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Instability in N-Pakistan
Implications for India's security by Harsh V. Pant A government unable to control large parts of its territory, a military in disarray, loss of control over nuclear assets, radical Islamists bent on acquiring weapons of mass destruction – it is the stuff of nightmares. And Pakistan's current turmoil is causing jitters around the world precisely because the nightmarish scenario evoked above might just come to pass as Pakistani security establishment's dalliance with radical Islamist groups drags the nation to the brink of collapse. Recent days have witnessed major attacks on key Pakistani military and intelligence facilities by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that for the past several years has fought an increasingly brutal war in the heart of Pakistan. A handful of militants who attacked the Pakistani naval base PNS Mehran in Karachi on May 22 have also underlined the enormity of the security challenge that violent Islamists pose to Pakistan and the whole region. For long, the US and the West have viewed nuclear weapons in South Asia with dread because of the possibility that a conventional war between India and Pakistan might escalate into a nuclear one. Former US President Bill Clinton called the Kashmir conflict "the most dangerous flashpoint on earth" precisely because of this fear of a nuclear holocaust in the Indian subcontinent. Indian and Pakistani officials, on the other hand, have continued to argue that just as the threat of mutual assured destruction resulted in a "hot peace" between the US and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, nuclear weapons in South Asia will also have a stabilising impact. They point out the fact that despite several provocations, India and Pakistan have behaved "rationally" during various crises by keeping their conflicts limited and avoiding escalation. But since September 11, 2001, the nature of problem for the West has changed insofar as the threat is now more of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal being used against the West by radical Islamists if they can lay their hands on it. The present turmoil in Pakistan has once again raised concerns about the safety, security and command and control of its nuclear stockpile. Though the Pakistan government continues to dismiss media reports that its nuclear weapons are in danger of falling into the "wrong hands" as "inspired," and stressed that Pakistan provided the highest level of institutionalised protection to its strategic assets, the credibility of such claims remains open to question. Instituted in 2000, Pakistan's nuclear command and control arrangements are centered on the National Command Authority, which comprises the Employment Control Committee, the Development Control Committee and the Strategic Plans Division. Only a small group of military officials apparently have access to the country's nuclear assets. However, these command and control arrangements continue to be beset with some fundamental vulnerabilities that underline the reluctance of the Pakistani military to cede control over the nation's nuclear assets to civilian leaders. It is instructive to note that of all the major nuclear states in the world, Pakistan is the only country where the nuclear button is in the hands of the military. Moreover, senior civilian and military officials responsible for these weapons have a problematic track record in maintaining close control over them. A.Q. Khan was the head of the Pakistani nuclear programme (and a veritable national hero) but was instrumental in making Pakistan the centre of the biggest nuclear proliferation network by leaking technology to states far and wide, including Iran, North Korea and Libya. Pakistani nuclear scientists have even travelled to Afghanistan at the behest of Osama bin Laden. While its is true that the Pakistani military remains very professional and perhaps the only cohesive force in the country today, it has also become deeply demoralised, reflected in the large number of soldiers preferring to surrender to the militants rather than fight. There are growing signs of fraying loyalties in the Pakistan Army, underlining the danger to its cohesiveness. The growing "Islamisation" of the younger generation of Pakistani military officers is well-recorded. Given the close links between the Pakistani military and intelligence services and the militant groups fighting in Kashmir and the Taliban, it is not far-fetched to assume that there is a real danger of elements within Pakistan's military-intelligence complex colluding with radical Islamist groups. Pakistan has accepted US help since 9/11 in designing its system of controls for its nuclear arsenal and the prevention of theft. The US has reportedly spent about $100 million in helping Pakistan secure its nuclear arsenal, and some reports have suggested that Pakistan has also received technical assistance from the US. Throughout the Cold War years, it was viewed as politically prudent in the West and especially in the US to ignore Pakistan's drive towards nuclear acquisition, as Pakistan was seen as an important ally of the West in countering the Soviet Union in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Nuclear proliferation has never been a first order priority for the US when it comes to Pakistan. Now the chickens are coming home to roost, as the Pakistani military seems unable and unwilling to take on the Islamist forces gathering momentum on Pakistani territory on the one hand; while on the other, the nation's nuclear weapons seem within the reach of the extremist forces. The US has suggested that there are contingency plans in place to deal with the possibility of Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the hands of militant groups, but it remains far from clear as to what exactly the US would be able to do if such an eventuality arises. Meanwhile, India needs to be aware of the potentially catastrophic implications of the collapse of governing authority in Pakistan. A boost to fundamentalist forces in India's neighbourhood will have serious consequences for the utility of nuclear deterrence in the subcontinent. Irrespective of India's other problems with Pakistan, Indian decision-makers had little doubt so far in trusting that their Pakistani counterparts would take rational decisions insofar as the use of nuclear weapons was concerned. That assumption might soon need revisiting if the present trends in Pakistan continue for much longer. The present turmoil in Pakistan and all its attendant consequences in the nuclear realm point to the long-term costs of short-sighted policies — the politics of proliferation — followed by the West in countering proliferation.n
Siachen: Frozen disengagement
India and Pakistan have failed to agree on the modalities for the demilitarisation of Siachen Glacier, at the 12th Defence Secretary level talks in Delhi recently. Our politicians and diplomats should not lose on the negotiating table the hard won gains of the armed forces that give India near total tactical and strategic dominance over Pakistani forces in that sector
Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd) The 12th round of talks with Pakistan on the Siachen issue is over and should be set aside with panache and poetic flourish. Unlike T.S. Eliot's protagonist, we have this time around, not stooped to folly in the unremitting waste land of India-Pakistan relationships. Instead we have politely agreed to disagree; accepting the Pakistani non-paper laconically; emphasising that our positions held on the Saltoro Ridge be accepted and plotted on maps as a prelude to their vacation, as well as firmly rejecting the brazen Pakistani suggestion that China be co-opted, being a concerned party. Indian troops train at the Siachen Battle School prior to induction in to the battle zone. Based upon intelligence inputs that Pakistan was planning to occupy Siachen, the Indian army moved into the glacier in 1984 and with continuous deployment since then, built up a number of permanent posts and helipads on what is known as the world's highest battlefield Indian troops train at the Siachen Battle School prior to induction in to the battle zone. Based upon intelligence inputs that Pakistan was planning to occupy Siachen, the Indian army moved into the glacier in 1984 and with continuous deployment since then, built up a number of permanent posts and helipads on what is known as the world's highest battlefield The key to understanding the Siachen conundrum lies in a clinical understanding of its terrain and layout and its geo-strategic significance for the protagonists. The 76 km long Siachen Glacier is sourced at Indira Col (5,753m) in the eastern Karakorams. It is sandwiched between the Saltoro Ridge to its west, and the main Karakoram Range to its east. The Pakistani positions are west of the Saltoro Ridge and have no direct observation of the glacier. The only way they can access it is by crossing the Saltoro Ridge through five passes: Sia La (7,300m), Bilafond La (6,160m), Gyong La (5,640m), Yarma La (6,100m) and Chulung La (5,800m), all held by India. The key Bilafond La (Pass of the Butterflies) is on the ancient Silk Route linking undivided India and China. Domination of these strategic passes is a key to the control of the surrounding areas. The glacier, at its snout (3,620m), converts into the Nubra River. The average annual snowfall on the Saltoro is 10 mts, with temperatures ranging from minus 30 to minus 80 degrees centigrade. The important terrain deduction is that the 110 km long Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL), which the Indian Army occupies on the Saltoro Ridge, is reachable only after a vertical climb and then a suicidal frontal assault. India thus holds the commanding heights while Pakistan is at a severe military disadvantage. Operation Meghdoot For tracking how this military feat was achieved, one has to go back in time. Finding in Alpine climbing circles that Pakistan was claiming the area, Col Narendra "Bull" Kumar volunteered and was permitted to lead a fact-finding mission. Post his path-breaking expedition in 1978 (he trekked along the Siachen from snout to source and climbed the Sia Kangri) and confirmation of Pakistani presence, Army HQ was alerted. With clinching evidence of Pakistani Special Services Group (SSG) presence detected by India's Ladakh Scouts in 1983, the Army launched Operation Meghdoot on April 13, 1984, inducting 4 Kumaon by using the knowledge base provided by Col Kumar. IAF helicopters dropped the doughty Kumaonis at Bilafond La. Simultaneously, 4 Kumaon secured the two major passes — the Sia La and Gyong La — on foot, establishing posts that put India in command of Siachen Glacier. Today the Siachen Battalion HQ at 4,880m is named Kumar Base in honour of Col Kumar. India, since 1984, has lost 720 soldiers, with 60 per cent falling to General Glacier. Many more have been evacuated due to the effects of serving in super high altitude. In cost terms, analysts estimate that it costs India Rs 1,200 to 1,500 crore annually to maintain its 7,000-plus manpower in the Siachen area. Our strategic interests and national pride demand that we accept this cost. The Battle for Quaid Post How desperately Pakistan tried to occupy the Saltoro Ridge as a mandatory prelude to capture of the Siachen Glacier is evident in their bold, surreptitious 1986 occupation by a JCO-led SSG team, of a dominating feature south of Bilafond La. The Pakistanis justifiably called it Quaid Post and the Indians, the Left Shoulder. This post, protected by a 1,500 foot high vertical foot snow wall, overlooked most Indian posts. On April 18, 1987, withering machinegun fire from it mowed down five soldiers of 5 Bihar located at the air-maintained Sonam Post. Amar, Ashok and U-Cut posts, all helicopter maintained, also became untenable. Capturing Quaid thus became very critical for the Indian Army. Pakistani occupation of Siachen would be near impossible to evict, given their easier access to Saltoro from POK. Also, if we pull out, Pakistan would be able to have access to Aksai Chin. The reality is that complete withdrawal of the army and air force will not be possible. Indian military establishments in that area are important is not only from the strategic point of view, but are also the lifeline for civilians Pakistani occupation of Siachen would be near impossible to evict, given their easier access to Saltoro from POK. Also, if we pull out, Pakistan would be able to have access to Aksai Chin. The reality is that complete withdrawal of the army and air force will not be possible. Indian military establishments in that area are important is not only from the strategic point of view, but are also the lifeline for civilians The relieving battalion, 8 J&K LI, undertook this challenge. On May 29, the Commanding Officer, Col A.P. Rai, sent a ten-man patrol under 2/Lt Rajiv Pande to fix ropes for ascending Quaid. Unfortunately, the activity of rope fixing was detected and most of the patrol including Rajiv was shot. A specially selected task force of two officers, four JCO's and 58 men under Maj (later Brig) Varinder Singh was created to capture Quaid and huge air effort expended to bring this force to area Saddle, 1000 metres away. Maj Varinder launched Operation Rajiv on June 23 and after masterminding three days and nights of superhuman effort, without food and water, constant shelling and losses of men, he located the ropes laid by Pande. Nearing the top, he launched Naib Subedar Bana Singh, the last of his four braveheart JCO's to finish the capture of the depleted Quaid Post. Starting at 12.11 PM, on June 26, Bana and his four men finished off the job by 2 PM, shooting the last two defendants dead and launching the Indian Tricolor at 21,153 feet. Maj Varinder, though seriously wounded, followed and took charge. Quaid became Bana Post, with Bana being awarded the Param Vir Chakra. What do India & Pak want? Tim McGirk and Aravind Adiga in a May 4, 2005 article in Time magazine (War at the top of the world) correctly write that while India wants Pakistan to authenticate the AGPL both on the maps as well as on the ground, the latter insists on maintaining the pre—1972 troop position as agreed in the Simla Agreement. That way, say the Indians, if Pakistan does try to seize the Indian positions after a withdrawal, it would attract international condemnation. Analysts feel that Siachen should be linked to the Kashmir solution and that India demand a quid pro quo on Kashmir. The realist school opines that in case of a Pakistani occupation of Siachen, they would be near impossible to evict the, given their easier access to Saltoro from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. An equally valid argument is that in case we pull out, Pakistan would be able to have access to Aksai Chin. Finally, the reality is that complete withdrawal of the Army and the IAF will not be possible. Thoise (not a real name but an acronym: Transit Holding Of Indian Soldiers Establishment) is a military airfield and small village in Shyok Valley. It enables a quick inflow of men and material from the Indian mainland to Siachen. "Its importance is not only from the strategic point of view, but also as a lifeline to the civilians," says the IAF. They are right. Pakistan, on its part, shies away from AGPL validation, ostensibly because that would "legitimise" India's "intrusion" into Siachen. They insist that India has broken the 1972 Shimla covenant, both arguments being contrived. Pakistan's "China card" opines that the northern part of the glacier abuts the Shaksham valley which is under Chinese control. Hence the need to have Beijing on board. The reality is that Shaksham valley, a 5,800 sq km area located just north of the Karakoram Pass, was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and was illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1959. The Tribune editorial (The Siachen question: Playing China Card won't help Pakistan, June 2, 2011) that Pakistan invariably brings up China when driven to a wall is spot on. The Indian positions on the Saltoro overlook Shaksgam Valley, and given the recent frenetic Sino-Pak collusion in this area, there is no reason for us to give up this strategic advantage. The specious argument that demilitarization is needed to stop global warming – the glacier is receding 10.5m annually – does not amuse India as her strategic considerations override global warming. Siachen is not, as Tim McGirk and Aravind Adiga have written, the "low-hanging fruit" of the India-Pakistan peace process, in that it is easier to resolve than Kashmir. India and Pakistan must, on the contrary, see its resolution as a break from their current "trust deficit" relationship, and use its resolution for further peace-making. The ball is clearly in Pakistan's court.
No naval build up, says China's Defence Minister
Chinese National Defence Minister Liang Guanglie on Sunday dismissed out of court suggestions that Beijing was carving out "a permanent naval presence" in India's neighbourhood in South Asia. Answering questions at a plenary session of the 10th Asia Security Summit, organised here by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies , General Liang disclaimed moves to build naval bases at Gwadar in Pakistan and at a Sri Lankan port. Emphasising his credentials as a member of the Chinese State Council and Central Military Commission, he said "we will have a very serious and careful study of an issue of such importance to the government and the military" like the reported move for establishing naval bases in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Indeed, "we will have exact plans and set up a panel to discuss it" if the move were for real. However, "I haven't heard of it," said General Liang, delivering a calibrated political punch-line. Asked by Manish Tewari, Congress party's spokesman, to spell out China's core interests in South Asia and the Indian Ocean area, General Liang said: "The core interests include anything that is related to sovereignty, stability, and form of government. China is now pursuing socialism. If there is any attempt to reject this path, it will touch upon China's core interests. Or, if there is any attempt to [encourage] any part of China to secede, that also touches upon China's core interests related to our land, sea, or air. Then, anything that is related to China's national [economic and social] development also touches upon China's core interests." On China's military modernisation, which the IISS experts see as a politically correct term for an arms build-up or arms race, General Liang said: "We do not have a large arsenal of 'third generation weapons' or system-platforms. [Henry] Kissinger [former U.S. official] once told me 'there is a clear gap between the U.S. and China.' Now, China's defence modernisation is compatible with its growth. While we focus on economic growth, we are sparing some resources for the development of the military."
India beefs up China front with UAVs, copters to monitor PLA
NEW DELHI: India is now deploying spy drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and light observation helicopters along the borders with China to keep a hawk-eye on the stepped-up activities of People's Liberation Army. The construction of over 5,500 "permanent defences and bunkers" along the borders is now being speeded up to ensure their completion within four to five years, under the Rs 9,243 crore military infrastructure development project approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security for the Eastern Army Command. "Sukhoi-30MKI fighters are already being based in IAF airbases like Tezpur and Chabua. Army Aviation bases in Assam are also now being upgraded, with seven helicopters and four Israeli Searcher-II UAVs already been deployed there," a defence ministry source said. The Army is also pushing for a mountain strike corps after having raised two new mountain infantry divisions. The new divisions, with 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers, have their HQs in Zakama (56 Div) in Nagaland and Missamari (71 Div) in Assam. Though quite belated, all these plans are meant to strategically counter China's massive build-up of military infrastructure all along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) over the last two decades. A flurry of high-level meetings in the last two-three months, which included a top military briefing to PM Manmohan Singh, have dealt on the dire need to boost India's military infrastructure, strike capabilities and operational logistics along the LAC. Incidentally, with five fully-operational airbases, an extensive rail network and over 58,000-km of roads in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China can now move more than 30 divisions (each with over 15,000 soldiers) at their "launch pads" on LAC in double-quick time, outnumbering Indian forces by at least three-is-to-one. China's rapidly-expanding footprint in infrastructure projects in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, in the backdrop of the Beijing-Islamabad military nexus which targets India, has served to further heighten concerns in the defence establishment here. India's counter-moves, however, are anything but swift. Only 15 of the 73 all-weather roads earmarked for construction along the unresolved LAC, for instance, are actually ready till now. IAF is now also upgrading eastern sector ALGs (advanced landing grounds) like Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro and Vijaynagar as well as several helipads in Arunachal after reactivating western sector ALGs like Daulat Beg Oldi, Fukche and Nyama in eastern Ladakh. "But the entire process needs to be hastened," said an official. Similarly, Army and IAF want faster inductions of the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to counter the threat posed by enemy fighters, drones and helicopters on both western and eastern fronts. While IAF has ordered eight Akash squadrons for Rs 6,200 crore, six of which are to be based in the North-East, the Army has placed an order for two regiments at a cost of Rs 14,180 crore.
Russian Arms Sellers Exude Optimism
Some of our most remarkable discussions during the May 25-27 session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Moscow were with senior military and civilian officials in Russia's defense community. These occurred under "Chatham House Rules," which allows us to use the information without attributing it directly to the speaker. One such dialogue might particularly interest Second Line of Defense readers. On Tuesday, May 25, we had dinner with the head of one of Russia's main defense corporations. He shared with us his insights on a number of issues, including Russian perspectives on future sales opportunities at home and abroad. The fall in Russian arms sales to China in the past few years has led many Western defense analysts to believe that Russian arms dealers have essentially given up on the Chinese. Since Russia and China signed a military-technical cooperation agreement in December 1992, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has purchased more than 90 percent of its defense imports from Russian firms. During the 1990s, the value of these deliveries peaked at about one billion dollars annually. During the mid-2000s, this yearly figure has sometimes been twice as much. Between 1992 and 2006, the total value of Russian arms exports to China amounted to approximately $26 billion, or almost half of all the weapons sold abroad by Russian firms (more than $58 billion during that period). In recent years, this situation has clearly changed. The growing sophistication of China's defense industry now enables the PLA to buy Chinese-made systems rather than import Russian-manufactured ones. With the PRC government's encouragement, Chinese defense firms have been exploiting the opportunities for licensed production in order to learn how to manufacture substitute products that, while perhaps not as good as the most advanced Russian weapons, would be still on par with those produced during the late Soviet period. PRC manufacturers are producing either more indigenous advanced weapons systems or more defense technologies, sub-systems, and other essential components that Chinese firms can insert directly into foreign-made systems. The Chinese have also objected to the quality of some of the weapons they imported from Russia in addition to poor post-sale servicing of the imported systems. Furthermore, PRC representatives have also complained about how Russian production difficulties have resulted in lengthy delays in the fulfillment of Sino-Russian defense contracts. For their part, Russian and foreign experts suspect that the Chinese have reversed engineered some of the imported Russian military technology. Since 2005, the PRC has stopped purchasing Russian warships and warplanes and has ceased signing new multi-billion arms sale contracts. The director of Russia's state-controlled arms export company, Rosoboronexport, recently forecast that the value of Russian arms sold to China could decline to as low a level as 10 percent of the value of all Russian military exports in the coming years. Some experts believe that figure could fall even lower. But the defense company head we had dinner with insisted that Russian firms still see opportunities for additional lucrative weapons sales to China. Although he recognized that Russia helped contribute to the improved quality of the PRC defense industry through its license transfer of Su-27 technologies and other means, he still saw future opportunities for profitable collaboration with the Chinese. According to him, such collaboration is possible since most representatives of the Chinese aerospace industry recognize that China's defense sector is still lagging and therefore needs to rely on foreign partners. When I asked about the PLA's recently unveiled "5th-generation fighter," this defense company leader responded that the Chinese have a long way to go before they will produce a genuine "5th-generation" plane equivalent to the Russian Tu-50. He explained that although some of the subsystems of China's J-20 might be considered 5th-generation, the Chinese still need much more time to combine all these subsystems effectively and produce a genuine state-of-the-art 5th-generation craft. Conversely, the defense company president also expressed some irritation at the Indians for forgetting that it was Russia, rather than India, who was the leading partner in their defense relationship. He added that, despite the decision of the Indian defense ministry to eliminate Russian (and U.S.) planes from their latest round of competition to sell India its next multi-role fighter, he still considered the country a good sales market as long as New Delhi realized that the process was a two-way street and that Russia had useful things to offer. In terms of Russia's own weapons purchases, the business executive expressed his approval for the Russian government's newly adopted State Armament Program (SAP) 2011-2020, which seeks to increase the large-scale acquisition and procurement of modern military equipment. The SAP envisages raising the proportion of modern weaponry in service with the Russian military from approximately 15 percent today to 30 percent by 2015, and to 70 percent (up to 100 percent for some types of weapons) by 2020. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) priority procurement areas will be strategic nuclear forces, high-precision conventional weapons, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. Under the SAP, military research and development spending will decrease considerably from current levels of approximately 20 percent to 10 percent of overall spending, while 80 percent of the MOD SAP will now go to purchasing new weapons, with the remaining 10 percent paying for repairs and upgrades of existing equipment. A senior Russian general we met later said that the Russian military has adopted a long-term perspective toward its R&D efforts. The MOD is willing to wait many years before some funded projects yield results. The defense company head we met with considered the SAP to be well-balanced between what the Russian arms industry could efficiently produce (in terms of economies of scale) and what the Russian military can absorb (in terms of training adequate personnel and paying for the systems' acquisition and upkeep). Russia's defense industry could produce many more weapons systems, but the Russian Armed Forces would be incapable of incorporating all of them. The SAP is also sufficiently large as to place the Russian defense companies in a good position to produce more after 2020, when Russian government defense procurement is expected to increase further. He also praised the MOD for adopting a more effective practice of servicing their systems in partnership with Russian firms rather than, as was done previously, trying to do everything in-house. In contrast, he argued that Russian defense companies saw few good commercial opportunities in many former Soviet republics. Their defense budgets are so small that they can only afford to buy a few modern systems. Many of these purchases are discounted or subsidized by the Russian government as a means of bolstering the regional security ties. The CEO, however, acknowledged that Russian firms do have opportunities to service and upgrade these countries' existing Soviet-origin weapons. In the case of modern aircraft, such servicing and upgrades can be very lucrative. But some of these states, such as Kazakhstan, have pursued what he considered the mistaken policy of having firms from Belarus service their warplanes simply to save money despite the inferior quality of work. But this official did see good global sales prospects for the Sukhoi T-50 (PKA FA), including those in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and even a few African countries. The Russian Air Force will also continue to purchase these planes through at least the current SAP (2020), and probably beyond, while the Indian Air Force will begin buying the planes around 2015. He also believes that the Russian aircraft industry would further develop the Su-30/34/35 series, which he argued was completely different from the Su-27 sequence. He also stated that these 4th-generation planes would experience strong sales due to the Sukhoi's commitment to produce 5th-generation craft. Buyers appreciate the company's commitment to remain a leading developer of aerospace technology and could see how 5th-generation technology could be backfilled into their 4th-generation planes, as Sukhoi was doing in the Russian Air Force. Finally, he confirmed that Russian arms sellers did not consider European military aircraft manufacturers as major competitive threats. Although their planes were often of very high quality, they were typically very expensive due to limited production runs (resulting from the small size of the European domestic markets) and to high European labor and manufacturing costs. (The fact that Eurofighter and Dassault have made it to the final round of the Indian multi-role fighter competition, while the Russian entry did not, presumably explains his critical remarks about the Indians not appreciating that their defense relationship with Russia must be a two-way street.) In our May 27 meeting in the Ministry of Defense, a high-ranking officer confirmed Russia's willingness to import some foreign weapons systems if the domestic manufacturers lack the capacity to produce items efficiently. Nonetheless, Russian policymakers are aware that purchasing sophisticated foreign weapons is a difficult and expensive path, so it will only be done on a limited basis.
Pakistan war-gaming to counter India's military plan
New Delhi : With the Indian Army perfecting a short but power-filled warfare doctrine intended against its western neighbour, Pakistan too is war-gaming a counter-strategy in an exercise on for a fortnight now, a few kilometres from its borders with India's Rajasthan state. The Pakistan Army's Karachi-based V Corps launched the exercise a fortnight ago in the desert terrain between its Sindh and Punjab provinces that abut the Thar desert around Sadiqabad, senior Indian intelligence sources told IANS here. The war game, described by the Pakistan Army as a collective summer training exercise, will be completed within the next fortnight and is primarily focussed on testing its man and machinery in both defensive and offensive warfare manoeuvres, the sources said. The corps' infantry, mechanised infantry and armoured units, along with other battle assets such as their artillery units, were pushed to the limits in searing heat in the Thar desert during the field exercise. The corps commander, Lt Gen Mohammed Zahir-ul-Islam, too witnessed the manoeuvres of his troops last week, sources added. The Pakistan Army has conducted a couple of major exercises in the last four years to train its troops to counter an Indian strategy, loosely termed as 'Cold Start' doctrine by Indian military think tanks and the media. Though the Indian Army chief Gen. V.K. Singh has stated that there was no such strategy called 'Cold Start', Indian armed forces have over the last seven years since 2004 held over 10 major military exercises in the Rajasthan desert and the Punjab plains. Based on its experience during the 2001-02 Op Parakram when troops mobilised over months, the Indian Army war games have focussed on validating the army's latest doctrine of mobilising troops in shortest possible time and for launching an offensive using its mechanised forces and artillery of its strike corps and division-sized formations within its defensive pivot corps. The Pakistan Army's V Corps has among its formations a mechanised division with battle tanks and armoured personnel carriers, two infantry divisions, and an independent artillery brigade. Raised in 1975, the corps, known as the Victory Corps, would be Pakistan's first line of defence, as it is spread over the Sindh and southern Punjab provinces, along its eastern borders. This corps had been mobilised by then Pakistan president and army chief Gen. Zia-ul-Haq in 1986-87, when India carried out a major war exercise, Operations Brasstacks, in the Rajasthan desert under then army chief General K Sundarji, viewing the Indian war gaming as a major threat. It also had a role to place in the coup by then Pakistan army chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf in 1999, soon after the India-Pakistan Kargil conflict, to oust then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.


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VotM Hall of Fame
The Volunteer of the Moment (VotM) programme is used to instantly recognise and reward volunteers of any age, in any role or environment who have made a significant contribution to the development of netball.
Volunteers are the backbone of netball and VotM is a way of saying a huge thank you to all of our fantastic netball volunteers – We really couldn't do it without you!
A VotM reward can be given to a volunteer who has really gone above and beyond and been a netball star. This could be for work on a single occasion (e.g. at a training session or event) or ongoing commitment to a role they've carried out over a period of time.
England Netball staff, regional board and county committee members can select volunteers to receive the award. Winners are rewarded with an 'I Make the Game' T-shirt and lanyard as a small appreciation for the work they do in making netball happen.
Check out all of our fantastic South West Volunteer of the Moment winners below!

subset: commoncrawl


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Newcastle United go to Teesside on top of the world - and top of the Premiership form table over the last six games.
Middlesbrough have yet to record a home Premiership victory over United. Indeed, in six Premiership games on Teesside, United have won four and drawn the other two. And they have scored twice as many goals at Boro in the Premiership than the home team - 14 against seven.
This means, of course, that Boro have never done a Premiership double over United while Newcastle have three to their name - and seeking a fourth tonight after their 2-0 victory at St James's Park in December.
In addition, United have scored in 13 consecutive games against Boro, meaning that they have never failed to hit the Teesside net in Premiership clashes.
Not only is United's recent record at Boro so impressive but they could hardly be in better form as they make the short trip south. For United:
NTop the Premiership form table over the last six games.
NHave won their last four games in all competitions.
NHave won seven of their last eight league and cup games.
NHave scored in 22 consecutive matches.
NHave scored in their last 16 games in the Premiership.
NAre unbeaten in the Premiership this year with six wins and two draws.


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Arty Farty Friday ~ Rembrandt
Rembrandt - his name has become familiar enough to roll off the tongue in everyday conversations about art: "He's no Rembrandt, but he does draw nicely..."; "You never know, you might even find a Rembrandt in the attic, or in the junk store on Main Street!"
The most readable potted biography I've found comes from HERE, the National Gallery in London, UK.
This video, running just under 6 minutes, is good too.
Ten of Rembrandt's best-known paintings are featured at this website.
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was born in Leiden in the Netherlands on 15 July 1606 (Gregorian) according to Astrodienst. The time of birth mentioned is a rectification, with an 'X' rating (not reliable), so the chart below is set for 12 noon.
|Self portrait
He enjoyed success and calamity, the former, of course, due to his talent as an artist, the latter to his profligacy. He loved to buy artworks and antiques, pieces for use as "props" in his paintings. He lived beyond his means.
Sun at 22 Cancer harmoniously trines Moon at 22 Scorpio. He was a sensitive and highly emotional character, we can be pretty sure of that. His paintings are described by experts as being very warm, human, accessible, in a "warts and all" way. He doesn't sugar coat his portraits and depictions of historical or religious events, but paints them realistically and, seemingly, with an understanding of and affection for his subject.
There's a single Air planet in his natal chart, Venus, planet of the arts, in Gemini. Venus is in uncomfortable square aspect to Neptune (planet of imagination and creativity) in Virgo though - but because both Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, I'd say this square wasn't as uncomfortable as might be expected. Even so, creative imagination didn't feature greatly in Rembrandt's art - he relied on realism with, in his later works, a new idea - the use of broader brush strokes. Uranus, planet of all things new, including painting techniques, was in semi-sextile to Venus and sextile his Sun, linking into his nature an urge to experiment with new ideas.
So, where do we find Rembrandt's habit of living beyond his means in the natal chart? That'd be connected to Jupiter for sure! Jupiter certainly links well into his general nature: it sits in early Pisces, in sextile to Pluto in Taurus; trine Mercury in Cancer; sextile Saturn in Capricorn. That last sextile, from Saturn, likely brought with it many accounts needing urgently to be paid!
His well spread natal chart is capable of throwing up numerous chart patterns or planetary circuits compatible with both potential success and potential struggle; that kind of contrast does fit his life story pretty well!


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Displaying seeds 1 - 15 of 16 in total
DRABA AIZOIDESThis rather diminutive alpine is a slow growing, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial. It has rosettes of small, dark-green leaves and in late spring, bears racemes of fragrant, bright yellow flowers. It is ideal for pan culture or on a small scree or rock-garden. ... Learn More
DRABA BERTOLONIIFrom the high Alps comes this very rare plant bearing tiny congested, upright stems, packed with tiny leaves and small yellow flowers. One of these, a pan full the size of a very large cabbage heart cut in half, won a prize at a recent Alpine Show! ... Learn More
DRABA DEDEANAThis very distinctive species from Spain and the Pyrenees makes a tiny hard rosette of shiny green, toothed foliage with heads of disproportionately large white flowers. A diminutive, cushion-forming alpine which is amongst the earliest of rockery plants to bloom, and can be enjoyed even more closely in a trough. Best in gritty, evenly moist soil and full sun or partial shade. ... Learn More
DRABA DENSIFOLIAThis tiny plant forms hard cushion-like mats of small fleshy, hairy, pointed leaves smothered in bright yellow flowers in early spring. Native to western North America, it is found in rocky crevices and on slopes on the mountains above 2000 meters from California to Alaska and Wyoming. ... Learn More
DRABA DUBIAFrom May to July cross-shaped white flowers open on diminutive stalks which in time make up small shiny-leafed cushions. First described in 1802 by Johann Rudolf Suter, it is native to the mountainous regions of the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Apennine Peninsula, Central Europe, eastern Central Europe and the Balkan Peninsula. ... Learn More
DRABA HOPPEANAThis dwarf plant resembles a dwarf dense form of D. aizoides, and forms compact mats bearing racemes of deepest yellow cruciform flowers from July to August. It lives, as a rule, above 2200m in France, Italy, Central Europe and the Alps, where it thrives amongst mountain rocks. ... Learn More
DRABA INCERTAThis American draba makes soft cushions of dark green, pointed leaves, above which arise short stems of bright yellow flowers in very early spring. ... Learn More
DRABA KORABENSISMaking tiny cushions of pointed, hairy leaves, and bunches of yellow starry flowers on thin stems, this tiny alpine is best-grown either in a pot in an alpine house or on a moist scree. ... Learn More
DRABA LASIOCARPAUsually densely tufted hummocks consisting of spiny rosettes produce racemes of yellow flowers in early spring. These tiny treasures grow best in full sun in gritty, sharply drained soil such as where they grow in the rocky grasslands in the Eastern Alps, Carpathians and Balkans. ... Learn More
DRABA LONGISILIQUATiny, compact rosettes of grey-green slowly multiply to make an impressive dome above which arise, in earliest spring, short stems carrying many small yellow flowers. If kept dry, the foliage of this plant is quite amazing and certainly about as good as you can get in drabas. ... Learn More
DRABA MAGELLANICAFrom the cold wastes of Patagonia comes this dwarf alpine with short stem bearing snow-white flowers above clumps of tiny pointed leaves. ... Learn More
DRABA PARNASSICAThis little gem from Mount Parnassus in Greece would be a perfect specimen for a pan or hot trough. Tiny rosettes, much like those of a mossy saxifrage, push up short stems of brightest yellow flowers before almost any other plant awakens. ... Learn More
DRABA POLYTRICHAAn easy-growing draba, making hairy grey mounds of rounded leaves, carrying stemless yellow flowers in early spring. This little gem, that makes a perfect show plant, is native to the mountains of Armenia and also Zigana Dag, Turkey. ... Learn More
DRABA RAMOSISSIMAThis most unusual, petite plant has beautiful basal rosettes, rather resembling hens-and-chicks sempervivums, and disproportionally large white flowers, in heavy sprays, all above leaves with interesting jagged margins and strongly twisted seed pods. It is native to Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. ... Learn More
DRABA SAKURAIIThis rare and beautiful Japanese high alpine plant makes a solid rounded cushion covered with sheets of almost stemless, golden-eyed white flowers. It is ideal for a pot or container or small rock-garden. ... Learn More


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Dres. Schmoll, Wiens & Colleagues
Clinic for dentistry, oral surgery and orthodontics
Dear Patients
Welcome to our clinic
The clinic of Dres. Schmoll, Wiens & Colleagues has been in existence since 1983, and is run today as a group practice with Dr. Daniel Wiens among other doctors. The advantage of such a team practice is that each clinician can specialize in different fields and thereby offer the patients a broad range of modern treatment methods.
Clinic founder and owner Prof. Dr. Jörg Schmoll is certified by the competent dental association in implantology and oral surgery, with further specialization in associated dental prosthetics and the treatment of periodontal disease.
The exact specialization of each doctor can be found under their biographies: "About us - Our doctors".
Our clinic with seven treatment rooms, located in the centre of Eppelheim which is very close to Heidelberg, is one of only very few that is certified to meet the strict criteria of the ISO standard 9001:2008. We voluntarily and quite consciously apply such high standards to ourselves every year because our patients have a right to the highest quality.
For further information about our clinic just click through our website.
Your clinic Dres. Schmoll, Wiens & Colleagues
Your way to our clinic in Eppelheim near Heidelberg
right in the heart of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region
Public transportation
Coming from Heidelberg, you can reach Eppelheim by tram line #22 without changing. Get off on stop 'Eppelheim Rathaus', it is a three minutes walk from there to the practice.
Parking your own car
For our patients, we have six reserved parking spaces in the courtyard. If these are occupied, there are numerous of free public parking spaces in the surrounding area.


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Plus when I use it in a prim project, it will probably end up getting stained again.
By letting the sun pull the dye into the fabric, I got some nice dark spots, a few areas of green from the black dye and an overall aged look. If you are looking for a true antique look, this is it. Most antiques are aged by weather and water and this is what happens;)
I plan on using some in a jean quilt, so the lighter is good for that and some will go as backings or wool applique backing.
I am also working on a Christmas project. This is a design by Jan Patek. Next I need to add the birds and then decide what extra touches I might add. I was thinking some words and maybe some rusty bells on a few antlers. I really wish I could figure out my lighting better to get the true prim look of my fabrics. Even if I take it outside, I can't get the true look, outside my photos tend to go blue, inside they go red or yellow. Eventually I will read my camera book and figure it out;)
And now onto the giveaway winner. In case you are ever wondering, I do use the random generator to pick a name, I never pick one myself. I have entered contests where I would swear that the person gives to people they know;) So, when I picked tonight's number, I was surprised when I went to look to see who number 10 was. It is Corrine of Quilt Taffy, the wonderful lady who I just won from. But I plan on having more giveaways in the future and some more freebies, finally getting back into the swing of things and getting more organized. So, Congratulations to Corrine! Pick out any pattern from my ecrater site and send me an email with your choice.


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The shoe industry is increasing rapidly like any other beauty industry or clothes industry. People spend a huge amount of money on makeup, dress, kitchen, and food but when it comes to shoes, and they have to go out for a walk, they choose their five (5) dollars dirty slippers.
They do a brisk walk with them for five days and then sit down and complaint we cannot move more.
The major reason is the wrong selection of shoes and that's where our guide on the best running shoes for high arches clear many misconceptions.
Best Running Shoes for High Arches
Have you ever analyzed your feet while the ache badly and saw that it has a very high arch? If yes then due to high arch the amount of load on the heel of the foot increases while standing and walking which leads to pain.
Running Shoes for High Arches – Men
When your foot hits the land, it moves inward to tolerate the shock, and the arch reinforce about three times the weight of your body. People who move inward more than normal or not less than normal can face injuries caused due to running due to low effectiveness of the absorption of shock.
Compatibility of the properties of shoes with the style of the running of the runner will enhance comfort, efficiency of running, and tend to lower the danger and chance of injury. Here are few shoes selected for men with high arches:
4.5 / 5
About the manufacturers:
In 1914, Brooks Sports was established in Philadelphia and began to design and sell sports shoes in the 1930s. This American company is putting their effort day by day for making the most suitable shoes for all types of runners out there. It is driven by market and working hard to meet the uprising and current needs of specific runners. It is known as the best company for ethical manufacturing of shoes
Well rated company:
Afterwards, its main focus was on running. This company is rated well due to its policy, sole production, manufacturing, transparency, and components.
Key features:
The shoe mesh and synthetic and is made in the USA.
- Style name: The name of its style is Beast'14.
- Synthetic sole: Its sole is also synthetic
- Colors: It is available in different colors like black, gold, and silver.
- Height: Its heel is 1.5."
- Width: It is 2E wide.
- Suitability: It is suitable for both long run and smooth walk.
- Comfortability: It has high responsiveness to comfort your run
- An innovative cushioning system that adapts to runners of all sizes and speeds, providing a custom ride.
- Made up of fully-integrated shock absorbers to provide cushion and smooth heel-to-toe transition, maximizing the efficiency of every stride.
4.5 / 5
History of Nike:
Nike has been working, promoting and developing the right shoes for different feet types for the past 30 years. It provides style with affordability thus fulfills the needs of various runners at the same time. It has come up with a number of modifications and alteration which makes it the best choice for most runners out there.
Key Features:
- Type: It is of mesh type.
- Sole: It has a rubber sole.
- Midsole: It has a cushioned midsole which provides it with a silky and comfortable ride.
- Air units: It has zoom air units which increase the impact of deflection and protect the feet.
- Cushioning: Its effective and durable cushioning is what makes you feel light weight and provide ease to your run.
- Comfortable ride: It provides a soft and smooth ride which is impressive.
- No Moisture: You won't feel your feet moist when walking in them.
- Versatility: It is versatile as you can wear it for various runs.
- Rapid Rebound: It has a rapid rebound which makes it desirable for most of the runners.
- Synthetic
- 100% Authentic
- Brand New
- Durable
- For Men's
ASICS was established in Japan as a company for the manufacturing of athlete's equipment which manufactures sports and footwear equipment intended for a huge range of sports. Basically, the name ASICS is derived from a Latin phrase which means to have a healthy mind in a healthy body.
It has been established from the past 60 years. The introduction of GEL within the shoes quite seems different and has a big innovation in the world of shoe manufacturers. This company is working hard in terms of improving not only the quality of shoes which has to do with the durability, strength, and ease of the shoe but also putting great effort into making the best of the shoe appearance so to make your run a stylish one.
Key features:
- Sole: It has a sole composed of rubber.
- Sun rising overlays: It has overlays inspired by the rising sun which is one of its best features.
- Mesh: It's in the seamless mesh.
- GEL cushioning: Its cushioning has a Gelling effect making a rear foot. It has such GEL units which are exposed and has cradle which is plastic in nature
- Insole: Its insole is Removable.
- Truss-tic: Systematically, it propels like truss and tic.
- Designed for: Originally, this is designed for those runners who use to land their heels first. The containment of GEL in it makes the landing of the runner smooth and this feature has been appreciated by the testers.
- Weight: It is comfortable and low in weight.
- Smoothness: It aids in the softer transitions.
- Closer to ground landing: Asics are responsible for the thinner formulation of its plastic cradle, and it tends to bring the foot nearer to the ground.
- Durability: this shoe is durable. It won't break down easily.
- Considerable for: it is highly considerable for strikers with heavy heels.
- Gender specified midsole: It has a midsole which is gender-specified for increased cushioning and for the features like bearing shocks.
- Variance in colors and designs: Its availability in various colors with bright and exciting designs makes it more attractive.
- Convenient ride: According to some testers, it gives you one of the most convenient rides in town. It is very comfortable.
- Effectiveness: It is really effective during aerobics or workouts in the gym.
- Firm and snug: The way its heel cup firms the heel and keep it snugly is wonderful.
- Spacious toe box: A huge toe box makes it available for multiple runners.
- Expensive: The price of this shoe is really high.
- Luxury ride: It is mainly designed to support training on a daily basis and is desirable for a luxury run on the road.
Running Shoes for High Arches – Women
There is not a single consideration for shoe because all have different requirements. It involves the bio-mechanics, the body weight, the type of the land you intend to run on, and last but not the least your feet shape. These factors differentiate that what is desirable and good for men must not be wanted for women. Therefore, there is a variety of shoes for women too.
- Impact Guidance System (I.G.S) (Running) : ASICS design philosophy that employs linked componentry to enhance the foot's natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
- FluidRide: FluidRide provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.
- FluidFit: ASICS FluidFit upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the athlete's foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement on multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- Discrete Heel Unit: Takes the Impact Guidance System (I.G.S) to a new level by creating our highest degree of shock attenuation and stability.
Key features:
- Synthetic: It is synthetic in nature.
- Sole: Its sole is also synthetic.
- Correct motion: The motion of foot was made correct supinated through it.
- Efficient grip: its grip is excellently efficient.
- Edgy Tongue: The edgy tongue of the shoe is responsible for the highly super performance all the way.
- Sturdy: It is well built and sturdy.
- Brief fit: It promotes a brief fit.
- Best performer: As far as its stability is concerned, its performance is highly remarkable.
- Best suitable for: It is best suitable for the runners who wish to run for work out through a land which is rough in nature.
- Provision of adequate safety: It is responsible for the Provision of adequate safety of foot to the toe from the danger of projection of objects.
- Neutral runners: It is designed for neutral runners.
- Bright overlays: It has sparkling overlays.
- GELLING effect: It has a cushioning system of GEL.
- Sock liner: Its sock liner has removable foam which facilitates the bone's movement to be in the proper way.
- Outsole: Its outsole is trail specific and having a traction of multi surface.
- Rubber: Its rubber is highly abrasive.
- Rubber sole
- Rugged neutral runner in mesh with bright overlays
- GEL Cushioning System
- Removable foam sockliner accommodates orthotics
- Trail-specific outsole with multi-surface traction
The founder of the company named Golden Harper felt that the movement and walk of barefoot runners altered when they wore typical running shoes. He encountered that the height of the heel of most of the typical running shoes was comparatively very high to the height of the toe.
At that moment, he started altering the typical running shoes by open cutting, keeping the padding out from the heel, and then using an oven toaster and stick to put the shoes back with altogether.
After this realization, he employed local runners and the employees of the store to determine that the traditional shoes where the forefoot and heel were equally distant from the land surface. The design proved to permit a more realistic experience of running where downward movement of the foot is in the center to the area of forefoot rather than that of a more common hit of the heel. He named this design as Zero Drop.
Zero drop:
This shoe has the characteristic of zero drop which refers to the no drop or fall down from the heel of the shoe towards the forefoot. On the other hand, traditional shoes usually have a 12mm drop. Altra makes sure provides the accurate and equal distance off the land at the heel and the ball of the foot as well. This feature makes you feel that you a running bare footed.
Key features:
- Mesh: It has a rapid air dry mesh.
- Sole: Its sole is composed of rubber.
- Huge Toe box: Its toe box permits you to spread your toes which is why it is desirable for good speed and stability.
- Enhanced cushioning: It has an extended cushioning capacity including the responsiveness of A-bound. Runs when Long training are a convenient breeze with the flexible cushioning created from our light but reactive midsole with a bound component.
- A-bound: This compound is responsible for returning energy back into every taken step and can endure your weight well which supports a landing of low impact.
- Different and comforting: The feel of running is very different with these shoes
- Outsole: Its outsole has the technology of foot pad which shapes the bone and directs the foot for a naturally flexible and free movement.
- Design: it has a new and seductive upper design which makes it the best choice for her.
- Suitability: suitable for Fitness, Trail Running and Running only.
- Take your run to the next level with the dynamic cushioning and natural-running inspired design of the Altra Zero Drop Torin 2.0!
- Altra Zero Drop recommends that those new to natural running and zero-drop footwear transition slowly by wearing these on shorter runs and gradually building up to regular mileage.
- A neutral running shoe that boasts high cushioning and a zero-drop differential. It is designed for the neutral to underpronator looking for a barefoot-inspired feel without sacrificing cushioning.
- Ideal for road running, core training, walking, and other fitness activities.
- Designed to help improve running form, toe splay, and natural stability. Quick-drying air mesh upper with lightweight synthetic overlays. FootShape toe box allows toes to splay naturally. Lace-up closure. Lightly padded tongue and collar. Breathable fabric lining. 5 mm Contour Footbed. Dual-layer EVA midsole with highly-responsive A-Bound top-layer returns energy with each stride. Fully cushioned Zero Drop platform helps to align the body, promoting a natural, low-impa
- Color: It is available in different color varieties e.g.
- Charcoal, Grey and in Combo
- White Turqoise
- Blue, Navy and /or Pink,
- Purple/Blue/Mint
- Grey/Charcoal and/or Combo
- Lime, Berry / Pink
- blue / Navy /pink
- Nature: 100% Synthetic.
- Sole: It has a Rubber sole.
- Design: This running shoe is Laced-up in breathable mesh having FLEXFILM no-sew overlays for supporting in a low weight
- Padding: it has Padded collar and tongue
- Lining: RunDry lining which is chafe-resistant
- Density: It has Dual density to control pronation
- Flexibility: Its outsole has Tri-Flex design for better flexibility.
- FLEXFILM, EVERUN Top sole Construction, Tri-Flex Outsole Design
- Selecting the right shoes is extremely important as they increase performance and prevents the injuries.
- One should always go to a sports shop for finding sports shoes instead of going to general shopping malls.
- People at sports shop are intelligent enough to guide you what you want.
- They need to get you what you want in your price, style, and fitting.
- Make sure you try shoes with socks and take a long run to try and make sure that its good.
- Take your socks along that you use while playing as their socks might trick you negatively.
- Properly tie the lace with your hand and never be in a hurry to buy shoes. Give yourself some time.
- Make sure that you tell the staff for what type of activity you need the shoes and what are your preferences since these staff members have been living in the sports industry and have been hired after a sufficient degree/diploma so they can further guide and help you..
- Properly tie the lace with your hand and never be in a hurry to buy shoes. Give yourself some time.
- Make sure that you tell the staff for what type of activity you need the shoes and what are your preferences, since these staff members have been living in sports industry and have been hired after a sufficient degree/diploma so they can further guide and help you.
What Causes High Arches ?
The arched foot can be due to many medical conditions like cerebral palsy, polio, etc. along with neurological disorder. It can also be due to inheritance. If the arched foot is due to any other cause except for inheritance, then the underlying cause is to be treated otherwise the situation will worsen.
How to Select Shoes for High Arch Runners ?
No matter if you are a regular pavement pounder or an Olympic athlete, your feet must be comfortable to make your path easy and delightful.If you are a runner, then choosing running shoes is similar as to buying a car or a house; it requires too much time to select them according to our ease.
Despite giving your walk or run a comfort, shoes can aid in making you run a strong one. If you have high-arched feet, then it is extremely important to choose the shoes wisely so that the high arch feet do not cause any pain and are supported by your shoes.
Shape of Feet:
When you get ready to purchase the appropriate shoes according to the nature of your work, the first thing you should keep in your mind is your feet's shape. Mainly, there are three types of foot out of which the first one is considered to as flat, the other being neutral and the last one is known as high arches.
Role of the arches:
The arches of Flat shaped feet likely to have fallen which makes them flexible and they tend to pronate overly. Well, over Pronation refers to the inward movement of the feet on its nearest margin. When it comes to the second type of foot named the Neutral, it is that variety which one could say the most sound bio-mechanically, this factor puts it somewhere in the center.
As far as High-arched feet are concerned, these are significantly and equally opposite to the flat feet. The landing of high arched feet tends outwardly on the edges of the feet especially when the arches are specifically defined and ending up in somewhat rigid occurrence.
Revolution in the shoe companies:
Due to variance found in the shapes of the foot, the companies of the shoe have revolutionized models to facilitate runners of all pace. When choosing the right shoes for yourself, it is necessary to have familiarity of which category of shoe will be compatible with you, according to the type of your feet.
Cushioning and midsole padding:
Harriers having Flat-foot are prone to drift to a shoe having stability somewhat higher because it helps them to avoid pronate more. More often, people with a Neutral type of feet can run or walk in various types of footwear, but they, usually like to purchase a shoe having moderate firmness.
For Runners having high arches, the most suitable shoes are those which are cushioned because they provide them plasticity with the midsole padding.
Familiarity with your own shoe type is significant:
After finding the right direction of selecting the shoe category, go for a various pair. Your heel must be comfortable and safe when you decide to move your toes around. In this way, there won't be any undesirable slipping.
How to know about our feet shape:
There is a test called the Wet Test. Basically, it acts in a way that it makes a correlation with the wet footprint on a floor that is dry or a small piece of paper roughly with the amount of firmness you might require in your shoe. After undergoing, you will be aware of what features you should go for and accommodates you with the basic knowledge of your feet type.
What to Look for when Buying Shoes for High Arches
- Comfort
- These shoes should be extremely comfortable.
- Make sure when you wear them your ties are not too tight and feel like hurting.
- Don't care about the shoe shape, it just should not hurt or press your toe badly.
- Weight
- Shoes should be light weighted.
- You have to carry your body weight, clothes weight; now you cannot carry your shoe weight as you have to run from feet so shoe should be very light weighted.
- Breath-ability
- Sports people have to wear shoes for a longer duration so make sure your feet don't sweat too much.
- Sweatiness produces itchiness; furthermore, it prevents you from moving faster.
- If you have to remove shoes make sure it does not produces bad odor has breath-ability power.
- Stability
- Fast-paced workouts demand/ requires constancy and suppleness.
- Only heel can provide you this but beware it should be very flexible.
- Sole
- The entire shoe is based on the sole as a sole decides your relationship with the friction of ground.
- Rubber sole, in fact, good rubber sole tends to give good friction. However, synthetic soles do not provide a very good fiction.
- Durability
- This is a busy century, and you have no time for shopping daily so you definitely need shoes which should work for a longer period of time.
- Always select shoes which are durable so that you don't have to buy again and again.
- It is far better to but one good shoe in a year instead of buying one cheap and bad monthly.
- Shock absorption
- Your shoes should have the power of shock absorption.
- This shock is not kind of stress or electric, but it's the shock of emergency situations including mud, grass and slippery sports grounds.
- These wonder shoes help you to maintain balance and prevents you from falling in such situations.
There is a wide variety of style and brands available in the market and choosing the best running shoes for high arches is a tedious task. Before purchasing the shoes make sure to check comfort, cushioning and flexibility they provide. You can also purchase different shoes for different type of running. Keep in mind that shoes are to be changed every 300 to 400 miles so narrow your options based on price range.


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hey guys i could really use some pointers! im a big noob thinking about getting my first controller. im just trying to practice and dj parties and eventually clubs and raves or whatever. not trying to spend too much at first, but im still trying to get the best value controller that i can afford, preferably in the less than 500 price range.
i think i have it narrowed down to two, the hercules 4mx and the traktor kontrol s2. the main difference being the 4mx has 4 deck capability, but i have also heard that its 4 deck capability is pretty useless because it does not have independent controls for all 4 decks, and you have to use shift keys which can cause weird sound problems.
could anyone explain why this is such a problem, and whether or not it is something to be concerned with? i really don't want to get tricked into buying something that doesn't really work the way i would want it to.
do you think it would be better just to get the s2, and eventually upgrade to a truly 4 deck controller? what do you guys think of either of these controllers? is there anything else that i should consider? i would really appreciate any suggestions at all. i have not used either of these controllers, so i would really appreciate any input! thanks for the help!!


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'The Banking and Currency Department shall be a highly responsive and efficient Department maintaining the highest standards of performance and professionalism'
In line with the principal objectives of the Bank of Botswana, the primary roles and responsibilities of the Banking and Currency Department are enshrined in Parts V (Monetary Unit, Banknotes and Coins) and VII (Relations with Financial Institutions) of the Bank of Botswana Act (Cap 55:01). These contain specific provisions conferring responsibility for the issue and circulation of the currency, as well as the provision of banking services to financial institutions and the Botswana Government. Pursuant thereto, the Banking and Currency Department seeks to promote and maintain:
The Department discharges its obligations through:
Within the Department, the Banking Unit provides banking services to the Government and some financial institutions, while the Currency Unit is responsible for the issuance of quality notes and coins. These services are provided in Gaborone and at the Francistown Branch. The Department is headed by a Director, supported by a Deputy Director in Gaborone and a Regional Manager in Francistown.Director:Ms S M SealetsaPersonal Assistant:Ms N ModiseTel: (267) 3606596Fax: (267) 3911722E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Deputy Director:Mr G S Seganabeng Regional Manager, Francistown Branch:Ms N Raditloaneng
Personal Assistant:Ms E MolefiTel: (267) 2400451Fax: (267) 2410448E-mail: email@example.com


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Insomniac took to their Facebook page today to confirm that their upcoming shooter Fuse, has now been moved to Q2 2013 from a previous March release date, meaning we'll see it between April 2013 and June 2013.
They stayed positive with this delay though, saying that "it's not a big delay from March, and its more polish time for us to make a better game." Continuing with the positivity, they said we can expect "TONS of new content coming beginning next week, so keep an eye on our website / Facebook page!"
And in case you wondering if Fuse wasn't going to be good, Insomniac posted on Twitter that "Fuse will be awesome!", while then giving an update on Ratchet: Deadlocked HD, saying, "still coming Idol Minds is close to wrapping on it."
With March 2013 filled with big name games, and April 2013, May 2013, and June 2013 somewhat bare, this delay may not be such a bad thing for Fuse's fortunes.
What do you think of the delay? Do you mind it? Let us know in the comments below.
Essential Reading:


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TECH-P11 IBM Connections: What's New in IBM Social Software
Juergen Schaeck, Architect, Social Portal, IBM
IBM Connections is constantly innovating. Come learn about the latest from the IBM software labs: what's new and coming up with IBM Connections. This session will offer demonstrations of compelling social experiences for both social business novices and longtime Connections users. For those not yet deeply familiar with Connections, come see how social business transforms your workforce and external collaboration. (Level: Introductory)
This video is a recording of a session held at the Exceptional Web Experience Conference, Anaheim 2014.
To watch the video, click the play button.


text: One of my fav sitcoms. Coach with Craig T Nelson. I loved this show. The supporting cast was so good. I loved how Dauber, grew as a character, from a well intentioned idiot to someone who was naive but less so but strives to do the right thing. Also Coach in some ways was the 90s Archie Bunker but like Archie when confronted with really bad thinking did the right thing. Also Jerry Van Dyke, I have fond memories as a child in the 70s and 80s watchin in syndication his brother Dick on Dick VanDyke show but Jerry made me laugh more on Coach. Any other Coach fans. Its back this spring on NBC.


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The Key Elements of Great Opportunities
Things to Take Note When Finding a Job Abroad
With people needing to improve their income and gain experience from different places in the world, there has truly been a dramatic increase the number of overseas job applicants. It cannot be denied that job overseas can really provide you with more growth potentials and earning privileges. But before you even start your journey to hunting for an overseas job, do not miss to check out the necessary steps.
Things to Take Note When Finding a Job Abroad
Since you will be in a new and different place, you've got to prepare yourself enough. Research about the various countries you are considering in your application to check for their culture, economic stability and political condition. You will also have to consider the impact that can be brought to your career and personal life by that place. Aside from that, you also have to know about their working culture and demands. Keep in mind that their working times may be much longer than the one followed in your country of origin.
Even more, you need to have knowledge on the working and travel requirements of those countries. And it is recommended that you meet them before you start applying for the position. Most companies overseas do not wait a long time before you can meet all of your requirements since there are too many who already possess what they need.
You know that there are plenty of countries out there, so you need to know which one is preferable. You need to look for the country that appeals to you. If you like where you are working, then you will become more productive.
Jobs abroad are not often advertisement. You only often know that some jobs are offered through referrals. So, how can you network with professionals abroad. Good thing, there are websites that can help you connect with people from the different parts of the world. These can be used to network with your friends who can be a big help to find a job for you. In addition, they can look for hiring managers for the job you wish to apply for.
The last thing you should do is to prepare all the needed papers. Prepare what you have to prepare to make your application successful. Being well prepared will sure help you succeed with your goals in life.
These are the different tips you need to consider when looking for a job abroad. A comprehensive research can sure help you a lot.
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Japanese Translation Services, Customized!
Every single translation is a unique endeavor. Translation is like a wine — Just as no two vintages are ever the same, no two Japanese translation projects are ever the same. Interesting trivia, but why is this important to consider when ordering translation services?
Many translation companies us a "cooker cutter", or a one size fits all, approach to delivering translation. Indeed, these kinds of operations erroneously think of translation as commodity, to be mass produced in factory like processes. Customization is a scary concept to these folks because it means more work and less profit.
Customization to you, however, means improved quality at lower cost for your translation project. Let's take a look at an example to illustrate this point. You require translation services in English Japanese for a marketing brochure, for example. Now, this isn't your plain vanilla Japanese translation! You'll want to customize you project with
- Marketing translation
- Japanese copywriting
- Japanese typesetting
- Graphic engineering (for brochure localization)
- Local printing
Now suppose that the translation company can't facilitate your customization requirements. You'd be forced to find different vendors for copywriting, typesetting, graphic engineering and printing. Further, with each one fiddling with your translated materials, errors start creeping into the project impacting quality. Delays extend into weeks. And, I'm sure you can see how cost will spiral out of control. Here's the thing, thought — I've had to rescue many a translation projects just like the one in this example!
This is reason why you need to recognize that translation is not a commodity, as some vendors would have you believe. When you partner with a Japanese translation services agency that offers customization, your project benefits immensely with improved translation quality and lower costs.
Voquent is an international online voice over agency and audio production company. Based in London, with studio partners worldwide.Check out https://www.voquent.com/english/new-zealand/ for more information.
Have no idea where to spend your vacation? If yes, then going to Africa is a fantastic idea! You can see a variety of Africa safari tours available here: https://africansermonsafaris.com/category/day-tours/ for more information.
Backpack Materials – How to Select a Backpack That May Last
Backpacks are and it is no surprise. Our hands are freed by them. They maintain lots of stuff. They merely offer us a way of freedom in realizing that we get and are able to toss our items inside. However, a backpack is only not as bad as the products that it is crafted from. Coordinating your preferences using a backpack produced from the best products will help to make sure that your backpack may serve you for many years. Let us take layer components to a look at the backpack that is most typical.
Early on many backpacks were made-of cotton fabric. These backpacks were often created water-resistant utilizing a wax layer. Unfortunately these backpacks were frequently major and were prone to rot if stored damp. Today a resurrection is of fascination with pretty backpacks made from contemporary material. Fabric packages are now popular with hikers, students and specialists. Modern material can be a mixture of natural and synthetic materials that minimize fat, boost toughness, repel water and prevent decay. View link.
usually backpacks for adolescents and kids are constructed of a variety of materials including bamboo. Bamboo is not the most tough material to get a backpack, nonetheless it is challenging enough for little kids and normally sturdy. Backpacks made from bamboo are inexpensive, keep color properly (meaning they can be incredibly radiant in-color), may be various textures, and are sometimes machine washable. In-general, plastic and canvas are stronger and much more resilient than polyester.
Many backpacks are manufactured from 600D polyester. Many tougher backpacks for walking or camping are made from 1200D polyester. The thickness of the threads in 1200D polyester is twice that of packages made from 600D. If you are seeking durability, there is produced from 1200D a backpack much better. If you want a light-weight backpack that's a smoother fabric picks 600D. For some pupils looking for a backpack, 600D will confirm stylish and sturdy plus a better deal than an equivalent pack produced from 1200D polyester.
Frequently within backpacks used for rip-stop nylon has changed frequent abs in recent years. Common plastic punctured or has a tendency of continuing to tear when split. Grab-end nylon includes a grid-pattern of large threads made into the textile to avoid tears from difficult. A significant advantage of abs is its excellent waterproofing. This is a particular plastic mainly utilized in higher-stop backpacks for abrasion resistance and its energy. You will not view it applied just as much in lower-end backpacks. You may typically notice this sort of plastic is considerable backpacks created for adventure.
Quick Secured Payday Loans – Fast Served Securities
Fasting is often synonymous of being secured. The most basic answer features an evident reference to the image of a rescue or a fire brigade. These 2 points are meant to be fast offered. However, individuals have the tendency to forget one more thing which just as has to be served in fast way. Yes, this talk has to do with financings. Individuals look for Payday Loans when they require some bucks immediately and also for this, the loans are to be worked as quickly as possible. And also, this is the reason why quick protected Payday Loans have taken the lead in the loan sector. Visit https://frozenpeafund.com.
Quick safeguarded financings are particularly developed to be quick to serve the fast cash needs of the people. As protected loans require collateral accessory, they made use of to take much time in home appraisal throughout the aged days of financings. Nonetheless, those things are the broach the past and now secured Payday Loans have actually ended up being quick enough because they are online. The on-line home enables individuals to prevent any kind of sort of leg jobs associated with the handling of these loans. There is no paper work associated with the handling of protected Payday Loans anymore. Rather, the important things opt for a few computer mouse clicks just. Online, what all you need to do get the most effective offer for your fast secured financings is completing tiny application forms and waiting for the most effective quotes to come up.
However, fast secured loans had economical rates likewise as well as this is feasible as a result of the security attachment involved in these Payday Loans. In quick secured financings, the security attached by the customer guarantees the lender that his money will be repaid in time. In return, the loan provider developments quick protected financings with cheap rates and also simple repayment terms.
Weekend Getaways in San Francisco Hotels
When visiting San Francisco, you'll feel an urge to explore the outdoors and enjoy the delectable Asia-Pacific and Hispanic cuisines. The cultural explosion you'll feel is simply amazing. It's no wonder it's a traveler's paradise. Let us explore the popular haunts of the city that's dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, while you stay in comfortable San Francisco hotels.
Sea Ranch
Drive just 100 miles south of San Francisco and you'll arrive at Sea Ranch. It offers visitors a chance to hike through the Redwoods or walk along a 10-mile stretch of bluff trails with the Pacific Ocean breaking below. You may just spot a few sea lions or whales from up above if you're lucky. If you have the time, you should venture out onto a kayaking or fishing trip in the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The magnificent architecture of the Sonoma County (which has inspired East coast contractors like Essex County roofing contractors), only adds to the landscape. Explore this quaint town to experience the bygone era when lamps lit the streets. The unpainted wood and unsuspended eaves allow the buildings to beautifully merge with the landscape. You would be surprised to know that there is no street light to prevent "light pollution" and the dazzling views of the night sky fills your senses. Do not forget to taste the wine at Bodega Bay. It is a 1-hour drive away from Sea Ranch, but it's well worth it.
Adventurous Weekend
People who seek aqua adventure can begin their weekend in Monterey at the Monterey Bay Aquarium followed by a stroll on the Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row. For literary enthusiasts, a visit to the National Steinbeck Center will satiate their intellectual hunger.
You can head to the lovely beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea to explore a 17-Mile Drive, famous for inspiring ocean views that runs from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach. For wine-tasting, two venues that emerge on the trail are Point Lobos State Reserve and Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. This region also conducts multiple festivals including the Carmel Bach Festival that celebrates classical composer Bach, and the Carmel Art & Film Festival that plays award-winning independent films.
Before you retire to your San Francisco hotel, take a walk at Asilomar State Beach and enjoy the beauty of its vast coastline and rocky coves.
Surf at Santa Cruz
Do you enjoy surfing? Simply drive down 70 miles from San Francisco to Santa Cruz and surf at the Seabright State Beach! Hit the Beach Boardwalk to enjoy the carnival rides. For vintage shopping head to Pacific Avenue.
Before you retire for the evening, stop at the notorious Mystery Spot- a woody enclave that boasts optical illusions- its operators reveal, the laws of gravity and physics do not apply here!
Half Moon Bay is a 35 minutes drive from San Francisco. This quaint coastal town offers brilliant resorts and spas, and horseback riding at Sea Horse Ranch. You can play golf or engage in bird-watching at the golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can also visit the art galleries to learn the town's history or shop at the stores to collect memorabilia. Who knows, you may just participate in the annual Mavericks Surf Contest!
Explore Mexico with Best Cancun Hotels
One of the major spring break destinations, this place has the best beaches, known for its turquoise colored sea. The place has an amazing nightlife and while you can party to your heart's content. But this is not all, one can always revel in the greatness of the place by going to this place with their friends or family. It is even perfect for a romantic rendezvous with your partner and you will find all the privacy in the serene and calm Cancun.
When you are travelling to the place, make sure that you are doing so with proper planning and you know where you will stay. The benefit of looking at all the Cancun hotels beforehand is that you will not only get an idea about the places but you will also find plenty of time to explore this lesser known destination.
Cancun and what the hotels have to offer!!
The best feature of the Cancun hotels is that they are located on the narrow strip of land that is a perfect accommodation for all your beach side fun. Moreover, the Cancun hotels offer rooms that range from the lowest price rates to the most exuberant ones. You can never run out of money if you go vacationing here.
The strip of island where you can find all the hotels is called the Zona Hotelera. The place is connected to the main city through bridges. Living on an island is what we call the coolest way to vacation.
There are very cozy and comfortable inns to the high profile and five star hotels that are already famous worldwide.
When you have found the right kind of Cancun hotel for your stay, then you can go on exploring the amazing tourist attractions that this land has to offer. Well, there is a lot to be explored apart from the pristine turquoise sea.
Pristine and mesmerizing locations!!
Want to walk barefoot on white sand that will trickle your sensitive feet? Then you should head to the Holbox Island. The island has the best beaches and it even gives you the view of a splendid sunset to behold. Every bit of you will be mesmerized at the beauty that nature has to offer us. you can find literal salvation at this place and you can just sit there gazing the sky for hours.
Nothing gives you more pleasure and peace than calm beaches and you have plenty of them in Cancun. The Holobox beach is not only beautiful but it is of ecological importance too. It supports a lot of diverse wildlife and it is a part of the Yum Balam Natural Reserve. Aesthetically beautiful and maintaining the ecological balance too; well, that is genuine beauty according to me.
There are many more beaches in the land of Cancun and touted as one of the best holiday destinations of Mexico, you will never run out of things to do. Go and relish yourself in the joys of nature.


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I recently spent a few days at the Agency Management Roundtable AE Bootcamp learning from fellow Account Managers and Account Executives that market to several different industries. As I process everything that I have learned over the past few days, I ask myself several questions. What can I take back to my agency? What can I do to improve the experience and business of our clients? How can I challenge myself? Here a just a few great tips I learned.
- Keep your Saw Sharp: I learned about some great ways to keep my saw sharp. How do you keep up with what is going on in your constantly changing industry? Have you tried Stumble Upon? There is an iPhone app, of course, that I was able to download in seconds. This app allows you to find information that pertains to your industry in one place. You simply select categories that interest you and you are given tons of information in seconds. This is a quick and easy way to browse for information without going to several different websites. Another great tip is to utilize RSS feeds. Google Reader is an easy way to organize and receive all the information that interests you, all in one place. You can subscribe to any feed you like and Google organizes it by category. All you need is a Gmail account.
- Lunch and Learn: The whole idea of a lunch and learn is to get together once a month or once a quarter as an agency and share our expertise with each other. There is so much talent and knowledge at Callis & Associates, why wouldn't we share it with one another? You can apply this to your business as well. Think about when a seasoned employee leaves your company. There is so much knowledge and experience that leaves with that employee that could be avoided by cross-training and encouraging your staff to teach each other.
- Google +: Do you currently have a Google + account set up for your business? If you want to increase your SEO, you should. By simply posting your content on Google +, you become a favorite for Google and will see your information go from page 4 to the top of page 1 in a matter of days. Why? Because Google decides who is number 1. Wouldn't you pick yourself?
- DISC Testing: We all have certain personalities and some people that are harder to communicate with than others, but have you ever thought about why? It is vital in any business relationship to understand how your client or vendor communicates and how they respond to your communication style. DISC testing is an easy way to help you understand yourself so you can better communicate with your peers and other business professionals. Keep in mind, not everyone communicates the same way as you.
In this digital age, things are consistently changing and it is imperative to keep up to date on trends within your industry in order to stay relevant. Do your homework and you will be able to offer the best to your customers and peers. What have you learned recently that can help others?


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Ecorptrainings & Services (ECT) is incorporated in India. Since inception ECT has a strong focus on the trainings in latest IT Technologies to serve IT Industries.Having gained proven expertise in various Business and versatile technology areas,ECT has assisted companies for better business performance by implementing the industry best practices being followed all over the world.
ECT is specialized in providing Corporate & Online trainings, IT Consulting, HR Consulting (Recruitment & outsourcing) using industry best practices that helps companies to translate and leverage their strategic business initiatives into tangible benefits. ECT has infinite strength to provide innovative and flexible delivery models (on-site and offshore). ECT has unique blend of professional strength assisting IT Industries , Oil and Gas Sector, Government organizations, Pharmaceuticals, Health Care, Manufacturing and Trading, Financial institutions and Service industry to achieve their business goals.
An introduction to BI
Introduction Of Microstrategy
Advance Features
Experts Features And Administration


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My last post to Ring in Spring reminded me that it was time to go a little deeper with the cleaning. After all, the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom- it was time! Sure, it feels great just to tidy up a little and maybe do a spot of vacuuming, but it's important to occasionally do a really thorough deep clean.
It's really difficult to do a thorough clean with a ton of stuff lying around, so it may be a good idea to declutter. I find it's motivational to tidy up along with a Youtube video of someone else doing the same. You may enjoy that as well!
I love to follow Hermione's organizing videos. If you will need more than one day to get the job done, this video puts you in a sort of organizational retreat, helping you pull yourself and your stuff together in just one week. Surprisingly it worked for me, and I'll be the first to admit I'm far removed from a Minimalist.
Want to do a big whole house decluttering? I like to use books to help me figure that out. You can get organizing books from your library, in ebook form on Overdrive, or buy your own book like "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" or Remodelista's The Organized Home. Additionally you can clean out your junk drawer with a special edition of Real Simple here.
Let Your Machines Clean For You
Do you have a dishwasher?
Stick plastic organizers, sturdy porcelain knick knacks, and kid's toys in there. But sure not to use a dishwasher on anything with paint or glued on decorations, or wash any plastic that is thin and flimsy as it may be the shrinkable kind and curl up like a shrinky dink in there, but a lot of things around the house you own can probably be cleaned without even a speck of elbow grease from you.
Do you have a washing machine?
Use this to clean curtain, the covers for your couch and decorative cushions, even the cushions and your bed pillows themselves. And while you're at it stick your bed sheets in there, it's probably been more than a week since you last did them and that's the recommended frequency to clean sheets during allergy season (which, sadly, means Spring.)
Do you have a Roomba or similar device?
You should probably use that. Sure they aren't as good at deeping cleaning the hard stuff like bigger crumbs or hairballs as a full vacuum, but you should take every short cut to clean you can get. If you can let a machine at least take care of the dust in the carpet and on the floor for you, why wouldn't you?
Clean Smarter, Not Harder
Some cleaning just takes a bit of elbow grease no matter what. I've accepted that. However, aside from the basics like vacuuming or dusting, you can get cleaner grout and shinier floors without scrubbing away for hours or getting faint from toxic cleaning fumes. (I'm looking at you, Scrubbing Bubbles, for always almost knocking me out when I clean the bathroom before I switched to baking soda and vinegar).
ScratchMommy has all the diy organic cleaning recipes you could need and a cleaning checklist printable to match here, and try Bob from This Old House's grout approach here.
If you aren't sure how to do the basics of house cleaning, there are plenty of Youtube videos that will show you how to get it done like the one above, or you can turn to books in your public library or buy Good House Cleaning's guide.
And once your bathroom is in tip top shape, you can head over to my review of some of my favorite bath time luxuries.


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01 Jun Talk Community Hubs
Posted at 13:49h in Uncategorized 0 Comments
Herefordshire Carers Support staff are working alongside the council's Community Brokers to raise awareness of the role of Unpaid Family Carers.
If you are:
A Family Carer yourself
Think you might be a Family Carer
Someone who comes into contact with Family Carers
and would like to find out more about the advice, information and resources available for Carers across Herefordshire, why not pop along and see us at one of the following sessions:
Monday 21 May 2018
HEREFORD Library, Braod St. HR4 9AU
Friday 22 June 2018
LEOMINSTER Meeting Centre, Conningsby Rd. HR6 8JJ
Tuesday 5 June 2018
PETERCHURCH Fire Station, Herefordshire HR2 0RU
Thursday 26 July 2018
Hope Centre, BROMYARD HR7 4QU
A member of Herefordshire Carers Support staff will be available to talk to you and provide the information you are looking for. No appointment necessary.


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Steve is a Partner and the Practice Principal. He qualified from Cambridge in 1981 and joined the practice in 1983, becoming a Partner in 1985. Steve holds a Diploma in Bovine Reproduction and runs the Farm side of the practice.
His interests include game conservation and sports of all kinds, including squash, cricket, rugby and skiing. Steve is married with two grown up children.
Hook Norton Veterinary Group
Hook Norton Hospital
White Hills Surgery, Sibford Road
Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 5DG
Pets: 01608 730501
Equine & Farm: 01608 730085
For sat nav please use OX15 5DF