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AMS students connect with WWII vets
ALTON — Students at Alton Middle School received an up-close history lesson on military service this Veterans Day. Staff, led by Richard Baird, a teacher, set up a large display full of military artifacts for the students to examine.
Many of the items were loaned by Baird, who pointed to World War II service medals from his father, a rack of uniforms worn by members of his family, and other symbols of the men and women who put themselves in harm's way. Some of the items have deep backstories.
One of the most significant to Baird is the Purple Heart of Richard Crawford, a young are soldier who was killed in Vietnam in 1965. Crawford was the first soldier from Southern Illinois to die during the conflict.
"He was a personal friend of mine," Baird said. "I was 12 years old when he was killed. The last thing he sent out of Vietnam was a birthday card for me, apologizing for not being able to be there to give me a gift. At 12 years old, it just emotionally touched the core of my soul."
On the coat rack hung the uniform of Leon Wood, Baird's uncle, who was mortally injured during the Korean War.
"This uniform is one he wore in Korea," Baird said. "He was due to leave Korea, they called him back into battle, he went up on the hillside, was setting up his machine gun and got hit in crossfire in the back of his head."
Wood was evacuated from the country and held on to life for several months before succumbing to his injuries.
Nearby is a photo of Bill Herrell, a Vietnam veteran who died several years ago. Herrell, Baird's brother-in-law, was exposed to Agent Orange, the deadly herbicide used to kill jungle vegetation, during his tour.
The display seemed to resonate with students. Alyson Haegele, an 8th grader, said the historical photographs in helped her understand the nature of the conflicts. Haegele, who has several family members who have served, including her father, said it was a reminder of what servicemembers go through.
"They risk their lives to save us and our country," Haegele said.
Another student, eighth-grader Soren Davis, had a similar take.
They sacrifice by going away from their families to serve their country," Soren said. "There aren't many people who will do that. It takes courage, having the courage to fight a war that you might die in. You can be afraid of dying, but it does take courage."
Principal Russ Tepen said letting children see the artifacts gives them a deeper appreciating of the past.
"The fact that Mr. Baird is willing to share such personal items gives the kids a real perspective of sacrifice," Tepen said. "Social studies kind of talks about it, but this is your chance to touch it and see it and feel it."
Many students, Tepen said, do not have family members in the military, so educational opportunities like this are critical to help them understand what veterans sacrifice for their country. He hopes their example will inspire students to reach out and help their communities.
"It's very important that the kids made that connection," Tepen said.
Reach Alex Heeb at 618-208-6451 or on Twitter @alexheebs


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Since word of a looming polar vortex event hit the street, some meteorological purists – including the National Weather Service – have pushed back hard.
They say vortex isn't responsible for the spell of autumn-like weather spilling into the eastern U.S. this week, at the peak of summer.
They say those promoting the polar vortex are misleading the public and making a scientifically dubious connection.
Stop the hype! #NOTthePolarVortex #NOTtheLeBronVortex— Mark Johnson (@MarkJWeather) July 11, 2014
If I hear a meteorologist call this a polar vortex, I may just shoot myself #NotAPolarVortex— EnriqueWx (@enriqueh0891) July 11, 2014
Today's weather from @BHBolinski #notpolarvortex #polarvortex #stoppolarvortexabuse pic.twitter.com/4ULVHDR1vw— Rebecca Jennings (@rbeccajennings) July 14, 2014
But, in reality, this is a textbook case of polar vortex influence on mid-latitude weather and, frankly, the reasoning of these polar vortex doubters is flawed. I'll explain why using three graphics.
Some, including the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, have claimed the air mass spilling into the U.S. isn't polar in origin, but rather has its roots from the northeast Pacific.
Link: Weather Service walks away from polar vortex claim (but not chilly forecast)
That's only half right, as the animation below makes abundantly clear:
Two deep pools of cold air at high altitudes – yes, one from the northeast Pacific but also one from high in the Arctic – combined over Canada to generate this cold air outbreak. You can plainly see the evolution of these cold pools, as marked with "x"s above.
To see the polar origins of this air mass even more clearly, consider this graphic showing the air mass trajectory (i.e. where the air is coming from) posted on Slate.com by meteorologist Eric Holthaus.
The flow of air doesn't get much more polar than this graphic portrays. Furthermore, if it was solely a northeast Pacific air mass affecting the U.S. this week, we would *not* have temperatures 10 to 30 degrees colder than normal (the Pacific ocean isn't that cold!).
So I've demonstrated the air streaming in has some polar origins, but is it from the polar vortex? Absolutely – as this third and final graphic (below) helps illustrate.
The graphic is an animation of high altitude (roughly 30,000 feet) winds from the vantage point of the North Pole. The blue streaks circling the North Pole are the strongest winds and represent the proverbial polar vortex. Notice how one of the blue and green streaks – over which I superimposed stars – breaks off over North America. That's effectively a spoke or filament of the polar vortex diving south and transporting this unseasonably chilly weather into the continental U.S.
Don't just take my word for it. Consider Greg Postel, a severe weather expert at The Weather Channel with a Ph.D. in dynamic meteorology from the University of Wisconsin, buys into the polar vortex influence. Consider this Twitter conversation he had with Mashable's Andrew Freedman:
@GregPostel @nws what does that suggest, Greg?— Andrew Freedman (@afreedma) July 11, 2014
July 11, 2014
The Weather Channel's Stu Ostro also refers to what's coming our way as a "spoke of the tropospheric circumpolar vortex".
@afreedma Thx. Haven't had time to blog yet but tweeted this Fri pic.twitter.com/EznKX1NjOD @GregPostel @JimCantore @weatherchannel @mashable— Stu Ostro (@StuOstro) July 14, 2014
Some meteorologists may object to the use of the term polar vortex because the vortex is a "planetary-scale" feature the encircles the entire North Pole (the South Pole too) whereas, in reality, it's just pieces of it that's filtering into the U.S rather than the whole thing. But I don't think media references to the vortex intend to imply the whole thing is devouring the Lower 48.
In my view, discussing the polar vortex's significant role in mid-latitude cold air outbreaks is a great way to engage the public in the intriguing dynamics of meteorology. Some critics are being too literal about its definition and/or burying their heads in the sand, blinding themselves from a fascinating weather reality.

subset: commoncrawl


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In an appearance on Sunday's "Face the Nation" on CBS, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed that the Trump administration's top priority in the Middle East was still to take out the Islamic State group, in spite of this week's missile strikes against the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.
Even though Tillerson acknowledged that the Islamic State group needed to be defeated before the Assad regime was dealt with, he acknowledged that he hoped negotiations could take place to stabilize the country.
"Our priority in Syria, John, really hasn't changed," Tillerson said. "I think the president has been quite clear. First and foremost, we must defeat ISIS. And I would say that the military progress both in Syria and in Iraq has been remarkable since President (Donald) Trump's inauguration.
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"By defeating ISIS and removing their caliphate from their control, we've now eliminated at least or minimized a particular threat not just to the United States, but to the whole stability in the region," Tillerson added. "Once the ISIS threat has been reduced or eliminated, I think we can turn our attention directly to stabilizing the situation in Syria."
TRENDING: Expert Analysis Proves Trump Was Right About Border Wall: It Would Pay for Itself
In terms of Assad's future, Tillerson was somewhat more vague.
"We're hopeful that we can prevent a continuation of the civil war and that we can bring the parties to the table to begin the process of political discussions," the secretary of state said. "Clearly, that requires the participation of the regime and, with the support of their allies, and we're hopeful that Russia will choose to play a constructive role in supporting ceasefires through their own Astana talks, but also, ultimately, through Geneva."
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According to The Daily Caller, as late as last Thursday, Tillerson had advocated Assad stepping aside from power.
"Assad's role in the future is uncertain, clearly, and with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people," Tillerson said.
However, one thing was certain from Tillerson's appearance — the Trump administration still plans to deal a crushing blow to the Islamic State group.
H/T The Hill
Please like and share on Facebook and Twitter and let us know what you think the U.S. should do about Syria.
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What do you think the Trump administration should do in Syria? Scroll down to comment below.


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OPEN LETTER to Ald. Tony Zielinski: Faust Site Redevelopment
April 1, 2015
Faust Site Redevelopment
Open Letter To Ald. Tony Zielinski
March 23, 2015
Hi Tony,
I'll be out of town on March 31st and unable to attend the Faust redevelopment meeting, unfortunately, so am expressing my concerns here.
Good urban design demands integration with the surrounding neighborhood and because this site is a gateway to Bay View, it's crucial that the Faust redevelopment project is done in a way that welcomes residents and visitors, not offends them. The current proposal of five stories is much too massive for the site, out of context with KK's commercial and neighborhood scale. As proposed, the structure is a confrontation to those of us who value Kinnickinnic Avenue for its unique historic character, which is serving Bay View quite admirably. Restaurants and shops are doing quite well using the existing building stock.
There is no need to overwhelm the street with structures such as that proposed; taller structures may be placed elsewhere where they fit in context, not on KK. Warehouse redevelopment activity in the Third and Fifth Ward and in Walker's Point is a good example. In those places, taller buildings fit in. Eventually this may happen in Bay View on the Grand Trunk site or across the river in the large warehouses near Barnacle Bud's or other locations where taller building would mesh. But not on KK.
As our public servant, we're counting on you to represent the viewpoints of the Bay View community at large in your decision-making, not just property owners on KK. KK is an integral part of our community — the backbone, essentially — and its integrity needs to be protected for its uniqueness rather than wholesale transformation into a street dwarfed by four or five story buildings.
Thank you, Tony.
Angie Tornes
Bay View
PS Recently I showed the image of the proposed development in the Bay View Compass to my mother and asked her in a nonbiased way what she thought of it. She was appalled, and said,"There's no way something like that could be built on Kinnickinnic, is there?" Let's hope not.
Alderman Zielinski's Response
March 23, 2015
Hello Angie,
The developers will not build the project without this density. They indicate to me that without this density the numbers don't work for them. So what we are doing is making the building look more traditional with more bricks, etc. That is a compromise and everybody has some voice in the project then.
If I vote no on this project, then we will lose a $12 million development, additional patrons for the businesses, and less life on the street, which translates into the area not being as safe as it could be. We would also lose out on the additional tax revenue that would be generated. Moreover, this site is likely to be a vacant and abandoned storefront near the gateway of Bay View on KK. In that scenario it would remain vacant and abandoned for years to come.
Every business owner I visited in that area is strongly in favor of the project.
Knowing all this do you want me to try to kill the project?
Angie Tornes's Reply
March 24, 2015
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your response regarding the developer's concern for density and by default, height, needed to make his project work. Rather than "kill the project," I'd urge you to guide it to an appropriate setting away from Kinnickinnic, where desired density can be reached via a larger footprint with less height or the same height where it blends in to the surroundings. As I mentioned in my previous email, there are places in Bay View suitable for such developments.
Consider the recent wave of people, most of whom are disproportionately younger, returning to cities and to specific neighborhoods in cities. We would be wise to pay attention to findings in a 2014 report, "Older, Smaller Better: Measuring How the Character of Buildings and Blocks Influences Urban Vitality." The report uses metrics in several case studies and documents that neighborhoods with older, smaller buildings in commercial zones surrounded by neighborhoods are highly attractive, particularly to younger people, and have a greater concentration of new and creative jobs and density. This trend is already happening on and around Kinnickinnic; if we maintain the integrity and ambiance of both our commercial and residential districts, new residents will increasingly be drawn to KK and Bay View.
Angie Tornes
Bay View
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Super hilarious compulsive office cubicle hoarder co-worker, "Triple"
Before everyone gets excited about the identity of this co-worker, I will not show a picture or tell you where I am working at currently. Prior to knowing him, I didn't really know anyone that likes to keep things around for no reason. I hope you will enjoy reading this funny hub and learn more about compulsive hoarding.
For convenience sake, I will give him an artificial name, "Triple". At first glance, you will never be able to tell that he is a hoarder. Triple's clothing is very neat; he usually wears a long sleeve shirt, khaki pants and leather dress shoes. It never seems to get hot enough for him to wear short sleeves. However, when you see his desk and work area, you will know that he is a compulsive hoarder.
Let me start by describing his cubicle. The desk is filled with papers that are about three inches in thickness. The bottom has lots of miscellaneous stuff accumulated over the years that completely fill the space under his desk. No one would be able to sit at that desk comfortably because you don't have space for your legs. I often wonder if Triple can sit comfortably at his desk. However, it doesn't seem to bother him at all. Actually, I think he is pretty happy sitting at his desk most of the time. Most things on or below his desk is completely useless. Triple has tissue papers from 10 years ago that has turned yellow, printed papers from at least 6 years ago that has also turned yellow and unopened soda cans from years ago that partially evaporated. All of these things are very hilarious to look at. Until recently, he had all these things on his desk. Finally, he had to move to a new cubicle. Instead of throwing those things away, he had put them in a big box and stored them in the back area. Triple waited until the last minute to clean up and that got our boss very angry. Triple's desk is pretty clean now (compared to before) but it would be only a matter of time before things start to accumulate again. I often joke with him that he needed to rent a u-haul truck to move his stuff upon retirement.
Triple is a keeper of boxes. Most people would see little use with empty boxes. However, Triple is particularly drawn to boxes for unknown reasons. I used to find empty boxes everywhere around the office and that mess would always get our boss upset. When I was moving a few months ago, Triple had offered some of his boxes to me. But I didn't take any because I didn't really need it. I am pretty sure that he has a hidden spot for them.
Triple is a keeper of useless papers. We get copies of sheets everyday and a few of them are completely useless for us. Most people would just toss them in the recycle bin; however Triple tends to hold on to them. He would put them in the drawer. I finally just tossed all of them when he wasn't around because it is filling up our limited space.
In some ways, I think Triple is aware of his compulsive hoarding. However, he is very sensitive about this particular issue. I heard that keeping things for hoarders is a way to remember the past, a happier time. When compulsive hoarders are surrounded by family and friends, it is a much better situation for them. As people around them will help to curb the habit of accumulating useless things. A lot of times, this habit is actually very funny to see. Imagine if you see lots of boxes / papers piled up and the person surrounded by the mess is completely at peace with it. On the other hand, lots of other people are bothered by this especially when they have to clean up after him consistently.
By writing this hub, I just want to help you identify and help hoarders in your life. Most of them are aware of what they are doing, but sensitive about it and maybe even afraid to seek help. However, professional help such as counseling will help hoarders and curb their behavior.
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Date of Issue : 5 March 2016
Azerbaijan Post issued two stamps and a beautiful miniature sheet on Europa 2015 theme, old toys. The stamps feature traditional popular toys of children which every child used to play few decades ago. The stamp are so colorful and the lovely toys take you back the childhood days.
Old Toys from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat post)
Date of Issue : 5 April 2015
A set of two stamps will be issued by Bosnia and Herzegovina (Croat post) on 5th April featuring Europa 2015 theme of old toys.
View : Europa 2015 Stamps


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Peter Bradley Adams Traces Generations on 'A Face Like Mine' (Premiere)
Peter Bradley Adams needed to solve a generational quandary. Is it possible that the regrets of our fathers, and our father's fathers, are passed down along the line, saddling us with problems we didn't create? Adams went about testing this theory by writing a song from the point of view of his grandfather, whose own dad left the picture when he was very young.
Finger-picked guitar, subtle banjo, and a dobro ease through "A Face Like Mine," while Adams sings sweetly about his family's own history. In fact, the single cover (which you can see in the Soundcloud link below) features Adams's grandfather and great-grandfather. Coincidentally, the photo was taken just 200 yards from the songwriter's current home in Nashville, a fact unbeknownst to Adams until after doing some research.
"I wrote this song while I was India," Adams tells No Depression. "I was thinking a lot about the possibility that personal traumas can get passed down through generations... that we can unknowingly feel the effects of something that happened generations before us. But it's also a song about forgiveness."
A Face Like Mine, Adams's sixth studio record, drops April 21. Stream the title track below.
Jim Hunter
April 13, 2017 - 7:44 am
This is a wonderful song...really glad I took the time to listen to it...will definitely be picking up some music by this artist...I notice Lex Price, a wonderful musician and producer (Michael McDermott) has been involved...that fact and this song, are reason enough to investigate further. Thanks Cameron!


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100% of the proceeds support women and children in crisis and need of dental care in conjunction with the Bluegrass Domestic Violence program. One of the speakers was a recipient and not only received dental care, but was diagnosed with oral cancer. Currently undergoing treatments, she spoke from her heart and said without these funds, she would not be alive today.
EVERY drawing is drawn ENTIRELY using an individual's name. ANY subject and ANY name can be done. (I have been asked in the past if I do them on computer. (Me & computers...hm...that's another story!)
These are drawn individually by hand.


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- Admin
- Feb, 07, 2018
- Comments Off on St Helen's homepage
OUR MISSION :- To be a church where the love of Jesus unites us as a family as we reach out to the wider community. St. Helen's is an Inclusive Church which does not discriminate, on any level, on grounds of economic power, gender, mental health, physical ability, race or sexuality.
There are a lot of ways that you can look at people and a lot of characteristics that you can choose to expect people to have.
Please come back soon ....under construction
Please come back soon ... under construction


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Paying tuition and fees - Undergraduate Students
Additional information on paying your fees can be found on our frequently asked questions page.Payment Options
- All major banks and credit unions offer Internet and telephone banking where you can pay your fees 24 hours a day
- Register with your bank to make online bill payments
- Once you have registered with your bank, your student ID number (201XXXXXX) is the account number required to make payment
- Allow 2-3 business days for bank processing
- Payable through Plastiq
- Eligible payments include:
- Residence Fees
- Tuition and additional fees (once registered in courses)
- Acceptable forms of payment include Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
- Plastiq charges a platform fee of 2.5% to your credit card, (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) effective August 11, 2016.
- Plastiq is an independent third party service provider that you can use to pay your tuition. Ensure that you understand Plastiq's Terms of Service before using their services.
- Your payment may take up to 2-3 business days to process to your MRU account.
- Acceptable forms of payment include: cash, debit card, money order or international wire transfer
- International money orders are not accepted
- Personal cheques are no longer accepted
- Money orders are the only acceptable form of payment by mail
- Personal cheques are no longer accepted
- All payments (other than Residence Application Fees) should be mailed to:
Registrar's Office
Mount Royal University
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Calgary, Alberta, T3E 6K6
- Postdated payments are not accepted
- Do not send cash in the mail
- International money orders are not accepted
If you are a sponsored student and have been approved to have your tuition and mandatory fees billed to a third party (employer/sponsoring agency - Advancing Futures/Band), you must ensure that all proper documentation is forwarded to Financial Services before each fee deadline.
Letters authorizing tuition invoicing for tuition, books or residence may be faxed to 403.440.8927 or mailed directly to Financial Services.
- Students who receive funding directly from an external source are not considered a sponsored student.
- If you are a sponsored student, please take the necessary steps to ensure that your letter of sponsorship is received and that your fees are properly paid.
Sponsorship letters must:
- Be on Band/Company letterhead
- Include student(s) names and MRU student(s) id numbers
- Clearly state what term(s) the sponsorship applies (e.g. Fall, 20_, and/or Winter/Spring/ Summer 20_)
- Outline, in detail, which fees will be covered by the sponsor (e.g. tuition, books only, books & supplies, residence).
- Have an authorizing signature.
Sponsorship letters or Third Party Billing Sponsorship Forms must be forwarded to:
- By mail: Mount Royal University Financial Services, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
- By fax: 403.440.8927
- Scanned and emailed: studentspons@ tỷ lệ kèo bóng đá hôm nay www.terrymalloyspigeoncoop.com
- Please note: sponsorship letters must be renewed at least once a year, normally prior to the Fall fee deadline(s).
- An invoice will be sent to the sponsor directly to the address provided on the sponsorship form after the add/drop date (or sooner if required). Invoices will indicate the total amount of fees charged to the student's account for the current term only and are due 30 days from invoicing date.
- If payment is not received within the 30 days, the student will then have a third party hold placed on their student account. Students with holds on their account may not obtain transcripts or adjust registration until their invoice has been paid in full. Third party holds will be removed once invoice have been paid in full.
- It is the responsibility of the student to pay any fees not covered by the sponsorship by the term fee deadline. Visit the MRU Academic Calendar for a list of term deadlines.
- Sponsored students who may also be receiving a scholarship or bursary through Student Awards and Financial Aid should be aware that funds will not be refunded until sponsorship payment has been received in full.
- Any additional student information required by the sponsor will have to be provided by the student directly, and cannot be provided by Financial Services (e.g. grades, transcripts)
Paying for Residence
Your residence application fee is payable:
- online with your residence application
- at Residence Services
Your security deposit is payable:
- Online (credit card payments) Note* this is NOT using Plastiq
- In person
- By mail
- Internet or telephone banking
- Online (credit card payments) Note* this IS using Plastiq
- In person
- By mail
Residence Services will defer payment of residence fees until the second fee deadline up to the value of the student loans for the term after tuition has been subtracted. Any shortfall must be paid by the first fee deadline. Student Awards and Financial Aid at MRU must be aware of the loans and have entered the approved amount onto the students account.
Visit residence for more information on the costs of living in residence and payment options.
Fee Deadlines
Fees are due on the dates listed in the Academic Calendar. Students are responsible for verifying and paying any outstanding balances by the fee deadline date.
|Spring 2018
|Last day to pay fees for Spring Semester 2018
|May 10, 2018
|Last day to be re-instated for Spring Semester 2018
|May 22, 2018
|Summer 2018
|Last day to pay fees for Summer Semester 2018
|July 9, 2018
|Last day to be re-instated for Summer Semester 2018
|July 18, 2018
|Fall 2018
|Full fees for Fall Semester 2018 due (registered students only)
|Aug. 15, 2018
|Last day to pay fees for Fall Semester 2018
|Sept. 14, 2018
|Last day to be re-instated for Fall Semester 2018
|Sept. 28, 2018
|Winter 2019
|Full fees for Winter Semester 2019 due
|Jan. 14, 2019
|Last day to be re-instated for Winter Semester 2019
|Jan. 31, 2019
Note: Any changes to program or registration status may affect your account balance. It is your responsibility to manage your account balance and payments. Processing times vary by method of payment. Please take into account the time it takes to process payments when choosing your fee payment arrangement.


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Looking for an awesome gift idea for that special someone? Check out the new race car inspired recliner and ottoman sets for sale at OfficeAnything.com! These awesome seating solutions are perfect for racing fans and make the perfect addition to any man cave. With 6 variations to choose from, you'll be at no shortage of awesome color combinations to meet your loved ones specific style.
Priced starting at only $180.99 you'll be hard pressed to find a better bargain. These comfortable recliner and ottoman sets feature Flash Furniture's durable vinyl upholstery that's super easy to clean. The recline knob allows for a smooth movement customizable to your angle of preference. Several models even feature vinyl wrapped bases for enhanced modern style. The metal accents further enhance the race inspired theme while the innovative stitching patterns complete the look.
Love these super cool seating solutions? You better hurry! These awesome recliners will be gone before you know it. Looking to purchase multiple recliners for projects like a home theater makeover? No problem! Call us direct at 800-867-1411 for bulk pricing and additional savings. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy holidays.


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1st Entry
I would be assigned to the CETA Sub-Programme which is responsible for assisting the regional sub programmes of CEP in matters related to communication, education, training and awareness. I was introduced to the CETA team: Chrishane Williams (Team Assistant) Pietra Brown, who would be my immediate supervisor, and Christopher Corbin, Program Officer who met with us all to explain the vision and goals of CETA for the year 2013. I found the meeting to be quite informative and it gave me a significant understanding of the role I would take in assisting the team.
A beginning of the year meeting for all staff was scheduled for Wednesday, January 16th. This proved to be very valuable to me in respect to it being the first major meeting for the year. The objectives would be to highlight major accomplishments and challenges for UNEP CEP during 2012, provide updates on staffing for 2013, and provide a summary of the budget. In addition, it would provide updates on the status of implementation of major CEP projects and identify major CEP meetings planned for 2013 to effectively allocate resources. During the meeting, I was able to gain keen insight into the day to day operations/formations of the UNEP CEP. The week also consisted of a meeting with the media of Jamaica. The objective would be to share with the media UNEP CEP's achievements, key projects and activities, and to open dialogue concerning ways UNEP CEP can be more effective in presenting its mission through all mediums. I assisted in the preparation of materials, DVDs, and pamphlets to be handed out to media personnel. It was a privilege to take part in the media meeting, and to gain knowledge on how organizations and media work together to disseminate information and the challenges that go with that endeavor.
As the first week came to a close, my task was to work on updating the calendar of events for 2013 onto the website. This involved doing research on the official holidays of countries in the Wider Caribbean, and learning the software used to enter information into the website database. To have begun my internship at the beginning of year, attending the first staff meeting and media session; my understanding of the UNEP CEP and its goals was greatly enhanced. I look forward with confidence to a great experience with United Nations Environment Programme Caribbean Environment Programme's Internship.
Challenges faced: Given the opportunity to attend the first meeting and media session of the year; it was challenging to understand all the terminology and acronyms within the UNEP CEP system.
Lessons learned: Goals and objectives must always take into context available resources and capital in order to achieve those goals and objectives.


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As we head into the winter months, conditions on the road can become more dangerous. We need to make a few adjustments to our driving habits to make sure we're safely reaching our destinations.
As a reminder of those adjustments, we've republished our January 2017 post on winter driving, below, which includes tips from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website. Please give it a read.
How can you keep safe on the road this winter? Here are the top 12 tips:
12. Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights—even the hood and roof—before driving.
11. Leave plenty of room for stopping.
10. Pay attention; don't try to outdrive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
9. Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
8. Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approaching road.
7. Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter, since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway.
6. Don't use the "cruise control" option when driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
5. Don't get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle's traction. Driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle may help you get going quicker, but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4s are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.
4. Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second of extra time to react safely.
3. Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
2. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows! Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right.
1. Most importantly, please, remember to SLOW DOWN! Also, seat belts should be worn at all times; it's the law.
[Ben Boltinghouse is a public safety officer with Parkland College.]


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SH3_GPSJS.exe (11.8 KB)
GPS JumpStart
Using GPS Jump Start
Before you begin, you will need to have the Pharos Ostia software select the correct Com port for the GPS if you have not already done so.
If Pharos Ostia is running, make sure Enable GPS is off. Start up the GPS JS program.
Select the Com Port that the Pharos Ostia program assigned to the GPS.
Click Jump Start.
Start the Pharos Ostia program if it is not already running. Select GPS > Enable GPS.
Proceed to use Ostia normally.
Driver File
Purushothaman (DG Staff Member) on 9-Feb-2006
Popular Pharos Other Driver Downloads for Windows


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It was his daughter's sixth birthday. She is almost exactly between my two girls in age - but she is nearly as tall as my oldest who is tall for her age. I like these pictures of the cousins. It wasn't until we went for a walk and they got
The hands on the top are my brother's. They are pretty rough from the last job he had. He recently changed jobs and the new one is physically less demanding and his hands are on the mend. He has massive hands like my grandfather.
I have large hands for a woman and my fingers just reach the second joint on his hands.
I am sharing this at A Few of My Favorite Things - because it is!!


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Pumpkins vs. Monsters Apk v3.2 (Mod Money) Is Arcade Game . Download Pumpkins vs. Monsters Apk Mod From ApkModx With Direct Link .
In the darkness midnight, the monsters revived. They are gonging to invade people's home .The world will not peace anymore.
But our people are still in their sweet dream, no one knows the dangerous.
At this time, the pumpkin hero appeared, they work together to protect people's house, use they bodies to attack the monsters.
The incomparable new mode will bring you very different new experience.
– Action & Match 3 & defensive type of game perfect combination
– Simple control,flick the pumpkin, attack monster
– story mode, up to 90 Levels
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– 6 different attributes of pumpkins
– Shop System
Game Screenshots
Game Info
Game Name : Pumpkins vs. Monsters
Game Category : Arcade Games
Last Updated On : December 3, 2013
Game Size : 10 MB
Version of The Game : 3.2
Developer Firm : Runner Games
File Format : Apk
Requires Android : 1.6 and up
Total Installs : 10,000,000 +
Google Play Rating : 4.5 / 5
Download Links
Download Pumpkins vs. Monsters Apk v3.2 (Mod Money)


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Click above to watch the video after the jump
BMW and Audi can always be counted on for a good marketing fight. The two German luxury automakers first went kopf an kopf in European print ads, then on U.S. airwaves and next on our billboards. But after a bit of back and forth, the "good natured" ribbing appeared to have died down – at least for a while. We didn't receive an official notice in the mail stating that the ad battle between BMW and Audi was back on, but the post-jump commercial tells us everything we need to know.
Audi appears to be drawing first blood in round two of BMW v Audi, as the four-ringed automaker gives us a lesson on the dynamics of friendly competition. It appears Audi is very smitten with the fact that its vehicles won three straight Car and Driver comparisons against its German rival; smitten enough to spend bucks on a new 30-second spot to rekindle one of the more entertaining rivalries in the auto industry. We can hardly wait for BMW's response. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself.
[Source: YouTube]


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The following deposition was made by William Jarvis Crozier and appears in the pension file of Jerome Frink's mother Amelia E. Frink in the National Archive, Washington, D.C.
On the twelfth day of January 1887, at Pitcher, County of Chenango, State of New York, before me, Sam Houston, a Special Examiner of the Pension Office, personally appeared William J. Crozier, who being by me first duly sworn to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him during this Special Examination of aforesaid pension claim, deposes and says:
"that he is 48 years of age, a farmer and his P.O. is North Pitcher, Chenango, Co. N.Y.
I enlisted as a private in Co. B, 76th N.Y.Vol. in September 1861 and was mustered out March 3, 1865 at Elmira, NY
I was captured at the battle of the Wilderness, may 5, 1864 and was a prisoner of war at Andersonville, Ga., and Florence, S.C. sometime in December 1864.
On the 28th of August 1862, I was wounded and sent to hospital and was home a while on furlough after I got able to walk so that I was at that time absent from my company about 5 months.
I then went back and was soon after I went back taken with Chronic diarrhoea and was again sent to hospital and was absent from the company at that time for some months and returned to company in fall of 1863 and was then present for duty until captured.
I knew in our company a private named Jerome W. Frink. I did not know him prior to his enlistment. I did not know any of his family or relatives and do not now nor never have known any of them to my knowledge.
I was quite intimate with him in service but I do not remember ever hearing him talk of his family or relatives. Do not remember him ever telling me where he had lived prior to enlistment.
He looked quite young when he enlisted. I would say he was 18 to 20 years of age when he enlisted. He was nearly six feet tall. I was 5 ft 10 1/22 inches and he was ahead of me in rank when arranged according to height. His hair was a light brown, eyes blue, light complexion, very slim built, weigh about 130 lbs., unusually long neck. Do not recall any scars.
This man Jerome W. Frink was captured at the same time and place I was and went along in same party to Andersonville, Ga., and along about the last of September 1864, was sent along in a party with me to Florence, S.C.
I am certain he was in the same party who went with me to Florence, S.C. I am positive I saw and talked with him at Florence, S.C. I think I saw him between the railroad and the stockade. I think he was not able to walk when I saw him. I think I saw him 2 or 3 times there at different times.
I think when we first arrived at Florence the stockade was not finished and a guard was placed around us. I think it was a week or ten days before I was put in the stockade and kept there. I was run down but I was able to get around.
I saw Lewis H. Fox another member of my company there. He was in bad condition but was able to get around some. He now lives in South Pitcher this county. I do not recall seeing him with Frink at any time there but he was out there with the sick. Everitt Fuller and Amos Minor and Charles Bush of our company was also there.
I do not remember ever having seen Fox inside the stockade but I did see him between the railroad and the stockade in the camp of the sick and disabled. I cannot remember ever seeing Fuller, Minor or Bush inside the stockade.
David Fox was in the stockade with me. He is a brother of Lewis H. Fox. I do not remember seeing Lewis H. Fox from the time I saw him in the sick camp outside the stockade at Florence, S.C. until after we were exchanged and arrived at home on Furlough.
I do not know what became of Jerome W. Frink but I heard he had died there.
The last time I saw Everitt Fuller alive he gave me his diary to bring home to his Father and that day that Fuller gave me the diary I heard that Frink had died the night before. Fuller died the next day. I saw Fuller after he was dead, but I did not see Frink.
I heard Minor died there, Bush also died there, a comrade named H.G. Warner who was also there lived to get home and is still alive.
I do not recall any now alive who were there with us except the Fox brothers, Warner and myself.
Jerome W. Frink had the scurvy and diarrhoea while in prison and I suppose that was the cause of his death.
I have never seen anyone claiming to be a relative of his. I received a letter this last fall from H. L. Barnes of North Pharsalia asking me whether I knew Frink in the service an wanting me to make an affidavit as to what I know about him. I did not make an affidavit as I had heard there was some trouble about it and I did not want to be drawn into it. I wrote to Barnes telling him I did not want to say anything. Since Barnes wrote to me I have talked with Lewis H. Fox some about the case.
(Showing witness diary - bearing of fly leaf in pencil the name of Everitt Fuller, Co. B, 76th N.Y. Vol.) that is the diary I think that Everitt Fuller gave me at Florence, S.C. in October 1864 and which I brought home and gave to his father. I think Fuller died about the middle of October 1864 and Frink the day before.
I understand the questions asked and my answers are correctly recorded in this deposition.
/s/ William J. Crozier
Yes, this was my great-grandfather, William Jarvis Crozier. His brother John was also in the 76th. The affidavit was fascinating. It contained information that I had never heard before.
Such things as to the fact he went home twice for injury or illness. I have got to make a time line and see what battles he did participate in. (or didn't)
The odd feeling I got when I read his actual words is indescribable. It was as if he were actually talking. His age at the time of the deposition was 48, very near my own age now. Even this small bit of information really made a connection over the years. It was a very strange feeling.
- Dick Crozier, former Chairman, Major Andrew Grover Civil War Roundtable
Lewis H. Fox also gave an affidavit in this file.
- the MGCWRT would like to thank Conrad Bush for finding and transcribing the above affidavits.
Return to 76th Roster (C)
Return to Charles Bush page
Return to Letters from the 76th NY
Return to 76th NYSV Homepage
- Last Updated February 19, 2003


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Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2012)
Long maligned as a prostitute or a woman of questionable reputation, Mary Magdalene's murky story seems lost to the sands of time. Now a portrait of this enigmatic woman comes to life in the hands of an imaginative master storyteller. Diana Wallis Taylor's Mary is a woman devastated by circumstances beyond her control and plagued with terrifying dreams--until she has a life-changing confrontation with the Savior.
Lovers of historical and biblical fiction will find this creative telling of Mary's story utterly original and respectful as it opens their eyes to the redeeming work of Christ in the lives of those who follow him.
My thoughts:
I chose to feature the above synopsis instead of the one shown on the back of the cover for a personal reason. I admit I am only a student of the Gospels and for a moment as I read the cover's resume I thought there might be another Mary Magdalene!
The imagination of storyteller Diana Wallis Taylor brings readers however a new dimension to the picture we might have of this amazing woman who followed Christ till the end.
I found myself utterly enchanted by this author's narrative of a woman we know little of despite mentions in Luke, John and Acts.
We know Jesus cast off seven demons from her and that she was a close follower.
We also know she witnessed His mock trial and heard His sentence, she was present at His crucifixion and later amongst the women who find the empty tomb.
In 'Mary Magdalene' Diana Wallis Taylor weaves a stirring profile of a gentle child who learned the Scriptures, growing up in Magdala, a coastal town off the Sea of Galilee with caring parents.
Following a tragic event, Mary Magdalene lives the next few years plagued by nightmares and yet amidst of all this, finds love and eventually will be healed.
She eventually follows Jesus and witnessed to the Messiah's glory for the remaining of her life.
The author's rich historical and social details of Jewish life in Galilee in the time of Jesus interwoven with her chronicles of this amazing woman are most gripping!
A reader, young or old, will discover an emotional account of a woman we hardly knew and should remember first and foremost as one who was THERE.
This is the sort of enriching fictional work perfect as a gift for any young woman coming of age. It has all the elements of a love story of the purest form!
If I had a dozen copies, I would be passing them out right now!
5 Stars!!
About the Author:
An Award winning author (her book 'Martha' is # 5 on the UK Christian Book list), this grandmother with six grown children and 10 grandchildren, had her first poem published when she was twelve years old.
She enjoys writing Biblical Fiction and Christian Fiction and her novel 'Mary Magdalene' was published on 1 June 2012.
Her next project, a book on the wife of Pontius Pilate will be published in June 2013.
For more on this author read (here). Take a moment to read the section 'Staging your characters' actions' and check out her two other books, 'Journey to the Well' and 'Martha'.
I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.


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Cgi programmerpekerjaan
I am in the early stage of developing a high end recreational vehicle park in the US. I have current domestic experts who will be designing the land use facility layout . Within the facility I will need to have architectural work and renderings We wish to create a central park area with approximately eight (8) two story surrounding structures. The theme of the architecture needs to be very authe...
Who we are: We are a digital Marketing Company who build and manage every thing from Brand Websites, Social Media Accounts, Online advertisement campaigns, Professional portfolios, Creative content etc. From Time to time, if we are unable to fulfill a certain service request we reach out to our vast network of third party contractors as well as free lancers in order to fulfill the request on tim...
Need a 3D fly through animation similar to the one referenced below. To be considered for this job, you need to link an actual that mirrors this level of quality. Please don't bother with generic responses . Show your work. [log masuk untuk melihat URL]
Need to create a realistic CGI boat that is on fire, this is for a presentation of a fire fighting boat and live footage will be provided for compositing purpose. Type of boat that will be on fire will be notified later. The boat can be modelled or use ready-made model, your choice. The CGI boat won't be moving, but the camera will be is some scenes
I want to develop a 3D CGI Interior Design of Transforming Tiny Container Apartment. Apartment 1 1. Transforming Apartment - Automated Living Room, Kitchen and Beds (Single Beds and Double [log masuk untuk melihat URL] Transforming TV Ideas: [log masuk untuk melihat URL] 2. You can now label the transforming lights, kitchen
Fixing proble...undefined in a Java object of type class [[log masuk untuk melihat URL];." is due to the cgi.path_info variable being blank which can be verified by dumping the CGI variables on the server with <cfdump var ="#CGI#">. You should be able to work around this issue by updating your "cgi.path_info" references to be what their application is ...
I have a scree...who knows someone who can help me get this screenplay made into a real movie. I want this to be made into a live-action and partial CGI film. As it contains many fantasy elements and the Wogglebug is meant to be a CGI character only. And I am hoping to find a way to have the voice of the Wogglebug be the voice actor I know of already.
We are looking for someone who could create 3D CGI Instagram model and generate weekly pictures for feed updates. Here are a couple of examples: 1. [log masuk untuk melihat URL] 2. [log masuk untuk melihat URL] So the goal is to greate a real-life looking computer generated character with its unique personality and interests.
I want to develop a 3D CGI Interior Design of Transforming Tiny Homes. Apartment 1 1. Transforming Apartment - Automated Living Room, Kitchen and Beds (Single Beds and Double [log masuk untuk melihat URL] Transforming TV Ideas: [log masuk untuk melihat URL] 2. You can now label the transforming lights, kitchen, living room
Make a CGI model of Kendall Jenner
Il reste à finaliser une application Web qui utilise des CGI et Utilise HTML. Je cherche un développeur Web.
...caused the cgi scripts to become inoperable. They function, but do not pass any form data or link data which results in only loading the home page. Clicking any links or submitting any information to the script simply loops back to the home page. The script ran fine prior to the web host upgrade. I am looking for someone to debug this perl/cgi script
CGI Federal is seeking a qualified General Clerk III to join our Kit Assembly team. The position requires a self-motivated, detail oriented professional with excellent communication skills, problem solving ability, organizational skills, logistics background and the ability to learn Navy ERP. Performs logistics functions to receive, stow, handle and
When accessing .cgi file, it save to PC, instead of being executed. Please adjust right settings on newly installed WHM server. I'll give you WHM details, can access SSH through it's "Terminal" section. (May need you again in near future as I slowly migrate sites to new server.) :)
We are looking for an experienced Computer Generated Imagery specialist to alter some images in a video.
Hi, we are having one issue. when i inlude use JSON am getting error. we are using shared server. Regards Nishi
For a privat client project, I am looking for someone that can assist in rendering a campaign key-visual that will be used for various design deliverables incl. large format billboard. The visual shows a kaleidoscope reflection (imagine being inside one) with a gold credit card floating in the middle of it — reflecting and creating part of the overall pattern. It is crucial that the ...
...throughout, creating part of the overall pattern... we initially tried shooting it after building a mini kaleidoscope type booth but didnt work out in fact I believe 3D,CGI lets us control reflections/pattern etc much better (and quicker). I don't think this rocket signs but what will need some attention is the overall render. it really needs
Preciso de um criador de animação CGI. Para mais informações é só enviar mensagem
hi guys, I have images of Beds on a white background, an require these images to be displayed as they are in a bedroom, so basically placing the beds on a background of a bedroom. I have tried some people however the images were not looking realistic, as it was done on photoshop and I don't think it can be done on photoshop as the angle of the beds might not help. so I need someone who can ...
Hey, I am looking for Perl Developer who can work on a simple CGI script on forms. I will give you more details
In need of CGI. We will provide raw video. It will need to appear a gun is shooting after candy is used instead of real bullets. The gun will also have to appear as if plastic candy wrappers are coming out of the side of the gun in place of shells that normally do. We will provide images of wrappers.
Hi Mina, I was looking at some of your work and was interested. I am in the process of starting up a studio here in Calgary AB, Canada. We are involved...interested in looking for someone to help develop a team. We are also planning on offering training for new and bright talented individuals with the passion looking to get into the CGI industry.
First of all please note that this is not a particular project. We are looking for freelance vfx artists/teams for outsourcing various cgi projects and scenes. Please do include links to your reel/work samples in the proposal. Proposals without work samples will not be considered.
I'm a filmmaker from the middle east working on a sci-fi short series that is set in the future, I need a CGI artist to create a street view and landscape view with large billboards day and night
Hi Amanpreet S., we're a property marketing outfit in the uk. we are growing quickly and looking for extra help for when busy. do you have a portfolio of virtual staging and cgi work at all? I'm at [log masuk untuk melihat URL]@gmail.com. feel free to email me as easier. Thanks
I have a 20 acre site in the pacific northwest. My plans are varied and ambitious. I would supply a aerial view of the site and direct you to add (via Photoshop I assume) various structures, landscaping, amenities, etc. that I can use for presentation purposes. Photoshop proficiency a must, landscaping knowledge would be very helpful.
You take a site plan I would supply and embellish it. Add features, landscaping, amenities at my direction to create a presentation ready piece/graphic.
We have entered the Post Production stage of a project and require an experienced creative to assist with CGI / Green Screen work. Requirements: - Must be local to Hertfordshire, UK (The editor is needed IN the office for the duration of this project) - Must provide example of their previous work -Provide their daily rate of pay We have recently shot
We have entered the Post Production stage of a project and require an experienced creative to assist with CGI / Green Screen work. Requirements: - Must be local to Hertfordshire, UK (The editor is needed IN the office for the duration of this project) - Must provide example of their previous work -Provide their daily rate of pay We have recently shot
Hi, i want a cgi perl script developed by you. All info you will need is on the file attached. Also, test data is included and results should be same as on the pdf. If you need anything else contact with me. PLEASE READ THE PDF CAREFULLY.
I am looking for designers that have experience with CGI renders for the real estate industry. There is the potential for ongoing work for the right person(s) who can: • Create renders that look photorealistic • Have excellent design skills (not just technical skills). • Have their own extensive library of models • Can render both the interior and
...who can CGI the raccoon shown below in a live action video? Something a bit like this: [log masuk untuk melihat URL] (the raccoon will obviously be a bit bigger than them) I don't have it yet but when I do I can send you a Maya file with the raccoon model inside of it. I am hoping you can take the model from Maya and make it CGI in my real
Sila Dafter atau Log masuk untuk melihat butiran.
...with AutoCad, Sketchup, 3Ds Max, Vray, Adobe Photoshop, and Lumion. We can : Create 3D Floor plan from your images file, pdf, AutoCad,hand sketch, etc... FASTEST. Rendering ( CGI ) Ultra HIGH QUALITY IMAGES of interior/exterior. DESIGN INTERIOR, EXTERIOR for house, restaurant, cafe, hotel, apartment, etc modelling your lager 3D building Create 3D video
Increase image brightness (dark image) to look and appear similar to the brighter image (bright image)
Sila Dafter atau Log masuk untuk melihat butiran.
We need 3 images made, please see attached PDF for more details. The password is: 123456 to open the document.
CGI for the construction project
Our makeup artists messed up some shots and we need it fixed.
This project is for the conversion of the coffee app backend from CGI to Flask. Following the conventions in our public API. I need a good python developer who can build robust secure web apps. Or in this case, the backend for the react native app
I'm in need of CGI/VFX for a music video. It wouldn't be complete for about a month. But one scene would be my clothes needing to be switched as I'm in a still position. I have already recorded some scenes in White Sands, New Mexico which is pure sand hills except for several plants throughout. My concern is making the plants look like they're growing
I have done the attached render using sketchup and vray. I have a full model that i can send. However, i think it lacks the realism and quality i want. I will employ someone who can take the model and do a much better and improved quality render. Thanks
I need that attached file re-created in high res large size.
Creating product image and scene of furniture images using CGI Something similar to IKEA Has done something similar work in past
We have 1 CGI file need to convert that code to PHP. What that CGI will do is we have user interface : html from html we will call cgi if all the files are entered then it will send e-Mail. Need to convert this CGI to PHP.
We want to simplify a website that works under a central control via vhosts. At the moment we differentiate if a user accesses at the servers location or from remote (internet access). Now we look for a way to use the same code for both.
...> <input type="password" name="password" size=20>

Forgot Your Password?

</tab...
We need help by including a cgi Script into a Html Skript.


text: My husband has Triple Strep Pneumonia with Kidney Failure and a secondary pneumonia. He had dialysis for about a month and his kidneys are working again. He is still in ICU, on life support, out of the coma, that he was in for 18 days. He's been in the hospital since July 1, 2014 and I have no real support team. I've been told he will be in the hospital for the better part of a year or more.


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Back at the beginning of the month for my 4th of July party I made a ginger-orange cocktail that was so delicious that I knew I had to share the recipe. Whenever I'm hosting a party, I try to make things easier on myself by serving up one signature cocktail that guests can help themselves to. This tangy citrus drink requires only 4 ingredients, involves no cooking (Who wants to make simple syrup from scratch before a large gathering? Not me!), and will satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds! Here's how to mix up a batch that serves twelve:
Magic Ingredients:
-1 fresh orange, sliced into rounds
-5 cups orange juice
-2 quarts mineral water
-Ginger flavored vodka to taste
Getting Started:
1: In a large punch bowl, incorporate mineral water, orange juice, and ginger vodka.
2: Add the sliced orange into the punch bowl and chill until serving.
3: Enjoy!


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Two House bills set to go before a Senate panel Thursday could mean big changes for South Carolinians who carry concealed firearms.
House Bill 3799 would recognize concealed weapons permits from North Carolina and Georgia, while House Bill 3025 would recognize permits from all other states – as well as allow concealed carry in South Carolina without a permit.
South Carolina currently recognizes North Carolina permits, according to the State Law Enforcement Division, but does not recognize Georgia.
Rep. Bill Hixon, sponsor of House Bill 3799, said his constituents live near the Georgia state line, and frequently ask him to address the lack of reciprocity.
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"This is their number one priority back home," Hixon said. "Of my constituent requests, it's my number one request. Number two is roads and bridges."
Though Georgia does not currently recognize South Carolina permits, Hixon said Georgia state law automatically recognizes any state that accepts its permits – meaning his proposal would allow South Carolina residents to carry in Georgia.
Georgia does not require proof of training before issuing a permit, and does not have a central issuing authority. According to www.georgia.gov, county probate judges have authority to issue or restrict firearms licenses.
SLED issues South Carolina permits, and residents must show proof of accepted training when applying.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said he supports citizens getting concealed weapons permits because South Carolina's required training teaches when and how to use a gun.
"We shouldn't recognize states that give out CWPs like they give out candy," he said.
House Bill 3025, sponsored by Rep. Alan Clemmons, goes further, allowing carry of a concealed handgun without a permit. The bill does not explicitly mention permitless carry, but removes language currently requiring those carrying a firearm to also be carrying a valid permit.
Such propositions don't sit well with police, Lott said.
"Any effort that's going to dilute that training is going to get opposition from those of us in law enforcement," he said.
Glen Luke Flanagan: 803-771-8305, @glenlflanagan


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In any facet of your life, to get anywhere, you need to be consistent. The same goes for running, training and weight loss. The hardest part of beginning an exercise program is almost always taking that first step and showing up day after day, until it becomes a habit. Sticking with it is key to seeing results.
I'll admit I have never been overweight. I have been an athlete and I know when my body is trained or when I am carrying an extra few pounds that may be hurting my performance. Often, if I have taken a break from training it is HARD to go back. But you know what? Every time I get back to training, I never regret it. Sure, the first day or two is hard, but soon my mood improves, my body gets stronger and healthier and I get more done in all aspects of my life.
I have recently started training a beginners group of runners, a sort of couch-to-5k program. The first day my group of runners came a little scared, nervous and timid. Now, a month into the program, they are getting faster, stronger and more confident. Friend groups have formed and more members have joined. It's an awesome program, with amazing results so far in fitness, but also in community support and new friendships.
Last June I had the privilege of joining Nike in Oregon for a three day event, the Zoom Project, where I got to train and learn from elite athletes, Nike coaches and Olympians. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had the privilege of attending. The point of this project was to give influential runners the keys and tools to take back and share the love of running in their community and I can proudly say I have been able to do just that!
Along with running we also do strengthening and flexibility training so they get a full body workout and help prevent injury. I am excited to see how my runners improve over the next few months and to see them run their first 5k race! Running is truly a sport built to give back.
I encourage you to find a running group in your community and see how they can help you get faster, stronger and fitter than ever before! And if there are no running groups available, don't be afraid to start your own, or sign up for one of my online training programs!
Happy running!


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Looks like you are using an old version of Internet Explorer - Please update your browser
While the American Atheists are running their conference in Cincinnati in April 2019, we've decided to hold our own conference in the Answers Center of the Ark Encounter.
One reason young adults are leaving the church is that they don't understand the Old Testament. What can we do to help them?
Gospel Reset deals with the topic of how we can more effectively evangelize a secularized culture. It also clearly presents the gospel, founded in Genesis.
Terms like racism, prejudice, a black race, and a white race are common in news items these days. How should God's people respond to matters of "race"?
If creationists are unwilling to change their basic beliefs, does that mean they're not true scientists?
Our Special Effects Theater at the Creation Museum, already unique in the world, has been totally rebuilt and converted into a 4D theater.
We are serious about protecting and organizing the Answers in Genesis ministry for the future.
"Homophobic." "Misogynist." How do Christians address the criticism that they're hate-filled bigots?
We estimate around 30% of those who visit the Ark Encounter are non-Christians and 80% of the bus tours that bring tourists to the Ark are secular tours.
Has the gospel changed? No, it hasn't but the culture has. The method by which we present the gospel needs to be such that the culture will understand.
Our talks at UCO were a witness to a public university and clearly presented the foundation of God's Word and the gospel (including to the LGBTQ group)!
What a huge difference it made when Aborigines learned—from Genesis—we're all one big family.
We've made some changes to ticket pricing at the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter that favor families with children and youth.
The devil knows that if he can get one generation to doubt and disbelieve God's Word starting in Genesis, he can destroy one of the main purposes of the family. How—and why—is the family coming under increasingly aggressive attacks in America? Here are just some of the ways—and reasons.
Compromise on Genesis (particularly with Christians who add millions of years into the Bible) has had a devastating impact on how this generation views the Bible.
Many Christians have a different principle for interpreting Genesis 1–11 than they do for the rest of God's Word. Different views of Genesis come from people taking outside ideas, beliefs from fallible man, and interpreting the clear words of Scripture to fit those beliefs.
During the last couple of years, I've been experiencing a phenomenon that's been steadily increasing—hearing testimonies about our ministry's impact.
No results found in .
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.


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Ply split braiding is a technique where one twisted cord passes through another twisted cord or cords splitting the plies of the latter cords. This is unlike weaving or many forms of braiding where cloth is formed by threads interlacing in an over-under sequence. Patterns are formed by cord colour and splitting order.
Julie has developed this into an art form to make belts, bracelets, necklaces and sculptural pieces.
The following day Julie led a full day workshop. As the making of the twisted cords can take some time to produce she had worked hard to provide the twisted cords for the workshop participants.
Making the twisted cord
Splitting the cord
Other Group News
There is no meeting this month as we are having our summer break. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 5th September, 7pm The Guide Hut, Appleby, where we welcome back Katie from Japan Crafts who is giving a talk on the 'Kimono - The Costume of Japan'. Katie is very knowledgeable on this subject having visited Japan numerous times and she will be bringing with her plenty of samples of kimono and also vintage Japanese silks.
Non members are welcome, the cost is £6 which includes refreshments and a raffle entry.
The following day she will be running a workshop on Boromono (patch and stitch a piece of wall art from vintage kimono silks). If you would like to attend this workshop (£35 plus £10 materials) please contact us. Places are allocated to members first. This is the last time that Katie will be making the trip up to Appleby as she is concentrating on expanding her workshops at her business premises in Northallerton. For more information see www.japancrafts.co.uk


text:
Emile Verhaeren
Emile Verhaeren (21 May 1855 – 27 November 1916 / St Amands / Belgium)
The hounds of despair, the hounds of the autumnal wind,
Gnaw with their howling the black echoes of evenings.
The darkness, immensely, gropes in the emptiness
For the moon, seen by the light of water.
From point to point, over there, the distant lights,
And in the sky, above, dreadful voices
Coming and going from the infinity of the marshes and planes
To the infinity of the valleys and the woods.


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Chadwick 1 Light Pendant In Polished Nickel. The wattage of this unit is 100. Elk Lighting products are UL approved. Each unit must be hard wired. Indoor fixtures, such as vanitiy lighting, are only approved for a damp location (bathroom). Outdoor fixtures, except lantern fixtures which hang from a pendant, are approved for damp or wet environments. The lantern outdoor fixtures are only approved for damp environments.
Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 8"
Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 8"
Weight (lbs): 5CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)
|ELK Lighting
|Polished Nickel


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One of the most pronounced fears many new parents have is being handed the wrong baby at some point while in the hospital. At the hospital where my kids were born, neither of my babies left my sight from the moment they came out of me to, more or less, the moment we went home. We all had ID bracelets that couldn't slip off and my babies had alarm tags on their ankles. It was pretty secure.
But in other parts of the world, things are not as secure. And in Jodhpur, India, one story is particularly tragic. Two sets of parents who gave birth the same day were told they had a son. One of them, in fact, had a daughter. And now, nobody knows which one.
The boy was brought to the mother (who they are now saying isn't the mother). She believes it's her baby as anyone would. And now the hospital is saying otherwise and a baby girl has been abandoned by both parents who say she isn't theirs.
It's a tragedy any way you slice it and, in many ways, it's hard to blame the parents here. Would you trust the hospital in this case? I know I wouldn't.
Those early days are so important, though, both to baby and parents. They are the days when a mother sets up her milk supply, where she bonds with her baby, and where baby learns about the world outside of her mother's body. It isn't the time for baby to stay alone in her bed, far from the arms of her loving parents.
These images in my mind, of this poor baby girl, lying all alone, break my heart as a mom. And while I understand these parents were told something different, isn't it possible for one of them to love this baby while they wait for the results? Imagine the heartbreak one set of parents will encounter when they realize their baby was alone all that time.
If only the DNA test were faster. Every day this baby is alone is another day she doesn't have the warmth and love all humans need to grow well and strong. And every day this mother is separated from her biological child is another day she can't nurse her baby or hold her in her arms. It's just heartbreaking.
If you were these parents, what would you do?
Image via beelerspace/Flickr


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Not in the mood for sex? One of the oldest and most effective excuses for "not tonight dear" has been blown out of the water by a new study. Hold on to your maternity pants, because pregnant sex has just been deemed safe.
Depending on your condition, you may feel a wave of relief ... or dread. For some, pregnancy is a time of lust and longing and a sex drive in overdrive, and this news will come as welcome reinforcement of what we largely already knew. Others, who have used the danger factor as a reasonable explanation for why they wish they could, but just can't (besides the nausea, fatigue, and 75 extra pounds), are probably scrambling to cut the headlines from the morning paper before their partner sees them.
"There are very few proven contraindications and risks to intercourse in low-risk pregnancies, and therefore these patients should be reassured," authors stated in the Canadian Medical Journal.
Guess that depends on who you're talking to ...
They do point out that some high-risk pregnancies, such as women with a history of pre-term labor or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, may want to limit sexual activities, but even in those cases, there's not much evidence that sex induces labor. They suggest every couple seek the advice of their individual physician (don't they always?).
The most interesting piece of pregnant sex information I gleaned from the review that's good to file away: Don't let your partner blow air directly into your vagina. Doing so can cause a venous air embolism, which can block a blood vessel and kill both the mother and child. It's rare, but still, I'm not sure how I've never heard that before.
My favorite part of this review, however, is reassurance from its authors that sex during pregnancy is NORMAL. Get that, you're not a sex-crazed pregnant lunatic if you want sex after all. Phew! Their words: "Sex in pregnancy is normal." Thanks for clearing that up guys.
In any case, while this recent news may alleviate any lingering fears couples have about sex during pregnancy, I think it will more likely function as something for men to wave in front of the faces of their pregnant wives who are already well aware of it.
How do you feel about sex when you're pregnant? Does this news reassure you that it's okay, or take away your excuse for not being in the mood?
Image via Marcelo Canterelo/Flickr


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Kuldeepak 29th May 2017 Written Episode Update
Kuldeepak 29th May 2017 Written Episode Update on teleshowupdates.com
Scene 1
Vidya is watering the plants in garden. Chiragh says mummy play with me. Vidya says I have a lot of work. Chiragh says whom should I play with then? Vidya says let me make breakfast for everyone then I will play. He says no I want to play right now. I listened to you last night. I let you check my head. Vidya says I asked you to stay quite about it. Forget that I ever checked your head. He says what are you hiding from me? Vidya says you won't talk on this topic after today. Chiragh says you lied to me. Vidya says what lie? He says that you love me. Vidya says that is the truth. Every mom loves her child.. Chiragh says then why are you not playing with me? Chiragh says I know you don't wanna play with me. I am going to play with papa. He goes inside.
Vidya serves everyone breakfast. Paresh gives Vidya a file. she says what is it? Paresh says this is our greatest project till now. We named it chiragh enterprises. This will save his future forever. Manjial says its his gift for Chiragh. Manjial says why are you so lost? Vidya says chiragh is so young. Why we need to do all this. Paresh says I want to save my child's future. Manjila says yes. We don't see anyone but Chiragh. Paresh says he will make us so proud. Vidya recalls what Yashodin said. Vidya says in heart they don't know the truth. The tea cup overflows. Manjila says vidya are you okay? She says I don't know how this happened. Let me clean. Sheila says don't worry. I will. Give Diwan the tea and tell him this good news.
Vidya takes Diwan's tea. She hears Diwan saying chiragh leave me. Save me. She drops the tea. When Vidya comes to room she sees chiragh throttling Diwan. Diwan i saying help me. Chiragh leave me. Vidya recalls when chiragh killed yashodin. Vidya shoves chiragh away. She says stay away from him. He is devil. don't go near him. Diwan picks up Churagh. He says you shoved him so harshly. We were playing. What is the matter? She says I felt like.. Chiragh says mummy keeps scolding me. Diwan says mummy really loves you. Diwan says she can't scold you. Chiragh says she scolded me when I asked her to play with me. And now she is asking you not to play with me either. Diwan says you were saying he is devil? Yes he is devil. He laughs. Diwan says its his age. Vidya says I was worried. Diwan says we were just playing. You thought he will actually kill me? Diwan hugs Vidya. He says I really liked though. I heard when a woman becomes a mother her child become first priority and papa's love abates. But I am glad to see you still love. Chiragh says and how much you both love me? Diwan says this little. Chiragh says I won't talk to you. Diwan hugs him and says we love you so much. They both play with each other.
Vidya says chiragh is diwan's life. When he gets to know what is inside Chiragh he will be so broken. How will he face the reality.
Diwan says let me go to office now. Chiragh says see mummy I won. No one can beat me. He laughs. Vidya says enough. Stop laughing. Chiragh says you won't let me laugh now? I won't talk to you. Vidya hugs him and says sorry. Chiragh says I don't want to talk to you. Vidya says friends.. he says I have only one friend. Bulbul, I will talk to her. I will go to school. Vidya recalls when he injured Yash. Vidya says you won't go to school today. We will have fun at home. Chiragh says no I will go to school. Vidya says you wont go to school. He says I will. Vidya says you won't. Why don't you listen to me. She locks him in the store. Chiragh says mummy what are you doing. Please let me go to school. I will never annoy you. Please let open the door mummy.
Vidya says how can I send you to school. Your truth has tied up my hands. I can't leave you alone anywhere.
Scene 2
Everyone is on breakfast table. Paresh says what do you think about our new project diwan? Diwan says what project. Paresh says Vidya you didn't tell him about our new project? Where are you lost? Diwan says yes she is so lost. When I and chiragh were playing she thought he would actually kill me. Vidya says in heart how can I tell him the truth. Paresh says let me tell you. Our new project is launching chiragh enterprises. Bhagat says thats such a good news. Manjila says where is chiragh? Doesn't he have to go to school. Vidya says he must be here and there. Shanaya says I haven't seen him since morning. Everyone asks vidya where is chiragh? Vidya says he was arguing a lot since morning so I.. Shanya suddenly screams. Everyone asks what happened. She points at chiragh. Chiragh is standing there with a snake. Everyone is scared and screams. Diwan says chiragh leave it.
Vidya says in heart he has no fear. Chiragh throws the snake away. Diwan hugs him. He says are you okay? did it bite you? Chiragh says the snake was coming in from the window so I stopped it. Alpesh says wow you are so brave. Superman. Bhagat says yes chiragh is so brave. Vidya sees red light in chiragh's eyes.
Kuldeepak 30th May 2017 Written Episode Update Precap : Vidya says to Manjila yashodin said if a devil comes inside a human he can't live in society. Vidya says what should his mother do? Manjila says the mother should kill her motherhood to save the society.


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An unusual March thunderstorm brought hail and high winds to parts of the region, but largely skirted the Hub City.
Aberdeen got 0.04 inch of rain as the system moved through Thursday morning, said Troy Kleffman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. There had not been rainfall reports from local communities to the weather service office as of Thursday afternoon, he said, but radar indicated less than inch of rain across the region.
There were reports of pea-size hail in the Webster area and about five miles northwest of Wetonka in McPherson County, Kleffman said. Near Ashley, N.D., there were reports of inch-sized hail, he said.
Other reports from the region, according to the weather service website, included:
Leola: Pea-sized hail.
Turton: Dime-sized hail.
Summit: 45 mph winds.
Timber Lake: 74 mph winds and some toppled trees.
South of Keldron in Corson County: 70 mph winds.
The storm sparked warnings from the weather service before giving way to a pleasant day. The high temperature in Aberdeen reached 64 degrees on Thursday. The average high temperature for this time of year is about 45 degrees.


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You are a researcher studying the kinetics of the reaction between bromide and bromate ions in acidic aqueous solution.
BrO3- (aq) + 5 Br- (aq) + 6 H+ (aq) → 3 Br2 (aq) + 3 H2O (l)
Your objectives are
- Determine the rate law for the bromate-bromide reaction
- Determine the rate constant for bromate-bromide reaction
You have access to solid potassium bromide and potassium bromate and a concentrated perchloric acid solution as well as a stopped-flow apparatus. You must decide how to prepare the solutions used in the experiment and how to perform the stopped-flow experiment. (There are some restrictions on the concentrations that can be used.)
The spectrophotometer has been set to the absorbance maximum of bromine, which is the only colored species in this chemical system. The experimental data is a plot of absorbance vs time. You may need to find a way to convert the absorbance data into concentration data for bromine and/or other species. The uncertainty in the spectrophotometric measurements makes both very small and very large absorbances unreliable. The optimal operating range is absorbances between 0.1 and 1.0, though absorbances down to 0.01 and as high as 1.5 usually do not involve excessive error.
You may use any technique or strategy for achieving the experimental objectives. Any pair of values may be plotted on the graph at the left; linear regression may be performed on the data set.


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the despised cat tree has finally been shifted from the lounge, to the landing - where it is out of sight, but also much more fun for the cats - as they can run up the stairs and then up the cat tree - like screaming meemees. They are well trained, when they hear Flash's car they race to see who gets to the top of the tree first, because he always gives them a treat when he gets home - the top kitty gets the first treat - Layla wasn't moving last night.
- These kiwis do not want to fly home - so much so that they are hunger striking on the rooftop of the Villawood detention centre in Sydney - where they have been incarcerated awaiting deportation.
One of the 2 gentlemen is being deported after serving a sentence for armed robbery, the other for common assault.
I fully support their cause, we have enough criminals here in New Zealand.
- I hate duck season - I forgot how much...we live in an area surrounded by native bush, with lots of little streams and creeks leading to wetlands, it is all very beautiful, and it is all full of ducks, they wander our streets and forage in our gardens, silly people who think "oh cute!" feed them, and then have a monkey on their back forever more, as they open the door each morning to 10s of birds wanting a feed.
I hate that they pair up, and when one is inevitably run over (don't mix bogan petrolheads and ducks) the other one sits beside the body - I feel the weight of our collective human guilt heavily on my shoulders, and I haven never hurt one.
I hate that some of them have babies in the middle of winter - stupid ducks, and that I will see a local mother with 15 babies in the morning - and only 6 left by the afternoon.
This year we have a new duck challenge - despite our refusal to feed them, our cats who chase them, and our 6 foot high fences...this morning a duck found our pool, and very happy he was too, swimming around and quacking like a class of 3 year olds singing "Old Macdonald".
I will be buying a pool size net.
- there has been knitting - but if you are not a Raveller, then you do not know the extent of it...I have finished one sleeve of the blue blob, and attached it to the body stitches, now I am halfway through the other sleeve, looks like I will finish it before we go away!


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DECEMBER 9th, 10th & 11th
Biscayne National Park will hold three public comment sessions next week concerning its "Supplemental Draft General Management Plan" (GMP). CCA Florida encourages you to attend and voice your opinion. The National Park Service (NPS) GMP contains seven alternatives, two of which are new. Alternatives 6 and 7 each establish a "Special Recreation Zone" (SRZ). Under Alternative 6 the following rules will apply within the SRZ:
Under Alternative 6 access to the SRZ will be allowed based upon a limited number of annual permits (430 to recreational fishermen / 70 to guides / none for spear fishing). Alternative 7 is essentially identical to Alternative 6 except that it allows general access to the SRZ, but, it is completely closed to fishing during the summer months.
Alternate 6 is the NPS new preferred alternative and it eliminates the large marine reserve (no fishing zone) that was universally rejected by Florida's recreational anglers. The preferred alternative also removes the large no combustion engine zones and in their place includes slow-speed and no-wake zones.
CCA has concerns with the new preferred alternative offering such a limited number of annual permits. The plan does not require the permit to be used or forfeited; nor, does it allow for the issuance of short-term permits.
Shared permits would allow for more access and should include short duration access for visitors, including out of state anglers that desire to fish the Park as part of their vacation. The Preferred Alternative prohibits anchoring within the SRZ except when attached to a mooring buoy. Since there are very few of these mooring buoys currently in place, users will be effectively prohibited from fishing in many instances. CCA believes the NPS must also include a plan and fund additional mooring buoys to provide realistic access and avoid user conflicts. If, as suggested in the plan, there is concern for the SRZ's grouper population, descending devices could be required. The NPS should also consider limited access for seasonal trolling for pelagic species.
The NPS needs to address concerns of those who spearfish or fish east of the Park's boundary and that transit through the Park's SRZ as they return to port. Thus, direct transit through the SRZ with disallowed gear stowed should be permitted.
The NPS will hold three public comment sessions. All interested parties are encouraged to attend at least one of the three identical public meetings as follows:
1. December 9th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Newman Alumni Center, University of Miami, 6200 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL
2. December 10th, 6:00 -9:00 p.m.
City Hall, Commission Chambers, 404 West Palm Drive, Florida City, FL
3. December 11th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Key Largo, 99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL
CCA Florida encourages you to attend and voice your concerns regarding the Preferred Alternative. Ask the NPS to increase the number of SRZ permits, set aside a number of permits for shared use including seasonal or split day access and require that permits which are not used within an established time period to be available for reassignment. Tell the NPS that the prohibition on anchoring should not be implemented until funding and installation of mooring buoys is undertaken. The Park Service must also provide for through transit of those who have legally taken fish outside the SRZ.
If you are unable to attend one of the comment sessions, please click here to review the GMP and electronically provide your comments.


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In the clearance section of a certain store, there were these little blind-packs of things called "Squinkies." I don't know what the hell a "Squinkie" is, but my guess is that it's somewhere along the line of "The Next Big Toy." I bought a Hello Kitty one because hey, if I don't like it, that's just 50 cents wasted.
Apparently, these things are little teeny…figure things that come in a ball that can be opened and the thing played with. I was highly entertained, so I went back and bought the Belle ones I could find because I am a fan of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. I told Jamie about it and pointed out that they had a Cinderella one as well as a Snow White one. I told him I wanted to get the Snow White ones to see if I could get the witch or the queen, Jamie said I should get the Cinderella one to see if I got Gus-Gus.
I bought the remaining Squinkie packages that were there. Inluding the Hello Kitty one, I'd spent four dollars and some change.
In their balls, it's not much. The Disney Princess ones have sparkly balls while the Hello Kitty ones don't. I don't know why this is; it could be because princess things make everyone think of pink and glitter.
These things are roughly the size of a bouncy ball from a gumball machine. I'd do a comparison pic of them, but Snooch has discovered the bouncy ball and has knocked it somewhere. I'm sure he'll find it again when we're trying to sleep.
Out of their little protective shells, these things are the size of the original Polly Pocket or some of the original Littlest Petshop pets. They are the size of the first digit of my thumb. They also have a bizarre texture to them that's like that fine line between super slick plastic and dry plastic Fischer Price toys.
I was excited to see what I had gotten. Strangely, I had gotten all the characters I wanted. I got Lumiere, Gus-Gus, the evil queen, and the witch. As a bonus, I got Philippe (the cart-horse). The rose is kind of weird. It's painted on, but it doesn't surprise me since I'm sure it'd be very hard to figure out how to do the molding for the rose and the glass dome thingy. The Prince (who was in a Snow White package) looks like one of the little Fischer Price toys for toddlers.
I am highly amused I got three different Belles.
I realized after taking pictures of these little guys out of their little protective shells that it would be best if I left them in there. While we don't have children, we do have cats and dogs. While I'd love to say that our dogs would never eat one of these things, I don't want to risk it (and Bug's decided she's going to start counter-surfing again). Then, we have Snooch. I have no doubt he'd at least chew on one of these just to see what they taste like. Snooch is not right in the head, but he's been a great source of entertainment for chasing the bouncy ball around for two days.
I don't know why these are marketed towards children. Yes, they're cute and adorable, but these should not be in the hands of anyone under 6 and even at 6 it's a bit iffy. What if they got dared to eat one or stick it up their noses? I remember childhood and double-dog dares (I also remember when a 6 year old stuck a Lisa Frank large [neon green] bead up her nose when no one was looking because she wanted to see if she could do it. I was a kid too, and found the whole situation hilarious, but even I knew not to do that because I watched that episode of Pete and Pete).
The blind-packs are really cool because you don't know what you're going to get, but what if you get something that you hate? I'm not overly thrilled that I got Wedding Cinderella, but I can deal with it. Sure, you can trade them, but who else has these things? Maybe they are popular with elementary school kids, but it's awkward enough talking to kids about toys they have. (I work retail, it's part of my job to be nice and if I'm not overly busy to make light conversation with the customer) Now that I have these little guys, I have no idea what I'm going to do with them. Best I can hope for is string them up and hang them near my drafting table.
Based on the Squinkies that weren't on clearance, a two-pack is $2.49. I don't know if it's worth it to pay $2.49 for two tiny little critters in balls. For me, personally, it's not. Paying 50-cents or $1 is ok, but that's because I'm not one of the people this is geared towards (I did willingly pay $2.49 for a blind Trash Pack months ago). And, seeing as this is geared towards kids, paying $2.50 is a lot like giving kids quarters at the grocery store so they can try their luck on getting the little toy out of the gumball machine that they really want.
Considering the price of kids toys now, it's a decent price if it makes the kids happy and they'll play with it for more than 30 seconds. And hey, I used to collect Trolls* as a kid, so the whole concept doesn't bother me of these things. I'm just more concerned that someone won't be paying attention and a kid will either swallow it or get it stuck in their nose. Neither option is good.
*The actual Trolls, not this bizarre Trollz crap they're selling now. I mean the weird, slightly freaky, will probably animate and kill you in your sleep Trolls that had the small smile of looking like it knows exactly what's going on and the eyes would follow you wherever in the room you were. Those trolls were awesome.