduates and a federal budget standoff that almost certainly bodes ill for the future flow of dollars for research and student-aid programs like Pell Grants.
And despite the obvious pressure, Moody's says too many college leaders still haven't made the tough choices required to survive and thrive.
"The new sector-wide negative outlook reflects mounting pressure on all key university revenue sources, requiring bolder actions by university leaders to reduce costs and increase operating efficiency," it said.
The report speaks to a painful reality in the field: While institutions continue to raise tuition at far above the rate of inflation, angering parents and politicians, most are in fact struggling to collect much more tuition revenue.
While colleges raise their list prices and collect more from those who can afford to pay, most simply cannot fill seats without offering substantial discounts. The report cites federal data showing the average American family's net worth declined 39 percent in the three years ending in 2010, dropping to its lowest level since 1992. Increasingly, price is a factor for families.
A separate survey of about 300 colleges released last week by Moody's found about one-third were expecting tuition revenue this year either to decline or fail to keep pace with inflation. A few years ago, virtually all colleges were seeing tuition revenue rise.
Enrollment fell this fall in about half of colleges, and there have been sharp drop-offs in graduate business and law programs, which traditionally have been key revenue sources for many institutions.
Much of higher education has always operated on the financial edge, and with endowments recovering, times now may well be better than at the height of the recent recession. (Moody's also gave the entire higher ed sector a negative outlook in 2009-2010, returning to a stable outlook for top-tier universities the next year.) But lately there have also been growing challenges involving the public's perception of the value of college.
In particular, the report notes "alarm over a potential student loan bubble and diminishing affordability of higher education has reached a fevered pitch over the last two years." While acknowledging postsecondary education "remains a valuable long-term investment," the report argues burgeoning student loan debt and seemingly endless tuition increases are raising public doubts.


text:
ADDINOL The Experts for High-Performance Lubricants
We at ADDINOL develop and produce high-performance lubricants of the new generation. Among these are automotive lubricants for highest demands and pioneering developments for industrial applications.
Our customers all over the world benefit from the high and stable quality of our ADDINOL high-performance lubricants, our know-how and the individual customer advisory service of our competent experts.


text:
Tag: Typography »
UponPixels Review
Type:Rider Review
Add Attractive Typography To Images With Over
Over provides a simple yet useful tool in the form of the ability to add text to photos quickly yet pleasantly.
The app makes it easy to add a variety of different text to an image, before sharing such creations via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram. There's a plentiful supply of different font faces to use with it simple to resize the text and drag it into position. A tinting option ensures that such text pops out of the screen, taking focus for all to see.
Sharing is similarly easy, ensuring that users are mere seconds away from creating and sharing their own inspirational quotes, memes or funny cat based images. You name it, the only limit is the user's imagination. A couple of taps are all that's needed to upload such creations elsewhere.
Over is available now and it's priced at $1.99 with additional fonts available as a bundle for $0.99.


text: We are going to welcome in the new year at home with Dick CLark! Iam going to share my summer sausage gift set with hubby and the dogs. we are toasting with sparkling grape juice! I am not sure how late we will be up but on the first I am going to go to my parents house and also to deliver CHristmas Presents to my oldest 2 greats!


text:
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about us
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-- Licenses and Guarantees
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-- Our Team and Contacts
For partners
-- Partnership Agreement
---- Download the contract
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Individual tours
-- Tours in france
---- One week stays and more
---- Mini stays
-- Sightseeing tours in France
---- South-Eastern France
---- South-West France
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text:
You've seen photos of a groom kissing a bride a million times. It's always beautiful, but this double exposed image taken by two different photographers captures the weight of that moment better than any other. Finding love is random—and refreshing like splashing into a pool.
People Vs. Places is a project of photographers Stephanie Bassos and Timothy Burkhart. Bassos loads up a camera with 35mm film and shoots people in different situations. Burkhart then reloads the roll and shoots a bunch of different settings. The results aren't always perfect but every now and then, the two picture frames line up into an elegant composition. Two people who find themselves in the right place at the right time doesn't happen every time. Luckily, it only needs to happen once for it all to be worthwhile. [People Vs. Places via CoDesign]


text:
Photos by Marta Feirra.
In a document presented by Israel's Ministry of National Infrastructure outlining the plan to build the Jewish town of Hiran in the Negev desert, in southern Israel, three problems were listed: the environmental damage to the desert; the slowing down of planning to examine the development of the region; and lastly, the fact that "there are Bedouins on the land."
The Bedouin community of Atir-Umm al-Hiran, located about 20 kilometres east of Be'er Sheva, has been living in the area since 1956. The residents were handed house demolition orders to facilitate the construction of the Jewish town of Hiran in its place, and to expand the neighbouring Yatir forest.
The construction of the Jewish town of Hiran was initially approved by Israel's National Council in 2002, and followed by a demand for the expulsion of the Bedouin residents and house demolition orders.
A long legal battle for the rights of the residents started, but after 13 years of litigation the court ruled the land belongs to the state, and the Bedouins living there for decades have no legal rights to it. The decision allows the government to carry out the plan to establish the Jewish town of Hiran over the ruins of the Bedouin community.
"You cannot take a person from a place and bring another person," says Ahmad Abu Qian, a resident of Umm al-Hiran facing house demolition and eviction orders. "I can't accept this. There is so much space in the desert."
The Bedouins, who are Israeli citizens, comprise around 30 percent of the Negev's population, but their villages take less than 3 percent of the land.
The case of Atir-Umm al-Hiran came to public attention after petitions against the displacement of the Bedouin residents were delivered to Israel's Supreme Court. The petitioners claimed they did not squat the land, but were transferred to the area in 1956 by direct order of the military administration of that time. The court recognized the fact that the community was residing in the village with the permission of the state.
However, in the beginning of March, the Supreme Court rejected the residents' petition against the demolition of the village, arguing that the land belongs to the state and that the Bedouin community has no legal right over it.
The village of Umm al-Hiran is one of the 40 Bedouin villages unrecognized by Israeli authorities, and thus considered "illegal" despite being created by direct order of military authorities.
Ahmad Abu Qian sits in front of the village's mosque and tells visitors the story of his clan. The Abu al-Qian Bedouin tribe arrived in the Negev in the 19th century, and settled in an area now used by Kibbutz Shoval.
"In 1948, the government told us to move from where we were. We were moved again by the army in 1956," Ahmad tells the Palestine Monitor. The villagers were expelled from their tribal land by Israeli authorities and transferred to the area of Atir by the military administration.
"When we came we found only desert, there was no water," remembers Ahmad. "We were told to bring water from Nevatim. We used to go there with camels and sheep, six men would go to get water in the morning and they would come back in the evening."
Today, the village is still not provided with basic services and infrastructures by the government, as the inhabitants' appeal to be connected to central water pipes have been rejected. Solar panels provide the residents with electricity, and water is carried in tanks from the nearest recognized Bedouin town of Hura.
"If [Israel was] a democracy, [it] wouldn't do this to its citizens," says Ahmad. He points to a nearby farm owned by a Jewish family, who unlike the five hundred Bedouin residents in the village, he says, is provided with basic services as electricity, water and health care.
A large Hebrew sign now stands at the entrance of the village. It announces the construction of the town of Hiran, overshadowing the small sign pointing to Umm al-Hiran. Bulldozers stand near the village's valleys with the imminent threat of displacement.
Wolfgang Gehrcke, a German politician visiting the village to show his support for the Bedouin community, looks at the valleys' olive trees. "When I see these olive trees I think they take a long time to grow and to give olives. I hope the Bedouins can eat these olives and enjoy the fruits of their work."
Demolitions, however, already started with several acres of crops being destroyed around the village, and starting preparatory dirt works. "Last Sunday they destroyed two hundred dunams of barley fields," says Ahmad. "If they demolish our houses we have no money to build new ones," he adds.
Forced urbanization
For the residents of Umm al-Hiran, the only option offered by the government is moving to the nearby Bedouin town of Hura, where they are promised plots of land. Hura's Local Council, however, warned about the difficulties of absorbing the community in the town where hundreds are still waiting to acquire building plots.
"We know the only option is [to move to] Hura and we don't want to discuss this option," says Ahmad. He tells the Palestine Monitor the community suggested being integrated in Hiran, but the proposal was refused, since the communities "have different ways of living," explains Ahmad. "We even said we could stay here separately, but they didn't accept it."
Kessem Adiv, a spokesperson for the Negev Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality (NCF), a local organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the problems of the Bedouin community, says village residents are forcibly being transferred to townships and "taken out of their original way of living without being offered any other solutions."
"Many Bedouins want to live in agricultural communities," she says. "Every Jewish person has that possibility, but for Bedouins the townships are the only solution."
The Israeli government says the proposal to settle Bedouins in townships will bring the benefits of permanent housing and public services, but most Bedouins refuse to move to overcrowded and impoverished towns, and to give up their lands and pastoral way of life.
"Townships for Bedouin are like ghettos", adds Rafat Abu Aish, who works as the Coexistence Forum's Freedom of Speech Coordinator.
As a member of the Bedouin community, Rafat believes Bedouin have to "work five times harder than any Jewish person" to reach the same position. He says unequal access to education, jobs and governmental services is persistent, as well as violations of the rights to freedom of speech and demonstration.
Organisations such as Human Rights Watch and the Association for Civil Right in Israel have widely documented "discriminatory practises" towards Bedouin in the Negev, considering it "one of the most discriminated groups" within Israeli society.
"For me as a Jew, it is impossible to understand this," says Amos Gvirtz, an Israeli activist and journalist who frequently visits the Negev in solidarity with the Bedouin cause. Amos is the author of a weekly mail called 'Don't Say We Did Not Know'. His goal is to ensure this excuse is not used by Israelis when confronted with their government's actions.
"We learn from Jewish history we used to be a persecuted minority", he says, "but to see our government acting this way now is out of understanding."
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text:
of contacteer ons via dit formulier
Each wedding is different, as are the wishes of each wedding couple, so inevitably the total cost will vary.
Weddings in Spain are cheaper then traditional weddings and weddings in other countries, because ;
1 ) The Spanish mainland ( not Ibiza ) is much cheaper then most other wedding destinations
2 ) Due to competition, prices for hotels, food, drinks, etc are much lower then in other countries and regions
3 ) Due to the number of weddings Costa Blanca Events organises, we're able to negotiate the best prices
4 ) With on average 50-100 guests, weddings in Spain are usually more intimate then traditional weddings,
Of course there are additional travel costs, but hotels in Spain are much cheaper then in most other countries,
and each guest usually pays for his own travel costs, so this does not weigh on the budget of bride and groom.
As a result the total wedding budget for a wedding in Spain is usually lower then for a traditional wedding, and even should it be more expensive, then the experience, relaxed atmosphere, sunny climate, etc makes it all worthwhile.
We're sometimes asked for a "what would be the total cost for a wedding in Spain for 50 guests" ?
This question is very easy to answer within our "all inclusive wedding package abroad" because it includes all the services ordered by the majority of our wedding couples.
In fact, the total price is on the top of the homepage, so you don't have to look very far, nor make calculations.
BUT, if you want a more personal approach with more options and choices then the answer is not so simple, since there are so many choices and options which have a huge impact on the total cost.
Of course, there are travel costs involved, airline tickets, airport transfer and accommodation.
So the question arises ; "who pays for them ?"
According to wedding etiquette the wedding couple doesn't have to pay for travel costs, and all extra's which are not part of the wedding, like a welcoming dinner, day after excursion, etc.
However, some wedding couples do consider to pay for ( part of ) these costs for their guests, which is obviously highly appreciated by their guests.
However, this is a decision that each couple must make individually, guests cannot expect them to do so !
Let me illustrate that with an example ;
Image you're getting married in your home town, and I've been invited, but I live at almost 4 hours by car.
Would you pay for my gasoline ?
Because your wedding ceremony is at 11 AM, and I don't want to risk arriving late, I decide to come one day early, and stay for 2 nights in a hotel, since I don't want to drive back after the party.
Would you pay for my hotel ?
With a bit of good planning, a wedding in Spain will also proof to be a good option for weddings abroad on a budget.
Curious about the cost of your destination wedding in Spain ?
These costs don't depend on your guest list, and it's the 2nd biggest part of the total budget.
Examples are ; rent of the venue, flowers, ceremony, DJ, photographer, etc...
To save, you can only make some cheaper choices on infrastructure, decorations and options
This is the cost per person on your guest list, and it's often the biggest part of the total budget
Examples are reception, dinner, open bar, etc.
To save you can either downsize your guest list, or choose a cheaper reception or menu, etc.
This is the cost of planning your wedding. Our proprietary online systems save a lot of time, for you, for your guests and for us, and they make it real easy for you to plan the wedding, and for your guest to plan their attendance.
As a result it's even possible for us to plan your wedding without wedding planner fee.
Enter the estimated number of guests and the free online wedding budget planner instantly calculates 3 budget options for your wedding in Spain.
Afterwards you can request a detailed personal quotation, with all info, photo's, detailed prices, etc.
All free of charge, and without any commitment whatsoever.
What is the cost of the venue ?
A wedding means for a venue a lot more preparation in comparison to a normal dinner. This cost is often calculated in the price of the menu, which is not fair, since the extra cost for the venue is about the same, regardless of the number of guests attending the wedding. Therefore we have negotiated with most of our venues a very limited rental cost, regardless of the amount of people.
It goes without saying that a venue will be a lot less inclined to blok the venue on an exclusive basis in top season or on a Saturday. After all 99% of Spanish weddings take place on a Saturday and are usually large groups with around 200 guests or more...
The only difference between wedding venues, is the type of menu they serve.
Some wedding venues offer budget menus, other more upscale venues offer more original menus with a higher price tag of course. Due to the minimum menu the venues impose, your total wedding plan will be higher or lower in comparison to other venues.
Getting in the mood ?
Have a look at our photo gallery website and moodbooks to see just how unforgettable our weddings in Spain are.


text:
NEW YORK: In a city of millions, how many people go knocking on the door of City Hall?
Most citizens know that, at least in theory, they can bring their problems and ideas to elected officials.
But in reality, speaking at a public hearing, calling a complaint line or writing a letter can be time-consuming and seem to make little impact, with small-scale concerns getting bogged down in dense bureaucracies.
Now, New York and other cities around the country are trying to un-bog the bureaucracy. Following the example of private companies, they're employing technology to harness the wisdom of citizens, make use of their skills and create virtual civic forums.
New York will soon be asking the public to make suggestions online and by text message about how to make the city greener and more sustainable; people who submit ideas will be invited to join with others to make similar changes happen.
In California, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District recently released an iPhone app that will alert citizens trained in CPR when someone nearby is having a heart attack.
San Francisco city employees joined forces online to propose and vote on thrifty ideas, leading the city to stop paying US$900 (RM2,880) a month for the music callers heard when they were put on hold. New York City began a similar employee programme last month.
Government officials tout such projects as money-savers that increase efficiency and improve transparency. Citizen advocates for the programmes argue they offer something deeper — an opportunity to reignite civic responsibility and community participation.
In some ways, the new approach is simply a high-tech version of an old concept, says Ben Berkowitz, the CEO of SeeClickFix, which helps citizens post pothole-type complaints and track whether they've been addressed.
"It's participatory democracy," he says. "Open government ... is something that was laid out by Thomas Jefferson pretty early on. This is just a way to realise that vision."
In recent years, businesses have used the Internet to cull the wisdom of crowds to do everything from design shoes to publish books, a practice known as "crowdsourcing." As the approach has caught on in the civic sphere, entrepreneurs and activists who support it have begun calling it "open government" or "Gov 2.0."
"The solutions to urban problems are not just the city government handing down ideas from on high. It's about collaborative citizenship," says Jake Barton, founder of Local Projects, which is partnering with New York City to gather citizen input on environmental improvements.
The Give a Minute programme has already undergone trial runs in Memphis and Chicago, where it asked residents to answer questions about how to increase public transit usage and about developing their professional skills.
New York is planning similar programmes to tackle other issues. Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith said all the city's agencies have been ordered to use social media to seek public comment on proposed rules.
He envisions a day when city residents who opt in will receive Facebook notifications regarding proposals and civic issues most relevant to their interests or neighbourhood, and will be invited to offer input.
Comptroller John Liu — responsible for performing audits on the city's agencies — is asking citizens to help him decide which departments and practices to investigate.
For now, a city webpage asking residents to make money-saving suggestions is little more than a digital suggestion box, but participants eventually will be able to see each other's ideas and vote for those they most like.
The city's workers already have that option — and the ideas that receive the most votes get evaluated by deputy mayors. As a result of that crowdsourcing effort, which formally began last month, the city has ordered all its offices to change their printer settings so that documents print double-sided by default.
Other ideas suggested by city employees have included the creation of a central research and development unit to help connect agencies with new initiatives, as well as an online auction portal allowing city agencies to bid on items being given up by other agencies.
Nasa, too
The interest in this tech-age brand of populism has attracted both activists and entrepreneurs — and people who straddle both worlds.
One effort launched this year, Code for America, recruits technology developers and entrepreneurs before they enter lucrative careers, persuading them to give a year of service in exchange for a stipend.
Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C, are hosting fellows this year. New York City officials have met with the organisation about the possibility of being included in the programme next year.
At the federal level, President Barack Obama has ordered agencies to "improve transparency and integrate public participation and collaboration" into their work.
Last month, the federal government finished collecting input from hundreds of people around the world on how it can best use technology to consult citizens.
Even Nasa has enlisted the help of the crowd, asking the public to use images from Mars to count craters and help create better maps of the planet.
Internationally, Ireland has made use of crowdsourcing. Last year, thousands of private citizens competed online for two 100,000-euro (RM500,000) prizes, submitting proposals to create jobs and transform the economy. The government of Flanders began a similar programme in September.
In New York City, officials say the efforts could ultimately save the city millions of dollars. The city — like so many others — is facing a budget crunch and anticipating hundreds of municipal worker layoffs, but Goldsmith says he doesn't believe the information gathered will replace city jobs.
"What it will do is make the work of city officials more productive and effective," he said.
But Mario Cilento, chief of staff of the New York State AFL-CIO, which represents many city workers, said he was wary of any programme that replaces the wisdom of city workers with that of laymen.
"Because I watch Grey's Anatomy, that doesn't make me a doctor," he said. "We're never satisfied when you substitute inexperienced individuals for those who have years of knowledge, experience and a high level of skill."
When the 6,500-person city of Manor, Texas, chose to shift to a "Gov 2.0" approach, it was in part out of financial concerns: Officials there decided they wanted to engage residents and beef up services beyond the means of their modest budget.
Within a year, nearly one-third of the community had joined the project, and the city set up a new billing system, changed rubbish pickups and made work orders viewable to the public, said Dustin Haisler, who at the time was the city's chief information officer.
It was quite a shift from the days when citizen engagement meant vainly trying to persuade people to attend public hearings.
Haisler — who has since moved on to Spigit, the company providing the technology powering New York's employee-idea forum — says that such projects aren't built on a handover of a city's discretion to its people, but rather a bridging of the divide between citizens and government.
It's a system that only works when governments are completely open with the public about what they do after receiving suggestions, he says.
"We're faced with so many challenges in government. We really have to look to other ways of solving them," he said. "This can allow citizens to help us solve some of the biggest problems that we have." — AP
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Spotify Cookie Policy
Effective as of January 16, 2019
1 What are cookies and other similar technologies?
2 How does Spotify use cookies?
3 How to manage your cookie preferences
4 Updates to this Policy
5 How to contact us
Hello, and welcome to Spotify's Cookie Policy ("Policy").
The objective of this Policy is to provide you, as a user of Spotify's services, with clear and accessible information about the cookies that Spotify uses, the role they play in helping us provide the best possible experience to you and the choices you have when it comes to your cookie settings.
1. What are cookies and other similar technologies?
Cookies are text files which are downloaded to your device when you visit a website. They are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user's device. You can find more information about cookies at: www.allaboutcookies.org or www.youronlinechoices.eu.
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- pixel tags (transparent graphic images placed on a web page or in an email, which indicate that a page or email has been viewed),
- mobile device identifiers, and
- web storage used in desktop software or mobile devices.
We'll use the term cookie throughout this Policy to cover all of these technologies, but we'll make sure we provide you with clear details about them all so that you can make informed choices about your cookie settings.
Cookies do lots of different jobs, like letting you navigate between pages efficiently, remembering your preferences, and generally improving your user experience. They can also help to ensure that ads you see online are more relevant to you and your interests.
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These cookies collect information about your browsing habits in order to make advertising relevant to you and your interests.


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Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant, Puchong
>> Saturday, August 8, 2009
Date: 29 July 2009, Wednesday
Venue: Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant, Bandar Puteri Puchong
Occasion: Dinner with uni friends
Overall comment: The place is actually quite nice & easily located. In terms of food, taste-wise, it is alright, but the price is slightly steep...I actually thought the kimchi soup was quite nice as it wasn't too spicy 'til your tongue gets too numb to taste anything else! :P
Halal: No
Another back-logged post *sigh* The past week has been extremely busy with loads of work & late nights in office to finish up the tasks for the day. The project that I'm currently in will be entering its peak i.e. UAT (User Acceptance Test) next week. Almost every night, the entire team leaves office earliest 7p.m., but more often than not, we'll leave around 9-10p.m.; it's the culture in my company that most employees will leave the office by 6.30p.m. each day.
Anyways, at the end of last month, my uni gang met up in Bandar Puteri Puchong for a Korean BBQ dinner. Joey was craving for kimchi soup, so I just suggested that we'll try out Daorae in Puchong (it's the most central area for the 4 of us). Not too bad, actually :) Below are some photos to share...
I love seaweed! The soup was quite tasty, though it reminded me of some MSG-filled soup. Hahaha...the texture of the seaweed was crunchy despite being cooked in the soup :) Me like!
There were 11 side dishes to savour! Yums! I thought the pickled seaweed was best among all :)
The veggie is used to wrap the bbq-ed meat, which could be dipped into the sauces (sesame seed oil, bean paste, flavoured oil) before eating. If you fancy eating cooked garlic with the bbq-ed meat, the garlic's actually nicely ccoked alongside the meat :)
- Selected cuts of soft pork marinated in Daorae's secret recipe sauce -
We felt that the chicken was much nicer than the pork! *sigh* What a disappointment...
- Lean skinless chicken fillets marinated in Daorae's special soya sauce -
Nicely flavoured & tender, the chicken fillet goes very well with the fresh, crispy, juicy lettuce leaves or even eaten on its own
This dish is not as spicy as I thought it would be! Of course the one that I had in Korea was SO much better...kekeke...even the dokbokgi that I had in my all-time favourite Jalan Ampang place tastes nicer. The rice cakes were chewy, while the sauce was spicy & this one's a little too sweet for my liking.
- A spicy combination of pork, kimchi, tofu, and Korean noodles simmered in a rich kimchi soup served in a cast iron pot -
I enjoyed this dish very much! One of the best that I've had in Malaysia (can't compare to the original in Korea)! It's not too spicy 'til your tongue gets too numb to taste anything else & there were just so much of ingredients in the pot! :D This could be dinner by itself...
I had no idea why the restaurant gave us this additional Korean pancake for free! *lol* Either it is their culture, or it could be a wrong order by someone else, or perhaps we were a table of 4 girls & the waiters there just felt like giving us a treat in hopes to see us another time! *rofl* Perasan giler....kakakaka....anyways, the pancake was actually pretty delicious as compared to the one we had in Sunwa Pyramid. We actually enjoyed the pancake, but were all too full to truly enjoy it fully :P
View PerutBesi in a larger map
We had a great time just catching up with each other over a sumptous dinner. Our next dinner meet up may be either sometime this month or even next month if our schedule is too packed!
Stay tuned with me for more updates of food places ;) Up next will be a short post on Cintaria @ DJ's new menu by my chef friend, James! *woots!*
Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant (Puchong Branch)
No.27-1,Jalan Puteri 1/4
Bandar Puteri Puchong
47100 Puchong
Tel: (603) 8062 1203
Operating Hours:
12:00pm - 3:00pm, 5:30 - 11:00pm (Opens Daily)
Presentation: * * * *
Price: * * *
Environment: * * *
Taste: * * * 1/2
Service: * * * 1/2
- Ruth


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Latest News
- Home
- Latest News
- "A Community of Scholars" Harris Westminster Sixth Form 'Outstanding' in First Ever Ofsted Report
"A Community of Scholars" Harris Westminster Sixth Form 'Outstanding' in First Ever Ofsted Report
Harris Westminster Sixth Form has been rated 'outstanding' in every category in its first ever Ofsted report.
The academically selective sixth form opened in September 2014 as a partnership between Westminster School and the Harris Federation. It caters to the most able of London's young people, prioritising students who receive free school meals, are in care or are from low-income backgrounds.
The Harris Federation runs over 40 academies in and around London. The vast majority of Harris academies that have been inspected by Ofsted have been rated either 'good' or 'outstanding'. Westminster School is one of the country's leading academic schools with an ethos which resides in the enduring values of the liberal tradition.
Inspectors praised the academic rigour of Harris Westminster Sixth Form and the commitment of its students, staff and leaders. The report said:
- "Governors and senior leaders have set a clear mission and purpose for the school, which, through the creative vision of the principal, has resulted in an environment in which students thrive within a community of scholars."
- "Teachers and students share a keen sense of inquiry and lessons are characterised by a mutual interest in the subjects."
- "Teachers frequently make links from one subject to another and, as a result, students are able to apply their learning across a range of subjects, which helps to equip them for their next steps to university."
- "Students receive excellent support and guidance to prepare them for university, in conjunction with staff and students at Westminster School, and very high aspirations are set to attend institutions that have very challenging entry requirements."
- "Leaders, managers and teachers are unrelenting in their pursuit of outstanding teaching."
- "Students have a profound understanding and appreciation of how their education is preparing them for future success."
The report also commended the support of the unique educational partnership under which the school was established:
"The school receives excellent support in equal measure from its partnerships with the Harris Federation and Westminster School to promote students' learning, and from Westminster Abbey staff to develop students' sense of purpose and community."
James Handscombe, Principal of Harris Westminster Sixth Form, said:
"At Harris Westminster the staff and students agree that learning is amazing. The Ofsted report recognises that together we form a "community of scholars", a description which accurately reflects the environment and ethos of the school.
"With support and backing from the Harris Federation and Westminster School, we are ensuring that London's brightest children – from all backgrounds – are able to achieve their potential."
Sir Dan Moynihan, Chief Executive of the Harris Federation, said:
Harris Westminster Sixth Form is a highly ambitious institution, and one that is changing the face of selective education in this country. In the short time that it has been open, the students and staff have done everything in their power to ensure its success. It is wonderful to see their diligence and enthusiasm recognised by Ofsted in such a positive report."
Patrick Derham, Head Master of Westminster School, said:
"The success of HWSF has been both humbling and inspiring. It is a partnership that the entire Westminster School community has embraced and it is a true partnership that has at its very heart a commitment to genuine scholarship."
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who chairs the governing body, said:
"The governors are proud of what has been achieved, from the time when we first conceived the idea of Harris Westminster Sixth Form, through the support of the Harris Federation and the whole community of Westminster School."
"We are all happy for our Principal, staff and students that Ofsted has recognised HWSF's outstanding quality. I am personally delighted to be offering a life-changing sixth form education to young people who might not otherwise have had that opportunity and to have involved Westminster Abbey in support of their education."
Edward, who is studying maths at the University of Cambridge following his A Level success at Harris Westminster Sixth Form, said:
"The passion my teachers had was inspiring and they were always stretching me with questions and problems that have given me a rich appreciation for my subject."
Nora, a former Harris Westminster student who is studying history at the University of Oxford, said:
"Harris Westminster has given me what were undoubtedly two of the best years of my life. The nexus between hard, testing work and an enchantingly scholastic and inspired teaching atmosphere gives the sixth form a uniqueness which has ultimately better prepared me for future challenges in academia and in life; I have no doubt that it will continue to inspire many generations to come."


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BBQ Party
>> Monday, May 25, 2009
Date: 22 May 2009, Friday
Venue: Kryslynn's house
Occasion: Get-together & dinner
All of us had a great time at Kryslynn's place :D Thanks, Kryslynn for opening your lovely home to us! The food & fellowship were very enjoyable :)
From time to time, a group of us colleagues will gather for meals, just to chill & have fun together. I believe it's very important to have such gatherings, to foster our friendship, as well as to just enjoy each other's company :) Of course, food is an essential 'buddy' in all gatherings! I'm very thankful to have colleagues whom I can call friends :) *blessed!*
Below are some photos taken at the BBQ:
(photos courtesy of Alex & Toby)
I sure look forward to our next makan/gathering session!!
- Ruth


text:
When we purchased our new home two years ago, I had the pleasure of a few solid months of decorating, followed by a long stretch of just enjoying the results (with the occasional update here and there!). It was extraordinarily satisfying and gratifying to make a space that really suited my husband and me.
Above: IKEA LERBERG shelf in dark grey; Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib; assorted DiY frames & prints.
Now, with baby boy on the way, we're finishing up one last major room… the nursery. We began choosing colors and major pieces before we knew the sex, wanting to go with a neutral color set that focused more on design and less on gender. We purchased Valspar's Low-VOC paint in three colors: a pretty delicate grey called Owlet, and accent colors of dark navy Gentlemen's Grey and a sunshine yellow (this was actually another manufacturer's, the name of which I can't recall!). The walls were completed with the Owlet light grey, and the yellow and navy accents show up elsewhere in the room, in addition to similar colors.
Furniture and fixtures, when they can't be matched exactly, are at least in the color families, with accents of metals like the shelf above. As is our way, we've purchased a lot of items from Ikea, including the above mentioned standing shelf and the yellow metal wall shelf and star wall sconce below. We've felt really lucky to have access to Ikea for modern-look products at a really reasonable cost, even for baby!
Above: IKEA BOTKYRKA wall shelf; IKEA SMILA STJÄRNA wall sconce; metal basket on clearance at King Soopers; art print from artist Mike Maydak, purchased at Denver Comic Con.
We also love unique and fun art – the rainbow house print from Mike Maydak was a purchase we made several years before we were even planning on having a child, but the whimsy and brilliant colors lent a brightness to the room we really loved.
Of course being a nursery, everything in the room is safely secured to the walls (such as the Lerberg shelf, which includes pre-drilled holes for securing to walls), including loose cords (the original Smila lamps were actually recalled previously due to a strangle risk with the cord). Though this little one won't be mobile for some time, getting the safety taken care of immediately is reassuring, and was made easy with cord kits also from Ikea.


text: While the questions regarding the Giants final 25-man roster have mostly been limited to backup catcher (Chris Stewart has a .907 OPS in 26 Spring Training PAs!) and long relief (Dan Runzler has a 2.77 ERA and a 6.0 K:BB ratio in 13 IP!), the main "controversy" has revolved around Brandon Belt, the hard-hitting . . . → Read More: Brandon Belt's Potential Roads to the Show


text:
Examples of Scrap Metal Art
pStan Batcow
who attempts to keep reminding himself that, in the words of Oscar Wilde, "All Art is Quite Useless".
Welded Sculptures
Copperwire Sculptures
Soapstone Sculptures
Miscellaneous Artworks
pStan Batcow creates welded artworks from recycled materials, as well as using other recycled and discarded materials in a variety of methods and styles to create artwork ranging in size from teeny-weeny to enormous. All his artworks are original, unique pieces.
If you wish to buy any of the featured artworks, or have any queries, please e-mail Batcow Artworks at the address below. Payment can either be through PayPal or by personal cheque. Please note that the stated prices do not include postage costs - these will be calculated on an individual basis.
Contact Batcow Artworks at:
Read about various of the creatures sculpted by pStan Batcow in this booklet (click image for more information and for ordering details):


text:
In a significant step toward stopping the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, BP said Wednesday mud that was forced down its blown-out well was holding back the flow of crude in the Gulf of Mexico and it was in a "static condition."
Workers stopped pumping mud in after about eight hours of their "static kill" procedure and were monitoring the well to ensure it remained stable, BP said.
Speaking to msnbc.com, BP spokeswoman Sheila Williams called the initial results "a very big deal."
"It's a milestone," Williams added. "It's a step toward the killing of the well." The next step would be deciding whether to cement the well, she said.
In a statement, BP said the well's pressure was being controlled by the mud pumped in on Tuesday, and that further pumping of mud "may or may not be required."
BP won't know for sure whether the static kill has succeeded until engineers can use a soon-to-be-completed relief well to check their work.
Speaking on NBC's TODAY, White House energy adviser Carol Browner said that the development suggested "we've turned an important corner here for people in the Gulf."
The static kill — also known as bullheading — involved slowly pumping the mud from a ship down lines running to the top of the ruptured well a mile below. BP has said that may be enough by itself to seal the well.
Before Wednesday's breakthrough, officials said the static kill effort would take 33 to 61 hours to complete.
Two-pronged approach
But the mud that was forced down the broken wellhead to permanently plug the gusher is only half the story. To call the mission a success, crews working on a flotilla of vessels on a desolate patch of water need to seal off the well from two directions.
An 18,000-foot relief well BP has been drilling for the past three months will be used later this month to execute a "bottom kill," in which mud and cement will be injected into the bedrock 2½ miles below the sea floor to finish the job, retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said.
"There should be no ambiguity about that," Allen said. "I'm the national incident commander, and this is how this will be handled."
A 75-ton cap placed on the well in July has been keeping the oil bottled up inside over the past three weeks, but is considered only a temporary measure. BP and the Coast Guard want to plug up the hole with a column of heavy drilling mud and cement to seal it off more securely.
The task is becoming more urgent because peak hurricane season is just around the corner, Allen said. Tropical Storm Colin formed then dissipated far out in the Atlantic on Tuesday, but early forecasts say it will travel toward the East Coast rather than the Gulf.
The full magnitude of the Gulf of Mexico spill, triggered in April by a deadly explosion at the BP-owned Macondo well, became apparent on Monday as government scientists released revised figures showing almost 5 million barrels of oil leaked before the well was temporarily capped on July 15.
This made it the world's largest accidental maritime release of oil, surpassing the 1979 Ixtoc well blowout in Mexico's Bay of Campeche that gushed almost 3 million barrels.
Despite the breakthrough on the static kill operation, the new leak estimates could spell bad news for BP, which also faces an investigation by U.S. securities regulators into whether its employees profited illegally from the spill.
The revised flow numbers suggest the company had underestimated costs by at least $1 billion.
BP had estimated the well had leaked some 4 million barrels of oil and that it would be fined $1,100 per barrel under the Clean Water Act. The company faces fines of $4,300 per barrel if gross negligence is proven, but said it saw no need to change its provision as a result of the new estimate.
However, a New York Times report said there could be some more upbeat developments on Wednesday from a government report due to be released. It said the report would show three-quarters of the oil released has already evaporated, dispersed, captured or eliminated.


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They are known, loved, admired in nearly every corner of the world. They created genres, broke hearts, outraged parents and smashed barriers. But mostly what they did was write some of the most brilliant and affecting music the world has known. They continue to inspire millions, even though they broke up over 40 years ago. The Beatles are Mozart Shakespeare - Bogey and Bacall. They are forever. And that's what I wanted to celebrate when I created this collection of PostFab Tees especially for Joe Johnsons Beatle Brunch.
PostFab images are all original - not the same old Beatles designs that you've seen a hundred times all over the web. You won't find any pictures of the Fab Four. No logos. No band name. Just fashion with a bit of mystique that Beatles insiders will "get" and others will appreciate. I'm happy to be a part of Joe Johnsons Beatle Brunch where BBC Monthly Winners will be able to choose any shirt from our collection, Fab Tees For Fab Fans and you won't find these one of a kind tees anywhere else (including Liverpool!)
See the gear here - PostFab.com
"Like" us here - https://www.Facebook.com/PostFab
Now, fast forward to the teen years when I worked in a record store. Collecting albums became a passion, especially unique, limited editions, or imports you couldnt find locally.
Many years later, life settled down and my family moved into a new home. It was time
to fix up the basement, the one room in the house where I could do as I pleased. So, my opportunity to uncrate all those albums I took with me everywhere I lived finally came to pass. As I searched for a way to display my records, the only thing I could find was a 12 x 12 frame for the album cover only. As a collector, that wasnt good enough, since the look was not nearly as interesting without the vinyl itself. Not to mention that some of the more interesting records were colored vinyl or picture discs.
The search for a solution led me to an unsatisfying choice: either use a square frame style or find a frame shop that would make a frame for each Album and LP at a considerable cost. Instead, I decided on a little self-help. The result was the design, patent and production of The Record Showcase.
I hope you enjoy displaying your collection and explaining to the IPOD generation just what fun buying and listening to vinyl records was when you were a kid. The Record Showcase
memories are made of these!
Rick, Inventor and Creator
Beatle Brunch Fans - SAVE $6 off your Record Showcase!
Enter Promo Code "BTBRUNCH" on The Record Showcase Website
Beatle Brunch fans, if you want to hear our best BeatleBud, Tony Bramwell just tune into Totnes FM (Pronounced Tot-Ness) TotnesFM.co.UK every Friday 3PM to 4PM Eastern Time. Youll find a Listen Live button on Totnes FM Home to connect with the stream. Tonys program, Musical Mystery Tour, is a jammed-packed, one-hour musical interlude featuring an excellent blend of Classic Rock and cool new sounds from UK bands. Its fun, laid back and unmistakably Bramwell who spins sounds and yarns of musical giants from his illustrious past with a sprinkling of todays emerging artists.