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Even with $2B, rail link remains in doubt
By Josh Rogers
Two billion dollars is a lot of money unless you travel in the halls of Congress or youre talking about transportation projects. It may not be enough to get a Downtown rail link to the L.I.R.R. and J.F.K. Airport built.
President Bush put $2 billion in his budget for Lower Manhattan transportation projects this week, and with the Democrats now in control of Congress, it is considered likely to still be there when the final budget is passed, presumably later this year. The politicians who celebrated the decision with press releases after last Thursdays announcement Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Hillary Clinton said the $2 billion would be spent for the link, but the budget item, which transfers unused 9/11-related tax breaks, does not mention the commuter-airport connection specifically and can be used for any transportation project south of Canal St.
Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Lee Sander, whom Spitzer selected to run the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, have said on several occasions that building the Second Ave. subway and East Side Access, which would connect the L.I.R.R. to Grand Central Station, are higher priorities and theres not enough money to do all desirable projects.
Even if the $2 billion passes Congress and is set aside for the link, it will still leave at least a $3 billion shortfall. The Port Authority and M.T.A. have committed about $1 billion to the project, which would cost $6 billion if a preliminary estimate a few years ago holds up.
Sanders spokesperson, Sam Zambuto, said Wednesday its premature to begin discussing whether to use the federal money on the link or to shift to another project such as the Downtown portion of the Second Ave. line. He said the M.T.A. is still working with the city on the rail links environmental impact statement, and will not make a decision before its completed later this year.
If Bloomberg and Spitzer cant agree on how to spend the money, it will be split evenly between the city and the state, according to the three-page budget item, which may not have required Solomonic wisdom to write.
Spokespersons for Bloomberg, Schumer and Clinton declined to comment beyond what was in their bosses releases.
The mayor, in a prepared statement, said the Downtown connection will create 80,000 permanent jobs in Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn and will add about $9 - $12 billion in economic output annually.
The line would be an expansion of the AirTrain connecting J.F.K. to Jamaica where it would continue on to Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn, go through a new East River subway tunnel that would be built, on its way to the Calatrava commuter-subway station under construction at the World Trade Center site. L.I.R.R. commuters could transfer to the line at Jamaica on their way to Lower Manhattan. A preliminary estimate prepared by the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. a few years ago predicted the link would shorten the Long Island commute to the W.T.C. area by 15 minutes and provide a one-seat ride to or from the airport in about 20 minutes.
Supporters and opponents agree the link will serve far fewer people per dollar than the Second Ave. subway will at first, but proponents say the economic development and activity the link will stimulate in Downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Jamaica justifies the cost. Some opponents argue the economic activity is not an important factor. Others say it is relevant, but the economic benefits of the Downtown link are being exaggerated.
Eric Deutsch, president of the Downtown Alliance, which represents Wall St. area property owners, said he is hopeful the $2 billion transfer will pass in Washington, at which point the Alliance will focus on making sure it goes to the link. The president had put the money in the budget before, but the Republican-controlled Congress removed it.
Weve made a lot of progress in the Congress, Deutsch said. Unfortunately at the very end of last year it fell out of the budget because of post-election partisan issues.
He said with the new Democratic chairperson of the House Ways and Means Committee -- Rep. Charlie Rangel of Harlem -- supporting the measure, and with both New York senators in the majority, the $2-billion tax transfer should pass.
Deutsch said the link will attract more and more riders with time as it stimulates activity in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. If you build it, not only will people come, but others will come and develop, he said, adding the AirTrain took a few years for ridership to get grow.
U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadlers district includes Lower Manhattan but Nadler is against using the $2 billion on the link. He said its designed to prevent brokerage houses moving from Downtown to Midtown and is an expensive price tag for something that will not be a big gain in New York.
If you said to me this would prevent Wall St. firms from moving to Greenwich Conn., Id say maybe its worth it, he said in a telephone interview. But its not worth $6 billion to make sure Wall St. doesnt move to Midtown.
He is skeptical that Wall St. firms would leave en masse for Midtown with higher rents and limited space, but said even if that fear were real, it would not justify the rail link price tag.
He said with about $400 million, officials should build the new AirTrain connection from J.F.K. to Jamaica, which could provide a one-seat ride to Penn Station and Grand Central Station, once East Side Access is complete.
This idea would require a change in federal regulations which prohibits different kinds of rail lines from sharing tracks. The Downtown rail link would not require this change because the new line would not be sharing space with other L.I.R.R. lines.
Carl Weisbrod, a longtime rail link supporter, said changing the federal rules would be a lot harder than Nadler suggests. Its not likely in our lifetime well see a change, said Weisbrod, who is on the boards of the Alliance and the L.M.D.C., and is a former president of the citys Economic Development Corp. We havent seen a change for 100 years.
Weisbrod, who now heads Trinity Churchs real estate division, said Wall St. firms have gradually moved Uptown over the decades and that trend will continue unless new service is added Downtown. Merrill Lynch is the next big firm which may leave the area, he said.
Rail link skeptics have not seized on the best way to spend the $2 billion. The M.T.A. hopes to build the Lower Manhattan section of the Second Ave. T line at an unspecified date in the fourth and last phase, when the money could be used on the tunnels and three new stations south of Canal Chatham Sq., the Seaport and Hanover Sq. The plan is to begin construction on the first phase of the project next month connecting 96th St. to 63rd St. by 2013, assuming the authority comes up with at least $2 billion in its five-year capital plan in 2010. The first phase will allow T straphangers to transfer and get down to Canal St. on the Q. The T-Q trip Downtown will likely be a faster trip than the T if its built all of the way since the T will make more stops along Second Ave.
Nadler, who backs a full-length line, said the Downtown section is so far off in the future it may not be a good way to spend the $2 billion. He pointed to the recent city comptrollers report detailing maintenance and safety problems in many stations around the city as a good use for some of the money.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been a strong supporter of the rail link, but he also got the M.T.A. to make a commitment to build the Downtown section of the Second Ave. subway several years ago. In an interview with Downtown Express last year, he indicated he favored the link over Second Ave., but soon after, he said both were important and he hadnt intended to suggest otherwise. When asked this week which project the speaker would back if only one were possible, his spokesperson, Jim Quent, said Silver supports them both.
Gene Russianoff, attorney for the Straphangers Campaign and a link opponent, said with construction prices soaring and long-term M.T.A. deficits being predicted, New York will not be able to do all of the projects and will have to make choices. If youre for everything, youre really for nothing, he said.
He thinks the link will not serve enough people. Downtown feels it has been gypped since 1913 when Grand Central Station was built, and they think this somehow will right a historical wrong, he said.
As to how best to spend the $2 billion, he thinks Second Ave. is appealing but acknowledged the projects uncertain future in Lower Manhattan. He said the M.T.A. recently cut out renovation plans on a few Lower Manhattan J,M,Z stations and there are cost overruns on the Fulton Transit Center, which is being redesigned and rebuilt with $800 million of post-9/11 money.
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Back to the beginning
These two Grand Lodges remained rival bodies until two royal brothers – The Duke of Sussex (Grand Master of the Moderns) and the Duke of Kent (Grand Master of the Ancients) brought the two Grand Lodges together in 1813. The union obviously had huge difference in opinion to transcend. To the Ancients, the Holy Royal Arch was 'the root, heart and marrow' of the order and had to remain, while the Moderns could not reconcile it being practised in the Lodge. The compromise therefore, was to continue the practice of the Holy Royal Arch in Chapters. It was to remain independent from the Lodge but as important as the Lodge.
What is the Holy Royal Arch?
The West Ham Abbey Chapter of Holy Royal Arch was consecrated in 1924 and has a long and fruitful history spanning 90 years, where brethren from various Lodges have come to complete their journey in pure and ancient masonry. We meet at The Square at Upminster, RM14 1DF, on the following dates:
- 2nd Friday in March
- 4th Wednesday in June
- 1st Monday in September
If you are a Master Mason who has not yet capitalised on your right to be a member of the Holy Royal Arch, please feel free to contact our Scribe E., email@example.com for details on joining the West Ham Abbey Holy Royal Arch Chapter No. 2291.

subset: commoncrawl


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This I Believe
The generation I live in right now likes to call it "Keeping it real". To most others it is better known as honesty. I believe in honesty within myself as well as being honest with others. I have been deceived in many different ways but being lied to have got to be the worse of them all.
Dishonesty does nothing more than destroy. Lying to yourself is self-destructing and lying to others destroys your image in their eyes. One lie always leads to another and so forth. Yet, if you just "keep it real" there is no need to build a lie upon a lie. Something else I realized about being dishonest is lies have to be committed to memory or else you will be caught within them. This is where the self-destruction begins to take its toll because committing those lies to memory means you have to start believing them yourself.
I remember one school year my younger brother wrote a cruel letter to a young lady. When confronted by her parents and our mom he lied and said he did not write the letter. For at least two weeks my little brother blatantly lied to our mother and myself. It was not until the principle and an officer at his school told him the letter could be considered sexual harassment if the young lady's father decided to press charges, this information brought the truth out of him. Yet, it was too late in my mother's eyes and mine. His image became tainted; he lied to us for two weeks making it hard to believe anything he had to say after the fact. I still love my brother but at that time I defiantly did not trust him. Our relationship became tarnished because I could no longer distinguish truth from lies whenever he was speaking to me.
I explained to him how lying can destroy how someone looks at you as a person. If you lie you cannot be trusted and people will never want to have friends like that. There is no person that genuinely likes being lied to and when this is done to someone the most common feeling felt is betrayal. Too many situations such as cheating and lying boyfriends have shaped my belief in honesty. I rather just "keep it real", and make it someone's personal choice to hate it or love it.
If you enjoyed this essay, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to This I Believe, Inc.


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I had a chuckle when I saw this character template in Transhuman: the Eclipse Phase Player's Guide. Looks like the creators of Eclipse Phase may have recently come back From the Zones themselves.
"From the Zones" logo courtesy of Hereticwerks
Hm. Should I pick up the PDF?ReplyDelete
I wouldn't buy it just for that one page, but if you want a much easier resource for building Eclipse Phase characters, Transhuman sure seems like a great resource! it's a pretty big book, about 2/3 the length of the main book, and 100% crunch - with work flows to make character creation more manageable.ReplyDelete
I'll have to check this out. Some recommended Eclipse Phase on google+ when discussing a system for my Strange Stars setting.ReplyDelete
The designers are big open source advocates, so you can download for free the core book and a number of supplements. Here's the link: http://robboyle.wordpress.com/eclipse-phase-pdfs/Delete


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Hi gang, it's that time again.
The official deadline is OCTOBER 19TH, 2002 - MIDNIGHT EST TIME this gives pretty much everyone across the globe a full day to finalise their entries at that time…
as for the submissions, the current thumbnail page that was used before is obviously gone, until the challenge site goes live. Leo and myself will be working feverishly on the site this weekend, submissions are pending at this point, and we may even break for a week to collect ourselves. Which will give everyone a break also…
- So with saying that this is what to do, ALL challengers please send me the following info so I can enter this into the database on the new site…
Full Name:
A 150x150 thumbnail image, please no bigger or smaller
Also include an URL to your final image. If you DO NOT have webspace, THEN AND ONLY THEN you can email me your final full size entry. Please keep them below 200kb
send it to firstname.lastname@example.com with the subject heading Twisted Extreme Sports - October submission
- good luck everyone
we're working, we're working


text:
Study programmes
Accounting and AuditingPrint
- a university Bachelor's degree (min. length - 180 ECTS) in physics/biomedicine with a good average grade (min. CGPA>60%).
- motivation (skype interview).
- proficiency in English: IELTS ≥6.0, TOEFL ≥85, CEFR ≥C1, or equivalent.
There are 2 application deadlines:
- 30 July for the citizens of EU, CIS and countries which have Lithuanian embassy or visas to Lithuania are not required;
- 30 June for all other citizens.
Please apply online
Kaunas University of Technology
K. Donelaicio St. 73, Kaunas
LT-44029 Lithuania
Tel. +370 373 00 036
Fax +370 373 00 076
E-mail: email@example.com
Accounting and Auditing programme is an internationally acknowledged study programme, providing in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of accounting and audit for pursuit of prestigious internationally recognised ACCA qualification and becoming a professional accounting or audit specialist, senior accountant, financial director, company's manager at national or international company of audit, accounting or other business branch, Lithuanian or EU public sector institution.
The programme is run in Vilnius, the capital city, where major international accounting companies are located. Outstanding links with them provides placements, collaborative research and employment. The studies are organised in the way to combine both studies and professional development at the same time.
Top reasons to study @KTU:
- It is the only programme in Lithuania which ensures competences of international accounting standards for the work at international companies (University of Edinburgh, 2015).
- It is the only programme in the Baltic States, accredited by the International Association of Accounting Professionals; graduation of this programme provides a credit for 3 ACCA examinations (F5, F7 and F8).
- The programme is run in Vilnius with the highest concentration of financial and auditing companies in Lithuania to match studies and professional development simultaneously.
Programme websitehttps://admissions.ktu.edu/programme/m-accounting-and-auditing/


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Free Shipping and Logo Set-up on Your First Order Over $99
In a world filled with self service, we believe ordering branded apparel and gifts is best done with the help of a knowledgable sales associate.
Work directly with the same professional sales associate who will know your logos and unique needs each and every time you need something new.
While a lot of companies offer online DO-IT-YOURSELF graphic designers, we believe there is no substitute for professional graphic design service.
Our dedicated team of graphic designers will personally work with you to ensure your logos have the polished result your organization deserves.
We have specialized in adding custom logos to apparel and coporate gifts since 1984!
Our skilled embroidery, screen print, and heat press machine operators work directly with graphic designers to make sure your logo looks great across each product and logo type you order.
Custom made to order hats and shirts offer the highest quality finished product for the value.
The MAX Hat is the absolute best quality of any custom hat program available in America or world wide.
Custom CROWN Hats & Shirts offer low minimums, six week turn time, and free shipping.
This trendy new bottle with stainless steel construction and sleek tapered contour design is the perfect giveaway item! Push on clear plastic water tight lid and slide the opening to drink. Keeps beverage hot for up to 12 hours or cold for up to 12 hours, 24 hours with ice. Hand wash only. Complies with Prop 65. 3.375" Diameter x 7" H
Colors: Black, Blue, Red, Silver, White, Titanium, Copper
Sizes: 3.375" Diameter x 7" H
Family owned and operated since 1984. We are proud to offer high quality products with embroidered and screen printed logos.
2018 © All Rights Reserved.


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Bihar Scholarship 2016
BSEB- Bihar Scholarship 2016 is quite well popular schemes and whole schemes are using under Government of Bihar. A latest notification has now released to download BSEB Scholarship Application Form 2016-17 this innovative scheme to provide financial help in the form of scholarships for college students to belongs to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), EBC and lowest classes through e Z-Pay card.
Bihar state is on IInd place which is initiated this scholarship scheme. Andhra Pradesh is on the Ist place. Students who are having a financial scholarship for doing help them to fulfill their dreams for acquiring further education. Now poorest students can make their future like as richest students.
State governments of all the states of India have now done started to come forward for helping students so that money does not be a concern in the education field. In this paragraph, we will discuss regarding the Bihar scholarship 2016 and you will know that how to download application form of the scholarship of Bihar government.
BSEB Scholarship 2016
This web page is made only for you and the website is resultsaifi.blogspot.in to create awareness among needy and studious students. We always disclose such type of information regarding BSEB Scholarships 2016. Therefore, you must connect with us by visiting this page daily.
BSEB_ Bihar Scholarship 2015 Details: Two lakh fifty thousand students will take the advantage of first scholarship scheme. After that, you will get an ATM Card by State bank of India and you will withdrawal your scholarship payment by ATM Card which is provided you by State Bank Of India. You will receive your scholarship by per month as per Bank rules and regulations.
The aim of the scholarship scheme as told by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is that students should continue their higher education and should not drop out due to financial problems.CM Nitish Kumar also advised the students to utilize this money properly and not indulging any kind of fun or other activities with this money. The official website for getting complete details and online application form:- www.bihar.gov.in.
How to Download the Fill Bihar Scholarship 2016 application form:
- First of all, you will have to visit official website www.bihar.gov.in
- Then download Online Application Form
- Fill this form properly and submit online before last.
- Don't forget to take the hard copy this online submitted form for the claim of this opportunity.
Note: Hey students, if you think that you are eligible to get this scholarship then you must visit the official website


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About FAST:Bartolomeo:
FAST:Bartolomeo is our Facility for Australian Space Testing, which is our 'All-In-One Mission Service' for payloads of less than 60 kg. The FAST:Bartolomeo payload will be installed onto the Airbus DS Bartolomeo platform on the International Space Station (ISS), providing access to space for a 12-month period. With this service, our customers can save up to 50% of the costs compared to commercial satellite LEO missions, enabling missions that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.
What this service covers:
- Assistance with ensuring that your payload(s) meet flight requirements. However it is your responsibility to conduct payload verification to ensure it meets all relevant ISS and space safety standards.
- Integration of your payload into the FAST:Bartolomeo payload, connecting it to the box's power and data supply systems.
- Transportation of the assembled FAST:Bartolomeo payload to Airbus DS for launch.
- Installation on the ISS with 12 months of power and data.
- Disposal of the payload in Earth's atmosphere.
Key advantages of FAST:Bartolomeo:
- Lower the cost and complexity of space-proving new technology by an order of magnitude.
- Improve the value of your products by bringing the technology readiness level (TRL) from 4 to potentially 7 with space verification.
- Ease of access and cheaper access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Base Payload Box Specifications:
- FAST:Bartolomeo payload has a maximum geometric envelope of 1000 x 830 x 640mm as it must be able to fit within the primary ISS airlock; payloads are not constrained to stick to within this envelope post-installation onto the Bartolomeo platform. If you wish to extend structures from your payload during on-orbit operations, that can be accommodated.
- The maximum gross total mass of the Bartolomeo payload is 125kg.
- Up to 250W of power is available from the ISS.
- Up to 120V is available, with 5, 12 and 24 VDC connections available for use.
- Communications allow for up to 100 Mbit/s downlink via an ethernet connection to the payload.
- Your payload must meet the safety requirements up set by Airbus DS' latest documentation.
- Payloads can view Space ('Zenith'), Earth ('Nadir'), perpendicular to Zenith and Nadir ('Limb'), or even directly ahead of the ISS (Ram).
- Pointing stabilisation is provided by the ISS so that it is optimised for and will always point in those directions.
- We offer flexible payload sizes between 1 and 59kg.
- The FAST:Bartolomeo payload will be in a pressurised transport to the ISS.
- The payload will be installed onto the Bartolomeo platform by robotic arm.
- Frequent access to ISS with commercial resupply service flights. The
Airbus DS Bartolomeo service enables short mission lead times of 12 – 18 months
Additional Facts:
- For safety reasons, Astronauts will not be allowed access into the FAST:Bartolomeo payload.
- At this stage, payloads will have to provide own active heating and cooling if required.
The FAST:Bartolomeo lifecycle:
- Fill out the expression of interest form to give us an idea of your preliminary payload requirements.
- Sign a contract with a 15% deposit to lock-in placement on the payload and the terms of payment.
- Design your payload according to the your desired and the required specifications.
- Build the project and put it through safety testing to meet all appropriate safety requirements.
- Hand over the project for integration into the FAST Bartolomeo Box by the end of June/July 2018.
- We then integrate your project into the system and send it to Airbus DS in late 2018.
- Your project will launch in mid-2019 and you start receiving data when it has been successfully installed onto the ISS.
Pricing starts from AUD$70,000/kg. Each kg ensures 1% of available services will be provided. If your payload requires anything outside of the percentage allocated to it, it may be available subject to negotiation.


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Career ServicesHelp You Grow
posted: 21-01-2016
IOS Expert
ePoise Systems is a VC funded start-up with an award winning video interviewing mobile app. We were awarded the best HR start-up in India by NHRD in 2015 and were winners of Nasscom Emerge 50 in 2014.
We are building an expert panel for our interview preparation offering. Working professionals and students will give role based mock/prep interviews on our app and will get feedback from experts. They will pay for this. I am reaching out to you to seek your interest in joining this panel. You will get a dominant share of the fee paid by job aspirants for this service.
Job responsibility will include:
1) Set-up interview questions
2) Conduct a telephonic mock interview and/or,
3) Review recorded video interview from your laptop and give offline feedback
Skills Required
Posted by:
- Company : EPoise Systems Pvt. Ltd
- Location: Bangalore, (Karnataka)
Job based in:


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Welcome to the new boards! Details here!
20 Years of the Jedi Council!
Come visit the Anniversary Forum!
Enjoy the return of Pancakes & Waffles!
And join Forum Feud 2018!
A&A The Official Jason Fry Discussion Thread
Discussion in 'Literature' started by Havac , Oct 4, 2012.
Page 54 of 80
Page 54 of 80


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My wife Linda and I are inordinately proud of our twenty-four years old son whose name is Christopher Phillips. Never heard of him, have you? No, but if you're an aficionado of adult movies, then I'm sure you will have heard of Wayne Benton, star of countless porn films in virtually all categories of the genre, gay, straight, but mostly bi where, as the bisexuals amongst us all know, you get the best of both worlds.
Linda and I have copies of all our son's films and show them at our regular swingers parties and it certainly adds to the overall excitement of our orgies to be sucking and fucking with each other while our versatile son is performing on the widescreen t.v. The parental pride my wife and I both feel as we watch Christopher enjoying his chosen career is second-to-none and we are always happy when he takes time out from Porn Valley to visit us.
We are more like friends than mom, dad and son which is hardly surprising since we brought Christopher up to feel no shame in his body, most of the time walking around naked and many nights mine and Linda's sex sessions would be pepped up enormously at the sounds of our son masturbating in the adjoining bedroom. As soon as he turned eighteen, he was free to join us, we would not allow him to do so until he was a fully consenting adult but as soon as he reached our stipulated age, join us he did - with gusto. It was, I hasten to add, his decision, there was certainly no coercion on our part to get our son involved in the taboo relationship we have enjoyed for several years now, it was just a natural extension of our unorthodox lifestyle.
Christopher made it clear that he wanted to get into porn soon after joining us. With his full consent and that of Linda's, I would take photos of Christopher fucking his mother for my private pornography collection and I suppose it was this which sowed the seeds in our son's mind that he might be good enough to pursue a career in the adult movie industry.
So I sent off some full frontal pics of him showing his impressive hard-on, along with some bare ass shots, to various studios and, not surprisingly, he was snapped up but then, biased though I am, he is incredibly good-looking with a great gym-honed body, a beautiful uncut cock of at least seven inches, a pair of delicious pendulous balls and an ass to die for. And when he cums, he cums by the bucketload and many are the times when Linda and I have ended up buried under a seemingly non-stop stream of our son's copious white hot incestuous spunk.
His pseudonym came out of the mind of one of the studio's producers, made up off the top of the guy's head like Judy Garland's character was renamed from Esther Blodgett to Vicki Lester in "A Star Is Born" way back in 1954, before any of us were born, although as a devotee of old non-porno movies, it was of course Janet Gaynor in the original version, made even earlier in 1937. Just thought I'd throw that in.
Wayne Benton seemed to be as good a fictitious name as any and since none of us could think of anything better - my wife suggested Roger Hardon which was quickly dismissed, not the least by our son - Wayne Benton he has been ever since. He made his first film at the age of nineteen and I well remember how eager he was to tell us all about it when he got home at the end of the first day's shoot - shoot being the operative word.
It had been a hot day and my wife and I were reclining on our sun lounges out in the garden, me in my swim trunks and Linda in her bra and panties when Christopher got home. He looked extremely sexy, dressed in a white sleeveless singlet which showed off his powerful-looking shoulders and a pair of skimpy white shorts which accentuated the magnificent globes of his perfectly sculptured ass cheeks and highlighted the long cleft of his divine ass crack, not to mention a nice thirst-quenching bulge in the front. He smiled when he saw us, his parents, in our semi-naked state and Linda jumped up and ran across to kiss him.
"How did it go, sweetheart?" she asked when they had finished snogging.
"It was brilliant, mom," Christopher said, "my cock is red raw, I fucked these two gorgeous hussies until they begged for mercy and the producer said I did really well. Beats working in some crummy office."
"I bet it does, son," I said, from the lounge, knowing all too well how dispiriting that can be, having worked in one all my life and still do.
"Can't wait to see the film, sweetheart," Linda replied as Christopher walked over to me, treating his mother to a totally unobstructed view of his beautiful tight bum cheeks rubbing together inside his tiny white shorts. I smiled at the sight of my wife licking her lips as she ogled our son's awesome buttocks and his athletic legs and thighs protruding from the ends of his shorts.
Christopher slumped down on the sun lounge recently vacated by Linda who went into the house to prepare some drinks while our offspring regaled me with more details of his first day as a porn star. As he went into lurid detail, I began to stroke my prick through my trunks until they bulged out impressively, the outline of my hard-on fully visible through the material.
"Looks like that needs some attention, dad," Christopher said, sliding off the lounge and dropping to his knees beside me. I lifted my body to slip my trunks down, freeing my prick from their constraints, and Christopher gasped as he had done on the very first day of our threesomes a year or so earlier.
"Fucking hell, dad," he said, his eyes on stalks as if he had never seen my aroused prick before, "you ought to be a porn star too with a prick like that."
"I'm too old for all that now," I replied, laughing, "its you youngsters the producers want nowadays."
"Nonsense, dad," Christopher replied, "want me to have a word? We could do some real incest films together, be better than those where the actors just pretend to be related."
"I suppose it would," I answered, "but let's hold fire on that, eh?"
"OK dad," Christopher said, without disappointment, "it was just a thought."
With that, my son didn't waste any more time taking me into his mouth and I have to say that in the short space of that year since we first started, he had developed into a first-class cock sucker, every bit as good at it as his mother was and still is. After five minutes, during which time my cock embedded itself almost halfway down my son's throat, Christopher let it fall out of his mouth and went to work on my balls, slurping his tongue over the sweaty sacs while I lay back and soaked up the all-consuming euphoria of sunshine and sex.
Since that day, so long ago now, Christopher has slipped into his Wayne Benton persona thousands of times over and now has a very impressive filmography of adult movies to his credit. He has also made more money than Linda and I have in a lifetime's slog of commuting to offices every day and being surrounded by a lot of boring old farts into the bargain.
But it is quite right that porn stars like our son should be well-rewarded financially, they are entertainers and it is bloody hard work, as Christopher has testified on many occasions, while the working life of a porn actor is usually quite short, though the great Peter North went on for years delighting us all with his magnetic performances and showing us that fabulous cock of his before he retired. Not to mention his stupendous cumshots, each and every one a winner, though Wayne Benton runs him a very close second.
Christopher's hope is that, by the time he's thirty, he will have made enough money to retire, buy a home for himself and a better one for Linda and I and never have to work again. Since our son's range and versatility has always been incredible, Christopher has all the hallmarks that should ensure a long-lasting porn career so I should be very surprised, in a few years' time, if his dream hasn't come true.
He is into most things and has even done a few piss scenes and watersports films. Linda and I enjoy watching anything he appears in but especially his gay ones where he both gives and takes it up the ass while in most of his bi ones he usually gets it up the ass from some floozy's strap-on. As I said at the beginning, no sex-mad mother and father could wish for a more handsome nor hornier son ...
Now, back in the present time, Christopher was paying us one of his regular visits during a holiday from filming yet more porn movies to excite the voyeurs of this world. As usual, he turned up with lots of presents for us, a new strap-on for Linda modelled on himself and some cock straps and a butt plug for me.
The first night of Christopher's homecoming we had one of the most enjoyable threesomes we have ever had since we first started doing them. I selected one of mine and Linda's favorites of Christopher's - sorry Wayne Benton's - films and slid it into the DVD player. After the titles disappeared and the action began, there was our naked son on screen fucking with three women while also standing in the flesh in our house right next to us.
As soon as we were undressed, Christopher and I stood in front of Linda to have our cocks sucked. Linda smiled happily as her eyes took in the two hard father and son rods pointing invitingly towards her, and our big balls too, and she quickly opened her mouth and took Christopher inside in one fail swoop. I didn't mind in the slightest Linda giving Christopher her attention first, after all I can get a blowjob from her anytime whereas our son can only visit from time to time and though he gets plenty of blowjobs in his line of work, he has always said that none of the sluts he goes with before the cameras compare to his mom when it comes to sucking cock.
Later on that night there was more cock-sucking by Linda, while Christopher and I enjoyed a very hot sixty-nine which got Linda drooling as she watched. There was also plenty of pussy-licking, Christopher loves licking his mother's cunt, and ass-rimming with me licking Christopher's deliciously-sweaty asshole before our son took his mother's new strap-on up his ass. Since this was, as I said, modelled on Wayne Benton, I had the great pleasure of witnessing my son taking his own cock up his ass! Well, that's not strictly true, of course, but it was still very exciting to watch and Linda certainly has the experience and enthusiasm to ensure that Christopher derived maximum enjoyment from the perverted penetration.
The first film came to an end and I changed it to one of our son's bisexual films in which he has several scenes with a variety of other guys and girls, all of whom get off exposing themselves nude with no inhibitions, shame, embarrasment nor guilt, and being filmed in the knowledge that a world-wide audience will be watching. While Christopher was being fucked in the ass by his mother and her fake penis, on the screen he was on his hands and knees, spreading his ass cheeks and treating all and sundry to a view of his asshole, the camera panning in to make sure the porn watchers got a nice long look in glorious close-up - and in full colour, too - before his gay male co-star started fucking our son with tremendous aplomb.
While Wayne Benton was getting his asshole attended to on screen, Linda fucked Christopher with her plastic prick for what seemed like an hour or more but was in reality only about ten minutes while I waited impatiently to do the same with my natural appendage. When I finally got to slide my fat rod into the lad's all-enveloping asshole, Linda was again beside herself with maternal pride as she watched our son, the porn star, being given a good seeing to by his father. Just as I had been paternally proud as I watched him getting fucked by Linda while, simultaneously, the sex-mad young hunk was also still getting fucked by another guy on the t.v. screen just a few feet away.
It was wonderful to have Christopher back in the bosom of his horny loving family again and it felt so good to be not only fucking my own son but fucking a porn star to boot. In the old days before Christopher went off to pursue his career, he, Linda and I would suck and fuck together on a daily basis. Now, its like once every three months so that when we do get together again we go all out to enjoy ourselves and after Linda and I had both fucked Christopher, he then took it in turns to fuck us, his parents, starting with his mother ...
Linda likes it doggie-style and had positioned herself onto the bed on her hands and knees as Christopher stood behind her, his throbbing cock in his hand and his foreskin peeled back as far as nature allowed to expose his very juicy knobhead, pink and glistening and smeared in liberal layers of pre-cum. I knelt down and gave it a quick suck for good luck, enjoying the salty masculine taste of the goo, as Linda waited impatiently to get fucked.
"Fuck me, sweetheart," Linda said, looking over her shoulder and smiling while I stood and inserted the new butt plug Christopher had bought me into my asshole and then began wanking as I watched the intense scene start to unfold, "I've waited so long to feel your nice hard cock inside me again."
Christopher smeared some KY onto his fingers and then worked it into Linda's pussy. When my wife was sufficiently greased, Christopher - or Wayne Benton if you prefer - greased his prick with another vast quantity of the lube and then moved up behind his mother, placing his cock at the entrance to her pussy. Then he slowly moved in for the kill and Linda sighed happily as she felt her son's thick rod begin the forbidden penetration.
I was as horny as fuck as I watched my son fucking my wife but I slowed down the pace of my wanking as I didn't want to blow my load too soon. My asshole felt really good with the butt plug embedded in it while the cheeks of the porn star's bottom were clenching and unclenching with each thrust that he gave his mother, upping the tempo as he pressed his experienced pole deeper into Linda's greasy tight cunt.
"Oh yes, sweetheart," Linda cried, pushing back to meet every pounding of our son's incestuous prick, "that feels so good."
"Fuck her hard, son," I said, as I went over to fetch the camera which had been on standby on the dressing table, "I gotta get some pics of this."
Christopher was well into it by now and was giving his mother everything he had. As he continued to bang Linda with all the force of the true sex slut that he had become, he glanced over his shoulder and smiled at me as I snapped a close-up of his beautiful bare bum. Beads of sweat had broken out over his face as he plundered his mother's pussy harder by the second and Linda started to punch the pillows with her fists.
"Fuck me, sweetheart," Linda screamed, "you are just superb. Don't stop."
Christopher grunted in reply as he plowed on, determined to make love to his mother with an intensity that, great as he was on film, was missing when he fucked his female co-stars. He was fucking one now on the t.v. screen and I circled round the real live show, my cock in my right hand and the camera in my left and began to snap away, leaning in every now and then to get some particularly hardcore close-ups, managing to get a combined shot of the action on the bed and also on the t.v.
I was still adding pictures to the Family Pornographic Album when Christopher and Linda decided to change position. Christopher moved to his back on the floor, his proud cock pointing upwards to the ceiling and showing no signs of deflating whatsoever.
"I can see you won't be needing any pills to help with erections, son," I said, moving in again to snap another close-up of the pulsating prick and which filled the entire lens of the camera.
I took another close-up, this time of Christopher's balls, then moved out the way to allow Linda to straddle our son, placing her legs either side of his prostrate body and spreading her labia with her hands. Then she slowly lowered herself until her compliant cunt was well and truly impaled on the stiff fuck pole which, as I just said, had remained on the horn ever since he had removed his clothes.
Linda was soon posting up and down, rubbing her tits together and her grunts growing louder with every inch of cock that she took as if trying to drown out the noise of all the hardcore action in which Christopher was very much involved, coming loud and clear from the t.v. set.
"Keep going, son," I said, my excitement now at fever pitch, "you're gonna make your mom cum. How does it feel, sweetheart," I went on, speaking to Linda, "getting fucked by none other than Wayne Benton, the world's number one male porn star?"
"Fucking fabulous," Linda managed to say inbetween gasps and grunts and groans of sheer unbridled pleasure. "Getting fucked by a porn star is one thing but when the porn star's our own son, its even more brilliant."
"Yeah," I said, "and while he's fucking some horny bitch silly on screen, too."
Christopher was grunting and groaning himself, his balls slapping against the insides of Linda's thighs as he treated his mother to just about the most intense fucking he had ever given her while on the t.v. some female porn whore groaned as Wayne Benton came in her cunt. As the actress's cries withered away to low whimperings before fading into virtual silence, back in the real world the head of the porn actor's prick nudged against Linda's G-spot and she let out a loud wail that shook the walls of the house as she enjoyed a string or orgasms. Seconds later, Christopher rose up and blasted his mother's cunt with his love juice, pulling out to let the last spurts run down the shaft of his prick in a raging torrent over the skin of his balls ...
Our sex party continued well into the early hours and culminated with a fantastic three-way fuck with Christopher pounding my ass while Linda fucked our son with the strap-on of his prick.
"Buy one, get one free," I joked as the walls of my ass tightened around Christopher's talented manhood. I glanced over my shoulder and smiled at my son, who was unaware of my further display of pride since his eyes were tight shut as he concentrated on pleasuring his old dad while also enjoying his mom pounding the enormous dildo of himself up his ass. "Oh yeah, dad," Christopher screamed after almost fifteen minutes of non-stop fucking, "I'm gonna cum."
He pulled his prick out of my ass as Linda pulled the stap-on out of Christopher's and then my wife and I quickly dropped to our knees to watch and enjoy our son shoot his porn star load over us. And shoot it he did, spurt after spurt after spurt as befitted his status as a top male adult movie actor.
Linda and I were helpless as Christopher blasted us with his precious sex juice. There was plenty for two and as well as covering our faces, my chest and Linda's tits, we both opened our mouths to swallow as much as we could. When Christopher had discharged every last drop that he had in his possession, he leaned down and kissed Linda first and then me before standing up again with his sated cock in his hand, his cum-quenched balls now well and truly empty.
"Fucking hell, mom and dad," he said, when he had got his breath back, "I enjoyed that."
"We enjoyed it too, sweetheart," Linda said, "just look at the way you've smothered us with your lovely cream."
"Really proud of you, son," I said, slurring my words slightly as I still had a mouthful of spunk.
"I feel proud too, mom and dad," said Christopher, "I love you letting me fuck you both and then shooting my load all over you."
"Yeah, and what a load," said Linda, "bet those horny co-stars of yours don't have any complaints."
"Shouldn't think so, mom," Christopher said, giggling. "But its much nicer doing threesomes with you and dad. Those movies are just sex, with you its real love as only it can be with the people you really care for."


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- By: Shiori MineMay 8, 2012
References: stoli & gearpatrol
References: stoli & gearpatrol


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The Lust Boat Ch. 11byLexinatrix©
Ch.11. Mistress decides whether to take her toy home yet. Lacey is spanked for defiance.
The next evening, Angie sent for her slave after dinner. She was in the lounge with Debbie. Angie ordered Lacey to strip. She then had the naked slave serve drinks and kneel beside her. "I've been thinking," Angie said. "Originally, I was going to take this slave home for my own use as soon as she was trained. But you say the videos of her training have been very popular."
Debbie shrugged. "The camera loves her. I can see why she was an actor. Even when she cries, she doesn't get all blotchy and snotty."
"Outfitting a slave wing for my house hasn't been cheap," Angie said. "I find I keep wanting to add new toys or security measures."
"There's always one more thing, isn't there?"
Angie nodded. "That's why I'm considering keeping her here for a while, to earn some more money. She could earn more as a porn star than she ever could in real movies."
Lacey had heard enough. She was enraged that they were discussing what to do with her as if she were an object, as if she weren't right there in the room. And she especially resented the implication that she wasn't talented enough to be successful acting in real films!
"You sick bitch!" Lacey burst out. "Let me go! You can't do this to me!"
Angie and Debbie turned surprised faces towards her. Angie's lips twisted in a cruel smile. Over Angie's shoulder, Lacey could see Debbie shake her head just a little, as if amazed at such foolish insolence.
"Oh, little plaything, you should have learned by now not to talk back. I can and will do anything I want with you." Angie stood, and Lacey shrank back a little, still angry, but wary.
Faster than Lacey could dodge, Angie lunged forward and pushed her up against the bulkhead. The air was stolen from her lungs as her back hit the wall. While she was still breathless, Angie seized her throat in one hand. The web of Angie's hand pressed hard on Lacey's windpipe, threatening to cut off her breath completely at the slightest whim. "You're mine, slave."
Lacey froze, unable even to plead. Angie's eyes, dark and angry, pinned Lacey against the wall. For a tense thirty seconds, Lacey wondered if Angie had decided to kill her. Then the tension flowed out of Angie's shoulders. The pressure on Lacey's throat eased. She tried not to gasp for air too obviously.
"You're lucky I like to play with you, slut. If I break my toy, I can't play with it anymore, can I? Of course, that doesn't mean you can't be punished." Angie shifted her hand from Lacey's throat to clench in the hair behind her head. Tears prickled at Lacey's eyes.
Pulling Lacey by her hair, Angie forced her back over to the sofa. Debbie moved to a chair to make room. Angie sat down on the sofa and pulled the naked slave across her lap, face-down. The leather of Angie's pants was almost as warm as flesh against Lacey's unprotected body, except at the pinpoints of cold where the rivets were.
"Could you turn the room's cameras on?" Angie asked Debbie. "No sense in wasting an opportunity to make money off the slut."
Debbie nodded, flipping switches and adjusting the lighting at a console near the door.
Lacey was draped uncomfortably across her mistress's lap. Her ass was in the air, and Angie's hand on the back of her neck pressed her face down into the cushions. Her skin tingled in fear and anticipation as she wondered what punishment she would be forced to endure. Dread kept her obediently still.
She flinched, surprised at a light touch on the back of her thigh. Angie traced her fingers lightly over the backs of Lacey's thighs and buttocks. Smack! Lacey yelped as Angie spanked her, hard.
"Oh, never been spanked?" Angie's voice was amused. "You're such a disobedient slut I'm surprised no-one has tried it before now."
The smack had hurt more than Lacey would have expected, and she could feel the spot where she'd been hit prickling with swelling.
"That fair skin of hers is nicely reactive, isn't it?" Debbie observed. "I can see almost a perfect handprint."
"Yes," Angie said, outlining the redness gently with a fingertip. Smack! She placed a second blow right next to the first. Lacey yelped again.
"Would you like a gag?" Debbie offered.
"No, I like to hear the slut squeal," Angie said.
Lacey resolved not to cry out. She could exert that much control, at least. Angie's hand stroked her thighs, and Lacey had trouble hiding the fact that it felt good. The absence of that pleasurable stroking was the only warning she got of the next blow. Lacey swallowed the squeak of pain. Her butt was burning now.
Angie continued at a desultory pace for a while, alternating caresses with savage smacks at irregular intervals. The uncertainty of never knowing when to anticipate the pain clawed at Lacey's nerves. Soon, Angie had reddened her entire bottom. New swats fell on areas already stinging from earlier ones.
Staying silent became a major challenge as Angie picked up the pace of the spanking. Lacey's fingers dug into the couch. Eventually, her moans and cries overcame her determination. Lacey was ashamed, but she was far more humiliated by the fact that she could feel her pussy swelling and drooling. *No! I will not be turned on at being beaten like a disobedient child.*
But her body had its own ideas about that. Somehow, her legs had parted, and she was barely restraining her hips from grinding down into her tormentor's lap. She was writhing and moaning with each blow now, and not from the pain.
"She's getting off on this," Debbie said.
Angie dipped her fingers down into Lacey's wetness. "She certainly is. What a perverted little slut." She smacked Lacey on the tender flesh of her inner thigh, and the slave bucked on her lap. "Lie still, fucktoy." She hit the other thigh. Lacey jerked.
Angie sighed. "I'll just have to hold you still, then." Scooping up some of Lacey's juices, she spread them in the slave's asscrack. Then she sank her thumb into Lacey's well-conditioned anus.
Lacey whimpered slightly, but she knew that even the slightest struggle could turn the pleasurable pressure in her ass to agony. Angie removed the hand that had been pinning the back of Lacey's neck and brought it down hard on Lacey's sensitized butt. Lacey lay perfectly still, though her ass clamped involuntarily around Angie's thick thumb when the blow landed.
Angie whacked her again in the same spot, producing fiery pain. Lacey didn't move. "Good, you may finally be learning," Angie said. She twisted her thumb in Lacey's ass until she could sink two fingers from the same hand into Lacey's sopping cunt. Lacey moaned loudly, resisting the urge to push her hips back against the intruding fingers.
With a steady inevitability, Angie squeezed the flesh separating Lacey's holes between her thumb and fingers. Of all the indignities Lacey had suffered since being kidnapped, this grip on her very center made her feel the most like a possession. Horribly, it also made her flood Angie's hand with her arousal.
Angie spanked Lacey thoroughly while she held her toy helpless in her hand. Each smack caused Lacey to tighten on the hand inside her, but she was unable to move enough even to rub her clit on Angie's thigh.
When Angie's hand began to feel tender, she finally stopped spanking Lacey. Lacey's face was shining with tears. She was babbling a constant stream of soft pleas-- to stop the spanking, to let her come.
"Whose ass is this?" Angie wiggled her thumb minutely.
"Yours, mistress," Lacey said, only slightly muffled by the cushion.
"So I will spank it whenever I want. And whose cunt is this?" A tiny twitch of the fingers in Lacey's cunt caused her breath to catch.
"Yours, mistress."
"So you'll only come when it pleases me." Angie withdrew her hand from Lacey's holes. She shoved Lacey off her lap, onto the floor.
Debbie laughed at the high, frustrated sound Lacey made. "I do see why you're eager to take her home and have her all to yourself, but I have to say that it'd be a shame to deprive all our viewers of her."
Lacey sat up, trying to collect herself, while Angie and Debbie resumed their earlier discussion. The skin of her buttocks radiated pain at every movement, but that was insignificant compared to the ache in her clit.
"How much of a cut will you offer me on the streaming video?" Angie asked. Kicking off her shoe, she ran her bare foot idly up and down Lacey's inner thigh.
"You understand we have overhead, and this is our distribution network?" Debbie temporized.
"Of course. But, as you say, it would be a shame to deprive the viewers of such a lovely fucktoy." Angie continued to caress Lacey's thighs with her foot, without even looking at her
Lacey moaned. She was past caring about anything but her need to come. She scooted closer to Angie on the floor.
"Eight percent," Debbie said.
"Come on, I was making more than that as her agent. Now I own her. Fifteen." Angie nudged Lacey's slippery pussy with the top of her foot.
"But this will be a percentage of a larger whole," Debbie said. Neither she nor Angie looked directly at Lacey, but Lacey knew they were watching as she rocked against Angie's foot.
"Fifteen for livestreaming and twelve for recorded streams and DVDs," Angie said.
Lacey was hardly listening now. She had risen to her knees, chasing Angie's indifferent foot with her hungry crotch.
Angie moved her foot towards the desperate slave, and Lacey found herself rubbing her sex up and down against Angie's leather-clad lower leg. She was shaking with need.
Angie seemed to notice her slave's actions for the first time. "Look at you, shamelessly humping my leg like a dog. Of course I can't let you go if this is how you behave."
Lacey flushed, but couldn't stop her hips from moving. The leather was slick against her swollen tissues. She was so close...
"Besides, imagine what your life would be like if I let you go after everyone has seen the video of this. You're nothing but a fucktoy now. You're mine forever." She leaned forward and lifted Lacey's face to meet her gaze. "Say it."
"I-I am your fucktoy forever, mistress," Lacey said. It was surprisingly easy to say, now that she had utterly abased herself in every other way.
"That's right." Angie pushed Lacey back, off her leg.
Lacey, sure she was once again to be denied her release, whimpered in despair. But Angie pressed the ball of her foot against Lacey's pussy. Lacey pressed back eagerly. Her clit slipped between two toes, and she fucked it in and out of that crevice like it was a tiny cock.
Angie pulled back and stuffed her big toe inside Lacey's cunt. Her other toes mashed against Lacey's clit again and again as she raped the slave with her foot. Lacey's orgasm built and crashed over her in an unstoppable wave. Her cunt clenched on Angie's toe, and she continued to thrust herself against Angie's foot until the last spasm of pleasure left her.
Lacey collapsed back onto the floor, satiated and appalled. Angie nudged her cheek with her foot. "Clean it off, slut." Obediently, her slave opened her mouth to suck the juices off her mistress's toes.
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text:
A goal either side of halftime was enough for BVB as it cruised to its second consecutive title with two games to spare.
Franck Ribery's late winner for Bayern Munich earlier in the day meant that BVB needed just a point to secure back-to-back championships and it showed no signs of complacency, dominating from the off. Goals from Ivan Perisic and Shinji Kagawa either side of the break were enough to ensure the title stayed in Dortmund.
The hosts began the game brightly with the Polish combination of Lukas Piszczek and Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski attacking well down the right while Gladbach was clearly looking to stretch the hosts on the break.
In the 10th minute Robert Lewandowski picked the ball up 25 yards from goal. He tried to pick out the bottom corner but Marc-Andre ter Stegen managed to get down and make the slightest of contact, turning the ball behind for a corner.
Ten minutes later Marcel Schmelzer broke forward on the left and centred the ball. Kagawa could only prod the cross onto the post and Lewandowski then stole in to drill a shot on goal from eight yards out but ter Stegen spread himself well to block the shot.
Dortmund was on top of the game and the breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. Schmelzer's superbly executed in-swinging free kick was met by the head of an unmarked Perisic who nodded in at the near post.
But for a goal chalked off for offside, Lucien Favre's side had rarely threatened the BVB defense and eight minutes before the break Dortmund could have enhanced its lead. Mats Hummels beat the offside trap but his volley was met with a sublime reaction save by ter Stegen.
The game seemed to be locked into a pedestrian pace, but nine minutes after the break Gladbach almost restored parity.
Marco Reus lifted the ball over Schmelzer and picked it up the other side where he then nodded the ball past Roman Weidenfeller. The BVB left back had got back to cover his keeper and obstructed Reus' effort on its path to the net.
That block proved crucial and spurred Dortmund on to increase the lead. A lightning-fast break ended with Lewandowski slipping the ball into Kagawa who rounded ter Stegen with his first touch, slotted the ball home with his second, and was joined in celebration by Jurgen Klopp at the corner flag.
It was a huge relief for BVB and it stepped off the gas soon after. Lewandowski forced the Gladbach keeper into another save just after the hour mark but Dortmund spent the rest of the game holding the ball and soaking up the crowd's adulation.
The victory secured Dortmund its second consecutive Bundesliga title with two games to spare and it can now look forward to another crack at the Champions League next season. Gladbach meanwhile needs just a point from its remaining fixtures to secure a place in the same tournament.


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Toronto, Ontario Canada (PressExposure) February 16, 2011 -- Nature has many wonderful spectacles which have both surprised the human mind and caught its attention too. The gigantic and wondrous Niagara Falls is one such exhibition of natural beauty which has awed people over years. The enormous falls has been the source of inspirations for artists and individuals all over the world and attracts close to a million people to the site every year. From the simple individual, to the artist and the intellectual, this marvel of nature offers a sight to cherish for the rest of their lives. There is hardly anyone who has not found new meaning to this spectacle after witnessing it.
Zoom Tours- Toronto to Niagara Tours has an extensive package which gives people in Toronto a chance to take time off from their busy schedules and refresh themselves with a sight of nature's incredibility. The Niagara falls is a beautiful sight which has become one of the largest tourist attractions of the world. Other than the main falls, there are other spectacles like the Cave of the Winds, The American Falls which have also become popular attractions. Located close to Ontario, Niagara Tours are the best chance available for people who like to spend a little time alone with nature.
The Zoom Tours has become well known and a popular choice among many travelers. Their ability to make the journey comfortable and entertaining is one of the reasons behind their popularity. Moreover no Niagara Tours would be perfect without a trip on the Maid of the Mist. These tours offer travelers a chance to get up close and personal under the Niagara. This is what makes this Niagara Falls Tours so special. At this proximity, most people forget their worries and find themselves having an experience of a lifetime.
The Zoom Tours offers a combination of different elements which promise entertainment and relaxation for people looking to escape the boredom of their daily life. The service offers Tours Niagara Falls from Toronto, giving people a chance to experience adventure from the closest quarters. The experience of seeing the grand Niagara is one many people treasure for their lifetime. Moreover, they will be able to savor the delights and the various cuisines available at the Niagara Falls restaurant after completing their trip. The service is easily accessible online and the website can be contacted for more details.
Firoz Rathod is author of this article on Niagara Tours.
Find more information about Niagara Falls Tours and Tours Niagara Falls From Toronto


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So, it was my (Eve) turn to blog for the past two days... and as you might guess , I haven't.
We'll start with the Barbie-on-the-shelf.
We found a cute idea on Pinterest for a snowman! So, as you can see, Barbie built a snowman. We were really rushing. We didn't do it the night before, so I had to ask Lily and Ella to stay upstairs while I "found Barbie", In which case I was building the snowman. Lily began to complain that I was being mean because I wanted to find the Barbie first. So when I did let them down she made sure to inform me that I was selfish. Then she went and found the "snowman".(Lily beat Ella to it this time.) Lily was very amused by the fact that Barbie built a snowman.
Monday was a very long day. After snowman experience, We all got busy with school. Keona had to double-up because a friend was coming over for a two-day sleepover. We were doing school till about 2:30pm. Jeddy and Ella have really been enjoying their geography! It's interesting to watch and see them learn the same things we did at their age.
So after a long stressful day, Mom was not planning on a long advent. We all knew it. It took about a minute to find it.
Prayer found it!
"We'll gather round the fireplace light, and read our favorite Christmas story tonight"
This has kind-of become an advent tradition. On the night Mom is really tired, she reads us a Christmas story. We always choose "Joshua: The Crippled Lamb", because it always makes Mom cry... or so we thought. Mom read us the sad story about a crippled lamb who gets left behind on a journey to the valley, only to have the chance of a lifetime. Joshua the lamb was given the opportunity to welcome baby Jesus- the new King! Usually Mom cries at the part where Joshua gets left behind. This year, she didn't. I was a little disappointed.:( :)
Tuesday was, again, another busy day. We decided to do another naughty trick with Barbie.
We painted their noses.
Aren't we naughty!
Ella was not impressed. She wanted Barbie to do something nice!
Me: Like what?
Ella: I don't know, make us treats and stuff. Like pancakes and Rice Krispie squares.
Yeah, go figure.
So when we went to music lessons we had to leave early, so we could pick up Keona's friend on the way there. Then we rushed to my piano teacher's house. While I was in piano, Keona and her friend went to Bulk Barn. When I came out of piano we ran/drove as legally fast as we could back to her Faithway where I went in for my violin lesson.
Anyway, after a long event-less drive home, it was time for the advent.
I am just a little bit jealous that everybody who has found it has now found it more than once, while me, Keona, Jeddy, and Charity still have not found our luck. Anyway, Prayer found it again.
Since I'm such an awesome sister, Prayer gave me her Candy Cane, only to come back two minutes later to tell me I had to split it with Charity. You may have noticed that we skipped eighteen, but we messed up the order somehow. So we don't have an eighteen!
I didn't take a picture of the inside, but it read:
"Run, run as fast as you can
You can't catch me I'm the gingerbread man
But wait - it's not a man...not a dog, cat, or mouse,
It's time to decorate your gingerbread house!"
After Prayer read the poem, Dad laughed really hard and commented,"Well, she's no Edgar Allen Poe, that's for sure!"
I think Keona and her friend did the best out of the big girls', but Ella and Lily did best of all!
This is Keona's.
This is mine. I said I didn't care what it looked like as long as it tastes good. It tasted amazing.
This is Ella's. I know right? What 7-year-old makes such an amazing gingerbread house! Although she did have a little help putting the actual house together!
Elijah had the pleasure of making his and Addy's. The triangle one is Addy's. Charity knocked down the door.
This one is Lily's. Apparently this girl really likes candy!
This one is Michaella's. She was excited to have the "tent"!
That's all folks!


text: Circus Lido - Achievements Circus Lido is a puzzle game developed by Planning System and released on TurboGrafx-16.Here you will find a list of all achievements and trophies available in the game. Jump to a section: Home Releases Credits Overview Walkthrough Achievements Cheats Share Achievements with others < Prev: Walkthrough Next: Cheats > Do you want to earn money creating pages just like this? Gamewise is currently looking for writers, find out more here. Around the Network Circus Lido Brainwaves View all → Circus Lido Achievements


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Headache (20)
Researchers from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, examined the efficacy of CAM (complementary and alternative) therapies, including mind-body techniques, acupuncture and physical treatments for tension type headaches.
The investigators noted that while pharmacotherapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and tricyclic antidepressants comprise the traditional treatment of tension-type headaches (TTH), the use of other therapeutic approaches, in combination with medications, can increase the success of treatment.
The assumption was that especially patients with comorbid mood disorders and frequent headaches might benefit from some of these nonpharmacologic approaches.
Researchers from Bright Path Yoga in Plano, Texas looked at the efficacy of an 8-week strategy of using yoga and meditation to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, which typically consist of widespread pain, sleep disturbance, stiffness, fatigue, headache, and mood disorders.
The small pilot study looked at the impact of this program on 11 participants.
Results revealed significant improvement in the overall health status of the participants and in symptoms of stiffness, anxiety, and depression. Significant improvements were also seen in the reported number of days "felt good" and number of days "missed work" because of fibromyalgia.
Iranian researchers from Isfahan University, Arak University and Shafa Hospital investigated the efficacy of guided imagery and meditating on a happy memory for relieving the intensity, frequency and duration of chronic tension-type headaches.
Sixty people, all receiving individualized headache therapy, were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 20. One arm listened to a guided imagery audiotape 3 times/week for 3 weeks; one arm imagined their happiest personal memory 3 times/week for 3 weeks; and one group received treatment as usual.
Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and kept a headache diary.
In three of the outcome measures; headache intensity, headache frequency and headache duration – both guided imagery groups (tape and perceived happy memory) had significantly more improvement than the controls. There were no significant differences between the two kinds of guided imagery groups at any time point.
The investigators conclude that guided imagery may be an effective, available and affordable nonpharmacological therapy, either using a tape or by evoking a perceived happy memory, for the management of chronic tension type headaches.
Citation: Abdoli S, Rahzani K, Safaie M, Sattari A. A randomized controlled trial: the effect of guided imagery with tape and perceived happy memory on chronic tension type headache. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. 2011 Oct 10. [Epub ahead of print]
Researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School reviewed the evidence on the efficacy of biofeedback for the two most prevalent headache conditions--migraine and tension-type headache.
Two recently published meta-analyses yielded data from 150 outcome studies - randomized controlled trials as well as uncontrolled quasi-experimental designs. Of these, 94 studies were selected for inclusion, going by predefined criteria. Meta-analytic integrations were carried out separately for the two conditions of interest.
Researchers from the University of Hartford reviewed the findings to see if a high level of hypnotic suggestibility (considered a stable individual trait) is necessary for a hypnotic pain intervention to relieve headache pain.
Higher suggestibility has been found to be associated with greater relief from hypnotic pain interventions, and although individuals in the high suggestibility range show the strongest response to hypnotic analgesia, people of medium suggestibility (who represent approximately one third of the population) also have been found to obtain significant relief from hypnosis.
The researchers conclude that high hypnotic suggestibility is not necessary for successful hypnotic pain intervention for headache – medium suggestibility works too . But the available evidence does not support the efficacy of hypnotic pain interventions for people who fall in the low hypnotic suggestibility range. According to some studies, these subjects may benefit from imaginative analgesia suggestions (guided imagery), or suggestions for pain reduction that are delivered while the person is not under hypnosis.
A review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the effects of biofeedback on tension headaches was undertaken by researchers at Philipps-University of Marburg in Marburg, Germany.
A literature search identified 74 outcome studies, of which 53 were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria. Meta-analytic integration resulted in a significant medium-to-large effect size (d = 0.73; 95% confidence interval = 0.61, 0.84) that proved stable over an average follow-up phase of 15 months.
Biofeedback was found to be more effective than headache monitoring, placebo, and relaxation therapy conditions. The strongest improvements resulted for frequency of headache episodes. Further significant effects were observed for muscle tension, self-efficacy, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and analgesic medication.
Researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, in a retrospective study of clinical records, found that self-hypnosis significantly improved symptoms of recurrent headache in children and adolescents.
Researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota did a retrospective review of 178 consecutive outpatient clinical records (referred to the Behavioral Pediatrics Program from 1988-2001) to see if self-hypnosis helped children and youths with symptoms of recurrent headaches.
Investigators from Philipps-University of Marburg in Germany did a meta-analysis of the efficacy of biofeedback (BFB) in treating migraine. A computerized literature search of the databases Medline, PsycInfo, Psyndex and the Cochrane library, enhanced by a hand search, identified 86 outcome studies, of which 55 studies met the inclusion criteria.
Hungarian researchers find that the popular European technique of Autogenic Training is helpful in all three kinds of headache: migraine, tension, and a combination of the two.
Hungarian researchers investigated the effects of auto-suggestion,
using cognitive and symbol therapy elements with auto-suggestion, on
three kinds of headache (migraine, tension and combined). The
assumption was that since headache is prolonged and exacerbated by
depression and anxiety, and these conditions are ameliorated by
autosuggestion, that this technique could be valuable for relieving
headache for multiple reasons.
Twenty five female patients with migraine, tension-type headache or mixed headache participated in an eight-month follow-up study. Headache frequency, analgesic, antimigraine and anxiolytic drug consumption were measured by means of a headache diary.


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The ARK service is for children and young families. We have stories, craft activities, sing songs, make lots of noise, and we learn more about our Christian faith together. Baptism families are also invited. Come and join us at St Aidan's Church on the first Sunday of each month at 10.30am.
Sunday Club
As well as our ARK all-age service, we have a Sunday Club at St Aidan's meeting most Sundays, during the 10.30am service, which encourages fun and faith. Whenever possible, our activities and parties are organised in ways which seek to include children and make them feel valued. Children of all ages are welcome to receive Communion.
Young People's Bible Study
Informal bible study takes place on the third Sunday of every month during the Sunday morning service at St Aidan's, which commences at 10.30am. Ages 12 upwards are welcome to join in.
Safeguarding Children Policy
All helpers are fully CRB checked.
You can read a copy of our Safeguarding Children Policy here.
Family Cafe
Run by MASKK, these are sessions for children aged 5 to 10 that meets currently in William Temple Church, Harborough Avenue. This is a new project funded by the People's Health Trust. It meets every Wednesday from 4:30pm until 6:30pm.
Best Start Toddler Groups
Best Start Communities Count run two toddler groups in our churches: Monday 9.30am-11.30am at William Temple and Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am at St Swithun's. These are term time groups only. For all enquiries please contact Fiona Spotswood on 0114 270 2046 or 07722743383.


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Home remedies doctors swear by
- Honey
- Salt
- Peppermint tea
- Meat tenderizer
- Oatmeal
I like the homeopathic thing. I'm much more prone to try a home remedy thing before I'll go to the doctor. Heh, even childbirth!
9 Furniture Staples Going Extinct
via 9 Furniture Staples Going Extinct | Photo Gallery – Yahoo! Shine.
Well, it looks like not only are furniture staples going extinct, but apparently, I'm a dinosaur. All the things going away are the things I've always wanted! Who decided fashion could change before I was able to get it? I cry foul! Harumph. I'm getting a rolltop desk and a fancy wall clock one day anyway. Neener on "style."
What they've found is that when all outside noise is removed from an enclosure, human hearing will do its best to find something to listen to. In a room where almost 100% of sound is muted, people begin to hear things like their own heartbeat at a greatly amplified volume. As the minutes tick by in absolute quiet, the human mind begins to lose its grip, causing test subjects to hallucinate
via Quietest place on Earth mutes all sounds, messes with your head | Unplugged – Yahoo! Games.
This sounds like a challenge. I dare you, Quietest Room! I double dog dare you to drive me insane in under an hour! I'll be sleeping like a baby long before that hour is up, and enjoying every blessed second of silence.
What's are you thinking about this week?


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One day(in ancient Rainham) Princess Elizabeth was dancing outside her mums palace(Queen Saphire) and then saw her husband(Prince Rainham) with a woman and then kissed her. Princess Elizabeth got so angry that she let out her mums dragon and ate Prince Rainham and locket up the woman.
But later on Princess Elizabeth found out that the woman was his mum and the god and the gods thought that it was bad to get the dragon to kill her husband, so when Princess Elizabeth went to bed that night the gods made her never wake up.
To this day she is still trapped in limbo and now the village is named after Prince Rainham.


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DAWN is just about to break when the bus finally grinds to a halt at the spacious open air car park. The driver turns on the light to arouse those who have fallen asleep during the two-hour journey from Legian, Bali. One after another, I watch the passengers sitting in the first few rows get up drowsily and amble down the steps unsteadily.
"Hurry up, please. We must reach the temple before dawn or else we will not get a view of the mountain," our guide says, warning those who are still finding it hard to get on their feet. "And do not forget to put on your sarung as a mark of respect," he adds.
His last comment prompts me to reach for my sarung which I bought from the night market near the hotel last night. It is still dark outside. Fortunately the bus' headlights provide enough illumination for me to tie the floral orange batik cloth decently around my waist.
I join a trio of Japanese tourists in a waiting four-wheel drive vehicle. We reach the temple after a quick five-minute drive up the steep slopes of Mount Lempuyang, considered one of the most scared natural elevated points in Bali.
the six holiest places of worship on Bali, I alight and join my fellow tourists in a silent single file walk towards the lookout point framed by a magnificently carved gateway. There we wait with bated breath for the first rays of the sun to appear.
According to Hindu belief, the temple's high elevation coupled with serene surroundings and crisp fresh air make it one of the island's pivotal points that provide spiritual balance to Bali. This area that represents the easterly direction is closely associated with the domain of the Balinese god, Iswara.
Suddenly, someone lets out an audible gasp. All of us gaze out into the distance and see the first sunrays light up the almost perfectly symmetrical slopes of Mount Agung. The great mountain looks so peaceful, almost like sleeping giant.
This highest peak in Bali is a far cry from its former raging self that threw the island into chaos just months ago. With things back to normal now, it is not surprising that tourists are once again making a beeline for Bali in even greater numbers than before.
We spend the next hour walking around the grounds of the temple, climbing countless steps and taking even more photographs from every angle our creativity can conjure. I am sure everyone wants to make each moment worthwhile after having to get up so early this morning to make this long journey.
Finally, a bell rings in the distance signalling the beginning of prayers for devotees. For us, it is the cue to leave. This time we realise there is so much to see during the short trip downhill, things we missed during our ascent in the dark. All along the way we catch glimpses of women dressed in colourful fabrics, making offerings at little wayside shrines.
Next, we travel westwards to another place of reverence in the Karangasem Regency area — Tirta Gangga Water Palace. With the 10km route dotted with many picturesque rice terraces and quaint villages, we arrive at our destination even before we realise it.
We are lucky in the sense that our visit to this beautiful Indonesian touristy island coincides with the peak of the fruit season. Stalls laden with a wide variety fresh fruit like mangosteen, salak and passion fruit provide a pleasant distraction as we make our way along the narrow pathway towards the water complexes.
Along the way, we learn that the Balinese word "tirta" means "holy water" while "gangga" is the name adopted from the famous river Ganges in India. I find it very relaxing just walking among the lovely maze of pools, fountains and gurgling brooks. The other attractions to look out for are the lush gardens filled with fruiting trees and intricately carved stone statues.
It was the crystal clear water here that first attracted the attention of the last King of Karangasem to this fertile valley. Intending to turn the place into a sanctuary for his family, the monarch set about building a sprawling water palace in 1948. Sadly, almost everything was levelled to the ground when Mount Agung erupted in 1963.
Fortunately, the authorities quickly set the restoration process in motion while ensuring that the royal magnificence of the place is maintained. The focal point for visitors today is the 11-tiered fountain and its surrounding pond filled with colourful gigantic freshwater carp.
I leave Tirta Gangga slightly dejected after having left my swimming trunks behind in my hotel room. This forgetful act puts paid to my plans to swim in the special pool which was once reserved for Balinese royalty. All I can do is to look on jealously as my other group members have the time of their lives.
Leaving the former Water Palace, the bus continues moving westwards as it traces Bali's scenic southern coastline. With our stomachs already starting to rumble incessantly, all of us are glad that the next stop will be for lunch at the popular Rama Candidasa Resort and Spa.
With hunger pangs spurring us on, we arrive at Garpu Restaurant's buffet line in no time at all. Apart from the superbly prepared food which includes fresh seafood and traditional local cuisine, I especially like the restaurant's beachside location which give unparalleled views of the nearby fishing villages and colourful fishing vessels moored nearby. I am quite convinced that the more than generous helping of baked snapper fillet on my plate was brought in by one of those boats earlier this morning.
With still some time to spare before we head back to our hotel in Legian, we decide to do a bit of exploring of our own. After all, this resort is a popular base for tourists intending to experience the underwater magnificence of nearby dive sites at Padang Bai, Tulamben and Blue Lagoon.
Before leaving, I catch a glimpse of the resort's rooms artistically furnished with contemporary Balinese décor. Guests get to choose rooms with secluded balconies offering views of either the ocean, pool or the tropical lush garden.
I arrive back at the Swiss-Belinn Hotel fully charged after managing to sleep during most of the journey back. After a shower, I quickly get my things in order. Fortunately, I do not have to do much packing to do as I always make it a point to travel as light as possible.
Conscious that there is only a little more than 14 hours left before I head to the Ngurah Rai Airport to catch the morning flight back to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow morning, I decide to make a quick visit to Legian beach before dinner.
The beach, a four-minute walk from the hotel, is popular among locals as well tourists. Apart from those taking quiet strolls alone, I also notice quite a number of families spending quality time together. The section fringing the road, which runs parallel to the beach, is filled with stalls offering souvenirs as well as freshly prepared snacks and beverages.
I quickly head back to the hotel after realising that it is nearly time to catch the shuttle that will take me to Seminyak for dinner. To make it more interesting, I decide to take a different route just to see what other surprises Legian has in store. I am not disappointed. Apart from more shops selling reasonably priced items that appeal to tourists, I also manage to see a ravenous squirrel bound for a wayside shrine and has its fill of the offerings there!
It is Friday night and the themed market styled interactive buffet at The Trans Resort Bali features the best cuisine from all corners of the Indonesian archipelago. Priced at 250,000 rupiah (RM70), guests get to savour different cooking styles from Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and many more.
The buffet at this five-star rated establishment starts at 6pm and food is constantly replenished until 9.30pm. Among my favourites here are satay lilit (skewered barbeque meat) and gado gado (Indonesian salad served in thick peanut sauce).
Among the sate choices which include beef, chicken and fish, the fish sate is the clear frontrunner in terms of popularity. The well-marinated minced fish is wrapped around fresh lemongrass sticks before being grilled to perfection. Lemongrass gives the fish more flavour as opposed to the wooden skewers used in the preparation of the chicken and beef satay.
After a hearty breakfast the next morning, I head off to the airport. After experiencing the amazing sights and delicious Balinese food, I feel rather sad to leave this tropical paradise. One thing for sure, I will be taking home many wonderful memories of this amazing place.
Succumbing to my insatiable craving for Malaysian food, I decide to order one of AirAsia's popular hot meals — Uncle Chin's Chicken Rice. The tender roast chicken slices taste so good when dipped in the accompanying chilli, ginger and garlic sauce. This comfort food that comes together with warm fluffy seasoned rice is just the thing to lull me to sleep once I have had my fill.
Halfway through the flight I am gently awoken by sounds of applause. Looking to the end of the galley, I am pleasantly surprised to see the chief steward confidently belting out one of Ed Sheeran's popular hits with his guitar. His female colleague stands beside him holding the public announcement phone receiver close to amplify his melodious serenade throughout the plane.
This unexpected performance provides the perfect ending to my Bali adventure. This is a trip that I will surely cherish for many, many years to come.
How to get there
AirAsia flies direct to Bali eight times daily on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This frequency increases to nine flights a day on the remaining days of the week. For details, contact www.airasia.com.
Pictures by Alan Teh Leam Seng


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At FBC, you don't have to stay long before you realize that we love our four-legged friends! When choosing our most recent "Cheers to Charity!" recipient, Fernie Pets was a choice close to both home and the heart of many an FBC staff member. One of things we love most about living in Fernie is the active lifestyle - everyone loves getting outside and dogs are nothing less than part of the family.
Fernie Pets has been working since 2011 to create a fully-fenced off-leash Dog Park. An environment where dogs can play with owners and other dogs untethered. A much-needed addition to our fantastic community. As such, we were excited to welcome many a thirsty visitor with four-legged friends in tow, to our Tasting Room over the past 6 weeks.
All proceeds from sample paddles sold in the Tasting Room from March 1, 2017 to April 16, 2017 went straight to Fernie Pets and the development of the Fernie Dog Park. From garbage collection to fencing, there is no shortage of work to be done, but the residents of Fernie eagerly await the project's completion.
Thanks to our thirsty customers, Fernie Pets is now $6,119.40 closer to making this dream a reality! Our biggest cheque to date, we give a huge thanks to everyone who visited us. Of course, before you get all excited and head straight out for another paddle, we are now closed for renos, with an expected opening date of late June.
Until then, stay up to date on all things FBC and track our progress, via our website and Social Media. In the meantime, be sure to get your FBC fix at local Liquor Stores, enjoy a pint at the many top spots in town, purchase FBC swag at Giv'Er Shirtworks, or head to our online store to benefit from FREE SHIPPING within Canada, throughout our reno.
Cheers to Charity!


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Global Report on Food Crises 2017
|Post date
|Monday, 3 April, 2017 - 09:09
Currently, the world is faced with an unprecedented call for action at a moment in which four countries have been identified as at risk of famine, and demand for humanitarian and resilience assistance is escalating. Against this background, informing the global and national food security community on the risk of food crises and on the severity of such crises is of fundamental importance. In recent years, stakeholders have made major investments to improve food security analysis and related early warning systems in order to prevent and tackle food crises more efficiently. Although significant improvements have been made over time in the methods and technologies used to improve the quality and timeliness of food security assessments and monitoring systems, a comprehensive global pictures of food crises is still often missing. Partial geographical coverage and a lack of comparable data within a standardised system make it difficult to get a full global picture of food crises at any given time. The European Union, WFP and FAO have joined forces to coordinate the compilation of analyses to increase the impact of humanitarian and resilience responses through the preparation of the "Global report on Food Crises". The Global Report enhances coordination and decision-making through a neutral analysis that informs program planning and implementation. The key objective and strength of the report is to establish a consultative and consensus-based process to compile food insecurity analysis from throughout the world into a global public product to inform annual planning and resource allocation decisions. Technical, operational and financial partners require evidence-based information to ensure appropriate planning and resources to tackle the consequences of food security crises within an evolving humanitarian financing landscape. The World Humanitarian Summit has prompted a major rethink of the way response financing is delivered in crisis settings, highlighting the need for more long-term development investments to address risk, prevent crises and build resilience. Since 2013 , the European Commission has worked to develop ways to compare and clarify the results of food security analyses across partners and geographical areas to provide a comprehensive overview of the global food security situation. In 2015, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (ECJRC) produced an annual report on food insecurity hotspots to inform decisions on food crisis allocations at the global level. In 2016, to increase the inclusiveness and transparency of the report, the European Commission invited FAO and WFP to contribute by providing additional food security data and analysis. Following the successful experience of the 2016 analysis, the three organizations agreed to move forward, involving additional partners in the global assessment of the food crisis situation, with the aim of producing a consensusbased yearly report from early 2017. The initiative was cemented with the launch of the Global Network for Food Insecurity, Risk Reduction and Food Crises Response on 23 May 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. It was then agreed to undertake this effort under the umbrella of the "Food S e c u r i t y I n f o r m a t i o n Network" (FSIN), an already structured global initiative cosponsored by FAO, WFP and IFPRI.


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In this study, researchers evaluated how gene expression differs in mature Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms as opposed to planktonic cells by the use of RNA sequencing technology that gives rise to both quantitative and qualitative information on the transcriptome.
This study reports the first transcriptome study on P. aeruginosa that employs RNA sequencing technology and provides insights into the quantitative and qualitative transcriptome including the expression of small RNAs in P. aeruginosa biofilms
- Dötsch A, Eckweiler D, Schniederjans M, Zimmermann A, Jensen V, Scharfe M, Geffers R, Häussler S. (2012) The Pseudomonas aeruginosa Transcriptome in Planktonic Cultures and Static Biofilms Using RNA Sequencing. PLoS One 7(2), e31092. [article]


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Rain during the last week to 10 days provided some relief to some crops through central Minnesota in various amounts. Crops are at a lot of different stages. Some scorched corn crop may not benefit much from rain anymore. Pollination may have been hurt for some corn. There is a large amount of corn, soybeans and hay crops that will benefit significantly from recent rains.
Where crops are starting to deteriorate, like corn turning brown, some farmers might think about saving some other stored feed and starting to chop some of this corn. For anything you might do with the crop, for those carrying crop insurance, have a good discussion on with your crop insurance rep first.
For day to day feeding, think about the following:
- Make ration changes gradually. While animals are dealing with summer heat, don't make sudden radical ration changes that could cause them to go off feed or have digestive upsets. It takes time for the rumen microbe population to adjust to different feed materials. Chop fresh each day.
- Test drought stressed corn for nitrate-nitrogen concentration. Don't assume it's OK. Don't assume it's bad. In some cases where the corn has not been able to take up water for a long time, it may not have been able to take up much nitrogen either. Nitrate nitrogen levels might be higher following a rain event. Have a sample tested and work with your feed or nutrition rep to formulate rations that can be useful for livestock. The nitrate-nitrogen content in the whole ration is what counts. Nitrate nitrogen is usually less of an issue when the corn has a chance to make an ear, but can still be a problem when very little corn is made. After a good rain it can be useful to wait a few days to see whether the crop will respond. Any growth and ear development adds to yield.
For long term storage:
- Whole plant moisture content is the primary factor in chopping for long-term storage. Even when leaves are browning, the whole plant moisture can be greater than what is suitable for storage. Some common moisture targets are: Upright silos 60 to 65%; Oxygen limiting silos 50 to 60%; Bunkers and Piles 65 to 70%; Bags 60 to 70%.
- Nitrogen oxides are an important element of silo gas. So there can be additional silo gas risk for drought stressed crops that might have higher levels of unused nitrogen in the plant. We should always follow standard safety precautions related to silo gas hazards.
Dan Undersander (Wisconsin Extension) offered some useful information recently about pasture management with dry weather. Rotational grazing or using temporary fencing to protect a chunk of the pasture from grazing so it gets a chance to grow can give the pasture a chance to make better use of any rain that does come. It can be helpful to fence off drier parts of a pasture so livestock don't keep it super short. This allows for root growth as well as top growth.
Applying 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre and five to ten pounds of sulfur depending on soil type can provide one-half to a ton of more of feed production from late summer into fall. Consider a soil test for phosphorus and potassium needs that might help restore root systems for next year's growth.
I see a lot of meadow and lowland hay being put up. Cutting as soon as you can get on this land will provide better quality feed. There might be enough soil moisture in lowlands or with late summer rains to harvest some better quality grass from some of this land later in the summer and fall.
Some farmers are finding that cattle sort and waste less hay where they use balers that have crop cutters on them. Consider how the crop is handled, stored and fed to minimize waste and quality loss.
With an earlier small grain harvest, oats might be seeded to provide another good quality forage feed crop. Forage type oat varieties will yield better if planting is done by the first week in August. Earlier maturing grain type oats might do better when planting occurs after the first week of August.
Consider feeding strategies for most of the next year as you make day to day decisions with the crop now. Kick ideas around with neighbors and other people you work with. Farmers with better crops might be a source of feed for others.


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Eye Spy
Welcome to Krispies Eye Spy
Our Fishy Friends have found a Shipwreck. Can you help them find...
3 Starfish
1 Octopus
20 Coins
22 Tiny Fish
20 Bubbles
1 Seahorse
5 Seashells
1 Clam
1 Jellyfish
1 Key
Download this picture to colour it in yourself. Just click here