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In a recent tournament at a local tennis club a friend of mine walked off the court very distraught.
Why? He felt that because he was is in great physical shape, plays four or five times a week, and never seems to tire, he never should have lost the match he had played by 6-4, 6-4.
"I can't believe I lost the match," he said. "Even though my opponent was a good player I am in far better shape that he was. I play singles for at least an hour and a half five times a week, do a lot of running, and do a half hour of calisthenics, almost every day."
It goes without saying that my friend was very upset after the loss. He was even more incredulous by the fact that he was cramping up by the time the match was over. He said, "I've never cramped when I am practicing."
That was a very interesting comment. The reason is that the pressure of playing in practice in comparison to tournament play, especially if you're playing singles, isn't the same. The mental pressure of playing in a tournament can cause cramps, headaches, dizziness, or other ailments that rarely occur during practice workouts.
When you are practicing, your arm feels loose and you are able to flow into your shots with a full extension. In a tournament match some players tend to "choke" or not extend their racket fully to return a shot.
Why do some players do well in practice but lose in tournaments? Practice matches don't have the pressure that tournament play does. Even if you lose in practice, so what? You will still be able to play the next day and the day after. In a tournament, if you lose your first match you are out.
In practice you usually don't play in front of many people. In a tournament there is usually a group of people watching the matches. If you're not used to playing in front of other people it can prove to be most unsettling and nerve-racking.
What, then, can you do to keep from getting tense and nervous?
First, you should have a local tennis professional or a friend that is very knowledgeable about tennis evaluate your strokes. Whatever strengths you have, you should work harder to perfect them. This could mean putting more spin on your serves to cut down on your double faults, hitting the ball harder to put your opponent on the defensive, or other strengths that your tennis pro feels that you should work on.
Conversely, it is more important to work on your weaknesses. For instance, if you are having trouble with your forehand or backhand stroke you should spend a great amount of time working to perfect those shots. Once you've mastered the basic shots you can then go on to perfecting the harder shots.
Of course, you can't expect to overcome all of your weaknesses in a week or two. However, as you improve you will feel less tentative when you play and will feel much better about playing in tournaments again.
When you do enter a tournament you must have a game plan. If you don't have one you're looking for disaster. What happens if you have Plan A and that isn't working? You then should have Plan B or even Plan C if necessary.
If possible, you should try to scout your future opponent. By watching your opponent play. you will be able to make a list of your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to have a game plan when you walk onto the court. ou will also be more relaxed and this will allow you to concentrate on your strokes as you warm up.
You should also try to concentrate on playing better than you had the last time you played, or concentrating on the improvement of a certain stroke or strategy. If you are only concerned with winning you may not enjoy the game as much as you should.
Setting goals such as keeping the ball in play or committing fewer errors will greatly help your concentration and keep you from getting tense. You will start winning matches and will be pleasantly surprised as to how you will begin winning matches that you used to lose. When you're playing try to think about what is happening on the court. Worrying about personal problems while you are playing won't help you when you're playing a tough opponent.
If you're concentrating but still having problems try to resort to basics. For instance, make sure that you consistently get your serves in and place them well. When returning serve be sure to keep the ball in play and don't make foolish errors. Try to keep your opponent moving and do anything that you can to control the game. You will then find your tensions gradually disappearing. One thing that you should be wary of is not to concentrate too much. You could find yourself tightening up if you do that.
It goes without saying that you should stay calm at all times in addition to concentrating. Getting mad because of a missed shot or arguing with your opponent is very detrimental and will prevent you from playing your normal game. You will still be involved in a number of close matches and there will be added tension. Just relax, take a deep breath, and play as well as you can.
Some players like to enter two events in a tournament. hey feel that extra play will help them with their concentration. Nothing could be further from the truth. This will actually put more pressure on you. Why? There is a chance that you could get fatigued in a tournament if you enter two events. This could result in your "choking" and losing both events, whereas if you had entered only one event, you would have been able to focus much better.
The following is a summary of what you should do to improve your winning percentage:
1. Work on improving your strengths ad improving your weaknesses.
2. Prepare a strategy for each match before you warm up.
3. Enjoy the game and continually work on improving.
4. Concentrate on every point.
5. Control your temper.
6. Stay confident even if your opponent makes a good shot.
7. Play in only one event in each tournament.
8. Keep your eye on the ball and breathe deeply, especially if you're in a tight match.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop in the Cloud. What Should You Choose in 2019?
As a cloud hosting company, we often get asked: What is the difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud? Is QuickBooks Online as good as desktop version? Well, even though both have the same purpose, there are still major differences between them in 2019.
While we compare both neutrally with the use of plain facts, pitting one against another is inevitable. It will help all the QuickBooks users to understand the basic difference between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud:
1. Better features and functionality with QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud
The major benefit of both – QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud – is the ability to allow the user anywhere anytime access. QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud allows the user to access the complete functionalities available in the Desktop version, while the online version gives you limited functions.
2. Better optimization of resources with QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud
QuickBooks Online has its own limitations – a few important features such as inventory tracking, creating POs, and assigning multi price-levels to items are only included in its more expensive plus version. These are important features for an accountant, which are available with the hosted QuickBooks Desktop. The resources are efficiently managed in the hosted QuickBooks Desktop allowing the user complete freedom over the software.
3. Adding third-party software is seamless with QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud
With QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud, you can add other software that integrates with QuickBooks on the same desktop, while QBO cannot offer this flexibility. For an example, the hosted QuickBooks communicates comprehensively with the CRM software ACT! This means that if a new entry is added to the CRM, the QuickBooks Cloud will automatically populate the same data into the system. This really saves a lot of time and effort of the users, which has direct impact on productivity.
4. Vendor support for running other applications in the cloud
With QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud, the third-party vendor offers IT Support, while QuickBooks Support is related to accounting issues. The cloud service provider who offers you desktop support can also help you provide support for running other integrated applications on the same desktop. The 24/7/365 Support of cloud providers like Apps4Rent means that you are opting for more than just a product.
QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud provides the same environment as your local desktop. Therefore, it allows you to access all the features of accounting software rather than just one part of it. To summarize, we would just say that QuickBooks Desktop in the cloud is better than QuickBooks Online.

subset: commoncrawl


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Michaela Freemanová, who had had a crucial role in research work done by the Johan Baptist Wanhal Association, died 15 June this year. She will be missed dearly by us all. Paul Bryan, honorary president of the Association, wrote the following piece in her honour:
Michaela Kopecká and Michaela Freemanová: I have known you as both, but met you only a single time – in Prague in 1984.
The internet, in its impersonal way, reminds me and the world about your many accomplishments as a scholar and producer in Prague which to me is still Czechoslovakia, where you were born and which is the land I knew.
I came to know you through correspondence mostly about my man, J. B. Wanhal and his milieu. The most recent letters were sent by email and had to do with our agreement that he was indeed Wanhal and that we were mutually concerned for the success of the JBWA whose members promote his interests and study the man and his music.
I especially treasure our old-time letters with ink-written personal signatures whose envelopes I still have. They concerned projects of mutual concern like which of Wanhal's symphonies were at Kuks and the watermarks in Czech papers about which there was to be a conference that I wanted to attend and you sent me the information I needed to get there. You, yourself, were planning to attend. But I didn't succeed.
The most important letters delivered in 2006 clarified my confusion about your husband who was not Daniel but David. And I had only recently "met" and really bonded with him. At about the same time I sent you a card with a picture of two cute little love birds and a little congratulatory message. Within a few days I heard that he had been seriously ill and, in fact, had died. Your immediate gracious answer to my agonized letter comforted me wonderfully. It jumped out of your letter into my heart as you told about him and his death. It revealed you as a warm, charming and thoughtful person who was also a world-respected scholar.
I eagerly anticipate meeting both of you along with other departed beloved friends like Joe and Mlada Rut and Alex Weinmann as we enjoy each other's company – and observe our JBWA colleagues as they continue our attempt to understand the life and music of Dlabacž's genial but enigmatic friend Johann Baptist Wanhal.
I also think wistfully about the several times we were to meet but didn't manage. And I'm proud of your statement to me that "Grandfather or nor not, you will be always the most appreciated Wanhal scholar."!
With love,
Paul Bryan
The Eybler Quartet presents the premiere period instrument recording of Wanhal's charming and delightful early quartets, Op. 6 Nos. 1-6. Joshua Kosman of the San Francisco Chronical writes, "the charm and exuberance of his creativity shines through in this set of six string quartets… The Eybler Quartet, a Toronto period-instrument ensemble dedicated to the lesser-known composers of the 18th century, is in its element here, and gives the music the vividness and polish required." Find out more at www.eyblerquartet.com
On June 28 & 29, JBWAs very own Robert Franenberg will talk give a talk about the double bass in divertimentos at the Viennese Double Bass Symposium at the Amsterdam Conservatory. Select examples will be given from trios and divertimentos by Wanhal. The event will also include other workshops, student recitals and instrumental expos.
Time: June 28-29, 10-17 each day.
Place: Amsterdam Conservatory
On November 5 Dr. Martial Leroux held a talk on "Wanhal and Bohemian musicians in Vienna in the classical period" for a packet audience in the Czech embassy in Paris. The audience was also spoiled with two of Wanhal's string quartets. To read a resume of talk press here. (in French)
Donald Macleod introduces a musician and composer whose prodigious gifts took him from rural Bohemia to the very top of the musical world in 18th-century Vienna, where he was celebrated alongside Haydn and Mozart, his occasional quartet partners. Vanhal's story has all the ingredients for a great musical drama: escape from bondage, early success dashed by sudden personal crisis, and a remarkable re-birth won through faith, talent and strength of character. This week, Donald Macleod explores how Vanhal became one of the most celebrated musicians of his age and reveals how his music, despite falling into relative obscurity, has lost none of its shine.
Click on link to hear the programme: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06dbdk1
(Available until Octobre 27)
These works are performed by the Czech Boys Choir Boni Pueri and soloists, backed up by the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice conducted by the noteworthy Czech conductor Marek Štryncl. This recording was realized with assistance of J. B. Wanhal Association.
Our eminent member Dr. Richard Fuller, playing a fortepiano made by Werner Keil and based on an original by Johann Andreas Stein of Augsburg, 1788, recorded a CD of three mature and beautiful Wanhal's clavier sonatas. For further information please visit www.richardfullerfortepiano.com.
Presently the sole professional webpages dealing with Wanhal in the world. Today when our association, gathering first class researchers and performers, appeared on the Web, is a true event. We address not only all Wanhal fans, professionals and music lovers, but also everyone who wishes to discover his beautiful music and get acquainted with his fascinating personality. We invite you to browse through our pages and communicate interactively with us.
Hailed as a «Gustostück» by Austrian critics. This recording of Wanhal's op. 40 piano quartets with American fortepianist Richard Fuller and members of Peter Zajíček's Musica Aeterna Bratislava remains not only the only recording of these works, but one of the finest testimonies to Wanhal's musical genius. Virtuosic HIP (historically informed performances) yet sensitive lyrical playing and flawless ensemble artistry make this CD a must for every serious classical music listener. Limited quantities available from richardfullerfortepiano.com.
The main issue on the agenda was how to prepare a new and expended thematic catalogue of Wanhal works. Now a catalogue format plus a new numbering system are alive. An extensive dissemination of Wanhal's works which are preserved largely in manuscript copies all over the Europe and even beyond, reflects an important difficulty to overcome, i.e. to evaluate a physical state of the sources in the numerous locations. This is a first phase on the way to our catalogue.


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By admin, June 11, 2017
Building mobile applications means designing a mobile app, testing it for bugs and submitting it to app store for approval. Easy it may sound, it is very time consuming.
Developing an app for iOS version, and Android version takes time. Hence, it is Xamarin which saves your time.
What is Xamarin?
Xamarin is a programming language platform that can make an app designed using this platform, compatible with both iOS and Android.
Hence, nobody needs to make double efforts to make the iOS version or Android version of their app separately. Just one app is designed and gets submitted to both app stores.
Why Xamarin?
Every platform has its limitations. For example, some platforms only allow app development in HTML and JavaScript. Some are very low-level and only allow C/C++ code. Some platforms do not utilize the native control toolkit. Xamarin helps users to overcome the limitation of most platforms.
Xamarin combines the important features of all platforms.
Key Features of Xamarin:
Due to features listed above the compatible nature of Xamarin, various as well as web development companies are patronizing Xamarin. Xamarin development companies are playing a significant role in partner product development.
To know more about Xamarin, click here or contact us at email@example.com or call us at 407-965-5509.
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What are Pixie Smart Pads?
Watch our video!
Break the UTI Cycle
Our disposable, one-time use pads contain a biosensor that helps detect signs of UTIs.
Smart Pads are inserted into briefs two times per week and removed at changing time.
After a pad is worn for up to three hours, it is scanned with our smartphone app.
Information goes automatically to a nurse or doctor.
Contact Us to Get Smart Pads


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Terms like "OCD", "germophobe", "schizophrenic", "bipolar", etc. are obsolete. It is not acceptable to refer to someone else as being "depressed" or "anxious". This is where the "people first" language comes in. It would be proper (if not slightly labelling) to refer to a "schizophrenic" as a person with schizophrenia. Their mental health does not define them. Just as you would not refer to a person with cancer as "canceric", never should the term "bipolar" leave your mouth without being the description of a disorder, not a person. They are also not people who are "suffering from" something either. This goes for all "diseases as adjectives".
I know this is a subtle difference for those of you who haven't experienced such hardships, but the difference for those of us whose lives are ruled by these things is enormous. In my experience, the bulk of my time is spent thinking about, seeking treatment for, and struggling with the symptoms of my mental health, and, quite frankly, I don't need to be referred to as "depressed". Labelling someone in this way can just add to the weight of the feeling that there is no relief from the disease. I may have Major Depressive Disorder amongst other things, but I am not "depressed". It does not define me in any way, shape, or form, other than being a label that my doctors use to encapsulate my symptoms.
I realize that people have "slips", and they often don't mean what they say in a derogatory sense. Despite mental health's still painful stigmas, it has become somewhat fashionable to use terms in a cavalier and flippant manner.
Terms that describe life altering, and, in some cases, completely torturous diseases, get thrown around as though they were meaninglessly describing the weather. If someone has PMS, or is feeling moody, suddenly they have been "acting all bipolar lately!" Or if they happen to be feeling scatterbrained, "Whoah, am I ever schizophrenic today." "I had such a panic attack when I forgot my keys!" "I'm so OCD I had to wash my hands TWICE after using the washroom."
Not only are the previous remarks completely ignorant and unbecoming of their user, they completely minimize (to put it lightly) the struggles of the people who are afflicted with these awful diseases. These are NOT terms to be used in this way. Think of the people who are, every day, having to deal with the drugs and the therapy and the not being able to have functional relationships and the not being able to enjoy life. Are you really feeling so OCD?
This is not something that I feel a lot of people have really thought about, but really should. I'm happy there are people in this world that have been so untouched by mental health issues that they feel it is "cute" to make light the plight of the affected, but unfortunately, they don't realize the damage they are doing. This kind of talk only perpetuates stigmas. Stigmas only perpetuate shame.
And shame is the thing that prevents us from getting help.


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Fully Licensed & Bonded
This breath-taking luxury hotel is approximately 3 km from the centre of Elounda and lies directly beside the sea. Offering unique Greek style, this complex features a typical architectural style and is nestled in the hilly landscape directly beside Mirabello private beach. This comfortable, air-conditioned hotel offers guests access to wonderful gardens as well as an abundance of facilities. Guests can indulge in Greek specialities at the onsite restaurant. Those travelling on business may make use of the function rooms that are suitable for conferences and meetings. After a busy day, guests can retire to their luxurious, air-conditioned room which comes with a spacious en suite bathroom and a balcony or terrace.
Looking for something a bit different? Check out our selction of cultural & adventure holidays or if you're looking to go it alone then see our selection of solo holidays.


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High Strangeness in the British Isles and beyond
"When you awake in the morning, learn something to inspire you and mediate upon it, then plunge forward full of light with which to illuminate the darkness." -Rabbi Tzvi Freeman
"he had discovered that paradise of exhaustion where reality ends and where one may dwell among its ruins." —Thomas Ligotti
Horror and Science Fiction Writer
Where organic and artificial intelligence meet
By Sandra Js Photography - Make the rest of your life the best of your life.
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...like butta' on your toast!
Your source for retro horror movie and book reviews
Travel, Running, Fitness, Life, Writing.
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Our Privacy Policy:
Dated: 08 October 2009
The Sugar Cookie Shoppe (hereafter referred to as "TSCS") takes your privacy very seriously.
To summarize, we DO NOT and WILL NEVER collect your personal information (name, phone numbers, email addresses, or any other personal information) for any reason except to complete your transaction. We will also NEVER provide said information to any group, third party or business of any kind, for any reason whatsoever.
Please read the following to learn more about our privacy policy:
Email Addresses: When you submit your email address, we do not sell it or exchange it with any group, third party or business. TSCS will use your email address to contact you to clarify your order, and after your transaction is complete we may send you future promotional emails.
However; we will honour your request to remove you from our email list at any time.
Phone Numbers: When you submit your phone number, we do not sell it or exchange it with any group, third party or business & it is only used to contact you to clarify your order. After your transaction is complete we will not contact you by phone for any reason except to notify you of any errors or other urgent matters specifically regarding your order.
Credit Card Numbers: We at TSCS outsource the "back-end" processing of transactions from PayPal. We therefore do not have access to any of your banking information.
PayPal is an online company that by 2002 had handled over 3 billion in credit card transactions and handles more than 4million transactions a month.
While TSCS cannot guarantee PayPal's security measures, we believe that they use current and modern techniques to protect you from credit card fraud and other credit card-related issues.
TSCS will only invoice you for purchases that you have agreed to while shopping at TSCS (i.e. agreed price of the cookies, packaging, shipping & handling).
Depending upon your billing cycle and date of purchase, the transaction will appear on your next credit card statement, or the following one.
Online advertising: Although TSCS may periodically host advertising space on thesugarcookieshoppe.com we do not collect or share any personal information about our customers to these companies or any other company, entity, group or individual of any kind.


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Who is Linkie-Winkie and why should I care?
Have you heard of linkie winkie?
No?, well neither have I.
Everybody's talking about it. See if your site has been linkie-winkie'd.
Nope, I'm not telling. You have to figure this linkie winkie thing out for yourself.
One Comment to Who is Linkie-Winkie and why should I care?
Take a look at http://www.tribbleagency.com/?p=25 to solve the mystery.
But I thought it would be fun to play with the Linkie Winkie Crawler a bit. http://linkiewinkietracker.blogspot.com — leave a message and link, and let's see how quick the thing shows up on http://www.linkiewinkie.com — or doesn't.


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U.S. global air travel doubles since 1990
Share Now on:
International air travel to and from the U.S. has more than doubled in the last 20 years according to a new report from the Brookings Institution. In 2011, passengers made 152 million trips, with a majority of international passengers traveling through major metropolitan gateways such as New York, San Francisco, Charlotte, and Seattle.
Adie Tomer, a senior research associate atBrookings, says the report may cause the government to reconsider its allocation of airport funding. "Over 90 percent of domestic and international passengers in the United States travel through the 100 largest metropolitan areas," says Tomer, yet "the major federal capital grant program sends only 36 percent of funding to those particular airports."
Don't miss out on this 2-for-1 match!


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All CHLA Blog Posts
Published on August 18, 2017
Often times when children or adolescents are not growing well, they are encouraged to eat a high-calorie diet to help promote weight gain. While it might seem easier to provide fast food, candy and other junk food to increase calories, it is still important to focus on... Read More
Published on August 18, 2017
As a speech-language pathologist, I often get asked by parents, "When should my child start talking?" Although every child progresses at their own pace, these are some guidelines for typical development. Birth to 3 months: Crying is your baby's first form of communication.... Read More
Published on August 16, 2017
With the rise in national opioid abuse, some parents might wonder if their teens have heard about, encountered or even tried opioids. Diane Tanaka, MD, medical director of the Teenage and Young Adult Health Center, the Homeless Adolescent Wellness Center and the My Voice... Read More
Published on August 15, 2017
It's been a year of firsts for Children's Hospital Los Angeles! Play L.A. took place on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and it brought together the local sports community for an ultimate "play day," while promoting healthy and active lifestyles... Read More
Published on August 15, 2017
By Stephanie Marcy, PhD What is the connection between unhappiness and smartphone usage with kids? What are you seeing now? Stephanie Marcy, PhD: Research is demonstrating that there is a rise in anxiety and depression in youth that they are linking directly to smartphone... Read More
Published on August 15, 2017
Summer is ending and that means no more late nights, sleeping-in, or spending hours playing video games. Instead, it's time to head back to school where days are filled with classroom lectures and homework. Sounds dreadful, right? It doesn't have to. In fact, with a little... Read More
Published on August 1, 2017
Marnie Blakey doesn't remember anything about Feb. 5, 2007—anything before 10 p.m., that is. The phone call came at 10. She will always remember it, and of course, everything that followed. Prior to that call, though, the day is a blank. Did she force herself out of bed... Read More
Published on July 31, 2017
Miguel Torres is a 14-year-old center midfielder with a big dream: to one day play professional soccer. "I love soccer. I like moving the ball around and having the ball at my feet," the Gardena teen explains. "And I really like running." While a lot of kids love to run and... Read More
Published on July 28, 2017
Another summer, another camp. But this specific camp let's you be a hero! …A 'Handy Hero' that is! Created and led by occupational therapists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Handy Heroes Therapy Camp is a fun, motivating, and therapeutic summer day camp program designed... Read More
Published on July 14, 2017
On the heels of Netflix's controversial series about suicide, "13 Reasons Why," comes the company's latest offering focusing on a serious mental health issue: "To the Bone." The film, which competed at the Sundance Film Festival this year, focuses on eating disorders. While... Read More
Published on July 13, 2017
This story originally appeared in the TroDent, the official publication for the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Read more stories like this in their Summer 2017 issue. Madison Carmenate can easily call Children's Hospital Los Angeles her second home. Born with... Read More
Published on July 12, 2017
Trying to eat healthy today can be a challenge. You can eat all the right foods, but if the portion sizes are not appropriate, you may not be eating as healthy as you think you are. Portion sizes (especially for high-calorie/low-nutrient foods) have increased greatly over the... Read More
Published on July 12, 2017
Getting the whole family moving for better health The World Health Organization and the American Heart Association recommend for kids to be active 60 minutes per day, seven days a week in order to lower the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. This also offers many... Read More
Published on July 11, 2017
Max Page, 12, was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, tetralogy of Fallot, at birth. He has undergone 12 heart surgeries and procedures since he was three months old. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized for 32 days with endocarditis, an infection on the inner lining... Read More
Published on June 30, 2017
Children's Hospital Los Angeles continues to champion preserving child health in California and nationally. Paul S. Viviano, president and chief executive officer of CHLA, has shared the case against the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) with several US Senators personally... Read More
Published on June 27, 2017
Summer vacation is upon us, and with summer comes a variety of summer sports leagues. During this time of year, many children attend daylong sports camps and meets, weekend-long tournaments, and late-afternoon-into-evening sporting events. Although many events have concession... Read More
Published on June 27, 2017
Parents often ask, "Why do we have earwax? Why do some children produce so much wax? Can wax buildup cause hearing loss?" Today we're going to answer a few of those questions and give you the lowdown about earwax and hearing! What is earwax? Although earwax may look, feel... Read More
Published on June 23, 2017
Two physicians examine the challenges and benefits of using an age-old practice to toilet train their infant daughter You know that disposable diapers are ecologically questionable, but cloth diapers seem too messy for you and your child -- is there an alternative? The... Read More
Published on June 22, 2017
The ancient rabbis decreed there are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of royalty. But the crown of a good name surpasses them all. Some of these children come to him without names, so this most faithful Muslim does what the old Hebrew... Read More
Published on June 20, 2017
Got 10 minutes? Make the most of your time and squeeze in a quick workout! Regular physical activity improves heart and lung function, reduces the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, increases bone and muscle strength, and improves your mood and mental health. The... Read More


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Custom Motorbikes & ATVsChickamauga, GA 30707United Statesph: firstname.lastname@example.com
Welcome to our little piece of the web!
We are a family owned and operated, FULL service motorcycle & ATV repair shop.
In continuous operation for over 18 years in the same location-
we offer over 55 years combined experience in the motorcycle repair industry.
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All riders welcome.
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Click here to email us
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In loving memory of Wedge
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Always in our hearts-
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Ride on, daddy!


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Traveling? Count me in! If you know me you know I am one for going across the pond, but besides England I cannot WAIT to travel to different places around the world. There are SO many different places in this world that are beyond magical and everyday I ponder the thought of wanderlust. Apart from moving from this state and living somewhere new and exciting, I have yet to find my dream place of where to plant my seeds; in the meantime, here is a list of the places I plan to visit and enjoy!☺
- Maldives
- Iceland
- Ireland
- India
- Italy: Capri, Sardinia, Florence, Verona, Rome, Naples
- Greece: Corfu, Rhodes, Kefalonia
- Portugal: Madeira
- Malta
- Romania: (also want to see Castle Bran)
- Norway
- Washington state
- Oregon
- Canada
- Africa- Marrakech, Casablanca, Tanzania
- Turkey
- New Zealand
- Spain: Menorca, Mallorca, Tenerife
- France: Martinique, Guadalupe, (Paris for catacombs)
- Lanzarote
- Maldives: Vadhoo, sea of stars
- Netherlands: tulip fields
- Chile: Easter Island
Of course the list will change as I travel to these places and I have no doubt that she places will be added to this list to make it never ending! Upon this year I already have so many plans for traveling and already some trips booked; you'll just have to wait and see where that will be! I already can't wait to see what this year brings for me and I'm looking forward to a fantastic 2017 doing the thing I love to do most.
From the enchanted mind of Sophie
Updated list of places I've been:
Hawaii: Maui, Kawaii
Florida: Miami, Orlando, Sanibel, Marco Island, Marathon, Key West
California: San fransisco, San Diego
BVI: Virgin Gorda, Tortola
West Indies: Nevis, St. Kits, St. Croix
England: London, Bath, Midlands, Canterbury, Bristol
Greece: Athens, Santorini, Naxos


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Wanted man facing Spain murder quiz
One of the UK's most wanted fugitives is being questioned in Spain over the murder of a fellow Briton.
Paul Monk, 54, was captured as he oversaw workmen laying a marble patio around the swimming pool at his luxury villa in Alicante last week.
Spain's Guardia Civil today issued dramatic video footage showing armed officers swooping on the property, where they found an imitation firearm with silencer and 125,000 euro (£90,000).
Image issued by Guardia Civil of armed police capturing one of the UK's most wanted fugitives, Paul Monk, at his luxury villa in Alicante, Spain
Monk's extradition to the UK for alleged drug trafficking offences has now been put on hold while police investigate his alleged links to the murder of 25-year-old Liverpool man Francis Brennan.
Mr Brennan vanished in January 2014 after being kidnapped in Alicante by three men disguised as police officers. His body was discovered in a heavily-taped plastic bag on Zenia beach in Orihuela in March 2014.
The Guardia Civil said Monk was an associate of Paul Scott, who they believe orchestrated Mr Brennan's kidnap and murder.
Scott, 32, from Liverpool, was captured in December 2014 when he entered the UK in a light aircraft which landed on a remote rural airstrip in Norfolk.
Monk, from Romford, Essex, were arrested as part of Operation Captura, a drive launched in 2006 by the National Crime Agency, Crimestoppers and Spanish authorities to catch suspects who had fled from the UK.
The footage shows grey-haired Monk, dressed in dark shorts, white socks and a T-shirt, lying face down on the floor of his villa as he is arrested.
He is later seen sitting in a patio area with his hands cuffed, surrounded by officers from the NCA and Guardia Civil.
Officers then search the property where they show a replica gun to the camera and uncover bundles of cash hidden under ornamental stones.
Authorities revealed last month that Monk was wanted as part of Operation Captura. A total of 68 out of 86 fugitives on the list have now been caught.
Monk was wanted on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis after he was allegedly involved in the handover of 2.2lb (1kg) of cocaine in Cockfosters, north London, in May 2013.
He is also linked to the seizure of more than 50lb (23kg) of herbal cannabis and 2.2lb (1kg) of cannabis resin in October 2013 in Colchester, Essex.
Monk was detained within 24 hours of the arrest of another suspect on the Captura list.
Jayson McDonald, 37, from Acton, west London, was found hiding under a bed in Amsterdam. He is wanted on suspicion of conspiracies to import and supply heroin and cocaine, and is believed to be a member of a Europe-wide organised crime network responsible for the importation of Class A drugs into the UK.
McDonald is believed to have moved to the Netherlands after officers raided a property where he was living in the Coin area of Malaga, Spain, last month.
Monk's alleged associate Scott was part of a 26-strong organised crime network which plotted to smuggle up to 40 tonnes of drugs into the UK, the NCA said.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine and was sentenced to 14 years at Liverpool Crown Court in January. He is now facing extradition proceedings in July to face questions over Mr Brennan's murder.
Fugitive Paul Monk has been captured in Alicante, Spain (National Crime Agency/PA)
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Harold Harrison
Well my name is Harold John Harrison. I was born in Cummeragunja. 1943. My dad was Jack Little. My mother was Lena Harrison and her maiden name was McGee.They went over to a place called Cummeragunja and that's where I was born, like and then brought back to the coast, back to Wallaga Lake then Worrigee. Worrigee is three miles outside of Nowra.
[Memories of life at Worrigee in the 1940s]
Then it was a oneness. Everyone was — belonged to each other. Everyone belonged to each other. Everyone was auntie. Everyone was uncle. Everyone brothers, sisters. We was brought up so close.
[Being taken]
I was about five or six when mum passed away. The welfare just come in and police and just grabbed us. Yes, she was still on the bed with a blanket over her. She passed away that night when they grabbed us. And they put her…and never even brought us back for her funeral.
Oh there was a big mob there but they just come in and just grabbed us. Everyone was crying outside. Like it was only a little track. Little dirt track that led into the bush, where they come and dragged us out. I had a brother who was taken, Billy Harrison, he was next to me. I'm 66 at the moment. He's 65. Billy Harrison, he was under the bed trying to hide from the welfare or the police. I don't know who. But they went under and grabbed him. I remember him biting someone. And they just dragged us out and put us into an old car and took us to Bomaderry Children's Home. And when I was in… we had dad, our father Jackie Little… he just couldn't do nothing because the police and the welfare was there.
[Dad visits Bomaderry Children's Home]
Yeah every weekend we were there, every weekend, he came across and seen us. He used to walk from Worrigee, three mile into town. About six mile a day. Twelve mile a day in and out, to see us. He wasn't allowed inside. They'd say 'Your father's over there.' And we'd run across and see him and maybe cuddle him and…Bomaderry, it was — oh, I didn't like it much. I didn't like it.
And especially going to school. Bomaderry School. We had to walk down this lane and this old baker in the horse and cart – 'Kill them little black 'b's!' And he tried to run the horse over us. I'd be screaming, terrified. Running. Trying to get up the hill and up to school. We'd dread going to school because of that baker. He'd come along the same time with his horse and cart and say 'I'm going to kill you lot.' So he tried to run the horse over and the cart over us a few times. And this is my memories of Bomaderry Children's Home.
Even Christmas times we used to — give us toys that morning. By that evening they'd take them back off us. Put them back up for the next lot of children next year. We never ever owned anything. They took our toys back off us. Once we were sent from there to Kinchela — it was different then. Like I never ever seen my father again.
[Kinchela Boys Home]
In '52 we were sent to a place called Kinchela Boys Homes. We'd be out milking cows, about 150 cows of a morning in the cold. 3 o'clock of a morning. No shoes. We had no shoes. In wintertime our feet were just — they were that cracked from the cold we'd be bleeding. If a cow pooped we'd run and put our feet in it to keep warm.
I seen all them boys — some run away and they had to be walked down the line and everyone had to hit them. I never — didn't want to experience that walking down that line after seeing some of them boys. After they finished walking through everyone they'd be bleeding and — oh, bad. They couldn't hit back. They had a bigger fella beat them. That was a punishment. Punishment for running away from Kinchela. They took off and tried to leave the Homes and not come back there.
[Attitudes towards Aboriginal people in the homes]
There was a big painting on the wall of crossroads. White people going that way, the black people going there. They were not — they were bad people. Like they were no good.
They told me they were dirty people. All they're good is for drinking and gambling. But I said 'That wasn't our culture before you came.' We never had no alcohol or hurt or hate. There wasn't any word for sorry. Or please. It was not needed with our people.
[Running away from Kinchela]
I rolled a tractor at the age of 17. They wanted to put me back in the homes there in Gosford until I was 18. They reckon I was uncontrollable. I did run away over the borders that time, away from the welfare. I got off the little bus at Acacia Ridge and I looked around and I seen nobody and no one to meet me but I seen the bushes there and I seen smoke. I looked and I seen the smoke and I went in through the bushes and there was a family of Aboriginal people living in a shack. Tin shack. Four blokes.
And I asked if — I mean they asked me where I was from. I said 'I don't know where or who, where I am.' Well they became my auntie and my uncle. My brothers and my sisters. And they looked after me. They were my family.
[Returning home]
Took me a long time, about 24 years, to get back to where I was taken from. Worrigee. And once I got down there I asked my aunt – where's my dad? She said 'Oh he's passed away.' And when she said he's passed away I said 'Well what was wrong with him?' She said 'He died of a broken heart.' I says 'broken heart.'
I asked my auntie can I drink. Can I drink — I was so bad, suicidal… I drank and I didn't care who I was. I didn't know anything. I blamed my auntie. I accused her of — she letting us go and couldn't look after us. And I used to get drunk and abuse her all the time. And, you know, everyone around me. Like, you know, I didn't care who I was. Like I had no respect for nobody. Not even myself. I turned to alcohol.
Not only beer, it was metho. Methylated spirits in them times I drank. I'd buy it just to get rid of the hurt, the hate which was inside of me. I had no identity of who I was. I had no identity. Now I'm Aboriginal. Where's my Aboriginal name?
[Why was I taken?]
I want to say — the government – why did they do it? Why did they take us? I always wanted to see Link-up about getting my papers back off the government. Like, you know, the release papers and papers for what I'd been — why I'm — what I was taken for. Like, you know, I don't know why.
I don't think it was neglect because Aboriginal people they were so loveable. Everyone as I said was auntie or uncle and they looked after you, I was never short of a feed or anything like this. It was just beautiful.But I don't know why we were taken because of — it was, I believe it was just to wipe out the Aboriginal race. They kept the full bloods from the half-castes. There was no teaching of that culture continuing, which was a beautiful culture. A sharing one.
Well half-caste people they were taken away and they just stopped our culture. They tried to stop it then by beating us up and teaching us how to be white, not — we wasn't Aboriginal, not a black person. But when we went back home we were everything but black.
As I say in 1993 when we started to go out to schools to try to teach them a little bit about our culture, with boomerang throwing and spear throwing, talking about a little bit of bush tucker that we had to read from a book to find out.
[Sorry Day]
Sorry about what? Was this going to be just for the Stolen Generation or for changing a complete culture? A beautiful culture. A loving culture.


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Trenton Rotary undertakes larger scale projects in the community and funds through its Trenton Rotary Foundation. Examples of previous projects include:
- Boys & Girls Club of Mercer County's Career Access Network
- Artworks (outdoor signage and roof improvement)
- Van for the Mt. Carmel Guild
- Food canteen truck for the Salvation Army
Approximately every two years, a fundraiser is held in conjuction with the recipient organization. Trenton Rotary Centennial Gala in 2014 and several Casino Nights at the West Trenton Ballroom are some of the fundraisers held over the years.
Since 2017, our Foundation has hosted a Fall Corn Hole Tournament Fundraiser.


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Fascism has repeatedly been defeated but it doesn't usually surrender. It denies its defeat, it hangs on every last thread of hope, it sends every last one of its heroes to their deaths and it uses the citizens in peacetime as it does the soldiers at war: as mere means …Read More »
Kamikaze – Who they were, why they died
"Every time one country gets something, another soon has it. One country gets radar, but soon all have it. One gets a new type of engine or plane, then another gets it. But the Japs have got the kamikaze boys, and nobody else is going to get that, because nobody …Read More »
Justification of violence in Buddhism
"If ordered to march: tramp, tramp or shoot: bang, bang. This is the manifestation of the highest wisdom of enlightenment. The unity of Zen and war … extends to the farthest reaches of the holy war now under way." Harada Daiun Sogaku, Zen Master, 1939 Brian Daizen Victoria, by writing …Read More »
North Korea – Totalitarianism and the police state
"A society where individual life is absolutely pointless, and where everything that is not absolutely compulsory is absolutely forbidden" Christopher Hitchens, Why Orwell Matters (2003) Under Kim Il Sung North Korea morphed into an archetypal Nationalistic Stalinist state, and it was in this form that it managed to survive without …Read More »
North Korea's internal propaganda – Personality cult and purity of race
"North Korea is unique in having a dead man as head of state: Kim Jong-Il is the head of the party and the army but the presidency is held in perpetuity by his deceased father, which makes the country a necrocracy or mausolocracy as well as a regime that is …Read More »
Propaganda in education – A math textbook from North Korea
In light of recent information on ISIS's methods of indoctrinating children in counting lessons by having them solve exercises that include guns and tanks instead of apples and oranges, one might remember that North Korea has been using this method for many years now. Below, you can read an excerpt …Read More »


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All About Shapewear
Women's shapewear just like the title implies is used by most women to shape their shape and lessen the stomach to make them more inviting or even for post-surgery compaction desires. They were made popular in the 1800 when they were thought off as corsets. Presently, the term is used for girdles and foundation.
Several always love to refer to it as body shapers. It gives the wearer a firmer, more sexy, thinner and more younger feel. It's firm on the body, still it doesn't have an impact on breathing in and various other internal circulation.
These days, women's shapewear has been made to make females to be more at ease. Lacing and hooks aren't used to hold them just as previously. Many corsets and waist clinchers right now includes an eye closure and hook, and are produced from more breathable components. What actually counts now's to shape the stomach and the upper body. Shape wears that compresses the entire body, from the abdomen to the thighs and even the thighs are now common. Many are manufactured from hosiery, woven with some support panels to relieve the bumps on a woman's body.
The shape wear trade currently use many leading edge know-how as well as revolutionary solutions to create firm shape wear made from the highest quality clothes accessible with the most cozy design. With the different array obtainable, girls can tone their belly, look good and feel sensuous.
If you need a women's shapewear that can hold you from the stomach to the bra-line, the high waistline brief is ideal. This will reduce your tummy bulge, in fact, it can hide it.
Shaping shorts
The shaping shorts are perfect if you would like to form and tone your upper thighs and bottom.
Control top hosiery
People that want to figure from the waist to bra-line can make use of the control top pantyhose.
There is a brand new craze now; a few females are no more utilizing conventional bras and under wear. Shape wears have exchanged them. It provides sufficient support and form! If you are looking to shed pounds and want an instantaneous outcome but you do not have any time to hit the gym, do not concern yourself. The women's shapewear is there for you, it provides an immediate and noticeable outcome. It's going to hide that abdomen, smooth the thighs and leg and firm your buttocks.
Women's shape wears are very popular now. Girls can dress in their clingy textiles understanding that they are going to look great using them. Shape wear will compress the body to form the preferred shape. With a large range of body shapers to select from everybody is able to get a great fit.
Keywords -Women shapewear, Ambra Shapewear


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The Blue Angels just did a show as part of Seafair. I took a bunch of pictures, but my camera battery died. Believe it or not, I came to Seattle this weekend and didn't even know it was Seafair! Tomorrow I'll charge the camera batteries!
- Joe
(sent from my iTelephone)


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STATUS: In stock
Available colors
This vibrant teal Murano glass charm is made even more spectacular by a layer of translucent glass with 70 eye-catching, hand-polished facets. A sterling silver center engraved with "PANDORA" complements the colorful charm.
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Elastic light scattering spectroscopy (LSS) is widely utilized to investigate cellular structures in cultured cells and various tissues. However, few imaging systems, especially endoscopic imaging systems, can implement LSS. It is the aim of this work to create a polarized multispectral imaging system based around a rigid endoscope to detect micrometer sized particles using LSS. The instrument first validated with different sized mono-disperse polystyrene microspheres, then an image is reconstructed based on LSS which shows the differentiation of different sized microspheres. Finally a preliminary experiment is conducted to demonstrate its capability to discriminate different types of cells.
©2012 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
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Creating a cozy atmosphere in a new home
The cozy atmosphere in your house is one of the important moments of a happy life. However, creating a cozy environment in your home is not as easy as it might seem at first sight. To make a cozy atmosphere in a house or apartment is difficult task. You should have rich imagination, patience, the ability to realize your ideas. The cozy atmosphere in the house is a guarantee of family harmony, happiness and well-being. Remember that even the most expensive furniture, fashionable and luxurious repairs, can not always create a feeling of coziness and comfort. Not always you need a lot of money to turn your home into a cozy nest for having a rest after a hard day. We want to give you a piece of advice what things you should pay attention to create a cozy, nice atmosphere in your beloved home.
- The color of the walls. It is worth remembering that bright rooms can visually increase the space of the room and give a sense of lightness and spaciousness. For example, it is better to choose white and beige colors for a living room. For the children's room it is advisable to use blue, pink, yellow, green colors. For the bedroom it is best to choose light colors of beige, blue, green or pink colors. If you have a studio, you can use different colors in the same room to divide the room into zones.
- Lighting. Correctly made lighting in the house not only provides the effect of a harmonious space in terms of design, but also affects our well-being. Lighting plays an important role in creating your mood. Using the game of light and shadow, you can create a variety of effects, hide the shortcomings of the room and emphasize its merits. At the same time, mistakes made in the lighting system cause people a sense of discomfort, quick fatigue, loss of attention. In this regard, you need to choose carefully the lighting for each room separately. And of course, creating a cozy atmosphere, you can not do without such elements as floor lamps, sconces and lamps. They act not only as a source of light, but also as decorative elements that can give morel lighting, elegance and comfort in the room.
- Furniture. If you have a small house or apartment is worth choosing multi-functional furniture and furniture-transformers. This will help you to save room space. In the studio, you can zoned the room using furniture. In general, the furniture is selected depending on your chosen style of the interior.
- Textile. Curtains, bedspreads, blankets, decorative pillows, rugs make the house more cozy. Curtains are a great way to make you living room cozier. There are a lot of curtains with ruffles, flounces and folds. Variety in the choice of colors and fabrics allows you to choose curtains for any interior. Bedspreads should not be in bright tones, but soft and pleasant to touch. Otherwise, decorative pillows can be bright and of different colours.
- Flowers. Flowers pay huge importance in creating a cozy environment of a living room and showing the beauty of the room, giving an impression of joyful bliss to breathe freely and easily. Flowers can be placed on the floor, on the windowsill or on the tables. Indoor plants provide peace, joy, comfort and a good mood around.
- Decor items such as vases, paintings, figurines, photo frames, souvenirs also add some nice coziness in the room. However, it is worth remembering that the decorative elements should be used wisely and reasonably so as not to create an atmosphere of a bad taste.
- Tidiness. The house should always be clean to please your eyes and breathe easily.
We hope that you will be able to create a cozy atmosphere and it will be comfortable, warm and very sunny not only from the sun shine, but also from the very atmosphere of comfort in your house.


text: F.Y.I. APN Outdoor launches new XtrackTV screens June 19, 2017 8:19 0 APN Outdoor has added four new full motion and audio screens in Perth Station. ADVERTISEMENT The announcement: Continuing significant investment in new technology and innovation, Australia's most progressive Outdoor media operator APN Outdoor, launched the next stop on their XtrackTV journey, with four new full motion and audio screens going live at Perth Station this week. Strategically placed across platforms 5-8, the screens will truly capture the audience's attention, with each LED screen measuring 2.5 x 4.5 metres. Launching in 2015 XtrackTV has revolutionised Outdoor advertising enabling brands to extend their screen strategy. XtrackTV engages consumers with entertaining commercials interspersed with content pieces from providers including Sky News. APN Outdoor's General Manager of Sales, Mark Fairhurst, commented, "We are thrilled to be launching in Perth – the next stop of our XtrackTV journey. We know the rail environment is a unique one, with over 180,000 passengers travelling through Perth Station each week, this is the perfect environment for our partners and advertisers to influence consumers during their commute. Consumers are seeking to be informed and entertained during their "empty moment" on the rail platform. We know the format works – a recent cross media study conducted for a major automotive brand revealed that XtrackTV drove the highest results for taking action, and remarkably, 8% went on to purchase the car after seeing the ad on XtrackTV. We are confident similar success for many clients will occur with the addition of the newest screens in Perth." APN Outdoor's XtrackTV portfolio now encompasses 82 screens, strategically placed in some of the busiest stations in the country. Among these are Central, Town Hall and Wynyard in NSW, Melbourne Central and Parliament in VIC, Fortitude Valley and South Bank in QLD and Adelaide Central in SA. Perth's new XtrackTV screens will serve passengers travelling on routes to Armadale, Fremantle and Midland and acts as a gateway to the city's CBD. APN Outdoor is Australia and New Zealand's most progressive Outdoor advertising company; leaders in the Digital Billboard, Billboard, Transit, Rail and Airport advertising categories. Whilst dominating traditional outdoor formats, the company also maintains particular focus on growing and developing their digital portfolio, establishing APN Outdoor as the unrivalled leaders in this space. In addition, APN Outdoor have established themselves as vanguards in research, investing in several market leading studies, that prove the power of the medium and foster innovation and growth throughout the sector. APN Outdoor boast over 36,000 high-impact, attention-grabbing locations, dominating major city skylines, roadways, rail-stations and airports across both sides of the Tasman. Source: APN Outdoor topics APN Outdoor, XTrackTV Share Tweet Share Have your say Name Email Address (optional) Website (optional) ADVERTISEMENT Most Discussed 157 Comments DAN's CEO Henry Tajer is ousted after less than a year in the role, replaced by Angela Tangas 55 Comments Celebrity Name Game bumped as Ten turns to news to boost struggling early evening slate 43 Comments OMD's 10-year transformation: From a 'two out of 10', to media agency of the decade 41 Comments Hold the Click Frenzy flame emojis: Thoughtful marketing is crucial during catastrophes like bushfires 37 Comments Adland is dragging its feet on #MeToo, as perpetrators continue to win awards and hide in plain sight


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This week's cafe review found me at Sweet n Namkin / Salaam Namaste, a dual-sided and jointly-owned Desi restaurant in Meadows Place (also home to favorites BB's Beef & Hot Dog and the yet-to-be-reviewed Suya Hut). On the Salaam Namaste side of the house, expect lots of meat and manly things: snooker tables, cricket bats behind the register, musky incense, dark colors and cricket matches on the TVs. It's highly alluring in its way.
Through the adjoining door, you'll find its polar opposite: a peacock-hued and brightly lit chaat house presided over by a motherly woman named Amy. No meat on the menu here; only 100 percent vegetarian treats like pakora and paratha as well as all manner of puri. From that large and regularly updated menu, it's the dahi puri I like best.
As it was my friend Dr. Ricky who first brought me here, it only seems right to link to his recent blog post on the many permutations of dahi puri available here in Houston. Like many Indian/Pakistani chaat -- or snack -- dishes, there is no one singular recipe for dahi puri. It can contain any number of ingredients inside the puffed-up puri shell: potatoes, onions, chickpeas, tomatoes, dates, several different kinds of chutney, yogurt, ginger, cilantro, chili powder, cumin...and sev on top, if you're lucky. All that's really required are yogurt (the "dahi" part of the name) and the puri themselves.
The best thing about this chaat dish is that all of the items are made in advance, so you can assemble your dahi puri when the mood hits you (or, more likely, at the big dinner you're planning on hosting in a day or two). It's equally fun to prep the ingredients ahead of time and invite your friends over to make their own individual dahi puri.
In the photos below, Amy showed our photographer, Troy Fields, how they make the dahi puri in the kitchen at Sweet n Namkin, from start to [almost] finish.
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For more colorful behind-the-scenes photos from both Sweet n Namkin and Salaam Namaste, check out our slideshow.


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Group Booking Terms and Conditions
Because you are making a Group Booking, there are additional Terms and Conditions that apply. Please read them and click 'I Accept' below to continue with your booking
General Group Booking Terms
By making a group reservation through Hostelworld.com you agree to the following terms and conditions as set by Hostelworld.com and as set by the hostel in question.
- In order to make a group reservation on Hostelworld.com it is necessary to pay a deposit. The balance is due directly to the hostel according to their payment conditions.
- The booking deposit is non-refundable.
- Please note that any cancellations must be notified directly to the hostel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled arrival date, unless otherwise stated in the hostel's conditions.
- Hostelworld.com are not responsible for changes or amendments to your reservation once it has been processed. All correspondence with regard to changes to your booking need to be dealt with directly with the hostel.
- Cancellations for reservations must be made directly with the hostel and must conform with the individual hostels cancellation policy (see below)
- It is your responsibility to pay the balance of your accommodation cost to the hostel in accordance with their payment conditions (see below). Failure to do so may result in your reservation being cancelled by the hostel.
- Individual hostels may have special booking conditions relating to group stays, please read the hostel booking conditions carefully before making your reservation.
Hostel Specific Terms & Conditions
The remainder of the amount due will be charged to your credit card ???? Should numbers or room selection change, the per person deposit times the number of people who actually travelled will be deducted from the total accommodation charge levvied by the hostel.
The following group types are not accepted by this hostel: Holiday with Friends, Junior / Primary School, High / Secondary School, College / University, Business Trip, Stag/Hen/Bachelor Party, Sports Group, Cultural Group If you have misrepresented the type of group you are booking for, your booking may be cancelled by the hostel."
Any cancellations resulting from agreement to these terms and conditions under false pretences will result in loss of deposit.
Du må godta vilkårene og betingelsene før vi kan bekrefte bestillingen.
Beskrivelse av overnattingssted
The hostel is near three beaches and rocky coastline. Bathing spots and diving in apnea. Japanese Island near , commonly used for diving. The hostel is in the lakes region near Buzios and Arraial do Cabo, two options for those staying in the Hostel Zestasiá worth visiting.
We offer cozy rooms for collective public, female, couple and family. Your best bet is Zestasiá Hostel in Cabo Frio - Peró.
Zestasiá Policies and Conditions:
Check in from 12:00 to 23:00 .
Check out before 14:00 .
Cancellation policy: 72 hours before arrival.
Payment upon arrival by cash, credit cards.
This property may pre-authorize your credit card before arrival.
Taxes included.
Breakfast included.
No curfew. Vis husregler
- Gratis frokost
- Gratis internettilgang
- Gratis wifi
- Sengetøy inkludert
- Adaptere
- Haardrogers
- Kabel TV
- Takvifte
- Warme Douches
- Huishouding
- Håndklær til leie
- Resepsjon (begrenset åpningstid)
- Vaskeritjenester
- Brettspill
- Wi-Fi
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HyPix-3000 is a next-generation two-dimensional semiconductor hybrid pixel array detector (HPAD), pixel size of 100 um², designed specifically to meet the needs of the home lab diffractionist.
>> See more
XtaLAB mini II
A compact, easy to use benchtop system with the latest technology HPC detector, ideal for self-service crystallography.
XtaLAB Synergy-R
High-flux rotating anode system with a fast goniometer and sensitive HPC detectors for labs with challenging samples.
XtaLAB Synergy Custom
Advanced system with latest HPC detector and a variety of X-ray sources to give ultimate flexibility for wide range of applications.
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Cost-effective, full featured system with a small HPC detector and microfocus sources.
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Fast, flexible system with the latest generation sources and HPC detectors, perfect for any crystallography lab.
Sometimes referred to as small molecule crystallography, this technique employs single crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) to unambiguously determine the three dimensional structure of molecules. The technique involves the use of crystallography to study problems which are primarily of a chemical nature and provides accurate and precise measurements of molecular dimensions in a way that no other method can approach. Chemical crystallography may be applied to compounds of both chemical and biological interest, including: new synthetic chemicals, catalysts, pharmaceuticals, and natural products.


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CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said leading running back Adam Choice is lost for the season after tearing a knee ligament.
The 21st-ranked Tigers (5-2, 4-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) will also be without tight end Jordan Leggett for several weeks due after he also suffered a knee injury. Swinney said both players were injured in last Saturday's 17-13 victory at Boston College.
Clemson faces Syracuse (3-4, 1-2) on Saturday night.
Choice, a freshman, led Clemson with 218 yards and a touchdown. Swinney said Choice would need surgery in a couple of weeks to repair an ACL.
Swinney said Leggett tore his meniscus and sprained an MCL. He's caught 10 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.
The coach did not provide any further details on the injuries, per athletic department policy.


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I wanted this to release sooner but oh well, its out now.
I hope there wont be anything wrong and that "Already Decorating" crash is gone.
Next update will also be a smaller one, probably fixes and that mod support feature will be added and explained more in deep.
After that there might be some new content mainly if that crash is gone that i mentioned earlier, and i try to work on some already added content as well.
click here to go to the Download site
Dragon Block C release version 1.4.49
- FIXED – Custom ki technique – if the name has "%" character, it makes the client crash
- FIXTRY – Dimension Other World – "Already Decorating" crash
JRMCore release version 1.3.9
- FIXED – Ki technique – type wave – weird scaling issue
Naruto C release version 0.7.5
- FIXED – Sharingan – the jutsu copy ability didn't work on premade jutsus
- FIXED – Byakugan – Chakra lines were not visible
- FIXED – Server Sided – Skill learn Errors


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'The Funds Should Be Spent On Social Sectors'
Seun Onigbinde is an Ashoka Fellow and Co-founder/Lead Partner of BudgIT, a civic startup that liberates budgets and public data from an inactive state into a more engaging format, mostly through infographics and interactive application with the aim of improving civic discussion and institutional reform. Onigbinde shares his views on how Government should spend the recovered funds and other issues with LAOLU ADEYEMI
HOW do you want government to spend the recovered funds?
Returned funds should be spent on social sectors as these sectors have faced the largest decline over the years. I mean health and education sectors need to be supported. If you look in the proposed 2016 budget that was presented, education and health did not get a great leap regarding funding despite the budget rising by over N1.6tn. We need to put funding into this and also think through supporting small business through a revamped Youwin scheme. Government can use a huge chunk of the funds to drive small and medium scale enterprises with an intention to strengthen the nation's economy.
BudgIT is also of the view that more sophisticated equipment that enhance quick service delivery at various hospitals in Nigeria should be bought with the money and also improve on the nation's health sector. To me, this will be the best use of the fund. We also need a multi-stakeholder approach to the management of recovered loot. This has to be backed by law. The multi- stakeholders meeting should include government, private sector, media, civil society and certain decisions as to how to channel the money into the appropriate sectors should be discussed.
The money should not be spent on frivolity but rather projects that will boost the nation's economy.
Is there any other scientific way of preventing Public Office holders from looting government treasury aside the usual campaign against corruption?
Stopping corruption has to be systematic. There has to be rules and also punitive action to punish those who steal or waste public funds. However, the first lever to fight corruption is radical transparency, civic engagement on due process and also strengthening audit systems to uncover fraud. How many government contracts are published online? How many of them are effectively priced and competitively bidded for? We have not published the audit report since 1999. We have not punished anyone for abusing public trust through the indictment of the Auditor-General's report. How can we then fight corruption without radical transparency and tough punitive actions? We need to bring things to the light and also stiff consequences melted out to those who flout rules.
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Last night showed me two things how close and exciting a race this is. And that combining and comparing the candidates numbers to each other is going to keep me on my toes.
One thing I know for sure. The name you choose to use is very, very important. Though every number has both positive and negative traits, there are some numbers which are highly fortunate compared to others.
With this in mind, take a look at the names of Republican candidates who are still in the race after two elections.
John McCain, who won last night, adds up to 17, a fabulous name number.
Mitt Romney, who came in second in both Iowa and Michigan, has the favorable Number 10 going for him. Mike Huckabee who won in Iowa without spending much of anything has the magnetic media number, a powerful asset in this day and age of TV and the Internet.
So wheres Giuliani. Way back in the pack, with not much hope of gaining ground. His momentum pretty much lost.
Have a look at his Giulianis name. It adds up to 34/7, giving him the strength to overcome disappointments and learn from past mistakes, which is good, and certainly helped him in overcoming prostrate cancer. But 34/7 is not the best number for a Presidential Candidate. On top of that, 2008 is a 7 Personal Year for Giuliani which doesnt bode well for him to go on and win the nomination. Ive mentioned that fact previously. Consider, when he won his first term as NYC mayor, he was in a 1 year far better for winning.
John Edwards on the Democratic side SAME name number as Guiliani. Hes not considered a frontrunner.
Hillary and Barack. These two will be slugging it out a while longer. In many ways, their race for the nomination is a fateful one. Both have the powerful 8 name. And both have additional 4s and 8s all over their blueprints. The 8 will guarantee that both of them will fight to the end.
Tomorrow evening Im going to let the cat out of the bag during the teleseminar for Pythagorean Inner Circle members.
When I consider each of the top candidates names along with their current Personal Years, Personal Months, especially for November 2008, and Days of Birth – I see only one person who has the goods to take it all the way to the White House.
PIC Members, as usual, will be able to ask any question – could be about 2008, their name, their kids names, their address, their Life Purpose, or whatever topic they want me to address. Email questions are also accepted. And every member gets a special link to a recording of each monthly two hour call.
So come join us tomorrow evening. Id love to meet you.
With Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle
Last night showed me two things how close and exciting a race this is. And that combining and comparing the candidates numbers to each other is going to keep me on my toes.


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Heathrow Taxi
Using a good heathrow taxi is a crucial part of your travel program. Lots of people postpone until the ultimate minute to call a cab while others traveling from other places of the world hold off until they have landed and try to flag down a taxi outside heathrow airport terminal. This can be high risk at times because you do not know the class of service made available and also at periods there is no cabs available for you specially any cheap heathrow taxis. For all these reasons it makes a great deal of sense for you to order a heathrow taxi well in advance before departing for your excursion or before you return to your place of home.
Do not stress as booking a heathrow airport taxi might be one of the most straightforward things you'll have to do in regards to your travel arrangements. 1st thing should be to find a cab company that's trustworthy. You will find several top taxi companies locally that will offer you a good class of service. Friends or family usually can assist a lot by giving you taxi cab firms they've already used before. A web search can usually help find the best heathrow taxi companies. It is likely you will understand a whole lot this way, and you can even be book most taxis online in minutes.
The main advantages of ordering in advance far outweigh any time and effort used. You should as well wind up saving money by merely booking in advance. There is tons of competition with local cab companies and also at heathrow airport terminals to get the service you want from a heathrow taxi. The feeling you booked beforehand will lessen any stress and should put more money in your pocket for your holiday. Also knowing the taxi cab will be there waiting for you is a great help and they will usually help you with your suitcases to ease those aching muscles after you have been cooped up in a plane.
After a long flight this is particularly true as dealing with jet lag or a delayed flight can be an inconvenience anyway.
Now you can see a heathrow taxi is undoubtedly a wise course of action when you are planning to travel to the airport and with a good service offered, and cost savings as well, you're on to a winner by using a heathrow taxi.


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We are excited to offer this exciting range of Motto journals with you!
Great as gifts in their own, and they also make the perfect addition with our unique Balloon in a Box gifts, to give a little something extra to your special gift recipient. Just add this item to your cart and we'll make to include it inside your chosen Balloon in a Box.
These flexi-cover journals include 144 lined pages, with a ribbon to help mark the page, and come in a range of colours with different inspirational Mottos embossed in gold on the front cover.
Each journal is printed with soy ink on FSC(R)-certified paper.
Size: 6.25"H x 4.31"W
Payment Methods


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Online Training
Harassment Training For Supervisors: Let's Face It - Online Theory Only
Strengthen your front-line defense against harassment, your supervisors. Equip them with the right tools and help them conduct proper harassment training, handle complaints fairly and avoid messy and costly legal liabilities. The course provides step-by-step methods to assess harassment cases and outlines government procedures on filing complaints.
Learning Objectives:
- Overview And Objectives
Recognizing Harassment
- What Is Harassment?
Increasing Awareness
- Communication And Training Guidelines
Handling A Complaint
- Take The Complaint Seriously
- Investigate Properly And Follow Up
- Filing A Complaint With Government Agencies
Cost: $25 plus GST
Duration: The time needed to complete each online course varies for each individual. You may stop the course at any time and access your activity at a later date.


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MS112 Business Analysis and Technology
A series of non-random symbols, numbers, values or words; a series of facts obtained by observation or research; the record of an event or fact
Information Systems
A set of components that process data into useful information.
Information Systems
Basic Process
- Classification
- Rearrangement
- Aggregation
- Calculation
- Selection
- People
- Hardware
- Software
- Network
- Databases
- Improves decision making
- Customer and supplier intimacy
- Operational excellence
- New products, services and business models
- Competitive advantage
- Continued existence/survival
Types of Information Systems
Transaction Processing System (TPS)
A cross-functional system that processes data resulting from the daily routine transactions necessary for business functions
Inputs: basic business transactions, customer orders, purchase orders, receipts and invoices
Outputs: Updated records after last transaction
Users: Operational personnel, supervisors
Management Information System (MIS)
Provides lower and middle management with electronic reports and inquiry capabilities to enable control, organisation and planning
Inputs: Data from TPS, ERP and CRM systems, external data from customers, suppliers, competitors and stock holders.
Outputs: Management reports
Users: Management
Decision Support Systems (DSS)
Provides support in problem solving and decision making activities
Inputs: Databases optimised for statistical analysis
Output: Responses to queries, statistical test results
Users: Professionals, senior management
Process Mapping
- Identifies the types of activity that take place during the process
- Shows the flow of transforming resources
- Identifies the sequence of activities
- Creates a visual understanding of the process
- Helps to eliminate unnecessary tasks in the process
Process Mapping Techniques
Flowchart: sequential flow of actions
Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN): a standard with a well defined syntax, consists of flow objects, connecting objects, swim lanes and artifacts
UML Diagrams: modelling language used for specification, visualisation, development and documenting of software systems
Integrated Definition for Function Modelling (IDEF): a family of methods that address modelling needs of enterprises and its business areas.
Petri Net / Coloured Petri Net (CPN): graphically oriented language for design, specification, simulation and verification of systems.
Supply Chain Management
Including manufacture, supply, transport and service
- Purchasing
- Producing
- Storing
- Distributing
- Selling
Coordinating a supply chain is generally difficult due to uncertainty in demand and uncertainty in supply.
SCM Cycles
- Customer order cycle
- Customer arrival
- Customer order entry
- Customer order fulfilment
- Customer order receiving
- Replenishment cycle
- Retail order trigger
- Retail order entry
- Retail order fulfilment
- Retail order receiving
- Manufacturing cycle
- Order arrival
- Production scheduling
- Manufacturing and shipping
- Receiving at the distributor, retailer or customer
- Procurement cycle
- Based on manufacturer's production schedule or stocking needs
- Supplier production scheduling
- Component manufacturing and shipping
- Receiving at manufacturer
SCM Customer Order Decoupling Point
A point in the value chain for a product which is pulled in response to actual customer orders, and pushed in anticipating of customer orders
Processes upstream from the CODP are 'push' processes, processes downstream are 'pull' processes.
SCM Policies
Make to order
- Used for customised products
- Produces products to customer specifications after the order has been received
- Low inventory cost, high flexibility, high quality of design ceiling
- Delivery lead time is relatively long
Assemble to order (build to order)
- Used when there are many variations of the end product
- Product is partially completed and kept in a generic form
- Medium inventory cost, medium flexibility, relatively fast delivery
Make to stock
- Produces products for immediate sale or delivery, in anticipating of demand
- Produces standardised products in large volume
- Fast and dependable delivery, efficient production
- High inventory costs, low flexibility
SCM Strategies need to be chosen with consideration to desirability, feasibility, responsiveness and efficiency.
Business Analysis Strategies
PESTEL Analysis
Political, economic, socio-cultural, technical, environmental, legal
Porter's 5 Forces
Potential entrants, suppliers, buyers, substitutes, industry competitors
SWOT Analysis
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
SMART Goals
Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound


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Only one, registrations are per individual. Unlike teleseminars, in which many people can sit around a single speakerphone, Webinars involve an online message board. The name of each participant appears on the message board. Just like a live workshop, each individual participant must register separately.
We do however offer special discounts for companies from which more than one person is registering. For more information, please contact Markedu.


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Bob Kramer Meji 240 Damascus
The workers all dressed in black
Three Michael Raders
Kanemasa Mukimono
Shigefusa 240 Kitaeji Gyuto and Mizuno Tanrenjo 240 Suminigashi
Michael Rader Small Santoku
Shigefusa 240 Kitaeji Yanagi
Shigefusa 270 Yanagi
Speaks for itself. Arguably three of the best gyutos in the world.
Masamoto 240 Gyuto White Steel Mizu Honyaki
Shigefusa Nakiri
Nenohi Kiritsuke. This is one sexy knife. Unsusual characteristics. It will take some practice to master it.
Misono 360mm stainless bread knife. If you want to spoil yourself get a good quality Japanes bread knife. Incredibly sharp. This thing tears up cutting boards.
Old faithfull. Hattori KD 180mm santoku. I've owned and used this knife for seven years. (As you can tell) It's in need of refurbishment.
Watanabe 270mm Damascus sujihiki. This knife is unreal. The steel feels unworldly, as if from another planet. Used primarily for sashimi. Double beveled.
Seki Cut Deba. Used like a small clever. Also great for breaking down whole fish.
Masamoto 360mm hon-kasumi yanagi in white steel. My go to sashimi knife. Some people dis Masamoto, I think this is a superb knife.
The Queen Mother of all knives. Mizuno Tanrenjo 390mm special blue steel honyaki yanagi. Select ebony handle with hand tooled silver. Ebony saya (sheath). Traditionally used for sashimi I also use it for slicing boneless whole roasts.
Yawakawa (or something like that) santoku. I bought this inexpensive knife on ebay to try out the Japanese handle. (Which I liked) Surprisingly sharp handy knife.
Togiharu 180mm santoku. A good all around knife. Nice edge and retention. Used often for everyday prep.
Takeda 240mm cabon (white) steel. The blade on this thing is huge. A cool rustic look. Great long lasting edge. Especially for white steel.
Carter Funayaki 203mm in white steel. This is one sexy knife. Used alot. Much like a santoku, great for slicing and dicing just about anything. Very thin blade so you have to use discretion when using. Extremely sharp.
Sabatier utility knife. Old school French made knife that I use more as a pairing knife.
Mr. Itou 190mm Gyuto. This one is like the hot rod in the garage. Rarely taken for a spin. The handle is a matter of taste. Some people think these bold knives are gaudy.
Fugiwara 270mm stainless sujihiki. Although this on is single beveled. I use this often for sashimi and tataki. Also occasionally as a filet knife.
Hiromoto 270mm carbon steel gyuto. Used for rough prep. Great for lettuce, cabbage etc.
A.E.S. Damascus barbeque knife. My much maligned Argentinian bbq knife. A thick informal knife that in Argentina is traditionally brought to outdoor barbeques.
Global Vegetable knife. This remains from the old guard. Good for cutting soft vegys.
Mr. Itou paring knife. I don't use paring knives much but this one is cute.
Misono Honkotsu in Swedish Carbon Steel. Sturdy knife for cutting anything with bones. I use it most for cutting between the bones of rack of lamb during service. I'm still looking for a Japanese knife to trim tenders.
Chroma Eight inch Chef's Knife
This used to be my every day knife. A good sturdy journeyman's knife.
Hattori KD 210 Gyuto. It doesn't get much use but this knife is the "Ferrari parked in the garage". I'll take it out when the weather is nice just for the sheer pleasure of driving it.


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Philharmonia Voices
Philharmonia Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor)
Philharmonia Voices
Philharmonia Orchestra
Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor)
Completely agree with your review. A wonderful evening. Like you I had misgivings with the narration (the Barenboim Proms Fidelio leapt to mind)but it was not too intrusive.
Will this performance be broadcast?
Afraid I don't know. Does anyone else?
I was unable to get to London for this but felt that your review gave me a pretty good idea of the performance. I'm envious. Pelléas is being staged by WNO in Cardiff and Birmingham (next May and June) conducted by Lothar Koenigs. This will be a new production by David Pountney which will have a 1920s setting. I've got my doubts about the wisdom of setting this "myth" in a time-specific context, but I'll still buy tickets.


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The Association aims to raise awareness of the International Baccalaureate to the Italian Education Ministry, universities, Italian and international schools interested in an IB education.
To help achieve this aim, in September 2016, the Association launched 'The IB in Italy'. This report, produced by an Italian and IB education expert, Mr. Ignazio Venzano, clarifies both the historical journey and the legal position of international schools in Italy, their status, the status of students and of IB programmes. Read an extract from this report below. AIBWSI members can login in to download the full report.
Part one: Italian Law 738/1986
Since 1986 the International Baccalaureate Diploma, "as recognized by the IB's head office in Geneva (IB), with head offices in Geneva", has also been recognized in Italy under Italian Law 738/1986 (the so-called "1986 Law") as an educational qualification valid in Italy.
The 1986 Law establishes that:
- Diplomas recognized by the IB head office in Geneva "following exams taken at the United World Colleges or in other Italian or foreign schools" shall be recognized in Italy";
- The years preceding the exam, i.e. the years of school attendance, will not be recognized. Only the Diploma itself is recognized;
- This recognition applies only for the schools referred to in a specific register held by the Ministry for Education, Universities and Research (the "MIUR Register");
- The MIUR Register must specify the correspondence of the diplomas awarded by IB with the Italian school-leaving diploma.
Thirty years later, it may be appropriate to question the meaning of such recognition in view of the changes that have taken place meanwhile in the Italian school system.


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Arising from the Pool of Memory on the Isle of Avalon, the Fogs of Time move across the Realms of IIo and Lysia, and the Faerie Realms. Creatures lost in the Fogs of Time experience other worlds and times, sometimes never coming back to their home.
War of the Ages > History & Legends >


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The question is how this reality is dealt with that will determine either a continued diminished role or new era of opportunity not just for the US but for the west. Failure to change accordingly will further exasperate economic output.
Oriental Review
By Andrew Korybko
22 August 2014
Part I
PART II: Geopolitical Application
It is now time to segue into the geopolitical applications of the RCSP. This section will begin with Northeast Asia and then proceed counterclockwise into exploring the dual approaches towards Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It will then move on to Europe before looking at the Mideast/North Africa (MENA) and Latin America. It is only in Africa where the RCSP has yet to mature, although the possibilities most certainly are there for China to invite Russia's balancing influence into the continent in the future and to influence regional leaders to expand their trade ties with Moscow. Finally, the conclusion will unify the article and demonstrate that the RCSP is truly the most important relationship of the 21st century and the definitive vehicle for multipolarity.
The reader is recommended to keep the following in mind while perusing this section: Each hand of the RCSP is intended to wash the other and complement its counterpart in regions/states where it may be at a relative disadvantage vis-à-vis its partner, with the end-game intent of establishing true global multipolarity. With that being stated, the geopolitical examination of the RCSP begins.
Northeast Asia
The essence of the RCSP in Northeast Asia is to carefully confront the US' "unsinkable aircraft carrier" and neutralize its lethality. Both Russia and China had existing territorial disputes with Japan prior to the commencement of the RCSP, but Japan did not begin to aggravate these tensions until the early 2010s. The Japanese problem could more accurately be viewed as an American problem due to its occupation of and mutual security with the country, so via proxy, the RCSP is effectively faced with the hurdle of American obstruction over the process of Northeast Asian pacification. Tokyo always has the 'opt-out clause' of a normalization of ties with Moscow (which is in the national interests of both actors), but this does not seem to be on the horizon under Abe's administration. The US occupation is too strong and influential for the country to break free in the near future, but should a stroke of luck occur breakout and movement towards true foreign policy independence transpire, it would place Moscow in a position to play a positive role in moderating Tokyo's actions towards Beijing.
Opening Russia-China joint Navy exercises, May 2014
In the current environment, however, both Russia and China understand that Japan, not North Korea (which both countries engage in the multilateral de-nuclearization talks), poses the strongest risk of Northeast Asian destabilization due to its aggressive pursuit of territorial claims. This is aided and abetted by the US in order to create the optimal Lead From Behind partner in the region and sabotage the prospect of pan-regional cooperation. Thus, however unlikely it may seem at the moment, in the event that war breaks out, Russia and China could either military cooperate or one or the other would use the strongest diplomatic and political tools at its disposal to try to influence Japan to back down and halt hostilities as soon as possible.
Central Asia
A lot has been written about a supposed Russian-Chinese rivalry in Central Asia, but in actuality, this is not the case, and it is nothing more than wishful thinking by those intending to split up the RCSP and see Russia and China butting heads over the region. Russia is in the process of politically and economically integrating with Kazakhstan and soon Kyrgyzstan under the auspices of the Eurasian Union, and it has mutual security commitments with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan under the CSTO (which also regularly partake in military drills). China, on the other hand, is more of a soft leader in Central Asia, having established lucrative business contacts in recent years and struck extremely strategic energy deals with most of the region's members, first and foremost Turkmenistan.
The state of play in Central Asia is the following: Russia is consolidating its influence over the former Soviet sphere with states which it already has cultivated deep relations with, while China is moving in to fill the void in certain economic vectors. It is of the highest importance for China to be able to diversify its natural resource import routes in order to avoid the US-occupied and chokehold-prone Straits of Malacca, ergo its energy interest in Central Asia. It is through Russia's implicit acceptance of China's involvement here via the RCSP that it is able to proceed without a hitch, as it is also in Russia's interest to have a strong and as energy independent as possible partner in China.
The meteoric expansion of China's energy influence in Central Asia is also beneficial for Russia in a tangential way, however. The ties that it has fostered with Uzbekistan, which in the past few years has been moving away from Russia (it left the CSTO in 2012 and has plans to buy loads of NATO's leftover military equipment from Afghanistan) and closer to becoming the US' possible Lead From Behind partner post-Afghan withdraw, could be used to temper its regional policies. It is not to say that China can convince it to abstain from increased military cooperation with the US, but instead, it can exercise its impactful economic and energy influence over Uzbekistan to try to stave off a catastrophic military confrontation with Tajikistan that would likely involve Russia through its CSTO responsibilities.
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In today's post I will share with you a VERY easy way to bring down the highest points of your audio, re-render the track and boost the amplitude as much as possible without creating distortion (clipping).
Audacity: Need Distortion? Use Leveller (Mac OS X)
If your audio production is lacking that certain 'crunchiness', then man oh man have we got an easy-to-follow tutorial for you!
Audacity: Need Distortion? Use Leveller (Windows 7)
Sometimes an audio project requires a bit of distortion. It's not terribly often, but when the need arises, much like anything else in life, it's always good to have a plan in place to help you reach your goal.