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Below is the new article for this season that has been published under my name on the TimesofOman.com website.
Leave comments if you wish..
Unfortunately, the time has come for us to think more and more about our actions and what we say and do behind the walls and doors of our own private courts, simply because the world we now live in is no longer the world we recognize.
I know that most of you who read these words would have some kind of questionable look on your faces because of that comment only because I wrote not too long ago on this very column about me and my philosophical look towards the world we live in by saying that 'the world we live in has not changed, it us who have changed because we are more aware of it now". And that statement stands true today as it stood on that day.
It is because we so much aware of what goes in our lives and the world that surrounds us that we fear the inevitable. The fear of having to come face to face with what we have to in the future –– near or far. Thus us trying in every way possible to push it further away.
Some of us take up a hobby to pass the time so as not to think about it. Others enjoy writing on what is on their minds contemplating the troubles that they would have to face in order to find out some sort of solution in the exercise to put at ease the mind's troubles. Others just think on and on and do nothing whatsoever.
No matter what the issue is here, you would rather see yourself running away than looking at the problem eye to eye. Even though you work on the issues that do run in your way, you still end up escaping from the reality that you yourself are trying to get away from.
Look at it this way, you get a job and you start having no time at all for things you want to get focused on. Let's say some rest, some food, some love (the clean type). You end up trying to make some more time in order for yourself to have an escape route show itself in your path so you can route for it at the nearest possibility. That's escapology.
The ill choices conceived by the human mind are the cause of this mental mayhem. They push us to make the mistakes that we wished we never would do. They ask us to do what we said we would never attempt to do unless there was no option. The economy that we live in expects us to be a part of the producing clan. The one who can rise up at 6am come back at 7pm with no complain whatsoever. It expects us to be robots. The type that would push on further and further and always asking for more. Something more of a dream; is it not?
The power to fulfill one's needs is to attain the ability to move in the right direction otherwise your whole mind, body and entire soul might push you to hallucinations, doldrums, and illusions that you are living 'the dream of your life'. Which you are truly not.
The ill choices that we conceive as human beings must be rectified. The expectations that we choose should be our own and not the society's. Not the family's. Not the world's. It should be our own little 'gem'.
Because, in the end, who are we really doing it all for?
- TimesofOman.com: This is the world we live in
Monday, July 23, 2007
TimesofOman.com: This is the world we live in
Below is the new article for this season that has been published under my name on the TimesofOman.com website.
Posted by Sleepless In Muscat at 13:23
2 comments:
- chiarina said...
Really Great!
We should became aware of all this..
"The economy that we live in expects us to be a part of the producing clan. The one who can rise up at 6am come back at 7pm with no complain whatsoever. It expects us to be robots. The type that would push on further and further and always asking for more."
yes, i agree...
We are called to have a life style that is good for the "economy machine": we work and live just for keep a "status", for buy more, for waste more...
But with all this we are starting to forget the important things in the life, we have lost the human touch, the sense of the others, the respect for the others... we just think for ourself.
And, most of all, we are killing this planet, finishing all the natural resources, killing people -and telling lies to the world- in the name of the "black gold"...or money, in general.
A big help of all this shame is coming from TV, and from who control this. Infact we must not forget that television is just a "furniture", the problem is who select the news, in which way we have to recive them, which kind of programs must fill our brains.
If we look at the situation of the world now, and where are we going on, we will see just a disaster: no way to escape.
There aren't many solution of all this... or we wait and keep killing each other and natural resources untill the death of the last human in this world...
or we start to work hard for changing first of all our daily life, love more ourselves and the others, and respect this world.
It sounds utopistic... but i don't think so.
In somehow the ocean is made of drops...
- Sleepless In Muscat said...
Somehow, I don't think I could add anything more over what you said. Thank you for your comment.


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Printers, Copiers, Scanners And SuppliesAs much as 3D serwis ploterow w Poznaniu have evolved in their short history, they still tend to look like they were made for hobbyists, by hobbyists. The new Epson L-series is a major development in Printers that Epson is Proud to offer to Filipino Customers. The cutting condition in the cutting plotter can be monitored and configured from the software. Make sure your printer has a green light on the feed button and that your green light is solid green. I can't say enough great things about Joe, and how they do biz at Printer Repair Depot!
Large tasks need to be sent piecemeal, or the serwis ploterow will complain about buffer overflow errors almost immediately. Again, we had a lovely conversation, and he even helped to take my printer to my car. One way to help track down the print job is to press the Printer button on the copier to bring up the printer screen. Portable laser printer that uses wireless technology is relatively more expensive than other types of printers.
For home offices which are printing documents, naprawa ploterów w Poznaniu and charts, they have to choose the best brands of printers that can perform these tasks. Produce crisp lines and detailed drawings, using Original HP inks and printhead technology. When I last checked, they will pay for the shipping and handling of only Compaq and HP printers They also have a buyback option for people who are interested in getting a little cash back.
Engineers have designed 3D printers that can produce parts for everything from airplanes to engines, extending the life of products that otherwise require replacement. It goes without saying that 3D printers are rather expensive when compared to a traditional version. Plus I'll be saving money by not having to buy expensive name brand ink just because the manufacturer frowns upon me using refilled or re-manufactured ink cartridges.
The first time I tried, the printer kept making noise as if it was typing, then I got the message again! Not anymore: The newest printers designed for the small office/home office are capable of making fast, quality prints, and one terrific option is Canon's Maxify MB5420. While there were skeptics, many investors and analysts had called for a break-up of HP or a sale of the PC business so that HP could focus on the more profitable side of its operations.
This offers a faster print speed (66. 7% increase), 6 inks which provides a greater range of colours, 1 longlife printhead (same as the T520), automatic front loading roll feed, integrated output stacking tray and basket underneath, increased memory of 32GB (versus 1GB), adjustable colour touchscreen, reviewing table top and ability to operate the printer from a seated position.
We offer a quick response time, fast repair time and extremely competitive pricing, so call us today for all of your printer repair needs. And color laser printers are much more affordable than they used to be, making them practical for many home users. After the search is done, Windows 10 will show you a list of the available printers. Some printers feature multi-purpose trays, which allow you to print on envelopes and heavier paper types.
To see actual routes on your plotter go to Menu > My Data > Routes > Show/Hide > Show all > Chart. The most common usage of all in one printers is for school work or by amateur photographers to print photographs. It would be time consuming to analyze the output solely on the basis of numerical value's; and this is the place where the Serial Plotter comes handy; in visualizing the waveforms being produced.
It is pushing for 4. 5 billion yen ($44 million) to be included in the budget to subsidize development of high-end 3D printers. Remember to set the Baud Rate of the Serial Plotter so that it matches that of the code. These printers can print at high speeds, for efficient production of large volumes. It's possible that Brother is selling this printer so cheap in the hope that you'll continuously buy expensive cartridge refills.
We provide manufacturer authorized warranty and post-warranty service for most of the printers that we sell. Fact is, that the HPGL was one of the first and certainly still is the most important plotter language, and the 9872A plotter can be considered as the grandfather of all HPGL devices. Also, as we learned recently, most inkjet printers designed for home use actually have the printhead built into the cartridge itself.

subset: commoncrawl


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Thanks to My Trendy Tykes I am now the proud own of $100.00 worth of Weimen cleaning supplies, WOOT! My prize package includes:
-Wrights Silver Cream
-Perfect Planet Floor Cleaner
-Weiman Furniture wipes
-Weiman Stainless Steel Wipes
-Weiman Granite Wipes
-Wonder Mop
-WonderFiber Cloth
Hope it gets here in time to try out before Diego comes!
Update: What fantastic cleaning products! We are sold and we love these so much. The boxes came fast and I use everything! They work great too, we even bought more weimen products because we liked them so much.


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We have a little over three and a third acres, about half of which is covered in woods. Our house, the garage, smoke house, and surrounding yard and flower and herb gardens take up about half of the rest, and that leaves a largish open place at the back for growing vegetables, playing ball, and keeping chickens, and another spot to the north for other poultry and a goat pasture.
When we first bought the place, the civilized parts around the house and along the driveway were beautifully landscaped, but the rest of it was a tangle of wild rose, sawbriar, poison ivy, Virginia creeper, honeysuckle, wild grapes, and I don't know what all. It was beautiful, but it was infested with black snakes and ticks, and the moths and June bugs were so bad at night that we couldn't leave any outside lights on or stay out after dark.
My predecessor spent several hours a day maintaining the gardens but I don't have the time or the talent for that, so the gardens aren't nearly as pretty as they were six years ago, and we've had to remove several things that were just too labor-intensive. But having poultry has nearly eliminated the bug population plus they keep the snakes away from the house. The goats have eaten all the undergrowth so that we have a lot of clear land. The woods are more open to the sun and breezes now so it's a lot more pleasant in the summer.
Our farm animal population right now consists of eight goats (a wether, four does, and three kids), some chickens (we already had a few males that were for meat, and we just got about a dozen hens and another rooster from a neighbor who is selling out and going to live like gypsies for a year or two), three turkeys (Thanksgiving dinner for us and a friend), a few ducks (for eggs and meat), a gosling, and one guinea hen that is sitting in vain on a well-hidden nest of unfertilized eggs.
Our goats give us all the fresh milk we drink year-round. The first few years we had them, we bred the does in the late summer, then dried them off two months before the kids were due, so we had a few weeks when there was NO MILK. It was awful. After you've gotten used to drinking raw milk it's really really hard to go back to pasteurized milk. During the dry times we bought a few gallons of raw cow milk from an Amish farmer in Maryland, but it's not only expensive, it's just not the same as goat milk, which I've found I like better than cow milk.
For the last couple of years, we've managed this by not breeding all of our does. We have one in particular that "milks through" quite well. That means that she doesn't have to be bred every year to keep her production up. Many goats are like this and will continue to produce high quality, good tasting milk, unlike cows which have to be bred every year or the flavor of the milk will deteriorate. Production does drop in the winter and I have to ration the milk, but then it comes back up in spring.
My 22 year old daughter has a salad and herb garden along the south-facing side of the house, and she's moved our raised beds to a location that makes mowing easier for me. She put the beds very close together and mulched between them with old hay and straw from the barn floor, hoping that she can keep the grass out of the beds this way. The one old raised bed that's still in place has a crop of garlic she planted last fall, so that has to stay until the end of summer. In the new beds she has cabbage, beans, tomatoes, and some herbs that make good companions and help repel pests. She also has a patch of Jerusalem artichokes.
We also have three apple trees, four peaches, and two pears, but the fruit is small and not very good. We have a nice patch of blackberries in the back yard, which finally started blooming a week or so ago. Here's some folklore for you that has always been reliable: when your blackberries bloom you're past all danger of frost and can set out your tomatoes. :-)
Well, this is a lot longer than I meant for it to be. I wish I had some nice pictures for you but I don't have anything recent. Even the pix in the mosaic in the sidebar are from a couple of years ago. :-p
Friday, May 13, 2011
Our mini-farm
Posted by Kelly at 5:02 PM
Labels: family news and history , flora and fauna
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Guided Fly Fishing On The Millers, Swift, Middle, West and East Branches Of the Westfield River and the Ware, North and Mill rivers. Contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 978-790-4320. YOUR BEST SOURCE FOR MA. FLY FISHING INFORMATION, the top ranked fly fishing blog in Massachusetts! What FLY FISHERS read!!
Sunday, January 3, 2016
First Trip Of 2016 - From The Gauge To The Pipe
It was cold and dark at 6:45 am when I drove past the Y Pool lot - one vehicle! Then I pulled into the PIPE lot - 4 vehicles. No matter. I knew where everyone would be and I would take the census later. I took my time rigging up because my spot (see title of post) was empty (of course!) which gave me the time to work a "New" soft hackle fly. This is a slimmed down or "reduced" pattern with a brightly colored thorax. That hot color - hot orange, hot red and hot yellow, hot green has been ignored in the past on Soft hackles. Believe me, I've looked hard but found only a few online photos that came close to it. The vast majority of thoraxes out there are basically natural colors. Great colors for most of the year but I wanted something bright for winter fishing. The bodies are almost nonexistent, Just one layer of thread back even to the point. Some have no body short of the hook shank. This gives you the opportunity to tie a smaller fly on a larger hook which means better holding power.
I picked three bows up quickly while losing one that went airborne. I worked my way down stream taking a leftover brookie in the process. This stretch isn't loaded with fish but the satisfaction of fishing it can't be beat!!
Finally I worked my way down to the PIPE. I noticed that more people were leaving than arriving but it was still a surprise to see only two anglers there. One fly fishing and the other flinging a lure. Where are all the bait boys that we were told to expect??
I goofed around down there for a half an hour hooking three and landing one and then decided to go back upstream. Twenty minutes later I saw the last two anglers leaving. Now I could assess the bait boy damage. I tied on my version of a McPhail Buzzer as the bottom fly and all hell broke loose. I took about a dozen in less than an hour with #20 working the best tied to 5x. The trout ignored the soft hackle and only wanted that larva/pupae imitation.
I used to tie this fly exactly to McPhail's instructions and it was very effective but I've reduced this down to basic elements and it works fine plus you can tie them in a minute without breathing hard. I'll be tying some at Charlies in February!!!
I then hoofed it back to the vehicle, broke out my pocket butane stove and heated up a bowl of spiced up tomato soup to go along a giant chicken sandwich and then paid a visit to the upper Swift where I saw a few hardy souls and no trout taken in the hour that I walked around. One word of note: Bill R. mentioned that there is a movement afoot to close the upper Swift (above RT 9) at dusk which will put an end to the brave souls who night fish up there. If any of you know more than I've just said please drop me a line.
Don't listen to those who say the lower river is fished out. It isn't!!!
14 comments:
- lenny tamule said...
All the bait guys were there today, flanking me both sides at the pipe. I experienced a similar result as you did with the soft hackle and slim fly as the dropper. It was real slow until I put on the size 26. Messed around at the vise and tied up hot spot soft hackles and they caught two, but softies weren't really on the menu today
- January 3, 2016 at 5:45 PM
- Parachute Adams said...
Congrats on the great day and thanks for the heads up on what they were hitting. That is what I will be tying on the next chance I get to fish up there.
Regards, Sam
- January 3, 2016 at 6:42 PM
- Millers River Flyfisher said...
Things are starting to cool down which will slow done nymph (mayfly) activity. Now we go to scuds and larva/pupae. Were the bait boys catching anything? Saw only one on Saturday.
- January 3, 2016 at 7:22 PM
- Millers River Flyfisher said...
Thanks and don't forget the scuds either!
- January 3, 2016 at 7:25 PM
- Parachute Adams said...
Appreciate the reminder on the scuds, Ken. I have some small ones tied up that look pretty good. I'm glad to hear the fish are still hitting now that winter has set in to some degree.
Regards, Sam
- January 3, 2016 at 7:35 PM
- lenny tamule said...
They caught some, one guy could only catch 6" dinks other than that they didn't do that well. In the morning one fly fisher said something to a bait guy about the limit and then the bait guy went off about how they're going to come every day and clean the pipe out but of all the bait slingers there only a few actually caught some that I saw and I was there at 730. A lot of them didnt have any patience and kept bouncing around.
- January 3, 2016 at 7:55 PM
- Mike C said...
What size scuds do you typically bring to the Swift?
I have been studying the picture of the scud on your pages. I am guessing the recipe.
Dubbing: brown?
Rib: Thin copper wire
Shellback: Crystal flash?
- January 4, 2016 at 2:53 PM
- Millers River Flyfisher said...
Mike C.
My scuds are size 14 and 16. Sometimes 18 but not often.
Dubbing - olive Australian possum (real fur and not the synthetic blend stuff) If you don't have the real stuff then olive rabbit or beaver dubbed LOOSELY will do.
Shellback - very thin plastic cut from a clear and very thin plastic bag like a lunch bag or from a food storage bag. Cut it as thin as you can. This thin stuff will show the dubbing underneath better than the stuff you're supposed to use. You cannot cut this stuff too thin. It will work!
Rib - very thin copper wire
Some of my pictures appear to have crystal flash but that's the photo and not the way I tie these things.
Have fun!
- January 4, 2016 at 5:01 PM
- Mike C said...
Thanks Ken
I will tie some up with rabbit. I don't have opossum but I will look for it.
- January 4, 2016 at 7:11 PM
- Parachute Adams said...
Ken, you may have posted about this before, but do you do any good with streamers? I like tying them once in a while versus the tiny flies. Easier on my aging eyes.
With regard to scuds or sow bugs, I learned that plastic bag method from a Jim Misiura video I found on youtube and it works darn well. He also ties wings for dry flies out of plastic grocery bags, but I can't seem to make that one work.
Regards, Sam
- January 5, 2016 at 7:50 PM
- Millers River Flyfisher said...
I don't fish streamers often. Mostly small marabou ones when I do.
The great fly tier John Betts used plastic bag material for wings. Something to do with "going with the grain or warp of the plastic. Maybe for spinner wings but that's it.
- January 5, 2016 at 9:10 PM
Hello Ken, I have noticed that you seem to fish the Swift much more than the EB or the Millers. Is there a reason for this or you just like the Swift better? I am trying to decide where to fish this weekend if I gather courage to endure the cold weather. Thanks.
- January 6, 2016 at 2:08 PM
- Millers River Flyfisher said...
Not exactly! From May through October I fish/guide on the EB and the Millers as much as the Swift UNLESS the other two rivers are blown out with high water or too low and warm. In the winter the EB and the Millers can be frozen over. Not the Swift. You should get the picture!
This weekend - the Millers is way too high and I've never had much success on the EB after early December although the flow is good right now.
- January 6, 2016 at 5:09 PM
Thank you, Ken. The Swift it is. Temperature seems really nice but big chance of rain.
- January 7, 2016 at 1:26 PM


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A dollar and a dream
Note: This column appears in the 4/5 issue of The Glendale Star and the 4/6 issue of the Peoria Times.
The City of Peoria recently renegotiated its lease with Arizona Broadway Theatre. ABT had requested a new lease because they are $150,000 in the hole, and could not afford to pay its $4,900 monthly rental payment. The City of Peoria was like, "Oh, that stinks about you being kinda broke. We'd be happy to create a new lease. How about … one dollar? Will that work for you?" And ABT was like, "Yeah, that should work." (These are not direct quotes.)
Upon hearing about the lease, the City of Glendale was like, "Pfft. We've been charging the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox—two of baseball's biggest markets—one dollar annually to play at Camelback Ranch-Glendale since 2009. And we spent over $200 million to build that complex for them."
Granted, in lieu of a traditional lease, the Dodgers and White Sox are responsible for the maintenance and operational costs of the complex year-round. That agreement is more beneficial to the city in many ways, and other cities—Kannapolis, N.C., for example—are attempting to follow suit with their major and minor league teams. This warrants mentioning, but does not curb my fascination with the $1 lease.
Regarding ABT, however, the argument was successfully made before council that its presence is crucial to Peoria's art and culture scene. And hey, I have nothing against ABT as an institution. I've been to a show there, and it was great, and I think more people should go. But I kind of thought art was supposed to sustain itself organically. Art can be so pretentious sometimes, I mistakenly thought it was above a government bailout.
I mean, I would certainly like to have the following conversation with, say, a car dealer.
Dealer: We built this motor vehicle.
Me: Yes, and I would like to drive it, but not forever.
Dealer: Okay, we must then negotiate a lease.
Me: Sure. I'll start the bidding at $1 per year.
Dealer: This is not a bidding process. And that is insane.
Me: BUT—you didn't let me finish—but, I will be responsible for the maintenance and operational costs.
Dealer: You are responsible for that anyway.
Me: Oh.
Dealer: How about $320 per month?
Me: I cannot afford that. I am broke. How about instead of that, one dollar? After all, me driving this car is very important to your reputation as a car dealership and the culture of driving cars in general. People see me driving a car and they're like, "I want one of those, and I want to live in a city where people drive those things."
Dealer: Silence.
Me: Plus, if you don't work with me there's a good chance the car could sit vacant, which nobody wants to see.
Dealer: Or, someone who can afford to will lease it.
Me: Staring.
Dealer: Staring.
Me: Staring very hard.
Dealer: Okay, it's a deal.
And that's just a car. Last week I paid $9 to return a pair of shoes I purchased online, so I would be more than happy to pay just a dollar to maintain a residence or establish a place of business.
As I'm sure would lots of other people. It's unfortunate that all local, privately owned businesses don't enjoy the good fortune of having their services recognized as crucial to the well-being and reputation of the city at large. It's too bad people who fix HVAC units don't do so "culturally." It's too bad people who make pizza aren't a professional sports team.


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The website will be getting updated all over as we have sponsors, adding project pages and we will be adding conformation pages for each day…so there is much to be done…it is so exciting though…SunshinePaddle is the user name on our youtube account for anyone who wants to check out the videos…we keep photos at Photobucket and on facebook, our page is The Sunshine Paddle
I made sure the Longaberger arrived at the shelter…Trish and I went over everything that has been going on…the sound of pride in what we are accomplishing made me feel great.
The Blue Horizon needs some work (her rudder needs rewired and she needs new deck bungees)…I have been trying to borrow or find a roof rack…while trying to find one, I have checked out a few places or Kayak doctors that I would trust her and my saftey with…I will be taking her to George at Economy Tackle in Sarasota…it is a bit of a drive, but there is a beautiful beach there…I also have faith in the staff there…I will be happy to get her on the water;)
We are currently working on getting The New Day crated and on her way to the shipper, she is still moored in Norwood, MA...I have entrusted her to Moniques husband and I have faith…I am very excited to see her and test drive her…I will post pics as soon as I have them
I hope to be at Sarasota Beach on Saturday…we are supposed to have a cold front coming in…fingers crossed it will stay warm just a few more weeks…I need a spray skirt …also looking for a water proof radio or mp3 player
I have been asked many questions…let me answer a few…I am not perfect, I have a past, I am not ashamed of who I am…my last picture, on my last license, in VA says it all…I had to go where I went, to get me here and here is pretty freaking cool…I am working to payback, so that others may too have a way forward from HELL…I understand what I face is not easy, what is right is often not easy…I honestly feel privileged to be chosen for this task…I am not afraid but, I do have a healthy respect for the ocean…I am a strong swimmer…Marion has been making sure I take every boating safety class she can find…it is nice to be loved;)
May the tide roll up to greet you with 100 blessings,D. Cooper-Rooney, LMT


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Cooper Cos. (COO) set plans for a $1 billion refinancing.The Lake Forest, Calif., health care product maker said the new plans include a $650 million revolving credit facility and a private offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2015. Cooper intends to use borrowings under the new revolving credit facility and the net proceeds of the notes offering to repay in full its $250 million term loan and all outstanding borrowings under its existing $750 million syndicated bank credit facility, which will be terminated. The new revolving credit facility will be unsecured and will include customary guarantees from domestic subsidiaries and negative pledges on assets. The exact terms and timing of the new financing will depend on market conditions and other factors. "This new financing is intended to serve our financing needs for the foreseeable future," the company said. "We are pleased to be working with a bank syndicate that recognizes our improving financial position, our favorable operational outlook and the significant progress we have made integrating Ocular Sciences into CooperVision.''
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Saturday, August 08, 2009
Good Dog News
I'm getting a bit excited about my soon occurring holiday in Cornwall. One thing that adds to this is news that a compromise has been reached that allows Newfoundland Bilbo to patrol Sennen beach once more. In an outbreak of what some might call political correctness gone mad, Bilbo was banned from the beach because dogs are not allowed walk on the sands, while he was banned from riding around on a quad bike for health and safety reasons. This despite his training as a life saver and determination to make sure that people always swim between the flags. Bilbo is now allowed to work on the beach on a part-time basis.
I will definitely not be swimming outside the flags just so that I can be rescued by Bilbo.
image source
I will definitely not be swimming outside the flags just so that I can be rescued by Bilbo.
image source
4 comments:
- bilbo said...
Always swim between the flags!
- 10/8/09 09:49
- William said...
Where are you going in Cornwall? I recommend the national seal sanctuary. They have Vietnamese river otters that poop and then do a little dance.
I didn't check out the Doctor Who exhibition at Land's End but it seems so doubly iconic that it shouldn't be missed.
St Ives is charming.
Will you be there with someone who has a car? I think that helps a lot.
- 13/8/09 16:27
- ian said...
I don't really hold with cars. I might make it to the seal sanctuary, but the monkey sanctuary is also crying out for attention. I think we will go to Land's End (as it is v. near Bilbo's beach), so hope to check out the Dr Who exhibition.
- 15/8/09 16:04
- Swimming said...
I would rather prefer to be saved by the girls of Baywatch!
- 21/8/09 14:50
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text: I am responsible for the marketing & administration of our company's eCommerce site. I get paid a commission of the sales. We are currently using Authorize.net as our payment processor and CyberSource as our Merchant account. However CyberSource seem to be charging quite a bit for its services. When we sighed up for Authorize.net we automaticly were given an account with CyberSource. I would like to shop around for a merchant account with lower fees. My commission works like this (Total Sales) - (Credit Card Fees from CyberSource) - (Shipping Costs) X (My commission rate) = My commission. As you can see if I can lower our merchant fees from CyberSource I will get a larger commission. Our site averages about $20,000 in sales a mount Our average transaction is $127.82 Can anyone recomend a different merchant provider that we can switch to to lower our fees?


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Crop Insurance Update
Here are a few crop insurance updates to note for 2017. Information provided by Williamson Insurance Agency. Learn more at www.cropcoverage.com.
Prevent Plant – Crop insurance will now pay you 55% of your Revenue Guarantee (instead of 60%) if you qualify for a corn prevent plant payment. Popcorn and soybeans remain at 60%.
Replant – The policy now states that you must try to replant the first planted crop through the late planting period. Previously you could replant a different crop prior to the late planting period and still have coverage. The late period for corn now runs through June 30 so you must replant corn through that date if that was your original crop.
Entity Changes – Any entity name changes (LLC, DBA, etc.) had to have been filed with the Farm Services Agency prior to June 1, 2016 to be eligible for premium support on their 2017 crop insurance policy.
It's important to keep good separate records for all farms in order to maximize potential payments for actual production. Otherwise, an average of all your farms may be used when figuring payments and only 75% of that will be figured as your farm production average.
– See more at: https://www.cnbohio.com/AboutUs/CNBNews/ExecutiveNewsletter/Default.aspx
Citizens National Bank and Williamson Insurance Present 2017 Ag Outlook
On Tuesday, January 24 beginning at 8:30 am, Citizens National Bank and Williamson Insurance Agency will jointly offer a free seminar to local farmers and ag businesses. The event will be held at the Delphos Eagles Aerie #471, 1600 E. 5th Street, Delphos, Ohio. A continental breakfast will be served prior to a presentation by Williamson Insurance describing an overview of annual crop insurance changes and what farmers can expect in the upcoming year. Featured speaker, Bryce Knorr, Senior Market Analyst with Farm Futures Magazine, will follow with the main presentation. Lunch will be served immediately following.
About Bryce Knorr: Senior Market Analyst Bryce Knorr first joined Farm Futures Magazine in 1987. In addition to analyzing and writing about the commodity markets, he is a former futures introducing broker and is a registered Commodity Trading Adviser. He conducts Farm Futures exclusive surveys on acreage, production and management issues and is one of the analysts regularly contracted by business wire services before major USDA crop reports.
Those wishing to attend may RSVP to 888-399-5276 by January 21.
Ag Outlook 2016
Crop Insurance Updates, Senate Bill 1 and the Internet of Agriculture
Wondering what the future holds for agriculture?
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for in 2016.
- Crop insurance trends – Jason Williamson of Williamson Insurance in Convoy, Ohio notes a new trend in crop insurance is whole farm revenue protection. In order to qualify for this protection, you must have 3 commodities; show a 5 year average income, a projected income for the current year and each commodity must be 11% or more of your revenue to qualify for 85% coverage. Livestock is able to be covered with this product. Important to note is if one crop does well and another doesn't, you might not have a claim because it's based on an average of the revenue for the entire farm. For more information about whole farm revenue protection or any of the other crop insurance products Williamson offers, visit their website cropcoverage.com.
- Senate Bill 1 – As of February 2016, Senate Bill 1 took effect, which put into place new regulations and restrictions in regard to surface manure and fertilizer application. According to Matt Lane, Pollution Abatement Administrator with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, larger farmers are required to comply now, medium farms have until July 2016 and small farms until July 2017 to provide time to build storage space if needed. Minor violations can cost up to $2,000 per day and major violations up to $10,000 per day. The bill was created to focus on application of products on frozen ground specifically and includes:
a. Ensuring runoff doesn't go into the western basin,
b. Nothing is applied to the ground with more than 1/2 inch precipitation. (This doesn't apply if it's applied below ground or worked in within 24 hours or if it's a growing crop.)
- Internet of Agriculture – According to Dr. Scott Shearer of Ohio State University the use of data and analytics to manage precision farming will continue to grow. Monsanto recently purchased Precision Planting, which provides the software for all GPS systems on new equipment. All that information they gather from individual equipment now goes into The Cloud and they're able to use that data to determine what types of seed will be needed and project sales. Case IH and AGCO have agreements to share information and John Deere is now buying Precision parts with Monsanto, effectively locking up high speed planting. They can now map the location of every seed planted and even track skips, double planting, etc… Shearer predicts we'll eventually see fully autonomous equipment which will strip the need for seats, air conditioning, interior lighting, etc… and that the mechanical/technical life of tractors will be reduced to 6 or 7 years.
– See more at: www.cnbohio.com/AboutUs/CNBNews/ExecutiveNewsletter
Leasing – A Great Alternative
Earlier this year, Citizens National Bank introduced an improved leasing program which we offer to commercial and agricultural customers. Leasing offers the opportunity to acquire equipment and machinery in a cost-effective manner with often-times a smaller payment amount than purchasing. Here's what you should know:
Why should I lease equipment instead of buy?
Leasing is flexible. Whether you have irregular cash flow or simply want to keep your line of credit free for other uses, a lease can be designed to fit your payment needs. A lease provides the use of equipment for specific periods of time at fixed rental payments. Leasing is also practical. By leasing you transfer the uncertainties and risks of equipment ownership to the lessor, which allows you to concentrate on using that equipment as a productive part of your business. Your equipment needs can change over time and leasing allows you to stay on the cutting edge of technology by not getting caught with obsolete equipment. Leasing also has possible tax advantages – check with your tax advisor. Rather than deal with depreciation schedules and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) problems, you, the lessee, may be able to simply make the lease payment and deduct it as a business expense.
Who leases?
Lessees vary from small, one-person operations to Fortune 100 corporations. And the kinds of equipment being leased are just as diverse. Transactions range from a few thousand dollars' worth of equipment to farm buildings and silos to medical equipment. 85% of companies in the US lease equipment.
How does it work?
You determine what you would like to purchase and work directly with the bank for financing. Terms can be set in a variety of ways, but typically equipment leases are made for up to five years and grain bins/barns may be made for up to ten years. For municipal and agricultural purposes, there are no taxes required on leases. They are typically set up on either annual or monthly payments. For annual payments the lease may be made for up to 80% of the value of the equipment. So for a five year lease, 20 % of the cost of the equipment would be due up front as the first payment and then four subsequent payments would be made annually over the course of the lease. Monthly payments typically require two payments up front.
If you are interested in learning more about leasing, contact a business banking officer or visit our website.
– See more at: https://www.cnbohio.com/AboutUs/CNBNews/ExecutiveNewsletter/2015/fall/leasing-a-great-alternative.aspx
Lending Solutions for Farming Success
Featuring Tony Gill, Owner- Gill Dairy
A native of India, Tony Gill came to America to fulfill his dream of becoming a large dairy farmer. Tony has found great success in the agricultural area, owning several types of farms and market animals in various states. Citizens National Bank has been able to help Tony fulfill his dreams with its unique expertise and history in working with agricultural customers. Besides helping with acquisitions and expansion projects, Tony looks for financial planning advice from his banking experts Brock Burcham, SVP/Springfield City President, and Eric Faulkner, VP, Business Development, Loan Participation Specialist.
Land As Your Legacy
Keeping the Farm in the Family
There are currently 2.1 million farms in the US and 97% of those are family-run. Collectively farmers are growing older with a median age of 57 and according to the USDA, 70% of the entire farmland in the US will transition ownership over the next 20 years. The bad news is statistically only 30% of those transitions will be successful.
Donald Schreiber is an agent with Nationwide Insurance and they have established a program specifically geared towards educating farmers in regards to succession planning and helping them create a transition that makes sense for the family farm. The program, titled "Land as Your Legacy", provides information on developing a transition plan that protects the farm.
According to Schreiber there are five elements to making a successful transition.
- Succession Planning – "Really think about what's best for the farm", states Schreiber. That might mean considering your heirs' personalities and determining what roles they will take in the farm accordingly. "If one child is bad at handling financial affairs, don't put him in charge of the farm's accounting. Just because he is your oldest child, does not mean he has the best skill set to run your business. On the other side of that, be sure you're having family meetings to discuss your plan so there are no surprises and ill feelings after you've passed." If you do not want the farm to be split up, make sure you are structuring it correctly and working with a lawyer to make that happen.
- Business Planning – Take steps to ensure the farm remains profitable through the transition. Schreiber recommends setting up the farm as an LLC to ensure an easy legal transition and that bills can continue to be paid without interruption. He cautions that personal ownership of the farm is not a good idea and that operating agreements should be established to identify the roles of each participant.
- Risk Management – Be conscious of structuring the farm responsibly without one person having too much power. Have adequate insurance coverage and mitigate risk by keeping all machinery in good working order.
- Financial Independence Planning – Consider how you will maintain adequate income after you have transitioned the farm operation to another owner. Educate yourself regarding retirement planning and diversification of your investments.
- Estate Planning – Determine the distribution of all your assets after you have passed and the tax implications for that plan.
Schreiber notes "It's important to go through this process in writing." Determine your priorities, your goals and the objectives of your plan in order to make the decisions that are best for you. Rely on a team of advisors, such as lawyers, accountants and financial planners, to keep you on track and then periodically review and modify your plan if necessary. The goal, according to Schreiber, is to "strive for harmony within your family after your death."
For more information about the Land as Your Legacy program, visit http://www.nationwide.com/farmer-estate-planning.jsp
The Politics of Agriculture and Understanding the New Farm Bill Programs
Jeff Harrison and Trevor White of lobbying firm Combest, Sell & Associates recently spoke to area farmers at an event co-hosted by Citizens National Bank and Williamson Insurance. Harrison had previously been lead counsel for the 2002 Farm Bill and White is an economist. The topic was the 2014 Farm Bill.
Harrison discussed the changes in Washington since the November elections. Despite some fundamental differences in belief, he does feel some headway will be made in regards to addressing the Highway Fund shortage and that a budget may be passed by Congress for the first time in a long time. The Affordable Care Act will continue to be a focus on both sides of the aisle, with Democrats defending it and Republicans looking to chip away pieces of it to make it easier for businesses to afford. He is hopeful that tax extenders will be put into place, such as the section 179 deduction, which would allow for higher amounts of equipment purchases to be deducted. The House and Senate Ag Committees will need to address several issues this year including school lunch requirements, the Grain Standards Act and Country of Origin Labels required by the World Trade Organization. However, he feels their biggest concern will be defending crop insurance subsidies and not limiting payments for those with more than $250,000 in income as has been proposed by some opposing economists as a means to cut the budget. Harrison encourages farmers to contact their senators and congressmen to protect farm policy and crop insurance, stating "You (farmers) have a lot of power."
Trevor White spoke specifically about the Agricultural Act of 2014, otherwise known as the Farm Bill. He stated there were 3 programs (direct payments, counter-cyclical program & ACRE) that were repealed as part of this bill and 2 programs that took their place. These programs are Price Loss Coverage, known as PLC and Agricultural Risk Coverage, known as ARC. PLC is a price-based program and allows for the purchase of Supplemental Coverage in addition for added price protection. ARC is a revenue-based program and can be based either on the county's average yields or an individual farm's average yields. He notes you are able to choose different options by commodity and by farm, so one size does not necessarily fit all for your entire operation. While he admits making the decision which option to choose can be confusing, he says multiple options are available to address different types of risks and recommends a couple different websites which offer decisioning tools to help you; Texas A&M's and the University of Illinois's.
New this year is the option to choose to update your own farm yields, your base allocation of crops or both. This has not been allowed since 2002. The yield is based on your records or plugs 75% of your county average in for years 2008-2012. If you choose to reallocate your base it uses a 4 year average of what you have actually planted and compares it to your total acreage farmed to determine a percentage base of that crop. White notes you will want to review this carefully though, because if you have a lot of base in a crop that is predicted for higher yields, you may want to leave your allocation the same. The deadline to update your yield or reallocate your base acres is February 27, 2015.
Comparing price coverage of the old programs to the new ones, White feels farmers are better protected now than with the direct payments system. He does caution farmers not to bank on a maximum payment however when determining which coverage to choose. "If you get a higher yield than expected, you may not qualify for the maximum payment, even with lower prices." He also notes the owner of the farm is the one who must make the decision whether or not to update yields or make base reallocations, but it is the producer that decides whether to choose PLC or ARC. The decision of which coverage to enroll in will be in effect until 2018. He encourages farmers to not rely on hearsay or to just copy what other area farmers are doing, "Do your own research. It's your farm," he emphasizes. To help you get started, the Farm Service Agency, FSA, has created a timeline of the 4 steps to enrollment in either program by the March 31, 2015 deadline. Visit their website to learn more.


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One day while perusing the Facebook news feed, I came across a post by a friend. Sometimes when I see these things I only look at the thumbnail and continue on. But this time I decided to click the link of the chibi-style caped crusader I saw on that page. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, when I say "chibi" I mean tiny and cute, when I say cape crusader, I mean Batman, and when I say I immediately fell in love with this comic strip, I mean the works of Yale Stewart.
Little League is, dare I say it, a very adorable portrayal of the Justice League, had they all met as tiny tikes. But it's not a cutesy comic strip about nothing. It touches on some pretty deep facts about the characters involved. Who could take a seemingly old concept and make it new again? Well, you'd have to ask Yale about that. He seems to have perfected the ability.
Better yet, why don't I ask him. I set up a phone interview and picked his brain a bit about his craft and why he does what he does. This is what I found out.
ME: Let me just begin by saying I am a big fan of your work. In all honestly, I just recently came across Little League, Gifted, and who you are, but you've made quite the impression on me already. Why do you do, what you do?
YALE: Because it's fun? That's actually a really good question. It just boils down to the fact that I always liked comics and cartoons. I was fortunate to always have been around other people that draw. I just decided to make living out of it. It's in my blood I guess.
ME: When did you start drawing comics?
YALE: I've always been drawing comic book characters. The first time I ever drew a comic… that's a tough one. The first time I ever put stories and pictures together was in was first grade. It was more like a book than a journal. The first time I started doing comics was in high school.
ME: I read from your Tumblr page that you graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). What made you decide to go to that art school in particular?
YALE: That is the most stupidly answerable question ever, meaning it's a dumb answer. Basically I didn't know what I wanted to do for college. My mom found one of those SCAD news week articles and she said, "You should apply." So I applied and got accept, and then that's where I was going.
ME: So how did you come up with the idea for Little League?
YALE: Again, I wish I had a fascinating story to tell about this but I don't. My dad runs a vintage and recycled clothing store. Over the summer I was working for him. I was standing over the conveyor belt and I was thinking about my story arc for Gifted. I didn't have a car to go take photos at school (for research), and I kind of just had this idea about what it would be like if Clark (Kent) was to push kids on swings. It was just one idea after another and then I sat down and started doodling a little Batman, and it just kind of went from there.
ME: Talk to me about Gifted. What is that about?
YALE: It's basically just a way for me to make sense out of things that happened in my life I guess. It's first and foremost a comedy, but I always thought about it like it was Futurama or Scrubs; that it's a decent comedy, but it has some deep felt drama. I want Gifted to be what people know me for.
ME: Does DC know you are using their characters?
YALE: They do actually. Well some of them do. John Lowe is the Dean of Communications Art at SCAD. That's why I moved back down here (to Georgia). I really enjoy Little League. My buddy Tradd contacted Will (Dennis) and Will enjoyed it, and he's also a Vertigo editor. Scott Snyder saw it and tweeted about it. So he knows about it. My buddy Tradd contacted one of his guys at DC to tell them about it. I'm lucky I haven't received any cease or desist.
ME: What is your advice for aspiring comics and comic book writers and artists?
YALE: I'm still an aspiring comic book artist. Best I could give is keep doing what you do. I know it's been played to death, but I did nothing special with Little League. It's kind of a "if you build it, they'll come" mentality. As long as your doing something worthwhile, people are going to find it. By no means just read comics, my God, don't just freaking watch anime and read manga. That is the worst possible thing you can do for yourself. I don't know any friends of mine that are in one genre. When you broaden your horizon and make yourself more eclectic, it comes through in your art and gives it a personal touch. When we are so saturated in art, it really helps to set yourself apart; and you will never set yourself apart if you are copying the art of other artists. Which sounds ridiculous coming from a guy who is drawing things based on someone else's comic.
ME: Now the fun stuff. What's your favorite food?
YALE: Man, that's a really good question. If there is one thing I could probably eat together (it would be) my mom's pink vodka pasta and my dad's ribs. That's pretty high up there. That would be my last meal–and peas. Gotta have peas with it and a glass of milk.
ME: What are you playing right now?
YALE: Not really much of anything. All I really have time for any more is MW3. Hop on, play, and leave.
ME: Are you single? Can I take you out sometime? Seriously, I want to pick your brain.
YALE: I mean as long as that's as far as that goes I don't think my girlfriend will have a problem.
ME:… Burn… Any Cons I might be able to see you at?
YALE: Yes actually! I was recently invited to Acme Comics, which is not a convention, May 4st through 6th in Greensboro, North Carolina and Heroes Con in Charlotte, North Carolina this June.
If you would like to learn more about Yale and his awesome comics visit his Tumblr at http://littleleaguecomic.tumblr.com.


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So, my cousin recently bought this cigarette case for 36$. At first glance i said nice, what a bargain, but after that i wanted to think a bit more about it. So, my concerns:
1- The RZ stamp is well faded; on the other side the eagle and svastika seems crisp, also traces of a waffenamt stamp
2- I've read that the items related to Sturbaons were treated with black paint/solution, also the badges, in order not to shine,
so this one seems that has traces of that
3- It comes from Poland..
4- The model of the case, on the facade, seems genuinely worn on the borders
5- i don't know what to think about the skull and the overall aging of the piece.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


text:
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There are many things I get to see that others don't, just because of my role as a police wife. It is sometimes a blessing and more often a curse to be just outside of the boundary of the thin blue line but also outside the boundary of being a plain old civilian. I feel like I see where the two meet in the ugliest way possible more often than I would like. I see the frustration and anger, the disappointment and distrust either "side" feels towards the "opposing team" on occasion. The fact that the police world and the civilian world often view each other with suspicion just plain bums me out.
But, I get it.
I see from the officer's side. In fact, if I have to pick a team, I will always follow my favorite husband and go team BLUE. But, I see it from the civilian side too. I hear the stories of officers who are just rotten to people when they don't need to be. I've seen it. In fact, I have experienced it myself. There are law enforcement officers who wield their badge (or, as I prefer to term it, their shield) as a weapon to use in whatever way necessary for them to come out on top personally and professionally.
That isn't the point of the shield.
It is meant as a protection to the officer, yes. But, it is also meant as a symbol of service. That shield is supposed to show you that you are in the presence of someone who has committed to honor your life and your freedom, to protect you and anyone else in need of their help. The shield is supposed to mean that you are in the presence of honor and strength and selfless love.
I think that meaning has been forgotten by many who wear it.
But, sometimes I see someone who still remembers. Even if that shield gets scratched or if the public spit on it... even if others who wear the shield look down at one who is wielding it with an honor bound heart... that one remembers and holds onto the honor and continues to serve.
I want to tell you about someone like that today.
If you are expecting me to talk about my favorite cop in the world, well, you are wrong this time. Even though he is one that I know wears that shield to serve and who cares deeply about the community he is sworn to protect, I have a story about another officer who is truly a brother to me. Granted, a brother who tends to yank on my pigtails every chance he gets (and who never fails to tell some off color joke in front of my kids that I have to do damage control over later), but still, a brother.
Let me tell you about my friend Officer Caleb Sickinger.
He's a tall guy. Big bald head. Two eyes and a nose. The usual stuff for faces. He has a quick wit and is pretty skilled with sarcasm. If you aren't careful he'll get you with it. He doesn't pull punches and says what he thinks most of the time (and occasionally that gets him in a bit of a pickle). If I had to describe him in a way I think most people would get, I would say he is a bit of a Walther Matthau type. A bit curmudgeonly, and he may growl a bit when he helps you out, but you know deep down he is a big ol' softy.
He's a helper. I know this because I see it. He doesn't want to make a big deal about it, but he is. He is also a guardian. He'll put himself out just to take care of people, and if you are one of HIS people, you should count yourself very lucky indeed. A personal experience I have with this is last year. Sam and I were sneaking out very early in the morning to go have a baby and my dad was coming over to hang with the other kids. There was going to be a lapse where no adult was there in the wee hours and I asked C if he would do a drive by or so and just make sure things were okay. Well, he went over there and parked his car out front and did reports while he waited for my dad. When my dad's car pulled up, he texted to confirm the vehicle and then he went home (since his shift had ended and he was just hanging out for a short time off the clock after a graveyard shift). It was a little thing that I doubt he thought much of, but it meant a great deal to me.
I know some of you may say that he did that because we are friends and maybe he did, but let me tell you about something he did just a few weeks ago for a stranger.
C was at work and received a call. I don't know the details of the call, but I do know that at the end, a woman had nowhere to go, had been hurt emotionally and perhaps physically and was stranded without even a pair of shoes to her name. Of course, as a police officer, he was bound to help find her shelter while she got through her experience, but what he did next was not required of him. He took this woman inside a little store in town and, with his own money, he bought her some shoes. I'm sure he was gruff about it because he's always a little gruff, but he made her pick some shoes and got her squared away.
What impacts me even more is that I happen to also know that when he was hired a few years ago, he was promised a certain wage after his first few months on the job had passed. When that time came, he was told there was no money to honor that promise, even if that was honored for others. I know he has had to pay for gear that others haven't had to pay for. A few months ago he asked me to sew in a zipper for pants because the police department was refusing to buy him a new pair (even though this is something that has been done for other officers, including my spouse, for years). I know that things have been tight for his family and I know that they have been frustrated and discouraged by it.
I also know other officers and I cannot say confidently that many of them would go that extra mile, use their own lunch money and buy shoes for another person in need. Honestly, he didn't need to do it, I'm sure a social worker could have handled it.
But, he did do it.
I'm pretty sure he did it because that is just what you do for people in his world and that is why he's family to my family. In fact, I'm certain that while I am telling this one story, he has 10 or 20 other stories just like it that no one managed to find out about, because, again, he is big ol' softy at the end of the day.
So, I tell you this story and I think it is a great story about someone who serves. But, that isn't the point of my story. What happened after it is.
Word starts creeping out about this kind act. Some people put the word out to his superior officers so they can make sure he is recognized a bit for what he did. Well, guess what happens?
Not a word. Not a raised eyebrow. Absolutely nothing.
However, the city did give employee of the month to someone who got some more money for our rodeo.
I stand here with my mouth open, just shaking my head. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great that rodeos have money and kudos to that person for doing that, but, huh?
No, it gets better. What C did wasn't even mentioned in considering employee of the month. It wasn't even considered important enough to mention in a meeting or in passing to our city leadership. It just went, unnoticed.
And people wonder why cops can be jerks.
After awhile, people get discouraged. They work hard and do their best and promises of reward are broken. People mistreat them. They are put down and set aside. It isn't right. It isn't fair. It makes me angry. I've experienced that before. I'm sure you have. It is hard to keep working and trying when you see a community focusing on the negative and never seeing the good. It is frustrating when you know that there are people who do see these good acts, who could say something and let the community see the good, but they choose not to. It is disheartening to see the cycle of ignoring the good until people stop offering it over and over again.
Today, I don't want to be a part of it. I don't want to keep stomping around my house being angry because I see someone who should be recognized get ignored once again.
Today, I want to be a part of the change I want to see in my community.
I want to recognize Officer Sickinger for serving another human who was in the midst of one of her worst days. I want to be thankful that he did it without hesitation and that he will continue to be that person.
But, more than that, I want all of you to recognize Officer Sickinger too. He has done a lot of good for his community. He isn't the type to be all flash and pizazz, but he is there. When I set up clothing swaps, he shows up at the end, when no one wants to help, and he cleans up and loads the clothes that we take to the advocate group. When he knows someone is struggling, he won't bake them a cake (I am pretty sure he doesn't know the right end of a mixing bowl, so we should all be grateful for that), but he will tease them a bit and make a little conversation. When a little kid walks up to him, he'll pick that kid up and walk around with them for a bit (he may teach them a grown up word or two, but we'll chalk that up to his profession and look the other way).
He is a leader, even if not everyone sees that.
He is a giver.
He is a friend.
He is a support to those in need.
He is a tough guy.
He is humble at the dumbest moments and cocky when he knows it will get him in hot water with his wife.
He is mindful of the needs of others and seeks to help when he can.
He sends my husband the dumbest texts ever (have I told you about the time those two quoted lyrics to Karate Kid's "Glory of Love"? No? Well, it happened).
He is an unsung hero who needs a few ditties hummed in his honor.
Help me do that today. If you are local, or even if you aren't, please share this story. Thank him if you see him. Take some time to be part of recognizing someone who is doing good. We need to start casting sunshine on people who do good to help make sure they continue to flourish. We need people like Officer Sickinger. He is important, just as everyone like him who chooses to honor their shield with service is.
Now, I only have a few shots of him that I can share. Sadly, most pictures I have seem to involve him giving Sam "Eagle" rides through fireworks or other equally silly stuff. Getting a picture of him in a serious moment is harder than filming Sasquatch (I'll let you draw your own conclusions there).
But, here are a few from the officer memorial program last year. The program he teased me about, but still showed up to and participated in.
Thank you, Officer Sickinger. Thank for being a shelter in the storm for members of our community. We are fortunate to have you protecting it.


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I caught glimpses of Elk River lettermen jackets every time crossed the Quad the rest of that week. I wondered if Brad was looking for me. I wondered if he was avoiding me on purpose or maybe he didn't even think of me at all.
I spent a lot of time telling God about my sorrow and hurt. Though I knew He forgave me completely, I still had the consequence of my sin to deal with: a broken heart. My stomach was bothering me too, worse than ever, but that was really nothing new. I chalked it up to my emotional state.
Zoey passed me in the hall outside my room in the German House on Friday afternoon. "Tonight's the informal rush party. You're coming to the Delta House, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it!" I said. "I need something to keep my mind off things… you know."
"Breakups are tough," she commiserated. "We're both better off without him though, remember? See you in an hour or so. We have something really special planned."
I was surprised to hear male voices coming from the Delta House as I walked up.
"Giselle, you made it!" Zoey said, waving me over to a deep cushioned sofa in front of the fireplace where she and Owen were snuggled up. They made a cute couple. "Have a seat."
Owen stood and winked at me. "I think it's so cool that you're checking Greek life out. Now, give me your right shoe." He took the purple boot from my hand and disappeared through a door that led down into the basement.
"This some sort of hazing ritual?" I joked to Zoey, wiggling my toes inside the wool sock Mom had knit me as a Christmas present.
"No, no. It's a Cinderella party," Zoey explained. "Kappa Sig is our brother fraternity, so we're holding this event jointly. Each guy will be blindfolded, pick a shoe out of the bucket, and try to match it up with the girl it belongs too. Then you'll be a team for a game of Cranium. We do it every year and it's hilarious."
Owen came back into the room. "Gents, come with me. It's time to retrieve the slippers of your lady fair for the evening. Ladies, wait here. Zoey will bring you down to the game room in a few moments."
"There weren't very many guys in here," I whispered to Zoey. "Will every girl get a match?"
"Don't worry. A bunch more of 'em already headed down to the basement before I even got here."
After five minutes had passed, Zoey signaled us to follow her to the basement.
It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. I headed for the table of faux cocktails and reached for a virgin pina colada.
Someone tapped me on the shoulder. "Hey there Cinderella," said a familiar voice.
Brad held out my purple boot. "I was glad when I picked this because it reminded me of you. Never thought in a million years you'd actually be in a place like this."
"Is that so," I said as coldly as possible. I leaned against the wall and put my boot on. "Looks like we'll need to find different partners," I said. I caught Zoey's eye across the room and took a step toward her.
He blocked my path. "You're angry, aren't you."
"You kicked me out, remember? Said I was neurotic, impossible to love?"
"Guess I was a little bit harsh. But you gotta know it's hard on me to deal with you being so emotional and back and forth. Almost like you're a split personality. I never know if I'm going to be talking to cool Giselle or her guilt-ridden evil twin. It's exhausting. So I finally reached the breaking point. I'm not proud of it. I know I shouldn't have lost my temper like that. I said some things I regret."
"Like what?"
"Well, for one thing, I didn't really want to break up over it."
"So why have you been avoiding me then?"
"I've been laying low and giving us both a chance to cool off, so you'd be more likely to accept my apology."
"I still haven't heard one," I said.
"What do you think I've been doing? Fine," he said, clearly exasperated. "I never should have lost my temper and said all that crap. You deserve better than that. Can't we try again?"
"Would things be any different?" I asked.
"Different how?"
Before I could answer, Zoey interrupted us. "Excuse me, Giselle, it looks like we're out of margarita mix. Can you help me get some upstairs?"
I followed her up into the kitchen. "I'm so sorry," she said as she gathered more supplies for the mocktails. "I had no idea he'd be here tonight. I think it's probably best if you go. There'll be more rush events next weekend."
"Thanks. See you later."
I found my coat and headed out into the cold January night. Just as I reached the stoop of the German House, Brad's old silver Nissan pulled up.
"Giselle, I can't believe you just took off like that," he shouted at me as he shut off the engine. "We weren't done talking! I didn't think you were such a coward." He slammed the door and stomped toward me.
"There's a time and a place, and that wasn't it." I turned back toward the steps.
He grabbed my shoulder and whirled me around to face him. "How about now?" His tone changed abruptly. "Let me take you for coffee or something. I love you, Giselle. I really want this to work out."
I searched his face. Did he really love me? A few days ago I would have given almost anything to hear him say that. I waited for hours in the student center for him to come and say those words.
But if he had showed up when I asked him to, would God have gotten through to me the way He did? Would I have been willing to risk vulnerability with Sylvie, and in front of CSF? Kirsten would still be struggling in shame and silence. Then there was Zoey's warning to consider. Wasn't Brad doing exactly what she predicted he would do?
"It's freezing out here, Giselle. Let's go somewhere warm to talk this out. How about your room?"
Visions of us sitting on my bed talking late into the night instantly sprung to mind. We'd kiss and make up and one thing would lead to another … "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Alright, then, let's go for coffee. I've got my car right here."
"There's no need to go anywhere. It's over, Brad. It's right that things ended between us."
"There you go again. The other night you were begging me to take you back. See what I mean by split personality?"
"Maybe. But neither of the Giselles you saw were who God created me to be. He's called me back, and I'm not waffling anymore. Part of me wishes we could still be together—"
"We can. I figured out how. Let's go inside so we can talk about it."
"You can say whatever it is out here."
"Giselle, you don't know how much I've been thinking about you. And what I realized is, you really have been acting crazy and neurotic—admit it, you have—but it's not your fault. My friend Jay, you know the one from my photography class? He helped me see it. I was torn up about us and told him everything. He's really into healthy eating, and he said it sounds like you have a food intolerance. He said they can cause all kinds of symptoms, even mental problems. You know how your stomach always bothers you? Whatever is causing that could be messing with your mind too, making you feel guilty and depressed over nothing."
"This isn't just in my head, Brad."
"Don't get so defensive. I'm trying to help you, and you're discounting everything I say. I know you're mad but what about forgiveness?"
He had me there. God showed me so much grace. How could I not at least hear him out? "Go on."
"Jay said to start by eliminating dairy and gluten and see how you feel. I wouldn't be surprised if all your religious guilt and other mental symptoms just melted away."
"Belief in God is not a mental symptom," I huffed. "If you really think that, I don't see how we can be together."
"What gives, Giselle, why are you making this so hard on me? How could you even think that's what I meant? Of course I know you're really serious about your faith and this purity stuff. I've been thinking about it, and I'm willing to start fresh like you said the other night. I may not agree with your view, but I love you enough to control myself."
There it was again. He loved me. It sounded just like what I wanted to hear. I wanted so desperately to believe him. But we couldn't just go back to the way things were.
"You might be able to control yourself," I said, "but I'm afraid I wouldn't. If we're were ever going to get back together, we'd have to set new ground rules."
"Of course we're going to get back together. You just have to give me another chance."
"I don't know, Brad …"
"Tell you what. Don't make any decisions now. Give the diet Jay suggested a try and let's just hang out as friends the next few days. We can figure out our relationship after you're healthier."
"I guess I could give it a try."
"That's my girl. What time do you want to meet for breakfast tomorrow?"
I finally remembered my promise to Zoey. Was there time to talk to her before morning?
"I already have plans for breakfast," I lied. "How about lunch?"


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Just because you hear the word fall, doesn't mean it's time to pack away those cute colored jeans that you were loving all summer. After all, this is a trend that is not going anywhere.
For autumn, try going for a rich colour such as a crimson red, a forest green or a deep teal shade. Whatever colours you choose, add on some season appropriate additions. By mixing in a comfy sweater, classic blazer or a textured flat, it will ensure that your ensemble goes from summer appropriate to fall ready.
So grab those colored jeans out of your wardrobe and check out my fall outfit ideas below. Hopefully this post will give you some inspiration on how to wear your denim in to the cooler months.
Les xo


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For $20 you get access to five classes, each between 15 and 20 minutes long. You can revisit these as much as you want or need to. There's a warm up video, three technique videos and a big drill to end with. Paulette is a fantastic teacher, who explains and breaks moves down really well but is also so warm and encouraging. There really is something for everyone in here, whatever their level of experience. I can wholeheartedly recommend them!
To subscribe to the August videos visit Paulette's site HERE.
If you find that the PayPal link on your computer doesn't work (it didn't for me) then try it from your phone if you can. Failing that, if you e mail Paulette at email@example.com I'm sure she'll sort you out!
Once I've worked through all the videos I'll do a full review on here - and would also welcome your thoughts on them, whatever level of dancer you are.
Ok, before I bob off to do some more dancing, here's a sample of Paulette in action for you - running through a drill of moves covered at her recent 'Shimmy Queen' workshop in Arizona. Enjoy!
Until next time, happy dancing (with Paulette!)


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Two other special House elections this month in California and SC are seen as less competitive and have drawn little or no outside campaign spending in recent weeks. "They are not from this district, and certainly they don't represent the values of this district". In the wake of several recent terror attacks overseas, an early portion of the debate centered on how the USA should address national security and the lengths it should go to in order to protect its citizens.
Sen. Angus King of ME, an Independent who caucuses with Democrats, picked up on Heinrich's questions, demanding a "legal justification" for why Rogers and Coats were not answering questions. The Maine senator, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, then moved on to Coats. The president then started complaining about the FBI investigation and Comey's handling of it, said officials familiar with the account Coats gave to associates.
Last year, Germany ranked as Argentina's fourth-biggest trade partner after Brazil, China and the U.S. Merkel noted that her visit to Argentina comes after Macri helped Argentina end a legal dispute that returned it to worldwide credit markets after almost 15 years.
Frenchman Pierre Moscovici said "we don't really know what the governing situation is this morning" after voters dealt Prime Minister Theresa May a punishing blow, denying her the stronger mandate she had sought to conduct Brexit talks and weakening her party's grip on power.
The source close to the President said that Trump understands that dismissing Sessions would set off another political firestorm. White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined during a White House press briefing Tuesday to say whether Trump has confidence in Sessions.
But the government rejected their appeals, and said Noriega would return to prison once he recovered from the brain tumor surgery. Noriega had been a key USA ally but was forcibly removed when American troops invaded in 1989 and was later jailed in the U.S.
Khayre shot dead a man who was working at the apartment complex and held a woman hostage. He killed one man in the lobby of an apartment building in Melbourne , and held a female escort hostage of several hours. Australia is facing "a growing threat from Islamist terrorism", Turnbull said. Khayre was charged and acquitted by a jury over a plot to attack the Holsworthy Army barracks in Sydney in 2009.
Among the reported changes include restricting business with the Cuban military and travel that resembles tourism. Over the following two years, the Obama administration created new openings for Americans to travel to the long-isolated island, for US businesses to operate in the communist nation and for Cubans to visit the U.S.
Alavi told state TV that authorities had found and raided the home where the pre-attack Islamic State video was filmed. His message is believed to be directed at Saudi Arabia. "The terrorists fell short of their [main] aim" and then started to blindly target civilians and employees, he said. The attack came as emboldened Sunni Arab states - backed by USA president Donald Trump - are hardening their stance against Iran.
Trump also called Comey a "leaker" in a tweet on Friday morning. Oh. So, according to the president - who seemed to be glancing down at some notes while speaking - we should believe the parts of Comey's testimony that Trump liked, but we should believe the former Federal Bureau of Investigation director perjured himself on the parts that Trump didn't like.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is gay, said she had received assurances from the prime minister over gay rights should the Tories and DUP strike a deal, ITV reported . The results of the UK's general election are in. but there wasn't a clear victor. "As we do, we will continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party in particular".
Carter also points to text messages she sent urging Roy to seek professional help. On his phone were multiple messages from Ms Carter, including one saying: "You're so hesitant because you keep over thinking it and keep pushing it off". Carter is charged with involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Roy to kill himself in July 2014. Carter is being tried as a youthful offender because she was a minor when her alleged crime took place.
French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said the attacker cried "it's for Syria" as he went after the officers. It is thought the officer was injured during the attack before police took down the alleged assailant - who is also believed to have been carrying knives.
At a press conference in Berlin, Merkel, who is in the midst of a campaign for re-election, had said that the diplomatic relationship with the U.S. was of "outstanding importance" but that discord meant that "we in Europe must take our fate into our own hands".
Its regional spokesman David Swanson said as many as 100,000 people "may stay trapped" inside during the assault. The SDF said it had seized al-Mishlab district in the far east of Raqqa on Friday and al-Sabahia district in the west. The SDF - an Arab-Kurdish alliance formed in 2015 - launched its campaign to capture Raqa in November and chipped away at IS territory around the city's north, west, and east.
Analysts say May's electoral debacle could reopen what had seemed largely a closed debate - both with pro-EU members of Parliament trying to take advantage of the prime minister's weakness and Euro-skeptic government ministers threatening her if she dares water down a Brexit deal.
The disputed areas include swaths of northern territory that are claimed by both Kurdish Iraq and Baghdad, including the key oil-rich province of Kirkuk . Iran voiced its opposition on Saturday to an announcement by Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region that it will organise a vote on independence later this year.
Ms Perrior described meetings in Downing Street where Ms Hill would come up with "crazy" ideas - but that Mrs May would rarely overrule her. The election was called by UK Prime Minister Theresa May in order to unify the parliament ahead of the Brexit talks with Brussels.
According to the newspaper, Hamas has taken millions of dollars from Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in order to dig tunnels and hold hostage two million Palestinians. In a statement on its website, Hamas said the party felt "deep regret and disapproval" at the Saudi statement. "They are encouraging Gaza youths to approach the Israeli border in protest, and we see the numbers increasing each day in an effort to provoke an Israeli reaction called the strategic corporal".
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker also said he hoped there would be no further delay to the negotiations "we are desperately waiting for". 'Brexit negotiations should start when United Kingdom is ready; timetable and European Union positions are clear. "I would have thought that's enough to go, actually, and make way for a government that will be truly representative of all of the people of this country".


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Did you know that your skin absorbs 70% of what you put on it? That means you might as well eat the stuff that you smear on your face and body; so who would eat Aluminium, Parabens, Phtalats, Urea, artificial colors and fragrances, and all this other stuff? These are often cancer-causing toxins which will get in your blood circle and which your body has to fight to get out again.
By the way, there are great pages out there that you should look up for further information:


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BILOXI, Miss.—IP CASINO RESORT SPA has received the esteemed 2017 AAA Four-Diamond rating for its hotel for the 10th consecutive year.
"AAA is pleased to recognize IP CASINO RESORT SPA as a Four-Diamond Hotel," said Michael Petrone, Director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. "To maintain the exceptional standards required for this rating on a daily basis is an outstanding achievement. AAA Four Diamond establishments are attentive to guests needs and consistently deliver memorable travel and dining experiences."
IP CASINO RESORT SPA is part of a select group of hotels in North America to receive the distinguished Four Diamond rating. Less than four percent of the AAA-rated hotels receive the distinguished rating.
"This rating acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our staff," said Duncan McKenzie, Vice President and General Manager for IP CASINO RESORT SPA. "We are honored to be recognized with this AAA Four-Diamond rating, and we are committed to exceeding guest expectations and providing a premier travel experience."
In recent years, IP CASINO RESORT SPA has completed upgrades to its amenities, including a renovation of 371 hotel's standard rooms and 54 suites. Two of IP's distinctive dining concepts, tien and thirty-two, have also been awarded the AAA Four-Diamond rating on multiple occasions.
About IP CASINO RESORT SPA
Winner of the elite AAA Four Diamond award, the IP CASINO RESORT SPA is the Gulf Coast's premier entertainment resort destination. Towering 32 stories over the scenic Back Bay of Biloxi, the IP is home to more than 1,000 elegantly appointed hotel rooms and suites, live entertainment, award-winning restaurants, and a first-class spa. For further information, visit www.ipbiloxi.com. IP CASINO RESORT SPA is a property of Boyd Gaming. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 24 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Boyd Gaming and IP press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.


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I've just recently bought those two boys: KISS THE BRIDE and OUI.
Though they did not blow me out of my socks they are still good (I'm just too spoilt by China Glaze atm!).
KISS THE BRIDE is a beautiful opaque soft pink shade.
OUI is a purple with a ton of golden glitter to it and it reminds me of China Glaze's MIDTOWN MAGIG (my fave. atm!)
Unfortunately I find ORLY varnishes do chip quite fast (booh!)
Well, that's all for now.


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2012 Mercedes E-Class Sedan Owner's Manual give all information needed by owner. Inside this manual, you will find important information and a detailed explanation about 2012 Mercedes E-Class Sedan, its safety, seats, steering wheel and mirrors, light and windshield wipers, driving and parking, On-board computer and displays, features and stowing. Additionally, owners also find information regarding maintenance and care, breakdown assitance, wheels and tires to technical data.
This manual also describes all models and all standard and optional equipment of your vehicle available at the time of publication of the Operator's manual.
If you are looking for 2012 Mercedes E-Class Sedan Owner's Manual, please download it from their official website that the link is below.
2012 Mercedes E-Class Sedan Owner's Manual
All information presented on this blog follow the contents from the official website or other websites (if not available on the official website) or pdf obtained at the time the information is uploaded to this blog. In this paper, there may be typographical errors. Therefore, you still have to refer to the information or specifications contained in the official website.
usermanualandspecification.blogspot.com not responsible for any changes that occur in the information contained in this user guide or specification.
usermanualandspecification.blogspot.com not received any complaints and free from any claims of any party upon the information contained in this blog.


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Alex Sol (actor)
On this page:
Who is Alex Sol?
Alex Sol is an actor.
- also known as Al Sol
- born in (42 years ago)
- profession: Actor
- filmography:
- "Arc"
- "Junked"
- "Black Water Transit"
- played Sam Brunton in "Easy Sex"
- played Drunk Businessman (Uncredited) in "The Million Dollar Hotel"
- played Tommy in "The Adventures of Pluto Nash"
- played Phelps in "The Lazarus Project"
- played Bartender in "Dead and Deader"
- played Hotel Manager in "Taking Lives"
- film directed: Enough Is Enough
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FAKE NEWS: Breitbart Pushes Easily Debunkable Lie About Nordstrom and 'President' Trump
Fake News Innovator Breitbart Claims Falsely That Nordstrom Was hurt By Trump Tweet, Boycott
There's very little that's less presidential (or "unpresidented", shall we say?) than a sitting US President openly endorsing or publicly shunning a private business for personal reasons. But that's exactly what "President" Trump did on Wednesday, after publicly attacking the company Nordstrom for their decision to no longer sell his daughter Ivanka's jewelry products.
My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person — always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017
Nordstrom reportedly made the decision not for political reasons, but because of a decline in sales for the product line. But that didn't stop Trump from attempting to shame them, nor did it stop White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer from going after them yesterday, using a weaponized daily White House press briefing to try and bring down an American business.
And now comes Breitbart's turn. Breitbart, a radical alt-right fake news outlet that dishes up daily propaganda for "President" Trump, joined in the anti-Nordstrom fray yesterday with a hit-piece claiming that the Seattle company's stock prices were plunging due to Trump's Tweet and Sean Spicer's Press Briefing barrage, and whatever subsequent alt-right boycott allegedly exists.
In response to Trump's tweet—and the ongoing boycott of Nordstrom's for the company's political decision to cut Ivanka Trump's line—Nordstrom's stock tumbled on Wednesday.
"Shares of Nordstrom fell from session highs Wednesday after President Donald Trump said his daughter, Ivanka Trump, had been treated unfairly by the company," CNBC's Berkeley Lovelace wrote on Wednesday. Lovelace's piece notes that Nordstrom's stock is seriously hurting this year overall, too: "With Wednesday's drop, Nordstrom's shares are down more than 10 percent year to date."
Fueling the fire against Nordstrom's for the decision to drop Ivanka Trump's line is a boycott from women all across the country.
Of course, as is the case with most of the (s)hit-pieces they dump into the sewage bog they call a "news site," Breitbart's claims regarding Nordstrom are patently false and pathologically dishonest, because Nordstrom? Yeah… their stocks are actually doing better since the company dumped Ivanka.
Nordstrom stocks surged from a low of $42.33 yesterday to a high of $46.07 today, their highest point in the past month, The Hill reported a 4% bump in Nordstrom's share price yesterday as well, citing Trump's tweet in the process.
With Trump's abysmal polling, it would seem that Nordstrom distancing themselves from Ivanka Trump's business may have actually helped them more than it hurt them. But inside the right-wing bubble — the only place where fake news sites like Breitbart thrive and cultivate, like bacterial colonies — "real news" is whatever you feel like saying it is, and that means Nordstrom Inc. is merely a death-rattle away from becoming defunct. Is it true? Not even close. Will that stop Breitbart or others from saying it? Obviously not.
Featured image courtesy of Scott Olson/ Getty Images
- Giuliani's BS: Trump-Russia Probe Deadline 'Made Up' — White House Panicking
- Looming Constitutional Crisis: 'Dr. Evil' Trump is Attacking The Pillars of Democracy
- IBM Started Laying off Older Workers Without Disclosure, so a Federal Watchdog Took a Closer Look
- The Schlossberg Case Proves the Resistance is Winning the War Against Deplorable MAGA-ots
- Look Around: Nobody Plays the Race and Gender Cards Like a Conservative Does
- The BBC Just Needed One Epic Royal Wedding Photo to Brilliantly Troll Trump into Oblivion
Matt Terzi is a political satirist and essayist from Binghamton, New York, who has written for some of the most prominent satire publications in the country. He's now moving into more "serious" subject matter, without losing touch with his comedic roots


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July 16, 1980
Rudolph J. DiMASSA and Ruggero D'Onofrio, Defendants, and John F. Naulty, Reading Company and/or Consolidated Rail Corporation, its successor, (ConRail), the Pillsbury Company, and General Mills, Inc., Third-Party Defendants
The opinion of the court was delivered by: DITTER
This is a suit by a bonding company on an indemnity agreement. Presently before me are motions to dismiss and for summary judgment on behalf of third-party defendants, Reading Company, ConRail, Pillsbury Company, and General Mills, Inc.
This action is one of many spanning almost a decade of litigation involving rail shipments of flour made in 1968 by Pillsbury and General Mills to Western Flour, a regional distributor. In order to enable Western Flour to obtain delivery where proper documents of title were lacking, Reading, the destination rail carrier, required a blanket indemnification bond. Western Flour arranged this bond through United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company (USF&G). To obtain this bond, the principals of Western Flour, Rudolph J. DiMassa and Ruggero D'Onofrio, were each required to sign an agreement to indemnify USF&G.
In May and June, 1968, Reading received flour shipped from Pillsbury and General Mills and delivered it to Western Flour without proper documents of title. Western Flour refused to pay for the flour, and Pillsbury instituted suit against Reading. Reading paid the subsequent judgment which Pillsbury obtained against it. Reading also paid General Mills even though no judgment was outstanding. In 1969, Reading sued USF&G in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court for indemnification under the bond. The court entered summary judgment in favor of Reading which USF&G satisfied by paying the maximum amount, $ 50,000., under the bond. USF&G then instituted the present lawsuit in 1977 seeking recovery of $ 50,000. from Western Flour's principals, DiMassa and D'Onofrio, under their individual indemnity agreements with USF&G.
DiMassa filed a third-party complaint against John G. Naulty (attorney for USF&G in the Reading indemnity action), Reading, ConRail, Pillsbury, and General Mills alleging various fraud, anti-trust, and conspiracy theories as defenses to payment under the bond. The third-party defendants, except Mr. Naulty, filed a barrage of motions to dismiss and for summary judgment. For reasons expressed in this memorandum, I will grant the third-party defendants' motions.
DiMassa first claims that General Mills, Pillsbury, Reading, and ConRail conspired to misrepresent the date of certain flour shipments delivered without bills of lading to Western Flour. Specifically, the shipping documents show the following alleged flour shipments:
Date Delivery to
Shipper Car No. Shipped Western Amount
Pillsbury BCK-2050 5/9/68 5/27/68 $ 5,245.50
Gen. Mills BCK-2938 5/14/68 5/27/68 4,798.35
Pillsbury BCK-2484 5/14/68 5/28/68 5,901.60
Pillsbury BCK-2506 5/17/68 5/28/68 7,463.10
Pillsbury BCK-2871 5/16/68 5/31/68 5,565.25
Pillsbury BCK-2160 5/22/68 6/4/68 5,737.00
Gen. Mills BCK-1798 5/9/68 6/4/68 4,699.75
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