text:
TV Commercial:
Discover IT Card – Guy that hates surprises
In this commercial we see a guy calling the Discover Card customer support to ask why he's seeing his FICO score on his statement. He then says how much he hates surprises just as he walks in on a surprise party. The name of the actor that plays the guy that hates surprises is Matt Shallenberger.
What they say:
(Discover card rep, answering phone): Discover card
(Guy calling): Hey there, I just got my bill and I see that it includes my FICO credit score. Is that new?
(Discover card rep): Yep. You have our Discover IT card so you get your FICO score on every statement and it's free.
(Guy): That's pretty cool of you guys.
(Phone rep): Well we just want to help you stay on top of your credit and avoid surprises.
(Guy): Good, I hate surprises (opens door, everyone screams 'surprise!).
(Discover rep:) Whoa. Is it your birthday?
(Guy): Yep
(Discover card rep): Cheers
(Announcer): At Discover we treat you like you'd treat you. Free FICO credit score. Get the IT Card at Discover.com.
Fine print:
- Limitations apply to free FICO Credit Score offer
- FICO is a registered trademark of the Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.


text:
Make a Difference – Help Save The World From Brian Williams Style Journalism
Get Involved… Voting is a Must, But Not Enough!
The 2014 Mid-Terms were a sign that Americans are ready for a change and 2016 will define the future of America. So get involved! No more recycles... No more Clintons or Bushs! It is time for some new blood in Washington, D.C.
Reaganesque Sarah Palin is the Key for the GOP in 2016 to both beat Hillary and nullify the Dems' 'carrot' of electing the first female U.S. President!
Run Sarah Run... America Needs You!!
- Follow askmarion on WordPress.com
Palin Power 2014 – We Are Here To Save A Country
Run Sarah Run –> Join the Palin-Cruz 2016 Movement
Real Change… Checkout:
Recent Posts
- Our Watcher's Council Nominations – Pieces In Our Time Edition
- Our Weasel Of The Week Nominees! 7-28-15
- Forum: Will The Iran Deal Pass Congress?
- GcMAF, Healthcare and the NWO
- Ted Cruz – A Matter of Honor–> Stop the Lying Mitch McConnell from Reviving a Government Agency Update
- The Council Has Spoken! Our Watcher's Council Results
- Dhimmitude: Empire State Building Towers Illuminated in Green for Eid
- Rupert Murdoch Wants to Stop Donald Trump, But First He's Got to Rein In Roger Ailes
- Our Weasel Of The Week!! 7-23-15
- Watcher's Council Nominations – 'Nothing To Do With Islam' Edition
- Our Weasel Of The Week Nominees!!
- Carson wins D.C. GOP straw poll
- Trump, Truth and the McCain Factor
- Forum: What Was Your Reaction To The Chattanooga Attack?
- Obama's Diversity Police State and Government Mandated Racism
- Judge Jeanine Pirro Opening Statement – They Want To Kill Us, They Determine To kill Us They're Here
- Huffington Post Announces No Political Coverage of Donald Trump – After All They Know Better than You…
- The Council Has Spoken! Our Watcher's Council Results
- When judges corrode the law
- Our Weasel Of The Week! – 07-16-15
- Oncology nurse quits after discovering nutrition heals Cancer
- Listen Live – Will US Catholics Knowingly Abort America?
- Our Watcher's Council Nominations – Famous Last Words Edition
- Our Weasel Of The Week Nominees! – 07.14.15
- Obama Has Planted The Seed Of War World 3 – Iran Nuclear Deal
- Progressive Planned Parenthood Roots and Continued Shame
Past Posts
Category Archives: Off the Grid
Is UNRWA complicit in war crimes?
Simply Jews: The question of whether UNRWA is complicit in war crimes is increasingly being discussed by a broader number of influential thinkers and lawyers, while in the background momentum is gaining to address this question in court. UNRWA has … Continue reading
Posted in Knowledge Is Power, Off the Grid, Politics, Religion and Faith, Thoughts ..., You Be the Judge Tagged Gaza, Middle East, UN, United Nations, UNRWA, War Crimes 1 Comment
Obama Calls For Collectivized New World Order
That's right… the words New World Order have again passed his lips… as they did with Bush 41 and as Henry Kissinger predicted in 2008. Fundamental transformation here we come if we don't wake-up and get involved immediately. Governor Sarah … Continue reading
Posted in Alerts, Asshats, Big Brother, Economy and Money, Freedom, Get Involved, Knowledge Is Power, manipulation of the public, Off the Grid, Politics, Progressivism, Stand Up, Wake Up, Watch the Other Hand Tagged Bush 41, CFR, Council on Foreign Relations, Fundamental Transformation, George H.W. Bush, impeachment, Kissinger, new world order, NWO, Obamaland, ruling elite, the plan, UN, United Nations, Wake Up, World Government 5 Comments
Progressive Propaganda With A Prepper Facade: Americans Face Inflation, Hunger and Depression
Watch the Other Hand… By: Terresa Monroe-Hamilton – The NoisyRoom: It seems that every day when I look at our finances, I now have to adjust. Eating out at all is swiftly becoming a luxury of the past. If you've … Continue reading
The Western Center For Journalism: Obama Is Preparing the Military for Martial Law
Video presentation from The Western Center For Journalism: By: Nelson Abdullah – Conscience of a Conservative – Cross_posted at the NoisyRoom The one thing that makes a magician good at his tricks is his ability to create smoke screens and … Continue reading
Students Elect U.S. NSA leaker Snowden as Glasgow University Rector
Edward Snowden, the former US National Security Agency analyst who revealed US surveillance of phone and Internet communications, was elected rector of Glasgow University in Scotland on Tuesday. The analyst was nominated by a group of students at the university … Continue reading
Ex-CIA Officer: Government's 'Fusion Centers' Enable Obama 'Turnkey Tyranny'
A caller identifying himself as a former law enforcement officer asked Glenn Beck's radio audience on Thursday to look into fusion centers. "The center is responsible for the collation of local data about citizens, and it's forwarded to the national … Continue reading
Inside TAO… NSA Intercepts Your Mail
Quote of the Week: "A child born today will grow up with no conception of privacy at all. They'll never know what it means to have a private moment to themselves, an unrecorded, unanalyzed thought. And that's a problem because … Continue reading
Posted in Asshats, Big Brother, Choices, Communication, Computers and Internet, Conservatives, Constitution, Elections, Freedom, Get Involved, History, Knowledge Is Power, low-informed voters, manipulation of the public, News and politics, Off the Grid, Politics, Progressivism, Stand Up, Wake Up, Watch the Other Hand, Wisdom, You Be the Judge 20 Comments

subset: commoncrawl


text:
About Us
Our Office has been serving Rockland County and its surrounding regions for close to twenty years. We practice out of a state of the art facility that is proud to offer a diverse array of services, comforts, and conveniences including:
• Administration of chemotherapy and other intravenous infusions in the office
• Expertise in the use and administration of growth factors to minimize fatigue and infections during therapy.
• Expertise in pain management and maximizing our patients quality of life.
• An on site drawing station and laboratory
• Affiliation with Good Samaritan Hospital, Nyack Hospital, and neighboring nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities.
• Privileges at Helen Hayes Rehabilitation facility
• Physicians on call to answer any of your questions 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
• Flexible scheduling
• Conscientious bilingual office staff
• Handicap accessibility
• We accept most insurance plans


text: The boys decided that the mountains were not for them, and after last week's trek north, returned almost immediately to their usual range after a brief wander down towards Zebra Dam. It looks as if they drank from the waterhole just outside the Keerweder guest house at around about 20:30 last night, but don't appear to have been near the house at any other time this week. They appear to have settled down for the night (last night) very close to, possibly inside, the former boundary of the girls holding pen.


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From Mainframe Computers to Virtual Reality: Q&A with Lee Anderson
In 1980, Lee Anderson (Architecture) was deep into his MArch thesis on fractals and design when he realized that in in order to generate graphics to represent his ideas, he'd need to learn computer programming. Anderson taught himself as much as he could, then reached out University of Minnesota experts in computer science, fine arts, and IT. His resulting thesis was […]Read more


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IMPORTANT NOTE: This post was lost due to my former-host's server crash. I recovered the content, but not the comments.
I'm extremely worried and excited at the same time.
By the way, this is the first election I am voting Democratic. It is also my second election I'm voting.
What if McCain wins?
10:10 AM: I went to my polling place. Upon seeing the line, I knew it would be a long wait. One and a half hour later, I was only half way through the line still standing outside. I had to leave for work. Will try again later.
6:15 PM: I voted for Barack Obama! Took me 5 minutes to do. No line.


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Training designed for 1-on-1 or duos. Training offers a customized program for clients with specific goals, post-rehab or simply prefer more privacy. Includes a complete fitness assessment every 2-4 weeks.
Small Group Training
Training designed for groups of 2-3. Training in this environment still allows for a private, goal-oriented setting, and is a great option to create a strong support system with friends, family and/or co-workers for additional motivation. Includes a complete fitness assessment every 2-4 weeks.
Private Group Classes
Training designed for groups of 4-10 in a group class setting. All workouts include cardio, strength, balance and flexibility, partner work and FUN. Great option for a group of friends, corporate office, co-workers and/or family members. Also, a great option to create a strong support system and additional motivation. Assessments optional.
All Training Packages Include:
50 minute sessions
Motivation and inspiration to keep you moving forward and accountable
Nutrition tips
Support and encouragement
Phone and email support


text:
A long, slender profile and small lip produce a tight wobble that mimics a minnow. Equally effective when cast or trolled. The "Sea Shot Minnow" is the lure to use when fish are feeding at a depth near 2 feet. This lure is designed to dive quickly to the strike zone (2feet). Suitable for a wide variety of fresh- and saltwater Species. Great Lure, at just the right size for great casts, to attract Bass, Pike, Muskie and many other Species.
-3D eyes and laser body
-strong hook attachments and a wide range of colors
-quality wide gap treble hooks
-shimmy action on the fall
-length: 125mm
-Weight: 13G
-packed with OPP bag
We depand on our customers satisfaction to success, so your eedback is extremely important to me. If you are satisfied with our items, please leave us an active feedback. Contact us before any negative or neutral feedback. We will work with you to solve any problems.
Payment must be made within 3 days of order, We accept Alipay or T/T or AliExpress ESCROW. We will ship to the default address in Alipay if you do not inform us.
Shipping Terms:
We accept international orders and ship to worldwide. Free shipping by EMS to selected countries is free. For other countries, we will ship your item by China Post or HKpost is free.
Hongkong Post air Mail
(alternative China Post air mail)
|7-25 days
|EMS Express
|7-15 days
|3-5 working days
|3-5 working days
Returned/Refound Accepted
The item is sold on base of "as is", please ask all questions before biding to avoid getting an item you are not satisfied with. If there is any problems, please take photos as proof and note the weight of the package. Returned item has to be new, unworn and in original condition. If this item is defective upon receipt, customers has up to 7 days from the date of receipt for exchange of a new on, or refunding according to conditions.
Contact us
Please feel free to contact us with any comments, questions or suggestions that you may have. We will reply to you within 24 hours.
Floating Crankbait Hard Bait Lure Hook 8cm/3.1 inch 9 Color 20 Pcs/Lot
US$ 44.64/lot
Stick Jerk Bait Shad Fishing Lure 125mm 5 colors 25 pcs/lot
US$ 61.00/lot
Topwater Baits Popper Bass Lure 12.5cm Hard Baits Pops 5 Color 25 Pcs/Lot
US$ 61.00/lot
Crankbait Lure Floating Plug 90mm 10.5g Diving Bait 20 Pcs/Lot
US$ 61.00/lot
Plastic Diving Crankbait Floating Minnow Plug 10cm 6 Color 30 pcs/Lot
US$ 65.00/lot
Floating Fishing Lure Crankbait 72mm/2.8″ Propeller Lures 3D Eyes 5 Color 20 Pcs/Lot
US$ 56.00/lot
Diving Plug Crankbait 2.7″ 1/10oz Floating Minnow 24 Pcs/Lot
US$ 28.80/lot
Sinking Glider Bait Fishing Plastic Lure Lipless 3.5″ 0.35oz 20 Pcs/Lot
US$ 43.60/lot
Leave a Review
We are proud to offer international shipping services that currently operate in over 200 countries and islands world wide. Nothing means more to us than bringing our customers great value and service. We will continue to grow to meet the needs of all our customers, delivering a service beyond all expectation anywhere in the world.
Packages from our warehouse in China will be shipped by ePacket or EMS depending on the weight and size of the product. Packages shipped from our US warehouse are shipped through USPS.
Yes. We provide free shipping to over 200 countries around the world. However, there are some locations we are unable to ship to. If you happen to be located in one of those countries we will contact you.
We are not responsible for any custom fees once the items have shipped. By purchasing our products, you consent that one or more packages may be shipped to you and may get custom fees when they arrive to your country.
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For logistical reasons, items in the same purchase will sometimes be sent in separate packages, even if you've specified combined shipping.
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will do our best to help you out.
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We sell all our products for very cheaper price than Top eCommerce websites like Amazon , Ebay etc., so our shipping cost will leads to loss, so we don't offer refunds or only 70% of paid amount will be repaid upon order cancelling
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If you are approved for a refund, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within 14 days.
If for any reason you would like to exchange your product, perhaps for a different size in clothing. You must contact us first and we will guide you through the steps.
Please do not send your purchase back to us unless we authorise you to do so.* Product needs to be send back to us at your own shipment cost to initiate the refund.


text:
The University of Virginia: A Pictorial History, by Hitchcock, Susan Tyler; Stephens, Mariflo (CON)
Note: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
- Cover: Hardcover
- Copyright: 5/30/2012
In the nearly two centuries since the first building's completion in Thomas Jefferson's academical village, programs and facilities at the University of Virginia have been continually expanded and updated. This second edition of Susan Tyler Hitchcock's The University of Virginia: A Pictorial History, first published in 1999 and updated in 2003, traces Mr. Jefferson's favorite project through an appropriately rich pageant of images and text. The book's main chapters, arranged chronologically, follow the rise of the university from its founding to the accomplishments of John T. Casteen III's presidency and the appointment of Teresa A. Sullivan as the university's eighth, and first female, president. In this second edition, Casteen's legacy is considered, including AccessUVa, the university's groundbreaking full-need financial aid program; initiatives to position the University of Virginia as a global leader; and major expansion of the physical facilities, including the Arts Precinct, the South Lawn Project, John Paul Jones Arena, the Harrison Institute and Small Special Collections Library, and groundbreaking for the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. The final chapter includes an essay on the historic preservation of the Academical Village and looks forward with new president Teresa A. Sullivan as Mr. Jefferson's university sits poised on the eve of its bicentennial celebration. Highlights include interviews with John T. Casteen III and Teresa A. Sullivan.


text:
Demineralisation systems (VE systems)
With demineralisation, all salts dissolved in the water are removed through a combination of strongly acidic cation exchangers and strongly basic anion exchangers.
In the first desalination stage, all cations are exchanged for hydrogen ions. The concentrations of anions remain unchanged, i.e. strong acids such as hydrochloric acid HCl, nitric acid HNO3 and sulphuric acid H2SO4, in addition to CO2, arise. This process is also called decationisation for this reason (see Fig. 1).
System technology
Regeneration of cation exchangers primarily occurs with hydrochloric acid.
The acidic discharge from the cation exchanger is passed over an anion exchanger in the second stage. If a weakly basic exchanger is used, only the mineral acids are removed (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3) (see Fig. 2).
If, on the other hand, a strongly basic exchanger is used, silicic acid can also be removed. The result is demineralised water (see Fig. 3).
The regeneration of these exchangers occurs with strong bases, e.g. sodium hydroxide.
The system structure is similar to that of softening systems or of desalination systems.
We would be pleased to provide further information on request. Or even better: Call us.
Tel. +49 5241 9760-0
Request contact


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Access your family member's Portfolio
with one single login.
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text:
What words describe you best? Titles like daughter, wife, mom, caregiver, person with chronic illness and teacher could all work for me. The title I like best? Child of God, Daughter of the King and most important, REDEEMED. This is my creative kind of business page, so I'm sure that I am breaking the political correctness code, but this is who I am. I am a super busy mom of 2 kids, wife of over 15 years, caregiver to my grandfather, active in the leadership of my church and attempting to sell handmade items that you can't just go and pickup at Walmart. If you are counting that would be more hats than 1 woman can have at a time, so have patience with me. I will attempt to add content as possible, current projects, items to sell and whatever else people might like to see. My best friend calls me "Martha Stewart without the rap sheet,"lets see if I can live up to that title.
Until I have time to create or add more content, please feel free to contact me for custom orders firstname.lastname@example.com.


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He kneels besides the alter inside Rugango Catholic Parish, not for the ordinary penitence before a priest, but to apologise for the crimes he committed inside that very church during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Twenty-four years ago, Boniface Hakizimana, together with other militia members, attacked those who had sought refuge in the church, killing hundreds with machetes and other traditional weapons.
Standing next to Hakizimana are two women; Beatrice Mukangamije and Speciose Mukamugema, who lost seven and five family members, respectively, at the hands of Hakizimana.
They are all close neighbours and residents of Mbazi Sector in Huye District
Hakizimana admits he personally killed all of them. Even though he served a ten-year prison sentence, he says his life in the community after release was always difficult because of the stigma.
He said that he was always nervous to meet people he wronged or talk to them.
"When the Genocide started, we had been mobilised to kill all Tutsi to protect our ethnic group, I personally killed Mukangamije's seven family members, including her mother and siblings. I also killed five members of Mukamugema's family and several others, I can't remember the number," he revealed.
Hakizimana was on Monday addressing hundreds of people who flocked to Rugango parish where 18 people apologised for their roles in the Genocide.
For many years, Mukangamije and Mukamugema never knew Hakizimana was the one who killed their loved ones until late last year when a healing process, which involves former convicts apologising to survivors to be granted forgiveness, started.
The programme is an initiative of Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga and seeks to foster healing of wounds of Genocide survivors and the guilt of perpetrators as part of efforts to promote unity and reconciliation.
At the Rugango parish, the programme started in September last year after both sides agreed to a facilitated joint healing process.
Feeling relieved
It is through this programme that Hakizimana made up his mind and decided it was time for him to approach the two survivors to seek their forgiveness, a journey he says was not easy.
"Having been released from the prison was not enough and I felt I was still a prisoner in my heart. I never felt relieved, when I approached Beatrice and Veneranda to apologise, I found it difficult to tell them what happened and my role," he says
During the mass, that marked the end of the two groups' healing journey, Genocide convicts who had served their sentences knelt down in the church with survivors holding on their shoulders as clerics prayed for complete healing.
"I now feel relieved than I ever thought I could be. I live in harmony with the families that forgave me and I support them in any way I can. I always visit Veneranda and Beatrice and we share meals and drinks, though we can't bring back the lives of the people we killed, there is hope for unity and reconciliation, thus a better future," he says
Survivors speak out
Mukamugema said that, for many years, she could not imagine speaking to anyone who had killed her family let alone forgiving them.
It was not until she was approached by facilitators who took her through the healing process, along with those who killed her loved ones and realised it was in her interest to listen to the perpetrators, forgive them as it would help heal her and those who wronged her.
"I wondered how Boniface could be my church mate and read the Bible for us. I walked far from him and I could rarely talk to him, but as we continued to pray together I started thinking he might have changed, one day he came to my home and asked for forgiveness, he told me he had killed my family members, he burst into tears and I went back to my room and cried," she says.
"Boniface was not among the people I could suspect to have killed my people until he opened up. I forgave him as I realised he had changed, thanks to the healing process we underwent together. I forgave him and felt relieved," she added.
Unity and reconciliation as a journey
Fidel Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), hailed the Catholic Church's efforts, especially Rugango parish, in promoting unity and reconciliation.
He said the timing was good for Christians who believe in Easter and just as the country is about to embark on commemoration of Genocide.
He urged both parties to always look forward to better relations and to foster unity.
The healing process, that ended on Monday, was started by 27 people but only 18 of them graduated. At least 60 Genocide survivors have undergone the process and forgiven those who killed their people.
Started in 2005, the programme has so far seen over 300 Genocide convicts pardoned and reconciled with Genocide survivors in various parishes including Mushaka (Rusizi District), Ntendezi (Nyamasheke District),Nyamata (Bugesera District), Kibirizi (Southern Province) and Rugango in Huye District, according to officials.


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Abchurch has been appointed to conduct the business-to-business (B2B) PR remit of Personal Group Holdings plc ("Personal Group"), a leading provider of employee benefits and financial services.
Abchurch already provides Personal Group with a financial public relations and investor relations programme, and the Group will now benefit from a fully integrated communications service that will build on the existing messaging and target audiences.
Julian Bosdet, Senior Partner at Abchurch commented: "Abchurch has a strong track record of raising companies' profiles through targeted B2B communications programmes, and we look forward to supporting Personal Group in this extended remit."
Media Enquiries
Julian Bosdet
Tel: +44 (0)20 7398 7701
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This typically consists of a phone conversation to get a basic understanding of your background, skills, compensation and expectations. If we don't have a current or anticipated opportunity that matches up with your expectations, we will defer going to the next step in the process to ensure we don't waste your time and will reestablish contact once we have identified a viable opportunity.
Each candidate has different goals, expectations and preferences, which why we require all candidates that we are going to represent to spend time meeting directly with one of our staffing experts. Understanding what your specific goals are, and having you clearly define what type of opportunity would be attractive to you, is the foundation for our partnership.
In order to register, we typically would ask that you come into our office, complete the registration paperwork, spend time meeting with one of our consultants and allow us to get to know you on a personal basis.
Presenting Your Resume
As opportunities surface that match your stated objectives, we will always contact you to discuss the position and get your approval prior to submitting your resume. Assuming that we are in agreement that the job opportunity appears to be a fit for all parties involved, we will proceed with presenting your resume to our client.
If the client chooses to move forward with the process, we will coordinate an interview that can take place over the phone, in our office or at the company's location.
Subsequent to the interview, we always ask that you contact us immediately to provide feedback regarding the discussion. Your honest assessment of the interview, position, work environment, location, level of interest and concerns are necessary to ensure we can attain both of our business objectives, and will enable us to best represent your interests going forward.


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Pregnant Kate Middleton's busy February plans announced
Kate Middleton is gearing up for a busy February. After the Duchess of Cambridge meets with Ben Ainslie at his new racing headquarters as well as a visit with the 1851 Trust on February 12 in Portsmouth, she will be making two stops on the 18th.
First, she will make her way to Stoke-on-Trent where she will tour the Emma Bridgewater factory and see up close how the brand's earthenware products are made and decorated. The pottery company is producing a new range of mugs for EACH (East Anglia's Children's Hospices).
Kate, who holds a degree in art history from the University of St. Andrews, will have the chance to meet staff working at the factory as well as volunteers and children from EACH's local center — the Donna Louise Hospice.
The expectant mother carried out an engagement for EACH in late November when she met the designer, Emma Bridgewater, and was given a preview of the ladybird-designed mugs the pottery maker had created for the charity. During her visit, she was overcome with emotion. Prince George's mom was seen tearing up as she drove away from the Norfolk hospice after having met young patients and their families.
Her second engagement of the day will be to visit one of Action for Children's facilities — the Cape Hill Children's Centre in Smethwick. Kate will be given an introduction to the charity, which helps the most vulnerable and neglected children and adults across the UK. It offers a range of programs including health services, speech and language therapy, family learning and childcare and adult employment advice.
While there, the 7-month-pregnant Duchess will take part in a roundtable discussion where she will learn how families have benefitted from Action for Children's services. Perhaps the highlight of her visit will be taking part in a play session and meeting the children and parents who use the Cape Hill Children's Centre.
After a busy day fulfilling her royal duties, we are sure Kate will be excited to get home to her adorable 18-month-old son.


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Yep, I really had a puzzled look on my face too. The Evercolor Poreless Face Defender makes no sense to me. So naturally, I had to try it. Mally was being her typical bubbly, exciting self explaining and demonstrating the product, but I still just didn't get it!
I figured it would wipe out the shine. It did more than that.
I was matte.
Purely matte. Like packed me down with a large powder fluff matte. But I only used that random clear face item. It's silky and goes away easily. I used the sponge that came with it, as well as my faithful Alcone sponges.
This is probably a makeup artist's holy grail product. You can use this one item that comes in a translucent color on men, women, boys and girls. It's definitely a genius product. As far as never using powder again, I can't say all that. There are certain powders that I still use all the time, like the Banana Powder. But Mally's Poreless Defender will be in my bag no matter where I go!
Here's my latest video where I demonstrated the Face Defender. You be the judge!


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Purple sprouting broccoli
Sauteéd purple sprouting broccoli – In season now!
As a light lunch served with grilled mackerel or as side dish
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 red chillies, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tbsp organic coconut oil (odourless)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbs tamari Soya sauce
- 400g purple sprouting broccoli
Wash and trim the broccoli, removing an inch of the bottom of the stem.
Steam the broccoli for 5-8 minutes.
Place the garlic, ginger and chilli in a mortar and pestle and pound until the mixture resembles a paste.
Heat the coconut oil and add the paste. Stir regularly and cook for about two minutes.
Add the sugar and Tamari Soy sauce.
Add the steamed broccoli and toss well ensuring the broccoli is coated by the sauce.
Cook for a further 5 minutes or until the hardiest part of the stem is tender.
Serve hot as a side vegetable.
Purple sprouting broccoli contains the phytochemical sulphoraphane and is hailed for its many health promoting benefits. These beautiful vegetables are packed with vitamin C and is a good source of caretenoids, iron, folic acid, calcium, fibre and vitamin A.
Tags: broccoli, health promoting benefits, in season, recipes, spring, tamari soy, vegetables


text: Share: Comments Print July 12, 2013 at 6:00 AM The five best cities to be a chicken Posted by Rebekah Denn File photo by Erika Schultz/The Seattle Times Remember when we told you all those reasons to avoid keeping backyard chickens? Sounds like some of you disagreed. Seattle landed on Redfin's "Top Five Cities To Be A Chicken," a list the online real estate brokerage drew up by analyzing home listings over the past three months that included chicken enclosures as a feature. Portlandia — we mean, Portland — was number one, followed by three California cities (Ventura, San Diego, and Sacramento) and then Seattle. Contrary to assumptions, urban chicken owners don't necessarily own large plots, according to Redfin. "(O)n average, listings with chicken coops have smaller homes and smaller lots, but larger price tags. It appears some buyers are willing to pay a little more for a home with a henhouse." Along with the Redfin survey comes a timely but shrill NBC report blaming "stupid foodies" and "hipsters" who "can't cope" for large numbers of abandoned urban chickens. Take away the gibes and it's mostly a reminder of these issues. The usual don't-take-this-as-scientific-proof-survey-caveats: Redfin's analysis only looked at markets it covers nationwide, so it's not all-inclusive. The numbers weren't calculated per capita, which makes it all the more impressive that Ventura, pop. 107,514, did so well against Seattle, which is nearly six times the size. Keeping all that in mind, we asked the Redfin folks what the worst place would be to be a chicken. The surprising answer by their metrics was San Jose, which is generally thought to be chicken friendly. Other low scorers were Las Vegas, Boston, and Miami. From the chicken's perspective, I wonder if the best place to be a chicken might be Austin, TX — that's the vegan capitol of the country. Comments | Topics: backyard chickens, coops, foodies


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The Joint Management Council appointed to formulate laws pertaining to human trafficking will convene in Sri Lanka today.
The third law enforcement Joint Management Group on People Smuggling will commence in Colombo today to foster regional cooperation and progress counter people smuggling efforts across Asia.
The session will conclude on Thursday.
Member countries include Australia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and India. The Police Headquarters issuing a communiqué said Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam will also participate in the meeting.
Australia and Sri Lanka will co-host the session. Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake and Inspector General of Police NK Ilangakoon are also due to participate in the meeting.


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With my words, actions and intentions, I create only the highest and best good in my life. I know that I have all of the tools I need.
1. bring (something) into existence.
synonyms: produce, generate, bring into being, make, fabricate, fashion, build, construct
cause (something) to happen as a result of one's actions.
synonyms: bring about, give rise to, lead to, result in, cause, breed, generate, produce
2. make for, promote, foster, sow the seeds of, contribute to
3. (of an actor) originate (a role) by playing a character for the first time.
- What would you love to create?
- What inspires creativity in you?
- Where do you feel creativity in your body?
- What location makes you feel the most creative?
- Why is creativity important?
- How do you most like to create?
- Which creations are you most proud of?
"The best way to predict the future is to create it." -Peter Drucker
"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement." -Golda Meir
"What matters is to live in the present, live now, for every moment is now. It is your thoughts and acts of the moment that create your future. The outline of your future path already exists, for you created its pattern by your past." -Sai Baba


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'Camp Victory, Afghanistan': I Can Tell the Truth
Carol Dysinger's superb documentary sets up the ongoing problems for both Afghan soldiers and Americans, as they try to meet each other halfway.
The only question is, are we loyal to our country, to our people, to the rule of law? Are we dedicated to protecting this nation? Ultimately, in our minds, are we committed to peace or not?
-- General Fazaludin Sayar
General Sayar remembers war. A soldier since he was 13 years old, he looks forward to the day when he can stop fighting for one army or another, when Afghanistan will be at peace. In 2005, he's at the Herat Province Camp Zafar (called Camp Victory by the Americans), where he and the 207th Corps of the Afghan National Army are working with yet another unit of American embedded tactical trainers (ETTs). This training and advisory team changes each year, their tours on a schedule. And each year, General Sayar takes up the task of working with strangers while leading his men.
In 2005, at the start of Camp Victory, Afghanistan, General Sayar is working with a unit from the Vermont National Guard, headed by Major Kirby and Lt. Col. Boyd. "We spent the first three months trying to figure out what we'd inherited," says Boyd, "which wasn't much, you know." As he describes the troops' lack of discipline and decrepit facilities, the camera cuts to an ammunition belt hanging on a wall, a bird nesting in it. Another voice begins to speak over this shot, that of Sgt. Major Aminullah of the Afghan National Army. "The Americans are used to getting their way," he says as the image cuts to a group of Afghan trainees running in formation through the camp. "They show up and expect it to be the same. After a few weeks, they realize it's different here. Why? Our army is new, right? It just doesn't work like that. Every advisor who comes here figures that out eventually."
With this deft series of images and observations, Carol Dysinger's superb documentary sets up the ongoing problems for both the Afghans and Americans, as they try to meet each other halfway. Screening at the Asia Society in New York on Veterans Day and also airing on PBS, the film offers a nuanced, poignant view of what it means to be a soldier in a system that seems premised on inefficiencies and tensions. For not only does the National Guardsmen change over each year, but they are also working with coalition forces, including the Italian Army and a Special Forces contingent. As General Sayar notes, this is a difficult array to keep on track, as each comes with its own agenda, its own plans, and its own language. Even apart from the difficulties of fighting the Taliban, this mix makes for problems in daily communications.
During Major Kirby's tour, a series of IED attacks have killed Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, and moved several ANAs to "slip away into the night." Angry at their lack of commitment, Kirby insists that even if not all the ANAs are disappointing in this way, the "one or two that are bad... [have] tainted the whole thing. That changes your attitude right then and there." Indeed, the cycle seems inexorable: when Major Kirby arranges for literacy classes (eight out of 10 of the Afghan troops are illiterate), the potential students don't show up. Frustrated, he suggests that those soldiers who don't want to miss afternoon prayer bring their prayer mats to class. Shaking hands with his Afghan counterparts, he imagines the problem solved. At class time, no one shows up. As the teacher stands outside the classroom, his eyes downcast and a pile of books in his arms, General Sayar observes, "The officers are inexperienced, they don't have a real education [and can't] execute orders properly."
Major Kirby feels stymied. And the film points out why he must be. As he prepares to leave Camp Victory in 2006, he burns all his papers, a ritual for each ETT team that symbolizes the problem in this system: each unit begins anew, without a buildup of knowledge and experience, without relationships with the very men they're assigned to counsel. The next ETT leader at the camp, Col. Mike Shute of the New Jersey National Guard, arrives with yet another view. (Col. Shute will be on hand to speak at the Asia Society screening on 11 November.) Rather than see himself as a "mentor," as Major Kirby has put it, Col. Shute says he means to "advise" General Sayar; as well, he adds, he will not stand too close to him at public appearances (to demonstrate proper deference), listen to his concerns about the coalition's activities and expectations, and help him to train his men and plan his missions as he sees fit. That is, Col. Shute sees in General Sayar a soldier of longtime experience (much more than the colonel has himself), a man he respects and will come to admire.
Col. Shute doesn't approach literacy as a problem for U.S. military planning and training so much as it's a problem for the villagers' perceptions of the U.S. military. The locals, he reasons, "don't know the difference between us and the Russians. We're just another form of weapon, that's all they see." And so he focuses less on changing the Afghan Army than working with it, assuming that General Sayar and his men "know how to fight," and need support rather than instruction. He makes an effort to work with the local population as well, at one point deciding to "take a walk" through village streets (his body armor isn't exactly inviting, but still, he's in view and greeting locals with smiles and waves). He also invites General Sayar to speak his mind.
These conversations are at once dramatic and instructive, offering General Sayar the opportunity to describe the dilemmas he faces each day from his view. Though he spent most of his life at war, the general longs for and envisions peace. A career soldier who would rather not be one, he mourns the loss of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the military leader assassinated just two days before September 11, 2001. (The film underlines the contrast between the inspiration still provided by Massoud and the frustration embodied by Hamid Karzai, in a brief shot of their portraits on a wall side by side: Karzai smiles and waves like a plastic politician, Massoud appears earnest and thoughtful.) General Sayar worries that the American occupation and Karzai government are following the path of the Soviet regime: "Nowadays the government is reading the same manual [as the Russians]," he says. "No one tells the truth. I can tell the truth."
And when he does, Col. Shute listens. The operations are disorganized, the several units must plan together, and the leaders - the Americans and NATO officers -- must trust the men they mean to lead. "What he realized was that the coalition was not talking to each other, and the ANA was suffering for it," says Col. Shute. "He essentially gave us an ultimatum: either train us, or we'll do it ourselves." Four years later, in 2010, this assessment still seems apt.


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On 27-28th June 2017 a LIFE water platform meeting will be held in Koblenz (Germany), hosted by the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG).
Four workshops will be conducted focussing on waterways, river restoration, stakeholder involvement and lessons learnt.
For futher information and registration please visit the following site: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/news/events/events2017/june.htm#water


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This gift stemmed from reviving an old, childhood tradition at my house - making hard candy. As an adult, the part I remember most is the wonderful scent of wintergreen and cinnamon infusing our entire house.
This year, I decided it was time to introduce this tradition to my kids. I want them to know the smell of Christmas as I knew it when I was growing up. So during our traditional Christmas weekend with my family, we got to candy making.
It's a really simple process.
Here's what you need:
- 4 cups of granulated sugar*
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp. of the flavoring of your choice
- food coloring
- candy thermometer
- powdered sugar
- foil
* Near the end, we used only 3 cups of sugar because we were running out and it worked out great. It made the flavor stronger. Wished we did that with the cinnamon. That was the one flavor that was barely there for some reason.
Here's what you do:
- Cover your kitchen table in foil. Dust it with powdered sugar.
- Combine the ingredients in a sauce pan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Boil until the candy thermometer reaches 310 degrees.
- Add food coloring and flavoring. It will spatter a bit when you mix it.
- Pour it directly on your foil creating long ribbons of candy.
- Wait for it to cool, then crack into bite size pieces.
- Mix it around with the powdered sugar leftover on the foil.
- Package it up and you're done!
I packaged it up in a mini paint can from Target's dollar section and filled it with the blue wintergreen candy. Taped a snowflake ornament to it along with a little tag of holiday greetings using glitter tape. Perfect for bus drivers, teachers, neighbors – anyone you want to give a little sweet sentiment to for the holidays.


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All Ill say is....... Thank god.
I loved this book. Felt like classic Spidey.
Ill not spoil anything just yet but damn. Spencer knocked this out of the park for me. Love Ryans art also.
Im smiling ear to ear.
All Ill say is....... Thank god.
I loved this book. Felt like classic Spidey.
Ill not spoil anything just yet but damn. Spencer knocked this out of the park for me. Love Ryans art also.
Im smiling ear to ear.
That was the most utterly bonkers book I've read all year.
He's back baby
The real deal, best Spider-Man I've read since 1997/98.
This better stick.
The twist with the alien invasion makes perfect sense if you know a certain character's early history.
Spencer is actually picking up on an unresolved plotline from PAD's pre-OMD Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man with the whole Beck from hell thing... this is going to be one wild ride.
Marvel Pull - Fantastic Four, The Immortal Hulk
DC Pull - The Green Lantern, Goddess Mode
Indie Pull - The Wrong Earth, High Heaven
I'm loving these positive reactions!! I'm not going to be able to get to this until later in the day but, man, I'm pumped to crack open the start of a new Spidey era!
Glad people are digging it!
This was amazing, wish Nick Spencer was on twitter to personally tell him how much I enjoyed this. Maybe there will be some sort of twist, but it wasn't just the fact he brought back MJ, but he also brought herh back as a actual loving character. This was a completely different character than Slott's version. She didn't hold all that hate in his heart, yet just a few issues ago MJ was mad at Peter for something out of his control.
I like to think Slott was just playing it up those last few issues of ASM so we wouldn't guess this happening.
Either way, excellent job by Spencer. If anyone isn't convinced by this 1st issue to keep reading, I don't know what'll convince them.
Okay, I just saw a spoiler! What happened? I mean, I saw what happened but it was only two pages, so I don't know if they are actually going through with it or if it's a tease or cliffhanger.
This is issue #1, I don't like the art or the preview, but it seems people are enjoying the writing, and it sounds like the Peter and MJ I recognize, and I'll probably won't be able to get it until the Trade so.. spoil me.
I'm talking about Peter and MJ so you know which pages I'm talking about.
Edit: Sounds like it only just begun so I'll wait for a bit
Last edited by Restingvoice; 07-11-2018 at 06:36 AM.


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Episode 42: Youth Group Relationships
042 - Youth Group Relationships
On Episode 42, Eric & Andrew discuss what every youth minister hates... when your students begin dating each other. How do you handle it? What rules should you have in place? What do you do when they break up and it causes a massive youth group split? Plus learn how to be a ninja when it comes to teen relationships.


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Cruise in Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night in our Private boat
Private cruise in Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night – Off beaten track itinerairy guaranteed !
Lan Ha Bay is a quiet place compared to Halong Bay but hide also amazing landscapes! It is ideal destination for those seeking trips like no other, off the tourist trails. Minh Anh Travel propose a 2 days 1 night cruise in a 2 cabins private boat, perfect for small groups of 2 to 6 people . Take your time to check out our boat accomodation and its pleasant circuit in the Lan Ha Bay in these videos firstly
Description of our cruise
Day 1: Cat Ba – Ha Lan Cruise – Overnight on board (Lunch / Dinner)
Day 2: Morning cruise – Landing on the island of Cat Ba (Breakfast)
Road trip: Cat Ba – Visit the Lan Ha Bay – Visit of fishermen Village Ba Ham – Kayaking in Black Grotto – Beaches in Lan Ha Bay – Back to Catba
Detailed program
Day 1: Departure from Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay Cruise – Overnight on board (Lunch / Dinner)
Welcome by our manager and bus transfer to the port to embark in our boat. Boarding time around 10 am in our private boat and Lan Ha Bay cruise start. Exploring the fisherman village in Ba Ham bay and kayaking to visit Sang and Toi Grotto. At the end of the day, enjoy the beach. Overnight on board
Video on kayak excursion
Day 2: Morning cruise – Landing back on the island of Cat Ba (Breakfast)
Breakfast, and morning cruise back to Cat Ba. Landing at 10 in the morning then transfer to Cat Ba by bus /. End of our service
Video on the entire trip
Price (per group)
2 persons
3 persons
4 persons
5 persons
|6 persons
|2 days/ 1 night
358 usd
400 usd
450 usd
480 usd
Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com
How to book our boat
If you want to book the Lan Ha bay cruise, please let us know your days to check the avaibility then if the boat is available, to reserve the boat in the chosen dáy, make a deposit payment of a USD 50 via PayPal (our PayPal address is email@example.com) and the rest must be paid in Vietnam ( in Hanoi or Catba ) before boarding a boat.
Private boat equipped with 2 rooms (with fan and private bathrooms)
All meals mentioned in the tour programm
Entry fee during the cruise
Kayaking excursion
Bus transfer
Ground transfer Hanoi – Hai Phong – Hanoi (for more information, thank you to see the article that explains how to go from Hanoi Catba)
Personal expenses, Tip & beverage
International bank transfer fees (Visa Card Master Card 3% or 4.5% of the total price charged to you)
* Local Guide: Supplement of 25 USD / day for an English speaking guide
* Private land transfer round trip Hanoi / Haiphong / Hanoi: contact us for more details


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The 6 Psychological Factors of a Good Leader:
- Decisiveness. The ability to make frequent and consistant decisions. This includes the sub-factors of taking responsibility for their decisions, knowing and sticking to the principles and ethics driving their decision making. Decisiveness is often seen as providing clarity in uncertain situations.
- Overall competence. Good leaders are all seen as competent, not just as leaders but also within the realm they making decisions in. They are not just managing any situation but have competence in dealing with such situations and are perceived as having that level of competence.
- Integrity or honest intent. People follow and trust leaders who they believe have the best intent or purpose. Integrity and others trust are usually seen by people as part of the same factor.
- Vision. Often trotted out as a core leadership activity, vision in this case is the ability of the leader to project / articulate a clear, coherent and comprehensible path towards a meaningful goal.
- Persistance. Not only are good leaders clear about their goals they keep going and don't give up. This does not mean that they keep on regardless and there is a sub-factor of adaptability especially if a better way is found or the context/situation changes.
- Modesty. This is an interesting and surprising factor. Leaders who blow their own trumpet / feel the need to tell others how good they are are frequently associated with being a bad leader. Good leaders are seen as those who praise the right people and give credit to the team rather than themselves.
Current emerging trends
Two additional emerging psychological factors which are cropping up more frequently in recent research are:
- Adaptability / agility. This is the ability to deal flexibly with rapidly changing situations and has the sub-factors of the ability to see change as it happens, the ability to hold competing perspectives and deal with ambiguity and rapid change.
- Autonomy. This is the ability to stand alone when needed and make their own mind up as opposed to following trends without critical appraisal.


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Signature Cuff with Sapphire Baguette, 10K Rose Gold
Signature Cuff with Sapphire Baguette, 10K Rose Gold
The Signature Cuff with Sapphire Baguette features solid recycled 10K rose gold with a brushed matte finish on the outside and high shine finish on the inside. The Cuff is accented with one sapphire baguette set into one side of the enclosure.
Designed for versatility, the Cuff can be worn up or down. The option for custom engraving is available for an additional fee.
The Cuff can be gently opened and tightened for a secure fit. Standard size should fit most wrists; select the slightly scaled down Petite size if you have particularly small wrists (we suggest for those with wrists that measure under 6" in circumference).
Please note: All pieces are made to order by hand in NYC, and require 1-2 weeks to produce. Please contact us for rush or custom orders.
Details / Sizing
100% solid recycled 10K rose gold, natural sapphire baguette
Standard: h: 55 mm; w: 42 mm; long edge: 38 mm; opening: 27 mm
Petite: h: 52 mm; w: 37 mm; long edge: 32 mm; opening: 24 mm


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By Reading This, You Are Stating That You Are 18 Years Of Age. If You Are Under The Age Of 18, It Is Necessary To Exit This Site.
Harvest Moon
Dawn L. Lubertowicz
His body wants to go and comfort her. He knows she's upset. He can't even wrap his head around this either. How does he know her and how does she know him? What's going on here? Before his mind continues, something catches his scent of smell. His hearing also catches something in the distant. He turns to where his scent and hearing has caught something, trying to look for it through the park.
Abby wraps her arms around herself and shakes her head in disbelief. She's about to turn around to ask more questions, but before she could, Zero wraps her up in his arms and sprints off with her. Her stomach realizes they are going faster than any normal speed a human could run. She starts to feel a little nauseated. She takes her one free hand to cover her mouth so she won't vomit. She closes her eyes and wills the urge away. She opens them, feeling a bit relieved and looks up at Zero, his face showing intense focus. She doesn't know what's going on, but for some reason she nuzzles into his arms some more for comfort.
Another Excerpt
Abby blushes. She doesn't know why, but his soft look makes her blush. His face seems to perk up when he sees her embarrassed. He puts his hand down and wraps his right arm around her. He pulls her into him. She freezes, not sure what to do. She feels him inhaling her scent from the top of her head. She moves her face into his chest and inhales as well.
He smells really good.
"Let's do whatever you want to do," he says while enjoying her scent.
She looks up at him.
"Do you want to watch some television," she asks?
"If that's what you wish, he softly says breathing in more of her scent.
If that's what you wish?
She would rather stay like this. Even though it's odd that he enjoys sniffing her, she doesn't seem to mind it. It makes her heart flutter as he inhales each time. She smiles.
He doesn't even know why he pulled her into him and why he's inhaling her scent. His body so wanted to do this while she was working on loading the dishwasher. He could stand here all day just inhaling that sweet scent…cherry blossom. Then he starts to feel that urge again. He wants her and so does his body. He wants to feel her. He wants to smell her. He wants to taste her…again. He pauses and he opens his eyes. He feels his breathing has become erratic.
He needs to stop this.
Red Sage Publishing, Inc. © 2013 All Rights Reserved
Abby is an average girl that doesn't seem anything special. She doesn't recall much about her past, but believes the only family she has is a man she calls Uncle Ben. She does have the ability to read people's futures. One night, Abby's average life changes when she decides to take the train instead of a cab. A mysterious man named Zero, who she feels safe with, saves her from a strange man. After that night, Zero keeps showing up and saving her.
She soon discovers that she and Zero shared a past. She finds out Zero is a wolf demon, the ability to change from human to wolf and she is a Lyking, who has mental powers. She realizes she's not afraid of him as she becomes aware their lives won't be the same. As Zero continues to protect Abby from strange beings, they become closer as dreams help them understand their past. He has always felt cold and distant with no concern for himself. When he's with Abby, he feels his heart beating as he feels warmth.
He also started having urges where his body wants Abby and the wolf demon inside of him wants her blood. He can't think of not having her in his life as he tries to stay with her longer. He soon has to decide to continue the job he was hired for or protect the one he loves from the ones who hired him.
Reader Alert! Abby didn't realize taking the train instead of a cab after work could turn her world upside down. Being attached by an inhuman bounty hunter and rescued by a wolf demon weren't in her schedule. Neither was falling for one.
To My Readers: I really think you will fall in love with the characters and the present-tense setting, which make the story seem realistic. I believe while you read it, you'll be able to see it like a movie. Not only do you get to experience a love story, but you get to be in the action and try to figure out the mystery behind Zero and Abby. There are also some jaw- dropping scenes that will leave you flabbergasted but then make you laugh as well.
About the Author: I'm pretty much an average girl living in a small town. I've had many of my jobs and parts of my life, and I have experienced a lot of interesting and exciting events. While working at a local emergency room, I got to experience people's different levels of emotions such as devastation when a loved one died. When I was younger, I used to move around with my family and got to experience the many cultures such as in Saudi Arabia, England, and so on. I have been asked, 'when do I sleep?' I usually tell them, 'when I'm not doing anything.' I've always had a talent for storytelling. I get a lot of people asking me to tell them some stories from my emergency room days or other times in my life. I have finally decided to try my luck of publishing the stories that were stuck in my head for a very long time. I want people to enjoy them as much as my friends, family and co-workers have. With the help of some great friends (Renee and Katie), I got over my fears. They encouraged me to write and get published. Now, I get a chance to say that my stories are published for everyone to read.


text:
Petra Soukupová
Make-up Artist, Hair Stylist, Color Lover & Fashion Enthusiast
There are many paths and one that leads to you is the best one. People are an inspiration for me and space where my creativity opens. It all depends on our mutual agreement.
I am based in Prague but I am more than happy to visit you anywhere.
Follow me


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JFSC action taken re Mossack Fonseca
Since the initial publication of the Panama Papers, the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) has been closely monitoring developments and any relevant connections between Jersey financial services practitioners and the Panamanian firm Mossack Fonseca or any other subject material that has so far emerged into the public domain from the Panama Papers publication.
The JFSC, as quoted in the media has relied primarily on self-disclosure by licensed and regulated financial firms in Jersey as there has been a high level of awareness amongst the regulated community of their obligations in this respect under both local anti-money laundering legislation and the relevant Codes of Practice issued by the JFSC. The Codes set requirements for conduct of business in the jurisdiction with a clear expectation for open and transparent reporting to the JFSC of significant matters.
This process has yielded a relatively small number of such relevant connections to date, all of which are being scrutinized carefully. Some are very historic and none to date suggest significant evidence of misconduct or failure to identify correctly persons for whom Jersey financial practitioners are acting, or other important anti-money laundering information such as source of wealth and purpose of business being conducted.
The level of attention globally generated by the Panama Papers matter, linked to further anticipated public disclosures covering worldwide financial dealings over the coming days, suggest that the authorities in Jersey should be as well prepared as possible to offer further detailed comment on any arising matter for this jurisdiction. Accordingly, the JFSC has now set out a more structured request for information from financial services firms regulated by the JFSC in order to be as fully sighted as possible on material connections to Jersey which may require further follow up, scrutiny or possibly in what it would anticipate to be rare cases a level of formal investigation.
This request should not be read as an indication that we expect Jersey to be any more linked to the developing Panama Papers situation than has until now been the case with the few connections made to date. Nonetheless, the JFSC is of the view that a comprehensive and clear understanding of all such connections to Jersey would be timely and relevant in the current situation, above all to be assured that the conduct of Jersey financial practitioners is as expected and that any such connections are set in a relevant context given current high levels of global media attention.
John Harris, Director General, commented:
"We realise that in a fast moving and demanding situation such as this, flexibility is required and two of the JFSC's key objectives, are aiming to protect the reputation of Jersey in commercial and financial matters and in so doing pursuing the Island's best economic interests. These aims will always guide our actions and we are monitoring the developing events very carefully and will take any appropriate action needed."
The deadline for submitting information is 18 May 2016 and should be sent to Kevin Andrieux
- Ends -
For further enquiries, please contact:
Emma Martin
Head of Communications
Jersey Financial Services Commission
Tel: + 44 (0) 1534 822166
Email: email@example.com


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I wanted to just throw this topic out there. The technique of ducking or gating a great function to have. It can really change the feel and groove of your track.
The way we can make this happen on the Electribe is to use the compressor as you would anywhere else. Normally 'side change' compression is what this is called. In the case of the Electribe, it doesn't say this anywhere.
Here is the easy way. Make an effect be the compressor. Now set the effect with the attack at zero and the sense at max(127). Route the kick drum to this effect. Now the parts you want to duck route to this same effect. The control of what is ducked is actually based on your part volume. If used correctly you'll know it.
Here is a track I did with it. Without that kick drum ducking the parts it would just sound like straight notes almost and have no flavor.


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Below is one of my more memorable days on Denali. It definitely qualified as one of the most rewarding and challenging days on the mountain and I wanted to share it with you along with some chilly pictures. Step into the world that is Alaska...
The snow had finally melted and the water trying to boil. Once poured into the food bag we'd have 10 more minutes and then fuel to feed the furnace that is our tummies.
It had been a long and exhausting day on Denali. The mountain was starting to show it's menacing side.
With the temperature below -40C, things were serious. I hold the bag waiting for the food to hydrate. I can tell the food is losing it's heat already. I'm cold, tired and clumsy. I caress the food bag in my lap but don't realise my grip is too tight. The bag opens and water spills out into my sleeping bag. The food is now losing it's heat rapidly. I give it a try anyway in the hope for some much needed calories. Cold. Crunchy. Inedible. I look over at Tim. He is having the same problem. We have our toes in the same sleeping bag trying to share what little heat we have. Our full down jackets are on and never have I worn so many clothes and still be the coldest I've ever been.


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Each new release of the Windows Mobile platform tends to introduce a couple of new APIs. This blog post discusses a technique that Native developers can use to allow conditional access to these APIs while still allowing the application to run on older devices.
Typically a developer creating a C or C++ application within Visual Studio would choose a device SDK that matches their target device. For example when creating a project for a Windows Mobile 6 Professional device the developer would typically select the "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" SDK within the New Project wizard. Compiling with a particular Device SDK "marks" the executable in such a way that it requires as a minimum that particular version of Windows Mobile in order to run.
Since the Windows Mobile platform strives for backwards compatibility this should also mean that the application would work on any newer version of the OS (but it would be constrained to accessing the subset of functionality exposed by the selected SDK).
Visual Studio includes a tool called Dependency Walker. Opening an exe or dll file within this application allows you to determine which version of the Windows Mobile OS an executable is designed for. This tool can typically be found within the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\Common7\Tools\Bin directory. The "Subsystem Ver" field as indicated in the above screen-shot shows the minimum version of the Windows CE kernel required for the selected program to run (see "What device is my application running on?" for a table of Windows CE kernel versions and their associated Windows Mobile releases). Trying to run an executable compiled for a newer version of the OS on an older version will result in an error message similar to the following:
Dependency Walker (as it's name suggests) also allows us to determine which DLLs an executable depends upon and hence must be present on the device in order for the application to run. For example in the following screenshot the application has dependencies on aygshell.dll, phone.dll, and coredll.dll. If any of these DLLs are not present on a device, the OS will fail to start the application with the same error message shown above.
Accessing APIs from newer versions of the OS
Some times it is necessary to compile against an older device SDK while still allowing access to new APIs whenever the application is running on a newer device.
As an example, a previous project I worked on was compiled against the Pocket PC 2002 SDK, and there were a couple of hundred Pocket PC 2002 devices out in the field. When Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition devices started showing up (which support dynamic screen orientation changes), it was desirable to access a new API to ensure the application always ran in Portrait mode, without switching the project over to the Pocket PC 2003 SDK (since that would mean needing to compile two versions of the app, or loosing support for the existing Pocket PC 2002 devices).
As an easy to follow example we will use the SndPlaySync API introduced in Windows Mobile 6, and discuss how to access this while building our application against the Pocket PC 2003 SDK.
When targeting the Windows Mobile 6 Professional SDK we could make use of this API as follows:
// Play the Alarm2.wav sound effect #include <soundfile.h> SndPlaySync(_T("\\Windows\\Alarm2.wav"), 0);
However attempting to run this executable on a Pocket PC 2003 device will fail because:
- The executable is marked as requiring Windows CE OS version 5.02 or higher.
- The executable indicates it depends upon a function called SndPlaySync being present within a dll called aygshell.dll. Although aygshell.dll exists on a Pocket PC 2003 device, it does not export a function called SndPlaySync.
Both of these facts can be confirmed via the use of the Dependency Walker utility as discussed above.
If we change our project to target the Pocket PC 2003 Device SDK we will notice that the project fails to compile. This makes sense, since changing the SDK changes the version of the Windows header files our project compiles against. The Pocket PC 2003 version of the Windows header files are clearly highlighting the fact that the SndPlaySync function does not exist on this version of the platform.
One solution to this problem is to dynamically link to this API. In other words when our application runs we manually load aygshell.dll and attempt to find the SndPlaySync function within it. If we find it we can make use of it, otherwise we can fail gracefully and provide some kind of fallback.
Within the Win32 programming environment we do this by making use of a function pointer typedef and the LoadLibrary and GetProcAddress APIs.
By looking at the MSDN documentation for SndPlaySync we can typically determine which DLL the API lives within, and determine a function prototype that is suitable for converting into a function pointer typedef. Depending upon the API in question, we may also need to copy any structs or #define's utilised by the function that are not present in the older Windows Mobile header files.
An example of this technique is shown below:
// A typedef that defines a function pointer called SND_PLAY_SYNC that // is capable of pointing to any function that has the same // prototype as SndPlaySync typedef HRESULT (* SND_PLAY_SYNC)(LPCTSTR pszSoundFile, DWORD dwFlags); // Attemp to load aygshell.dll HMODULE hLib = LoadLibrary(_T("aygshell.dll")); if (hLib) { // If we manage to load it attempt to get the address // of the SndPlaySync API located within it. SND_PLAY_SYNC pfnSndPlaySync = (SND_PLAY_SYNC)GetProcAddress(hLib, _T("SndPlaySync")); // If SndPlaySync is found then invoke it. Otherwise // provide a simple fallback, in this case a simple // message box. A more complete example may // have used an alternative sound playing API. if (pfnSndPlaySync) pfnSndPlaySync(_T("\\Windows\\Alarm2.wav"), 0); else MessageBox(GetForegroundWindow(), _T("Sorry we can not play a sound"), _T("Status"), MB_OK); CloseHandle(hLib); }
This solution doesn't magically make the API available on older devices. The key thing is it delays the check for the SndPlaySync API being present from launch time (by the OS) until runtime (by our code). If you use the Dependency Walker utility you will notice that there is no hard-coded dependency on the SndPlaySync API within this version of the application.
Sample Application
A small sample application is available for download. It contains two projects. The first called "BadApp" targets the Windows Mobile 6 SDK and will fail to run on devices using an older version of the OS. The second called "GoodApp" targets the Pocket PC 2003 SDK and shows how to modify the source code of "BadApp" in order to make the application also run on older devices. As an added bonus the sample demonstrates how this solution can also resolve issues with devices using the same OS version but having different hardware capabilities. This issue has been discussed by Mel Sampat in regards to accessing phone functionality (some PDAs still come without any cellular capabilities).
A future blog posting will discuss how similar techniques can be implemented for .NET Compact Framework applications which use Platform Invoke (DllImport) functionality. This can be particularly handy for getting an application that makes use of PInvokes to work on both the desktop and PDA devices without the need of conditional compilation and multiple versions of the executable.


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Pennsylvania Chapter NWTF License Plates
The license plate project is an ongoing promotion of the Pennsylvania Chapter NWTF. License plates will remain available indefinitely. However, the PennDot application process has changed. In the future, NWTF members must request a signed application from the Pennsylvania Chapter's representative in writing. The application request must include the member's current membership number. The request for an license plate application must include a self-addressed stamped return envelope mailed with the completed form to Dennis Wade, 9833 Fillinger Road, Cranesville, Pennsylvania 16410. The signed application will be returned to the applicant. The applicant will forward the completed application and a check payable to PennDot for processing.
Pennsylvania Chapter NWTF representative is Dennis Wade. You can contact Dennis at his email address or by phone at 814-756-3669.
Application Form For Pennsylvania Chapter License Plate with Instructions.


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Equipment design is a process usually driven by a problem or need that requires a solution. End users who encounter issues on the job may report their experiences to an equipment distributor. The distributor shares the feedback with the OEM, who then begins working on a solution, perhaps with the help of a component manufacturer. Occasionally the problem that starts this chain of communication is a flawed product. But far more often it's just about finding a more efficient and productive way to get work done.
In mining applications — and underground mining in particular — productivity isn't only about equipment capabilities, but also about whether a given machine can withstand the extreme conditions to operate effectively in the first place. Of course, reduced productivity isn't the only consequence of a potential machine breakdown in a mine. Safety is always a concern when machines are used, and safety is the top priority in the underground mine industry. Mining machines must be safe to use, and when components such as brakes are considered, any adverse performance characteristic can produce devastating consequences.
Braking in a mining environment
Equipment originally built for surface mining often finds its way into underground applications eventually. Unfortunately, some machines that do excellent work above ground may quickly succumb to the difficult operating conditions below the surface:
• Unseen bumps or holes can cause jarring impact and shock — enough to seriously damage vehicles or their components.
• Thick sludges can build up like freshly poured cement and impede equipment movement.
• Moisture and airborne contaminants combine to create a corrosive environment that can eat away at exposed and vulnerable parts.
The third point is the primary reason why air brake systems are not conducive to underground mining and are not usually used in these applications. When air brakes were used in the 1960s, mining vehicles used heavy refrigeration dryers and other mechanisms in an inefficient attempt to prevent the moist air of mines from corroding system components.
Straight-apply hydraulic brakes supplanted air systems in the 1970s, and by the 1980s spring-applied, hydraulically released brakes had become the norm. These hydraulic systems provided the opportunity to enclose the brakes and run them in oil, protecting from a mine's corrosive elements.
Hydraulic brakes have been proven to last longer in rough environments like mining, giving them a stronger long-term ability to meet key Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards. One of these is Title 30, Code 57.14101 (a)(3), which states, "All braking systems installed on the equipment shall be maintained in functional condition." This may seem to be a simple requirement, but given the underground conditions, it remains a constant battle for mining operators and machine suppliers.
Component manufacturers must be especially diligent when designing brake systems for underground mining vehicles. Part of the design process is to incorporate redundancies wherever possible. Whether it's implementing double retention methods for pins and fasteners or redundant sensors in an electrohydraulic brake pedal, most systems need a backup.
Manufacturing with more rugged materials and adding protection for critical components are also important safeguards. One example of these safeguards in brake design is the use of high force solenoid valves. Some types of solenoid valves are notorious for allowing grit and other contaminations to build up. High force solenoids can overcome this issue — even in particularly dirty environments where machines may be running with less than clean hydraulic oil at times.
Productive braking solutions
In addition to taking measures to enhance safety, machine designers must also realize the mine's ultimate goal of sustaining productivity. Eliminating downtime is a must in every industrial business, but in mining it's almost an obsession. Mine operators are always cognizant of a key number — cost-per-ton of material produced. If ore isn't being mined because a machine is down, that cost-per-ton can skyrocket.
Brake manufacturers find themselves in an interesting position when designing systems for mining. By nature, brake products are directly tied in with safety. However, engineers can institute braking features to help vehicle operators negotiate the often treacherous terrain of an underground mine more efficiently, thereby improving productivity as well.
The list of vehicles found in mines is long. Haul trucks, wheel loaders, and excavators are surface mining staples, while scoops, roof bolters, drills, and load haul dumps (LHD) are just some of the machines found underground. The individual demands of these vehicles and their specific applications dictate what additional features can or should be incorporated into the vehicle's hydraulic braking system.
The electrohydraulic trend
The need for high productivity has consistently dictated that work methods become more sophisticated in mining and other off-road applications. To meet expectations — and in many cases to simplify tasks or make them safer — end users have increasingly demanded more flexibility and control from new equipment.
One way component manufacturers have addressed this need has been by incorporating electrohydraulic circuits into vehicle designs. Although most experts may not consider electrohydraulic braking in mining vehicles an industry trend, specific implementations have been emerging over the last decade. Various technologies have been incorporated into individual applications to suit specific needs for safety, productivity, and machine flexibility.
Many end-user needs relate back directly to finding a way to work effectively in the wet, sludgy, slippery conditions in an underground mine. Some component manufacturers offer full-power hydraulic brake systems with anti-lock brake systems (ABS), traction control, or both. Vehicles with a full-power brake system already installed can be retrofitted with ABS and traction control as well. These features make sense in mining applications and go a long way toward improving stability, reducing stopping distances, and boosting acceleration — all of which produce smoother, safer operation and higher productivity.
ABS and traction control systems use an electronic control unit and machine sensors to monitor wheel speed and brake line pressures. When wheel lockup or wheel slip occurs, the control unit's algorithms determine what electric current is needed at the electrohydraulic control valves to improve control of the vehicle. Simply put, this type of automatic adjustment and control cannot be replicated without an electrohydraulic system.
Electrohydraulics also aid mine operations with features like automatic retard control, which helps vehicles maintain a steady speed when moving up or down inclines. Load sensing is another benefit achieved by electrohydraulics. Even experienced equipment operators can make errors when trying to judge the load on a trailer hitch. However, load sensing can use an electronic sensor to establish operating parameters based on the size of the load and automatically apply the brakes accordingly.
Some mine vehicles are dedicated to use in especially hazardous areas. Rather than put workers at risk, these machines are operated by remote control. Electrohydraulic brakes must be used in these situations to control the braking system when no operator is physically present.
Stopping the prime mover
One manufacturer that has embraced electrohydraulic braking for certain mining applications is J.H. Fletcher & Co., Huntington, W. Va. Fletcher manufactures everything from roof bolters and mobile roof supports to scalers and drill jumbos. But the company's strength is not its wide array of mining equipment offered, but its willingness to customize just about every machine it produces to meet the specific needs of customers.
"We have a lot of freedom from an engineering standpoint," said Craig Collins, a Fletcher project engineer. "Safety, productivity, and reliability are the key points we design to, but within that mold Fletcher is always willing to explore new technologies and incorporate those ideas into what we've already found to be successful. If we can find ways to make a customer's job safer and easier, we're going to do it."
Just a few years ago, Fletcher was approached about building a custom version of a machine previously purchased from another supplier. Fletcher didn't make such a vehicle at the time but decided it was a worthwhile venture. The end result was the introduction of a new product line in 2006 — Fletcher's 3800 Series diesel tractor, a vehicle the company refers to as the Prime Mover.
"This machine is designed to haul supplies in and out of the mines," said Brian Perrine, Fletcher's product manager for the Prime Mover. "It features a trailer with a tongue attached to a fifth wheel for moving gravel trailers, water tanks, raw materials, longwall shields, you name it. It's basically a utility vehicle for whatever the mine needs. And we design it to perform based on what the customer wants. Grades, weights, axle ratios, and engine size are some of the variables that come into play."
The Prime Mover is built around a complete machine system approach that gives Fletcher the flexibility to adapt to custom requests as they arise. The system also includes a software package with diagnostic capabilities that allow for easy troubleshooting. With an extensive electronic control system in place, it makes perfect sense that the vehicle has already evolved from the original model and now also includes an electrohydraulic braking system provided by MICO Inc.
The system features a sensor that reads the angle of an electronic brake pedal and sends a signal to an electronic control unit. In the case of the Prime Mover, Fletcher supplies its own proprietary control unit, which has been programmed to achieve specific braking character ist ics depending on trailer load and other factors. Based on the software setup for a given application, the unit passes the appropriate electrical current to an electrohydraulic pressure-modulating valve to decelerate the vehicle with complete control.
The first Prime Mover equipped with MICO's electrohydraulic brake system went to work in a Colorado coal mine in May of 2008. "The overall system and brakes go hand in hand to provide some nice advantages, particularly for red hats (rookie operators) or even veteran operators who aren't as familiar with the Prime Mover," said Collins. "It offers a lot of interlocks and features to keep the operator safe. The brakes adjust themselves to whatever conditions the machine is running in, and they'll always default to a safe condition. The system gives the mines more confidence in letting different operators run the vehicle so they're able to better utilize personnel."
Despite the benefits offered by electrohydraulic brakes, there's still a perception in some corners of the mining industry that electronics do not work in a mine. "There will always be a battle somewhere when introducing new ideas," said Perrine. "It's an education process. Electronic or not, any system can fail if it's not properly implemented. Fletcher machines use thicker steel and tougher joints than similar equipment to account for the abuse factor in mining, and we use appropriate safeguards for our brake system as well. I think the customers who have used our vehicles with electrohydraulic systems realize they're getting a safer and cleaner machine."
"We've found it to be cutting edge technology within our industry," Collins added. "And we're looking at applying electrohydraulic brakes to other product lines as well. It's very user-friendly. When problems do arise, the machine's control system will lead the operator to the problem quickly. They might be able to troubleshoot a braking issue in 30 minutes instead of days or weeks with a different system. And we know very well that they can put a price on that difference in downtime."
Flexibility and control
Ultimately, the most difficult aspect of providing a brake system to mine operators is that there is so much variation from mine to mine and from application to application. In the search for braking solutions, a well-structured electrohydraulic system provides several compelling considerations for mine operators, most notably a high level of flexibility. Electronic signals can be programmed to meet the demands of a given job site. This ability to deliver precise control to vehicle movement is the biggest reason electrohydraulic braking systems have become such an appealing option in so many industries. That kind of control is a pretty nice option to have, particularly in the harsh and often unpredictable conditions of an underground mine.
Brad Stage is Applications Coordinator at MICO Inc., North Mankato, Minn. For more information, contact him at [email protected] or visit www.mico.com.


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The pattern I debuted last Wednesday, Vaughan Vest, is part of Knit Picks' new fall collection, Twist and Tweed. I'm honored to be included in such a spectacular collection of cozy fall sweaters and accessories.
I have, of course, found several pieces in the collection that I hope to (someday) make time to knit myself, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.
I love this sweatshirt-style sweater, Harley, by Jenny Williams. The keynote of this piece, the collar, is knit flat and seamed. Then stitches for the body are picked up from the bottom edge and the remainder of the sweater is knit downward seamlessly. The finished sweater looks so wearable, but much more sophisticated than your favorite college sweatshirt--a real wardrobe staple.
Harris is one of those designs only Teresa Gregorio, AKA Canary Knits, could make work--who else could get you to want a cape? She totally pulls it off, though, there's nothing boring or dowdy about this showstopper. Knit in the round from the bottom up, with sleeves worked from provisional cast-ons, this piece has lots of fun elements--cables, textured stitches, pleats--that all work together to create something unique for your fall or winter wardrobe.
The Herne Cardigan, by Jaclyn Zifos, is a major upgrade to the comfy grandpa sweater. It's got the classic shawl collar and roomy pockets, but a feminine shape, intricate cables and texture galore. Worked in worsted weight, it's sure to be warm as well as fashionable--I'm almost ready to throw all my current WIPs in the trash and cast this on immediately.
Cassie Castillo's Liana Cardigan is a seamless, saddle-shoulder cardigan that certainly deserves space in your sweater drawer. To be honest, I think the dark, tweedy yarn chosen for the sample obscures some of the noteworthy design elements in this piece. Chunky cables trim the front bands and collar, as well as the slant pockets--which you can barely see! I love the loop button closures on this one too.
Those are a few of my favorites from this collection, which includes 16 sweater and accessory patterns--they all retail for $4.99 individually, which makes the book price, $19.99, an absolute steal. And the ebook, at $14.99, is an even better deal! You'll definitely want to pop this in your cart with your next Knit Picks order.
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy . . .


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The color of this refill bag can vary.
Green tea, maté and spices-flavoured blend
With its blend of maté, green tea, cinnamon and ginger, Boost is the perfect companion for busy people who need a moment of pleasure in their day.
Brewing time
4-5 min
Brewing temperature
Perfect for iced tea
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Marcus J. [ Ordered on 13/10/2019 ]5/5
Great flavors, my favorite brand of tea!
on 25/10/2019
Anonymous [ Ordered on 30/11/2018 ]5/5
These teas are easier to share. The bags are slightly than some of the ones I have purchased at the store. With this sample you get more than enough tea to sample and the flavor tones within each bag are flavorful and unique. The tea isn't so ground up that you are unable to make out what it is per the taste.
on 09/01/2019
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What does this mean for tenants?
There is more new construction across the markets, creating an expanding menu of options. This is good, as tenants now have some rent relief along with newer, more modern space. For office tenants, the majority of new construction is occurring in Houston, New York City and Dallas. Industrial building is focused on Inland Empire, Dallas and Chicago. And Dallas, Boston and L.A. saw high levels of retail construction.
What does this mean for developers?
Cost of construction will increase in 2015, despite declining materials costs, as high wages drive up labor costs. Wages will continue to grow as unemployment declines, due to low worker supply. The supply of unemployed construction workers will dwindle further, as construction demands remain high across the country. In order to save money, developers and landlords should look at projects in markets like Chicago and Seattle, where replacement costs are relatively low.


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"I can't come tonight―I have to take my daughter to soccer practice."
"We're out of town this weekend for our son's travelling baseball team."
"We won't be there next week―we're celebrating our anniversary."
And so it goes. Week after week, group members miss due to some conflict―and in any conflict, small group seems to lose out. Life happens, conflicts do arise, and small group is not the only priority for our members. But what if we could make our group's time together so valuable, members would schedule other activities around it? What if small group was so important to members, they would turn down conflicting invitations and events? What if small group could move up on our members' lists of priorities? To do so, we must look to the early church.
Faithful to the Word
There is no indication that the early church members had to cajole one another into meeting together. What was their secret? They devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings (Acts 2:42–47). In fact, when an issue arose later regarding the distribution of food among the church's widows, the leaders recognized they needed to address the issue in a way that did not distract from the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1–4). This faithfulness to the Word pleased the entire group (Acts 6:5), and God blessed their priorities by spreading the Word, growing their numbers, and even converting some of their opponents (Acts 6:7).
Similarly, our small groups need to be faithful to the Word. Believers are called to be committed to the Bible; as a result, the choosing and leading of a good, relevant Bible study encourages commitment to the group. Even recovery and healing groups need to be focused on the Word if any real life-change is to happen. How can a small-group leader help keep the group grounded in the Word?
Keep the studies based on the Bible.
A good inductive study helps group members learn to feed themselves from the Word, but not all studies must be inductive. Many good media-based resources are available. Occasionally reading a book together can add variety, but remember that a steady diet of other people's teachings can reduce the central focus on God's Word and limit the growth of group members in their ability to study the Word on their own.
Focus on becoming and making disciples.
Our small groups must be faithful to Jesus' Great Commission to make disciples, starting with the group members. Our Bible studies need to go beyond imparting information to inducing transformation (Rom. 12:2). As we learn, we should find ourselves becoming less like the world and more like Jesus. Faithfulness to the group increases radically as the group produces life transformation in its members.
Key Questions:
- How central is the Bible in your small group?
- Are your Bible studies producing transformation in your group members?
Faithful to the Community
The early church devoted themselves to fellowship in several ways, all of which you can incorporate into your group:
They ate together.
We don't emphasize this much today, but it was important to the early church. Not only is eating together one of the four "pillars" of Acts 2:42, but we see it again in verse 46. This repetition tells us the importance of this aspect of fellowship. The act of taking meals together helps to connect people in a disconnected world. Today, many people have never met most of their "friends." Relationships tend to be defined by social media posts―but real relationships require face time. Sharing a meal together allows for relaxed and meaningful conversation that strengthens the loyalty of group members to each other.


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The Toasted Oat Bakehouse
The Toasted Oat soft and chewy granola has old-fashioned flavors, authentically good -for-you ingredients and absolutely no agenda other than tasting amazing. The granola is more like a crumbled cookie than a big batch of dry bland in a box. Inspired by the goodness that came out of the founder's kitchen when she was a, it's pure baked nostalgia with a nod to modern-day—gluten-free, oven-baked from scratch (not processed) in small batches, and ready to enjoy whenever you are.
CEO, Erika Boll's love of baking started when she was a little girl hanging out in her Grandmother Margaret's kitchen. At the age of 33, Erika was diagnosed with Celiac disease and her avocation underwent a seismic shift. All those cookies…all those cakes…all those amazing baked goods she had learned to bake, and perfect, and love…all had to be completely recreated to be gluten-free or never be enjoyed again.
Since to Erika the latter option was, quite simply, unthinkable, she took to the kitchen and The Toasted Oat was born. Made from exceptional, real ingredients, every Toasted Oat item is free of additives, free of anything artificial, and completely and totally free of gluten. Heritage recipes made modern is what The Toasted Oat is all about, and indulgence is not only encouraged but actually good for you.