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Trip Introduction: "exploring Buddhist culture and monasteries in the backdroop of high mountains"
Nepal Spirit Adventure leads you to experience an adventure of a lifetime with memorable and exciting trekking to Everest Panorama, where you will be in the midst of Sherpa Culture in the shade of giant peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Ama-Dablam and adjoining peaks.
Besides being within tall mountains on this Everest Panorama trekking, a chance to visit traditional Sherpa villages and interesting monasteries with old Buddhist religion and cultures retaining its past traditional way of life to this day.
Everest Panorama trekking leads into lovely forested area of rhododendron, pines and fir tree lines and towards arctic temperature zone with barren and icy landscapes.This is the trek where you can observe dramatic change in vegetation, climate and landscapes within a short period of time during this amazing Everest Panorama trek.
Starting with an exciting short flight to Lukla and starting the trek to famous Namche Bazaar with wonderful views of snowcapped peaks and then towards quaint villages of Khunde and Khumjung located on glacial valley and then to scenic Tengboche Monastery surrounded with mountains and green tree lines.
Here visit the famous and interesting monastery and observe the young monks, lama and priest on prayer ceremony in the backdrop of Everest Panorama.
Everest Panorama trekking concludes at Lukla with a panoramic flight back to Kathmandu after a remarkable time in the high mountains with great services of Nepal Spirit Adventure including its friendly staff and guides.
Day 01 : Nepal arrival (Kathmandu,315m) airport pick up service transfer to hotel
Day 02 : Fly to Lukla (2,840m) trek to Phakding (2,640m) 4 hrs overnight in lodge
Day 03 : Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6 hrs trek overnight in guest house
Day 04 : Namche acclimatization day overnight in guest house
Day 05 : Namche to Khunde | Khumjung Village (3,730m) 4 hrs trek overnight in lodge
Day 06 : Khinde to Tengboche (3,867m) 5 hrs trek overnight in lodge
Day 07 : Tengboche to Monju (2,830m) 7 hrs overnight in guest house
Day 08 : Manju to Lukla (2,840m) 4 hrs trek overnight in guest house
Day 09 : Flight to Kathmandu transfer to thamel overnight in hotel
Day 10 : Cultural heritage sightseeing tour in Kathmandu overnight in hotel
Day 11 : Final departure
Our 11-Days Everest View group trekking departs weekly from Kathmandu. Private treks can be arranged any time of the year. If our set departure dates are not convenient for you, you may choose alternate departures dates. Private treks are best suited for couples, families, work colleagues and small groups of friends. Customized itineraries are available as per your travel needs.
|Start Date
|End Date
|14 November, 2019
|24 November, 2019
|20 November, 2019
|30 November, 2019
|29 November, 2019
|09 December, 2019
|Start Date
|End Date
|02 December, 2019
|12 December, 2019
|10 December, 2019
|20 December, 2019
|18 December, 2019
|28 December, 2019
|26 December, 2019
|05 January, 2020
Day 01Nepal arrival (Kathmandu,315m) airport pick up service transfer to hotelOn arrival in Kathmandu international airport received by Nepal Spirit Adventure's airport representative with a transfer to respective hotels downtown in the hub of Kathmandu city, after checking in and refreshment we provides briefing about the trekking details look up trek equipment and introduction trek guide who is leading this trip as a trekking sardar (leader) overnight 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu.
(Service Included: Airport pick up and 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu)
Day 02Fly to Lukla (2,840m) trek to Phakding (2,640m) 4 hrs overnight in lodgeEarly morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for a short scenic flight of 35 mins to Lukla with panorama views of mountains, on reaching at Lukla with its unique airstrip start the trek towards Phakding on a good trail through traditional Sherpa farm villages with views of snowcapped peaks after a good walk of 3-4 hours reaching at Phakding for overnight stop in a nice lodge by the bank of Dudh Kosi River.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Lodge)
Day 03Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6 hrs trek overnight in guest houseMorning walk continues following the river upstream most of the way, crossing few bridges over Dudh Kosi River and villages of Bhenkar and Monjoto reach Sagarmatha National Park entrance, from here leading to Jorsalle village for lunch, and then walk for few hours to the last bridge leading with steep uphill climb for few hours to Namche Bazaar, Namche with many facilities good stores, shops, restaurant, pubs, cyber café, post office and banks.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and guest house)
Day 04Namche acclimatization day overnight in guest houseAcclimatization days are crucial for ensuring a successful trek before heading higher area. Your guide will take you on a delightful walk to Everest View Hotel which takes almost 2 hours or walk up to the top of Namche for better views of Everest, Amadablam and adjoining peaks. The afternoon is free to relax shop or perhaps visit the famous bakery and interesting museum.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and guest house)
Day 05Namche to Khunde | Khumjung Village (3,730m) 4 hrs trek overnight in lodgeAfter a great time at Namche, walking above Namche towards Syangboche following the pathl to Khunde and Khumjung the largest Sherpa villages in the Khumbu area, trek leads towards the Syangboche small airstrip, the first one and half hour walk is quite strenuous uphill due to high altitude overlooking the magnificent view of Mt.Kwangde, Thermasherkhu and other neighboring peaks with an aerial view of Namche Bazaar down below. On reaching Syangboche small airstrip, take a short climb towards the Khunde village situated in the same glacial valley as Khumjung village beneath the sacred Mt. Khumbila 5,761m. A quiet gentle path brings to the sleepy village of Khumjung via Khunde for the overnight halt. At Khunde there's a hospital built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary's Foundation. Afternoon visit Khumjung old Monastery, the only place believed to have Yeti scalp. Khumjung also has a High School built with the help of Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lodge)
Day 06Khinde to Tengboche (3,867m) 5 hrs trek overnight in lodgeFrom Khumjung walk leads downhill reaching the main trail coming from Namche Bazaar, from here walk is easier on the gradual winding scenic path, then heading downhill to Imjatse river at Phunge-Tenga for lunch, after a break here walking uphill through quaint woodlands of rhododendron, pines, firs trees with marvelous mountain views the climb after few hours reaches at a beautiful spot of Thyangboche with its famous Buddhist monastery with magnificent panorama of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtenga,
Thamasarku, Kwande and majestic peak of Amadablam.
( Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lodge)
Day 07Tengboche to Monju (2,830m) 7 hrs overnight in guest houseToday a long walk of this trip leading downhill with few ups to Namche Bazaar and descend towards DudKosi River, with a pleasant break for lunch and then slowly reach at Monju village for overnight stop near Sagarmatha National Park gate.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and guest house)
Day 08Manju to Lukla (2,840m) 4 hrs trek overnight in guest houseRetract back to Lukla after breakfast passing through Banker and Phakding and following the trail to Lukla. You spend your final night in the Everest region here. This is also a good time to give your gratitude to your porter and trekking crew for their wonderful support and to bid them farewell.
(Service Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and guest house)
Day 09Flight to Kathmandu transfer to thamel overnight in hotelThe early morning is the best time for flying back to Kathmandu and after a short transfer to your hotel you can enjoy a day of rest and relaxation.
(Service Included: Flight, airport pick up and hotel in Kathmandu)
Day 10Cultural heritage sightseeing tour in Kathmandu overnight in hotelKathmandu is a fascinating city bursting with energy. Your guide will take you on a journey exploring the classic sights such as Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Patan as well as those hidden gems only the locals know. Rest of time to explore at leisure,your trip ends with a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.
(Service Included: Breakfast, Private vehicle, tour guide, temple monastery entrance fees and hotel in Kathmandu)
Day 11Final departure After wonderful time at Everest Panorama trekking with grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time transfer to international air terminal for your departure homeward bound or to next respective countries. Maybe you would like to tailor this trip by adding on one of our extensions such as Jungle safari tour, River Rafting or trip to Pokhara
(Service Included: Breakfast and airport departure transfer)
About Nepal Visa:
Normally Nepal visas can be easily obtained from the Government of Nepal, Nepalese Embassy or Consulate office located in your country. If you have left your home country and/or you don't have time to visit the Embassy, you can get a visa from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on your arrival or from any other entry point in Nepal. Make sure to bring a few sets of your passport size photos. Visa fees are inexpensive.
Visa can also be obtained at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission. Visa can also be obtained (renewal purposes) at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Immigration Department has not specified the size of the passport-size photo.
You can get Nepal tourist visa in following place of Nepal:
Tribhuwan international airport (Kathmandu), Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal), Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal), Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Borde, Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepa), Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal), Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepan) Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar, Far Western Nepal).
Visa Facility Duration Fees
Multiple Entry 15 Days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple Entry 30 Days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple Entry 90 Days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
For first visit in one visa year (January to December) , gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, visa can be extended from the Immigration Department on payment of visa fee as specified above.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
Visa Extension:
Tourists can stay for a maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Jan 1 to Dec 31).
For further information, please contact
Department of Immigration
Kalikasthan, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1- 4429660 | 4438862 | 4438868 | 4433934
E-mail: email@example.com.
Web site: www.immi.gov.np
Upon Arrival in Nepal:
When you arrival in Nepal at Tribhuvan International airport of Kathmandu, our staff will greet you then transfer to your hotel, evening we invite you welcome dinner. Next day you have a completely rest day or can join with our regular city sightseeing tours of UNESCO world heritage site or participate rock climbing training before heading to peak climbing. In the late afternoon we will review your trip itinerary with service outline, introduce you to your guide and help with the final preparation for your trek.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trek:
Your stay accommodation includes in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotels (attached bath, A/C, 24 hours running hot and cold shower) similar of 2-3 star standard hotel. During the trek your accommodation is includes Mt. Lodge and local tea houses but we do our best for providing the best available lodges on a twin- sharing basis, some tea house are basic with shared washing and toilet facilities. If you are trekking in a groups join basis, you will share a room with someone else of the same gender from your group. If you are prefer a single room in Kathmandu and trek you may indicate your preference on request and pay a single supplement cost. Contact us
Meals and Drinking Water:
In city, only breakfast is included on the offered trip itinerary. During the trekking session full board meals are included (breakfast, Lunch and dinner with cup of tea or coffee). We provide you food from the local tea house Mt. Lodge en route chosen from a menu. Breakfast and dinner is to be provided from the same tea house we would overnight but lunch would be en route in between. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive due to the extreme locations. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetable. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast.
About the drinking water is very important while you are trek on the high altitude we recommended should drink at least 3- 4 litters water a day, we provide filter clean natural water with adding purification pills are included in our trip package. Beside of this, if you wish to drink sill packed mineral and boiled water you can buy en route the cost is extra payable.
Health and Fitness Required:
Our health is most important part to travel and participate for trek and hiking. If you do not have previous trekking experienced is required, better you could do morning walking exercise or cycling till 1 month before you join any trek, hiking and climbing. If you have, it is a great plus point because this trek is a non technical walk.
The highest height you will reach on this trip is 5545m from the sea level. The walk involves lots of ups and down, takes you through local village, farming lands, terraces and river side as long as you have strength of walking for 4- 6 hours a day, and you are qualified for the trek however you should be having a moderate health and faintness.
We strongly advise travelers to consult with your medical doctor before travelling and do the regular check up of your health and report us while booking a trip with us.
Our Experience Trekking Guides and Staff with Safety:
Nepal Himalayas Hikes take you on the remote region, it is very necessary that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified, equipped leader (guide) for that safe and successful trip. We Nepal Spirit Adventure employee the local trek guide and stuff who are trained and qualified on the trip we worked on.
Easily he will share his local information, and provide advice on how to fill your free time as well as co- ordinate the day to day running of the tour although occasionally he may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. Our trek guides are fully trained and licensed from Nepal Government, certify from TAAN and Nepal Mountaineering Association.
All of our trekking and climbing guides are experience from last 9- 10 years. We also provide training for our staff, thus attractive their work efficiency for your trip to supply the flexible needs of our peoples in the group joining basis trip from different countries, this double assure you that your trip is at the right and expert management.
Our guides are well known with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guide book. You will have many chances to learn Nepali phrases and other cultural aspects during your trek.
As we organize at every trek in Nepal, In group trek we provide one trek leader and one assistance leader on each additional two peoples on the trek- this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/assistance guides get sick or if any travelers gets sick and need to be back or delay the days of walking, it would still works smoothly and there would not be any problems on our original trek plan. Also we provide each two trekker would have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags.
All of Nepal Spirit Adventure's guides receive training in the following courses:
Trekking Guide Training and Licensed: Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management and Tourism Training Centre
Rock, Ice Climbing and Mountaineering (climbing leaders): Nepal Mountaineering Association
Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet: TAAN (Trekking Agents Association of Nepal
Intensive Wilderness First Aid: Keep (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
English Language: KEEP
Conservation and Biodiversity: TAAN
Vaccination is necessary to plan to your Nepal bus it is not a must to have thing to come, but we highly recommended. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be travelling.
Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the required vaccination for travel Nepal.
Caring Porter:
Our porter are fully equipped and insured for each trip they are responsibility with us. As you know that we are very honest with the porter issues and their condition while on trek thus we make sure that our porter are fully prepared for the trip. We are closely working with international porter Progress Association for the welfare and befit for the touristic porters.
It is our company's management system; the maximum load carried by our porter is 20 to 25 KG so be sure that your trekking bag is not loads more 20 KG.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is very necessary and you must be insured to join one of our trips. To be sufficiently protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialized travel insurance for participation in risky activities.
Your travel insurance policy must be covers emergency evacuation, trip injury, lost baggage, medical treatment and expenses, theft, liability is recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing including others trip.
Group Size:
We organize any route of Nepal trek with fix departure basis or private trip, the minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is ten of more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Else, join our estimated group departure dates available online market or ask us with your personal suitable flexible dates, we will open group date on the same date.
Trekking Season:
Nepal has two best seasons to attempt this trek to Everest Three High Passes, as this trip is a big trip to you, we always recommend you to come at the right time of the year as far as possible.
Trekking in Nepal is possible at any time of the year, depending on where you are going. In Nepal you can trek somewhere in any of the four seasons, but the most popular trekking seasons are autumn and spring. Nepal Spirit Adventure offers you to consider the following advice on the outstanding aspects of each season.
Autumn (September- October- November):
The autumn is one of the best seasons for trekking in Nepal's Himalayan region and offers excellent weather and outstanding mountain views, the weather is clear and we can pretty much guarantee fantastic mountain views and beautiful panoramas. This season is the peak trekking season in Nepal and you can also see many big Hindu festivals such as 15 day long Dashain, the biggest in Nepal, celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and shortly afterwards the 5 days of Tihar Dipawali.
Winter (December-January- February):
Winter is renowned for snowfall at higher elevations, the snowline descends considerably, and the weather is cold. So it is an ideal time for trekking at lower elevations below 3,000m in the foot hills of Nepal with great views of the Himalayas, it can get cold at night and in the mornings, but during the day temperatures are mild when it is sunny.
Spring (March-April- May):
The spring is the best season for trekking in Nepal. Many people travel from different countries to Nepal in the spring as trekking is good in all regions. The meadows are in full bloom, which makes it a good time to discover the many varieties of wild flowers It's also the time to see the rhododendron forests in full bloom that make the hillside above 4,000m an impressive and unforgettable paradise during this season. The weather is warmer at lower elevations and at the higher elevations over 4,000m visibility is excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June-July- August):
During summer trek is warm and sweaty in the wet summer months, and also constitutes the monsoon season which can continue up to mid-September. Summer is a good time for the keen botanists and forest researchers as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is not generally recommended to trek during the summer season except in the arid rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash.
Everywhere else is in the grip of the monsoon, although the mornings are often clear for a few hours and you can expect beautiful sunrises, it rains almost every day, clouding over by mid morning, with frequent rain and occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The advantages of trekking in the summer months are the uncrowded trails and reduced cold in the high mountain areas.
How to Book Your Trip with Us:
While you decided to book your Nepal trip with us choose your Nepal suitable holiday trip what we have gone through online product, write and ask the information or phone us on our phone number for the trip booking confirmation. To be very clear understanding about the trip services we have also online trip booking option, you may go on that link, chose your trip and date and follow the instruction with information required and summit us.
Once your trip booking request reached to us, sincerely we will suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment of the trip, Non-refundable deposit of 20 percentage (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure Nepal activities.
Please feel free to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our trip booking process.
Destination: Nepal
Trip Cost: US$ 1130
Trek/Tour Style: Guest House | Lodge
Activities: Trekking & Cultural Heritage Tour
Meals: B|B in City & Full Board While Trek
Transportation: Flight & Private Vehicle
Best Month: March- June & Sep - December
Group Size: Minimum 02 to 10 People in Group
Trek Route: KTM- Lukla- Phakding- Namche- Khumjung- Tengboche- Manjo-Luka
We used Nepal base trekking company-(Nepal Spirit Adventure) provide us number 1 excellence service made us lifetime remarkable experience. We were dreamed reach to Everest base camp at 5364m since such a long time and got successfully achieved our final goal using this wonderful company's staffs. We really happy with our whole experienced from booking process through the trek
Thank you so much Ram and team. I can highly recommend Nepal Spirit Adventures as a hiking tour operator. I did a five day hiking tour in Helambu in January 2019 organized by Nepal Spirit Adventure 100% satisfied. The company owner Ram was very fast in answering all my questions before the trip and made a hike
Thank you for your wonderful help to reach Everest base camp trek. Our EBC trek group got back safe at our home and work place. Very tried but thinking often of Nepal your beautiful country and friendly people. We thank you so much for your professional staffs and our welcome to you country, we could not have been happier
Everest Base Camp TrekRead more


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Head of Apple's speech team explains how Siri learns new languages
Just how exactly does Siri learn a new language? In today's interview with Reuters, Apple's speech team head Alex Acero offered a behind-the-scenes look at how Siri is being taught new languages, a process that involves script-writing, capturing voices in multiple accents and dialects and using machine learning and artificial intelligence to build and evolve new language models over time. The system requires a team of people tasked with reading passages of manually transcribed text.
Before actually updating Siri, Apple first rolls out Dictation support for a new language.
Siri currently speaks 21 languages in 36 countries. By comparison, Microsoft's Cortana supports eight languages tailored for thirteen countries, Google Assistant speaks four languages while Amazon's Alexa works only in English and German.

subset: commoncrawl


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All Products
All Products
HOBO data loggers for monitoring indoor, outdoor, and underwater environments.
Download the Catalog!
The MX2001 water level sensor is used with the HOBO Bluetooth water level data logger (MX2001), the HOBO MicroRX Water Level Stations (RX2103 and RX2104), or the HOBO RX3000 Remote Monitoring Station for accurate water pressure, temperature, and water level measurements. These sensors are available in four depth ranges, in stainless steel or titanium (recommended for use in saltwater).
Effectively monitor compressed air systems with the CDI meter. This flow meter includes two probes, one warmer than the other. This arrangement calculates mass velocity based on heat requirements. Additionally, pipe area data is used to determine flow amounts.
Requires analog port selection during U30 system or RX3000 configuration and use of a S-FS-CVIA when using the H22-001 data logger. When using a UX120-006M, ZW Series or U12 data logger, this sensor requires a 4-20mA input cable (CABLE-4-20mA).
The Ashcroft Gauge Pressure Sensor provides precision pressure measurements in compressed air systems, water, or other compatible gases and fluids with an accuracy of ±1% FS from -20° to 85°C (-4° to 185°F) and only ±1.5% FS -40° to -20°C and 85° to 125°C (-40° to –4°F and 185° to 257°F).
Requires analog port selection during U30 system or RX3000 configuration and use of a S-FS-CVIA when using the H22-001 data logger. When using a UX120-006M, ZW Series or U12 data logger, this sensor requires an 0-5 Vdc analog input cable (CABLE-ADAP5) and external power provided by an AC adapter (AC-SENS-1).
The AC Voltage transmitter is a self-powered transformer for monitoring sine wave, single-phase AC voltage. This sensor requires an Input Cable to connect to the UX120-006M, ZW series and U series of data loggers.
The DC Voltage input cable allows you to connect 3rd party sensors with a DC Voltage ouput to the UX120-006M, ZW Series or the U series of data loggers.
The TMC temperature probe can be used in air, soil & water work with the UX120-006M, ZW Series or U Series of data loggers. Temperature probes are available in lengths of 0.3 m (1 ft), 1.8 m (6 ft), 6.1 m, (20 ft) & 15.2 m (50 ft).
A split-core AC current sensor records AC amperage for use with U12 Series, UX120-006M and ZW Series of data loggers with external input channels. With an input current of AC current, sine wave, single phase 50 Hz or 60 Hz, load power factor 0.5 to 1.0 lead or lag.
The molded-plastic housing is rated for indoor use per UL508.
The Ultrasonic Wind Speed and Direction Smart Sensor is compact and rugged with no moving parts. Because this sensor is ultrasonic it is able to measure very low wind speeds, down to 0.4 m/s (compared to 1.0 m/s for our mechanical sensors). As with all Onset smart sensors, this sensor is plug-and-play with HOBO stations (RX3000, USB Micro Station, H22, and the U30-NRC). Because it is automatically recognized by HOBO stations, there is no need for programming, resulting in fast and easy deployment. The sensor is powered by its own built-in solar panel.
Interested in wireless sensors? The wireless Wind Speed and Direction sensor is available for use with the HOBOnet Field Monitoring System.


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Are Republicans trying to use the debt ceiling for political revenge, forcing the sick and elderly to suffer cuts in Medicare to pay for the massively irresponsible deficit spending initiated during the Bush years?
After starting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, allowing banks through deregulation to defraud the public out of trillions of dollars in the mortgage-backed securities scandal, refusing to negotiate cost reductions with pharmaceutical companies while lowering taxes on the wealthiest 1% of Americans — all of which is costing the American taxpayer over $16 trillion dollars in current debt — now the Republicans want you to know that the real problem is "entitlements" like Medicare for the elderly and disabled.
Republican congressman Bob Corker said:
The Republicans know they have the debt ceiling…The leverage is going to shift to our side where hopefully we'll do the same thing we did last time, and that is if the president wants to raise the debt limit by $2 trillion we get $2 trillion in spending reduction, and hopefully, this time it will be mostly oriented towards entitlement [medicare, unemployment benefits, job training, health insurance, education loans].
Bob Corker and Republicans in the Senate will use political "leverage" to force spending cuts in entitlements to pay for corporate and political malfeasance, financial fraud (for which no one is ever held accountable) and the "war on terror" (for which Republicans believe there should be no spending limit or debt ceiling). [see my article here discussing how the US government lacks the most basic accountability for policing its own corruption].
Debt Ceiling & the Fiscal Cliff
President Obama wants to make it easier for our nation to go deeper into debt supposedly to convince bondholders that we are serious about paying our bills. Of course, we can only "pay"our bills if bondholders loan us the money to necessary to make t…
Why should the sick and elderly be first in line to pay for the sins of the wealthy?
The corporatocracy steals trillions of dollars from the US treasury, then misleads the public with propaganda that Obama and the Democrats only want to raise the debt ceiling for additional spending to help all those shiftless parasites comprising 47% of non-taxpayers who refuse to pay their fair share. The point of lifting the debt ceiling, if there is one, should be to pay down debt by increasing investment and productivity without shouldering the poor and middle-class.
The point is not that we shouldn't have been brought to a debt ceiling crisis, but who should pay to prevent it? How are we going to pay the debt? The Republicans are now using the debt ceiling crisis to try and force cuts in Medicare as they must concede defeat over the issue of ending Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy.
Those "entitlements" that the Republicans scorn are not "entitlements" in any pejorative sense. They are moral obligations the US made to its citizens, not bank accounts politicians can dip into for debt repayment. If Republicans are serious about paying down debt, then for a start the wealthy will have to pay higher taxes and loopholes will have to be closed so those taxes actually get paid.
It is primarily multinational corporations that have benefited most from debt incurred by American dissoluteness: the military/industrial complex, pharmaceutical companies, oil companies and the financial industry.
What kind of loopholes do corporations use to avoid paying their fair share of taxes to help repay US debt obligations?
I've written about Google here regarding the fight to preserve Internet freedom while themselves being guilty of manipulating information for profit through their monopoly on search. Freedom of information is a public good that must be protected by interests that serve the public, not private businesses. For-profit companies will inevitably be swayed by self-interest, sending traffic and serving up pages that produce advertising dollars rather than unbiased results.
We've now learn that Google, like hundreds of other fortune 500 companies that are the homes of America's corporate elite, elude paying taxes by stashing billions of dollars in offshore tax havens. In 2011, Google hid almost $10 billion pre-tax dollars in a Bermuda "shell" company, which allowed them to avoid paying $2 billion dollars in corporate tax to the US government, legally. It's estimated that as much as $21 trillion dollars are socked away in tax havens around the world.
Anyone know of a good offshore account I can set up?
So while America is racking up obscene debts it struggles to repay, and politicians hold citizens hostage with fiscal cliffs and debt ceilings, the corporate elites have enjoyed Bush era tax cuts and evade taxes through legal loopholes. The Republicans say the answer is to cut "entitlements" for the poor, the sick, the middle-class and the elderly.
My thanks to Thom Hartmann and Truthout.com.
The Democrats are not much different from the Republicans when it comes to the ponzi scheme of a joke we call US government debt and leadership. Republicans want to place a heavy burden of debt repayment on the middle class while they escape to offshore tax-free havens while Democrats want more deficit spending at a time we can ill afford it (they argue we can't afford not to).
Obama wants to place no future limits on the debt ceiling which is a stupid idea. You can't pay down debt by taking on more debt indefinitely. Borrowing money to pay debts without a clear path for repayment or even slowing the growth of the debt is a Ponzi scheme. Current Federal Reserve policy of printing money to inflate away debt will only further debase the currency and our current standard of living.
It's especially distorting [public debate] on the Right, where hysteria about deficits, and debt, and becoming like Greece has reached a fever pitch. Paul Ryan, especially, has framed his entire message on entitlement-cutting on the flawed premise that the US needs to cut its entitlement or it will suffer a debt crisis.
— http://www.forbes.com/sites/pascalemmanuelgobry/2012/10/19/no-the-united-states-will-not-go-into-a-debt-crisis-not-now-not-ever/2/
I believe it is a mistake to raise the debt ceiling, and if we are ever going to repay our debts we need an end to Bush era tax cuts for the rich, deep cuts in spending — with entitlement as a last resort — primarily in defense/war budgets, an overhaul of the mass corruption that grips healthcare (including Medicare) and real investment (as opposed to bond-buying) in technology, notably biotech and green energy, and education.
A basic principle of modern state capitalism is that costs and risks are socialized to the extent possible, while profit is privatized.
–Noam Chomsky


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You're obsessed with charcuterie boards, I'm obsessed with charcuterie boards. I know it and you know it. But what makes the perfect charcuterie board? As self-proclaimed cheese and meat connoisseurs, Patty and I worked on building a well-rounded charcuterie platter for every occasion. Or if you're like us, you can make a meal out of it (which is insane but who cares).
Our charcuterie obsession all started in Quebec, Canada at the bar inside the Château Frontenac. This board was an awesome assortment of cured meats and hard and soft cheeses accompanied by honey, fruit, and fruit purees.
Anyone can do cheese and crackers, but a well-crafted, well thought out charcuterie board is so much more than that. It's like the Rolls-Royce of cheese platters.
There are no rules to building your meat and cheese plate, but below is a few of our favorite combinations to get the inspiration juices flowing. My personal philosophy is all about mixing and matching complementary and savory flavors. I would choose two or three (or more) options from each of the categories below for starters.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list and it's all about preference—we switch up variations every time. A final note; my absolute favorite combo and one worth trying is brie cheese drizzled with honey on a crispy bagel chip. I'm addicted, and I think you will be too.
Charcuterie Board Ideas and Inspiration
Salty Additions
- Baby dill pickles
- Fresh green olives
- Spanish almonds
- Regular almonds
- Pickled red onions
Fruits and Spreads
- Raspberries
- Honey
- Truffle honey (truffle oil and honey)
- Sliced fresh fig
- Fig jam spread
- Grapes
- Sliced pears
- Gruyère—firm, mild, sweet, and salty cheese from Switzerland.
- Cheddar—everyone knows what cheddar cheese is.
- Brie—rich and creamy cheese from France.
- Fresh mozzarella—go with the 8 ounce ball of mozzarella.
- Manchego—a firm, nutty tasting cheese from Spain made from sheep's milk.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano—hard Italian cheese similar to Parmesan.
- Pepperjack—American cheese flavored with hot chili peppers.
- Port wine cheese—creamy spreadable cheese flavored with port wine.
Bread and Crackers
- Sea salt bagel crisps
- Thinly slices toasted French bread
- Pretzel chips
- Prosciutto
- Genoa Salami
- Cappocola
- Mortadella
The recipe below is the board we made pictured here. Good luck!Print
How to Build the Perfect Charcuterie Board
- Prep Time: 20
- Total Time: 20
- Gruyère
- Sharp cheddar
- Brie
- Pepperjack
- Port wine cheese
- Sliced prosciutto
- Sliced Genoa salami
Fruits & Spreads
- Raspberries
- Red grapes
- Fig jam spread
- Honey
Salty Additions
- Fresh green olives
- Salted Spanish almonds
- Baby dill pickles
- Sea salt bagel chips
- Grab a large wooden platter or cutting board and arrange all meats, cheeses, and fruits. Serve with plenty of cheese knives and spreaders.


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Men's Basketball
Conference names don't reflect numbers
ST. LOUIS — During his first venture into the world of conference expansion, Jim Delany made a dangerous assumption.
The Big Ten had added an 11th member, and the league's new commissioner figured adjustments were necessary to signify the arrival of Penn State in 1990.
"I just presumed we would be a different group, a different name," he said. "I was going on that presumption and found out quickly the Big Ten was a name that carried a lot of meaning to a lot of people."
That issue has been raised again for not only the Big Ten, which was founded in 1896, but also the Big 12 and the Pac-10. They all must decide whether name brand is more important than accuracy after the first round of conference realignment left all a bit off kilter in terms of membership and monikers.
To review: The Big Ten has 12 schools, the Big 12 has 10 and the Pac-10 has 12. The potential for problems was created when the leagues opted to insert numbers in their names in the first place.
Conference expansion has been a popular pastime for the last 20 years, and names have come and gone as many leagues, mostly of lesser prominence, have morphed into new animals.
But the BCS conferences have more at stake. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East didn't have to worry about such things in the mid-2000s when their numbers changed.
Most assume the Big Ten will stand pat to retain more than a century of tradition. But will the Big 12, a mere teenager, consider alternatives?
"Those are two different situations," said Brett Boyle, associate professor of marketing at St. Louis University. "The Big 12 could probably get away with (changing) because in most people's memories it's been something other than the Big 12. The Big Ten brand name has too much value to let it go just to get the math right. They would give up that tradition."
There has been plenty of confusion between conference names and membership through the years and it continues to be widespread, sometimes within a conference's walls.
The Big 12 requests that the media not refer to the league in print as the "Big XII" yet maintains the roman numeral as a prominent part of its logo.
The Atlantic 10 has 14 members, giving it the biggest numeric discrepancy in the country. And geographic accuracy has never been a particularly important requirement. If it were, Chicago State wouldn't be in the Great West, Louisiana Tech in the Western Athletic Conference, San Diego State in the Mountain West or Marquette and DePaul in the Big East.
Seemingly the only conference that covered its bases from the start was Conference USA, which was so named because of the wide geographic spread of its members.
In 1990, the Big Ten opted to merely change its logo. Al Grivetti, who was a graduate student at Northern Illinois, incorporated the No. 11 into his now-famous design.
"I also gave them a 12, a 13 and a 14," he said. "It wasn't particularly taken seriously, but I did it to show it could be done if needed. I firmly believe the Big Ten stands for the conference, not the number of schools."
The Big Ten is the oldest college conference in the country, having formed in 1896 as The Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives. That tongue twister was happily changed to Western Conference, and the league became firmly known as the Big Ten when Michigan State joined in 1950.
The next opportunity to change came 40 years later, but tradition trumped the need to keep pace with membership. However, Dan Jenkins, the historian for the National Football Foundation, has a more cynical view.
"I don't think it makes much difference about tradition any longer," he said in an e-mail interview. "The cast of characters don't care about anything but TV and money. The Big Ten would call itself the Big Bank of America if it meant more money."
The Big Eight was willing to alter its name to Big 12 when it swallowed the old Southwestern Conference's Texas schools in 1994. But the league was thinking about the future when it trademarked the name Big 14.
Now, with the league moving in the other direction, commissioner Dan Beebe has been noncommittal about what might be in store. "I don't want to give my indication now of what I think and then have my members say, 'What the heck are you thinking about?'" he said. "That will be something we have to fully consider as we go forward."
When the Big Ten added Nebraska several weeks ago, Delany said the matter would be addressed.
"We haven't had a discussion," he said. "But there are a lot of people out there with computers who manipulate the name and numbers. I think it's something we'll have to figure out over the next few months."
The Pac-10 has undergone several changes through the years, starting as the Pacific Coast Conference and changing to Athletic Associates of Western Universities in 1959 and the Pacific 8 in 1968. When Arizona and Arizona State were added, it became the Pac-10.
But a common prefix complicates matters for the Big Ten and Big 12. They are among six NCAA Division I leagues that start with "Big," but the others didn't plug a number into the name.
"I could see both conferences staying the way they are because of the equity they've built up," Big East associate commissioner Tom Odjakjian said. "It indicates who you are with less confusion. And then people can chuckle about how many schools they have."


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What We Believe
We are a faith community born of the progressive elements of western religions, but draw our inspirations from the whole world of sacred teachings. We have always affirmed the freedom of religious belief and asserted that the individual person is the final authority in matters of belief. We have placed freedom and reason and tolerance at the center of the spiritual life, and encourage all of our members to engage with their whole self to discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.
We are non-dogmatic and non-creedal and believe that truth is a dynamic and organic process. We seek to grow in wisdom together as we explore the significant events of our lives, drawing from the arts, music and literature, science and personal experience to find ways of living more abundant lives.
We believe that we can bring about a better world through our actions, and that we are all called to pursue the causes of peace and justice and equality. Individually and together we can be agents of change to heal what is often a broken world, as well as to learn how to live responsible and sustainable lives on our precious earth.
We believe that there is a sacred and holy element to life and that our task is to experience and care for what is holy, from our relationships with each other to our relationship with the earth. Above all, we believe that our lives have meaning and purpose, and that we can live lives worthy of our highest ideals.
Often, we refer to these beliefs as the Seven Principles and Six Sources as the backbone of our religious community.
Our Mission: Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church creates and grows an inclusive religious community connected by love, spirit, and service.
Together, we, of all ages and identities:
- Support one another through life's changes and transitions.
- Create safe space for people to be their authentic selves.
- Nurture community with one another, our neighborhood, and the world at large.
- Seek out and embrace diversity.
- Connect to the transcendent through worship and other spiritual practices.
- Recognize the importance of beauty in our lives and the world among us.
- Challenge our minds and our hearts to grow.
- Understand justice in its many forms and take action that leads to systemic change.
- Commit to service toward a compassionate, sustainable, and peaceful world.
- Ensure the continuity of our church through generosity and good stewardship.
- Embrace our Unitarian Universalist identity and Principles.


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small:Charlie Slavik
Charlie Slavik
In 2012, he became the only Czech musician in history to ever participate in
the prestigious International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, where he went
into the semi-finals, as well as in the European Blues Challenge (EBC) in Berlin.
In addition to his playing, he is a sought after lecturer for musicians´
workshops. The proof of his quality is, that he was chosen as the opening act
for his musical role model, the legendary harmonica player, Charlie Musselwhite,
during Musselwhite´s only concert in the Czech Republic.
Charlie Slavík has traveled throughout the Mississippi Delta several
times and has managed to fulfill his life´s dream to play landmark clubs
in Memphis, Nashville and Chicago. On Czech and international stages, you can
see and hear Charlie Slavík as a featured musician for African-American
soul-blues singer Juwana Jenkins, as a special guest of jump blues band St.
Johnny, and from 2013, as front-man for his new project, the Charlie Slavík
> Charlie Slavik's Homepage
SEYDEL EuropaBertram Becher
(0) 2525 807947
SEYDEL USARupert Oysler
++1 828 505-2346 >


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As part of our Retail Salary Survey, we have investigated shopping trends in the UK over the last 12 months and found that 44% of respondents do the majority of their shopping online or on their mobile device. When asked what they buy most frequently online the overwhelming majority, 43%, stated fashion. Clothes and accessories remain the ultimate impulsive purchases, and fashion retailers have responded to this "have to have it now" mentality. In the past year, several brands have made notable innovations to their multi-channel offering, including ease of return, a greater variety of choice and same-day delivery. That being said, the online shopping trend doesn't seem to be affecting much of the luxury sector, with only 3% of reported sales being luxury goods. When investing in luxury items shoppers want to have an overall luxurious experience and enjoy the high level of customer experience and attention that they get from being in stores.
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Property Portal 99.co Leverages Nexmo to Secure App Registrations and Increase User Engagement
CHALLENGEPreventing the scams and fraud that typically occur on classified sites
SOLUTIONNexmo SMS and Verify APIs
RESULTSSuccessfully secured more legitimate registrations and improved in-app engagement
Despite having a population of just 5.4 million, Singapore is one of the top 10 real estate cities in the world. To help alleviate the pain of finding a suitable property, Singapore's fastest growing property portal 99.co provides renters, buyers, and property agents with a powerful map-based property search engine to provide a fast and transparent search experience.
To prevent scams that typically occur on classified sites, 99.co needed a reliable user authentication process to verify and match each broker's identity against an official broker database. A similar authentication process was also needed to verify the phone numbers of new property seeking registrants to ensure agents received high quality, legitimate leads.
99.co also required a cloud communications partner to enable brokers and potential renters to reliably connect via SMS.
Finding Nexmo
Using Nexmo's Verify API, 99.co implemented a user authentication process, whereupon a user enters a unique PIN code when registering on the 99.co mobile app or website. If the new registrant is a broker, the API instantly matches the phone number to an official broker database, thereby verifying the user and granting access to the 99.co services.
If the new registrant is a potential buyer or renter, they simply enter the unique PIN code they receive via SMS to gain access to 99.co property listings. The Nexmo SMS API enabled 99.co to provide instant and reliable connectivity between property agents and potential customers via SMS.
The Nexmo Verify API and SMS API enabled 99.co to successfully:
- Increase SMS deliverability
- Boost overall user acquisition
- Improve user retention by 15%
- Prevent scam users from registering, thereby increasing legitimacy of users
- Reduce engineering costs
- Reduce overall communications costs by only paying for successful verifications
"Most property seekers and real estate brokers are extremely mobile-centric, so we knew we needed a communications solution to enable reliable SMS connectivity and a seamless user authentication process," said Darius Cheung, CEO, and Co-Founder of 99.co.
"It was important for 99.co to find a single partner that could provide the breadth of solutions we required, as well as offer local infrastructure to ensure the highest communications delivery. The reliability, stability, and quality of the Nexmo products and infrastructure have allowed the 99.co community to thrive. We look forward to continuing our partnership as we grow internationally."
"It was important for 99.co to find a single partner that could provide the breadth of solutions we required, as well as offer local infrastructure to ensure the highest communications delivery. The reliability, stability, and quality of the Nexmo products and infrastructure have allowed the 99.co community to thrive."


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What is that occasional pink stuff in your toilet, shower, pet's dish or in your teen aged son's bathroom sink? It's most likely a bacteria called Serratia marcescens bacteria.That's a lab dish full of it in the photo to the left.
Each year, a few customers call the City of
Serratia bacteria are common inhabitants of our environment and can be found in many places, including human and animal feces, dust, soil, and in surface waters. The bacteria will grow in any moist location where phosphorous containing materials or fatty substances accumulate. Sources of these substances include soap residues in bathing areas, feces in toilets, soap and food residues in pet water dishes. Many times, the pinkish film appears during and after new construction or remodeling activities. Others have indicated the pink "stuff" occurs during a time of year that their windows are open for the majority of the day.
These airborne bacteria can come from any number of naturally occurring sources, and the condition can be further aggravated if customers remove the chlorine from their water by way of an activated carbon filter. In recent years, the popularity of home water filtration systems has grown tremendously, and the presence of Serratia has appeared more and more frequently in homes which remove the chlorine disinfection from the water supply. Serratia can also grow in tap water in locations such as toilets in guest bathrooms where the water is left standing long enough for the chlorine residual disinfectant to dissipate. Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water. The public water supply in Eden Prairie contains just enough chlorine to provide safe, disinfected drinking water at your tap, and when left standing in an open container for as little as 30 minutes, our tap water looses its chlorine disinfectant into the atmosphere.
Serratia marsescensis not known to cause any waterborne diseases. Members of the Serratia genus were once known as harmless organisms that produced a characteristic red pigment. More recently, Serratia marcescens has been found to be pathogenic to a very small percentage of people, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and pneumonia in hospital environments.
Once established, the organism usually cannot be eliminated entirely. However, periodic and thorough cleaning of the surfaces where the pink slime occurs, followed by disinfection with chlorine bleach is the best way to control it.
To clean pet water dishes, bathroom and kitchen surfaces
? Scrub the surfaces where phosphorous and fatty substances or the bacteria accumulate with a brush and a household cleanser.
? Then disinfect the surfaces where the slime has formed with a strong chlorine bleach solution.
? Leave the disinfectant solution on the affected surface(s) for 10-20 minutes before thoroughly rinsing away with clean water.
? Use care with abrasives to avoid scratching the fixtures, which will make them even more susceptible to the bacteria.
To control pink "stuff" in toilets
? Clean the bowl thoroughly and spray chlorine bleach into the bowl and under the bowl rim.
? Add carefully ¼ cup of bleach to the toilet tank and stir it up.
? Let the bleach stand for 15-20 minutes.
? After 15-20 minutes, flush the toilet a couple of times to rinse the disinfectant out of the tank and the bowl.
? The bleach should not be left in the toilet tank for prolonged periods; it will damage the rubber valves and seals inside.
? Whenever a pink film starts to reappear, repeat the cleaning and disinfection process.
Cleaning and flushing with chlorine will not eliminate the problem, but will help to control these bacteria. Keep bathtubs and sinks wiped down and dry to avoid this problem. Using a cleaning solution that contains chlorine will help curtail the onset of the bacteria.
If you have any questions about this bacteria, please contact the City of Eden Prairie Water Plant office at (952) 294-8530.


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Bay Area Bread Tour
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Are you a frustrated local bread connoisseur, unfulfilled by the quality of the carbs in your vicinity? Look no further! Yashvi, Atusa and Fe present the best bread in the Bay Area. Pop in your rickety car with $10 of gas in the tank, and hit up these cult favorite (albeit a small cult of our families and friends) bakeries and farms, to get the best dough for your dough!
Tartine Bakery ($5-12)
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Step out of the Mission's renowned landmark, Dolores Park, and walk to the end of the Guerrero block. You will be struck by a colossal line wrapping around the corner. If the line isn't enough to draw you inside, maybe this will: Tartine's bread is so delicious, that it has its very own cookbook (seriously, find it at your local bookstore). Tartine caters to everyone including the most devout line-haters — you can skip the line and get your loaves delivered. However, we recommend you get the full in-bakery experience, complete with a lively bustling ambience, friendly service and divine coffee. We promise it's worth it! Good things truly come to those who wait. If you want to get your hands on their iconic bread, be sure to get there early — it typically sells out by 3 p.m. Tartine's proximity to Dolores Park makes it even more appealing, as you never have to worry about the bakery being full, just walk over to the park and enjoy your loaves there.
Cal Ave Farmer's Market ($3)
490 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Located on California Avenue, Palo Alto's good ole reliable Sunday farmer's market is a hot spot for bougie locals in search of delicious, authentic and cage-free experiences. With everything from the classic array of gorgeous fruit and vegetables to bouquets of fresh flowers that make the perfect surprise gift for mom, to live music, food trucks, kitty adoption stations, and more, a morning spent at the cal ave farmer's market is a morning spent well! The majority of the local farmers dress in vibrantly colored clothing and make everyone feel at home by smiling and handing out bite-sized samples of their heavenly produce. While we enjoy the farmer's market experience as a whole, farmer's market goers and bread seekers in particular will want to be sure to stop at this spot for their memorable bread. At the start of the farmer's market, beside Joanie's cafe, there are two booths set up where one can enjoy freshly baked baguettes, sourdough boules, and pastries as early as 9 o'clock. It's the most authentic french baguette we've tried this side of the Atlantic.
Harley Farms ($5)
205 North St, Pescadero, CA 94060
Looking to make friends with some cute and spunky kids? Obviously we mean baby goats! Head over to Pescadero on a sunny day and treat yourself to a delightful country farm experience. Fair warning though, if you want to go hang out with the goats and go trekking through the mud in search of the perfect Insta pic, we recommend you leave your favorite heels behind. Ditch those for your converse or rain boots so you can initiate your baby goat friendships with no fear of the mud! The bread at Harley farms is honestly best enjoyed at the rickety old fashioned wooden picnic tables, with cheese purchased in the adorable farm store and a feast of your choosing! We recommend the garlic herb goat cheese, and the chocolate pot to finish off your picnic. For the truly devoted bread fanatic out there, we advise a quick stop at another one of Pescadero's local treasures, Arcangeli Grocery Co. to pick up some of their memorable artichoke sourdough bread.


text: Within The Smoke House is an elegant private dining room which comes with your own personal Chef, who will work together with you to create the perfect menu for a table of ten guests. Entirely private and exclusive, a dinner here is sure to impress and will make any celebration truly special. Advance reservations are essential.


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It's been an odd summer.
Actually, Summer, maybe it's not you. I think it's me.
I feel restless, aimless, and have a hard time focusing. It could be work anxiety. It could be the headlines. It could be that I'm itching to get away but can't decide where I want to go. It could be that time is ticking and one day I will be dead. On top of this, my beloved Thoreau keychain broke, which feels symbolic.
Most weekends we stay in the city, on account of the Beast working on Sundays.
On a recent Saturday, at around 2:00 p.m., I was so fidgety that I suggested we get into the car and drive to Buffalo. Maybe, I suggested, we could go to the Albright Knox, which closes at 5:00 p.m., which explains why we didn't.
"How about Canada's Wonderland then?" I asked.
"Excuse me?"
"You know, the theme park?"
"Oh, I know what it is. I've just never heard you express interest in going before."
"Those old wooden roller coasters are wonderful! We could just go for a couple of rides. Look here! The Internet says it's cheaper after 4:00 p.m.! We could go to that Vaughn Mills place before!"
"I'll buy you a present at the mall and pay for the roller coasters?"
"If this is really want you want, they ok."
We got to Canada's Wonderland at about 6:00 p.m. Parking was $20. When the nice lady at the ticket booth told me it would be $80 for two passes I nearly shat myself. But there was no going back. "Maybe you should consider a season's pass," she said.
"But I literally just want to go on one old, wooden roller coast," I said. "I just need to feel alive again, you know? I want to feel like I have a soul."
The Beast gently pulled me away, our two passes in hand, and we headed straight towards the "Mighty Canadian Minebuster," which was fine, but not as thrilling as I remembered. Also, I always thought it was the Mindbuster.
Maybe it was the Wild Beast that I recalled (always as the Wildebeest) so fondly?
No, it wasn't.
We also went on Thunder Run, which was a kid's ride if you ask me. When a man couldn't get out of his seat on account of a belt-misfunction, they shut the ride down for a good 3o minutes. We thought we'd just get out of line, but there was no way to turn around. We were stuck–and forced to watch weird music videos on screens, including Toto's Africa. I have no idea what the narrative is there.
The Vortex was pretty good. We screamed like kids.
Just as twilight fell onto the park, we were ready to leave.
But the Beast suggested we take one last ride: the Leviathan.
I closed my eyes the entire time. My face hurt from smiling. And my insides were warmed by the Beast's high-pitched, joyful yelps.
My mood was decidedly improved: five roller coasters in five hours at about $10 a ride. Not bad.
Last Saturday, I obsessed about staying in a fancy hotel on a Friday night, to have a stay-cation in the city. We'd have a fancy dinner, retire to our air-conditioned room, wear robes, maybe go for a swim in the morning, and order breakfast before checking out.
In order to stay on point with my personal brand-crafting, I really only had one option: the Four Seasons. I monitored the price all week. Thinking the rate would drop the day before booking, I didn't commit. Only they never dropped: the price went up.
We salvaged the Saturday with a late lunch at Terroni on Adelaide where we had a memorable nebbiolo rosé called "Aurora": it was such a beautiful burnt-amber colour.
Then we saw a matinée, A Bigger Splash, which made me obsess about Tilda Swinton's entire wardrobe and realize that the Beast looks a lot like Ralph Fiennes, who was often outfitted in loose, colourful linens.
Flash forward to Friday night: I'd finally found a desirable rate at the Four Seasons and booked a room.
The Beast met me there after work and insisted that I take a series of photographs of him posing in the room, acting like a business man, a real baller.
Afterward the photo shoot, we headed downstairs to Cafe Boulud for dinner. Over oysters and escargot, we talked about our days at work, and debated what the colloquial term "tossed salad" meant. Earlier in the week, I'd sent a text to Lainey about how I'd–literally–tossed her salad for lunch but I accidentally sent the text to the Beast. This happens so often that neither of them even writes back to clarify. This time, however, the Beast was intrigued. He assumed that when he got home he would be on the receiving end of fellatio. I said are you an idiot because that's not what tossing salad means.
We shared côte de bœuf, which came with the best boiled Yukon Gold potatoes I've ever had. I know that sounds like an oxymoron but I am serious.
We talked about our plans come October. The Elegant Garage Sale, the shop the Beast has worked at for 12 years, is closing September 30. He plans on taking some time off, which I both support and encourage. As much as he has learned and as many lovely and interesting people he has met, I don't think he'd ever imagined he'd be a retail manager at 32 years old. We talked about his hopes and dreams, and a potential trip to Greece in late October.
Neither of us has been there before. It's a place that has enchanted me since my youth when my brother would come home from school and tell me tales of its ancient cities. I then went on to study the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, and the Athenians. To see the remains of these civilizations will be a dream come true.
We retired to our room–with the bone from the rib steak, which Cafe Boulud's Hakim enthusiastically wrapped up for us (he was so excited that we were civilized enough to not let it go to waste that he shook our hands, his face beaming.) We changed into robes and sipped Champagne, courtesy of Cafe Boulud's wine director, Drew (he was so excited that we were having a stay-cation that he'd sent the bottle up to our room ahead of us.) We watched 20 minutes of A Few Good Men and fell into a deep, blissfully air-conditioned sleep.
I briefly woke up at 5:30 a.m.–just long enough to see the sun rising, just long enough to know that everything was going to be ok.
Categories: Cafe Boulud


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On May 22, Olga Tokarczuk won the Man Booker International Prize for her book Flights (which first appeared in English in our Winter 2016 issue), translated into English by Jennifer Croft for Fitzcarraldo Editions. Tokarczuk is already a household figure in her native Poland where Flights was first published in 2007. Two of her other novels have been translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, but it is only now with Flights that she is becoming a recognizable name for the English-speaking public. While the red Man Booker logo, signifying its triumph, will help it fly off the shelves in bookstores all over the United Kingdom, booksellers still face a tough challenge, for how do you summarize and sell a book like Flights?
Flights is categorized as a novel, although it eschews traditional plot and linear structure. At its most reductive, it can be described as a traveler's diary through which an unnamed narrator contemplates and explores the roots of her nomadism. What follows is a compilation of fragments collected by the narrator throughout her journeys: short stories about home and travel, meditations on the human body, and even essays on sanitary pads, Wikipedia, and the English language. In the original Polish, the book is titled Bieguni, the name of a nomadic sect of Eastern European origin who believe the only way to escape the devil is by being in constant movement. And indeed, if the narrator of Flights has a life philosophy, it is this: "a thing in motion will always be better than a thing at rest."


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The consultation process is far more important than you'd think. This is where the framework for your new tattoo is set. If ideas are not communicated properly here it can lead to numerous redraws, frustration, and wasted time for both the client and the artist.
Before the Consult:
Have a solid idea of what you're looking for. This can include reference materials of any type. From rudimentary drawings on a scrap piece of paper to jpegs on your laptop, it's all helpful in guiding the artist in the proper direction. Think about how you're going to explain your idea as words can often be interpreted differently than intended. This does not mean that every detail has to be worked out, just the general parameters of subject matter, style, and placement. Images tend to be the clearest form of communication, don't limit your search solely to other tattoos. For example, if you're thinking about a bird, going to the source (nature photography) can be helpful. Photos of other tattoos can be helpful as to giving a sense of what you're looking for but don't expect to get a direct one to one of another person's tattoo. This would be disrespectful to both the artist and the recipient of that preexisting piece. Do your research, have a firm grasp on what you're hoping to get and let your chosen artist create the best piece they're capable of. Remember that there is a level of trust involved. Some things will work well on paper but they won't work well in the skin. There are adaptations to be made and if you've chosen an artist I hope you'll respect their opinion as they should be knowledgeable as to what will look best. Trust your instincts. If things don't seem right from the beginning then perhaps it's not going to be the proper relationship of artist/client that you're looking for.
During the Consult:
A discussion will take place, ideas are related and images are looked over. Notes will be taken and perhaps a small (and rough) sketch will be made. A tracing of the body part/general size of the piece is made. Photos are taken if necessary (as in the case of cover-ups or placement next to preexisting pieces). Feel free to ask any and all of the questions you're thinking about. Once the idea is clear to both artist and client a date can be set for the actual tattoo appointment. A cash deposit is required to book the appointment. Currently a deposit is paid in the sum of the first hour of tattooing ($160). This deposit protects the artist against last minute cancellations or rescheduling and simply prepays a portion of the tattoo. The deposit can be used as partial payment during the final tattoo session. A card with the time/date/deposit amount will be filled out and the consultation is complete.
Note: The consultation process can differ from artist to artist, this is simply how it seems to work best for me.


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In other craftiness...
I'm a week into my holiday staycation and I've been crafting up a storm. I've done a bit of scrapbooking, but mostly sewing. This time last year I was frantically trying to finish a surprise quilt for my sweetheart. I had spent months working on it when he wasn't around and I gave it to him for Christmas. He proclaimed it the best gift he's ever gotten and still raves about it. However, I have since taken a respite from sewing and haven't quilted anything in a year. During this break I've rekindled my love of sewing. I made some quilted pot holders that I started a year ago and finally finished. I also made two messenger bags, which I'd never done before. The first was a gift for the DIY gift exchange that we do at our annual holiday party.
The second was a bag I created for myself, but I may end up giving it away. I think I want to try another one with a longer strap and possibly incorporate a zipper. Although, I love these fabrics and may end up keeping it after all. Decisions, decisions.
Here's a shot of the inside, which has a bunch of pockets and a key ring holder.
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January 2016


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The JustFab Black Friday Week starts on the 21st until the 27th of November – exclusively for VIP Members! We're offering you 50% OFF SITEWIDE! WOOHOO!
Our fashion bloggers have already come up with their wish lists for Black Friday. Seema, for example, can't wait to get her hands on the Velvet Slip Dress: "The Velvet Slip Dress is quite a versatile piece that can be glammed up with sparkly accessories for a chic NYE look!"
Which style are you craving? Tell us in a comment below!


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"The Lord said:
Because these people draw near with their mouths
and honor me with their lips,
while their hearts are far from me,
and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote;
so I will again do
amazing things with this people,
shocking and amazing.
The wisdom of their wise shall perish,
and the discernment of the discerning shall be hidden.
Ha! You who hide a plan too deep for the Lord,
whose deeds are in the dark,
and who say, "Who sees us? Who knows us?"
You turn things upside down!
Shall the potter be regarded as the clay?
Shall the thing made say of its maker,
"He did not make me";
or the thing formed say of the one who formed it,
"He has no understanding"?
Hope for the Future
Shall not Lebanon in a very little while
become a fruitful field,
and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest?
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a scroll,
and out of their gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant shall be no more,
and the scoffer shall cease to be;
all those alert to do evil shall be cut off—
those who cause a person to lose a lawsuit,
who set a trap for the arbiter in the gate,
and without grounds deny justice to the one in the right.
Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:
No longer shall Jacob be ashamed,
no longer shall his face grow pale.
For when he sees his children,
the work of my hands, in his midst,
they will sanctify my name;
they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob,
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
And those who err in spirit will come to understanding,
and those who grumble will accept instruction." Isaiah 29.13-24 (NRSV)
What do you think about memorizing scripture? I struggle with it.
I learned scripture first in Sunday school, where we were taught it by rote – that is, a repeated exercise or ritual meant to help you internalize something. Some of the first scriptures I learned through song (a kind of rote). I remember learning Proverbs 3:5-6 as a song that blessed my life many years later and helped lead me to God.
In between that first lesson and the moment I decided to surrender my life to God, there was a lot of unfaithful living and outright running from God. There is very little unique about this part of my story… most of us have been there/done that. However, what I have noticed is that it was during these very rebellious years that I could probably recite the most scripture from memory. I knew the bible – I just did not follow it with my life at all.
20 years later, I find that my memory is not quite as sharp as it was back then and I stumble over the words more. It's not near as impressive. Yet my understanding of those scriptures has grown deep and wide. I may not be able to recall the specific words, but I often tell you who wrote them, who they were first written to, why, and how they apply to us today. Even more than that "preacher knowledge" I can give personal testimony about how they apply to my life today as a personal witness.
My wonderful teachers, taught me to memorize the scriptures, but only half the job was done. I'll claim it was because of my own stubbornness. What I needed, more than rote memorization was a relationship with God. Perhaps my teachers thought I was too young to have a relationship with God, so they gave me rote instead. Maybe they just did not know how to explain it. Or maybe I was not listening.
It was during the year of Christ's birth, we are told, that those who had memorized the scripture missed the Messiah. They knew where to find Him… indeed they knew enough to send the Gentile Magi to meet Him, but they would not follow the scriptures themselves. For them, knowing the bible was enough. They did not think they needed to know God.
Regardless of what happened in my own life, God makes it clear that our connection with him needs to be deeper than something we just memorize and recite. There needs to be a spiritual understanding underneath and through it all. As Isaiah wrote: we need to do more than memorize the commandments. We need to trust and obey our commander.
- What spiritual lessons did you learn by memorization?
- How have they blessed your life over the years?
- How has God brought deeper meaning to them ?
right beside me all my days
and I will dwell in Your house forever
and bless Your Holy Name


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Every day, tens of thousands of attorneys file civil lawsuits on behalf of individuals and corporate entities. A similar number of prosecutions or regulatory enforcement actions are instituted in criminal courts and before various state and federal agencies. In most cases, the foundational spark to these lawsuits can be found in a basic notion that certain actions or inactions taken by defendants have failed to conform to some ephemeral notion of how things "should be." We refer to this notion as a "sense of justice."
The root of most legal problems can be traced to a lack of connection to present-moment experience and the mistaking of conditioned thought as the provider of a sense of self. When we habitually act upon or make decisions based on egoistic notions of how things "should be" as opposed to being grounded in present-moment reality of what is, we eventually run into problems. Such actions and decisions fail to provide any lasting sense of internal peace or connection to a grounded sense of being. A persistent static of dissatisfaction is often the result.
Unless one has broken through conditioned thinking as the basis of a sense of self and has begun to tap into present-moment awareness and a grounded sense of being, he or she is likely to begin looking toward external forces and entities as the root of this persistent malaise. It will not take long before such individuals being pointing fingers towards other individuals, companies, etc., as the precipitants of unhappiness. Encouraged by most attorneys, lawsuits are eventually filed based on the notion of "seeking justice" for wrongful treatment.
Once a lawsuit is filed, the ego-driven plaintiff is drawn into an adversarial process against an individual, individuals, or corporate foe(s) with the promise of "justice" at the finish line. When the matter is concluded, however, most plaintiffs quickly return to the familiar malaise brought resulting from his or her unconscious movement through daily life.
In this way, "justice" is just an illusion. Perhaps the most that our courts or regulatory tribunals can provide is a meting out of undesirable consequences to individuals or corporate defendants whose actions, ironically, are also likely to spring from a lack of consciousness. In the end, the only lasting solution may be widespread abandonment of the ego as the basis for a sense of self.
Holistic law works to address present legal issues while cultivating a heightened ability to tap into present-moment awareness. In this way, holistic practice is better able to identify optimal legal solutions and truly improve the lives of clients. To learn more about holistic law practice, visit http://www.holistic-lawyer.com, or contact Attorney Michael Lubofsky at (415) 508-6263.


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German premium camera and lens maker Leica just entered the ultra competitive mirrorless full frame camera arena with their LEICA SL 24 megapixel beast with incredible 4K video recording capabilities!
The Leica SL (typ 601) sports significant professional features one has come to expect from a premium product such as a Leica camera. The new 24 MP full frame sensor combined with the advanced Maestro II processor enables the whopping 11fps in burst for both Raw and JPEG, and the auto-focus is said to be the world's best for full-frame cameras.
The Leica SL isn't aimed at just photographers demanding the ultimate image and build quality however. It features some really impressive video features the biggest of which is probably the presence of 4K DCI at 24p recording and L-Log flat gamma for maximum flexibility in post production. In addition, the Leica SL offers a full HDMI output and 10bit 422 in full 4K out to compatible external recorders. This will help out greatly with productions requiring heavy VFX work or grading in post.
ISO maxes out at the very impressive 50,000 and in video mode, in both UHD and 4K, cinematographers and video users can take advantage from a Super35 Crop mode, which offers a 1.5x crop to Full-frame. This enables the use of a huge selection of cinema style PL mount glass (with adapters) and APS-C lenses.
• Full-Frame 24 Megapixel CMOS Sensor • Fastest frame rate for Stills 11fps at 24 Megapixel • Full HD 1080p at 120fps Slow Motion • True 4K 4096 x 2160 at 24p • UltraHD 3084 x 2160 at 25/30p • Super35 Crop Mode for 4K recording • Largest, fastest and highest resolution EVF (4.4-MP at 60fps / x0.8 magnification) • Fastest AF in full-frame mirorrless cameras • ISO 50 –50,000 for highest stunning low light performance • Best-in-class image quality with all supported Leica lenses (SL, S, R, M, T, Cine) • Dual SD Card Slots (requires UHS-II Complaint SDXC cards for highest performance) • Full size HDMI out and 4K 10bit 4:2:2 to external recorders • Dust/spray water-proof body • Shutter speed from 30min (bulb) to 1/8000s (mechanical) -x-Sync: 1/250s • Ultrasonic sensor cleaning • Latest generation of Leica Professional user interface with hybrid touch operation • Integrated Wi-Fi and GPS
The Leica SL features an L mount, the same at its T system. The advantage of this mount here and the sensor size is that you can use lenses from Leica's M, S and R series via adapters, as well as various lenses from other camera brands like Nikon, Canon and Sigma for example. Lenses from the T system fit without an adapter, though in an APS-C 1.5x cropped-sensor mode.
Leica has also developed 3 new professional full-frame autofocus SL lenses - the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH, with close focus distance of 30-45cm, is ready for the SL launch on 16 November, priced £3150.
The APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 should come out somewhere in Q2 of 2016, and the Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH prime will follow later in the same year. Prices on these have not been confirmed, but they won't be cheap in either case.
For a first impressions test head over to the British Journal of Photography to read more about the Leica SL.
The Leica SL camera will star shipping on 16th November and sell for £5050 body only. To place your pre-order give us a call at 0208 977 1222.


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About SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood
Robert L. & Kata L. Nichols
Owners of SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood
My name is Bobby Nichols. My wife, best friend and business partner Kata and I have been restoration contractors for ten years. Personally, I have over 20 years' experience in the industry and have worked and trained with the best in the business. Our entire staff is also highly trained and certified in fire, water and mold restoration. We understand how stressful and troublesome a property damage emergency can be to your home or business life. In fact, almost half of businesses that experience a major flood, fire or mold emergency never recover. It is our goal minimize the disruption of your home life or business, restore your home or place of business, and have you back up and operating normally as quickly as possible.
SERVPRO of Matteson-Homewood currently ranks in the top 100 SERVPRO franchises in North America. We are very well known and involved in our local community. Customers living in Matteson, IL, Homewood, IL, Flossmoor, IL, Country Club Hills, IL, Olympia Fields, IL, Park Forest, IL, Richton Park, IL, Sauk Village, IL, Glenwood, IL, Lynwood, IL, Lansing, IL Chicago Heights, IL, Steger, IL, South Holland, IL, Crete, IL, Monee, IL, Park Forest, IL and University Park, IL, can call us 24 hours a day for water damage services and fire board ups. We are also members of the elite SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) and travel all over the US to provide assistance with regional storms and fire disasters as well as large commercial losses. I work daily to improve the services we provide for our clients and feel that our staff here at SERVPRO is the best I've ever worked with since my start in 1995.
I also have two beautiful daughters, and my family motivates me to be the best I can be and work hard every day. Among my personal goals is to travel to as much of the world as I can, and make a difference everywhere I go. I also want to build a business where every staff member feels valued and wanted every day, and to continue to grow the capabilities to respond faster and better to any disaster in our area.
Insurance and Payment Information
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork.
We also accept the following credit cards for your convenience:
- AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
- ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
- FSRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
- OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
- OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
- RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- American Red Cross of Kankakee County
- Chief Shabbona Association
- Conference for Catholic Facility Management
- Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (M.A.B.A.S) 23
- Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (M.A.B.A.S) 24
- Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (M.A.B.A.S) 27
- Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (M.A.B.A.S) 37
- Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (M.A.B.A.S) 7


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2014/10/26 — Brigada Today
Compiled/Edited by Doug Lucas and Tina McCormick, Team Expansion. Brigada online has more graphics and links at http://www.brigada.org . Your gift to Brigada will help get motivation, resources, and news/trends out to thousands of Christian workers throughout the globe on a weekly basis.
In this issue…
1) Help Set the Gospel Free from Western Contextualization
2) Drinkable Book Provides Clean and Clear Water
3) The Elves at FaithLife Have been Busy (Logos 6 Release: Oct. 26)
4) Get the Latest Stats on Unreached Peoples
5) Cat & Dog Theology Speaker Training, KY USA, December 11-13
6) New Book From Wycliffe Helps Kids Learn About Cultures
7) Simple Way to Book, Insure, and Manage Ministry Travel
8) Learn to Produce Media Resources for Unreached Peoples
9) New Book: "Hudson on a Mission"
10) God is at Work
11) TESOL Training in Chiang Mai
12) Listening to Your Field Staff Will Pay Off
13) New Online Chart Helps Shape Attitudes Toward Evangelicals
14) The BackPage: The "Four Fields" of Church Multiplication
15) Closing Stuff


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Over at Primavera Cycles, we are in the process of developing a new alloy road-bike model. We will be documenting this in as much detail as possible. One recent post in the Newsroom dealt with issues to do with the top tube taper.
Today there is brief photographic report giving some insight into the workshop that will be producing the jigs for the particular tube shapes that constitute bicycle frames. So, if you are technically minded, there might be something of interest there. A heads-up on various developments will be available in advance on Facebook in close to real time.
Bryan over at Biking to Live has just published an E-book on getting back into road cycling if you were once into it and need some pointers in getting up and going again. It's a great summary of the essentials.
Next post on Satin Cesena will have lots of photos of a great day of cycling on Sunday (22 August) and later this week a look at what goes on in an alloy tube manufacturing workshop. Or, it's probably better to say a "processing" and "preparation" workshop since that's mainly what they do to the raw material — lengths of alloy tubing — that are ordered in.
I'll be focusing specifically on the process of butting alloy tubing, a sophisticated, yet simple, process that makes a butted alloy frame great value-for-money when placed alongside much more expensive (or very low quality) carbon frames. A bike brand can source carbon frames from China-based manufacturers for $US 200 these days.


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Whether indoor or outdoor, your dream wedding will have thirsty guests, and our Personalized Ethereal Water Bottle Labels turn plain bottles of water into personalized bridal or wedding favors! In your choice of a watercolor design or geometric design, these whimsical wedding water bottle labels dress up each bottle of water with your names or monogram and event date. Simply remove the water bottle's original label, make sure the bottle is dry, and apply the personalized label to impress your guests!
Features and facts:
25% Off Your Purchase
No Minimum Required
Please note:


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Free shipping on orders over $100
Orders over $100 ships for free.
Get a slice of midnight paradise with our newest print, Midnight Blues. This easy, tank romper features an elastic waist with our signature Sol Flag drawcord.
Cotton Poly Blend // 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton // Wash cold, tumble dry low // Made in USA