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Here at Tea Blendz we want to make sure you are getting the best out of your tea! Whether you are decorating or brewing for consumption we wanted to share some of our tips to help you see the full effect of the beautiful Tea Blendz Blooming Teas.
Ideal Brewing Temperature: 100ºC/212ºF
It is important to use water that is hot. Boiling water is required for each tea ball to open up to its full potential. If the water used is not freshly boiled the flowering tea will not develop or open up properly. Please note - all Tea Blendz Blooming Teas are handmade and the weight per bloom can vary as much as 2 grams and the visual appearance from tea ball to tea ball will be slightly different.
Hot tea brewing method - For Consumption:
Place 1 Tea Blendz Artisan Blooming Tea ball into a 3-4 cup Glass teapot or 8 cups tea press. Pour boiling water into the teapot nearly to the rim. Allow the tea to brew for at least 5 minutes. Initially the tea ball will float but during the steeping process it will sink if you have used boiling water. Once the tea ball has unravelled to its full potential the tea can be consumed.
For a Table Decoration:
When using the bloom for this purpose, it is important to let the tea ball brew for 15 minutes or so. During this process much of the tea color that is in the tea will 'steep out'. Place 1 Tea Blendz tea bloom into a large cup or mug. Pour in the water and make sure that the freshly boiled water is nearly to the top of the rim. Allow the tea to brew for at least 15 minutes (you will see the tea bloom and the flowers appear). After the 15-20 minutes take a spoon and very gently lift the bloom out of the cup/mug (wait 10-20 seconds so the tea water can drain off) and transfer the limp looking bloom to a wine glass 7/8th's full of cold water. Voila - a flowering tea ball centerpiece. [It is important to use cold water in the wine glass as the tea will not continue to brew and discolor the visual appearance. The tea ball will last for the whole day - perhaps 2 days depending upon the conditions.
Iced tea brewing method:
Not generally consumed iced but if you do: Place 3 Tea Blendz tea blooms into a heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Place the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea by using more tea, since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)
More antioxidants are extracted from tea (L. Camellia Sinesis), or rooibos (Asphalatus Linearis), the longer it is brewed….and the more tea, the greater the antioxidant benefit.


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Getting super frustrated with Dish as my hopper went down, was sent a replacement, replacement also had a problem which seems to be common with hoppers. In order to resolve this issue a technician had to be scheduled. Scheduled for 5 weeks out, took off early from work to meet him, technician never showed up. Dish refuses to issue credit for the time without service. Dish has not contacted me to reschedule the tech.
At the point where I am ready to cancel the Dish service that I am paying for and not receiving.
Not sure how this award winning customer service is rated but certainly not safisfied with it.
This is definitely not the type of experience that we would want you to have, MGM. I would be happy to take a look at your account and see what what we can do get this resolved for you. Please send me a Private Message so I can look into this. For steps on how to send a PM, please go here https://communities.dish.com/t5/Communities-101/How-To-Send-a-Private-Message/td-p/15039.
Hello, that's unfortunate to hear you are dealing with system issues. I would be delighted to look into this further and see what could be causing it. Can you send me a private message with your account number and security code please? Hope to talk to you soon.

subset: commoncrawl


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There are currently no vacancies listed for Locality.
However if you'd like to send us a CV for consideration, please get in touch.
Have you seen a position or role you wish to apply for? Here are some helpful hints and tips to get you started.
First things first, Take your time. When you apply for a job, ensure it is right for you and that means understanding whether we are the right fit for you as well. Have a good read through the specifications and check that you meet the criteria required from the role.
They say you have 30 seconds to catch the attention of the person reading your application; so ensure you have the most vital information upfront. Include a specific cover letter, it's your chance to sell yourself.
Attention to detail is critical in your application. We want to hear about your past experience and make sure to communicate your achievements. Start with your most recent position and ensure it is relevant to the job for which you are applying. Importantly, Keep the structure of the application clear and simple and limit the length of your CV to 2-3 pages.
The interview
Prepare thoroughly for the interview. Make sure to impress the panel, learn about our team and research the job for which you are applying.
Practice makes perfect: think about the questions that may be asked and prepare your responses with relevant examples to demonstrate your experience. Relax and double check all the details ahead of the interview and give yourself plenty of time.
Listen carefully to what the interviewers ask and take a moment to compose your answer before responding.
Still in its infancy, the European Homeless Mobile Citizen Network was established with its aim to create a truly effective Europe wide network of agencies working with homeless mobile EU citizens. Additionally drafting together models of good practice, policy recommendations and a platform for shared learning.
We've recently been commissioned to help realise this brief. Exploring effective ways of sharing information for key agencies throughout Europe, working to ensure effective practice in EU migrant homelessness and destitution.
It's proven a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference at a time when the highest quality of practice amongst these invaluable agencies, who work at capacity to manage movement of people throughout Europe is a necessity.
Working with Feantsa and there Europe wide brief for managing homelessness we collaborated with partner agencies from Lithuania, Denmark, Romania, Poland, Belgium, Greece and the UK in understanding the challenge and implementing a platform that truly could compliment and advance the fantastic work that is carried out.
Outcomes to date have included building a permanent and evolving web resource and developing processes for major European agencies working within EU migrant homelessness and destitution to access and share key practice and development.
The right to free movement is one of the fundamental rights of EU citizens. Numerous people make use of this right every day and many people have permanently established a new life abroad, thus contributing to the wealth and growth of the host society. However, there is a small but significant proportion of EU citizens for whom moving to another Member State has become a poverty trap. They are destitute and homeless and face difficulties in accessing the right support. Their vulnerable situation is closely linked to EU policies and legislation in the area of free movement of citizens as well as internal migration law and its interpretation at national level.
In several major cities of North-Western EU countries, EU mobile citizens are amongst the most affected by homelessness and, although the main trend concerns people moving from Central and Eastern European countries to Western Europe, recent reports in the press refer to homeless people who have left Southern EU countries. According to a FEANTSA survey conducted in 2012, homeless services from 12 EU Member States report a growing proportion of immigrants among service users (On the Way Home, 2012).
According to UK Department of Communities and Local Government 's data in 2013 28 % of the total amount of rough sleepers in London are from Central and Eastern Europe, 11 % are from other European Union Member States. According to a recent report, in Copenhagen 213 homeless rough sleepers were from Eastern European EU-countries (Projekt Udenfor, 2012 ).
Regarding the worsening situation, public authorities in some Member States (such as the UK, Ireland and Denmark) have introduced 'reconnection' programmes for EU citizens who are homeless. However, there is no obligation for Member States implementing this kind of programmes to ensure that people who return back will not be homeless upon arrival in their country of origin. Evidence shows that some of those people returning to their country of origin experience homelessness when they arrive (On the Way Home? FEANTSA, 2012).
Sustainable and targeted solutions are needed and can be found only through a partnership between organisations working with homeless people both in the countries of origin and countries of destination.
An effective European network provides a paramount support in terms of exchange of experience and policy development. Indeed, organisations working with homeless in countries such as UK, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands are often looking for partnerships with organisations working in countries from where a significant amount of citizens move and unfortunately become destitute.
A European network working on this specific issue enables organisations to find the better solution for individuals through integration in the country where they moved or, if they wish so, through a 'reconnection' to their countries of origin that effectively prevent them from being socially excluded.
Here you'll find the detail of our policies of employment.


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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help Christian students find grants, subsidized loans, work-study funds, and other federal student aid. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) administers the FAFSA and oversees most of the related federal aid programs. Besides federal aid, the FAFSA is also key to securing many private grants and scholarships. Grants are blocks of money given by a donor to help a student pay for college, and students do not have to pay them back. Student loans; however, must be repaid with interest. To help defray the cost of loans, students may qualify for federal subsidies that cover interest payments while the student is in school. Scholarships are typically merit-based aid, and students do not have to repay them.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help Christian students find grants, subsidized loans, work-study funds, and other federal student aid.
Some states and even local government agencies also offer financial aid to eligible students. While each state's aid packages and requirements are different, almost all need to evaluate a complete FAFSA in order to determine a student's eligibility. Colleges also use the FAFSA when allocating work-study jobs, scholarships, and other institutional aid. Federal student aid has existed since 1965, and this year, more than $120 billion dollars of public funding will go to help students pay for higher education. The FAFSA is the door to the largest amount of funding available for students.
FAFSA for Christian Colleges
Attending a Christian college can be a rewarding, though sometimes an expensive educational undertaking, but many forms of public and private financial aid are available to Christian college students through the FAFSA. To take advantage of federal grants, subsidized loans, and work-study programs, students must complete the FAFSA. Many scholarship providers, college aid offices, and private grants also require the FAFSA when determining financial aid packages. Filling out the FAFSA for Christian colleges is no different than completing it for a public or secular institution.
FAFSA Funding
Although the FAFSA is a single form, you can use it to apply for most federally funded programs, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are funds given toward student education, and recipients do not need to pay them back. Student loans must be repaid with interest, like any other loans. The advantage of federal student loans is that they tend to carry lower interest rates than private loans. They also include deferred payment options and tailored repayment plans. Sometimes, the U.S. government completely forgives student loans if a recipient meets the qualifications set forth in the loan agreements. The interest on student loans can be tax deductible. Both student loans and grants must be used for educational purposes such as tuition, supplies, and room and board.
The advantage of federal student loans is that they tend to carry lower interest rates than private loans.
A third federal funding option is work study. Students who participate in this part-time work program earn a wage while going to school. When calculating financial aid packages, the ED considers many variables, including assets, current year of study, total family income, cost of attendance, and expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC refers to the amount that an applicant's family is reasonably expected to pay toward the cost of higher education.
FAFSA Eligibility Requirements
The U.S. government has determined applicant eligibility requirements for receiving student aid, but it reserves the right to create case-by-case exceptions. In general, applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who have completed high school and hold a valid Social Security number. Male applicants who are not serving in active duty must register with Selective Service. FAFSA applicants do not need to meet a minimum GPA but must maintain an acceptable scholastic record in college. To receive federal student aid funds, students have to enroll or receive acceptance to a a degree or certificate program. If a student is convicted of a drug-related offense while receiving federal aid, the U.S. government may suspend that student's funds.
How to Complete the FAFSA
When Should You Submit the FAFSA?
The FAFSA becomes available on October 1. Applicants should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after that date. Applicants for state aid should check with their individual states about specific deadlines. Many states say you should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, but others may have hard-and-fast deadlines. Most agencies award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, increasing the urgency for early submission. Besides, asset measurements change with time. Stock prices, retirement accounts, current debts, and other assets can fluctuate in value. By completing the form early, applicants can increase their chances of securing the best aid package for them.
What Information Do You Need to Fill Out the FAFSA?
The FAFSA requires extensive information, including details about assets, taxes, and income. To complete the FAFSA quickly and accurately, it's a good idea to gather this information in advance. You first need an FSA ID, which you can create online. The FSA ID serves as access to relevant federal online systems and as your legal signature on the document. No one else may create an FSA ID for you. You also need your Social Security number, or Alien Registration number, and driver's license number. For the FAFSA's financial information sections, you need your tax records from the previous year, as well as records of untaxed income and any assets you hold. If you are a dependent, your parents must supply all this information for themselves as well. Finally, you can submit a list of potential schools to which the federal government should send your FAFSA report. You may include up to 10 schools in the list.
Filling Out Your FAFSA
Filling out the FAFSA online is the quickest, easiest, and best way. The online option presents you with the right questions and can help you check for accuracy. It generates faster decisions, too. If necessary, you can complete the FAFSA on a screen-fillable PDF. You enter the information on the screen but print and mail the document. This option allows you to save the data to your PC. It is still possible to request a paper FAFSA for applicants who prefer that approach.
The online FAFSA option presents you with the right questions and can help you check for accuracy.
The FAFSA includes several sections. The student information section asks for contact information, legal residence, prior drug convictions, and degree seeking. In the student financial information section, applicants provide information taken from their income taxes and salaries, including their spouse's earnings if applicable. The student status portion of the FAFSA asks about student age, legal dependents, marital status, and guardianship. If the applicant's parents need to complete their portion of the FAFSA, they should prepare information about taxes, investments, and salaries.
The FAFSA's final section relates to student household information, and it asks about how many people live in the household. Upon completing the FAFSA, applicants and their parents need to provide certifying statements that confirm tax and salary information is accurate.
Tips for Filling Out Your FAFSA
Apply Online
The online FAFSA uses skip-logic, so you only have to answer relevant questions. It also catches common errors in submission, and it comes with a helpful pre-application worksheet.
Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
If the IRS DRT is open to you, use this tool to fill out the FAFSA. It is fast and accurate, eliminating the need to search for forms or worry about mistakes.
List Your Potential Schools in a Particular Order
You can list up to 10 schools on the FAFSA. Federal agencies do not request a certain order, but some states do. Check online to see if your state is one of these.
Fill Out Every Field of the Form
Do not leave any field blank. If a question does not apply to you, simply insert an "o." Blanks in the form can delay financial aid decisions and distribution.
Include an Explanatory Letter for Special Circumstances
Applicants can include a letter with the FAFSA explaining any special circumstances, such as high medical bills or a recent job loss. Supporting documentation should accompany this letter.
Submitting the FAFSA
How Do You Submit Your FAFSA?
After double checking the FAFSA for accuracy, you, and your parents if you are a dependent, can sign the document electronically using FSA IDs from FSAID.ed.gov. If necessary, you can print, sign, and mail the page, but doing so delays processing. After signing the FAFSA, you should see a confirmation page, which you need to print and retain with your records.
Student Aid Report
A document containing the fundamentals about financial aid eligibility, the Student Aid Report (SAR), goes to applicants who successfully complete the FAFSA, as well as to the schools those applicants choose. The SAR includes the basic details about the applicant, a receipt date for the application, the Data Release number, and the EFC. Applicants need to verify the information on their SARs. If you discover a mistake in your SAR, you should get in touch with your chosen school's financial aid office, complete a new FAFSA, or make signed changes and submit the document again. You may qualify for financial aid if your SAR indicates that you are eligible for verification.
How and When Do You Get Your FAFSA Funding?
Students receive funds in different ways and at different times depending on the aid package for which they qualify. First-time loan recipients must sign a promissory note and attend entrance counseling, which explains the facts about student loan policies and repayments. Students should consult with their school's financial aid office to understand more about their own distinct aid packages. No student has to accept financial aid, whether it is offered by the government or a private institution.
FAFSA FAQs
What's the Deadline for Filing the FAFSA?
You must complete the FAFSA between October 1, 2017, and June 30, 2019, for aid in the 2018-2019 school year.
Do You Need Good Grades to Receive FAFSA Funding?
Most federal financial aid packages are need-based, and good grades do not count toward eligibility. However, many private agencies and schools do consider an applicant's GPA when awarding funds.
Is There an Age Limit for FAFSA Aid Recipients?
Students of any age may apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA. The U.S. government does not discriminate by age or gender when determining financial aid eligibility.
Can Your Household Income Automatically Disqualify You from FAFSA Funding?
You can apply for financial aid regardless of your family's total income. While you may not be eligible for some forms of need-based aid, many merit-based scholarships also require you to fill out the FAFSA.
Do Your Parents Have to Be U.S. Citizens for You to Be Eligible for FAFSA Aid?
No, your parents' citizenship status has nothing to do with your eligibility for financial aid. In fact, the FAFSA does not even include a question about your parents' citizenship.
How Long Does It Take to Fill Out the FAFSA?
It only takes about 30 minutes of work to fill out the forms if you have all your documents at hand. The FAFSA is not a complicated document to complete.
Can You File Your FAFSA Before You've Applied to Any Schools?
Yes, your chosen schools will open your application file when they receive the first documentation from you whether that is your application, transcript, or financial aid documents.
Where Can You Find More Information About the FAFSA?
Applicants and their parent can visit www.fafsa.ed.gov, an ED website that provides current information information on the FAFSA and its policies and procedures.


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Adventure. History. Tourism. Exploration. Spirituality.
These are the themes of a Russian-language YouTube channel called Alfa-News.TV, led and produced by Pastor Yuri, a Nazarene leader in Russia.
Several years ago, restrictive legislation and increasing government pressure in Russia were making it more difficult to rely on traditional methods for evangelism and church planting. Yuri turned to the greater religious freedom of the Internet, and of Russia's neighboring country of Finland.
In response, Yuri developed an innovative strategy to reach Russian people with the gospel through an online travel and exploration show with spiritual content. Once the programming draws at least 1,000 regular followers, the YouTube channel will begin broadcasting informal worship services. Yuri believes they'll start this autumn. The program has about 300 followers on YouTube, 300 more on its Facebook page, and an additional 300 on VK, a popular Russian social media platform.
As the online services begin to draw a consistent following of viewers, Yuri plans to eventually organize those viewers who are interested into real-world house churches or small groups. Nazarene congregations and pastors on the district are ready to provide support, especially the congregation and pastor in Volgograd, where Yuri previously was a pastor. He considers this will be the mother church of any new groups that are planted.
Such an approach will not violate Russia's recently enacted laws limiting evangelism and where Christians can meet for worship.
"If they like an adventure program, when we start to talk about spiritual things they already like and trust us, and they start to hear from us the message about God and the gospel. They give us trust in that area."
Yuri is making his vision a reality through creative partnerships.
He turned to a Christian TV station in Finland to partner with him in developing, filming and producing Alfa-News.TV. The station donates studio space, and one week of time every month from one of their salaried employees. A Christian marketing firm in Siberia donated a drone so the team could shoot high quality aerial video footage. Several of Yuri's Russian friends in the film profession volunteer their time and expertise, as well.
Why partner with a station in Finland? Finland shares an extensive border with Russia, and has a significant Russian-speaking population; many Russian people are interested in Finland, or travel there on vacation. Yuri moved to St. Petersburg, close to Finland's border, making it easier and more affordable to travel there regularly for planning and filming episodes of the show.
With high-end camera work, editing and graphic animations, the show is competitive with other secular programming in the genre.
In one episode, the team of geolocators visit a medieval castle where they reveal interesting aspects of the fortress's architecture and history, as well as provide travel tips for tourists. Yuri shares religious or spiritual history of the site, connecting it to topics of spirituality.
Episodes often feature the team praying together for viewers or future visitors to the site.
Another 12-episode series follows Yuri and a group of Nazarene Eurasia Region leaders on a TransSiberian Railway trip from Moscow, in the west of Russia, to Voldovostock on the far east border with China and North Korea. The group learn about the cultures of cities along the way, while stopping to pray for God's Spirit to be present and active in each city.
Additionally, the team record occasional programs in which they simply sit and discuss a complex topic that is relevant to both Finland and Russia.
Join us in prayer for the team and the ministry they are doing. Also, please pray for the people who will see the show, for God to speak to them through it.
— By Gina Grate Pottenger


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Samsung prepares first Tizen-based smartphone
Galaxy-maker boldly goes further in bid to jettison Android
Samsung Electronics today confirmed it is developing a Tizen-based smartphone that will be released in the third quarter, in the next major step to decouple its handsets from Google's Android platform.
The Samsung Z, which the company will show off at the Tizen Developer Conference in San Francisco on tomorrow, will come with a 4.8-inch HD display and the fingerprint sensor first introduced in the Galaxy S5.
Tizen is a Linux-based open-source OS with no clear licensing structure. While Samsung developed a large portion of the platform's core functionality, other elements of the system are still open source.
In February, Samsung launched updated versions of its Gear companion watch, all of which carried the Tizen OS. The event, at Barcelona's Mobile World Congress 2014, preceded the launch of the flagship Galaxy S5 by just a day, leading to speculation that the S5 might be Tizen-driven. But the S5 carried Android, and few innovations, and was plagued by a lacklustre reception from pundits and consumers.
A report by Reuters indicated that the launch of the Z would be in selected markets, which may serve as a test bed for what will be a comparatively modest Tizen ecosystem. Samsung does operate its own app store, but has no track-record of building the kind of loyalty base enjoyed by Google Play or the App Store.
However, Rachel Lashford, a Singapore-based analyst at Canalys, does not believe Samsung's Tizen experiment should be written off.
"There is plenty of room and plenty of opportunity for a strong third vendor; arguably if you can carve out 10% of a 2bn-units market in smartphones [2018 estimate], then that could be an opportunity," she said.


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Below is a statement issued by the Singapore People's Party to Singaporeans for the New Year, noting that Singaporeans can make a difference as long as they believe that their collective voices are powerful enough to have the Government see their points of view and perspectives and ask that Singaporeans work with the party to bring about the Singapore which Singaporeans …Read More »
Monthly Archives: December 2017
Record set by Chiam See Tong Sports Foundation with 203 swimmers treading water
The Chiam See Tong Sports Foundation (CSTSF) managed to get into the Singapore Book of Records on 30 December after it managed to get 203 swimmers to tread water for a total of five minutes at the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, capping off 2017 in fine fashion, nine months after launching in March 2017. Held as part of Splash for Singapore 2017 …Read More »
Should Singaporeans pay for news?
by Gene Kam Commenting on the Today Online article, "Getting Singaporeans to pay for news", Kam wrote on his Facebook page, The author ends her piece with: "News organisations have the mammoth task of providing credible and up-to-date information, run a profitable business, and nurture and grow its base of loyal readers. The rest is up to the readers." While she …Read More »
What happens if you switch domestic workers too frequently?
by Value Penguin When it comes to hiring foreign domestic workers (FDWs), finding the right match for your family can be tough and it may be tempting to try out different domestic workers in hopes of finding the perfect fit. However, frequently changing your foreign domestic worker can lead to negative consequences. Below, we examine what can happen if you frequently …Read More »
Names of primary and secondary schools merging in 2019
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced in April 2017 that seven pairs of primary schools and three pairs of secondary schools will be merged in 2019 which was done in response to falling live births and to ensure that each school has an adequate number of students for a meaningful educational experience. The names of the merged primary and …Read More »
Man sentenced to 46 weeks imprisonment for bribing police officer and offence under OSA
The court has sentenced a dispatch driver, who bribed his police officer friend to obtain confidential police photographs, to 42 weeks' jail on Thursday (28 December). Lim Sua Huat, 61, admitted to two counts of offering S$1,000 in bribes to former police officer Terence Lam Guo Long, 37 and was sentenced to nine months' jail for the offence. Lim also admitted …Read More »
Amendment to dog licensing e-Services to allow licenses renewal up to 3 years
The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has announced that it will allow dog owners to apply for and renew the licences of their pet dogs for a period of up to three years with effect from 1 March 2018, adding that the revision will make dog licensing easier and more convenient. Currently, dog owners can only apply for …Read More »
Journalists freed from Myanmar prison after two months detention
Myanmar prison official announced on Friday (29 December) that two foreign journalist and two local employees for Turkish state broadcaster TRT has been freed after completing a two-month jail sentence for flying a drone near Myanmar's parliament thus violating an aircraft law in the country. They are cameraman Lau Hon Meng from Singapore, reporter Mok Choy Lin from Malaysia, Aung Naing …Read More »
Four men charged by CPIB for cheating offences for contracts worth $9.8 million
Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) charged four men, one SMRT Trains employee and two others who previously worked for the rail operator, as well as a company director, in court on Friday (29 December) for cheating offences involving contracts worth of a total of S$9.8 million which allegedly took place between 2007 and 2012 They were allegedly concealed their interest in two firms that won …Read More »
MSF on court decision to reject adoption bid by father
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) in its comments on a court decision on a Singaporean doctor's bid to adopt a child he had fathered through surrogacy in the United States and laid out its policy on adoption on Wednesday (27 December). The Ministry said that its position is "informed by Singapore's public policy, which encourages parenthood within …Read More »


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It turns out that man's best friend offers more than just companionship. A Swedish study published in 2017 in Scientific Reports says that for people living alone, owning a dog can reduce the risk of death by 33 percent and, specifically, cut the risk of cardiovascular-related death by 36 percent, compared to singles who aren't dog owners. Additionally, the chances of a heart attack were found to be 11 percent lower. The benefits of dog ownership, the researchers said, include increased physical activity, emotional support, and, of course, unwavering companionship.
Dog is my co-pilot:


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BILL BAUER - That 70's Golfer
Welcome to my World!
Golf courses need to be played, and trails need to be hiked. Luckily, there is no shortage of either in the southeast!
I truly believe that "Life is a journey, not a destination," and sharing my experiences is what The Write Choice is all about.
I'm sure you'll be happy working with me. Look around my website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me.
I hope to see you again! Read about my most recent journey to Daytona Beach - where surf, sand, and sun combine with two gorgeous golf courses at LPGA International. You can also meet an interesting fly fisher Michael Yelton, who can guide you around the Lake Lure area in search of trout. And if you need a light seeking holiday excursion - Aiken SC awaits. All this in December's issue of Upstate Lake Living. Use the following link..https://issuu.com/search?q=upstate+lake+living


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Just like that, winter announces that it's really here. A nice photogenic change of colour scheme is one thing, a sudden smackdown is another.
I was doing errands in Nelson and it was snowing all day but it was plus one, so nothing accumulated, but when I was on the boat home, it started to stick with a vengeance. When the ferry landed and the ramp was coming down, loaded with 3" of snow, I thought, uhoh. Made it off the ramp ok, but started swimming on the unplowed road a few hundred meters further and had to go to 4wd just to get up the hill. The snow was coming so thick and fast it made that blizzard tunnel effect on the windshield you can hardly see through- the technical term for snow like that is puking. It felt like a mission to the ski hill on a really good day. I crept home in a line of other creeping cars, I suspect most of them also still on summers; gratefully, made it home without misadventure at 20kph, and now I'm parked until the snow thaws or I manifest snow tires. Trees down everywhere, semi-trailer stuck across the road, and the power flickering but only out for a few minutes. Unbelievable for November. Just past mid-November, even.
There's nothing like a good big snow to make you feel isolated and wintered in. As long as it's cozy at home and you need nothing from the outside world, then being stuck at home in the snow is like being snuggled under a big white blanket.


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Home / Gold and Silver Lehenga
Gold and Silver Lehenga
Bring out your feminine side with this gold tissue lehenga with roses embroidered on it, paired with a silver sleeveless blouse in tissue. Finish off the soft and sophisticated look with a pink georgette dupatta with gold motifs.
Original Fabric: Skirt - Georgette | Blouse - Silk | Dupatta - Organza
Payment will be charged in INR, Currency conversion is for reference only.
Time to Ship: 4 to 5 week(s)
Related Products
A Riot of Colors


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As once was said: "Beware of Weightless Belief that is powerful enough to start war." But in this age of pluralism, how does one know when something has true substance? The hippies used to say: "heavy man" (and some still do) when something had substance and meaning. The hippies also said 'I can dig it man!" when they found something they liked. To be able to dig something, it has to have depth. These saying reflected a period of history when people were truly seeking for real meaning in life.
As psychology has become more popular, ideas like "the power of positive thinking" have become popular. This basically says you "choose to be happy" and that is what matters most. But then questions arise: "Is a 'personal resolution' enough or do we need a 'personal revolution?' Is it really true that 'attitude is everything?' or is there 'more to the picture?' Can human 'will power' alone bring lasting fulfillment? Or is there a 'higher power' we need to tap into?" Some have suggested Jesus Christ as a possible answer and what harm could it do to compare the most basic choices with an open mind?
Digging in the Sand
Jesus taught there are basically two types of foundations in life. They resemble sand and rock.[1] This quote by George Bernard Shaw, I believe, shows a life built on the former:
'The science to which I pinned my faith is bankrupt. Its counsels, which should have established the millennium, led, instead, directly to the suicide of Europe. I believed them once. In their name I helped to destroy the faith of millions of worshipers in the temples of a thousand creeds. And now they look at me and witness the great tragedy of an atheist who has lost his faith."[2]
That quote is from one of Shaw's last writings. There is no sense of hope or happiness left in him. Much of the gung-ho optimism has left. This is one case out of many for sure, but it shows an honest expression of someone who admitted his life didn't have a strong foundation. Shaw was an atheist. His materialistic world view eventually led him to a sense of hopelessness and nihilism.
A Head in the Sand
Let's consider the two options of belief and non-belief in God. If God exists, then this makes all the difference in the world. But if God exists and a person has firmly decided that God does not exist, this mindset colors all that is seen and perceived. Consider the ostrich, with its head buried in the sand. If God does exist then the atheist is just like the ostrich. At every turn, at every hint or whiff of God, the atheist becomes more and more skilled at denial and avoidance, like the ostrich burying its head in the sand. The atheist, like the ostrich, may feel safe but of course there isn't real safety. Truth and consequences still exist whether he or she acknowledges them or not. Spiritual life exists, even if a person has chosen to live in darkness.
Bertrand Russell, one of the most famous atheists, wrote a book 'Why I Am Not a Christian.' His Christian daughter, Katherine Russell Tait, also wrote a book, 'My Father, Bertrand Russell.' She described how Bertrand was not open to any serious discussion of God's existence: 'I could not even talk to him about religion. I would have liked to convince my father that I had found what he had been looking for, the ineffable something he had longed for all his life. I would have liked to persuade him that the search for God does not have to be in vain. But it was hopeless. He had known too many blind Christians, bleak moralists who sucked the joy from life and persecuted their opponents; he would never have been able to see the truth they were hiding.'
Tait, nevertheless, believes that Russell's 'whole life was a search for God...Somewhere in the back of my father's mind, at the bottom of his heart, in the depths of his soul, there was an empty space that had once been filled by God, and he never found anything else to put in it.' He had the "ghostlike feeling of not belonging, of having no home in this world.'Bertrand Russell once said 'Nothing can penetrate the loneliness of the human heart except the highest intensity of the sort of love the religious teachers have preached.'"[3] He knew that truth and love existed but was so turned off by the messengers that he couldn't receive the message.
In the ultimate avoidance of truth and reality, Aldus Huxley chose to take LSD on his deathbed. His parting speech did not give any real sense of deep hope or happiness but basically described how "the world is an illusion…" If this is true, at least as he believed it to be, then illusion is where it's at and why not go for it? Why not just over dose on drugs? Why wait until you are on your death bed? If you blow your mind out on drugs then it really doesn't matter anyway, right?
Truth and Freedom
While many, like myself, consider this mindset and this scene of Aldus Huxley passing into eternity in a state of illusion and delirium a real tragedy, many do not. If you do a search on the Internet, you will find many who consider this a heroic act or "a great way to go." This type of mentality shows how far gone much of society has become. This type of attitude doesn't come suddenly but is the result of different choices over time about what is true and what isn't. Jesus said: "you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."[4] The opposite is also true. Each time a lie is chosen, a freedom is lost. The extent to which one chooses self deception is the extent to which one paints himself or herself into a corner. The collective result of these wrong choices results in a society which Isaiah described where white is called black and good is called evil and evil is called good. [5]
The loss of free Choice
While many boast that a woman has the right to choose abortion, sadly, most other freedoms are gradually being stripped away. In public schools in the USA, for example, a student or a teacher does not have a choice to express his or her opinion about God, while black magic, voodoo, extrasensory projection, transcendental meditation etc., etc. are all fair game. Teachers must follow the official agenda or risk demotion or being fired. In the official agenda, one cannot promote marriage between a man and a woman but rather must promote the "alternative lifestyles" agenda. One cannot suggest abstinence but must distribute condoms and offer abortion on demand. Philosophically, the students are fed a steady diet of secular, atheistic humanism and the results are obvious: Hopelessness, aggression, mass killings and bad grades. Studies have shown that poor performance is not a result of under funding as is usually the excuse. Private schools often have fewer funds but achieve much higher results. So what is the actual level of learning since the system was hi-jacked in the US? In the news on April 1st, Fox News reported "Seventeen of the nation's 50 largest cities had high school graduation rates lower than 50 percent." [6] …Hats off to the secular humanists!
The Religion of Intolerance
Many have called Christianity a religion of intolerance but Christianity does not force one to choose to believe in God. On the contrary, the effect of Christianity as a foundation in America has allowed for the freedom of expression of every faith. But there is a new religion which is not so tolerant. This religion has taken over the school system and much of society. This religion is the epitome of hypocrisy. What is this religion? …Secular Humanism. The first Humanist Manifesto in 1933 proudly declared Secular Humanism was a religion nine times. John Dewey described Humanism as our "common faith." Julian Huxley called it "Religion without Revelation."[7] The Supreme Court affirmed Secular Humanism was a religion in 1961: "This Court has taken notice of the fact that recognized "religions" exist that "do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God," e. g., "Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, SECULAR HUMANISM and others."[8] After humanists were challenged in court they hypocritically flip flopped and now tote that it is not a religion but is purely scientific. They bash anyone who would suggest a coexistent choice between creationism and evolution.
Ben Stein has recently taken the lead in exposing the hypocrisy of the system with the documentary film "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." . "Stein takes a look at the scientific establishment's hatred of design theory. Through interviews and real life examples, Stein demonstrates the blatant censorship on US campuses when it comes to theories that challenge the dogma of molecules-to-man evolution."[9] While the US has become more opposed to freedom and choice in God, the Ukraine school system has actually become more open to freedom and choice in God. Official school textbooks now offer both the Evolutionary world view and the Intelligent Design world view in Ukraine.
The Fact of Choice Supports God's Existence.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to systematic atheism! There is a choice to see the world not just as an illusion or as a series of mishaps, but as a meaningful and intelligently designed whole. One of the presuppositions of choice is the idea of truth. Only truth allows one the ability to propose that one thing is "better" than another. Assuming these presuppositions, one of the main arguments against Christianity is this: "If God is 'good and perfect' he would not have created an imperfect world." The answer to this argument is the fact that love and choice exist in this imperfect world alongside pain and suffering. And in order for love and choice to exist, then non-love and the rejection of truth must also exist:
"If God had created the universe with no possibility of evil or sin, then the created beings would have had no free will, and, as such, would essentially be programmed computers. Such beings would be incapable of love, since love involves making a choice - which requires the ability to choose not to love. For example, I can program my computer to say 'I love you' when it starts up. Does this mean that the computer really loves me? Of course not! Likewise, God could have programmed humans to say that they loved Him, without the possibility of rejecting Him or performing evil deeds. However, these programmed beings would exhibit about as much true love as my computer - not a very satisfying relationship. Therefore, God created the universe for the express purpose of allowing free will spiritual beings the opportunity to have fellowship with Him (and likewise, reject Him)."[10]
Choice is a gift from God. It is in line with God's character. Jesus always let people choose to receive Him or reject Him. Where Christianity has been prevalent, freedom of speech has been prevalent; freedom of human rights has been prevalent etc. Where atheism is prevalent, or where a militant religion is prevalent, the opposite is true.
Choosing Life
Long before the "Right to Life" anti-abortion movement began, "choose life" was a slogan: "…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE…"[11] It wasn't "choose happiness" or "choose truth" but "choose life!" Why? Choosing life is the summation of all the best choices. It includes choosing truth, health and happiness. Jesus is the only person in history to point to Himself as the way to finding this true life: "…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."[12] Confucius, Buddha and Krishna etc. explained steps to take in order to try and "achieve" a "higher consciousness" but only Jesus said "It's all about me!" "Knowing me personally is the only way!" People try to lump "Jesus consciousness" in with Buddha and Krishna but in doing this they show they really don't understand the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Theory and Practice
With the 2008 Olympic Games approaching in the summer, the whole world is watching the strife between the socialist/communist Chinese government and militant Buddhist monks in Tibet. On March 31, 2008 the Chinese government claimed to have caught the arson suspects they were looking who burned shops in the March 14 riots wherein many Chinese were burned to death. The following is a description which was described in an email by an onlooker:
"The demonstrations 'seemed to be rather quiet and organized at first. Then a growing hysteria started to mount like the spilling out of decades of oppression, unstoppable once it started . . . Once a bit of air [had been] released during the initial, peaceful protest, a tidal wave of emotion was unleashed. It became mob-like . . . Lots of people being pulled from their businesses, buildings burned, knives and meat cleavers, and anything else anyone could get their hands on to defend or attack. Tibetans and monks hauled away and shot on the streets. Lots of fire, lots of explosions and gunshots still peppered this night…"[13]
While it may not be surprising that the atheistic Chinese government has repressed freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression, it is surprising to many that the Buddhists became violent. What the riots have shown is that Buddhists are people just like everyone else and if anything the riots underscore the reality of the sin nature. Many are drawn to Eastern religions because they can sound good in theory. But practically there seem to be some real problems. Reincarnation implies that we all have a designated fate or karma and therefore helping other people is not considered to be a good thing ethically because it interferes with their karma. For this reason the caste system is resolute and unchangeable. Some people are considered "untouchable" un-help-able. A person in this system has no choice to advance socially. For this reason, things like mercy and love are not highly valued but devalued and depreciated. In Christianity, love is enthroned in the highest position in the person of Jesus Christ. Although many terrible things have been done in the name of Christianity, the Christian ideal is quiet different from Christian history and has strong contrasts to Eastern religions. Erwin Lutzer pointed out:
"What is the difference between the experience of the Eastern religions and the experience of the true God? One is self-centered, the other is people-centered; one seeks the experience itself, the other seeks the true God, and the emotional experience connected with it is secondary. Christian joy comes when we look away from ourselves-first to God, then to others."[14]
Burying the Evidence
What about the politics of atheism and materialism? Atheistic systems always end up repressing freedoms. We see this in China today. It was also evident in Nazi Germany. Many Jews still today unfortunately associate Christianity with Hitler! But nothing could be farther from the truth. This shows a great ignorance of the teachings of the Bible. Hitler made a pact with the Catholic Church to deceive the masses and apparently it seems to be still working with many! With the Soviet Union there was no doubt on the political stance: "No God and no freedom." Warped beliefs created warped warped actions. One who is self deceived, will most likely go on to try and deceive others.
On November 6, 2005, evidence was unburied; an ancient church was discovered in Megiddo, Israel. There were many remarkable aspects regarding the discovery. First of all, it was discovered by Palestinian prisoners from a nearby prison camp. They actually did the excavations. They discovered the foundations of a church building in a style pre-dating Byzantium and its basilica type churches. They discovered there were no cross symbols, only the Christian fish symbols. They discovered a communion table for sharing meals, and no altar. On the table was an inscription: "Akeptous, the God loving offered this table for the God Jesus Christ as a remembrance."[15]
Why are these discoveries significant? Firstly, the excavations were not performed by Christians, but Palestinians, impartial to promoting any Christian ideas. Secondly, all of these details show this church was most likely built in the third century, before Constantine became emperor of Rome in 313AD. Thirdly, this is the first archaeological proof that people worshiped Jesus Christ as God before Constantine. This shows the false presumptions of books such as the "DaVinci Code." What is also remarkable is the Israeli reaction to the find. Although a potential source of tourist revenue for the state, the Israeli authorities actually ordered that the all the findings be covered back over! They decided to do physically what many people do mentally, bury the evidence and suppress the truth! Perhaps this should be a sign for Jewish people to take another look at Jesus Christ. Whenever evidence is being obstructed or hidden, eyebrows should be raised. As Sherlock Holmes, the voice of reason once put it: "The game is afoot. Not a word! Into your clothes and come!"[16]
When it comes to seeking God, the culprit which opposes us is often our own pride or stubbornness. Romans 1.18 shows how we are inclined to suppress the truth in our hearts instead of seeking the truth. But this is a choice each person has to make, to seek truth or to seek illusion, to excavate or to bury.
Paradoxes of Happiness - What's Your Haiku Level?
The Japanese have these special poems called haiku which are based on paradoxes and apparent nonsequiturs. Why are Japanese haiku so intriguing? Because, in truth, there are many paradoxes in life! The quest for happiness, for example, has many such paradoxes. Jesus explained eight secrets of happiness or "blessedness" as He called, it in His first public teaching in Matthew chapter 5. All of them are based on paradoxes. This is a whole study in itself but basically most of the paradoxes are based on various forms of love, humility and holiness. This is not the self gratifying love that the world most often proposes but rather the selfless kind of love that God has demonstrated in Jesus' life. All three of these subjects are antithetical to a materialistic world view and for this reason are very difficult to really understand without knowing God. As He taught the lesson, He was speaking to His believing disciples and this first step of spiritual faith, believing in Jesus, would be a prerequisite for really understanding exactly what He was talking about.
Regeneration not Religion
Ultimately, Christianity teaches a religion of non-religion. It teaches that religion, as based upon human rituals and traditions, is of no avail. It teaches that regeneration is all that really matters. Many of the modern principles of psychology already were penned in the Bible thousands of years ago. The idea of "the power of positive thinking" is actually in the Bible in Philippians 4.8-9. But the Bible shows this is not enough for deep and lasting happiness. Jesus proposed a kind of happiness not based merely upon a personal resolution but rather on a personal revolution. He said "you must be born again" spiritually.[17] How is a person "born again?" A person is born again through receiving the living word of God.[18] What does the word of God say about salvation? It says it's all by grace and faith, it's a gift from God simply to be received.[19] The Apostle Paul described the mystery of the gospel as Jesus Christ dwelling inside.[20]
The Choice of Change
In order to receive Jesus you have to come to the place where you acknowledge that you want to change, really change. Christ taught that sin is a willful rejection of light and truth.[21] In order to receive Jesus Christ you have to come to the place where you accept the fact that many of your thoughts and deeds have been dark and that this darkness has separated you from God. It is to accept the fact that these sins against God can only be forgiven and removed by God. You have to be willing to admit that you don't have "the right stuff" to make it on your own, that no amount of "will power" can give you the new life that you need. The Bible shows that repentance comes before conversion. Some people have deep emotions when they repent while others don't. The main thing is to realize that it is an act of faith to confess your sin, to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and to choose to follow Him. It is about a relationship not a religion. The main thing is to establish this relationship and keep it.[22] The prayer of salvation is incredibly simple. Roman's 10.9 is a good example. It's based upon confessing and believing. First, confess that you are a sinner and that you need forgiveness. Then acknowledge that you believe Jesus died for your sins and that through His name you are saved. By faith receive His forgiveness and his indwelling Holy Spirit. An example may be: "God I realize I am a sinner. I realize I need forgiveness for my sins and only you can give it to me. I thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins on the cross. I pray that you cleanse me now from every sin and give me new life through your Son Jesus Christ. I want to be born again. And I also pray that you help me by Your Holy Spirit to live each day for You, amen."
So now What?
The Psalmist David wrote: "Happy is the one whose sins are forgiven."[23] Richard Carlson wrote: "Don't sweat the small stuff…and it's all small stuff." This is true especially for the Christian believer. Once you have received forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, all the rest is small stuff in comparison.[24] Colossians 2.6 shows that you are to walk with God in the same way that you received Him. That means you live simply by faith and grace. Your life is lived simply as a response of thanksgiving for all God has done for you. Jesus said "It is finished" on the cross. The Christian life begins with the word "done" not "do." Don't get trapped into legalistic pressures! Enjoy God and enjoy fulfilling the plans He has for you. The Christian life is to be more a response of delight than a responsibility of duty. Ultimately, God himself is our source of joy. "Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God." (Psalms 43.4). May you find deep and lasting joy in Him!
[1] Matthew 7.24-29
[2] "Atheism" Quote by Heywood Broun at www.SermonIllustrations.com
[3] "There is Too Much Evil and Suffering For God to Exist?" by Rich Deem, (www.godandscience.org/apologetics/evilandsuffering)
[4] John 8.32
[5] Isaiah 5.20
[6] Fox News: High School Graduation Rates Plummet Below 50 Percent in Some U.S. Cities (www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,344190,00.html)
[7] Julian Huxley "The Coming New Religion of Humanism." The Humanist (January/February 1962)
[8] 1961 Torcaso v. Watkins, (footnote) 367 U.S. 488, 495 n. 11
[9] Quote from Chuck Missler @ www.khouse.org. Movie website: (www.expelledthemovie.com)
[10] Ervin W. Lutzer, John F. DeVries, Satan's "Evangelistic" Strategy For This New Age, SP Publications, Inc., 1989, p. 9,16-20.
[11] Deuteronomy 30.19
[12] John 14.6
[13] International Herald Tribune, "Greenway: Prayer Into the Wind" By H. D. S. Greenway, March 26, 2008 (www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/26/opinion/edgreenway.php)
[14] )"China: Tibet Arson Suspects Caught" (www.examiner.com)
[15] (www.armageddonchurch.com)
[16] Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Adventures of the Abbey Grange
[17] Galatians 6.15, John 3.3.
[18] I Peter 1.23
[19] Ephesians 2.8
[20] Colossians 1.27
[21] I John 1.7
[22] Matthew 7
[23] Psalm 32.2
[24] Romans 8.18
July 19, 2008
The Choice of True Happiness
Posted by Rick Warden
2 comments:
interesting quotes and snippets from shaw and huxley. where did you read them?ReplyDelete
Hey Ben, these quotes were all from the internet, just reading different articles and using the original author source listings. You seem to be always reading interesting contemporary books. Do you order them for shipment or do people just carry them over when they visit from the US?ReplyDelete
You are welcome to post on-topic comments but, please, no uncivilized blog abuse or spamming. Thank you!
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New Guides Coming Soon!
I have had a few guidebooks/apps in the works for some time now, but it doesn't look like I will be able to get them finished in time for the 2015 season. So I have decided to make them available "as is" for free in the hopes that they serve some good use to all of you.
There are three of them: The Camino del Norte, The Camino Inglés, and the Vía de la Plata.
What they have:
1. Accurate distances between all places
2. Mostly accurate directory of services in those places (atms, pharmacies, etc)
3. Comprehensive accommodation directory, albergues & hotels
4. Elevation Map
5. Map View with every point and route plotted.
What they don't have:
1. POI's. Things like churches and monuments have not been added yet.
2. Photos. There are a few, but not many.
3. Wordy descriptions of places and terrain.
Keep an eye out for them on the App store, they should arrive on the 10th of April, alongside the next update to the rest of the apps.


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Inflation at 4.5pc, announced this week, puts savers in an agonising dilemma: do you stick with the safety of cash, knowing that its spending power will be gradually eroded, or do you take the plunge with investments that pay a higher income in the knowledge that the price could fall?
If you do feel forced into buying shares, you'll want a decent dividend yield with the chance of rises in the future, on top of resilient earnings. We think Vodafone fits the bill better than most.
The company announced a 7.1pc rise in its full-year dividend when it released its results for the year to March this week. This takes the yield to 5.2pc.
The company has plenty of geographical diversity, encompassing mature Western markets and high-growth developing economies. And as more of us upgrade to smartphones, mobile phone networks are hoping to squeeze more revenue out of each user.
Here, Vodafone is particularly well placed, analysts believe. In full-year results announced this week, the company said its data sales rose by 26pc, to more than £5bn. Graham Spooner of the Share Centre said: "Vodafone continues to maintain its leadership in this area through investment in the quality of its network.
"We continue to recommend Vodafone as a buy for medium-risk investors geared towards income. The company remains our preferred play in the sector."
Income seekers can hope for further rises in the dividend. Vodafone owns a slice of an American mobile network, Verizon Wireless, which itself is expected to start paying dividends when it has paid off its debts, probably next year. The extra cash flowing to Vodafone is likely to end up in shareholders' pockets. Asset sales are also on the cards.
When analysts at Bernstein named Vodafone as one of their tips of the year, they wrote: "We are increasingly confident that some change to the current unsatisfactory relationship with Verizon could be in the offing in the next one to two years and that this is not yet priced into the stock." They recently raised their price target to 240p.
The average price target among the 32 analysts monitored by FactSet Research Systems is 196p. Twenty-one said buy; three said sell.
Reed Elsevier
For an information supplier, Reed hasn't been very good at telling its investors what's going on at the company, analysts say. But that is beginning to change for the better, and this week the City was given a tour of its fast-growing Risk Solutions arm.
This new division provides data to US banks and other institutions to help them assess customers' risk, verify identity and prevent fraud.
Analysts at Nomura argued that Reed's modest stock market valuation relative to profits failed to take into account the growth potential of Risk Solutions, which provides roughly a quarter of the group's earnings.
"The Risk Solutions presentation reinforced our view that the business is capable of delivering [good] organic revenue growth while maintaining or growing the 38pc margin," they said.
FactSet's average price target is 611p. Of the 26 brokers tracked, 16 said buy and four said sell.
If your biggest market is Russia, investors are inclined to be a little nervous. As BP has discovered, doing business in an environment dominated by the Kremlin and powerful oligarchs isn't always straightforward.
But while Moscow is the largest market for ITE, the exhibition and conference organiser, the company is more likely to be under the radar of Russia's business and political elites than an oil multinational.
ITE, which also operates in central Asia, south and Eastern Europe and India, reported healthy results this week, with a 42pc rise in interim profits this week and sales growth of 35pc.
Although the shares have risen by about a third since the company said in November that its major markets were recovering, analysts say there is still scope for further rises.
Altium Securities, for example, said it was pleased with this week's results, which showed "good growth, a strong financial position and an upbeat assessment of future prospects". It upgraded the shares to "buy".
Investing in companies that operate largely overseas always carries some extra risk, not least because of currency movements.
Eight analysts cover the shares, according to FactSet; six said buy while two said hold and their average price target is 285p.
Hilton Foods
Another British company using developing markets to boost growth is Hilton Foods, which packs and supplies meat for major European supermarket groups.
And that growth has been impressive. From one market, Britain, from its foundation in 1994 until 1999, Hilton's products are now present in 12 countries, supplied from its chain of large meat-packing plants in six countries.
Despite this expansion, the company has avoided giving investors nasty surprises. As analysts at Panmure Gordon put it: "Since [flotation] in 2007, Hilton has delivered ahead of expectations."
This week's trading update for the year so far was no exception, with "good progress continuing in both western and central Europe", the broker said. Although Panmure set a price target of 335p, it said there was the potential for the shares to reach 370p. In all, five brokers backed the shares, according to FactSet. Two said hold. The average price target is 305p.


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My dining room... the cleanest and most organized room in the house. Notice the absence of a dining room table. Yes- my dear, beautiful, solid wood dining room table was a casualty of the move. (Actually- it was broken in storage- by me. But that is a story for another day.) Jack promises to be fixing it soon so we can put it where it belongs.
The breakfast nook is where we are eating for now. You can see all my beautiful dining room chairs around my.... sewing table!
This is messy. It has become a bit of a catch-all in here. I know... Lets play hidden picture! Can you find- a drill, a foam roller, a bowl of popcorn, a silver vase, a candle on a candlestick, a cell phone charger, a picture frame, a broom handle, some venison, 2 tied Wal-Mart bags, hand soap, and a bar of soap? All of these items are in this picture.
Our bedroom. This place is trashed. Our bed is not made and frankly... that is the least of our problems here. Especially since I am off to bed now. Good night everyone. Hope you've enjoyed a look into our mess. I am so happy w/ my new home that it doesn't bother me at all!


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Find the Knot You Need.Each section indexed at the top is devoted to the knots usually needed in that environment. Select the section that you need from the index above or from the pictures below. Alternatively, select an individual knot on the Knot List page.BoatingClimbing Fishing Scouting Search/Rescue Household Decorative Rope CareSafety:Rope, and the sports associated with rope, can be dangerous. Wrongly handled, gripped, or tied, rope can kill, maim, or burn. You could be the victim! So, handle rope with care, inspect and test any knot you tie, and respect any rope subject to a heavy load, e.g., a rope controlling a large sail, a mooring rope when you are docking or berthing, and especially your own climbing rope. Never try to control a heavily loaded rope or fishing line with your bare hands. Control rope by taking two or more turns round a winch, cleat, or post, and use appropriate equipment for fishing line. It is unfortunate, but true, that the danger associated with heavily loaded rope or fishing line is commonly learned by experience, which is often very painful and could be lethal.Knots Weaken RopeThey do! A great deal is written about which knots weaken a rope most. An angle, a kink, or a knot, stresses the fibers unevenly and weakens the rope. If this concerns you, you are using rope that's too thin. Although some knots in some ropes are claimed to only weaken a rope to about 80% of its rated strength, other knots weaken a rope to about 50%. It is therefore simpler, and certainly safer, to assume that even brand new rope will perform at no more than 50% of its rated breaking strength. And, if the rope is old, worn, or damaged by sunlight or chemicals - expect considerably less
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31 May 2016
Pooling Partners chooses BrandSpot
Who? Pooling Partners. A Dutch family business (with about 800 employees!) that focuses on integrated, full-service pooling services and production of wooden pallets and crates.
Interesting? Yes! Product and service may not be hip and sexy, but with a focus on high quality and durability the result is amazing: the market leader in Europe.
Recognizable? Yes again. Just like you, this company is constantly working on improving and optimizing processes. Because in the logistics, circular economy of pallets it is all about efficiency.
It's all about efficiency
And that's exactly why Pooling Partners chooses the deployment of BrandSpot. With BrandSpot Pooling Partners has chosen the best Brand Management Software to simplify and accelerate the operational marketing process, as well as make it more sustainable. One of the results? Efficiency.
Mirjam Soeterbroek, Group Marketing & Comms Manager a.i. : "Efficiency is our focus. For our customers, they reduce costs with our smart logistical solutions, but certainly for ourselves. We are a company with ambitions. To realize our ambitions, we have put a number of challenges in the field of marketing and communication in a row. In search of a solution, resulting in an efficient operational process."
The need for a brand portal to realize the ambitions of Pooling Partners was clear. Mirjam: 'One of the biggest challenges we faced was the alignment of the marketing activities of our domestic and foreign offices. And of course the cost of all the different and sometimes non-reinforcing activities together. Where to start?'
After careful analysis of all the wishes, needs and requirements, Cordeo's software solution BrandSpot turned out to be the best brand portal for Pooling Partners: proven software, and very user-friendly.
'Not only are we with BrandSpot assured of consistent and recognizable marketing and communications, we also save a lot of marketing costs. Now we facilitate our employees in different countries to create, manage and order the expressions themselves. Everything within the corporate identity. And our foreign language colleagues, who are not marketing professionals, find it easy and fun too.'
Pooling Partners is convinced of BrandSpot. Not just for now but also for the future. 'We are satisfied. The phased implementation expired expected and in a very pleasant cooperation. First, we have brought together all the pictures from the whole company in BrandSpot. Now we steadily expand our range of templates for communication, which colleagues can use to create their marketing materials. Moreover, we have all the marketing documents such as instructions, corporate identity and addresses always up-to-date on one place.'
'With BrandSpot we bring efficiency by consistency, cost savings and convenience to our operational marketing processes', says Mirjam Soeterbroek


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Sing Tank
Wednesday 11th January 2012
The French duo's sound sparkles like some of the greatest musical partnerships. Nellee Hooper (Massive Attack, Björk, U2, Madonna) and Alan O'Connell (Placebo, Gossip) are two of the band's idols and have now produced their album, due to be released in early 2012. And the band has served up a delicious sample of their teamwork on a digital EP that is already out.
'The Party' thrust the band into the limelight at La Cigale for the Inrocks Festival and is a fixture on Le Mouv radio's playlist.
More surprisingly, 'Dicksmith' takes a naïve-sounding look at darker themes: 'the darkness in your heart'...
The unpretentious 'Superstar' will be one of the album's highpoints. The band does us proud with this taster of their work!
Lastly, the inevitable 'Nuthouse', a firm favourite with fans and responsible for spreading Singtank's name on the Web, rounds things off like a chorus, a reminder of the band's quiet force. They're like The Kinks at home with Colette, Pulp at the Deux Magots or Nick Drake on the banks of the Seine. Two Mods in the metro.
They are Joséphine and Alexandre de la Baume. Sister and brother. They are Singtank.


text:
Anne Fontaine$128.00
Authenticity is the benchmark of shoptheupside.com. We have trained in-house professionals including who work to ensure that every item sold is 100% authentic and in beautiful condition.
All items are put through a multi-point, brand-specific authentication process by a trained team of luxury experts headed by our Inventory Manager & Director of Authentication before they are accepted for consignment. We inspect all goods for appropriate brand markings, date codes, serial tags and hologram stickers. Everything passes through our strict
authenticity tests before it is curated into daily sales.shoptheupside.com's authentication process is unique and independent of any brands. Brands identified are not involved in the authentication of the products being sold, however, shoptheupside.com fully cooperates with brands and federal agencies seeking to track down the source of counterfeit items, which includes revealing the contact information of consignors submitting counterfeit goods.
shoptheupside.com does not accept fake or counterfeit merchandise of any kind. If we suspect that a submitted consignment is not authentic we will contact the consignor in an effort to establish the items authenticity. Items shoptheupside.com determines are counterfeit will not be returned to the consignor and will be destroyed.
Silver metallic leather Anne Fontaine Florana belt with silver-tone hardware, lace overlay and two removable flower accents.
Measurements: Longest Length: 41″, Shortest Length: 21″ (15 buckle holes)
Condition: Excellent – minimal signs of wear
Estimated Retail: $295.00
Have a question about this item?
Email email@example.com and we'll get in touch.


text:
Hansgrohe Raindance Rainmaker 680 x 460 mm Air 3 Jet Overhead Shower
Product Information
Hansgrohe are known throughout the world for developing high quality bathroom fittings that combine the latest technologies with stunning designs from a portfolio of prominent global designers. Whether you are buying a simple basin mixer tap from the Hansgrohe brand, or a complete coordinated bathroom from the Axor Design collection, you can be sure that you are buying something made to the highest of standards.
For anyone who is planning to newly furnish a bathroom or kitchen, there are very good reasons to opt for products from the Hansgrohe and Axor brands. Hansgrohe helps you transform your bathroom and kitchen into havens of well-being; for an exhilarating start to the day and a relaxing end to it. Since 1901, Hansgrohe have been at the forefront of bathroom technology and they are committed to building on that tradition whilst also committing to an environmentally-focussed approach to a sustainable future.
Hansgrohe offer a comprehensive 5 year guarantee on their products, which includes working parts. They also guarantee to hold spare parts for 10 years after product discontinuation, leaving you safe in the knowledge that spares can be obtained easily if ever needed.
- shower head size: 680 x 460 mm
- spray pattern: RainAir (rain jet enriched with air), WhirlAir (massage spray), RainAir XL
- flow rate RainAir 20 l/min at 3 bar
- flow rate RainAir XXL 24 l/min at 3 bar
- flow rate WhirlAir 22 l/min at 3 bar
- operating pressure: min. 3 bar/max. 10 bar
- the 3 spray zones must be controlled via 3 valves or a diverter valve with 3 outlets
- fully chrome-plated spray face
- spray face: metal
- installation: installation type:flush with the ceiling on basic body
- available with or without integrated lighting
- illuminant: LED
- power supply: 12 V - DC
- transformer power supply for concealed installation 12 V, 18 W
- input voltage: 100 - 240 V AC / 50/60 Hz
- output voltage: 12 V - DC
- colour temperature: 2700 K
- dimmable: no
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- QuickClean technology for easy limescale removal
- this product requires a highflow thermostat #15760000
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We will sort the rest for you.
If you have any queries what so ever please call one of our team on 01226 770383


text:
Macdonald Bear Hotel is one of the finest 4-star hotels in Oxfordshire and part of The Macdonald Hotels' Signature Collection. Set in Woodstock, in what was once a 13th century coaching inn, our hotel combines history and culture with exceptional facilities. With direct access to the historic city of Oxford, our hotel is a popular choice for leisure breaks, business and weddings.
We are currently running a special offer at the Bear Hotel with 20% off 1 night stays and 30% off 2 night stays.
The promotion code ESB need to be entered on the Macdonald Hotels website to gain the discount.
Our hotel is a perfect venue for celebrations, events and conferences; we boast superb hotel accommodation, stylish meeting and function rooms, peaceful views over the courtyard and stunning period features.
Our hotel in Oxfordshire is perfect for a relaxing retreat. Roam the historic city of Oxford and marvel in the dreaming spires or linger in the city's many shops and museums. Once you've finished exploring – we recommend a visit to our award-winning restaurant and bar for the finest of fares and a well deserved nightcap.
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- Majestic 13th century coaching inn
- Picturesque village location
- 54 individually-styled bedrooms
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Address: Bear Hotel, Park Street, Woodstock, OX20 1SZ
Email: email@example.com
Website: www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Bear
Phone: 01993 811 124
Opening Times:
– 24 hour reception
– Restaurant lunch 12.30 – 14:00
– Restaurant dinner 19.00 – 21.30
– Bar meals all day


text:
Shopping reaches new plains
Ethical shoppers are being given a conscientious way to buy with the launch of the first two of a planned chain of Out of this World stores.
Monday sees the opening of the Newcastle store, three weeks after the first started trading in Bristol. Interior design is by Fern Green Partnership. Graphics are by sole practitioner Robina Newman.
Key aspirations of Out of this World include local community involvement, environmental sustainability, fair trade and animal welfare. Fern Green's designs will evolve with each shop, influenced by location.
The designs seek to offer an alternative to the dull health food shop style of the past. Central to the design is a curved deli counter. Materials and lighting have been sourced to be as environmentally friendly as possible, for example, interior signage is made from recycled card suspended with natural twine.
Out of this World aims to open two more stores early in 1996. In October a similar chain, supermarket-style Planet Organic, launched its first store with design by Coley Porter Bell (DW 27 October).
Post a comment


text:
By Brandy Purdy
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Format: ARC
(may differ from final copy)
I told Kat to fetch a chair and be my dragon, to sit outside my bedroom chamber door and guard my lair after I was gone.
Told from the POV of Amy Dudley and also Elizabeth I, the reader is taken on a touching journey. The beginning has you wondering if the entire story is going to be told from obviously the mind of a very sick and mad woman who has been scorned by her husband. Amy Dudley's cancer has spread and seems to be the cause of her paranoia. The reader doesn't know if this feeling is real or if it is just a dying woman's wild imagination.
As the story progresses we flash back to happier days when Robert Dudley and Amy first met and instantly fall in love. Even though everyone tells Robert that he is marrying beneath him, the lusty 17-year old wants no one but Amy. Amy is a country girl at heart and not one of the lofty court women. Amy loves to work on the farm and make her jellies. As time goes on and Elizabeth I, Robert's child playmate, takes the throne, Robert sees that his youthful decision was not a wise one and has hurt his ambitions to be great.
Robert becomes a disgusting character. He is greedy, abusive and narcissistic. He is constantly belittling Amy and embarrassing her in front of others so that everyone's perception of Amy is that she is a country bumpkin. He starts to slowly take everything away from Amy until she has nothing left but her every trusty handmaiden, Pirto. Amy, still thinking, that she has to hold onto Robert, tries to win back his love only to have it thrown in her face. Her attempts at times are hard to read because they are so pathetic and you just want Amy to grow a backbone.
The reader starts to think of Elizabeth as a home wrecker until her POV comes into play. Robert's duplicity is shown and how he is playing both women against each other. Elizabeth feels devotion to Robert because of their past but as we all know; Elizabeth swore she would never marry. England was her husband. But once Elizabeth finds out about Roberts lies and betrayals after Amy's mysterious death, the fiery red head gets her revenge for both the deceased Amy and for herself.
The Queen's Pleasure started out shaky for me but ended with me feeling fulfilled. All that I hoped for came from this lengthy novel of the Elizabeth/Robert Dudley/Amy Dudley triangle. I enjoyed reading the unique writing of Purdy. If you are a lover of Tudor fiction you will be enamored with this version of the story of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley's rumored affair.
The Queen's Pleasure is also being released in the UK under A Court Affair by Emily Purdy.
Brandy Purdy (Emily Purdy in the UK) is the author of the historical novels THE CONFESSION OF PIERS GAVESTON, THE BOLEYN WIFE (THE TUDOR WIFE), THE TUDOR THRONE (MARY & ELIZABETH), and THE QUEEN'S PLEASURE (A COURT AFFAIR). An ardent book lover since early childhood, she first became interested in history at the age of nine or ten years old when she read a book of ghost stories which contained a chapter about Anne Boleyn haunting the Tower of London. Visit her website at www.brandypurdy.com, you can also follow her, and her cat Tabby, via her blog at http://brandypurdy.blogspot.com or on Facebook as Brandy Purdy - Emily Purdy.
To see the other stops on this blog tour, click HERE
Enter to WIN one copy of The Queen's Pleasure by Brandy Purdy. Giveaway is open to US only and ends June 27, 2012. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below!!


text:
Student or Learner
Dear teachers,
Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expressions in bold in the following sentences?
Last year we thought him strong and hale.
hale = exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health
Grandfather will be 80 years old tomorrow, but he is hale and hearty.
That little boy looks hale and hearty, as if he is never sick.
hale and hearty = in very good health; well and strong; in robust good health
Easier both to freight, and to hale ashore.
As some dark priest hales the reluctant victim.
hale = to pull; to drag; to haul
Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.
calamity = any great misfortune or cause of misery
The deliberations of calamity are rarely wise.
Where'er I came I brought calamity.
Calamity is man's (true) touchstone.
calamity = a state or time of distress or misfortune; misery
He tried to coax me, but I said we had to part.
He was coaxed into coming here.
She coaxed the child to take the medicine.
coax = to persuade by gentle, insinuating courtesy, flattering, or fondling; to wheedle; to soothe
He held out by turns coaxes and threats.
coax (n) = conviction
They know how fickle common lovers are.
fickle = Not fixed or firm; liable to change; unstable; of a changeable mind; not firm in opinion or purpose; inconstant; capricious
They found the recondite bunch of smoked fish.
recondite = hidden from the mental or intellectual view; secret; abstruse; as in, recondite causes of things
There is a recondite fact about the origin of the holiday.
recondite fact = not generally known fact
There a few recondite flasks of wine.
Let not young students apply themselves to search out deep, dark, and abstruse matters, far above their reach.
abtrusive = difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
Meanwhile meeting keep reverting to fruitless discussions about abstruse resolutions.
abstruse = obscure
If you do not master arithmetic you will find algebra abstruse.
abstruse = difficult to understand; recondite
Thank you for your efforts.


text:
- Features
The new STIGA Estate 3398 HW ride-on mower is powered by a twin-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine with a net power output of 11.45 kW @ 2800 rpm and features a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. The bonnet introduces a new design to optimise motor performance and has LED headlights to ensure better visibility at any time of year. The 98 cm cutting deck can be adjusted to 7 different cutting heights ranging from 25 to 80 mm, using a convenient lever; the cutting height can also be adjusted on the move and the anti-scalp wheels prevent the risk of scalping when cutting on uneven surfaces.
With light steering and a tight turning circle the Estate 3398 HW is agile to manoeuvre around trees, borders and garden furniture with minimum effort and is suitable for gardens up to 2 acres in size.
All STIGA garden tractors cut wider than the wheel width, which means there is little trimming left to do after the lawns have been mown. Grass cuttings are blown from the twin-bladed cutting deck into a large 240 litre capacity rear-mounted collector. An alarm sounds to let the driver know when the collector is full, which is a valuable feature; there is nothing worse than overfilling the collector and then having to unblock the discharge chute by hand – at least you know when the collector is full on a Stiga! Emptying the collector is done from the driving seat; simply pull the tipping lever and the collector opens wide emptying out the clippings - you don't even need to get off the tractor.
The Estate 3398 HW also features an adjustable seat for added comfort and a safety switch located under the seat cuts off the engine and the cutting deck if the driver leaves the driving position whilst the mower is in operation. The LED display on the dashboard makes it easy to monitor the operating indicators.
A deck wash facility means keeping the deck clean couldn't be simpler; just attach a hose to the snap-on connector, turn on the water and engage the blades. Water blasts around beneath the deck, washing it clean.
Driving a hydrostatic model is smoother than ever before, the further you press the drive pedal, the faster the machine travels. Stiga Lawn Tractors are extremely versatile machines; they can collect the grass clippings, or rear discharge them when required. When conditions are suitable, they can also mulch and recycle your grass!
Mulching grass is a great feature, it saves so much time; it can be more than 30% quicker as there is no stopping work to empty clippings. Mulching the grass allows the clippings to be recycled, improving the soil as they decompose, forming a natural fertiliser high in potash and nitrogen. You will notice a marked improvement in your grass as this fertiliser takes effect over the course of the cutting season. You may well ask "Will I see the mulched grass?" and the answer is "No" Mulched clippings are blown deep down into the turf and are not noticeable, provided the grass is cut regularly and not on the lowest setting.
Some owners prefer to collect grass cuttings on areas close to the house to be certain that children or pets don't carry them inside, then use the mulching facility on all the other areas. Switching between collection or mulch modes is extremely simple and takes less than a minute; just remove the collector, insert the mulching plug into the discharge chute and replace the collector. To return to collection, simply reverse the procedure.
For advice on the mower best suited to your requirements please call our Technical Helpline on 0800 669 6326 or contact your local Stiga Dealer who will be happy to advise you.
Delivery Information: This ride-on lawnmower will be delivered by our premium White Glove delivery service. Your local Stiga authorised dealer will prepare the machine with a thorough pre-delivery inspection and then deliver it ready to use at a time convenient to you. They will also demonstrate its safety features and how to use the machine.
Please allow up to 7 working days for delivery, however if your local dealer has the machine in stock then delivery would normally be much sooner.
This premium delivery service is available free of charge with this machine.
- Specification
EngineStarting MethodElectric KeyEngine BrandBriggs & StrattonEngine TypeIntek 7200 V-TwinEngine Capacity656ccNet Power Output11.45kW @ 2800rpmFuel Tank Capacity6.0 LitresDrive/SteeringTransmissionHydrostaticDrive2WDTurning Circle140cmWheelsFront 15" Rear 18"Max Speed8.8km/hCuttingBlade EngagementElectronic SwitchCutting Width98cm /38"Cutting Heights25-80mm (7 Positions)Collector240 litresCollector Full BuzzerYesGeneralHead LightsYesSafety FeaturesSeat with Safety Contact BreakerParking BrakeYesIncluded AccessoriesTow Hitch & Mulching KitBattery ChargerYesdB(A) RatingWeight167kgLawn SizeUp to 2 acresDimensions234 x 102 x 110cmWarranty5 Years (Terms & Conditions Apply)
- Videos
- Support
Should you have any enquiries regarding this product, please visit our ServiceLink website at – www.servicelink.org.uk
ServiceLink hosts a wealth of support information including copies of our manuals and self-help guides for your garden equipment as well as contact information for your Local Dealers who are able to supply spare parts and repair services.
Our team can also be contacted for assistance via the Contact Us tab.
- Reviews
- Trusted Shops Reviews


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"Her Husband Is Well-Known in the City Gates"
A capable wife reflects well on her husband. In King Lemuel's day, a husband who had a capable wife was "well-known in the city gates." (Pr 31:23) Today, respected men serve as elders and ministerial servants. If married, their ability to serve depends much on the good conduct and fine support of their wives. (1Ti 3:4, 11) Such capable wives are greatly appreciated, not just by their husbands but also by the congregation.
A capable wife helps her husband to serve by . . .
encouraging him with kind words.—Pr 31:26
sharing him willingly with the congregation.—1Th 2:7, 8
living modestly.—1Ti 6:8
not asking him about confidential congregation matters.—1Ti 2:11, 12; 1Pe 4:15