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Lady Justice and Turbulence floated down together, aiming for the middle of the Bravo deployment zone next to the command Stryker. She had spotted the Bravo company CO and wanted to update him.
"Sir, the air threats have been eliminated," Lady called as they were near touchdown.
It had taken both of them to pick up an unconscious Jet Stream, the Enhanced criminal larger than either of the women. They needed to get him into Bravo's custody before he woke up and dissipated again.
"This one is an Air Elementalist," Turbulence added as they landed. Agents descended quickly upon Jet Stream, cuffing him, and dragging him to the prisoner vehicle.
"Get him in the tank and make sure it stays pressure sealed." Lady Justice noticed that when Lieutenant Caldwell spoke, everyone listened. She envied him, remembering Larson's dismissive behavior. "Good job, Lady J, Turbulence. That explosion was a hell of a thing to watch from here."
As Lady Justice took off her helmet, she continued her report. "Turbulence will remain on combat patrol and make sure they don't have anymore flyers dropping bombs on us." She did not really believe the colony had any more Flyers but Turbulence should not remain on the ground near Bravo company until she healed. She was lying to a JTF officer, a very serious offense, but she did not want to reveal Mari's weakness.
"Very well," replied Caldwell.
Lady Justice nodded her head up as Turbulence took to the skies again.
"Sir, that Enhanced we brought back is Jet Stream." Lady Justice could still feel her hands shake slightly. The Enhanced criminal had almost killed her and would have if not for Turbulence.
"The Eco Twin?" Caldwell asked, not liking where this conversation was going.
The Eco Twins were prominent environmental activists for many years before they turned criminals. They gained infamy, as well as the JTF's attention, for breaking into animal testing laboratories and destroying logging facilities. Then they turned to murder. Mother Nature would track down business executives at conferences and retreats and entice them to invite her back to their room. Once there, she would open the window for Jet Stream to enter and suffocate them. Initially, the causes of death were ruled natural but police eventually spotted similarities at the crime scenes. When video surveillance was compared, the same woman was at each location. When the JTF issued warrants for their arrest, Mother Nature and Jet Stream went public with their threats to all corporations.
"That means Mother Nature is running around here, somewhere," stated Lady Justice. After the fight with Jet Stream, she was not looking forward to a confrontation with another powerful Elementalist. Mother Nature was known as eccentric and very alluring to men.
"We got a call from Team Four earlier that they were hung up in vegetation on the north side. We sent Solid Copy to help them out. Probably her work."
"I should go too," Lady Justice started.
"No," the CO said, holding out his arm in front of her. " I need you to remain here and coordinate with your team, not on the ground and out of the fight looking for Four. Solid Copy will find them. You have to trust your people if you want them to trust you."
"Hey, Lady Justice!" yelled Net from inside the command Stryker before sticking his head out of the side hatch. "Your wish is my command. We have one JTF drone inbound from Indianapolis."
"Great," said Lady Justice, happy to finally receive good news, "you made contact with Indy? What did they say? When are they arriving?"
"Not exactly," replied Net slowly, unsure how his Team Leader and the Bravo CO might react. "Take a look." Net pointed to the top of the HQ Stryker. Several large vines littered it, some wrapped tightly around the satellite dishes and other radio antennas.
"We were hooked up and ready to go when these vines started pulling on the roof, damn near flipping the Stryker. They must have slithered up the side when everyone was busy ducking or working. They grabbed the SatCom dish first and ripped it off. Then, they went for the HF antennas and tore them off too."
Lady Justice examined the vines to make sure they were not moving anymore. She knew this was Mother Nature's work, likely to keep Bravo company from calling in reinforcements.
Net waited for Lady Justice to finish her inspection before continuing. "Roberts got on top of the vehicle and started cutting the vines away when he took a round in the chest. He's lucky Trauma was here or he'd be dead right now."
She glanced over to the triage area where several JTF personnel were being treated for injuries. Lady Justice saw Roberts in the only cot with the others sitting in the grass with a Stryker between them and the campsite. So far, they were lucky and had no fatalities.
Net gestured towards the campsite. "I figured a place this big must have a connection to the outside world so I started scanning wireless frequencies and I picked up a faint signal. I took over their server and started transmitting a distress signal to Indianapolis. No one responded. I guess they were expecting us to use the radios."
Net could hear Lieutenant Caldwell mumble under his breath, cursing everyone, from the custodial staff to Director Lehrer himself, back in Indianapolis.
"God helps those that help themselves. I searched the JTF network and found a drone in the air that I could borrow. 117 was in orbit around the airport when I faked an internal malfunction that caused a reboot. While it restarted, I uploaded a new navigation point in it's flight computer. It should be here soon."
"Recruit," stated the Bravo CO, "in the JTF, when someone borrows an asset without authorization, we call that appropriating. Good work. Can you talk to the drone?"
"Sure but it's on lockdown," replied Net, disappointed. He was hoping that the drone would accept him as a superuser by the time it got here but the encryption was strong and his connection sucked. "Only the camera is active."
"Transmit this," said the Bravo CO, "Caldwell Bravo Mike India November Four Six Zero Authorize."
As Net sent the code, he became curious. "What did I authorize it to do?"
"I just added a mountain of paperwork when we get back but you now have full control over that drone. Get on that camera and target those machine guns." The Bravo CO walked away from the Stryker with Lady Justice still following.
"Affirmative, Bravo Niner."
Net added an extra packet to his transmission, a hidden command that would upload the drone's programming to his private server to examine later at his leisure. The JTF kept the existence of the armed drone program a secret for many years. He wanted to know why.


text: It's been a while since I had a guest post on the blog. My much loved In Conversation With series was left by the wayside when life became complicated with two Littlies taking over my time. Recently, I connected with the wonderful, mum of two, Samara. She has compiled a brilliant website called Tiny Fry which sets out to help us parents with the never ending question of what to get the child who has everything. Samara was eager to share her top five realizations of how life changes with two and boy did I want to know! Funnily, enough I can relate to oh so, so much of what Samara says and I love her positivity which helps me to know I'm on the right track in dealing with postnatal anxiety! Thank you so much for sharing Samara ♡ please read on and let Samara know how having two, three or more changed your life.

subset: commoncrawl


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Silver Birch - Betula pendula Bare Root Plants 40-60cms
Betula pendula, a well known tree with slightly pendulous weeping and a slender form, warty branchlets and peeling white bark which becomes marked with dark rugged cracks at the base on older trees. Diamond –shaped,sharply toothed mid-green leaves, turning yellow in autumn. Bears yellow male catkins in early spring.
Awards; RHS AGM (Award Garden Merit)
Please select the size and quantity of your Betula pendula from the table below.
Bare Root plants are available from early November to late March We can take Pre-orders before this time and dispatch the plants as soon as they are available.
- Available in Packs
- £16.50
Availability: In Stock
|Bare Root Pack Size
|40/60cms (25 plants)
|40/60cms (50 plants)
|40/60cms (100 plants)
|40/60cms (250 plants)
|40/60cms (500 plants)
|40/60cms (750 plants)
|40/60cms (1000 plants)
Betula pendula pendula - Silver Birch Bare Root plant
Plant Information
- Size: 40/60cms bareroot
- Botanical name/s: Betula pendula
- Common name/s: Silver Birch
- Flower / Foliage: Green leaves turning yellow in autumn, white peeling bark and yellow catkins.
- Plant type: Deciduous
- Flowering period:
- Mature height: 20m+
- Mature spread: 10m
- Growth Rate: Fast.
- Recommended usage: Parks, verges and gardens
- Nursery grown: Yes
After Care / Plant Maintenance
- Betula pendula, must be heeled-in firmly around the base of the plants. Bare root plants will benefit from watering in the early stages of establishment.
- Check tree tie / stake isn't rubbing and / or too tight or too loose on the trunk.
- Check for and remove any dead, decaying, diseased or crossing branch.
- Remove any weeds from around the base of the Silver birch tree (including grass).
- Position/Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Grows in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade.
- Hardiness: Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters.
- Plant maintenance: Low maintenance.
How do I order from King & Co?
Order online
Your order may be placed via our Online Shop, which is fast simple and secure.
After your Online Shop order has been placed we will send an order confirmation email to the email address provided. This will provide you with details of your order, including the order number, which you should check and retain for your records. If there is an error in your order requirement, please contact us as soon as possible quoting your order number, so that we can rectify prior to dispatch.
Phone us
We will take your credit or debit card payment over the phone. Simply call us on 01376 340469 and one of our experienced team are always available to discuss your order 7 days a week.
From our Nursery
Collect your trees or shrubs from our Nursery in Rayne.
We accept all major credit cards including: Maestro, MasterCard, Visa Credit, Visa Electron and Visa Debit.
How can I expect delivery from King & Co?
Overnight to your door
We can delivery to you anywhere in England and Wales via an overnight courier service (two days for Scotland & Ireland).
Via Online Shop
Orders placed via our Online shop if placed by 12 noon Monday –Thursday can be delivered to you the very next day. If placed on a Friday - Sunday delivery would be on Tuesday.
We deliver by national overnight courier service.
Should you require a specific delivery date, let us know in advance and we will arrange for your delivery to arrive on your required date.
Every tree and plant is packed to ensure your order arrives safely.
For large trees or quantities of trees and plants
Please phone us to discuss, we are usually able to deliver to you via a dedicated vehicle.
For local deliveries
We will deliver to you in our local area and we will be pleased to arrange this with you whilst you are visiting our Nursery or via the phone. We also provide a planting service.
Planting service
We have our own installation teams to carry out planting in Southern & Eastern England. Please call us to discuss, we are always happy to provide you a quotation.


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Once your scale is ready, stand on your scale with both feet. A number will appear on screen as the scale calculates your weight. Your scale will attempt to identify you based on your last recorded weight. If body fat is enabled, remain on the scale a moment longer and the device will calculate your body fat percentage. Your data will automatically sync with UA Record™ via Wi-Fi® at the end of your weigh-in. (For best results, wait several minutes after relocating the scale to log your weight, so the scale's sensors can settle and re-calibrate).
You can see your most recent weight entry within the app by opening UA Record and tapping on the Under Armour logo in the center of the My Record wheel screen. Tap a second time on the center of the wheel to navigate to see additional weight data details.


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The finalists appearing in the X Factor Live Tour which is coming to The Brighton Centre on Tuesday, February 19 have now been confirmed.
Spokeswoman Emily Ball said: "The top eight artists confirmed to go on the tour are: Dalton Harris, Scarlett Lee, Anthony Russell, Danny Tetley, Acacia & Aaliyah, Brendan Murray, Shan Ako and Bella Penfold.
"Dalton Harris has had three of his songs enter the iTunes Top 30 during the live shows so far, including I Have Nothing, Creep and California Dreamin', while his Big Band Week performance of Beyoncé's Listen entered the Top 20 on iTunes, peaking at No. 15, the highest peak of the series so far.
"Anthony Russell's rendition of Eye of the Tiger was the stand out performance of Movie Week with the audience reaction overpowering even the judges' comments.
"Scarlett Lee has been impressing the audience and judges every week with her beautiful vocals and incredible range.
"Also joining the line-up are Brendan Murray, whose powerful Judges' Houses performance brought tears to guest judge Nile Rodgers; the youngest act in the competition Acacia & Aaliyah; inspirational singer and rapper Bella Penfold; Shan Ako, whose emotional and raw performances have created some of the series' most memorable moments; and Northern singing powerhouse Danny Tetley.
"The X Factor Live Tour – with each concert to be hosted by presenter Becca Dudley – kicks off in Nottingham on 15th February. It will travel across the UK and Ireland, visiting Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.
"The X Factor Tour has been seen by more than three million people since it began 14 years ago, making it one of the UK's most successful annual arena tours."
Brighton Centre Box Office: 0844 847 1515 / http://www.brightoncentre.co.uk
Show Date Venue
Friday 15 February Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Saturday 16 February Leeds First Direct Arena
Sunday 17 February Birmingham Resorts World Arena (matinee)
Tuesday 19 February Brighton Centre
Wednesday 20 February Bournemouth International Centre
Friday 22 February Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Saturday 23 February London The SSE Arena Wembley (matinee & evening)
Sunday 24 February Sheffield FlyDSA Arena
Tuesday 26 February Hull Bonus Arena
Wednesday 27 February Aberdeen BHGE Arena
Thursday 28 February Glasgow The SSE Hydro
Friday 01 March Liverpool Echo Arena
Saturday 02 March Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Sunday 03 March Manchester Arena (matinee)
Tuesday 05 March Dublin 3Arena
Wednesday 06 March Belfast SSE Arena
Award-winning Sussex poet Robin Houghton to share her work in Chichester
Shakespeare in Love offers fabulous final flourish at Chichester Festival Theatre
Bernstein in Chichester festival heads towards glorious conclusion
David Bowie proves an inspiration for singer Camille O'Sullivan as she heads to Brighton
The Little Unsaid head to Shoreham on back of compilation album
Find out the films coming up on the big screen at Worthing Theatres
Different line-up as Show of Hands play Portsmouth and Brighton gigs


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Guide to the Markets
Markets, economy, stocks, growth, global, fixed income, international, asset classes
Markets, economy, stocks, growth, global, fixed income, international, asset classes
The Guide to the Markets is a pioneer as the industry's leading resource for timely information on the market and economy
The housing market faces demographic headwind, with population slowing dramatically for several reasons; which has resulted in diminished demand for housing.
Market downturn, bear market
Improving credit fundamentals, light tax-exempt supply and robust demand have driven the strong performance of municipal bonds in 2019.
The food fight between the President and the Fed Chair could result in too much easing, and the expansion of valuations beyond sustainable levels. The other food fight: leveraged loan issuers vs buyers. Issuers are winning this fight hands down due.
Investors are concerned about the deterioration of corporate debt quality, marked by lower credit ratings and a large share of covenant-lite issuance in the loan market.
(All sites are in English)


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Modular Advantage
Building using modular methods has many outstanding benefits, including:
• Speed and efficiency in construction with a modular system.
• Immediate commercial space when and where you need it with
the re-locatable option.
• Potential savings in construction cost over site-built buildings.
• Flexibility in usage.
• Budget-stretching options with lease or purchase options.
• A wide variety of innovative and attractive interior and exterior choices.


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The California fires spreading disastrously through the northern part of the state are tainting the marijuana crops with smoke. Farmers are already saying that the smell and taste of much of the cannabis for recreational marijuana and medical marijuana is possibly being ruined by the smoke. What will California do to preserve the marijuana plants that are left?
Recreational weed states certainly have had their challenges, but nothing like the California fires. The smoke and ash can make the plants more vulnerable to disease which means they will not pass any sort of lab testing. What happens if the California fires actually make it to more of the marijuana crops and burns them up entirely?
As if there isn't enough uncertainty right now for Northern California weed farmers, this week's fires are threatening the 2017 harvest. That is for those farmers who are lucky enough to have a harvest.
Fires are raging in 14 counties, according to the California Department of Forestry, and an estimated 1,500 residential and commercial structures have been destroyed. Since late Sunday night, 57,000 acres have burned and tens of thousands people have been evacuated. And that's just the past few days. The National Interagency Fire Center claims a total of 3,692 Northern California fires have burned 411,742 acres in 2017.
While the scope of these life altering tragedies is still being calculated, cannabis farmers have begun to assess the toll on this year's outdoor harvest and the outlook is grim.
On various cultivation websites, the state's cannabis farmers are already decrying crops being tainted by the smell of smoke, which weed consumers across the county will readily be able to detect. California grows an estimated 13 million pounds of pot annually and four of every five pounds is shipped to other states. Growers, in an attempt to embrace the catastrophe, have be christening various strains of the 2017 harvest with names like "campfire pot," "hickory kush," and "beef jerky."
In addition to unsavory odors, cannabis exposed to smoke and ash is more vulnerable to disease, which can result in high levels of molds, mildews, and fungus, creating potential health risks such as lung infections. Medical cannabis users with preexisting conditions such as lung or cardiovascular disease should be particularly careful about the condition of their cannabis.
Many farmers are now predicting that pot tainted by the scent of fire will lose value due to poor flavor and the uncertainty of the plant's health, according Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Cannabis Association.
"Several of our members have lost farms and homes; these fires are going to have an impact on our community," Allen said. "The growers who lost their crops will suffer catastrophic impacts. The overall marketplace in the state is robust and will likely see much more modest effect. A lot of cannabis will be tainted with smoke. It is pretty easy to identify smoky bud by the smell. It will lose a lot of value. Contaminated products may be able to be remediated in manufacturing process."
The potential fire damage comes at a time when California's Office of Cannabis Control is establishing tough new regulations for the new recreational and medical marijuana markets. All cannabis sold under the new legal framework will have to be tested for wholesomeness.
The question now looming over the new market is how much of the Northern California outdoor harvest will make it past the rigorous testing standards.


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When searching for that infamous perfect green lawn, sod is the fastest and easiest way to achieve your desired results.Sod can be laid year-round as long as the ground is not frozen nor has snow on it.
When most people put in a new lawn, they start with sod. Not only is it faster than seeding, but its also satisfying to suddenly see grass on a lot that was bare only a few hours earlier.
The most popular sod grasses in Texas are Bermuda which likes mostly sun with St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses for the shade. Bermuda is the grass that your homebuilder puts in, because it likes all sun, looks good and costs the least. St. Augustine & Zoysia is the grasses the homeowner has to install at a later date because the maturing trees start to produce a little too much shade.
There are two reasons grass does not grow, one is lack of water and the other is lack of sunshine. Even St. Augustine requires at least 4 hours of filtered sun light per day. Filtered meaning blotchy sunlight not all black, so if you have bare spots or just want to have an entirely new lawn, we will first consider your watering source and whether or not your trees need to be properly pruned and thinned out before your new grass is installed.
Contact us today for your personalized consultation and dont forget to check out the other services we provide.


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Funding Alerts
Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation
Of interest to organisations dealing with Young People, Disadvantaged People, Elderly, Capital Projects, Local Communities, SEND, Health, Education, Social Welfare
The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation aims to help raise the quality of life, particularly for those who are young, disadvantaged or elderly.
There ar wo criteri o fulfil before applying for a grant:
- The Foundation only supports charities registered in England and Wales unless the organisation has 'accepted' status, i.e. churches, schools, scout and guide groups, or 'exempt' status, e.g. housing associations, friendly societies including social housing providers, Co-operative Societies, Community Benefit Societies and Registered Societies (previously known as industrial & provident societies).
Otherwise you are not eligible to apply to us. This exclusion includes Parish Councils, Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) and Community Interest Companies (CIC).
If your charity's income is below £5,000 and is not registered with the Charity Commission you must tell us the charity's Gift Aid number as supplied by HMRC.
- They offer one-off grants for capital projects, i.e. new buildings, major refurbishments, transport and equipment. Rented premises are expected to have a lease of at least 10 years. Applications for transport should be for new, not used, vehicles. Applications for equipment should be for single, high cost (£5,000 and over), durable items (for exclusions, see below).
Where grants are made, the projects are expected to be self-financing thereafter.
They do not fund running/revenue costs, e.g. salaries, training costs, rent and utilities, software licences. They rarely fund reasonably priced, non-durable equipment subject to wear and tear, such as appliances, camping gear, cutlery/crockery, furniture, mobility aids, musical instruments, tablets/laptops and clothing/uniforms. They also do not fund feasibility studies, building surveys or planning applications. If you are in doubt whether your capital project is eligible, please call them before submitting an application.
They receive many requests for funding from churches; those that are successful in receiving a grant host a high proportion of secular activities (i.e. no connection at all with religion or spirituality) that are open access to their local community, as opposed to being accessed mainly by the congregation. Your application needs to provide strong evidence of the range of secular activities and the numbers involved.
What For?
Their grants are divided into the following categories.
Trustees have two main themes under this category to help create cohesive and positive communities:
First, Trustees are strong believers that every community needs a focus upon which to build cohesion. They are therefore advocates of the 'village hall', particularly in isolated rural areas where facilities are often very limited. They support church halls, churches and other religious buildings, but only where there is strong evidence that a high proportion of secular activities (i.e. no connection at all with religion or spirituality) accessible to the whole community take place. Conservation and heritage projects for halls/churches are not generally supported.
Second, Trustees wish to assist young people attain their full potential and take their place within society as responsible citizens. To this end, they support youth activity centres, uniformed youth groups, and youth and sports clubs. They also help those who are young ex-offenders, 'at risk' or in danger of exclusion.
Types of application considered:
New build, refurbishment and improvement of village halls, Scout/Guide huts, youth clubs, community centres and similar. This often includes access for the disabled, modernising kitchens, new storage space and updating toilets in line with Health and Safety regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act.
Trustees focus on Special Schools assisting those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The Foundation also supports educational nature and farm visitor centres. Mainstream schools and universities should not apply.
Types of application considered:
- Building projects
- Specialist new transport
The Foundation supports building projects for residential care housing, treatment centres and the provision of major equipment (not consumables) to enhance medical treatment and care.
Types of application considered:
- Improvements to hospices and treatment clinics
- Residential care for the elderly and those with special needs
- New major equipment not available through the NHS
- Research medical equipment
- Specialist new transport
Social Welfare
Applications for capital projects are considered by trustees ranging from residential housing for the homeless to 'day centres' providing support, training and education facilities.
Trustees also support the welfare needs of those who have served in the Armed Forces, the emergency services and their families, particularly those with physical and mental health issues.
Types of application considered:
- New build and refurbishment of residential and rehabilitation centres; premises for the relief of homelessness, those suffering from substance abuse and young people 'at risk'; emergency centres which do not qualify for statutory funding.
- 'Move on' support facilities
- Day care / Drop-in-centres
How Much?
Each year grants totalling about £2.5 million are made to a wide range of charities.
You can specify an amount, but it is not necessary. Trustees decide how much to award based on all the information contained in the application. Grants are from £1,000 upwards and the majority (roughly 80%) of grants awarded are under £5,000. Grants of over £25,000 are exceptional and are typically awarded to major capital projects. Grants are normally a small proportion of your total budget or shortfall as the Foundation rarely funds a significant proportion (20%+) of a project. For example, if your budget is £30,000 the grant is likely to be between £1,000 and £6,000. The Foundation expects to be one of a number of contributors to a project. Projects with a total budget of under £5,000 should not apply for a grant.
There are no formal application deadlines. The Trustees meet on a regular basis and they accept applications via our online form all year round.


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© 2009 – 2015, Hudson Russell Davis. All rights reserved.
© 2009 – 2015, Hudson Russell Davis. All rights reserved.
I love this thanks for been a blessing!
Oh, they are so beautiful Bro. Davis!!
WoW! Love the pics, such vibrant colors! Fall Colors and 5276 are my favorites! You're quite an artist =)
Thanks Cathryn! 🙂
So lovely! My favorite is the tree with red leaves. And the China pics are amazing!
Aren't we blessed that God created such vibrant colors (and artist's eyes to capture them) for us to enjoy? Some days just knowing the sun is shining somewhere is enough. 🙂
My Dear friend,
Your ministry continues to be profoundly encouraging and delightfully inspiring!!! May God's blessings continue to rain on you.
Your Brother in Christ,


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Hospital Policies
Our hours of operation are:
Monday – Friday 7:30am – 10:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am – 6:00pm
VMC experiences very high demand for appointments with our veterinarians. In order to best meet the demand it is required that clients up hold their appointment and arrive on time. Missed appointments drive up the cost of pet health care and likely robbed another pet owner/sick pet of an opportunity for medical attention. A Missed appointment fee of $15 occurs if appointment is cancelled without 24 hours notice from client, if a client is more then 15 minutes late for appointment, or a client is a no show for appointment.
Clients have the option to schedule 30 minute appointments with our doctors from 8 am – 9:30pm on weekdays and 8am – 5:30pm on weekends.
We accept the following forms of payments: All major credit and debit cards We accept cash payment and also Care Credit We DO NOT accept checks
All major credit and debit cards
We accept cash payment and also Care Credit
We DO NOT accept checks
Any prescription medication that has left the building, regardless of whether or not it has been opened, CANNOT BE RETURNED. All of our medications are regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and are subject to the same dispensing laws as human pharmacies. Please remember that all Heartworm/Flea prevention is still a prescription item and falls under these regulations.
We also are not permitted to split pills. Any prescriptions that requires a fraction of a pill will have to be done by the client. Pill cutters are available in our retail store area.
Many patients at VMC Fort Mill will require the use of long term medications. VMC has a fully stocked internal pharmacy available to dispense and refill medications.
To request a refill of your pet's medications please call or email us at 803-396-9130 or email@example.com refill requests can also be made via your PetSites account. We require 72 hours notice in order to refill a medication. Within 72 hrs of your request you will be contacted to either inform you that your refill is ready for pick up or if additional examination or testing if needed in order to refill the medication.
If you walk in to pick up a refill without calling or emailing ahead of time, then we may not be able to fill the medication immediately and you may have to return to pick up your refill at a later time.
You need to go to college to be a veterinarian.
To abide by all state veterinary practice laws and ethical guidelines were are not able to refill any medications without examining a pet at least once per year. Some medications have the potential to change body functioning when used over long periods and bloodwork to check up body functions may be recommended before a medication is refilled. Refilling medications for recurring issues such as antibiotics for infections or steroids for allergies may be masking underlying causes of these situations. The doctor may request a consultation before a refill is issued to discuss why a health issue may be recurring and what can be done to treat underlying causes to prevent symptoms all together.
To abide by all veterinary practice acts and ethical guidelines we will not dispense any prescriptions products, including heartworm prevention, without establishing a client/patient relationship with each pet in a household that requires medications. An exam by a doctor will allow each pet in the household to be a fully established patient of VMC. We only offer meet and greets appointments to establish client/patient relationship for flea/tick medications. Please give us a call if you need to schedule an appointment for all your preventative needs.
No unfortunately we do not maintain retail pharmacy license and we cannot fill prescriptions written by veterinarians not employed by VMC.
If an individual or organization wishes to pay the veterinary expenses for a pet that they do not own we require payment in full before services or treatments are provided.
No, unfortunately the Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill is not able to accept personal checks.
No, unfortunately the Veterinary Medical Center of Fort Mill is not able to extend a line of credit to clients or set up an extended payment plan. We make every effort to offer veterinary care at reasonable and affordable pricing which prohibits us from being able to accept delayed payment. We do accept Care Credit which allows for interested free payments for up to 12 months. For information on Care Credit and how to apply please click here.
I am upset because I called/ walked in late in the evening or on a booked weekday and I was told my pet could not be seen.
We do apologize for any situations that we are not able to treat or examine a pet. VMC believes in maintaining a cohesive well established support staff and abide by all federal and state labor laws and recommendations. Because we are open late into the evening out support staff begins to taper around 8 pm. There are situations in which the doctor and smaller support staff can be overwhelmed and may not be able to provide care to additional pets in urgent situations. We will only turn away pet's needing medical treatment if we are unable to give a pet proper medical care and attention. In situations where the doctor and staff are not able to provide care we will either refer you to a nearby emergency veterinary facility or schedule a visit the following day if the pet's condition will remain stable.
Some weekdays can completely booked up with appointments so we encourage clients to call as soon as they would like their pet to seen. We reserve several appointments slots for same day illness visits. We will not fill these reserved spots until the day starts. If your pet is suddenly ill please call as soon as possible as these reserved slots fill quickly. VMC will make every effort to see our established clients when pets are ill or need medical treatment. If the weekday schedule is completely booked there are several options. Doctors will allow work – ins when possible. The work in fee is $25 in addition to any examination fees. Clients may also have the option to drop off their pet with permission from the attending veterinarian. There is no additional fee for same day drop off.
Yes, it is important that you clearly communicate a doctor preference with our staff each time you wish to bring your pet to VMC. VMC has 3 full time veterinarians that are available to see your pet. VMC is open 95 hours per week so the doctor's schedule will vary. We will make every effort to meet your request, but urgently ill pets may need to be treated by the doctor that is available to provide your pet the quickest care available.


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The national debt worked out to NT$205,000 (US$6,800) per person as of the end of last month, an increase of NT$8,000 per person from last year, the Ministry of Finance said yesterday.
The national debt, which includes the central government's long-term and short-term debts, amounted to NT$4.756 trillion as of the end of last month, from NT$4.557 trillion a year ago, the ministry's data showed.
Government bonds, which refer to outstanding debt with a maturity of more than one year, totaled NT$4.605 trillion last month, up from NT$4.322 trillion a year earlier, the ministry said.
Treasury bills, which represent outstanding short-term debts with a maturity of less than a year, stood at NT$151.6 billion, down from NT$235 billion a year ago.
Compared with the end of October, the national debt was NT$151.6 billion higher as of the end of last month, translating into an increase of NT$1,000 per person, according to the ministry's data.
The ministry began publishing a monthly Web-based "National Debt Clock" in December last year to remind government agencies to watch their spending.
Last month, Minister of Finance Lee Sush-der (李述德) said in a press conference that the nation's finances remained steady.
"The central government's long-term debt is still below the statutory debt ceiling of 40 percent," Lee said.


text:
Chinese, Nepalese and Tibetan Food in Kolkata
They say, Kolkata is the king of street food in India. After exploring it for almost a year (I haven't covered 10% yet) and after landing here from Delhi, I think I can say they are right. You won't find better Chinese anywhere in India. BLUE POPPY Located at Sikkim House (earlier at Gorkha Bhawan), Salt Lake.… Read More Chinese, Nepalese and Tibetan Food in Kolkata


text:
We trained a neural net on Deere (DE) data over 2 years of data. During the training period the net returned 38.1% on trades compared to 13.2% buy and hold return for the same period. That same net continued to do well through the end of for the next two months with a 4.3% return compared to a 4.0% loss for a buy and hold strategy. Inputs to the net included standard indicators such as Average Directional Movement (ADX), Commodity Channel Index (CCI), Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Stochastic %K.
Neural nets can build profitable models with your favorite indicators even when you don't know the trading rules for those indicators. This chart displays the results for both the training data and out-of-sample data.
The neural nets used in the USG Corporation example are trained to give buy/sell signals rather than making predictions. This chart displays the results for the out-of-sample period.
Here's another neural model we built from one of the net types you can find in our Neural Indicators (NI) add-on. NI provide signals from -1 to 1 which may be interpreted as probabilities for buy/sell decisions. NI learn how to give their signals based on evolutionary pressure. The genetic algorithm in the NeuroShell Trader "evolves" NI that gives better and better signals. Survival of the fittest controls the evolutionary process, where fitness is determined by how much money the Neural Indicators make.
In this example for USG Corporation, the NI version produced a 202.1% return compared to 184.8% for buy and hold during the training period. In the out-of-sample period NI returned 21.4% compared to 13.8% for buy and hold.
Combination Portfolio – This model combines three different neural nets to produce trading signals for a basket of stocks. The graph displays the out-of-sample equity for SPY graphed in green. The blue line represents the combination equity for all 5 stocks in the portfolio.
This combination of nets bought and sold a basket of stocks whenever one of the three models generated a trading signal.
NeuroShell Trader makes it easy to create models for multiple securities. Simply add a chart page for each security of interest and any model you create will be applied to each instrument. The models may be individually optimized for each security or you may choose to optimize a single model for all of the securities in the chart.
We created a Trading Strategy based on a classification neural network that compares each new bar to the patterns in the training set of data. The training set is constantly updated as the oldest bar is dropped and the newest bar is added. This type of model is particularly suited to the constantly changing FOREX market.
This model compares data from the current and previous bars to all patterns in the training set to produce buy/sell signals.
You train the models to recognize an actual output value such as 1 (strong probability of buy), numbers close to 0 (hold), -1 (probability of sell).
During the training period for the Australian Dollar/US Dollar pair, the model returned 59.5% while buy and hold only returned 0.7%. During the out-of-sample period, the model returned 14.1% while buy and hold only showed a 1.1% return.


text:
From Biology-Online Dictionary | Biology-Online Dictionary
protective coverings for the face, particularly the mouth and nose, to maintain antiseptic conditions, to protect the wearer from contamination and to prevent droplets from the wearer's nose and mouth from spreading in the air. It includes surgical masks worn in the operating room and dentists offices. It refers also to devices designed to cover the mouth and nose for administration of inhalation anaesthetics, oxygen, or other gases.


text:
Obviously I'm not looking to open another terminal and
ssh without
-X. I'm actually doing this with running Matlab on another server. So after ssh'ing into my remote server with the
-X option, I type
matlab and the graphics forward in as expected.
How do I run
matlab with X11 forwarding enabled but without graphics?


text:
EKG screening for ALL Delaware students aged 8-23. Training in CPR/AED
Other health-related stations
Sudden Cardiac Death is the #1 killer of students on campus. A normal physical identifies 7% of cardiac issues. Family History identifes 20%. A simple 5 minute non-invasive EKG identifies 80%.
What is an EKG?
Over 4+ years we have screened over 2900 students and trained in CPR/AED 3 X that amount. We save lives and teach others to be heroes themselves. Other stations include "Healthy Eating", opiate addiction and a host of other health-related stations.
Normally school nurses or AD's are our contact person. We meet with you, discuss the costs, view the gym and set the date. Nurses perform the EKG's. We connect with our health related stations who have been with us in the past. We do all the work. Pediatric cardiologists eval the results.
17th EVENT - Sat April 14 - Seaford Middle School - 9am-Noon. Open to All Delaware students. Visit Event Registration to download waiver.
18th EVENT - Wed May 16 - McCullough Middle School. IN School event.
Sign up to hear from us about our In school and Community events
209 Jackson Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19803, US
6 Super Supermarkets: Christina Crossing, Newark, Four Seasons, Brandywine Commons, Governor's Square and 2st State Plaza
KFFDE.org Mission: Improving the quality of life for Delawareans.
We believe in investing in well-being to improve the quality of life, creating a sustainable future for our community.
Branches in Seaford, Lewes, Milford and Millsboro.
Coming soon: Selbyville and Long Neck.
A simple, 5 min, NON-invasive EKG measures the electrical rhythm of the heart.
Bystander CPR saves thousands of lives annually. It increases the likelihood of survival by 80%. You, too, can be a hero.


text:
Well, if you haven't noticed, the combination of finals + winter break + not wanting to get out of bed has made me feel like a bum in terms of clothes. Very comfy, yes, but not very cute. Yesterday, though, we had a family reunion and so I finally wore something other than sweatpants and actually blow dried my hair, so I figured I'd share the top that I've been so excited to wear.
Sadly, I don't have many other great pictures and this photo doesn't do it justice! I bought this shirt when I bought my tartan top at TJ Maxx! I have been lusting over peter pan collars but never found a top that I could really afford. My mom thought it was funny that I've been so obsessed with them because she wore them like crazy in college. Guess trends do come back, right?
Anyway, it has this fabulous beaded collar on an extremely soft, fuschia short-sleeved top. It was so soft that I had to check and it's 55% cotton, 40% modal, and 5% spandex, in case anyone actually cares that much.
As elaborate as the top is, I don't have a very elaborate fashion post, but I wore it with this skirt from Old Navy and that I've had forever (and with my treasured Etienne Aigner boots).
erggggggg so blurry I'm sorry
But the rest of yesterday was lots of fun! I spent the morning and afternoon delivering monogrammed shirts to people and even though some would say it sounds boring, I really enjoy seeing and talking to people. I'd post a picture of all the shirts but so many are Christmas gifts that I don't want to ruin them!
Travelling with Lilly makes it a little more fun!
Here's my sweet brother rocking a Monogram Meredith frocket!
Hope y'all have a great day!


text:
Product Details
SunTour XCT 7/8-Speed SQ Taper Chainset
SunTour triple 22/32/42t chainset frequently spotted on good quality mountain worth up to £1,000.
- Chainring combination: 22/32/42T.
- For bikes with 7 or 8-speed cassettes and chains.
- Inner ring: Black steel.
- Middle ring: Black steel.
- Outer ring: Black steel.
- Bolt circle diameter: 104/64mm.
- Ring fixation: Interchangeable.
- Ring fixing bolt: Steel.
- Crankarm: 4-arm forged alloy.
- Crankarm length: 170 / 175mm.
- Chain line: 48mm.
- Compatible bottom bracket: 113mm (Conical Square).


text:
Root Cutting
Roots are the principal cause of over 50% of the services we have carried out in the last five years.
Seismic activity, soil subsidence, badly installed drains and inspection chambers all contribute to the ingress of roots. Drain pipes frequently fracture or pull apart or become distorted, with a reduction in diameter which leads to constant blockages.
Dr Drain have invested in a specialist high pressure water jetting plant to cure this problem, initially to cut out and remove the roots and secondly to repair the damaged section, with or without excavation.
These services can be performed quickly, which ultimately means savings which are passed on to you, the customer.


text:
Between this dragon's jet-black scales run glowing rivulets of lava, and veins aglow with heat shine in the membranes of its wings.
Magma Dragon, Very Old CR 16
CN Huge dragon (fire)
Init +4; Senses dragon senses; Perception +29; Aura frightful presence (270 ft., DC 24)
AC 36, touch 8, flat-footed 36 (+28 natural, -2 size)
hp 262 (21d12+126)
Fort +20, Ref +12, Will +19
DR 15/magic; Immune fire, paralysis, sleep; SR 27
Weaknesses vulnerable to cold
Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)
Melee bite +30 (2d8+16/19-20 plus 9 fire), 2 claws +30 (2d6+11/19-20), tail slap +28 (2d6+16), 2 wings +28 (1d8+5)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)
Special Attacks breath weapon (50-ft. cone, DC 26, 18d6 fire), crush (DC 26, 2d8+16)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 21st; concentration +25)
Constant—fire shield (warm)
At will—burning hands (DC 15), scorching ray, wall of fire
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 13th; concentration +17)
6th (4/day)—contagious flame* (DC 20), eyebite (DC 20)
5th (6/day)—hungry pit* (DC 19), polymorph, teleport
4th (7/day)—acid pit* (DC 18), dimensional anchor, fire shield, wall of fire (DC 18)
3rd (7/day)—displacement, dispel magic, fireball (DC 17), wind wall
2nd (7/day)—darkness, dust of twilight*, flaming sphere (DC 16), glitterdust (DC 16),scorching ray
1st (7/day)—feather fall, flare burst* (DC 15), grease (DC 15), shield, true strike
0 (at will)—bleed (DC 14), detect magic, detect poison, ghost sound, light, open/close, read magic, spark*, touch of fatigue
* This spell is from the Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide
Str 33, Dex 10, Con 23, Int 20, Wis 20, Cha 19
Base Atk +21; CMB +34 (+36 bull rush); CMD 44 (46 vs. bull rush, 48 vs. trip)
Feats Great Fortitude, Greater Vital Strike, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Critical (bite, claws), Improved Initiative, Improved Vital Strike, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Vital Strike
Skills Acrobatics +21 (+25 jump), Climb +35, Escape Artist +21, Fly +16, Intimidate +28, Perception +29, Sense Motive +29, Sleight of Hand +21, Stealth +16, Survival +29, Swim +35
Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Ignan
SQ superheated
Superheated (Su)
At young age and older, a magma dragon's bite attack deals additional fire damage equal to its age category.
Environment any mountains or underground (Plane of Fire)
Organization solitary
Treasure triple
Temperamental and prone to violent outbursts, magma dragons are regarded by most other dragons as dangerously insane—an assumption that, more often than not, proves correct. One can rarely predict a magma dragon's state of mind until it either attacks or attempts to engage in conversation. For their part, magma dragons can justify all of their actions—they just rarely feel the need to do so.


text: Since mid-March of this year, pro-democracy protests have engulfed most of Syria, and in August, Syrian opposition formed the 94-member National Council, to aid in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. Earlier this week, the council warned that the country may find itself in the midst of a civil war if Assad doesn't step down. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Susan Rice, the United States' ambassador to the UN, blasted China and Russia for vetoing a resolution condemning the violence of the Assad government. Bassma Kodmani, is a member of the Syrian opposition's National Council, stresses the differences between the Syrian movement and Libya's National Transitional Council. Joshua Landis, director of the center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, talks about the action at the UN.


text:
Late 10
I went for a run.
10 miles @ 8:24 pace. I felt the stress of the day bleed away around mile 6. Now that was worth it.
Adventures of a Downeast Maine runner.
The Worriers Tails of Woe
Chapter 5
We join the Grand Council of Worry already in progress. Queen Xanawoe and the two princesses are in their normal spots on the gray porch. Badapplesad, Pilgrimsosad, and Herbertofear are standing off to one side in shackles, their heads hanging low with shame. Herbertofear has not spoken since the clandestine meeting with Whitetipwoe, it confused his tiny brain so much.
Xanawoe: "The Council has heard the evidence and has received the testimony of those involved. I am most concerned that our worrying had created such a dangerous situation and caused some of our members to consort with the treasonous character, Whitetipwoe!"
A mew of dismay rose up from the crowd of cats. How could they trust themselves? How could they refrain from the rash acts that overwhelming worry led them into? They stirred and worried.
"I now proclaim your punishment," Xanawoe addressed the cat captives. "From this day forward, you will be INDOOR CATS!"
Herbertofear fainted.
Pilgrimsosad's tears rolled down his furry cheeks. He was truly penitent and only meant to save poor Madeleine. Badapplesad looked defiant. He had to come up with a plan of escape for himself and once he did, he would run away and join Whitetipwoe.
"Furthermore," continued Xanawoe, "I have received a letter from our cousins in Catick, Massachussetts. They expect Madeleine to arrive there tomorrow. You see, my information was correct.
The felines milled and mewed. They didn't like being in trouble with the Queen and they resolved to behave for at least a few minutes.
Whitetipwoe observed the Council's proceedings from his perch on the rusty slide. He thought he had had a real chance to overthrow Xanawoe's hold on the Cushion Clan through the dramatic rescue of Madeleine. But Pilgrimsosad's fatal mailing error sealed that envelope. He jumped down and disappeared into the thickening fog.
Aunt Jackiewoe continued her troubled existence being frightened to death at every turn. Woowoe became known as a Tattletail. And Marthawoe started having confusing thoughts about Badapplesad and went so far as to wink at him when he was led off to a life inside.
Will Marthawoe fall in love and free Badapplesad? Will Whitetipwoe rise again? Will Spikefoot cause havoc among the Cushionettes? Will anyone get any sleep? Will this story ever end?
Find out what happens next in the upcoming sequel: The Worriers The Final Catastrophe.
The End
The Worriers Tails of Woe
Chapter 4
Pilgrimsosad walked up onto the gray porch. Badapplesad was waiting.
"Send the File out ok?" Badapplesad asked. "Yep." Pilgrimsosad replied cheerily. "Sent it express." "Good. I sent the Key. She'll get both and know what to do."
Whitetipwoe's elaborate plan for rescuing Madeleine involved a full on assault of the prison camp by the Cat Commando Clan an elite feline attack squad famous for their exploits.
Pilgrimsosad sat back satisfied. "I feel so good." he said. "I just know things will be alright now. With Whitetipwoe's Commandos, your Key, and the secret File I sent, this will go off without a hitch!"
"Wow, Pilgrimsosad." said Badapplesad. "I've never seen you so worry-free."
"Well, once I sent that express off to
"Where did you send the File??"
"No, you idiot!
"Oh, I suppose it will be retur ." He paused, suddenly struck by an awful realization. "Tell me I didn't send it to "
"You did."
"Yes. By this time the secret File is in the hands of..."
"Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!" howled Pilgimsosad. "How could I mess up the town names like that?? And Frankie will get it. And Frankie will "
"Rat us out!" finished Badapplesad. "Because that is just what he is A RAT!"
Pilgrimsosad started pacing. "He'll get it and read it and then he will let his Momma, the feared Prison Guard, know of our plans!! What will Whitetipwoe say???" Pilgrimsosad started howling.
Badapplesad felt sick. Both Cushionettes didn't know what to do they were so consumed with worry.
"THE WEASLE!" howled Pilgrimsosad.
"THE RAT!" cried Badapplesad.
"He's a ferret." The voice came from above. Pilgrimsosad and Badapplesad whipped their heads up to see who had been listening. But nobody was visible in the open upstairs window.
Princess Woowoe was on her way to her mother
The Cage
Yo mamma!
Word up. Smack that.
You won't believe what came in the mail today. It is the smoking gun. Absolute proof that the Woe's on Moose are planning an attempt to break Prisoner Madeleine! You know the one they call "The Charmer". I know you've been assigned as her prison guard so I thought I'd let you know what's afoot.
Are you picking up what I'm laying down?
And what was in the envelope? A FILE! Such an old fashioned way of escape! But what would you expect from those Worriers? I have enclosed it for you to see.
Looks like there is a coded message too. I suspect the prisoner has the key. You might want to frisk her as soon as you receive this letter.
Peace out.
Frankie the Rat
Kirhlmvi Nzwvovrmv!
Nvnyvih lu gsv Xzg Xlnnzmwl Xozm
Droo hzev blf!
Xszoovmtv: ML KRAAZ ULI OFMXS
Ivhklmhv: NI. XSIRHGRV, BLF WL MLG NZPV Z TLLW XLLPRV!
Xlnnzmwl xzgh zodzbh ozmw lm gsvri uvvg!
The Worriers Tails of Woe
Chapter 3
The jungle was thick as Badapplesad led Cushion Clan members Pilgrimsosad and Herbertofear through the high stalks of knotweed. Pilgrimsosad and Herbertofear were worried beyond control. They knew meeting the royal rogue was prohibited but Badapplesad had convinced them that this was the only way to rescue poor Madeleine from her prison camp.
Whitetipwoe had aspirations of overthrowing Xanawoe's throne and replacing her with himself. Long ago he was exiled after a horrific spraying episode that shocked the Cushionette's sense of decorum. Since then he was rumored to go days without bathing, eat garbage, and allow burdocks to accumulate in his fur. They could smell him long before they stumbled into his presence. In the thick fog he appeared before them, sitting atop a rusted slide from a disused human swing set. He looked mean and his fur was matted and brown from dirt. On his head he wore a raspberry beret, the kind you find in a second hand store.
Badapplesad stepped forward. "Your grace, we have come under submission to your future rule. Only you can help us restore our beautiful Jewel, the Gem of our home, the Sparkle of our eyes, the "
The mangy prince interrupted. "Excuse me but I don't speak Spanish. Foo foo."
Badapplesad, a little disconcerted, still pressed on. "You see, my lord, Madeleine has been taken off to prison camp which is called the News of Good Camp. We must rescue her because she is helpless. She is just a wee thing and if it wasn't for her imprisonment we would never have deemed to bother "
"You're so vain. You probably think this meeting is about her" the rogue snorted.
The Cushionette's looked at one another in confusion. Pilgrimsosad finally got the courage to speak. "You don't understand, your grace. We came to your lair to ask you to help us to conduct a rescue operation. We thought that the operation's success could help you ascend the thrown that you have wanted so very long and "
The rogue prince roared. "I don't need no education! I don't need no thought control! No dark sarcasm in the knotweed! Creatures! Leave my digs alone!"
And with a dismissive flick of his tail he turned his back on the supplicants.
Badapplesad got down on his knees and pleaded. "Oh Whitetipwoe! Please forgive our impertinence. Please speak to us!"
With a conceited air, Whitetipwoe turned his visage upon the Cushionettes. Softly he said, "Like watching the butterfly go towards the sun, I wonder what I'll become. Ah," he continued, shaking his scruffy head, "Sweet dreams are made of this. Who am I to disagree?" He paused and stared at them fiercely. "I will help you. Wait for the thriller night. I'll be at the Hotel California."
And with these last words the rogue royal leapt up over a wooden fence and was already gone.
End of Chapter 3
Ran 12.4 miles this morning @ 8:42 average pace. Felt ok – a little tired but not bad. Felt better as the run progressed. I scared a poor tourist out on her run this morning. I thought I'd chat like Mike does. But unfortunately I got the ol' We-don't-say-good-morning-where-I-come-from look. Must be from
The Worriers – Tails of Woe
Chapter 2
The next morning, after hearing the distant rumble of
"That's a lot of letters MW, you must be a good correspondent." "No, it's just a pile of letters to both of us from our great-aunt Jackiewoe from the north. Not only is she deaf, she's getting senile. She's crazier than an old coon cat!"
She handed the letters over to Woowoe.
August 8, 2008
North Moose
Dear nieces,
Got your last letter about 2 years ago. Thanks so much. I read it every day. I mean, since I haven't received a letter from you since then I figured your arms are broken. Or perhaps you've forgotten how to type. Or maybe you've been eaten by a fox. I mean, you wouldn't ignore your aunt Jackiewoe would you? You wouldn't be so UNKIND as to leave me here with this black thing of a dog for my sole amusement. WOULD YOU?
I've just read the most fascinating book: Click, Clack, Mew. It's really funny.
It's been quiet here. Really quiet. Not a sound. I get chills just thinking about how eerily quiet it is. Nobody makes a sound. What is worse, everyone creeps up on me and scares the living fur off of me! I'll be staring through the window and WAAA!!! someone has snuck up on me and touched me! No warning, no nothing!
I'm getting the heebie jeebies.
With worry,
Aunt Jackiewoe.
August 9, 2008
North Morgue
Dear nieces,
Hello? Are you there? Is anyone there? Is anyone anywhere? HELLOOOOOOOO??? HELLOOOOOOO???
It's so quiet here. The humans walk around silently and only mouth their words to each other. Their vocal chords must have failed. However, I am impressed. They seem to understand each other. Sometimes they try to communicate with me. They look at me and then start moving their lips. What nonsense! Why don't they see a doctor?
Sometimes I walk up to them and mew quietly and it just about spins their heads around. They act like I've just broken a vase or something the way they point at me and shake their heads in exasperation.
I'm telling you it is getting scary here. I'm worried that they'll stop feeding me and conduct some type of Frankenstein experiment to see how thin I can get.
Well, enough of that. I'm going to get back on my cushion.
With worry,
Aunt Jackiewoe
August 10, 2009
Soggy North
Dear Nieces,
You won't believe the torture I go through! That dog thing came up to me and just about bit my head off! I almost wish it did. Instead, the dumb thing just clamped its gooey gums over my whole head and absolutely lathered me with dog spit!
Oh you have no idea! That gross tongue slobbering my cheeks & chin while its teeth prevented me from escaping. I'm worried I'll get some dog disease and I won't be able to be cured - because I'M A CAT!
And NO WARNING! I was sitting peacefully on my favorite cushion when suddenly IT WENT DARK! Slob slob slob. And the breath! Ooooohhhhhhh yuck. It stood there panting with my head in its mouth. I think I'm going to have an attack…. I am….
I knew it! Dog disease! The humans will find my lifeless body tonight slimed beyond recognition.
With worry,
Aunt Jackiewoe
PS. How's that Flynn cousin of yours, Crackle Head or is it Wheat Thin?
August 11, 2008
North Pole
Dear Nieces,
I licked the phone today. I don't know why.
With Worry,
Aunt Jackiewoe
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the Royal family of the Cushion Clan, Whitetipwoe, the rogue royal, is back. He has set up a clandestine meeting of discontented Cushionettes for this evening...
End of Chapter 2
Good run this morning – 16 miles @ 8:27 pace. Felt fatigued by the end which was the intent.
Each year my daughter goes to Camp Good News in
Since then she reminds me when she goes off to camp that she is looking forward to reading my letters. So I oblige with typical crazy stuff that I seem to have a reputation for. Now she's 11 and I was wondering what to write this year as she left for camp. It dawned on me to write her a short story in 5 chapters (the 5 days she gets mail) in the vein of a book series that she likes very much – The Warriors. This series is about some housecats that choose to live in the forest in some sort of hierarchy (clans etc.) and catalogs their adventures. There are cat wars, jealously, ambition, but I'm not quite sure what else happens in the books - it sounded pretty crazy when she told me the plot. So I thought I write her a few letters using our own cats and the neighborhood cats as the cast.
Each short chapter was written in haste and on the day it was mailed (I generally had know I idea what I was going to write until I started typing). Tailored directly to Madeleine's sense of humor, another reader might not understand some of it. But I had a good time writing it and she enjoyed it immensely (which makes next year's letters all the harder) so I thought I'd share it. Read at your own risk.
The Worriers – Tails of Woe
The Worriers are a line of housecats descended from the ancient species Feline Saline (Salty Cat) that used to roam the rocky shores of
Why do these cats once feared for their ferocity and bad breath now submit to the confines of domestic bedding, dry food, and clean water?
Because they choose to.
Chapter 1
The Grand Council of Worry has just convened. Queen Xanawoe presides with her princess daughters, Marthawoe and Woowoe, seated one step below. The flaking gray porch with its cracked cement runway serves as Xanawoe's court. Present are the loyal members of the Cushion Clan.
Xanawoe, with a wide silent yawn signals the council to begin. Upon this cue, Smokeysad rises and addresses the Queen.
"Queen Xanawoe, may your rolypolyness forever repine upon bedding the most soft. May the fat of your belly drag upon lush carpets of ease. Yet, my Queen," bowing his head to the ground, "We have CAUSE FOR WORRY!"
A collective cat gasp escaped from the entire assembly. Even though each day brings a new worry to the Cushion Clan, each new instance surprises and shocks them into dismay. With wide eyes and pointed ears, they swiveled their heads one to another in alarm.
"Calm!" yawned the fat Queen. A regal nod to Smokeysad. "Please continue."
"If it please your rolypolyness, we have just learned that the human of kindness, our jewel of beauty, she that squeaks when she calls us, her that is called Madeleine… HAS GONE FOREVER!"
A howl of anguish rose from the field of fur. The Cushionettes were in disarray. Maxsosad started to head-butt the other cats, Herbertofear rolled over, and Marthawoe started to bang frantically on a window. Even Woowoe jumped onto a screen and hung there by her claws.
"Calm!" again from Xanawoe. "I have just returned from a long nap on
The cats were silenced as they turned their eyes with awe upon the revered mountain. The outline of its unique contours, crevices, and odd protrusions could be seen in the distance. The mysterious
"While it is true that she who squeaks to beckon is absent, I am assured she has only gone to a camp of which it is said the News is Good."
The Cushion Clan started to feel better but Badapplesad, the brother of Maxsosad and a known troublemaker, started meowing doubt among the tails. "How do we know she is coming back?" he mewed as he weaved amongst the crowd. "What if she's been kidnapped? Why would she go? She wouldn't leave us on purpose. She's been hurt! I know it! Something is wrong!"
A chill of frightened doubt started again to electrify the Cushionettes. All the cats began to mew in discontent and fear. But before Xanawoe could bring a sense of order to the meeting the lonesome howl of the evil Spikefoot was heard in the night air. The Cushion Clan scattered in terror and the council was broken up.
End of Chapter 1
Finally got to run with Marc again Saturday morning for a nice 5 miler in the morning. No time for anything more as I was scheduled to pick Maddie up in
Sunday I went out to Boyden for the weekly long run. Nobody came. I must have forgotten that everyone was busy? So I ran 21.2 miles by myself. Told myself some jokes and laughed heartily.
Today I got in a nice 10.35 miles in about 90 minutes. Legs were not as bad I as feared they would be. Took a walk at lunch to loosen things up. This helps out.
Time at a premium today.
Friday I took off to recover from Thursday's episode.
Saturday was a very short 20 minute run to get some blood flow into the legs but that's all I had time for.
Sunday saw an honest-to-goodness long run (finally). 21 miles with Mike, Jon, & Ozzie. I had the freshest legs as each of my running buddies had run a 5 mile race the day before. Hamstrings a little tight through Mile 16 when I started to feel better. Last miles were the best. Go figure.
Monday: Easy 10 miler. First 5 @ 9:00 pace and second 5 @ 7:12 pace. Took a long time to warmup but I felt ok. However, sleep wasn't that good last night due to some neighbors resolving housing issues for their college age daughter on their porch last night. I had my window open for fresh air but all I got was a large dose of a family spat. I had to shut my window to get any sleep. So I'm tired today.
And the July reading update:
Old Mortality by Sir Walter Scott – good Scottish yarn
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks – good WW1 story with some odd jumps to 1978 here and there.
Falconer by John Cheever. Finally finished this vulgar novel after two years of reading one page at a time and putting it down again in disgust each time.
That's all. Have a good day.


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I work for an aesthetician where we issue manual receipts to clients after their service. Clients sometimes pay using multiple ways for their treatments, i.e. cash and credit card, or debit and credit card.
My job is to enter the receipts into QuickBooks. I tried to use Sales Receipts but it does not allow me to receive multiple payment methods. Any suggestions?
Sales Receipts only allow a single payment method. I would suggest using Invoices and create items for different payment methods. You can receive multiple payment methods using invoices.
First thing you need to do is create payment items for Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard and cheque.
1. On the menu bar click on List, Item List.
2. Right-click anywhere in the Item List window and click on New from the shortcut menu. You are now ready to create your items.
*Click on Images to View Full Size*
3. Click on the down pointing arrow to the right of the Type field Select Payment type.
4. In the Item Name/Number field enter payment method i.e. Mastercard.
5. In the Description field – enter Paid by Mastercard.
6. Click on the down arrow to the right of Payment Method – select Mastercard.
7. Check off – Group with other undeposited funds. By choosing this option, you can match deposits to the bank statement when you reconcile.
8. Click OK.
9. Create all your payment methods.
10. Create an invoice and enter the payment methods on the same invoice.
11. Click Save & Close.
12. When you reconcile the bank statement, click on Banking menu and Make Deposits (or Deposit icon on icon bar).
13. Select Payments (that match bank statement) to deposit.
14. Click OK.


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Whether you are shopping for the perfect gift or looking to treat yourself, White Stuff has an eclectic collection that will suit a variety of tastes. With their wide array of clothing and accessories for men and women, bath and body items, and lovely accessories for the home, shopping at White Stuff is easy and fun. All of their clothes are made of high quality, ethically sourced materials, ensuring they are well made and will last. The prints are designed and hand-drawn by White Stuff staff so items are unique. Some pieces are fun and quirky, some are more classically designed, so there is something for everyone! You can feel great about shopping at White Stuff. Not only are their products high quality, but they are determined to make a difference. Every shop supports a local organization, and the company itself donates 1% of their profits to the local organizations. When you use Giving Assistant to save money at White Stuff, you are also supporting a charitable organization because Giving Assistant donates to charity each time you use them to save money! Saving money with promo codes and coupons feels great, but it feels even better to know you're making a difference!
Today's top offer is 'Up to 50% Off Kidswear in The White Stuff Sale'. Find the offer, click on it and follow the link to the offer page at whitestuff.com.


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After analyzing 277 clinical trials, researchers concluded that most supplements can't be linked to better health. more...
December 16 , 1944 : The Battle of the Bulge began. more...
Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
A modular cleanroom is a self-contained cleanroom, an area where temperature, humidity, and airflow are tightly controlled to keep the space clean and contained for the purpose of sensitive research, manufacturing, and related activities. The modular design allows for easy installation of a cleanroom in an existing facility without needing to make retrofits. The design can also be mobile, useful for activities like running an epidemiology investigation in a community where such facilities are not available and researchers want to be able to do work on the ground.
The modular cleanroom design may have hard or soft walls, and typically comes with a highly configurable design. It is possible to order multiples that can stack or snap together to make rooms of various sizes, and the facilities may come with various accessories. All modular cleanrooms come with the capacity to control temperature, humidity, and airflow. Inserts like sinks, counters, cabinets, and so forth can be configured inside the cleanroom to meet the needs of the customer.
The company can set up the modular cleanroom in its facilities, and transport it as a standalone unit to the location where it is needed. This may be the inside of an existing building or a modular research facility under construction, featuring a variety of labs, offices, and other facilities that will fit together to make a complete facility. The modular cleanroom usually stands on its own in indoor settings, allowing companies to install it and make it ready for use immediately without having to anchor it to floors or ceilings.
Modules may be necessary to meet temporary overflow needs, especially at facilities in need of updating or buildings slated for replacement. The modules can go outdoors if there is no room to install them inside, with fittings to make sure they are weather-tight and ready for use. Agencies and organizations with the need for a mobile cleanroom can set up a modular cleanroom on a tow trailer to make it possible to quickly deploy to the scene of a biological investigation like an outbreak of human or animal disease.
Manufacturers of modular cleanrooms and supplies usually have a line of products aimed at different needs. This can include expansions, allowing companies to make an existing module larger to meet growing needs rather than having to order an entirely new one. The company usually has cleanrooms with a number of different ratings, ranging from high-rated models for handling hazardous materials to models meeting less stringent standards that are still suitable for basic use.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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15 Best Known London Landmarks To Visit
London is a very iconic city with many well known landmarks to visit. Here is a list of the best 15 places to see on your vacation.
- Tower Bridge – One of the best known London landmarks and often confused as the London Bridge. The bridge which was completed in 1894 is still fully functioning for pedestrian, vehicle and vessel passage. Learn about Tower Bridge facts at the Exhibition located inside the bridge.
- London Eye—the giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city of London and located in one of the royal parks, Jubilee Gardens.
- Buckingham Palace – Riveting history and has a reputation that speaks for itself. The palace is the most grand in all of London and a standalone symbol of monarchy for the royal family.
- Trafalgar Square – Here you'll find fountains, monuments and statues, including the Admiral Nelson column. This open air pavilion has plenty of sitting areas and is a great place to people watch, read up on London history and Buckingham Palace facts in your spare time.
- Tower of London — Home of the precious Crown Jewels and other artifacts of the monarchy. Tours and tickets should be purchased in advance.
- Big Ben – Images of this clock tower are seen worldwide and are synonymous with New Year's Eve celebrations in London.
- British Museum — Establishing in 1753, this museum has one of the greatest and most comprehensive collections cover human culture. It boasts over 8 million pieces in its inventory of artwork.
- House of Parliament — This is also known as the Westminster Palace. It is where the House of Lords and House of Commons convene to make decisions about the governmental issues for London. The Palace was rebuilt after the initial one was damaged in a fire in 1834.
- Westminster Abbey – Historically iconic for its relationship with the royal family. This has been the trusted church of coronations and royal weddings since 1066.
- Thames River –The longest river in England and flows for 215 miles. Famed for its river cruises makes it one of the most popular London landmarks and attractions.
- Kensington Palace – A memorial for Princess Diana, who was killed in Paris in 1997.
- St. Paul Cathedral – Most notable for its architecture and is situated on the highest point in London. It was founded in AD 604.
- Harrods – The luxury department store that sells designer clothing and only the best products of London. Shopping here will be an expensive pleasure.
- Shakespeare Globe Theater – Known best as one of the London landmarks for Shakespearean live theater shows that offer an affect of traveling back in time to the days when he actually wrote and performed the plays.
- Hyde Park — A great spot for picnics and is a cool place for other things to do in London like family fun or an intimate date strolling slowly around the walking paths.
This is a full list of London landmarks available for your London vacation. Some will only need to be seen for a short time to mark off your bucket list, while others will need to be experienced with more depth.


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German and European Union officials are urgently exploring ways to rescue Spain's debt-stricken banks although Madrid has not yet requested assistance and is resisting being placed under international supervision, European sources said on Wednesday.
German and European Union officials are urgently exploring ways to rescue Spain's debt-stricken banks although Madrid has not yet requested assistance and is resisting being placed under international supervision, European sources said on Wednesday.
Spain, the eurozone's fourth biggest economy, said on Tuesday it was effectively losing access to credit markets due to prohibitive borrowing costs and appealed to European partners to help revive its banks.
The European Central Bank dashed investors' hopes of an easing of monetary policy or another flood of cheap liquidity for banks despite saying that the eurozone money market has again become "dysfunctional". The ECB left interest rates on hold at 1 percent at its monthly meeting.
The move raised pressure on EU political leaders to outline a solution to the bloc's festering debt crisis at a summit later this month, which is being watched closely in the United States and other global powers anxious about a sluggish world economy.
Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said after talks at the European Commission on Wednesday there were no immediate plans to apply for a bailout. Spain would await the results of an IMF report and an independent audit of the banking sector, both due this month, before taking decisions on how to recapitalize the banks, he said.
ECB President Mario Draghi said financial markets were not wrong to be worried about the future of the eurozone but they underestimated the political commitment backing the single currency. He welcomed EU leaders' agreement to step up work on a long-term vision for a full economic and monetary union.
"Some of the problems in the euro area have nothing to do with monetary policy," he told a news conference. "I don't think it is right for monetary policy to fill other institutions' lack of action."
Acknowledging that the rate-setting governing council's decision was not unanimous, he said "a few members, I would say not many" had wanted a rate cut on Wednesday.
Asked whether the central bank would take supportive action if the EU summit agreed to move towards a fiscal and banking union, he said there was no such "horse-trading" but the ECB would monitor developments and stood ready to act.
Intense contigency planning
The European Commission proposed far-reaching powers for regulators to take control of failing banks, a first step towards a eurozone banking union. But the measure first has to be turned into law by EU governments and the European Parliament and may not take effect until 2015, too late to help Spain with its current banking crisis.
Sources familiar with discussions in Berlin and Brussels said intensive contingency planning was already under way for EU aid to Spain. Lawyers were examining the fine print of European treaties to see how Madrid could get money from the eurozone's rescue funds without the stigma of a full economic adjustment program, they said.
German officials said the aim was to avoid the embarrassment of Spain having to adopt new economic reforms imposed from outside and monitored by European and International Monetary Fund inspectors, as occurred with Greece, Portugal and Ireland.
With an IMF report on Spain's banking sector due next Monday, some sources hinted there could be intensive preparatory talks at European level at the weekend.
In public, a German government spokesman repeated that it was up to Spain to decide whether to seek help from the euro zone's EFSF rescue fund. The ECB's Draghi took the same line.
European shares and the euro trimmed gains after the ECB decision to leave rates on hold despite a stagnant euro zone economy, which only just avoided a technical recession in the first quarter of this year.
Sources in Berlin said the German Finance Ministry believes the eurozone's permanent rescue fund, the 500-billion-euro ($625 billion) European Stability Mechanism, due to enter into force next month, could lend directly to Spain's FROB bank rescue fund. EU lawyers are not convinced this would be legal.
One advantage would be that smaller eurozone countries such as the Netherlands or Finland could not hold up a loan since approval by the ESM board does not require unanimity.
A series of reforms to Spain's financial system have failed to persuade investors that huge losses from a 2008 property market crash have been fully addressed, and doubts about the cost of a final rescue have deepened the euro zone debt crisis.
Finance chiefs of the Group of Seven major economies, afraid of a possible run on Spanish banks, held urgent but inconclusive talks on the European situation on Tuesday.
"The market's expectation regarding further policy action globally is picking up," said Ian Stannard, an executive director at Morgan Stanley.
Underlining the dangers to the entire 17-nation zone of inaction, Moody's Investors Service cut the credit ratings of several German and Austrian banks, citing the greater risk of further shocks stemming from the region's debt crisis. Germany is the single currency's strongest economy.
Spain is the latest member of the euro area under pressure to accept international aid following financial rescues of Greece, Ireland and Portugal in the two-year debt crisis.
The premium investors demand to hold its 10-year debt over the German equivalent hit a euro era high last week on concerns it will eventually have to accept a Greek-style bailout.
In the first public German pressure for Spain to apply for a bailout, the parliamentary floor leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives said: "I think Spain needs to come under the rescue umbrella, not because of the country (the state budget) but because of its banks.
Volker Kauder, who is close to Merkel, told ARD television he did not believe Madrid could receive direct aid for its banks from the eurozone rescue fund and insisted that assistance to the state would entail the usual policy conditions.
'Running out a runway'
The U.S. Treasury, which chaired the G7 phone hook-up, said in a statement that the group's finance chiefs had discussed "progress towards a financial and fiscal union in Europe" and agreed to monitor developments closely. But the group made no joint statement and took no immediate steps.
The United States, which is pressuring European governments to take a bold step toward financial and fiscal union, would like to see the makings of a plan by a G20 summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, on June 18-19.
U.S. President Barack Obama, whose re-election chances this year could be jeopardized by another global financial crisis, has been anxious not to be seen dictating to Europe.
On Wednesday, however, he spoke separately to Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. Obama's spokesman said: "The leaders agreed on the importance of steps to strengthen the resilience of the euro zone and growth in Europe and globally."
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had been more forthright on Tuesday: "I don't want to sound too alarmist," he said. "But we are kind of running out of runway here."
EU leaders meet on June 28-29 to discuss a strategy for overcoming the crisis, which began in late 2009 when Greece revealed it had covered up a huge budget deficit.
Spain will test the market on Thursday by issuing up to 2 billion euros in government bonds at auction.
[Reuters]- Ekathimerini.com


text: BUSINESS Nonfiction short films get new home 4:00 AM PST 2/7/2008 by Borys Kit , AP FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Empty BERLIN -- Makers of nonfiction short films around the globe are about to get a home courtesy of a new company called Cinelan.The brainchild of filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, branding guru David Wales and Arts Alliance managing partner Thomas Hoegh, the company -- set to be launched Thursday at the Berlin International Film Festival -- is dedicated to building a library of professionally produced three-minute nonfiction films for syndication.Calling itself a film content publisher, the company hopes to reach audiences through its relationships with major online and offline distribution partners, including Guardian News & Media, Picturehouse Cinemas and the Vizumi Network."We've seen a tremendous growth in demand for high-quality, irresistible short films as online video moves beyond YouTube, and audiences crave more crafted and thoughtful companion video," Cinelan CEO David Schrieberg said. "Through our unique delivery process and the power of our content, we can leverage our library to help partners and filmmakers reach audiences everywhere."Films will be syndicated through Internet media partners, digital cinemas, TV and mobile devices. A key goal of the company is to maximize filmmakers' revenue while generating new audiences for three-minute films.In addition to Spurlock, Cinelan's founding filmmakers include a variety of Oscar and Sundance prizewinners, such as Steve James ("Hoop Dreams"), Eugene Jarecki ("Why We Fight"), Ross Kauffman ("Born into Brothels") and Jessica Yu ("Breathing Lessons"). They will be on Cinelan's advisory board and also make films for the company.Joining Schrieberg as key company executives are COO David Laks, veteran film industry executive Karol Martesko-Fenster and digital strategist Wai Mun Yoon. Cinelan's filmmaker relations team features Kiki Allgeier, Jeremy Boxer and Mark Rabinowitz.Cinelan will have offices in Luxembourg, London and New York. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Borys Kit email@example.com borys_kit AP firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


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"I love email. I'm probably a rare breed in that regard. I love it because it allows me to work asynchronously and to consume vast amounts of information rapidly across the business. But unless I'm specifically asked a question, I don't respond."
via The Many, Many, Many Things You Should Say "No" To At Work | Fast Company | Business + Innovation.


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On my list...
Get off the farm with the trailer...
a truck would help.
- Canter straight. Stupid, but I can't even think of where to start
Do a CTR or the like - there is a trail riding group in the area that should be helpful with this
- More trails - need to explore around the farm
- De-spooking - he doesn't spook much, often, but what fun it'll be to play with pool noodles and plastic bags
- Clinic - do one, do something
Look into endurance - ask questions, network, decide if it's a fit Another hunter pace - pony club is scheduled to do another in April, I'm in
OK, so I got a truck, but the trailer needs work so it hasn't gone anywhere except to the welder. I did the CTR and learned about endurance. Sure, I did the hunter pace, too, but that's when everything went down hill. It's been that way with Spyder since May... great. So all of what I thought we could work on is still on hold, and it's been a TBD since May.
I left off with we'll talk about my lessons and how the 25 mile competitive trail ride went, but then I got lost. I haven't been riding, and I haven't even had the desire really. Spyder's showing no improvement (they said a maybe on fibers coming back in last they checked), and he's been a jerk about it. He's miserable (and lashing out about it) and his leg is puffy again. He had colic on December 14th when I wasn't even in the country, and he got an emergency tube. He's been miserable ever since, and that leaves me plain miserable. YAY 2014!
I'm hoping to work on my trailer floor (have everything to do it, just need to make time) so that I can get him back to the hospital to re-ultrasound him and see what's going on. Let's hope they see improvement this time around or I'll have to come up with a Plan B for what to do with him. I know if I give him back, he doesn't stand a chance of a life like he has with me, and certainly that's not an option before I know for sure if he'll be sound again or not. If he won't be sound, I will be heart broken because keeping him isn't really an option. Spyder, get well soon.


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Sales, growth and expansion are the cornerstone of business, but while they often bring increases to profit and greater scope for continued opportunities, a period of growth can also bring challenges.
Many of these challenges are unexpected and hard to manage unless you have a competent and knowledgeable team driving the change and assuring that all the relevant checks and balances are in place.
Depending on the circumstances, a company may bring in a dedicated Change Manager to oversee the key challenges associated with these periods, acting as a single contact for all issues, questions and suggestions. In other situations, this role may not have properly facilitated, meaning Managers or Directors who already have very important and demanding roles are drafted in to make sure things run smoothly.
Unfortunately while these individuals often have great experience within their role, there are many areas of this particular task which extend beyond it.
One of these areas is IT Management.
I should explain that there are three main times that a company grows. Depending on what type of growth a company is going through, their specific technology needs may vary.
- Start-up and investment. Rapid scaling required with low CAP EX.
- Large client acquisition or competitor takeover. High operational demand.
- New offices (UK and worldwide). Legal, operational and cross-border data control.
What are the IT issues associated with growth?
What's interesting about this question, and the reason we are having a conversation about it, is that often things which seem the most important are the ones most easily solved. There are also obscure issues which seem simple to manage but can be a nightmare if not considered correctly from day one.
Considering IT alone, these factors vary greatly depending on the needs created by the specific type of growth, but they can roughly be drawn into three categories:
On-premise security, hardware and networks (including Cloud networks); Security Management and Infrastructure Protection / Updates; and Consistency of IT approach. Once these three areas are properly outlined, the process of moving through the necessary steps becomes more easily managed.
Making life simple: A rough outline of how to successfully grow your IT
The first things to consider are always practical. The key technologies required to do business must always take precedence over any projects that focus on enhancements. Of course, if this step has already been comprehensively managed, then it can be effectively skipped – but in almost all cases, there are a reasonable number of changes to the way operations happen which mean that practical changes must occur.
For example: When considering a takeover, contracts may need renegotiating with providers. While this is not always the case, many aspects of business, including comms, internet, phone lines, power, software licences, backups, encryption and security tunnel validation must be rebuilt from scratch. Depending on the size of the organisation, gathering quotes and coming to a deal can take more time than immediately recognised.
Second to consider is security. By far the biggest risk to any business which is going through a period of change is their exposure to new security risks. From physical assets and their auditing, right through to designing an effective security setup and removing or mitigating any network weaknesses. This also includes the rollout of IT policies for any new staff.
Any company that is opening new offices abroad needs to appreciate and understand the importance of that country's data protection laws and any steps they must take to be compliant when trading. Without doubt, the management of Global IT security can get out of hand very quickly if not properly defined and administered by people who fully understand ongoing requirements.
Finally, and most importantly, a consistent approach to setup and control is the single most important factor when pursuing growth. This can be done by properly managing the rollout of HR policies accross new locations and informing users of any immediate actions they need to take, or ensure they take in the future, as well as defining clear responsibility for each aspect of change management so that users can contact the correct support teams in case of issues.
An effective approach to managing IT setups in growth means one thing: Consistency.
Consistent IT means ensuring all equipment is standardised, is setup according to best practices and managed within a structure that best fits the organisation. The foundations of an IT setup are critical to the strength of the end structure. Not only does this approach make total sense and allow any well-trained engineer to solve any problem, but also greatly reduces the time required to do anything IT related within the business.
We think of this approach as the pivotal difference between IT experts and companies who manage changes on the fly. In short, we work to create the structure that best fits the need of the organisation and meet any needs effectively, rather than rushing a change without considering the shortcomings or increased spending required for setups which are not suitable or fit for purpose.
There is also another clear advantage to this approach: Automation
Pushing Automation forwards
The past few years have seen subtle but important changes within the world of technology. One of these changes is the increase in automation in order to improve consistency of approach within a business. For instance: Rather than have to setup devices, install programs and run tests on individual machines, there are now programs which automate these processes to drastically reduce time requirements whilst ensuring total consistency of approach.
In many ways this has given many in the IT world pause for thought – especially considering many administrative tasks will more than likely succumb to automation in the future. For today though, automated processes give IT companies the ability to go above and beyond their previous limitations.
Automation allows IT setups to be tailored to a business far more successfully, and for networks to become totally watertight. This is just one of the ways KJL help our customers rapidly create a powerful IT setup that works for them when moving through growth.
While this period will never be entirely without stress, our services ensure that operations continue unimpeded, at a cost that is well controlled and ensuring an outcome that is second to none.
Thinking about growth?
As a business, we create partnerships with companies who offer great products and services, so that when companies need any of the fundamental technologies, we are able to set everything up fast without compromising on quality or price. We also consult on what improvements and automations companies want to install, making us ideally placed to manage any kind of changes that a business may be going through.
If you feel this may apply to you, please call KJL today, we are ready to help. We support thousands of end users every day and have customers who trust us completely to make sure everything runs smoothly. We guide companies through the steps to make growing pains disappear and fresh opportunities the focus of changes.
In any case we are always willing to have a chat about IT systems, so why not give us a non-formal call on 01268 627111 and we can always send you some more information.


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Spoon Roseland NY 2007
Original silkscreen concert poster for Spoon at the Roseland Ballroom in New York. 16 x 24 4 color silkscreen by artist Todd Slater.
Designer: Todd Slater
Dimensions: 16 x 24 inches
Edition: 200
Condition: MINT
Date: 2007
Posters > Music Posters
Questions about this item?
Please call us between 11AM - 5PM MST
at 303-443-3102.
Would you like to pick this item up in person at our retail location?
Please call us at 303-443-3102 to confirm in-store availabilty.


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ITN's Tom Bradby 'not a friend of William, just someone he can talk to'
News At Ten host Tom Bradby has said he was "surprised" at how the BBC and his BBC counterpart, Huw Edwards, reacted to his ITN appointment.
Bradby, who now anchors ITV's relaunched News At Ten, spoke about how he thought the BBC, as the "bigger dog", would have welcomed a little competition.
He and Edwards exchanged words on social media last year after Edwards, who anchors the BBC's news show during the same 10pm slot, posted saying it was "business as usual" after Bradby's show only attracted two million viewers against four million.
"Would it be helpful if the BBC moved from 10pm? Of course it would," he told the March issue of men's magazine GQ, "But it's for the politicians to decide. In my 10 years in politics all parties moaned at me about BBC dominance. And I heard more of those complaints from Ed Miliband than Number 10."
The ITV presenter also spoke about his friendship with the Duke of Cambridge, which saw him secure the first interview with William and Kate Middleton following the announcement of their engagement.
He says while it did occur to him that " building a relationship with Prince William might be useful to the rest of my journalistic life", he said he has always gravitated toward people he likes and who "have humanity".
"My mother hated that calculation and she particularly hated people who kissed arse, especially the arses of those who were powerful," he said. "I suppose that stuck with me. William has his proper friends and I am not one of them. I'm a friendly face in the media and someone he can talk to if he wants to."
He also criticised the BBC's coverage of the raid of singer Cliff Richard's home, which saw them sending a helicopter and broadcasting it live.
He said: "It was a ridiculous overreaction. This was a criminal investigation - you don't know where it's going to go. Instinct tells you to treat this in a measured fashion, to not go over the top."
:: The March issue of GQ goes on sale this Thursday
PA Media