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A Few Spots Left!
A few spots left! https://www.facebook.com/events/184241835504713/
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Dr. Michael Likey
Dr. Michael Likey is an International Author, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Doctor of Theocentric Psychology, Producer/Host of his BlogTalk Radio show, Live-Streamed Video-Broadcasts, and creator of his Transcendence System. He has an H.Dip. (Diploma of Clinical Hypnotherapy) from The Robert Shields College of Hypnotherapy, England. Michael is also certified through Robert Shields as a Fear Elimination Therapist, (2004) and is also a triple-Doctoral graduate: a D.D., Doctor of Divinity Specializing in Spiritual Healing, from the University of Metaphysics, a Ph.D. Specializing in Mystical Research from the University of Sedona, and a PsyTh.D., Doctor of Theocentric Psychology, from the University of Sedona, Dr. Masters, CEO.
September 2018


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We have been really busy this year at Parkstone Christian Centre... raising over half of the monies we need to develop our own Ashley Cross community cafe, completing phase one of the changes and having fun in the process.
Here are some of the latest images of how our Community Cafe could look if we manage to raise the last bit of money we need.
If you would like to get involved in anyway then please contact:

subset: commoncrawl


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A Windy City Cocktail: Jack's Reunion
We may not give much thought to it one way or the other--in fact, I'm pretty sure we don't--but no matter what else we do, we're constantly doing one thing: filing away memories, for later retrieval at some unspecified date.
Case in point? All we have to do is hear a song playing in a store, catch a few minutes of an old movie on TV, get a waft of a certain perfume while walking through a room, or read a name or phrase in a book... and suddenly, without even trying, we're right back in the middle of whenever, reliving in our minds some episode--either momentous or inconsequential--from the past.
Good, bad, and boringly-mundane memories... our minds are like so many rows of filing cabinets in a huge warehouse, with vast storage space to hold all that stuff as we accumulate it with each passing day. But, we might ask, why do we have so many memories? Is their purpose, by turns, to titillate, amuse, anger, and/or embarrass us... or do we learn something valuable from them, as well?
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As anyone familiar with J.A. Konrath's "Jack Daniels" detective series can attest, Chicago PD's Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels has racked up more than her fair share of really, really bad memories. During her years on the force--particularly in the homicide squad--she's seen nearly every type of heinous murder, committed by some of the most violent and depraved individuals imaginable. She's had to fight for her life on several occasions, too, and has fought for--and, sadly, lost--the lives of some of those closest to her.
When she joined the police department more than twenty years ago, her goal was to make a difference, and she's certainly accomplished that... but at what cost, she often finds herself wondering.
Never more so, though, than she does in Konrath's brilliant Shaken, which finds Jack not in pursuit of a killer, nor even among the killer's prey... but already captured, with just hours left to live. Her captor? None other than the infamous "Mr. K," one of the vilest, most sadistic serial killers ever, with more than 200 unspeakably-gruesome murders attributed to him--and someone with whom, as we quickly discover, she happens to have a very long history. (By the way, if you're worried I'm divulging spoilers? Don't be; I'm never one to give away any of the "good stuff". This is something you can read about right on the book cover.)
Jack--bound in an anonymous storage locker no different than thousands of others in the Chicago metro, with only the implements of her impending torture and eventual, miserable death around her--can do nothing with the short time left to her but desperately try to escape her restraints... and to think, dredging up memory after memory from the course of her long career, especially from her prior run-ins with this particular maniac .
Those memories take her back some twenty-five years, from her time in the police academy (where she learned to ask a couple of extremely important questions) to her rookie case in homicide, up to the more recent past, when she retired from the force and set up in private practice. And always, surrounding those important events, she remembers the uncertainty accompanying her decisions--both personal and professional--and now, ponders them anew.
Did she do enough, on the job? Were her efforts worth giving up having a family of her own? What of those she lost, all because of her chosen profession? Should she have made different choices? Is it enough, now, to know she stopped a lot of very bad people, when she goes home to her wanted-by-the-law, cancer-stricken boyfriend each night?
Nimbly jumping back and forth--and back again--between 1989, 2007, and 2010, we see through Jack's eyes exactly what her current predicament means to her and those around her, as well as why it was, perhaps, almost an inevitability. Not an inevitability that she--or anyone but Mr. K--would have likely foreseen, mind you, but rather, it's the sort of thing that makes perfectly-logical (albeit twisted) sense when viewed in retrospect.
Meanwhile, as Jack struggles with the physical bonds and with her mounting anxiety and terror (because once you've been captured by a madman who's killed hundreds of people with his bare hands, you have to know your chances are definitely not looking any-too rosy), the three men in her life are scrambling to figure out her sudden disappearance.
Herb, her long-time partner on the squad, who knows her better than probably anyone else in the world, frantically combs his memory and Jack's files, seeking clues from their joint past to her possible whereabouts. Harry, her abrasive first partner--and once-again partner in their new p.i. venture--as well as recently-discovered (in what has to be the ultimate, cruel twist of fate) sibling, makes the usual raunchy jokes and crude remarks... even as he goes around with his kit, searching for evidence to analyze and test. And poor Phin--always sick, in pain, and a little loopy from his unholy cocktail of pain meds and chemo drugs, and whose status recently underwent a change from casual-friend-and-billiards-buddy to live-in boyfriend--is in a focussed-but-frantic furor, over the possibility of losing the woman he loves.
The tension escalates, the horror builds... and then, things get so much worse.
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I've been a big fan of Konrath's since picking up Whiskey Sour (the first in the series) several years ago. He's always displayed a way with words, a wicked sense of humor (both the normal "cop" humor you'd expect from those who have to deal with bad people day-in/day-out, and the obnoxiously-crass [yet, amazingly, frequently hilarious] style humor as doled out nonstop by Harry), and a finesse for creating genuine suspense (with terror and shock value, to boot). If you like chills (and can stand a certain amount of gore), Konrath is always sure to deliver.
With Shaken, though, Konrath did something I wasn't expecting: he got a lot better.
The most noticeable difference between this book and his others is, of course, the structure, which works brilliantly here. With a storyline that refuses point-blank to be anything remotely linear, it hops from 1989 to the near-present and the right-now with absolute ease. It may sound unlikely, but the story flows with nary a hiccup throughout all these multi-year jumps. (Admittedly, I'm a huge fan of non-linear storytelling--no doubt because that's the way I tend to relate things, every day--but I honestly can't imagine other readers not being able to follow the action.) It's also important to note that he doesn't do this merely to be "different", but to allow for insight into the characters. (It works.)
Speaking of the characters, this book also marks a real maturity and understanding among them. In previous outings, Jack has sometimes been a little too witty (especially at inappropriate times) for her own good, so that she hasn't always come across as entirely believable, but that's never the case in Shaken. Harry, well... Harry is the sort of living caricature you do, on occasion, have the (mis)fortune to get stuck spending time with, so his problem (for me) has always had more to do with being so frequently, thoroughly detestable than with any actual unbelievability. (Don't get me wrong; it's not even remotely essential that I love everything about the characters I read.) Harry has always been an entertaining-if-controversial player in the series; here, though, we see through/around the haze of his obnoxiousness and repulsiveness to... something more, and it's that depth which is quite rewarding. Phin reins in some of his, shall we say, "bad behaviors", and shows admirable control. And as for Herb, we finally discover what he was like all those years ago, then follow the progression of his relationship with Jack since their very first meeting. Their relationship has always rung true to me, but getting to see it unfold through Jack's recollections is a special experience.
And what about the infamous Mr. K? Well, he's something you'll need to see for yourself, but suffice it to say that he is Evil personified... but the truly horrifying kind of evil that you wouldn't recognize if you bumped into him on the street. He--and his psyche--are the stuff of which nightmares must surely be made.
Shaken won't be for everyone. Obviously, it's a book for devotees of suspense/psychological thrillers and police procedural/mysteries. (If you never gravitate toward those sections in the library or bookstore, then you already know this.) I didn't find it overwhelmingly gruesome--then again, I've read a lot in this genre, so I'm probably somewhat immune--but if you have real difficulties dealing with any gore or scenes of torture, you may want to take a pass. Finally, this is actually a two-parter; the sequel Stirred will be coming out later this year, and is reported to tie up not only the cliffhanger ending from Shaken, but the whole Jack Daniels series. So, if you abhor cliffhangers of any sort--which don't bother me, but seem to make a lot of people I know go ballistic about them--it's probably best that you wait until the second book comes out, so you can read them back-to-back.
If, however, you can't get enough really fine writing, plotting, and storytelling, served up with a heap of heart-stopping, gut-clenching chills, then by all means go, make haste, and pick this one up. It doesn't disappoint.
GlamKitty Catnip Mousie Rating: 5 out of 5 Mousies


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Distinctive Home at Incredible Value
Amazing price - this property must be sold.
Our absentee owners have another home to buy, but this one needs to be sold first. This represents seriously great value!
Investors call us now - this is great value with good returns. It needs to be in your portfolio.
The house is unique in the area in that it features Cedar cladding on the front of the house for a stylish and distinctive Eco look. It is a private fully fenced back section with landscaped garden surrounds planted out with natives which attract birds.
This Stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house features two large living spaces which both open out to separate outdoor areas. One for morning sun and one for afternoon sun. The main living area is a large open plan area and there is a separate sunny living room.
The kitchen complete with a separate butlers pantry, up to date with ceramic stovetop and Fisher & Paykel appliances. Neutral tones make it the perfect blank slate for you to move on in and make it your own.
Double garage with internal access and automatic door. There is a retractable staircase in the garage for extra storage.
Rental appraisal at $500 per week.
The Area:
Rushmore Drive is a quiet cul-de-sac of modern executive style family homes and offers direct street access to a native reserve, river, dog park and The Groynes. It is Close to Northwood Super Centre for shopping and is walking distance to excellent Belfast School.
- House Style
- Brick and cedar cladding.
- Garaging/Carparking
- Double garage internal access auto-door opener.
- Joinery
- Aluminium double glazing throughout.
- Roof
- Colour steel roofing.
- Insulation
- Fully insulated walls and ceiling.
- Flooring
- Carpet throughout. Linoleum bathrooms and kitchen.
- Heating / Cooling
- Heat pump.
- Window Coverings
- Roller blinds and curtains.
- Master Bedroom
- Ensuite and walk-in-wardrobe.
- Chattels Remaining
- Blinds and curtains, Dishwasher and ceramic hob, Carpets


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BAE Systems launches UK testing service for autonomous boats and air vehicles
BAE Systems has been awarded £457,000 to launch the UK's first maritime autonomous systems testing service.
The UK's southern coast will be used as a test area for autonomous ships and planes. Together with ASV Global (ASV), Blue Bear Systems Research, Marine Electronic Systems (MES), SeeByte and the University of Southampton, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has granted funding worth £457,000 to design and deploy the test area. The Solent LEP and partner organisations are investing a total of £1.5 million in the project, the first of its kind in the UK.
From later this year, customers will be able to conduct trials and test systems such as unmanned boats, air vehicles and autonomous sensors in a safe, controlled and realistic environment in the Solent. The service will make use of a secure maritime communications network and a mobile command and control centre, featuring the same technology BAE Systems provides to UK Royal Navy platforms.
Vital technology
Frank Cotton, BAE Systems' Combat Systems Head of Technology, said: "Autonomous and unmanned systems are widely regarded as a vital technology for the future, but there is a great deal of work to be done if we are to unlock its true potential and understand how they are best integrated into wider systems. A wide range of organisations from the defence and commercial sectors, along with academia, have ambitions for this technology and this unique service will allow them to find valuable ways to use it whilst furthering its development."


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The President's Media Unit said Vice President-elect of the United States of America Mike Pence, had phoned President Maithripala Sirisena last night and invited him to visit the US in a bid to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
President Sirisena had extended his good wishes to US President-elect Donald Trump and Pence during the phone conversation.
Pence has commended the achievements of Sri Lanka and the progress which has been made.
He has also assured him that the US stands ready to provide any assistance to Sri Lanka.


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Over the past year, discussions around dealing with the Ebola outbreak to bringing cases down to zero invariably circled around the need for health systems strengthening.
Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, the U.S. Agency for International Development's assistant administrator for global health, and Michael Myers, managing director at the Rockefeller Foundation, were perhaps among the first health experts to pin West Africa's inability to contain the epidemic on weak health systems in the region.
Eventually, discussions on health systems strengthening evolved.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, former director-general at the World Health Organization and member of The Elders, talked about how developing countries should take the lead in strengthening their health systems. These countries know best what they need and should be able to push for these changes to happen, instead of letting international donors — some of which have begun pledging funds to help developing countries strengthen their health systems — and agencies dictate where investments should go.
Further, a number of initiatives have been launched both to shine a light on how strong countries' health systems really are and to support efforts to address this problem. In March, for instance, Save the Children ranked countries according to their pandemic preparedness. Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC meanwhile announced it will invest $9 million to train health workers in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.
Building resilient health systems was the theme of the just-concluded 68th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, as well.
See more stories on health system strengthening:
● Building the business case for health sector strengthening
● A tug of war over Uganda's health workers
● The intricacies involved in rebuilding clinics in Sierra Leone
● We owe it to everyone, everywhere to deliver robust health systems
● Ebola crisis: Why tax breaks hurt health systems in Sierra Leone
● Pharmaceutical leaders call for greater investment in health systems
● 28 countries less prepared than those in Ebola-hit West Africa
The need to strengthen and build more resilient health systems seems clear to the global health community. Having this in place minimizes a country's vulnerability to another infectious disease outbreak, for instance. It could also reduce deaths from preventable diseases — such as malaria, which continues to be the biggest killer of children under 5 in Sierra Leone — or because of a lack of qualified doctors and medicines.
To this day, however, various stakeholders have yet to reach on a common understanding of how to approach health systems strengthening or set in place a robust system that would allow them to systematically and comprehensively tackle the problem.
Different actors, different interventions
The lack of such guidance meant well-meaning actors focused on areas they deemed in need of critical support.
Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium, for example, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone to reinforce peripheral health structures to help tackle the three biggest disease killers in the country: malaria, diarrhea and respiratory diseases — which were neglected at the height of the Ebola outbreak. MSF Belgium also hoped the reinforced health structures would eventually allow the medical organization to tackle malnutrition in the country and, post-2015, engage in a negotiation to support the Kenema Government Hospital.
The decision follows the completion of an assessment the international medical group conducted in the southeastern part of the country, where they found serious gaps in health service provision and quality, drug and water supply, and human resources.
The country currently uses what MSF Belgium epidemiologist and medical coordinator Dr. Jacob Maikere calls "push system," where the central pharmaceutical warehouse is only able to provide hospitals and health centers drugs it currently has in stock, rather than what these facilities need or demand. This underscores the problems Sierra Leone has in its drug procurement system.
The Kenema hospital meanwhile suffered major losses in its medical staff: 52 health professionals, including doctors, community health officers and nurses, died from Ebola.
Other MSF sections, such as the Netherlands and Spain, are also expected to make the same interventions in the western and northeastern parts of the country.
This is the first time MSF Belgium has assessed health system facilities in the country. To measure impact, Maikere told Devex the organization will look at health indicators in its area of intervention. When tackling malaria in Kenema, for example, MSF Belgium will track whether caseloads have improved, remained the same or actually increased.
As part of GSK's $9 million investment in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, meanwhile, more than 9,000 health care workers in those three countries will receive training. Ramil Burden, the company's vice president for Africa and developing countries, previously told Devex that the move is aimed at providing communities access to better health care workers, who could help change health behaviors and therefore create demand for care and treatments, which eventually creates a market for GSK products.
"By working with community health care workers, we are creating an ecosystem that improves health outcomes and also increases demand in the system," he said.
These interventions could easily be interpreted as following WHO's Framework for Action, where the agency identifies six "building blocks" that constitute a strong health system — good service delivery; well-performing health workforce; well-functioning health information system; equitable access to medical products, vaccines and technologies; good health financing; and the presence of leadership and governance measures.
But are they really?
An old problem
A 2009 study published in PLoS Medicine, an international scientific journal, reviewed how health systems strengthening were defined then and the different global health interventions stakeholders deemed necessary to HSS.
The study pointed out that "the term remains a vague concept, with varying definitions and strategies for HSS, and varying ideas about the role attributed to the health system in improving public health." It also found that most "global health actors" support health systems by focusing on disease-specific interventions or in areas that would benefit their own focus programs.
It further noted that these efforts "can be more accurately described as selective HSS interventions" and while understandable, the lack of coherence between these interventions has turned HSS "into a meaningless container concept."
The study recommended that "a systemic approach to HSS that is contextual and that fits the countries' agendas first" is needed.
While not everyone may agree with this recommendation, focusing on countries' agendas could be a starting point.
For instance in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health is looking to strengthen its medical school to fill the gap in health workers: The country needs about 3,300 doctors, but only has 230.
Amanda Glassman, vice president for programs and director of global health policy at the Center for Global Development, meanwhile argued that health systems strengthening, in practical terms, should have "observable effects on the quality and coverage of key health services."
That could mean providing clinicians incentives in terms of salary increase, greater supervision or feedback, or improving the supply chain to avoid stock-outs, she explained to Devex.
"Each country's situation will be different. But we should start from the quality and coverage problem that needs to be fixed, rather than broad categories of health system inputs on their own," she said.
The need for a structure to approach HSS is important, if only to provide stakeholders guidance in terms of their HSS work. This would, for instance, enable donors to really identify how their support is addressing the problem, and provide greater transparency and accountability. It would help health groups strategize their interventions, making sure they really are contributing to a country's health system.
Read more international development news online, and subscribe to The Development Newswire to receive the latest from the world's leading donors and decision-makers — emailed to you FREE every business day.


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Market Segment: Retail/Big Box
Services: Store Planning & Departmental Resets
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer with more than 2,200 stores and close to 400,000 employees in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In Canada, The Home Depot operates 182 stores across the country. Stores average more than 100,000 square feet, with approximately 20,000 square feet of outdoor seasonal space.
In efforts to improve its customers' shopping experience by better matching merchandise assortments to observed consumer preferences, The Home Depot Canada needed to reset the planograms of the aisles in the Electrical Department of all its 182 locations (Project Shuffle).
The goal was to have the right product, in the right place, in the right quantity, at the right price, and at the right time available in all locations and create a uniform store appearance – something that is vital for the Home Depot operating from multiple locations.
During the planogram reset implementation, it became clear that a significant number of stores were unable to successfully reset their planogram within the allowed time frame and in many cases, stores faced difficulties in achieving planogram compliance. The Home Depot Canada had to measure planogram compliance and understand where and how to take corrective actions in order to maximize sales and realize a potential return on investment.
The Home Depot Canada partnered with DedON to review each planogram reset, store by store. Dedicated teams of DedON agents identified and documented inaccurate and/or incomplete dimensional data, store mapping variables and other obstacles that could impede planogram compliance.
DedON team then created complete and comprehensive reports that included the identified issues, proposed solutions and supporting files to ensure the Project Strategy was accurately captured. The timely feedback on the unique conditions at each store was delivered in a user-friendly standard format that could be shared with The Home Depot Execution Teams to ensure the planograms could be implemented correctly.
The planogram reset achieved optimum compliance across the chain and delivered the desired sales lift and profit performance. The Home Depot Canada rewarded DedON's efforts in realizing the full potential of the new planograms by presenting the Homer Award for Customer Service to DedON.


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Understanding how individual needs affect team dynamics is one of the key skills of management and leadership. This workshop will help you grasp the root causes of difficult behaviour at work, and equip you with effective techniques for dealing with it…(Read More)
Can you generate fresh solutions to problems and challenges? Nowadays, any organisation which wants to be successful has to have creative thinkers. We can all learn to be a little more creative. This fun workshop will activate every part of your brain…(Read More)
This workshop covers the essential models and tools which support analysis and objective setting. It also deals with strategies for improving implementation and commitment. Develop effective strategies for your business, and get them implemented…(Read More)
Time is our most precious resource and successful people are experts at managing it. This workshop will help you prioritise tasks and transform from being reactive to proactive. It will also enable you to deal more effectively with unexpected events whilst staying focused on long term goals…(Read More)


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My lazy Sunday post housework veg session was partially spent enjoying one of those little films I always kinda wanted to see but not enough to remember when i was actually at the video store - or ordering the Netflix - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. It's a sweet magical film based around the spirit of childhood and imagination and having the confidence to live up to your own potential. Maybe it was made for a younger crowd, but then again maybe not? Could that be why it didn't do incredibly well in the box office, we werea ll unsure of the appropriate audience? Anyway I enjoyed it. But Man. What really stood out? The opening title sequence - it's bright and cleanly animated, slightly retro, a la the Catch Me if You Can intro, and a perfect way to set the tone for the story that follows.
This outstanding title sequence was made by Reel FX.
96. Passion. That old chestnut
1 week ago


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Greetings from Bishop Reding Chaplaincy! Our Catholic perspective shows in every subject area and through the actions and attitudes of our whole staff. As Chaplain at Bishop Reding, I'm privileged to focus on spirituality, working deliberately to build us up as a community of faith.
In the first half of every semester, Grade 9 and 10 Retreats are in full swing. Each religion class will go on a one day retreat, during school hours. We explore a theme from the perspective of our faith in a loving God, using discussions and active learning. Grade 11 and 12 Student Retreat Leaders are the sparks that make our retreats memorable.
We also offer Bereavement Group. It is open to any student who has experienced the death of a family member. We meet in a supportive and confidential environment to process the loss and promote healing. If you think you could use this group, please drop by the Chaplaincy Office and let me know.
Drop by my office anytime if you want to say hi, or if you need a listening ear, or if you're interested in Chaplaincy events. My office is across from the student services office, not too far from the chapel. I'd be happy to hear from you.
Mr. Campanelli


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The Torlife™ Exterior AG coating system has been designed to withstand repeated graffiti attacks. It provides an extremely hard-wearing decorative finish combined with a Class 0 fire rating when applied to new, bare or stripped surfaces.
Graffiti can be removed from the painted surfaces by using the Tor range of Graffiti removers. This also allows the fire rating of the coated surfaces to be maintained throughout the life of the system. A two pack solvent – based polyurethane coating system.
System example for previously painted surfaces with a coloured satin finish:
1st Coat
Torlife™ ST Primer (EP146), a two-pack adhesion promoting primer.
2nd & 3rd Coat
Torlife™ TP Satin Finish (PU803), a two pack polyurethane, solvent-based anti-graffiti finish.
The Torlife™ Exterior AG system is suitable for many external building substrates including: New bare or previously painted, metals, brick, masonry, concrete, render, timber* and UPVC**.
NB: Previously painted Pliolite or other non convertible coatings need to be primed with Torlife ST primer (EP146)
* Not suitable for use on soft woods
** Finish coats are applied direct to UPVC – No primer required.
For use on nearly all building types.
Graffiti can be safely and easily removed from all of Tor Coatings anti-graffiti range, by using the Torclean™ Pre-wipe (S3000110 ) and Torclean™ Graffiti Remover Wipe (S3000111) or by using the Torclean™ Graffiti Prewash (DM416) and the Torclean™ "G"Graffiti Remover (DM424).
Only Tor Coatings remover wipes and sprays should be used, as other materials may damage the painted surface, resulting in system failure and permanent graffiti damage.
The use of abrasive pads and household detergents should never be considered, unless otherwise instructed by a representative of Tor Coatings Ltd.
The following specification is included for demonstrative purposes only and would be suitable for use over well adhered existing coatings. Always consult a representative of Tor Coatings prior to specifying or applying.
Torlife™ ST Primer
By brush or medium pile roller apply one full coat of Torlife™ ST Primer (EP146), at a average rate of 10m² per litre. Allow to cure. Overcoating time minimum 24 hours, maximum 5 days.
Torlife™ TP Satin Finish
By brush or medium pile roller apply two full coats of Torlife™ TP Satin Finish (PU803) at a coverage rate of 10m² per litre per coat. Allow to cure between coats. Overcoating time minimum 8 hours, maximum 48 hours.
Tor Coatings offers a free site survey service and all of our Area Business Managers are fully trained and able to carry out full site assessments. A detailed and bespoke specification will then be issued.
Contact Tor Coatings on 0191 410 6611 to arrange your free site survey.
Tor Coatings' national team of Area Business Managers is supported by a dedicated customer services team, a team of experienced paint chemists and a dedicated technical help desk. Call 0191 411 3148 for assistance from our helpdesk or visit www.tor-coatings.com to find out more.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Click here to contact us or call us today on 0191 410 6611
Click here to arrange a FREE site survey
or call us on 0191 410 6611


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February 3, 1911 main content.
Part of the Race to the End of the Earth exhibition.
Since anchoring in the Bay of Whales in mid-January, Amundsen and his men had been hard at work readying their winter quarters, named Framheim. Besides constructing the hut, they unloaded tons of stores from the ship and sledged them 2 miles up and over the ice front to the construction site. By early February they had completed the bulk of the work, and were looking forward to laying depots as soon as they could.
On the morning of February 3, 1911, the ship's watch saw something completely unexpected -- another ship passing into the Bay of Whales. All became clear when the watch was hailed in English-accented Norwegian. This new ship was the Terra Nova -- Scott's ship. "Curses loud and deep were heard everywhere," one officer aboard Terra Nova noted.
The Terra Nova had been sent to set up a second base of operations, from which a team could be sent to explore King Edward VII Land on the eastern edge of the ice shelf. Of course the British knew by this time that Amundsen was aiming for the South Pole, but they had no idea where he intended to land in Antarctica. They were certainly surprised to find him only 400 miles away from their base in McMurdo Sound. Despite initial tension, good relations prevailed and each team invited the other aboard their ship for a meal. The British were also invited to come out to the site of Framheim for a look around.
Both sides took advantage of these forays to determine how well prepared their competitors were. Amundsen, who had no radio gear, was glad to see that the British likewise lacked a wireless.
That meant the team that got back to civilization first with news of a successful pole assault would reap the rewards of priority. For their part, the British were both dismayed and impressed by the number of dogs (more than 100) and the expertise of the dog drivers that Amundsen had brought along for the polar journey. But they did not show it, and instead boasted about their motorized sledges--an innovation in polar travel that Amundsen did not have. Why not let Amundsen and his men consider the implications of petrol-powered sledges speeding off toward the pole, even if it was a fantasy?
After further pleasantries, they wished each other good luck and the Terra Nova steamed off. Rather than stick to the original intention to explore King Edward VII Land, however, the ship headed straight back to McMurdo. Scott would want to hear their news as quickly as possible.


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delmarvanow / SEARCH: 808 S 2nd St Delmar, MD 21875
Unimprvd Lots/Land
- $39,900 price
- 516877 mls id
- Neighborhood: N/A
- Status: Active
Almost an acre of land. No water or sewer available. Permits from Health Department need to be applied for or City water runs by front footage of property and buyer can make contract contingent on City hook ups. Right across the street from Delmar school. Beautiful deep lot ready for you with your home plans. Playground at school just across the street.
Courtesy of: ERA Martin Associates
Office Phone: 4107491818
Listing Agent: Sara E Pavlica
Updated: 17th September, 2018 12:50 PM.
808 S 2nd St Delmar, MD
Real Estate | delmarvanow Powered by Placester


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For his acting career outside of the Beatles, Ringo Starr took on roles in many unusual films and one of them, 1981's "Caveman," gets its first release on Blu-ray on Feb. 17 from Olive Films. "Unusual" is definitely a bit of an understatement for the film since "Caveman" is about as odd as they come. The film was previously released on regular DVD by MGM.
Ringo Starr plays Atouk, a somewhat mild-mannered cave dweller who leads a group of fellow smaller cavers against a much larger and brutal gang, led by the fierce Tonda (played by ex-footballer John Matuszak). Atouk causes potential problems for himself when he takes a liking to Tonda's woman Lana, played by Barbara Bach. The filming of "Caveman" became a sort of "Love Story" in real life for Ringo and Bach and led to their romance during production and their marriage the year the movie was released. The cast also includes Shelley Long ("Cheers"), Avery Schreiber, Jack Gilford and Dennis Quaid.
The characters in the film, directed by Carl Gottlieb, mostly grunt to communicate and movie viewers ……..get the rest of the story by clicking http://www.examiner.com/review/review-two-favorite-ringo-starr-films-come-to-blu-ray


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Best software to track sales and improve cashflow [2020 Guide]
Sales tracking software also help with forecasting, workforce scheduling and optimization, and determining pricing and strategy plans for the company.
There's a large percentage of companies that still rely on manual methods of tracking their sales like spreadsheets or paper, or even whiteboards. While this may work with offices that get very low sales volumes, it is still not ideal.
Using the traditional ways of tracking sales can lead to poor performance, owing to poor customer experiences, inefficient and ineffective use of sales staff and their time, fewer deals closed, and lower revenue with each deal.
Thankfully, technology has sorted out all these hassles by providing software to track sales. These manage, track and guide each aspect of the sales process with a set of workflows that let the sales staff know where each prospect is at any time, and what steps they should take next.
Today, however, with better integrations and machine learning, some software to track sales can recommend the best follow up actions, and sales teams can get insights into the status and health of their department generally.
Some features you will find with popular sales tracking software include pipeline and cycle management, dashboards, next best actions, a pipeline editor, web-to-lead feature, social media integrations, collaboration tools, and basic content management functions.
Here are the top 5 software to track sales.
- 1
Pipedrive (recommended)
Pipedrive is a web-based software to track sales and manage your business pipeline by planning yoru sales activities and monitoring deals.
It is built with activity-based methodology, and streamlines each sales action that goes into converting a lead or prospect into a successful sale.
Being cloud-based, the sales team and other staff involved can access it from any location and at any time, with any browser or mobile app dedicated towards the same. It also gives full visibility of the different pipelines, through its robust interface which has details of the progress stages per deal and actionable points.
One of its strong features is the activity and goal tool that lets sales teams track pending activities in the pipelines, and gives custom sales reports to monitor single or group level targets, analyze sales data and generate reports that can be used for decision making.
The mailing system is easily and seamlessly integrated with many email providers such as Outlook, Gmail and Yahoo, among others. So your team can send and receive email messages from different accounts using their Pipedrive account.
It also integrates with other leading sales tracking and customer relationship management tools for easy transfer and sharing of contacts, communication history, and other important information, plus integrates with MailChimp, Zapier, Trello and Google Maps.
- 2
Salesforce is an on-demand software to track sales that is available for use by small, medium and enterprise organizations. Its focus is on sales and support, with capabilities such as sales management, marketing automation, customer service, and relationship management amongst partners.
It helps you manage your customer accounts, track leads, conduct and monitor campaigns and provider after sales service.
When used with Outlook, users can synchronize contacts, calendars, emails and tasks in both the email app and Salesforce. Small businesses can also manage their contacts, track sales and deals, manage events and their own sales tasks, and get more leads while tracking performance.
The enterprise tool includes more features such as team-selling, business workflow, setup approval and automation, API integrations, and call scripts among others.
- 3
Zoho CRM software
Zoho is a well known brand in business software and this particular software to track sales is a cloud-based CRM tailored to suit small and medium sized businesses.
Its interfaces includes tools such as customer support, sales tracking and marketing automation, product configuration, reporting, and customer analytics.
With this software, you can use the multichannel support to connect with your customers and prospects via email, live chat, phone or even social media. it also has a gamification feature through which you can gamify the sales process while rewarding active and achieving sales staff who meet and/or surpass their targets.
The mobile app lets you access sales activities and information on customers from any iOS or android devices, while its Blueprint feature helps automate sales processes through workflow and macros definition for regular tasks.
It integrates with existing software such as Google Docs, Microsoft Office and Sharepoint, with add-on apps for specialized business, collaboration and productivity requirements.
- Editor's Note: If you're interested in other sales software, check out our wide collection of guides.
- 4
Hubspot CRM software
Hubspot is another popular marketing and CRM software solution, but this particular one is cloud-based and helps companies track and nurture leads, and perform business metric analysis.
It is available for free and suitable for any business type in various segments such as accounting, construction, and others, offering a real-time view of the whole sales funnel while tracking customer interactions automatically via email, social media or phone.
With this software to track sales, you can create and manage email templates and track their performance, plus send out real-time notifications on events like when a contact opens the email or downloads any attachments.
You can add up to a million contacts, with unlimited users and your free access has no time limit, however, the contacts added may be added to the Hubspot Marketing Hub if used together.
Once you start using it, you'll also find some free versions available in the paid marketing and sales software so this tool goes over and above what a typical CRM does, so you can improve your sales processes.
It integrates with email providers such as Gmail, GSuite and many Outlook versions.
- 5
This is another cloud-based sales and marketing solution that offers CRM, e-commerce and marketing automation features in a single suite, helping small businesses in different industries deliver on their sales volumes and customer support experiences.
With this software to track sales, you can segment contacts, track customer interactions, send email messages, run marketing campaigns based on email opens, clicks and other variables, manage your e-commerce from inventory, payments, and purchases, plus setup online shopping carts while tracking activity from the online store.
It has reporting and analytics tools that help you analyze variables like emails and campaigns, sales, revenue projections, and others to track the return on investments of your sales activities.
You can also use it remotely as it is cloud-based, with your android or iOS smartphone or tablet, and it integrates with apps such as QuickBooks, Salesforce, Outlook and Gmail.
Is there a software to track sales that you find very useful and that isn't mentioned here? Share with us in the comments section below.
- 5 of the best webinar software to connect to your customers
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Editor's Note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been since updated for freshness, and accuracy.


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Functional and practical, they are not only a great way to recycle your eggshells, they also help prevent a fairly common plant disorder called 'blossom end rot'.
What is Blossom End Rot?
Blossom end rot occurs when vegetables can't absorb enough calcium from the soil and the flesh on the blossom end (not the vine end) of the vegetable breaks down, turns black and dries up.
By planting your seeds in eggshells, the disorder can be avoided because as the eggshells breaks down, it releases calcium into the soil. You can purchase a commercial product called Rot-Stop to spray on your vegetables, but I would rather let the eggshells prevent blossom end rot naturally.
Making Eggshell Seed Cups
To make your starters, crack your eggs, leaving about 2/3 of the shell intact. Rinse out the egg reside.
Poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage with a pin, then scoop a bit of seed starting soil into each shell (mix some coffee grounds in to the soil for an additional nutrition boost). Press a few seeds into each shell and loosely cover with a bit more soil.
Mist with water and set your shells in the egg carton on the windowsill or in a warm spot in your house. Cover them with plastic wrap to retain more of the moisture. Keep the soil moist and you should see sprouts in no time!
Planting your Seedlings
Remove the plastic wrap once the seeds have sprouted.
When you are ready to transplant your seedlings, crush the shell a bit with your fingers or remove the bottom part to allow the plant roots to escape, and plant the seedling, shell and all, in the ground.
If your seedling outgrows the shell before it's time to go outside, you can plant the shell cup in a larger pot or container until it can be moved outside.
What you need:
Seed Starting Mix
Egg Trays


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Creating every reason why moms and newborns should be confidently at ease in public when feeding time arrives, a newly launched product makes breastfeeding a breeze.
Sydney, NSW -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/06/2015 -- In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week Jasmine & Co launches an encouraging product. The motherhood and parenting brand is on a mission to help moms feel at ease when they're breastfeeding in public. And rightly so considering the controversy reported by news sources like Time magazine. Raising awareness for a child's right to feed in peace, their new breastfeeding cover gives baby and mom the privacy they so deserve. Better yet, it fuels the connection they so desire.
Making life easier during the early stages of parenthood, the breastfeeding cover is made with a robust neckline formed with a rigid yet soft material. This high-quality design allows mother and baby to sweetly see each other while feeding's underway. Keeping the precious moment uncomplicated, the modesty cover is light grey with abstract white Jasmine petals. Thus, it gives stylish full-coverage for mom. At the same time, for baby, it provides ventilation and blocks distractions allowing them to concentrate on the matter at hand.
With an easily adjustable neck strap the thoughtfully sized nursing apron slips over any outfit. It measures 68 cm long by 90 cm wide and is fabricated with oversized pockets made with plush premium cotton toweling. The pockets can hold breast pads or pacifiers while the oversized portion has dual uses; it can be used as a burping cloth or to clean baby's face after feeding.
The cover can also be used as a changing mat or a sunshade for a stroller or car seat. For more added convenience the 100% premium cotton breastfeeding cover comes with a small tote bag to store the cover in or to separate dirty or wet clothing from the contents of your diaper bag.
Robbie Nixon, founder of Jasmine & Co said of the company's commitment to quality, "As new parents ourselves my wife and I are committed to bring consumers products we want to use. We're already in the process of launching our next two products come November. This breastfeeding cover will come in organic cotton and muslin by the end of the year."
For more information visit www.jasmineandcompany.com
About Jasmine & Co
Jasmine & Co is a motherhood and parenting brand based on Curl Curl Beach in Sydney, Australia. The company's products are made with environmentally-friendly, sustainably sourced, premium materials. Jasmine & Co was named after its founders' first born 'Jasmine' and their new baby on the way - hence the '& Co'.
To purchase the breastfeeding cover on Amazon visit
Robbie Nixon
Social Media:
For more information on this press release visit:
Media Relations Contact
Robbie Nixon
Email: Click to Email Robbie Nixon
Web: http://www.jasmineandcompany.com


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Heaven Knows What
As film production gets cheaper and more accessible, we were supposed to get a democratization of content, where all sorts of different stories get told. As it happens, the means of production is still generally in the hands of upper-middle class white guys, and most of them want to tell stories either about how their dad was mean or what if this one girl loved them back. As interesting as those stories can be the first time around, they're kind of low on the scale of problems worth thinking about.
You know what's a real problem? heroin addiction. Not in the glamorous way of Lou Reed or Vincent Vega or Trainspotting, but in the slow grind of day-to-day addiction while homeless on the streets of a major urban center. Josh and Benny Safdie may be relatively privileged themselves, but they use their camera to tell the stories that Arielle Holmes wrote down for them in her unpublished memoir Mad Love in New York City, and they've adapted these stories into Heaven Knows What, a powerful and unapologetic film starring Holmes herself as the lightly-fictionalized "Harley".
Most of the time we spend with Harley is about getting her next fix. It's not even about getting high; she needs twenty bucks for her maintenance dose of two hundred-milligram packets, or "bags", of heroin just to keep from feeling sick. If she wants to feel a rush, she needs two more bags. That's at least morning and night, and before she's even considered where she's going to sleep.
There are shelters, sure, but they aren't about to let her shoot up under their roof. Besides, Harley had to leave the last shelter after a giant falling-out with Ilya (Caleb Landry Jones); we just see the end of this at the start of the film when Harley slices her wrist open in a bizarre act of contrition. It's a stupid and silly decision on her part — especially for a guy who treats her the way Ilya does — but life as a homeless addict doesn't usually come from or lead to the best decision-making skills.
So Harley sticks close to her dealer, Mike (Buddy Duress), who crashes at some lady's apartment for fifteen dollars a night. That brings her budget up to at least $55 every day just for heroin and shelter. She gets most of what she can from "spadging" — begging for spare change — but she's resourceful. An unattended mailbag means grabbing a handful of envelopes in case one of them contains something valuable; shoplifted convenience store energy shots can be resold to newsstands for below their wholesale price. And she can always hustle to make a deal with Mike and hope his own habit keeps him from remembering what exactly she owes.
There's a whole life and culture that exists here at the margins of the city, and most of us just look right past it. Harley and Ilya have no problems fighting and yelling out in the open because they're invisible to most of the people around them. Besides, when you're living on the street there's not a lot of other, more private places to go. Harley also carouses with her friends, often in the parks at night with a bottle of liquor someone has scared up during the day, still studiously ignored by the rest of the city.
The Safdie brothers don't present a nice, neat story of redemption here. The real Arielle Holmes seems to be pulling her life together now, but it's largely on the back of this project, not within the film itself. Heaven Knows What shows us a few days — maybe a week — in her life. It's as raw and real as anything you can find on the screen, and it's not about playing to some patronizing mainstream narrative script of how an addiction story should be. As much as we've learned to look away from those on the margins, the Safdies push us to look and see the person right in front of us, and to take her for who she is.
Worth It: yes.
Bechdel Test: fail.
This review also appears at Punch Drunk Critics.


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Delivery Information
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For express service, call 1800 069 295 for a quote.
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2009 Shirvington Shiraz
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- Cellar 4 - 5 years (2016-2017)
- Closure: Cork
Super saturated inky black colour with very deep black dark purple hue. The nose exhibits an intense aromatic profile of super ripe blackberry, liquorice, dark chocolate, dark plum and vanillin spice. Full bodied, densely concentrated and super rich the palate delivers voluptuous flavours of ripe blackberry, dark plum, liquorice and dark chocolate followed by some underlying cedary vanilla like characters. Velvet smooth tannins with long dark blackberry, ripe plum, liquorice and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years (2016-2017).
Alc 15.0%


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10 Healthy Foods You Need In Your Pantry If You're On A Budget
During college, I tried my best to live frugally. I made it a point to use precisely what I had in my kitchen and I tried my best to never let food go to waste. You don't have to sacrifice health and nutrients simply because you are eating on a budget.
Here are 10 healthy and inexpensive foods that became a staple of my low-budget college lifestyle, and may become a part of yours:
1. Lentils
Lentils are one of my favorite foods. You can choose from a wide variety, but my favorite are the black ones. Lentils are an excellent source of fiber, magnesium, and protein. They can be used in various soups, and they can also be added to salads and rice. I like cooking lentils with a whole onion, letting them cool, and adding olive oil and lemon juice to make a delicious and nutritious meal.
Recommended serving size: ½ cup cooked
2. Sardines
OK—before you turn your nose in protest, give 'em a chance! Sardines are packed with nutrients that boost cardiovascular health, such as omega-3 fatty acids. My favorite way to eat sardines is to cut some (from a can) and add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and diced green olives.
Recommended serving size: 1 tin
3. Eggs
They're versatile and full of nutrition, especially protein. Nothing better than a simple plate of scrambled eggs with a little hot sauce.
Recommended serving size: 1 egg
4. Almonds
Almonds are loaded with protein, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium. Just a handful of raw almonds can get you through the afternoon slump.
Recommended serving size: Just a handful
5. Quinoa
Quinoa is a protein-powerhouse, and not many people are familiar with this grain. Quinoa is a full-protein and is especially high in calcium. In addition, quinoa is full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Quinoa can be added to soups, rice, and salads for an additional boost of protein.
Recommended serving size: ½ cup cooked
6. Garbanzo beans
Ah, garbonzo beans, the delicious beans with a funny name. Garbonzo beans, also known as chickpeas, are an excellent source of protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. The high-protein and low natural sugar levels of these beans make them an excellent choice for diabetics, as they can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Pair these beans with lemon juice, dill, green onion, and cilantro for a delicious, no-fuss salad.
Recommended serving size: ½ cup cooked
7. Beets
Too often beets may be overlooked in the grocery store, which is unfortunate because beets are loaded with nutrients, including iron and folic acid, which is necessary for the repair and maintenance of new cells. Additionally, beets contain tryptophan, which can help elevate one's mood and improve sleep quality—so eat up! Apart from borscht, beets can be added to a salad with spinach, garbonzo beans, and sunflower seeds.
Recommended serving size: 1 cup raw
8. Radishes
Perhaps you overlook these ruby-hued veggies at the grocery store, but radishes contain nutrients that are necessary for optimum health. Despite their humble size, radishes are very high in vitamin C. Radishes also contain a isothiocyanates, which have been shown to be effective in the fight against cancer. Radishes can be added to salads or simply eaten as snacks. I like munching on them with dinner.
Recommended serving size: 1 handful (about 6-8 radishes)
9. Steel-cut Oats
A cousin to the rolled-oats we may be more familiar with, steel-cut oats are full of nutrients, like protein, fiber, and B-vitamins. Steel-cut oats are the least processed oats of all—the oats are simply toasted and chopped into chunks. Also, steel-cut oats take longer to digest than rolled oats, and because of this, it leaves you feeling full longer, so you get more bang for your buck. Steel-cut oats can be eaten like regular oatmeal, with a sprinkle of dried cranberries for added flavor.
Recommended serving size: ¼ cup cooked
10. Kale/ Spinach
I cheated here and couldn't choose between the two: kale and spinach are two superfoods that I use interchangeably. They are both loaded with iron, calcium, and potassium. They can be added to salads (that's the obvious option), soups, or chopped teeny-tiny and added to pasta/rice dishes.
Recommended serving size: 1 cup raw
It's important to be creative when eating on a budget. Nothing spells boring quicker than eating a can of beans night after night, so it's important to think outside the box when preparing these meals.
Does a particular food combination sound good to you? Go ahead and give it a try! Do garbanzo beans sound boring and bland? Go ahead and add some herbs/spices to boost the appeal. Eating on a budget doesn't have to be boring, nor does it have to be void of nutrients!
Ready to learn how to fight inflammation and address autoimmune disease through the power of food? Join our 5-Day Inflammation Video Summit with mindbodygreen's top doctors.


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The Starlight Headliner is a factory-installed option on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe or Sedan that turns the roof of your luxury car into a panoramic starry night.
"Creating an illusion of a dazzling night sky, hundreds of fibre optic lights shine through the perforated leather on the roof."
"The brightness of these Roll Royce-created stars can be adjusted to complement the moods and the needs of the owner."
"It can be bright enough to support reading and dim enough to deliver subtle glow for ultimate relaxation. It can also be switched off altogether."


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The Great Ski Pass Battle – Epic or Mountain Collective?
Scout, a New Start-up Ski Trip Booking Website, Lends Independent Advice for Ski Travelers
Have you seen this eye-popping infographic from the folks at Scout?
Scout was founded by Sarah Plaskitt, and Aussie girl and avid skier who quit her high-powered advertising job in New York City to travel to the world's best ski resorts to review properties and share her recommendations and advice with fellow skiers around the globe.
Her mission is simple but powerful: to help skiers find and book great places to ski & stay and to make the booking process easy and as exciting as the vacation.
Twelve months, 360 hotels, 45 resorts, 8 countries, 34 planes, 26 trains, 13 buses, and 3,600 rental car miles later she launched Scout, a new online travel planning and booking resource for skiers, by skiers. Scout handpicks ideal ski hotels and condos and provides in-depth reviews, tips, and insights on each location.
"Whenever I was planning a ski vacation I was frustrated with the lack of unbiased, detailed information that addresses skiers' particular needs," Plaskitt says. "I was also shocked at how few travel agents have actually been to a hotel, let alone the destination they are recommending."
Unlike other online travel booking sites, and travel wholesalers and agents, Scout is selective in its choices of accommodations, and handpicks only those properties it has visited and would recommend to friends or family.
"We don't write negative reviews," Plaskitt says, "Because a bad hotel simply doesn't make the list."
Scout takes no advertising, does not receive compensation from hotels or resorts to be listed on the site, nor does it have contracts with hotels that set sales targets. The result is a completely independent online travel planning and booking resource built by skiers, for skiers. Users can browse, research, and book their lodging reservations directly on scoutski.com in a simple and secure way.
Experts are also on hand to provide first-hand advice by phone or email, to assist customers with their ski trip planning.There are no booking fees and – even better – Scout guarantees the lowest ski lodging rates available online. Many hotels have partnered with Scout to offer exclusive VIP perks to those booking via scoutski.com, such as free room upgrades and welcome gifts.
The Scout experience doesn't stop at the confirmation email. Scout takes its level of service beyond its high-tech booking engine and online trip planning resource by also offering a supplementary "low-tech" resource with its printed resort guidebooks. Once booked for their trip, skiers are mailed a free Scout Field Guide for their destination. The pocket-sized paperback guides are packed with useful information, such as recommended local restaurants and bars, details for how to get to and around the resort, advice on childcare services and tips on where to buy groceries.
Skiers tend to be very independent and relish the "hunt" of finding the perfect place for their next trip. But they still want to be "in the know" and ideally would love to have a friend guide them and hook them up with a few tips, recommendations and deals, Plaskitt says. "Scout is that friend, the one who knows the secret powder stashes, the hidden breakfast gems, and the right people to arrange some 'friend of a friend' perks, such as upgrades."
The ultimate goal, says Plaskitt, is to make Scout the go-to resource for skiers around the world by providing a global point-of-view with hyper-local tips and insight on the best places to ski & stay.
In the meantime, Plaskitt continues to "scout" new destinations, ski hotels, condos, apartments, lodges, and other great places to stay for savvy skiers. The team at Scout is busy designing new enhancements to the site for the 2014/15 season and skiers can anticipate more U.S. and Canadian locations to be added in the weeks to come, as well as the debut of ski resorts in Japan and Europe this fall.
For more information or to start planning and booking a ski trip, visit www.scoutski.com. Or follow Scout on social at @scoutski or www.facebook.com/scoutski.
Call for Speakers & Sponsors: 5th Annual Women's Small Business Conference
Join the Colorado SBDC Network for the 5th Annual Northwest Colorado Women's Small Business Conference at Copper Mountain on Friday, October 10!
This event sells out every year – don't wait to buy your tickets!
Join other like-minded female entrepreneurs for an
exciting, interactive day packed with hands-on business training seminars, free one-on-one consulting, exhibitor tables featuring area resources, plenty of networking opportunities, and more!
Leave the conference feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with plenty of action items, connections and inspiration to take your business to the next level of success!
Steamboat Trio Wins Top Spot at Breckenridge Startup Weekend
Entrepreneurial team aims to build a new social media platform that connects conscious consumers with socially responsible companies.
Dan Balgooyen, Lindsay Balgooyen, and Kyle DeFauw of Steamboat Springs received the top recognition at the Inaugural Breckenridge Startup Weekend held at the Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge Campus this past weekend.
The team says its winning innovation, Gr8ful Giveback, is a credible mobile platform that promotes and facilitates charitable giving campaigns and bridges a missing connection between companies, charitable organizations, and consumers.
"Businesses get recognized for their philanthropy efforts while building a social media presence, non-profits benefit by gaining new widespread exposure and funding, and end users win by receiving promotional discounts, and gratification of making a difference," say team leader Dan Balgooyen.
Other top finishers of Startup Weekend included Jared Manske of Breckenridge who developed a safety device designed to improve home window blind safety, and Brian Costanza of Denver developed the Awesome Timer. The Awesome Timer is a mobile app that asks users to reset the timer every time they do something awesome.
At total of 18 participants pitched their ideas to the judges and an audience of 60 on Friday night. From there, five selected pitches were given 54 hours to create teams to design, research, analyze, and further develop their business plans. The teams presented their final pitches Sunday evening. Judges included Myra Michelle Eby, local entrepreneur, and founder of MyChelle Dermaceuticals; Ross Iverson, president and CEO of the Vail Leadership Institute, and Jose Vietez, of Boomtown.
Prizes were provided by Arapahoe Basin, KL Creative Design, and evo3 Workspace. Winners will also be interviewed and highlighted by Boomtown, a startup accelerator based in Boulder.
"Several attendees expressed their gratitude that an event like Startup Weekend was available in our incredible environment, for many it was a life changing experience," says Thomas Gerber, local volunteer organizer of the Breck Startup Weekend.
Gerber adds, "Now is the time to start co-creating the next Start-up Weekend and High Country Accelerators for those who want to make a positive difference with a business that is birthed and grows in the High Country."
Connect on social at www.facebook.com/swbreck or on twitter @SWBreckenridge.
Day Two: Getting Startup Done in Breckenridge
Day two of Breckenridge Startup Weekend was greeted with sunny skies and Rocky Mountain altitudes. Last night teams formed around five proposals and then rolled up their sleeves and began tackling the first steps to establishing and launching a business. Teams were still working when Tuesday officially arrived, and spent the morning and afternoon establishing their value proposition and validating their products or services. Here's a closer look at some the teams and what they're working on.
Night One! Breckenridge Startup Weekend – The View from 9,600 Feet
Last night, while the sun set behind the mountaintops of the Ten Mile Range, light bulbs were popping inside the Breckenridge campus of Colorado Mountain College. A total of 18 innovative pitches were made to an audience of about 50, including judges, coaches, and organizers. Sticky note votes were cast, and teams formed around five finalists and their entrepreneurial exploits.
Here's more of the scene from 9,600 feet in Breckenridge, Colorado.
This Friday Night! Meet Breckenridge Business Leaders and Local Entrepreneurs
We're just days away from the inaugural Breckenridge Startup Weekend and basically: We're psyched! We can't wait to meet everyone, network, and work together to push a few ideas a lot closer toward becoming a reality.
We're so thankful to everyone that has helped us put together our own Startup Weekend, and where better than at 9,600-feet in the comfortably lush and beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. This is your chance to connect with mentors, coaches, and speakers that can help you grow your idea, and your life.
Here's a closer look at who you'll meet:
Yvonne Bryant is on a mission to help entrepreneurs build and grow profitable businesses. Trained as an architect, she has a unique 20 year background in communications, elegant leadership, project management on multimillion dollar development projects, computer systems, strategic planning, and business development which provides her clients with unique advantages. She helped a professional services company develop a new department that began billing $240,000 in services within three years with one staff member. She helped another company increase sales an additional $70,000 within 6 months by bridging the company's products and services into a complimentary market.
Kristy Lee Gogolen
Kristy Lee Gogolen founded KL Creative Design, a web and mobile technology group, in 2005. With a love of all things binary and a keen eye for design, she makes websites pretty-inside and out. In 2011, she founded LadyBits Dev, the mobile division of KL Creative Design, and released an iPhone altimeter app, Explore More.
Kathryn Grohusky specializes in coaching athletes and entrepreneurial leaders ways to bust through internal blocks to "get unstuck already!" and reach their potential in sports and business because she loves exploring the achievement of audacious athletic and business goals. Her experience includes the business start-up phase of community not-for-profits and creative board development. She currently serves international clients as their business and "inner workout" coach and focuses the rest of her time on growing her own start up – CoachGro LLC.
Michele Knight, CPA and QuickBooks Pro Advisor, is President of Knight Accounting & Technology, which focuses on helping small businesses and non-profits with their bookkeeping, payroll, and tax needs. With 10 years of experience Michele has a very hands on approach, and enjoys helping small business owners and non-profit executives fully understand their unique accounting and tax situations.
An active participant in two dozen Colorado startups since 1995, Toby has a passion for entrepreneurship and startup communities. He is currently Co-Director of Boomtown, a boulder-based technology accelerator, Managing Director of Atomic20, Co-Founder of Scrib, and Project Director for the Colorado state branding project.
Elizabeth Lewis owns the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C. where she works with businesses on issues ranging from start-up help to dissolution. Working with small businesses and their owners, she helps clients with a variety of contracts including initial organization agreements, client agreements, employment contracts, leases, online marketing law, software agreements, and web-development contracts. In addition to working directly with clients, Elizabeth teaches classes at locations throughout the Denver Metro Area and beyond, including several focused on online marketing law.
Brian A. McLaughlin Mr. McLaughlin has been Chairman, CEO and/or President of numerous companies involved in the development and operations of large-scale (400 to 13,000 acres) resort and recreational communities for over thirty years. He has had a special focus on the turn-around and disposition of financially distressed properties. He has directly managed 20 of these large-scale community developments, 27 individual residential projects, 7 hotel and timeshare properties, 15 dining and restaurant operations, 7 residential rental property operations, 5 large commercial centers, and 13 individual commercial properties.
Breckenridge Startup Weekend starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 and runs through 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge. For more information or tickets, visit www.breckenridge.startupweekend.org
Connect with us on social at www.facebook.com/swbreck or on Twitter @SWBreckenridge.
What's the BIG Idea?
If you've been thinking about the next best thing, or thinking that "there outta be this," or "there outta be that," then your weekend is coming up! Breckenridge Startup Weekend (happening Aug. 15-17) gives anyone the opportunity to pitch an idea to a group of local executives and entrepreneurs and ultimately receive their expert advice and help in creating a winning business plan.
So if you've been waiting for your time to shine, this just might be your moment. But don't take our word for it. Here is an excerpt from "Educator Turned Entrepreneur- How I Found my Entrepreneurial Spark"a blog post written by teacher-slash-entrepreneur Maggie Croushore, who is now the founder of KidFit Academy, thanks to her own Startup Weekend experience.
"Three years ago, an educator and graduate student blissfully unaware of the language and philosophies of entrepreneurship, I went to a Startup Weekend Education in Washington, DC. My intention was to observe and see what this whole "startup weekend" madness was about; I figured that I might meet some cool people and, if nothing else, get a free meal. I had no intention of pitching an idea and figured that I would probably just attend Friday and maybe, if I had time, Sunday.
However, something magical happened in the car on the way to Georgetown. I was riding with three other teachers, talking about our days and expectations for the weekend. The driver, a "techie" teacher already using cutting-edge technology in his classroom, was planning on pitching a platform to better organize real time student data. The other teachers talked about some ideas and hopes that they had for the weekend. I sat quietly and began to think about an idea I had had for some time.
As a middle school literacy teacher, I saw that my students struggled to sit still for my extended block. I also knew, from a background in studying childhood obesity, that my students did not get enough physical movement…I desired to find a way to bring purposeful fitness education to schools so that all students could experience the transformative power of fitness in their lives as I had in my own.
So, in the back seat of a car filled with educators on the way to our first Startup Weekend experience, I gained the courage to conceptualize my idea and pitch it to a room of 100 strangers. It wasn't the most polished pitch, but I did it. And I am so glad that I did.
My idea, KidFit, made it to the top 10! I was beyond ecstatic. I went from being a casual observer to a full-on participant in the weekend. ..KidFit did not necessarily take shape that weekend, but I did. I learned the power of entrepreneurship and the ability of a few committed people to join together and turn dreams into realities.
That weekend was the spark that grew into what is now my "full-time" job as founder of KidFit Academy. It is not an easy journey; every day requires patient perseverance with a clear focus and constant reflection. But I could not imagine doing anything else."
Now it's your turn!
Breckenridge Startup Weekend starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 and runs through 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 at Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge. For more information or tickets, visit www.breckenridge.startupweekend.org
Connect with us on social at www.facebook.com/swbreck or on Twitter @SWBreckenridge.
[ What do you hope attendees get from the event? ] [ Who are the (current) mentors? ] [ Who are the judges (if applicable)? ]
Stepping Up to Startup!
Breck Locals Pool their Talents (and Resources) to Host First Annual Startup Weekend
We're under two weeks away from Breckenridge Startup Weekend and we couldn't wait to give a shout out to our partners and sponsors who are making it all happen here at 9,600 feet; that's altitude folks!
"This weekend could change your life," says our own Thomas Gerber, a local volunteer, one of those involved with spearheading the local effort. "So many people have ideas and dreams but never act on them. We're giving those people a supportive environment, a team, the right tools, coaching and a tight deadline to work on their idea and make it a reality."
Even if you don't have an idea or don't want to pitch, come, says Gerber. If you're intrigued with the idea of a startup or want to support a startup idea, come.
"This is an opportunity to be part of a movement in Summit County to create a vibrant, smart, progressive startup community," he adds.
Here's a big Shout Out the organizers and SPONSORS of Breckenridge Startup Weekend 2014!


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Queenstown for adrenaline junkies
Mar 08,2016
There is only one way to see Queenstown – and it's from high above the city with adrenaline coursing through your veins.
A visit to the home of adventure tourism wouldn't be complete without soaring through the sky on the world's largest swing, hurtling towards the ground on a bungee, ziptrekking through the treetops or free-falling at 200kph. Located in the heart of the city, the Millennium Hotel Queenstown is the perfect base for our must-do Queenstown experiences for adrenaline junkies.
Take a Flying Leap in the Home of Bungee Jumping
The extreme sport of jumping off really, really tall stuff was made popular by New Zealander AJ Hackett and there is no better place to experience the thrill than in Queenstown. Not for the faint of heart, The Nevis Bungy is said to be the highest jump in New Zealand, offering 8.5 seconds of free fall from an epic 134m. Buses to the jump site are provided and leave from the centre of the city, just a short walk from the Millennium Hotel Queenstown. Visitors should allow four hours for the round trip so if you only have a short time in Queenstown or would like to ease into the bungee experience, The Ledge Bungy is a great option that is a bit closer to home. Located at the top of the Skyline Gondola, The Ledge is the only night bungee site in New Zealand, is a 47m drop that offers breathtaking views across the city. Both activities have a minimum age requirement of 13 and 10 years old respectively. Anyone under the age of 14 must also obtain signed parental consent.
Zip through the Treetops
Fly through the forest canopy, taking in the pristine lakes and mountain ranges in a thrilling zipline adventure. Ziptrek Ecotours offers a totally unique way to see Queenstown, while also providing a great insight into the natural environment and sustainability. Suitable for every age (six years old and up) and ability, visitors can choose from two tour options. The Moa tour consists of four ziplines and is designed to start slow and gradually get faster and higher as you gain confidence. The Kea tour is longer and faster, finishing with a zipline ride that descends 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70kph. Ziptrek Ecotours is located on the top of Bob's Peak, close to your hotel in the centre of the city. Ride the gondola up the hill or walk the Tiki Trail to take it all in from the ground level first.
A Big Step up from the Playground Swing
The Nevis Swing in Queenstown is the largest swing in the world – a heart-stopping experience that will see you whizzing across the canyon at 120kph. Hold on tight as you drop from 160m, swinging out towards the other side of the valley in an epic 300m arc before swooping back up towards the oncoming cliff face. Visitors can brave it alone or take a friend for a tandem swing. You can go backward, forward or upside down if you want to get really adventurous. This is a four-hour round trip from Queenstown, with transport provided by AJ Hackett Bungy, the same people who operate The Nevis Bungy.
Experience the Feeling of Free-falling
For true thrill-seekers or those that want to test the limits of their comfort zone, skydiving in Queenstown is an unmissable experience. Take a 15-minute scenic flight over Lake Wakatipu and the stunning Remarkables mountain range before jumping off the plane from 9,000ft, 12,000ft or 15,000 ft (2740m, 3660m or 4570m). After an exhilarating free fall of up to a minute, you can take in the view at a more leisurely pace as you parachute back to the ground. There is no age restriction but anyone under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent. NZONE Skydive offers a three-and-a-half hour trip that includes transport to and from the drop zone. Jumpers will be picked up from the NZONE Skydive Centre in central Queenstown, a handy 10-minute walk from your hotel.
AJ Hackett Bungy, NZONE Skydive and Ziptrek Ecotours all have an exceptional safety record so you can feel confident you are in good hands. Just hold on tight and enjoy your Queenstown adventure.


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Benefits of using Apache Thrift
Benefits of using Apache Thrift
Advantages and reasons for using Thrift on the Credits platform:
- Cross-language serialization with lower overheads, in contrast to such alternatives as SOAP, due to the use of a binary format.
- A simple and clean library. Does not need a code framework. Does not use the XML configuration.
- Language bindings are felt natural. For example, Java uses the ArrayList <String>. C++ uses std::vector<std::string>.
- The application-level communication format and the serialization level communication format are strictly separated. They can be changed independently of each other.
- Embedded types of serialization include: binary, HTTP-friendly and compact binary.
- It assembles like a cross-language serialized file.
- Soft version of the protocol. Thrift does not require a centralized and explicit mechanism, as do major-versions / minor-versions. Loosely coupled groups can freely switch to RPC calls.
- It does not depend on architecture or non-standard software. There are no incompatible software licenses.
- Use of the company's clients in the future with their favorite programming languages.