text:
This month's subject, Spring Flowering Trees, brought in the most responses we've had since starting the contest this spring. Rob Cardillo, our judge, decided on 2 FIRST Prize Winners, 1 Second Place Winner and 4 Runners-Up. Rob has also been kind enough to make comments on all participants' photos.
Please note: the Yucca rostrata 'Sapphire Skies' , the first photo on the left in the 2nd row, is ©Joshua McCullough at www.phytophoto.com.
Our First Prize Winner from America will receive a fantastic succulent selection from High Country Gardens.
Our First Prize Winner from overseas will receive a different type of gift. We've discovered a not-for-profit micro-lending organization, Kiva, that we think is doing some pretty incredible things. Their mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. The winner will receive a gift certificate for $50 from Nan and Fran to lend to the entrepreneurs of their choice whose projects are listed on Kiva.
Both winners should contact Fran at email@example.com in order to receive their rewards.
Here are our winners!
"This one knocks my shoes and socks off. The line of magnolia flowers are through the frame but don't obstruct the tree's overall striking architecture. The additional blooms become well placed echoes and the trunk is pleasantly off-center. The white vertical branch in the background adds an additional strong line to the frame. Extremely well composed and considered. And the lighting is sublime! Hard frontal lighting usually washes out whites completely but Abby has caught a moment when the light is still directional but not too harsh."
You'll have to click through to Abby's site to see the photo: First Promise of Spring
"The lovely composition and great sense of depth make this image a winner. The focus is right where it should be – on the blossom's center – and Lynn 's thoughtful use of out of focus elements add a lot to this richly-hued close-up. Black backgrounds can look artificial sometimes but the red and green branch in the back keep this real. The browning petals are a nice touch too – a dramatic and sensual look at the end of a season."
"I can't stop looking at this one. It's an unexpected view and beautifully executed one at that. So a big kudos to Jo for her creative effort here. I'm not generally a fan of overly manipulated images: they usually look hokey or fake and offend my sense of reality. Here, however, Jo has simply photographed a delicate set of flowering branches against a well-chosen colored backdrop and then split and mirrored the image with photo editing software. We know it's not real, yet the forced symmetry allows us to re-examine the real-life details. The circular background perfectly enhances the calligraphic effect."
You'll have to click here to see Jo's photo: Tree Photo Contest
Four Runners-Up
PAM/DIGGING: "This set of expressive blooms is wonderfully rendered and thoughtfully composed. And Pam has allowed the background to be just sharp enough to see the tree's form. The little fly is a nice discovery."
KIM: "This classically composed misty view beautifully evokes a spring morning. The massive trunk is nicely off centered and its main branch seems to embrace the delicate dogwood in an almost paternal gesture. Great job, Kim!"
DIANE McCARTHY: "These two blooms look like dancers on a stage with a kicking chorus line behind them. Diane's lighting here is key and the red, white and blue hues make me want to whistle a Sousa march."
CRAIG @ ELLIS HOLLOW: "Beautifully lit and tightly cropped, Craig's shot has it all. The strong curves and intense colors make this image a keeper. Excellent technique! Check it out at: http://www.remarc.com/craig/?p=708.
Comments on other entries:
HEALING MAGIC HANDS: "A genuine caught moment in the garden! The dew on the opening buds is precious. I might have tried a horizontal approach and heightened the image a little more."
HEIRLOOM GARDENER: " Lovely styrax image! I like the grouping but I might come in a little tighter with my composition."
WILD SUBURBIA: "Nicely seen and rendered! I like the off-centered composition and the lighting is dramatic."
KIMBERLY: "Another wonderful magnolia photo! I like the composition very much. It's like a flock of birds taking off."
SUSIE: "Cotinus is a hard plant to shoot because it can be so dark but your lighting makes it much more interesting. I think you're getting a bit of lens flare which is hard to avoid when backlighting"
ESP: "I love seeing the bee's head buried deep in his breakfast. Some interesting lighting going on here too. Wish it were a tad sharper: but that's hard with a fast moving flyer."
TEXAS DEB: "As a photographer, I wish I could have more days when freezing rain coats every growing thing. Great job in braving the elements to record some of this ephemeral beauty. I might have recomposed so the main drip is a bit off centered a bit."
DONNA: "You have some nice soft colors here and I like the inclusion of the house in the background."
MEEMS: "I like this graphically strong "X" design a lot. I might have come in tighter to see the blooms a bit more."
M.HEART: "Very nice contrast of the white blooms against a rich blue sky."
JOANNE: "Wow! Who wouldn't love this tree in their front yard? I think the composition might need a little more breathing space though."
KAREN: "A beautifully lit dogwood bloom! I might have tried for a slightly less distracting background!"
RAJI: "Killer combo shot for sure! Next time try de-focusing the yellow blooms ever more so the iris become a stronger focal point."
ANNIE: "I like the off centered redbud and how the house line works but this choice view might look even better on an overcast day."
TERESA: "Sharply focused and nicely composed with your subject off center. I might have tried for a little more environment in the background."
COUNTRY MOUSE: "An interesting subject and one worthy of photographing. I might try to get a little closer next time."
SUE: "Love that fifties look! And I like how her pose reflects the slender and graceful trees in her midst."
RHONDA: "Nice composition of what must be your very pretty front yard. The two redbud branches cutting across the big trunk really catch the eye."
ILONA: "A delightful angle! We see the flower's pretty gold interior and the background is well chosen."
DOUBLE CREEK ROAD: Wow! I don't think I've ever looked at a CM this closely. There's some interesting botany happening there and I'm glad you went exploring with your camera."
LOUISE: "The emerging leaves and bright colored flowers make for a good strong subject. I think I would have come in closer on the one clump to the right that's in focus. Good colors!"
And a final note from Rob:
"Thanks to everyone who entered and also to Fran and Nan for organizing this event. I found all of the entries appealing and I had a hard time choosing the winners. I encourage you all to continue to explore your gardens photographically and to enter the next contest."
And from all of us at GGW, a BIG THANK YOU goes to Rob Cardillo for being our judge and to David Salman of High Country Gardens for rewarding one of our winners with the magnificent succulent plant selection.
Remember, another Picture This Photo Workshop will be posted the first week of August. We love having you participate, so keep it up. It's good for the gardening community and I hope for all of you that enter: you never know when you're going to be the next winner!
An addendum to the montage of plants being given away from High Country Gardens above, the photo on the left hand lower side of Yucca


text:
Kasl Family Tiny House RV skirt: Concrete Panels & Straw Bales. Photo credit.
It's that time of year again when we begin to discuss preparing your Tiny House RV for the cold weather season. Previously we've featured articles on:
Today we're going to discuss Skirting for your Tiny House RV. Stay tuned for future articles on: fresh water practices, greywater practices, and additional insulation tricks for cold weather climates.
What is "Skirting" and Why is it Recommended?
Skirting is insulating material tucked around the bottom of your trailer, reducing the amount of cold air flowing under your trailer, therefore protecting exposed utilities and increasing heat efficiency. Even though the Tumbleweed trailer allows for 3 1/2 inches of insulation in the floor, trailer skirting is still recommended in extremely cold climates. It's a great way to reduce your heat bills!
Five Options for Tiny House RV Skirting:
- Engineered Canvas / Fabric / Concrete Panels: There are many companies out there that make custom RV skirts. Advantages: Proven efficiency, snug fit, low maintenance and often covered by warranty. Disadvantages: Can be expensive.
- Rigid Foam: A DIY option. Purchase rigid foam boards from your local hardware store, cut to size, and secure around your trailer using tape.
- Plywood sheets: Plywood sheets (cut to size) can be used in areas which do not consistently experience freezing temperatures, but still wish to improve heat efficiency in their Tiny House RV. Recommended in Pacific Northwest or windy locations.
Jonathan's Tumbleweed Cypress in the process of skirting with straw bales. Photo credit.
- Straw Bales: A cheap DIY option is to purchase straw bales and tuck them around your trailer. Tip: Wrap your straw bales with a trap or heavy duty trash bags for extra protection.
Ariel skirted her Tumbleweed Cypress with snow last winter in Wyoming. Photo credit.
- Snow: Free option, if you live in an area with a large amount of snow. Pile snow around your trailer. Dig out your vents / water systems. This option will require consistent observation and maintenance.
My Tiny House RV Skirt Plan
My Tiny House RV is wintering in the Colorado mountains this year. It's October and we are already experiencing freezing temperatures and the occasional snowfall (see above photo). We are planning on skirting our trailer with snow, as there will be plenty and it's free! Another advantage of a snow skirt is that we don't have to transport it, if we decide to move. I'll let you know how it goes later in the season. Wish us luck!
How will you prepare your Tiny House RV for winter?
Jenna Spesard is currently living and traveling around North America in a DIY Tumbleweed Cypress with her partner, Guillaume, who is a professional photographer and Tumbleweed Workshop host. They are photographing and writing about their adventure and occasionally they will be hosting an open house. Follow their informative blog.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sangeet Gowns
Explore latest collection of sangeet gowns online at Kalkifashion. Wide range of designer sangeet gowns at best prices.
Sangeet Gowns
Items 1-2 of 2
Shop By X
- 40% Off Pre OrderPowder Green Ball Gown In Net With Kundan And Ston...As low as $701.00 Regular Price $1,169.00
- 30% Off Pre OrderSpruce Green Ball Gown In Net Heavily Adorned With...As low as $552.00 Regular Price $789.00
Items 1-2 of 2


text:
- Home
- China
- World
- Business
- Sports
- Life
- Entertainment
- Photo
- Video
- Opinion
- Forum
- Cartoon
- Language Tips
A young woman, who has uremia in Hengshan county, Hunan province, has been sentenced to six years and fined 100,000 yuan ($16,400) for cheating the new rural cooperative medical system out of more than 420,000 yuan to treat her kidney disease, Xiaoxiang Morning News reported.
Nie Shuihua, 24, was not jailed because she has to receive frequent dialysis treatment. But 16 of her relatives and neighbors were given sentences of two to three years and fined 4,000 to 5,000 yuan each for helping her get the money.
Nie, a farmer, was diagnosed with uremia in July 2012. As it was expensive to treat the disease in a hospital in Changsha, the capital of Hunan, Nie bought fake hospitalization invoices to be reimbursed by the rural cooperative medical system.
Asked why Nie resorted to deception, Tang Qiulian, Nie's mother, said that her daughter wanted only to survive.


text: What's your favorite part about Back to School? The million dollar school supply list? The emotional trauma of dropping off a kid who's devastated to be there? The Google doc of play dates, parties, sports, and activities? The waking up in the dark to pack a lunch that will come home UNTOUCHED, the passive aggressive PTA emails, or the lice? Wasn't Back to School supposed to mean twinkies on the couch and General Hospital!?! Listen to this episode in the doctors office while your pediatrician runs that strep test….(spoiler alert: it's positive)


text:
In 1999, Eduardo Sánchez and his collaborator Daniel Myrick changed modern horror cinema by popularizing the found-footage genre, with their enormously successful—and effective—low-budget feature The Blair Witch Project. In 2012, Sánchez still can't seem to recapture the inspiration that saw him and Myrick (who isn't involved in his latest) turn a lack of resources into a terrifying litmus test for the human imagination. His new film Lovely Molly is a muddled mess that can't decide whether it wants to be a gritty character study of mental illness and childhood trauma, or a plainly supernatural haunted-house story like the Blair Witch-manque Paranormal Activity franchise.
The film starts promisingly, using a low-key naturalism to set up the characters and the story. Molly (Gretchen Lodge) and her new husband Tim (Johnny Lewis) move into her late parents' home—an isolated, lonesome house at the edge of the woods, in which Molly is stuck alone for days at a time when her husband's off long-distance trucking. We get glimpses of their lives and Molly's relationship with her sister Hannah (Alexandra Holden). We get hints that Molly is a recovered drug addict when Hannah hesitates to share a joint. The quiet storytelling almost feels like blue-collar drama. The convincing performances and patient rhythm lead one to believe that the film might be following in the footsteps of Ti West's excellent The House of the Devil (2009) by observing the mundanity of the everyday through the lens of mounting dread, ensuring our identification with its protagonist so the eventual rupture of the horror narrative hits hard. But the moment Molly starts hearing voices and wandering around with a video camera, things go downhill. The pacing deteriorates into jarring repetition. The incongruity of the pointless 'found-footage' sections amidst the rest becomes grating and over-easy, and the subtlety of the opening act collapses into ridiculousness.
The film's biggest problem is that it pretends to introduce ambiguity about whether the haunting is just Molly having an extended psychotic episode brought on by resurfacing memories of childhood trauma. Now this might have made for a moving yet disturbing portrait of someone suffering from trauma and psychosis (see Damien Lewis' stunning performance as a schizophrenic man in Keane (2004) to see this done right). But the film's baldfaced approach to portraying what might be supernatural sends a strangely mixed message, basically equating mental illness and drug addiction to demonic possession in a queasily exploitative manner. Neither the found footage of Molly's recordings nor the conventionally cinematic narrative disprove the reality of what she's experiencing, rendering the distinction between the two aesthetic styles entirely arbitrary; a weak attempt to evoke the stylistic success of The Blair Witch Project in a film that requires a different approach.
With Molly's clear suffering as a victim of terrible trauma in the past exacerbated by the goadings of a possible demon/ghost, it just begins to feel like the film is taking the easy shock value of domestic violence, addiction and mental illness and using it all to spice up a conventional–and sometimes creepy–haunted-house tale. There's none of the stylistic remove of, say, Roman Polanski's psychological horror films (the film has been compared to Polanski's Repulsion (1965) by more than one critic). Sánchez strives for a certain realism that makes the horror less extended metaphor and more offensive manipulation. That the film's second half is predicated on everyone around Molly behaving with little semblance of logic or empathy makes her descent feel all the more contrived. You can practically see the writers (Sánchez and Jamie Nash) poking and prodding poor Molly into a tailspin to get a reaction from the audience. As a result, the supernatural aspects of the story feel half-baked (a haunting shot near the end hints at what might have been had they not beat around the bush), and the 'psychological' horror feels unpleasantly sensationalized, especially when blood starts spilling in the final act.
Lovely Molly is somewhat salvaged by a brave, affecting performance by newcomer Gretchen Lodge, who dives into the role with complete devotion. Her visceral evocation of Molly's pain and frailty belongs in a better film, and I can only hope that she's recognized for it. The rest of the cast, especially Alexandra Holden as Hannah, also perform admirably under the circumstances. Unfortunately, all their efforts can't mask the fact that the film they're in is an ill-conceived hodgepodge of conflicting ideas and styles, shallow in its exploration of both psychological and supernatural horror.
USA 2011. Director: Eduardo Sánchez
Cast: Gretchen Lodge, Johnny Lewis, Alexandra Holden
Colour. 100 mins.


text:
Yay! My computer is kinda fixed! I successfully replaced the broken jack and discovered that I also need a new cord, luckily Ben's mom has a Toshiba and is letting me borrow her cord for a few. Now I just need to get a new cord, so more waiting, but at least I know it is not a permanent problem. Unlike Ben's who I am pretty sure has a massive corruption somewhere. I am practically giddy to have my machine back, it might be a real piece of crap, but it is mine and I love it.
So, today we are having a look at one of Yunomi and Obubu Tea's rather romantic sounding Sencha, Sencha of the Autumn Moon, I just love the names of the various Sencha put out by Obubu, they are just beautiful. You might remember, a while ago I reviewed Sencha of the Summer Sun, it is my goal to try all the beautifully named Sencha, in theory in each season, but I was a little late with this one. So, about the name, this tea was harvested under a bright full moon, specifically the moon in late August early September during Otsukimi, or the Moon Viewing Festival. This festival is celebrated in several Asian cultures and I absolutely love it, personally I mix it up a bit when celebrating by incorporating different culture's traditions. The aroma of the fairly massive leaves is very green, a mix of edamame, spinach, and a bit of hay and grass. It is not the most complex Sencha I have ever sniffed, but the aroma is strong and a good blend of sweet and green, I enjoy it and can certainly see this being an excellent tea to sniff while focusing on the moon.
Into the Kyusu it goes! Man, I really need a special occasion to bring out the amazing Somayaki Kyusu I have, it is so pretty but needs an unveiling, maybe having the computer fixed will be the occasion. Anyway, the aroma of the now very soggy leaves and stems is a bit nuttier, the edamame and toasted soybeans (I love snacking on those, so good!) aroma taking the forefront, while the spinach, hay, grass, and general green notes take up the rear. The liquid is sweet and green, blending sesame seed candies, hay, grass, and bamboo leaves into a nice green blend. Green is definitely the keyword with this tea, it is one of the most 'I sniff in colors' teas I have run into in a while.
The first steep is delightful moonlight pale gold, like a moon coming up over the horizon! The taste is really quite mild and subtle, it might be the most subtle first steep of a Sencha I have run into. The mouth feel is very smooth, it starts off with the green taste of grass and stems, this moves into the very distinct taste of bamboo leaves, and after that we have sweet hay and a finish of edamame that lingers. The first steep is relaxing, I could almost see myself sipping this before taking a nap.
The aroma of the second steep has a very similar feel to the first, balancing green and sweetness, though this time there is more focus on green with a stronger bamboo note and a touch of sea air. Like the aroma, this steep is much more green, with stronger notes of bamboo leaves, a bit of fresh grass, broken stems, fresh spinach, and just a hint of savory kelp. Ah, I do love it when a Sencha has that kelp note, it just makes me happy and reminds me of my much beloved seaweed salad. I enjoyed how mild this Sencha was, I think it will be a perfect addition to my Moon Viewing festival, it has enough of a presence to be noticeable without distracting you from the glorious autumn moon.
For blog and photos: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2015/01/yunomi-obubu-tea-07-sencha-of-autumn.html


text:
Good morning and happy Friday, friend. How about we start this particular Friday the 13th with something historically lucky and wonderful? Like a rainbow. 🙂
The six new 3-free polishes (formulated without toluene, formaldehyde and DBP) in the limited edition Thakoon for NARS Nail Collection ($18 each) represent the line's first collaboration with a fashion designer in the nail category. The bright new shades, all inspired by spices, arrive online at narscosmetics.com May 1.
In these pics I'm wearing one coat of azalea pink Anardana, mandarin red Lal Mirchi and purple orchid Ratin Jot; two coats of cyan Koliary; and three coats of the bright yellow Amchoor and powder blue Kutki.
Such bright and pretty colors… From the look of these swatches and my initial reactions, I'd say NARS hit this one out of the park.
Let me know what you think!
From the left: Anardana, Lal Mirchi and Amchoor
Kutki, Koliary and Ratin Jot
Lal Mirchi
Ratin Jot
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
P.S. Guess what day it is. 🙂


text:
Mudchute Massage Escorts
Just south of Canary Wharf and in the middle of Isle of Dogs, you can find Mudchute Park and Farm. This large urban area is popular among Londoners of all ages, and for a good reason. If you want to have fun with your family, or if you want to just take a walk, you can do that in Mudchute. Most men, however, visit this area when they want to relax. Traditional Mudchute massage is a wonderful thing, and if you want to try it, just visit any of Mutchute massage parlors.
If you're not sure where exactly to get a massage in Mudchute, call us. Hire one of our Mudchute massage escorts and visit any massage parlor with her. Our ladies will be glad to show you around, and you don't even have to get a massage in Mudchute. You can simply walk around and have fun with one of our gorgeous escorts in Mudchute.
Amazing Escorts in Mudchute
You don't have to walk the streets of this area by yourself. You don't have to be lonely and bored. You can now hire our Mudchute escorts, and you can explore this beautiful area with them. Some men who hire our ladies prefer to be seen with them since our ladies are glamorous and attract a lot of attention. If your goal is to be noticed while you're in this area, simply hire one of our escorts in Mudchute. Our girls are glamorous, and it's impossible not to notice them.
If you're now in Mudchute Park and Farm you can probably see a large number of beautiful ladies around you. Most of those charming babes are our Mudchute escorts. If you wish to spend some time with a beautiful babe in this area, our agency is your safest bet. We work with exquisite, classy ladies of all ages and races. Most of our girls are young and sexy, but if you want to spend some time with a mature Asian woman, we might have something for you too.
Men simply do not have the time to relax and to calm their nerves nowadays. Everything is revolving around work, and work can be stressful. Stress is bad for your body and soul, so we urge you to take a deep breath and think about your well being. When was the last time you did something nice for yourself? If you can't remember, then take your phone out of your pocket and call our phone number listed below. If you're wondering why you should call us and not some other agency, scroll up. You can see the photos of our gorgeous hotties. Every girl who works as a Mudchute escort is absolutely gorgeous, and she'll be delighted to spend some time with you.
Our escorts in Mudchute love intriguing and dominant men, but they also know how to relax a shy guy. If you're shy just ask your date to be authoritative and demanding. When you're on a date with one of our escorts, everything is completely about you and your experience.
Visit famous restaurants and bars with one of our Mudchute escorts, or stay in your hotel room and have a quiet drink. Dance your night away or just watch some movie with her. Have fun with a beautiful girl and feel like a young man again.


text:
You have not set any favorites yet. Find out more
Today's weather is turning out to be moderate rain. The visibility is going to be around 9 km i.e. 5 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1007 mb . The daytime temperature is going to reach 31 °c and the temperature is going to dip to 29 °c at night. We expect around 10.9 mm of precipitation to fall and cloud covering 80% of the sky, the humidity will be around 77%.
Tomorrow weather is forecasted to be moderate rain. The visibility is going to be around 9 km i.e. 5 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1006 mb. The daytime temperature is going to reach 30 °c and the temperature is going to dip to 28 °c at night. We expect around 7.4 mm of precipitation to fall and cloud covering 56% of the sky, the humidity will be around 76%.
On Friday weather will be patchy rain possible with daytime temperature reaching 32 °c. Night time temperature are expected to be 28 °c.We expect around 3.0 mm of precipitation to fall. The visibility is going to be around 10 km i.e. 6 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1007 mb. We expect around 3.0 mm of precipitation to fall and cloud covering 42% of the sky, the humidity will be around 74%.
Saturday seems to be patchy rain possible. Mumbai, India visibility is going to be around 10 km i.e. 6 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1008 mb. The daytime temperature is going to reach 33 °c and the temperature is going to dip to 29 °c at night. It will be mostly dry with little or no precipitation and cloud covering 28% of the sky, the humidity will be around 69%.
Partly cloudy will be the weather pattern for the Sunday. The visibility is going to be around 10 km i.e. 6 miles and an atmospheric pressure of 1010 mb. The daytime temperature is going to reach 31 °c and the temperature is going to dip to 21 °c at night. It will be mostly dry with little or no precipitation and cloud covering 18% of the sky, the humidity will be around 68%.
Temperature chart displays the maximum and minimum temperature over next 15 days.
Temperature chart displays the maximum, minimum and average temperature from 2008 on month by month basis.
Mumbai's winter months fall between December and February. This is the driest part of the year, and you would be unlucky to catch a shower at this time. It's hot, with average daily temperatures of 30-32°C and overnight lows of a balmy 17-19°C.
You will only need lightweight summer clothing to visit Mumbai in the winter, and with largely clear skies this can be a great time to soak up all that the city has to offer. The humidity is at its lowest for the year, so sightseeing is easier now.
During January and February in particular, Mumbai is alive with exhibitions and events, including the popular Banganga and Kala Ghoda arts exhibitions.
Between March and May, the heat increases in Mumbai and so does the humidity. Daytime temperatures now average around 34°C and can easily push into the high 30s or even low 40s Celsius. By May the overnight temperatures only fall back to around 27°C, making for an uncomfortable experience for anyone who is not used to this kind of tropical climate.
Smog in the city can be stifling in the mornings during this period. Tourists tend to avoid visiting the city at this time, but if you do visit, you'll need to be sensible in the heat. Drink plenty of water, and keep children and the elderly in the shade as much as possible.
June to September sees the monsoon period in Mumbai. Humidity rises to an uncomfortable 88% in July and August, and the city can experience as much as 31 inches of rain in a month, with rain on more than 22 days in a month. Meanwhile, the temperatures remain at a fairly constant 30°C in the day and 25°C at night.
However, Bollywood has transformed Mumbai's monsoon into many iconic scenes, and many visitors enjoy the monsoon rains almost as much as the locals do. It helps that August brings the major 10 day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is certainly a thing to behold. The rain does bring some relief from the heat, and its arrival is eagerly awaited. Crowds flock to watch the huge waves along Marine Drive, and the whole city has something of a party atmosphere - until it floods, which happens several times each monsoon season.
October and November are Mumbai's post-monsoon lull. The worst of the rain has passed, humidity falls and so does the temperature, slightly at least. These are popular months for sightseeing in the city, although it's also very busy with business events at this time.
Mumbai is India's most modern, populous and prosperous city. A magnificent blend of cultures and traditions, it also hosts the Bollywood film industry and some of India's most high tech businesses.
Also known as Bombay, Mumbai is the most heavily-populated city in the world. Its 14 million residents spread across seven islands around a busy port on India's west coast. The commercial and entertainment of India, Mumbai offers visitors a wealth of cultural, historic, religious and commercial attractions.
Mumbai is one of the most important cities in the global economy and the biggest single component in the Indian economy. As a result of the expansion and diversification of Mumbai's economy, it has become a huge cultural melting pot and is the most cosmopolitan city in India.
Mumbai is unlikely to be most people's idea of paradise but it does offer many galleries and museums, a wealth of historic architecture, markets, gardens, and even beaches. Be sure to enjoy fine colonial buildings such as Fort St George and the railway terminus, Gateway of India. Veermata Jijabai Udyan, the colonial zoo, offers greenery, zoological interest and fine history. Film fans should enjoy Film City for a Bollywood experience.
Mumbai has a more moderate climate than some other Indian cities due to its coastal location, but it's still a very hot city, and subject to monsoon rains. Most visitors choose to come between October and March, once the rains have finished but the humidity of the summer has not yet reached its fiercest.
This one is easy to answer. Monsoon season is, often quite literally, a wash out and is best avoided if at all possible. In the summer, weather in Mumbai is, for most people, almost unbearable. Winter months are easily the best choice, as the climate is significantly more tolerable and even the locals are likely to be in a better mood.
Mumbai is an excellent place to shop for clothes (including tailored suits and excellent cottons), so you might not even have to bring too much. As the weather is generally going to be hotter and more humid than at home, light cotton clothing is the best bet. Though Mumbai is considered more cosmopolitan and liberal-minded than other parts of India, overly-revealing clothing is not a good idea. Light, comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. During the monsoon season, be prepared for weather in Mumbai to include heavy rains and deep water.
Please also visit Mumbai Historical Weather, Weather widget and Weather Charts pages. Historical or past weather forecast page provides historical weather forecast from 1st July, 2008 till now in 3 hourly interval. Text weather page will allow you to get a weather text summary for next 14 days and weather chart page displays weather pattern like temperature, wind speed, gust, pressure, etc. in graphical mode for next 14 days. We hope you like it.
If anything is not correct on our website or you have any feedbacks or queries then please do get in touch. We are waiting for your valuable feedbacks.


text:
Does a headache pester you in the morning after a night when you had a little more to drink than usual?
Do you complain of a headache after sitting long hours in front of the television?
Well, you're not alone.
Factors causing headaches
Headaches are a common occurrence and they are of several types. Headaches can be caused by a single factor or a combination of two or more factors. The most common factors are:
- Anxiety and stress
- Constriction of blood vessels
- High blood pressure
- Migraine
- Excessive smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Dehydration
- High altitudes
- Exposure to extreme cold or extreme sunlight.
Thanks to our modern lifestyle, recurring headaches are becoming more and more common. Not surprisingly, the marketplace is filled with various types of headache treatment ranging from instant headache relief to migraine headache relief and even sinus headache relief.
Well, if you are not a pop-a-pill advocate, you can rely on natural cure for headaches. Here are some home remedies for headache that have been used over centuries to provide natural headache relief.
10 Effective tips for headache relief
1. Lavender oil: Not only does lavender look ornamental and smell great, it's also a useful home remedy for headaches and migraine pain. You can either inhale the aroma of the lavender oil, or use it for topical application. If you prefer inhaling, add three to four drops of the oil into three cups of boiling water. Throw a towel over your head and the vessel (to prevent the vapors from escaping) and inhale the goodness of lavender. Remember, though you can take in the vapor of lavender oil, you must not take lavender oil orally.
To apply the oil topically, take a few drops on your fingers, apply it to the affected area and gently rub it in. The good thing about lavender oil is that, unlike most medicinal oils, you need not dilute it.
2. Peppermint: Peppermint oil can provide soothing relief for headaches. Headaches are often caused by poor blood flow to the head. As the fresh-smelling peppermint oil has vasodilating and vasoconstricting properties, it helps to pump blood by opening and closing the arteries. Peppermint oil also helps open up the sinuses. This plays a crucial role in helping relieve headaches as more oxygen gets into the blood. As with lavender oil, peppermint oil can be inhaled or applied locally.
3. Basil oil: This strong-smelling and unique-tasting herb has gained popularity as a topping for pizzas and pastas. But what many people don't know is that the oil derived from the basil plant can also be a natural home remedy for relieving headaches. Basil oil works as a muscle relaxant so it is very helpful in providing relief for headaches caused by tension and tight muscles.
4. Flaxseed oil: Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fats. Both these properties help relieve different types of headaches. The omega-3 content in flaxseed helps relieve headaches that results from inflammation. The fiber helps in relieving headaches that are linked to constipation. Flaxseed can be used in the oil form as well as whole seeds. Flaxseed is easy to add to a smoothie, your oatmeal, or even mix into a glass of water in the morning or at night.
5. Buckwheat: This triangle-shaped seed is gaining popularity as a home remedy for headaches and migraine pain. Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to wheat, and is not technically a grain. Buckwheat has numerous health benefits and is a gluten-free food. Like flaxseed buckwheat are anti-inflammatory in nature and help relieve the pain of headache and migraine. Buckwheat is rich in phyto-chemicals such as flavonoids which contain antioxidant properties.
More recently, buckwheat hull pillows are used to provide great support for the back, neck, and also the head. Unlike down or feathers, pillows made from buckwheat don't retain body heat. Some expensive hotels use buckwheat hull pillows because they are natural, and hypoallergenic to increase circulation. Many health care professionals have also started recommending buckwheat pillows to patients suffering from migraines.
6. Feverfew: This perennial plant belonging to the daisy family grows naturally in Europe, North America and Canada. It has been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Feverfew is used as a preventative treatment for migraine. A number of people have reported that after taking feverfew, their migraines have gradually become less frequent and in a few cases have stopped altogether. Many scientific studies attest the efficacy of feverfew as a viable preventative treatment for migraine. You can buy feverfew tablets from health stores or you can grow feverfew plants and use its leaves to treat migraine. You simply pick the leaves and then eat them. You can eat the leaves plain or chop them up and put in salad or a sandwich. They taste rather bitter and so you may find a bit of sugar or honey will help. Eat about three to four leaves each day. If fresh leaves are hard to come by, you can use dried leaves as well.
Instant headache remedies from the kitchen
While all the above herbs provide the relief you want, they may not be available the instant the headache strikes. Which is why you might want to try these remedies:
7. Mix 1/8 cup of lime juice and 1/8 cup of freshly extracted ginger juice in a cup and drink.
8. Take a handful of coriander leaves. Crush the leaves and extract the juice form the leaves. Apply this extract to the forehead and temples. You could do the same with mint leaves, too.
9. Add 1 tsp of dry ginger powder to one tablespoon of water. Mix to form an even paste. Apply this paste to the temples and forehead for quick relief. I must caution you, though, initially you might experience a mild burning sensation.
10. And if these are not available, try a simple scalp massage with any oil. The gentle pressure of your hands on the affected areas can increase the circulation to the part and drive off the headache.
And one more thing: Certain foods have been shown to affect the frequency and severity of headaches. These foods include dairy, chocolate and peanut butter. Even fruits like banana, avocado, and some citrus foods can cause headaches. Then you have meats with nitrate, like what you'd find in bacon and hot dogs. Some people's headaches can be triggered with fermented or pickled foods, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)-rich food can also cause headaches.
With so many headache catalysts in our diet, it makes sense to be aware of what we eat, and make the required changes in our diet to prevent the headaches from happening in the first place. This way, we don't need to over-think the problem – and break our heads trying to find relief.
Related Reading:
If you suffer from headaches, stress to blame
Headaches are headaches right? Wrong, not all headaches are alike. That pain in your head can fall into three different categories: Cluster headaches, migraine headaches or tension-type headaches. It's important to I.D. your headache for best pain relief and prevention. Here's how.
5 surprising reasons you're getting headaches
While some people can pinpoint the exact cause of their headaches, many are left wondering what is triggering their head pain. This is because, while some causes of head pain seem pretty obvious – persistent loud noise, or muscle tension – many causes of head pain aren't as commonly recognized as potential triggers of pain. Take a look at these five "less obvious" causes of headaches that you may not have considered.


text:
Kevin Gulliver details the flawed concept and execution behind the government's new housing strategy, but welcomes the desire for stimulus which lies behind it.
Yesterday the coalition government launched its much delayed housing strategy purporting to 'get Britain building again'. In fact, it is far from strategic and is effectively a list of policy rehashes, previously announced initiatives and last minute add-ons.
Even worse, it largely ignores the fundamental needs of the national housing system which centre upon under-supply of affordable housing over the long-term, an attachment to home ownership verging on the irrational, a dysfunctional planning framework, pervasive nimbyism and residualised social housing since 1979.
Yet 'laying the foundations' is interesting politically since it is the first sign that the government is spooked by the flatlining economy and the failure of public spending cuts to tackle the deficit and 're-balance' the economy towards private sector investment and employment.
As anæmic economic growth erodes revenues to the exchequer and unemployment rises, the government clearly acknowledges the need, even if implicitly, to use house building as a means of injecting some investment capital into the economy.
That the prime minister and deputy prime minister launched the housing strategy and wrote its foreword, and that communities secretary Pickles was the main media spokesman, leaving housing minister Grant Shapps with a bit-part role, indicate that it is an attempt to demonstrate action in the face of dire economic statistics.
For those who champion housing investment this is a welcome recognition and helps housing climb up the political agenda. The housing strategy is pretty thin gruel though and sidesteps any attempt to tackle deep-seated housing problems that go back at least thirty years.
On the positive side, there are measures to boost house building including self-build (although how much of this housing will be 'affordable' is open to question) and to bring a relatively small number of empty homes back into use. On the negative side, it fails to learn the lessons so ably taught by the credit crunch and its continuing aftermath.
The housing strategy's centrepiece is its proposal to introduce a mortgage indemnity scheme, under-written by the house building industry and ultimately the state, to enable first-time buyers to access 95 per cent mortgages. Coupled to more generous discounts to council tenants through the right-to-buy, previously announced at the Conservative Party conference, the government's aim is to kick-start a floundering housing market through an influx of new buyers.
As some commentators have pointed out, much of this policy development stems from successful lobbying by the house building industry, which will be the main beneficiary.
Even the Daily Telegraph caricatures the indemnity scheme as a 'Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae' retread and a return to sub-prime lending. This is evidenced by how close 95 per cent mortgages are to negative equity at the moment; recent studies have shown that 360,000 households who bought homes since 2007 are now in negative equity.
What's needed is a real housing strategy that recognises homeownership reached its zenith in the mid-noughties, that social housing needs to be revived and that the UK has under-performed as a house builder; both quantitatively and qualitatively.
The transfer of state subsidies away from bricks and mortar to rents in both the social and private sectors since the Housing Act 1988 has a lot to answer for.
Today's housing benefit bill to the tax payer stands at more than £22 billion annually – twenty times higher than in 1979 – while public investment in social housing has halved over the same time frame and is now less than one quarter of rent subsidies. Only partial replacement of social homes sold through the right-to-buy has also contributed to an unbalanced housing system.
A return to publically funded housing investment would enable more homes to be built, see less public money going into the pockets of private landlords and financial institutions, which have lent £38 billion to support housing association development plans since 1988, ensure greater employability of tenants through a reduced poverty trap, and their increased mobility without relying on Grant Shapps' preferred methods of mutual exchange or house boats.
The UK must also find ways of reducing the often pernicious effects of the home ownership market on the wider economy and as a generator of household debt.
There are ways of widening asset ownership, through community mutuals for instance, without coercing people into unsustainable home ownership. But this will need a government with the courage to promote new housing and ownership models against the backdrop of the British love affair with home ownership; in other words, not very likely.
See also:
• Inflation is worse for the worst off – Alex Hern, November 6th 2011
• Livingstone: Taking action on London's housing horrors – Ken Livingstone, October 24th 2011
• 'Back of a fag packet' housing policy continues – Kevin Gulliver, October 3rd 2011
• Social housing needs a 'New Deal' – Kevin Gulliver, September 28th 2011
• Why isn't Boris coming up with any solutions to London's housing crisis? – Jenny Jones AM, September 9th 2011
As you're here, we have something to ask you. What we do here to deliver real news is more important than ever. But there's a problem: we need readers like you to chip in to help us survive. We deliver progressive, independent media, that challenges the right's hateful rhetoric. Together we can find the stories that get lost.
We're not bankrolled by billionaire donors, but rely on readers chipping in whatever they can afford to protect our independence. What we do isn't free, and we run on a shoestring. Can you help by chipping in as little as £1 a week to help us survive? Whatever you can donate, we're so grateful - and we will ensure your money goes as far as possible to deliver hard-hitting news.
16 Responses to "Shapps's subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders"
Alex Marsh
I've got to agree with a lot of what Kevin says here. While this strategy contains some useful modest initiatives, the headline proposals are more likely to be positively harmful.
My fuller response to the housing strategy statement is here: http://www.alexsarchives.org/?p=2428
Alan Kiel
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders http://t.co/3nnrOFq5
It is interesting when house prices were skyrocketing and developers could easily install PV cells on roofs etc they did not. Now they say there is no demand for housing do the mean the profit margins are far less?
I agree the goverment should turn around and say to the developers we will build housing for very little profit in 2 years if you do not start building now, that way developers who are trying to hold out for higher prices will be forced into building now for some profit or not building in future and have no profit.
Alan Kiel
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders http://t.co/NPjNV0KE
Brandon Glenn
Yesterday the coalition government launched its much delayed housing strategy purporting to 'get Britain buildin… http://t.co/sdD8jIFN
Alan Kiel
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders http://t.co/r13Ly7kE
Lorenzo Ferrari
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders – Left Foot Forward http://t.co/CzHyYa9f #Bailout
Tony Ellis
RT @leftfootfwd: Shapps's subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders http://t.co/1BJkEgqu
Kim Clifford
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders http://t.co/TRdf9JRF
Sen Tinal
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders: Yesterday the coalition government launched its much d… http://t.co/35GRYpu0
Dennis E.
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders: Yesterday the coalition government launched its much d… http://t.co/94DRYhvg
Duncan Vessey
Shapps' subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders, writes @kevingulliver: http://t.co/wt0OCr12
And this time around, the government will be liable. So the previous and present governments bailed out the banks when the housing bubble burst due to sub prime lending and the underwriting of that, and if that wasn't enough, they now want to support a new housing bubble, which they themselves will underwrite!
And sell to social housing tenants for 50%? Don't make me laugh. The majority of social housing tenants claim partial or full housing benefit; they certainly won't be able to benefit from that. No one has seemed to join the dots yet on this disgraceful policy, so I will explain and hope that some journalist out there finally does so.
Every, new let by my social housing provider is now let at 80% of private rental market rates. Not so much a problem you may think if indeed a family claims housing benefit. In less than 2 years however, housing benefit will stop being uprated in line with inflation. The gap between housing benefit and actual rent was 70% over the last 10 years. Perhaps in the next 5 years then, many new and existing social housing tenants will not afford to pay the difference. Fines charged for over occupancy will also be added to that, which will affect secure existing tenants. Along with the decrease in housing benefit, and also the increase in 'target rent', known as 'convergence', which aimed to bring all social housing in an area into the same price bracket. It started in 2002 and should have ended next year, but is now going to be extended meaning even higher rents for existing tenants (my rent rose 10% this year).
The government is well aware of these affects on new and existing social housing tenants. Most of those either totally or partially reliant on housing benefits, whether they are in low paid work or disabled and unemployed, will not afford the higher rents. In 5 years time, if not before, these people will start to lose their homes, and since they cannot afford to rent in the private sector a good many will be homeless. So who gains from the 50% discount? Only someone who earns average wage would be able to afford the new rents. These people have been priced out of the property market, but most could afford to buy social housing with the new discounts. Hey presto! Hundreds of thousands of properties available for sale without lifting a single brick.
Meanwhile, existing tenants have no hope at all. I live in an area of one of the cheapest rents in the country; there is no cheaper place than the home I live in! There are no hostel places, or any boats spare. Many people have no families to take them in. Many are vulnerable and chronically ill like myself. I wouldn't last one week sleeping rough in the winter. My carers work, but employment wont save their homes either. Work really doesn't 'pay' for them. I have said this many times, but it is as if the government think that they can wave a magic wand and the poor and disabled will just disappear.
But you see, Grant Shapps was right: there were cheaper places for me to live. I'm currently looking at my 'Farrow and Ball' colour chart for my open plan new-build Waitrose cardboard box, but I just cant decide on colour schemes…
"What's needed is a real housing strategy that recognises homeownership reached its zenith in the mid-noughties, that social housing needs to be revived…"
Not really, those are medium/long term solutions. What we need right now is to stop the Tory social cleansing. That means rent caps. It means taxing empty property and unused brownfield land…
Osborne's stimlu-lite is more pork for vested interests | Left Foot Forward
[…] mortgage indemnity scheme we have covered before. The government will underwrite 95 per cent mortgages to first buyers, ensuring that the lender […]
'Downsizing' the housing strategy | Left Foot Forward
[…] Shapps's subprime stimulus is a bailout for housebuilders – Kevin Gulliver, November 22nd […]
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


text:
Sailor Jupiter (Tan Pure)
A dip of whipped cream, a huge red strawberry on top and – voilà – Usagi-chan's birthday cake is finally ready to be served. It really does look delicious. And so it should, because since I've graduated from baking school I want to start my own small business more than anything in the world. A little bakery with my special products… and then, my own family I can spoil.
All the energy I used to put into being a Sailor Soldier, I have focused on my future. If one day it should be necessary, will I have enough strength and courage to protect my friends?
About Ran
All the stuff in English? Great. I'm back! I already infiltrated Yume for the last two shows years ago and would have never thought of a reunion, but there it was! And right when I was pregnant! So I couldn't join MMC 2015, but I'm all back for 2016 and am happy as can be! And after all this time even an Inner Senshi XD
What more? I was founder and "ender" of Nansensu, which was a great and crazy time until 2008. And because I missed it so much I'm everywhere where I can get on stage, like Ongaku no kara or now Yume ^^
I'm already 36 years now (and the oldest Jupiter ever), Mommy (next-generation Yume is save!) and actually too old for all this stuff. But I don't care. I'm at conventions since 1999, on stage since 2002 and if it's going on like this I will be here until I bite the dust...
All/Old parts/appointments
|Connichi 2016:
|Sailor Jupiter
|AnimagiC 2016:
|Sailor Jupiter
|Animemesse 2016:
|Sailor Jupiter
|Connichi 2011:
|Connichi 2011:
|Sugao Saito
|AnimagiC 2011:
|AnimagiC 2011:
|Sugao Saito
|AniMaCo 2010:
|Die Mumie
Motto / Quotation
Life sucks. But the graphics rock. (I love this)
My favorite quote of Lilli: "You'll never here when you need us!"
- Yume external [Animexx account]
- Private [Homepage]


text:
We are currently seeing packet loss affecting all UK servers
Update: This looks like a potential issue with LINX (London internet exchange) as many UK sites are slowing to a crawl. We will update you as we have further information.
Update 2: We have confirmed the issues are due to LINX.
Update 3: We are now routing past LINX, therefore most ISP's should find access to our services is back to normal speeds. Some ISP's will still go straight to LINX unfortunatley.
Update 4: We believe this issue is now resolved which can be seen from the LINX Graph below.


text:
The Cedar Rapids Community School District has the second largest enrollment in the State of Iowa. The District's AK through grade 12 grade program currently serves 16,294 students in 21 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools. We also have various alternative schools.
The educational program of the Cedar Rapids Schools strives to have every learner future ready, and is based on a guiding philosophy of continuous improvement.
Enrollment: 16,294
Size of District: 121 square miles
Governance Board: 7 elected members
Elementary Schools: 21 schools
Middle Schools: 6 schools
High Schools: 4 schools
Administrators: 63
Teachers: 1,172
Support Staff: 1,342
Registered Volunteers: 6,968
Annual General Fund Budget: $276 million
It is the policy of the Cedar Rapids Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (employment only), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (students/program only) in its educational programs and its employment practices. This is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. District employees with questions or a grievance related to this policy should contact Linda Noggle, Executive Director of Human Resources/Talent Management at firstname.lastname@example.com or 319-558-2000. Students and others should contact Rod Dooley, Executive Director of Equity/Title IX Coordinator/504 Compliance Officer at email@example.com or 319-558-2000. The District mailing address is 2500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1015.


text:
The Viscardi Center honors nine internationally for work in disabilities field
The Viscardi Center, an Albertson advocate for the disabled, announced that as part of an expansion of its outreach efforts, it will honor nine individuals for their work in the field.
Honorees include Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.), a quadriplegic who is working to increasing funding for stem cell research; Kathleen Martinez, an assistant secretary in the U.S. Labor Department, and Lex Frieden, a disability rights and policy expert who is chair of the United Spinal Association. All of the winners are based in the United States except for Yoav Kraiem, chairman of the National Council for Community Relations-Mental Health in Israel.
"On an international basis, there isn't anyone that is recognizing accomplished people with disabilities," said John D. Kemp, president and chief executive of The Viscardi Center, which he said serves 2,000 adolescents and adults with disabilities and nearly 200 severely disabled and medically fragile children. The center runs the renowned Henry Viscardi School.
Another winner, Patrick Rummerfield, 59, whose spinal cord was 85 percent destroyed in an auto accident when he was 21, works as a patient liaison for the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at the Kennedy-Krieger Institute in Maryland.
"For an organization like the Viscardi Center to be presenting me with an award, acknowledging some of my achievements," Rummerfield said, "it's humbling."
"The more that the public knows about your efforts and about the research, the paralysis research that is going on .?.?. it just assists us greatly," he added.
Other winners include: Laurie Ahern, president of Disability Rights International; Rosangela Berman Bieler, senior adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF; former Rep. Tony Coelho, of California, and Michael Ashley Stein, executive director, Harvard Law School Project on Disability.


text:
CINPLA organized the first summer-school for the Norwegian Research School in Neuroscience 16-22 August 2015. The program was ambitious and the students were exhausted, but happy after 60 hours with intense theoretical and practical research training.
The aim of the summer school was to give the students a deeper understanding of what we actually measure with some established state-of-the-art methods in neuroscience.
Main lecturers:
Andy Edwards (patch-clamp), Emre Yaksi & Erlend Nagelhus (Ca2+ imaging), Joel Glover (VSD), Torkel Hafting (tetrode recordings), Torbjørn Ness (computational modeling), Special guest lecturer was Michael Hausser, University College London.
Read more about the summer-school here.


text:
How to Install Rubbermaid Wire Shelving
Rubbermaid wire shelving is manufactured in a number of styles, allowing a custom installation in nearly any space. Common uses include home closets, kitchen pantries, utility rooms, office storage and retail use. Steps to complete proper installation will vary with the particular product or package purchased, but all products follow common guidelines. Generally, simple tools such as a hammer, electric drill, tape measure, pencil and a level are all that is necessary for installing Rubbermaid wire shelving.
Check to ensure you have all parts prior to installation.
Lay out shelving on the floor in desired configuration to check your design and space requirements. If necessary, cut shelving to match desired layout.
Use a pencil and level to identify and mark the location of mounting holes on the wall per instructions included with your shelving. Drill holes using an electric drill and the appropriate bit.
Hammer drive pins into the predrilled holes to install back clips and wall end brackets.
Attach rubber caps to the exposed end of the wire shelving.
Snap the rear edge of the shelving into the back clips. Lay the front of the shelving into the end brackets.
Assemble support poles. Attach back of support poles to the front of wire shelving with the pole shelf brackets. Test stability.
Install options such as shoe racks, hanger bars or drawers.
Things Needed
- Electric drill
- Drill bit set
- Handsaw
- Hammer
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Stepladder (if necessary)
- Do not attempt to force shelving into place as this may result in damage or injury.
- Check level often for best results.
- Rubber end caps are only needed for cut ends of shelving.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images


text:
The SULO single stack lifter, fork lift truck (FLT) attachment is designed to assist in the safe handling of Mobile Garbage Bins (MGBs). The FLT attachment enables an MGB stack to be safely and easily lifted and relocated. The attachment is suitable for use on 80, 120, 140, 240 and 360 litre MGBs and is fitted with counterweighted fork tyne locks for maximum safety.
The product bears an engineering compliance plate detailing the individual product's design and compliance to AS 2359.6-1995 Powered Industrial Trucks - Safety Code.


text:
So now I'm trying to think of good things to say about winter. The first that springs to mind is the health benefit. All that snow removal from roofs and sidewalks sure burns up the calories. It loosens up the joints and muscles. Not to mention the financial benefit to osteopaths and chiropractors.
Walking down an icy drive trying to juggle two bags of groceries and a third full of breakable ornaments is far superior for revving up your balance than standing on a yoga mat doing The Tree.
You get time to relax in winter. That time you spend in emergency waiting rooms seeking comfort for your twisted ankle, slipped disc or broken limb that you got trying to tame Mother Nature gives you lots of time for introspection. It's nice to have a chance to focus on things that are really important in your life-like a green lawn and a bare roof.
Winter brings family togetherness. It's difficult to get out of the house when four foot drifts have buried your car. Spend that time learning new things about the other members of your family—like how much your children love each other and how your teenagers value your opinion on everything. Yes, another benefit of winter is that it hones the sarcasm gene.
And finally, winter gives you a lesson in geography. You learn a lot about other cultures and lands as you flip through booking web sites looking for a cheap last-minute vacation to somewhere without snowdrifts.


text:
Free Wifi:
We offer FREE WIRELESS INTERNET
The camp shop is situated in the reception and therefore open all day (see opening hours reception)
We offer everything for a nice breakfast; in the morning we have nice, fresh baguettes (only in summer time), sweet or salted fillings and coffee, tea or cappuccino. And did you forget your toothbrush, toothpaste or shampoo? No problem, also things like that you can get in our shop.
For eventual mishaps or of course for your normal laundry we have two washing machines and two dryers which are at your availability 24 hours per day. The coins you need for the machines can be purchased at the reception (inclusive detergent)
For the smallest people among us we have a small playground with (among other things) a seesaw and a small slide.
Bed linen and towel rental:
There are mattresses, blankets and pillows inside the rental accommodations, no sheets or towels. Most people bring their own sleeping bag (and maybe a pillowcase and mattress cover) or sheets but you can also rent sheets at the reception for EURO 7,50 (for as long as you stay) plus EURO 7,50 deposit.
Towels we rent out for EURO 3,50 each plus EURO 3,50 deposit.
Bike rental:
Of course Holland is a fantastic country to explore on bicycle with all it's beautiful bike lanes and also from our campsite there is a splendid bike path through the "Amsterdamse Bos" which will lead you in a very easy way to the centre of Amsterdam. If you have the nerves, there is no better way to travel in Amsterdam!
In the reception you can rent bicycles (it's not possible to reserve bikes), the prices are:
- 1 day € 10,00
- 2 days € 19,00
- 3 days € 24,00
- 4 days € 32,00
- 5/6/7 days € 40,00
- The deposit is € 50,00 per bike
- + € 3,00 theft insurance per bike, per day


text:
Fair. Secure. Schmitz Cargobull Finance.
Trailer Financing Will Pay Off for You.
Liquidity, calculable costs, tax benefits – these are the important factors that also have to be taken into consideration for trailer financing: Schmitz Cargobull Finance will provide you with reliable and independent information about your options. You will also profit from our in-depth knowledge of the precise strengths and services provided by Schmitz Cargobull. These will be taken into account as part of the overall trailer financing plan. We know the industry inside and out, allowing us to put together the perfect truck and trailer financing package for you.
Over the last 15 years the Schmitz Cargobull Finance has financed more than 100,000 trailers in Europe through customised trailer financing. We know exactly what we are talking about. Security and flexibility are decisive factors when it comes to the transport industry. This is why our calculations are made using straightforward costs. Finance L
ease, Operating Lease or Contract Hire are all proven finance models, which we realise in cooperation with a reliable partner. We also take into account your trailer's usage. Choosing a Full Service contract together with a trailer telematics system from Schmitz Cargobull reduces both your overall costs and your downtimes.
In addition, truck and trailer financing from Schmitz Cargobull Finance enables you to reduce your operating costs and safeguard the premium quality of our product over the long-term. We can offer you extensive benefits that will help keep you flexible and mobile.
You can view our privacy statement by clicking the "Download" button.


text:
Well shit, it's been a month and I'm still putting off writing a Boston race report. I think it's fairly safe to say that a conventional one won't be surfacing in the near future. Now fully rested and recovered, I've spent some time reflecting on what the heck happened out there. Four weeks later, I've managed to identify a few
excuses factors that contributed to a disappointing race:
- It was really warm, even more so than predicted.
- A "friend" unloaded a bunch of shit on me the week leading into the race which left me feeling sick to my stomach — it couldn't have waited one more week?!
- It just wasn't my day.
While yes, my Boston Marathon did not go as planned, the 2017 Boston Marathon was not a total failure — not even close! Read more >>


text:
Duke Hospital Green Team Sustainability Summit
Sponsor(s): Sustainable Duke
Please join Sustainable Duke and the Duke Sustainability Board for our Sustainability Summit on developing pathways for Duke Hospital to improve the sustainability of the Hospital. How can Duke students assist in researching sustainability practices in this environment? What are the best practices established at other medical facilites? Would Bass Connections or a Masters Project provide the research and support needed to create sustainable change? Free dinner!!
Type: BUSINESS, ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, LEADERSHIP, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT/SOCIAL ACTION, ENGINEERING, HEALTH/WELLNESS, LECTURE/TALK, TRAINING, MEETING, SOCIAL, VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE, and CHARITY/FUNDRAISING
Contact: Rebecca Hoeffler


text:
Hoteliers are preparing for an especially strong summer with the current state of the oil markets, consumer confidence and an increase in inbound domestic and global travel.
REPORT FROM THE U.S.—With low gas prices, strong consumer confidence and increasing domestic and international leisure travel, hoteliers around the U.S. are expecting an especially strong summer.
Joseph Khairallah, COO at Marcus Hotels & Resorts, said his company expects those factors to come together to fuel demand for a strong season.
"Our outlook for this summer is positive, our properties are forecasting demand to be similar or higher to last year where summer was very strong," he said. "We are expecting a good mix of both transient and group business."
And sources in popular leisure destinations said they're also seeing positive signs.
Karen Thomson, vice president of sales and marketing at Paramount Hotel Group, said the company is expecting a busy summer at its properties in Charleston, South Carolina.
"We're forecasting to do extremely well in the Charleston area," Thomson said. "That's just such a hot button for destination weddings and the beach is right there, and it's that whole kind of country environment. It's really inviting."
According to data from MMGY Global, travel in Florida is expected to hit an all-time high for the season. As of April, MMGY Global's Travelhorizons Travel Sentiment Index reached an all-time high in its nine-year history. The index, which calculates leisure travel demand six months out based on several indicators, was at 121, up six points from 2015.
Cheaper gas prices equal more travel
With the stabilization of the oil markets, hoteliers said more guests are willing to drive a longer distance to their destinations.
"Any time gasoline is affordable, that always (leads to) families getting out and taking vacations," Thomson said. "(Travelers) in the past would only stay within a 50- or 75-mile radius (from home) because of higher gas prices, but now they may venture out into a further radius to drive."
Khairallah said lower costs to travel and improving consumer attitudes in general will help Marcus properties maintain steady leisure demand throughout the summer.
"Favorable fuel prices combined with positive consumer confidence trends will help keep leisure travel demand strong this summer."
In a first quarter earnings call, Choice Hotels International President and CEO Steve Joyce said the company is also expecting more people to travel and an overall busy summer.
"(Gross domestic product) growth is decent; employment, which is a key factor we look at, has really improved; and it looks like it will continue to improve. … Housing starts look good, and there's optimism in those markets," Joyce said. "And consumer confidence is there."
Leisure leading the way
Destination weddings are one major driver in the South Carolina market for Paramount, but Thomson said guests often double as wedding-goers and leisure travelers, making leisure another main component for successful summer business.
"(Summer guests are) a combination of both," she said. "I think what we see is people coming in and they're wearing two hats. You know (guests say,) 'Hey, let's stay three or four nights in the Charleston area and one night we'll go to the wedding, and the other will be the leisure go-to-the-beach-type thing.' I think we're seeing more of that combination type traveler, but it's definitely stronger on the leisure side than on the corporate traveler side."
Thomson said leisure travelers at Paramount properties in Des Moines, Iowa, often visit the state for the Iowa State Fair, which this year will be held 11-21 August. She said families traveling for sports tournaments have also opened up a new business outlet for Paramount's Iowa hotels.
At Xanterra Parks & Resorts' Yellowstone National Park Lodges, leisure travelers make up the majority of summer visitors. Rick Hoeninghausen, director of sales and marketing at Yellowstone, said park visitors start rolling in in May, but peak season is from mid-June to mid-August.
With the national parks across the U.S. celebrating a centennial this year, Hoeninghausen said events centered around the 100th anniversary could result in more summer visitors than last year.
"Park reservations are pacing a little ahead of last year, and last year was a very good year for lodging and campgrounds," Hoeninghausen said. "We had a record visitation year, last year. Typically before the end of the summer, we will have sold out for the vast majority for the nights in the park."
More inbound global visitors
Yellowstone has always had a strong visitor mix from Japan, but over the past few years, the number of summer visitors from China has grown, Hoeninghausen said. He said the park doesn't do much marketing to China, but visitors are increasing.
With the recent terrorist attacks in Europe, Hoeninghausen said European travelers are becoming very interested in vacationing in the U.S. because of the higher level of safety in America.
"According to our representatives in Europe, the trend is that there is still a big interest in traveling, and long-haul travel is a good thing," he said. "America's a popular place, and there's safety that America provides that's even more important right now to some of these European travelers."
Khairallah said Marcus Hotels & Resorts is expecting a little extra business in major markets this summer from global guests.
"We predict hotels in major markets like Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas will enjoy additional business from international travelers, especially from China," he said.


text: Atul Patankar 536 Posted February 26, 2009 Share Posted February 26, 2009 As reported at timesofindia.indiatimes.com on 26 February, 2009 NEW DELHI: Within six years, the status of a prominent water body in the national capital has changed from a "wet and clean lake'' to "does not exist'' in the revenue records of the Delhi government. This status change of the natural reservoir in Mayapuri has prompted the Delhi High Court to demand an explanation from the state government and ask for its reply on a petition filed by an NGO, Tapas, which alleged that the 18,000 sq m area rich in aquifers was on its deathbed. V K Jain of Tapas based his petition on an RTI reply he received from the PWD last year which denied the existence of the lake and claimed that the water body was never under its jurisdiction. The petition alleges PWD owned the lake till 2003. "Local MLA Karan Singh Tanwar said as per the land records received from SDM (Delhi Cantt) and Patwari of that area in July 2007, it is informed that this was not a water body,'' the RTI reply of PWD said. Arguing before a division bench of HC, Jain, through his lawyer informed court that PWD's stand was in contrast to 2003 when the common effluent treatment plant was being made near Mayapuri lake. The department was asked to create another water body of the same size in Bawana for which the Delhi Jal Board had given an affidavit. "PWD had also submitted an affidavit claiming to have paid money to the MCD for removing encroachment on the lake located on the ring road near FCI at Naraina,'' the petition said. The lake which was spread over an area of 36,000 sq feet was reduced to half to pave way for the CETP for providing clean water in the area, it added. Urging HC to step in to save the water body, Jain said, "If no efforts are taken to save the lake, it would soon meet the fate of several other water bodies which have dried up because of developmental projects. In fact, except tall promises there are no sincere efforts on the part of the government to revive the dying lakes to ensure ecological balance in the water-parched city.'' The case will now come up for hearing on March 31. Source: Vanishing lake: HC seeks reply from govt-Delhi-Cities-The Times of India Link to post Share on other sites


text:
1963 Corvair Monza Convertible
- Location: Southbury, Connecticut, United States
- Condition: Used
- Make: Chevrolet
- Model: Corvair
- SubModel: Monza Convertible
- Type: Convertible
- Trim: Monza 900
- Year: 1963
- Mileage: 102,000
- Color: Red
- Engine size: 2.5 Liter Flat 6
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Tan
- Vehicle Title: Clear
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible description
As close to original as you will find! This is a real survivor car. 102K original miles.
I purchased this car from an estate in New Jersey from the original owner five years ago and have added 3000 miles to the odometer since that time.
Absolutely NO RUST! No previous rust repairs either.
Runs Excellent.
The interior is in excellent condition. Recent convertible top replacement. Factory Power Top.
New battery, uel pump, M/FM radio upgrade (I have the original AM radio to go with the car). Pertronics electronic ignition upgrade installed to replace the old points. 4-Speed Manual Transmission. Even the spare tire is a survivor - dated 1968.
The hubcaps currently on the car are not original, ut I do have the original hubcaps to go with the car. (I think the ones on the car look better actually).
Everything works on this car like new.
There aren't many other original, ust free, 3 year old cars like this anywhere.
Get in and drive it home! No Reserve.


text:
mrgary wrote:
Miss Valenzuela wrote:Si Jojo Veloso rin ba ang magiging handler niya?mrgary wrote:
mrgary wrote:While we are waiting for the official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and Binibining Pilipinas 2020, please allow me to share this thread with you, guys.
As I perused the pages of "Road to Miss Charm 2020", I noticed that we already have a Philippine representative by the name of Ashley Subijano Montenegro. I didn't know much about her so I posted a question on its thread to ask if she won the representation of our country through a local pageant, or if she were merely appointed. I got an answer from IamVietnamese who gave me a link to Ashley's local competition via Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 where she won the title of Miss Charm Philippines 2020. I got intrigued about our girl because, after all, she will be representing us in this new pageant called Miss Charm which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam sometime in March.
Meet Ashley Victoria Subijano Montenegro. She is a 20-year old fashion model from Taguig City, a student of Enderun Colleges and the daughter of Binibining Pilipinas- World 1994 and Miss World 1994 Top 10 finisher Caroline "Cara" Subijano and former GMA 7 "Unang Hirit" television host Hans Montenegro. Ashley grew up in California before she moved to the Philippines last year to pursue her modeling career.
Ashley's random interview with Sash Factor before the finals night of Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 competition.
Ashley's father (Hans Montenegro) and her half-siblings.
Do you think Ashley has what it takes to win the first Miss Charm crown for the Philippines?
koji wrote:Nakaka stress yong nag i interview. Mag Tagalog ka na lang po. She's articulate. Walang problema sa Q&A kapag nahasa. How tall is she?
Not as outstanding beauty as her parents. Her voice and face is more from her dad, but a duller version of her dad's face. I hope they can transform her. No need for surgery.
alfonsogomesph wrote:she has Cara Subijano's eyes. yung medyo duling na hindi naman. Cara is one of my faborite Bb. titleholders. Very smart, tall and loved her oriental features.
mrgary wrote:koji wrote:Nakaka stress yong nag i interview. Mag Tagalog ka na lang po. She's articulate. Walang problema sa Q&A kapag nahasa. How tall is she?
Not as outstanding beauty as her parents. Her voice and face is more from her dad, but a duller version of her dad's face. I hope they can transform her. No need for surgery.
I agree with you, Koji. Ashley is still very raw but has tons of potential to win when honed to perfection. Ashley stands 5'11".
Users browsing this forum: abcde, Bernstein, bigame1457, bluexanthic, britney81, bumblechic, chriscaoili, cyclamen, Dutchess Gummybuns, eugene69ph, Joshi94, kewkew1234, leona Gurl, lucy, LyJonas, pinkloritos, pippo93, quelab22, radagasdas, Springfield, Sybarite, Tikah, WAKEBOARD, zzchou
|© Missosology's International Pageant Coverages ©
|Mister Supranational
|Miss Eco International
|Mister Universal Ambassador
|Miss Intercontinental
|Mister International
|Miss Cosmopolitan World
|Miss Grand International
|Face of Beauty International
|Miss Supermodel Worldwide
|Mister Global
|Miss Supranational
|Miss Earth
|Miss International
|Miss World
|Miss Universe
|Man of the World
|World Beauty Queen
|Manhunt International


text:
Step-by-step instruction manuals for completing simple, specific tasks in PPS.
Most of these transactions are completed by a PPS user in CICS PPS (link to PPS from your desktop), two are completed by the employee online through At Your Service Online (AYSO). If your employee needs assistance with access to AYSO have them contact the PPS Help Desk at email@example.com.


text:
By David Tuma, Publisher
It is a work in progress but the City of Belton is nearing the completion of the 2019 budget. Preventive street maintenance is supposed to increase to $170,000 up from $125,000 in 2017. Anyone who was driving around Belton the past few days after school started can see that the streets of Belton have more than just a few cars.
Four of the police vehicles are over eight-years, some parks vehicles and tractors that are over 19-years old and will be replaced. health insurance rates continue to go upward with city anticipating a 12.5 percent increase in cost of health care insurance in 2019. Information and technology will see a $59,000 increase over the 2018 budget as the city invests in the future.
Staffing and benefits will continue to be a challenge with rising double digit health care increases.
Belton's tax roll increased to $1,551,925,886 an increase of over $74 million over last year. The taxable value increased to $1,120,153,343 increasing by 64-million over the past year. So far the council is looking at a balanced budget. The purchase of land near Heritage Park should be completed without raising the tax rate.
Just as school tax rates have increased with the more and more Americans moving to Texas. So might the Belton city tax rate. So far that doesn't look to be the case. Services cost money, new homes cost money in terms of water lines, streets and park expansion.
Façade grants were approved for 100 South Central $20,000, 204 North Penelope ($20,000) and 107 North East Street for Oak Fire Pizza in the amount of $10,000. Belton continues to see an increase in the investment of business moving into downtown at a record pace. Over 32 percent of the City's budget comes from sales tax and franchise taxes. This doesn't include the actual taxes for the property.
Public budget meetings will be held August 28th and September 11th.


text:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
One week later, and everyone has written up their thought on the PS Vita across the internet, in newspapers, and for in-flight magazines. Surely the majority of gamers have already decided if they want to purchase a Vita before now…. but if everyone is already decided if they will purchase a Vita, why are we bothering?
The one word answer will be revealed in this week's Vita Voices Podcast.
Make sure you never miss a show by subscribing to the show and listen in Apple's iTunes – you can leave your own review there as well. And don't forget to follow the show on Facebook.


text:
New haiku sequence and haiga by Charles Christian
13th July 2006
black smoke over Haifa –
this summer katyushas
arrive with the dawn
white con trails against the blue –
tumbling bombs glitter
in the Beirut sun
in Gaza life ebbs
from a fallen phone
its final message – unread
Udi – are you ok?
me and the cats and dogs
are waiting for you
• The photo shows the second stanza/haiku as a haiga
• The final stanza/haiku is a found haiku comprising the transcript of a text message – as yet still unanswered – the wife of Ehud 'Udi' Goldwasser sent her husband when she heard his platoon had been ambushed during the start of what is now known as the Second Lebanon War.
Anti Robert Mugabe poem by Chris Major
Regular contributor Christopher Major has submitted this anti Robert Mugabe piece.
Anti Mugabe Poem
Long live Zim((()))we,
down with Mugab((()))
long live freedom ((()))
long live hope……….. ((()))
………bullet proof glass
Three poems by Michael Lee Johnson
Watching doves
peck away,
all day long at
a full bowl
of mixed seeds,
out on the balcony –
the cat curls
up on the sofa,
after a meager
meal of house flies –
and dreams of
sparrows with
wide soaring
– – – – – – – – –
Hazy Arizona Sky
7:00 am
Sonoran desert,
sleep dust covering my eyelids.
Morning fireball
hurls into Arizona sky,
baking down on cracked,
& crusted earth –
makes Saguaro cactus
split its rubbery skull
flood dry & open
valley with one cup
of cool, clear,
– – – – – – – – –
Graying In My Life
Graying in
my life
growing old
like stagnant
bucket of
rain water with moss
floating on the top –
oh, it's now such
a bad deal,
except when
catches you
chilled in the
middle of a sentence
by yourself.
ticking away
like an old grandfather clock,
hands stretched straight in the air
striking midnight
like a final
• Michael Lee Johnson lives in Chicago, after spending 10 years Canada during the Vietnam era. He is a freelance writer and poet and says he is heavy influenced by Carl Sandburg, Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams and Leonard Cohen. He is presently self-employed, with a previous background in social service areas, he has a degree in sociology, worked on a masters programme in correctional administration, and took a creative writing course at university on a pass/fail basis – he failed. He has a huge box of "unfinished" poems dating back to 1965 – yellowed papers, wrinkled napkins and all, they await the hand of revival. Until recently he had not submitted any poems since the early 70's.
At the Dawn of Adulthood – five poems by India Badiner
The Art of San Francisco
A scene of possibility
A mixture of every desire
Country and urban sea and beach
Fresh and crisp with rain
Bright and alive with sun
Mysterious and intriguing with clouds
An urban rainforest of action and excitement
A cozy and quiet peaceful view of the bay
Luxury in every shape and form
Small and large
Disguised and undisguised
A world of change and beauty
Passages of the imagination's reality
And this is San Francisco
– – – – – – – – –
Sunset Poem
The icy smooth water ripples
into time
into space
into non-existence
Gliding gracefully
and then brushing abruptly at the shore
Strawberry melon painting cloud streaks the sky
leaving a path of faded bushy clouds behind
The baby blue glazed horizon left alone in a cool brisk evening
The deepness and darkness of the painted waves
Every moment beauty is born
in static but ever changing form
A shot of moonstone light shines upon the hills
Beauty is alive
– – – – – – – – –
Web of Understanding
A wheel turning water over and over again
Is where I am standing
In a forest of forgotten dreams
Every person, every thing, every piece of life wants to feel respected and understood
So maybe you do understand
But is that enough
Because I know that it is only partial
Let me show you something else
A girl lying helplessly, motionless on the floor
The day you learn to awaken her is the day you will understand her
You will experience selfless understanding
A glacier that has frozen a river solid to the ground
The day you bring out the sun
Is the day you will grow to understand that river
To truly bring all the life back to it
To bring yourself back
To understand that river is to understand you
Think if you could really unfreeze that river?
Think if you could really understand me?
– – – – – – – – –
Black Rain
Defined as abnormal
too much for anyone to truthfully love
torn and ripped apart
and taught to hate
drowning in the water
floating lifelessly down the stream
trying to leave a message
a message to shock and enforce change
but change is only entirely possible for nature
undefined unrestrained uncontrollable
we are glass statues
only the strongest of us,
the most beautiful don't break
love is too great to completely understand.
– – – – – – – – –
A Melancholy Dream
Your angel eyes gleam gracefulness in the moonlight
lit by the dreamy streaks of clouds onto the sky
anger, sadness and all emotions deteriorate into peaceful stillness
an expression of delicate memories
painted and glazed into the bold radiance of the sky
blue river tunes drizzle and trickle in the ear of hollow memories
touching and tickling warmth of the heart
echo of darkness
the owl chimes the hour of night and day
running in fields of wildflowers
in old fashioned dresses and bonnets
in fading sunlight
orange moon-cream skylight embalming the air with warm memories
tricking into the eye of memory
passing out into the time between day and night
her dress gently resting on the tip of the summer grass
her strings of curls gently brushing against your face
the truth and essence of life laying between the seeds of earth
ending and beginning once again.
• India Badiner lives in Big Sur, California, with her parents, five semi-feral cats and Raindog, a sloppy, overly friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback. She is a graduate of Robert Lewis Stevenson School in Carmel and currently enrolled at the Big Sur Charter School. She has traveled widely, including Kyoto, Paris, Amsterdam, Shanghai, and lived in Rome for two years studying Italian and the 'sweet life'.
Anna – a new haibun by Zane Parks
The fiercest of lovers. Even in sleep, she holds me tightly in her fist. As if to be sure she's wrung the last drop from me. When I've packed, she kneels offering her mouth. To delay my departure if only a little.
the heat
a bee nestles deeper
in the pansy's pink folds
An Easter piece by Chris Major
Easter Piece
it's not for me.
You go if
you want to,
another 'tourist'
swelling the faithful few.
I hate this weekend,
these 3 days:
the TV,
the papers,
you can't bloody
escape it.
Chicks 'n' chocolate,
that's fine,
why spoil it
with wood 'n' nails ?
sod B 'n' Q
and Do It All –
I'm going church……..
• Christopher Major is a regular contributor to IS&T
A seasonal haibun from Zane Parks
Easter Chicks
My brother and I get Easter chicks. Down so soft. Dyed pastels – one purple, one blue. One day they are no longer chicks.
"They're hateful. They peck my feet when I'm hanging the wash," Mom complains.
Then the ultimatum. "They go or I go."
At dinner, Dad says that some of the under feathers still showed the original dye. My brother grabs a drumstick, but I can't eat.
mom happy
with the new craze
pet rocks


text:
Mazda will enhance the efficiency of CX-5 for 50 percent
Company Mazda plans to improve the fuel efficiency of their gasoline engines for 50 percent by 2020. This publication Autocar said the head of the European department of the new research and development of the Japanese brand Kenichiro Saruvatari.
Currently, a manufacturer working technology compression ignition homogeneous mixture (Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition – HCCI), at which combustion occurs by compression rather than by a spark.
Application of new technology will increase the compression ratio from the current 14: 1 to 18: 1. The main objective of the engineers is to achieve a combination of ecological petrol engines and fuel efficiency inherent in a diesel powerplant.
In addition, the development of the next generation of engines SkyActive implies reduction of heat loss through the exhaust system, which currently absorbs 30 percent of the energy. Saruvatari noted that the company is now considering several options to address this problem, but did not specify which ones. The top manager said that the first model on which to apply new technologies will be the crossover CX-5 the next generation.


text:
Does a living will let me tell doctors when to withdraw life support?
UPDATED: June 19, 2018
It's all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident law decisions. Finding trusted and reliable legal advice should be easy. This doesn't influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Yes. A living will is a document spelling out what kind of medical care a person wants if he or she should have a terminal illness or become incapable of communicating his or her wishes. A living will can set out the kinds of treatment a person does or does not want in any circumstances. This could include telling medical personnel when to maintain life support, when to turn it off, and when not to resuscitate you. If you don't leave these instructions, someone else will make these decisions for you if you should become incapacitated.
The name of this document, often called a living will, is confusing, since this document isn't really a will at all. It doesn't do things a will does, like transfer your property or name guardians for your minor children. Even if you have a living will, you still need a will, or some other estate planning document, to do those things.
The Law Differs per State
Each state has laws about living wills, how they are to be prepared, when they will go into effect, and how your instructions will be applied. Some states require a living will to be witnessed, and sometimes only certain people can act as witnesses; some states have a standard form that is recommended, and some require it to be signed before a notary. Unless your state has a standard form for a living will that fits your circumstances, you might want to get advice on your state's requirements. In most states, the living will goes into effect when your primary care doctor says you are incapable of making your own decisions. Some states allow you to have a doctor's order not to resuscitate (called a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate order) in case of an emergency. Emergency personnel in those states will follow the order and not resuscitate you if they are informed of it. In other states the emergency workers will always resuscitate, and your living will instructions apply only once you've reached a hospital.
Durable Power of Attorney - Alternative to a Living Will
There's also an alternative to a living will called a durable power of attorney (DPA) (also called a power of attorney for health care). Instead of giving instructions about your medical care if you become incapacitated, a DPA names a person you trust to make those decisions for you. One advantage of a DPA is that your representative can make medical decisions based on the most up-to-date treatment information. States have their own requirements for DPAs, including how they must be witnessed, who can witness them, and when they go into effect. (Usually when your doctor says you're incapacitated.)
These documents aren't exclusive and you can have both, if you want. In fact, that's a very good idea. Some states, such as California, have already prepared a standard form that contains both a living will and a DPA. This allows you to state your wishes and decide who will make decisions about anything you haven't covered in your living will, such as deciding on medication choices, surgery options, or choosing physicians or treatment facilities.


text:
No, I hadn't either. But I was reading a pals blog, a lovely happy post, then I clicked on one of the related posts at the end. It was this the truth about tokophobia. Tokophobia apparently means an extreme phobia of pregnancy.
So there is a new word for me to remember.
I am terrified of pregnancy. Terrified of birth. Terrified of labour. I have flash back phobia related dreams. I imagine myself in labour, even though I am only dreaming I feel the pain. I feel cramping sudden pain like smaller contractions. Until I wake up I am back there. Things didn't go well for me at the birth of my first son. Apparently it was all fine and not medically unusual. But I kept saying "something is wrong. Something is still inside me." They didn't believe I knew my own body, first time Mother, what would she know? "Its probably just a strange feeling dear, you've got to get used to not being pregnant now."
It wasn't that. But I couldn't get them to hear me, to listen, to believe me. I was released from hospital, only to return days later from post partum hemorrhage. Extreme bleeding of a type only girls can experience. I was told I'd die, by doctors. I might die in my sleep or even before then. I told them to leave my bedside, I said goodbye to my son. He was 5 days old, and I was saying goodbye, telling him "if Mummy doesn't wake up look after your Daddy. If I don't wake up, I don't blame you son, this is not your fault. You are perfect son, you are special, and if I die its worth it because you are safe. I know you don't understand my words, but Mummy loves you forever, wether I wake up or not. Look after Daddy as I love him." Those words hurt to say, they hurt to remember.
It took me years, and several panic attacks to convince myself I'd cope and not die and that things would be better the second time. Doctors said severe bleeding again was rather unlikely. I became pregnant easily, too easily, and very fast. I didn't have time to panic. But I was kind of in denial. Repressed memories relating to the first birth, and the bleeding. Memories that resurfaced whilst heavily pregnant. I thought I was going to miscarry, I thought I was going to bleed to death, and my baby too.
A couple of months before the due date I was struggling massively, phobias set in. I think I went a bit nuts. The birth was fast, but hell for me. It left mental scars my therapist is still working on now. He arrived in a very short time, I was home alone. Midwife wouldn't come, I phoned 999 I was told get a bus. I said there wasn't time, they said something like "calm down, you've only been in labour for half an hour, you've got time." They didn't realise I was telling the truth – baby was coming in a hurry. I went door knocking, begging for help. I was alone for Gods sake! A neighbour I had never met let me in. She counted my contraction times and her face went pale, she knew this was too fast. She helped me to her car, I was screaming and crying and hysterical. She stayed calm, but clearly this wasn't fun for her either. She supported me as I waddled in to the hospital. Minutes later my second son almost ripped out of me. No painkillers and a whole lorry load of trauma. The midwives had left the room to discuss my state of panic, I yelled and yelled "come back, baby is coming NOW", they came back, but I was alone as he crowned, as the waters went. In the safest place but so overwhelmingly afraid. Stress and fear and panic. I had my second son, he was alive but I expected to die, to bleed to death.
But it does not just go away. I am so terrified of the bleeding I am terrified of becoming pregnant. I am so terrified of pregnancy I am afraid of bedroom time. I can not be pregnant ever again. I take contraception daily, despite there being almost no possibility of it happening, as I can't get close like that often. I love Blokey, but my phobias just increase and I become afraid of more and more things as they become associated to the existing phobias.
I wake up sometimes dreaming I'm pregnant, to most Mums that is a good dream, to me its a nightmare. A no win situation. If I get pregnant I could die, the baby could die and my two sons lose their mum. It.just.makes.me.so.frightened.
I can see a pregnant lady and cope, but if she grabs her bump, and shows any hint of labour I will be screaming inside. Freaking right out. If I became pregnant the fear would be too much, and two likey outcomes would be "getting sectioned" or self harm. Just thinking of being very pregnant makes me feel sick, and labour, well I can not find words without enough flair and feeling to explain the fear attached to it.
I wouldn't mind another child, its not being a Mum to one more that bothers me, its the logistics of it. I CAN'T DO IT. I just cannot do pregnant.
My name is Julie, and I am Tokophobic.
This week is mental health awareness week.
Did you have phobias? Anxiety? Talk about it, write about it.