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A specially adapted version of the children's classic by John Barrie where Peter Pan adventures alongside Wendy, Peter, Michael and the lost boys in their endeavours to conquer Captain Hook. This was a soulful and high energy production which featured our younger classes. This was performed with full set and costumes at Llechryd Village Hall.
Dynamix performing arts school performed one of the most explosive all American musicals of all time – Footloose! A fully staged version of the toe-tapping hit show based on the 1984 film.When Ren and his mother moved from Chicago they were shocked to discover local preacher Rev Moor had banned dancing and rock music. Ren found his calling to turn this around! With award winning songs such as "I Need a Hero" and "Let's Hear it for the Boys", dynamic dance routines and gripping scenes Footloose burst onto the live stage at Theatr Mwldan featuring our older students.
A festive variety show featuring all the schools students. We performed a wide variety of musical extracts, improvised sketches and energetic routines, all with a christmas flavour. This was performed to packed audiences in Rhosygilwen who certainly entered the Christmas spirit!


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I found out she's going to graduate soon, though, so I'll have to find someone else. I asked what she's doing after that and she said moving to Provo and I barely restrained myself from saying "Ew." No offense. Anyway, I got a haircut and then I left the beauty college and noticed that the street was lined with people waiting for the homecoming parade I totally forgot about. I'm not a patient man, so I walked down the street toward the parade so it would get to me faster. Along the way I witnessed some misplaced balloons headed to space, which was one of the most depressing sights ever as a child, to just imagine them going farther and farther and farther... It was a good parade. There was enough candy for me even after I let the children grab most of it first, maybe in part because I didn't have parents to stop me from going farther out into the road. After an hour, the parade concluded somewhat anticlimactically with a little car from S. E. Needham Jewelers. They threw out candy too, but it was just Tootsie rolls and stuff. They should have thrown out ring pops. That would have been so clever that I would have almost forgotten how much I hate them.
I am deeply, madly, hopelessly in love with my job, but it isn't perfect all the time. After being told by the computer to accept a certain book, we must determine whether it's "Very Good", "Good", or "Acceptable". This involves skimming through the pages to check for writing, highlighting, or stains. Often we find bookmarks, receipts, flight stubs, etcetera. The other day I found porn. It was just a photograph that someone had gone to the trouble of laminating, but obviously hadn't bothered to keep track of. Though initially freaked out, I was glad to find it for two reasons: because I potentially spared some poor grandmother from finding it, and because it made me not hungry anymore. I threw it away, but when I emptied the bin at the end of the shift, it stuck to the bottom so that I had to touch it again and pull it out manually. I tried to tear it up, but I couldn't because it was laminated.
That, unfortunately, was only the second most disgusting thing I saw that day. The first was a jackass claiming that, with "minute exceptions", only Muslims practice female genital mutilation, and obstinately sticking by his claim no matter how thoroughly I demonstrated that it has zero basis in fact. It is not primarily a religious practice and the vast majority of people who do it are not Muslims. If someone had said something so plainly false about Mormons I probably wouldn't have even bothered to respond, but I'm more defensive about other faiths, and I was all the more angry because this jackass is a Mormon himself. I hate it when Mormons think that being members of "the only true church" makes it okay for us to misrepresent and look down on others' beliefs. And the hypocrisy of crying foul when people consider themselves experts on their faith based on a handful of embarrassing quotes, but then doing the same to Islam, is almost too much to bear. Forget the Old Testament, Brigham Young said stuff that's worse than anything in the Quran. And the FGM thing isn't even in the Quran, but in the hadiths, where it's never a requirement.
The reason this came up, incidentally, was that Elder Holland recently became the first top LDS leader to publicly denounce female genital mutilation, and that made me very happy because it really bothers me. I had to read quite a bit about it in an anthropology class and the whole time I felt like slitting my wrists to distract myself from thinking about it. I imagine it must have been addressed by mission presidents and/or area Seventies before, though, because they address other cultural practices that aren't in harmony with the gospel and that doesn't usually get talked about on a global level unless you happen to read one of their books (e.g. "Safe Journey" by Elder Glenn L. Pace, which I highly recommend), and one way or another, FGM isn't practiced by Mormons in Africa. Good for them.
After some consideration, I am officially endorsing Gary Johnson for president. I would vote for Zaphod Beeblebrox before either of the mainstream candidates, so it pleases me that this alternative actually has a chance. He'll only win if Americans grow spines, though. Voting for the lesser of two evils so the greater evil doesn't win is cowardly, if not downright treasonous to the principles of democracy. If you deliberately vote for evil then that's what you'll get and that's what you deserve. Granted, I'm not sure Trump is mentally competent enough to have evil intent, but actual results are what matter.
The Mormon Section
Stupid Things that Mormons Say About the Cross
"We don't use the cross because we don't focus on Jesus' death." Except for almost every week during the most important ordinance in the Church. And don't try to pretend you've never been in a lesson where they fixated on His suffering at great length to try and make everybody emotional about it.
"If Jesus had been killed with a gun, would you wear a gun around your neck?" That would be a completely different context because guns have killed millions of people and are still frequently used to kill people today. Crosses, on the other hand, are no longer in use, and most people can name only one person who was killed on one: Jesus. Hence they can be adopted as a symbol while guns could not.
Incidentally, I can only assume that anyone who thinks using the cross as a symbol is a recent or misguided innovation has never actually read the New Testament.

subset: commoncrawl


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Product description
Milovia Newborn Cover 5.5-15.5lbs - 2 Part Nappy System
Choose from a selection of beautiful Milovia newborn nappy prints. So cute and small, they offer the perfect fit for newborn babies up to around 15.5lbs in weight. Milovia stay dry inserts for covers fit perfectly inside but you can also use other absorbent inserts too.
Milovia nappy covers designed specifically for newborn babies for a perfect fit and super cute look. Beautifully made with soft materials inside and a stretchy waterproof PUL layer. You can use the cover approx 2-3 times by just changing the wet inserts. Small stay dry inserts fit best inside this cover (sold separately), they have a fleece top layer that goes next to baby's skin. You can add small inserts at a reduced price when purchasing a newborn Milovia cover, simply add them using the drop down.
Key features;
- Fits 2.5-7Kg (5.5-15.5lbs) with adjustable sizing poppers
- Highly absorbent microfibre inserts with stay dry top layer (sold seperately)
- Breathable and stretchy PUL waterproof layer
- Soft elasticated waist and leg gusset for a comfy leak free fit
- Waterproof stoppers at each end prevent leaks and are coevred in soft fleece
- Made in Poland from high quality European fabrics
We recommend buying 3 small stay dry inserts with each cover but you can also use your own favourite inserts or muslin cloths.


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This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
Separate names with a comma.
Your car can likely only handle stereo. Stereo is stereo.
Oh ok. lol Thanks!
Stereo it is!!


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Direct patient data exchange: Gold standard or stepping stone?
State and federal HIT leaders say Direct patient data exchange good for the near term for getting through meaningful use, but evolving quality initiatives will require much more.
In the last few years, Direct -- the crowd-sourced encrypted email standard for sending patient data, also known at various times as National Health Information Network (NHIN) Direct and later as the Direct Project -- has evolved from a vague-but-interesting idea to an emerging means of secure, HIPAA-compliant physician-to-physician messaging around which a tech infrastructure is evolving. An online replacement for the fax, if you will.
As physicians and their electronic health record (EHR) vendors begin to grasp Direct's utility and apply it to the health information exchange (HIE) requirements of meaningful use stage 2, the question arises: Can Direct be a long-lived standard for smaller physician offices to facilitate HIE, or will it ultimately fall short because accountable care organizations and other programs requiring quality reporting will need more granular, structured information? Probably the latter, said health IT leaders discussing that question at the State HIT Connect conference in Washington, D.C.
But the combination of Direct HIE and an ONC-certified EHR will be enough to satisfy meaningful use requirements.
"The best HIE is invisible," said Lee Stevens, ONC program manager for the state HIE program. "It will just be there, it'll work, and it will support the improvement of health care." He went on to explain that Direct protocols were designed to replace fax machines and also to rapidly get physicians compliant with meaningful use rules -- but not necessarily to feed data into the complex analytics systems driving quality improvement.
Direct emerged two years ago starting with the idea that ONC wanted to give the maximum number of physicians a simple way of complying with meaningful use. Stevens said that while ONC didn't know what later stages of meaningful use would look like, it seemed to the agency that basic, secure email protocols would satisfy meaningful use's emerging HIE requirements enough to get physicians their incentive checks.
With data-driven programs from Medicare and commercial payers emerging since those early stages of meaningful use, Direct has shown its limitations. Stevens said he's heard discussion around how Direct could be made more complex, but he's convinced it can't be expanded enough to be considered "ideal" for HIE -- specifically, providing structured data for queryable exchange. Ultimately, such HIE will be done through current and future variants of Clinical Document Architecture (CDA) standards under development.
What Direct does, though, is give certain providers -- for example, rural docs unable to connect to a major HIE for now -- a means to attest for meaningful use and exchange patient data electronically. "There are also providers who don't want to jump in with both feet and really go in with a large-scale system," Stevens said. "They might feel a little bit more comfortable emailing a couple of records around first."
Lorie Mayer, Arizona state Medicaid HIT coordinator who also oversees the state's HIE, said the various agencies and public-private entities building her state's network for moving patient data has focused on "more robust" HIE than Direct can provide.
Lee StevensONC program manager
Still, there are providers who want to do less ambitious HIE, i.e. less structured and detailed than CDA. Erecting a network that can handle both, she said, has proven to be a time-consuming project. Teaching physicians about their options has proven even more so. Time isn't an asset they have, though: Mayer and her colleagues have to get it done in 14 months, when their federal grant cycle ends.
"Our work is really getting ourselves organized to be able to do both Direct and robust HIE … and to provide education and outreach to [help] providers to understand that they have options, which many of them might not have understood that they had."
That's not such an easy job to explain to physicians in a state where a more basic technology obstacle is in the way: 15%-20% of physicians are older than 55 years old, and many of them are debating whether to adopt EHR systems or retire, making the decision about Direct vs. CDA for patient data exchange a moot point.
Technology-savvy physicians, however, see value in Direct for passing off between each other simple but crucial reports concerning patients they have in common, she said. And so does Mayer herself, who sees Direct as a transitory standard between paper and the more complex HIE of coming years.
"The question is," Mayer wondered, "is it going to get us where we need to be for [National Quality Forum] efforts, for all the bigger data initiatives? I don't see that it will. But in the meantime we do have to help providers learn how to adopt, as well as evolve, as well as to give them a degree of comfort that this can work, that it's stable, that it can help them in their day-to-day practice [and] that it's an investment in getting some time back."
Next Steps
Vendors keen to embrace Direct standards
Differing state laws, data standards complicate patient data exchange
Get the latest news on Direct at Health IT Exchange


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If you want to get the hottest event tickets on Ticketmaster before anyone else does, you usually need a presale code. Having a presale code can help you secure tickets to events that are likely to sell out. While you enter the presale codes on the Ticketmaster website, the actual codes do not come from Ticketmaster. The codes come from a variety of places, including event promoters and fan clubs.
Check the Wise Guys Presale website (see Resources) to see whether a presale code is listed for the event you are interested in. The current available codes are updated regularly each day.
Sign up for the mailing list on the event or artist website. For example, if you are interested in getting presale codes for Kelly Clarkson concerts, signing up for the mailing list on her website results in presale codes coming to your inbox for tour dates. Some artists restrict presale codes to fan club members, which means you must pay to join the fan club for presale codes.
Get an American Express Gold credit card. Ticketmaster frequently has presale codes specifically for American Express Gold card holders. You must pay with the credit card in order to obtain the tickets. Apply on the American Express website (see Resources).
Purchase tickets for the event from your Ticketmaster account. This sets you up to get future presales codes via e-mail. The codes do not come directly from Ticketmaster. Instead, event promoters pay Ticketmaster for user data to see who purchased tickets in the past for the event. Then, the event promoters send out presale codes via Ticketmaster to that group of users.


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Talygarn Equestrian Centre recognises that whilst good quality instruction is fundamental whilst learning to ride and having lessons there is also many other aspects of the equine world to experience. Talygarn Equestrian Centre aims to offers a variety of equine experiences for both children and adults
Riding Lessons
Suitable from the complete beginner to the more advanced rider. Children from 4yrs of age through to adult lessons. Our Team of experienced staff are able to meet the needs of the individual and the group rider
Student Training
In Partnership with Usk College in Gwent and Haddon Apprenticeships we are able to offer full and part time college courses training towards BHS and NVQ Qualifications
Pony Club Centre
The Pony Club centre membership is for children who attend the centre and either do not own a pony or do not have transport to attend a pony club branch. See Pony Club pages more more information on activities and achievements
- Pony Days – Suitable for 6yrs and over. Learn to look after ponies, including riding.
- Christmas Gymkhana – Open to all. Festive fun, lots of rosettes to be won.
- Riding school client competitions
- Camp – Suitable for 8yrs and over. Held during the summer holidays.
- Social Events
- Open Day displays
- Barrel Racing
- Bareback Riding,
- Polo crosse
- Equestrian Vaulting
- Cross country jumping
- Christmas Holiday Programme
Children's Birthday Parties
Riding School Show Jumping and Dressage Competitions
Equestrian Vaulting
Annual Summer Open Day
A very entertaining and enjoyable afternoon for the whole family.
Riding displays performed by students and clients.
Previous displays have included Vaulting, Musical Ride, Bareback Jumping, Pony Club, Gymkhana, Barrel Racing, Polocrosse, Mini Grand National, Show Jumping etc Photos from previous Open Days can be viewed in our gallery or watch our videos


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Items where Author is "Ahmad, Halim"
Group by: Item Type | No Grouping
Number of items: 2.
Ahmad, Halim (2000) Assessing Education At Multiple: Levels Of The Education System. The Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education (formerly known as Journal of Educators and Education), 17 (1). pp. 1-17. ISSN 2289-9057
Othman, Hashim and Mohamed, Abdul Rashid and Mohamed Ismail, Shaik Abdul Malik and Ahmad, Halim (2006) The Proficiency Levels Of Bahasa Melayu Writing Skills In Malaysian Primary Schools. Project Report. USM, USM.


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Temando's suite of API's allow you to incorporate the intelligence of Temando into the business systems you have with minimal integration effort.
Using our current API, you can:
- Retrieve shipping quotes from multiple carriers
- Determine the optimal fulfillment location for orders based on custom rules and inventory levels
- Discover the most efficient way to package items to save on shipping costs
- Generate and print compliant shipping labels and documentation
- Create collection manifests for bulk shipments
- Track your shipments all the way to your customers door
So, your business or clients have chosen a Temando extension. Not only are our solutions great for them, they are also easy for you to install and configure with detailed guides, FAQ's and more..
While we're busy connecting the world's logistical resources into one intelligent platform, you can help us discover what the future holds for intelligent fulfillment. Become a founding member of Temando Labs and keep your finger on the pulse with our Shipping API development. Who know's, maybe you'll build an application that changes the world - well, at least one shipment at a time anyway!


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Fashion Contests
Fashion Contests
Fashion contests entail the exhibition of designs to potential fashionistas. It's the basic platform on which new designs are launched. You can do this through sketches or complete works that are shown on runways both local and international. Fashion contests will also involve the sale of creations which need to be alluring for them to attract more and more potential buyers. The larger an audience a designer will reach the broader his / her market will be. When organizing a fashion contest, one needs to consider the target audience. By doing so, picking designs that will interest them will be easy and there won't be any risk of missing out on any of them.
Observing the current trends in the market will enable one to know what works for what ages and what is out. Starting out small is the key word since these humble beginnings will give one the required experience. Starting at the top could be frustrating since there are better people in the market, individuals who have been doing this for years. Learning from your own mistakes as well as the other peoples mistakes is of great help in becoming a fully fledged designer. Researching widely will make one more knowledgeable on what is expected of them in this glamorous yet demanding industry.
Fashion contests will involve entrances to competitions that are basically on design. These will help the upcoming designer to learn and have a first hand experience on how well suited they are for the fashion industry. Fashion designs require one to be creative if they are to capture what is missing and yet most needed design in the market. What will keep you going in the fashion contests is a strong will to survive and succeed at the same time. It's good to be hopeful but at the same time being over ambitious may turn things for the worst.
Winning is epitome but not winning does not meant that you are not good enough. It simply means that you have a lot to do to get up there. This will mean hard work and thanks to the exposure in the fashion contest, you'll surely know where you went wrong. Trying again will be the next course of action and you'll surer get to where you aspire to be. Success is always within reach and with the knowhow of how to get there, you can count the barriers broken. Fashion contests will enable you walk the journey of triumph and while at it never give up! The finish line could be just some seconds away!
Want to find out more about alternative medicine schools, then visit www.topalternativemedicineschools.com on how to choose the best alternative medicine schools for your needs.


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from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun (Biochem.) an enzyme catalyzing the transfer of a phosphate residue from ATP to a hexose, as in the formation of glucose-6-phosphate from glucose.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun biochemistry Any
enzymethat catalyses the phosphorylationof a hexose
Sorry, no etymologies found.
In the search for answers to these questions, suspicion fell most strongly on a reaction catalyzed by an enzyme called hexokinase (hek'soh-ky'nays).
It reduced levels of glycolytic enzymes such as hexokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase and aldolase levels, which are increased in hepatoma-bearing rats, and increased levels of gluconeogenic enzymes such as glucose. 6-phosphatase and fructose-I
Early on, Meyerhof's group spent considerable effort to investigate the effects of hexokinase, which Meyerhof had discovered in 1927.
Otto Meyerhof and the Physiology Institute: the Birth of Modern Biochemistry
ANTIDIABETES Improving the secretion of insulin by repairing damaged pancreatic beta-cells; promoting the absorption of glucose in the liver; inhibiting the release of glucose from the liver by increasing hexokinase activity; reducing glucose-6-phosphatase activity
Glucose transport is rapid so that the first irreversible step, hexokinase, must determine the rate of net flux.
Thus any condition that affects the rate of glucose utilization of red cells must do so by either having an effect on G6P or on the activity of the hexokinase itself.
A problem that warrants further study derives from our observation in 1967 that instead of being in the cytosol most of the hexokinase of tumor and animal cells is associated with the outer membrane of the mitochondrial fraction26.
Subsequently, our lab used the pulse/chase method to study hexokinase in the steady state by comparing the 14C-G6P formed in an acid quench with that formed in a high substrate chase with time of quenching,
We did pulse/chase experiments in which the labeled glucose came from hexokinase in the crystalline state either alone or together with ADP31.
It has recently been reported that the release of mitochondrial hexokinase and some associated proteins may play a role in the onset of the apoptosis cascade27.


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Alice In Chains have laid out plans to play some U.S. shows this spring. The band just recently released a video for their new single "Hollow", and is expected to have a new record on the shelves this year. It would be the second with William DuVall, who in the writers opinion, does a stellar job playing the Layne Staley role. For the dates just scroll below, along with their new video for "Hollow".
We are smart enough to realize that the date on the band's website that is listed as Philly is actually in New Jersey. So for those in the Garden state we have your back and cleaned that mess up. We reported on a STP, Alice In Chains, Three Days Grace and Fuel show there 2 years ago. Check out that confession here
Alice In Chains 2013 Spring Tour Dates
4/25 (The Fillmore)Miami Beach, FL
4/26 (WXTB Rockfest) Tampa, FL
4/30 (BUCC Concert Hall) Birmingham, AL
5/1 (William B. Bell Auditorium) Augusta, GA
5/5 (Norva) Norfolk, VA
5/7 (Sands Event Center) Bethlehem, PA
5/8: (Benedum Center) Pittsburgh, PA
5/12 (KPNY Pointfest) St. Louis, MO
5/14( Lyons Fairgrounds) Sioux Falls, SD
5/15 (Eagles Ballroom) Milwaukee, WI
5/18 ( Susquehanna Bank Center) Camden, NJ
5/21 ( Embassy Theatre) Ft. Wayne, IN
5/22 (Aiken Theatre) Evansville, IN
5/24 (Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater) Lincoln, NE
Alice In Chains "Hollow"
Dear Alice In Chains. Please come to NYC this year. Thanks.
Jasons website


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Jo-Ann Reteguiz eBooks
eBooks found: 1
Physical Diagnosis: PSAAR
Beverly Cornel-Avendano & Pretest & Joann Reteguiz & Jo-Ann Reteguiz
McGraw-Hill, December 2000
Format: PDF
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Choose from 600,000+ eBooks and get a Free eBook download now!
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BROOKLYN, New York - When Sofia Lavion arrived for her first day of sixth grade at Brooklyn's Park Slope Collegiate, she noticed something different.
"In this school I see a lot of blacks and more Hispanic people," Lavion told CBS News. "I was happy for the fact that this school wasn't segregated. I hate segregation."
Sixth through twelfth graders attend the school in what was once a minority neighborhood. For the last 10 years, fewer than one percent of the kids were white. The neighborhood changed - it's now predominantly white.
So the school's principal Jill Bloomberg worked to diversify by reaching out to local parents. This past year, the school welcomed 10 white students into its sixth grade class.
"Integration doesn't happen on its own in our society," said Bloomberg. "As a system our schools are incredibly segregated and I had been hoping that if you build it, they will come."
Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court decision that outlawed segregation in public schools. But, decades later, studies show segregation is still widespread.
Students like Lavion crave diversity.
"When you're around your same skin, your same type you don't really learn anything about the outside world," said Lavion. "But when you're mixed with people, you're mixed with people that can teach you things that you'd never know if everyone was the same."
"It's kinda dumb segregation because we're basically all the same," said Nyah Dias, who counts Lavion as more than a classmate. "We're good friends. I never make fun of her, she never makes fun of me because of our race."
In the past 30 years, diversity in American schools has dropped. A classroom of 30 will typically consist of 22 white students and only eight minority students.
What benefits to parents see in having their children in a more racially diverse classroom?
"Parents want their children to be good people," said Bloomberg. "The idea that if you have racist ideas, if you don't know and understand people who aren't exactly like you,it makes you limited as a person."
Dias and Lavion said teachers and administrators at their school are rightly strict when it comes to race.
"If they hear somebody say, 'you're black and you're white,' they say 'It's not ok because we're just the same,'" said Dias. "I think it's good because if you don't stop it at the source or the core of it, then it's just going to keep going."
"Like a chain reaction," added Lavion.
"Yeah," said Dias. "You need to stop it when it starts."
Researchers who've studied the issue say housing segregation has played a major role in school segregation. But they also point to a series of Supreme Court decisions in the 1990s that paved the way for school districts to end their desegregation plans.


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Those who have wealthy experience in dealing with different kinds of non-public damage claims may be on the record of your first priority. I actually have horrible stability(because of a knee damage an jet ski accident) subsequently I failed the highway take a look at once I was arrested I requested to take the blood test and the officer said no because it would take to much time and paramedics had to be known as since he couldn't do it. He basically gave me no possibility and scared me into taking the breath take a look at.
Es por esto que su compañía de seguros debe brindarle no injury automobile accident lawyer ante este tipo de situaciones y pueda usted tener una defensa sólida al momento de un accidente de pista y tener en cuenta que incluso si su compañía de seguros podría no ser capaz de satisfacer su demanda por las razones expuestas y que probablemente usted mismo tendrá que buscar su defensa para este horrible hecho.
According to Peter Kissinger, CEO of AAA Traffic Safety Foundation, about 60 percent of the individuals killed in hit and run crashes are pedestrians, " including that 1 in 5 pedestrian fatalities contain hit and run drivers." Since most visitors accident reviews determine bicyclists as pedestrians, it is truthful to imagine that bicyclists too are disproportionately affected by hit-and-run drivers.
The knowledgeable witness called by the conservator's attorneys testified that a correctly educated dispatcher should have instantly informed Mr. Vincent not to follow the other car as a result of the average layperson doesn't have the expertise or training to pursue one other car and the mere proven fact that a automobile chase was occurring was likely to create an immediate danger that somebody would be injured in a car accident.


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Who Must File, and How Is It Done?
In Massachusetts, the Commonwealth collects an estate tax when a person dies in some situations. This is separate from any taxes the federal government will collect.
Massachusetts is among one of several states that still assesses separate estate taxes on certain property when a person dies.
For deaths that occurred on or after January 1, 2006, the executor of the estate must file a Massachusetts Estate Tax Return (Form M-706) if the gross value of the estate (plus adjusted tax gifts) exceeds $1,000,000.
Who is Considered An Executor For Purposes of The Massachusetts Estate Tax?
Under Massachusetts estate tax law, the term "executor" is defined as the executor or administrator of the decedent, or if there is no executor or administrator appointed, qualified and acting within the Commonwealth, then any person in actual or constructive possession of any property of the decedent.
Can I Get An Extension Of Time To File?
Maybe. You'll need to submit an "Application for Extension of Time to File Massachusetts Estate Tax Return" (Form M-4768). Typically an extension of time to file may be granted for a reasonable period, provided the application is made on or before the due date and 100 percent of the estimated amount of tax is paid.
If you failure to pay at least 80 percent of the amount of tax finally determined to be due on or before the due date, any extension of time to file might be voided, and the return will be subject to the late filing penalty and, possibly, a late payment penalty. Interest is due on any unpaid tax from the original due date.
Penalty For Late Filings or Payment
If the executor doesn't file a required estate tax return return within nine (9) months from the date of death or within an approved period of extension, he or she will have to pay a penalty. Here is the rate:
See Probate Court, State Probate Courts, Avoiding Probate, and Planning an Estate for more information.
|Government Agency
|Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR)
When is estate tax due?
The estate tax is due 9 (nine) months after a death.
|What is the Tax Rate?
The estate tax is computed with reference to the allowable federal estate tax credit for state death taxes allowed in the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2000.
|List of Forms
|MGL c.65C
Massachusetts tax laws can be tricky. Please consider contacting a local tax attorney who can help you better understand the current rules and procedures.
Contact a qualified attorney.


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Massimo Vignelli, an acclaimed graphic designer who gave shape to his spare, Modernist vision in book covers and shopping bags, furniture and corporate logos, even a church and a New York City subway map that enchanted aesthetes and baffled straphangers, died on Tuesday at his home in Manhattan. He was 83.
His death, after a long illness, was confirmed by Carl Nolan, a longtime employee of Mr. Vignelli's.
An admirer of the architects Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, Mr. Vignelli moved to New York from Italy in the mid-1960s with the hope of propagating a design aesthetic inspired by their ideal of functional beauty.
He preached clarity and coherence and practiced them with intense discipline in everything he turned out, whether kitchenware, public signage, books or home interiors.
"Massimo, probably more than anyone else, gets the credit for introducing a European Modernist point of view to American graphic design," Michael Bierut, a partner at Pentagram, a leading graphic design firm, said.
Mr. Vignelli's work has been shown in North America and Europe. It is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York, as well as museums in Philadelphia, Montreal, Jerusalem, Munich and Hamburg, Germany.
His clients included American Airlines, Ford, IBM, Xerox and Gillette. St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Manhattan had him design an entire church. His brochures for the National Park Service are still used. Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys all gave out Vignelli-designed shopping bags in the 1970s. He designed the signs for the New York and Washington subways and suggested the name Metro for the Washington system.
Mr. Vignelli described himself as an "information architect," one who structures information to make it more understandable. But when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority released his new subway map in 1972, many riders found it the opposite of understandable. Rather than representing the subway lines as the spaghetti tangle they are, it showed them as uniform stripes of various colors running straight up and down or across at 45-degree angles — not unlike an engineer's schematic diagram of the movement of electricity.
What upset many riders even more was that the map ignored much of the city aboveground. It reduced the boroughs to white geometric shapes and eliminated many streets, parks and other familiar features of the cityscape. Tourists complained of getting off the subway near the southern end of Central Park and finding that a stroll to its northern tip, 51 blocks away, took more than the 30 minutes they had expected. Gray, not green, was used to denote Central Park; beige, not blue, to indicate waterways.
"Of course, I know the park is green and not gray," Mr. Vignelli said in an interview with The New York Times in 2006. "Who cares? You want to go from Point A to Point B, period. The only thing you are interested in is the spaghetti."
Design aficionados considered the map — Mr. Vignelli preferred to call it a diagram — an ingenious work of streamlined beauty. It earned a place in the Museum of Modern Art's collection of postwar design.
The map was replaced in 1979 with a more geographically faithful one. But in 2011, the M.T.A. warmed to the Vignelli approach: It asked him to reinterpret his 1972 design for an interactive map on its website. Called the Weekender, it tells of changes in weekend subway service.
The architecture critic Paul Goldberger, writing on The New Yorker magazine's website about the map's revival, called the original Vignelli design "more than beautiful."
"It was," he said, "a nearly canonical piece of abstract graphic design."
Massimo Vignelli was born on Jan. 10, 1931, in Milan, where he grew up enthralled by the city's Northern Italian Renaissance architecture. At 14, he decided to be an architect, and at 16 he went to work as an architectural draftsman. He studied art and architecture in Milan and Venice and worked as a designer for Venini Glass, a renowned manufacturer on the island of Murano in the Venetian lagoon.
While studying at the University of Venice's architecture school, he met Lella Elena Valle, whom he married in 1957. Both studied in the United States, then returned to Italy to start a design firm.
In the mid-1960s, Mr. Vignelli joined six other designers in Chicago to form Unimark International, which became one of the world's largest design firms and among the first to focus on creating corporate identities through design. He opened its New York office with Bob Noorda, a Dutch-born graphic designer who worked with him on subway signage and other major projects. (Mr. Noorda died in 2010.)
Mr. Vignelli and his wife founded their own firm, Vignelli Associates, in 1971. It became Vignelli Designs in 1978. Mrs. Vignelli worked hand in hand with her husband, managing the business and helping with design. "She's very much an equal partner," said Jan Conradi, a design professor at Rowan University, whose book, "Lella and Massimo Vignelli: Two Lives, One Vision," will be published in July by RIT Press. "Everything he did was touched by both of them."
Mr. Vignelli propounded the virtues of simplicity and rigor, suggesting that they could lead to a permanence that is unusual in the graphic arts, though he allowed that "trying to do timeless things is a dangerous game."
Mr. Vignelli's reputation certainly endured. "He is fetishized by young 20-something designers today," said Mr. Bierut, who worked for Mr. Vignelli early in his career.
Tom Geismar, a leading graphic designer with the firm Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, said in an interview, "What always amazes me about Massimo is his ability to take lots of information and somehow clarify it."
But some designers saw his austerity as uniformity. "The knock was they all sort of look alike," Mr. Geismar said.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Vignelli is survived by his son, Luca; his daughter, Valentina Vignelli Zimmer; and three grandchildren.
Mr. Vignelli said he would have liked the job of developing a corporate identity for the Vatican. "I would go to the pope and say, 'Your holiness, the logo is O.K.,' " he said, referring to the cross, "but everything else has to go."


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Code: DB0629
Dimensions:W: 90cm (35.4")H: 208cm (81.9")D: 4.5cm (1.8")
Fully morticed and tenoned, this is a handsome and wide door with large bolection mouldings and would suit internal or external use. In good condition, we could strip the door back to the bare wood and we can convert the upper panels to glass if required, please contact us for options. This is one of 7 sister doors of a similar size and style. See items DB0624 - DB0630.
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Could you be more stressed than you think? [Photo: Getty]
Stress is a sneaky old thing. More often than not we're so busy walking around in the foggy angst of modern life we barely even notice that we're properly stressed. And we sure as hell don't do anything about it, we just kind of get used to the haze.
"These days, many of us live under chronic stress. But our bodies can't distinguish between late trains, missed appointments, spiralling debt, infuriating work colleagues, family disputes and the truly life-threatening stress it gears up to challenge. So it reacts exactly the same as it's always done," explains Dr Marilyn Glenville.
But though we might not notice the stress, it is still harming us. And letting it go unnoticed can leave us open to a whole heap of long-term problems including putting pressure on our reproductive system, upsetting our digestion, shutting down our immune system, increasing our blood pressure and risk of both stroke and heart attack. Oh and it prematurely ages us too! Yikes!
But much as we might think we're tuned into our mental wellbeing and would definitely know if we were properly stressed out, we actually might have no idea. Because though our clever little bodies do try to send us subtle signals to alert us to our stressed state, sometimes they're so subtle, we might just miss them. The thing is though, the quicker you deal with your fiery foe, the better chance you have of halting it and therefore minimising its effects. So it pays to be tuned in to the secret signs you're more stressed than you think…
You're having funky dreams
Dreams less about a rendezvous with Ryan Gosling and more being chased by a giant carrot? Yeah, you're probably stressed. "Crazy dreams can be the result of too many stress hormones in the body. Being stressed can interrupt your normal sleep cycle which may result in strange, upsetting and often confusing dreams," explains Helen Rutherford, Therapist at www.babylonhealth.com.
"When we have stress dreams you can often wake up feeling exhausted and like you haven't slept. This can cause severe fatigue making you feel tired all the time."
[Photo: Getty]
You're addicted to social media
When you've had more Insta likes than actual conversations it might be time to consider your stress levels. "Spending increasing amounts of time looking at social media such as Facebook or Twitter is a way of avoiding situations or real-life interactions with others which could increase stress," explains Priory consultant psychiatrist Dr Leon Rozewicz, medical director of the Priory's hospital in North London. "It is also a way of avoiding thinking about what is happening in your life."
Your skin keeps breaking out
Everyone has a bad skin day, but stress can definitely up the ante on adult acne. "Stress is a contributor to acne, in particular, the unrelenting day-to-day stress of modern day living; including working long hours, digital dependency, not sleeping well, poor diet and not taking time for ourselves," explains Dr. Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare. "This is what I call Cultural Stress. Stress stimulates the adrenal glands to produce DHEA which causes breakouts and will often show itself as spots/acne from the nose down."
You've got a pain in the neck/back/wherever
And it's not because you over did it at the gym! "How we're feeling directly affects how we hold our body. When we're stressed we tense our muscles, causing our body to seize up. Over time, this can affect the alignment of our body leading to back and joint pain," explains Tam Johnston, The Mindologist from Fresh Insight Coaching.
"Generally speaking, we have a bodily response to the emotions we are feeling and can store our emotions in our body. So if you experience severe body pain and there are no physical reasons for it, it could well be due to stress."
[Photo: Getty]
You're micro-managing your partner/kids/work colleagues
"Micro-managing and being over involved in the lives of others is an attempt to get control of your life by managing those around you," explains Dr Leon Rozewicz. "It is often a 'displacement' activity to avoid stress, and it enables you to avoid thinking about your problems."
You're suddenly scared of something that's never bothered you before
They've never bothered you before, but a teeny tiny spider scuttles across the floor and it sends you running, screaming out of the room. "General stress can sometimes cause a loss of confidence about things you have never previously worried about, such as new fears of driving on a motorway or unfamiliar roads is quite a common response, probably because of changes in concentration when overloaded with worry," explains Julia Cole, a senior psychotherapist at Priory's Wellbeing Centre in Southampton
You've become a coach potato
Blown your friends out again? Got a permanent you-shaped imprint on your sofa cushions? Gym kit gathering dust in the corner? "If your head and body is full of stress you're likely to withdraw from your usual activities, such as social plans, as it can all seem a bit too difficult or overwhelming to deal with," explains Tam Johnston. "If you 'want to be alone' and it's out of character, this could yet another hidden sign of the underlying stress you're feeling which affects your mood and coping skills."
You can't help over indulging
More than your usual Friday night blow out, we mean. "In an attempt to relax you may find yourself over indulging in food, cigarettes and alcohol," explains Helen Rutherford. "You may not be aware of over indulging at the time if you are not aware of your stress. This can be your way of subconsciously dealing with your stress."
You're overly 'busy'
"Avoiding boredom at all costs is a sign that a person is addicted to stimulation," says Dr Helen Johnson is founder of Goddess Acumen. "We are hyper-stimulated in our society and sometimes we can actually be scared to simply sit with ourselves and 'be' without finding something to distract us. The constant stimulation is actually making us feel worse but we end up running from silence and quiet because we're scared to actually feel or experience whatever comes. Usually, it's the quiet that we need. So - fear of boredom. It's a sure sign!"
[Photo: Getty]
You can't shake that cold
"Stress can also suppress your immune system," says Tam Johnston. "So if you keep getting ongoing viruses and you put it down to 'just being run down' have a think about whether or not your stress levels could be contributing to this."
You've gone off sex
Another headache? "Chronic stress isn't the best thing to get you 'in the mood' in the bedroom. It zaps your energy levels and puts your mind is into overdrive which can reduce your sexual libido," Tam Johnston continues. "Whilst it can be a stress reliever for some, for others libido can be diminished. Worse still, guilt or pressure to provide for your partner can lead to 'performance anxiety' compounding the causes of stress in your life."
What to do if you are stressed?
"Sadly, depression, stress and anxiety are bedfellows," warns Tam Johnston. "The key things is, don't ignore it thinking it will get better. Take action and look for these signs."
If you are experiencing stress and anxiety these ten steps to a calmer mind might help:-
Understand and believe that you are in control
Know your trigger points - what causes you to feel overwhelmed?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and don't use substances such as nicotine, alcohol and caffeine as coping mechanisms
Use your time wisely, pause to prioritise your day and focus on what matters
Manage expectations – if you over promise and under deliver that will feed your stress. This also applies to expectations you apply to yourself.
Take time out
Focus on the things you can control and accept the things you cannot change
Minimise contact with situations that make it worse
See things differently and focus on how you want them to be
Seek external support if you need to
How can you tell you're stressed? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
We Could All Do With Reading This '101 Ways To Cope With Stress' List


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WSHA Merchandise
WSHA Pendants for Sale
WSHA has created a beautiful sterling silver heart and cross pendant that will be given to all Upper Sixth leavers to welcome them as members of WSHA and the Alumnae community. The pendants are also available for old girls to purchase (£30 inc P&P UK only) at future WSHA events or directly through the Alumnae Development Officer.
WSHA Christmas Cards
WSHA has created a Christmas card depicting a snowy Pergola Walk. Packs of 10 cards are available for £10 per pack.
Woldingham 175 Scented Candles
Choose from Citrus Clove or English Rose scent. These candles have been created for Woldingham's 175 anniversary. Each candle is presented in a cellophane wrapped gift box. £20per candle and all proceeds go to the Woldingham School Foundation in support of bursaries.
To order any of the above, please contact Katie Hogben on firstname.lastname@example.com or call 01883 654307.
Woldingham School Portrait
A few years ago a local artist was commissioned to paint stunning watercolour portraits of Woldingham School. These two school portraits are available to purchase framed or unframed. To view, please visit www.brendabarratt.com and go to School Portraits and click on the either of the Woldingham School paintings. www.brendabarratt.com/product/woldingham-school


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It is still just about possible that Sebastian Coe was the only clean man in the IAAF stable, a former track star whose running shorts remained a pristine white as dirt splashed all around him. At least, that is the image suggested by investigator Dick Pound, who yesterday released the second damning Independent Commission report into corruption in athletics' governing body. Lord Coe, who is the new President of the IAAF, is the "best person" to take the institution forward, said Mr Pound, and "would have done something" about the corruption had he known about it.
|Rescooped by Investors Europe Stock Brokers from Jean Boulle Luxury
Investors Europe Stock Brokers's curator insight, January 15, 2016 4:48 AM
For a man who, in his prime as a middle-distance runner, was accustomed to arriving at conclusions before a crowd, Lord Coe has been slow on the uptake. He initially rejected reports of doping as a "war" against his organisation. On the day of his election he said it was "just inaccurate" to suggest the IAAF was complicit in doping. Two days ago he maintained that there had been "no cover-up", a conclusion directly contradicted yesterday by Mr Pound, who simply said "the organisation is in denial".


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ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.
Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.
What ActionAid does
Our dedicated local staff and partners support women and girls to understand their rights and change their own lives, for good. Find out more about our three main areas of work.
How ActionAid works
Learn about our approach, what we do that makes us different to other charities and our objectives underpinning our mission.
Where ActionAid works
We work across Africa, Asia and Latin America, every day, all year round.
We listen to, learn from and work in partnership with the world's poorest and most excluded people.
Funding and governance
Find out more about who ActionAid are and how we're funded, what we achieve with the help of our generous supporters, and how we spend our income and demonstrate our impact through our financial accounts and annual reports.
Contact us
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Phone: call us on 01460 238000
- Post: Supporter Care Team, ActionAid UK, Chard Business Centre, Jarman Way, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1FB


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Here are some helpful quick links to get you started.
March 2018
My Brother Knights
We have just completed Knighthood Degrees in E. Wenatchee and Spokane. Both were successful combined Formation and Knighthood degrees. The degrees in Spokane were held at St. John Vianney Parish in Spokane Valley and had a relative large number of candidates with 37 candidates for the Formation Degree and 42 candidates in the Knighthood Degree. Thanks go out to Host District Deputy Brad Smith for District 5 for hosting this degree and DD from Districts 8, 18, 20, 28, and 33 for getting candidates to these degrees.
I am pleased to announce that we now a newly Certified Formation Degree team member for District 6 (DD Bret Fleming of Selah as DD) and 2 recertified team members for District 8 (Kurt Zimmerman of Pullman as DD and Peter Appel of Colton as GK). I'd like to congratulate Bret, Kurt, and Peter for their commitment to their district formation degree teams.
I want to continue reemphasize upon each of you about the importance of your roles in encouraging your new and existing members to advance through the Admission, Formation, and Knighthood degrees. Your personal commitment to our ceremonials is a key to the success of your Councils, Districts, the State Council and the Order. The more new and existing members can participate in all three of these degrees, the more dedicated and committed your brothers will be to actively participate in the Council activities and projects.
We have scheduled and organized a total of 9 more Knighthood degrees throughout the State from this point forward in the year. That schedule is on the website and it will be updated throughout the year. Your responsibility as Grand Knights and District Deputies is to carefully plan your Admission and Formation Degrees in an appropriate manner so that your members can be ready to participate in the planned Knighthood through the year in your area.
In the coming 2 months, the following Knighthood Degrees are scheduled:
Gig Harbor
2, 24 & 29
11, 25 & 36
5, 8 & 28
13, 14, 16, 21 & 23
6, 7 & 17
5, 8, 18, 20, 28 & 33
BOLD denotes Host District
* denotes Saturday degrees
** denotes combined Formation & Knighthood degrees
Please take advantage of these opportunities and contact the Host District denoted in bold if you interested in attending.
As always, be prayerful in all you do and at every gathering with your Brothers offer special prayers for all members of your Council both active and inactive, for new potential prospects, and for the success of your Councils and Districts in accomplishing its goals for the coming year.
Yours in Christ
Marcel P. Bergeron, PGK, FDD, PFN State Ceremonials Director Email: email@example.com Phone: (509) 554-4924


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Mid Week Diaries
August 23rd, 2017
Acknowledgement: A pleasant scenario To the strongest, to the weakest, to the kindest, to the hardest, to the most negative,...Read More
August 16th, 2017
Target: the importance of knowing, finding, valuing Is this the social target, or the people or the surroundings, or the...Read More
August 9th, 2017
Caring: Who defines the meaning? Care for this, care for that, care for them, care for me............................. What is care,...Read More
August 2nd, 2017
Humor to the rescue: A teaching concept Laughter the best rescue operation there is......................... for yourself or for others.......................... though...Read More
July 19th, 2017
The gift of art: An adventure Art in fashion, art in design, art in management, art in strategy, art in...Read More
July 12th, 2017
Self-confidence - A delight or determination You are bossy, you are egoistic, you are over your head.................................................. A lot of...Read More
July 5th, 2017
The Freedom tales: A new mark Is it just belief, system or irony that Independence Day has just gone by...Read More
June 21st, 2017
The reality of being alone, carefree, healing, healthy is not too common……………….as we grow old? But why?? As I opened...Read More
June 14th, 2017
Mental Anguish: A reality or a myth? It was 2005.................... And I was in charge that evening admitting and caring...Read More
June 7th, 2017
Nutrition: for living & dying............................................ The journeys beginning & end! Beyond spirituality, beyond matter, our body needs nutrition ............................................ To...Read More
May 31st, 2017
The Tree of Support: A Stream What transforms someone's destiny in health care is not always measurable! Income, finances, family,...Read More
May 24th, 2017
From a Kimono, to Sushi, to shopping at Longs……… was what I learned from the senior friend of mine! I...Read More
May 17th, 2017
The Frail Elderly: Revelations It is alarming and impossible to overlook that many of our seniors are frail, living with...Read More
May 10th, 2017
Aging & preparation What should a senior be prepared for? When should a senior? What for should a senior? Why...Read More
May 3rd, 2017
The Aging dilemma! How often have you come across someone that you have known is getting frail, falling or not...Read More
April 26th, 2017
Growing Old I met an elderly Japanese woman during my stay in Hawaii, through a Kimono wearing class, that she...Read More
April 19th, 2017
It has been an interesting journey for me the past 6 months. What is interesting is that my talents, creativity,...Read More


text: Everybody gets sick sooner or later. I caught a cold for the first time in two years recently and it came at a point that I had trained and ridden myself into the ground. I personally cant ride/train 7 days a week, I need two recovery days or my body gets rundown. If you do have a cold make sure you take some airborne and zicam. In my experience this really helps shorten the cold.


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10 Best Mountain Bike under 500 of 2020 – Buyer's Guide and Reviews
There are numerous mountain bikes in the market that cost below 500 bucks. However, a mountain bike's price tag isn't always the only determinant of an mtb's quality so it's possible to land either a top quality or junk mountain bike at this price range depending on the research you delve into prior to purchase. This poses a challenge for mountain bikers seeking to buy a good mountain bike on a limited budget. Whether you are looking for an entry level hard tail bike, a full suspension bike or a fat bike; with careful research you can find an exceptionally good deal.
This post has explored several mountain bike options in the given price range to help buyers land the one that is most suitable. The list contains mountain bikes from reputable bike manufacture companies including Schwinn, Diamondback, GCM Yukon and Mongoose among others. It also delves into the intricacies every mtb enthusiast should consider when looking for the best mountain bike under $500.
What to consider before spending your 500 on any mountain bike
How do you decide which bike is best for you? Every prospective mountain bike buyer ought to consider the following factors to help them land the most fitting machine that will not only serve the intended purpose satisfactorily but also enable them receive the best value for their money.
1. Type of bike and nature of mountain biking adventure
The type of bike you settle for should mostly be determined by the nature of terrain you'll be riding on as well as your riding style.
Cross Country Mountain Biking involves biking for extended time periods through wild trails. While the trails are not extremely rough, this type of biking requires endurance on the rider and significantly easy handling on the mtb to aid in effective maneuver. Once in a while, the rider may encounter mud and gravel but the track mostly comprises of up-hill ascents, leveled out stretches, single track corners and steep descents, an adventure that's best served by hard tail mountain bikes.
In Downhill Mountain Biking, riders usually faced incredibly rough tracks and have to maneuver large obstacles thus the need for excellent brake handling to maintain balance and control the speed of descent. The best mountain bikes for this type of adventure are full suspension bikes.
Free riding involves a bit of downhill biking and a bit of dirt jumping. It also includes lots of tricks and a wide variety of terrains. For such adventures, full suspension mountain bikes and bikes with light but strong frames are most preferable.
Hard tail bikes only feature front suspension and are usually fairly priced and easy to find. On the other hand, full suspension bikes have shocks on both front and rear forks and are usually more costly than hard tail mountain bikes thus harder to find with a stringent budget.
2. Mountain bike size and fit
To enjoy optimal mountain bike performance, it's crucial that the bike be the right size for the rider. There are numerous reliable mtb size charts and guides online to help mountain bikers determine the right mtb fit. Since online mountain bike purchases strike out the possibility of a test ride it's vital that buyers carefully determine the mtb fit before buying. Moreover, bike buyers should keep in mind that different manufacturers have different methods of bike sizing thus it's important to consider specific manufacturer's sizing guides and charts before making that all-important decision to purchase.
3. Key components of the mountain bike
There are some key mtb features that ought to be carefully considered before buying the best mountain bike under 500. They include the bike's frame, brakes, wheels and gear shifters.
Types of mountain bike brakes range from disc brakes to V-brakes (rim type). The best option would be disc brakes as they are highly responsive in any terrain and adverse weather conditions. However, they are more expensive than rim brakes. Rim brakes can be appropriate for less challenging terrains and will definitely cost less than the former.
Mountain bike wheel sizes range from small (about 16") to super-size wheels (29ers). Rims also range from double walled to single wall types while rim spikes are forged from steel, alloy or Aluminum.
Different wheel sizes and compositions are appropriate for different riding styles and terrains. For example, fat wheels offer great traction, shock cushioning and spot increased ability to go over obstacles in rough terrains but are heavier and require more energy to pedal. On the other hand, thin wheels are lighter and appropriate for sharp mountain biking techniques such as dirt jumping and free riding. For a beginner, small knobby tires would be the most appropriate as they offer great traction and are exceptionally easy to move.
There are two main types of mountain bike gear shifters in the market with the most common being SRAM and Shimano shifters. Both offer quick and smooth gear shifting for your rides. However, rapid-fire shifters are usually more responsive and easier to use than grip-fit shifters.
The mountain bike frame forms the chassis on which all other bike parts are fastened or welded. In this light, bikers should go for the right frame size to ensure perfect mtb fit. While Aluminum frames are light and durable, Steel is a bit on the heavier end. On the other side, alloy frames fall in between aluminum and steel. In addition carbon fiber frames are exceptionally light but also relatively costly. An aluminum or alloy frame is makes an irresistible bargain for the best mountain bike under 500.
4. Gender specific needs
Are you particular about the gender for which a bike is designed for? Well, female bikes are designed around the concept that female riders have longer legs and shorter torsos. They are also generally lighter because the average female bike rider is oftentimes lighter than male counterparts.
On the other hand, exclusively men bikes are designed on the basis that men have longer torsos. The main differences in design come in the saddle design. Furthermore, generally, women's bikes spot shorter handlebars than their male counterparts. However, women do not have to stick to female bikes only and neither do men need to stick to exclusively men's mountain bikes. It all boils down to personal preference and bike fit.
5. Energy efficiency
All the components and the build of a bike come together to either limit or enhance your energy efficiency. The type of mtb pedals, saddle position, angle of the handlebars and size of the wheels as well as the size and constituent material of the bike's frame all come together to determine how functionally efficient a mountain bike is.
While most mtb manufacturers offer these parts, you may need to make several adjustments to your bike to enhance its efficiency and functionality. Some riders prefer to custom-made bikes that best address their specific needs. However, custom bike building requires advanced skills in mountain mechanics and a good understanding of the various parts and their compatibility.
Top 10 Best Mountain Bike under 500 Reviews
1. Schwinn Protocol 1.0
The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is a dual suspension bike built with Shimano Altus 24 speeds and Shimano trigger shifters that enables riders to seamlessly shift speeds to suit various terrains and slopes. The front fork suspension offers reliable and responsive riding. It also has a Schwinn alloy crank that offers very efficient gearing. The alloy rims have bladed spokes that are lightweight but exceptionally strong.
The aluminum frame together with steel rear triangle offer sturdiness to hold up to 220lbs while the handlebars are mounted on the four bolt A-head stem and offer easy adjust to achieve a comfortable and energy efficient upper body riding position. It has Promax front disc brakes and alloy linear pull brakes on the rear to offer top notch braking capability.
- The 24 speeds enable you to change gears and speeds accordingly to maneuver the steepest uphill and downhill and the toughest terrains
- The front disc brake and rear alloy V-brake combine for crisp all condition stopping
- The Schwinn alloy crank is easy to maintain and durable
- The 26" tires offer convenience and safety to maneuver all terrains
- The SR Suntour suspension fork minimizes impact as you ride. Knobby tires are mounted on the alloy rims for easy everyday riding
- The bike requires professional tune up for optimal functionality which comes at an extra cost
- The bike does not have a water holder
- Its wheels wear off fast
The Schwinn Protocol 1.0 comes 85% preassembled. You only need to attach the front wheel, the seat and adjust the handlebars accordingly. It is easy to assemble but may require regular tune up.
Bottom line:
Schwinn Protocol 1.0 is available in the men's and women's models. It is ideal for both accustomed and beginner bikers and is suitable for both on road and off-road riding. There are different sizes available to fit different riders including tall and heavyset riders. This mountain bike is light, comfortable and easy ride. Schwinn is popular for quality engineering so you are guaranteed of top grade durable components with this bike even with a limited budget.
2. Mongoose Impasse
This is a dual full suspension bike. The 29" wheel alloy wheels have a quick release front. They also feature alloy front and rear disc brakes. The bike spots 21-speed Shimano rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters for easy gear shifting. The bike weighs 45.7 pounds.
The Mongoose Impasse is built with a sturdy Aluminum suspension frame to maximize comfort and performance. The suspension fork smoothes out the bumps and increases the biker's riding control.
- It is easy to assemble
- It has a comfortable saddle
- The aluminum allow parts and frame make it light and sturdy
- Can be ridden by both men and women
- The braking system is highly responsive
- The brake levers are low end
- Some riders find the frame short
The bike comes partially assembled. The remaining parts are easy to assemble with a basic understanding of the structure of mountain bikes. Once assembled, a tune up will be necessary to ensure the wheels are well aligned and the brakes work well. You can assemble and tune it up yourself or seek the services of an expert. At a reliable bike shop, the bike's assembly and tune up services cost around $50.
Bottom line:
The bike is ideal for tall and heavy riders. This is a good bargain for a full suspension mountain bike. You can ride this bike on trails, city parks, gravel roads, greenbelt rides, through the woods and down hills with small drop offs. While reviews on this bike have ranged from good to 'do not buy this', the fact remains you can't expect to enjoy 1000+ value for a budget of less than 500. That said, the Mongoose Impasse is a fair bargain for its price as it offers above- standard features, functionality and performance. This bike is not ideal for racing as it hardly exceeds the 30mph mark.
3. Merax Finnis
The Merax Finnis comes with an 80mm front suspension and dual size disc brakes for easy stoppage. The bike weighs 33 pounds and has aluminum full suspension frame as well as 21-speed derailleurs. The front and rear wheels utilize mechanical disc brake systems. It is an easy to assemble bike that arrives 85% preassembled. The remaining parts are carefully labeled with R/L and clockwise/anticlockwise markings to streamline assembly and tune-up of pedals, front wheels and handlebars.
- It has an advanced aluminum mechanical lockout suspension fork.
- It has highly responsive shifters for smooth gear shifting
- It has mounted on it magnesium alloy wheels that are durable and sturdy
- It is a lightweight bike
- It is aesthetically attractive
- The disc brakes require regular adjusting to work well
- The water holder bottle is of low quality
- Not suitable for short and light weight riders
Bottom line:
The Merax Finis is a light, easy to assemble and easy to ride bike. It's ideal for tall riders 5.7" and above and may not be a good fit for shorter riders. Note that this bike model is regularly upgraded by the manufacturer at an extra $100. Still, it's a worthy bargain not only for its aesthetic value but also its uniquely high functionality. It accelerates fast, shifts well and rides smoothly. It is available in various colors including passion black, classic grey, green as well as fashion white, blue and red.
4. Diamondback Sorrento
It comes with 27.5" sporty wheels that offer a comfortable and smooth ride on rough terrains. The Tektro brakes ensure offer efficient braking to protect the bike from slips and facilitate smooth instant braking. The 80 mm suspension fork allows for smooth rides on exceptionally rough terrains. Moreover, the bike spots a powerful Shimano derailleur gear system. Diamondback Sorrento comes partially assembled and sealed in a factory shipping box. You will need to install and adjust various components to achieve a perfect fit. If you are not well skilled on bike assembly, it is recommended that you take the bike to a capable bike shop for building and tune up. Otherwise there are plenty of online videos and articles available to guide you on assembling.
- It is built on durable and light weight aluminum frame
- It has a water bottle holder
- It is available in five frame sizes
- Has highly responsive gear shifting
- It has a chain stay protector
- It has no kickstand
- Requires regular professional tuning
- It has an uncomfortable saddle and poor quality pedals
Bottom line:
This is a perfect hard tail mountain bike for your adventurous rides. There are various sizes available to fit people of different heights and weights. The lack of rear suspension can serve as an advantage or detriment depending on one's weight and the purpose for which the bike is used- Lack of it works well for downhill riding and for heavier riders. However, in rough terrains the lack of back suspension causes substantial shock impacts on the rider.
5. Diamond Back Overdrive Hardtail
The Diamond Back Overdrive Hardtail complete bike is available in four frame sizes. It has Tektro disc mechanical brakes that provide for optimal braking performance in all terrains. The brakes are made of 180mm rotors that enhance the braking functionality.
The bike also has Shimano brake levers and 24-speed derailleurs. It additionally features SR Suntour XCT 27 coil spring fork with 80mm travel and its big knobby wheels offer a firm grip in even the roughest terrains. Furthermore, its 29" tires are 2.1" wide and are double walled and its rims are forged from stainless steel. This hard tail bike has an aluminum frame and Shimano Altus derailleurs.
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate mountain bikers
- The large wheels and double rim walls enable the bike to handle shock and rough terrains well
- The bike is available in four different frame sizes to fit different riders
- It is an ideal unisex bike
- It offers a great balance between durability, weight and traction
- The bike can be too heavy especially for beginners and female riders
- The manufacturer does not warrant for assembly damages
- The fork and wheels wear out fast
The bike comes preassembled with only a few parts requiring assembly and tune up. The Manufacturer provides a detailed and easy-to-follow assembly instruction manual to enable riders to easily assemble the remaining components.
Bottom line:
The Diamond Back Overdrive Hardtail complete bike is an affordable entry level mountain bike ideal for beginners and intermediate mountain bikers. This bike model is also available in 27.5" size for people shorter than 5.6". Its love-some features and affordability qualify it as a worthy addition to the best mountain bike.
6. GCM Yukon Fat Bike, 26 –Inch
The GCM Yukon Fat Bike, 26 –Inch has 26" tires that are 4" wide. It comes in one frame size only that is suitable for riders whose height is between 5'6 to 6'. The overall weight of the bike is about 43 pounds. It's built with a lightweight Aluminum frame whose geometry includes 23.5" effective top tube, 4.5" head tube, 28.5" stand over and 17" from the center of the BB to the top tube. It has 7 gears on the back and a single ring in the front. It is installed with entry level Shimano shifters and uses mechanical disc brakes. The suspension fork is made of high tensile steel. Furthermore, it features a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur, Shimano Revoshift shifters and a Shimano super low cassette.
- The aluminum frame holds the fat bike sturdily
- It can be ridden in a wide range of terrains
- The Shimano Revo shifters are highly responsive in extreme terrains
- The fat tires and front suspension fork provide shock absorption for comfortable riding
- Has 7 gear options suitable for speed and gear shifting to suit various terrains
- It can be quite heavy for beginners
- Inappropriate for petite riders
GCM Yukon Fat Bike, 26 –Inch is fairly easy to assemble when you follow the manufacturer's assembly guide provided upon purchase. However, if you find it hard to assemble, take the bike to your nearest local bike shop for swift but dependable assemblage.
Bottom line:
You can conveniently ride this bike on a myriad of terrains including sand, snow, rough trails and mud. Wherever you take it, you'll surely enjoy a smooth ride as the fat tires will easily roll over loose surfaces and obstacles. Ideally, it's a mountain bike designed for the heavier and big bodied rider.
7. Diamondback Lux
The Diamondback Lux is built using a light weight 6061-T6 aluminum frame that's both uniquely sturdy and durable. It has a low slung top tube that enables riders to easily straddle and dismount from the bike. The bike weighs 41 pounds and has a stand over height of 25.5".The 27.5" wheels and SR Suntour fork offer easy and smooth maneuvering on rough terrains. With the major parts of the bike preassembled, there are very few parts that require assembly. They include the front wheel, seat, handlebars as well as front and back brakes. However, the bike doesn't come with assembly tools. You can easily assemble the remaining components and take it to the local bike shop for tune up
- The disc brakes enable rapid stopping
- It is affordable for people looking to purchase a mountain bike at an affordable price
- It is strong and durable
- Ideal for entry level mountain bike riders
- It comes with a 24 gear ratio for maximum speed and efficiency
- The bike is not full suspension hence lacks rear suspension fork which reduces comfort when riding
- The wheel spare parts are rare to find
- Requires advanced skills to assemble and tune up
Bottom line:
This is a bike specially designed for women riders. It is best suited for beginners as it is easy to handle. It best serves as a Cross Country bike but can be ridden well in other terrains too. Generally, LUX spare parts are hard to find. While it is not the best cushioned mountain bike in the market, it is easy to handle and shifts smoothly. Besides, the knobby large wheels offer additional shock absorption.
8. Gravity Monster
The gravity monster weighs 37 pounds and is built with an 18" frame. The big fat tires allow for easy riding in a wide range of terrains. It uses thumb shifters instead of the common triggers making it an outstanding feature. It features a 2x7 superior 16-speed SRAM drive train which offers easy cycling. Assembling this bike can be a bit technical especially for people with no prior bike assembly experience. However, you can take the bike to a nearby local bike shop to have it assembled and tuned up.
- The big tires make riding both comfortable and fun
- It is suitable for riding over a variety of terrains including mud, snow, boogs, deep sand and any other rough terrain
- The frame is well welded together to offer sturdiness
- The sophisticated SRAM drive train offers high level of efficiency in riding
- Easy to upgrade
- The big tires can be quite heavy for light weight riders
- The brakes may weaken fast over time
- The tires and tubes are heavy
Bottom line:
This is the ideal bike for anyone starting out in fat mountain biking. The Gravity monster's aesthetics will stand out in the crowd making you easily noticeable among other riders. Besides, it's a good bike for riding during winter on the snow and on muddy trails.
9. Nashbar AT29 29"
The Nashbar AT29 29" is built on a steel frame. Although the steel frame gives it a heavier feel compared to similar diamondback model bikes in the same price range, it is still a fair deal for its price. The bike has a beginner friendly oil-shock system made from SR Suntour XTX for easy maneuvering in rough terrains. It features 24-speed Shimano gear sets for easy handling. This mtb also has Alex rims, front and rear Shimano Derailleurs and a SR Suntour crank set. Moreover, it spots a durable Shimano 7-speed drive train. However, it only has a front suspension.
- The shock system can be turned off on flat and smooth surfaces to save energy and enhance performance
- The precisely built in disc brakes offer powerful braking performance
- The 29" wheels ride swiftly and easily over obstacles
- It provides a wide range of gear shifting options
- Suitable for both men and women riders
- The saddle is uncomfortable
- The frame is heavy
- The brakes and derailleurs are low end
The bike comes without an assembly manual. For this, its assembly is a breeze for experienced mountain bikers although novice bikers will fiddle about for some time before getting the hang of its assembly and tune up.
Bottom line:
This is a pretty decent mountain bike for a price below $500. It is durable and highly functional mountain bike and the key to have it lasting long is to putting in place proper maintenance mechanisms. Still, it's an excellent hard tail bike for both men and women. Furthermore, it is uniquely suited for the tall and heavier rider and its wheels offer sufficient traction for uphill and downhill trail riding as well as cycling in fairly level roads and trails.
10. 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0
Also considered the best mountain bike under 500 in the dual suspension category, this mountain bike features easy to handle Shimano Shifters, adjustable front and rear suspensions as well as front and rear disc brakes that are strong and durable. The bike is built on a sturdy Aluminum frame with a single pivot technology. Moreover, it has an adjustable rear coil over a cartridge shock. It additionally spots a Shimano drive train and an adjustable front shock. It also has Tektro Novella Disc brakes and Shimano M190 rear derailleur. With the latest upgrade, the bike's new Aluminum frame is lightweight and composed of high performance hydroformed tubing. Further, the bike features a Suntour Triple Crank set, has 24 speeds to allow for a variety of gear shifting options and weighs approximately 35 pounds.
- The double wall rims are strong and light
- It has a quick release on both the front and rear wheels
- The dual suspension feature offers cushioning in extremely rough terrains
- It has powerful brakes for responsive braking in rough terrains
- Available in different sizes to suit the needs of different sizes of cyclists
- It does not have a kickstand
- It has a short wheel base
- Low quality saddle and pedals
The 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 ships partially assembled with an easy-to-understand-and-follow assembly manual.
Bottom line:
The 2017 Gravity FSX 1.0 is a quality yet affordable entry level dual suspension mountain bike available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes to fit different riders. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the durability and optimal functionality of this bike.
Even at a limited budget, it's possible to land a uniquely efficient high performance mountain bike. All it takes is thorough research and a keen eye for your preferable bike features. Since a majority of mountain bikes will be shipped to you partially assembled, it is important to get it you new acquisition finely tuned up to your preference by a professional to ensure safety and optimal functionality. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current bike gift loved one, this guide will be a reliable starting point to find the best mountain bike under 500 in the market.


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for at least the next two years gamers can use their wii-mote to click onto different areas of an interactive worldwide map and get news from those areas. the new channel will mainly cover associated press (ap) news and photos. ap will provide news in a half-dozen languages, while japanese news company goo will supply nintendo's japanese-language news.
an industry analyst from idc says it makes sense for nintendo to offer different content because the wii attracts non-traditional gamers as well as the hardcore. the wii is a fairly fun gaming device that has attracted young, old, hardcore, and casual gamers–nearly everyone who's picked it up–and is a seemingly unstoppable sales force that's constantly sold out. now, it gives you ap news, too, further bridging the former divide between traditional computers and gaming consoles. microsoft and sony constantly promote the xbox 360 and playstation 3 as multimedia devices, and now it's nintendo's turn.
for more, please see the associated press.
user comments 6 comment(s)
|almost an article… (7:03pm est thu jan 25 2007)
"the wii is a fairly fun gaming device…"
my god, you can't even keep your personal opinion out of a straight forward info piece. – by the_real_mark
|meh (7:09pm est thu jan 25 2007)
not a big deal. but a nice perk that n is not charging for.
real_mark : cry more emo boy. even if james had expressed a controversial opinion that was not shared by millions of satisfied wii owners, there's nothing wrong with expressing an opinion. if you want that just read the ap story. – by lived_ip
|waaaaaa!!! (9:54pm est thu jan 25 2007)
lived, i fucking hate emo. i also hate jame's writing, and am not alone in thinking so. he should have at least saved his opinion for a separate heading or blurb or something. – by the_real_mark
|james (11:18pm est thu jan 25 2007)
this is actually one of his better written blurbs. but that's not really saying much. – by dustin
|cool (3:03am est fri jan 26 2007)
nintendo's really putting pressure… and i enjoy my wii the same, perhaps more so, than the average wii-owner… and this little feature is very nice, just played around with it today.
but i still have to say, as soon as my budget catches up, i'm going out and getting one of them shiny ps3's. =) – by treatment_x
|wii is awesome… (8:50am est fri jan 26 2007)
and james is just an anti-nintendo tool. he cannot post anything positive about nintendo, he always has to put a negative spin on it.
very similar to another user who posts on this site… – by jeremy


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March 13, 2019
Agile Moral Imperative
I believe, at the end of the day, agile is a moral imperative. You get people wrapped around the axle…Read More
Stuck in the status quo? No matter how small, Ideas are the stepping stones for standing apart from everyone else.
Isolated by geography? Silos slowing you down? Everyone is so busy with their own goals, we lose sight of the bottom line mission. You can get beyond hesitation to exhilaration of teamwork.
Taking forever to get started? Getting derailed by changes?You CAN overcome. Grow skills to confront reality, make tough choices, and adapt.


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After Battleground, WWE's newest pay-per-view, went off the air last night, outrage appeared to be the general consensus of emotion across the unwashed mass community of wrestling fans due to the finish, or lack thereof, to the show's main event. For those who are still unaware, or have already blocked it from their memory, the last match pitted Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton against each other for the vacant WWE Championship. We figured we would get some kind of screwy finish (not that I was the only one thinking this, but I wrote so in my predictions piece last week), but regardless, we were to assume that there would be a winner. We didn't count on them having the Big Show interfere, knock everyone out, and basically close the night with no ending to the match. What the hell? No, seriously, what the hell?!
First, let me get the rant portion of this column out of the way. For something as major as the finish to a pay-per-view, this obviously had to be a Vince McMahon decision to end it this way. Listen, I love Vince, and respect him for everything he's done. But that man has to have some set of stones if he thinks in any way possible that this is an acceptable way to end a show that people are paying a lot of money for. I wouldn't want it, but I'd at least understand if they used the ending to a Raw, which is a free show, like this. But to end a pay-per-view? UNACCEPTABLE…all caps.
Now that that's done, let me pose a question. Was this WWE's most meaningless PPV ever in terms of character development and story progression? I generally hate to speak in hyperbole, and I'm sure there was plenty in the mid-late 2000's, but I can't think of one off the top of my head. Let's run this night down for a moment.
One of the main reasons why this event was pointless was because half…seriously, half, of the show was thrown together as last minute filler. The pre-show featured Dolph Ziggler facing Damien Sandow for no apparent reason, announced one week prior. Curtis Axel against R-Truth was added after Raw just for the sake of giving Axel someone to beat, like it matters. We got Kofi Kingston versus Bray Wyatt, again out of left field, announced as late as Smackdown. And then as if there wasn't enough matches with no story, feud, or build to it, the Real Americans vs. Santino Marella and the Great Khali was announced like the day before the event. This show had so much filler that the Great f'ing Khali had a match. Again, there was no rhyme or reason for any of these matches happening whatsoever and none of them progressed any stories or enhanced character development for any of the talent involved. Just a complete waste of time.
Then we have two matches where, although they were actually announced ahead of time, had no real build-up to make us care either. I have no issue with AJ Lee versus Brie Bella happening at all, but the result was as simple as the champ going over with nothing to help Brie along the way. It's not that this should never happen, but compounded with the rest of the card, it would have been nice for something to come out of this match.
Let's talk about Rob Van Dam against Alberto Del Rio. I do appreciate them making this a hardcore match so ADR wouldn't put me to sleep, but again, the champ goes over and we move along. Was their line of thinking that having Del Rio defeat Van Dam in a hardcore contest would somehow make us believe in him more as World Heavyweight Champion? Because I think that ship has long sailed. RVD is no better after this match (which I suppose is fine since he is leaving again for the time being), but more importantly, I don't feel like Del Rio is any stronger for it.
As for the matches that actually were built in the weeks leading up to Battleground, there was only one glimmer of light, which was Cody Rhodes and Goldust facing off against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns of the Shield. Great feel, great match, great story told, great finish, and great progression. This was the equivalent of getting spanked like 7-1, but having one highlight reel, moonshot home run.
As big of a CM Punk fan as I am, I was a surprised by him going over in this match. Not for him getting the win, but the fashion in which he did so. As in, he pinned Ryback, the heels walked away, and we'll see you tomorrow night. What? This outcome would have made complete sense if Punk would have absolutely decimated Ryback in the process or afterward, essentially leaving no one left standing between him and Paul Heyman, with this month being the final chapter of this feud until he "gets his hands on him". Not that I'm crazy about this whole storyline, but I'll give Punk and Heyman the benefit of the doubt that there is more moving forward. As far as the PPV is concerned, however, the guys showed up, Punk won, everyone left, and these characters are in no different standing than they were heading into the night. I'm perplexed.
Finally, we come to the main event. So Triple H stripped Daniel Bryan the Raw after Night of Champions last month because he was "caught" in cahoots with referee Scott Armstrong for cheating in the match. The title was held in a state of abeyance and Armstrong was 86ed. A rematch was set for Battleground to crown a new champion. Everyone (okay, not everyone…some of us streamed) plunked down a lot of money to see this…and as I said earlier, they had the Big Show come out and take a dump all over it and each and every one of us. He reluctantly knocked out Bryan, Armstrong ran down out of nowhere, unfired, to count the three, and got knocked out for his efforts, Orton got in Show's face and then he got KO'ed. The night ends with everyone downed and no new champ. I suppose those of us who flew to London to watch, as M2J would say, got what we paid for.
We can go on and on about how frustrating this is from an "I just watched this entire show for that??" standpoint. But from a storyline standpoint that they just forced me to invest a month into? This is where Battleground reaches its apex in pointlessness. So since the night after the last pay-per-view, there has been no WWE champion. We build up to a show that will crown a new champ. And now heading into Raw tonight, there is still no champion. I don't know what they have in store in a few hours from now. If they are smart and don't want to continue to eat a crap sandwich from fans, they'll give us a new champ on free television. But at the time being, the past month of WWE programming, which was very heavily geared toward this match, was a complete and utter waste of time. I suppose it can be said that the Big Show angle progressed, kind of, sort of. But Bryan and Orton are in the same exact boat they were in leading up to Battleground. Why even have that show?
Seriously, aside from the Rhodes', is any one superstar or diva, storyline or angle, in any different shape after Battleground than before? I certainly don't think so. The whole point of these things from a storyline standpoint is to answer all of our current questions with more questions for the future. The only question I have coming out of Battleground is why the hell I wasted three hours watching that.


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I laughed and asked him, "Don't you see the two vacant spaces near your favorite spot?" He seemed surprised and said he didn't notice it when we drove by... TWICE!
Though I was laughing at Don for his silly oversight, what happened at the parking lot made me think. I have been working on achieving this goal I set from the time Julia was born. I know what I want and I have been trying to base my actions and decisions on that goal. But things are not falling into place. I am nowhere near the realization of what I want to happen. Maybe I am like Don. I have been too obsessed on my goal that I fail to see other opportunities that surround me. I was too focused on what I want that I failed to recognize God's plans for me.
It's time put aside my Tapa-oho, don't you think?
|Jeremiah 29:11


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I see people every day who are fed up and confused about what they should and shouldn't be eating because healthy eating is really complicated. Well, no it isn't…the main problem is the media with all these mixed messages about what is good and bad for you. The issue is that the media want to sell a story and headlines such as 'If you exercise moderately and eat more fruit and vegetables then you will be generally healthier but genetics may get your anyway' just doesn't sell.
Often journalists will interview people who they know will give them the right answer. For instance I was recently phoned by a TV show for an interview around a new supposed superfood and of course said 'well firstly there is not such thing as a super food' -> gun and foot come to mind. Whereas if you get someone who is a nutritional therapist called Dr X and she's talking to you about how coconut oil will cure everything in your life you are going to listen.
But, don't some of these stories have science behind them??? Yes they do and again the media take the parts of the science and put it together to make a nice little story. They forget to tell you that there were only 5 people in the study and actually there are already 10 other studies with 100's of people something different. They often forget to tell you that the study used rats (our bodies are nothing like rats). Or there latest weight loss study is only 3 months —> how the hell can you tell if something works if you look at it for just 3 months?
So, if you hear something in the news and it is very different to what you have heard before (even if there is someone really hot selling it), be a little more suspicious. If you are still not sure then check out this website below;
This site is run by the NHS and basically looks at all the latest health stories to see what they actually mean for you and if you should change anything.
If you would like any further information on the latest nutrition fads or are media looking for reliable source of information please contact Kirsten Crothers (Dietitian).
© The Food Treatment Clinic LTD 2016. All Rights Reserved.


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30 Birthday Freebies
Celebrate your special day with free food, beauty products and even a cruise!
No-Cost Birthday Eats
Most require online registration.
Just for Kids
Bob Evans Kid's meal for children under age 12.
Burger King Hamburger kid's meal for children under age 13.
Sonic Wacky Pack kid's meal.
Denny's Original or Jr. Grand Slam for kids 10 and younger.
California Pizza Kitchen Kid's meal for children under 10.
Dairy Queen Buy one Blizzard, get one free.
Friendly's Kid's meal for children under age 12 with an adult purchase.
For Everyone
IHOP Entree.
Moe's Southwest Grill Burrito.
Starbucks Beverage for cardholders.
Ruby Tuesday Burger.
Baskin-Robbins Ice cream.
Dunkin' Donuts Medium beverage for Dunkin' Perks members.
Red Robin Burger.
Houlihan's Any menu item up to $15.
T.G.I. Friday's Dessert with purchase of an entree.
Qdoba $5 coupon.
More On-the-House Goodies
Borders' rewards program sends a birthday coupon good for a free beverage at the coffee bar.
Join beauty site Smashbox's Pretty Points reward program and get a complimentary gift set during your birthday month with any purchase.
DSW members receive a $5 gift certificate.
At participating Medieval Times locations, the king honors you with a free admission and meal with the purchase of a regular-priced ticket.
World Market's Explorer rewards program members receive a surprise gift.
Discovery Cruise Line offers a free day cruise (with a $45 administration fee) from Florida to the Bahamas during your birthday month when one full-priced adult fare is purchased.
Aveda's birthday program gives members a present valued at up to $24.
Children 12 and younger who join the Barnes & Noble Kids' Club can enjoy a free cupcake or cookie at the cafe and create a digital book at Tikatok.com, an interactive website, on their big day.
Sign up for the Brunswick Zone XL Bonus Zone and snag two free bowling games and a 10%-off party coupon.
Join Sephora's Beauty Insider rewards program to score a complimentary product in stores on your birthday.
The Kmart Birthday Club gives kids 12 and younger a fun pack, which includes $5 in Birthday Bucks to spend at a store, plus a crown, coloring sheets, stickers and a certificate.
Visit the Benefit Brow Bar at Ulta for a free eyebrow waxing on your b-day.
When kids under 10 join Geoffrey's Birthday Club at Toys "R" Us, they're eligible for a birthday card and a complimentary gift. Visit a store on your kid's big day and he will receive a crown, a balloon and an in-store message announcing his birthday.
Originally published in the June 2011 issue of Family Circle magazine.