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Elephant Nature Park no circus trick
Best known for their enormous ears, talented trunks, sharp social skills and overall heft, elephants, it turns out, are also fast.
Very fast.
It was a fact I probably should have had before a pair of 3 1/2-ton female Asian elephants started to rumble in my direction on a wet, grassy plain in a lush valley of northern Thailand. This definitely isn't a petting zoo.
It was a startling (albeit thrilling) reminder that I was on the elephants' home turf. I had traveled on an overnight train from Bangkok to see and experience the curious creatures in the wild - instead of at the zoo or the circus - and was peacefully gazing at several clusters of elephants when the ground started to shake.
Asian elephants still populate parts of Thailand, Burma, India, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, but their natural habitats have dwindled and the beautiful beasts are precariously close to extinction. Travelers now typically experience Asian elephants only on trekking trips where they carry passengers and luggage, or as part of choreographed and unnatural spectacles.
An exception is the Elephant Nature Park. Equal parts pachyderm preserve, health clinic and advocacy organization for the humane treatment of working elephants, the park is a learning center for those who want to get up close: feed, bathe and observe the giants and their babies. There also is a hostel for working vacationers who can help with veterinary care, conservation projects or park maintenance.
There are elephant sanctuaries in Asia, Africa and the United States, but most do not offer direct, hand-to-trunk interaction and immersion into elephant life. And few are situated in a setting as scenic as the Mae Taeng Valley, surrounded by rain-forested hills and blessed by a tranquil river. The valley serves as a dramatic backdrop for gazing over the herd as the sun goes down, as well as for waking to their trumpeting the next morning.
Sell or beg
The nature park was opened in 1996 by Lek Chailert, who fell in love with elephants while growing up in a nearby hill tribe that used them for farming and heavy labor. After the government banned logging in the 1990s - the main source of employment for elephants - many were out of work, and their handlers (or mahouts), who often stay with one elephant for life, lacked options: sell their elephants to a trekking company or take them out to beg on the congested, dirty streets in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
In helping place elephants with small locally owned trekking camps, Chailert encountered animals that were struggling, without enough food or proper veterinary care, and many that were worn down after a lifetime of grueling work. She started a field clinic for treating sick and injured elephants, but it became clear that some needed ongoing medical care and a furlough so they could heal. Among the patients: a female with half of a hind foot blown off by a land mine, and a male that suffered broken bones when he was hit and dragged by an 18-wheel truck.
The need for long-term treatment gave rise to the Elephant Nature Park. Chailert and field clinic volunteers still make emergency calls to remote areas. But the park, which now has about 30 elephants, has taken on a life of its own.
Feeding time
The park is open for day visits, overnights and longer working vacations. Every stay here, however, starts the same way - with food.
Elephants are majestic and charming, but they are the earth's largest land animals and they seem to never stop eating. They ingest 220 to 650 pounds of produce and grass daily, and observing their daily intake provides a clue about the challenges involved in maintaining the herbivores' healthy diet.
So it made sense that my fellow travelers and I were introduced to the herd during their midday meal. To emphasize the weight and volume of produce needed to keep the elephants happy, our guide pulled over at a produce stand and asked us to collect their provisions. After hauling hundreds of bags of corn and bananas, hand-to-hand into a pickup in the hot morning sun, we got the point - they eat a lot.
As we walked out onto an elevated bamboo platform that juts out into the valley, we got our first glimpse of the majestic creatures. Soon about 20 of them had surrounded the platform. A roiling, gray sea of soulful faces, the elephants looked at us with eager anticipation, waved their undulating trunks and ran them along the platform, searching out morsels.
I matched up with a teenage elephant named Jungle Boy and, never having touched a real trunk, tentatively reached out with an ear of corn. He leveled a steady gaze at me as his wrinkly, gray and damp appendage deftly wrapped around the corn and gingerly removed it from my hand, slowly rolled it back toward his gaping maw and plopped it on to his huge, pink tongue.
Before I had time to grab more corn out of a nearby basket, Jungle Boy's trunk was back for more. This routine didn't stop for the next 20 minutes - ending only when the corn was all gone. Meanwhile, I patted and rubbed Jungle Boy's trunk, he kissed me on the cheek (more like a wet suction).
Next, we got our lunch: a large and tasty Thai meal on an adjoining covered platform. While enjoying some fruit and deserts, we saw the mahouts lead some elephants and their babies down to the river for a bath. As we had been told, we'd be the ones doing the washing.
Bath time
Elephants love water because it cools off their thick, but sensitive skin and they like to frolic in rivers and ponds. It turns out they also enjoy a good scrubbing with big bristly brushes and will stand by patiently while they are bathed.
So, armed with some basic instructions, a brush and a bucket, we waded into the gentle current and cozied up next to the elephants. It takes a little time to get comfortable with being close to such big animals, but after a few instructions from the mahouts, we splashed the giants behind the ears, scrubbed their sides and rubbed their foreheads and backs. We also looked at one another in awe. Were we really in a river in Thailand washing elephants?
Afterward, we mingled among the herd on a riverside beach, patting their hides and feeding them bread and learning about typical living conditions for Thai elephants. I became transfixed by a baby who was rambling around, butting people with his hairy little head. Once the baby nudged me, I wanted to take him home but figured he probably would not fit into my carry-on luggage.
As bath time came to a close, the visit became more serious. The park staff encouraged us to watch some films about the declining Asian elephant population and the brutal elephant training practices in Thailand. Mae Taeng and the surrounding Chiang Mai province is home to approximately 20 percent of the 3,000 to 4,000 elephants left in Thailand - down from 100,000 at the start of the 20th century.
If an elephant survives, its life can be painful. Traditionally, elephant owners try to break the creature's spirit through several days of tying it up and prodding it with sticks and other sharp tools until it follows specific commands. In the end, the elephant believes that it can be dominated and controlled by its owner and from then on will comply with his demands.
The films were hard to watch after seeing how intelligent and loving the animals can be. But they served an important purpose by underscoring why Chailert's efforts to change training to a more humane model needs support and funding.
Staying behind
In the late afternoon, I was on my own. I was the only one of my group to stay the night and my friends had packed up and headed back to Chiang Mai.
Soon, a heavy darkness fell over the park. The absence of electric lights outside the park's main compound made it almost pitch black. Ambling down a moonlit dirt road toward my stilted bamboo hut, I could hear elephants rustling in the distance.
The next morning I awoke to more elephant sounds and walked out on my raised deck to see a cluster of three of them tromping through the grass. Jungle Boy and an older female were play fighting and pushing each other around.
Before I returned to Chiang Mai, I was treated to breakfast and a personal tour of the elephants' habitat on what the park calls the elephant walk. My guide Jodi and I strolled out into the valley, and as the morning fog began, she regaled me with stories about the herd and its eclectic personalities.
One female elephant, Mae Elu, hasn't had any babies yet, but she's the auntie of all the calves in the herd; Maximus, who was hit by the truck while working as a beggar with his owner, is believed to be the tallest elephant in Thailand; Mai Lae and Jokia are both disabled and spend all their time together.
Mai Lae has an old leg injury and Jokia was blinded by a cruel trainer. Out on the grassy plain, it turned out that the companions that had been rumbling my way were just playing and apparently decided not to trample me into the dirt - despite everything that humans had done to them.
Sometimes progress comes slowly.
Unlike some elephants.
5 unforgettable facts about elephants
While there are different types of elephants, some characteristics seem to be shared by almost all of them, according to "Elephant Reflections" (University of California Press, 2009), a coffee-table book by wildlife photographer Karl Ammann and author Dale Peterson. Among the more, um, odd characteristics, says Peterson, are:
1Elephants recognize themselves as individuals in mirrors. The experiment was done recently at the Bronx Zoo on three elephants, who, upon seeing their own image in the mirror, responded with self-referential behaviors. One elephant, Maxine, used it to examine the inside of her mouth and back of her ear.
2One way elephants communicate is through infrasound - sound too low in frequency to be audible by humans. Infrasound can travel through the air, through water, through rock, through forest and through the earth. Elephant infrasonic communication can take place over a distance of up to 2.5 miles.
3Some elephants live in matriarchies. They have family units consisting of only adult females, young of both sexes, and a leader who is the oldest and most knowledgeable female.
4Elephants are emotional animals. They don't weep, but they do pour fluids out of a gland located halfway between the eye and ear in times of great emotional excitement.
5Elephants are caring and empathetic animals. When a member of a social group falls - from illness, for instance - or becomes stuck in mud or water, others will move in and try to raise the debilitated animal to its feet and keep it moving. Sometimes adult females will care for - babysit - an infant or young elephant who has been orphaned or temporarily separated from its mother.
If you go
Elephant Park staff will pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Chiang Mai. Elephant Nature Park, 209/2 Sridorn Chai Road, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand. + 66 (0) 53 818754, 818932, 272855. email@example.com.
Those who stay overnight or for longer visits stay at the Elephant Nature Park bamboo huts. Visitors can stay for up to eight days. Volunteers can stay for weeks. The huts are cozy and clean and have mosquito nets. Overnight stays include breakfast, dinner and two lunches, transportation and admission to the park plus a guide for $167.
At the park. The food was traditional Thai buffet and delicious.


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Hair For a Cause: Safe, Temporary Hair Dyes
Dear Amy,
I know you're very busy, what with bringing new life into the world (and, based on Noah, adorable life at that), but I find myself at your awesome hair-care mercy.
The campus organization I work with (for I am but a poor, well-behaired college student), Human Rights Organization, is holding a fun auction to raise money to help victims of human trafficking. Money will also go into prevention programs. Long story short, they're auctioning off my hair, or better yet, the rights to dye it. There is a serious chance I may end up looking like Rainbow Bright, but the boyfriend has vowed that he'll simply put in for a natural-looking red to complete the Irish look (for he? and my friends? are evil).
My question is this: is there anyway I can do this without seriously destroying my hair? You see, my hair is a) naturally dark brown/black, b) very fine, c) super thick, and d) virgin hair that has never had anything more severe than a cut done to it. I don't mind giving up my dignity (and best feature, really) for a good cause, but I would love to find a way that both help people out and leave me with hair that doesn't look like it belongs on a troll doll.
The color doesn't have to be permanent–wash out is fine–but I have no idea if that is even a possibility with hair as dark as mine. Any help, at all, would be so greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
– Jillian, She-of-the-Dye-Issue
Early last year I did something similar — I wanted to help raise some money for breast cancer research (specifically, sponsor a local team of bloggers and readers who were doing a 3-Day), but I knew if I just tossed up a post with a Donate button that…well, that would be very easy for people to ignore.
So I grabbed some Manic Panic and dyed my hair bright pink. It hilariously shocked people, since I guess I do not strike them as the Manic Panic Pink Hair Type. I was also a little nervous, because my hair is extremely fine and delicate, plus it HAS been chemically colored and highlighted beyond all reason. Manic Panic is supposed to be gentle and temporary and is made from natural plant ingredients, but I still cringed a little bit at the idea of permanently discolored or damaged hair.
Neither happened! In fact, I had trouble keeping the dye IN for the duration of the fundraising. It washed out quickly (in about a week, give or take a few days) and harmlessly. My hairdresser saw some faded remnants and thought it was awesome — Manic Panic is exactly what he recommends to clients looking to go temporarily punk or off-the-wall with their color.
So, I'm guessing the winner of this auction is PROBABLY not going to ask you to get some subtle auburn highlights, or lighten your hair up to a nice lighter shade of chestnut, or anything you can find in the Loreal aisle at Target — they'll probably request blonde or hot pink or green or something extreme. Which: you MUST stick with wash-out dye. I mean, really.
Yes, your dark color does pose a bit of a problem, as Manic Panic recommends dark hair be bleached first in order to achieve the really bright colors. But bleaching is, alas, permanent, and you will need to chemically color — at a salon or at home –your hair for a long, long time after your post-auction obligations are through. It won't destroy your hair as long as you promise to use a really, really good shampoo and conditioner (I know LOTS of people who regularly bleach and dye for years on end, and NONE of them have gone bald yet or look remotely troll-doll-like), but it will be a gigantic pain in the ass since even the best salon color will fade and need to be redone when put over completely bleached hair. I would only consider this if your hair is long and you've been thinking of chopping a significant portion off, or if your hair grows really fast.
You can still use the temporary dyes on unlightened dark hair (deep reds, purples and blues work best), but you will need to do repeated applications (leaving it on for the maximum amount of time). (If you click on any color of Manic Panic you'll see photos of that color in action, and USUALLY they also include one photo and how-to where the dye has been applied to unbleached dark hair.) It also helps to apply some heat to the dye — put the cream in, wrap your head in plastic wrap and then blast your head with your hairdryer for as long as your scalp and arm can handle it. It's messy (it stains EVERYTHING — do it in SOMEONE ELSE'S BATHROOM) and I found that my roots were really oily for a day or two after dying.
One option, if your auction winner is okay with it, is to dye small chunks of hair instead of your whole head. That way, even if you end up bleaching streaks of your hair in order to get the fluorescent rainbow stripes they ask for, you'll be able to cover-up the aftermath with highlights at the salon — even if highlights fade, they'll probably still blend into your natural color pretty well as it grows out.
It sounds like you hair is nice and healthy — which means that while it's not very porous and might not take to the dye super-easily (unless you bleach first), it WILL survive a temporary fit of haircolor abuse just fine. Hell, I put my hair through almost a decade of brassy blonde home dye jobs, which is arguably a lot worse than one bleach/dye cycle with some wash-out color. Anyone who puts ANY color into their hair is torturing it, a little bit. And most of us can't even claim to be doing it for a nobler cause than vanity. So I think that means you win the Internet, or something.

subset: commoncrawl


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Visa Information UK
Please note that from 6 April, 2015 PTE Academic cannot be used to prove English language ability as part of a UK visa application. Tests taken on or before 5 April, 2015 will continue to be accepted by the UK Home Office until 5 November, 2015.
- PTE Academic continues to be accepted by many UK universities and institutions. If you are applying for a Tier 4 student visa at degree or post-graduate level in the UK, you may be able to use PTE Academic to prove your English ability at your chosen institution and receive a CAS. Read below for more information
- These changes do not affect the use of PTE Academic for study or visa applications to other countries, including Ireland, Australia, Canada and the USA.
- These changes do not affect the use of PTE Academic by people from: the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland. You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you can show you're a national of one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA.
Please note, for the Science without Borders UK program, you can only use PTE Academic if you took your test before April 6th, 2015 and are joining a course that starts in 2015.
Click each item below for more information.
When will this decision come into effect and how will it affect test takers?
PTE Academic tests taken on or before April 5th, 2015 can be used for UK visa applications until 5th November 2015.
Any PTE Academic tests taken after April 6th, 2015 will not be accepted as part of the UK visa application process.
Will you offer any refunds to tests already taken or vouchers purchased?
We will assess each application on a case by case basis. For more information, contact email@example.com
How can PTE Academic be used for UK university and visa applications?
In the UK, any approved Higher Education Institution (HEI) can use PTE Academic to assess a student's level of English as part of a Tier 4 application (studying at degree level and above). Provided the applicant achieves B2 level English, PTE Academic can be used as part of a visa application.
How does this work?
When students apply for a Tier 4 student visa at degree level or above they must submit the following documents to the Home Office:
- a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from an approved HEI (Higher Education Institute)
- proof that they can support themselves financially.
They don't need to prove their English language ability, because in order to receive a CAS, students must prove to the HEI that they can speak, read, write and listen in English, at a minimum B2 level (PTE Academic score 51).
The HEI can choose its own method of assessing student's English language ability. The test used does not need to be included on the Home Office approved SELT list.
Therefore, a student who has achieved minimum PTE Academic 51 and applied to a university that accepts PTE Academic, can receive a CAS, which enables them to apply for a Tier 4 (degree level and above) visa.
Find out more information online.
What is the score required for B2 level English?
To achieve B2 English with the UK Home Office, test takers must receive:
Overall score: 51
With minimum scores for each component of:
Reading: 51
Listening: 51
Writing: 51
Speaking: 51
Will you continue operating as normal?
Yes. PTE Academic operations in the UK and the rest of the world will continue as normal and test takers can still access flexible test dates, fast test results and secure scores.


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Phil came past the other day with his Colonial skirmish collection in tow. It has various bits and pieces including French Foreign Legion, Italian Bersaglieri, French Marines, Senegalese Tirailleurs, and Marine Fusiliers. Great I thought....this calls for a game! So Phil devised a cunning scenario where the Tirailleurs and the Bersaglieri were pinned down at separate locations by hordes of Arabs/Tuareg/desert rabble/Lost Armies of Middle Earth and other assorted such trouble makers. The Legion was tasked with marching to their rescue with the Marines to extract them.
Now Phil also wrote the rules which are undoubtedly inspired by years of scholarly research, wide reading, learned debate, deep reflection, personal experience........and Hollywood.
In this game the colonial troops are able to outshoot and out fight their opponents unless the attacking rabble outnumber them approximately 500,000 to one......well that may be overstating the case but the irregulars do have a tough time!
|The Italians face their first attack
The game started with the Senegalese (under Capitaine Le Blanc) holding onto the oasis in the middle of the area of conflict (AKA...the table) and the Italians commanded by Capitano Pecorino at one end fending off waves of attackers. With pressure building on the Italians many of the attackers left the fighting in the center of the table to help put further pressure on the Italians. These were caught between the Senegalese and a small group of arriving French Marines led by Capitaine Deeldoo who dispersed them with some well aimed volleys and some dirty but efficient bayonet work. That didn't help the Italians, as they were outnumberred 15 to one at one stage and the Foreign Legion also arrived to help out.....but on the wrong side of the table. The Legion, under their famous Colonel Bizarre, was forced to go into square when small groups of natives started sniping at them in preparation for a rush. The Legion duly dispersed the aformentioned bad guys but they were too far away to help the beleagured Italians. Fortunately the Marine Fusiliers with their indefatigable Capitaine Piste arrived to lend a bayonet or two to the Italians....who were now all dead!
|The early clash.....the Senegalese in the Oasis
At days end there were four dead from the Legion, three Senegalese, six French Marines and two Fusilier Marines....and all the hard fighting Italians (ten).
And the poor hapless natives(me)?.....about two hundred and fifty.......ahh yes, the Hollywood Beau Geste effect........next time Phil it will be a game where we are more evenly matched...the Wild West.....with John Wayne and a company of the 7th Cavalry......against the ENTIRE Sioux, Apache Arapahoe and Blackfoot nations. Looking forward to it.......now where was that book on Little Big Horn?
|What is it about this guy that reminds me of Lawrence of Arabia?
|The Senegalese in the Oasis
|Roving warbands
|Encouraging the troops!
|The Italians beat off the first of MANY attacks
|The Original Italian position at the beginning of the game
|The Marines show the enemy the bayonet!
|The Legion column arrives to help out....on the far end of the table...too far to help the Italians
|The advancing column!
|The Legion deploys!
|The Legion surrounded
|The Marine Fusiliers who would fight off several attacks then go to the assistance of the Italians.....who had already been wiped out.
|The Italians to the right of the building and the Fusilier Marines to the left
|The French Marines hold their line
|Capitano Pecorino and his men fight to the death.
|The last of the Italians are overrun.


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Full Menu
Employee and Retiree Service Center → Retirees → Community
Keep in touch with other retirees and learn about valuable retiree resources.
Our newsletter keeps you informed of important retiree benefit news.
The State Retirement Agency (SRA) administers the retirement benefits for all State Core pension plan participants.
MCPSRA is a non-profit organization created by and comprised of retirees from the Montgomery County Public Schools. It advocates for and provides services to its members, empowering them to enrich the quality of their lives. MCPSRA is dedicated to pursuing excellence in education for young people and for lifelong learning. It promotes service through volunteer opportunities within the Association and in the community.
The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA) is a nonprofit organization of retired school personnel, founded in 1945, whose purpose is to promote the professional, social and economic welfare of its members; to promote involvement and participation of retirees in service to their communities and to promote the continuous improvement of education in the schools of Maryland.


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Tromblast Keep stood like an ancient crown on the western-most point of the isle of Tromb. A woman approached a window high in the North Tower, her bare feet cold upon the stone. Wind drove the frayed clouds of a spring storm across the moonless sky. The constellation of Eaon hung low over the sea, drawing the hour well past midnight. Far below, the black, glistening tide rolled foam along the strand.
A raven landed on the rock, released a deep-throated cry then rose into the air and wheeled away, blending with the night. The priestess watched his form against the stars until she could not see him anymore. Then she picked up the knife.
The same dream again, leaving her wide awake and knowing nothing.
A book slammed, enshrouding her in dust.
The warrior knew. A ray of sun, a glint of steel, distant as a star she could only see by not looking directly, he came to her each night, sometimes as a raven, other times as a man. He showed her a book smelling of old leather and earth, beautifully illustrated in fading ink. Rhinne could never recall what it said.
She closed her hands over her arms as a familiar shiver touched her flesh. He stood in the corner between the hearth and the window, his glimmering form not changing the shadows on the wall. Strong and deep-rooted as a hardwood forest and clad in trappings of war, he had wavy golden hair and eyes the most startling shade of wintry gray. "You must leave Tromb," he said. He appeared before her, his breath warming the flaming tangles of her hair. "Quietly as the owl."
"No one leaves," she replied to the empty room.
Rhinne of Tromb, North Born of Ragnvald and Sentinel of the Realm. Where would she go?
Rhinne withdrew from the sill and returned to the room. The orange nimbus of a dying fire hovered in the hearth. Carved into the wall above the great stone mantel loomed the standard of the North Tower: the winter constellation of Meilos surrounded by a symmetrical tangle of bare trees and creatures that ruled the dark side of the year: wolves, ravens, foxes. Such had the people of Tromblast become; to survive, one had to be a predator, a raider of carcasses or exceedingly clever.
Rhinne poked at the fire, and placed more wood on it. The light danced upon a brass urn sitting on the edge of the hearth. It contained a dried bouquet of flowers a lover had given her last year, before the darkness came. Rhinne plucked the crackly stems from the urn and tossed them in the flames. Lovers were hard to come by nowadays.
Mortal ones, anyway.
Her warrior continued to whisper. The Riven God has returned to protect his secret.
The Riven God. A political fabrication designed to frighten her people into submission. Winter was the only god, here.
The book is bound to you. You will find it in a library. You must take it from the isle.
As she knelt before the flames, it occurred to Rhinne that if she actually saw the book, then she would be closer to knowing if her warrior had more substance than mere visions.
You must not let him find it.
Easier to believe she had gone mad. But it was worth a try.
After banking the fire, she stood and padded quickly across the room, dragging her nightdress over her head. The cold caressed her as she pulled open the bottom drawer of a tall armoire, rummaged around in the perfumed depths, and snatched out a warm smock and a soft woad-blue tunic she had borrowed from her older brother Wulfgar when he was a lad, and never returned. She put them on, donned some leggings wrapped in wool, and her hunting boots. Pausing, she dug deeper, withdrew a strap holding a knife and tied it onto her thigh. Then she opened the door to the cabinet and took out a heavy, dark brown cloak with running hounds stitched along the edges.
How far to go with this? Lowering the cloak, she reached past the dresses into the back and grabbed her sword. The ancestral blade of the North Born, it was intricately inscribed and clad in a fine leather scabbard embossed with knotted animal patterns. Wulfgar had trained her to fight. But despite his powerful confidence, Rhinne had never felt worthy of the inherited blade. She put it on and cinched the strap in weary defiance. One could never be too careful.
She put on her cloak, fighting off a nervous prickle in her gut. It would not go well for her to be seen armed in the middle of the night. But dawn would come eventually. If anyone questioned her, she could say she was going hunting, and hope no one noticed the absence of her bow and quiver.
As she opened the door, a vision fled over her mind with the force of a riptide. She paused and turned, settling her gaze on the drawer in the table by the bed. Releasing a breath, she stomped to the drawer and opened it. She pulled out an amulet her mother had given her when she reached womanhood: a black circle of leaves surrounding a serpent entwined in the shape of a triangular knot. At the apex, the serpent had its tail in its mouth. A single star shone in the center void. The queen had asked her to wear the amulet and never take it off. She had not said why. Rhinne put the iron circle around her neck, making sure to bury it well beneath her clothes. Then she left the room, easing the door closed behind her.
She stole down the hall like a thief, clenching her jaw in irritation. When had her mother ever explained anything? A snakepit of secrets, the Queen of Tromb, hiding in Graylif Forest with her veiled warnings like a little girl in a story using imaginary powers against something real and that much greater. The irony of Rhinne's annoyance turned a cold eye. Cloaked in dreams, hiding knives and magical amulets, running from her own bed at the warning of a vision to hunt for a book that did not exist, she had become an icon of this forsaken keep in ways her position as North Born would never serve.
She slipped into an adjacent passage so as not to alert the guard at the far end of the hall. Wulfgar had posted men all over the high complex of the North Tower, to look after her. She had asked them to keep a distance. Small comfort, in the middle of the night, a man at her door. Rhinne trusted few; and she fought as well as some of them did, for all that.
In retrospect, her request had been prudent. No one knew these halls as well as she did, having explored every door, passage and drape of the place since childhood. Eluding her watchers, Rhinne hurried through the corridors, heading east. She descended in the direction of the library. According to Wulfgar, a seasoned warrior who had traveled to other lands, it was not much of a library. But it served Tromblast well enough.
Few torches lit the way, and it was unearthly quiet. As she moved along, Rhinne thought about foxes. Over the last sun's cycle, things had changed in Tromblast that neither warrior nor wiseman could refute. It was generally believed that evil had come to the isle by the absence of a fourth son, and that it had spread into the keep from beneath the North Tower, where the North Born would have stood.
It was always close, this shame, like a shadow cast by a sun too bright to bear. For centuries, the sons of Tromb had been born to hold the Towers, to embody the Four Winds, their presence giving strength and balance to the people of the island. So bred into the family line was this occurrence that four or more sons were always born to the king, and the eldest four reflected the traits of the winds' directions. Somehow, Tromblast itself reached into the fabric of creation to bring forth its own protection from the wombs of the queens.
Not anymore. Queen Lorelei's last child was to have been the Sentinel of the North. But Rhinne could not claim this title: the Sentinels had to be men. It was ancient, this law, like so many other things about this dreary place, decrepit, their meaning lost in the cobwebs of time. Even so, her people looked upon her with suspicion, something weird, even enchanted. They called her a witch, a disparaging term referring to anyone practicing magic outside the tenets of the Keepers of the Eye, wizards who watched and wielded the deeper powers of the world. Common witchcraft was not a crime. But the term was a convenient one, smeared without thought into the open sores of ignorance. Rhinne knew nothing of the craft, aside from her visions and shady instincts, which could have been anything.
She had one consolation. King Ragnvald was not able to bind her in marriage, something she resisted with the hostility of a wild animal to a chain, especially considering the sort of men he might choose for her--warlords, warlocks, who knew what else--someone under his control, no doubt. But Rhinne's mother, to whom she had never been close and trusted only slightly more than her father, had dared to bring forth an old law, something about women in her bloodline. Rhinne could not imagine how the queen had managed to uphold this, what kind of threat or spell she had used to force Ragnvald to stand down on the issue. But he did.
Rhinne knew better than to put her trust in hope. She did not believe her mother had the power to make anything shine in the darkness devouring Tromblast. Ragnvald had repeatedly altered the laws of Tromb to suit his desires. Most likely, he did not consider his wayward daughter to be worth the trouble. And so, driven by survival instinct and by Wulfgar's insistence, Rhinne had taken the way of the fox: studying the warrior's arts and keeping a low profile. Many did not consider the first appropriate for a princess who had cursed the realm, but they abided the second. For the most part, she was left alone.
She moved through the passages and stairwells, her stormy thoughts flitting in her mind like the bats that lived in the sea caves in summer. She was alert, but too distracted to notice the cold in her lower abdomen as she passed into the wide corridor that led to the library.
She stopped as a man appeared in her path, seemingly from the shadows, silent as mist. He was cloaked in black, with gray leather strapped over his head, and thorn-laden branches sewn over his legs and arms. His boots were stained with salt.
Oborom. Warlocks. A dark order that had claimed the undersides of the island, they were under the command of Ragnvald, who had seen fit to outlaw the very thing he now grew beneath the keep like a festering sore. When the executions began, the people of Tromb quickly learned to live with this double standard--unless they wanted to go below and enlist.
In the beginning, for some reason, the oborom were not able or allowed to come above the lowest levels of the keep, where no one right in the head would venture even without them. But since the autumnal equinox, the black-cloaked warlocks had been spotted above more and more. In the beginning, there had been talk of reporting them to the Keepers of the Eye, whose ruling seat in the Gray Isles lay on Mimir not a day's journey east. But the Beryl Waeltower of Wychmouth had grown much farther away than miles. Rhinne recently heard a rumor that the Keepers who lived peacefully on Tromb had enlisted with the oborom. No one knew why. Rhinne shuddered to think.
By his dress, this one appeared to be a priest. So they called themselves. Priests of what, that was the question.
"What is your business in this hall?" he inquired. His features showed age, but his eyes were older, deep set, and too dark to discern their color. His voice sounded like a body being dragged over gravel.
Priests of thorns, Rhinne thought. Her amulet clung to her breast like hard frost. She lifted her chin in challenge. "How about I ask you that question. I belong here." She said this with steely conviction, but it was empty. As Sentinel of the North, Rhinne had the authority to question anyone in Tromblast. But even if she managed to get recognition through some grudging formality, she knew it would not come from an oborom priest.
He stepped forward. His cloak swirled around his feet, stirring a moldering scent. Rhinne gathered her warrior's calm beneath her ribcage as Wulfgar had taught her. She became aware of her weapons, her body, the bulk of her adversary and the size and texture of the chamber around her. She envisioned Wulfgar's face, his red-gold hair, ruddy cheeks and blue eyes glittering as he told her never to assume she could engage the oborom and win. Though patience and emotional restraint were not Rhinne's strong points, she mustered them now, knowing that this could not possibly be a chance encounter.
Without a word or a glance, she moved around the man in her path to continue on her way. But she was ready for him when he took her arm in a grip that would have killed a hare. She shook him off, then stepped back a pace and looked him in the eye, moving her hand to her sword hilt.
It did not require her brother's warning to see where this was going: they intended to question her. They used that term, but very few questions were asked of or answered by anyone taken below, particularly under the charge of witchcraft. She would never been seen again.
Her amulet grew heavier.


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Louisville @ Miami 10/14
Louisville @ Miami 10/14
Any of the FAU fans interested at all in this game given Schnellenberger's background? Howard and FAU certainly have a lot of fans at UofL. I was at the UL/UNC game a week or so ago, and I even saw one of the UofL fans wearing an FAU hat. Someday soon I hope we see FAU visit Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in Louisville (nicknamed "the House that Howie Built" by many of our fans) for a game. Howard would get an ovation you probably wouldn't even believe before that game if it came to pass.
In that vein, I think your athletic department had a real screw-up in scheduling this year. There are going to be several thousand Louisville fans down in South Florida the weekend of the 16th for the Thursday night UL/UM game. Given some of the attendance problems you guys are having, there's NO WAY your team should be in Colorado that weekend. I think you easily could have seen a few hundred Louisville fans come over to take in the FAU if they had been in town that weekend. Oh well.
Good luck with your program, and know that there are a lot of Owl fans in Kentucky.
Louisville @ Miami 10/14
Coach Schnell has done a remarkable job with FAU. If we can only be half as successful as UM and Louisville I'd be happy.
AS for the scheduling: We had a D1-AA contract to fulfill with several teams. That in conjunction with the Sun Belt games scheduling (which is out of our control) probably didn't leave a lot of room to negotiate particular dates based on visiting teams to the area.
Stay in Florida for awhile and help our attendance with the UL Monroe game.. ;)


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Connecting Corporates, an offering of Connecting NGO, is focused on providing quality training programs to the industry. These programs are focused on advancing the cause of mental health and wellbeing and ameliorating mental and emotional distress.
Connecting Corporates has been created to reach out to the corporate citizen. This corporate outreach arm consists of a team of experienced Trainers, Coaches and senior HR professionals who are eminently qualified, experienced and competent to deliver the training modules.
The Connecting Helpline, focused on providing support to people who are emotionally distressed and/or suicidal, has a cumulative experience of attending to more than 11,000 calls from people in distress.
Many of these calls are from people that are employed and working in corporate settings. Most of the times, this predominantly male population, aged 20-45, have nowhere to turn to, in case of emotional distress arising from say workplace or personal conflicts. Neither do they have a support system in place, nor do they have adequate skills themselves, to de-escalate and resolve conflicts and/or manage stress. This is especially relevant given that the rate of anxiety and depression among corporate employees has increased by 45-50 percent from 2008-2015 (ASSOCHAM). This among other things has led to absenteeism, higher percentages of sick leave, attrition and conflict with co-workers.
By offering training programs to corporates, Connecting Corporates aims to prevent the emotional distress issues that surface in work settings and address them before they spiral out of control.
Connecting Helpline runs on the principles of Active Listening that is non-advisory, non-judgemental, confidential and anonymous.
The rich experience of deep and active listening, that Connecting volunteers, mentors and trainers exhibit on a daily basis, has enabled us to come up with an innovative training program for corporates that incorporates the features of deep and active listening.
The one-day training program on 'Resolving conflicts: the Listening Approach', enables participants to manage and resolve conflict by listening deeply to self and others. The program is experiential in nature where the participants actually experience what it feels like to be listened to, and being understood. It stands on the premise that when you are truly able to listen to yourself and understand from where the other person is coming, the conflict de-escalates and gets resolved. The Listening Booths which are a highlight of this program replicates in situ the Connecting Helpline Service and the support that it offers to the emotionally distressed.
Connecting believes, that it can play a large role in ensuring emotional wellness in corporate settings.
Some of the benefits of the program are:
It is aimed at reducing unnecessary conflicts, and resolving them quickly when they happen, thus reducing the distress that the corporate citizen is exposed to.
Unresolved conflicts, inevitably lead to interpersonal friction, that results in lost productivity, engagement and may even lead to attrition. The program looks to deescalate this.
As part of the program, the participants will be provided access to a Resource Library that they can use in times of stress/ distress/ conflict to get re-focused and de-stressed.
All participants will also be encouraged to add Connecting Helpline number to their phones and the Helpline facility will be available to them free of cost.
A certain number of Free Awareness Sessions to the Corporate Community – family, residential colonies, children - will be provided.
God forbid, if something untoward happens, Connecting can also leverage its expertise in survivors of suicide programs to help restore normality after someone attempts a suicide or commits it.
Mindfulness based Active Compassionate Listening is the cornerstone of all Connecting activities. Being non-judgmental in nature, such a deep listening space, helps distressed individuals.
To share feelings, and facts, from their perspective.
Help overcome their fear of judgement, ridicule or unnecessary shame/ guilt.
Become calm and regain composure.
Feel understood and validated.
Help resolve fleeting powerful feelings of acute distress.
Help withhold impulsive decisions that they may later regret.
The training program on Conflict Resolution is built around the principles of Active and Deep Listening, and is steeped in the expertise and experience of Connecting's volunteers. As such it stands in marked contrast to other conflict resolution strategies and has been proven to be much more effective than them. By learning Active and Deep listening techniques, the participants are much less likely to feel drained, exhausted or resentful from a win-lose outcome; highly likely to emerge with a win-win outcome from the conflict that leaves everyone better off and happy.


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What is Feather Touch Tattooing?
This amazing eyebrow treatment nicknamed "Feather Touch" is for people who have over plucked, loss of hair/patchy areas that won't grow back and ideally have the wrong brow shape. Feather Touch Tattooing is putting the finest hairs back into eyebrows with pigment to provide definition and most importantly symmetry. This method is the most natural looking cosmetic tattooing enhancement.
How long does it last?
The pigment is at its brightest for 9 to 12 months, lasting up to 24 months on the fairest skin. It will eventually fade away if you do not maintain touch ups. Semi-Permanent make up is an Art not a science. Client results will vary. Generally the results are amazing but it very much depends on your own skin type, texture and oiliness, your health and after care. (Please read this entire page)
How long does the procedure take?
I allow 2 hours for the procedure. The consultation is actually part of your appointment but if you have a lot of questions after reading this, lets communicate before your appointment. After filling out paperwork, I numb you, then we consult and draw your perfect shape, even before the procedure begins. I allow 1.5 hours for Perfecting Sessions and touch ups. I am a perfectionist at my Art. You will appreciate the caring time I take for your appointment to make you feel comfortable during the procedure.
Does it hurt?
Everyone's tolerance is different. I use the same numbing cream a doctor would use when administering Fillers or Botox! It is actually not that bad. Some people describe it as a scratching sensation. For women, you will be more sensitive if you are hormonal. Plan your appointments accordingly. I cannot perform this on sunburns.
How long does healing take?
Allow 5-10 days for the skin to completely heal. Colour intensity will be darker the next few days after the procedure. Then in about 3-5 days it is followed by some mild flaking. After this time, the color will subside and start to take a "softer" appearance as the skin heals. I was in love with mine from the first day and through every phase. The changes in the first week did not affect my week at all. Everyone is different.
Will I need a touch up?
Yes all clients will require a touch up, this is all inclusive of your price provided you must book 4-6 weeks after your treatment.
If you want thicker brows after the healing process, I can do this in your perfection touch up. Knowing everyone's skin is different, so it greatly depends on that and your healing process. No guarantee can be made that a specific client will benefit the same as another from this procedure. This is the process of inserting pigment into the basal layer of the epidermis. It is a form of tattooing, cosmetic, though it is semi-permanent. Generally, the results are excellent but it very much depends on your skin texture, oiliness and your health. Your new eyebrows will go through several phases during the healing cycle. The pigment will appear very sharp and dark immediately after the procedure. This is because the pigment is still sitting on top of your skin, and has not yet settled in completely. The color of the pigment will soften gradually. Do not be alarmed if you see some pigment on the cotton swab, as this is excess pigment and/or body fluid that is naturally exiting your skin. Once the healing of the skin starts taking place, it will look like dandruff flakes or dry skin. This might give you the impression that the color pigment is fading too quickly, however, this is just superficial color and dry skin being naturally removed from your eyebrows resulting in "soft natural looking" hair strokes.
How do you choose a color?
I have a huge variety of Colors and use amazing pigment. After you have filled out all of your paperwork, and numb, we choose the color that is perfect for you. The best match is to match your original eyebrow hair.
**Preparation Before your treatment (MUST READ)
If you are naturally a heavy bleeder this is not for you. The pigment will not retain evenly due to the blood will pushing the pigment out.
Heavy or Daily Alcohol consumption will have the same affect. Please plan around your hormonal weeks too ladies.
Please do schedule your Brow coloring, waxing, threading or tweezing one week prior to procedure. You will not be able to do this for 1 month after. Cover those greys 🙂 You can schedule this with me. This will also give you time to consult before your appointment instead of the day of.
Injectables: For BEST results I highly recommend that you plan any injectables : Botox/ Dysport, two or more weeks after your MB sessions. *If you have injectable fillers or Botox in your face, please be aware that I cannot be held responsible for brow symmetry due to injectable settling. If you have recently received injectables, and are very pleased with the placement, you may schedule no sooner than 2 weeks after. While I have never had a bad experience with a clients injectables causing brows to become uneven, I can in no way guarantee it won't happen. Please inform me when making your MB appointment, we can discuss the pro's and con's more if desired.
"These products can make you bleed excessively, making it difficult for the pigment to implant"-No working out or sweating day of or 10 days following.
-Alcohol 24 hrs before procedure. More days the better! Heavy/ daily drinkers are not a good candidate. Talk to me about this please.
-Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen 72 hours prior to your session.
-Discontinue Retin-A skin care products close to the enhancement area two weeks "prior and after" your procedure.
-Discontinue use of AHA skin care products close to the enhancement area one week prior to your procedure. Avoid the area after. Just use gentle cleansers.
-No laser in that area 2 weeks prior to procedure. IPL laser will remove the dye after the procedure and the area should be avoid with all care after for the life of the brow
-All peels should be avoided in and around the area for the life of the brow to avoid advanced fading.
-No sunburns . NO Spray tans 10 days before or a month later on the face. Or Peeling, or break outs in the brows.
***Who is NOT ideal for this procedure? (MUST READ)
-Someone with very large pores on their forehead. *
-Someone who will form a Keloid. (a raised scar) Any part of body
-Someone with severely oily skin. (Pigment will look more solid than like hair strokes and may not last as long)*
-Diabetes type 1 or 2 (Prone to slow healing and infection)*
-Chemotherapy (consult your doctor first, medication may cause pigment to not retain properly)*
-Viral infections
-Auto immune diseases (due to healing and medication, consult with your doctor, contact me to discuss before booking)*
-Chronic Epilepsy or Parkinsons
-No Blood thinners, or heavy bleeders.
-Pacemaker or major heart problems *Must have Cardioligist clearance if not on blood thinners
-Organ transplant
-Skin irritations or Psoriasis near the treated area (rashes, sunburn, acne)
-Sick (cold, flu, etc.) PLEASE Reschedule
-Someone who has Thyroid (Medication may cause pigment to not retain properly) * It most likely requires more touch ups)
-If you are pregnant or nursing (due to the numbing ointment)
-Accutane in the past year.
* You may receive the service with the clear understanding that pigment may not retain properly and you may need more touch ups then others.
How do you care for your brows after?
Once completely healed, I advise applying a layer of sunscreen SPF 30 up to SPF 50 on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun "always". Sun exposure will cause the color pigment to fade away more quickly. Generally the results are "Amazing" but it very much depends on your own health, skin type, texture and oiliness. The pigment is semi-permanent and will naturally fade over time. It is more affordable if you maintain them with in the first 12 months. The choice is yours. I would highly recommend making an appointment ahead of time due to scheduling availability. *Aftercare instructions will be discussed & given to you at your appointment to take home and follow strictly.
Please feel free to email with pictures or questions and I will contact you when I am not in a treatment.
Kristie Baird


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The first things to address are those wineries which I did not visit and most wish to, so I've selected my top 10. Each makes a wine that really resonated with me, things that provided me with great enjoyment and wonderful surprises through my most recent trip.
On my next trip to New Zealand, this will become my list of first wineries to stop at. This list is not done with rankings, it is simply a list of wines to try!
What are your favorite New Zealand wineries? Let me know!


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Just curious, if you wish to share it, why did you pick 3 and not a longer period? It is an unqualified plan. Even though the plan assets are in your name, it is very clear that the plan assets are not vested. I have worked for a company that went bankruptcy. Losing everything contributed to the plan is quite possible. My company offers access to the 409A plan as a retention incentive for engineering level, but the vast majority of people covered by these plans are high level management. The terms of the plan are inflexible and are targeted for the majority of the participants which are executives. I am not comfortable with having a large amount funds in the plan or for an extended amount of time. We have only recently become eligible for the plan and are nearing retirement. Where I see it fitting in our plan is a transition buffer between leaving work and when we starting to receive Social Security and a (small) pension.
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Aberdeen have confirmed Scott McKenna's hamstring injury will rule him out for up to six weeks.
The defender was sent for a scan after going off after 30 minutes during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Rangers.
It has now been announced the 21-year-old will miss several games with a tear to the muscle, including the Premiership meeting with Hibernian at Easter Road and the Betfred Cup match with St Mirren at Pittodrie.
The Scotland international's injury hasn't come at a good time for Aberdeen with Shay Logan, Mark Reynolds and Tommie Hoban also out.
Logan is suspended for Saturday's trip to Dens Park to face Dundee and the clash with Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday August 25 due to the red card he picked up against Celtic in the final Premiership game of last season.
Reynolds has been ruled out for the rest of this year after injuring a knee in a pre-season friendly against Cove Rangers.
Loan signing Hoban was signed from Watford ahead of the Europa League tie with Burnley.
The 24-year-old featured in both legs against the Clarets, but he was ruled out of Sunday's game with Rangers after Thursday's extra-time loss to Burnley.
As a result of these defensive absences, boss Derek McInnes is looking to bring in another defender to bolster his squad ahead of this weekend's game against Dundee.
McInnes is also keen to sign a striker to support Stevie May and Sam Cosgrove.
But as of yet he has been unable to recruit in either defence or attack.
It may be that the Dons have to play a waiting game with more players expected to become available once the English transfer window closes on Thursday at 5pm.


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Whether you need a quick trim or the works, Classic FX is the salon of choice here in Kamloops for grads, brides-to-be or anyone looking for professional hair care and esthetic services that will leave you looking great—and feeling fantastic!
We offer a full variety of services for both men and women of all ages and our salon is fully wheelchair accessible. Call us to schedule your next appointment or send us an email using the online form on this page with any questions you may have about our services.
556 Tranquille Rd.,
Kamloops, BC, V2B 3H4
Main 250-376-0510
Business Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 AM
Wednesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 AM
Thursday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Friday 09:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Saturday 09:00 AM - 05:00 AM
Sunday Closed


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Vaxart Announces Publication of the Phase 1 Results of its Oral Norovirus Tablet Vaccine in Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight
The paper by Leesun, Kim, et al., "Safety and immunogenicity of an
oral tablet norovirus vaccine, a phase 1 randomized, placebo-controlled
trial", highlights the benign safety profile of the
"Our oral tablet vaccine elicited a substantial serum antibody response
as well as a strong local intestinal immune response as measured by
mucosal homing B-cells and a greater than tenfold increase in fecal IgA
antibodies," said
The primary immunological endpoint of the study, an increase in BT50 titers, was met in the high dose group with 78% of subjects showing a greater than or equal to twofold rise after a single immunization (P=0.0003). In addition, more than 80% of recipients of the high dose vaccine developed mucosally-primed norovirus specific circulating antibody secreting cells, IgA positive memory B cells expressing the α4β7 gut homing receptor, and fecal IgA.
"Norovirus causes substantial morbidity and mortality all across the
globe, impacting populations of all ages in all walks of life. We
believe our tablet vaccine could provide an optimal solution to help
reduce the burden of disease in vulnerable populations such as the
elderly and the very young, as well as people at-risk in the healthcare,
travel and food industry," said
About Norovirus
Norovirus is recognized as a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. It is a common intestinal infection that typically lasts three to five days and is marked by watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes fever. Symptoms can be more severe in older adults and young children and may lead to serious complications including death. Norovirus causes frequent and widespread outbreaks in the military, food industry, travel industry, child care facilities, elderly homes and healthcare facilities.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve
substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than
statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding
our strategy, prospects, plans and objectives, results from preclinical
and clinical trials, commercialization agreements and licenses, beliefs
and expectations of management are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as
"believe," "could," "potential", "will" and other words and terms of
similar meaning. Examples of such statements include, but are not
limited to, statements relating to the Vaxart's ability to develop and
commercialize its product candidates and clinical results and trial
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180712005178/en/
Stern Investor Relations
Carl Mauch, 212-362-1200


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Lizzy has returned to action with fourth place finish in the opening round of the IBSF World Cup in Whistler, just 0.01 Sec outside the podium places.
"I wasn't sure how I'd get on today in Whistler, during training I'd been mid-field. To know that I can bring it on race day is a big confidence boost. Fourth place today is job done, I've conquered the Whistler track once more!"
Lizzy's teammate Laura Deas finished in 6th place.
The GB team move on to Lake Placid where the second World Cup race takes place on 17th December.


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Have you decided that it is time to buy your first car? While this is an exciting time, it can also be quite intimidating and stressful. Because all of us at Straub Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram want you to have the most enjoyable experience, we have compiled a list of questions to ask so you can confidently make a decision.
Why do I need the car? Before you come to the conclusion on what kind of car you want, you need to ask yourself why you need a car first. By asking yourself this simple question, you will narrow down the types of vehicles that you may be interested in which will then make your search a lot easier.
What are my must-haves? In addition to asking yourself why you need a car, you need to also ask yourself what it is that you have to have in a vehicle. Once you figure out the features that you need, you will then be able to confidently start shopping.
How much can I afford? Quite possibly the most important question to ask, you need to know how much you can afford. Set your budget and be realistic. Also make sure to ask if there are any incentives on the vehicle that you have been looking at. This simple question can actually help you save a lot of money.
May I see a copy of the car's history report? If you have decided that you want to buy a used vehicle, make sure to always ask to see the car's history report. Ideally, the dealer will provide you with both the CARFAX report and an AutoCheck report so that you will know about any issues the car may have.
If you have any questions about buying a car or need assistance in finding one that is right for you, please feel free to contact us directly or stop by Straub Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 1502 Wheeling Ave, Glen Dale, WV 26038. We look forward to serving our customers from Glen Dale, WV, and throughout Wheeling and Moundsville, WV.


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J. S. Bach's French Overture In B Minor BWV 831 was published, along with the Italian Concerto, as the second half of the Clavier-Übung II in 1735. This suite in B minor was originally scored for two-manual Harpsichord and is the longest Keyboard suite ever composed by Bach, with eleven movements.
An earlier version of this work exists, in the key of C minor (BWV 831a); the work was transposed into B minor to complete the cycle of tonalities in Parts One and Two of the Clavier-Übung.
The term overture refers to the fact that this suite starts with an overture movement, replacing the allemande found in Bach's other Keyboard suites. There are optional dance movements both before and after the Sarabande and another unusual aspect of this work is the inclusion of an extra movement after the Gigue. This is an 'echo', a piece meant to exploit the terraced loud and soft dynamics of the two-manual Harpsichord. Other movements also have dynamic indications (piano and forte), which are not often found in Keyboard suites of the Baroque period.
This Henle Urtext Edition does not include fingering.


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10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects along with one of the following subjects: Chemistry / Biotechnology / Computer Science / Biology with at least 50% marks (45% in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST category) in the aggregate
Eligibility For Leet Course:
1. Candidates who have passed Diploma in Engineering / Technology with 50% marks in aggregate (for SC / ST 40%) or equivalent grade point. 2. Candidates who have only passed Diploma in any branch of Engineering / Technology are eligible for admission. OR Candidates who have passed B.Sc. Degree
Fees: 45980/ INR first semester - 42980/ INR Second-Eight semester
945$s first semester -870$s Second-Eight semester
Fees For Leet Course: 45980/ INR third semester
945$s third semester
- 42980/ INR per semester fourth-eight semester
870$s per semester fourth-eight semester
About The Course:
The Department of Electrical Engineering was established with an aim to achieve excellence in academics by providing quality education to students and encourage them to reach the pinnacle of success. The Department has designed dynamic and focused curriculums to develop well-trained manpower in Electrical Engineering for academic/industrial/defence/public sector as well as research perspectives. The Department also focuses on inculcating the ethical and moral values in the students. Students are also motivated to participate actively in seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops. The thrust area of the Department includes multi-disciplinary research in the fields of power system optimization, flexible AC transmission, electric drives and traction, neural computing and smart grid. The Department has eminent and highly motivated faculty having vast experience and a focus on research in the current areas of power system optimization and electric machine design. The Department is well-equipped with spacious classrooms and modern laboratories to provide quality teaching and research opportunities for students to nurture their future under supervision and friendly arena developed by the faculty members
Booming Electrical Sector in India has plenty of jobs for fresh Electrical graduates. Besides, the Electrical Engineers have plenty of options to work in Electrical companies in departments such as design, development, assembly, manufacture and maintenance.
Please fill up the form below and our advisors will get in touch you.


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Turn Leftover Quinoa into a Gorgeous Salad
We've all run into this issue: What do you do with plain, cooked leftover grains, beans, rice, or pasta that you have stashed in a plastic container in your fridge? Here chef Candice Kumai shows you how to prepare a superfood salad from leftover quinoa and delicious roasted zucchini so you don't have to let any of that high-protein seeds (yup, seed, quinoa's not a grain) go to waste. (Get the full recipe here.)
RELATED: 5 Sweet Smoothies with Hidden Greens


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Renaissance English Text Society (RETS)
The Renaissance English Text Society is an informal association of scholars who wish to recover and preserve in carefully edited, unmodernized texts significant writings in English (prose or poetry, original works or translations) from the period 1475–1660. In its publication programs special consideration is given to works that have never been republished or, in the case of manuscripts, never published. The Society is thus the counterpart of the British Malone Society, which publishes dramas and related documents.
The Renaissance English Text Society welcomes new individual memberships at any time. Dues of $50 US ($35 for graduate stu-dents) are payable at the beginning of each calendar year. Each member is mailed the annually published text as a clothbound volume in the last quarter of the year. A list of current and previous publications is available in our publications catalog or on the RETS web page. In addition, the Society sponsors occasional papers, lectures, or forums; copies of these are distributed to the active membership. At least one such event occurs each year in conjunction with the national meetings of the Modern Language Association, the Renaissance Society of America, the Medieval Congress at Kalamazoo, and the Sixteenth-Century Studies Conference.
An Executive Council made up of members meets annually at the Renaissance Society of America to review proposed texts and conduct other business. The Council welcomes submissions of proposed editions or proposed titles for editing. All proposals should be submitted by February 1st. A scholar need not be a member to submit a proposed text or a proposal for a text, although membership is encouraged.
Prospective members should write their Council representative if overseas; dues and memberships for the United States are enrolled by the Society's Membership Secretary. Orders for previous titles are handled by the Treasurer. Inquiries and proposals for texts should be directed to the Society's President.
Steven W. May (Interim President)
100 Windfield Circle
Tucker, GA 30084
(770) 934-9898
William Gentrup (Membership Secretary)
Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Box 874402
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287–4402
(480) 965–5900; fax: (480) 965–1681
Cheques must be payable to "RETS" in U.S. dollars drawn from a U.S. bank or by international money order. Credit card payment is also available (MC, Visa, Amex, Discover).
President: Arthur F. Kinney
Interim President: Steven W. May
Vice-President: A. R. Braunmuller, University of California, Los Angeles
Interim Secretary: Jaime Goodrich, Wayne State University
Treasurer and Publisher: Robert E. Bjork, Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Tempe
Membership Secretary: William Gentrup, Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Tempe
Past President: W. Speed Hill, City University of New York
Past Publisher: Mario Di Cesare, Ashville, N.C.
Council Members
Michael Denbo, Bronx Community College
Richard Dutton, Ohio State University
Margaret Ezell, Texas A&M University
Roy Flannagan, South Carolina
Jaime Goodrich, Wayne State University
Elizabeth Hageman, University of New Hampshire
Margaret Hannay, Siena College
Ian Lancashire, University of Toronto
Leah Marcus, Vanderbilt University
Arthur F. Marotti, Wayne State University
Steven May, Georgetown College
G. W. Pigman, III, California Institute of Technology
Anne Prescott, Barnard College
Ray Siemens, University of Victoria
Nigel S. Smith, Princeton University
George Walton Williams, Duke University
Liaison Members
Thomas L. Berger, Malone Society
Mary L. Robertson, Huntington Library
Heather Wolfe, Folger Shakespeare Library
International Advisory Council
Peter Beal, Sotheby's, London
Sergio Rossi, University of Milan
Helen Wilcox, Bangor University, Wales


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Gasaraki (1998)
Gasaraki is a mecha anime television series produced by Sunrise. It was directed by Ryousuke Takahashi, who also co-created the series along with Sunrise and was assisted by Goro Taniguchi. The screenplay was written by Toru Nozaki. The series centers on Yushiro Gowa who pilots a bipedal weapons system known as a TA, short for Tactical Armor. Much of the initial plot is driven by means of news reports. Set in the near-future the series is formed around political narratives that concern a fictional war between the US and the fictional Middle Eastern country of Belgistan. An influential Japanese family, the Gowa, produce a bipedal weapon, the TA. When US military forces attempt to seize the capital they are systematically wiped out by what appear to be rival TAs. The Gowa Family seizes this opportunity to demonstrate their weapon system, and civilian pilot Yuushiro Gowa and the military squad to which he is attached are deployed to Begilstan. There, he meets rival TA pilot Miharu, with whom he seems to share a deep spiritual bond. The series has a mix of futuristic and historical narratives and includes elements of Japanese culture, such as Noh and Shinto, rigid family hierarchies, corruption of government by Zaibatsu and Samurai appear throughout the series.
- Release Date: 1998-10-04
- Views: 3665
- Country: JP
- Language: Ja
- Runtime: 20
Satomi Kōrogi
Unsho Ishizuka
Sakura Tange
Nobuyuki Hiyama
Nobutoshi Canna
Minami Takayama
Wataru Takagi
Sho Hayami
Masaharu Satō
Tetsuya Iwanaga
Yoshino Takamori
Yuzuru Fujimoto
Yukimasa Kishino
Hiroshi Naka
Yuuji Takada
Show Hayami
Satomi Kourogi
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- Published Full Review


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The term 'Digitalization' is often used interchangeably with 'Digitisation'. Though both usages may be correct; we are using the term 'Digitalization' to express a process of application of digitisation (using digital signals to replace analog signals) in a community as a whole.
Digitalization of a community fosters innovation, inclusiveness, skill development and most importantly, it is a way people can think and look forward. In all, a digital community can be the greatest competitive advantage India can offer to attract investors to various sectors.
Practically speaking, investors look for profit and profit is the greatest virtue a business can give to the community. The materialization of digital communities can provide the smoothness and ease with which businesses can start running within days of inception as it can successfully streamline ideation, production and advertising campaigns that would result in the government and local customers all queuing up at one single window. Hence, it would superbly enhance speed, spread, skill and solution.
Objectives of creating a Digital Community:
– Digital Inclusion
– Digital Access
– Digital Solutions
Digital Inclusion is when the technologically marginalized or challenged parts of the community are made aware of the advancements. On an individual level, it can mean receiving government funds for livelihood/ medicine/ education by removing the trickle down effect when middlemen/ unnecessary entities in order to ensure smoother flow of resources and funds to intended group. For example, in Karnataka, villagers are able to access subsidized food grains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) with ease as the process has been streamlined by using identity authentication with a bio-metric reader.
On a community level, digitalization can support small enterprises, cottage industries, naari udyog (Women's enterprises), public safety and ease of communication during grievances / lodging complaints. People can undertake their local business (manufacturing/retail/ bio-energy etc) by advertising their local business in a platform which is community oriented and whose reach is much larger than the community.
Secondly, creating a web of Search Engine Optimization experts from the area or through the local academic community who could help with the optimization of local businesses to expose them to greater web traffic.
Skill development is part and parcel of the inclusion program. The main aim of inclusion is to bring in the marginalized as well as the established onto a common platform, providing them a digital identity and teaching them ways to further their economic and developmental goals.
INTEL is undertaking 'Digital Skills for India' programme, through which it unveiled a digital skills training application and digital literacy with modules of finance and healthcare in 5 different Indian languages. It aims to work with the Indian government in the village panchayat (governance at the grass-root) level and impact millions of citizens by the end of 2015. The app is said to be available for free for Android in different Indian languages.
Digital Access is the availability of an inexpensive, reliable and a fast broadband network. It should also address inaccessible areas and the challenges such regions throw up with regards to access and connectivity. Setting up of anchor points like libraries, community meeting points, bus stops etc. that can house a decent quality of wireless network so that the point of access is always a short distance away.
Inaccessible areas and large areas bring about a significant challenge as providing network connectivity to such far flung areas might be expensive from a practical view-point. But this problem can be solved with properly setting up routers.
Setting up a router from the last point of broadband coverage can further the internet access to an extra one mile. Sub-Saharan Africa already uses Microwave point-point access for its schools and education. In the United States, wireless access up to 25 kilometers in range is achievable and is provided by companies like Airmax.
Mobile access points, where the wireless connection is mounted on a moving vehicle and facilitating the GIS/GPS connectivity for the vehicle to move into areas where concentrations of populations, is also a feasible alternative solution.
Digital Solutions for problems resulting from encumbrances caused by physical paperwork and physical access can be overcome by e-governance, and e-entrepreneurship.
Governance is proportional to information and data. The more informed a government is, the better are its decisions.(This can also be viewed from the fact that the NSSO is undertaking a very ambitious and wide-scale sample survey right now.) Hence, setting up of a local online complaint and suggestion cell where citizens are a part of governance, where they can provide information about an uprooted tree in the middle of the road or suspicious activities in the citizen's neighbourhood to a variety of turn-about solutions a citizen can offer with a civic or governing issue. Creating such one-stop shops for multiple services can ease the hassles for both the authority and the civilians.
Intel is also coming up with an 'Innovate For India Challenge' next year through which it plans to encourage developers to provide relevant solutions to drive adoption of technology in India. In an event in Delhi, it showcased Micromax Canvas Tab P666 that is powered by Intel's atom processor.
Utilization of online services which are bent on geographic boundaries means providing custom made solutions for the residents in the geographic area. Example: an Instagram page of the local retailers where all the businesses can advertise the 'offer of the day' or just by exhibiting their competitive advantage will raise the aggregate demand of the area. The same platform can also be used to collect data, seek feedback and pose queries to overcome business related hardships thus delegating entrepreneurship to the knowledgeable lot.
Implementation of video conferencing of court proceedings, video games that can help develop entrepreneurship can also be added to the interface to receive more hits from school going children to homemakers using internet to work as a sort of back office for the government for retrieval or recording of data.
Developing a digital community for a #DigitalIndia is one of the major steps to be taken in order to garner fresh investment and achieve growth. In its backbone, an engine to drive and sustain the force is a prerequisite.
The automation, integration and the streamlining of the digitalization process requires sophisticated hardware, software and networking tools. Such an ambitious project of wide-scale and on-going digitization needs to be supported by powerful microprocessors that are able to drive, sustain and propel growth. This is where reliability and sophisticated of Intel comes into play. Powerful computing with reliable and efficient processors are needed to drive and fuel the economy to prosperity. Strong government initiatives coupled by powerful computing will not only ensure the smooth execution and transformation: by having every citizen on an electronic file, to ensure benefits reach the one it has been intended for and also promoting ease and transparency in start-up processes, production, health-care and manufacturing to enable this young country (with 50% of population below 25 years of age) gain a momentum and propulsion towards a stellar development.
With digitalization transforming lives of the people every single day; it is vitally important to create awareness among people so that they can benefit from it, if we want to achieve commitment, drive growth and productivity, create jobs and employment and a better future for the people of this great nation.
If you support Intel's #DigitalIndia vision, download the 'digital skills' app here:
©2013-2015, The Idea Bucket. Written by AS Prashanth. Edited by Ananya.


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30th June 2015 – Mamallapuram, India
The quest is close, and one day remains
Don't judge me when I say I did nothing today.
I've had a hell of a year, and survived it.
I deserve rest in my own serene and calming way.
Maybe it was a good thing that my family visited me here.
I find myself relaxed, without any timelines to chase or to get back. So, I decided to stay one more day in Mamallapuram, and explore it a little bit with my folks. And it wasn't so bad as I thought.
I may have been in Mamallapuram countless times before, but there is always something new to see. And that was true even today. I had no clue that Mamallapuram had a lighthouse museum, and a maritime museum. Well, both are pretty Spartan alright, but still it was quite interesting to take a stroll through museums with my parents. And dang, they take more selfies than me!
We also visited the Krishna's butterball, a giant rock that somehow defies gravity and stands perched on a small mound. There were a bunch of Korean tourists who were very keen on taking pictures holding on to the rock, as if to signify that they were holding it up. Just a little to the left, was a rock-cut temple. Mamallapuram is full of rock-cut temples. So, I dont even know what the name of this one was.
Forgive me for being lazy, but all I can think of is that I just have 1 last day for this project!
Unless mentioned otherwise, all pictures are taken by the blog admin. If you would like to use them for any commercial or non-commercial purposes, please contact for approval


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The Herald
Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Correspondent
TOP local hip-hop rapper Tehn Diamond managed to steal the show last Sunday night during the Big Brother — The Chase Live Eviction Show.
The rapper put up a scintillating performance when with his hit song "Grown Up Kid'' driving the Big Brother audience into a frenzy. It was more of like a Zimbabwean show as fans had to sing along when he chanted "Grown Up Kid".
The rapper was later joined by Junior Brown to perform "Madrinks'' and "Happy''.
Seriously comparing to previous artistes from other countries who performed during the live shows this year, Tehn Diamond proved to be the best.
He was energetic and managed to control his audience despite the limited time. There is no doubt the upcoming musician raised the Zimbabwean flag high.
According to some critics, the talented rapper did not only sing well but his fashion statement was off the hook.
Just like other hip-hop rappers on stage they introduce a new style, Tehn Diamond followed suit with his traditional look.
Yes, many can agree that he just did introduce the latest trend.
The "Happy'' singer wore a Zambian print trouser-like jumper with black socks, matching his tennis shoes.
As what other famous hip-hop artiste do, they are expected to showcase latest labels, donning neck-chains and bracelets among others, but Tehn Diamond chose to be different.
The rapper completed his African attire with customised beads, giving a different but satisfying look, a feat that should be attributed to his designer's high level of ingenuity.
Top comedian Carl Joshua Ncube agreed on fashion statement.
"Only Tehn Diamond can get away with dressing like that! Only Tehn Diamond!" he posted on his Facebook account.
Fashionista and brains behind Miss Curvy, Mercy Mushaninga said the rapper was indeed a trendsetter.
"This is where it all begins. What he wore was perfect, as long people talk about it that's fine. He is a trendsetter. Look how international celebrities like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian, among others, are doing it. They are famous because of their signature look," she said.
Tehn Diamond's trademark of a happy face logo is also causing waves in the country.
The musician is also a songwriter whose music career started in Australia.
It is stated that he found fame in South East Asia and when he returned to his homeland, he finally broke the ice in the African market.
Last week he was in United Kingdom together with Junior Brown and Take Fizzo for the Zimbabwe Stand Up Summer Jam 2013 concert.


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Karen Lehrman Bloch didn't set out to write a coffee-table book on interior design — in fact, her background is in political journalism. But after relocating to Manhattan from Washington, DC, more than a decade ago, Bloch found a new passion — covering art and design. Though she lacked any formal design training, she had a strong sense of what drew her to particular spaces. And she wanted to find out why.
"I began looking at all this new scientific research coming out that was showing why we are attracted to certain things in terms of art and design, what universal principles in architecture and interior design help us feel good," explains Bloch. "Those studies were more about hospitals and care centers, but I thought, 'Why can't we apply this to homes?' "
So she began talking to designers and searching websites, finding interiors across the globe that embraced the "golden ratio," a complex mathematical equation involving proportion and arrangement that makes something pleasing to the eye.
"I tried to figure out why a space affected me, what makes it beautiful, why I responded in a deep, emotional way. They were rooms with texture, proportion, grandeur, elegance," says Bloch. "These rooms had a soul."
Ultimately, she chose 25 interiors for "The Inspired Home: Interiors of Deep Beauty," which comes out Sept. 17 from Harper Design. Those spaces also happened to belong to some rather high-profile international stylists, artists and designers. "I didn't start out looking for 'names' to be in book," says Bloch, "but I ended up with many."
Alberta Ferretti, Marni founder Consuelo Castiglioni, Donna Karan, artist Michele Oka Doner and interior designers Juan Montoya and Vicente Wolf are among the boldfaced names whose homes appear in the pages.
And Karan, whose Zen-like Central Park West apartment is prominently featured, also agreed to write the foreword.
Readers of typical interior design books may be a bit surprised by "The Inspired Home." Rather than being a compilation of particular rooms or styles, Bloch chose to separate the projects into such categories as Restraint, Poetry, Stillness and Reduction.
"It stems from a philosophical idea . . . that art and design are out there but are being overlooked in favor of superficial beauty," she says. "And though we can all have individual taste and cultural differences, we need to surround ourselves with objects and interiors as a whole that connect with us on an emotional and spiritual basis."
In the "Balance" chapter, you'll find Karan's home: Designed in conjunction with the architectural firm Bonetti/Kozerski, it's a study in calmness and serenity — open, uncluttered spaces, simple furnishings, a restrained palette. But dull it's not.
"Her apartment is filled with incredibly sensuous colors and a variety of textures — both are incredibly important to creating a luxurious feel — not superficial luxury, but true luxury," explains Bloch. "As for color, there's a misconception about neutrality, that everything needs to be beige. But nature isn't beige: It has complex, layered, rich colors that have depth, as opposed to Crayola colors."
And Karan uses nature quite literally, with plants and flowers throughout — from the elegant white orchids in the living room to the brilliant flora on the landscaped terrace.
Another New York apartment, one with a very different vibe, is that of stylist Lori Goldstein. Her Chelsea loft is filed under "Whimsy," thanks to sprightly, unexpected choices — like placing an antique Buddha next to a funny little robot atop a sleek modern fireplace. "There's no reason you can't be whimsical but still have soul," says Bloch. "That robot next to the Buddha actually enhances Buddha's presence."
And Bloch also admires the loft's mix of old and new and high and low (something Goldstein, whose fashion mantra is "everything goes with anything," knows well). "This home pushes the boundaries, but as a stylist, Goldstein knows the rules so well, that she also knows how break them — not in a crazy way, but in a way that keeps you intrigued, without losing soulfulness of place."
The biggest mistake Bloch sees with today's interiors? "The trend in decorating now is to over-design; your home has to be completed in three months and has to be a showcase to wow people. Some feel a need to treat homes like they are Louis Vuitton bags, using them to show status. But the question you need to ask is: Do you feel good in the space?"
As for Bloch's own Upper East Side home, which she shares with her husband and four-year-old son, she admits she's a bit behind in the decorating department.
"We've been living here five years and still have to finish the dining room and living room. But I would rather approach the process in a slower way, not in a random way. I want to curate my home and fill it with things that are meaningful. I am fully taking the advice of Juan Montoya, who told me, 'Leave a space bare until you find the right thing to put there.'"


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Special Events
Special Events, Featured Events
We invite you to join us for a delicious full breakfast buffet at Berkshire East on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 am for our Spring Breakfast!
The program will include:
Marvin Shippee Community Service Award Announcement
GSFABA Scholarship Announcement
What's New at the GSFABA
Plus a presentation by Oreste Varela, Springfield Branch Manager, U.S. Small Business Administration. Oreste will provide an overview of SBA's programs and resources which assist entrepreneurs and existing business owners, in the areas of capital access, business mentoring and workshops.
Oreste Varela has been with the U.S. Small Business Administration since November 2012. He is the Branch Manager of the Springfield office with responsibilities that include; lender relations, customer service, and marketing of SBA resources and programs. He received an Associate's degree in Radiation Therapy Technology from Gwynedd-Mercy College, PA and his Bachelor's in Computer Science from St. Peter's College, NJ. He is also a retired US Air Force Colonel with over 30 years of experience in administrative leadership, management and strategic planning.
Call 413-625-2526 or email firstname.lastname@example.com to reserve your tickets in advance!
Advance Rate:
$14 for GSFABA Members, $16 for Non-members
Door Rate:
$16 for GSFABA Members, $18 for Non-members
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!


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Former Dancing On Ice star Chloe Madeley has revealed that the late Jade Goody inspired her to have a lifesaving cancer test.
The 25-year-old – who is the daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan – was so affected by Big Brother Jade's death in 2009, that she felt she needed to be regularly screened for cervical cancer.
And in April, she needed emergency surgery after doctors found pre-cancerous cells on her ovaries.
'The last few weeks have been so scary… If I hadn't been tested I would have been fighting cancer within months,' the TV star revealed in the Sunday People.
'Cervical cancer is something mum and I have been anxious about ever since Jade's death. It affected most women,' she said.
'Jade was the reason I went for regular checks, even though I was younger than 25 – the age you are technically allowed to start having them. I managed to coerce our family GP into testing me.'
The star is now hoping to raise awareness of the life-threatening disease, and methods of prevention, after being given the all clear by doctors.
Chloe is marking Cervial Screening Awareness by posing in Sainsbury's Tu underwear.
The supermarket chain is giving 50p to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust for each pair of knickers sold.
Chloe said of the campaign: 'One in five women don't get checked, despite smear tests saving 3,000 women's lives a year. I'm not trying to panic anyone or cause alarm, I just want women to be more aware.'


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Easyfarm - Vertical Solutions, Inc
EasyFarm it`s time to make your life easier. Our goal is to provide the ag producer with farm and ranch software that will make record keeping easy while maximizing profitability. EasyFarm saves you time, money, and eases the hassle of farm record-keeping. All while providing in-depth reports, crop & field tracking, livestock management, and many more features. Our newest feature expands your crop record-keeping abilities to an Android device with EasyFarmHand.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations, manufacturers and our distributors.
- Business Type:
- Software vendor
- Industry Type:
- Agriculture
- Market Focus:
- Nationally (across the country)
About Us
About Vertical Solutions
Vertical Solutions, Inc. is located in the great city of Minot, North Dakota - The Magic City!
The company was originally started as a result of some very hard work by George Spengler.
He began, in 1983, by writing an accounting program and calling it EASY-CHEK. This program was designed to keep track of income and expenses and help people balance their checkbook. His main focus was to make a program that would be easy to use yet powerful.
Over time George noticed that he was receiving more and more requests from farmers to be able to keep track of records specific to farming. As the amount of information and requests grew, he decided it was time to take EASY-CHEK to the next level, EasyFarm.
Using the interface of EASY-CHEK he took the accounting engine and modified it to keep track of farm accounting records. This transformation became the first EasyFarm program.
EasyFarm went through several evolutions over a period of years. George continued to improve the program by adding new features and enhancements.
In the tradition that George started many years ago, we want to encourage your input. Please let us know what your needs are and how we can make our products better.
Making Farm Accounting Easy
EasyFarm uses a single-entry input approach when recording transactions. You input a single entry and it takes care of the rest. There's no closing months or posting transactions. Everything is done in real-time!
With easy input screens, powerful reports, and complete flexibility you will soon wonder how you got along without EasyFarm. You can purchase items like seed, feed, or chemicals - expense them and put them on inventory in one entry.
Whether it's crops, livestock, machinery, fuel, seed, or inventory, you can track it simply and easily in EasyFarm. The inventory module allows you to run beginning and ending balances for both dollars and quantities. Inventory is easily adjustable as you progress through the year.


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Visions, ideas, innovations, awards, trends and reports from leading robotics research and development places in the world. Robotland is a free information service edited by Wolfgang Heller, Infonaut AB, Sweden. Робот Robotti ロボット 机器人 機器人 روبات רובוט ראבאט
Monday, November 16, 2009
2 mill Euro for Danish Field Robot
Researchers from the Mobile Robotics Group at the Aalborg University have received a grant of 14.3 mill DKK (2 mill EUR) for the ASETA project from the Danish Strategic Research Council. The project is in cooperation with Life and Green Support Services at Copenhagen University and Nordic Beet Research. The goal is to develop a system based on autonomous helicopters and ground robots that can spot weed in field of sugar beets and apply appropriate treatment. The first field test is planned to summer 2011 with a larger demonstration of the entire concept in 2013.
Etiketter: "Aalborg University", Denmark, Field Robotics, Mobile Robot
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If you google "How to taste chocolate" you will find out that there are several ways and techniques that experts use to taste chocolate. In the last two years, when I decided to make time for chocolate in my already busy day, I went through a total of probably 30 different websites where they … [Read more...]
Who first sold Chocolate on Valentine's Day?
When you are a chocoholic, every day is Valentine's Day, and Christmas day, and Halloween day, and Easter day. Every single day is a good occasion to receive and consume chocolate. Of course, Valentine's Day is special because having your lover giving you chocolate makes it even better. I love my … [Read more...]
How to properly read a chocolate ingredients list
No matter if I buy a chocolate bar or someone is so kind to give one to me as a gift, I always categorize it in My special folder with indications regarding the price, the size, the place of purchase, the type of seller, and the peculiarities on the package. It is one of my favorite activities in … [Read more...]
Aztecs just could not get enough
I knew I got it all wrong! Why am I living in a time where people think chocolate is bad for you and gives you cholesterol, acne and allergy (when it is so not true, as I explain in my previous post Benefits of eating chocolate, and #4 is my favorite )? Why am I not living in a time where people … [Read more...]
Who first turned cocoa beans into chocolate?
If the chances of you winning one million dollars had to depend on the answer to this question, I would hesitate a few seconds before booking that terrific all-included vacation to Dubai. We all know that the more we want to go back in history, the more uncertainty we have to deal with. And the … [Read more...]
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