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Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) is mulling starting a "third force" alliance in response to the bitter partisan struggle between the pan-blue and pan-green camps and ethnic divisions, Taiwan Solidarity Union Chairman Shu Chin-chiang (蘇進強) said yesterday.
Shu told a press conference that Lee believes a "third and rational force" could help Taiwan "walk out of bipolar opposition."
Shu said Lee did not elabarate on what he meant by a "third force" alliance.
The TSU chief, however, said that he believes such a "force" could not be politically influential unless it was a political party.
Reports yesterday in Chinese-language papers, including the China Times and the United Daily News, said that Lee is considering forming a "third force" around March or April, in an effort to resolve social and political turmoil.
The articles said Lee hoped to position the alliance as a moderate centrist organization, and to address issues such as integrity and morality. The alliance would nominate a candidate to join in the 2008 presidential election, they said.
The preferred candidates, according to the reports, would be Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) or Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷).
When asked for comment, Shu said that he had no comment as to who would form such an alliance with Lee. He said it was too early for the media to predict candidates.
Lee hopes the TSU, which regards him as its spiritual leader, would play the role of a driving force in the establishment of such an alliance, Shu added.
Meanwhile, Wang said neither Lee nor the TSU had contacted him about the matter.
"A reporter from the United Daily News called me for comment about that late last night, and that was the first time I heard about it," Wang told reporters.
Calling himself a Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) member of the utmost loyalty, Wang said he did not think it was an issue, because "[the new force] doesn't exist."
He refused to comment on whether there would be space for a new party beyond the pan-blues and the pan-greens.
DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, meanwhile, told a press conference that anyone was free to form a "third force" alliance, given that the people have the freedom to assemble and to form an association in a democracy.
Yu said that these rights should be respected, but he added that it is not clear whether the nation could accommodate a "third force."
Mainstream public opinion still wishes for and was more willing to accept a "sound two-party system," Yu said.
In other developments, KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) declined to comment on speculation that Lee would invite Wang to form a "third force."
"Wang will make his own judgments and decisions using his wisdom and sense of responsibility," Ma said while attending a ceremony in Taoyuan to celebrate the dictator Chiang Kai-shek's (蔣介石) birthday.
People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), on the other hand, said that people's disappointment over both the corrupt government and the impotent KMT gave room for a third power to grow.
Soong said his decision to join the Taipei mayoral election was an effort to keep Taipei from being ruled by either the DPP or the KMT, and to solve problems for the public.
"I am the third power ... I feel like I should put more effort into winning the election, and integrate the KMT and the PFP," he said in front of his campaign bus.


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Clerical sex abuse: three cases involving children investigated by police
All three cases of sexual abuse on minors involved a diocesan priest, a religious priest and a lay person and are being investigated by the police
Three substantiated cases of child abuse were registered by the Curia's Safeguarding Commission, according to the commission head Andrew Azzopardi.
Addressing a press conference on the commission's annual report for 2017, Azzopardi said that the cases had been perpetrated by a diocesan priest, a religous priest, and a layperson, all of whom are being investigated by the police. Restrictions on their pastoral activities were also imposed, Azzopardi said.
By the end of 2017, the commission concluded risk assessments on another 16 complaints brought to its attention. Ten of these, Azzopardi said, were unsubstantiated. A further three were found to be unfounded while three were not related to abuse but were still referred to other entities for appropriate action.
The commission was founded in 2015 and is responsible for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. In May 2016 it had pushed for there to be a committee specifically in charge of investigating cases of abuse on minors and vulnerable individuals. Azzopardi revealed today that the government is currently working to put this proposal into effect.
Another issue that has been challenged over the years by the commission, Azzopardi said, is time-barred offences in relation to minors.
"Prescription on matters of child abuse should be done away with," he said. "Most of the time, people realise that they were abused when they were children when they reach adulthood. And it takes longer for these people to gather the courage to speak out."
At present, the commission is carrying out risk assessment on a further 12 complaints. Azzopardi said that the work carried out by the Safeguarding Commission also includes specialised training to around 2,000 Church personnel in an effort to foster awareness.
By the end of 2017, the commission also concluded a pilot project with six Church entities to evaluate the measures in place and to consider new practices in the field of prevention of abuse.

subset: commoncrawl


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"Watusi and the Emerald Serpent" set
Watusi and the Emerald Serpent is the story of an ordinary talking dog thrown out of his comfort zone into a crime-ridden island paradise! Watusi finds himself pitted against an outlaw gang and its lunatic leader in his most epic adventure yet! This print edition has been edited and expanded from the story as it was first published online, with full color covers and guest art from JB Winter, Billy McKay, Mike Sullivan, and Tom Cherry. Get all seven 16-page issues mailed right to your mailbox; originally published in Sept. 2016.
Price includes shipping within the U.S.


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Attraction to transgender people
This article may lend undue weight to certain ideas, incidents, or controversies. (April 2014)
|Part of a series on
|Transgender topics
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Attraction to transgender people is romantic or sexual attraction toward transgender people. Attraction to transgender people can be toward trans men, trans women, non-binary people, or a combination of these. This attraction can be a person's occasional, preferred, primary, or exclusive interest.
Like transgender people, individuals attracted to transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, or with none of these categories; they may identify as transgender or cisgender.
There are a variety of terms, inside both the transgender and academic communities, for people who are attracted to transgender people. These terms include admirer, transfan, tammyfan, trans* catcher, trans* erotic, transsensual, tranny chaser, tranny hawk,[1] though the final two may be considered offensive as they contain a slur.
The term tranny chaser was originally (and still predominantly) used to describe men sexually interested in visibly trans women, but it is now used by some trans men as well. Transgender people often use the term in a pejorative sense, because they consider chasers to value them for their trans status alone, rather than being attracted to them as a person.[2] However, some claim this term in an affirming manner.[3] The term tranny (or trannie) is itself considered a slur in many circles.[4][5]
Less pejorative terms such as transamorous and transsensual have also emerged, but they have not seen much usage.[2]
Academic terms
Sexologists have created numerous terms for preferential attraction to transgender people. John Money and Malgorzata Lamacz proposed the term gynemimetophilia to refer to a sexual preference for male-assigned people who look like, act like, or are women, including crossdressed men and trans women. They also proposed the term andromimetophilia to describe a sexual attraction to female-assigned people who look like, act like, or are men.[6]
Ray Blanchard and Peter Collins proposed the term gynandromorphophilia,[7] while Martin S. Weinberg and Colin J. Williams proposed the term men sexually interested in transwomen (MSTW) to describe the phenomenon among men.[8]
Social aspects
In Diary of a Drag Queen, Daniel Harris describes four types of men interested in him while he was cross-dressed: heterosexual men who wanted the presumed superior oral services of another male; homosexuals who were only interested in his genitals; other cross dressers; and men who were intrigued by the mixture of masculinity and femininity he represented. Relatively little has been written about the sexual preference for feminized men. When describing what makes them feel sexually attracted, different people refer to different aspects. One aspect of the appeal has been reported to be their exoticism. Also, "they are often both hyperfeminine in appearance and sexual aggressive".[9] There is a tendency for gynandromorphophilic men to describe being attracted to individual people who are transgender rather than to transgender people overall. Other tendencies are reported description of being attracted to what transgender women represent (a challenge to the traditional male/female dichotomy) and the explicit focus on the transgender body and appearance: "I like women with dicks. I like tits and I like dicks....Something erotic about getting fucked by someone who is a woman."[10]
According to Helen Boyd, "Tranny chasers are the big bugaboo in the crossdressing community, because their very existence suggests that crossdressers are not all as straight as they claim to be. Chasers are willing to give crossdressed men the kind of attention they desire, and that attention (a drink, a compliment) validates the crossdresser's experience, and completes the fantasy of feeling like a woman."[11] According to Jeffrey Escoffier of the Centre for Gay and Lesbian Studies of CUNY, sexual interest in male-to-female transsexuals first emerged in 1953, associated with the then famous transition of Christine Jorgensen.[9] It was after expressing transsexualism via surgery became more feasible over the 1960s that sexual orientation came to be re-conceptualized as distinct from gender identity and cross-dressing. In survey of men who engage in sex with male-to-female transsexuals, 73%[10] to 92%[12] identified their sexual identity as straight or bisexual.
A study employing the penile plethysmograph demonstrated that the arousal patterns, genital and subjective, of men who self-report attraction to trans women are similar to those of straight men, and different from those of gay men. The study showed that those men, also known in literature as gynandromorphophiliacs, are strongly aroused to female stimuli but weakly if at all to male stimuli. They differ from both straight and gay men, however, in displaying strong attraction to shemale stimuli as well, which provoked as much arousal in the gynandromorphophilic subjects as the female stimuli. The study also found that autogynephilia is common among gynandromorphophiliacs, with 42% of them scoring above 1 point on a questionnaire measuring autogynephilic arousal, compared to 12% of straight men and 0% of gay men. In the sample, 41.7% of gynandromorphophiliacs identified as bisexual, with the remainder identifying as straight. Bisexual gyandromorphophiliacs did not display more arousal to male stimuli than their heterosexual counterparts, however, they could be distinguished by their significantly higher level of autogynephilic arousal.[13]
Erotic materials created for people attracted to trans men have become more visible in recent years, largely due to pornographic actor Buck Angel.[14] Jamison Green writes that some cisgender gay men often enjoy sexual relations with trans men. Green writes, "Plenty of penis-less transmen [...] engage in sex with penis-equipped gay men [...] and these non-trans partners are often surprised to find that a penis is not what defines a man, that the lack of a penis does not mean a lack of masculinity, manliness, or male sexuality."[15]
Academic views
Some academics characterize attraction to transgender people as a medical diagnosis to be managed[16] or a type of paraphilia.[17] Others state that stigma against attractions to transgender people can erase transgender identities and deny transgender sexualities, and argue that such attractions should be destigmatized.[2]
See also
- ↑ Baker, Paul (2004). Fantabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Gay Slang. Continuum International Publishing Group, ISBN 978-0-8264-7343-1
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers at line 47: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- ↑ Green, Eli; Eric Peterson. "LGBTTSQI Terminology & Definitions". Trans academics. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-09-05. Retrieved 8 May 2014.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
- ↑ Staff report (4 January 2010). Paper guilty of transsexual slur. BBC News
- ↑ Lennard, Natasha (April 7, 2010). Transgender Film Draws Protests at Festival Site. New York Times
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers at line 47: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- ↑ Blanchard, R., & Collins, P. I. (1993). Men with sexual interest in transvestites, transsexuals, and she-males. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 181, 570–575.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers at line 47: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Escoffier, J. (2011). Imagining the she/male: Pornography and the transsexualization of the heterosexual male. Studies in Gender and Sexuality, 12, 268–281.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Operario, D., Burton, J., Underhill, K., & Sevelius, J. (2008). Men who have sex with transgender women: Challenges to category-based HIV prevention. AIDS and Behavior, 12 18-26.
- ↑ Helen Boyd, My husband Betty: love, sex, and life with a crossdresser, p. 248, Seal Press, 2003, ISBN 1-56025-515-3
- ↑ Tracy Clark-Flory (October 23, 2011). "What's Behind Transsexual Attraction?".<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
- ↑ Kevin J Hsu; David Miller; J. Michael Bailey (2015). "Who are gynandromorphophilic men? Characterizing men with sexual interest in transgender women". Psychological Medicine (journal). 26: 1–9.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
- ↑ Richardson, Niall (2010). Transgressive Bodies: Representations in Film and Popular Culture. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 9780754676225
- ↑ Green, Jamison (2004). Becoming a Visible Man. Nashville, Tennessee: Vanderbilt University Press. p. 121. ISBN 0-826-51456-1. Retrieved 8 May 2014.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
- ↑ Barrett, James (2007). Transsexual and Other Disorders of Gender Identity: A Practical Guide to Management. Radcliffe Publishing, ISBN 9781857757194
- ↑ Richard Laws, D; O'Donohue, William T (2008-01-07). Sexual Deviance, Second Edition: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment. ISBN 9781593856052.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
Further reading
- Tracie O'Keefe, Katrina Fox, eds., Trans People in Love, Routledge, 2008, ISBN 0-7890-3572-3
- Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers at line 47: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).


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WooCommerce Responsive Theme Design
WooCommerce, as the name suggest is an e-commerce feature/function integrated in the WordPress platform. The WooTheme is responsible for the WooCommmerce theme design services and development solutions. If you are familiar with developing WP themes, HTML and CSS coding, then designing a WooCommerce theme is easy and simple. You can design this even if you are familiar with working on Chrome developer and other website development tools.
World Web Technology is a pioneer WooCommerce Theme Design Company located in Gujarat, India. Although we are headquartered in India, we render our services and products to clients all across the globe. We aren't just limited to designing services, we offer services related to theme and plugins development for various platforms such as WordPress, Magento, BuddyPress and various other open source development platforms. We will help you get to the zenith of your business's industry.
Acquirements in WooCommerce Theme Design Solutions
Yes, you can count on us. We have various accomplishments that we would like our clients to be acknowledged about:
- We have expertise in designing and developing all kinds of WooCommerce themes for CMS WordPress platform.
- Our WooCommerce templates at World Web Technology are highly interactive and user-friendly.
- We have set various self-breaking milestones to deliver innovative custom WooCommerce theme design ideas instead of offering straight forward work like the other do.
- We are proclaimed as the trusted consultants for WPWeb for WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) extensions.
- With more than fifty WooCommerce theme integration solutions, our team has an expertise in this field.
Advantages of Using Our WooCommerce Theme Design Services
There are various benefits associated with WordPress WooCommerce templates; let's discuss the most important ones below:
- Having inbuilt WooCommerce themes is completely free-of-cost; and if you are planning to have a custom WooCommerce theme design, then we are here to help, again with a nominal cost.
- Availing our WooCommerce responsive theme for your WordPress website, you will be able to allow your customers access your website on various electronic platforms including desktops, laptops, smartphone and tablets.
- WC isn't just e-commerce; it is a complete built-in functionality for an online shopping store. Not only that, it accompanies with a full-fledged blog.
- The WordPress WooCommerce templates although are highly simplified versions of functionalities, they look very professional for clients looking forward to a professional outlook.
- When we provide WooCommerce theme design solutions, we ensure that the templates developed are 100% SEO-friendly and user-friendly. The analytics of your site can also be easily sorted.
- WooCommerce theme integration allows a good room for alterations, enhancements and website growth. This feature ensures that the clients save a fortune on the cost of design when planning for a business growth.
Hire WooCommerce Theme Designers in India @ World Web Technology
We are unique; we offer uniqueness in all what we do! Hire WooCommerce theme designers from us who will not only work for you but will also not take up any other project related to other clients, until your project is successful accomplished. We at World Web Technology offer 100% client satisfaction at all times.
How Do We Do It?
We just want to make your site look appealing and innovative, at the same time, SEO and User-friendly. Our WP WooCommerce templates solutions include:
- Customizing the WooCommerce themes that can cater to the client's requirements.
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Why Choose Us?
We have several reasons for which clients stick to our services; these include:
- Our dedication to work and working ethics
- Our expertise in customized WooCommerce solutions
- Our option to hire WooCommerce template designers on a One-to-One basis
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- Our No-Hiding policy that follows with innovation and integrity
Get in Touch
Have you heard of the 'Day and Night' customer service? Yes, we provide that. Call us or email us anytime of the day or night with your queries regarding WooCommerce theme design services and we shall be happy to assist you in the best manner we can.


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Internet Trends 2017: Mid-Year Update
Mary Meeker released her annual Internet Trends report, which serves as a de facto "State Of The Union" for the tech world. The 352-slide report touches on virtually every corner of the tech world, but there were a number of findings that jumped out, both because of their general intrigue and because of the opportunity they offer for effective PR and communications. Here are three highlights:
- Digital advertising is becoming increasingly measurable and actionable
- Cloud adoption is up – as is the need for cloud security
- Healthcare data continues to increase in volume
Digital Advertising Is Becoming Increasingly Measurable and Actionable
Despite the consistent increase in ad blocking usage, companies are devoting more resources to digital ads than ever before. In the U.S. alone, digital ad spend topped $73 billion in 2016. This increase is mostly driven by mobile ad spend – in fact, desktop ad spend actually decreased in 2016. Advertisers have known that mobile usage has been growing; however, it wasn't until the latter half of 2016 that technology could accurately gauge ROI from mobile ad spend. Additional insight on who is (or isn't) engaging with ads allows advertisers to optimize accordingly for more efficient spend.
The good news is the additional data from mobile advertising will give companies more insight into their audiences. This will allow communicators to develop better strategies to reach audiences beyond mobile ad displays. To stand out against competitors, a company will need to create fully integrated campaigns that include both digital advertising and great story telling through public relations.
Head in the Cloud, Feet on the Ground
Cloud has been the buzzword for what feels like so long it feels as though its degree of popularity has been firmly established. It may be surprising to learn adoption of public and private clouds is still on the rise. Since 2014, cloud adoption has risen 37 percent and the total spend is approaching the amount spent on traditional data centers.
Considering its proliferation in the news, cloud adoption has been slower than expected. There are several concerns that prevent companies from adopting the cloud. However, it may be surprising to learn that concerns over data security has dropped by seven percent and cloud-related matters by 17 percent. The majority of enterprises now state their most pressing cloud concerns are vendor lock in (15 percent increase) and compliance/governance (six percent increase).
However, given recent massive global cyberattacks like Wannacry or Petya, security should still be a concern. For cloud-based companies, it is critical to have the right messaging for customers to understand what security measures are in place. The right communication strategy can demonstrate to customers – both existing and potential – their data will be protected, secure and the right measures are in place to mitigate risks.
Heath Care Must Tread Cautiously With More Data
The amount of usable healthcare data available is increasing exponentially. Over the past year alone, healthcare data has grown by 48 percent. This trend has been primarily driven by wearable technology. In 2016, 102 million wearables were shipped. It's not just the public's increased desire for gamified fitness devices, though. Because these types of wearables track heart rate, exercise duration and blood pressure, an increasing amount of crowdsourced data are being leveraged for medical and pharmaceutical studies.
More data means potentially more insight into healthcare, but it also means increased responsibility. It's up to healthcare organizations to communicate how they collect and use data responsibly, and the best way to do that is through a strategic communications plan. A single campaign isn't going to be enough to convince people that the data isn't being abused, especially when stories surface seemingly every week about leaked or misused data. Healthcare organizations need to have a partner to help craft and update their messaging to put the public at ease.
The good news is that people are more willing to share sensitive data with organizations they view as "trusted." Sixty percent of people polled said they're willing to share their health data with Google, 56 percent with Microsoft and 50 percent with Apple. One reason these companies are so trusted is because they are consistently in the media and communicating with their customers and the public. People feel like they know these companies because constant communication breeds familiarity. Good PR can go a long way in people's minds.
These are just the tip of the Internet Trends iceberg. You can check out the full report here.
Ready for a PR program of your own? Connect with us here.


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These are what some of the people who I've helped along the way have to say about me.
While the world continues to expand on their understanding of Millennials in the workplace, Tamara not only builds the business case for the value-add of each generation, but also provides actual tools and resources to take an individual or organization to the next level. Her sessions move beyond the hyper focus of Millennials and technology, to provide meaningful tips on how to leverage all generations and their diverse approaches to being successful in the workplace.
Tamara's innovative approach to building awareness around generational differences through current technology sets her aside from the rest. As a millennial, it's refreshing to see a Gen X-er take innovative approaches—such as live stream online—to make her content relatable, fresh, and accessible. I've had the great pleasure of participating in a few of her sessions, both in person and online and she doesn't let any of her participants walk away empty handed. Oana Amaria, Global Leadership Development Trainer, Language & Culture Worldwide
Tamara Thorpe's Real Leadership Live training equipped me with the tools to be a successful leader. I learned much more about communication and I've already been able to put the lessons I've learned into practice. By understanding my personal style of communication in relation to those I'm conversing with, it has allowed me to adapt better and therefore communicate more effectively. Prior to the training, I thought I did a pretty good job of listening, but found I actually needed to be more engaged!
Currently, I serve as the Community Engagement Chair of the Young Professionals of Albuquerque. Tamara has done a lot for me and my fellow millennials. From teaching at one of our lunch and learns to her continual support at our events, Tamara has proven to be a tremendous resource for our membership!
Tamara is an energetic and knowledgeable speaker who keeps your attention. If you're looking to improve any of your leadership skills, I'd definitely recommend taking one of her courses. Megan Bodenheimer, Marketing Coordinator at SunPower by Positive Energy Solar
I highly recommend Real Leadership as a way to take your leadership capabilities to the next level. It gave me new tools and insights to improve my communication and leadership ability. I found ways to help my teams crystallize a shared vision to pursue, which made it very easy for them to take on more responsibility and self-organize. Nick Williams, Co-founder of Sunport by PlugSolar
Tamara is truly a pleasure to work with! She and I started working together when I realized I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I had a great business idea, yet felt completely overwhelmed by it and didn't know where to start. Since I didn't know WHERE to start, I never actually did – until I started working with Tamara. I remember her telling me, "Just start! Don't worry about the details and just DO IT." And so I did. She helped put my business plan together, and she's very patient and understanding throughout the process. To be honest, I wouldn't have started my business without her guidance. If you're in a rut and need some leadership to get you going, Tamara is your girl! Kristyn Fox, Freelance Digital Marketing Consultant
Impactful, intentional, and unifying, Tamara has an approach to facilitating unlike any other. She provided just the right touch that our school needed, and did so with such short notice. A highly attuned acumen for the needs of a crowd, Tamara asks the hot button questions and truly knows how to engage an audience, even for hours at a time. Gerald Davis II, D.D.S., M.A., Meharry College
We're convinced that Tamara Thorpe is the most powerful force in New Mexico. A self-proclaimed millennial mentor, she has also worked with the YWCA and TEDx. If you want something done in ABQ, Tamara can get it done or tell you who else can (and teach you how to get the most out of LinkedIn while she's at it). Erin Miller and Johnny Rosa, Co-founders, Out There Productions


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Guy Levine tells us what social listening is and why it is important for your business, as well as what can be done with the information that you acquire through social listening in this short expert video.
Author Archives: Guy Levine
Guy Levine – Can giving away free content generate sales?
Content marketing is the type of marketing we have all been encouraged to focus our efforts on for a while now, but the big question is can giving away free content generate sales for your business? Guy Levine, managing director … click here to read more
Ask the Expert: Why you should more than 'dip a toe' into social advertising.
Q: Is social media advertising something I should be considering for my business?
A: This week, my social media team has built the following audiences for brands; mums-to-be, bodybuilders and aesthetic surgical and non-surgical professionals. All of this has been done … click here to read more
How to get results from social media marketing
In this short video, Guy Levine CEO of Return On Digital, talks through five top tips on how to succeed with social media marketing.
From defining a strategy and creating a content plan, to measuring the results and engaging with your … click here to read more


text: Would-Be Teen Bomber: 'Grim Reaper Is Here' Grant Acord's journal released; mom says mental illness at play By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff Posted May 29, 2013 7:38 AM CDT 35 comments This May 24, 2013 photo provided by Benton County District Attorney's Office shows Grant Alan Acord. (AP Photo/Benton County DA) (Newser) – Grant Acord detailed his alleged plot to blow up his Oregon high school in handwritten journals, and the plans were revealed in an affidavit released yesterday. In one, the 17-year-old envisions arriving at the school with loud music blasting from his car. As he threw a napalm firebomb and then started shooting, he planned to announce, "The Russian grim reaper is here," according to the document. In another, Acord wrote that he would "kill myself before SWAT engages me." There's also a list of "Items I'll Take," which includes not just weapons but things like a hammer and sickle baseball cap and a skull and crossbones belt buckle. The journals also reportedly compare Acord to the Columbine High School shooters, the Oregonian reports; authorities say Acord printed out pages of information about the weapons they used. Acord's mom, Marianne Fox, says he suffers from Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections or PANDAS, a mental illness. According to an author who had written about PANDAS and had spoken with Fox, she was attempting to find a way to get more expensive treatment for Acord. The teen's former stepdad says Acord was also getting therapy and treatment for OCD. (In a statement, Fox called PANDAS "a rare form of OCD," and the Oregonian notes that quite a bit of controversy surrounds the condition.) My Take on This Story Report a story error Show results | 6% Hilarious 7% Intriguing 20% Depressing 2% Brilliant 53% Scary 12% Ridiculous


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This time of year, our Newport, Vermont Bike Path is a beautiful place to walk!
Category Archives: Fun stuff
A Sweet Quilt!
At my quilt guild, the North Country Quilters, Christmas party, we hold a gift exchange. I received a most unique gift from my quilting friend Valerie – a cookie quilt!
Valerie said she has made gingerbread since she was a kid, even taught gingerbread house classes. You can tell – not only are the decorations exquisite but the cookies taste fabulous! Thanks so much, Valerie!
Brotherly Love
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
First Moose 2013
You know about our moose obsession, right? We love to to go moose "hunting", especially in northern New Hampshire. The "hunting" is just in hopes of snapping a photo or two. Whenever relatives visit, we trek up there in search of the gangly critters. We are usually successful, seeing as many as 27 moose in one trip.
This first jaunt to Pittsburg, NH area was to try to show a grandson's girlfriend her first moose ever. While taking a leisurely hike, she suddenly asks, "Is that a moose?" Sure enough, a big black bull moose ran out of the woods and kept right on moving down the road away from us. We were so stunned, only the girlfriend had her wits about her to get a photo. Success! We ended up seeing 2 more on the way home. Here's one of them –
A most satisfying moose "hunt"!
Introducing the Garden
Here in Vermont, winters are long and harsh. But that makes our short summers all the sweeter. Our gardens aren't anything spectacular but they give us an enormous amount of pleasure. Here's a first glimpse at the yard.
This little garden is our quiet spot. It's the only area that the deer don't visit (at least haven't up until now) so the hostas and phlox grow and actually bloom! The lean-to looking structure on the left serves as a bird feeding station in winter and a grill shelter in the summer.
In the heat of the summer, this is a spot where the grapevines provide the coolest spot in the yard. Bill built the pergola, on which the grapes are growing, as well as the Versailles boxes, those big yellow boxes. He puts an ever-changing array of potted shrubs in them for constant blooms all summer.
Finally, here's my favorite bench, a Lutyens bench, in front of the main flower garden. Notice the pale mulch? I call it the starving artist mulch – it's sawdust from the mountains of the stuff Bill produces in furniture making. The vegetable garden is off to the right. In the past 5 years, our garden has changed considerably because of the influx of pesky deer. Gone are all the tulips, phlox, and several other plants that the deer love. They let the hosta get just big enough to bloom, then chomp them to the ground. Day lilies aren't even immune.
So we're slowly adjusting and discovering plants that those pests won't touch, like marigolds, blanket flower, roses and iris. We've fenced in the vegetable garden otherwise we'd never get any vegetables, but haven't done the same with the flower garden…yet. But I still have to admit, I love to see those pretty deer!
Favorite Morning
Coffee, cats and the iPad – ❤
Best St. Paddy's Day Meal
Happy St. Patrick's Day! We were so lucky to have been invited to my son Bill and DIL Deb's for a traditional meal, one of my all-time favorites – corned beef and cabbage with carrots and little red potatoes. I brought homemade cloverleaf rolls, banana cream pie and first time ever, Irish soda bread. Actually, the cloverleaf rolls were made with my old standby Dinner Roll recipe and the pie was Cheater Banana Cream (some might call it "almost homemade" but to me it's cheater) both of which my family loves. The Irish Soda Bread was thanks to Mavis Butterfield at One Hundred Dollars a Month. Served with honey butter – equal parts honey and softened butter – it is so yummy, definitely a keeper!
Here's hoping that your St. Patrick's Day was as rewarding as mine!
Late winter hike at Moose Bog
Saturday was such a beautiful day here in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom! It was just too nice to not take a hike so we headed to Ferdinand's Moose Bog Trail. On the way, we came across a large flock of those winter visitors, the snow buntings. While on the trail, we were lucky enough to see 3 of the boreal bird species we so long to find: gray jay, boreal chickadee and spruce grouse. The spruce grouse was a real bonus – there on the edge of the woods was a male and female not 6 feet from us. They aren't called fool hens for nothing! Snapping a picture of them was another story, however. It's so hard to focus through a maze of tiny branches! A half hour after seeing that pair, we flushed another male spruce grouse as we left the trail.
It may have been warmer in other places, but it's still hard to beat a (relatively) warm late winter day in Vermont! You can see a few more of our photos here.
Time for Sugaring!
Sugaring season is one of my favorite times of year. The days are getting longer, temps are over 32° during the day, though the nights are colder. The back roads are all mud, not fun to navigate. Sounds like early spring, doesn't it? It is but it's also sugaring time in Vermont. We're fortunate to have a farm with a sugarhouse right down the road from us.
When the sap starts to run, you can hear the plink, plink as it drips into the buckets. See the sugarhouse through the trees? When they start boiling, steam will pour out of the roof. And the smell of sweet boiling sap can permeate the surrounding air. Often, the sugarmakers hold an open house to sell their new syrup and serve sugar on snow.
It's time for sugar on snow! It's traditionally served with raised donuts and dill pickles. First, snow is packed into containers, like pie or cake pans. I usually pack away some pans of snow in the freezer to have on hand so we can have this treat in the summer, too. Sugar on snow is really a maple taffy, simply made by boiling the syrup to 233°, then drizzling it on snow. You twirl the taffy on a fork to eat along with a fresh donut. When you've had so much of this sweetness that you can't eat one bite more, you munch on a dill pickle – sweetness is gone, you can then start all over again!
Spring in Vermont – sweet! 😀
Smoky and Betsy are our two cats. Since we made the decision to keep them as indoor cats, we try to keep them stimulated, give them challenges. In the dead of winter, what is more welcome than some greenery. So the cats now have catnip.
Within moments, they began acting like two little kids – that's my plant…no, that's my plant.
Smoky, the 26-pound gentle giant, soon gave in.
Betsy assumed that would happen. Peace reigns in the kitty kingdom once again. 🙂
Bread baking day
Ask the average Vermonter what is the best way to sweeten anything and they will respond, "Maple syrup!" We love our syrup. But from the looks of this bread, so does the yeast! This is my go-to, everyday Maple Oatmeal Bread recipe.
Maple Oatmeal Bread
- 3 cups lukewarm water (110°-115°)
- 1½ Tablespoons dry yeast
- ¼ cup maple syrup (B grade gives the most maple flavor)*
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1½ Tablespoons salt
- 1½ cups oatmeal
- 8½ – 9 cups unbleached flour
Dissolve yeast in the warm water. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Knead on a floured board for 8-10 min. or with an electric mixer and dough hook for 4-5 min. Place in a greased bowl, cover with lightly greased plastic wrap and allow to rise 45 min. If time allows, punch down and let rise again for 30-45 min. Form into 3 loaves. Place in lightly greased 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pans. Cover the pans loosely with lightly greased plastic wrap. Let rise about 45 min.- 1 hr. or until the loaves crown 1-1½" above the rim of the pan. Bake the bread in a preheated 350°F oven for about 35 minutes. Makes 3 loaves.
Sunday drive
When you live at work (aka home business) and avoid going out because of the weather, just taking a drive brings on a whole new level of enjoyment. Thus, the Sunday drive. We expected to see snowy fields backed by majestic snowy mountains; after all, our little protected yard still has a lot of snow. But the storm this past week decimated the snow pack – what the rain didn't diminish, the wind finished off. But it was sunny and still so lovely.
We took a drive up to Holland (VT). About Holland, Bill tells me the saying goes, "If it ain't the end of the world, you can see it from there." It is remote and windswept but still a beautiful place. Don't you agree?


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2011 Honda AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape
When Honda splashed into the scene of the personal watercraft market in 2002, it introduced the world's first low-emission, four-stroke-powered PWWs, the AquaTrax F-12 and the AquaTrax F-12X.
Fast forward nine years later and the AquaTrax family has grown into one of the best lines of PWCs in the market today. One particular model, the F-15X with GPScape, has become the standard-bearer of its class, considering it offers the perfect mix of power, acceleration, handling, and low emission efficiency that customers have come to expect from Honda.
The F-15X is powered by a lightweight 1,470cc liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve engine with fuel injection and turbocharging, producing 197 horsepower while also adhering to CARB three-star and EPA emissions standards. One of the distinct features of this F-15X is the company's distinctive GPScape system, a technology that allows you to keep track of your location at any point in time while riding out into the sea. When traveling or returning to a designated waypoint, GPScape will tell the rider distance and direction from the present location. At any point in time, the GPScape system will tell you where you are, where you came from, and where you need to go.
Find out more about the full specs of the Honda AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape after the jump.
2011 Honda AquaTrax F-15X with GPScape
Engine:liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve engine
Horsepower @ RPM:197
Displacement:1470 L
- Dry-sump design allows the engine to be mounted low in the hull, resulting in a very low center of gravity that contributes to the AquaTrax's exceptional handling performance.
- Raised bond-line design aids in docking and provides excellent splash protection.
Sponson design further contributes to the AquaTrax's low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.
- Strong, lightweight Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) hull and deck are permanently joined and sealed at the gunwale, providing the AquaTrax with a distinctive and attractive profile.
- The liner-type FRP inner hull with encapsulated styrofoam is more rigid than a typical single-hull design.
- AquaTrax hull is designed to be a stable platform when remounting from deep water and easily uprighted in the case of an accidental overturn.
- Foot well areas have an anti-slip surface to provide sure-footed comfort when mounting, operating and dismounting.
- Forward-located, large-capacity 18.5-gallon polyethylene fuel tank is attached to the hull with rubber-cushioned hold-down straps. A two-way valve controls internal tank pressure and prevents water intrusion or fuel leakage if the hull is accidentally overturned.
- Abundant storage is available in three sealed compartments: a large 19.8-gallon front storage box located under the front hood, a 1.7-gallon compartment located in front of the rider and a 1.6-gallon rear compartment under the seat.
- Lightweight, liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve, 1470cc fuel-injected, 200-bhp, turbo-charged dry-sump, four-cylinder engine features a one-piece upper-crankcase/cylinder block. Engineered to withstand the rigors of marine duty. The efficient, low-emissions four-stroke design consumes less fuel than a comparable two-stroke engine and meets CARB three-star and EPA emissions standards.
- Exceptional high performance is provided by a water-cooled IHI turbocharger with water-cooled intercooler. The AquaTrax turbocharger produces a maximum boost of 10 psi to generate more power than a normally aspirated engine. The turbine bearing is an enclosed, ceramic-ball design that withstands sustained high-rpm compressor operation while providing nearly vibration- and friction-free performance. Water cooling of the turbocharger housing maintains optimum turbine operating efficiency, while the water-cooled intercooler ensures a denser intake charge to provide maximum power and combustion efficiency. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) monitors atmospheric pressure, boost pressure and engine speed, oil and water temperature, intake air temperature and an engine knock sensor to manage an electronic wastegate valve that controls turbocharger boost, protecting vital engine components and maintaining long engine life.
- Side-mounted cam chain and ultra-narrow cylinder-sleeve spacing reduce engine size and weight.
- Crankshaft main bearings feature a micro-grooved bearing surface to improve oil retention and bearing durability as lateral loading occurs throughout a broad range of operating conditions.
- DOHC-actuated valves use a simple, lightweight and direct cam-over-bucket design.
Four-valve cylinder-head design with a narrow 30-degree included valve angle creates a compact combustion chamber for optimum efficiency and power output at all rpm levels.
- Silent-type cam chain reduces engine noise, while an automatic chain tensioner reduces maintenance.
- Winged intake grate provides a smooth flow of water to the impeller, reducing vibration and noise.
Automatic idle adjustment
- Oil jets located on the crankcase main journal castings continually cool piston undersides, ensuring consistent operating temperatures and even better durability under maximum power.
- Forged pistons and connecting rods are designed to withstand the rigors of turbocharging. The top piston ring land is anodized, and a chrome-plated top ring further enhances durability.
- Four waterproof, transistorized, direct-ignition coils integrate the spark plug cap and the ignition coil to produce a high-voltage, long-duration spark, providing maximum performance at high engine output levels.
- Iridium-tip spark plugs produce maximum spark performance and minimal carbon buildup for consistent engine operation and long spark plug life.
- Air-intake system features an intake port mounted centrally in the hull and a labyrinth airbox construction with paper air filter. Together, they keep water out of the -engine during normal operation and if the craft is accidentally overturned.
High-pressure programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) delivers fuel to a single 54mm throttle body. Fuel is delivered through four laser-drilled holes in each of the four injector nozzles, producing a highly combustible air/fuel charge for maximum combustion efficiency and power.
- The ECU provides digital 3-D fuel-injection maps for each cylinder, creating the ideal fuel mixture and spark advance settings. A sophisticated throttle sensor and advanced fuel-injection mapping combine to produce smooth and linear throttle response, responding precisely to minor throttle and wastegate changes to maximize driveability, acceleration and drive-pump performance.
- Special, compact oil-cooled alternator also drives the oil pump, contributing to the engine's lightweight design.
- Engine cooling system allows water from the jet pump to circulate through the engine and is directly injected into the exhaust body, ensuring consistent operating temperatures and quiet operation. Engine-cooling water also circulates through the turbocharger housing to ensure optimum compressor function.
- Cooling system design permits coolant water to drain easily from the water jackets when not in use for easy winterization.
- Dry-sump engine incorporates an oil reservoir mounted adjacent to the cylinder bank. The tank shape and location, together with a specially designed internal multi-baffle system, optimize engine lubrication under the wide variety of marine operating conditions.
- Engine output is directly coupled to the jet pump drive via a rubber damper, providing shock-free, efficient power transfer while minimizing lateral crankshaft load forces.
- Axial-flow single-stage Solas 155mm jet pump with three-blade impeller is precisely matched to the engine power characteristics. A proprietary Honda impeller design and ECU control of the turbocharger wastegate minimize pump cavitation, resulting in quiet operation and extended impeller life.
- Pump servicing features include easy-to-disassemble pump, driveshaft and driven coupling, and an easily accessible driveshaft-bearing grease fitting.
Additional Features
- Intake grate is bolted and sealed directly to the ride plate, eliminating the need for silicone sealer and reducing maintenance.
- The Ignition Control System (ICS) senses low oil pressure and/or abnormally high coolant temperatures and acts to limit or shut off engine operation if necessary. If oil pressure drops below the optimum level, the ICS limits engine speed to 3,000 rpm.
- AquaTrax's selectable Limit Mode provides a lower top-speed setting, ideal for beginning riders, borrowers and rental users. The system displays "Limit Mode" on the multifunction display when activated and can be reset with push-button controls.
- Electronic keyless ignition system (ID mode) allows operator to select from 999 possible identification numbers to effectively deter unauthorized use.
- Waterproof instruments feature a digital LCD for GPScape, speed (mph), trip distance (miles), travel time (hours and minutes), clock and engine hour meter. An LCD analog bar-graph display for engine speed and fuel level indicates remaining minutes left to ride. Also, there is a flashing indicator light and audible alarm for fuel level, battery charge, coolant temperature, oil pressure and fuel injection.
- The ECU self-diagnostic system cycles at start-up and operates continuously during operation to provide immediate troubleshooting and warning functions.
Operational lanyard tethers the ignition button to the operator's wrist or Personal
- Flotation Device (PFD) and stops the engine if it becomes unplugged.
- The fully sealed fuel system is leak-free and vapor-free, eliminating the possibility of water contamination.
- Anticorrosion treatments for die-cast aluminum components include Alumite surface plating with an additional Superlac topcoat for exterior components, and epoxy-resin-based primer applied to coolant-exposed parts before Alumite treatment.
- Extensive use of stainless-steel, chrome-plated and zinc-plated stays and fasteners.
- Waterproof electrical couplers and spark plug/coil caps.
- Rubber engine mounts feature two-phase damping to minimize engine vibration and engine shock when the AquaTrax traverses rough water.
Simple and durable mechanical cable steering system directs the jet-nozzle's thrust.
- Hand-operated controls include right-handlebar-mounted trigger-type throttle, sealed stop and start buttons on the left handlebar and a left-hand-operated Reverse handle for easy docking maneuvers.
- Durable, paddle-type speed-sensor assembly is flush-mounted on the bottom of the ride plate to provide accurate performance in a variety of conditions.
- Handlebars are equipped with a cushioning pad.
- Dual wide-view, color-matched, aerodynamic mirrors are both attractive and functional.
Seat cushions are made from urethane foam material and covered with UV-resistant marine-grade vinyl to enhance durability and long-term appearance.
- Folding rear step for easy re-boarding.
- Fire extinguisher storage box is located in the front cargo area.
- Fully sealed, maintenance-free 18AH battery.
- Stern-mounted trailer tie-down loops provide convenient points for securing the -*AquaTrax during transport.
- Transferable one-year, limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda -*Protection Plan.
- Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America (HRCA). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details.
|Engine Type
|1470cc liquid-cooled dry-sump inline four-cylinder with intercooled turbocharger
|Bore and Stroke
|79mm x 75mm
|Compression Ratio
|Valve Train
|DOHC; four valves per cylinder
|Self diagnostic PGM-FI system with automatic enricher circuit
|Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping
|Direct shaft-drive
|Axial-flow single-stage 155mm jet pump with reverse
|Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) outer hull, inner hull and deck
|Storage Capacity
|23.1 gallons
|Overall Length
|133.8 inches
|Overall Width
|49 inches
|Overall Height
|42.4 inches
|Seat Length
|49 inches
|Fuel Capacity
|18.5 gallons, with low-fuel warning
|Candy Red
|Curb Weight
|966 pounds
1 comments:
I really love Honda manufacturers! This AquaTrax is absolutely looking so great, and I can say that I would definitely love to have this one for myself, I just only hope that it will come cheap on the market.


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Job Description
Our client, an amazing media business (media agency) are looking for a Group Finance Manager to join their finance department, who will be reporting to the UK Divisional Controller. This excellent role will be mainly responsible for the reporting of monthly financials to senior management.
The Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements in accordance with IFRS and GAAP
- Analyze fluctuations in monthly operating results
- Complete month end process, including adjustments and reconciliations
- Assist in the preparation and review of annual audited financial statements
- Review, assess and document accounting and financial reporting
- Key contact with external auditors
- Assist in the design and execution of effective controls to ensure appropriate accounting treatment is applied to all company transactions
- Assist with special projects and ad-hoc requests, as necessary
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will have experience working in a Group Finance Manager role:
- Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA
- Experience with IFRS and US GAAP
- Degree Qualified
- Advance Excel skills (v lookups, pivot tables, macros)
- Good attention to detail
- Works well in a team and able to engage with people at all levels
The Package
- £55k-£65k + package
Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 5 working days of sending your CV then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted for the position you have applied for.


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Huge List Of PowerShell Commands for Active Directory, Office 365 and more
This is the ultimate collection of PowerShell commands for Active Directory, Office 365, Windows Server and more. These commands will help with numerous tasks and make your life easier. Table of Contents: Active Directory Commands Office 365 Commands Windows Server & Client Commands Basic PowerShell Commands Active Directory PowerShell Commands View all Active Directory commands…Continue Reading
Quickly Unlock AD User Accounts with PowerShell
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to quickly unlock AD User accounts with PowerShell. I've included examples for unlocking a single user account and unlocking all locked users at once. These PowerShell commands require the ActiveDirectory module to be installed. It's best that you install the RSAT tools on the computer that you want…Continue Reading
Join Computer to Domain Using PowerShell
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to join a computer to the domain using PowerShell. I will provide step by step instructions for adding a single computer and multiple computers to the domain. Also, I'll show you how to move the computer to an OU once it's been added to the domain. Let's get started.…Continue Reading
Export Users From Active Directory
In this tutorial, I will show you how to export users from Active Directory to a csv. Exporting a list of Active Directory users is a common request I see. This is requested for a number of reasons such as, migrating users, auditing and reporting, importing to other programs and so on. Below, I walk…Continue Reading
PowerShell: Export Active Directory Group Members
One common request I see is getting a list of users that belong to an Active Directory security group. This is requested for various reasons such as, supervisor wants to know who has access to a folder, auditor wants a list of users, 3rd party program or cloud service needs to import a list of…Continue Reading
How to install PowerShell modules
A PowerShell module is a grouping of various functions that operate as a single mini program. Modules are used to interact with various applications such as Windows, VMWare, Active Directory, Office365, SANS and so on. Each module is stored in a folder where it contains the necessary files for the PowerShell commands. Although PowerShell comes…Continue Reading


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I was sceptical about this one, but it actually turned out really delicious. I don't do much with smoked fish apart from risotto (see here) but on a bit of a whim and a craving for pasta, I decided to give this a try one tired Friday night. I like to make 'easy' things on a Friday without too much fuss, and I'm not going to lie this was a little bit more fuss than I would have liked but definitely worth the end result.
The rich carbonara sauce carries the flavour of the fish perfectly, especially when you use the milk the fish is cooked in. Make sure you add your asparagus right at the end as mine got a little bit over cooked.
I did use some bacon on top just to up the saltiness (in lieu of not using much Parmesan in the sauce) but you can leave both that and the Parmesan out if pescatarian.
Recipe after the jump!
Smoked Haddock and Asparagus Carbonara
Serves 2
- 2 fillets smoked haddock (fresh or frozen are both fine)
- Bundle fresh asparagus
- 1/2 pack pancetta or chopped bacon (optional)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 150g spaghetti
- 200ml milk
- 2 eggs and one yolk
- Black pepper
- 2 tsp creme fraiche
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Cook the pasta according to packet instructions, keeping a little of the pasta water. Place the haddock skin side down in a shallow pan with the milk, black pepper, turmeric and paprika. Simmer for 10-15 mins or until the fish is flaking easily and then set to one side.
Chop up the asparagus into 1 inch pieces, ensuring to leave the tips whole. Pop in the warm milk for 2 mins or so to cook through and then set to one side. In a frying pan, gently fry off the bacon or pancetta and set to one side.
Once everything is ready, beat together the eggs with half of the fish milk, and a dollop of the creme fraiche (this just makes it nice and extra creamy). Combine together the pasta, pasta water, fish, bacon, asparagus and on a low heat, pour over the sauce mixture. Stir well on a very low heat for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken and then serve immediately.


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Chelsea Jade
Wed 17 Jun 2009
Dream Sequins
Imbued with the delicate aesthetic of Radiohead's Donwood and Tchock and warmed with the honey glaze of Feist and Cat Power, any of Teacups singer and ocassional glock and keyboard player Chelsea Jade's artistic endeavours are met with affirming smiles, as they're all built with such love and constructed with lasting quality that is sorely missed in today's globalised climate. Working in a stationary shop when she isn't at art school must help; Chelsea's week-long labour for an art school project, the This Is About Activity EP, looks like it must have stolen many late night hours from her slumber for her to create. To access it, first you must retrieve the anonymous brown envelope neatly folded in half and typed upon in capital letters. Upon opening it you'll find there is a tissue paper-wrapped, sticker-secured inner package, inside which is another brown envelope bearing three translucent foxes. Inside this, a typed and illustrated note, hand-numbered and informing you to "cradle it in the coldest parts of the night" for best results. Also inside; a small square of liner notes bound with brown cotton tied in a bow; and a grey felt handmade CD case. The definitive article lies therein, although all the mechanical parts that come together to package and produce this printed CDR are important, not only for the aesthetics Chelsea has so lovingly crafted for them, but because they combine to form feelings of sentiment, homeliness, folklore, longing, quiet, stillness and Winter.
Connotations of the season are brought up in the resonating 16-second introduction, titled 'Five (or) Adult Bears Can Run As Fast As Horses' (all the songs have cryptic, imaginative titles that swap the traditional numerical order of tracklisting). The startling breathy percussion underlined with cooing hums in this song are the breath on the window into the EP that forms the condensation of the following track. Skitting and sliding over the steamy pane, and dripping delicate vocal and Casio drops onto the window sill, is 'One (or) Stranger Fleet', which is gaining an understanding as the EP's 'single' (it plays on repeat on Chelsea's blog, which seems to document her dates, art projects, thoughts and work, etc). 'Stranger Fleet' is a wonderful escapade rendition of recurring dreams which plague your sleep, but that aren't daunting or scary, rather settling in their strangeness, reminding you that your imagination is alive and well. Segueing into the musically descending 'Three (or) Trouble' whose lavish flourishes of glockenspiel and lullaby guitar-work make the song sound like a more settled and grown-up parent of the former track. 'Two (or) Dream Sequins' showcases Chelsea's ability to master an unusual vocal melody and pair it with an off tempo rhythm. Buzzing with tape track dead air buried beneath its swanning kaleidoscopic vocals and musty keyboard tones, it gathers dust and is swallowed by a growing moss of intrigue. 'Six (or) Swallowed By The Dark' gives a soulful account of nighttime, ruminating on mirrors after dusk with ssh-ing vocals and bells that sound like crumpled bed sheets turning over. A body, a faint lump on the mattress, swats its face and sighs as it tosses and turns for a minute then falls back into a reckless slumber.
If you would like a free copy of Chelsea's EP then email her at firstname.lastname@example.com and she just might send you one!
Chelsea Jade's Blog- Willow Ships
Posted by Sarah Gooding under New Zealand
[2] Comments
2 Responses to " Chelsea Jade "
chelsea says:
June 18th, 2009 at 9:29 am
aw. this is so nice sarah!!
thank you very much.
gemma says:
January 16th, 2013 at 3:10 pm
where can i purchase your cd?
i love your song were like balloons/sunrise, sunset and cant find it anywhere only you tube!


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I just found out about this and wanted to share. It really only applies to people in the Buffalo area…….but I thought maybe there would be something similar you could do at your local NICU/hospital. Check out this link to the story:
After Spending Christmas in the NICU, Moms Deliver Cookies | Video | wgrz.com
As you all know, my twins were 31-week preemies and spent some time (about a month) in the NICU at Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY. I am forever grateful to the people who work there and although it was the worst time in my life it was also the best outcome because of these wonderful people.
I know many of you out in the blogging world have had experiences of your own in the NICU, or know someone who has.
I know it's last-minute, I know times are tough, and I know not all of you are from this area. But consider making an extra dozen cookies as you bake and make a simple donation/delivery. It's a small thing that so many hurting families would be so grateful for.
Luckily, I myself was not in the NICU at Christmas. Luckily, I didn't have other small children at home waiting for their mom to make cookies with them. Luckily, my children were not critically ill – just little. Luckily I have a strong network of friends and family who supported me.
Some people aren't so lucky. Or maybe they are. Either way, a little bit of holiday cheer in the form of cookies might be just enough to brighten their holiday season a little bit.
I am so eternally grateful that I could spend last weekend making cookies with my little ones…..who are so healthy and happy because of my NICU family.


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Rooftop Insulation with the Conventional method
For whichever method you select, the Durosol is the best insulation material.
The conventional method is the traditional way for the insulation of roofs and is exactly reverse to the inverted one, as the insulating layer enters below the seal. The conventional roof insulation is the most common in our country, with the characteristic of the single and compact different layers that compose it. Indeed, because the seal is located above the insulation, it prevents the flow of water beneath the insulating layer, while it is important that usually the terraces hat are insulated by this method, and provide the possibility of compatibility, where you can walk on them. For this reason, the conventional roof insulation method is predominantly used for sealing the common commercial construction, which almost all have flat roofs or a low slope. However, this method has several disadvantages which you can read about below. For this reason we can not provide a guarantee for the method of conventional roof insulation. If you want guaranteed thermal insulation results with a 10 year warranty check the Durosol Light Roof insulation method here.
Important Information on roof insulation with the conventional method
The topcoat is basically felt paper, for this reason this solution offers you limited compatibility. A target price for the final cost, including all required materials together with the cost of application (work) from any of our partner crews of our company amounts to ≈26 € / m² + VAT. Finally, the weight of the insulation is ≈50 kg / m².
But regarding the conventional method for roof insulation, three are the main steps for their application, below we present the process in more detail, and we have also embedded a video about the application of the conventional roof insulation.
– Initially the surface of the roof is coated with Durosol insulating plates.
– Then flows are created, with lightweight cement.
– While, at the end, the insulation of the roof is completed with waterproofing.
Disadvantages of the conventional method for roof insulation
- The conventional method is only applicable to flat or small-slope roofs.
- The layers that compose it should ensure a balance of thermal stress developed due to the different expansion coefficients of the layers of materials, since most of them are exposed to the thermal variations. The main reason we use Durosol is the very low expansion coefficient.
- Because the sealant layer is the most exposed one to thermal variations and thermal shocks, it typically results in faster aging.
- The conventional insulation does not offer full compatibility, because the final layer is felt paper.
- If the felt paper is damaged or when it is worn out with time, the water will pass under the cement mortar and water will appear on the walls. The restoration of the damage is very costly.
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For those interested, below you can see a video where the conventional roof insulation is applied, and then all the steps of the method are presented in detail.
Application stages the conventional method
1) Preparation of the surface:The surface must always be clean before beginning any procedure. Before the application you should have made the provision for mounting bases for solar water heaters, air conditioners or other mechanical equipment.
2) Creating a vapour barrier: The vapour barrier is created to stop the diffusion of water vapour from inside the premises of the lower floor to the insulation layer in order to prevent internal condensation moisture formation. Even if you do not use the Durosol third-generation thermal insulating material, it is possible that water vapour reaches the insulating layer, to be liquefied and eventually be absorbed by a common insulation material, thus losing its insulating ability. The vapour barrier varies depending on the hygrometry of the premises under the roof. Usually the common constructions are classified in areas with low or average hygrometry of ≤ 5,0 gr / m³ and do not require a vapour barrier. In areas of intense hygrometry of 5.0-7.5 gr / m³ a vapour barrier is required in the form of an adhered felt paper with a polyethylene film.
3) Placing an insulating layer: The insulating layer is positioned to protect both the base plate and the interior from the large temperature fluctuations of the environment. Their thickness is selected according to the project requirements. The Durosol insulating plates are placed freely on the roof plate.
4) Lightweight concrete layering: Before layering, the existing slopes of the construction are controlled. Then thread drivers are placed, defining the gradients to be created with the light weight concrete. The minimum slope requested is 0.7-1% for regions of the A climate zone, 1-1.5% for Zone B and 1.5-2% for the C and D zones.
5) Dismantling of the plaster: After the drying of the foamed concrete, a perimeter dismantling of the plaster is done, to a height of 15cm for the boxing of the vertical edges of the sealant layer. This work is significant because the adhesion of the membrane is done on the stable parapet and not on the plaster which, in the future, may present some corrosions.
6) ) Local repairs: Surface preparation by local repairs and repairs with non-shrinking repair material during its setting on points where there is a rotten substrate, as well as in the gutter attachment points with the main roof or the supporting structure if necessary.
7) Waterproofing: For the sealing of conventional roofs, what is recommended the use of bituminous membranes (elastomers, plastomers, etc.). The sealing starts with priming of the surface where the membrane will be placed, with asphalt varnish (priming). The sealing can be done by pasting 2 layers of film. The first layer is adhered spot on the substrate to allow commuting said expansion and contraction and expansion of the water vapor pressure diffusion. Instead, the second layer is adhered on the first total and placed parallel to the first and shifted by half of its width. Each bituminous membrane sheet affixed with a blowtorch. The membrane will get at least 15cm. height perimeter creating a completely watertight basin. Here enhance waterproofing membrane with additional tracks in all vulnerable points (angles, vents, aerials etc.). Final coverage of the membrane connections with the metallic elements, with special elastomeric mastic asphalt or polyurethane.
8) Ensure the roof compatibility: If your roof is not walkable but just visitable, the stratification may be terminated at the waterproof layer, which is coated with mineral chippings for sun protection of the membrane. But if the roof must be compatible, then on the waterproofing layer, geotextile is placed or a provision to be made and a film is applied, with a coating of polyethylene sheet so that can not be damaged from the occurring creeping tendency between the sealing-walking surface. Then the sealing is covered with pavement plates, ceramic tiles with cement mortar, industrial flooring, etc.
Cost for conventional terrace insulations
|Prices / m²
|Thermal Insulating MaterialDurosol eXternal Roof
|Foam Concrete
|Felt Paper
|Water Tar
|Asphalt Varnish
|Total Material Cost
|Work Cost
Inverted Rooftop Insulation
What is the inverted insulation Rooftop Insulation?
Inverted insulation or thermal insulation of a roof, , is the insulation, wherein the insulating layer gets over the sealing, so somehow it protects it. The inverted insulation is a one-way street in the case of thermal insulation of a previously sealed roof. It has shorter application times and it is ideal for professional or industrial buildings. It also applies to buildings with average slope roofs. Finally it should be noted that the inverted method has several disadvantages which you can see below. For this reason, we can not guarantee for your insulation. If you want real insulated results with a 10-year guarantee you can be informed about the the Durosol Light Roof Plus insulation system.
Important information about the roof insulation with the inverted method
The topcoat is basically tile and for this reason this solution offers full compatibility. A target price for the final cost, including all required materials together with the cost of application (work costs) by one of the cooperating insulation crews of our company amounts to 37,8 € / m² + VAT. Finally, the weight of the insulation of the roof is ≈200 kg / m², therefore not suitable for very old buildings.
Precisely about this, what comes up to give the solution to roof insulation is the new and innovative method, the Durosol Light Roof Plus granite tile,, offered exclusively by our company after years of research. This is the most lightweight solution for roof insulation where the owner requires complete compatibility and the ability to fearlessly place heavy objects with spikes (chairs, dining rooms, etc.). Its weight is only 40kg / m², while the cost is more affordable than the inverted one, with the final price for all the materials and work not exceeding 37,8 € / m²!
Inverted insulation application stages
1) ) Preparation of the surface: The surface must always be clean before beginning any procedure. Before the application you should have made the provision for mounting bases for solar water heaters, air conditioners or other mechanical equipment.
2) Lightweight concrete layering: Before layering, the existing slopes of the construction are controlled. Then thread drivers are placed, defining the gradients to be created with the light weight concrete. The minimum slope requested is 0.7-1% for regions of the A climate zone, 1-1.5% for Zone B and 1.5-2% for the C and D zones.
* The above procedure for insulating a roof can be passed by if the flows of the roof are already in good condition and meet the minimum requirements.
3) Dismantling of the plaster: After the drying of the lightweight concrete, a perimeter dismantling of the plaster is done, to a height of 15cm for the boxing of the vertical edges of the sealant layer. This work is significant because the adhesion of the membrane is done on the stable parapet and not on the plaster which, in the future, may present some corrosions. This work is significant because the adhesion of the membrane is done on the stable parapet and not on the plaster which, in the future, may present some corrosions.
4) Local repairs: Surface preparation by local repairs and repairs with non-shrinking repair material during its setting on points where there is a rotten substrate, as well as in the gutter attachment points with the main roof or the supporting structure if necessary.
5) Waterproofing: For the sealing of conventional roof terraces, we recommend using a coating sealant based on silane resins. The seal starts by filling the cracks with acrylic sealant for an outdoor space. After sealing the surface with primer or polyurethane or 2-component water epoxy. We prefer polyurethane since below the surface there are perishable materials in solvents, such as polystyrene, for example. Primer is used if the surface is rotten or dirty and quite dusty. Then we apply the silane resin coating material in 2 layers, crosswise. The waiting time between coats is at least 3 hours and the application is done by spraying or a roller (sponge). The application of surface coatings for roof insulation is performed only on dry surfaces. There is also the option of felt paper use instead of the spreadable. It is worth noting that for the insulation of roofs, the use of felt paper is not recommended since water may penetrate it and we will not have the desired thermal insulation effect for the roof insulation.
The creation of a vapour barrier is deemed unnecessary for the roof insulation, since the silane resin coating material has a water vapour permeability of 30gr / m2 / hr thus allowing the application to "breathe" and to create healthy living spaces. * The vapour barrier is created in insulation solutions that do not "breathe" to stop the diffusion of water vapour from inside the premises of the lower floor to the sealing and insulating layer, to prevent internal condensation moisture formation. It is usually used in combination with polystyrene that does not "breathe" and it is in no way recommended.
6) Placing of the insulating layer: The Durosol plates are positioned freely on the roof plate except where that is inclined more than 40% where point fastening of the insulation plates is made. The Durosol plates have a perimeter flange (on the 4 sides) and nest together for a neat roof insulation.
7) Ensuring the compatibility of the roof: If the roof is accessible and it is used quite often, the protective layer is cement mortar where the flows are taken in as well, with a minimum thickness of 4 cm. What is recommended is the strengthening with a metal structural mesh of 10cm x10cm, polypropylene fibers and latex. After the cement mortar has dried for at least 1 day / cm thickness, waterproofing is performed with a cementitious base brushable sealing mortar. When the cementitious mortar has dried as well, we place tiles of the customer's choice, with external space acrylic adhesive. For a neat roof insulation it is necessary to seal the cement mortar because otherwise if water passes through the joints of the tiles and there is no waterproofing underneath, the water penetrates the cement and the insulating layer and it is trapped underneath the original waterproofing layer so we do not have the desired thermal effect. The application of the cement mortar and the tile creates a stylish and fully compatible roof surface, which, at the same time, protects the Durosol plates of insulation so it is not grabbed from the air, from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun and temperature changes. So the roof insulation has greater durability.
All that is really suitable for a quality inverted roof insulation is Durosol.
The insulation protects the waterproofing coverage by:
- large temperature changes: +80°C έως -20°C.
- corrosion due to weather conditions.
- mechanical damage during use and maintenance.
The insulating material of the inverted insulation must:
- resist to water absorption.
- withstand high pressures.
- protect the waterproof layer for a long time.
- be protected from UV radiation and mechanical damages.
Cost for inverted roof insulation
|Thermal Insulating MaterialDurosol eXternal Roof
|Cement Mortar
|Tile of your choice
|Tile Adhesive
|Felt Paper
|Asphalt Varnish
|Total Material Cost
|Work Cost
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reversed Insulation
Advantages for the Inverted Roof insulation
- The waterproofing layer is fully protected from any mechanical abuse: pedestrians, falling objects, etc.
- Also does not exposed to harmful UV rays and other atmospheric aggravating factors that accelerate aging.
- The thermal insulation protects the waterproofing against extreme temperatures and especially their quick changes (thermal shock) that accelerate aging and depreciation of the membrane.
- The roof can become compatible with the appropriate protection layer / ballast.
Disadvantages for the Inverted Roof insulation
- The control is much more difficult in the case of the sealing layer failure. This means that the seal must be extremely well-made and – if possible – to be comprised of two layers.
- The insulation material should be resistant to moisture, compression and frost. That is why our only option is Durosol.
- It takes a more responsible and detailed work regarding the slopes.
- Very important: In winter, the rainwater (or melted snow) passes through beneath the filling and it is interposed between the heat-insulating and sealing layer, thereby significantly reducing the heat insulation as the plate is "heating up" from the water which results in the sewer and this cycle continues as it rains and until the water below the insulation evaporates (3-4 days after the rain).


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by Lara Williams, CZT
Keep Tangling!!
This is a fun tangle! Thanks for sharing!ReplyDelete
Way to go, Lara. I love it!ReplyDelete
thanks for the new tangle. I have used it already.ReplyDelete
I like that tangle :)ReplyDelete
Another beautiful tangle that instantly sets a cheerful mood! You must be a very fun person.
Thanks so much Paula! That is very sweet...I like to think I am a fun person. You sound fun too!Delete


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Cisco: We're not abandoning Fibre Channel for FCoE
Despite its aggressive push of Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), Cisco executives say Fibre Channel will remain its main storage protocol for another five to 10 years and the vendor remains committed to extending its MDS FC switching platform.
Cisco reps claimed it is a myth that the vendor is abandoning FC for FCoE today during a webcast on storage networking innovation.
"Cisco is not going out and saying 'Get rid of the Fibre Channel infrastructure,'" said Ed Chapman, VP of product management for Cisco's server access and virtualization group.
Added VP of Cisco's data center switching technology group Rajiv Ramaswami: "Fibre Channel is here, it's healthy, it's going to be here for a long time." When asked how long before FCoE becomes the primary storage protocol, he said at least five to 10 years.
Ramaswami says Cisco plans call for an 8Gbps Fibre Channel module for the Nexus 5000 switch this year and a 16Gbps FC card for its MDS 9000 director switches by early 2011. He said Cisco will also add new intelligent storage services for the MDS platform, as well as an FCoE module.
He said FC will play a major part alongside FCoE in Cisco's unified platform. "Unified computing is not just another name for FCoE," he said. "FCoE is a building block in a unified fabric. FCoE is about consolidation of I/O on the server. A unified platform is about building an end to end network along with unified storage."
Cisco added to its FCoE platform today with the Nexus 4000, the first blade switch for its Nexus unified fabric platform. Cisco expects OEM deals with blade server vendors to ship the Nexus 4000 inside their blades.
Cisco, which has deeper roots in Ethernet than FC, has pushed FCoE more than its chief switching rival Brocade, which began as a FC vendor and added Ethernet when it acquired Foundry Networks last year. Brocade beat Cisco to the punch with 4Gbps FC and 8 Gbps and gained FC market share during the refresh cycles. So it will be interesting to see if Cisco makes good on its FC roadmap pledges, especially for 16-gig.


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ROLAND 900 XXL previews at Graph Expo, World's widest sheetfed printing unit
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
McCormick Place, Chicago — The 73-inch ROLAND 900 XXL — the widest modern sheetfed press on the market — makes a pre-Drupa preview at Graph Expo. A full-scale unit of the jumbo press will be on display to give showgoers a first-hand look at its productive potential. The 900 XXL delivers 328% more printable area than a conventional 40" machine, and 22% more printable area than even the largest 47" X 64" press. That means big profits for the printers who run it and huge savings for their customers. "There are a lot of old generation large size presses out there," says Eric Belcher, COO of MAN Roland Inc's Sheetfed Division. "But it's getting tougher to make money with them because they take so long to makeready from job to job and their run rates are low compared to what you can accomplish on a modern 40" machine. So we see these new wide presses replacing the old. We're also seeing printers with 40" machines trading up to wider presses." The ROLAND 900 XXL combines the advantages of an expanded sheet size with the full automation of a state-of-the-art 40" machine. The result: makeready times and runs rates are just as fast as a 40" press, but productivity is three times higher because of the larger sheet. "One new automated 73" press with CIM can do the work of two or three new 40" machines," Belcher notes. "It's simple mathematics — Triple the size of the sheet. and you're tripled the productivity, once you've equalized all other variables like makeready time and run rates." The ROLAND 900's PECOM Press Center networks the press to all of the advantages of Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and is the basis for print quality and automated print production. The system allows off-press/online makeready of all print jobs with the InterTech innovation JobPilot. That significantly improves the press' ability to speed from job-to-job. With Prepress Link, the 900 can transfer job parameters, such as ink zone presetting, directly from prepress files. It also can interface to PECOM PressMonitor to facilitate accurate performance evaluations. "The mechanics of a press must be100% automated if a printer is going to reap the benefits of CIM production," says Belcher. "Many of CIM's advantages are derived from presetting a press — not just its ink fountains, but everything from feeder to delivery. To maximize uptime you need to be able to preset all parameters online but off-press. That way the press can be producing the current job while the next project is being preset. " The ROLAND 900 XXL is fully JDF compatible and can connect with an increasing number of Management Information Systems. "You need to be able to feed your MIS with the production data it needs to make your presses participating members of your plant's CIM universe," Belcher declares. Automated plate loading and sheet size thickness adjustments contribute to quick makeready. The 900's Power Plate Loading (PPL) system requires less than a minute per unit to load/clamp plates. The press' printing units incorporate a double-size impression cylinder that reduces stress exerted on the stock and a "seven-o'clock" cylinder position that does not allow a sheet transfer until the sheet has left the contact printing zone. Result: The ROLAND 900 provides the flexibility to print a range of jobs on thin papers up to 1.2 mm/0.048" carton stock. That means the 900 XXL can work as a package-printing powerhouse. It handles everything from folding boxes to corrugated microflute. Plus, its heavy substrate capabilities can open up display/POP markets for the shops that use it. Book production, catalog printing, and labels and plastics production are all on the 900 XXL's expansive agenda as well. The method of applying coating to meet job requirements can be varied by using either a laser-engraved Anilox roller and doctor blade or conventional two-roller coater. The Anilox roller can apply UV coatings, water-based coatings and metallic pigments. The press is available with single or double coating units. The delivery for the ROLAND 900 has been designed to provide higher productivity through smoother sheet travel, improved sheet control, and more efficient sheet slowdown through the suction wheels. Benefits include savings in makeready time, in materials (including spray powder and paper waste), and in cleaning and maintenance. With the introduction of the XXL model, the ROLAND 900 is now available in six formats: 32.3" x 44.5" (820 x 1,130 mm), 35.0" x 49.6" (890 x 1,260 mm), 40.1" x 55.9" (1,000 x 1,400 mm),. 44" X 63.7" (1,120x1,620 mm), 47" X 63.7" (1,200x1,620 mm) and 51" X 72.8" (1,300x1,850 mm). A host of ROLAND 900 options can be selected, including a back printing unit, an equipment package for printing E-flute, and a slitter for sheet halving.


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This drill focuses on attacking in a number's up situation and opening up and finding the attacker in a 1v1 situation. This drill puts much emphasis on good passing, receiving and general possession.
Soccer Drill Titled:
Great Attacking Skills
Great Soccer Attacking Skills
Published by:
Chris Johnson
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By Martin Roth
I had always vaguely assumed that, no matter our profound differences, atheists would recognize the persecution of Christians as wrong, and an issue on which we might share some agreement. It seems I'm the one who's wrong, judging from a post at the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science website.
One of the Foundation's members posted at the site a Reuters report on the recent Open Doors World Watch List of the 50 countries that most persecute Christians. Why would he do this? He explains, in a comment:
I suggested this article to make a few points, and I'm glad to see everybody picking up on this. (a) Most, if not all, persecution of Christians is out of religious motivations. North-Korea is an exception, but certainly atheism isn't at fault there. (b) Persecution of Christians in the USA and Europe is virtually non-existent, despite the cries of "oppressive secularism" and "intolerant agnosticism."
That atheism is not at fault in North Korea is debatable. It is also debatable that persecution of Christians in the West is "virtually non-existent." And don't forget that it wasn't so long ago that the most oppressive persecution of Christians took place in the proudly atheistic Communist world. It's certainly a factor in China today, which not one of the comments mentions.
The first comment at the Richard Dawkins Foundation website sets the tone:
If we could only stamp out religion the religious wouldn't be able to persecute each other.
Here's another comment:
Ah, the religion of peace attacks the religion from which it plagiarised most of its nonsense. That's progress in religious terms. Amazing how these Abrahamic religions are so peaceful they are bigger threats to each other than anyone else.
Check the website for more. Here's one final comment:
So they dump on homosexuals all day, every day, and they have the audacity to cry when they are "looked down upon" in countries where other religions are dominant????
Stop sh…ing on people and then whining when you get sh.. on.
Maybe if they actually processed how absolutely stupid their stances are, I could generate one iota of concern about how bad they have it.


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[Photo Credit: Alex]
Hello! Welcome to our blog!
We are two girls who met as students, in Montréal, Québec, Canada. One of us has remained in Montréal, while the other now calls the United Kingdom home.
Like most friends, we like to talk about all sorts of interesting stuff. Pop culture, current events and feminism are at the top of our list. In Montréal, our conversations took place on study breaks, over coffee and Tazo® Matcha Green Tea Lattes at our neighbourhood cafés. Because we now have an ocean between us, the Internet is our new hang out.
We want to record our thoughts and exchanges on these subjects, and others, through this blog. We hope you come by for the ideas and stay for the banter!
Hil and Lucy
Copyright by flashbracket © 2012


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Whatever you want to perform: material tests, ageing of computer chips, run complex experiments with highly sensitive loads, drying or tempering electronic components, hardening plastic resin or heating plasticine. Our U universal oven stands for unparalleled precise, even and gentle temperature control.
The fittings of this heating and drying oven are practically-oriented, their programme functions are designed for a wide variety of applications, and even when used intensively, our all-rounder made of stainless steel loses nothing in shine or in reliability. From 34 models, expandable with convenient, approved and tested accessories, you will easily find the heating oven ideally suited to your needs. According to your application the two model variants SingleDISPLAY and TwinDISPLAY cover all requirements of thermal safety, precision and quality assurance.
In accordance with the German Law on Medical Products (Directive 93/42/EEC), the UF/UFplus heating oven can be used to heat up non-sterile clothes and covers.
More than 65 years of permanent development work, as well as numerous amounts of feedback from practical experience, are embodied in each heating oven:


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Many thanks to XAXOR.com for featuring my photomontage art today! The lead image is my experiment in understanding the work of Jerry Uelsmann, documented here at "Learning from the Masters."
I happened upon XAXOR.com by way of Pinterest, and enjoy the mountain of interesting visuals there – all neatly arranged in categories. The site describes itself as, "a gallery of the most awesome pictures online. Our frequently updated database contains over 40,000 articles and 1 million photos." Definitely worth a look if you're into that kind of thing.
Related articles
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- Winter Manifesto 2013 (inspiredlifewithjess.wordpress.com)
- Aneta Ivanova (thevisualfemale.wordpress.com)
- Before there was Photoshop… Surreal Landscapes by Jerry Uelsmann (emorfes.com)
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Vista, WS08: Security changes for remote access scenarios
In Vista, following changes have been done in remote access from security perspective
1) All the weak crypto algorithms have been removed and new stronger crypto algorithms are added to VPN tunnels
Let us take case by case – per tunnel basis
40/56 bit RC4 encryption is removed by default from Vista as well as LHS server. This means PPTP now only supports 128 bit RC4 encryption by default. So if you VPN server or VPN client doesn't support 128 bit encryption, your calls may fail.
You can still get 40/56 bit RC4 back by changing the following registry key, but this is not recommended. It is better recommended to upgrade your client or server that supports 128 bit RC4.
But if you still want to do get weak crypto back, go under: HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesRasmanParametersAllowPPTPWeakCrypto and change it to 1. Restart your machine after that.
1.2) L2TP/IPSec:
DES (for encryption) and MD5 (for integrity check) is removed, but AES support is added from Vista as well as LHS server.
This means Vista will support AES 128 bit, AES 256 bit, 3DES for encryption and SHA1 for integrity check.
So if you VPN server or VPN client doesn't support either of the above, your connectivity may fail.
Note: AES is more CPU efficient than 3DES.
You can still get DES and MD5 back by changing the following registry key, but this is not recommended. It is better recommended to upgrade your client or server that supports AES/3DES and SHA1.
But if you still want to get weak crypto back, go under: HKLMSystemCurrentControlSetServicesRasmanParametersAllowL2TPWeakCrypto and change it to 1. Restart your machine after that.
Where do I select encryption/authentication settings on the client side? How does it take into affect?
Open a VPN connection properties in "Network and sharing Center"->"Manage Network Connections". Right click on Properties.
Go under "General" tab, click "Security" tab, click "Advanced", click "Settings" and see the top half "data encryption". It doesn't say your encryption algorithm, but say the action you want to take in each case – because the code is intelligent to select automatically the encryption algorithms. For example, in Vista PPTP always uses 128 bit RC4 – whether in optional or require or maximum. In Vista, L2TP/IPSec will propose to other side AES 128 and 3DES for optional or require mode. And it will propose AES 256 and 3DES in case of maximum encryption. Based upon both sides proposal, the common one with highest security is picked up.
Where do I select the encryption/authentication settings on the server side? How does it work?
RRAS server by default adds the IPSec policy to accept connection for all encryption algorithm (i.e. AES 256, AES 128, 3DES) – because it doesn't know what client is going to propose. But the server has one more policy setting that comes from "Radius server" which is "Encryption Type" setting (No encryption, Basic, Strong, Strongest).
The way it works is client connects and first IPSec tunnel gets latched on one particular encryption algorithm. Now the RRAS server during PPP authentication face will talk to radius server and get the encryption setting policy. Then it reads the encryption algorithm which is negotiated at IPSec level and then compares against the policy is saying. So if policy is saying maximum and you have negotiated DES for example, your connection will fail.
AES-128/3DES fall under Basic, Strong encryption type and 3DES, AES256 under strongest encryption setting.
2) Lot of new authentication algorithms are added.
What are the authentication algorithms that are supported on Vista Remote access client/server?
EAP-MD5, SPAP and MSCHAPv1 are deprecated. Vista supports (in increasing order of strength) PAP, CHAP, MSCHAPv2, EAP-MSCHAPv2, EAP-smartcard/certificate, PEAP-MSCHAPv2, PEAP-smartcard/certificate.
Note: It is not recommended to use PAP or CHAP over VPN tunnels and is primarily used for broadband scenario (like PPPoE).
3) L2TP/IPSec client has added "more checks" to look into different fields inside server certificate to avoid any kind of man-in-the-middle attack. It checks for SAN, SN field to see the server you are connecting is same as the field present inside certificate. It also checks for EKU field to see the certificate is of "Server authentication" type.
Please feel free to send your comments
Samir Jain
Lead Program Manager
RRAS, Windows Enterprise Networking
[This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.]


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