text:
Written by: John Spink
Primary Source: Food Fraud Initiative
The UK is taking a serious look at Food Fraud laws and regulations. It's encouraging that many of the global agency and industry reports are focusing on the same broad concepts as well as having a distinct focus on prevention – from the start we are harmonizing the terminology and approaches. This UK report was led by our colleague Professor Christopher Elliott of Queen's University Belfast (QUB), and was funded by the UK's Secretary of State for Health, and the UK Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Development (DEFRA) to carry out an independent review of Britain's food system regarding Food Fraud. This is a review of Professor Elliott's December 2013 Interim report. The final report is due Spring 2014.
The UK Elliott Review – Interim Report
This report (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/elliott-review-into-the-integrity-and-assurance-of-food-supply-networks-interim-report) was conducted to provide guidance and actionable recommendations to the UK government on combating Food Fraud. The report was sparked by the horsemeat Food Fraud scandal but expands to all branches of government and all types of food crimes. "The aim of the [UK Elliott] review is to advise the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Secretary of State for Health, and also industry on issues which impact upon consumer confidence in the authenticity of food products. "
Summary. This is probably the most comprehensive report written on a country's Food Fraud threat in that it includes over 50 interviews from across agencies and industries. There are in-depth insights as well as case studies that provide great detail on the Food Fraud threat.
There are forty-eight recommendations from across the food management system. Major recommendations reviewed below include: Customers First, Zero Tolerance, Intelligence Gathering, Laboratory Services, Audit, Government Support, Leadership, and Crisis Management. While many of the recommendations are already fully or partially implemented by agencies or industry, it is critical to reinforce that these activities do matter. There is also an important emphasis on how all the recommendations should work together. The report states that there is an efficiency gained by gathering Food Fraud intelligence and data that has already been gathered from Food Quality, Food Fraud, or Food Defense initiatives. The report reiterates the constant challenge experienced by agencies from around the world — of receiving and sustaining resources for enforcement and prosecution of financial fraud, product fraud including intellectual property rights violations, and other food crimes. The report started with a focus on adulteration and detection and quickly broadened to Food Fraud and prevention. "The systems approach I have recommended is intended to provide a framework to allow the development of a national food crime prevention strategy." Also, "Some of [The Elliott Review report recommendations] will require a change of culture within the industry and the Food Standards Agency so that they can work better together to protect consumers."
Consumers First / Zero Tolerance. These sections stressed the importance of prioritizing the focus on public health, as well as confirming that the incidents should be prosecuted. The report included an emphasis on:
- The importance of a systems approach and preventative measures – which is consistent with the EU draft resolution on Food Fraud, the USA FDA and the USA Congressional Research Service report.
- Shared investment between industry and government.
- A need for a "culture change." There is an industry shift to embrace and engage with Food Fraud prevention, and reports such as this provide sustained pressure. The report encourages opportunities for agencies to collaborate with industry and non-governmental associations. Although not directly mentioned, those partner entities include the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is actually moving rapidly in developing new standardized processes, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), the US Pharmacopeia/ Food Chemicals Codex, and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). There are other broader activities focused on combating product fraud such as by the International Standards Organization's Technical Committee 247 on Fraud Countermeasures and Controls.
- Expanding the research focus from detection to collaborative prevention. There is an important research need in understanding the fraud opportunity and beyond just gathering a list of incidents. This section emphasized expanding from the detection infrastructure of laboratories to deterrence and prevention, working with industry and law enforcement. The report states that "[The Elliott Review Interim Report] to date has identified a worrying lack of knowledge regarding the extent to which we are dealing with criminals infiltrating the food industry."
Education. This section addressed the needs of educating a wider range of stakeholders from across the public-private spectrum. A key recommendation was to provide education programs ranging from basic concepts for general practitioners to in-depth courses to assist auditors and intelligence analysis. (To note, we at MSU also believe this is a key point and have continued to develop education programs such as our Graduate Certificate in Food Fraud Prevention and our Food Fraud MOOC. See this link for more information: http://foodfraud.msu.edu/resources/programs-courses/ .)
Intelligence Gathering. This section of the report focused on data collection and intelligence gathering. The report included an emphasis on:
- The intelligence-gathering recommendations recognize the tremendous challenges when dealing with commercially sensitive information that could also have a public health threat.
- As is consistent with many reports from around the world and from research, the report reiterates that Food Fraud is a unique threat that requires specific attention, and although distinctly different, the countermeasures should be integrated with Food Safety, Food Defense, and large scale organized crimes.
Audits. This section identifies an important role of food audits conducted by the government in conjunction with private/ industry/ third-parties, combined with a focus on engaging (and motivating) law enforcement. It mentions audit and certification "steps already being taken by industry." Also, "I have found a great appetite within industry to improve and expand upon the standard audits developed by organizations…" For example: "In July 2013, Asda announced plans to introduce unannounced BRC audits for all of its Asda brand suppliers starting 1st October 2013."
Laboratory Services. There is a thorough discussion of the laboratory services and capacity-building.
Government Support/ Leadership. This section emphasized the critical role of government support and leadership in Food Fraud prevention:
- The report recommended clearer coordination and support from within the food agencies, as well as across law enforcement. An additional missing link that was not covered in the report is prosecution and the courts prioritizing these cases – or at least not discarding them out of hand before they are even considered. The education recommendation above should include information to the prosecutors and judges.
- The challenge for the government support and leadership is clarified when the report stated "Food fraud is a complex issue and it is not always clear, particularly when first uncovered, whether or not a food fraud problem might also be a public health problem."
Crisis Management. This section recommended specific crisis management actions, including to basically be aware of Food Fraud incidents. The report emphasized the important and unique collaboration between the food agencies and law enforcement.
This UK Elliott Review Interim Report is another example of Food Fraud rising on the legislative and regulatory agenda. It's encouraging that many of the global agency and industry reports are focusing on the same broad concepts and that those initiatives have a distinct focus on prevention. From the start of Food Fraud becoming a global focus, the research and regulatory action we are taking is harmonizing the terminology and the prevention approaches. With all these agency and industry groups working – and working together – there is a great potential for a global, integrated, efficient, effective, Food Fraud prevention plan. Within your industry and within your country, stay aware of the activities and engage in the discussion. Be part of the solution. We will keep searching for and reviewing the latest Food Fraud reports and activities. Stay tuned! JWS.
To be formally involved in the process please submit formal comments to: reviewfoodintegrityassurance@
Latest posts by John Spink (see all)
- Food Fraud Education Schedule – Quarterly Update + MOOCs Now On-Demand - February 15, 2019
- The Ecosystem for Organized Crime (and how to disrupt Food Fraud vulnerabilities) - December 17, 2018
- Review – Adulteration, Adulterated, and Adulterant, with Insight from Accum's 1820 Treatise on Adulteration of Food - November 12, 2018


text:
Caesium: the essentials
Caesium is known as cesium in the USA.
The metal is characterised by a spectrum containing two bright lines in the blue (accounting for its name). It is silvery gold, soft, and ductile. It is the most electropositive and most alkaline element. Caesium, gallium, and mercury are the only three metals that are liquid at or around room temperature. Caesium reacts explosively with cold water, and reacts with ice at temperatures above -116°C. Caesium hydroxide is a strong base and attacks glass.
Caesium: historical information
Caesium (cesium in USA) was discovered spectroscopically by Robert Wilhelm Bunsen and Gustav Robert Kirchhoff in 1860 in samples of mineral water from Durkheim. Their identification was based upon two bright blue lines in the spectrum. The name caesium (from the Latin "caesius" - heavenly blue) was coined for its bright blue spectroscopic lines.
Caesium salts were isolated by Bunsen by precipitation from these spring waters - along with salts of other Group 1 elements. He was able to separate them and isolated the chloride and the carbonate. He was unable to isolate caesium metal, this wasachieved by Setterberg.
Caesium: physical properties
Caesium: orbital properties
Isolation: caesium (cesium in USA) would not normally be made in the laboratory as it is available commercially. All syntheses require an electrolytic step as it is so difficult to add an electron to the poorly electronegative caesium ion Cs+.
Caesium is not made by the same method as sodium as might have been expected. This is because the caesium metal, once formed by electrolysis of liquid caesium chloride (CsCl), is too soluble in the molten salt.
cathode: Cs+(l) + e- → Cs (l)
anode: Cl-(l) → 1/2Cl2 (g) + e-
Instead, it is made by the reaction of metallic sodium with hot molten caesium chloride.
Na + CsCl ⇌ Cs + NaCl
This is an equilbrium reaction and under these conditions the caesium is highly volatile and removed from the system in a form relatively free from sodium impurities, allowing the reaction to proceed. It can be purified by distillation.
WebElements Shop
WebElements now has a WebElements shop at which you can buy periodic table posters, mugs, T-shirts, games, molecular models, and more.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Trip Country
Anywhere IndiaItalyJapanMoroccoSicilyTurkey
Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route
A Kilimanjaro climb through the Machame route is arguably the most challenging option. The day walks are longer and steeper than the others, but your extra efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, the eternal ice fields and Kili's scree-covered dome. During your climb to Kilimanjaro you'll also enjoy great access to the remaining glacier and the Western Breach. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic view over 6 days.
Strenuous. You must be very fit and have experience of walking in mountainous terrain. NB: This trek allows time for acclimatisation to altitude so the body can adjust in order to maximise the chance of reaching the summit, but it is impossible to predict how anyone will react to the effects of high altitude. Minimum age: 16 years. Due to the strenuous nature of this trip combined with the high altitude we do not recommend this trip for anyone under 16 years.
Note that some of your new route companions might be joining you after bravely climbing Mt Meru as both trips are combined on certain departures.
In line with the Kili Porters Assistance project we ensure that each group will get a ratio of 3 porters per trekker, and that each porter is receiving a fair wage amount, above the general standard, and in line with the recommended amount from Kili Porters Assistance Project.
Tipping is a universal custom on Kilimanjaro and an undying gratitude of anyone who trek with porters. They are very hard workers and never fail to draw admiration and support from the trekkers.
For better or worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. You will be briefed on arrival as to when and how much is appropriate, however, you can use the amounts below as a guideline:
The recommended amount below is per group (not per individual trekker) except for the porters (tipped per trekker, individually (ratio 3 porters/trekker)) and should be handed directly and individually to each crew member. The amount suggested is per day, and this trek is 6 days.
Head guide – $25 per day divided by the whole groupAssistant Guide – $20 per day divided by the whole groupCook – $15 per day divided by the whole group
Porter – $5 per porter/per day/per trekker (ratio 3 porters/trekker)
Transfer driver $20 per tripHotel porter/staff - $1
We encourage you to provide the collected tips directly to the different persons involved, individually, as they are very appreciative of this. Depending on the size of your group you should budget on a personal contribution of around 120-160 USD for your trek guides, cooks and porters on the trek. Those taking the Zanzibar extension should also consider tipping small amounts to your transfer drivers and local guides for any optional excursions you may take.
We support the Arusha children's trust, a charity which runs projects in rural communities in the more remote areas of The Rift Valley, seeking to improve the lives of the tribal groups that live there, without imposing Western values on them. The projects aim to help children in a number of areas including education, health services and environmental awareness. If you would like to offer your much needed help to the project, as well as monetary donations, the trust would be delighted to receive any picture books for young children, games, construction toys, puzzles or sports equipment that you are able to carry out with you.
We use local Group Leaders and our local agent is firmly committed to sustainable and ecological tourism. The Adventure Company and our local partners are cooperating with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (www.kiliporters.org) to ensure fair treatment of the crew and that best practices are being adhered as a Partner for Responsible Travel with the International Mountain Explorers Connection, who has selected us as official partner for porters welfare practices. See on link below the list of partners: http://www.mountainexplorers.org/club/partners.htm As such, we carefully follow the recommended guidelines for porter treatments in wages, maximum load, tipping, meals and equipment, ratio porters/trekkers, care for porters sickness or injuries.
The Adventure Company offset the carbon emissions associated with in-country travel on all of our trips by supporting the ADES Morondava project centre, which is a solar stove and clean energy project in Madagascar. However, it is your flight that will have the largest environmental impact on your holiday. We offer you the opportunity to offset your carbon dioxide emissions with a donation to this project, run by the non-profit organisation Blue Ventures Carbon Offset, as delivering measurable carbon reduction and wider sustainable development benefits for local people. We strongly encourage you to donate to our project, so if you would like to offset the carbon emissions generated by your flight, please contact us. Offsets start from as little as £7.
Since the increase in popularity of bottled water, many countries are experiencing a problem of litter especially where adequate recycling is not available. Please could you try, where possible, to use purification tablets or filters for water or buy bigger bottles of water between group members and decant into your individual water bottles.
It's essential to keep yourself (and your baggage) dry at all times. Also, to cope with variable temperatures, the best strategy is to layer clothing, so you can adjust your temperature. You should not underestimate the freezing cold conditions you will encounter on the mountain.Although some clothing and equipment is available for hire locally, it's impossible to guarantee its quality or availability, so equip yourself fully before departure. If you require further advice please call us, or consult your nearest specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store. The following is a suggestion of what you may find useful to take on this trip. It is not exhaustive and a more detailed packing list will be available upon booking.
In line with the Kili Porters Assistance project, each porter won't carry more than 25kg including 20 kg of group equipment and 5kg of their personal loads. We follow the ratio of 3 porters per trekker and we allow a maximum of 15kg load per trekker to be passed onto the porters.
At the end of the trek some travellers might be keen to donate some of their equipment to the crew as a way of thanking them for their hard work. This isn't a universal custom but more a personal decision. This is entirely up to you but we thought we would just like to inform you of this possibility while packing your bag.
For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible; many airlines impose a maximum weight limit of 20kg – we advise you to take 10kg as you will be on the move a good deal! For domestic flights using light aircraft the usual weight limit is 15 kg.One main piece (a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase). A daypack (25-30 litres), large enough to carry what you need for the day including camera, water, etc.
Is this trek suitable for you? Please look through the below questions and if you answer 'no' to any of the altitude questions, or 'yes' to the Walking question, then please consider whether you are fit enough to do this trek.
Altitude:Have you previously walked at altitudes above 3000m?
If yes:Did you encounter any problems with the altitude?What was the maximum altitude gain in one day? How many days did you spend above 3000m?What was the maximum altitude you reached?
If no:What walking have you done in the past six months?Have you done any specific training for this trek?Have you done sufficient training to be able to cover an equivalent trekking route at sea level (this should be in terms of distance)?
Walking:Have you previously encountered any physical (not altitude) problems trekking?
Rising from the plains of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain. This dormant snow-capped volcano has attracted many climbers and trekkers from all over the world. It commands respect and many experienced trekkers will tell you that the only way to reach the top is to go slowly and at your own pace. Ptolemy, in the 1st century AD, described it as a 'great snow mountain' and it has changed little since then. Chinese traders in the 13th and 14th centuries documented it but it wasn't until the mid-19th century when a German missionary, Johannes Rebemann, reported a snow-capped mountain just three degrees south of the Equator to the Royal Geographical society that it was brought to the notice of the western world.The mountain has been used for hunting and gathering throughout its history. Artefacts such as pottery, stone tools, bowls and rings made from lava have been found on its slopes. These date back to the Chagga people who moved to this area in the 17th century and who still live here today. They cultivate their homesteads with water drawn off at high levels using a system of furrows, which divert the water over long distances. Their main source of wealth comes from coffee and banana plantations.As you climb the slopes of this amazing mountain, the constantly changing flora and fauna encourages a slow ascent. Many of the flowers are unique and some need to be seen to be believed. As you rise up through the different vegetation zones of rainforest, heath, moorland, highland desert and finally to the summit, you'll discover an incredible diversity.From the summit, the view is breathtaking. The gently undulating plains of Kenya and Tanzania stretch out below, and Mount Meru rises to the west. Looking down into the crater and then seeing the different shades of white from the surrounding glaciers makes it almost impossible to believe that you are so close to the equator.
Occasionally trekkers can over-estimate their own ability and some may not realise the seriousness of trekking at altitude. Plenty of time is allowed to get between the huts on the mountain so you do not need to rush. You are far better off going slowly and enjoying the changing scenery and views. That way you acclimatise better and are in better shape for the final trek up to Gillman's Point and then on to Uhuru Peak. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) may strike at Kibo Hut (the third and highest hut) so your guide will advise you whether he feels you are fit enough to continue. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting how altitude sickness may affect the individual. Many people do not even realise that Uhuru Peak (5895m) is 500m higher than Everest Base Camp! If you are in any doubt as to your fitness please consult your doctor.
Overnight flight to Kilimanjaro Airport
After your flight, you transfer (one hour) to Arusha (1380m) and check in to your lodge. Tanzania's major northern commercial centre stands on a fertile plain beside Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro's westerly neighbour, some 50km from Kilimanjaro International airport. This evening you'll have a comprehensive briefing to prepare you for your trek. Lodge - 1 night (D)
This morning you drive across the plain towards Mount Kilimanjaro, which dominates the skyline. If the skies are clear, you may get views of the snow-capped peak. Turning off the highway, you drive up through Machame village (1200m) on the way to Machame Gate (1800m), the entrance to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. At the end of the track you register for the climb and meet your team of Chagga guides and porters. The Chagga people live from cultivating the fertile volcanic soil on the lower slopes of the mountain. As you set off on the trail you pass through the shambas where they grow coffee and bananas. It's warm at this altitude and patches of dense rainforest teem with tropical birds and varieties of monkey; the indigenous flora includes numerous mosses, lichens and flowers, as well as delicate orchids. Depending on the group, it's roughly six hours walk (10km) to your first camp at Machame Hut (3000m), just where you emerge from the lush tropical forest onto heather moorland. Camping -1 night (BLD)
Your second day on the mountain starts as you cross the valley that lies in your path, and the stream that runs through it, to continue steeply upward through giant heather plants and along a ridge. Then the route turns west, dropping abruptly into a gorge created by a river, before climbing out on the other side on an easier gradient to reach the bleak moorland of Shira Plateau with odd clusters of giant groundsels and lobelia. As you cross the plateau you start to get impressive views of Kibo Summit and the Western Breach, before eventually joining the Shira Route at Shira Cave - your overnight campsite. Approx. 5 hours walking (8km). Camping -1 night (BLD)
Today you head due east towards Kibo Summit, passing the turn-off of the trail which leads around the northern side of the summit. Climbing all the while, you continue towards the Lava Tower (4600m). From here you descend to Barranco Hut, your overnight camp which lies in a sheltered area below the spectacular cliffs of the Breach Wall. The Breach Wall, the dome of Uhuru and the edge of the Heim Glacier dominate the head of the valley. Approx. 5-7 hours walking / 10 km. Camping – 1 night (BLD)
This morning you head eastward along the Southern Circuit. After a 200m scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall, you traverse scree fields and a series of ridges to the Karanga Valley (4100m), beneath the icy snouts of Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. After climbing out of the valley, you join the Mweka Route on a trail which ascends a steep ridge to Barafu (which means "ice" in Swahili) Hut, standing amidst a desert of bleak tundra. Tonight you must ensure that you don't pack anything you don't need in your daypacks, as you'll need all your reserves of energy tomorrow! You get an early night in order to leave soon after midnight so you can reach the summit before it clouds over. Approx. 6-8 hours walking / 10 km. Camping - 1 night (BLD)
The day of truth! The guides wake you and you start out in darkness by the light of your head torch, in the extreme cold. The Mweka Route leads steeply upward over a long scree slope between Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. This is the hardest part; it can be covered with snow, so trekking poles are useful for balance. Eventually - after some five or six hours walk - you reach the rim of Kibo Crater, close to Stella Point (5732m). From here it's another hour's walk west along the crater rim past Hans Meyer's Point - named after the German geologist who made the first successful ascent in 1889 - to reach Uhuru (meaning "Freedom") Peak (5895m). If the summit is clear, there are fine views of the sun rising over Mawenzi's icefields and jagged peaks to the east, and of Mount Meru to the west. Triumphant, you then head back to Barafu Hut, where you rest from your exertions for a while. After lunch you continue down to your final camp at Mweka Hut, in the giant heather, close to the forest's edge. Tonight you enjoy a well-earned rest and your last dinner on the mountain. Approx. 13-14 hours walking (7-9 hours ascent, plus 6 hours descent). Camping - 1 night (BLD)
The pace quickens as the Mweka Route descends across alpine meadow and through rainforest and shamba to Mweka Gate (approx. 3-4 hours walking). After bidding farewell to your guides and porters you board the vehicle for the drive back to Arusha. On arrival you can take a hot shower, and relax with a celebratory drink! Lodge - 1 night (BLD)
After Kilimanjaro, Arusha feels like a lively metropolis. The morning is free to relax, shop, or explore. It's worth a look at the covered market, or the stalls and shops around the clock tower. However the likelihood is that you will want to relax, maybe with a drink, at the lovely lodge in Arusha resting those tired legs and reminiscing about your journey to the highest point in Africa!! The trip ends in Arusha for Land Only clients. Clients on group flights transfer to the airport for your flight back home. NB Lunch is not included today. (B)
If you fancy completing your African adventure with a safari many departures are combined with Serengeti Explorer, or you can extend your stay and chill out on spicy Zanzibar island.
Flight-Plus arrangements booked via this website are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (under our ATOL number 5534). If you book a package on our website and Hays Travel is acting as your agent then you will be protected by the relevant tour operator's ATOL. Please refer to the tour operator's terms and conditions for details of their ATOL protection.
Hays Travel Ltd is registered in England and Wales/ Scotland with registered number 1990682 and VAT number is GB193167195. Registered Head Office: 25 Vine Place, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 3NE.
GetLost is a trading name of Hays Travel Ltd with ABTA K9517.
We want everyone to enjoy completely successful travel arrangements. If you have a disability or a medical condition requiring special travel, accommodation or dietary arrangements, we strongly recommend that you complete the ABTA checklist at the time you make your booking.
We are a Travel Agency based in Burges House, Borough Green Road, Ightham, (close to London, Maidstone and Tonbridge), Kent, TN15 9HU. ©Copyright 2012.


text:
// VentureBeat
Above: Amazon's Jeff Bezos at a 2010 event.
The secret to delivering relevant ads is data. Demographic, psychographic, personal data. Google has data on what we search for, Facebook has data on what we like and share, but Amazon's data may be the best of all for targeting ads. It has data on what we browse and buy.
That's why yesterday's revelations that Amazon is gearing up to launch its own ad network are particularly interesting: Amazon could offer retailers a much-wanted alternative to Facebook and Google ads, and Amazon may prove to be better suited than either of its rivals at putting ads in front of consumers that actually get clicked.
The new ad network, which Amazon is calling "Amazon Sponsored Links," will also set up back end systems that allow ad agencies to "buy audiences" by buying ads in bulk. The agencies would then place ads on behalf of their clients based on the target audience demographic of the product.
Again, those ads would be targeted to consumers using a sophisticated real-time system that knows the viewer's product preferences, as expressed by their browsing and buying history on Amazon.
If all this happens, Amazon's new platform would look a lot like Google's AdWords program, in which more than a million users bid on ad inventory on sites all over the web..
Right now Google and other third parties place ads for clients on Amazon, but that will likely be the first thing to change. Like Facebook and Google, Amazon will place its own clients' ads on its own site.
Amazon already has a small program that can place ads for clients on other sites. But reports yesterday say the program will get much bigger, and will run different sorts of ads. Amazon likely will launch a wider ad network through which it will be able to target ads for advertisers on lots of partner sites around the web.
Amazon has already told some of its existing advertising partners that it will launch the new ad network later this year.
This could be a particular threat to Google, whose business rests on the $50 billion or so it makes every year on web ads.
An ad network would add one more battleground on which Amazon is competing with Google. Google Shopping puts up a small fight against the Amazon site. The Google Shopping Express competes with Amazon's AmazonFresh and local pick-up services. Both companies now make phones, and the two are currently in a price war in the cloud storage market.


text:
STOP PRESS! Northfields Way – the next step begins!
"The formal consultation on the TRO [Traffic Regulation Order] will be advertised in local press and there will be notices displayed on the street near the junction. This is anticipated to commence on 15 April."
Steve Pretty, Head of Planning, Transport and Engineering, Economy and Environment. Walsall Council.
Laura Terry, Area Partnership Manager and friend of Clayhanger, has dropped this e-mail into madwblog's inbox and it's contents bring great news!
Dear MADWBlog
Following the community consultation regarding the issues in Northfields Way I attach above for your reference the next release of information to the community.
These letters will be distributed to all properties within the estate accessed via Northfields Way, in the first instance. We are able to share this freely electronically to communicate as far and wide as possible.
I will be posting to the 'Clayhanger has a Community Centre' Facebook Page today, with the afore-mentioned letter drop tomorrow.
The letter indicates that the formal posting of the TRO is likely to commence on 15 April, so we aren't too far away from the statutory process, which has to run for three weeks minimum.
I hope that you are able to share this with your community.
Best wishes
The links below are the letter and plan Laura refers to in her e-mail and I would urge you to read them to fully understand the next stage.
Residents communication re Northfields Way 31.3.16
Northfields Way DRAFT March 2016
Thank you to all residents who took the time to go to the consultation meetings at Clayhanger Community Centre and the Methodist Church last month. Great things happen when many voices become one.


text:
Silly Sentences Vocabulary Game
My students said this was their favorite game at our recent group lesson. It is very simple. Print and cut out all the cards. Put the vocabulary/musical expression cards in one bowl and the silly sentences in another bowl. Choose your sentences to go with your age groups. The first few sentences are good for younger children but I didn't use those with my older students. You don't have to use all the cards when you play because you don't want the game to be too long.
Here are the directions. Cut out the cards and put the sentences in one bowl and the music vocabulary cards in another. Make a list of the vocabulary words that you will be using for the group and post it so all the students can see it. This is optional for high school groups.
The first student will draw a sentence card and a vocabulary card. Without telling the group the vocabulary word, he has to read the sentence using that musical expression. Then students have to guess what expression is being used. Then you chose another person to be the reader. In some of the groups, the student who drew did not know the what the word meant. So I took him to a private place and told him the definition. That is fine with me, because a lot of students knew more vocabulary when they left than when we started!
This file contains cards for a Christmas season group lesson and another set for any time of the year. This is fun at a Christmas party! Have fun!


text:
Dean George is the Marketing Specialist and Content Creator for Dental Insurance
Store and its social media channels. He is a regular contributor to Agent Straight Talk, the
only consumer blog explaining the ins, outs and in-betweens of dental insurance and
discount dental plans. READ MORE
Keep up with our authors and the latest dentistry chatter here:
By Dean George
When you hear words like "acid protection" and "enamel strengthening formula," do you keep one hand on your wallet and the other on your toothbrush?
Earlier this month in "Let's Get Enameled with Tooth Enamel" we noted that you can't grow more enamel. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. Diamonds may be forever, but tooth enamel isn't. You can't order more from Amazon, bid for it on eBay or get placed on an enamel recipient waiting list.
Today in our farewell installment of the Tooth Enamel Chronicles, we want to squeeze out the meaning of what toothpaste manufacturers mean when they use words like "enamel protection," "enamel strengthening" and "enigmatic enamel enabler." Okay, sorry; that last one was unintentional. I couldn't find the alliteration brake on the keyboard.
Anyway, as we've discussed in previous posts, enamel is susceptible to decay on two fronts: indirectly by acids in oral bacteria and directly by what we put in the ol' pie hole several times a day. We are what we eat, and our teeth are on the front lines in this daily battle. That's why regardless of age it's important to brush for at least two minutes twice a day, floss regularly and visit a dentist every six months.
Remember, enamel damage is non-reversible - even if you brush backwards while looking in a mirror and standing on your head.
Enamel Protection It's a given that fluoride prevents cavities by remineralizing enamel. It does this by mixing with the minerals in your mouth and creating fluorapatite, which is a crystal that helps coat your teeth.
And it's also true that a few toothpaste brands that use more fluoride may slightly benefit enamel by making it a smidgen more acid resistant. But here's the fact, Jack. Basically any toothpaste containing fluoride makes the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from food and drink – as long as you aren't guzzling sports drinks and sodas all day.
There are also different types of fluoride that can help enamel. Some toothpaste brands use stannous fluoride, which is different than regular fluoride because it attacks acid-producing mouth bacteria for several hours after brushing. Stannous fluoride also counters tooth sensitivity by blocking fissures or small tunnels in the teeth.
At least one toothpaste manufacturer uses sodium hexametasphosphate (HMP), a compound sometimes used as a food additive in yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, gelatin and cheese. Reportedly the compound forms a protective film over the surface of teeth for several hours.
I know what you're thinking: if we brushed with ice cream couldn't we apply the protective film while enjoying a little hint of rocky road or butter pecan? C'mon readers, think about it: do you really want to keep your toothpaste in the freezer? Or squeeze your ice cream out of a tube in the bathroom?
Interestingly, according to the National Institutes of Health, HMP can significantly reduce plaque formation in dogs by 60% to 80% when used as a surface coating on dry dog food or plain dog biscuits. I mentioned this to our dog but he just gave me a dubious yawn before fetching the TV listings and begging me to turn on Animal Planet.
Anyway, the point is no available toothpaste containing fluoride helps grow enamel. And even the protective layer fluoride-based toothpaste provides won't work well if you consume lots of sugary or acidic drinks on a regular basis. When toothpaste manufacturers use terms like "enamel strengthening" and "acid protection," what they mean is their products harden the tooth's protective service – when used as recommended.
When shopping for reputable enamel-protecting toothpaste, consider buying major brands because those companies have invested significant research into the proper formulation of fluoride. And since most toothpaste have nearly identical ingredients, choose one with a flavor you like since you are more likely to use it as recommended.
And speaking of recommendations, most of our plans come with a handy-dandy dentist locator. Just select a plan for consideration, and click on the Dentist Locator link for that plan. We recommend you check it out yesterday by clicking here.
As for rocky road or butter pecan-flavored toothpaste, I figure it's only a matter of time before we'll see it in shopping aisles from sea to shining sea.
Thanks for reading Agent Straight-Talk, and feel free to enjoy us for more dental adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, PubMed.gov
Photo sources: blog.dentist.net, drugstore.com
Copyright 2014, Bloom Insurance Agency, LLC
4 Tips to Save the Most Money
1. Preventive Care
Help for Young Dentists
June 4, 2020
Read More »


text:
Revenge films do not get more straight up that this. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is a retired hitman who has just lost his wife (Bridget Moynahan) to an illness. He is grieving and he is alone, and then some punk ass kid tries to screw with him. John Wick is reviewed after the jump.
John encounters some Russian thugs at a gas station and when one asks to buy his car, he tells them to get lost and drives off. The thug ring leader turns out to be Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen, Game of Thrones), the son of New York's crime syndicate boss, Viggo (Michael Nyqvist, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo). He's got a chip on his shoulder and doesn't take to being told no. The men track down Wick and attack him at his home, taking from him things that really matter. What Iosef doesn't realise is that Wick was once a legendary assassin. He was the man you sent in to kill the bogeyman – not exactly someone you get on the wrong side of. Wick declares war on Iosef and anyone who stands in his way.
John Wick is pure revenge, served hot and without additional noise. There is nothing simpler than a man seeking revenge for a wrong that was committed and John Wick doesn't try to make it anything more complicated than that. That's why this film works so well – its high energy, relentless, in-your-face revenge, and when someone as interesting as Keanu Reeves is the protagonist, you're in for a damn good time. Reeves is excellent in this, in fact I'd say it's his best performance in almost a decade. He's got the cool calm demeanour (aka, Neo in The Matrix) down pat, and a commanding screen presence. It's hard to believe that he is 50, he moves with such ease.
Reeves is surrounded by a fantastic supporting cast including William Dafoe, who is excellent in a more sympathetic role than he usually plays. Alfie Allen was well-cast as the snivelling thug; while Lance Riddick (Fringe) amused as the Continental Hotel's manager. While film is certainly not going to pass the Bechdel test, it did have one female (Adrianne Palicki, Friday Night Lights), playing a kick-ass, rule-breaking assassin.
As far as action films go, this one is better than most and that's due to strong direction and impressive stunt choreography. The action sequences flow so well and there's a real believability to the hand-to-hand combat scenes. The camera doesn't shake or cut away unnecessarily, we get to see it all. This is directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski's directorial début, however both have their roots in stunt coordinating (they worked with Reeves on The Matrix), which is evident in the high quality of the action scenes (which make up at least 2/3 of the film).
On the downside, the pop-rock soundtrack, which works well in some parts of the film (particularly the club sequence), is at times overbearing and ill-fitting. There are also a handful of lines of dialogue that are real clunkers – the words are certainly not as slick as the film's look.
If you want your revenge straight up, John Wick is the film for you. Enjoy its unrelenting barrage of death at the hands of an extremely slick, exceptionally stylish assassin.
By Sam McCosh
The Facts
Director: David Leitch, Chad Stahelski
Writer(s): Derek Kolstad (screenplay)
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Adrianne Palicki, Willem Dafoe
Runtime: 101 minutes
Release date(s): USA: October 24 2014; Australia: October 30 2014; New Zealand: November 27 2014


text: Trigma is a full-scale development company with more than 300 IT engineers driven by passion. The team has experience in iOS, android, web and server-side technologies and works with innovative digital start-ups as their technology partners and as business consultants for enterprises. Trigma is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company and is known for its quality policy and transparent agile methodology. Trigma has experience of working with both the SME segment and fortune 500 clients like History, Whirlpool, Samsung, Disney, Hero, Micromax and Government of India. The company provides a wide variety of development and creative solutions including mobile apps and enterprise mobility solutions in native and hybrid platforms; responsive design; web and desktop solutions leveraging open source and proprietary technologies; product development; content management solutions; eCommerce solutions using open source and custom frameworks; creative design solutions; cloud / SaaS solutions; business applications as well as game development solutions.


text:
Some things will never change for new father Simon Cowell as he spends the day in the sun surrounded by women.
The hairy-chested 54-year-old was also joined by Lauren Silverman – his girlfriend and the mother of his son Eric – in the Miami sunshine.
Among the group of Cowell's harem included his ex-love Terri Seymour as the music boss was showing off his handling skills by riding a Vespa scooter.
Wearing his trademark white shirt unbuttoned and his shocking flared denim jeans, Cowell looked happy and relaxed as he enjoyed spending time with his new family.
Terri - who is wearing a blue sing after breaking her arm shortly after arriving in Florida - and Lauren are seen laughing together as they walked along the street.
Meanwhile, Cowell, 54, has given an interview about becoming a new dad for the first time – to his ex-girlfriend Terri Seymour.
Terri, who has worked as a model and dancer, is now a successful US TV presenter.
A source said: "Simon is famously close to many of his former girlfriends, and Terri is no exception.
"For many people, the prospect of chatting about their love life with a former flame would be absolutely mortifying, but Simon is keen to help Terri.
"With everyone desperate to talk to him, he wanted to give her the first chat."
Lauren gave birth on Valentine's Day and Cowell gushed about his pride and joy almost immediately on Twitter.
The proud dad couldn't contain his excitement following the arrival of Eric on Friday and posted a series of heart melting pictures of the three-day-old on his Twitter account.
He told his 9.5million followers: "Now you can see how very handsome little Eric is" as he was photographed gently holding his hand while touching his face as the baby slept.
Another picture, all of which were posted in black and white tonight, showed him cradling his son as exhausted mum Lauren Silverman beamed with delight.
Simon wrote: "Mum, Dad and Eric. Now two days old."
However the most touching image showed the 54-year-old , nicknamed Mr Nasty due to his withering put downs on X Factor, showed holding his son to his chest as he slept.
Within minutes the picture had gone viral, leading to more than 23,000 rewteets worldwide within an hour of it being posted.
"I never knew how much love and pride I would feel," he captioned the photograph.
The pictures also show Eric how has followed in his father's footsteps already by having a full mop of dark hair.


text:
Yu tosses flawless inning in AL's All-Star win
Darvish on mound in Jeter's swan song; Beltre walks in lone trip to plate
MINNEAPOLIS -- Yu Darvish is making a habit of All-Star Games.
The Rangers right-hander came over from his native Japan three years ago.
He was in his third All-Star Game on Tuesday.
It never gets old, he said.
There was that excitement of being a first-time All-Star in 2012. A year ago he was part of the celebration of the final appearance of Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, who retired at the end of 2013, and this year he was on the mound for an inning in the farewell to Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who is retiring at season's end.
"It was a testament to the kind of player, person he is," Darvish said of the tribute to Jeter. "It was like Rivera last year. Jeter got the ovations from the fans."
Darvish and teammate Adrian Beltre, who finished the game at third base, both got a chance to be a part of the American League's 5-3 victory over the National League at Target Field.
That in itself was enjoyable for the two Rangers, whose team was denied a postseason opportunity for the first time in four seasons last year, and this season has been hit with injuries and in last-place (38-57) in the AL West, 1 1/2 games behind Houston.
The season has worn on Beltre, who walked in his only plate appearance of his fourth All-Star Game.
"It's been tough for the last seven weeks or so," said Beltre, who has seen the Rangers lose 29 of their last 38 games. "We haven't been playing the way we wanted to. It hasn't been fun to watch. It hasn't been fun to be a part of it.
"Obviously, we know that we don't have the team that we expected to have out of Spring Training. But we still have a good-enough team to compete."
Darvish said he looks forward to the season resuming in Toronto this weekend.
"We didn't end the first half very well," he said. "We would like to show what we are capable of. We know our fans expect more than what we have been doing."
For one night, the two Rangers were part of giving the AL fans what they wanted -- a win, and home-field advantage in the World Series for the eventual AL champion.
Darvish pitched a 1-2-3 third inning, striking out Yasiel Puig to open the inning. He followed Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez and Red Sox lefty Jon Lester to the mound.
"I felt very honored with so many great pitchers to be able to pitch in the third," Darvish said through an interpreter.


text:
Chances are, you didn't negotiate your last salary offer — more than half of all American workers don't. Women are especially reluctant, fearing they'll look pushy or even lose the job offer entirely.
And while not asking for more can hold anyone back, this practice has dramatic impact on those who get offered lower wages to begin with. Research has revealed that wage gaps exist across gender, race and age lines and across education levels and fields from tech to elementary education. Being underpaid means being more likely to struggle with things like daily expenses, retirement savings and escaping poverty.
While many employers — especially in male-dominated tech — are working to correct these issues, employees and hiring managers can do their part by getting better at negotiation. After all, even those who do negotiate often don't think they did it effectively.
Click here to read Sally Klingel's three common negotiation scenorios published within the Entrepreneur.


text:
Who decides?
What's next?
During an election, people elect their representatives (i.e. Councillors and Members of Parliament). One of the responsibilities of the Parliament is to debate and vote on new laws. The Government departments are then responsible for putting these laws into action.
When working on issues, it is important to:
- Correctly identify which level of government is responsible
- Find out the name of the government department that is responsible
- Visit the government department's website to find out what they are doing about the issue already.


text:
From short hairstyles and bob hairstyles to long hairstyle styling tips and how to manage curly hairstyles, we have hundreds of women's hairstyle ideas, expert tips and tricks to create your best hairstyle yet!
The woman&home website uses cookies and similar technologies to collect user data. I agree that woman&home and their trusted partners can use data they collect to generate anonymous user profiles to personalise the website to the user, for market research and for advertising. Data can also be shared with third parties, but we will never combine personal data with user profiles. Accept Read More


text:
Customer Service
Our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to your freight management and supply chain challenges is achieved through our expertise and the full spectrum of internal resources.
Our freight management services are backed by an impressive and sophisticated Customer Service and Call Centre located at our headquarters in Niddrie, Victoria. The team operates with a sense of urgency at all times, and provides you with a single point of contact for all of your freight management needs and enquiries.


text:
JNTUH B.Tech Question Papers of Previous Exams R18, R16, R15 – Students who are admitted in JNTU Hyderabad affiliated Engineering, Pharmacy and other colleges and who are seeking JNTUH Previous Question Papers of all previously conducted Regular / Supplementary Examinations, may check all JNTUH Previous Question Papers in pdf format for B.Tech, B.Pharmacy, MBA, MCA, Phar.D and for all other courses which are offered under JNTU Hyderabad. Here we have listed JNTUH Question Papers or JNTUH B.Tech Previous Question Papers for all semesters of CSE, ECE, EEE, IT, Mech, Civil, ANE, AE, PCE, PE branches of R16, R15 & R13 regulation.
JNTUH B.Tech Question Papers of Previous Exams R18, R16, R15
So all concerning students who are seeking these resources may check and download JNTUH B.Tech Previous Question Papers for all JNTUH offered courses in pdf format. We have tried to provide these question in pdf format only, so that students may download it anywhere whether it is Desktop/Laptop or a Smartphone. You may download these JNTUH previous Question papers of last year examinations anywhere. Below we have listed JNTUH Question Papers for download from the year 2011 on wards. So scroll down and download JNTU Hyderabad Previous Year Questions as per your semester.
Simply click on the semester for which you are looking to download JNTU Hyderabad last year question paper and you will taken to the targeted page where you may download it easily. If you face any difficulty while downloading these last year questions of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Information Technology, then you may get in touch with us and we will surely rectify the issue as soon as possible.
JNTUH Question Papers of Old Exams
JNTUH Question Papers of Last Year – Students seeking JNTU Hyderabad Last Year Examination question papers for CSE, Civil, ECE, EEE, IT, Mech, ANE, AE, PE, PCE and all other branches, may download these resources in pdf format from this particular page itself. Below we have listed semester wise Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Information Technology and other branch's previous year question papers.
Go ahead and simply select the semester/year for which you are looking to download JNTUH B.Tech Previous Question Papers of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 and follow the instructions on that particular page in order to download these JNTUH Question Papers of R16, R15, R13 regulations of B.Tech course.
JNTUH Question Papers Semester-wise pdf Download
|JNTUH 1st Year Question Papers
|JNTUH 1-1 Question Papers
|JNTUH 1-2 Question Papers
|JNTUH 2-1 Question Papers
|JNTUH 2-2 Question Papers
|JNTUH 3-1 Question Papers
|JNTUH 3-2 Question Papers
|JNTUH 4-1 Question Papers
|JNTUH 4-2 Question Papers
Download JNTU Hyderabad Question Papers pdf
JNTUH Previous Question Papers R16, R15, R13 Regulation in pdf format – So above are JNTU WORLD Question Papers covering all main streams and providing the JNTU WORLD Previous Question Papers for main Branches at this time and We are giving you assurance that we will Update the Question Bank and will try to provide you the JNTUH Previous Question Papers for all branches and we would also try to cover the Question Papers from Last Years at least. But for now, we have Provided the question papers covering from 2011.
So keep patience and keep loving us and we will upload the remaining year's question papers very soon and also we have provided the Notes for all branches, We request you to check it out once and kindly let us know if you find any error in any of the page and simply leave a comment in the comments section. And we request you to like Our Social Media Pages and Share the info among your friends. For Now, Go Ahead and Download JNTUH B.Tech Previous Question Papers or JNTU WORLD Question Papers for All Branches.
JNTUH Questions Papers Online Download
For now, we have included JNTUH Civil, CSE, ECE, EEE, IT, Mech, Civil, ANE, AE, PCE, PE, Mining branches previous semester regular/supplementary examinations question papers. We have almost covered and provided these resources for all branches and for which we have not uploaded it yet, it will be updated very soon. So JNTU Hyderabad affiliated college students may get all JNTUH B.Tech Previous Question Papers and other JNTUH Question Papers on this page itself. You are requested to bookmark this page in order to get one click navigation back to this page anytime and download recently updated JNTUH Previous Question Papers of Last Year / Semester.


text:
Philip was the sixth child of Thomas and Alice Flindell. He was baptised at Manaccan on January 14th, 1770[1].
Philip married Mary Plomer at Falmouth, Cornwall on August 11th, 1795[2]. Philip and Mary had at least three daughters and one son:
- Mary Plomer Flindell was born about 1798 and baptised at Stoke Damerel in Devon on November 29th 1798[3]. Stoke Damerel is about 70 kilometres east of Falmouth.
- George Smith Flindell who was born in 1808 at Flushing, Cornwall where he died in 1837 age 19[4]. He was buried in the Parish of Mylor, Cornwall on June 4th 1827. Philip's sister Sarah married Charles Smyth (Smith).
- Elizabeth Carter Flindell was born in Flushing, Cornwall in 1811. She was baptised in the Parish of Mylor on March 17th 1811[5] and died in Flushing in 1812. She was buried the Parish of Mylor on April 12th 1812[6]. Philip's sister Elizabeth married Henry Carter. Their only child, Elizabeth, was born in 1762, but it is not known where she died. Elizabeth died in 1788 and their daughter was raised by the family.
- Elizabeth Flindell who was born December 23rd 1813. She was baptised under Wesleyan rites on January 31st 1814 at Flushing, Cornwall[7]. It is not known when she died.
Philip along with his brother Thomas and his sister Elizabeth were joint Executors of their father's Last Will and Testament. Philip was also mentioned in the Will of his brother Thomas where he is referred to as a shipwright of Flushing, Cornwall. Flushing is near Helston.
Philip died in 1835 and was buried in the Parish of Mylor on September 26th [8]. This left Mary and her daughter Mary dependent on their own resourcefulness.
In Search of Mary
Details on the birth of Philip's wife, Mary Plomer have not been found, however:
- Mary Plomer, the daughter of John and Judith Plomer was baptised in Helston Cornwall on July 26th 1771.
- The 1841 Census of England mentions Mary Flindell, age 70, a Shopkeeper born in Cornwall and Mary Flindell, age 35 also born in Cornwall. This gives a year of birth for Mary about 1770. The year of birth of the daughter of about 1805 does not correlate with the date of baptism (1798).
- The 1861 Census also lists a Mary Flindell age 58 born in Devonport in Devon, unmarried, a flour dealer by occupation. Stoke Damerel and Devonport are within 2 kilometers. The year of birth about 1803 does not correlate, but is getting closer to the date of baptism.
- The Falmouth Register of death Jul-Aug-Sep quarter 1870 list Mary Flindell who died aged 71. The age correlates more closely than the previous two records, but they are probably the same person.
If, as research indicates, there was only one Flindell family in Cornwall during this period, these women would be the wife and daughter respectively of Philip Flindell.
[1] Manaccan Parish Church records per Rev G. Francis Dow, Vicar.
[2] IGI British Isles Batch M001721, Source call 0267525, based on church records
[3] IGI British Isles Batch C052422, Source 0916920, Printout 0933402
[4] Cornwall Online Parish Clerks, record ID 702677
[5] Online Parish Clerk Search: Record ID 988590, Parish of Mylor, daughter of Phillip and Mary
[6] Online Parish Clerk Search: Record ID 988590, Parish of Mylor
[7] Batch C065121, Source call 0590672 (RG4 558) Based on Baptisms, 1804-1817, 1804-1837 Helston Circuit (Cornwall : Wesleyan Methodist)
[8] Cornwall Online Parish Clerks, record ID 703002


text:
President Obama holds a slim lead over the GOP field nationally and is in strong shape in the key swing state of Michigan, while gaining ground in Arizona, according to two polls released on Wednesday.
A Quinnipiac University poll of voters nationally shows Obama edging past the two current GOP front-runners, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.
Obama leads Romney 46 percent to 44, and leads Santorum 47 percent to 44.
Independent voters were the deciding margin in this poll, as Obama holds a five-point lead over Romney with this group, and a 10-point lead over Santorum.
Voters disapprove of the president's handling of the economy, which is presently the most important issue to voters nationally, by a margin of 55 percent to 41, but remain unconvinced that Romney or Santorum would handle it any better.
Romney leads the president on the economy 45 percent to 44, but Santorum trails, 46 percent to 42.
The president trounces the GOP field in the key swing state of Michigan, according to an NBC News-Marist poll, leading Romney, whose father was once governor of the state, 51 percent to 33. None of the other candidates are within 20 points of the president there.
Michigan is one of 12 swing states the president won in 2008 and will be critical in determining the outcome of the 2012 election.
In Arizona, the president trails all of the GOP candidates except Newt Gingrich, trailing Romney 40 percent to 45, Santorum 42 percent to 45 and Rep. Ron Paul 41 percent to 43.
Still, the president lost Arizona by nearly 9 percent to Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainMore than 300 military family members endorse Biden Jennifer Lawrence says until Trump she was 'a little Republican' Senate is leaning to the Democrats, big time, with a wave MORE (R-Ariz.) in 2008, so Obama is at least in contention with Republicans, who don't hold a home-state advantage, as McCain did.


text:
According to Lloyds TSB, the typical British household has £5,000 in savings and investments. This compares to over £19,000 in China.
German households, meanwhile, have average savings of almost £9,000.
The bank said that the "remarkable" findings reflect the fact that there is no "social safety net" in China, such as state pensions and benefits, meaning that families must provide for themselves financially.
Lloyds TSB also said that the so-called savings ratio in the UK – that is a person's savings as a proportion of their disposable income – has been falling over the last decade.
Currently, Britons save around 7 per cent of their disposable income. This compares with 47 per cent in China.
Greg Coughlan, head of savings at Lloyds TSB, said: "Despite significantly higher income levels, today's British and German households are both being roundly beaten in the savings stakes by urban Chinese households."
Dr Karl Gerth, author of As China Goes, So Goes the World: How Chinese Consumers are Transforming Everything and a lecturer in modern Chinese history at Merton College, Oxford, said that Chinese people save out of necessity because they have to pay for healthcare, education, housing and their retirement.
"It has nothing to do with ancient Confucian wisdom and all to do with contemporary realities," said Dr Gerth.
He said that savings levels among young Chinese people are far lower than among their parents' generation.
"In China, young people are learning to spend," he said.
Lloyds TSB's findings were based on over 3,000 interviews with adults in the UK, China and German.


text:
What is PTC?
PTC is getting paid to click. There are many sites that will give you money to click, some of them are fraudulent but most are fine and will pay you. You can't make loads of money but if you are a kid or you don't have a job you can earn up to 20 cents per click/website view. Just don't fall for scams.
One important thing to make sure you are not participating in is click fraud. This is where a PTC company is paid by a company to waste a rival companies advertising credit by deliberately clicking on a advert where a company is paying per click of an interested customer. The members of the PTC company may not be interested in what the company in selling but beacause they are geeting paid, it doesn't matter.
To find a PTC scheme to join just look up PTC sites on google or yahoo. To make sure its not a scam type the name of the site and then scam e.g. www.example.com scam. If you have to pay to join a PTC site then usually it is a scam. Sites offering more than 50 cents per click are definitely scams or fraudulent sites. Do not join them!
Many companies use PTC to make money, for example google uses PTC with its adwords scheme. The joint program adsense allows you to place adverts on your site and if the adverts get clicked google pays you. Yahoo also now does the same thing.
To be honest PTC isn't a brilliant way of making money as there aren't many good sites but if you are really stuck for cash then PTC is good for quick small amounts of money.
If you want to increase your PTC earnings then a you can upgrade your accounts (This option is available on most PTC sites.
Note: Another similar way to make money online completely free is participating in GPT. GPT stands for Get Paid To. This includes getting paid for surveys, filling in forms, buying things, downloading programs (be careful) and signing up for sites(watch out for spam).
Another Note: Many PTC sites have a minimum payout of $5 or more which is impossible to reach if you are making 1 cent per day! Don't get too excited if you find a minimum payout of $0 there is probably a catch.
Thanks for reading!


text:
From housebreaking to traveling, crate training a puppy or dog can have long-term rewards for both owners and pets. This Howcast guide demonstrates how to crate train a dog.
You Will Need
* A crate
* A screwdriver
* A soft towel or blanket
* Two dog toys
* A half-gallon pet carrier water bottle
* 12 dog treats or biscuits
Step 1: Choose a crate
Choose a crate to fit your dog. They should be able to walk into the crate upright without hitting their head on the roof, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Step 2: Remove the top
Remove the screws that hold the top and bottom halves of the crate together. Take off the top of the crate and remove the door, turning the crate into an open den.
Step 3: Create a bedroom
Create a soft sleeping area with the towel or blanket, putting two of your dog's favorite toys at the far end of the bedding. Let your dog go in and out of the open crate for a few hours at a time over the next few days.
Step 4: Add water and toys
After your dog has gotten used to the crate, fill the water bottle with ice water and attach it to the inside. Place the toys at the closed end of the crate and put a few treats at the far edge of the bedding. Reattach the top and door.
Step 5: Use positive phrases
Place the crate close to a chair or sofa you often sit in, or, at night, near your bed. With the crate door open, encourage your dog to go inside with positive phrases like "go to bed" or "go to your room" and point at the crate.
Step 6: Stay close by
During the first few sessions in a closed crate, sit or sleep nearby. This will make your puppy more comfortable with their new room.
Step 7: Respect the crate
Because the crate will soon become your dog's room, make sure you don't disturb them while they're in the crate. If your dog wants to come out and play, they will bark.
Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more.


text:
Politicians are sowing seeds of discord – Presby Moderator
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, the Right Rev. Dr Yaw Frimpong-Manso, has accused politicians of sowing seeds of discord among the citizenry.
The situation, he said, had given rise to the current ethnic tension in the country.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration and dedication of a chapel of the Ramsayer Congregation of the church in Accra on Sunday, Rev. Frimpong-Manso said some faceless politicians who could not achieve their doomsday prophecies in the last December elections have now turned to other divisive tendencies to achieve their diabolical plans.
"We Christians, as one family, must not allow politicians to divide our ranks for their selfish gains," he said.
He said that after the successful elections that had further projected Ghana as a beacon of hope in the eyes of the international community, nothing should be done to derail the prevailing peace in the country.
Rev. Frimpong-Manso advised the youth whom he described as the most vulnerable to manipulate, to be wary of tongue-wrangling politicians who were only interested in their personal gains.
"Many voices would call you, but you must be able to differentiate between the voice of good and bad," he said, and cautioned that as youths, any decision that they made concerning their future plans could either promote their welfare or jeopardize their lives forever.
Prof. Mike Ocquaye, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and guest of honour, said the situation of some religious groups allowing same sex marriages in their congregations should be frowned upon by all.
"We are in Africa where we seriously hold to our traditional values, and such practices would only end up dividing our churches," he noted.


text:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Diddy explains that whole Kettle bell throwing incident…it was am a miscommunication. Diddy stopped by the NY radio station, Power 105's The Breakfast Club and explained having to defend his son, Justin Combs. "When you have a child that plays sports, you're actually giving your child up to those coaches. You have to be able to take a lot. As a Combs, my sons, they have to be able to take a lot, you can't have no soft skin. But I think there's a fine line, too, and I think that there's times when you have to just communicate and find out what's going on and be by your children's side."
He did get arrested, but says the incident was just a miscommunication. "At the end of the day, it's just about communication. I went there to communicate … It was just a miscommunication. Anybody can relate to if you feel like you have to go and straighten something out for your child."
I would totally defend my kid…but is he a helicopter dad? You know does he hover?
Photo from PR Photos


text: I am considering trading my Zone VI 4x5 Field Camera for a Wisner Expedition or Pocket Expedition. The Zone VI is too heavy and I find thee front standard to b e a bit flimsy. Has anyone had experience with the Wisener Exp. or especially th e newer Pocket Expedition? I especially like the geared rise/fall. Will the smal l size of the Pocket be problemmatic in the wind? I appreciate your comments.


text: Albert Frederick Calvert (1872-1946) wrote The Aborigines of Western Australia (1892) and Granada, Present and Bygone (1908). "Any attempt to fathom the depth of mystery which surrounds the history of the Australian Aboriginal must necessarily be-in the main-a failure. The subject is surrounded with difficulty. Captain Dampier was the first Englishman known to have made the acquaintance of the Australian natives, whom he calls "the poor winking people of New Holland, the miserablest people on earth, " and so forth. During the intervening two centuries we have not added much to our knowledge regarding them. They have no written language, and are forbidden to speak of the dead: two serious obstacles to research. "


text:
Emojis can be used to display emotions to a person you text. They can also be used to describe people, places and things. But did you know emojis could be used to addict you to your phone even more!?
Random Logic Games, the makers of a dozen or so popular guessing games in the Play Store, has designed a game with the avid texter in mind called Guess The Emoji.
This casual guessing game displays 2 or more emojis together, and the player has to try to figure out what the emojis are describing. I know it sounds easy, but believe me, it gets harder as you level up. There may come a point where you just get stuck, but there is an option for hints if you feel you need to use them.
Guess The Emoji surprised me and is so much fun. It is currently sitting at above 4 stars and has over 80 thousand ratings. Its free so grab it now and let me know what you think in the comments.
[pb-app-box pname='com.randomlogicgames.guesstheemoji' name='Guess The Emoji' theme='discover' lang='en']


text:
Argentina +54 11 52588740
'Say Hueque – Tours in Argentina and Chile' is a reputable travel agency based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Established in 1999, we specialize in providing customized tours to independent travelers throughout Argentina's and Chile's national parks and cities. Popular destinations and experiences include Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, hiking in Patagonia, wine tasting in Mendoza, horseback riding through traditional estancias, glacier cruises and much more.
Offering the low prices that only a local operator can provide, our goal is to ensure that you have the best experience in South America at an exceptional value.
Rafa's passion for travel revealed itself when he was a child. Born in a home of travelers, he became a young backpacker and spent his time and money saving for his next adventure.
After receiving his degree in Marketing and Advertising, he traveled around the world until the age of 24, when he decided to settle down and dedicate himself to what he loved the most: inviting people from around the world to experience South America.
Rafa founded Say Hueque in 1999 and was able to combine his two greatest loves: Argentina and travel.
Twenty years later, his company is a team of 45 people who share his love for local culture, his appreciation for amazing landscapes and his passion for helping people experience Argentina in a memorable way.
Today, married with two children and with some gray hair in his beard, he still makes a point of traveling the country a couple of times a year. You might find him camping on the beaches of Bariloche, hiking through the forests of Torres del Paine with his youngest son Camilo tucked into his backpack, or perhaps exploring the Salt Flats of Northern Argentina alongside his oldest son Tobias.
We are adventure-seeking travel professionals from Argentina who are passionate about sharing the best that our country has to offer. We have personally visited each destination throughout the region, and over the past 20 years we have provided outstanding excursions to thousands of happy travelers worldwide. Our number one goal is to help you experience the beauty and culture of South America at an exceptional value.
We are fun-loving travel professionals from Argentina who are passionate about sharing the best that our county has to offer. We have personally visited each destination throughout the region, and over the past 20 years we have provided excellent holidays to thousands of happy travelers wordlwide.experience in South America at an exceptional value.
Since 1999, we have developed enduring relationships with independent hotel owners and local activity providers. As your local operator, we have the ability to go directly to the source in order to ensure that you have the best price and best value available.
We know that we organize great trips, and all of the major travel guides agree! Our endorsements include: Lonely Planet, Frommer´s, Fodors, Rough Guides, Time Out, New York Times and Le Guide du Rutard, among others.
For us, planning the perfect trip is as important as taking the perfect trip. That said, we will ensure that you have one of our travel specialists working with you throughout the trip-planning process. And while you are on the road, we will also provide you with a 24-hour emergency telephone contact in case something unexpected comes up and you need to change your plans.
Your satisfaction is our number one priority, which is why we take such pride in our consistent feedback. Our clients regularly rave about their great experiences traveling with us. Check out some of their testimonials here. And you can also see what they have to say about us on Trip Advisor.
An internationally renowned travel company, Say Hueque is a member in good standing within each of the following professional travel industry groups- ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), LATA (Latin America Travel Association), BACC (British Argentine Chamber of Commerce) and CAT (Camara Argentina de Turismo) & Family Travel Association.
Say Hueque is committed to making the world a better place. As a local, Argentina- based company, this means that we not only want to help travelers to see our beautiful country, but we also want to give back a portion of our proceeds to our community. We believe that this is the core principle of any organization which promotes responsible tourism, and for this reason, we launched Say Solidario, a fund specifically focused on giving back to the people, culture, and environment in the destinations we visit. If you want to learn more, please have a look at the complete article here… http://argentina-travel-blog.sayhueque.com/responsible-tourismsay-solidario/
It is our belief that the combination between a curious traveler and people passionate about a destination can result in a much more meaningful experience than the one we might usually expect. Magic happens in the encounter between these two energies as the receptive soul of a traveler and the hospitable soul of a proud host converge. In that encounter, an infinite path opens, and that path creates the space in which the TEEM project develops.
We believe that from this perspective we can work professionally and methodically to make the travel experience something extraordinary. We are sure that we're not just service suppliers, but rather we are responsible for a holistic travel experience – this trip is part of someone's life, a life that can be changed by a new encounter with a different culture, or an outstandingly beautiful landscape, or the sincere desire of a local to concentrate the identity of a country into an itinerary.
"A bandoneon (Argentine instrument similar to an accordion) player surprised me in the middle of the city tour when he appeared and played two songs for me to personally introduce me to the music style of tango"
"My destination host took me into Iguazu National Park before it opened to see and listen to the waterfalls without the distraction of other visitors"
"Our host took us to a milonga where we were invited by local people to join in and dance tango"
"After a long day of trekking through the mountains our host opened a bottle of wine in front of the fire place. It was the perfect way to end a magical day"
These are the special moments which turn a normal trip into a profound travel experience. This is our job: to work continuously on this project by analyzing our current methods and researching ideas for new ones, always in the pursuit of the perfect trip.
Valentín Sayhueque is the name of the last tribal chief to surrender to Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) during their seizure of American lands in 1885. The Great 'Cacique' (native chief) Sayhueque was a Mapuches leader, a powerful tribe in the central Patagonia area.
Their cultural influence is still very strong in some locations close to the Andes Range.
In the Mapuche dialect, the sound hueque /ueke/ signifies a 'guanaco,' a camelid animal native to South America and typical of the Southern Andes (in the family of Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas). Mapuches used to say "hueque" every time they saw a group of guanacos nearby.
We are the spirit of Argentina. Find yourself in a beautiful place and begin to dream. Look around, take a deep breath and know that you are experiencing something unique and unforgettable. Our goal is for you to take that deep breath and feel completely content………. that is what we call the "Say Hueque Spirit."


text:
New York's Neighborhood Pharmacy Since 1910
Don't be surprised if one day you're walking along Broadway on Manhattan's Upper West side when a European boutique-styled apothecary nestled in a grand mansion, one you've seen before on the big screen, catches your eye. Given time, it's bound to happen.
Situated outside the "chain-store" box, apthorp Pharmacy has been serving customers in New York City for over 100 years. Today, the apthorp Pharmacy is a local landmark, part of the historical apthorp Mansion, built in 1901. This landmark building has witnessed many new changes through time. Recently, the pharmacy itself was redesigned and updated to meet the needs of modern consumers. Still, be it time or redesign, one thing has remained a constant is apthorp's dedication to providing its patrons "more than just aspirin" and never losing sight of the fact that they are, first and foremost, a community pharmacy.
Be that as it may, apthorp is not your "typical pharmacy". apthorp is a haven to the world's finest and sought after cosmetics, toiletries and gift items from around the world. On entering the store you'll soon forget where you are. Products found exclusively at high-end department stores fill the aisles. Riguad candles to Mason Pearson hair brushes, Chanel perfumes as well as luxurious creams from Darphin and makeup from Shiseido, to name a few, are all right here.
Don't let another 100 years pass you by before you experience that which is apthorp Pharmacy!
Stay Healthy, Stay Smart!
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletters and receive important health information.
Hours / Holiday
Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm
Memorial Day 9am - 6pm
4th of July 9am - 6pm
Labor day 9am - 6pm
Thanksgiving 9am - 3pm
Christmas 9am - 3pm
New Years 9am - 3pm
Contact Us
2191 Broadway (btwn 77th and 78th St.)
New York, NY 10024
Email us at: firstname.lastname@example.com
New! Text us at: 212-877-3480


text:
Peter Sands, the CEO of Standard Chartered, is in New York and is prepared to attend a hearing ordered by Benjamin Lawsky, head of the state's Department of Financial Services (DFS), on whether the bank should lose its charter to operate there based on charges that it flouted anti-money-laundering regulations. While the bank said he came to work with company lawyers, not to attend the hearing, it added that he will do so "if appropriate."
Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Sands, who has disputed the amount of transactions cited by Lawsky as violating regulations, was reported by the Telegraph to have come specifically to answer charges and negotiate a settlement. However, New York-based bank spokeswoman Julie Gibson said in the report that Sands has been in the state for "a couple days," and added, "If there is a hearing on Wednesday, he will participate in that."
Melissa Cheah, a Singapore-based spokeswoman for the bank, was quoted saying, "He hasn't gone personally to negotiate with regulators or specifically to attend the meeting. He is willing to do so if appropriate."
The order for the hearing alleged that StanChart, as it is popularly known, helped to launder about $250 billion in Iranian funds over the course of 60,000 wire transfers that were set up not to disclose the presence of Iranian institutions in the process. The bank claims the amount is far smaller, less than $14 million.
Moody's Investors Service said Monday that just the reputational damage from the DFS charges is credit negative.
Lawsky, as the top banking regulator in the state, is empowered to pull the bank's license to operate in New York, based on his department's charter. That could cost the bank 40% of its earnings, according to Chirantan Barua, an analyst at Sanford Bernstein Research in London.
The bank has already agreed to hire an outside monitor that will supervise the bank's compliance with anti-money-laundering laws, and Lawsky is reportedly considering a settlement amounting to as much as $700 million. Last month HSBC Holdings put that much aside against a settlement on similar allegations.


text:
Creating polished and advanced compositions is now so much simpler, faster and more enjoyable.
[…] ?? ?????? ?????????? ?? ??????????? ????? ??????? ?? ??????. ?????? ???? ????? ???????????? ?? 1 ??????, ??? ????? […]
How do I open he the layers tab
To see the Layers palette, you can go to the View menu and choose Show Styles.
This Layering tutorial only told me it was cool. It did not tell me how to use it. This is very frustrating for a novice.
Hi how do I replace a black background for a white one please?
That was not a tutorial, I'm afraid. I have Colin's question.


text:
Following the 5th Biennial Diaspora Conference held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in June 2013, Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in the Diaspora from the USA, Canada and UK, under the leadership of the Diaspora Advisory Board Member in the West/Midwest USA, met to discuss using their resources and expertise to support the education system in Jamaica. Thus was born the Jamaica Diaspora Education Task Force (JDETF).
Immediately following that first conference call on Sunday, August 11, 2013, the half dozen Diasporans on the call determined that partnership and collaboration with stakeholders in Jamaica must be included in their plans and mission towards contributing to VISION 2030.
Read More.......


text:
2015 K2 Missconduct Ski Review
Average Rating:
Freestyle skis are often twin tips and ideal for the park
Medium – ideal for all-mountain, off-trail versatility
Medium - the casual skier with athletic ability
Rocker/Camber/Rocker skis for versatile all-mountain
Our Price: $399.99
Reg. $480.00(17% OFF)
Watch 2015 K2 Missconduct Ski Video Reviews:
Read the Review Transcript:
Hi I'm Linda. I just skied the K2 MissConduct. I give this a 5 out of 5 stars for an intro park ski for a intermediate and it does the rest of the hill pretty well. It turns nice, it doesn't have too much rebound so when you're doing tricks and spins it's going to do what you want and what you put into it.
Read the Review Transcript:
Hi I'm Julie. I just got off the K2 MissConduct. I give this ski a 4 out of 5 star rating. It's a nice lightweight ski for somebody that's interested in riding the park. It does ski well outside of the park as well. But it's nice and light swing weight and very maneuverable to really throw those spins if you want to. All in all really just a nice fun ski.
Read the Review Transcript:
Hey I'm Emily. I just got off of K2 MissConduct. I give this a 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a littler chattery at high speeds. But it's really good for the intermediate to advanced riders. Who like to cruise, like to get their edge, like to kinda make some big and short turns. Just really enjoys the corduroy, I'm sure would like a little bit of powder as well. A lot of fun to ski on as long as you're not going super fast.
Read the Review Transcript:
Hi I'm Amanda. I just got off the K2 MissConduct. I give these skis a 3 out of 5 rating. A pretty basic ski for a beginner to intermediate level skier. Did well on all the categories, gripped, turned, forgiveness, things like that. A ski if you're willing to just have a more casual leisurely ski, not push yourself too much. But decent skis overall.
Read the Review Transcript:
Hey Jess here. I just got off the K2 MissConduct. I would give this ski a 3 out of 5 stars. It was really kinda a beginner intermediate ski, little bit higher than that. In terms of advanced, it didn't really hold an edge as well as I was hoping for it to. It gets around really well, and it's got some decent stability but not a lot of forgiveness, not a lot of edgehold so it's very easy to ski. If you're looking for something to not really push yourself too hard on, this would be a good ski for you.


text:
What to See at London Design Fair 2017
London Design Fair > London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week might be over but for design lovers, the party is only just getting started. Tomorrow marks the start of London Design Fair – a four day event which brings together exhibitions and showcases from a curated array of independent studios and global brands. Think artisan crafts, inspiring furniture design and insightful talks covering everything from Southern Swedish design to the art of upcycling. Best of all, the fair will also be the setting for a range of new product launches. Read on to find out the one's we're most excited about.
John Eadon
If you're a fan of that minimalist aesthetic then you're going to love John Eadon's debut MIMA collection.
Inspired by the spindle-backed Windsor chair, this handmade collection is both handsome and versatile. I can see this collection working well in a Scandinavian-inspired home, paired with white walls and cozy candles. Alternatively, style with lots of plants and foliage for a bohemian-chic vibe.
Malwina Konopacka
In this collection of vases by Warsaw-based Malwina Konopacka, bold graphic patterns stand as a striking counterfoil to the elegant and fragile ceramic vase form.
Malwina's vases are all handmade and hand painted, making each one unique. Notice the recessed depressions on the vase's surface. They're a distinguishing characteristic of the collection, adding depth and texture to the design.
Frame & Cover
Sustainable home furnishing brand, Frame & Cover, has made quite the splash since their launch just last year. Known for their bespoke upholstery and range of elegant prints, their showcase is guaranteed to be packed to the brim with pretty accessories for your home.
This year at the London Design Fair, Frame & Cover will be debuting their brand new Riviera range. Inspired by undulating rivers and glistening oceans, the collection is a visual reminder of the beauty of nature. What's more, the fabrics are made from recycled cotton and polyester, making them eco-friendly to boot.
Ladies & Gentlemen Studio
With a design aesthetic that rests on an unexpected balance of warm minimalism, playful austerity and simple sophistication, US-based L&G Studio fulfills all my millennial interior design dreams, and then some.
Past hero pieces from the design studio include a stylish hanging chair and a series of intricate geometric mobile structures. For the London Design Fair, the duo will showcase FLOAT, a new illuminated minimalist sculpture series. I can't wait to see how L&G re imagine this form of art for the millennial home.
Isabel Quiroga
What I love about Isabel Quiroga's furniture pieces is that they are both quirky and functional – a combination much desired, though surprisingly hard to come by in the world of product design.
Take this Tree Table for example, which will be on show tomorrow. Billed as a 'table for all occasions', it's made of three pipes of steel which carry three tabletops of different sizes and materials. Each table comes with a selection of notches and holes that the user can alternately use as a holder for stationery, card, pictures or a vase. Also look out for the multi-tasking 'Back-to-Basic Lamp' and the 'Cutting-Edge' candle holder for more functional yet chic design.
Are you planning on attending the London Design Fair this year? Share your standout moments with us on Instagram by using the #N9Home.


text:
For those that don't know, I've now taken over the role as runs captain from Al. Al has done a fantastic job over the last 10 years so no pressure on me then!! Big thanks to Al but he's going nowhere!! He will still be leading the short run when he's out.
I don't see the need to change anything, everything runs like clockwork on a Sunday. One thing I would like is for you all to have an input into the club runs. Whether this is leading one or letting me know where you would like to go if you've heard of a new café etc. Remember it's your club and I want to make sure everyone plays their part in what we do on a Sunday.
It goes without saying that the priority is that we always remain safe and look after each other when we're out. Be respectful of our fellow road users and uphold the great name this club has in the North West.
See you soon


text:
How to Prepare For a Warm-Weather Race
Tropical destination races are one of the best ways to have a vacation and also stay fit. But before you fly to paradise, make sure you've got your marathon strategy down. Gina Harrison, assistant race director of competition for the Reggae Marathon (my first tropical destination race — read my Reggae Marathon race review here), offered her advice on staying safe and comfortable when you're running a race in hot conditions.
Get used to it: If you've trained for your race in crisp temperatures, then the effect of the heat and humidity can be a shock to your system once you're on the start line. Make sure you become comfortable with running in warmer weather by replicating some of the conditions at home. "Get used to building up a sweat," Gina said. "I would definitely do some indoor running, fully clothed, to get your body temperature up."
Hydrate before: Like with any race, hydration is important — and it's especially so when you are losing lots of sweat while running in hot weather. Preparation is key; you should start your hydration program two to three days before the marathon, Gina said, and get serious the day before. Staying well-hydrated in the days leading up to your race will help ensure you don't dehydrate on the course.
And during: Once it's the big day, make sure you drink a mixture of water and, if offered, electrolyte-rich sports drinks from the water stations to ensure that you replenish what you're losing from sweating so much. Gina recommends that race-goers take small sips of two to four ounces of water or sports drink when they need to ("keep it evenly balanced" between the two, she recommends); you don't have to take water from every station, but make sure that you stay adequately hydrated by drinking every 15 to 20 minutes.