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Written by Tonguemansa
04 Jul 2013
Late night skinny-dipping
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14 minute read
Since I got divorced, each year I took my holiday in Mpumalanga by a lake in the mountains. I rented a cabin, played a lot of golf, swam and did whatever I feel like. The days were great and filled with activities but the nights were a different story. I'd been divorced for three years and really haven't had time to date much.
During the summer of 1997 I again went to my usual holiday spot. And here starts my story.
The nights were usually fairly warm at the lake. The swimming area was usually pretty dark at night. Lots of times I went down to the docks of the swimming area and sat out on the end of one of them. Sometimes if I got a little daring I took some of my clothes off. I'm a fairly attractive man. But a little short and a bit too much over-weight. I've got soft brown eyes and a quick smile. I get a lot of compliments on my butt and legs especially when I wear shorts.
This particular night was very warm. The temperature was still in the high 30's and I couldn't sleep. I had dozed a little but ended up waking up to a sensual dream leaving me feeling erotic and horny to say the least. After laying there for a little bit I decided to go down to the lake. It was just after midnight. I figured no one would be around so I pulled on a pair of shorts and headed out. It was a really calm night with the moon just about full. I knew the moon would light up the swimming area some but I thought, "What the Heck".
When I got to the swimming area I looked to make sure no one was around. I walked out to the end of the dock and sat down. Convinced I was all alone I undid my shorts and slid them off. My penis was already a little hard and formed a rather nice sight in the moonlight. As the moon danced on the water I suddenly felt the urge to swim naked out to the raft. I slid off the end of the dock into the cool water. While a little cool the water had an unusually wonderful feel against my naked body. I swam for the raft feeling free and yet wanting so badly to have someone with me. I climbed up the ladder of the raft my body dripping with lake water from my swim. My penis partially hard stuck out a little making for quite the sight in the light of the moon. I sat down on the raft and stared out over the moonlit water. After a bit I laid back and thought about the times I had swum at night with some of the guys and girls at this lake. One night in particular came back to me. Two girls had talked me in to going skinny dipping with them. We were too young to get really crazy but we did enjoy seeing each other naked. Suddenly.....my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of sloshing water. I sat up rather startled and looked around.
"Oh, I'm sorry" I heard a female voice say, "I didn't know there was anyone out here."
Peering up over the ladder of the raft was the head of a lady. Her hair was slicked back from swimming through the water and I could make out a faint smile on her face. "Mind if I come up?" she asked.
"UMMMM...er.. I....well," I said. "I sort of didn't expect anyone to be out here."
"Me either," she replied.
"May I come up?" she asked again.
"Well I sort of don't have anything on," I said realizing suddenly that I was in a rather peculiar situation.
"I don't mind if you don't," came the reply. "Besides," she continued, "it's sort of dark anyway."
"Come on up, then," I said as I sat up and pulled my legs up close.
As she got up on the raft I could see that she had on a white bikini. She quickly sat down on the raft pulling her knees up close to her body. We both sat quietly for a moment not quite sure what to do next.
"My name is Marinda," she said quietly. "And you are?"
"Embarrassed," I replied with a chuckle.
"Don't be." she smiled. "Actually, I had planned to do the same thing, but chickened out. I think it's neat that you had the guts to take everything off."
After a moment of silence I said, "I'm Mike. This isn't my normal behaviour but something about the lake has an unusual effect on me."
"I know what you mean," she replied, "I couldn't sleep tonight and felt the pull to come down and go swimming. I waited a long time thinking that I would have the swimming area all to myself."
"Sorry about that" I said.
"Don't be" she laughed. "Actually this makes it a little better. What fun would it be to do this all by yourself."
After that we talked and shared things about ourselves and our kids. Like me she was divorced and had brought her two boys up to the lake for a vacation. Her mother had come along and was in the cabin with the two boys. Like me her days were very busy and this was some alone time that she relished and was taking advantage of.
She smiled several times as we talked and as she became more at ease, stretched out her legs and leaned backed with her arms behind her. She appeared to be tall and slender with a rather nice build. Her swimsuit seemed to be rather sheer and I could make out a slight bulge in her top about where her nipples would be.
"I haven't seen a white bikini in a long time," I said surprised at my brashness.
"Actually, this isn't a bikini. I was going to skinny dip but chickened out and wore my bra and panties." She caught my eyes looking at her body and a smile broke out on her face. "Kinda see through isn't it", she laughed.
"Not as see through as mine," I replied.
After an awkward silence she sighed. "I wish I would've been braver."
In my mind I was thinking the same thing. I wish she would've been braver too. Feeling a little braveness of my own I stretched out my legs and leaned back in the same style she was sitting. As I did so I noticed she was trying to be polite but still wanted to catch a glimpse. I wasn't completely hard but there was definitely some swelling there. The way the moon was shining I'm sure she could tell.
"Nice", she smiled.
"What's nice?" I asked.
"Sorry", she said. "I took a peek."
A little embarrassed but pleased I said, "I like what I see too."
She smiled. We sat for a moment quietly. After a bit she sat forward with her legs still stretched out. She looked at me several times like she was going to speak but didn't. Finally I asked, "Were you going to say something?"
"Yes, but I chickened out," she said softly.
"It's okay," I reassured. "This is our time to relax so you can do just that." She smiled but was quiet.
"Okay, I'm going to ask."
"Good", I replied.
"Since I chickened out earlier would it bother you if I took my bra off?" she asked rather nervously.
"Be my guest", I said trying to not sound too anxious. I watched as she reached behind herself and unfastened her bra. She expertly let it slide down and off her front. She smiled at me nervously knowing that I was enjoying the show.
"There", she said. "I've been wanting to take it off for quite awhile now."
"I'm glad you did. Now I don't feel quite so conspicuous", I quipped. "You have beautiful breasts". "I can't believe I said that. I'm sorry", I fumbled.
"To be honest I kinda like it that I'm out here and being seen. I guess that I've fantasized about this a lot but never thought it would happen like this." she said matter of factly.
"Me too", I said.
"Mind if I take a good look?" she suddenly asked rather bravely.
"Long as you don't mind me looking back at you", I grinned. I spread my legs a little and felt myself getting harder. I noticed that her nipples were also very hard now also.
"I guess we can't hide a lot right now", she laughed.
"Yeah, I guess not", I said with a little laugh.
We sat for awhile gazing at each others bodies I'm sure thinking what it would be like to touch or feel each other, but neither one of us said anything.
Finally she broke the silence. "I guess I'd better get back before they come looking for me".
"Me too", I replied. She stood up and began to stretch a little. I stood up and as I did saw her look down.
" You're even bigger than I thought," she laughed.
"I really can't hide it now", I said.
I could tell neither one of us really wanted to leave but both felt like we should at this point. I was really wanting to touch her or feel her up against me or at least tell her that.
"Shall we go on the count of three"? she asked.
"Maybe", I replied.
"Maybe"? she quizzed.
Suddenly I felt brave. "Can I give you a hug before we go"? I asked tentively.
"I'd like that", she smiled. She moved toward me a little so I thought what the heck. I moved closer and reached out for her. She came willingly at this point and I slid my arms around her slender but shapely body. I felt her breasts push up against my chest and she let her bottom come close enough to feel my hardness. I pulled her closer and gave her a firm squeeze. For a moment our bodies pressed against each other. I felt her instinctively push her bottom up against my hard penis and move a little to say I'm here. I think neither one of us wanted to let go but being the gentleman
I said, "Thank you. It feels so good to touch someone again."
"I know what you mean", she smiled. "Thanks for the talk and the .........you know." she said with a giggle.
I smiled. We moved to the edge of the raft. Suddenly, she said, "Oh what the hell!" In the blink of an eye she pulled off her panties tossed them to me and dove in the water. I quickly slid them over my arm so as not to lose them. I picked up her bra that she left in her haste and dove in after her. She quickly got to the dock and started up the ladder. She was at the top just before I reached the dock. As I climbed the ladder I noticed she had picked up her towel and had begun to dry off. I climbed up the ladder and said,
"You may want these".
"So where is your stuff", she asked.
"On the end of the dock over there", I replied.
She quickly walked to my things and picked up my shorts.
"Mind if I keep these as a souvenir"?
Smiling, I replied "Not if I can keep yours".
"There all yours!" she said with a laugh.
She tossed me her towel picked up her shirt and began to pull it on. I watched as she slid it down over her full breasts.
"I'm going to need my towel after you get done drying off. I forgot I didn't wear any shorts down here and now that you've got my panties........."
Feeling brave I quipped, "It'll cost you another hug".
"Ummmm...", she said, "Thought you'd never ask".
I walked over close to her and set the towel on the bench. This time we both moved close and embraced. As I pulled her close I could feel her breathing quicken a bit. This time she slid her arms around me and pulled me close. I felt myself get hard really fast and was almost embarrassed as my penis stiffened right against her bare pussy. She parted her legs a little making room for my hardness. Instinctively she pulled her head back a little and our eyes met. Her eyes went to my lips and mine to hers as if asking for a kiss. We leaned forward and our lips met. We kissed a little.
"Oh, God", she moaned. "I've missed this so much".
We continued to kiss letting our tongues meet. As our kiss grew more passionate our breathing also grew more intense. By now our bottoms were working up against each other and I could feel an intense warmness down there. I slid my hands across her bottom and up her back just under her shirt. As we kissed our hands became more active and before I knew it I was pulling her shirt up. Still kissing she raised her hands inviting me to lift her shirt off. We parted just long enough for the shirt to go. Quickly she pressed back against me this time not hiding what she was thinking and wanting. She ground her mound against my swollen penis. A little moan said it all. Fumbling for the towel she threw it down on the dock. Still kissing we dropped to our knees. Without warning she pulled me over and we fell to the dock. She quickly positioned herself and pulled me on top of her.
Our tongues quickly met and I could feel my hardness pressing against her. I felt her hand reach down and take my penis. She began to massage but quickly moved the head toward her wet opening. As my penis moved against her I felt her thrust her hips forward gasping as she did so. Her hands locked on my bottom and I knew this was the moment we both had been thinking about on the raft. I felt myself penetrating into her warm wetness. Shocks of electricity swept through my body. She lunged upward taking me completely inside. I slid my arms up under hers and pressed firmly against her heaving breasts.
Our bodies still wet from our swim began to melt together in heated passion. We quickly found a rhythm that sent us reeling into deeper passion. We kissed deeply as I stroked in and out of her. Her body began to tense and tremble. I knew she was ready to explode. I drove deep within her confines and felt my penis begin to pulse oozing drops of love juice into her warmth.
"Do me all the way", she panted. "Do me good".
With that I could no longer contain myself and exploded filling her with every ounce I could muster. Her body trembled with her own explosive orgasm and we clutched each other so tightly we seemed to be just one solid mass of lustful flesh. She pushed her opening hard against me engulfing every inch of me deep inside herself. I pushed back hard wanting to go in deeper than I ever thought possible. She gasped suddenly. Panting she pulled me harder unleashing another powerful orgasm causing her to jerk hard against me. I pulled back and slammed hard against her suddenly feeling like I could explode again. Totally unaware of anything but her pulsing body I pounded harder and deeper into her beautiful womaness.
As I felt her fingers dig into my skin I exploded. Powerful convulsions rocked our bodies as we ground our pubic bones into each other. Wetness streamed down the insides of our thighs and beads of perspiration slid off of our hot sultry bodies. She pulled me tighter as her body shook and trembled from still another orgasm.
After what seemed like an eternity I felt her body start to relax. We rolled over me still inside of her and lay for a long time letting the night air cool our bodies. I stroked her hair gently while she lay limply on top of me.
After quite some time had gone by I heard her whisper softly, "I wish this moment would never end". Somehow I thought to myself that this moment truly will never end. How could I ever forget something so wonderful.


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Last week the RSU 18 Wellness Team introduced the Spring Wellness Passport for all district employees. The passport is designed to encourage employees "to take part in the On-Life [program] offerings and try new wellness activities."
Employees need to document activities that they participate in between last week's launch and the end of the program on May 12th. They can turn in their passport to a member of the wellness team once they have completed at least 16 items.
The items include doing 150 minutes of mind/body exercise a week, completing On-Life courses in topics such as stress management and improving nutrition, or running in the George Khol 5K or another road race.
Anyone that submits their passport will get a certificate of completion and a t-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for prizes at the end of the program. Encourage any RSU 18 employees in your life to take part!

subset: commoncrawl


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I don't know about you, but I have to have some form of chocolate every day. It's my "coffee" that picks me up and gets me going. I swear it has some secret power that makes me happier. I think I even read that somewhere.
After a hard day when nothing is going right, chocolate is my best friend, so, when I can include chocolate with something healthy like oatmeal, I'm so there!
Chocolate oatmeal is a great breakfast for us busy moms. Oatmeal fills you up and keeps you full until lunch. Adding chocolate makes it kid friendly as well. It's also inexpensive to make, so it's a great breakfast idea for a large group. You can even let the kids help!
This recipe is for four servings, but you can just double the ingredients for more mouths.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tsp powder sugar
- Chocolate chips to taste
- Combine oats and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. As water starts to absorb, stir in cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla. Reduce heat and let oatmeal simmer until 90% of the water is absorbed.. Place in bowls. Add powder sugar and chocolate chips for topping.


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Under the "Resources" tab above, click on "Schedule" and you will be taken to a page with the 2017 student attendance schedule. Please, do not show up if your name is not on the schedule-you will be turned away. Parents, this schedule should also give you a rough estimate of how much food to bring. The schedule will be updated frequently as needed.
Resources > Announcements >


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Gianluigi Buffon has talked up the possibility of making a transfer to the Premier League before he calls time on his illustrious career.
The 37-year-old was speaking ahead of Juventus' Champions League clash with Sevilla, one of the few competitions he is yet to win.
Buffon is also yet to play in the Premier League, but according to the man himself it may not be too late for him to make the switch to England.
'I would have loved to have played in the Premier League,' he said.
'I have spent 10 years at Parma, 15 at Juventus and I think I still have around two and a half years left at the top. There still may be an opportunity.'
Despite his age, Buffon would still improve most Premier League teams, and can be expected to be linked with a big move to England in the coming weeks.
MORE: Man City endure another opening-day loss in Champions League clash with Juventus


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The Chicago Bulls aren't a team full of top-tier talent. Aside from Dwayne Wade, nobody on the team has a winning pedigree. As Summer League rolls on, it's been Antonio Blakeney that has gotten the attention of the Chicago fan base. Could he be the "winner" the Bulls need to build around?
Not much is known about Blakeney. He's an undrafted guard out of LSU, who was overshadowed by Ben Simmons during his Freshman year. Thankfully, he gained a lot more confidence going into his Sophomore year, scoring 17 points per game. Blakeney also took All-SEC second team honors as well.
It's not uncommon for a player to find success outside of the NBA Draft's first round. Blakeney could be the next in a long line of 2nd round/ undrafted players to make a splash on his team's roster. If an impressive Summer League is any indication, Blakeney will be a difference maker for the Bulls quite soon.
With an average of 16.8 points per game at Summer League, Blakeney was one of the biggest surprises amongst all NBA talent. In fact, Chicago was so impressed they signed him to a two-way contract, meaning he will spend time on the NBA and D-league rosters of the Bulls.
There isn't a person bold enough to think Blakeney is going to take Dwyane Wade's job. But if the three-time NBA Champion is indeed bought out, you can expect Blakeney to receive a lot of minutes on a rebuilding Bulls team. That is, of course, if they consider him at SG and not PG, in which case he might sit behind Kris Dunn.
Whatever the case may be, Antonio Blakeney has impressed the Chicago Bulls front office. He's not the top option for Chicago at this point, but given a few years, he could be a mainstay in the team's backcourt. That could mean a starting role or he'd come off the bench as the team's Sixth Man. Still, he's got a shot to stick with the Bulls. Not bad for an undrafted rookie.


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If you're a big believer in holding lesser-known cryptocurrencies, you'll want to sit up and take notice. Barry Silbert, CEO of crypto holding company Digital Currency Group (DCG), surprised an audience full of crypto fans at Yahoo Finance's "All Markets Summit: Crypto" event in New York on Wednesday. Aside from a handful of coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum Classic and Zcash, he said, "I think most of the others are going to zero."
Silbert, 41, built a name for himself on Wall Street by founding Second Market, a platform where people traded illiquid assets like shares in private tech companies. In 2015, he sold Second Market to Nasdaq and founded Digital Currency Group, which has invested in red-hot startups like Coinbase and owns crypto news site Coindesk. Silbert was named to Forbes' inaugural list of the richest people in cryptocurrencies, with an estimated crypto net worth of $400 to $500 million.
Why does he think so many cryptocurrencies will disappear? "Most of these tokens don't have real utility," he said Wednesday. "Most of them are not differentiated from others. In the long run, I think there's only going to be one digital gold. I think there's only going to be one privacy-focused token. I think there's going to be one main smart-contract platform." This is a long-term prediction, he emphasized. "It may take 20 years to get there."
Silbert is still making bets on newer tokens, as illustrated by the assets DCG holds. In addition to Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin Gold, Ethereum Classic and Zcash, DCG owns Blockstack, Civic, Colu, Decentraland, Filecoin, OpenANX and Unikoin Gold, according to its website.
At Tuesday's event, DCG also announced that it's launching a new investment product to give accredited investors exposure to cryptocurrencies, in the same way it does with its Bitcoin Investment Trust. DCG subsidiary Grayscale is starting a "Digital Large Cap Fund," a passively-managed fund that will hold the top crypto-assets by market value, starting with Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash and Litecoin.
Sign Up For Free Webcast: Beyond The Bubble--Investing In Bitcoin And Crypto Assets
I cover fintech, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and investing at Forbes. I've also written frequently about leadership, corporate diversity and entrepreneurs. Before…
I cover fintech, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and investing at Forbes. I've also written frequently about leadership, corporate diversity and entrepreneurs. Before Forbes, I worked for ten years in marketing consulting, in roles ranging from client consulting to talent management. I'm a graduate of Middlebury College and Columbia Journalism School. Have a tip, question or comment? Email me firstname.lastname@example.com or send tips here: https://www.forbes.com/tips/. Follow me on Twitter @jeffkauflin. Disclosure: I own some bitcoin and ether.


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Previous Lecture
Complete and continue
Learn 3rd Position on HARMONICA - stand out from the crowd!
Introduction to course
Trailer (1:41)
General introduction (2:30)
Introduction to 3rd position and how it will help you (2:46)
Getting the 3rd position scales down
Learning the d-d scale (4:34)
D minor pentatonic (3:57)
Overview of all 12 positions - theory; listen and learn!
Overview of all 12 positions (7:45)
Piano view of the first 7 positions (8:31)
Interview with Charlie Musselwhite on positions (7:39)
Playing tunes and improvising
Scarborough Fair/Summertime 'quick and dirty' (4:32)
Improvising with 3rd position (4:47)
The Work Song (7:16)
Big Sultana phrase by phrase - from 'Bones of the Blues' (3:17)
Playalong in D minor (3:16)
The Thrill is gone (3:56)
Tongue blocking and ending
Tongue blocking and outro (4:10)
Introduction to 3rd position and how it will help you
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We can help you prepare for any English exam you may need. We offer preparation classes for the Cambridge International exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE) and we can can also help you prepare for IELTS, PTE Pearson, Trinity College and the Citizenship test.
In any Speaking exam, your main enemy is not your grammar or vocabulary problems. It's not even your fluency or pronunciation. All these things are important and the examiner is marking you on them but, the biggest problem you face is overcoming nerves. It's easy to say "relax" but, for Cambridge exams in particular, what many students don't realize is that the Speaking exam is actually one of the easiest to pass. For a start, the Speaking exam is shorter than any of the other papers (between 8 and 19 minutes). And PET, KET, First, Advanced and Proficiency are marked on a scale of 1-5, where 3 or over is a pass. Getting a 4 or a 5 and being "perfect" isn't necessary to show you can speak at the minimum level to pass the paper. However, this piece of information might not be enough to stop the panic as you enter the room. So what else can you do?
Tricks to help you feel confident
- While you're waiting to go in, speak English to the people waiting with you. That way you're not going in "cold" – suddenly having to switch from your own language to English. Think of it like doing warm up stretches before going for a run
- Forget about grammar and vocabulary today. Concentrate on answering the questions, listening to the instructions and your partner (for tasks where you have to interact with another student). If you've been studying for the exam for months beforehand, you know all the grammar and vocabulary you're going to know. So, there's no point worrying about that on the day of the exam!
- If you make a mistake, correct it and move on. Don't let it interfere with your fluency. You get marked down for hesitation and long pauses. But, correcting your mistakes, or even, asking the examiner or the other candidate to repeat or clarify something can gain you marks. It's called a 'repair strategy' and it's a sign of good communication skills.
Tricks for success in the exam
- Be interesting! Remember the examiner has been going through the same routine all day and he or she is bored. There are standard questions at the beginning of the exam about where you live, your free time and school subjects, for example. The examiner has probably heard the same answers all morning. If you're taking the exam in your own country, this is especially true as most candidates live in the same city. Before the exam, think of some interesting fact about the place you live, or a hobby you have that is a bit different, or give an opinion about your school subject. Just one or two sentences are enough to get the exam off to a good start.
- Interact with the other candidate. Not everyone can get top marks for grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation, but there's no reason not to get a 5 for 'interactive communication'. This mark is for initiating Conversation, responding to what your partner has said, and trying to move the discussion towards an outcome. Acknowledge something the other candidate has said and develop it – just like a Conversation in the real world. Try to avoid just giving stock phrases like "I agree with you" and then moving onto a different topic. Say why you agree (or disagree) and discuss the point. For example 'That's what I think too because…'. You can ask the other candidate why they have that opinion too.
- Be yourself! It's OK to make jokes or use humour. Just because it's an exam doesn't mean everything you say has to be super serious. If your personality comes across, then it means the examiner is more likely to think of you as someone who expresses themselves well in English.
So, take a deep breath and remember – in under twenty minutes, it's all going to be over!
The writing paper consists of two parts: There is a compulsory question in Part 1
and one question from a choice of 5 in Part 2. Each question carries equal marks.
You have 1 hour 20 minutes to complete the task.
The aim of the exam is to establish that you are able to write in different styles and that you understand the concept of "register". (If you don't know what this is – see below.)
You should start to practice the different tasks as soon as you have decided to take the exam and it is a good idea to create a writing file.
In the writing file you should keep all the writing work you have done yourself as well as examples of good English, such as model letters or reports. You could also add magazine articles or a short stories.
What is "register"?
Register is the correct style of writing (and speaking) for the situation. You don't speak to your boss or your bank manager in the same way as you speak to your friend, do you? You use different words for different people: "I apologise" to your boss, and "I'm sorry" to your friend.
We do the same thing when we are writing . You write an e-mail to a friend in a very different way to writing a covering letter for a job.
So the "register" is the choice of vocabulary plus the style of writing (formal or informal).
When you are writing your letter or report, you should think about the person who is READING it. The exam question will tell you to write to a friend, or to your teacher or for a school magazine (so the readers will be students in this case).
The examiner will consider himself as the reader (your friend, your colleague, a magazine reader or the Director who asked for the report.)
So, don't think, "Oh, I've got to write 120 – 180 words for an exam."
Think: "I have to write a 120 – 180 word report for my boss." Or, "I'm writing a magazine article for teenagers."
Imagine that the situation is REAL.
Before writing you should brainstorm your ideas & organize your answer. When you are satisfied with your ideas write your answer as clearly as possible. You will get zero points if the examiner can't read your writing .
The exam:
Part 1: This compulsory question asks you to write a letter or an e-mail. You will be given information (from an advert, a letter, an e-mail, a schedule etc) and other notes which you need to read carefully before you start to answer the question.
Use all the information you are given but do not simply recopy it. Add some ideas of your own.
Don't write any addresses for letters & e-mails.
Formal letter: Do not use contractions. Use a formal register : Dear Mr & Mrs Smith (not "Mister" & "Missus")
I am writing for further information about…
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours sincerely,
Informal letter, for example to a friend: use contractions and a bit of chit-chat to make the letter seem real (Hi, how are you? How's your family? I haven't seen them for ages!) but get to the point of the letter quickly.
Be natural : Just thought I'd drop you a line to tell you that…/ to ask if you could…../ to see what you think about…./
Finish with an expression such as: Hope to hear from you soon/ I'll be in touch/ Can you let me know as soon as possible? Then: Love, (if you are a girl or VERY good friends) or Best regards, (men)
Don't write "kisses". If you want to express a kiss, do it like this: Love from Jenny, XXX
E-mails are semi-formal, somewhere between the two, even if it is about business. Start with Dear — & finish with Best regards or Kind regards. You can use contractions, but don't use "text" language. For example, don't write "C U L8TER" (see you later).
Part 2 The options may include: an article, a story, a report, a review, an essay or another letter.
Letter: If you choose this option, read the instructions carefully. It will tell you to write "in the appropriate style". If the compulsory letter was informal, this one will probably be formal & vice-versa. Make sure you get the style & register right.
Story: You are often given a sentence to start or finish your story. Eg: "It was midnight and I was all alone in the house. Suddenly someone knocked loudly on the door."
Or "Without saying a word, John got up and walked out of the room."
If you enjoy telling stories, then this is a good choice for you. If you have no imagination and you have never practised writing a story before, choose another option.
You should be able to use the story telling tenses: simple past; past continuous; past perfect; past perfect continuous.
There should also be plenty of descriptive adjectives .Use absolute adjectives where possible. For example, don't say "big", say "enormous"; don't say "dirty" say "absolutely filthy".
You should also use adverbs: suddenly, amazingly, unbelievably…
Essay: This is the classic piece of writing demanded by schools everywhere. It should have an introduction, a clear development or discussion of the subject and a conclusion which gives your opinion. The essay should include your reasons for your opinion and you should give examples which can be from your own experience, from historical or scientific facts, from current affairs etc. Use a formal style, good linking words, make sure there is a logical progression and don't repeat yourself.
If you do not know what linking words are, ask me for a list of them.
Article: If you enjoy reading magazines & newspapers and you have noticed the journalistic style of writing , then this could be a good choice, but it is quite difficult to do well. Magazine articles use journalistic headlines and sub-headings. They often use rhetorical questions. You must get the reader's full attention and give some opinion or comment.
Review: This is to describe and give a personal opinion of a book, a film, a restaurant, a holiday, a website… Use your own experience and conclude with your recommendation. There are examples of book, film & restaurant reviews on this blog which I suggest you have a look at. Keep the register formal or semi formal.
Report: This option usually demands factual information which you should present in a clear, logical way. Use subheadings, don't use contractions and make sure you control your tenses. Is the report about something which happened in the past or which is going to happen at some future date? You can invent some data or statistics to make the report seem real (eg: the vast majority of students (85%) were in favour of ….). Your personal recommendation can be given throughout the report or in conclusion at the end of the report.
Finally, there is a question about a set text (a book). Do not answer this question unless you have studied the book with your English teacher. English Connection students should never choose this option as we do NOT study for it.
Marking system:
When you understand how the exam is marked, you can get a better result.
There are 5 bands. I have written a simplified version of what the examiners are looking for. The University of Cambridge examiners have a much more detailed list which is too long to publish here.
Band 1:Lack of organization, lack of vocabulary, lack of control of grammar, irrelevant answer, question not understood, no understanding of register.
Band 2: Although the task is attempted, communication is limited, many errors make it difficult to understand, poorly organized, register inconsistent.
Band 3: All content points are included, ideas are properly organized, linking words used, correct register is attempted, errors will be present but will not stop the reader from understanding.
Band 4: Ideas are clearly organized & linked together. All points are included, shows good range of vocabulary & structure, an understanding of the appropriate register is demonstrated and is consistent. Grammatical or spelling mistakes do not stop the reader from understanding.
Band 5: The candidate's writing full achieves the task. All points are included and expanded. Synonyms are used showing a wide range of structures and a rich vocabulary. Errors are few, do not stop understanding & are probably due to ambitious attempts at difficult structures. The register is consistent and appropriate to task.
One more thing. Have you noticed that throughout this article on FCE writing (which is about 1,500 words, by the way) I have only used an exclamation mark once and I have not found it necessary to use the word "indeed" at all.
Would all lycée students please note that we do not want to see "indeed" used four times in 180 words and we don't want to see more than two exclamation marks in your text either.
I hope this information will help you to achieve a Band 4 or Band 5 result.
There will soon be examples of reports, stories, essays and articles at FCE (B2) level on this blog, as well as a writing competition, so come and visit it often
Cambridge English: Advanced is an advanced level exam and the fourth level of the University of Cambridge exams in general English. This exam is set at Level C1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for modern languages.
The CAE exam is suitable for learners who have reached an advanced level of English and are able to use English effectively and confidently in social, educational and professional situations.
CAE is useful preparation for anyone who wishes to take CPE at a later stage, and valuable for anyone who is looking to work or study abroad.
A CAE certificate has no expiration date. However, some institutions have their own language requirements or policies on how recent they require exam results to be. They may ask you for evidence that you have maintained or improved your level of English since you took your exam. Speak to the institution you are applying to and confirm their individual requirements.
CAE is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes. Thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise CAE as an Advanced qualification in English.
CAE has 5 papers:
Reading: 1 hour, 15 minutes
You will need to be able to understand texts from publications such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
Writing: 1 hour, 30 minutes
You will have to show you can produce two different pieces of writing such as an article, a report, a proposal and a review.
Use of English Paper: 1 hour
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening: 40 minutes
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, radio broadcasts, speeches and talks.
Speaking: 15 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by yourself.
Each component of the exam carries 20% of the total marks.
Candidates can access their results through the Cambridge ESOL Results website. For paper-based exams, these will be available after 4 weeks. For computer-based exams, they will be available after 2 weeks.
There are three Pass grades – A, B, C – and two Fail grades – Council of Europe Level B2 and Below Level B2.
There is no minimum pass mark for individual papers. The grade is based on the total score of all 5 papers.
Certificates are awarded to candidates who score 45% and above and are despatched approximately 4 weeks after the results are issued.
Cambridge English: First, also known as the First Certificate in English (FCE), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment (previously known as University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations). It is an upper-intermediate, international English language qualification that focuses on Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The exam is offered in two variations: Cambridge English: First for adult learners and Cambridge English: First for Schools. Both versions assess at the same level, have the same exam format (five papers) and lead to the same qualification – the First Certificate in English. The only difference between the two versions is that the topics in the 'for Schools' version have been targeted at the interests and experiences of school-aged learners.
Cambridge English: First was first developed as the Lower Certificate in English (LCE) during the 1930s and was intended to meet a demand for certification of English below that of the Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) exam. Cambridge English: First is one of the most widely taken of all the exams provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment and is accepted in commerce, industry, universities and higher education institutions as proof of everyday written and spoken English for work and study purposes
Cambridge English: Preliminary, also known as the Preliminary English Test (PET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment (previously known as University of Cambridge ESOL). Cambridge English: Preliminary is an intermediate level qualification which demonstrates the ability to communicate using English for everyday purposes.
Launched in 1980, Cambridge English: Preliminary is designed to show that a learner can use their English language skills in everyday situations when working, studying and travelling. It is focused on Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Cambridge English: Preliminary is offered in two variations: Cambridge English: Preliminary for adult learners and Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools, for school-aged learners. Both versions of the exam lead to the same qualification, the Preliminary English Test. Both versions have the same exam format (three exam papers) – the only difference is that the topics in the 'for Schools' version have been targeted at the interests and experiences of school-aged learners.


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January 21, 2020
In this second Work in Progress podcast from Talent Forward 2019, I sit down with...
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Each year, as the Chamber Foundation hosts the Talent Forward national workforce conference, we focus on talent—educating and training, talent tech and data, recruiting, hiring, and upskilling. With no shortage of talent challenges, the opportunities for informative discussion are endless. While a day devoted to dissecting talent-related topics could focus solely on the problems, Talent Forward is all about the solutions.


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We are proud to announce that this Feb 9th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM we will be hosting an Open House at 120 Milross in BRIGHTON by Bosa in the Main/Olympic Village/Science World hood neighborhood, Vancouver. This is an opportunity to visit this excellent Condo for sale in beautiful Main/Olympic Village/Science World hood.
Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Main/Olympic Village/Science World hood Condo for sale.
As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 604-505-7002 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.
Karen Wiltshire
Royal LePage Sussex-West Vancouver


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By RICH FOLEY
Yes, it's Christmas shopping time again, and the gifts just keeping getting stranger. Think you've seen everything? Not by a long shot, Santa.
Who came up with the theory that what we really wanted for Christmas was a Hostess Twinkie maker? First, someone with bad taste gives you the appliance. Next, you have to buy the ingredients, prepare them, and do whatever else is needed for the device to do its thing.
After all the time, additional cost and hassle, if you're lucky, you might end up with a result that's as good as (or as bad as, depending on your point of view) the original product. Why not just make a quick run to the store and buy some, if that's what you really want?
But the genius behind the Twinkie maker didn't stop there. You can also buy a Hostess Cupcake maker, an appliance that makes a Super Pretzel brand pretzel and additional devices to make other snacks. If you must have one of these, I'd bet you can save a lot of money if you wait for the after-Christmas clearance sales.
And then there's the Magic Stick. A "mere" $49.95, plus shipping, the Stick, after charging, holds enough power to recharge a cell phone two times.
Am I missing something? Instead of just charging your phone as always, now you have to charge the stick, and then use it to charge your phone? You're spending twice as much time charging as before and spending over $50 for the privilege. The words "Bah, humbug" come to mind.
Next, there is a line of products for residents, former residents and friends of the state of Michigan. First is a Michigan ice cube tray. For a whopping $7.99, you get a plastic tray that enables you to make ice cubes shaped like the state.
For some reason, the manufacturer has eliminated the Straits of Mackinac, combining the two peninsulas into one. The tray lets you freeze eight icy facsimiles of this geographic atrocity at a time. Instead of spending $7.99 plus tax for this, you might be better off investing in an accurate map.
The second Michigan product might incite even more protests. Billed as a "Michigan-Shaped Solid Wood Cutting Board," it looks pretty good except for one thing—there's no Upper Peninsula. That might fly in Lansing or Detroit, but I hope the maker isn't counting on sales to be rolling in from Marquette, Escanaba, or Iron Mountain.
Then there's the third product, Michigan cookie cutters. These come in a set of two, one for each peninsula. A resident of Houghton or Newberry could make cookies of both peninsulas, then feed the lower ones to the dog. Or don't make any in the first place. Just think of the possibilities.
Another company has introduced a product for people who have had their lunch sandwiches "disappear" from the company refrigerator. For $8, you can buy a package of 25 zipper-top sandwich bags with phony mold blotches on either side.
Most likely, no one will ever steal your sandwich again. Now your biggest worry will be that someone might clean the refrigerator and throw out your perfectly fresh lunch.
Finally, those Chia Pet folks are at it again. I may be one of the few people who hasn't ever seen the wildly popular cable series "Duck Dynasty." I have, however, seen various members of the Robertson family show up on broadcast network programs, write best-selling books and even record their own CD. It was probably inevitable that they be immortalized in terra cotta and seeds.
So far, Chia Pets are on the market for Willie Robertson and Uncle Si, both of whom quickly will sport bushy green beards if you correctly follow directions. I'm thinking the bearded Chia Pet idea could be expanded.
How about a Chia version of Abraham Lincoln, our first bearded president? While we're at it, why not Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield and Benjamin Harrison, too? But don't stop there.
History buffs might also enjoy a Rasputin Chia Pet. For movie fans, a Chia Gabby Hayes. And there's always ZZ Top for music lovers. But remember, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill only. The ironically-named drummer, Frank Beard, doesn't have a beard.
That's all I've got for this Christmas. And remember, in the unlikely event anyone feels the need to buy me a gift, I don't want any of these items. Merry Christmas!


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I'm not in the habit of making this blog my own personal Hallmark aisle (when you care enough to blog the very best!), but there are a couple of monumental birthdays that should be observed. One is when one of my kids turns 13, and another is when my dad turns 70. That day is today.
It would take a month of blog posts to express the influence my dad has had on my life. He's a sounding board, a constant source of advice, a generous giver, a peacemaker, and a great friend. But today…today he's old.
I was somewhat of an afterthought, so I grew up with parents that were just a bit older than those of my friends. But I've always been grateful for my "baby of the family" status. My brother (12 years older) and sister (10 years older) got my share of beatings before I even came along. My childhood was relatively beating-free, for which I'm grateful. But they also deserved it. 🙂
Today dad will go to work just as he's done for the last 60 years (he's the second generation in a four-generation family business), he'll read the Nashville Tennessean to get caught up on the news as he drinks his coffee, then he'll spend some time swapping stories with some of his employees, and then he'll get to work on monthly reports, customer service, returning more phone calls and e-mails than you can imagine, and doing what he can to make his world a better place.
What he doesn't know is that today, every last one of his employees and all the family that can make it will show up for a huge surprise party and cookout at the office. It'll be a time of tribute and gratitude for a guy who has improved the lives of well over 100 employees and more family members than I can count. Church friends and friends from around town will drop by, and in his own unassuming way, he'll just enjoy the time to catch up with folks.
(By the way, I'm safe in writing that last paragraph because – while he finally figured out e-mail – he still doesn't know what a blog is, much less that his son has one.)
So dad, later today I'll tell you how to log on to this thing, but for now, happy birthday. I love you and I wish I could be there with you!
The picture above is the result of a pretty hilarious attempt at a Christmas photo shoot. Dad was sitting on his knees in his chair to make him look taller than us (didn't work), I was apparently three inches from the camera (Sasquatch), and my brother apparently just had ice dropped down his pants. As usual, my sister is the only pretty face in the crowd (that's to make up for spilling the beans that you're a whole decade older than me).


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It has been exactly 20 years as of September 16th, 2017 that I've been with my family. 20 years and a day ago, I met my parents for the first time. As far as I'm concerned, they have always and will always be My Parents.
Story Time:
I've been working in my university's study abroad office which is also part of a larger office where many international students come and go to deal with various things. There are times where I work the front desk, so one day I was sitting there and a female walked in and had questions about immigration for the international student side of the office.
While she was waiting on the answers to her questions, she turned to me and asked "Are you from China?"
"I am, yes," I nodded.
She begins to speak Chinese rather quickly to which I was taken aback by, waited for her to finish, and politely told her that I didn't speak Chinese.
"Oh how come?" She asked.
"Well I was adopted when I was thirteen months old, so I was raised here in Maryland."
"The people who adopted you are white?"
"Yes." Now, I found that to be a weird question which I have no clue what the look on my face was when I answered it. Yes, my parents are white. But they could have been any other race as well? And while, yes, they are people, not the word choice I would have used.
"So you don't know your parents?"
I paused, again, taken aback by the phrasing of the question. "Well I don't know my birth parents if that's what you mean."
She nodded, and thankfully someone came over to answer her questions about immigration before our little conversation could be continued.
The whole interaction left a weird taste in my mouth. Now, I understand that when others find out you're adopted, their automatic first question is always "do you know your birth parents?" I've come to accept that this is a question I'll have to keep answering forever. I've also come to (reluctantly) accept that there are times when my mom and I will be asked if we're together or if we want separate checks when we're out to lunch or dinner. Fine. We don't look alike, I suppose it's an honest mistake.
What I won't accept is anyone trying to say my parents aren't my parents. Yes, technically they're my adoptive parents, but as far as I'm concerned, they're my parents.


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WILLIAMSTOWN, MA- The Ephs go into this weekend's championships ranked 1st in the NESCAC conference. Last year, they won their fourth straight title at the NESCAC championship and look to earn a fifth consecuitve crown. Kennedy Green '19 is the defending champion and will hope to win the 100 meter dash. She will also represent the Ephs in the 200, along with long-sprinter Megan Powell '20, the defending 400 meter dash champion. Anna Passannante '20 is the Ephs' highest ranked athlete going into the 800 meter dash, with a 3rd place seed. She will face off against All-American athletes Sarah Kelly of Bowdoin and Anna Willig of Middlebury in what will perhaps be one of the most competitive races of the day.
Audrey Rustad '20 leads the Ephs in the 1500 meter dash, ranked 3rd in the NESCAC in the event. Not to be overlooked, though, is 3-time defending champion and senior co-captain Anna Harleen '18 who hopes to repeat the feat in her final NESCACs. The duo of Victoria Kingham '18 and Emily Sundquist '18 own the top two marks in the NESCAC 3000 meter steeplechase by almost 30 seconds. With a 25-second personal best last week, Kingham is also ranked 3rd in the 5000 meter run with a stellar time of 17:06. As the top 3 athletes in that event are all ranked at least 20 seconds faster than last year's champion, and the top 2 have run sub-16:50, this event will be one to watch.
In the hurdle events, the Ephs will hope to flex their muscles and show their depth. Izabelle Ith '21, Kate Kennedy '18, and Caitlin Ubl '19 are ranked 3-4-5 in the 100 meter hurdles and Kennedy, Kayley McGonagle '18, and Sierra Loomis '20 are ranked 1-2-5. Helene Hall '18 is the 2-time defending champion in the high jump, but will contend with sophomore Emma Egan, who goes into the meet with a jump 9 centimeters higher than her next closest competitor. With the absence of defending pole vault champion Katie Loftus due to her yearlong sojourn with the Oxford program, junior Maggie Murphy and first-year Kelsie Hao will step into her place, as the two are ranked 1-2 in the conference. They will contend with 2016 champion Kreager Traber.
The story is similar in the long jump. Since 2017 champion, Candice Dyce graduated last spring, the Ephs are ranked 1-2-3-6-8 in the event, led by Ith, Egan, and Hao. In the triple jump, the Ephs own four of the top 5 spots, ranked 1-2-3-5 and led by Ith, sophomore Sierra Diaz, and junior Kene Odenigbo. In the throws, Lauren Crist will enter the meet ranked 6th in the discus with a huge personal best and first collegiate win last weekend and the Williams Quad Meet. She is also seeded 11th in the hammer. First-year Morgan Dauk will take to the runway in 11th position in the javelin.
Williams is ranked in the top 3 in each of the relays, seeded 3rd in the 4x100 meter relay with a seed of 48.65. The squad of four has ironed out the kinks in their handoffs and are excited to take to the track against some talented Trinity and Colby squads. The All-American Ephs own the top time in the 4x400 meter relay by over 7 seconds. The 4x800 meter relay is an open event and many teams have not run their A-squads, but nonetheless, the Ephs are seeded 1st over quick Colby and Tufts squads. Head Coach Nate Hoey said, "We are very excited for the 2018 NESCAC Championship meet. The NESCAC is arguably the best T&F conference in the country with outstanding student-athletes across all event areas. We are looking forward to the challenge and opportunity ahead this weekend."
The action will commence at 9am Jesse Miller Field in Hartford, Connecticut.


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Carrick on Suir RFC beaten by Thurles
Carrick firsts travelled away to play Thurles in the Munster Junior Shield last Sunday. Overall Carrick played very well throughout, and were leading 9-0 at half time thanks to three successful penalty kicks by Charlie Boland.
Carrick were still leading 9-5 going into the final quarter when Thurles got a second try and added the conversion.
Carrick continued well and there were good games by Brian Phelan, David Harrison and David Kiersey. The pack did well and the team tackled well overall. But Thurles finished stronger with another converted try for a final score of 19-9. Carrick are all set now for the league which starts on Sunday, October 7 with a home game versus Presentation.
The Carrick under 16 and under 18 girls started their season last Saturday with training games away in Clonmel and thanks to our hosts for a valuable exercise ahead of the Munsterwide seven aside blitz competition which starts this Saturday 29 with an under 18 blitz in Thurles. On Saturday, October 13 Carrick will be hosting this competition.


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I was inspired by two Pins here and here.
Do you send your children with Valentine cards & treats???
A Daily lifestyle website. Sharing the latest products on the market, Parenting stories, travel guides, and destination information you can use! Along my travels, I became a Certified Food judge so you can also enjoy Food related posts!
I love Harry Potter. This craft is adorable!ReplyDelete
Huge Harry Potter fan here! Love this idea! #ALittleBirdToldMeReplyDelete
These are too cute! We're major Muggles over here, so will be saving this post for later. Thanks!ReplyDelete
These are SO cute! Definitely saving for all of our Harry Potter themed activities! Thanks so much for sharing at the Best of the Blogosphere Link-Up! Hope to see you again tomorrow :)ReplyDelete
Such a fun idea! I'm a huge Harry Potter fan! Thanks for sharing on the Small Victories Sunday Linkup!ReplyDelete
That is so super awesome! I wish I had thought of that!
You should come link up at our Bloggers Spotlight party, we pin everything to our group board and have two separate link-ups, one for posts and one devoted to pins so you get even more exposure!
Very cool! Such a fun idea for a HP party - keeping this in mind for when I forve my son to have one down the line ;)ReplyDelete
These are totally adorable! And way better than just a little paper Valentine. Great idea!ReplyDelete


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Hi. My name is Alan and I want to change the world.
Not a lot, just the average person's perception of it.
When I accepted my first assignment overseas, I was surprised to find that much of the online information was often inaccurate, outdated, or flat out wrong. It seems the real agenda was to lure me in with the promise of useful information, and then entice me to click on some slick banner add to learn about tax havens, fractional gold futures, or beachfront condos in Panama.
Living and working overseas is not as simple as getting a passport and climbing on a plane and then looking for a job and staying long term once you find a place you fancy. You will likely be deported back home – swiftly. Most countries welcome your travel dollars, but they want to save the good jobs and employment for their own citizens. After four decades of international travel and over a decade as a permanent resident in Asia, I decided to create this site to help folks like yourself benefit from my experiences and learn from my mistakes.
If you come across a blog, picture or information that captures your interest, please actively interact. Comments and likes are always appreciated. Questions will be answered – sometimes even promptly! Come along for the ride. The ticket is free and the scenery is great… oh, and I promise NEVER to try to sell you a beachfront condo or a second passport (which is usually illegal)!
Cheers Mate!


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1934 Ford pu truck vintage fiberglass replica complete body etc
Price: - Item location: Valdosta, Georgia, United States
- Condition: New
- Make: Ford
- Model: Other
- Trim: body only
- Year: 1934
- Mileage: 0
- VIN: body only
- Color: GRAY
- Engine size: bdy only
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
1934 Ford Other
1934 Ford p/u truck vintage fiberglass replica body with fenders, running boards, hood and hood sides, truck bed. "Some assembly required"
For questions pls call C C Corbin at 229-740-1501
Inner and outer door and inner and outer trunk
with dash and garnish molding.
Winning bidder is responsible for transportation from our destination to yours.
For questions pls call C C Corbin at 229-740-1501.


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Sarah: 272
Daniel: 144
Jennifer: 315
Melissa: 82
Sarah: 272
Thursday Quote:
C1: He told me that, in a previous incarnation, I was Alexander the Great's chief eunuch
Friday Quote:
C1: Yeah, it's really six o'clock tomorrow night our time.
C2: Ok well listen, don't tell us what's going to happen though because I like to be surprised
Saturday Quote:
C1: He can't decide if he's a creeper, a peeper, a stalker, a walker, a back breaker…
C2: In today's market you can't afford not to diversify
C3: We're into some deep creeping here
Sunday Quote (movie):
C1: I bet you've never read a book in your life.
C2: Ha! I read *all four* of the Harry Potter books
Good luck all!


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Or is it Seth Lipsky on fiat money and the kilometer standard in Paris. Wittgenstein in his private language argument and in his discussion of our shared language and practices of measuring with an inch-ruler brings to the foreground the necessary regularities in our common linguistic social background and in our goings on in the world which make such practices as measurement — and the language used in those practices — both possible and actual. Mises and Hayek in their socialist calculation argument and in their discussion of the plan coordination role of money prices bring to the foreground the necessary regularities in our common background of property trading practices and in our experience of changing relative prices which make such practices as re-orienting our economics plans according to money measures of profit and loss both possible and actual.
And both Wittgenstein and Mises/Hayek show that we can't get a sound understand of the true nature of this phenomena in any other way that by foregrounding the shared social practices which stand behind, make possible, and constitute that phenomena — and any "God's Eye View" (Hayek) or "Bird's Eye View" (Wittgenstein) or "Synoptic View" (Hayek & Wittgenstein) formal construct or "model", e.g. Frege/Russel/Kripke/Etc. or Debreu/Samuelson/Woordford/Etc., made up of God's eye view "givens" which are stipulated as known "gives" by the mind of the model maker — models which cannot capture the social background and social process of learning as a matter of logic — necessarily produces a pathological understanding of the phenomena, leaving out both the processes of learning in a social environment and the universal shared human structures of thought which lie behind those achieved common social practices.


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How to Decorate an Attic Turned Into a Bedroom
When your family's need for bedrooms outstrips the space available in your home, an attic becomes an attractive option for additional living space. There are some attic-specific challenges to deal with when moving a bedroom up there -- walls are often sloped, making it difficult or impossible to stand tall in some areas. Closed storage space, such as a closet, may also be lacking in an attic bedroom. A creative floor plan, as well as makeshift storage, are key to a comfortable attic bedroom. Vibrant, playful decor creates a lively transformation for that once-dreary, plain attic.
Remove all unnecessary items from the room -- ideally, everything. Sweep the floor with a broom, removing dust with a dustpan. Wipe down the window sills and walls with a duster or damp rag. Allow walls to dry completely.
Cover the entire floor with old newspaper, unless you are painting the floor as well. Cover window sills and other areas which will remain unpainted, using painter's tape and newspaper to protect those areas.
Stir the paint with stir stick, then pour of the paint some into a painter's tray. Attach the extension handle onto the paint roller by pushing it in or pushing and turning the handle until it is secure. Paint the entire room, including all wall slopes and ceiling (if any), using the paint roller. Allow paint to dry completely. Apply a second coat as needed, allowing it to dry as well. Remove and discard all newspaper and painter's tape.
Determine the ideal location for the bed, positioning it as close to a wall as possible, but in a manner in which you can recline and rise up without bumping your head. Place a nightstand and table lamp near the bed, or a short floor lamp if not using a nightstand.
Position short bookshelves along or close to a wall which slopes. Place storage bins on the shelves to use as makeshift storage for clothing.
Place a throw rug on the floor in areas of high traffic to dampen sounds.
Things Needed
- Broom and dustpan
- Duster
- Damp rag
- Newspaper
- Painter's tape
- Latex all-in-one paint/primer
- Paint stir stick
- Paint pan
- Paint roller with extension handle
- Nightstand
- Table lamp or floor lamp
- Short bookshelves
- Storage bins which fit on the bookshelves
- Throw rug
- Painting the floor in an attic will liven up the room if the floor is unfinished. It will also help seal cracks and lessen the sound of creaking boards slightly. Carpeting or throw rugs will also help dampen the sound while bringing a splash of color to the space.
- A removable handle from a push broom can double as an extension for a paint roller, lessening the time it will take to paint the room.
- Inexpensive roll-up window shades can be painted with acrylic paints to match any decor or designs ideas you can imagine. These are useful if the attic has large windows or windows facing the windows of other homes.
- Battery-operated stick-on touch lights are helpful in a stairwell which has no lighting of its own.
- A child-sized dresser from a yard sale or thrift store can be repainted into funky attic bedroom furnishings.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images


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Cool Illustration of How Jesus Covers Our Sins
What a clever way to show how Jesus came to cleanse us of our sins, if we just confess and ask Him into our hearts! When Jesus came to this world, John the Baptist called Him "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). God has made it very simple; that forgiveness of sins is only possible through the shed blood of an acceptable substitute.
JESUS, sin, and you
Wow, this is an amazing illustration of how Jesus took all our sins.Posted by Without Walls Ministries on Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Hebrews 10:22
"Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Have you invited God into your heart?


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→ 46 | Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH Air Quality Monitoring Everything at acceptable levels In 2011, the Airport Company initiated an air quality and environment study programme with BER in mind for the purpose of examining long term the air quality and the environmental impact of air traffic. Air quality measurement point The pollutants typically produced by air traffic — carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and fine particulate matter — resulting from flight operations, vehicular traffic and background pollution are continuously measured at the air quality measurement point "Schönefeld Airport" located at the eastern end of the future North Runway at BER. These emission measurements are analysed on the basis of threshold values set forth in the 39th Federal Emission Control Act (BIm- SchV). This work is being conducted under the supervision of the State Agency for the Environment of Brandenburg (LfU). The results are updated daily on the Airport Company's internet site. Benzene, benzo(a)pyrene (the lead substance of PAHs), hydrocarbons and soot are collected over longer periods and examined by the State Laboratory Berlin-Brandenburg. The carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and fine particulate matter concentrations at Schönefeld Airport in 2015 were comparable with the suburban monthly mean values determined at the air quality measurement points of the LfU in Blankenfelde- Mahlow. The upper threshold for fine particulate matter PM 10 was exceeded on eleven days of the year. The permissible limit is 35 days. The 8-hour mean value for ozone stipulated by legislation was exceeded 22 times, a value that is also comparable with the air quality measurement point in Blankenfelde-Mahlow (exceeded 21 times) or the background measurement point Hansenholz Buckow (exceeded 22 times). The trigger threshold is 25 times. The threshold values and the trigger thresholds for the 39th BImSchV were not exceeded for any of the measured pollutants at Schönefeld Airport in 2015, although at times increased emissions were determined at the air quality measurement point because of the construction work going on for the renovation of the North Runway. Biomonitoring Biomonitoring focuses on the actual impact of air pollutants on the living environment in the environs of the airport. The biomonitoring procedure will help to answer the question whether — and if so, to what extent — grass as animal feed or kale as food is exposed to pollutants and the degree to which air traffic is responsible.
A grass culture is harvested at the elementary school in Schulzendorf after four weeks for biomonitoring. In the summer of 2015, comparative studies in the extension of the South Runway were the focal point. During the temporary utilisation of the South Runway, studies were undertaken to determine whether the changes in operation had measurable effects on the standardised grass cultures set out at ten locations. The cultures were each harvested after four weeks and analysed in the laboratory. Two measurement points were set up at a sufficient distance from the airport, settlements and streets so that the general pollution levels in the region could be measured (background pollution). The results of the analyses can be evaluated indirectly by comparing them with other recent German examinations and on the basis of evaluation and test values for foods. Biomonitoring is also an aid for determining the risk potential for human beings. The biomonitoring in 2015, just as in the previous years, demonstrated that Schönefeld Airport does not have any relevant impact (emission effects) on raising pollutant levels in the region. The studies are conducted by an independent environmental institute. Bee monitoring Bee monitoring studies whether the operation of an airport has an adverse effect on the quality of the honey produced in the region. As part of the bee monitoring since 2011, pollen, wax and honey from the environs of BER have been analysed for pollutant residues which can find their way through the air into the environment and subsequently into the food chain. Hives themselves as well as collected pollen, wax and honey were examined at three locations: one location on the operational premises of Schönefeld Airport, one location south of the airport that will be directly below flight patterns when BER Airport opens and one location in Schorfheide in a landscape which is largely unaffected by road and air traffic or settlements. Monitoring has begun even before the operational startup of BER so that any possible changes in the residue content can be documented. It will consequently be continued after the operational startup of BER. The results of the residue analysis show that airport operations do not have any impact on the quality of honey as a food product from the airport region. The content of the examined substances in honey, pollen and wax is at safe, low levels. The reports on the biomonitoring and bee monitoring have been made available in their unabridged form on the Neighbourhood Portal of the Airport Company.
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As your fully insured and certified painting company serving Mentor, Ohio and its surrounding areas, we go above and beyond to deliver or exceed the results you desire!
Your Dependable Neighborhood Painter
Nicardo Smith, or Nic, as his friends like to call him, embarked on a painting journey that truly honed his skills as one of the few trusted professional painters in Mentor, Ohio. Early on in his career, he worked with the RIU hotels for ten years before being discovered and hired by the Royal Carribean Cruise. He spent five years working for the cruise ship line where he met his wife and now mother to their beautiful daughter—and to him, this is the best reward he could get for all his hard work!
He went to Lakeland, Tri-C and Auburn Career Center Community Colleges to study different aspects of the trades. He started by hiring a team of remodeling professionals. After seven years, he discovered his niche and put focus on his passion for painting and wallpaper installation.
"Do it Like Your Life Depends on It"
Nicardo Smith, Mentor Painter, Ohio Owner
Nic is a perfectionist and will do what it takes to exceed your expectations, whether you need commercial or home painting services.
Why Mentor Painter
We strive for specialization painting. We enlighten beautiful homes through our wide array of skills such as:
- Bathtub Refinishing and Reglazing
- Interior and Exterior Painting
- Wallpaper Installation
- Deck Staining and Repair
- Drywall Repair and Installation
We are a Mentor, Ohio based painting company serving nearby areas including:
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Euclid, Ohio
- Beachwood, Ohio
- Mayfield Heights, Ohio
- Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- Aurora, Ohio
Mentor Painter works only with credible and top-of-the-line industry brands.
Planning on getting a bathtub paint or deck stain work? Get help from professional painters in Mentor, Ohio today! We operate on Mondays to Sundays, from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Call Mentor Painters today at 440-744-5029


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Network Science is the study of the relationship between entities where such entities are people, organizations, resources, tasks and events. These studies are used by law enforcement, intelligence analysts, social analysts and organizational analysts.
These links will take you to some books on the subject:
Select one of the links below (or use the horizontal navigation at the bottom) to read any comments we have regarding the site. From there you will be able to visit these external websites.


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Maeva Asara
Growing up as a military brat, Maeva's immersion in various cultures around the globe caused her to develop a unique perspective of the world. Maeva learned to stand in her own power and quickly adapt to new environments at an early age due to her nomadic lifestyle. Amidst the constant change, Maeva found solace in writing poetry and reading books as they were the only constants in her life; however, Maeva truly began to find her voice after being introduced to spoken word. This form of poetry transformed Maeva's life as it married her love for public speaking and writing with passionate and moving performances. Her newfound obsession led her to perform spoken word in various states, compete in poetry slams and eventually act on stage. When Maeva isn't writing or acting, she is dedicated to fitness and achieving balance within herself. "Stay Inspired!"
Rukiya Ashanti "Just RAW"
Esther Austin
Esther's parents, Pastor John & Mary Austin knew from an early age that acting and being a ham was a part of Esther's DNA. In college, Ms. Austin got cast in her first lead roll in George C Wolfe's play, "Colored Museum". It was the first all Black cast in CSU, Chico Theater Dept. history and the first show ever to be held over a week by public and city demand. Ms. Austin joined the Chico City Light Opera House and Chico Creek Theater Co. to get lead rolls in "Big River", "Godspell", "Once on This Island" and many more. After college, Esther decided to try her chops at the Groundlings in Los Angeles, and then on to stand up comedy. One evening while trying out her "Condoleeza Rice and getting weaves in South Central" bit, she was discovered by a TV executive producer and got her first TV role on the show "One on One". Ms. Austin made multiple guest appearances on the show and was a guest star on numerous shows during that time. Esther also sings and writes music. Esther has sung background for many artists such as Chaka Kahn, Christina Aguilera, Josh Groban, Gavin Rossdale, and even Andrea Bocelli. She has worked with Grammy Award winning producer David Foster, Kirk Franklin and Vincent Herbert.
Ashley Bates
Ashley has been talking about herself for much of her life (ok, ALL of her life), but has only recently begun talking loudly into a mic while doing it. She loves sharing her sometimes heavy and embarrassingly funny moments with an audience in hopes that maybe one person listening feels the lessening of a load or the uplifting of their heart. You can follow her on Twitter @AshleyBatesays.
Maya Berko
Maya Rose is an Actress, Spoken Word Poet, Singer, Dancer and Visual Artist whose mission is to inspire love and fearless honesty in everyone she meets. Her pieces are usually improvised performances that document the journey we are all on exploring this Illusion of Life.
Ava Bird
Ava Bird is an American-based poet, writer, editor, reviewer, producer, magical elixir maker and more! Her poetic and other works are printed in historical anthologies, academic journals, spiritual publications, online, recorded for radio and exhibited in galleries. She has published two books of poetry and prose 'the new now' and 'rage against the war machine' and is an organizer for the worldwide poetry movement 100thousand poets for change. You may also see her artwork somewhere! Connect on Facebook: avabirdpoetic
Katie Corcoran
Poet, painter, and actor Katherine Corcoran was born and raised in Southern California. Studying Dramatic Arts for years at University and thereafter at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Ms. Corcoran decided to foster her art not only on stage but with the tools of pen and paintbrush. She passionately creates using the art forms of poetry and painting. Just came out with a poetry collection, Lost Love. You can find her on Facebook.
Jessica Cornejo
Ilka Cortes
Nina Daniels
Skyler Day
Born and raised in Cumming, GA, Skyler got her start in the entertainment industry at age 6. At 10 years old after working in print, commercials and voiceovers she made a deal with her parents that if she were cast as the lead in a film by her 11th birthday they would move to California so she could pursue her acting career. Skyler reached her goal. Since then, she has developed a strong resume in film and TV. Music has also been a driving force in Skyler's life. At age 10, she wrote her first song, but it was when she took up guitar a few years later that she really discovered her passion for singing and songwriting. Skyler is in the midst of recording her first EP, which will be released later this year. You can find out more about her at www.skylerday.com.
Rose Finkelstein
Josephine Glass
Kaitlin Huwe
Kasi Jones
Caroline Klidonas
Parissa Koo
Jamie Lawrence
Jamie Lawrence is a singer-songwriter who loves rhythm, lyrics and (occasionally theatrical) self-expression. She grew up in Van Nuys, CA watching musicals, listening to 60's music and making music videos in the garage with her sister. She started writing songs in 2003 because she missed a guy. She keeps writing songs because she keeps missing guys. She is continually inspired to write music so she might add to the much-needed "feminine voice" in the world!
Sherilyn Lee
Kids on McCadden
Kids on McCadden is an Urban Rock band based in Los Angeles, California. Founded by lead singer Mikiros Garoes and guitarist Loren Barnese, the band members began as a collection of students from the Musician's Institute on Hollywood Blvd & McCadden St. What started as a fun, no-pressure jam session, quickly turned into a well rounded band with a distinctive sound driven by melodic harmonies and heart-felt lyrics that are both brutally honest and somewhat humorous. What makes the Kids unique— aside from the fact there are few rock groups with two ambitious and approachable females leading the band— is how they come from opposite sides of the globe, each bringing their own musical and cultural perspectives to the table to help shape their distinct sound. The band sites a diverse range of influences including Lauryn Hill, Paul Simon, Brenda Fassie, Fleetwood Mac and Fun. As charismatic and energetic live performers with story-driven lyrics, they engage with their audiences by praising the vulnerability of being human.
Hana Michelle
Hana Michelle is in her senior year of college at California State University, Los Angeles as a Television, film and media studies major. She loves to share art with other artists and inspire those that are willing to be inspired. She has performed everything from dancing to figure skating, singing groups to musical theatre shows. She wants to thank her parents for always pushing her to go for her dreams and always catching her when she started to fall. "I feel that life is a journey, that each one of us creates for ourselves…and I'm loving the one I've started and cannot wait to see where life takes me from here. Peace and Love."
April Morrow
Cheray O'Neal
She has rocked the stage with Loretta Devine, Adam Lambert, Carmit Bachar, Marianne Williamson, TC Carson, Ty Taylor, Rickey Minor and Macy Gray. She has two published books 'A taste of sour honey' and 'love of the lick.' You can find them at www.lulu.com. She was the 2013 Judge for the Teen Poetry Slam 'Get Lit.' She was a guest artist for the 2009 NAACP Image Awards Nominee luncheon, as well as hired to write and perform for their centennial anniversary. She has two EP's on the Javi Coltrane produced album 'In this day.' She was also a writer/performer of the theme song for Showtime's hit docudrama 'The O Tapes.' You can read more about her at www.cherayoneal.com.
Maunda Oyin
Maunda Oyin is from Houston, TX by way of Detroit, MI, and has always been active in the acting arena since a young girl. Starting from elementary school to being a member of her high school's award winning Drama Club, Maunda then went on to study Theater at the University of Oklahoma (BOOMER SOONER!). After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Maunda joined one of the country's oldest Black Theaters, the Karamu House in Cleveland, OH as a member of the Children's Theater traveling ensemble. Soon after, she toured the United States with a Gospel musical which is what brought her to Los Angeles. It was in Los Angeles where a producer commented on her quick wit and suggested she add stand up comedienne to her list of talents. Maunda is the 2013 Ventura Comedy Festival Winner, a Finalist for California's Funniest Female Competition, and has been featured on Comedy Time TV and the African American Short Films Series on national television. Maunda performs her standup comedy in Los Angeles and surrounding cities and has done commercials, television, webisodes and short films (two of which she wrote and produced). More information can be found on Maunda Oyin's website at www.maundaoyin.com.
Nora Rothman
Nora is poet, actor, songstress, seamstress, narcissistic feminist, born and raised in LA. Find her here: twitter.com/Nora_Rothman, here: Facebook.com/NoraRothmanMusic, and here: cargocollective.com/NoraRothman.
Neara Russell
Flavia Schweizer
Allison Sciulla
Kristen Shapero
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Kristen's passion for dance was sparked early on in life. She was fortunate to train with some incredible choreographers/teachers from Broadway Dance Center NYC, Edge PAC, IDA Hollywood, Debbie Reynolds, as well as numerous traveling conventions and workshops. She grew up traveling the US with her competitive dance company, obtaining various national championship titles. In 2010 she obtained a B.A.A. from Central Michigan University. All 4 years, throughout her studies, she was a member of a contemporary/ modern dance company called Orchesis Dance Company. She finished her senior year as co-director of the company. Kristen's passion for teaching and choreographing has always been at the forefront of her love for dance. Now she is a member of I.D.A. Hollywood's faculty, teaching Contemporary Jazz, as well as subbing at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio. She most recently choreographed for America's Got Talent finalist Lawrence Beamen. Kristen's passion for movement, art, music, creativity, individuality, positivity etc. help her constantly evolve, and enable her to share her soul with the world through dance. You can follow her on Twitter or Instagram @KristenShapero, or find her on Facebook.
Julianne Simitz
Julianne Simitz is a Los Angeles-based standup comedian, writer, producer, and occasional (reluctant) actress. Formerly a political operative for the progressive left (thanks, Obama), Julianne has traded her cubicle and navy blue suits for the stage and spotlight with no regrets. A regular in the L.A. comedy scene, "Jules" delivers laughs with her unique brand of comedy that blends the personal and political. You can follow her on Twitter @DCjulesdoesLA.
Tory Taranova
(Formerly Tory Tompkins) is a musician, vocalist, award-winning songwriter, model, and actress. The singer/guitarist/keyboardist has opened for artists like alternative rock favorite Puddle of Mudd and Cody Canada (Cross Canadian Ragweed). Recently a contestant on American Idol, Season 13, she finished in the top fifty. Tory performs as a solo and with her band at festivals and public and private events. A Houston, Texas native, she relocated to Los Angeles summer 2014. She is regularly invited to sing the national anthem for professional events, including a personal invite by CEO Tad Brown of the Houston Rockets, and most recently the inaugural game for the Houston Dash, Houston's first professional women's soccer league. Tory's voice has been described as "a blend of the powerful low tones of Tony Braxton and the rocker sensibility of Heart vocalist Ann Wilson."


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Committees are groups of AMs that do details scrutiny work on particular subject areas on behalf of the whole Assembly. Assembly Members also all sat in Plenary which is one of the key mechanisms for Members to hold the Welsh Government and Assembly Commission to account, making laws for Wales and represent their constituents.
The Business Committee was responsible for the organisation of Assembly Business
During the Fourth Assembly (2011-2016) the following committees were formed:
The following committees were also formed but were inactive at the end of the Fourth Assembly


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VHI has offered customized logistics services to our customers for the last 5 years. Our team is responsible for identifying solutions for our customers more complex logistics problems.
Some programs that we have implemented include:
A dedicated trailer pool of VHI owned equipment and contract power. This project managed over 25,000 full loads in 2014.
VHI has set up and managed several drop trailer programs. These include one way contract loads with a backhaul program to support our contract carrier. VHI uses some of our owned trailers to supplement our carrier fleet.
In 2014, VHI managed several national rollouts to retail stores. Our last project delivered over 300 stores nationwide on the same day.
VHI also manages a barge service providing the software and operational support for an export customer. This service assisted the customer in managing port congestion and detention for export shipments.
If your company is interested in creative solutions to your complex transportation problems please contact Kristy Seaton at 804-414-1570.


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Many Congratulations to Roisin Richardson of Worcester for Passing her Driving Test at the very first attempt, another example of our excellent pass rate when students participate in our Young Drivers Scheme. Roisin started having lessons with Lorraine Young at Startinyoung under 17 driving and then stayed with Lorraine for her on road lessons. Roisin said "Lorraine was always so patient and kind and we had great fun every lesson, I'm so glad I chose Lorraine for my driving lessons".
All we want to say is thank you Roisin and safe driving from everyone at Startin2Drive.
All we want to say is thank you Roisin and safe driving from everyone at Startin2Drive.
Lorraine Young, Roisin Richardson's driving instructor said " Its so lovely when you start with an Under 17 and then take them all the way through to their test. Im so happy for Roisin and wish her all the best and a future of safe driving".
StartinYoung provide driving lessons, under17 driving lessons and Intensive driving courses in and around Worcester, Malvern, Evesham, Droitwich, Pershore, Cheltenham and Tewksbury.


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2811 Tieton Drive,
Yakima, WA 98902
Remote Access
For enhanced security please install the VMware Horizon View Client to use remote access:
1. Navigate here and find the version for your Operating System (Mac/Windows/etc.).
2. After the installation, you may be prompted to reboot your computer.
3. Once you have installed and rebooted, run the VMWare Horizon View client by launching the shortcut.
4. Click the "Add Server" button.
5. You will be prompted for a server name. Type: view.yakimamemorial.org <https://viewconnection.yvmh.org.>
6. When asked for a username and password, simply type the credentials that you normally use to login at YVMH.
7. Once you are connected, you will see the virtual desktop 'pools' that you have been given access to. Most people will see only one pool ("Physicians", "Nursing", "Coders", etc.). Double-click the pool that you want to connect to.
8. You will be connected to your virtual desktop.


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Help Paying for Child Care (Español)
The Office of Children and Family Services is committed to providing assistance with child care costs to eligible families through the Child Care Subsidy Program. Child care subsidies can help parents/caretakers pay for some or all of the cost of child care services. In general, families are eligible for financial assistance if they meet the state's low income guidelines and need child care to work, look for work, or attend employment training. You are guaranteed child care if you are on Temporary Assistance and need child care in order to meet any work participation requirements. You are also guaranteed assistance in paying for child care for one year after leaving Temporary Assistance if you left Temporary Assistance for a job and need child care to go to work. Your County Department of Social Services (in New York City, the Human Resources Administration and the Administration for Children's Services) determines family eligibility based on income, reasons for needing day care, and your child's age and individual needs. In most cases, families receiving a child care subsidy can choose any legal child care provider.
If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible for a child care subsidy, or if you would like to apply for a subsidy for your child, contact your local Department of Social Services.
If you want general information about child care subsidies, your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCRR) can also help you.
Important Income Tax Information
The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) staff are happy to share valuable information on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program. We especially want to share this information with local Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes, as they are in contact with potential eligible families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, EITC or EIC, is a benefit for working families with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program is an IRS initiative designed to promote and support free tax preparation service for the underserved, in both urban and non-urban locations. Service is targeted to low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking.
If you need general information about the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant Program, your OCFS Division of Child Care Services Regional Office can help you.
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311 or (800) 732-5207


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Hi everyone,
sorry for being absent from the blogosphere for a while. I now have only one paper left till I'm done with final school term for the year 2011. I can't wait for it to be over and done with so that I can fully concentrate on raising support for IndyCC. So far the response has been good but I have to follow-up with people. There is still quite a way to go (financially) as each of us going has to raise FD$6000. So if you feel in your heart that you'd like to help please feel free to send a message so that I can forward you details on how you can do so.
I would also like to share that I have been chosen (alongside my good friend Biu – sick blog here) to attend a two week short film making workshop this December in Melbourne, Australia. This will be facilitated by the Global Short Film Network in partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ (Short Film School website).
I'm super excited! Thank you Student Life Fiji for this great opportunity.
The STINTers returned home last Sunday. Yep, back to the states. It's been a blessing having them in uni. this year. And for me personally, I could say that I have learnt so much… especially form the guys (Dave, Rob and my discipler Brian). I really miss seeing them around the White Tables but I'm looking forward to visiting them in a few weeks time. Brian's arranged for me to spend Christmas with his family in Cincinnati, Ohio.


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Further to James Dick Construction Limited's new application for re-zoning of the proposed Hidden Quarry site, the second OMB Hearing process was launched with a Pre-Hearing Conference on November 2, 2017. At this Conference the date for the next Pre-Hearing was scheduled for April 5, 2018.
In April 2017, the Grand River Conservation Authority had requested more information and studies from JDCL, and had recommended deferral of decisions by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Wellington County and Guelph Eramosa Township until GRCA had assessed the JDCL responses. The next Pre-Hearing date was set so that all Parties would have time to study and assess this pending GRCA Report.
For all details, please read the CRC Newsletter.


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Can Someone Die from a Broken Heart?
Did Debbie Reynolds die from a broken heart? Her son, Todd Fisher, reports she told him, "I miss her (Carrie Fisher) so much, I want to be with Carrie." Fifteen minutes later, he said she suddenly died.
We don't know much about what happened to her, however, family members suggest it may have been a stroke. But we wondered if there was a connection between such a cause of death and the great deal of emotion Reynolds was experiencing.
How Debbie Reynolds' Death Hit Us
We were just beginning to really mourn the death of Carrie Fisher, the famous Princess Leia in Star Wars and daughter of Debbie Reynolds. Tributes were flowing in the form of drawings, comics, and tweets from people–famous and anonymous–telling memories or saying good-bye.
Then the news broke. Followed by clips of her from "Singin' in the Rain". Debbie Reynolds was a big Hollywood star in her own right, peaking in the '50s and '60s.
How could two connected women pass so close together? A ChrisByrnes.com reader and friend DM'd us and asked if there was any research to back the concept of dying from a broken heart.
What is Broken Heart Syndrome?
There is a cardiac (heart) condition that is caused by suffering from extreme stress. It is called "Broken heart syndrome" or Stress Cardiomyopathy. The malady was discovered in Japan by a doctor who called it Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. The affected part of the heart balloons into a shape that looks like an octopus trap. It was only recently that specialists and researchers in the United States started to accept this condition after a few cases appeared in the U.S.
When a person develops Broken Heart Syndrome and endures the disabling event, it feels like a heart attack. A portion of the heart is temporarily disrupted. The rest of the heart, however, functions normally. The symptoms are often treatable, and the condition reverses itself in a few days or weeks. However, in an older person like Reynolds or someone who has a weakened heart, the body is unable to manage. It can eventually manifest as a stroke or an actual myocardial infarction (heart attack) and lead to death.
What Causes Broken Heart Syndrome?
It is unclear what causes Broken heart syndrome. Some medical professionals have surmised it could be caused by a large surge of stress hormones like adrenaline. This stuns the heart, because it constricts the large or small arteries of the heart. It presents itself as a heart attack. The difference between Broken heart syndrome and a real heart attack is Broken heart syndrome doesn't have clogged arteries. This is the defining characteristic of the syndrome.
Broken heart syndrome is usually preceded by an intense emotional or physical event. Some of things include grief, surgery, chemotherapy, and others.
Most patients recover within days or weeks, and there is no lasting damage from it. Some doctors may prescribe ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, or diuretics. This will help ease the strain on the heart while you recover.
Did Debbie Reynolds Suffer Broken Heart Syndrome?
We don't know. She had some of the traits that can lead up to Broken heart syndrome. Her daughter, Carrie Fisher, died the day before. Reynolds was extremely close with Fisher. This was her child. That would cause intense grief. Did she die from Broken heart syndrome? No. It is tentatively being ruled as a stroke.
But Broken Heart Syndrome has also never been an official cause of death. The academic information we do have to work with seems to indicate that Debbie Reynolds' age, coupled with the syndrome, could have led to a stroke.
We'll never know, but she is at rest and free of pain with her daughter. Her son said, "She's with Carrie now."