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Five ways to improve your body water percentage
It's not possible to lose or gain muscle or fat overnight. Daily fluctuations in your weight are indicators that something else is occurring in your body that is resulting in sudden decreases or increases in your weight. The most likely explanation is that your body is retaining more or less water.
Water is the main component of our bodies. Most of your weight comes from the water in your body and is referred to as your "body water percentage". This figure can vary based on factors such as your age, gender, and body structure.
However, there are times when your body water percentage is too high because you're retaining water. You feel bloated, swollen, and your clothes feel too tight and uncomfortable. There are five important techniques that you can use to improve your body water percentage:
- Drink water – drinking more water encourages your body to release the excess fluid
- Use herbs – cranberry and lemon juice, dandelion root all help to eliminate water retention
- Exercise regularly
- Lower your sugar and salt intake
- Eat the right foods – foods that are high in protein, amino acids, and potassium all help to naturally reduce water retention
Monitoring your improvement
Ivy Health Labs has created smart devices which make it possible for you to take a more active role in monitoring your own health. Our devices are portable, user friendly, and designed to record data that provides you with a more detailed picture of your overall health.
The Ivy Health body analysis scale uses high precision sensors to provide you with accurate measurements of body water percentage and seven other pieces of data about the condition of your body. Using the body analysis scale not only allows you to monitor day to day weight fluctuations, but also helps you to recognize trends or patterns in your weight fluctuations. This data could be a valuable tool towards improving your body weight percentage and maintaining a consistent total body water percentage for healthy living.
Optimizing your health
Improving your body water percentage is just one of the ways that you can work to improve your health. Using the smart technology developed by Ivy Health Labs makes it possible for you to track and record key health indicators that provide a more accurate measurement of the current state of your health.
You're able to share this information with your doctor so that you can work together as a team towards optimizing your health and becoming more proactive in preventing future health problems. At Ivy Health Labs our goal is to help you achieve more control over your own health.


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TRANMERE'S hopes of reaching their first ever FA Youth Cup semi-final where shattered in the dying minutes of extra-time last night.
Middlesbrough struck in the 118th minute to edge a fiercely-contested battle at Prenton Park and condemn Rovers to their second successive quarter-final defeat.
The winner came shortly after Rovers had struck a post. They also had a goal disallowed in normal time.
In a tie of few genuine chances Boro were rattled as early as the seventh minute when keeper David Knight was forced to parry a fierce free-kick from Chris Dagnall.
Adam Dickinson thought he had given Rovers the lead after 19 minutes when he lifted the ball over Knight, but the goal was ruled out after he was harshly adjudged to have fouled David Wheater.
Boro finished the first half strongly, Oliver James clearing off his own line from Anthony Peacock, then keeper Phil Palethorpe pulled off a brilliant one-handed save to deny James Morrison.
The visitors kept up the pressure after the interval, Palethorpe smothering at the feet of Gary Liddle before defender Gary Pinch cleared another Peacock effort off the Rovers goal-line.
In extra-time a brilliant Dagnall dribble set up Dickinson, who was unlucky to see his side-footer come back off the post.
Boro broke the deadlock in a well-worked move two minutes from time when Jason Kennedy fired home to send the Teessiders into a semi-final clash with Crewe.
TRANMERE: >Palethorpe, Vaughan, Pinch, Martin, Tremarco (Lovell 70), Jones, Scott, Fowler, James, Dagnall, Dickinson.

subset: commoncrawl


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Dear Len & Rosie,
We finished our trust in 2003. We would like to change our beneficiaries. One of our charities is out of business and we would like to give that charity's share to another. Our original lawyer has moved and the new lawyer wants to charge us to "talk" to us before he will tell us how much it will cost to change the trust. Can we cross out the old list and hand write changes ourselves? We are only in our 50s and expect that there will be other changes down the line. This is getting expensive.
Dear Denise
You should understand that you're putting your new lawyer into a Catch-22 situation. He hasn't seen your trust before. That means he doesn't know what may or may not be wrong with it. He cannot give you a fee quote on the telephone without taking the risk that more work will be needed that you already don't want to pay for.
For example, there is a substantial chance your trust is an A/B trust because it was created in the early 2000s. But most married couples no longer need A/B trusts to avoid Federal Estate Tax on their deaths because the amount that passes free of the death tax is presently $5.49 million Similarly, there may be other parts of your trust that need to be updated that you are not aware of.
Your new lawyer can't know this without reviewing the trust first. We have had many clients who either do not fully understand or may have forgotten what their trust does. This is understandable, as most clients are not lawyers. A lawyer looking to make changes to an existing trust that he or she had no part in preparing is going to have to take time to review the trust. Taking your word that it's OK is risking legal malpractice.
In some cases, it's easier and less expensive for a lawyer to skip reviewing an existing trust and do it over from scratch, by preparing a restated trust document, which is nothing more than an amendment in full replacing the entire trust document. A restated trust is better than a brand new trust, because you won't have to transfer assets from the old trust back into your names and then have to transfer them again into the new trust.
Can you do your own trust amendment? Now you've put us in a Catch-22. You can, but there's no way that we can tell you that your homemade amendment is going to do what you want it to do without reviewing the trust and your completed amendment. But we can tell you that your plan of scribbling out changes in the trust document will almost definitely not work. You need a separate instrument, a trust amendment, that spells out what paragraphs are being removed, changed, or added to the trust. And you should have your trust amendment notarized so there's evidence that you signed the amendment yourselves rather than a crooked beneficiary having forged your signatures to give themselves more of your money.
You should also understand that a lawyer's role in creating a trust amendment isn't just doing a bit of paperwork. Your lawyer and his or her staff will be available as witnesses to your true intentions and your mental capacity if someone were to challenge the validity of the amendment. This is especially important if you are changing the portions of your trust to be inherited by your children.
Len & Rosie
Len Tillem and Rosie McNichol are elder law attorneys. Contact them at Tillem McNichol & Brown, 846 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, by phone at (707) 996-4505, or on the Internet at www.lentillem.com.


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Basic Customizable Skincare Kit
Our personalized skincare collections have been designed with your unique needs in mind. Choose items that match your skin type and see your skin transform as it becomes softer, smoother and more radiant than ever.
Cleanse (select one): Soap Pair (Lavender Goats Milk & Charcoal bars), Cleansing Gel Normal, Soap Pair for Oily (Tea Tree & Charcoal), Cleansing Gel Oily, Prebiotic Facial Wash.
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Moisturize (select one): Gentle Face Creme, Face Creme with Tea Tree and Citrus, Face Creme with Botanicals.


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WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced that beginning August 10, 2006 drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico to commercially transport hazardous materials will be required to undergo a background check under the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program before transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials (hazmat) in the United States.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU) requires that, beginning August 10, 2006, commercial drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico may not transport hazmat, including explosives, within the U.S. unless they have undergone a background check similar to that required for U.S. operators with a hazmat endorsement.
In 2004, TSA initiated the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program, which requires commercial truck drivers applying to obtain, renew or transfer the hazardous materials endorsement (HME) on their state-issued commercial drivers licenses (CDL) to undergo security threat assessments conducted by TSA. TSA has determined that the FAST card, issued by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), satisfies the vetting standard requirements as set forth under SAFETEA-LU for commercial vehicle operators registered to operate in Mexico or Canada.
"TSA has been working with CBP and our partners in the Canadian and Mexican governments to find a solution that both enhances security and promotes commerce across our borders," said Stephen Sadler, TSA's Director of Maritime and Surface Credentialing. "Use of the FAST card for drivers registered in Mexico or Canada brings consistency to the current rules so that the required background checks are conducted on all individuals who transport hazardous materials in the United States." TSA is currently engaged in rulemaking that will amend applicable portions of 49 CFR 1572 to reflect these changes. TSA is issuing this notification prior to publication of the rule to inform stakeholders and industry members of the requirement and allow them the opportunity to begin the FAST card application process.
This change will also extend to the regulations governing drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico who transport explosive materials, currently set forth at 49 CFR 1572.201. The new regulation will allow the cargo transported by these drivers to come under the broader definition of hazmat and will ensure that drivers licensed to carry explosives are fully vetted by CBP before transporting explosives. It will not impact other restrictions applicable to motor carriers operations originating in Canada or Mexico.
The FAST program is a cooperative effort among CBP and the governments of Canada and Mexico to coordinate processes for the clearance of commercial shipments at the border. Northern and southern border FAST driver cards are valid at any CBP land border crossing where the technology currently exists. Information on the application process may be found on the CBP website.
For more information please visit the Hazmat Threat Assessment Program, or call (877) 429-7746.


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Menuhin Competition 2014 Closing Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra and three violinists gave performances that had the crowd on its feet after every piece
Reviewed by Natalie Zeldin, Fri., March 7, 2014
Menuhin Competition 2014 Closing ConcertDell Hall at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside
March 2
If the Menuhin Competition is like the Olympics for the violin, then the Gala Concert with the Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday provided all the fireworks of the closing ceremony.
Under the baton of the energizing Giancarlo Guerrero, the orchestra's rendition of Antonin Dvorák's sparkling Carnival Overture heralded the three violinists of the first half. First came Junior First Prize Winner Rennosuke Fukuda playing Fritz Kreisler's Praeludium and Allegro. The 14-year-old from Japan began with full and resonant bowstrokes, filling Dell Hall with his beaming, rich sound. The sensitivity that he displayed in the connections between notes kept the listener leaning in to follow the sinuous phrases and made it easy to forget his young age.
Next was the Senior Division winner, Stephen Waarts, age 17. Performing the first movement of Sergei Prokofiev's Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Waarts was in the zone. He climbed the mountains of tension in the score with strong psychological intensity.
As incredible as these two young violinists were, though, there was a palpable leap in caliber when Arabella Steinbacher, a competition juror, performed Maurice Ravel's Tzigane. From the first phrase she played, it was clear that we were in the major leagues – the main difference being that this seasoned professional was willing to let loose. She pushed the boundaries of her technique, sometimes exploiting the gritty sounds that students, working on refining their skills, are less likely to explore. It takes experience, in the practice room and on the stage, to develop enough vulnerability to take technique to the limit. She wasn't afraid to drive the bus, either; she took an active role in directing the orchestra's dynamic tempo changes, which transformed what is often presented as a flashy showpiece into an evocative and poetic celebration of timbral possibilities. Her gutsy and brilliant performance was, in a word, inspiring.
For the program's second half, the orchestra brought Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony to passionate life, from its despairingly dark opening to its unabashedly triumphant finale. One of the most riveting moments was the clarinet's almost inaudible release at the end of the second movement. The hall was filled with the weight of this magical silence.
I was struck by how many times during the concert I thought, "Wow, what great ___," filling in the blank with oft-neglected auxiliary instruments: bass trombone, piccolo, violas, tambourine. With such an all-star team, the orchestra adds up to something greater than the sum of its parts. When an orchestra functions as an organism, it moves and breathes together in a beautiful way that is both rare and exhilarating.
Even though the Cleveland Orchestra doesn't come to Austin every day, the receptive audience signaled an intense craving for world-class artistry. Each hair-raising performance was followed by a big standing ovation. Austin is growing and maturing, and as it does, it wants more great art. I was heartened to see such an enthusiastic reception for an out-of-town orchestra at an international event, and the conductor appeared to be, too.


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Yesterday and today both I witnessed bad car wrecks. I haven't seen a car wreck in over two years. Not only have I been more cautious driving since, today I caught myself telling my wife possible reasons for seeing two crashes in a row.
"Hey babe, maybe people are absent-minded with summer and vacations. Be careful."
However, I inferred meaning that may have nothing to do with what actually happened. Do you ever do that? Read into what your significant other is saying? What your clients are thinking? Make an assumption? We all do that. Decisions. Determinations. Judgments.
I work with thoughts and thinking day-in and day-out. A big part of my job is to help folks live in reality. Correcting distortions and errors in their thinking is a large part of this. Of course, as a human being, I experience this just as much as the next person. It is a discipline to not only look to logic and reason, but also to connect with emotions and experience- and attempt to be grounded.
I hope I always continue to work on this.
So the reasons why a nice Mercedes got its hood completely crumpled may not really be in my purview. Nothing wrong for me to guess. However, it is significant for me to stay aware that my thoughts stick close to reality, because the further they diverge from it in day-to-day life, the more likely I am to make determinations that are wrong. The more I do this, the more firmly rooted my beliefs become. My emotions will follow my beliefs. And my beliefs determine my course. My course affects others. Others affect history. See where this is headed?
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The Jog:
A Psychotherapists' thoughts on healthy living.
October 2020
All Content on this Site, justinkhughes.com, was created for informational purposes only. Content is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your own personal health provider who is qualified to treat you, along with asking them any questions you may have regarding medical or other conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have viewed on justinkhughes.com. Also, due to the sensitive nature of topics and material covered through this Site, which contains very descriptive and/or advanced content, you may not want to use justinkhughes.com. The Site and its Content are provided on an "as is" basis. Some posts are written for specific populations (OCD, Christians, Professionals)- with the intent to remain respectful to all- some content may not fit or go counter to your beliefs, perspectives, and what is explored for you in a professional counseling session with Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC. The posts are intended solely for the population they are written to and can be designated by their titles and tags.
Links to external educational content are taken at your own risk. Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC is not responsible for external content.


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by Clawing Bear
(Bessemer, AL, USA)
Unique handcrafted Western and Native American items. For the unique and one of a kind specialty item.....Clawing Bear Creations can take your measurements and fill the bill. From complete bedroom and dining suites to handcrafted beaded jewelry. From small to big; Clawing Bear Creations is sure to please the "visions" you hold dear to your heart and soul. Because each item is constructed with "Love". Contact information for booking: 205-428-5808 or email@example.com.
Submit your own free listing! It's easy. Just click here to return to Alabama Vendors.


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Trend Report: Summer Handbags at Century 21
When savvy New Yorkers like me want to snag a designer deal at almost 50% off retail, they head to department stores like TJ Maxx, Loehmann's or the massive Century 21, near the Freedom Tower in downtown New York. The discounts at Century 21 are deep if you know what you are looking for and don't mind braving the hoards of tourists at this particular location. This season I've noticed that Century 21 has some of the best handbags in a range of fabulous summer colors and styles. If it's arm candy you're after, head to this store to find some great deals.
Here are some of my favorite picks:
Continue reading "Trend Report: Summer Handbags at Century 21"


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Harold Adamson
The colored dots show the fastest links (How?)
Harold Adamson was a prolific lyricist for films and television from 1933 to 1964 and was five times nominated for Academy Awards. His ambition was to be an actor but the early success of "Time on My Hands" (written with Vincent Youmans and Mack Gordon in 1930 for Florence Ziegfeld's stage show Smiles) diverted his career into songwriting.
After contributing to several stage musicals, Adamson was lured to Hollywood where "Everything I Have Is Yours," written with Burton Lane for Joan Crawford's 1933 Dancing Lady, became a hit. In 1937 his partnership with Jimmy McHugh produced the title song for You're a Sweetheart and the beautiful "Where Are You?" for Top of the Town. The McHugh/Adamson partnership also produced the Oscar nominated "My Own" for 1938's That Certain Age; "I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night" and "This Is a Lovely Way to Spend an Evening," sung by Frank Sinatra in the 1943 film Higher and Higher ; and the exuberant "It's a Most Unusual Day" for 1948's A Date with Judy. In 1955 their "Too Young to Go Steady" was a hit for Nat King Cole, and jazz vocalist Kurt Elling revived it on his 1998 release.
Adamson wrote lyrics to a Ferde Grofe melody in 1943, and it debuted as "Daybreak" in Thousands Cheer. He enjoyed success with two very different tunes in 1945: "Hubba, Hubba, Hubba (Dig You Later)" and "I Don't Care Who Knows It."
From 1956 to 1958 Adamson wrote lyrics for the title cuts to Around the World in 80 Days, An Affair to Remember, and Separate Tables. He also scored I Love Lucy and Wyatt Earp for television.
During WWII Adamson received awards from the Department of War for his patriotic songs "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" and Bing Crosby's "Buy a Bond." His son Bruce produced a documentary, Harold Adamson: An Affair to Remember, which includes a clip of Cary Grant singing "Did I Remember," Adamson's first Oscar nomination.
- Sandra Burlingame
At Amazon.com you can often buy used for a fraction of the new price
Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Richard Denning, Neva Patterson, Cathleen Nesbitt
An Affair to Remember
20th Century Fox
Wallace Beery, Jane Powell, Elizabeth Taylor, Carmen Miranda, Xavier Cugat
A Date with Judy
I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, William Frawley, Vivian Vance
I Love Lucy (The Complete Series)
Paramount Home Video
Frank Sinatra/Mel Tormé
Higher and Higher (1944)
Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly
Thousands Cheer
MGM (Video & DVD)
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Our Classes
|After School Tae Kwon Do and Personal Safety Program– Picking up students from their school, providing homework/study time, learning the fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do, and burning off energy is what this program is all about. Our flexible schedule allows Mom or Dad can swing by to pick them up on their way home anytime before 6:30pm. (Learn More)
|Little Lion's Program –(4-5 years old) Fun, challenging, and exciting basics of our system, while serving as a great way to release boundless energy in a positive learning environment. (Learn More)
|Children's Martial Arts –Helping youth gain focus, discipline, and self-confidence is only a few of the benefits of our children's Tae Kwon Do program. Learning forms, improving flexibility and well supervised sparring with other students helps to build each students skill level as well as challenges them to improve daily. (Learn More)
Family Classes – Grandmaster Lee believes wholeheartedly in family involvement in training, not just watching from the sidelines. Families that train together, stay together. Kickboxing World Champion (Alexakis Angelos, Greece 2005 – One of Grandmaster Lee's students pictured on the left with his son) has already got him practicing kicks at 13 months! (Learn More)
Adult Classes – Hwal Moo is a combination of many Martial Arts; Tang Soo Do, Ground Fighting, Hand to Hand Combat, Hapkido, Muay Tai Kickboxing, and Aikido. Adults who are interested in any of these systems who are beginners, or have a background in training are welcome to join us. (Learn More)
|Self-Defense Seminars – Taught quarterly in seminar style sessions these 2 hour learning blocks teach the fundamentals of awareness, self preservation concepts, and simple and effective responses to violent attacks. Classes taught by certified Law Enforcement Personnel dually certified in Defensive Tactics and Personal Defense Readiness through Blauer Tactical Systems. (Learn More)
Choose the World Martial Arts Center;
- Over 40 Years Of Experience
- Professional and Certified Instructors
- Clean, Safe, And Well Organized Training System
- The Positive Teaching and Learning Environment
- The Realistic Approach to Individual Achievement


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Zadajte text či adresu webových stránok alebo preložte dokument.
Preklad (slovenčina > angličtina)
Model, whit whom I spent a lot of time. Specifically, Dodge Viper GTS by Revell in scale 1/25. The model is built according to the box with minor changes, such as two-tone interior color. Construction lasted nearly a year due to inconveniences that needed to be removed and repaired. However, some parts are fitting vaguely like the front hood and rear window. Although, if I have the option to build a model once it is certainly not refuse. Enjoy photos and for video of building or finished car clickon icons. I was very surpriced when this model won price from one of model show sponsors in OCT, 2012.


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|Review: Audiovision - Focus
Label: Ulterium Records
Year released: 2010
Duration: 49:19
Tracks: 11
Genre: Heavy/Power Metal
Rating: 4/5
Review online: August 12, 2010
Reviewed by: Lior "Steinmetal" Stein
Rated 3/5 (60%) (3 Votes)
Audiovision was first introduced to the metal world as a side project by the brilliant vocalist Christian Rivel-Liljegren. However, with his departure from the recently split up Narnia and the break-up of Divinefire, Audiovision seems to have been elevated to a full time band. Five years after their debut, The Calling, the band is back with Focus, released by the band's local label, Ulterium Records.
Audiovision stays true to the religious themes of Rivel-Liljegren's other works. The result is a good Christian Metal album with roots in 70s and 80s Heavy Metal. The material is flowing, simple and enjoyable to listen to. On the majority of tunes, Rivel-Liljegren spreads out his gospel and uses catchy choruses and classic riffs to generate an aura that keeps one captivated.
The album's greatest achievements are the quality production and mixing, courtesy of Erik Mårtensson and Micke Lind. The rather diverse guitar sound, ample beats and general feeling presents Focus not solely as a Heavy Metal record, but also has elements of Hard Rock and Power Metal. Audiovision has a knack for creating great Christian hits. Rivel-Liljegren's experience helps create an easy path to enjoy the melodic, yet powerful, songs. As is the case with American Christian Metal, with its share of heavy hitters, so it goes with the Swedes. This is the same formula under a different country's flag.
With that formula come some problems. Although most of the tracks are very good, there is a lack of originality. Granted, it is hard to be original when focused on a single theme or topic like, say, war metal. Audiovision tries to inject a bit of Hard Rock to their songs to separate them from others in the field, yet, after so many gospel metal tunes, Audiovision did no different. Maybe more energetic than Rivel-Liljegren's mates' band Hero, the music still keeps repeating itself.
Audiovision's Focus is a must have, and not just for the fan who digs Christian Metal. Take away the Christianity stuff and you still have a worthy 70s/80s-style Heavy Metal assault going on. Feast on the soft melodies, heavy, gripping, heart-breaking solos and blazing speedsters. This one is all you can eat.
Highlights: "Keep the Fire Burning," "Invitation," "You Are the Reason," "The Son Will Come," "I Will Belong to You," "The Gate," "We Are Not Alone."
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Chris Roberts Skater Profile
Sponsors: Chocolate, Hi Fidelity, Independent, SUPERbrand
Hometown: Malibu CA, Stance: Regular, Age: , Status: Pro
Last Update: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Submit an Update
Chris Roberts Contest Results History
Red Bull Manny Mania 2007 New York Qualifiers, Sunday, August 12, 2007, placed 13 out of 19 skaters.
Red Bull Manny Mania, Venice Beach, Saturday, May 19, 2007, placed 4 out of 12 skaters.
Tampa Am 2002 Friday Street Qualifiers, Friday, January 18, 2002, placed 93 out of 93 skaters.
Chris Roberts Comments
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- Contest Results - over a decade's worth of contest history.


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Well known for its warm weather, slow pace of life and cultural history, Jamaica is a developing country in the Caribbean with a generally laid-back attitude. Tourism is a major industry, and documents required to enter the country are minimal compared to those of many other nations. Required paperwork for travel to Jamaica depends on the country of citizenship and the purpose and length of the visit.
A passport is the preferred document for all international travel. Jamaica accepts expired passports of U.S. and Canadian citizens, provided that they have not been expired for longer than 12 months. But note that the U.S. requires anyone returning to the U.S. by air to have a valid, non-expired passport. For those traveling by sea, a passport card is acceptable for entry into Jamaica and return to the U.S. Passport cards are smaller and less expensive than full passports, and are accepted for travel by land or sea, but not air, within Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands. Jamaica accepts identification cards such as school IDs for children under age 18, provided that the card has the child's photo and date of birth, but the U.S. does not accept school IDs as proof of citizenship to re-enter the country.
Tourist Visas
Citizens and permanent residents of the U. S. and Canada do not require a tourist visa for stays in Jamaica of less than six months. Citizens of other nations should check with the Jamaican Embassy well in advance of travel. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow their citizens to travel to Jamaica without a visa for a specific period of time. Citizens of some countries are issued low-cost visas at the Jamaican border, while others must arrange a visa in advance.
Business Visas
If planning to work in Jamaica, it is required to obtain both a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and a business visa from the Jamaican consulate. In addition to the work permit, it is required to submit a letter of employment from the Jamaican employer with the visa application. Writers, artists and journalists may be eligible for a work permit waiver once every 12 months for a 30-day period.
Student Visas
To attend school in Jamaica, it is necessary to present a valid passport, a return ticket, proof of sufficient funds and, if appropriate, the name of the person responsible for child during their stay. If already accepted to a school, it is possible to obtain a one-year student visa. If the school arrangements are not yet finalized, it will be necessary to receive a two-month visa. When receiving the acceptance letter, it is possible to extend the visa to 12 months.
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
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- Attribution: Mattnad; License: GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2


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Remember the panel the Governor set up to review the state's disposal procedures on radioactive frack waste? Well, it's meeting already, but meetings are not open to the public.
Apparently the panel members were named and the panel got started without fanfare, and without the public being allowed to attend its first meeting on September 22.
Ken Yale, the head of the DEQ's Radiological division, who is also on the panel, told me yesterday that because they are a "pre-deliberative body" the state is not required to hold public meetings in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
The Governor's TENORM waste panel has a former DEQ radiology employee as representing "the public"
And there's another blow to transparency and public participation. One panel member was to represent the DEQ–and that's Ken Yale himself. Another member was to represent the public. According to this September 22 press release by the DEQ, it lists Dave Minnaar, of Middleville, as the person "representing the public."
Minnaar isn't from the affected communities near frack waste sites, and he's not simply someone from "the public." In fact, he's a former DEQ employee. Minnaar was one of the contributing specialists to the report An Assessment of the Disposal of Petroleum Industry NORM in Nonhazardous Landfills, which brought us the disposal standards the State is now using, along with his co-worker Bob Skwronek, who today makes the approvals on the radioactive wastes coming in to Michigan.
In this Argus-Press news article from January 1990, Blanchard says Michigan can handle nuke waste, Minnaar is quoted as the deputy chief of radiological health for the state Department of Health, saying that Low Level Radioactive Waste storage facilities (being proposed back then) pose no threat to public health. The group that fought the Low Level Radioactive Waste site during those years, Don't Waste Michigan is also quoted in the story. I contacted an activist involved in that fight yesterday and he remembers Minnaar as one of the biggest salesman for the nuke dump.
Minnaar was one of the key DEQ employees who handled the bizarre incident in 1994-95 of the "radioactive Boy Scout," a Detroit area teenager who assembled and worked with highly radioactive materials in his backyard. In the clean-up, the most radioactive materials, including radium and thorium, were thrown away into the household refuse (and into a local landfill) by his parents before the DEQ had the chance to haul away a bunch of barrels out west for disposal.
Expertise aside, as a former DEQ employee responsible for overseeing the very disposal methods the state uses, this appointment is not the same as having someone "from the public" on the panel.
But as DEQ spokesperson Brad Wurfel has already declared, this panel's recommendations are a forgone conclusion anyway: "the review panel will conclude that existing Michigan standards are appropriate." Wurfel's admission that this is a charade is quite bald.


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The Hardmans' House, Liverpool
Brock Carmichael carried out the detailed restoration and re-instatement of the former photographic studio/home of the eminent Liverpool photographer Edward Chambre Hardman.
This Heritage Lottery Funded project has enabled visitor access and provided detailed interpretation of this fascinating building and photographic/ social history collection.
Visit the National Trust website
Value: £1.4M


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Image-Line FL Studio Mobile 2.0.8 Full Patched and Unlocked Android
P2P | May 13 2016 | 564 MB
If its a beat on the step sequencer, a melody on the piano roll or a full song on the playlist, FL Studio Mobile HD has you covered.
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In-app shop with 7 sample packs (250 instruments/kits), 2 of them are free
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Sampling: custom kits and instruments can be created from wav/mp3 files, AudioPaste, .zip and .instr files (created with FL Studio desktop)
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In-app user manual
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Compatible with: CoreMIDI (MIDI in and out), Virtual MIDI, Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer I & II, Akai SynthStation 25, iRig, iRig Mic, iRig MIDI, Yamaha i-MX1, Apogee Jam, Blue Mikey, Alesis IO Dock, iConnectMIDI, Line 6 Mobile Keys, Line 6 Mobile In, Tascam iU2 and many more.


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How does online betting in Australia work?
Nobody does gambling quite like the Australians for whom staking money has long been engrained in Australian culture. This is demonstrated by participation rates of over 80% - the highest population percentage in the world, with each individual believed to wager around $1,000 per year on their preferred form of gambling.
A large part of this amount will be spent on 'pokies' (poker/slots machines) which have been a commonplace in Australian society for many a year, with casinos, racing (horse, harness, greyhounds) and lotto also major attractions for Aussies.
However, Online and Sports betting is also becoming a major player and is the fastest-growing area of the gambling industry, owed much to its passion for a wide range of sports.
For the love of sport
Australians are mad for sport and ensure they wholeheartedly immerse themselves in it. They're known to play, watch, talk about sport for hours on end, an obsession that has started to see more Aussies also bet on it too.
Which sport is the nation's number one is always a topic up for debate given how many are played. Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket and National Rugby League (NRL) are generally regarded the most popular, but arguments will be made for golf, tennis, athletics and basketball too.
It's our intention at BookiesBonuses to shed light on the best bookmakers for Australian residents, whilst ensuring potential newbies are well versed and able to enjoy a hassle-free online betting experience.
Regardless of the sport though, Australians regularly attend matches involving their favourite team domestically, or tune in to watch the famous Gold and Green compete on the international stage.
It's this thirst for sporting action, in tandem with the fast-moving technological age where sports betting apps are so easily accessible, that has seen participation in online sports betting rocket in recent times.
It's our intention at BookiesBonuses to shed light on the best bookmakers for Australian residents, whilst ensuring potential newbies are well versed and able to enjoy a hassle-free online betting experience.
Betting legislation in Australia
It'd be a bit of a shock if it wasn't legal given how many millions bet in Australia! But for the record, online betting is legal 'Down Under'.
Gambling regulations see the government play a crucial role in overseeing the hobby, in addition to adding or amending relevant laws. Regulation also takes place at state and territorial level with regional authorities performing the same duties.
A series of measures have been put in place over many years to control gambling, needed given the incredible number of Australians that have seemingly always wagered money.
For example, 'The Interactive Gambling Act 2001' made it illegal for companies to offer real-money virtual gambling to Australian residents, while the law also banned advertising related to real-money internet games across all media.
In 2016, a newly formed government, introduced a new safeguarding plan to protect the bettor from plunging his or herself into financial ruin, as a result of online betting. Setting in place periods of self-exclusion as well as betting limits were seen as techniques to combat players wagering money they couldn't afford to.
However, a more notable law passed in 2017, which prohibits the showing of any gambling adverts during live sporting events, has recently come into force as of 2018. Referred to as a 'siren-to-siren' ban, the idea is to primarily reduce children's exposure to betting ads and will apply from five minutes before the start of play, until five minutes after.
The notion of 'live' betting or 'in-play' betting meanwhile, has been banned entirely in an attempt to minimize the addictive nature of betting as a game is taking place.
Lastly, a Point-of-Consumption tax will come into full effect in each state/territory from 2019 and is even in place now in some areas.
How the (new) Australian legislation affects you
Well, you won't be seeing as many adverts enticing you to bet, however, several TV channels who claim to be 'low audience sports channels' and mostly away from the eyes of children, have already discovered loopholes to overcome the ban.
And talking of loopholes, the ban on live betting has come slightly unstuck with offshore betting companies, unaware of or ignoring the law, continuing to offer live betting to Australian residents through other means. However, it's believed the betting operator, and not the punter would be in breach of the law in this instance.
The new Point-of Consumption tax, currently the source of much debate across Australia, won't hit your wallet directly, as the bettor. At the same time, William Hill have already voiced concerns and announced plans to review their Australian business in light of the new levy being introduced. If William Hill for instance led an exodus of online betting companies and reduced the amount of competition in the industry, it's fair to say it would hit your wallet.
The current government remain hellbent on insuring these laws stand so any loopholes that do exist are likely to be eradicated soon enough as the powers that be take a hard line on the exposure of sports betting in the life of an Australian resident.
Rest assured though, online betting isn't going anywhere so we have run our expert eye over the best online betting sites in Australia you can advantage of when betting in your homeland.
New Australian betting sites and the current market
Despite the ongoing issues surrounding online betting in Australia, the Australian market remains as popular and competitive as ever.
Finding and working out the best Australian online betting sites is essential, especially if you're new to the sphere of online betting. From first glance, you may see little difference between each bookmaker, but this is far from the case; one bookie may have the best odds out there but a lack of variety in markets offered and vice versa.
There's a lot to consider and take in – good job you have BookiesBonuses around to guide you in the right direction then!
Home grown betting sites
Sportsbet Australia, BetEasy (a merger of William Hill Australia and CrownBet), TopBetta, and 'new kid on the block', Neds are all home grown in Australia, good for you because they're wholly optimized for the Australian player, meaning you'll have every opportunity to bet on the wide range of sports, be it AFL, NRL or cricket.
The companies mentioned can all call upon a period of longevity in the betting industry, important in terms of trustworthiness and reliability, with people at the top who know what they're doing. For example, Neds, new to the scene having only gone live late in 2017, will count on the solid reputation of owner Dean Shannon whose past includes running the show at Ladbrokes.
International betting sites
Betfair, Unibet, bet365 and Ladbrokes are all bookies based on the other side of the world, but this doesn't stop them catering for Australians. It has to be said, most are British! But being global phenomenon's in online betting, they can be relied upon to provide Australians with a safe, dedicated, comprehensive betting platform just for Australia.
With the advantage of an English-speaking population and such potential in a flourishing customer base it's likely more overseas betting sites try their hand Down Under.
Betting Bonuses in Australia
How does each betting company stand out in what is a very saturated market though? Well, as mentioned, they will all have their unique selling points that makes them appealing to some but not to others.
One thing they all have in common however is bonus and betting offers! It's the aim of each to entice new customers with a '$200 Welcome Bonus Offer', or an 'enhanced $500 racing bonus' in order to win new customers and retain existing ones.
You're most likely to come across Sign Up Offers which will provide you, as a new bettor, with the opportunity to experience the betting site for yourself. It's a tried and tested formula likely to come in the form of a free bet or a matched bonus, but, as of today, there are many welcome offers out there!
Free Bets or, Bonus Bet Offers, as they're more commonly known in Australia are more aimed at retaining customers. Here, you're given a free stake on a bet of your choice, however, any potential winnings would not include the stake. As you're likely to discover there are many terms to such offers so be sure to know the ins and outs of the offer beforehand.
But embrace it also – if your bet comes in then it's practically free money and it's not every day you get something for free, is it!?
Setting up an online betting account in Australia
So, you know pretty much all you need to know, barring setting up an account which is a straightforward process and should take you no longer than ten minutes to complete.
Ensure you have Personal details (name, address, valid e-mail address) to hand, while you'll need a legitimate bank account to transfer monies to and from. You'll need to fill in the on-screen registration form with all the above information, as well as create your own username and password for your new account – keep your user information to yourself to avoid your account being compromised.
While depositing money with Australian bookmakers takes care of itself, you shouldn't encounter many hitches using an international bookie either given that the Australian dollar is accepted by most, if not all, companies.
As for how you deposit, you have many options with debit/credit card transactions the most widely used. However, some banks including CUA, Amex, Bank of Queensland, Virgin Money, Citi and Suncorp are known to prohibit the use of credit cards, to come in line with the government's increasingly tougher stance on betting online.
Also, the process can be a drawn-out affair with some bookmakers requesting an email displaying scanned copies of both sides of your credit card for security purposes. Though clearly for your own good, not everybody has the time to follow this procedure when depositing money.
And when it comes to international bookmakers, your credit card issuer may charge you a transaction fee upon depositing funds
In which case, specific deposit online services such as BPAY and POLi may prove better alternatives, in addition to global e-wallet services like Skrill or Neteller that enable you to send and receive money without sharing sensitive financial details. Both support the Australian dollar and are becoming more frequently used to deposit funds.
The future of online betting in Australia
Though online betting is considered a hobby for most, for others it becomes more serious and can lead to addiction. Trying to recoup losses along with the thrill of winning can lead an individual into financial meltdown.
The measures being put in place by the government are aimed towards a new era of controlled betting where players aren't capable of spending money they simply do not have and aren't shoved 'all things betting' down their throat 24/7.
This said, online betting in Australia is an industry more than thriving and clearly boosts the country's economy. Thus, a balance has to be struck to ensure control and preventive measures aren't seen to interfere and run the risk of diluting a competitive market, as may be the case with the new point-of-consumption tax.
Fear not though, online betting 'Down Under' is here to stay – make sure you keep updated with all the latest happenings Australia related on this very page.
Keep it BookiesBonuses!
FAQ - Online betting in Australia
Is online betting legal in Australia?
Yes, it is legal. However, steps are being put in place to reduce the level of online betting in Australia.
Can I participate in 'live betting' in Australia?
No. Live betting or betting when the match is underway is forbidden under current legislation.
I've heard a lot about the point-of consumption tax soon to come into effect. Will I, as a bettor, have to pay this?
No. The newly introduced tax applies to the bookmakers themselves and not the customers.


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By Chris Adams
For Jason Cherkis of The Huffington Post, one of his earliest lessons in reporting on the nation's opioid epidemic was understanding how little he really knew about addiction.
Author of a path-breaking set of stories called "Dying To Be Free," Cherkis struggled to write what he thought would be two simple paragraphs about why people got hooked on opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. "I kept writing 'It's a brain disease,' " he said. "But what does that even mean?"
In a session with National Press Foundation fellows, Cherkis and two other reporters who have done pivotal reporting on the opioid epidemic talked about their roadblocks and successes in documenting their stories:
- Cherkis' stories relied on tracking down the families of nearly 75 people who died of opioid overdoses in one area of Kentucky. He used extensive courthouse, coroner and other records to show how they struggled – and generally failed – to get effective treatment.
- Marcela Gaviria, a producer for FRONTLINE, spent months tracking and documenting the stories of people who had moved from legitimately acquired prescription opioids, to illegally manipulating the system to get more prescription doses, to moving into illegal heroin. Her two-hour special, "Chasing Heroin," ran in early 2016, and Gaviria talked about the difficulties of verifying the stories of the opioid users she interviewed.
- Maia Szalavitz talked about the science of addiction and how addiction needs to be treated as a medical
issue, not a criminal one – a focus in her recent book, "Unbroken Brain." She also gave the journalists tips on the language to use in stories – avoiding words such as "addicts," for example, which can be stigmatizing, in favor of "people who have addictive diseases."


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Lily's Social Kitchen is a non-for-profit organisation. We rely on volunteers, fundraising and donations to offer people who are often overlooked, a chance to train or retrain and learn work skills within a local business. Our ambition is to find permanent work for everyone who trains with us but we need help.
If you believe in what we do and why its important, you can help us easily by becoming a 'Friend of Lily's' and offering a regular donation.
By donating £5 a month you'll be making an important contribution that will mean we can continue what we do and reach more people.
If you are a business owner and would like to help there are a number of ways you can support what we do – by sponsoring a trainee or by donating.
Everyone needs a hand at some point, a chance to take a step forward in life. Lily's Social Kitchen is committed to helping people do just that.
Pay it forward and become a Friend of Lily's in 2019 – we need your support
Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com saying how much you'd like to donate or how your business can support what we do
Thanks from everyone at Lily's Social Kitchen
To sign up to be a Friend of Lily's, Click this link!
To sign up to our mailing list, all we need is your email! Send us your email below and we can sign you up to keep up to date with all our news and events!


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Kids Clear Blaze Chair
Kids Clear Blaze Chair
The Clear Kids Blaze Chair features a flexible polypropylene structure consisting of sleek fluid curves with vivid color that will not fade over time. Contemporary in design, ergonomic in shape and is as striking as a modern sculpture. This classic piece is appropriately durable and easy to clean ideal for cafes or restaurants, and is comfortable enough to use as an accent chair in an office or residence. As well as suitable for outdoor use being built with material that is UV and weather-proof. The shape of this chair has won various design awards worldwide and graces the modern chair collections of numerous renowned museums. Available in Clear. Also Available: Blaze Chair, Kids Blaze Chair.
Additional information
|Seat Height


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Looking to find a great meal regardless of the price tag attached to it? Vegas is home to some of the finest restaurants in the US, many ran by world renown chefs, some featuring one of a kind artwork from the likes of Picasso, others provide quaint surroundings and simply fabulous food. Whatever your idea is of fine dining it can be found in abundance throughout the Vegas strip and more conveniently right inside most of Las Vegas' luxurious hotels.
In Hotel Fine Dining in Las Vegas, NV
Picasso restaurant located in the Bellagio hotel is a classic example of fine dining in Las Vegas. This extraordinary french restaurant, ran by award winning Executive Chef Julian Serrano, caters to more than your taste buds. Within the walls of the Picasso, rare artworks created by Picasso himself can be marvelled at while you enjoy your meal - outside the walls you can also dine and take in the wonderous beauty of the Bellagio fountains.
Eiffel Tower restaurant located in the Paris hotel is another remarkable place to dine when you are looking for a great atmosphere, great food and a beautiful view. Taking up the 11th floor of the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, NV and over looking the Vegas strip, this restaurant offers an undeniably delicious menu of french cuisine to appease your appetite while its decor and surroundings give your eyes something to feast on as well.
CUT restaurant inside the Palazzo is not what you'd expect to see listed under fine dining seeing how it is a steak house. However, this is not your ordinary steak house - this is a steak house molded by the tastes and standards of famous restaurateur Wolfgang Puck and listed as one of America's Top 3 steak houses, by Bon Appetit Magazine. The layout is not what you may imagine and is actually quaint yet elegant and offers diners a worldly dining experience and for those looking for privacy it also offers private dining.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon inside the MGM Grand offers exceptional French Cuisine and a unique perspective for its diners. With the majority of the seats in this establishment being bar style seating, diners are able to view the extreme care and creativity it takes to put their meals together, since the view overlooks the kitchen staffed with exceptionally trained and hand picked sous chefs. The decor is anything but subtle with splashes of red and black that color the furniture accented by eye catching jars of colorful vegetables and mosaic style art. For those who are fans of Joël Robuchon, but looking for a more intimate, sit down dining experience you can glide over next door to the 3 Star Michelin Guide Winner -- the Joël Robuchon Restaurant (reservation required if you want a seat) and experience more fine dining that Las Vegas has to offer.
Guy Savoy's (named after it's world renown chef Guy Savoy) in Caesar's Palace another fine dining experience offering up exquisite french cuisine. Guy Savoy's simply can not be paired up with other restaurants offering similar cuisine, as it stands alone. Flavors that explode in your mouth and others so subtly satisfying that you are left unsure of whether you should cry or give praise. Upon entering Guy Savoy's some may be a bit perplexed over the bland decor but after awhile the sparsely covered walls take on an appeal and become no thought at all once the food is served.
Valentino's located inside the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas offers up exceptionally crafted Italian cuisine sure to please the pickiest eaters. No surprise that the food leaves you in awe once you find out that Award-winning chef Luciano Pellegrini directs and oversee's the menu. Valentino's is an elegant choice for fine dining in Las Vegas and its ambient atmosphere will leave you relaxed and satisfied.


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Women's Print Shirtdress Cover-up
Main features
- Straight collar
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- Two chest pockets
- Gathering at back yoke
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- 100% cotton
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The casual-chic cover-up
This beach cover-up is effortlessly chic and makes an ideal lightweight layer while on the beach or by the pool. Inspired by the boyfriend shirt look it's so stylish, you can add a belt and go straight from the beach to lunch! Perfect.
Delivery and returns
Questions and answers
Delivery to the UK
- No matter how large your order, our rate for delivery is £3.95
- Speedy delivery without the express charge!
We usually process your order within 24 hours and deliver it to you by courier within 3-4 working days from despatch. (Please note: monogramming or hemming adds a day or two on delivery.)
Delivery to all other countries
- Orders in Europe are delivered via courier and take 3-5 working days (3-10 working days for the rest of the world)
- Shipping charge may be adjusted based on order value and destination of the order outside the United Kingdom*
*Please bear in mind that any package arriving may be subject to local customs and duty charges.
Exchanges and returns


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Full-time researcher and author regarding evidence of large, exotic cats in the wilds of the south-east.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
This is NOT the Jevington 'panther'!!
KENT BIG CAT RESEARCH were sent this photo after a large Alsatian-sized cat was seen by several witnesses on September 29th 2008 at Jevington, near Eastbourne. The image clearly shows a domestic cat, compare to the black leopard image and you will see vast differences.
The arrow points to the location where the animal was actually seen.
Posted by Neil A at 16:04 No comments:
Monday, 22 September 2008
Big cat sightings make the list of the local paper's coverage of all manner of weird events which have plagued 2008...link HERE
Posted by Neil A at 17:40 No comments:
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Neil giving a talk to London Earth Mysteries.
On Tuesday 23rd September 2008 at 7:00 pm Neil Arnold will be giving a talk to the London Earth Mysteries Circle, discussing big cat sightings around London. The venue is at: 50 Gloucester Place, nr Baker Street, London. Nearest tube is Baker Street. The link for the site is HERE
Posted by Neil A at 17:23 No comments:
Sunday, 14 September 2008
The Thamesmead 'panther' at Londonist
Neil Arnold's latest Londonist installment on the Thamesmead big cat can be read HERE
Posted by Neil A at 11:13 No comments:
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
THE SUN newspaper of Tuesday 9th September believe this photo, taken from Essex, is of a black panther...Neil Arnold contacted the paper to say the animal was nothing more than a domestic cat. The head is completely the wrong shape, as is the tail length...rather worrying however that police, journalists and even some so-called experts couldn't tell the difference!!
Here's the link for the story: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1664392.ece
Posted by Neil A at 14:29 No comments:
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Local Rags website picks up on Kent big cat sightings...
Link HERE
Posted by Neil A at 13:53 No comments:
BBC Website updated
Neil's sightings log on the BBC site has been updated.
Posted by Neil A at 13:45 No comments:
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Staplehurst attack on foal (May 2008)
Interesting story courtesy of Kent Online from May 2008 regarding a grisly attack ona foal. Alleged paw-prints were found at the scene and photographs were taken by police officer Pete Gardner, but the one in the image looks very dubious. Read it HERE
Posted by Neil A at 20:05 No comments:
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
Is this the remains of a Margate menagerie ?
Evidence has always been scarce regarding owners of large, exotic cats in the past, especially pertaining to local menageries. Read HERE regarding the recent possible discovery of a private zoo on the outskirts of the coastal town.
Posted by Neil A at 15:13 No comments:
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This class is appropriate for all students.
Learn to find peacefulness and focus. Meditation is a "must do" in today's fast-paced stressful environment. Each session begins with guided meditation and focus on breathing for relaxation and stress relief, followed by a period of silent meditation.
No prior knowledge or experience with meditation is necessary. This class is your escape from all your "stuff."


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NEW DELHI: A DMK leader today moved the Supreme Court seeking stay on proceedings before the Karnataka High Court on an appeal filed by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case and removal of the public prosecutor.
Also Read: Jaya Case: HC Takes Exception to Wrong Media Reports
DMK General Secretary K Anbazhagan sought removal of public prosecutor in the case alleging that he has not been impartial in the matter.
A bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu allowed the urgent mentioning of the plea by senior advocate T R Andhyarujina and posted the matter for hearing tomorrow.
Earlier, the apex court in December, 2014 had extended by four months the bail of Jayalalithaa and asked the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court to constitute a special bench to decide her plea expeditiously within three months.
It had also asked senior advocate KTS Tulsi, appearing for Jayalalithaa, who was awarded four years jail term along with a fine of Rs 100 crore in the DA case, to provide a copy of documents in the case to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
Swamy had raised the issue of law and order in Tamil Nadu, saying the posters of the slain LTTE chief Prabhakaran are being pasted across the state.
On October 17, the apex court had granted conditional bail to Jayalalithaa, who was sent to jail by a trial court on September 27, saying that hearing on her appeal against conviction in High Court should be completed in five months from now.
The apex court, which had also granted bail to the AIADMK chief's close aide Sasikala and two of her relatives, had refused to dispose of the bail plea while posting the case for hearing today.
The 66-year-old politician, who had moved the Supreme Court for bail on October 9 after she was denied bail by the Karnataka High Court, had submitted that she had been sentenced to only four years jail in the case and she was also suffering from various ailments, as grounds for her immediate relief.
The Special Court had held Jayalalithaa and three others guilty of corruption.
The court had also slapped a fine of Rs 100 crore on the AIADMK chief and Rs 10 crore fine on each of the three other convicts.


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Our 'Insider Reviews' are the comments and views of recent graduate recruits, giving you a view of what it may be like to work for an organisation. Copyright of all TARGETjobs Insider Reviews material lies solely with GTI Media.


text: Dr. Roya Scales, Associate Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, was featured in a podcast interview for The Journal of Teacher Education. The interview features insights from the JTE article, "Are We Preparing or Training Teachers? Developing Professional Judgment in and Beyond Teacher Preparation Programs," authored by Scales and colleagues. Listen to the full interview- http://edwp.educ.msu.edu/jte-insider/2018/podcast-interview-scales-wolsey/


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I got the job at Cold Stone. You know what this means! I am going to start blowing my money on weird things and buying near-strangers paid accounts again! I made a picture that I really liked that said, "yay! I got the job. banana telephone repairman!" and then my parents' computer ate it up all gone :/ I am so glad I don't have to share with them any more. They just spent almost a thousand dollars getting a new hard drive and everything, and already there are a million error messages when you start the computer, there is loads of porn riddled with viruses semi-hidden on Kazaa thanks to that little asshole Chad... etc. I am going to laugh so hard when it crashes again, loses all their stuff (including all of their digital photography and what not, because he's a retard) and then they can't TRY AND PIN IT ON ME! Then I will laugh and say, "I told you so! Your stupid son is a destructive fucker and you guys are going to sink MORE money into that computer, and he's just going to do it again!"
And he will. Until they wise up and take my advice and make it impossible for him to do that shit, it will be a vicious cycle of fucking up.
I have to wear khaki pants to work to train. What the fuck? Do I even own khaki pants?
Also, I saw two lovely ladies on my friends list were talking about something called NaNoWriMo, and I thought it was some sort of Japanese writing contest, but it turned out to be tons more interesting. I got so intrigued that I signed up and am using some of my first pay check to chip in to the website. I'm very excited. I just hope I can do it! And that I don't make too big of a fool of myself. Oh yeah, and if you care, you too can follow my NaNoWriMo progress at this journal here: don't expect anything more than lots of words.
And, a huge thanks goes out to you for giving me the info. You rock my socks the hardcorest.
Wow, that was skill!
I was going to write more and post a picture but have decided not to torture you.


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The holidays are almost HERE! You're at chapters with your friends and you're seeing alll these awesome things to buy YOU want all of THEM. Everyone's talkin' about what they're gonna be doing but all you can think about is him...
That guy in homeroom.
There's just somethin' about him, he's just untouchable. And fuuuck. His eyes... it's like they speak to YOU. You CAN'T stop looking at him. Like, at that very moment EVERYTHING in class is one big blur... ON mute. And when he looks over, you're like, 'OMG. Is he looking? Don't look, don't look! Whatever you do don't LOOK.' You can't even move... It's like there's this invisible bridge between you, begging you to cross, but you can't. At night you dream about him all the time, wonder what that first kiss'll be like. His lips... In the morning you wake up an hour earlier just to put your make up on, so it'll look natural by the time you get to school. LOL There's no escaping him... He's all you see inside your head (HIGHLY annoying). When he's with his friends and you walk by he stops talking... smiles right at you. And you can't even BREATHE. Your whole heart just swells up in your chest oozing out of your eye balls. So you keep fucking walking! Try n' calculate if it's the right time to smile back, say something. But there's no point. You don't even know if any words will come out.
You're thinking...
'Should I make the first move? Should he? Maybe I should just stuff a note in his bag when he's not looking? Like right now when Ruby with the big boobies is cock-blocking him? She's SUCH a fucking douche. Maybe, I should I ASK him for his number? All the other girls do that.' You're with your friends and you're like, "I think I would absolutely DIE if he'd ask me out." They just laugh. Silently you know they're like, "Daaaang... I wish I had someone I felt that intense about." Today we're talking about making the first move...
So what happens when a girl makes the first move?
Especially since the media is telling us... If we were really confident we'd walk up to HIM. Uh... noooo. Cuz if we were really confident we wouldn't put up with SHIT. We wouldn't WORK to get a guy. We wouldn't need to prove a thing... we know what we're about—and we value our ass. What about the effect it has on YOU dude ( a girl asking YOU out)? When we're comin' up to you, grabbin' your goods, tellin' you we wanna go out with you, want your number (control everything). Oh... YOU didn't think about all that. You didn't plan on that whole take charge all-the-fucken-time thing. It happens. Honestly, does that even make you WANT us more cuz we're running after you? Does it pull you, intrigue you, make your balls GROW cuz that is a sign... for you earth boys. LOL Or does it feel good in the beginning, but then wears off.
What happens when you guys make the first move?
How does that affect us girls? How does it affect YOU... especially after she says yaassss. Or no... but truly wants you, just gotta get over the loser she HAD. K I have to ask. Why is it that you humans always let your PAST experience dictate your future potential?! Seems sooo odd. One has absolutely NOTHING to do with the other. That's EXACTLY how your mind keeps you fucked, cuz you're too afraid you'll have the same scenario, even more afraid of the future--FINDING the One. So your mind keeps you scared of the past and future at SAME time. Which makes you miss the whole DAMN POINT!! The present! That's where A) the past can never touch you... ever. And B) where the magic IS to create what you want right NOW!! That's why LOVE is such a big deal. It keeps you present which is why it's such a gift. It makes YOU completely UNSTOPPABLE... major fierce factor. Back to making the first move.
Equally important...
HOW to receive the first move if you're a girl? Cuz that shit's just NOT easy, cuz out of nowhere and for no reason (that you can fathom) the guy you've been crushing on for at least 5 months is FINALLY noticing you. And you're like, 'Omg! He's looking! Is he REALLY looking!? Fuuuuck... He's looking (kinda happens when you've finally given up) that's when they don't feel we need them. You see guys need to feel and know (without a doubt) they need YOU deep inside, they don't give a shit that you need them. They're not out on some mercy mission. They don't do that whole... "Well, they're nice. I guess I could go out with them." Only to find out for the entire evening you're bored AF. And your mom, BFF is like, "Give him a chance." A chance for what, to grow on me like some fungus disease? No thanks I don't like wearing fungus.
It's kinda like your MATH down here...
One... joined with one is eleven. That's a total MASTER number. On my planet fo shur... cuz when YOU unite with the one that has your imprint all over their soul... you master life, phobias, fears (any and all self doubt). Notice how that JUST happens. 😀 And whether you get it or not, you've graduated... to a 'unconditional' love. A.k.a Under any and all conditions you love this being, cuz the love flow just keeps flowing—gushing actually. They don't even have to TRY it just happens. When you see them, think of them, speak to them, touch them... yummy.
Here's how that works! Each girl and guy on Earth have two energies... a masculine and feminine energy. It doesn't matter if you're straight, gay, whatever. EACH union is built to balance those. Even though a lot of you have one energy dominating, like TOTALLY taking over... while the other lays low (is too shy to show it self) eventually it gains in strength, momentum, speed, literally, takes over. Completely atrophying the other, non-used (left out in the cold to rot in hell) energy. And then since you're not balanced you WILL attract to balance what is not active in YOU. And that... naturally is not truly what you're craving (just attracting) CUZ opposites attract. A guy whose passive in nature (feminine energy) will pull to him (attract) a girl mostly in charge, highly organized (and SO has to take over his life, cuz that's her thing... being organized) a masculine energy. And although for a while it makes him feel good, her safe each filling only the missing part (energy) in the other (what I call high way robbery) something feels off, severely lacking. There's a lot of fighting. Like, when she can't keep her face out of your life (or down time) when she has to know everything. When you can't take charge or have the conviction to take the lead when she's hurting and be there for her. Not really your fault, she's not used to speaking up about her feelings, needs to remain strong 'in her head' so you really don't have a clue... till she EXPLODES. You're like, "Whaaa happen?!?"
Masculine energy...
Likes to DO, act, take over, is bossy as shit at times (as in most times) logical, makes plans, organized, feels best when they work first, rest after and likes to PICK, select, totally in charge, very protective and territorial, likes the best of the best and only chooses something that makes them look good (can be calculative). Feminine energy... is very expressive, lovvves to talk (a lot) has many, many feelings, goes off on all kinds of tangents, loves harmony, pretty things, moody, makes NO SENSE when emotional, gentle in nature, changes their mind quite often and can be indecisive. Its ALSO a highly magnetic energy, would never think of proving itself, it knows its value. Think Queen of Sheeba. Haaalllo!
When you girl who (via your own body's design) is built to receive (then give back). I mean just look at your vagina, its right there. When you... go GET (a guy). When you go give (a blow job/money/favors) you've LOST your power. It's going against your body's code. Poor thing... You've lost touch with your ability to passively (magnetically) bring what you want over to you (without effort). Which only then tend to make you feel insecure (later on in the relationship fo shur) cuz you've done all the work from the beginning. He didn't slay any dragons! But you slayed alllll the vampires bitches that would SUCK the life out of your guy (given HALF a chance). And now, to make sure he stays you need to constantly non-stop put out all the effort (hard work) be on guard when you're out (see who he's texting) possessive, territorial, jealous. YOU... have to DO in order to have. Giving up your birthright as a girl... to HAVE (without all that work) and the biggest issue? That way of being is over spilling into your LIFE, can't accept when life gives. You get an opportunity, don't trust it... so procrastinate and screw up. Need to earn it (need to struggle in the process) or it doesn't feel right to YOU. If it's too easy, you fuck it up.
Girls, if this is resonating with any of you, I wanna hear from YOU.
So I can slap that shit out of you, cuz a part from making you feel insecure (now that you're used to making the first move) JUMPING when a guy says come here. Watching to see if you'll be rejected and the cascades of effort that follows in order to keep what you fought hard to have. YOU never end up feeling even for a moment (from YOUR guy) that you're WORTHY all on your own, without doing a thing. YOU never feel cherished... you feel needed. A false sense of security and sooo ass-backwards on earth, that now you're plagued with, 'Is he gonna leave' type thoughts. Take the fairy goddess pledge right now...
Repeat after me!
"I promise NEVER again to 'work' for a guy. I will never again 'give' to GET. And as uncomfortable as it is for me, to have a guy make the first move (do things for me) compliment me, be USEFUL... treat me in a special way (SPOIL me) I will receive it with a smile. And I will take this to mean that I have been put on notice that something very special is about to happen. It's activated when I receive... So help me God."
And as you walk... knowing that you accept your position on your throne of Life down here on earth, your next steps will be revealed. Once you're happy and calm inside your body, YOU will call forth your special power and it will show its ass to YOU. Look for triple numbers to confirm you're connected.
Back to my guys...
Honestly, it's not like you guys don't like girls puttin' out the effort, puttin' out PERIOD (actually). You're like, "She don't mind. It's flattering. I like it when a girl does aLLll the work, it's easier for me!" Ahahaha (Truuue) But it's not the one... is it. You're just weeding out all the skanks first. Give it up... the one you've been watching from the corner of your eye, the one you stay up all night thinkin' about, the one that seems so self-contained, in need of nothing and no one, yet she's sooo sahweet. You can just see it in her face... she requires WORK. That's clear AF. But you hesitate cuz you're used to (highly confused about) making the first move. Since most of the girls are doin' it for you. I have one THING to say to you.
You got a penis... It points for a REASON.
Go get the friggin' girl! Say, "Hello!" She needs to hear you... Words n' sounds are very important to us girls. You and I both know... the right words (said in the right way) AT THE RIGHT TIME—opens the VAULT. We girls are susceptible to words... just like you guys are susceptible to what you SEE. A hot babe. You're like, "Kkkkay... I'm so fucked." Take the BOSS challenge! Repeat after me...
"I swear... I will put my physical presence in front of the girl of my DREAMS (or any other girl that's hot and fiercely attractive) and I will say, "Hi!" And I will OPEN the door or pull out a chair for her. For I know... I've been sent here from a very distant STAR and she gains A LOT from the power of love INSIDE my heart. It transforms her. I... am GOLD. Untouchable, in all the ways I can make her HAPPY. And I know if she is part of my genetic code the whole universe will work on my behalf, help us unite. I need only take this first action and if SHE responds (doesn't rip off my head) THAT will be my signal to move forward. So help me GOD."
Look for a flying hawk above, to confirm you're on track.
Course... If there's a vulture I'd rethink who I'm approaching. Some girls will suck the life right out of you, leave you for DEAD. Then move on.
So HOW does a girl accept the first move from a guy? That can be challenging. He'll be looking at you and you'll look casually over to the side, see no one. Realize he izzzz... looking. And then, 'What the fuck do I DO? I know. ACT like I don't give a shit.' It gets worse... Your brain stops communicating to your WHOLE ENTIRE BODY and your motor skills JUST DIE. The bell rings, your lab class is over and you put all your notes, tubes, flask and frog in your bag.... He's fucken oozing. You're thinking... GOD just kill me now.
When the guy you LIKE is looking at you... smiling YOU girl need to show him, you're not the enemy. We do have fangs... LOL We need to smile! He needs to know if he takes the risk, it'll be a safe passage. And even though everything inside you is screaming... smile BACK. It's hard. But if you don't, he won't know. It takes GREAT balls of steel (even if they are invisible) to look a guy in the eye (that you really LIKE) HOLD that look, for a good 5 seconds... smile. Honestly, at that moment you're just not connected or in charge of your face. Hopefully there's no drool. Still, if you can do that, it's step one for a powerful union. Will he be the ONE? We'll have to wait and see if he passes his initiation and YOU elevate him from horn dog to MAN. Waiting till head #1 his dick, reaches and meets up with head #2 his heart. At which point, there is no turning back... for him. And he knows it.
And guys just remember when you ask a girl OUT. Actually ask her! Be specific. Had an earthling experience I gotta share. Was insane about this guy. And THREE times he's like, "So what are you doin' tonight? I'm like, Uh... tonight? I'm shampooing my hair, doin' my nails, homework, a 100 leg raises cuz I need my stomach flat, painting a chair and washing my fairy wings! I gave him a whole LIST cuz I was soo annoyed he was asking a general question AND I was actually doing all those things. Guys GENERAL doesn't cut it! Try getting generally anywhere! It will not suffice. And here its kinda really important cuz we are talking about reaching... The Promised Land. LOL So No. 1 BE specific, we don't like wishy-washy and we admire direct courage.
And girls, do NOT under any circumstances accept a last minute date. Cheap, non refundable and highly un-memorable 'for him'. Which means, he'll be encouraged to do more of the same and then you wonder why he NEVER makes plans? The first date will always be very important and it sets the precedent. So say... No thank you to what is unacceptable. Give him the opportunity to plan it all out. And watch for the detailed work he puts into it cuz that's the type of focus, he'll be putting on YOU.
There's MORE in the book.


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Dialogue in General
As we enter the game proper with tutorials completed and our quest direction in hand, we begin to encounter Ultima IX's dialogue in full. Britain, itself, acts as a good microcosm of Ultima IX's dialogue. The wording and phrasing is functional though often too simple and direct. The conversations generally have small dialogue trees that will at times include only a couple of options or steps. You will, however, find some NPCs with more involved dialogue structures with even a few that have notable conversations after a major plot point has been reached. Unfortunately, many of the npcs you will encounter only have one major change in their dialogue with little in the way of characterization or detail about the lives of these individuals. Side quests are usually rare for these npcs and in fact are rare in general.
Many of these issues are a direct result of the game's rewrites and deadline. A second factor, however, are issues related to the game engine itself: Space and Loading. The inclusion of full-voiced dialogue required both time (and money) and space. At this point, games were still released on CDs, which only held around 700 MBs. Ultima IX's speech files alone consumed 138.2 MBs, which would need to be added to the Ultima IX directory to provide at least some performance boost. Another aspect of the limitation issue is how the game handles global (quest) variables in savegames. Each variable was saved as a separate byte, so more variables entailed a larger save game file. These global variables are particularly important as this is the primary means by which game progress is tracked whether it is the cleansing of a shrine or checking if the Avatar knows a character's name. Any changes to the dialogue options available required a variable to check with few exceptions such as inventory or attribute checks. Thus, even if the developers have been given an extra half year, it is unlikely the dialogue would have been vastly increased in scale. Now they could have dealt with the savegame size issue by changing global data variables into bits; of course this would require time and attention and probably some additional rework of already written dialog code.
The Plot of Compassion
As we move into the city of Britain, the effect of the column becomes more apparent. A policy has recently been implemented by Mayor Aiden to move the non-working poor, the homeless, and the sick to the town of Paws. While encouraging the homeless and poor to go to homeless shelters, clinics, and welfare is certainly a good idea, the devil is in the details. Here Aiden has instituted a policy that supplants these individuals' freedom without option for appeal or consideration of that person's circumstances. There is even a tax that has been added to weed out those too poor to remain in the city. While the tax is only 10 gold pieces, this would still result in added hardship for the working poor. Another aspect of this tax is how similar it is to Blackthorn's policies from Ultima V.
Adding to these issues is how the policy fails to help the poor being displaced. The people are being moved not to an established, well-run homeless shelter but to a slum area - a slum that is being swallowed by a swamp. More than likely, both the poor and the sick will find themselves contracting far worse diseases in such a location. This issue is made worse by the poor not receiving the promised food and medicine. In fact, the taxes are being collected and held by the government of Britain. Now this is clearly not the fault of the Mayor. Killigan is the one who is subverting the policy. As we can discover, Killigan is an agent of Blackthorn, so his attempts to undermine Aiden's policy are certainly intentional.
How is it that the people are not complaining about this situation? Willful Ignorance. If one looks more closely at the situation, we see that this plot is acting as a mirror for own society. The people are leaving the government to take care of the issue of the poor and homeless, and probably feeling their taxes are contributing to a good cause. However, as in the real world, corruption and mismanagement are getting in the way. While this situation is more of a caricature, it presents an issue that is no less relevant. Even Aiden remains ignorant of the problems inherent in his policy, dismissing complaints about Killigan's mismanagement and the conditions of the Paws. It is only when the policy comes back to affect him when his daughter is taken to Paws that he changes his position on the policy. It seems likely that Killigan was the one who ordered Meribeth (the mayor's daughter) to be sent to Paws for her cough (a weak symptom for a seemingly minor illness).
As we find out talking to the townsfolk, the column is exerting his influence on the people causing them behave very differently. However, this brings us to what some have called a plot-hole wherein not everyone is being affected by the column. Talking to Aleena, the Museum Curator, we can quickly tell that she is not under the influence of the column. In fact, it seems that those who have been negatively affected by the column, such as Mayor Aiden with his daughter and Aleena with her husband also ending up in Paws, become so shocked by the incident that they begin to think more clearly and logically. There is another explanation as well and that is that the column's influence acts as a mental fog on people's minds. Both Aleena and Sarah (the shrine keeper) speak of the column's influence as a fog plaguing the city. It is therefore no stretch to see that the people could fight off the column's influence.
Speaking of the columns, at this point we have encountered Blackthorn, Shadowlord statues, and even policies similar to Lord Blackthorn's in Ultima V. It is thus little stretch to see that the subversion of the people's will by the columns is based on the same type of effect that we saw with the Shadowlords - only more subtle. Since the companions could resist this effect in Ultima V when around the Shadowlords, it is plausible that some individuals could resist the columns. When the Avatar then cleanses the shrine, this dark influence is removed and the people revert to how they were before the columns. The people are simply regaining their free will.
This brings us to the cleansing of the shrines. This action entails three attributes. First, there is the glyph, which acts as both a power source (or perhaps control mechanism) for the column and a means to connect the column and the shrine together. This is the part that must be cleansed. The second component is the sigil, which is a symbol of the virtue and its retrieval generally entails an act(s) of virtue. Finally, there is the mantra, which the Avatar uses to concentrate on the virtue and shrine. There is even the possibility that the Avatar's own power contributes to the cleansing. This highly magical ritual is used only to disable the column's dark influence on the people; not to make everyone in the area good. In fact, often multiple people in each town begin behaving more virtuously before the shrine is even cleansed thanks to the Avatar's efforts and example.
The City of Britain
Next, we will explore the city of Britain. While definitely a large and well-developed town, it is quite small in size for a capital. A number of the noteworthy buildings from prior Ultimas are no longer here and the size of the town is quite reduced compared to previous incarnations. While there has been a timespan of some two centuries since the beginning of Ultima 7 SI, there is little in the way of explanation for the major change in the scale of the city. Even so, the city is still quite full of places to visit. There is the Museum and the newly built Cathedral of Love. The city also possesses a wide range of shops, and while the number of buildings is smaller, most homes have been added to various buildings as a second floor. One oddity of the city is the merging of farms into the cityscape with numerous farmers (unique or generic) having no home or bed.
Of course, there are some real world reasons for this small size. With the engine limitations and the deadline, the size of the world had to kept small. The poor engine performance and processing and lack of time to improve the pathfinding system resulted in the loss of NPC schedules, so it was no longer necessary for every NPC to have a home and bed. Also since the game world is all on one large map for non-dungeon areas, the overall map had been limited in size due to memory constraints. Thus, towns could not be too large since there would need to be some wilderness between each area. Given the time required to properly worldbuild each area; an ever approaching deadline necessitated certain restrictions.
The Bayou of Paws
Now for the bayou swamptown of Paws. It is implied that the town itself was swallowed by the Fens of the Dead when the cataclysm occurred. Thus the town is partially submerged in a bog. With no area nearby to rebuild Paws, it is easy to see why the town remains a swamp-infested ruin. In addition, it seems that Paws is now a slum area for city of Britain. With Aiden's policy and being largely cutoff from much of Britannia, it makes sense why people are forced to remain living around the swamp. From a worldbuilding perspective, the unlivability of the area is intended as part of the design of the town.
Another element of the town commonly criticized is the watermill. However, the water being drawn would actually be deeper groundwater and not the swamp water. In fact, this groundwater is the water from the swamp, which has been filtered naturally by the sand, dirt and sediment. Therefore, the water would be drinkable and safe at least from the perspective of a fantasy medieval town. The "blue dye" descriptor is clearly just an oversight by the worldbuilder who needed a water-like object to be placed here, but he neglected to change the name of the object.
Before we move onto the next segment of the game, there are two more aspects that need to be discussed. So for the next two installments, we will discuss the economy of the game and then dive into the first dungeon and the NPCs that we encounter within this dungeon.


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Balancing Family Time and Career
Juggling is the perfect word to describe what we do as full time working parents with our responsibilities when it comes to the demands of our jobs and our family life. More often than not, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done and meet everyone's needs. Managing a career and family is not for everyone. For some parents, the stress level and guilty feelings of being out of the home are too much, while others seem to be able to balance parenting with full-time work with no problems at all. Parents who are able to raise well-adjusted children (as we hope we are doing) while also maintaining a career have to make sacrifices in order to keep the peace. Here are some examples of what many parents (including us) have to be flexible with in order to be successful at both work and at home.
Finding a healthy balance between careers and family rarely means the time is split equally. Successful parents understand that there will be times (more often than not) when their family will need more attention and times when a career will demand more energy. They don't try to divide the time equally and fairly. Instead, they remain flexible. They evaluate their situation at the time and determine where they need to devote their attention on a regular basis.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
Sometimes if things are extra crazy, parents forget or "don't have time" to take a time out. If you don't take care of yourself first, you won't have anything left to give. When you're feeling overtired and stretched too thin, it may seem impossible or unimportant to squeeze in a little time for yourself. But, the fact is, those times when you feel like you can't possibly spare a minute for yourself, are likely the times when you need it the most. Successful parents know that taking care of themselves is going to help their mindset when it comes to the spouse and the kids. There are multiple ways to get a little time for yourself you just have to DO IT! One thing my wife and I schedule monthly is a date night. Even though we do not have any family members around to watch the kids, we take advantage of our close friends, just for a couple hours, so we can have some hubby and wifey time. It's a breath of fresh air, and some much needed grown up time for us.
Getting plenty of sleep and relaxing is high on the importance scale, but exercise may be even more important. Engaging in daily physical activity improves your mental as well as physical health. Take a walk, go to the gym, go for a bike ride, lock yourself in a room and turn on an exercise video. These are all healthy time outs that are necessary.
Spare Time...What is that?
Parents who achieve a successful work/family life balance don't live and breathe to make their kids happy. Instead, they strive to raise responsible children that will grow to become responsible adults. They're willing to ask kids to help out around the house. They assign chores and teach responsibility without nagging or yelling. They establish clear consequences and are consistent in following through with them. They role model hard work and allow their children to experience disappointment (like in the real world).
Many parents would rather not work full-time, but for many families it just isn't an option for one parent to stay home. For some, working part-time just isn't financially possible. Parents who successfully balance their work and home life don't waste time and energy on guilt over the fact that they're working. Instead, they brainstorm a set of quality plans and contingency plans that meet there needs as a family as they accept that they need to keep full-time jobs while raising children. Parents who successfully balance parenting and work understand that making their children a priority means working hard to meet their family's needs. The reality is, many parents have to work to pay the bills. However, it is possible for working parents to still be quality parents. Successful parents focus their spare time and energy on raising the children – not wishing they didn't have to work.