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Last few tickets available at Aberdeen's unique girls' event
An exclusive ladies' event is taking place this Friday at Aberdeen's latest boutique hotel.
Dedicated2Girls will take place at the Sandman Signature Hotel, Aberdeen, this Friday 29th March 2019, from 7pm-11pm. Visitors will be treated to catwalk shows, a free cocktail, exciting shopping opportunities, hair and beauty displays and live entertainment from singer Sam Stephen.
The event, which is in its fourth year, is expected to attract 200 people, who will be able to enjoy the latest fashion trends, hair styling demonstrations and retail therapy from local independent and high street brands.
Dedicated2Girls event organiser Allan Smith said: "The show promises to be another great night out, with the perfect combination of fun-filled activities, entertainment and Prosecco! We have a fun selfie station, a dedicated cocktail bar, fun fashion shows and a luxury raffle from Jamieson & Carry, with proceeds going to Charlie House.
"This is our fourth year, and we are excited to be at Aberdeen's newest hotel, right in the centre of the city. Dedicated2Girls is the perfect night out for friends, mums and daughters, and if men want to come along then that's just fine too!
"We are delighted to welcome back many local organisations including Tiger Lily Boutique, John Lewis and Country Ways, and we will have live demos from Toni & Guy, Browhouz and The Beauty Room. And every visitor will receive the much sought-after Dedicated2Girls voucher book, with hundreds of pounds' worth of savings at stores and salons across Aberdeen.
"This year's entertainment is coming from Sam Stephen, who has performed all over the world from a sell-out arena in Las Vegas to London's West End, so it's going to be a great night!
"There are just a handful of tickets left, so anyone wishing to come along who hasn't booked their place should go to dedicated2girls.co.uk before midday on Friday."


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020 8555 9827
Horses nicker, heart beats quicker, saddle up for the Pony Express! Joe Lillington's illustrations leap off the page in Ride On, Will Cody! A Legend of the Pony Express, by Caroline Starr Rose and published by Albert Whitman & CompanyFiled under: Children's Books, Joe Lillington, Just Published
Graham Carter's stunning new cover illustration for the Egmont Modern Classic, National Velvet by Enid Bagnold, is published this weekFiled under: Book Covers, Children's Books, Graham Carter, Just Published
Acclaimed children's illustrator Thomas Flintham's Animal Colours and Animal Babies are now out in board book format! The friends can't wait to have some fun!Filed under: Children's Books, Just Published, Thomas Flintham
This months February calendar is by Frances Castle for her own record label, Clay Pipe Music.Filed under: Frances Castle
Tom has a naturally simplistic drawing style using bold shapes and strong lines his animals are full of character and his limited colour palette creates a joyful book for very young readers.Filed under: Children's Books, Thomas Flintham
Constant doodler, chocoholic and award winning author & illustrator, Thomas Flintham invites us into his bizarre imaginationFiled under: The Illustration Process, Thomas Flintham

subset: commoncrawl


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Gas Fireplace Accessories & Options
At Acucraft we know you want a gas fireplace that stands out. In order to do that you need a one-of-a-kind fireplace that you can customize to your space with gas fireplace accessories & options!
Don't settle for a boring, mass-produced fireplace with limited options and accessories; we want you to find the fireplace you've been dreaming of! Our Fireplace Advisors will listen, understand, guide and present you with multiple solutions for you to choose from. Let's co-create something together.
Media Options
All of Acucraft's media options come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles to suit every need:
- 1/4″ Crushed Glass Media
- 1/2″ Crushed Glass Media
- Semi-Polished Fire Stones
- High-Polished (Glossy) Fire Stones
- River Rock
- Lava Rock
- Driftwood Logs
- Logsets
Interior Firebox Options
Finish the interior of your fireplace with custom firebrick, mesh backer for your own finishing materials, or add black reflective porcelain panels to enjoy a never-ending flame:
- Standard Firebrick
- Custom Colored Firebrick
- Mesh Backer
- Black Reflective Porcelain Panels
Glass Options
Enjoy your fireplace without glass (open), open with a firescreen, enclosed with partial glass, single-pane, or our dual pane glass cooling system.
- No Glass (open)
- No Glass with Firescreen
- Partial Glass
- Single-Pane Glass
- Dual Pane Glass Cooling System
Frame Options
Whether you're looking for a "frame-less" appearance or a decorative frame, we have options for you:
- Standard 1 1/2″ Frame
- Low-Profile 1/2″ Frame
- Matte Black Finish
- Polished Stainless Steel Finish
- Brushed Stainless Steel Finish
- Patina Finish
Control your fireplace with the push of a button, add LED lighting to accompany any mood, or select an adjustable flame to enjoy your flame at different heights.
- Remote Control
- LED Lighting with Remote
- Adjustable Flame
Popular Fireplace Models
- Four Sided
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Linear


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Cape Town – Kevin Pietersen will be among the South African commentators in SuperSport's coverage of the imminent three-Test series between Australia and the Proteas.
The ever-controversial batsman played all his internationals for England, but is Pietermaritzburg-born and joins compatriots Shaun Pollock, Ashwell Prince and Kepler Wessels as SA "balancers" to the home-based, Channel 9 voices.
Pietersen, 36, continues to globe-trot on the busy Twenty20 franchise circuit, and will, in fact, nip back to his native KwaZulu-Natal between the second Test in Hobart and third in Adelaide to turn out for the Dolphins for parts of their domestic T20 campaign during November.
Given his rich experience in English colours (104 Tests, 136 ODIs), the forthright Pietersen should be capable of making suitably neutral observations during the keenly-awaited series between the traditional southern hemisphere rivals.
Wessels remains a unique figure in having represented both countries, even if he is long retired as a player, so knows the respective cricketing cultures well.
SuperSport communications manager Clinton van der Berg told Sport24 on Tuesday that the SA commentators would not be part of a separate feed.
"All our guys will be on their (Australian) single feed, driven by Channel 9."
The South Africans will thus be heard at varying intervals, surrounded by established Channel 9 figures like Mark Taylor, Shane Warne, Ian Chappell, Michael Slater, Ian Healy and Englishman Mark Nicholas; former Baggy Greens skipper Michael Clarke has also joined the team this summer.
The first Test starts at the WACA in Perth on Thursday (04:30 SA time).
*Follow our chief writer on Twitter: @RobHouwing


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12 Best Wire Mesh Fencing Wickes Collections
Related photos in this diagram:
Other recommended diagram ideas:
Best Wire Mesh Fencing Wickes Collections - This kind of electronic pet fence does now not work nicely thru partitions and trees and might affect their performance and reliability. Wireless pet fences are designed with elements, a transmitter, and an electric powered collar. The wireless fence a signal is introduced through the transmitter this is obtained by means of the electronic canine collar. Wi-fi pet fences operate in a similar way as an underground pet fence, we're capable of maybe primary difference being the boundary region of containment is fixed to an oval situation and isn't adjustable.
If you wish to amplify the boundary of the wi-fi transmitter you can add extra transmitters to covers a bigger location for containment. The wi-fi fence transmitter grants a signal to the digital collar. The area of containment and boundary specifications will range in keeping with the producer of the wi-fi pet fence. Whilst utilising a wireless fence application the collar will be activated while your dog goes outdoor the boundary place wherein they'll receive both a beep or a static surprise form of correction in step with the changes you are using.
When selecting a wireless pet fence the two top producers are petsafe and perimeter. Petsafe gives the number one selling wireless fence inside the market, the petsafe pif-three hundred. The petsafe pin-300 can regularly be known as an instantaneous fence. This type of wireless digital pet canine fence includes a unmarried transmitter but may be utilised with multiple transmitters relying on the scale of the area you want to comprise.
Wi-fi fences can be a superb choice to deliver your dog freedom to roam and play at the same time as retaining them secure in your yard. Cellular pet fences are regularly known as on the spot fences or cellular fences provide transportable options which you can't get hold of with other styles of dog fencing systems. You can unplug your cell pet canine fence out of your outdoor and take it while the principle one holiday or go to to the summer house. A radio fence is easy to put in when you plug-within the transmitter vicinity the boundary flags up across the location of containment and you're done. It clearly is suggested while using a wi-fi fence that you have an open area to incorporate.


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Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'beginner'.
Found 6 results
Does my Pentax Q7 have what it takes?
DougLoud posted a question in Community support: ask the forumHello everyone. I just recently got started on Alamy and was wondering: do you think my Pentax Q7 has what it takes to meet Alalmy's quality criteria? I have taken plenty of pictures which I believe were great until I tried submitting them and having them rejected with a message that said "Sorry, but this camera doesn't produce images of high enough quality for our requirements". I have seen an amazing photographer whose work I like a lot; his name is Mark Phillips and has the same vibe that I wish I could express with my pictures. Anyways, I thought maybe it was a matter of resolution, which my camera has set in 4000x2248 and 300dpi, but then I checked that his photos are almost all in 3600x2400 and 300dpi so relatively similar. I then thought maybe some of my pictures had blur or were overexposed but I have submitted a photo with a clear sky that is not overexposed and saw that some of his photos emphasize on the blur so I don't know what I need to be looking for. Should I put on more effort on the postediting or is it perhaps the fact that my camera has a 1/1.7" sensor? My Q7 is the only camera I have available so if it is indeed my camera's fault I have no idea what I would do. Hope you can help me, any feedback is endlessly welcomed. Thank you for your attention.
Hello from Orlando, Florida!
mjneedles posted a topic in IntroductionsHello, everyone. I'm a beginner at all this--professional photography, that is. I've been taking photos for a very long time, though, and hope my hobby can finally earn me some spare cash. I've been searching through the FAQS to find an answer for an important question, but haven't yet seen anything about this. What about photos digitized from film? There won't be any EXIF data for them; I can manually put in some, but it will be approximate in many cases. Can I do this?
Hello from Missouri
Kclowe01 posted a topic in IntroductionsHello, I'm picking up photography as a hobby since I enjoy taking high quality pictures. I know my pictures aren't the best since I don't use fancy equipment and I have limited knowledge, but any advice is welcome!
Whats Good Fellow Photographers?
brewedallday posted a topic in IntroductionsWhats up everyone! I have been running through my photography and realized I have over 20,000 photos offline. And in my completely unbiased viewpoint, some of them seem to be worth selling. I have pulled up a site that walked through the top 10 sites to use for this type and Alamy came up high in the rankings. Heres the thing, I have very little idea what I am doing. I learn fast though and I don't want to waste a ton of time. Is there a top tricks and tips forum to help me get started on this process of getting my pictures past Quality? Also, editing, how important is this? Would you recommend I spend a lot of time editing photos or should I just place them out as is and hope for the best. Any of your advice would be awesome. Thanks and look forward to speaking with you all!
I think with a lot of keywording we write is one of the best ways to boost the image search, if it is correct please someone help me and is an example of my image http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-traditional-farmers-of-paddy-east-java-indonesia-83577647.html?p=226185&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26sortby%3d3%26qt%3deast%2520java%26qt_raw%3deast%2520java%26qn%3d%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26aoa%3d1%26creative%3d%26videos%3d%26nu%3d%26ccc%3d%26bespoke%3d%26apalib%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26ot%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26archive%3d1%26name%3d%26groupid%3d84541%26pseudoid%3d%7b97A5F6C2-4649-470D-AB03-C3A606A84BCF%7d%26userid%3d%26id%3d%26a%3d%26xstx%3d0%26cbstore%3d0%26lightbox%3d%26resultview%3dsortbyRelevant%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26apalic%3d%26tbar%3d1%26pc%3d%26simid%3d%26cap%3d1%26customgeoip%3dID%26vd%3d0%26cid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26t%3d0%26edoptin%3d
Hey everyone, I'm new to Alamy and have about 45 images available for sale as of today. I joined alamy about 4 weeks ago but have not had any zooms much less sales. Most of my photos are related to travel. I'm stuck in a rut and need some advice from the vets here at Alamy. Any advice on quality of photos, marketability, etc. are greatly appreciated. Stock photography by Kelley Stanley at Alamy Thanks! Kelley Stanley


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Login +41 71 992 62 62
Co-operation with specialists
When we develop a new product, we first discuss which criteria the product must fulfil in order to succeed in a given market situation and with the intended target audience. Influencers from outside are involved in all of our considerations, either directly or indirectly. In this respect, our Development Department works in close co-operation with specialists and opinion leaders from the most varied sectors. Leading professors from universities, test laboratory managers and experts from specialist associations with their specific know-how, as well as critical users support us in the development of expedient innovations with sustainable product benefits.


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Congratulations Hilary! LTO contributing editor kicks off bi-weekly food reviews with Ottawa XPress
We know humble Hilary Duff would be the last to toot her own horn, but we're excited!
Hilary is a fantastic young journalist who has played a huge role in making LTO what it is, and now, she's going to be the new, bi-weekly restaurant critic for Ottawa XPress!
Her first review? A regular haunt for local journos – The Manx.
The Manx is a hidden gem literally, its location surprisingly well concealed, particularly considering its placement on Elgin Street. Descending the outside stairs, the narrow entrance gives way to a cozy cavern of a room. Low lighting bleeds down the walls, met with and absorbed by the dark sheen of the wooden floor.
Click the photo below to read on:
Congratulations Hilary! Ottawa XPress couldn't have picked a better person!


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Platform: Sony Playstation
Developer(s): Empire Interactive
Publishers(s): Empire Interactive Entertainment
ReleaseDate: 2000-09-24
Co-op: No
Spin Jam is a puzzle game that involves aiming colored bubbles at flower petals. When three bubbles are united with their respective colored petal, the petal will burst. When all petals burst, you've defeated the level. Arcade mode is one of three separate ways to play Spin Jam. In it, you must challenge your skills in 100 levels. Each level will get more difficult, and you'll discover more twists and turns as you advance. Battle mode lets you and a friend compete in a head-to-head match. The winner is the first to explode their screen's petals. Story mode is like a single-player version of the Battle mode. You'll progress through each character's series of "planets" to get a shot at defeating an evil dictator named Moolamb. Eight characters are initially available, with more waiting to be unlocked. Use special bubbles as power-ups to help you clear each color-changing petal.
ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
Genre(s): Puzzle


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Prior to you sign your name to a solar panel lease on your home in San Diego CA 92171 you need to understand exactly what you are truly getting into. If you're in the business of selling solar leases possibly you need to try Googling this, "benefits of solar lease" Read all of the page one results and see what your customer's are reading if they do even a small amount of homework. You likewise may try Googling, "selling home with solar lease" and "solar lease vs. purchase". Read what your client's will check out when they do 30 minutes of study online prior to dedicating to a 20 year contract. Maybe you'll now understand why you get many cancellations and why if you do not seal the deal on the very first visit you've got practically no chance of closing it later. Why not alter your strategy do exactly what's right for the customer and get on board with a company that provides market leading value (price + quality + service).
The Solar Lease in San Diego CA 92171 or PPA Sales Pitch normally consists of 6 main points. We went over each below.
1. Go Solar and Pay Nothing! Or no cash out of pocket.
Signing a 20 year contract where you assure to pay X hundred dollars per month is barely paying nothing. If you build up all of those monthly payments during the term of the agreement you'll be paying 2 to 3 times exactly what you would have paid purchasing the solar system even if you factor in the interest paid on the solar loan. Lots of absolutely no money down solar loans are available. If you have the credit report to get the lease you can use the bank's money to finance your solar system with absolutely no cash down.
[ssvideo keyword="Solar Contractors" title="Solar Contractors in San Diego"]
2. No concerns. The leasing/PPA business in San Diego CA 92171 is liable for all maintenance and repairs on the system.
The renting business will certainly not clean your solar panels which has to do with only upkeep used on a solar system. Solar systems are very low upkeep with no moving parts and come with very long maker's guarantees and performance guarantees. 25 years with a microinverter based system, that's longer than the leasing companies' assurance. Most tier 1 solar devices producers are larger and more financially stable than the solar leasing company by many multiples. Those long warranties are backed up by a 20 year bumper to bumper service warranty from Solar Symphony.
3. Insurance– go solar with a lease and the leasing company insures the system.
Purchase a system and the solar system is covered under your homeowner's policy for a simply a couple dollars per month.
4. Tracking– the leasing company monitors your system for the life of the lease/PPA.
When you acquire a system you also get keeping an eye on for the life of the system, making use of the same tracking equipment used by the renting business.
5. Simply sign a contract and the leasing company does everything else.
When purchasing a system you also simply sign an agreement and the solar service providers does everything else. Distinction is the leasing business contract is 17 pages (small print) and the solar service provider's agreement is 2 pages.
6. A lease doesn't hit your individual credit. Doesn't impact your debt to earnings ratio.
This might be the only true advantage of the lease but it comes at an awefully high rate. If this is among your main issues there are funding options for a purchase (PACE and HERO) that also don't strike your personal credit or affect your financial obligation to income ratio. And those programs enable practically any house owner to go solar no matter their credit score.
Now for the 6 major drawbacks to a solar lease in San Diego CA 92171 or PPA.
1. A lease is a 20 year liability. It is not a possession or a financial investment in solar. The solar leasing companies are purchasing solar on your roof! You're simply supplying them a guaranteed 20 year cash flow!
2. Now you have two energy expenses not simply one! In essence the renting company ends up being a 2nd utility. So, sign a solar lease and now you have two energy companies you need to pay monthly.
3. The majority of leases or PPAs carry a yearly expense escalator, normally 2.9 %. So while you might be saving cash today in a several years you will not be.
4. You won't have the ability to assert the 30 % federal tax credit and any applicable money refunds. You likewise will not have the ability to declare any tax deductible interest on solar loan payments (HELOC or PACE).
5. You never get to complimentary power with a lease or PPA. In contrast, if you purchase a solar system once the solar loan is settled you can take pleasure in complimentary electrical energy from the sun for 10– 15 years depending upon the length of the solar loan.
[google-map location="San Diego CA"]
6. Selling your house with a solar lease or PPA can be problematic. Solar leases require the new owner to assume the lease and terms. If you check out any of the above you can probably see why an informed customer would not be interested in presuming the obligations of your lease. This is especially real if the lease is 7 or more years old and the yearly expense escalator in the lease has now raised the cost of electrical power to equivalent or more than the cost of electricity from the energy.
[dyna dynami="Closing"]


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Followed publications are publications you've taken an interest in but have not authored. You might follow them because there is an interesting discussion happening between the authors and reviewers. Following publications allows you to receive notifications when new reviews or comments are posted on Publons related to them.
What are followed publications? Print
Modified on: Fri, 30 Nov, 2018 at 11:16 AM
Did you find it helpful? Yes NoSend feedback
Sorry we couldn't be helpful. Help us improve this article with your feedback.


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Our Automotive Repair Services
Price List
All prices include labor. Sales tax not included.
AC Charge59.95+
Coolant Flush$59.95+
Transmission Flush$69.95+
Transmission Service$119+
Oil Change (5qts)$26.95+
Limited Lifetime Warranty
WARRANTY PERIOD: Your disc pads are warranted by Brakes for Less to the vehicle on which they were installed for the life of the vehicle. All other parts or components installed are warranted for 6 months or 6,000 miles whichever comes first against defective material or workmanship. The warranty is not transferable.
THIS WARRANTY COVERS the disc pads and/or brake shoes that were installed by Brakes for Less. Should they become damaged, defective or worn out during the period covered under warranty, Brakes for Less will install replacement disc pads or brake shoes at no charge for the installation of disc pads and/or brake shoes necessary to replace them.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER the cost of resurfacing the rotors or drums nor does it apply to failure caused by abuse, racing, alterations, accident or defective parking cable. This warranty does not cover the costs of additional components and labor required to return the brake system to proper performance. If the customer declines recommended labor, parts or service required to bring the brake system to its proper performance this warranty does not apply. The customer must authorize the recommendations which will return the vehicle to proper performance to maintain the warranty. This warranty does not include providing alternate transportation, living or travel expenses while this vehicle is being serviced under warranty.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES are warranted for 90 days for disc pads and or brake shoes and all other parts installed by Brakes for Less.


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I'd just like to say a massive thank you to the following people who have helped me over my career with SMS/ ConfigMgr:
My Fellow MVPs
For answering my questions, sharing information, and your friendship.
For their willingness to help me not only with the product but also help and support in many other ways.
Special Thanks
And of course a special thanks to the following individuals (and just because your name isn't listed below doesn't mean you're not special to me):
- Claire Smyth
- Rod Trent
- Wally Mead
In addition I need to give a shout out to http://www.softicons.com for allowing me to use several of their icons throughout OneFAQ.
Finally, to you the SMS/ ConfigMgr Community for all of the countless hours you've helped me through all of my problems not just with SMS and ConfigMgr. There are too many of you name individually, but to everyone that's ever replied to a forum post, an email, or helped me in some other way I thank you and I hope FAQShop/ OneFAQ is a way of me being able to return the favour and help many others.


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Contact Bill Chase or Barbara Brindisi for more information on new construction subdivision Burnham Hollow by respected and premier Bonacio Construction, Inc. in Wilton, NY. Visit our Burnham Hollow website here.
1 year maintenance free with the purchase of one of our 2 new model homes (20 Burnham Rd. & 33 Burnham Rd. videos below)… Snow plowing including snow blowing of driveway and walkways when 2 inches of snow occurs. Lawn care includes: Spring clean-up, mowing and trimming lawn, mulching, trimming shrubs, Fall clean-up, start up and shut down of sprinkler system and fertilization. This is available as an option on all new builds.
Take a 3D or VR-3D tour of Bonacio Construction's award winning showcase home at 12 Burnham Rd. and our 2 newest models at 20 and 33 Burnham Rd. in Burnham Hollow below…
12 Burnham Road (2019 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Award Winner)
20 Burnham Road
33 Burnham Road
20 Burnham Road in Wilton (Burnham Hollow) Professionally Staged Bonacio Custom 2 Story Beauty! 1st Fl Master En Suite. Spacious Open Floor Plan. A Wall of Westward Facing Windows bathe the interior living space with all of Natureâs Beauty, Fresh Air and Natural Light. Full Walkout Basement plumbed for 3rd Full Bath plus Large Egress Window for lots of Natural Light. Award Winning & Highly sought after Bonacio/Trojanski Construction. Ready for its new owner. All of the High End Quality you would expect AND Deserve! Nestled in the Adirondack Foothills, Burnham Hollow offers Wooded Lot sizes from .5 to 6.77 acres. Choose from our plans or bring your own. Gas, Public Water & Sewer. A convenient 2 miles to I87/NWY Exit 16.
1 Level Living at its' Best, with 9' Basement plumbed for 3rd Full Bath and Large Egress Window for lots of Natural Light. Award Winning & Highly sought after Bonacio/Trojanski Construction. All of the High End Quality you would expect AND Deserve! Nestled in the Adirondack Foothills, Burnham Hollow offers Wooded Lot sizes from .5 to 6.77 acres. East/West Orientation on this lot. Specs attached. Contact Bill Chase by email email@example.com or text 518-209-1960 or Barbara Brindisi by email email@example.com or text 518-430-8825.
Contact Bill Chase at 518-209-1960 or firstname.lastname@example.com
or Barbara Brindisi at 518-430-8825 or email@example.com
Our previouse Burnham Hollow Showcase Home (SOLD) built by Bonacio Construction won the Realtors Choice Award in 2016. Our latest showcase home won multiple awards in the 2019 Showcase of Homes. The Realtors' Choice Awards are judged by members of the Capital District Realtors Association during a special preview tour. The People's Choice Awards are selected by visitors to the homes over the three weekends of the Showcase with the ballot form on the ticket. These ballots are dropped into ballot boxes found at every home on the tour. The People's Choice Awards are tabulated after the event. Contact our Saratoga Springs branch office for more information... 518.584.0060. Bill Chase and Barbara Brindisi are our site coordinators.
Visit burnhamhollow.com to learn more about our newest subdivision in Wilton...


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The Directorate General of Civil Protection in Cataluña declared an alert for dangerous seas, as they are expecting waves reaching up to 6 metres high along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, as well as high winds on the Barcelona Coasts, with gusts expected to reach 90 km an hour.
The risk of rain is at level 1 in regions of Girona, Barcelona and Central Cataluña, with accumulations of more than 100 mm of water in 24 hours.
In the last few hours, the rain has been concentrated in the north-east of Cataluña, which saw the rapid accumulation of more than 150 m² of water


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Totthummeln's peak
Mullfjället's peak
Mt. Åreskutan's peak
Toppstugan, Mt. Åreskutan
Climbing Åredalens Three Peaks
Challenge yourself and climb three of the peaks surrounding Åre – Mt. Åreskutan, Totthummeln and Mullfjället and receive a diploma certifying your accomplishment at the Åre Tourist Office.
There's something special about standing on the top of a mountain. It's not possible to be any higher in that moment and to have reached to the top by your own means. That feeling is unique and completely unbeatable.
The Three Peaks
In the challenge Three Peaks we've listed three peaks surrounding Åre. Every one of them have marked hiking trails and offer moderate hiking.
Mullfjället 1031 masl
To reach Mullfjället's peak, follow Trail 203/205 from Duved's Central Station or from Hamreliften's parking. The trail goes through the gravel road up to Linbanan's Mountain Station (you can also head straight up the slopes), the main thing is that you continue up from Linbanan's Mountain Station. The view from Mullfjället over Åredalen is incomparable so bring coffee and enjoy! Should there be some bad weather there is a wind shelter at the top.
If you go the clockwise it is 7.3 kilometres up, slightly shorter and takes about 2.5-3 hours. The vertical difference from the central station is 640 meters, from Hamrelift's parking 610 meters.
Mt. Åreskutan 1420 masl
To reach Mt. Åreskutans peak, follow either Trail 214 (red) or 215 (black). The Red Trail is 6.5 kilometres and takes about 2.5 hours. The Black Trail is 7.2 kilometres, has steeper terrain and takes between 3 and 3.5 hours. After 1000 vertical meters, the view is amazing. Look north over Kallsjön and Skäckerfjällen, east over Helgesjön and Järpen, southeast is Oviksfjällen, south is Välliste, Renfjället and Årefjällen, southwest over Sylarna and west to Tegefjäll and Mullfjället.
Every day the Cable Car is running, Toppstugan's café is open – Sweden's highest café.
Take a lift part of the way for a little extra help getting up and down form Mt. Åreskutan or go for the full challenge and rely on your own devices to get you there.
Totthummeln 826 masl
Totthummeln stretches just east of Åre and during the winter you'll pass it to and from the ski experiences in Björnen. Then there aren't as many peaks there but it's a popular hiking and excursion destination during the summer. This is the fastest climb and most weather-protected of the three. Start from the Square, the Cable Car or Fjällgården and follow Trail 213. If you walk the entire distance from the Square you have close to five kilometres of walk in front of you and about 420 fall vertical meters. The trip takes about 1.5 hours, a little longer if stay and enjoy the view both from the top and at Nalleklippan.
A map of hiking in Åre is available for free at the Åre Tourist Office and at some hotels and sports shops. For all hiking in Åre, we recommend Fjällkarta Z51 that can be bought around Åredalen.
Receive a diploma
Once you've climbed The Top Three, you'll be awarded a diploma! Head to the Åre Tourist Office to receive it. You don't have to prove that you've reached the tops, we leave and work by the honour system here so just come on in.
Good luck and enjoy your tours!
P.S. The weather can change quickly so make sure you bring clothes made for rain showers and/or cold winds and remember that there's no shame in turning back. The mountains will still be there tomorrow. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Last updated 23 August 2018


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Follett System and Other Subscriptions
Our library system database is Follett Destiny. With logins to Follett system, students can easily search for a book. Moreover, on the homepage of the Follett database, students can find all the subscriptions that our school library provides. They are free to go through these subscriptions.
Please note, all the subscriptions and resources we provide may not represent the views of our school.
学校图书馆管理系统为Follett Destiny。学生可使用账号登陆Follett系统,查找图书。此外,在Follett系统的首页上有丰富的在线资源,学生可自由使用。
Follett System:https://destiny.ncic-immersion.org/
China Trade Expo 2019 — Fifth Grade Learning Exhibition
On December 13, the brilliant learning exhibition delivered by fifth graders took place in LRC. The topic for this learning exhibition was "China Trade Expo 2019". Many parents, teachers and students from other grade levels were invited to visit their booths as investors.
Fifth-graders were well-prepared and excited to share the features and advantages of the towns that they were respectively in charge of. Then, with confidence, they also proposed their business plans for the towns to investors. Good job, Golden Monkeys!
Wanting more pictures? Go to our LRC gallery!
5th Grade Learning Exhibition
Time: Dec 13, 3:00-4:00 pm
Location: LRC
Topic: NCIC Immersion 5th Grade China Trade Expo 2019
Parent Workshop
Date: December 2, Monday
Time: 2:00-4:00 pm
Place: LRC
This parent workshop is designed specifically for adult learners and delivered by Spring Care Organization, which will preview the personal reproductive health content that students will learn.
Parent Academy
Date & Time: 2:30-4:30 pm on Monday, November 25
Place: LRC
Topic: Parent Language
Presenter: Anna Liu & Venus He
PD Day
Date: November 22, Friday
Place: LRC
A PD day for NCIC Immersion Faculty is happening in LRC!


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Shirt Color: Heather Mustard
Fabric Details: These are Bella + Canvas soft touch shirts that you will love!
- 4.2 oz.(US) 52/48 Airlume combed and ringspun cotton/polyester, 32 singles
- Athletic Heather & Black Heather are 90/10 airlume combed and ringspun cotton/polyester
- Heather Prism colors are 99/1 airlume combed and ringspun cotton/ polyester (Unique coloring, grey flecks of heather pulled through the base color)
- Retail fit
- Unisex sizing
- Coverstitched collar and sleeves
- Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
- Side seams
- Tear-away label
- All Heather Shirts have a white thread throughout (See Color Swatch Choices)
Washing Instructions:
- Wash in cold inside out and hang to dry
- If using dryer, use a low heat
All These Flavors & You Choose to be Salty T-Shirt


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Reinforcing mesh generally refers to wire mesh products used in construction to strengthen the concrete, brickwork or wall structures. Welded wire mesh heavy type is normally used as reinforcing mesh and can save in costs of materials and labor by up to 50% and 25% in flats in slabs. Using of reinforcing mesh can also save up to 70% of time in carrying out the work and reduce waste considerably.
Floors reinforcing;
Walls reinforcement;
Slabs of foundation;
Slabs solid;
Elements prefabricated;
Concrete reinforcing.
Welded mesh reinforcing for concrete ranks first in the heavy construction can be built using more effective in improving concrete elements such as: Channels, Tunnels, Slabs of foundation, Industrial floors, Walls Tilt-Up, Tubes, Bridges, Floors, Walls load, etc.
Anping Anxin Wire Mesh Co., Ltd.
Tel:+86-318-7986962 Fax: +86-318-7986963
E-mail:email@example.com URL: http://www.anxinwiremesh.com
Add : North Side Of Zhengrao Road,Anping,Hebei,China


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The antioxidant capacity of food reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and negative consequences resulting from high ROS levels. Antioxidants further preserve food quality. Antioxidative capacity is measured with the ORAC assay and our readers.
Food & beverages
During development, optimization and quality control of food or beverages, many samples need to be processed and measured in the same way: the perfect prerequisite for a microplate reader.
Food research is interested in the quality of new products. A common microplate test determines the antioxidant capacity of juices from fruits and vegetables or how the antioxidant content is affected by novel ways of processing.
Further microplate-based assays test how nutrient composition changes with modified production or storage conditions.
Before a food or drink can be found on the shelf of the supermarket it needs to go through quality procedures. In food samples, microplate readers identify toxins such as aflatoxin or dioxin, allergens, or pathogens.
BMG LABTECH microplate readers are available as single- or multi-mode instruments with up to seven different read modes. This modularity allows to select only what is needed for your food analysis and leaves the possibility to upgrade later with increasing demands.
Search our Resources section for information about specific applications, literature citations, videos, blog articles and many other publications. Many of the resources provided are associated with current and previous instrument models and versions.
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The OxiSelect Cellular Antioxidant Assay (CAA) on the FLUOstar OmegaHanaa Yamani (1) , Giovanni Abbenante (2), (1) RMIT University Melbourne , (2) BMG LABTECH, 05/2015
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Authentication and quality testing of distilled spirits using the SPECTROstar NanoGary Spedding (1) , Carl Peters (2), (1) Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services LLC , (2) BMG LABTECH, 01/2015
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ORAC assay to determine antioxidant capacityFranka Ganske, BMG LABTECH, 12/2014
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A new way to test the free amino nitrogen content in alcoholic beverages with the SPECTROstar NanoGary Spedding (1) , Nathan R Harrison (1) , Franka Ganske (2) , EJ Dell (2), (1) Brewing and Distilling Analytical Services LLC , (2) BMG LABTECH, 05/2012
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Promega ENLITEN kit performed on a BMG LABTECH microplate readerRon Earp , Jarrett Cheek, BMG LABTECH, 05/2007
Alcohol quality testing
Application of Autoclave Treatment for Development of a Natural Wheat Bran Antioxidant IngredientRead article
Formulating protein-based beverages used for the dysphagia diets of the elderly: Viscosity, protein quality, in vitro digestion and consumers\' acceptabilityRead article
J. Sci. Food Agric.
Characterization of rums sold in Spain through their absorption spectra, furans, phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacityRead article
Food Chem
Safeguarding of quinoa beverage production by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9843Read article
Int. J. Food Microbiol.
Enrichment of Mango Fruit Leathers with Natal Plum (Carissa macrocarpa) Improves Their Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant PropertiesRead article


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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-growing type of blood cancer, starts in the bone marrow. Immature white blood cells grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. It advances, enters the blood quickly, and spreads to areas around the body, including the liver, spleen, central nervous system, and testicles, within months.
Flu-like symptoms
Early signs of AML can be similar to flu symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, easy bleeding or bruising, shortness of breath, or weakness. Because AML crowds out healthy white blood cells, which your immune system depends on, you may have frequent infections that won't go away.
Low red blood cell counts
AML can lower your red blood cell count, causing anemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen sent to your body's tissues and leads to fatigue, feeling cold, dizziness, headaches, and pale skin.
Low blood platelet counts
AML can also lower your platelets, which help your blood to clot. Low blood platelet counts cause you to bruise easily and bleed excessively. You may notice small, red spots on your skin, blood on your toothbrush from bleeding gums, or frequent nosebleeds. Women may have heavy or longer-than-normal menstrual periods.
High number of leukemia cells in the blood
With AML, your blood might also contain a large number of leukemia cells, which are larger than normal white blood cells, and can clog blood vessels, preventing red cells (and the oxygen they carry) from reaching your body's tissues. Symptoms include headache, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion, and sleepiness.
Leukemia cell buildup around the body
AML may cause leukemia cells to accumulate in your bones and joints, causing pain. The cells can also build up in your spleen or liver, which causes abdominal swelling.
Brain and spinal cord involvement
When AML spreads to your central nervous system, you may experience headaches, weakness, seizures, vomiting, trouble with balance, facial numbness, and blurred vision.
Leukemia cutis—skin eruptions
In AML, the disease can also spread to the skin, appearing as purple lumps, spots, or lesions. This usually only happens after the leukemia has advanced considerably and spread throughout the body.
Swollen lymph nodes
AML rarely settles in the lymph nodes but if it does, you may notice swelling in your neck, groin, under the arms, or above the collarbone.
Testicular tumors
Rarely, males with AML can develop solid tumors in the testicles, which can be either a first sign of the disease, or a later symptom as AML spreads throughout the body.


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Views: 84
I'm in on this too! I'll post them soon.
Really nice, Katerina! I love them, specially the one under the graffiti because of the relation between the text and the place.
Thanks very much for your collaboration.
I also received your mail art, and I owe you a comment.
Best regards,
© 2020 Created by Ruud Janssen. Powered by


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December 13, 1984
The United States welcomes the announcement late yesterday by United Nations Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar that the two Cypriot communities have agreed to participate in a summit meeting in January. We view this as a very positive development, one that would create new opportunities to end the division of Cyprus and establish a reunited Cypriot Government.
Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar will have our full support as he works toward a settlement, and the United States Government extends its sincere appreciation for his efforts.
Note: Larry M. Speakes read the statement to reporters assembled in the Briefing Room at the White House for his daily press briefing, which began at 9:22 a.m.


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'Muppets Most Wanted'
Director: James Bobin
Stars: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey
Rating: PG
4 (out of 5) Globes
"Muppets Most Wanted" begins with our cloth-made heroes panicking over how to follow up their 2011 reboot, and mocking the very idea of sequels in song. ("The sequel's never quite as good!") A more subversive number would assert that sequels are a chance to ditch the pomp and burdensome introductions of a first film and just have fun. Not that "The Muppets" was remotely tedious, though it did have more to prove than its follow-up — that it could revive a dead franchise, that it could recreate the old magic without Jim Henson, that it could overcome a ridiculously humorless far right smear campaign targeting its use of a greedy oil man baddie. A sequel is nothing.
Of course, "Muppets Most Wanted" doesn't have the benefit of earth-quaking nostalgia, which the first both exploited and explored. It has to be judged on its own merits. And luckily it's a sprightly and terminally silly construction, certainly the oddest plotted of any of the Muppet movies. The sequel — although as Bunsen points out, in a typical throwaway gag, this is technically the seventh sequel — finds Kermit and company preyed upon by Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais), who convinces them to rush into a European tour, despite them having no decent new numbers (save a two hour Animal drum solo, natch). As his surname suggests, he's a thief whose partner, Constantine, is a dead ringer for Kermit, except for his sinister mole.
Constantine switches places with Kermit, who is shipped off to a Siberian gulag run by Tina Fey. This sets up the token homily: about how the other Muppets (and the audience, presumably) take Kermit for granted and doesn't notice when he's replaced by a doppelganger with a broad Russian accent and a more angular way of closing his mouth. OK, it's not really a lesson so much as an ode to the important function of the boring straight man amongst a den of wacky grotesques. (It also, unfortunately, serves as a reminder that Kermit's been a bit of an emo wet blanket in these two films, and that vocal performer Steve Whitmire is definitely no Jim Henson.)
But the seriousness doesn't come until the very, very end, and is quickly forgotten anyway. It's mostly mere goofing around. This is a far, far loopier film than the first, with cameos both wearyingly token (Usher, Diddy, Gags) and bizarre (Toby Jones! Frank Langella! Miranda Richardson!). There's less of new guy Walter (who's nevertheless well used). Constantine gets the best song, in which he dons a leisure suit plus sleazy chain while crooning about armadillos. (Actually the best number goes to Ray Liotta and Danny Trejo singing Boyz II Men. This movie is weird.)
This is an inelegant comparison, but "Muppets Most Wanted" is "Help!" to the first one's "A Hard Day's Night" — a freewheeling block of inventive nonsense that will go underrated and undervalued. The world should be filled with dozens of "Muppets Most Wanted"-type franchise numbers, not aborted stabs at Dickens and Robert Louis Stevenson. That said, it does tragically shortchange Rowlf and Gonzo.
Follow Matt Prigge on Twitter @mattprigge


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Student Moving Made Simple
Moving to and from college doesn't have to be complicated. If your student move involves a dorm, an apartment, or off-campus housing, Aggie Movers Co. is the perfect solution!
Student Moving on a Budget
Moving is a regular occurrence, when you're in college. Most students are on a tight budget and moving can be expensive. Finding ways to cut moving costs can be a real challenge but totally affordable when you plan ahead.
Quick Tips*Coordinate school start date & moving time frame*Print student checkist*Schedule move at least 2 months in advance
Suddenlink Cable
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USPS change address
A-1 Carpet Cleaners
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Student Moving Tips


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Wayne Rooney - My Fake Diary
Friday, 24 August 2012
Football365 have stated:
Fergie to quit in two years: The Mail on Sunday sound pretty sure as they claim that 'Sir Alex Ferguson has planned his exit strategy from Manchester United and will quit in two years' time after building his last great team around Wayne Rooney and last week's £24million capture from Arsenal, Robin van Persie.'
Mmm… I wonder?
|Previous Dates
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They hacked the users voicemail accounts. You know the system where you can call your number and then enter your pin to listen to your voicemail messages? From hacking text messages to hacking Facebook – all easily accomplished with these apps. See detailed call logs, read text messages, see GPS tracking data (where the phone is or has been recently), Browser history, emails, photos and video on the phone, list of apps installed …. You can also control many functions on the phone – such as blocking specific apps or websites; block certain phone numbers or wipe data – all remotely (after installation). After that monitoring and control can be done remotely using the online dashboard. Then they can hack your device and gain control. There are some points you should consider if you are trying to use a monitoring app with no installation on the device. And if you don't have such opportunity, you can use a special mobile phone spy app that can be installed via email.
Better yet, choose how to hack an iPhone remotely with letters, numbers and special characters. But there is something else important and special about this system. There are a lot of unique apps to pick from so that gives you a wide selection and choices to select from. You should check out my mSpy Reviews and my FlexiSPY Reviews pages here for an in depth look at what these apps can do – I think you'll be amazed! For example using FlexiSPY – they have call recording features where you can listen to actual voice calls made or received on the hacked device. The number whom you've received calls from could be your old long lost friend or someone who's Byzantine along with you at work. Down payment is a small percentage of the total cost that is paid at the time of signing the contract and closing cost refer to the money that is associated with the paper work. Cost of Equifax credit monitoring and other services for a year prior to the breach. Anything beyond this information is going cost you money. And considering this information wasn't available for any price just a few short years ago, this price is more than offset by how easily and quickly you can find a wealth of information about just about anybody.
But I'm also saying that this is getting more difficult. Originally only really used by law enforcement they have now become much more widespread amongst criminals and / or Private Investigators. Do not be confused with the morality of not convicting the innocent so the law continues to look for the guilty. Improved will be to simply click here and even take a look at this useful endorsed web site comprehend data entry outsourcing projects in Albania. Look after the easy stuff and hope to avoid the high tech hackers! Web applications can be used on any devices across all platforms because the web browsers access them. It is an application that is appropriated in nature, for example, managing account applications and so on. 3. Activate your account and the smartphone using its Apple ID and password. You should enable iCloud backup and register your own account on the official website of the software you chose. This version works by monitoring backups of the phone made with iCloud – Apple's free backup program for the iPhone etc. It does not give real time data as it relies on backup updates.
If you are using spy software apps the answer is probably no. For the full version software you will need access to install the program physically onto the target mobile phone or device. As of 2005 drivers caught using mobile phones will be immediately fined 60 pounds and have three penalty points on their driving licenses! Still in the UK – recent tests at the Transport Research Laboratory have shown that drivers on mobiles have a slower reaction time and stopping time than those under the influence of alcohol! To do so, a powerful analytical tool is priceless here; use a risk-based testing approaches to have additional tests that you want to perform on your final product. Could a pro hacker use this method – again not likely, they have better ways these days. All these ways of controlling are unloving. I have a whole Security section of this website dedicated to finding out if your are being monitored and how to stop it.


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President Trump nominated Alex Azar for Secretary of Health and Human Services on Nov. 13, 2017, after former Sec. Price left for spending taxpayer money on charter jets.
After his hearings in the Senate, it has become evident that Azar is not fit for a position that puts him in charge of the health of millions of Americans.
Azar is the former president of the United States division of Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company. He has prior experience in the public sector, as the deputy Secretary of HHS under President Bush.
President Trump stated that Azar would "be a start for better health care and lower drug prices." And, in the past, Azar has aligned himself with the president's views, citing that the Affordable Care Act is a "fundamentally broken system."
However, Azar's actions as a pharmaceutical executive do not seem to match the president's statements.
In his 10 years with Lilly, the prices for insulin, a best-seller for the company, almost tripled. In 2014, prices increased on some medication between 19 and 24 percent.
This was followed by increases in 2015 and 2016 as well. The price increases have continued through this year.
In May of 2017, Lilly increased the prices of nine drugs by 6 to 10 percent. These drugs included insulin, as well as blood thinners and Prozac.
While Azar may be a successful president of a pharmaceutical company, these successes put him at odds with Trump's messages about the drug companies.
In October of this year, Trump stated that he wanted to reduce the prices of prescription drugs. He said the "drug companies were 'frankly getting away with murder.'"
The administrations past actions worked to lower drug prices. On Nov. 1, 2017, the administration changed the hospital outpatient payment rule to help lower the cost of drugs for those on Medicare.
Because of this alone, Azar's past actions contradict the message from the administration. When undergoing questioning by the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, said he needed to be convinced that Azar would help American people over pharmaceutical companies.
When discussing the price hikes for insulin that occurred during Azar's tenure at Lilly, Azar stated Lilly's actions helped make the company money, but did little to help patients.
Lilly also received information about the price of insulin from the attorney generals of California, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico and Washington.
Trump has used strong rhetoric against drug prices and that message, and the American people have matched that outrage. In January of 2017, Mylan increased the price of Epi-pen and was met with a social media and public relation outrage.
Trump seemed to match this dissatisfaction.
If the President wants to prove that he is sincere in his dedication to lower drug prices, he should not appoint the man responsible for the price hikes of insulin and other life-saving medications. Doing so would be contrary to his goals.
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Aksvej 8
4780 Stege
Nyord Bed & Breakfast I located in the center of the peaceful town of Nyord and offers a unique vacation in one of Denmark's most beautiful villages. Nyord Bed & Breakfast offers severel rooms, some with own bathroom and some with a shared bathroom. All guests have access to a small kitchen with a common room, where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and relax. All guests have access to the courtyard, the perfect place for enjoying a sunny day and eat breakfast.
32 km to Møns Klint
For further information's regarding prices and booking, visit Nyord Bed & Breakfast's homepage.
Aksvej 8
4780 Stege
Double room: DKK 450 - 700
Towels/linen included
Tumble dryer
Pets allowed (Medbragt dyr koster 100 Kr.)
Private bath
Breakfast can be purchased


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U.S. Government Assassination Program for U.S. Citizens
Just how perverse is the Obama administration's assassination program is reflected in the rights Awlaki is forced to assert. He alleges — as the Complaint puts it — that the Government is violating his "Fifth Amendment Right Not to be Deprived of Life Without Due Process." Just re-read that and contemplate that in Barack Obama's America, that right even needs to be contested.
Next to this, it's kind of hard to care about Obama's religion. As Glenn Greenwald notes, Democrats were outraged when George W. Bush did a whole lot less than this. Now, mostly silence. And the D's are supposed to be the civil liberties purists. Of course, the Republicans are convinced that Obama still isn't doing "enough." What, if anything, would be? Good lord, what's the next step after assassinating American citizens?


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The Antigua and Barbuda government yesterday announced that damage to the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium will run to more than $100,000 following the relocation of the Barbudans who had been housed there until recently.
This was disclosed by Sir Rodney Williams, the governor-general, during the Speech from the Throne in parliament.
"The cost of the repairs to the previously occupied spaces at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is estimated at $179,861," Sir Rodney revealed.
Some 200 Barbudans were housed at the facility over the nearly four months since Hurricane Irma devastated homes on Barbuda, forcing an evacuation of the island's more than 1,000 residents.
The Barbudans were relocated to the Nurses' Hostel almost two weeks ago, but their departure revealed that the sporting facility had been left in an undesirable condition.
According to Conliffe Phillip, stadium manager: "There was major damage done to many of the doors, most of the walls have to be repainted, there are issues with the dividers for the shower stalls and the toilets, so reinforcement will have to be done to those and the vanities of the face basins."


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Senate GOP rolls out extensive Covid-19 tort-liability shield29 Jul 2020
For months, the debate has been coming to a boil: To what extent should a business, hospital, or other open-to-the-public entity be exposed to Covid-19 related tort liability? Republicans have predicted a Read More
Attorney Yao Liu Answers Questions Regarding China's New Foreign Investment Laws19 Aug 2019
In the June 2019 post, "China's New Foreign Investment Law and Its Implications on Foreign Investors," we announced the publication of Cavitch attorney, Yao Liu's, article in the issue of the May Read More
Righting a Wrong: Cavitch Recovers a Family's Assets from a Dishonest Caregiver16 Jul 2018
Cavitch shareholder Max Dehn recently prosecuted a lawsuit to recover hundreds of thousands of dollars wrongfully taken from an Ohio family. This is a summary of the family's story. Names have been Read More
Nine Steps to Effective Mediation08 Aug 2017
Tim Warner, Chairman of the Litigation Group at Cavitch, a practicing mediator and arbitrator and a litigator for almost twenty five years, was recently published in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal in Read More
Non-Administered Arbitration: Designed to Lower Costs & Provide More Autonomy28 Jul 2017
Parties may consider Non-Administered Arbitration ("NAA") to resolve their next dispute. NAA is an informal dispute resolution process designed to proceed without the involvement of a separate administrating entity such as the Read More
Potential Increase in EEOC Claims03 Apr 2017
Online System Changes How Employees Initiate Discrimination & Harassment Claims The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") has launched a new Online Inquiry and Appointment System. This system will permit electronic inquiries and requests Read More
How Ohio Courts Determine to Issue Immediate Injunctive Relief27 Mar 2017
On occasion, a plaintiff in litigation needs to stop the defendant from continuing to commit improper acts that harm the plaintiff. In order to stop or enjoin the defendant, the plaintiff must Read More
Guns at the Workplace14 Mar 2017
Ohio has adopted a new "parking lot law" regarding guns in the work place. The law restricts both public and private business entities from prohibiting persons with valid concealed carry weapons ("CCW") Read More
Deliberations in Congress Will Impact Small and Mid-Market Businesses06 Mar 2017
Many (if not most) of my business clients are taxed as partnerships and S-corporations, which are commonly referred to as "flow-through" entities, because they pay no corporate level taxes. Most headlines today Read More
House Bill 2 Proposes Important Changes to Ohio's Workplace Discrimination Law27 Feb 2017
Representative Bill Seitz recently introduced a bill in the Ohio General Assembly that, if enacted, will bring significant changes to Ohio's workplace discrimination laws. The most notable changes in House Bill 2 Read More


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As president of the Vit-Buckle Society (VBS), I was honored to attend and moderate a symposium at the Mediterranean Retina 2019 meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Several societies were represented at the meeting, including the European Vitreoretinal Society and the Vitreoretinal Society of India. I was humbled and honored that the VBS was included in this group of distinguished societies.
- The VBS hosted a panel at the Mediterranean Retina 2019 meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia, that sparked discussion about surgical techniques.
- The international VBS panel discussed cases involving complicated vitrectomy, trauma, and chronic RRD.
I moderated a panel on surgical challenges that included Joseph Coney, MD; Matteo Forlini, MD; Hugo Quiroz-Mercado, MD; and Ratko Lazic, MD. Each panelist presented a case that, in the spirit of the VBS Annual Meeting, sparked debate and welcomed new ideas. Here, I summarize those cases.
CASE No. 1: JOSEPH CONEY, MD (UNITED STATES)
Dr. Coney presented a case of a 65-year-old aphakic man with a hyphema who received a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and a scleral-fixed IOL following a complicated cataract procedure. After hyphema evacuation, the surgeon identified a 4-clock-hour iridodialysis, retained lens material, and an inferior retinal detachment (RD). Anterior and posterior vitrectomy was performed, lens fragments were removed, RD repair was performed, and a modified sewing machine technique was used to repair the iridodialysis. Dr. Coney showed a video demonstrating how the sewing machine technique reattached the iris root to the sclera.
He planned to suture an Akreos IOL (Bausch + Lomb) to the sulcus during a second procedure, at which time he would perform reconstruction of the pupil. Dr. Coney shared a video demonstrating multiple techniques for dealing with a traumatic iridodialysis and repair of an RD and then later placing a secondary lens to maximize visual potential. The panelists debated whether, based on the complexity of the first procedure, a scleral-fixated IOL would have been a better choice than an anterior chamber IOL. They pointed out that, in general, scleral-fixated IOLs have potentially fewer long-term complications (such as uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome), and noted that recent advances in anterior chamber IOL technology have decreased the risk of complication.
CASE No. 2: HUGO QUIROZ-MERCADO, MD (MEXICO)
Dr. Quiroz-Mercado shared a case involving a patient with a diabetic tractional RD who had undergone PPV, membrane peel, and silicone oil placement. After surgery, traction remained on the central macula, and the patient reported metamorphopsia.
In this situation, some surgeons may opt for silicone oil removal, secondary PPV, membrane peel, and replacement of the silicone oil. Dr. Quiroz-Mercado, however, decided to perform a membrane peel under silicone oil with the vitreous cutter and did not place infusion in the eye. He used 25-gauge instrumentation.
The panelists debated the merits of 27-gauge instrumentation in this case. During this debate, I pointed out that 27-gauge instrumentation would allow a surgeon to intervene between the tractional membranes in this case more effectively than 23- or 25-gauge instrumentation.
The panel also discussed the importance of silicone oil removal for this patient and the potential complications related to hemostasis.
CASE No. 3: MATTEO FORLINI, MD (ITALY)
Dr. Forlini began his presentation on ocular trauma surgery by pointing out that, in such cases, many vitreoretinal surgeons face the challenge of performing PPV through an opacified cornea, making visualization of the fundus difficult. Media opacities may be due to corneal wounds secondary to the ocular trauma itself.
In his video, Dr. Forlini demonstrated some tips and tricks for PPV in these difficult scenarios. He performs surgery without removing the clouded cornea, thereby avoiding corneal transplantation at the time of PPV. The panel's debate during and after the video concerned whether it would have been better to combine PPV with penetrating keratoplasty (PK) instead of performing PPV alone. The majority of the audience thought that the visualization through the hazy cornea was adequate to perform PPV. Some audience members noted that a PK would be necessary after PPV anyway, and that perhaps a PK before or at the time of PPV would have been a better choice. The patient did well after the PPV, according to Dr. Forlini.
CASE No. 4: RATKO LAZIC, MD (CROATIA)
Dr. Lazic presented a case of a macula-on rhegmatogenous RD (RRD) with a nuclear sclerotic cataract. He performed PPV with an endolaser and fluid-gas exchange. Dr. Lazic pointed out that phacoemulsification is often performed during PPV. The positives and negatives of combined surgery were the subject of a lively debate. On the positive side, a single surgical session is optimal, especially if the desired outcome is achieved. However, depending on the complexity of the RD, some believe that it is better to address the RD and then do a staged procedure for the cataract extraction. To complete a combined surgery, the surgeon must be proficient at both procedures. It should be noted that many retina surgeons do not routinely perform cataract surgery.
International differences in the management of cases in which visualization through the cataract is possible became clear. Many surgeons from Europe stated that phacovitrectomy and placement of a posterior chamber IOL is the standard of care, whereas surgeons from the United States noted that PPV and fluid-gas exchange is the standard of care.
CASE No. 5: MANISH NAGPAL, MS, DO, FRCS(EDIN)(INDIA)
I had the honor of presenting a case submitted by Manish Nagpal, MS, DO, FRCS(Edin).
Dr. Nagpal's case concerned a chronic total RRD in a patient with proliferative vitreoretinopathy and subretinal silicone oil 360° that was present after an unsuccessful attempt at total RRD repair.
First, he initiated silicone oil removal from the vitreous cavity via a silicone oil–fluid exchange. After the exchange, the entire retina remained detached, and he observed that the peripheral retina was chronically detached and ischemic. He placed PFO on the surface of the retina out to the periphery and then performed a 270° retinectomy to flatten the retina centrally. He could remove the remaining subretinal silicone oil only after PFO installation. Dr. Nagpal performed endocautery at the edge of the ischemic retina, again injected PFO, and performed a PPV using scissors mode to remove the peripheral retinal tissue necessary to flatten the retina. He then performed endolaser photocoagulation for 360° at the edges of the retinectomy.
A complete fluid-air exchange was initiated while PFO kept the central macula flat. This was followed by removal of the PFO, more endolaser photocoagulation, and reapplication of silicone oil to address the chronic RRD.
The panel had many opinions about the steps necessary to flatten the retina in this case of chronic RRD with subretinal silicone oil. Some attendees wondered whether fluid-air exchange and subretinal silicone oil removal could be a better solution than PFO application. In this case, Dr. Nagpal used PFO because he did not want any residual subretinal silicone oil or residual subretinal fluid during the repair, as these would ultimately have affected the patient's postoperative recovery and visual prognosis.
The VBS–Mediterranean Retina symposium sparked the type of discussion that the VBS is known for. I was honored to represent the VBS at this meeting, and the VBS team looks forward to collaboration with international societies in the coming years.


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Follow along with one of our Application Engineers as he works the SOLIDWORKS Electrical environment. In this DesignPointer, we learn about the link configuration to Product Data Management (PDM). Wait a minute, are we saying that electrical engineers are leveraging PDM? Yes, and rightfully so, don't you think? Traditionally, we only talk about mechanical engineers leveraging PDM but the truth is that electrical engineers have a need for PDM as well. Today's robust design projects require tighter integration, organization, and data management for Electrical and Mechanical Teams. So follow along, because we're sure you'll want to know exactly where the link to the PDM configuration is located.


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Our mission is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.
The goals of the Wichita Falls Housing Authority are to expand the supply and improve the quality and living environment of assisted housing. Promote self-sufficiency and asset development of assisted household and ensure an equal opportunity and affirmatively further fair housing.


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Rest easy with Twin City boiler repair
This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire
Saint Paul, MN -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/15/2018 -- A boiler that's whistling, knocking or clunking is probably on the fritz—and may put Minnesota families at risk for scalding or other dangers. Twin City homeowners with uproarious boilers should be aware of the common causes of these malfunctions.
1. Trapped air. When air pockets disrupt the flow of water through a residential boiler, it results in a whistling, gurgling or "kettling" sound. A professional HVAC company in Ramsey County can bleed the system, eliminating unwanted air and restoring water flow. It is unwise for homeowners to bleed boiler systems themselves since scalding water is purged during the process.
2. Limescale buildup. As minerals coat pipes and sediment collects in a boiler's tank, knocking and clunking sounds result. This limescale also disrupts the flow of water and leads to dangerous (and noisy) steam pressure. While a boiler relief valve can help take the pressure off, untreated mineral buildup may damage internal components and reduce heating efficiency.
3. High thermostat setting. When a boiler's thermostat is elevated, it causes rapid boiling inside the water heater tank. To eliminate this type of kettling noise, homeowners can try lowering the thermostat setting. If a boiler's thermostat is damaged, though, it needs to be promptly replaced by a qualified boiler repair technician.
McQuillan Bros' No. 1 priorities are the safety and comfort of its customers in Washington, Hennepin and Ramsey counties. To request troubleshooting or boiler replacement in Minneapolis, residents and property managers should dial 651.337.8623. As one of Minnesota's most experienced steam boiler specialists, McQuillan Bros troubleshoots, repairs and installs all major boiler brands and types. When a boiler is over 12 years old, the seasoned technicians may recommend replacing it with a high-efficiency unit that lowers energy costs and minimizes a property's carbon emissions.
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With four generations of experience, McQuillan Bros is a specialist in all types of plumbing, heating and cooling. The company's 135-year reputation makes it a pillar of the Twin City region. Its family-owned values blend old-school professionalism with breakthrough industry technology. McQuillan Bros proudly serves Ramsey, Washington and Hennepin counties and is recognized for offering solid, honest work at fair, upfront prices. Customers can discover the McQuillan Bros advantage by calling 651-337-8623 today.
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Marissa BelkoEmail: Click to Email Marissa BelkoWeb: http://mcquillanbros.com/


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Preformed fibreglass ponds
The alternative to working with a flexible liner is a preform fibreglass pond.
Check carefully before purchase for:
- Shelf variety and the proportion of deep water to shallow shelf area
- Choose a shelf layout that does not have a narrow shelf rim around a large expanse of deep water. This is the wrong proportions for a natural looking wildlife pond
- Always measure your chosen space before going to the Garden Centre. It is easy to be misled looking at an empty pond out of situ.
- Choose the largest pond your space will allow
Fitting the preform into the ground
- Often more tricky than you thought
- Mark out the profile of the pond and its shelves on the ground using a series of hose pipes or string
- Dig a little larger but as near as possible to the correct shape so that the preform sits snugly in the hole
- Protect the pond from sharp stones with a layer of geotextile in the hole
- Bed the pond into the hole so that it is level
- Start to fill with water and place a spirit level over the top edge
- As the water starts to weigh down the pond correct the level if necessary while backfilling the space around the preform shape with sand
Preform ponds can work well if placed inside a raised pond surround of concrete blocks
- Hide the horizontal rim between 2 brick layers
- Preform ponds have a horizontal rim around the top which is hard /impossible to hide or camouflage into the rest of the garden
- Water can only fill to just below that rounded top edge or the water will flow away
- There is no way of creating a vertical upstand as we have recommended with the informal and formal constructions
- The only way to hide that rim is with slightly overhanging stones or coping slabs dependent on your style of pond


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With pay-per-call, the toll number in a split second diverts to the pet store's telephone, while the compensation per-click client needs to discover call data on the following site. Every decision has its points of interest: pay-per-consider immediately connects the client to a live voice at the creature shop; in any case, pay-per-click offers the customer an approach to get definite subtleties and reactions 24-hour daily by means of the Website. Like pay-per-click, pay-per-call advertisers still can follow commercial productivity with following and furthermore revealing information assembled by the organization. From that point, they can change crusade procedures, including proposition maximums and watchword alternatives, properly. Before taking part in a paid-seek venture, pet-shop proprietors cat toy consider associating with a learned inquiry advertising firm that can help distinguish.
- The appropriate topographical zone in which to advance: neighborhood, nearby or national.
- The time of the fundamental undertaking; and furthermore.
- A certain search query agenda.
With adaptable Internet-promoting decisions like pay-per-call and pay-per-click, family pet shop has more prominent than a battling plausibility to whittle down the huge box competitors.


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Paper Lower Thirdsby LimeStudio
Motion Graphics Templates
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Paper Lower Thirds is a modern and dynamic Motion Graphics Template. This collection features 10 clean, fresh and imaginatively unfolding lower thirds. They can even be used as stylish looking full screen titles. Simply style them to match your own brand with the full color controllers. Ideal to use on interviews, Kids TV shows, cartoons, documentaries, and more. Easily impress your audience by simply adding fun, colorful and creatively animated lower thirds on to your videos. Available in HD.
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A frequently voiced concern of countries that receive development aid is that assistance flows are not predictable. In most years, the amount of aid disbursed differs widely from the amounts expected, and because most aid recipients lack access to international capital markets, they cannot borrow externally when expected aid fails to arrive. As a result, recipient governments are forced to adjust spending plans at short notice when promised aid is not provided or when additional aid is disbursed unexpectedly. Enhancing aid predictability has therefore been a key objective of the international agenda enshrined in the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
A government's inability to predict aid flows affects not only the level of government spending but also its composition and effectiveness. Unexpected aid shortfalls could force governments to disproportionately cut investments in physical and human capital, while aid windfalls could disproportionately boost government consumption—which, unlike investment spending, can be adjusted without much delay and planning. Thus, unpredictable aid may not only be more difficult to manage, but also affects how the money is spent, thereby reducing its intended impact. Such short-term distortionary responses to unexpected aid shortfalls and windfalls are more likely for budget aid—the kind of aid that flows directly into a government's budget—because recipients have full discretion on where to spend such aid.
Aid predictability and aid volatility are distinct concepts, although they are often used interchangeably. Aid is predictable if recipients can be confident about the amount and timing of aid disbursements. Aid is volatile if it moves up and down significantly between two time periods. Although measuring predictability requires very detailed data, it is the more relevant concept in studying aid effectiveness issues.
Yet, little systematic empirical work is available about aid predictability. This article summarizes the results of our study (2008), which provides comprehensive empirical evidence on the predictability of aid.
Promises, promises
Does aid arrive on schedule? We use two sources of data to examine this question. A first data set, comprising aid disbursements and commitments reported by donor agencies to the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-DAC), has comprehensive time and country coverage. But it includes neither separate data on project and budget aid nor a direct measure of aid expectations, because aid commitments reported by donors do not necessarily correspond to the amounts of aid expected by recipients. Also, OECD-DAC data do not include detailed fiscal data to evaluate the impact of unpredictable aid on government spending.
A second, new data set—derived from IMF-supported programs—provides detailed information on joint macroeconomic programming exercises by IMF staff and recipient governments. It includes projections and outturns of aid and a large set of other fiscal and macroeconomic variables. It can thus be used to identify aid expectations of recipient countries and differentiate between budget and project aid. However, it has limited country and time coverage. Both data sets have advantages and disadvantages in addressing different research questions (see Table 2 in Celasun and Walliser, 2008).
Both data sets show that aid is highly unpredictable. According to OECD-DAC data, during 1990–2005, on average, annual aid disbursements in sub-Saharan Africa deviated from aid commitments by 3.4 percent of GDP. Other regions also show deviations of disbursements and commitments in the range of 1.7–2.4 percent of GDP during 1990–2005. But, contrary to the common belief that donors systematically disburse less aid than they commit, low aid predictability in both data sets is a result of disbursements falling short as well as exceeding expectations and commitments, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa. This shows that managing unpredictable aid flows involves both aid shortfalls and windfalls.
Predictability of budget aid is strikingly low even for better-performing recipient countries. In data on IMF-supported programs, budget aid disbursements deviate from projections by about 1 percent of GDP, which represents about 30 percent of disbursed budget aid, on average (see Chart 1). The degree of predictability varies considerably. For example, Sierra Leone, a postconflict country, received 6 percent of GDP in budget aid—and 50 percent of this aid arrived unexpectedly, implying that half of each year's budget aid was either cut or added while the budget was under implementation. By contrast, in Ghana less than 25 percent of budget aid was unexpected.
Chart 1Degree of unpredictability
On average, disbursed budget aid differed from the amount expected by about 30 percent.
Source: Celasun and Walliser (2008), using data in IMF staff reports from 1992 to 2007 for a set of 13 countries.
The donor side
Most previous research has assumed that lack of aid predictability results mostly from unjustified bureaucratic and administrative delays by the donors. However, donors may also have valid reasons for not being able to provide fully predictable aid (see table). These valid reasons need to be distinguished from reasons not justified by aid effectiveness concerns to understand when lack of predictability negatively affects the potential development impact of aid.
Donors may have several reasons for adjusting the flow of aid unpredictably.
|Is donor behavior undermining aid effectiveness?
|Reason for difference between expected/announced and disbursed aid
|Budget aid
|Project aid
|Technical, project-related
|Slow project implementation speed
|Difficulties meeting donor-specific project disbursement procedures
|Country circumstances and conditions
|Major shift in policy or country circumstances, including emergencies
|Specific conditions not met
|Administrative delays and slow response by donors
|Aid reallocation or additions to aid envelopes for political or donor-related reasons
As a purely technical matter, project aid disbursements may be in chunks (for example, for major infrastructure) and unexpected delays in project implementation by the recipients would lead to unexpected shortfalls in disbursements. Such shortfalls, however, would not be of concern from the aid effectiveness perspective. Delays in project disbursements may also result from recipients not meeting specific procedural requirements for safeguarding aid resources (such as procurement rules for project aid). Whether such delays are justified by aid effectiveness concerns largely depends on how relevant the procedures are in preventing aid from being misspent.
Major shifts in recipient country circumstances would clearly justify changing disbursement patterns. Fundamental shifts in a country's policies or governance that put in doubt a recipient's commitment to use aid for the intended purposes could result in donors withdrawing announced aid to prevent resources from being misspent. In some circumstances, aid must be disbursed unexpectedly to be effective. Emergency aid, by nature, is hard to predict, and such unexpected additions to disbursements in response to natural disasters and major economic shocks enhance rather than hinder aid effectiveness.
A more controversial and complicated question is whether specific conditions meant to ensure that country objectives are aligned with donor objectives justify lack of predictability. Such conditions, which are typically applied to budget aid, can include specific policy actions (for example, structural changes to the economy) or indicators (for example, increases in school enrollment rates). If recipients do not comply with such conditions, aid may be reduced or delayed.
In recent years, many budget-support donors have adopted measures to reduce the impact of specific conditions on annual predictability. They have done this by making financing decisions early in the budget cycle and by downplaying the importance of any one action or indicator as a condition for disbursement, instead relying on broader sets of performance measures.
Excessive administrative delays in donors' aid bureaucracies, cumbersome approval and disbursement processes, and intra-year aid reallocations that prevent the timely disbursement of announced and expected aid for a recipient country clearly present a problem for effective assistance. Donors may also add to or subtract from their originally planned aid to a recipient country during the year in response to political developments in, or based on the aid needs of, other recipient countries. Such intrayear reallocations also hamper aid planning.
Stable program relationships matter
Statistical analysis helps determine whether some of the observable characteristics of recipient economies are responsible for the low predictability of aid flows. OECD-DAC data, which have the required comprehensive coverage, show that recipient countries that have more stable relationships with donors—as signaled by a sustained track record of implementing IMF-supported programs—receive more predictable aid. This relative stability of donor-recipient relations could reflect a higher degree of trust or sound macroeconomic policy implementation by the recipient country. Also, statistical analysis shows that a longer, continuous engagement with the IMF reduces aid windfalls ("surprise disbursements") but not aid shortfalls. More stable country-donor relationships appear to result in better aid projections and less need for donors to step in unexpectedly with higher aid. The mere existence of an IMF-supported program, by contrast, does not matter for predictability.
Emergencies in recipient countries also explain some of the measured lack of predictability, because donors do not live up to their aid commitments in years when there are large disbursements of emergency aid. This finding indicates that donors sharply increase their commitments during emergencies without necessarily delivering on these promises, a possible indication that aid envelopes are being shifted toward emergency responses and away from other aid activities in the same country.
Our study does not find any other factors—such as governance or terms-of-trade shocks—to be strongly linked with predictability. In addition, a significant part of the lack of predictability cannot be directly linked to long-term donor relations or emergencies. The unexplained part of low predictability may reflect both technical factors in the case of project aid, but also specific conditionality and administrative delays by donors (as outlined in the table).
Adjusting to shortfalls
By using this IMF-based data set—which covers 13 countries with long-term program relations during 1992–2005—adjustments to budget aid surprises can be broken down into changes in tax revenue, current spending, domestically financed investment spending (total public investment spending minus investment spending funded by project aid), domestic bank financing (financing by the central bank and commercial banks), net debt service, and other categories. The other category mostly reflects nontax-revenue and non-bank-financing items.
How prevalent are budget aid shortfalls? Budget aid disbursements fall short of projections in about 60 percent of the fiscal years covered in the sample. The average budget aid shortfall is 1.1 percent of GDP (see Chart 2, top panel). The management of these aid shortfalls is often made more difficult by simultaneous tax revenue shortfalls (0.3 percent of GDP) and current expenditure overruns (0.3 percent of GDP). Recipients therefore typically need to address simultaneously aid shortfalls, tax revenue shortfalls, and current expenditure overruns, amounting to 1.7 percent of GDP. They do so largely, in order of magnitude, through higher domestic bank financing (0.7 percent of GDP), reductions in debt service or increases in arrears (0.4 percent of GDP), cuts in domestically financed investment spending (0.3 percent of GDP), and other financing sources outside regular channels—such as privatization or nontax revenue (0.3 percent of GDP).
Chart 2Adjustments to aid surprises
Countries adjust to aid shortfalls by raising additional domestic financing and by cutting investment spending …
Source: Celasun and Walliser (2008), using data in IMF staff reports from 1992 to 2007 for a set of 13 countries.
What emerges as a key adjustment pattern for aid shortfalls is a mix of additional domestic financing and cuts in investment spending, while current spending is, on average, higher than projected. The data thus confirm that recipient governments would normally not be able to reduce current spending (mostly salaries) but largely concentrate expenditure adjustments on budgetary investment spending. Governments operating in an environment of uncertain budget aid may restrain their budgetary investment expenditures if they do not receive aid early in the budget cycle. Persistent uncertainty about budget aid disbursements also undercuts simple budget management responses to shortfalls, such as the delay of investment spending from one year to the next.
Structural differences in countries' policy frameworks can result in different adjustment patterns for similar aid shortfalls. For instance, member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), which do not have access to monetary policy instruments and have limited or no ability to borrow from the central bank, had to cut investment spending more deeply than did other countries. On average, WAEMU countries compensated for half of the aid shortfall with a cut in investment spending and financed less than a third of the shortfall through the domestic banking system. Non-WAEMU countries cut investment spending by one-sixth of the aid shortfall, financing three-quarters by borrowing from domestic banks.
Adjusting to windfalls
Additional budget aid finances the repayment of debt or additional government consumption. Higher-than-expected disbursements of budget aid take place about 40 percent of the time, and average 1 percent of GDP for the IMF data set (see Chart 2, bottom panel). On average, none of the excess aid and revenue goes toward additional domestic investment spending. Instead, recipients reduce domestic bank debt (0.9 percent of GDP) and increase current expenditure (0.6 percent of GDP), benefiting from the fact that countries collect more nontax revenues in periods of aid windfalls. Aid windfalls typically come too late in the budget year and thus cannot be spent on items other than current expenditures.
Saving aid windfalls allows building up space for future aid shortfalls and could be part of a strategy to manage unpredictable aid. But, surprisingly, even countries that have received excess aid for several consecutive years appear to use most, if not all, of the extra aid for reducing debt rather than additional expenditure.
With almost identical budget aid and revenue windfalls, WAEMU countries expanded current expenditure by much less (0.4 percent of GDP) and saved more (0.5 percent of GDP) by paying down bank debt as compared with their non-WAEMU counterparts. These policies reflect a larger degree of self-insurance by WAEMU countries, given the tighter domestic borrowing limits faced by governments. In both WAEMU and non-WAEMU countries, little, if any, additional investment spending took place in response to aid windfalls.
How to improve predictability
One of the key results of our study is that low predictability of budget aid can hurt aid effectiveness (see box). We also conclude that a number of areas in the debate on aid effectiveness and improving donor practices need further consideration. First, the predictability debate should be linked more closely to the original question of aid effectiveness. In some cases, donors are justified in being unpredictable. Laying out upfront the circumstances under which donors are not expected to be predictable—for example, in cases of major emergencies—would help implement the aid effectiveness targets of the Paris Declaration.
Key findings
The analysis shows that lack of predictability hurts investment outlays, which are cut in periods of aid shortfalls but not raised during aid windfalls. By contrast, government consumption rises in response to aid windfalls. This finding is further illustrated by a review of the bilateral relationship between key variables:
- A 1 percent of GDP aid shortfall is associated with a statistically significant downward adjustment of investment spending of 0.1–0.2 percent of GDP, whereas investment spending does not rise with aid windfalls.
- Government consumption does not fall during aid shortfalls, but a 1 percent of GDP aid windfall is associated with a 0.6 percent of GDP rise in consumption.
- Domestic bank financing is used to absorb both aid shortfalls and windfalls, but to a different degree. A 1 percent of GDP aid shortfall is associated with additional domestic bank financing of 0.5 percent of GDP. A 1 percent of GDP aid windfall is associated with a reduction of domestic financing (domestic debt repayment) that is larger (0.8 percent of GDP) than the additional bank financing during aid shortfalls.
Second, data collection should be improved to measure more accurately the impact of low predictability. It is critical to record the mutual expectations of donors and recipients alike to capture aid flows expected by recipients. Better data would help explain low predictability caused by conditionality, administrative delays, and sudden adjustments by donors.
Third, the persistence of the predictability problem, especially for budget support, would suggest reconsidering some of the mechanisms of aid delivery to these countries. One possible way is to lengthen aid allocation periods and tie them to slower-moving country indicators rather than reconsidering fast-disbursing aid volumes annually within annual conditionality frameworks (Eifert and Gelb, 2006). That would remove discretion over aid disbursements, but it would still allow donors to rapidly cut aid if policies and/or governance in a country deteriorate sharply. The implication for the international aid architecture would be important. Currently, many aid budgets are set annually, and multilateral institutions need to replenish their resources for low-income countries every three years. Longer-term commitments to budget aid—say, over a 10-year horizon—would imply that aid funding mechanisms, including for multilateral institutions, would have to be reconsidered.
Oya Celasun is an Economist in the IMF's Research Department and Jan Walliser is a Sector Manager for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management in the World Bank's Africa Region.
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CelasunOyaWalliserJan2008 "Predictability of Aid: Do Fickle Donors Undermine Aid Effectiveness?" Economic Policy Vol. 23 (July) pp. 545–94.
EifertBennGelbAlan2006 "Improving the Dynamics of Aid: Toward More Predictable Budget Support," in Budget Support as More Effective Aid? Recent Experiences and Emerging Lessons ed. byKoeberleStefanStravreskiZoranWalliserJan (Washington: World Bank).


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Thomas R. Beaumont Esq. Newcastle 3rd May 1799 Dear Sir I wrote to you the 28th inst to which I refer you. You will be surprised at receiving a Letter from me at this Place when you expected I was at Allenheads, but, I realy durst not venture to encounter the very severe, cold Weather at this Time, with the Rheumatism in my Head & flying about me; & it is well that I did not, for my Complaint has increased, & the Weather continues very unfavourable; Mr Bell & Thomas Crawhall went with the Lead Stewards on Tuesday, the latter returns on Sunday when you shall hear from me. From the further enquiries that I made, I do not find that the placing a Turnpike Gate at High Team will prejudice your Concerns, & of Consequence does not call on your opposition to the Measure; but it will be necessary that any other Gate being placed on the road to take in all your Lead Carriage from Dukesfield (which I believe that Mr. Silvertop has in Contemplation) should be guarded against. Mr Mulcaster having informed me that the Agents of Sir Thos. Clavering & Miss Simpson were taking in & inclosing considerable parts of Barlow Common in the Parish of Ryton the Property of the Lords of Winlaton; being sencible that a Discharge would not avail & pulling down the fences might be looked on in an inviduous Light, I gave Mulcaster directions to imediately set about inclosing about forty Acres of pretty good Land Contiguous to your Farm; this may bring them to reason, & should either Sir Thos. Clavering or Miss Simpson make any Application to you on this Matter, I would recommend that you answer them, that the inclosure is by your Directions & that they set you the Example, but that in Case of their desisting with their Inclosure & pulling down that which they had already made, that you would do the like, & join with them, in a Bill for the Division of that Common at a small Distance in the Latter of which Mr. Standish has a Share. I am etc J E B