text:
Now I manage Stories.ng with a few of my friends. Will I still blog here? I don't know.
Dusk: Ire
*dusts off cobwebs*
Due to technical difficulties, we have run here tonight. Can't keep our hungry readers waiting for dinner indefinitely. Enjoy LOL
How do we measure a year?
Dear MMXIV, I measure you in Growth.
I am the girl of 2013 with a lot more direction, focused energy and drive.
2014 has taught me dedication, trust and the importance of speaking up.
I'm still Miss Impulsive.
Don't get it wrong.
But just know that I put some powerful thinking into that split second.
A wa yin o, Olorun wa
A wa je wo re pe,
Iwo l'Oluwa.
For a long time, I did not like "ancient" praise songs. Why can't we be yuppy (I can't believe I just said yuppy) and cool and catchy and…
I cannot describe this year without throwing my praise all-the-way back.
The year of Our Lord
As all other years have been,
as all other years will be.
This year… I found a career path.
After 4 years of Uni and 4 years of doing "Any Work", I finally found the path. I feel fulfilled, I never espered it. Do you know how frustrating it is to be asked the question "So, what do you want to do?" and your answer is a blank stare + the word "Everything"?
Confession: I am working on reviving my memory and I am going through all my GTalk Chats with Sir
What did I learn this year?
This too shall pass.
It feels like you're drowning in all of it.
You're not sure of the steps to take.
People are hovering and throwing their seasoned advice at you.
You thought you knew what you wanted.
But, you're not so sure anymore.
You thought it would turn out this way,
But, something is wrong.
No, quite a number of things are wrong.
You try to explain it.
All you get is "I understand"
And you're trying to scream and say
"No, you don't understand".
This too shall pass.
The uncertainty, the fear, the disappointments.
The shadows, the nightmares.
These too shall also pass.
The pain, oh, the yards and bundles of pain.
This too shall pass.
You see how this post looks joinjoin,
Na as e dey come, I dey write am.
It is my birthday today.
God is good.
I wish I could list my blessings on here…
I am stronger.
I am healthier.
The stench of death is far from me.
I am alive and well.
To Mama Joy, the african diva, thank you for being a light unto my path.
To Ademisola, my sunburst.
To Rhai, my moonbeam.
To Nene, my sweet shower of rain.
Thank you for being there for me.
To Aunty Nnenna, you have been a lifesaver. May the good Lord reward you.
To Sweetie & Adenike, thank you for the encouragement and inspiration.
To my men, Tunde, Juke, Harry, Osahon… You guys are awesome.
To Room 114, there's nothing like family. Nothing at all.
To Ademilayo, I pray you'll grow to realise how much you've meant to me since your birth.
To my Family, thank you for being.
To Ade Mi, your farts still stink and I'm still here. Lezz be thankful, abeg.
I love you all.
To Him who sits on the throne…
Be blessings and glory and honour and power forever.
Amen and Amen. We enjoyed the joinjoin post and are glad to see another member of the #Grateful movement. Happy birthday Vivi.
Michael is on here tomorrow. No stranger to the review series. Subscribe in the box above and tell your family, fans and friends.
Preview of the 2014 Review
*strolls into empty abandoned movie theatre*
Good evening ladies and gentlemen.
How many times do blog owners have to apologize for not being regular with their posts? If I thought last year was sparse for content on here, then 2014 was an absolute drought! Will I apologize? Yes. Will I make any excuses? No. Will I make any promises? Hahaha!!
We have finally reached the time in the year where we look back on the year. We have done this for 3 years now (this is the 4th edition) and the general feeling is that reading these true life stories is often the most moving personal experience of the blog year.
But, 19th Street shuts down on this address tonight. Tomorrow, we move to our permanent site. Stories.ng
I wish I could carry you all there to the Promised Land. But alas, in my migration I have to manually transport you all there. By road, by air, by water or by you subscribing on the new site.
There are plans for Stories.ng. I will share those when they are ripe. But for now? Get ready for the 2014 Guest Blog Review on Stories.ng.
Love you all. See you tomorrow by 9 am. On Stories.ng. 🙂
Mystery Musings
*dusts cobwebs*
The first time I read this so many thoughts ran through my head. I was sad (read, depressed, for my country and the people it produces), overjoyed (for my friend the author) and scared (that it could just as well happen to me).
Please enjoy the story before I type any more spoilers.
"What is time but a necessary manmade construct, as a measure
that could keep one in a box if he allows it,
to think he runs out of it in hours or months or years."
I made my first million today.
A little over a million plus or not so little, but a million is a benchmark.
I couldn't write about my 2013 last year, I was much too dispirited to do so, plus I believe every story should have a happy ending; if it's not happy then it isn't over. So for me, today marks my December 2013 end in reality. I'm mostly writing this for my benefit, to express myself. Writing about my 2012 really did something for me; I go back to read it from time to time for comfort, encouragement, reference or to just put situations in context. And after a while (this year to be exact) I could openly share it with my friends just because. I couldn't at the time. Same will happen for this too in the future but in keeping with my modus operandi, I will write anonymously to begin with. So here goes.
"In the realm of ideas, everything depends on enthusiasm.
In the real world all rests on perseverance."
~Johann Non Goethe~
2013 was a mentally tough year. I had just started a new company in late 2012 with some two other people. Everything looked promising and of course I knew it was going to be tough, but alas I wasn't ready at all. The bane of my experience could be rolled up in one word DEBT!!! Debts and more debts, jeez my God! Before 2012, I had lacked nothing and had always been a champion of 'pay your debts', 'don't borrow if you can't pay back', 'how the hell do you live with yourself owing so much' etc. Now I've lived the experience of being on the receiving side of my 'expletives' and I'm much more understanding especially for genuine folks, if you can tell who is one. Running a new company requires funds, more so when you don't have Angel investors, and sometimes you run out and need to borrow with honest hopes and plans of paying back, but things almost never pan out the way we projected them to.
According to the Omidyar Network stat report benchmark: Only 4% of African entrepreneurs manage to get angel capital for their business. I'm sure it's even less than that, so often times an entrepreneur is mostly trying to survive the present, while keeping an eye or half an eye on the future.
First we had a ready structure for project financing but needed to stay afloat before the projects, to keep operations running and more importantly, to pay the Due Diligence fees that would land us the said funds. We went in search for equity or debt investors for 10m naira. Money is so difficult to secure, and people promise and fail blatantly. We'd make arrangements and decisions off promises that would lead to further disappointments to others, in a seemingly unending horrific game of dominoes.
The first potential promised us payment in Dec. 2012, but by February he was still toting about with loads of stories. We built hopes upon hopes but eventually he disappeared and couldn't be reached. The heartbreak was real because we thought we would hit the ground running in 2013; still there was more in store.
We embarked on more vigorous pitching. After a while we found a corporate group who gave us a million but that wouldn't go far, so we applied that and kept up the hunt pitching up and down. Sadly the finance houses and 'monied' folks are not willing to invest in newbie companies that haven't done much, however promising the venture seems; they'd rather invest in popular folks, brands and establishments who might end up owing and not paying back because they took no collateral from them. The very same investors send you packing for not presenting collateral. I don't totally blame them, they have some cogent reasons.
We kept on pitching and another seemingly serious potential came up, but he was also a time waster, in fact a farce. This one went as far as creating a nonexistent 'angel', (as far as I'm concerned that's what it was, lol) who would invest and kept us in a never ending circle of fake meetings and lies. This is the only way I can make sense of what happened in retrospect, because even though we did all that was requested and ran around for months, it was all for naught eventually and we ended up with even more debts we couldn't settle.
It's pertinent to note that since 2012 when we started, we weren't earning any stable income. We were putting it back in the business instead. Pay yourself from where? I had family taking care of my basics while I survived on 10 tablets of hope and faith each day, on the really bad days of frustration, 20 tabs for resuscitation and revival lol.
It was on like this and half the year was upon us, nothing had gone as planned, and we had lost money instead in the process. One guy even duped us of 300k in the process and we were already defaulting on our brand new first potential business/client. In all of this a late virtual acquaintance, left words, (not to me personally but it felt so) before he passed that were of consolation to me, and I'm grateful because they really put things in context when I needed it badly.
"No one deserves anything; God is in control of all situations." "There is a time for everything, every person… Don't be angry with people who desert you at difficult times, they can't help" "People who help are people who will, not people who can". (RIP NAMO)
These words helped me a lot to cope with the disappointments and not stay mad at some of these people.
After these sordid encounters, and all the pitches that didn't yield fruit we decided to go another route, do some odd jobs (i.e. jobs below what we actually set out to do) to earn some money, then use the earnings to unlock our project funds. It was setback after setback.
We got a 12m naira contract on a site for borehole drilling and water treatment; we were to be paid 70% upfront and 30% upon completion. We went ahead to borrow some more monies to get us what we needed to mobilize for the contract. Our first problem was the Project Manager (PM) cutting down the 70% in half, saying we'd get the other half when we got to a particular level. As desperate people we went ahead without seeing that as a red flag, got the materials needed and began the job. We got to the point where we needed the remaining half and requested for it… GBESE!
Meanwhile, we hadn't returned any of the monies we borrowed before now, so everything was riding on us cashing out so we could take care of all our obligations, but the PM refused to pay us saying we had to do more, this dragged on for weeks. Eventually, he demanded we get some materials on site for the next stage before he'd release the funds. We went ahead and sourced the materials on credit, gave the supplier a post dated cheque based on the contractual promises with the PM. After doing as requested, more stories ensued and finally he flat out refused to pay, refused us entrance to site (with police threats and all) and got someone else to finish the job from where we stopped. Now the supplier whose cheque had bounced by this time wanted his materials back or the money, and of course we couldn't immediately provide both, so he took us to the Police and my business partner got locked up.
At this point I was asking God what was left, giving up wasn't an option because there were real debt obligations in my name screaming to be paid. I dreaded my phone so much as it had become a source of worry; unknown numbers made me skip a heartbeat or have heart palpitations, having to explain the situation over and over again to creditors was emotionally exhausting, because it always seemed like we were lying. I was so pensive at this point, tears weren't faraway at any point in time. I cried after almost every call shouting down my neck – oh the embarrassment and fear – but obligations are obligations so I couldn't give up.
When you pray to God for a job, ask also for reasonable and sane people to work with – Freegoodadvice.
We solved our police issues somehow. The honest truth is that one who can't HONESTLY pay up, can't do so. I cried so much from the mental stress, cracked under pressure and suffered a mini depression. Depression and I don't mix well so I got back up and trudged on. We gathered some monies after another 1m naira was loaned to us by a friend, to meet our financiers to pay the Due Diligence fees at least, so we could have our funds finally but regrettably even Boko Haram affected us lol. Nigeria had become a high risk area for investments and the DD fees shot up by over 50%, so the figures we had in mind in January were no longer applicable by September; we were told this happened after we had applied it, but fortunately for us we would have a spot held for us, instead of losing the connect entirely.
Finally, by the end of October, an earlier not so viable option called us up and was talking business again, ready to invest for equity. They came down for a meet, after some back and forth were ready to sign an agreement with us, some hope and breather after all and I could now answer my creditors in a more confident voice. In December, they wired some funds as agreed and that made the year not to be such a horrible and unbearable one.
HALLELUJAH! Finally we could pay off most of our old debts, but the big ones were still staring me in the face, 3M to be exact. Despite all the hypertension they gave me, I remain grateful to those friends (creditors) for lending to me at the time when I needed it, especially the patient and understanding ones.
In January this year, I got a debt call and for once in my life I answered without trepidation, calmly and without fear. I had to pinch myself after the call to be sure it was I who had just taken that call. After going through all that mental torture class in 2013, I had graduated and could finally control or manage my emotions towards debt. As long as I was really trying my best to pay back and kept acknowledging the debt, I felt less guilt. I couldn't kill myself about it, it's not the end of the world to be in debt.
I don't want to discuss this year, but 2013 ends today because funds are finally here, and those debts are on to being repaid and the company is finally on course to stability. I am thrilled when I look at the big picture that is about to unfold, I'm on my way to building something out of nothing, to create a miracle and greatness.
Finally I'm debt free. OH HAPPY DAY! :-D.
If you had the patience to read all of this, thank you and do say a prayer for me. I pray and hope my 2014 ends both technically and otherwise right. This year alone has shown me again, why God's timing is perfect! So we are never really running out of time. To anybody else out there having a tough time, especially entrepreneurs, I send heartfelt positive energy your way to weather whatever storms it is you face.
I pray we all have favourable opportunities that will lead us to where we should be according to our abilities. Amen!
Based on popular demand, this article has been reproduced from its first publishing here.
Any defining moments/lessons/advice from your experience with debt? Do share below in the comments section.
Naijahusband vs Highlandblue: The Rejoinder
You might want to read this first.
Good evening listeners and viewers at home. Good day Mr moderator, impartial panel of judges, esteemed co-debaters and members of the general public.
I am here to argue for the motion that Naijahusband and Highlandblue are one and the same. It is hoped that my appeal to your higher rational faculties will be as succint as it is comprehensive.
The fact that most people are what they tweet is among the most absurd arguments ever to grace this revered podium. It is easily demonstrated that most people live boring lives and come on Twitter to find expression for their otherwise inhibited selves. The appeal to anonymity is a strong one, giving lesser mortals the opportunity to freely express views that would be frowned upon based on their perceived social status. It is true that people may be their tweets but this persona has as much bearing on the projected real life characters of those behind the Twitter handles as the shadow of a man has on the colour of his apparel and the countenance of his visage.
What I am saying is, it is very possible for one person to hurriedly project a quiet, real life introvert for a few uncomfortable minutes as Naijahusband and then log into his other account to tweet freely without fear and favour, as Uncle Efe is wont to do.
The overwhelming similarities between Naijahusband and Highlandblue have already been alluded to by my opponent. I will attempt to reveal the holes in my opponent's reasoning with a few considerations of common sense.
Uncle Efe once tweeted regularly about Woji traffic especially in his single days. However, such complaints have all but ceased in the last five months, suggesting he may have moved to some new traffic free location. Coincidentally, the time of this move coincides with the birth of the Naijahusband persona in the Twitterverse and the Blogosphere. Do you still stubbornly believe in coincidences? I urge you to reconsider.
The difference in writing style between Naijahusband and Highlandblue is not even present. Uncle Efe owns a blog he hardly writes on, often instead provoking others to write in special series that run almost the entire year while he chips in his quiet footnotes and advice with little interference. The gentleness of both Highlandblue and Naijahusband is another so-called coincidence. To further buttress this point, the few times Uncle Efe has written on other blog series, notably on the Naked Convos, his stories have been deep, reflective ones (citation, Colour Purple in the monologues, Banga Soup in the Pounded Yam series, and Envy in Sins of the Father.) The odd sprinkling of understated humour is a mark of Highlandblue and Naijahusband, visible to even the most inelegant students of literature. Besides, could it be that Highlandblue hardly writes on his blog because he fully applies his literary skills on Naijahusband?
My opponent alluded to the fact that Uncle Efe may be an avid computer game lover, a football enthusiast and a strongly masculine engager of men. This is her description of a handle that many people sometimes mistake as female! I challenge her to cite a single tweet of Uncle Efe or a single picture or screen shot of Uncle Efe's so-called computer games. She will even be at pains to name his favorite football club in the Premier League! From all tweet indications, Uncle Efe loves Tinsel, Fashion Police, Masterchef and America's Next Top Model, most likely due to the extreme pressure of the assertive Naijawife.
The clincher for my argument is the persona of Naijawife herself. Being an expressive and outspoken woman, she may be loathe to operate two Twitter accounts as her husband does, preferring instead to be true to her offline extrovert personality. After all, an already outspoken person in real life would not need to have an outspoken outlet in form of a second Twitter account. While we might meet Uncle Efe offline and find him to be a quiet smiling Naijahusband, it is almost certain Naijawife will have an offline personality exactly as her tweets portray. The fact that Uncle Efe hardly tweets about his wife, despite the fact that he is happily married, might just be because he is already tweeting about her, but in the name of Naijahusband!!!!
I hope with these few points of mine I have laid to rest the debate and proven to all and sundry that Uncle Efe and Naijahusband are one and the same person.
Thank you for listening.
Naijahusband vs. Highlandblue
So many people have asked me if I'm Naijahusband. Well, Eloho my friend thinks it's absurd that anyone would think so. Here's her argument. Enjoy
Good day Mr Moderator, Panel of Judges, Accurate Time Keeper, My Esteemed Readers and my very able co debaters, I am here today to argue against the motion that "Naijahusband (NH) is the same person as Uncle Efe.
Whilst not a few people on these WordPress and Twitter streets have put forward several propositions, adducing to the fact that NH and Uncle Efe are one and the same person, for reasons I am about to present herewith, I wish to present a contrary position and I hope that at the end of my summation, I would have been able to present a superior argument as to how both persons are not one and the same and convinced us all to adopt this superior argument as well.
I am quite aware that some persons maintain well-managed Twitter persona, contrary to their real offline personalities and are able to present oftentimes unconnected projections of themselves to other tweeps with whom they carry out consistent interactions. But I opine that the skill is quite rare and with time, one is actually what they tweet.The tweets convey some weight, and a reflection to some extent of who the handlers really are. It may be very well managed as has been discovered around here in recent times, but to a large extent, over a measured period, each individual is their tweet/blog posts.
I assert that Uncle Efe is not Naijahusband for the following reasons
First, Uncle Efe is clearly of the Niger Delta extraction, first by reason of his name and then by reason of his expression and background to which he adduces quite often. He is someone who likely was schooled somewhere in the 'Bendel' region. Naijahusband is clearly of the Yoruba extraction and NaijaWife (NW) adduced to same without any equivocation in her post 'In Sickness and in Health' . It is unlikely that NH has spent much time in the Bendel zone.
Secondly, Uncle Efe resides in the Oil City of Port Harcourt as his traffic analysis via his tweets would reveal. NH likely resides in Abuja, seeing as his posts never seem to reflect the bustle of Lagos and considering that it takes him relatively few minutes to get to work as is reflected in his Shower post.
Thirdly, Uncle Efe is a more extroverted character, often times introducing conversations or being involved in conversations with an effervescent personality. NH is more introverted, deep and introspective as his tweets and posts reveal.
Fourthly, NH is rarely on the Twitter street corners, and when he is there, he is deliberate, responds to a few tweets and appears as though he can't wait to sign out and meet his friends via his blog. Uncle Efe is here sometimes from early in the day and has a very visible twitter presence. He creates conversations from random tweets and tweets during the day. A rarity for NH except when there is a new post.
NH is clearly not a very 'whatsup' guy. He may not know who the latest star on the streets is and like NaijaWife's tweets present, he is very comfortable knowing some things last especially where they concern random events like a movie star or a pop star. Uncle Efe is clearly more hands on as definitely reflected in his tweets. Uncle Efe may be a PS4 playing guy who has no challenge spending some time taking on another guy playing games. NH may likely be the footie watching, no games guy.
On another note, clearly, Uncle Efe and NH both share aligned family values amidst other very admirable traits which are likely premises for the position of my opposition, but their language is very different. NH is formal oftentimes with a dash of rich humour whilst Uncle Efe is consistently more informal and vivacious on twitter. NH is way more expressive behind the lines that his posts present; shinning the most through his posts whilst NW reflects a more public facing tweet persona for the streets.
I hope with these very few points of mine, I have been able to convince and not confuse you that NH and Uncle Efe are not one and the same person, on twitter or off twitter.
Thank you.
Any opposing arguments? LOL
There may be a rejoinder argument to this later today or tomorrow 🙂
Happy New Year: Efe
*walks into limelight in abandoned theatre*
I'm not really able to identify a theme for my 2013. I can't even summarize it but I'm very eager to talk about certain aspects of it.
Love life
At the beginning of this year I was four months into my married life. You know how they say plenty things about the first two years. Some people say they don't count because you're still too much in love in the honeymoon stage. Others say they don't count because you both are getting to know each other and resolving differences. Well, mine was a bit of both. I learnt early that the communication between my wife and I was a trophy I had to fight to keep.
There are several reasons not to talk to each other. The other person may not be listening. The other person may not care. The other person may use it against you. The other person may joke about it behind your back. The other person may take it personally or the wrong way. These were the enemies I had to fight all this year. I didn't want to fall into the husband zone. Yes, my brothers, there is such a thing as the husband zone. You could get into this routine of just existing to watch shows, eat meals, say good morning and good night, and do the occasional copulation without any intimacy between you and your wife. And this is the advanced form of the friend zone we all struggled to escape when we were still single, that zone where you can't see past the curtain in the eyes of your crush because she's reserved her affections for someone else presumably better than you. So, fight for intimacy we both did this year and I can say we succeeded tremendously. Phew!
Last year I spoke about how I planned to step up and be more assertive at the office. Well, it turns out I wasn't assertive enough until my boss pointed it out again. I was a silent rebel against the competitive atmosphere I found at work, thinking myself different from everyone and that I needed to maintain that core of difference to be a catalyst of positive change. This needs balance. Because you can't really change an organization unless they accept and respect you. And they won't accept and respect you unless you speak their core language to some extent. If you aren't ready to speak the core language, Efe, then you're in the wrong place.
When this dawned on me I took coaching from my supervisor and my younger brother and stepped up my game in the last two months of the year. My supervisor was pleased and said if I continued like that the sky would be the limit. Sadly this year, he won't be my supervisor anymore as he's been transferred. Just when I learn the ropes they change the rules. Sighs.
I think I became a mini star in my volleyball team at the sports club. Mind you these are some of the best players in Nigeria (I always laugh when a newcomer joins claiming to be very good and they can't even return a service properly). We went for like five competitions this year and we won some and lost some. I think I'm stronger in the attack (7.5), and medium in defence and service game (6.5 each). I'm aiming to build my muscles for an 8.5 in attack, a 7.5 in defensive play and a 9.5 in power serves. This means more practice but I think this is fine. I don't know why I want to be a volleyball star. Not like I'm going to go to the Olympics or anything. Or wait, what's the age limit for volleyball in the Olympics?! Beach volleyball perhaps? 😀
The Samsung S4 strolled into my life this year. I bought the international version (heard the octo-core one was buggy and rubbish with battery life. Plus, the international one has LTE). I found the apps on the phone not satisfactory for performance. I wonder sometimes, do Samsung people use their devices and compare them with the opposition for performance? The functionality and potential of the Samsung flagship is great (stream wirelessly to your smart tv, take impossible photos, upgrade your battery to three times installed capacity, and control all Samsung devices worldwide at will). But, can these apps and things work smoothly without interrupting the daydream by forced closures and thinking episodes?! Please!
The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 came into my life in the latter part of the year. I found the expandable memory useful for mindless copying and downloading (had to get a 64 gig memory card) and the battery life was fair (charge everyday). The swag was the main factor as all my notes and meeting minutes were bleeding fast without any need for point repetition or delays to transfer from handwritten notes to electronic text. I swype faster than I write and even if I wanted to write, the handwriting to text feature is beyond belief. If you can read your writing, it is accurately transcribed to text. It's amazing.
I'm moving towards Nexus devices though. I want to see what they have to offer. I handled the new iPhone and iPod iterations. Not ready to be locked in Apple's jail so I put them down. I won't even bother upgrading my 4th gen iPod.
I put this last because though it was the most important of all things this year, most times I relegated it to last position. The Lord is my shepherd and because of this He interrupted my life many times to correct me or teach me how to go about stuff to glorify Him and to ease my life and bless others around me. (I've begged Him to do this whenever it's necessary). But what would happen if instead of waiting to be pulled back to the fold from the jaws of the wolf every time, I simply kept step with Him every day? In August I tried reading a chapter of the biblical book of Proverbs for every day of the month. I missed three days and I was hard pressed every day to do this simple task. I started and ended the year without finishing the book of Exodus in my general reading. Prayer was a random thing done unconsciously whenever I needed help or wisdom. I did virtually no formal personal devotions this year. This I sincerely hope to change in 2014.
So there you have it, my 2013 review and my hopes for 2014. Pray for me guys. Also, please read every single review my friends wrote in the series HERE. You'll be blessed.
Much love everybody. Here's to an amazing and fruitful 2014 🙂
P.S.: My Doctor friend said to give her a birthday shoutout today. Happy birthday Amanda!


text:
How to use the Wildcards:
Wild cards, as the name suggests, are there to add an extra element of danger or urgency to the scenario you have drawn.
Wild cards are recognizable by the Jester Symbol in the corner of the card.
1 Wildcard – Wildcards can represent any suite; see the suits page, in particular the advanced meanings.
2 Wildcards – Draw an additional encounter or draw an additional hook.
3 Wildcards – Draw both an additional encounter and hook.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
These days, millions of young adults are graduating college with tens of thousands of dollars or more in student loan debt, among other financial obligations, and those bills may be slowing the housing market's recovery.
Now, consumers owe more on their student loan balances than they do on their credit cards for the first time ever, and that trend is only likely to mount, not get better. Consequently, the millions of young adults who owe thousands to lenders or the federal government on their student loans are having trouble affording home purchases, according to a report from Businessweek. Between the third quarter of 2001 and the third quarter of 2011, student loan debt increased of about 600 percent. Meanwhile, mortgage< debt increased far more modestly by about 100 percent. In addition, a recent study from the Federal Reserve found that just 9 percent of consumers between 29 and 34 got a first-time mortgage between 2009 and 2011, compared to 17 percent just 10 years earlier, the report said. This is due in large part to student loan debts averaging more than $25,000 these days, as well as an unemployment rate of about 9 percent for those between 25 and 34. People in that age group made up 27 percent of all home buyers last year, but it was the lowest portion in the last decade. In 2001, the same group accounted for 33 percent of all home buyers. [callout id="67543" image="true"] "Students coming out of college are burdened with more debt than traditionally they have been, and they are also coming into an economy that is under-performing previous recoveries," Rick Palacios, a senior research analyst at John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Irvine, California, told the news agency. Meanwhile, the number of first-time home buyers has fallen considerably since the recession began, and those between 25 and 34 still make up 52 percent of that group, but at the same time, U.S. Census Bureau data shows that close to 6 million Americans in that age group still lived with their parents in 2011, the report said. In addition to hefty student loan balances, many young adults are also now graduating from college with several thousand dollars in credit card debt spread across a handful of accounts, though those numbers are declining as a result of new consumer protections introduced in the last few years. Image: Joe Shlabotnik, via Flickr


text:
Lilly Wallace
Compared to a powder bronzer, a liquid bronzer can give a more natural-looking, dewy finish. For that reason, it is an especially good option for more dry and mature skin types. Here are some tips for proper application, which will vary depending on the look that you are going for.
How to Achieve a Sculpted, Feature-Enhancing Glow
Prepare your skin
Apply your favorite moisturizer and foundation as per your every day routine. Proceed with using concealer where needed, such as dark circles and spots; however, do not set your foundation and concealer with powder yet. If you apply powder before using a liquid (or cream) bronzer, the product may not blend properly and may result in a "patchy" appearance.
In order to achieve a sculpted bronzed look you may want to choose a liquid bronzer that is only about one to two shades darker than your skin tone.
Lilly Wallace
Add Little by Little
Don't apply the product directly on your skin to prevent applying too much, which becomes difficult to blend. You can apply liquid bronzer with fingers or with a brush, depending on what you are more comfortable with. A brush is more convenient because it prevents your hands from getting dirty. Make sure to shake your bottle of liquid bronzer before dispensing the product.
When using a brush, make sure to start with a tiny amount and add more product as needed. Pour a drop or two of product on the back of your hand and tap the tip of the brush in it, then tap the brush on your hand so that the product is evenly distributed on the brush hair. If you apply too much product, it can be more difficult to sheer out, while if you apply little by little you can add more if needed.
To apply liquid bronzer with a brush, choose a blush brush with synthetic hair, such as dual fiber brushes, or a foundation brush, preferably not a flat one.
Lilly Wallace
Where to Apply It
Start on your cheek where the center of your ear is, and then move inward, following the natural line of the hollows of your cheeks under your cheekbones. Apply the product in light, feathery strokes. You want to blend the liquid bronzer on your cheeks for a healthy flush.
Then move upward toward the temples applying the product to the edges of your face, along the hairline. Apply a little extra product on your temples, but still keep it light. Cover all the areas of your face that naturally would get tanned if you spent time in the sun.
Blend until the edges of the areas where you applied the product are no longer obvious. Preferably do this with a clean, round brush, such as a powder brush.
Lilly Wallace
How to Achieve an Even Sunkissed Glow
Mix Foundation and Liquid Bronzer
To achieve a more even sun-kissed glow all over your face (in a similar way to what you would achieve with a self-tanner, but for a temporary result), you may add a drop or two (depending on how pigmented it is) of your liquid bronzer to your foundation. Add one drop first and only add more if you want additional color. You may also do the same with your body lotion to add a hint of a tan look to your skin, being extra careful not to stain your clothes.


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Days after eight legalization advocates were arrested during a 4/20 cannabis giveaway in Washington, DC, activists returned to the Capitol today for round two of protestsŌĆöand were met with even more arrests. (ą▒č¢ą╗čīčłąĄ…)ąöą░ą╗č¢
Associated Press
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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) ŌĆö Dutch lawmakers on Tuesday voted in favor of tolerating the cultivation of cannabis, a move that could bring to an end a key paradox of the relaxed Dutch policy on marijuana and hashish. Buying small amounts of cannabis┬Āat so-called coffeeshops (ą▒č¢ą╗čīčłąĄ…)ąöą░ą╗č¢


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Dreamt that Barack Obama was walking coming forward with a long horizontal rope in front of him and another long horizontal rope behind him. The ropes were stretched out fully from left to right running from one end of the dream image to another – east to west, west to east. He was in the middle of both ropes by himself. Behind Obama were people in a single PYRAMID formation. They were all behind the second rope following Obama. Only Obama stood between the two ropes as they all moved forward. The group of people behind Obama numbered, for example, two, followed by three, followed by seven, etc. to build up the group in triangular or pyramid formation. Obama was corded off by these two horizontal ropes that ran east to west – these are not the actual number of people seen in each line of the pyramid of people that were behind Obama. This is as best as I can describe the dream.
I just heard on the news that there is an incident involving Obama's campaign staff, but not much detail is being released by the news media. I feel that this dream pointed to this event. But as many dreams are symbolic, I believe that one possible interpretation is that from hence forward, due to winning the Iowa primaries, security around Barack Obama will tightened like never before with only a few people having direct access to him as suggested by the dream of last night. He will be roped or corded off from having direct access to the public, very much as the president is today.


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Rafael Carranza
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Obama discussed his ideas for fighting terrorism on Wednesday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) –Sen. Barack Obama says he would shift the war on terror to Afghanistan and Pakistan in a speech he delivered Wednesday.
In his speech, Obama, D-Illinois, said things would look different in an Obama administration: "When I am president, we will wage the war that has to be won, with a comprehensive strategy with five elements: getting out of Iraq and on the right battlefield in Afghanistan and Pakistan; developing the capabilities and partnerships we need to take out the terrorists and the world's most deadly weapons; engaging the world to dry up support for terror and extremism; restoring our values; and securing a more resilient homeland."
Obama says the war in Iraq has left Americans more in danger than before 9/11.
"The President would have us believe that every bomb in Baghdad is part of al Qaeda's war against us, not an Iraqi civil war," Obama will say. "He elevates al Qaeda in Iraq - which didn't exist before our invasion - and overlooks the people who hit us on 9/11, who are training recruits in Pakistan."
Despite the challenges, and potentially destabilizing effect U.S. military action inside Pakistan could create, Obama said it was important to remain enagaged there. "There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again," he will say. "It was a terrible mistake to fail to act when we had a chance to take out an al Qaeda leadership meeting in 2005. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets, and President Musharraf won't act, we will."
Obama also reiterated his disagreement with the Bush administration's diplomatic posture. "It's time to turn the page on the diplomacy of tough talk and no action," he said. "It's time to turn the page on Washington's conventional wisdom that agreement must be reached before you meet, that talking to other countries is some kind of reward, and that Presidents can only meet with people who will tell them what they want to hear."
Obama also said he would create an international intelligence and law enforcement infrastructure to address terrorist threats from Indonesia to Africa.
Obama delivered his remarks at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C.
–CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford
Doesn't matter if we aren't invading Pakistan. Any direct military action by the US with the backing of the Pakistani government will further destabilize Pakistan. If you read the news some of you people might understand how fragile the situation is in Pakistan. But of course the fact that some radical portion of the Pakistani goverment could end up with nukes isn't that big a deal.
To top it all off by pulling out of Iraq you are guaranteeing yourself one hell of a mess which we will end up having to go back in and clean up. As it stands we are keeping Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia from backing their respective sides. We are also to some extent keeping Turkey from going in and beating the crap out of the Kurds in general.
Obama's plan would be nicely titled "The Total Destabilization of the Middle East and Destruction of the American Economy" because the price of oil as it stands will only be a happy dream once the top blows of this kettle.
But like they say, a people who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it. And the US has forgotten all the lessons they have learned from the Civil War up to and including World War II
Any such action would be seen as an act of war, an act of war against a nuclear capable ally. What crack is he smoking? Arent things unstable enough in Pakistan as it is without launching a strike against soverign territory? What would such a stirke achieve? Probably the distruction of a few bildigs/tents and the deaths of a handful of zealots who will be quickly replaced. Juxtapose the "pros" with the "cons" which are thus:
1)The loss of any cooperation from Pakistan
2)Destabilisation of a nuclear armed state
3)A certainty of very serious retaliation from Pakistan against US interests in the region not least from the ISI
I think recent history has shown that world isnt simple and you cant use force to resolve every problem. Terrorism can only be stopped by ceasing indoctrination into the ideology. Blowing up some buildings/tents in Pakistan is not going tp achieve that.
I'd expect such a glib, cheap soundbite from Donald Rummsfeld not Barack Obama.
Obama didn't say we were going to go to war AGAINST Pakistan, or even Afghanistan. He said were going to get "on the right battlefield". He also spoke of developing partnerships and drying up terrorist support. He's talking about wrapping up the Iraq mess, making the right deals with our Allies, and fighting WITH them (not AGAINST them) against the real threat (which is and always has been the REAL Al Qaeda), and finally getting Bin Laden, and getting even for 9/11! He's talking about not acting like we need Musharraf's permission to fire a cruise missile at a meeting of terrorists! Now I KNOW I'm voting for him, here in the Iowa primary!
Hi all, I was enraged when i read the CNN post but when i checked out the full speech at "http://www.barackobama.com/2007/08/01/the_war_we_need_to_win.php" i couldn't but feel so proud of Obama.
I think we need to ask the question. What is the media after. TO wreck this guy by distorting what he had said? I think this kind of journalism should not just go unchecked.
Has the Democratic Party lost its mind, or just its soul? Just please remember what our real veterans have sacrificed over the years for this country. Not Barack Obama; and where do you think he will generate all the capital to fund all these battles he specks of? I personally do not think he has the experience or mussels too handle what he is proposing and/or promising. Sounds just all his colleges (cronies); likened too mercantile shop keepers in disguise from Iraq as well with all the rest of our senators today. Most beguiling among the crowed seats in the house and the halls in congress of mendacity is none other than President George w. Bush and his counterfeit war polices reach all the back to his ill gotten presidency. I just cannot believe some of the just that is circulating today and how gullible people are today. Do you really think that man wrote the speech all by his lonesome?
Is he just plain nutty? Or should he be getting information from Sparks Collage of Useless Knowledge! If he thinks we need to go after Afghanistan and Pakistan; developing a battle on that turf is death senescence's not only for our troops in Iraq; we all will suffer the same fate.
Mr Obama you are a man without substance. You have spoken about your foreign policy and you quite honestly look dumb and ill-prepared to lead us anywhere but further chaos.
I think you must be trying to prove something or making someone happy. I am not sure how can any sensible american vote for you knowing how knee jerk and shallow your perception of the world is.
I do not believe america is ready for the _change_ you have been touting in your candidacy. You've got nothing better on the war-mongering Bush-Cheney philosophy.
To start with, I am a fan of both Clinton and Obama but when i read the different posts, i found many people just do a comment blindly without reason and this is largely due to the fact that sides have been taken and we just take whatever the guy on my side say to be unmistakeable. an example is from the debates, I wonder why nobody noticed Senator Joe Biden's oustanding performance so far. When i first read the CNN article i became disappointed in Obama despite the fact that I just like this guy. But when Lavelle refers us to read the entire article from "http://www.barackobama.com/2007/08/01/the_war_we_need_to_win.php" I found it was a great speech that the media have distorted for God knows why.
my point is we should try as much as possible to reason out of context the subject instead of blindly following candidates. Senator Clinton was clearly wrong in the last issue of name calling cos within context they were actually saying the same thing except that she changed her mind.
God Bless america
So what happens when the terrorists shift bases to Iran, and then North Korea and then Syria .... ? And he is talking about giving the same military force that has failed terribly in Iraq, an order of magnitude bigger challenge Frankly the US military has a lot to prove before they can be set off on a grandiose plan to conquer the world.
The terrorists are only one bomb away from removing Bush's buddy in Pakistan. Only billions a year in give aways have kept our friendly dictator in power. The longer he is there the more they will hate the US once he is dead. If our worthless W does not have a plan to put boots on the ground there when he dies to grab the nukes he built with his own pooe people's sweat, while American funds were holding up his regime, then the 9-11 attack will be small potatos. The terrorists will test that bomb in NYC. If this war in Iraq were not for the oil and juvenile family pride, this group along the Afgan border would have been crushed years ago. Thanks to Acting President Chaney and the 59 million fools that voted for it, we are indeed less safe than on 9-11.
I don't understand how this is any better than the current situation we are in. We are still entrapped in an intangible and unwinnable "war". Rather than attacking Iraq, we'll attack Pakistan. Same war different country. Our focus should rather be rectifying this "war on terror" which is illegitimate and corrorsive. By promoting a war against an ideology, we are entrapping ourselves in a war that can never be won. You can kill the man but never the idea.
Actually you can , but you have to have the guts to play a nasty game even more nasty than the foe. If they do not fear death, teach them the meaning. They murder 12 innocents in Baghdad, hang 120 of their captured buddies. They bomb a market and kill 50, hang 500. It would stop in a hurry. But the oil lobby does not want the Iraqi war to end. Nor does the Administration have the guts to do it right. Their oil friends have stolen 60B$ in Iraqi oil during the current regime's occupation. A broken Iraq allows this rape to continue. And it WILL continue as long as Chaney is the President, oops, forgot the lapdog in chief. They will get their kick backs after they leave office.
That Obama kid is more than naive, he's totally stupid and out of the realities of today's world. Would the US army TRY to invade Pakistan, it would be CRUSHED like never before. Viet Nam would look like garden party in comparison. And don't forget that China is one of the main economic and strategic partner of Pakistan !
So easy to make a scapegoat of Pakistan to justify to total inability of the army to do his "job" in Afghanistan. Typically american !
Enough of US imperialism ! The Fascist United States of America have become the greatest threat to the world stability. All that because a bunch of satanic governing corporate leaders want to fill even more their pockets. Nevermind if thousands of innocent people have to be bombed, nevermind if whole countries must be destroyed, if it's for the "good" of America, eh ?
I wish American people would have balls and stand against their government, if not uproot it. Yeah, one good American civil war would bring some fresh air to the world! Alas most are brainless cowards who are too much scared to loose their sofa/TV-set and SUV. One day will come when America will have to pay for all the suffering and destruction it has brought to the world. And all the America's Gold and weapons won't help in anyway, because the bill will be of Divine origin. Patience, the monster is due to die !
Viva la Libertad ! Death to the Tyrans !
Him. Let me cross him off the list of candidates I support. He is just as bad as the right wing. Supporting any sovereign nation is against international law, is unconstitutional, and is immoral. Obama would use nukes too. How can we support these war-mongers.
Right now Paul, Gravel, and Kucinich are the only candidates following the constitution, following their religion, and following international law. You're nothing Obama, go join Rudy, Hilary, Fred, John, and Mitt as moronic idiots who deserve nothing but prison time.
Attacking Pakistan tribal area will be a big mess. Pakistan's people and government wants more than Amercian to kick those foreign terrorist out of their land but its not easy. Have we been able to get Taliban and Al-Qaeda out of Afghanistan where we have the control?? We need to provide those intelligence to Pakistanis to get rid of these terrorist. This is the only way out. Nevertheless, Pakistan has sacrificed more troops in the fight against Taliban and Al-Qaeda than Americans. Why dont we appreciate these facts rather then blindly calling Pakistan a non-ally.
Invading Pakistan, what an insane thinking?, but Obama is correct that we should have first cleared pakistan-afgan border, even before thinking of attacking Iraq for 9/11. Because that border region was used to plan, train, co-ordinate not just 9/11, but even now at this moment there may be some plans going on to attack various parts of world.
But Pakistan is not Iraq or Afghanistan to think of to invade. I agree this carrot and stick method used by Bush administration is not working, and if that area is not cleared quickly, then it will permanently put the world in danger. I feel first we need to change Army regime in Pakistan, and then put extreme pressure……
I think Obama just lost my vote. This guy talks a lot about the war in Iraq and now he wants to go to war against Pakistan?? You are kidding right??
Obama is a nice guy but he is saying things for political mileage. Those Obama supporters who have to talk in bold and caps are showing their desperation.
Change for the sake of change is meaningless. Change must be based on facts and understanding of how the world works, not how US citizens sensitive mindset works. Obama is playing to the sensitive mindset.
Here is a thought. Obama has been in Senate for a while and he has never asked tough questions or engaged in serious discussions with Ambassadors of rogue countries. And he says will talk in the first year of Presidency? Why? Because he can cast himself as different.
Well act first if you want to be different, dont be lazy to do good things only if we offer you White House. I think Obama is showing he is as opportunistic as all political starters are.
Hope is good, Reality is much better. Hope is fluff, Reality is substance.
We should all take vacations to Pakistan. I'm sure we'll all be welcome with open arms (guns). Maybe we get to keep our heads on the way home. READ THE SPEECH people. Never mind...just vote Hillary. She is blessed by the media and obviously represents the majority of the public who also doesn't like to read important information(NIE, Obama's speech). Why read when you have headlines or staff to give you cliff notes. :0
James point is good except that he missed the part where Obama said he would keep some troops in Iraq to fight extremists and help the Iraqi government gain stability. How many would he leave in? From my reading of his speech it shounds like he will reduce troop strength be at least two brigades. Those two brigades would go to Afganistan. So we wouldn't have to go back into Iraq, because we'll still be there.
Anyone disagree that this is what Obama said?
Wait, let me get this straight. Obama's plan for our nation is to invade a country (which, at this point in time is an ally) that is unstable and has nuclear weapons. I may only be 17 but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that something tells me that invading an ally with nuclear weapons is generally not a good idea. I think Obama has faulty intelligence... his own.
so we should just let Osama chill live free as he pleases while you sit at home and wait for his next attack! lol come there are way more people living in Iraq way more and look what that plan has gotten us. You know you people are never satisfied and yet you have all the answers. You live in fear at home and care more about pakistan and saying it will destabilize the entire middle east? LOL come on there is no rule over there and we put so much trust in Musharrah and say "oh its so deilcate over there" well your saftey and your american citizens saftey is delicat too just ask Bin Laden! Ok so what should America do? Since you seem to hold a cabinet seat or something.
Since when is going after Bin Laden a bad idea? Obama spoke about "taking action", which doesn't necessarily mean a full scale invasion (in the same way Bill Clinton took action by attempting to take out Bin Laden with a missle strike). Anyone saying that Obama was specifically condoning a full-scale invasion of Pakistan is just spouting spin at this point.
Mr. Naive is trying to act tough to redeem his embarrasment from his obvious lack of experience or should I say ignorance of diplomacy and foreign policy. Too late for this tough talk. I don't think voters are dumb & foolish to fall for his never-ending 'spin'. And by the way, I never see any sense of humility from this simpleton. How sad for him thinking that he can win the presidency. That will never happen Mr. Naive!
Obama is absolutely correct. He should be our next President. He is excellent. I appreciate his courage.
Obama told the truth and he gave the exact solutions for the threats. Please think indipendently and fairly before going for 2008 choice. Choose this courageous man for leading us.
In less than two weeks, Obama has made two significant statements that show he is not ready for the game of international politics. Trouble is, he may be playing the game of American politics very well.
Meeting with any foreign leader under any circumstances is not something the President of the United States for both international and national political reasons. We have issues with some of these countries and they do need resolutions. We should not be willing to let our issue with Cuba remain where it is for the next ten years. The Cuban people are not our enemies and the hard feelings between our government and their government need to die before Catro dies. But the next American President does not need to get on a plane to Havanna right after his inaguration.
Attack Pakistan? I know you want to look tough, but brother (and I mean that as a fellow American, a Christian and a black man) you were way better off looking smart.
We've elected a tough, if not so smart President. Now, we (the American people) are looking for a smart President. We think you are pretty smart, but, I didn't need any news analyst to tell me that Hilliary gave the smarter answer in the debate.
When you start getting bombed for this tough stance on Pakistan, look around the room and ask your people who came up with this idea: "Did you used to work for Bush 43?" That will give you two reasons to fire them for coming up with this tough stance. 1. If they answer yes, then they weren't smart or loyal enough to work for Bush. 2. If they answer no, then they don't have the strength of mind to recognize that Pakistan is a country which could very easily lead the world into nuclear war, not because they have anything against us, but because if the wrong guy were to replace a Musharif destablized by aggressive US actions in western Pakistan, there might be a big problem in eastern Pakistan along the disputed border with India and so you fire them for not considering that.
After all, isn't the problem with the Bush administration that they didn't consider all of the possible consequences of their actions.


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How to control a superyacht with your iPad
by Tom Isitt
It wasn't all that long ago that, to change channel on your TV, you actually had to get off the sofa, walk over to the set (that's what they were called in those days – TV 'sets') and press a button or twiddle a knob. You may even have had to thump the top of the telly a couple of times or fiddle with the aerial (which was on top of the TV) to get a better picture. Then, when it got dark, you were forced off the sofa once again to draw the curtains and turn on the lights. Frankly, it was all a huge inconvenience (although, to be fair, there were only three TV channels back then).
Fast-forward 30 years and things are very different. For a start, there are now hundreds of TV channels to choose from, and the way we control the entertainment systems has also changed massively. First we had hard-wired remote controls that trailed wires across your living room, then we had infrared remote controls for the TV, the VHS, the satellite decoder and the CD player. By the early '90s our houses were awash with remote controllers (and, of course, you could always find every single one of them – except the one you actually wanted).
And all this technology moved onto our boats as well, meaning that the average superyacht often came with dozens of remote controllers to orchestrate entertainment systems in each of the cabins, public areas and the crew quarters. Meanwhile, domotics (the use of wired and wireless protocols to control domestic systems and appliances) was making significant steps forward in the domestic markets, with X10 and higher-bandwidth systems enabling users to control almost any electrical device within the home.
Crestron, one of the major players in the world of superyacht control systems, started out in the domestic market.
'When Crestron first started, around 40 years ago, there was no such thing as a TV remote control,' explains Robin van Meeuwen, vice-president of sales and marketing for Crestron International, 'so we were making remote controls for garage doors. The company then made a major step forward by supplying wired-in remote controls for slide projectors and lighting dimming equipment.
'Then came a very basic electroluminescent touchscreen, which controlled the slide projector, controlled the screen coming down, and although nowadays this seems like the Stone Age, at the time it was very high-tech indeed.
'When I joined the company 15 years ago we were selling 10-inch touch panels for which we charged around $20,000, and we couldn't make them fast enough. They were all used in the presentation environment and about 10 years ago, all the chief executives and managing directors using this equipment in their meeting rooms decided they wanted similar control systems in their homes.
'Because they had 10 remote controls around the house for all their entertainment systems, they could see the benefit of having a single integrated controller. At the same time those high-net-worth individuals, using our products at work and in their homes, started taking it to their yachts.'


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Writing for the web – why great content matters
We recently put together this slide deck on how to create great web content that works.
1. Writing for the web – How to write good content and why it matters
2. Writing for the Web is different 1. The medium is different 2. Reading habits are different 3. Ease of Use is different 4. Objectives are different
3. 1. The medium is different – Paper vs. Screens • High contrast • High DPI: 1200+ • Text first – visual second (if at all) • Low contrast • Low DPI: 150 • Text + visual elements equally. DPI = Dots per Inch
4. 2. Habits are different – scanning first • Web users don't read like a book • They scan & skim first • Then they read (maybe!) This image shows where people focus on in a web page. Red is highest frequency of focus, yellow is least. White is ignored.
5. 3. Ease of use is different – time sensitive Book/news paper/journal readers are… • Not time sensitive • Engagement is frequently > 10-20-30 minutes or even hours • More Comfortable for longer periods For web – look at your site analytics, maybe 1-3 minutes total across all pages…
6. Web users normally want to… • complete a task • that is time sensitive task • with search or with navigation 4. Objectives are different – Web is Task Driven Book/news paper/journal readers want to… digest information typically with less time sensitivity…
7. Time is the single most critical factor • You often have about 3 or 4 seconds to answer the visitors question • You need clear, compelling content • Otherwise you drive traffic away (to call centers), OR visitors churn / disengage.
8. So, what is good web content?
9. Know your Audience – visitor profiles • Who is your audience? − Jill , stay at home mother of 3 kids under 8 OR − Joe, retired school teacher OR − Mary, IT professional OR − Kevin, a fisherman (and many more)…… • What do people want to do on my site? − How can I access a grant? − When will the new regulations start fox XYZ? − Will pylons be close to my property?
10. Visitors are task driven, content needs to match • What do your visitors want? − NOT what do you want to tell them • How do you make it easy for them? − NOT what makes it easy for you
11. Good text content for the web is… • Written with the visitor in mind • Easy to navigate & jump to more detail • Easy to skim • Short and punchy • Using Active voice, (especially for instructional text) • Using shorter words
12. So what about your site?
13. Can we get answers fast ?
14. Can we get answers fast ? • How many CTAs (Call to Actions)? • Who is the target visitor? • The kitchen sink home page • URL-a-rama!
15. A bit like this…
16. What do your visitors want? Is it really this? (all about me, nothing about you) The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has responsibility for the Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Energy sectors. It regulates, protects and develops the Natural Resources of Ireland.
17. And, let's say we must explain… Then, couldn't we do it better? The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has responsibility for the Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Energy sectors. It regulates, protects and develops the Natural Resources of Ireland. We are responsible for Telecommunications, Broadcasting and Energy in Ireland. We regulate, protect and develop Ireland's Natural Resources. Words: 27 Words: 18 VS.
18. And diving deeper… the detail… • Who is visiting? • What do they need? • Content Likely copied from print media (PR or brochure) • Not written for the web https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable +Energy+Export/Renewable+Energy+Export.htm
19. Quantify the problem – measure your clarity
20. Copyright Visible Thread 2014– Confidential and Proprietary Average words per sentence: 10.5 Hard Words: 2.9% FOG Index (readability): 5.5 VS Average words per sentence: 21.6 Hard Words: 5.11% FOG Index (readability): 10.7
21. A quick example in a different context You are not alone
22. Nice Graphic Design… Nice clean fonts too – how about the copy?
23. The learner registration process will not be deemed to be complete until the appropriate fees have been paid to the Awarding Body. VS. To register as a learner, you must pay appropriate fees to the awarding body this is the actual copy! …this is the target audience – non English speaking students
24. Nobody is innocent….
25. Sections of pages scored in government site. 100 page sample Broadcasting (100 pages scored) Communications (100 pages scored) Natural (100 pages scored) Energy
26. Sections of pages scored in government site. 100 page sample Broadcasting (100 pages scored) Communications (100 pages scored) Natural (100 pages scored) Energy Takeaway: Very Complex content across all sections of the site. Levels of long & run-on sentences very high. Audience will not read or engage.
27. Copyright Visible Thread 2014 Long Sentences in context (blue) 27 A self-insurer must pay a fee as a contribution to the overheads of the WorkCover scheme and this includes a component to cover the liabilities of self-insurers in the event of insolvency
28. Copyright Visible Thread 2014 Passive Voice in context (maroon) 28 Prior to making a decision on applying to be registered as a self- insured employer, you should become familiar with the requirement of self-insurance contained within the Code of conduct for self-insured employers under the WorkCover Scheme.
29. Copyright Visible Thread 2014 Readability – what is it? 1. Flesch Reading Ease Index (Rudolf Flesh – Austria) 2. Attempt to generically measure how readable your content is 3. Formula – number between 0 and 100 4. 0 – most complex, 100 least complex Readability for content
30. Copyright Visible Thread 2014 Readability – a note on readability in the context of tech pubs (206.835 – (1.015 x Average Sentence Length) – (84.6 x Average Syllables per Word)) heavily weighted towards syllables per word Score: • 0–29 (Very Difficult); • 30–49 (Difficult); • 50–59 (Fairly Difficult); • 60–69 (Standard); • 70–79 (Fairly Easy); • 80–89 (Easy); • 90–100 (Very Easy) 1. For non-tech pubs, readability measure is important. e.g. Consumer Facing Credit Agreements 2. BUT, if you have a tech heavy document you may see limited improvements. 3. Focus more on reducing long sentences and passive voice. These will improve the readability score, but it may not be significant.
31. What's driving your scores? Let's consider a sample page
32. Back to our sample page – from Energy Content was Likely copied from print (PR or brochure) https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renew able+Energy+Export/Renewable+Energy+Export.htm
33. Lots of sentences are >20 words Lots of Passive Voice How can we easily tell? VisibleThread Web report https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable+Energy+Export/Renewable +Energy+Export.htm
34. 57% of sentences > 20 words 32% use passive voice Readability level requires 3rd level degree https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable+Energy+Export/Renewable +Energy+Export.htm
35. Copy like this… Words in sentence: 52 2 passive constructs Readability of this sentence = 0 (between 0 and 100) https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable+Energy+Export/Renewable+Energy+Export.htm
36. Direct copy from print not effective for the web https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable+Energy+Export/Renewable+Energy+ Export.htm Remember: 1. The medium is different 2. Reading habits are different 3. Ease of Use is different 4. Objectives are different
37. The problem is pervasive but fixable…
38. How can we do better? The framework and associated environmental assessments (including Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment) will be prepared over the coming twelve months and will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders including local authorities, potential project developers and local communities to be consulted and have an input into the national policy for wind export. – We will prepare the framework and associated environmental assessments in the next 12 months. – You will then be able to provide feedback into the national policy for wind export. 1 sentence – 52 WordsVS. 2 sentences – 14 / 15 Words each Pronouns – we / you '12' versus 'twelve' Dialogue between you and visitor
39. It's not just your site…
40. Example of 12 US banks Takeaway: Very Complex content on multiple pages. Level of long & run-on sentences very high. Audience will not read or engage.
41. Detailed reports flag the content
42. What about jargon?
43. Jargon – negative impact on your audience?
44. Take this page… https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Offshore.htm
45. and this example text… "The Stakeholder Forum was intended to provide the relevant industry stakeholders with an opportunity to get an update from Redpoint and Garrad Hassan on the study approach and methodology to be applied." https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Offshore.htm
46. So how much jargon is there here?
47. We created a fairly simple dictionary of jargon phrases
48. Scan results across different sections of the site Jargon checked Takeaway: jargon likely in the pages we scanned.
49. 'key' is very popular
50. The content… A key focus of digital inclusion is getting more people to use modern digital technologies, in particular internet related technologies. The Department, through the eInclusion Section of the Knowledge Society Division, is seeking to promote higher levels of digital inclusion in Ireland. In pursuit of this objective we work with other key stakeholders to identify the most effective approaches and strategies to promote more digital inclusion. The National Digital Strategy launched in July 2013 outlines these approaches. The Department also represents Ireland on the Digital Inclusion Workstream set up under the British Irish Council . David Puttnam was appointed as Ireland's first Digital Champion in December 2012. His focus is on digital engagement and on the priorities set out in the National Digital Strategy. In this short clip recorded for the EU Commisison, he outlines some of the opportunities and challenges of his role as Ireland's Digital Champion. David Puttnam's key objectives . Some Key Stats https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Knowledge+Society/Digital+Inclusion/
51. …in the page https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Knowledge+Society/Digital+Inclusion/
52. What about Acronyms?
53. Again we created a simple dictionary of acronyms If used, then is it used sparingly? with a definition?
54. Scan results across different sections of the site Acronyms Takeaway: probably acronym heavy copy in the pages we scanned.
55. So here's a sample page full of acronyms Takeaway: Overused DCENR No definitions
56. …and the page https://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Knowledge+Society/BenefIT/BenefIT+Digital+Ski lls+Training+Grant+Scheme.htm
57. Key content likely not findable and searchable Your audience may be confused and may not engage due to a mix of terminology Your SEO keyword strategy may be diluted Your content may not align with Brand/Corporate Standards. We care about language consistency – why?


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by Candice OConnor
(Heidelberg, Gauteng, South Africa)
Welcome to SAFTA
South African Flight Training Academy opened its doors in 2007 when aviation enthusiasts identified the need for a professional pilot training academy where students from all around the world could train and share their interest.
South Africa is cited amongst the top 10 destinations for flight training worldwide. The aviation network in South Africa is mature and continues to improve with the determination and aid of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Here at SAFTA we offer students a 10-12 month professional pilot course with a full time ground school course; all run by experienced and dedicated staff members.
SAFTA is based in the rural town of Heidelberg, Gauteng, which is a mere 40km from Johannesburg. The main attribute to this is the great "non-weather" winter in the Highveld and the strong history of piloting in the country.
We are ideally situated to maximise training and to get our students to their end goal. The town offers the benefit of a safe and secure study and living environment whilst being only a short distance from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, O.R Tambo and all major shopping malls in Johannesburg.
Heidelberg's airspace is close to the general flying area and less congested. It is also unmanned, enabling students to practice "radio talk (aka RT)"at an acceptable pace before going into manned aerodromes.
Our accommodation is able to house over 100 students with caterers, indoor and outdoor activities, study rooms and much more.
We also have many fly safaris, rallies and breakfast fly-ins in which students may participate.
Flight Training in South Africa
South Africa is cited amongst the top 10 destinations for flight training worldwide.
The main attribute to this is the great "non-weather" winter in the Highveld and the strong history of piloting in the country.
The aviation network is mature and continues to do so with the determination and aid of the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Heidelberg's airspace is close to the general flying area and less congested. It is also unmanned, enabling students to practice "radio talk (aka RT)"at an acceptable pace before going into manned aerodromes.
Heidelberg is in close proximity to international airports and navigation aid. We also have many fly safaris, rally's and breakfast fly-ins for students to part take in.
Our Fleet:
SAFTA utilises a fleet of Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 single engine trainers and the Piper Seneca I and II multi-engine trainer.
Our simulator is a Simuflight full-visual, three-channel, Piper Seneca / Piper Arrow model and is SACAA approved as FNPT II.
Cessna 152:
The Cessna 152 is one of the smallest 4-cylinder engine airplanes in use. It has served as the standard flying-school airplane for decades
This plane was designed in the late 50's by Cessna Aircraft, who for years, have been the largest producers of small airplanes in the world. The Cessna 152 is a very robust all-metal two-seater trainer, most people who have flown Cessna's for any length of time like them because they're so forgiving and they are, after all, the plane most people learnt to fly in.
Cessna 172:
The Cessna 172 is without doubt the most successful mass produced light aircraft in history. From 1955 through to 1967 the 172 was powered by the six cylinder Continental O-300, before this engine was replaced by the four cylinder Lycoming O-320. Cessna expected the new 172 to have only limited success, in view of the release of the Cessna 177 Cardinal at the same time. But the Cessna 172 became the most successful mass produced light aircraft in history.
The Skyhawk went through a series of developments in terms of aerofoil redesign, wider track undercarriage, increased fuel capacity options, reshaped windows and an optional higher standard "II" equipment package. High performance variants included the R172 Hawk XP, with a 195 hp engine, and the 172RG, with retracting undercarriage and a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine. Production models ran from the 172I of 1968 to the 172P of 1985
Seneca II:
The Piper PA-34 Seneca is an American twin-engine, light, produced by Piper Aircraft since 1971 and still in production in 2009.
The Seneca is primarily used for personal and business flying
The Seneca II (technically known as the PA34-200T) is essentially a twin-engine, retractable Cherokee Six and was the second version of the Seneca (duh), introduced in 1975. Unlike the original PA34 that featured normally-aspirated Lycoming power plants, all subsequent Seneca's mounted turbocharged Continentals.
Contact us
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to The BEST Flying Schools in South Africa.
If you have a Kindle; laptop; iPad; iPhone; Android device; computer; basically any supported electronic device, then it is easy to get your copy of the Lana Aire Flight Training series.
Just download the free Kindle app for your device and you are on your way!
Lana Aire's Flight Training
Made Simple
Exercise 1
Lana Aire's Flight Training
Made Simple
Exercise 2
Lana Aire's Flight Training
Made Simple
Exercise 3
Exercises 4 to 18


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TrailersPosted: Monday,16th April, 2012 Filed under: freelance, photography | Tags: D60, freelance, Nikon D60, photo shoot, photography, trailers Leave a comment
Freelance photoshoot for a trailer hire depot.
Requirements: minimum 3 photographs of the depot (the premises, the stock, internal anything else) and one of the manager
The exact location of the depot is hard to determine as you approach it so the first photograph is of the road to get an idea of what you should see as you approach it.
All photographs taken on a Nikon D60, are manually exposed and unedited except the portrait of the manager (faux depth of field created in photoshop).
Occupy BrisbanePosted: Thursday,5th January, 2012 Filed under: photography | Tags: ANZAC Square, Brisbane, camping, dslr, link, long exposure, night, Nikon D60, Occupy Brisbane, Occupy Wall Street, photography, protest, web images, website Leave a comment
Link to Occupy Brisbane photo gallery
When you are at an occupy site at night with your DSLR you take photographs!
Nikon D60: 1/3 Sec, 18mm, ISO 1600


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Christianity is "the lifeblood of Europe", Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin has said ahead of an EU summit in Rome.
Pope Francis is reportedly considering a trip to Japan in 2018.
New rules on alcohol in Kerala could benefit the "liquor mafia", an Indian archbishop has said.
Cardinal Francis Arinze says "it's not important" whether there will be an African pope this century.
Fr Joshua Whitfield explains why "most married Catholic priests are staunch advocates of clerical celibacy".
Robert Mickens argues that Benedict XVI "bears much of the responsibility" for the "confusion and division" in today's Church.
And Brian Williams says that a priest in a cassock is "a living sermon".
Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.


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Sampdoria v Juventus: Asamoah determined to extend winning streak
Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah is out to make it nine Serie A wins in succession when the title-holders travel to Sampdoria.
Kwadwo Asamoah is determined to help in-form champions Juventus extend their winning streak in Serie A to nine games when they travel to Sampdoria on Sunday.
The reigning Italian champions struggled to find their best form in the opening stages of the season, but have found their way back up the table following eight consecutive victories after a 1-0 loss at Sassuolo in October.
Their resurgence has seen Massimiliano Allegri's men climb to fourth place in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter by just three points.
Fiorentina and Napoli are two points ahead in second and third respectively, but Asamoah claims the squad are focusing on maximising their own performances.
"We are not paying attention to the other teams around us," Asamoah told the official Juventus website. "The most important thing is that we have a successful season ourselves.
"Sunday's game against Sampdoria will be a tough one, especially given their win in the Genoa derby during the week, but we will go there focused and intent on playing at our very best.
"We didn't make a great start but we then did very well to return to our winning ways. As a team, we have a clear goal in mind and that gives us the motivation and the desire to keep winning and to fight to the very last game of the season.
"We know it won't be easy but it's up to all of us to support each other, including those who arrived in the close season. At the beginning, the new guys had a bit of trouble but now the way they have settled into the squad is there for all to see."
Paulo Dybala has been one of the main reasons for Juventus' return to form in recent months, with the Argentine forward scoring five goals and setting up two in his last seven league appearances.
The Turin side have won their past four league games on the road, meaning victory at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris would see them win five consecutive away games in one Serie A campaign for the first time since January 2014.
Sampdoria, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their recent good form on Sunday and spring a surprise against the champions.
They might have taken just one point from their last four Serie A games against the Scudetto holders, but their victories over Palermo and Genoa either side of the mid-season breaks give them reason for optimism ahead of this weekend's encounter.
Much will depend on the form of striker Eder if Samp are to get a good result, with the attacker having scored an impressive 11 games in 16 league appearances so far this campaign.
Vincenzo Montella's men have climbed to 13th spot in the table with 23 points from 18 games following their last two wins, eight points clear of Frosinone in the drop zone.
Key Opta facts:
- Juventus have won their last eight league games, their longest run in a single Serie A campaign since January 2014 (when they won 12 in a row).
- Antonio Cassano has scored seven goals in Serie A against Juve, the rest of the current Sampdoria squad have netted only six overall against the Old Lady.
- Dybala has bagged three goals in Serie A against Samp, no current Juve player has scored more goals against the Blucerchiati in the top flight.
- Montella's side have scored five goals in their last two games, as many as they had netted in total over their previous seven fixtures.
- Juventus have won their last two away games against Sampdoria 1-0 after failing to emerge victorious on the previous five attempts
- Samp have won back-to-back games for the first time in this Serie A season following the victory over Genoa.


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In Norway this delicious seafood chowder is made with Atlantic Salmon, which is plentyful in our cold waters, but other types of salmon will work fine.
Accompanied with baguettes, herb butter and a salad of spring greens will make this beautiful seafood meal fit for royalty. Get the applause!
Make a double recipe of this delicious fish chowder recipe and freeze some for later.
Salmon Chowder:
Serves 4
1 pound fish fillet
6-7 cups diced, redskin potatoes
1 cup carrots
1 cup celery
1/3 cup red and green peppers
1/3 cup frozen corn
1/3 cup instant potatoes
1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/3 cup chopped onions
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/3 cup chives for garnish
3 cups water
3 cups milk
2 cups half and half cream or milk
1-2 fish bouillons
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Season with salt and
Freshly ground pepper
Place potatoes, carrots, water, bouillon cube and salt into a soup kettle and simmer for 15 minutes. Add remainder of vegetables and simmer.
In a separate bowl whisk instant potatoes and milk. Add this gradually while stirring.
Add fish and stir until soup thickens. Lower the heat.
Crumble the fish into smaller pieces when it is cooked.
Add cream gradually while stirring.
Season with freshly ground pepper, Worcestershire and salt to taste. Turn heat off and let rest for a few minutes.
Garnish the Salmon Chowder with fresh chives before serving.
Go to Norwegian Recipes after Salmon Chowder Recipe


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Online Master's Degree in Supply Chain - #1 in the Country
Tighter deadlines, fear of disruptions, globalization, changing technology, and more. As logistics and supply chain networks become increasingly complex, professionals like you are enhancing their skills hoping to earn their place at the strategic leadership table.
With the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management, you can gain the higher-order skills and abilities to think in tandem about the people, processes, and technologies required for world-class integrated supply chain management.
For the last decade, Gartner, Inc. consistently ranks Penn State's supply chain program as the #1 graduate supply chain program in the United States. Led by the internationally ranked Smeal College of Business, this convenient online program is designed to fit your busy lifestyle and career goals.
Why Study Supply Chain Management at Penn State?
Nationally Recognized. Penn State is also top ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Recruiters seek out our graduates.
Top Value. This online program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB accredited programs.
New GMAT/GRE Waivers. Waivers are now available for highly qualified candidates. Please see our How-to-Apply page for details.
Unparallel Connections to Industry. Between our strong alumni network and corporate connections with top companies and practitioners, you will have access to a wealth of resources who can help move your career forward.
Your Online Degree Curriculum
As a student in our 30-credit master's degree program, you will study proven theory, industry best practices, and new technologies in supply chain management. Upon graduation, you can be prepared to:
- design and manage an effective supply chain
- understand and apply supply chain analytics
- conduct demand forecasting, aggregate planning, and sales and operations planning for a supply chain
- understand the implications of supply chain initiatives in terms of key financial performance metrics
- recognize and evaluate supply chain vulnerabilities and formulate approaches to mitigate supply chain risk
- assess fundamental dimensions of logistics strategy, innovation, transformation, and organizational leadership
Because the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management consists of six courses in the master's program, you may also apply for the certificate if you would like to add this quality credential to your transcript even before you complete the full master's.
Global Immersion Experience
Beginning in spring 2021, students will have the opportunity to participate in an optional Global Immersion trip. For one week, you will join up with fellow Penn Staters from the Smeal College of Business to visit a pivotal global business region in order to develop a critical awareness of international business practices and diverse cultures. Visit our courses page to learn more.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
Organizations in virtually every industry, including nonprofit and government sectors, use supply chains in their daily operations. As a graduate of this degree program you can be prepared for a variety of upper-level supply chain management positions such as:
- director of supply chain operations
- senior supply chain management analyst
- performance improvement senior manager
- supply chain technical analyst
- director of purchasing
- logistics management analyst
- commodity manager
- transportation or distribution center manager
- procurement, sourcing, or merchandise manager
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.


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The original Disk Usage plugin offers many more features, however it consumes many more resources and in some instances can prevent the Jenkins master from operating correctly.
- CloudBees Jenkins Enterprise
- Disk Usage Plugin
- Stop using the Disk Usage Plugin.
- Continue using the Disk Usage Plugin with the increased CPU usage during the time frame it takes for it to run.
- Stop using the Disk Usage Plugin and use the CloudBees Simple Disk Usage Plugin instead which states the following on its wiki page: This plugin offers a simplified disk usage report. It is based on the Unix du command - and as such won't work on Windows masters.


text:
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
18W Blue LED PAR56 Swimming Pool Bulb
Free Standard Delivery£56.99 ex.VATMore Info
Free Standard Delivery
Lyco Group LTD | 24-26 Vincent Ave | Crownhill | Milton Keynes | MK8 0AB
All content and images are copyright © Lyco Group Ltd 2020 All rights reserved.
Company No. 2923542 VAT No. GB 650 6449 35 The Pixel


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Active winter holidays at the Achensee
Winter hiking
The landscape around the Achensee is gently covered with a white snow blanket. More than 100 km of dreamlike winter hiking trails invite to go on brilliant journeys of discovery through this idyllic nature scenery.
Sledging fun
In the hotel you can rent sleighs for free. The sledging fun can start! 5 natural toboggan runs with a length of between
800 m to 3.5 km offer exciting but also child- and family-friendly sledging fun.
The open toboggan runs at one glance.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Wrapped in warm blankets you go on a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through our winter paradise. Listen to the scrunching of the snow, admire the majestic mountain summits and enjoy a relaxing ride through nature.
You find more information at our sport A-Z or in our current weely programme.


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These two weeks have been intense ! I am more than ready for February to begin. I had so much to do that I felt like I was wasting time by sleeping. Luckily my family and Erik are always so fantastic that once I talk with them I feel so much better. My sisters are always so giving in their own way, but my sister Bella completely surprised me.
I am always doing some kind of work on my computer (gifted by my sisters Bella and Rebekah) or on my iPhone whether it be reading my textbooks (which I download onto iBook or my Kindle App) writing a paper or doing work for my job I am always doing something on my Mac or my iPhone. There are times where I don't want to take my computer because I don't want to carry it around with me all of the time so Bella sees me constantly working on my phone. So on Friday out of the blue she asked me to go with her to check out iPad accessories I thought she wanted an opinion on a new cover for hers, so I went unknowing that I was going to pick out my very own. I chose the black iPad mini and I could not be happier with it ! It truly is amazing I don't have to carry my computer everywhere and my phones battery life is lasting a lot longer now that I am not constantly using it. I am so blessed to have my wonderful family they're always so supportive and my parents have taught us that if we ever need anything to always help one another. The iPad is fantastic but what is even better is having a wonderful family and sisters that would do anything to make each others life easier whether it be with technology or a helping hand I am so fortunate to call them my family and to have them in my life.


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Columbia City Council withdraws proposed plastic bag ban
Related Story
Columbia - Local retailers and consumers in Columbia still have a choice how they take their groceries home.
The Columbia City Council planned to vote on a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags Monday night, but they decided to withdraw the ordinance. Columbia City Council decided to withdraw a proposed single-use plastic bag ban for stores in Columbia that sell groceries.
One council member said they hope to re-visit the proposal in the future, but more time is needed to educate the public on the harms of plastic waste, as well as other options to help the problem.
"Citizens want government to do things for them, not to them," said Ward 6 Council Member Barbara Hoppe. "So we need to work with the community to the the point where they think this is a good thing." said Barbara Hoppe, the ward 6 Council Member.
The ordinance included the implementation of a 10-cent charge for recyclable paper bags. The ban aimed to reduce the toxicity of waste materials in local waterways such as the Missouri River.
The Council approved a new airport master plan to exam possibilities for a new terminal at the airport, as well as storm water runoff and other general infrastructure needs Monday night as well.
Council also approved the annexation of land to the west of Battle High School and the new elementary school. The idea is to create a place for a new sub-division near the schools.
Opponents of the annexation said it would be too expensive for the city.
Jim Loveless, a Columbia resident, disagreed. He said the city has a good plan in place and feels the sub-division is a good idea.
"Anytime you get kids who go to a particular school close enough to that school that they can indentify with it, have an indentity with it, even walk to their schools, I think it's a great idea."


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A reported cost overrun for the US president's next helicopter fleet has loosened Lockheed Martin's grip on the contract, while the race for the prized Air Force One fixed-wing deal has narrowed to a single eligible platform supplier.
The two developments - timed only a day apart - keep the process of replacing ageing Sikorsky VH-3D helicopters and the Boeing 747-200-based VC-25 over the next decade an unlikely public controversy.
A Lockheed Martin/AgustaWestland team won a $6.8 billion contract in 2005 to deliver 28 VH-71s in two increments. Last March, Department of Defense officials acknowledged the US Navy grossly underestimated the scale of the challenge, and costs were expected to grow to $11.2 billion, or 65% above the baseline.
After the projections became official, the USN notified Congress on 29 January that the VH-71's costs had escalated at least 50%, triggering a mandatory review process under the Nunn-McCurdy law. The Pentagon now must decide to certificate the programme's relevance to national security and managerial competence or terminate the contract.
© Lockheed Martin
Lockheed's team is still working to deliver the flight-test and pilot production aircraft ordered in Increment 1 of the programme. But the Nunn-McCurdy review has stopped work on development of the Increment II design, which requires substantial structural changes to the aircraft, including new engines, rotor blades, gear box, drive train and tail cone.
There is no timeline for the recertification process, although USN officials have previously said they expect to complete the process in the first quarter.
The US Air Force, meanwhile, plans after 2017 to replace both VC-25s - delivered in 1990 - with three new-build commercial widebody aircraft.
In October 2007, the USAF invited EADS North America to submit data about the Airbus A380, the A340-600 and A330-200 for an early analysis of potential Air Force One bidders.
EADS NA began preparing to enter the bidding process, even posting job advertisements for an executive to market Airbus aircraft for the Air Force One replacement.
However, company executives announced on 28 January their decision to withdraw from the contest, saying the small size of the three-aircraft order would have prevented EADS from achieving a growth strategy based on moving jobs and engineering into North America.
EADS's removal leaves Boeing as the only platform supplier, with the 747-8 and 787 as most likely candidates for the order.
Source: Flight International