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"The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things."
– Plato
At Trinitas, we offer a variety of events and extracurricular activities which we believe complement our curriculum and help to build community and a culture in which students delight in learning, a culture in which they can "play amongst lovely things."
Events marked with an * fulfill an extracurricular requirement. Please see the school handbook for requirements and the calendar for dates.
Art Camp
Trinitas students and friends are invited to join us for a week of art camp each summer. Our master art teacher guides students in an exploration of great artists and their art while giving them the opportunity to create their own works of art using a wide variety of media. In addition to working with various types of paints and other more traditional materials, art camp students have made their own paper from recycled materials, created Chagall-inspired horse sculptures and Van Gogh-inspired trees, "painted" with tissue paper, explored food art, and even produced their own stop-motion animation movies. The week culminates in an art show immediately following the last class.
Backpacking Trip
Seventh and eighth grade Trinitas students have the privilege for a weekend backpacking and camping trip led by Nathan and Mia Helweg of Altus Adventures. (Nathan taught PE at Trinitas for a year). This trip takes place in the early fall and provides an excellent and fun opportunity for students to form and strengthen bonds of friendship, set goals for the upcoming school year, and enjoy God's creation. Students leave Friday after school and return to school Sunday afternoon. To learn more about Altus Adventure, go to http://www.altusadventures.com/.
Book Character Day
Each year, Thoughtful Reader Book Club sponsors Book Character Day. Students leave their uniforms at home and come to school dressed like their favorite book characters (or Biblical or historical figures). Each student writes a brief paragraph with clues about his or her character and story in order to play a guessing game at break. It's great fun, and the students come home eager to read new books.
Christmas Charity
We are mindful that our service to others is service unto Christ. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. …I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:34-36, 40. Each December the Trinitas community takes the opportunity to serve those in need by participating in the work of a local charity. We currently alternate years working with Operation Christmas Child and Mel Trotter's Mitten Tree. Both young and old are encouraged to participate.
Christmas Lessons and Carols
Both full-time and part-time students in music class have the opportunity to present a program of Advent and Nativity-themed music and readings. This event takes place the morning of the last Friday before Christmas break. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Donuts with Dad
Dads are encouraged to come early and enjoy donuts, coffee, and juice with their children before school. This event takes place in September each year, at 7:30am.
Trinitas is excited to offer a small ensemble for 5th through 8th grade students interested in singing more challenging pieces. This group of students practices after school one day per week while preparing for the Christmas Lessons and Carols and our spring Fine Arts Night. No previous experience is required.
Field Day
All full-time and part-time Trinitas students and their younger siblings are invited to participate in our annual Field Day, the Friday morning before Memorial Day. (Dismissal is at 11:35 that day.) Teachers and students compete in a variety of athletic events including relay races, free-throw, water balloon toss, and plunger (aka javelin) throw. Parents are encouraged to help out, cheer the teams on, and even participate in a final all-school activity!
Field Trips
Trinitas students attend numerous field trips throughout the year, and parents and siblings are often welcome to join us. Past trips have included Grand Rapids Symphony and Ballet performances, a Medieval Village, Camp Roger winter exploration, Dead Sea Scrolls and Leonardo da Vinci exhibits, The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Meijer Gardens, and Shakespeare and other plays.
Fine Arts Night*
Fine Arts Night is an annual Trinitas event held one evening in the spring. Full-time students and homeschool music class partners will sing selections chosen by our music teacher, and student artwork will be on display. In addition, students are invited to perform or display individual or group pieces (vocal, instrumental, dance, drama, visual art, etc.). Original works are acceptable; live accompaniment is preferred (we may be able to provide this). All material should be in good taste and reflect a spirit of beauty and loveliness which brings light and joy (perhaps even laughter) to the soul.
Graduation and Awards Night
We believe it is a good thing to award excellence and that it can motivate students to do their best. Awards and Graduation Night occurs the evening before the last day of school. We have tried to establish awards to cover a variety of accomplishments. In addition to diplomas and Latin awards, various medals are awarded for such things as character, academic improvement, and outstanding achievement in specific areas like athletics and fine arts. Awards are determined by Trinitas teachers, and, where helpful, other volunteers involved in extra-curricular activities, recess duty, etc. Because awards require evaluation in several subjects or events, students enrolled in the Homeschool Partnership are not eligible.
Grandparents' Day
We invite students to bring their grandparents, god-parents, or other special grown-up to school with them for part of a school day in mid-October. Our special guests will have an opportunity to watch students demonstrate some of what they have been learning in school and to join their students in the classroom too. This day is for both homeschool partners and full-time students.
Homeschool Friends Day
Our homeschool partners and their families are an important part of the Trinitas community. Homeschool Friends Day takes place in March and is an opportunity for prospective homeschool families to attend an afternoon of classes and get to know the staff and students.
Latin Books, Plays, and Feasts
Students in grades 5-8 Latin classes have opportunities to write, translate into Latin, and illustrate stories they then share with students in the younger grades. They also enjoy periodically performing Latin plays for fellow students, parents, and siblings. Rome's birthday is an excuse for a cake, and we occasionally enjoy a Roman meal together.
Michigan Junior Classical League and National Latin Exam
Trinitas is a member of the Michigan Junior Classical League. Students in 7th and 8th grade have the opportunity to attend the fall and spring conventions under the guidance of our Latin teacher. Students participate in a number of activities designed to increase their understanding of and enthusiasm for Latin. Students in 5th through 8th grade also take the National Latin Exam each year. Many of our students have earned awards at these events and on these exams.
Muffins with Mom
Moms are invited to join their children before school for a time of fellowship and goodies. This event is held one morning in the spring, at 7:30.
Parent Information Nights
Full-time students (and some of their parents) are asked to participate in our Parent Information Nights each February. This event is an important recruiting tool for the school as it allows prospective families to meet Trinitas staff, students, and parents and gain a glimpse of what makes our school exceptional. Homeschool partners are not required but are welcome to join us.
Pot-Providence and Picnic
Parents and teachers are invited to our annual pot-luck in the fall, and Trinitas families are invited to our year-end picnic. Both occasions, as well as other informal gatherings throughout the year, are fun opportunities to enjoy good food and get to know other members of the Trinitas community.
Reader's Theater (RT)*
Reader's Theater is open to Trinitas students in Grades 3-8. Kindergarten students are invited to attend the performances. Participants meet one lunch recess per week to rehearse a short play (no memorization required). After a few rehearsals, they perform for their fellow students, teachers, and available parents and siblings during lunch recess. Those wanting to participate behind the scenes have the opportunity to design, construct, and assemble costumes, props, and sets. Students may choose to participate on a play-by-play basis. Like Thoughtful Reader Book Club, Reader's Theater provides another opportunity for students to enjoy good literature, and it's a low-pressure way to increase their comfort level in front of an audience.
Running Club
In addition to the race training, students play games which serve to develop proper running technique, provide aerobic exercise, and strengthen peer relationships. Trinitas Running Club meets one afternoon a week from mid-March to the end of school.
Science Fair*
Every other year, students may choose to participate in the Trinitas Science Fair. Students design their own experiments and present the results to a panel of judges during the school-day. Their presentations are also placed on display for fellow students, teachers, parents, siblings, and grandparents to enjoy later that evening. The science fair takes place in February and is open to both full-time and part-time students.
Speech Meet and Public Speaking
The annual speech meet provides one opportunity for students to practice some of the skills necessary for becoming comfortable and articulate in front of an audience. The speech meet takes place in early November each year, at the beginning of the school day. It is required for full-time students and optional for homeschool partners. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the speech meet. Selections may come from poetry, ecclesiastical sources (scriptural, liturgical, patristic, etc.), political speeches, fables, or, for Kindergarteners, nursery rhymes. As with Fine Arts Night pieces, all material must be in good taste and should reflect a spirit of beauty and loveliness which brings light and joy (perhaps even laughter) to the soul. Students should commit their selected piece to memory. In addition to the annual speech meet and weekly Bible memory recitations, Trinitas students are also frequently given the opportunity for oral presentations in a variety of subjects such as history, writing, and science.
Spelling Bee
In the late fall, students are given a list of words to study at home for the spelling bee. The bee takes place in early January. Students in Grades K through 4 challenge their classmates in a single elimination round in their own classrooms until a winner and runner-up can be declared. Students in grades 5 through 8 compete according to the rules for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The winner and runner up for this age group move on to the regional spelling bee. Homeschool partners are welcome to participate in this event.
Thoughtful Reader Book Club (TR)*
Trinitas Thoughtful Reader Book Club is open to all students in Grades K-8. The purpose of the club is to encourage students to read, discuss, and enjoy! good literature. Students set a reading goal and record the books they read. They may read on their own, with a parent, or some combination of the two. Members of the club also read the club's selected title(s) and meet at Schuler Books and Music on Alpine for a lively discussion. If students participate in the book discussion and turn in their reading lists, they'll fulfill an extra-curricular requirement, receive a cool prize, have fun, and be smarter!
Young Authors Festival*
Calvin College hosts a youth writing festival every other year for students in Grades 1-8. Each full-time Trinitas student will write a piece for this event; part-time students are welcome to do so as well. Students may choose from a variety of genres (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.), though they may be directed by their teachers as some (though not all) of the work will be done in class. Younger students are encouraged to illustrate their work, and we will "publish" (bind) the finished product. In addition to attending the Calvin event, students will also have the opportunity to display their books at school. Kindergarten students are not eligible for the Calvin festival but will be writing and publishing their own stories as well. Festival information can be found at http://www.calvin.edu/academic/engl/ywf/.


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We were covering the last few km to San Simeon on our epic USA road trip when we saw signs to 'Elephant Seal Beach'. Having seen all the elephant seals (5ish) at Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey I just thought there'd be a few laying around, but it could be worth a photo.
Just five seconds later and running as far as the eye could see down our right hand side hundreds, if not thousands, of the blubber weights were just strewn across the beach. In fact you could barely see any sand for the seals everywhere.
We were ooing and squealing, as you do when you see a beach full of seals, and swung into the lookout car park. I rushed out the car to be hit with a wall of absolute freezing cold as I ran down to the seafront in my flip flops. The icy hit was worth it though – the seals looked absolutely incredible all lined up.
I do a very good impression of a seal, that you'll just have to ask me for, if ever I meet you in person. The seals loved it and we had a right old chat. My fellow seal admirers looked at me a bit strange though – jealousy.
The sun was setting and some of the seals were frolicking by the sea, while about 20 of us looked on kind of disgusted by the big blubbery mess hardly able to move their own weight, half fascinated by how colourful their leathery skin looked in the sun. They were
You can't actually go down and see the seals close up, but you cgot a great view across the viewing platform. Look, see…

subset: commoncrawl


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Torah Portion of the Week
Building Character through the Themes of the Weekly Torah Portion
Building Character through the Themes of the Weekly Torah Portion
Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25
August 24, 2019
23 Av, 5779
Isaiah 49:14–51:3
וְהָיָה עֵקֶב תִּשְׁמְעוּן אֵת הַמִּשְׁפָּטִים הָאֵלֶּה וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם וְשָׁמַר ה׳ אֱלֹהֶיךָ לְךָ אֶת־הַבְּרִית וְאֶת־הַחֶסֶד אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע לַאֲבֹתֶיךָ׃
V'ha-yah e-kev tish-m'un et ha-mish-pa-tim ha-e-leh ush-mar-tem va-a-si-tem o-tam v'sha-mar A-do-nai E-lo-hei-kha l'kha et–ha-b'rit v'et–ha-che-sed a-sher nish-ba la-a-vo-tei-kha.
And it shall come to pass, because you hearken to these ordinances, and keep, and do them, that the Lord your God shall keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers.
Deuteronomy 7:12
Eikev means "reward" or, literally, "because." Eikev begins with Moses telling the Jewish people that they will experience great blessings—health, abundant produce, prosperity, and fertility—when they follow all of the commandments that God established in the Torah. With the help of God, all of their enemies would be completely conquered.
After admonishing the Israelites to obey God's commands, Moses began to describe all of their experiences in the desert, including the tests and trials they went through, as well as the miracles they experienced. Despite the tests and trials they endured during their 40 years of wandering, their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell, and God provided manna for food. Moses wanted to emphasize that all of this had been provided by God.
Moses goes on to tell the people that in order to teach them to keep His commandments, God disciplines them as a loving parent disciplines his child.
Moses reminded the people to give thanks to God continually for the bounty He provided. They were getting ready to enter a bountiful Land, and they were told to be careful not to put their faith in themselves, but to maintain their faith in God. Everything they had was from God. They were never to presume that by their own hand they would enjoy the fruits of the Land.
Two meaningful lessons that can be derived from this Torah portion are trust and thankfulness.
The trials which the Children of Israel went through in the desert have been called yisurin shel ahavah, "chastisements of love." Yisurin is a Hebrew word with a twofold meaning: chastisement and instruction.
These "chastisements of love" were God's way of disciplining the Children of Israel to instruct them in a way that would help them grow. It has been said that the same way a parent suffers when their child receives punishment (as an act of love for their own betterment), God, too, suffers when we receive punishment. We must trust God and remember that ultimately, His discipline is for our betterment, and will bring about the guidance, instruction, and wisdom that is essential for our personal growth.
Moses strongly cautioned the Israelites that once they entered the Promised Land and experienced all of the wealth and success that God would give them there, they should be careful not to forget the One Who provided it.
When things are going our way and we seem to be getting everything we want, it can be easy to become self-centered, arrogant, and full of ourselves, thinking that we earned all of it on our own, by our own strength and effort. We might end up thinking that we are better than those who don't have as much, and we may even begin lording it over them.
We must remember that everything belongs to God, and everything that we have is a gift from Him. When someone gives you a gift, it is common courtesy to thank them for it. Likewise, we should be thankful to God for everything that He has so generously provided us with. Recognize and enjoy all of the good that you have—and always remember where it came from. Make thankfulness a daily habit.


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Riley Hospital for Children was the first in Indiana to have a pediatric echo lab accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. In addition to traditional echos, IU School of Medicine cardiologists dealing with more complex cases often perform transesophageal echos (TEE) when they need additional views. A transesophageal echo also can guide interventional catheterizations and provide immediate assessment in the operating room.
Echocardiograms are performed throughout Riley Hospital and the Riley Heart Center including the operating room and catheterization lab for intra-operative assessment to guide surgical interventional procedures. The Riley Hospital echo lab was one of the first all-digital laboratories in Indiana. New technologies and systems are applied continuously to ensure that studies can be assessed and reviewed 24 hours a day for patient care.


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I had a lot of fun and learned that I have quite a favorite things in common with some of my follow bloggers.
This morning I got an e-mail from my friend Lisa who said she got so excited when she saw the post name. She thought I would be having a giveaway like Oprah. It got me thinking "why not"? Now I can't do a giveaway on Oprah's level( sorry guys no new cars for you) but I can offer one of my favorite things
If you didn't catch the previous post let me just tell you this stuff rocks! I get the worst dry & itchy skin in the winter. It had gotten so bad that I have woken up with bruises on my legs from scratching myself so hard in my sleep.
Then I found this and it's a miracle worker. I leave a bottle of it in the shower and apply while I'm still wet. It seals in the moisture and your skin feels like silk.Best part is you're not even the least bit greasy. The scent is just delicious and very mild
If you would like to enter to win one of two bottles all you need to do is this:
For additional entries, you can:
Be sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win


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We make beautiful flowers that last forever out of a range of materials including paper, cardboard, tissue paper etc.
We make bridal bouquets,corsages, decor, button holes and loads more for special occasions.
Call me for a consultation if you are planning a wedding, matric dance, wedding proposal or any special occasion and we can rustle up something extraordinary – Just for you!
Enquire Here


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All that for way less than a hundred bucks! eBay, you foul temptress.
I saw on USPS's web site that an eBay package had arrived for me at work on Saturday. When I came in on Sunday, I looked for it high and low. I looked for it in our other building. I looked for it on The Other Erin's desk. I looked in the storage room, behind the sofa, under the pool table in the lounge and in the fridge. I was crushed not to find it. With a heavy heart, I sent an email to all staff saying, "a package was delivered for me Saturday – if anyone sees it, please let me know."
Today, one of our tiny, adorable Human Resources girls came to my desk with two small bundles in her hands. "Yay," I said, "you found them. Where were they?"
"In the mailbox."
"Oh." <blink>
We are a company of geeks. Apart from myself and a few others, pretty young geeks. We don't know how to feed and clothe ourselves, let alone look in the mailbox. HR is not here on Saturdays or Sundays, therefore, the mail got left outside.
It's a fairly sad situation.
A couple of hours later, and much to my eternal chagrin, Bee came trundling back up to my desk, arms laden with small packages. She unloaded them on me, looking askance. "Um," I said, groping for any plausible reason I might have had 800 packages delivered to our business address. "Christmas shopping!" She seemed satisfied with this answer, said something about almost not having been able to carry them all, and off she went.
It wasn't a lie, per se – they'll be made into Christmas presents, a lot of them.
I'm a bit disappointed with the Mill House dessert roll – it's all only polka dots. I love polka dots, but I had expected, I guess, more variation. Of course, I had to think of Lisa when I unrolled it. 🙂 Also, it's apparently really hard to find Kansas Troubles Snow Blossoms stuff in anything but yardage. Naturally, that's what I picked for the quilt I plan to make my mother (it's bound to be a difficult process, through and through, and the end result may well end up burned, shredded or at the Goodwill after I give it to her… but I look at it as a Buddhist sand mandala – an exercise in the transitory nature of material things.
Before I became vegetarian, my most favorite comfort food was chicken and dumplings. When I gave up meat, I lamented I would never again taste such yumminess. Of course, that was just silly and I had a lot to learn. It's not the chicken that was my favorite part – it was the delicious, dense, moist dumplings. While I still haven't found anything that's absolutely a fabulous substitute, there are a few things out there which give me solace. This is a variation on Ina's Chicken Stew with Biscuits. It needs more tweaking, but it's pretty tasty. I subbed potatoes and sweet potatoes for the 6 cups of chicken. I didn't have any peas or mushrooms, and it really could have used them. I used sage instead of parsley, and lots of freshly-ground black pepper. Over all? Not bad.
Although, with over a pound and a half 0f butter, and just short of a cup of heavy cream… how could it go wrong? (Oh, my arteries wish I were kidding…)
Of course, in terms of happiness, an amazing boyfriend, an awesome dad and stepmom, great friends, two fabulous dogs and a wonderful house out in the country don't hurt, either.


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116 Tasting Notes
Other reviews for this honey bush seem spot on but my palate is unable to identify which is rum flavoring and which is lime which sounds odd. The lime, as I can tell smells more lime peel than juice. I can taste occasional flashes of sweetness which I'm guessing comes from freeze-dried strawberries. I am definitely returning to leaving another note when I try this again. Not sure if honeybush coldsteeps well. I chose this tea because all of a sudden had a craving for a strawberry white so I am considering buying the Strawberry Mint Julep White.
Peach balances equally with green tea so it's worth trying hot. Lower quality teas that are heavily fragranced I would use for iced tea but this is not so. However I imagine this would be refreshing cold and mixed with soda water. I want to do this cold steeped to see if I pick up more characteristics from the tea itself.
This is what I imagine H&S' Paris would be if Paris removed the vanilla and lemony bergamot. The tea base is unassuming at best and uninspiring at worst which to me means iced tea. Note that I bought this tea for its pretty Christmas tin, the one with the constellation-themed fish. (In my mind I know I bought a $2 sticker for the premium of a tin but Christmas is when I get stupid splurgy.)


text: Basically, put a list together of what you would like and send that to me. If you don't have any coupons to trade it just means you'll need to send stamps, shoppers points, or a gift card. just note that the items listed under my "HV list" are going to be sticky because I am really looking to trade for other coupons or something really great for them . The faster you can send your list to me, the better. I am going to do a major update tomorrow afternoon, and will be getting a ton of traffic so you'll want to get your name on the ones you want asap!


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- Stocks To Watch
The Season for Giving: Dow Jones Industrials Gain 120 Points, Hit Record High
- Order Reprints
- Print Article
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 122.33 points, or 0.8%, to 16,479.88 today--its 50th record high this year--as Exxon Mobil (XOM), International Business Machines (IBM), the Home Depot (HD) and United Technologies (UTX) gained, and just one component--JPMorgan Chase (JPM)--finished in the red.
The S&P 500 gained 0.5% to 1,842.02, also a record, while the small-cap Russell 2000 rose 0.1% to 1,162.65, its 65th record high this year, the most ever.
Trading was light today, and if you're looking for a catalyst other than buying begetting more buying, I suppose you could do worse than today's jobless claims number. Though maybe not. Jefferies' Thomas Simons explains:
Initial Claims for the week of December 21st fell 42K to 338K from an upwardly revised 380K in the prior week...The consensus call was for claims to fall to 345K, so claims are lower than expected...
In recent weeks, the Department of Labor has noted that volatility surrounding the holidays is not unusual and that the seasonal adjustment process is difficult this time of year. Once again, we think that this week's jobless claims should be viewed in that context and not as an indication of any change in the pace of the labor market recovery.
The volatility of jobless claims over the past several weeks has primarily been a function of faulty seasonal adjustment factors generating and exacerbating calendar effects. The problems date back to Veteran's Day and will continue through Martin Luther King Jr. Day...The bottom line is that it will be a few more weeks before claims settle into levels that are indicative of the underlying labor market fundamentals. So far as assessing the December employment data is concerned, jobless claims are unlikely to provide any useful insight.
Exxon Mobil gained 1.7% to $100.90 today as oil prices rose, International Business Machines gained 1.2% to $183.35, the Home Depot advanced 1.1% to $81.55 and United Technologies finished up 1.1% at $112.69. JPMorgan dipped 0.1% to $58.20.
There was little in the way of news moving these stocks today, at least nothing I can find, so chalk it up to economic optimism, except for JPMorgan, which we can chalk up to it being JPMorgan. And it will probably stay this way until after the holidays.
So enjoy.


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Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Psalm 121 I will Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
Video Image © All rights reserved by publik_oberberg. Used with permission. http://www.flickr.com/people/publik-oberberg/
Psalm 121
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence comes my help?
2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel, Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in, From this time forth, and even forevermore.
3 comments:
- Anonymous25 February 2013 at 14:33
Thank you, Esther Mui, for this lovely song! You graciously offered us permission to use it for two events during a Cursillo (retreat) weekend last weekend and it SO BLESSED all who heard it! Ps 121 was the theme of the event, so it fit perfectly! I'm very grateful for the gift of your talent and your amazing generous website. Blessings back! Deb Wenzel, firstname.lastname@example.com
Is there any way to get the piano accompaniment? I would love to sing this at my church! :)ReplyDelete
Is there a music sheet for the piano accompaniment? I would love to sing this at my church!ReplyDelete


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The Australian Independent Media Network
Thought Bubbles. (What comes to mind)
Opinion Polls
If one overwhelmingly regards the opinion polls as being sacrosanct in determining who will win the election in September then you would have to concede that the LNP will win handsomely. However, if you are of the left and an optimist like me then you rely on your gut instincts. So for me (and I very well might be making a bad call) there is still much water to flow under the bridge. There will come a point in time when the electorate will have to consider three things. Firstly, Abbott's policies and costings (of which to date only one major one has been announced) and secondly, what it is of Labor's policies they are overwhelmingly prepared to forgo. And thirdly, Abbott's character.
- Will they overwhelmingly reject the need for a better and more equal education system for their children and think…
View original post 1,549 more words


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24 Sep2004
Milflores (Mophead Hydrangeas) Luscious, abundant and impressive. At wholesale markets from New York to Paris to Hong Kong, cut hydrangeas are in a class with few peers and their notoriously fickle disposition makes them even more of a challenge for the home florist. But they are definitely worth the trouble and their recent abundance in local markets provides a stunning addition to your choice of potted and cut flowers.
We have had smaller hydrangeas (locally known as milflores for their seemingly thousands of blooms) in the Philippines for many decades. They thrive in cooler climates such as Baguio, Tagaytay and some cooler regions of Mindanao. Not a native to the Philippines, the flowers of the localized plants have become smaller and smaller — though they still look stunning when massed together. The native plants are often sold at roadside stands and farmer's markets and recent prices are roughly P75-150 per pot depending on your haggling skills. Most native plants are blue or purplish in color.
Recently, a number of growers in Davao and the Mountain Province started cultivating imported hybrids of hydrangeas with simply spectacular results. Raised in greenhouses and under controlled conditions, precise potting mediums and abundant water, the growers have managed to raise plants with huge blooms in dark and light pink, blue, lavender and even some dark green.
The stunning blue specimens at right were purchased at the FTI market at just P50 per stem. They were apparently cut from a very mature plant raised in the Baguio area and the owner had agreed to sell the blooms in one fell swoop. With blooms at least 10 inches in diameter, these are among my finest market finds of the year. On another visit, I found nearly chartreuse colored potted hydrangeas (actually immature flowers that had yet to take on color) at top for about P80-100 a plant which was also quite reasonable.
While hydrangeas are notoriously fickle, I find they are well worth the bother. If you purchase already cut blooms or cut your potted plants, make sure the blooms get a LOT of fresh water to keep them happy. If they wilt, try plunging the entire flower head in cool water for 2-3 hours and they should recover. I find that fresh flowers last 5-6 days if well cared for.
Pictures are quite lovely. Nice to read about what's available in Manila but that limits your audience to locals. You need to develop a reason for "repeat hits" from browsers on the web. Keep going!
Jan 21, 2005 | 3:52 pm
Hey, good job! I especially enjoy the decided point of view as urban consumer. You have inspired me to explore the seaside market. How about a paella recipe next? Am in search of a good one…
Jan 23, 2005 | 4:10 pm
I have been trying to look for a GUM TREE or Eucalyptus
tree. This is the type which has round fragrant leaves.
Do you know of any source?
Apr 20, 2005 | 8:57 am
I really love the Milflores Mophead Hydrangea. How can I find one? I have looked everywhere online with the name you provided and found nothing.
May 26, 2005 | 9:04 am
In my continuous search for the Gum tree (eucalyptus cinerea), all shops of ornamental plants said it's difficult to find, and that it will only thrive in cold climate, the likes of Baguio and Tagaytay.Not even the Manila Seedling bank has it. After what seem to be an endless search, I finally found 3 small trees being sold at one of the garden shops at Market Market in The Fort. I quickly bought two. I transfered them in a big pot and placed them in a shaded area. I noticed growth was slow even after 2 months. I did a little more research and found out that contrary to what I was told, they like the sun, in addition, they dont like fertilizers at all. So I placed them where they got a lot of exposure to the sun. In two weeks time, growth and development of leaves improved. They are already 5 ft in height and leaves just keep on comming. I tried preserving the leaves, and now i have a few fragrant bundles in the house.
May 10, 2006 | 3:24 pm
I just chanced upon your site and I;m loving it!! Will definitely be checking in regularly. May I know where the FTI market is?
Nov 11, 2006 | 10:41 am
where i can buy milflores in only 50 pesos?
Mar 28, 2007 | 1:24 pm
From Houston, TX, we moved to North Carolina (near Jacksonville) and we stayed in the suburbs surrounded by farms and ranches. On the house we rented, we have abundant flowers and fruit trees. They are in full bloom in different periods or climate. And these hydrangeas are almost all around the town and are in their full glory around February-March. Right on our side yard (which really serves as our entrance to the house), we have 3 huges "bush". They are so many and huge florets that I ran out of base to put them, so I just leave them in its plant. When I visited the site today, I thought I was seeing a mispelled word – you see my maiden's surname is Miraflores – so I thought for a while – a flower and my father's surname. I was so happy. Now I get to tell this information to my relatives. Anyway, I would love to buy this plant when I get back home. It will be like having joined 2 culture together. Just like the local Almendras (which I purchased in Quezon), they are called Crepe Myrtyle here in the States. They are both beautiful, one for spring, one for summer.
Sep 5, 2007 | 4:38 am
I really need help…
I just bought my milflores, the blue one and right now i think it's atarting to die.
It has this black spots at the stem of the flowers….
Sep 20, 2007 | 3:43 pm
I just would like to ask, do you accept mophead hydrangeas order from other places like Cebu City?f so, pls email me coz id like to know how.tnx
Nov 29, 2007 | 10:08 pm
hi ill like order these and import into singapore. can i have more details like where can i get them?
Dec 9, 2007 | 10:31 pm
Your writing is beautiful. You can tell that you truly love you hydrangea's! Hydrangea's have such delicate features whiles displayig a stunning large bloom. They are beautiful planted outdoors, used as cute flowers and displayed in beautiful vases. I love to use the blooms dries as well. I have done os many different decorating things witht he dreid flower heads. One year, I took extra special care to cut the flowers and dry them to preserve, the best I could to maintain their shape, then i spray paointed them silver and used almost 75 dried blooms and stuck them all around in a large Christmas tree and wreath. People still talk about that tree.
If you have any way of selling these hydranges to fellow re-laers, we would be very inferestd in purchasing them at several times throughout the year. I have a wedding scheduled in Aug. that has requested hygrragenia's.
Keep enjoying your flowers! Take care, bbv
Feb 10, 2008 | 9:40 pm
The pictures are beautiful. My daughter is planning a wedding in April 2009 in Wilmington, NC. She would like to use potted hydranges for centerpieces on the tables. She also would like to use cut hydrangesa's in her bouquet and the bridesmaides bouquets. We are trying to find the best place to purchase them. We love the two colors that you have shown in the above photos. Not sure if hydranges are cost effective during that time of the year. We are on a buget but we absolutely love the look of hydranges.
Any help would be gratly appreciated.
Debra Banner
Apr 10, 2008 | 12:04 am
i bought milflores at P50 per pot (with at least 3 huge bundles of blooms each pot) at cool Tagaytay market in the Philippines. I was afraid they might dry up as soon as we brought them down to hot, humid Manila but they have survived. There are brown spots on some of the blooms but I think they did well considering how intense the temperature gets in Manila these days.
Just keep watering them at least twice a day to keep the blooms happy. I also purchased fertilizer to help the development of the blooms (pampabulaklak at pampalago).
I am hoping they will continue to survive but if not, I have enjoyed the exquisite beauty of the milflores while it lasted. I will also make it a point to visit Tagaytay once in a while so I can enjoy the site of milflores.
Apr 24, 2008 | 4:55 pm
Hi Marketman,
I absolutely love love love hydrangeas. The photos you have here of them are beautiful. Im planning my wedding for early next year and I really want my centerpieces to be hydrangeas in tall tall slim vases. Where would you recommend i source them from — would they be available in Dangwa or Tagaytay (where exactly?) or would I have to go up to Baguio?
Thanks a million.
May 15, 2008 | 6:49 pm
MM and Arnel, i'd like to mention that eucalyptus tree will grow near the beach, coz I planted 4of them beside my 20 coconut trees. Once they get too tall and lanky, cut them to help new branches and the damange of breaking when the typhoons arrive.
So yes go ahead and plant them anywhere with lots of sun and water.
Nov 13, 2008 | 4:37 pm
I want to know if where could I purchase blue hydrengias. I need about 300 pieces of it? Is there a farm where I can order the flowers? I am from Mindanao.
Sep 8, 2009 | 12:02 am


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Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: Whaler Performance
How to rig a kicker motor
|Topic: How to rig a kicker motor
posted 01-17-2003 09:20 PM ET (US)
I am considering installing a kicker motor (Honda 6-8) for trolling on my late 80s 18ft Outrage. Any help or advice on installing it correctly. Shall I place it on the transom directly or on a bracket like a Fulton unit?
|Tom W Clark
posted 01-17-2003 09:34 PM ET (US)
You want a 20" shaft motor for starters. It will clamp directly to the port side of the transom (the steering cables will interfere with mounting to starboard unless you have a jack plate).
If the motor you use has a provision for auxiliary mounting bolts, be sure to them. On the 9.9s I had on my Outrage 18 they were 1/4-inch size which I used in conjunction with stainless steel fender washers and nylocks.
For the ultimate in control use a tie bar between the big motor and the kicker. The one I used mounted on the inside of the boat between the tiller arm of the main motor and a bracket bolted to the front of the kicker. Ball joints allowed the use of quick release couplers that allowed the tie bar to be removed instantly.
I actually never needed to do this as the motors turned together without any interference at all regardless of which one was up or down.
You can also use the EZ Steer brand of tie bar which I do not like nearly as much. They are expensive, clunky looking and awkward to deal with when the boat is in the water.
posted 01-18-2003 01:45 AM ET (US)
Thanks Tom for the reply,
Let me ask you this. Since you mounted a 9.9 on your port side (4 stroke?)did the weight of the motor create a tendency to make the bost list port while getting on plane or while underway or is the balance OK? Do you prefer a transom mount vs a bracket mount?
posted 01-18-2003 01:51 AM ET (US)
Sorry Tom, didn't word that well. You obviously prefer a transom mount. Since I have two batteries in splash well on the startboard side, a kicker on the port would probably counterbalance fine.
Where did you buy the paticular connecting bracket for your steering and does it need to be removed when you raise your kicker and get underway?
|Tom W Clark
posted 01-18-2003 01:59 PM ET (US)
Not only do I prefer and recommend a transom mount but that is what Whaler also recommended.
Yes, my boat tended to list to port when running as most single engine boats do. Having the kicker to port does not help this situation, but it does not exacerbate it significantly either. There are lots of different things you can do to compensate for it.
Mostly I just adjusted the load to meet the conditions. This usually meant I asked certain passengers to sit on a certain side of the boat. The listing was most annoying when I was running by myself with a cross wind from port.
I too had dual batteries but they were split port and starboard. I had my VRO tank in a matching battery box to starboard.
I actually had four different kickers on my boat over the ten years I owned it, a Johnson 15 and 9.9, a Yamaha 8, and an Evinrude 8 four stroke. All of those motors were plenty of power and none were particularly heavy. The Evinrude was the heaviest at 93 pounds.
posted 01-18-2003 10:12 PM ET (US)
Thanks Tom,
At this point in time with the experience you have had in kickers, would you go four stoke and deal with the weight or two stroke and have less weight, but more smoke?
|Tom W Clark
posted 01-19-2003 12:32 PM ET (US)
Well, it depends on the motor. Generally speaking I would tend to go with a four stroke for a kicker because it will be easier to plumb straight off the fuel tank eliminating the need for an auxiliary tank, and because of the reduced emissions which are a drag when trolling downwind. I would not be too concerned about the weight.
But I would also say that not all kickers are created equal. I was never too fond of the OMC 9.9/15 models for trolling, but I loved the 6 hp models. The Yamaha 8 that I used for two seasons was an excellent trolling motor too.
I still have, and am using, the Evinrude 8 four stroke and it is rock steady and bullet proof as near as I can tell. But I have been using it on my wood boats the last few years and that motor has an odd harmonic vibration at a certain RPM range which unfortunately is right about where I like to use it for trolling for Silvers (Coho salmon) It tend to make the boat rattle a bit which I find very annoying. At higher speeds it is smooth as silk.
|Louie Kokinis
posted 01-19-2003 02:46 PM ET (US)
I'm running a Merc 15 Bigfoot (Yamaha head) and found it to be a pain. Like Clark's it tends to vibrate at certain RPM. It is difficult to start in the winter months, and its valves started to go at 1,500 hours. Instead of rebuilding the top end, I decided to run it till it dies. It has over 3,000 hours, is VERY difficult to start some days, but its still running :)
The kicker is mounted directly to the transom, plumbed to the main tank using a separate pickup and Racor filter. It is also tied to the main motor from the inside, with controls (electric start and throttle) at the console.
I love the setup; hate the motor!
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If you are a reader of my blog I am sure you have read several times already that I talk about my Kapampangan lineage and where I got my love for cooking. But I guess I haven't mentioned yet that my paternal grandmother hails from Ronda, Cebu. So, I grew up enjoying Cebu delicacies like Danggit, Dried Mangoes, Masareal, Chorizo de Cebu, Mandaue's bibingka and of course Cebu Lechon.
I remember we would buy kilos of Cebu Lechon at my grandparent's favorite store along N. Domingo — the Lechon Family. We would serve this on a Sunday when the family is complete. This where my love for lechon started.
So when I learned that I would be going to Cebu for Vikings Cebu's sneak peek via Philippines AirAsia, I knew I just had to stop by for some lechon. Good thing it was part of our itinerary.
Lechon always tops the list of what to eat in Cebu. Whether spicy or just your good 'ol regular lechon, one must always have this on their list of things to do (or eat) while in the Queen City of the South.
I've already tried a wide variety of lechon in my lifetime but nothing beats Cebu lechon. Could it be because of its familiar flavor that unfailingly pleases my palate and how it hits the spot every time I eat it? Probably. But Cebu lechon's seasoning deliciously seeps into its meat so there's no need for sauce at all. That's what I absolutely love about it.
A visit to Cebu isn't complete without dining at Rico's Lechon
During this particular visit to Cebu, we dropped by Rico's Lechon. And just like that, I was in Lechon wonderland in no time!
Rico's Lechon recently opened a branch in Mactan Promenade, Lapu Lapu City (near the airport). This was where we had dinner before catching our flight back to Manila.
The restaurant was homey and spacious. You can either get a table downstairs or on the second floor if you want more privacy.
Upon arrival, our feast was already prepared.
They served each of us a glass of Cucumansi Quencher which literally quenched us. This refreshing drink was exactly what I needed after a long hot day! We were also served Monggo, Pansit and a few other dishes but my attention was solely at the crunchy lechon.
What I like about Rico's Lechon is the crunchy skin of course. The lechon is roasted beautifully giving it delicately crispy skin. And with just garlic and leeks as their 2 main lip-smacking ingredients… Ah! It's just so freaking good!
Another variety of their specialty was served during our dinner — their Spicy Lechon. THIS. Too bad they ran out of this as I wanted to bring some home for my kids to try. You can see chili seeds on the skin and some rock salt giving it a nice play on spicy and salty flavors. But don't be scared to try it out. The Spicy Lechon just has a slight zing in every bite.
Lechon may not be the healthiest of dishes (for obvious reasons) but I can eat this over and over again especially that delightfully crispy skin which cracks like a glass window. Just give me garlic rice and I am good!
And since convenience, apart from quality, is one of the main priorities of Rico's Lechon for their customers, they now made it possible for customers to place orders even if you are outside Cebu. They will pack-and-ship the lechon to you! Plus points!
What an amazing dinner to cap off an equally amazing trip! Da best gyud talaga!
Price List:
Lechon de Leche – Php3,500.00
Regular – Php4,000.00
Large (for 40-45 pax) – Php5,500.00
Medium – Php5,000.00
XL (for 50 pax) – Php6,000.00
Contact Details
Corporate Office:
(032) 239-2830 / (0915) 115-0248
(032) 344-0119 / (0933) 632-2248
(032) 345-5688 / (0915) 703-3964
The Ridges, Panagdait Mabolo:
(032) 260-2443 / (0927) 352-2078
Mactan Promenade, Lapu-Lapu City:
(032) 231-5580 / (0995) 618-9363
E: [email protected]
Twitter: @DaBestGyud
Instagram: @RicosLechonOfficial
Special mention to Mactan airport who sponsored our VIP lounge access, NITAS Cebu, MTB Tours and Greenline Travel services for making our Cebu trip extra fun.
Special thanks also to AirAsia for flying us to Cebu. AirAsia flies 8x daily from Manila to Cebu and offers direct flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur and Incheon/Seoul in South Korea.
Keep updated with AirAsia's latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines), Instagram (@AirAsiaPh), Viber public chat (@AirAsiaPh) and www.airasia.com.


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Mets' hairy situation: Wright jokes long locks look bad
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) David Wright, the Mets' captain, is not a fan of the long locks of pitchers Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.
''We got some guys that think they have good hair, but I don't really know,'' Wright said playfully Monday.. ''I saw some Halloween costumes with their hair, and it's bad. They look bad. I tell them every day.''
Wright keeps his hair closely cropped. The hair of the two young pitchers flows down from their caps.
''DeGrom, I got a lock of his hair last year that still hangs above my locker,'' Wright said.
New York used a marketing campaign with the hashtag ''HairWeGo'' for deGrom.
''I do want to cut it,'' deGrom said. ''I haven't cut it at all this year.''
Asked if he's become superstitious about his locks, deGrom grinned but didn't answer as his interview session ended.


text: I'm not a new quilter. I have been quilting by hand since I was about 15 years old, which is about 43 years ago. Due to issues with my hands I am now attempting to learn machine quilting. My husband bought me a very nice 600 series Juki for my birthday in May. Still trying to learn how to use it and have been doing piecing and a few practice quilts. It's a learning curve so I am sure I will be asking for lots of advice.


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Saturday, February 26, 2011
Desires Of The Dead by: Kimberly Derting
Synopsis: The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.
Thoughts: Desires of the Dead was just as good as The Body Finder! It was everything I had hoped it would be and more!
Desires Of The Dead picks up 3 months after the first book. Jay and Violet are continuing with their relation and all their friends are still along for the ride. A brother and sister pair of new students arrive at their school which seems to be the start of new problems for Violet. Including the FBI seeming to having an interest in her.
I loved this book just as much as the first! Jay and Violets relationship definitely goes through ups and downs and 100% heats up! And I was so happy with their journey in this book! I loved it! And I LOVE Jay <333. Chelsea is hilarious I love her. Also a new character I cannot wait to read more about is Rafe!!! I have a feeling he will be causing some trouble in the future Mr. Emo eye candy woo woo! :)
Another thing I love about these books is how Derting let's us into the twisted minds of others. Just love the details, the torture, and the feelings in them! I got to admit, the animals parts most certainly make me sad.
Overall I really adored this book! I cannot wait for book three!! This series is so worth the read! :)
Labels: Kimberly Derting, Review
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The most recent buzz surrounding social and online media is all about the pervasive power of
Clearly, there is power in the simplicity of sharing an image: Photo-based sites have enjoyed a recent
It follows, then, that incorporating visual content into your social media strategy is a key driver to your marketing success. A few options that you might consider:
• Add high-quality images to your blog posts
• Share real-time photos on your company's social media sites
• Include infographics and memes in your social media posts
• Link photos shared on social media sites back to your website
• Video is important, too (YouTube is the second largest search engine and Vine is experiencing significant growth in 2014) so consider video posts on your social media sites, as part of email campaigns and on your website
Always, a brand-centric media strategy is important to ensure that no matter the content—visual or otherwise—your brand image is consistent across all channels for more powerful, influential marketing campaigns.
I'd be remiss not to remind you to follow Shamrock…
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Portal Home > Knowledgebase > Transparency Report > 29/03/2015 [DMCA] AMC Film Holdings LLC @ United Kingdom 8 (64156)
29/03/2015 [DMCA] AMC Film Holdings LLC @ United Kingdom 8 (64156)
Hash: SHA1
UK2 - Ltd
Re: Unauthorized Use of AMC Film Holdings LLC Property -- WALKING DEAD, THE
Notice ID: 222104649634
Notice Date: 03-28-2015
Email: email@example.com
AMC Film Holdings LLC and/or its affiliated companies are the exclusive owners
of copyrights or distribution rights in television programming, including
"WALKING DEAD, THE" "AMC Film Holdings LLC Property".
You are receiving this notice because an IP address associated with an Internet
account assigned to UK2 - Ltd, was identified as having been recently used
illegally to make and/or distribute copies of AMC Film Holdings LLC Property
identified at the bottom of this letter. We ask that you forward this notice to
the subscriber who was assigned the applicable Internet connection at the time
of the action (as documented below), and to take appropriate steps to deter
future infringement, including:
(1) Require the subscriber to remove or delete all unauthorized copies of AMC
Film Holdings LLC. Property;
(2) Ensure the account is no longer used to copy or distribute AMC Film Holdings
LLC Property in the future;
(3) Require the subscriber to confirm the above steps have been taken; and
(4) Take appropriate action against the subscriber under your Abuse Policy/Terms
of Service.
The information included at the end of this notice specifies details of the
infringement, including location, and can help you and the subscriber prevent
serious legal and other consequences of content theft.
AMC Film Holdings LLC believes that subscribers have a right to know when their
Internet accounts are being used for content theft, or if they are otherwise
unwittingly downloading or distributing files that are subject to copyright
protection. Online content theft can expose a family's home network and the
computers connected to it to dangerous viruses, spyware and identity theft.
Peer to Peer (P2P) applications are particularly risky because they can make
accessible to other P2P users all of the information on a consumer's computer,
including a consumer's bank and credit card account numbers, tax returns, or
sensitive health information. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued
a consumer alert on the risks of P2P file sharing:
We appreciate your efforts to reduce copyright infringement on your networks.
Please send us a prompt response indicating the actions you have taken to
resolve this matter. Please reference the above noted Notice ID 222104649634 in
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Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The undersigned has a good faith belief that use of AMC Film Holdings LLC
Property in the manner described herein is not authorized by AMC Film Holdings
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authorized to act on behalf of AMC Film Holdings LLC with respect to this
Please be advised that this letter is not and is not intended to be a complete
statement of the facts or law as they may pertain to this matter or a waiver or
relinquishment of AMC Film Holdings LLC's positions, rights or remedies, legal
or equitable, all of which are expressly reserved.
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MarkMonitor Anti-Piracy Team
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Evidentiary Information:
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Asset: WALKING DEAD, THE
Protocol: BitTorrent
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Port ID: 64156
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text:
Just like Mom's but with the star-studded treatment, Keds' Triple Kick sneaker features a platform sole for an elevated look that pairs perfectly with sundresses. A memory foam footbed provides constant comfort from hopscotch to homework time.
- Textile upper
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Memory foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- Rubber outsole for traction
- Imported


text:
So I added up some rough totals of how much money I spent in the first quarter of 2006, January to March. What makes these numbers even more depressing is that I didn't come back to the United States until the beginning of February!
- Real Pay: $5,561.95
- TSP (Retirement): $1,925.25
- Social Security: $377.31
- Medicare: $88.23
- Taxes Withheld: $210.11
- Bills (Total): $10,526.40
- ATM Fees: $6.25
- Credit Card: $7,089.99
- Tax Payment: $3,117.00
- Cellphone: $295.80
- Vonage: $156.99
- Cable/Internet: $319.41
- Gas: $118.62
- Restaurants: $596.59
- Groceries: $286.75
- Movies: $29.00
- Clothes: $294.91
These are scary numbers for about two months of damage. I DID actually rack up some bills in January as I prepared to come home, but that mainly included my Vonage one-time set-up fee and my new computer ($2,600).
The most annoying number to me is the cellphone bill. I don't think I've ever had a cellphone bill that didn't nail me on extra charges. That amount that they tell you it will cost when you get your plan? Yeah, that's a pretty arbitrary number. This bill, like the Vonage and cable/internet bills, includes the one-time installation fees. Clearly it is in your best interest to keep these services stable — you are punished when you join, and punished when you leave. And bitched up while you're stuck with them. In my case, the cellphone bill reflects long-distance charges to Montreal. You know, because I SHOULD be charged for calling a city that's SO far away from the U.S. I mean, it's in another country right? That warrants a fee!
Vonage is great because the price you sign up for is the price you pay. Over the rest of the year, the costs for Vonage will stay low.
Cable and internet are a scam. You know it, I know it. But I need internet and I enjoy the cable. I can't go back to dialup. I can't wait for the day that content is sent over the internet entirely. With metro wifi areas, these ISPs will be cut out almost entirely.
Restaurants and groceries were my biggest surprise. But I think that's the way it is for most people. Damage would have been worse but some of those expenses rolled over into April. Clearly I need to eat out less. However, this quarter reflects a couple visits to Montreal, experiences which I will not apologize for! =P I think I can lower my grocery bill but mainly it comes down to eating more responsibly.
My gas fillups were not so bad, since I was gone for most of the quarter. That and the fact that I live where I work means that the amount of gasoline my car consumes is very low.
Overall I realize that the absurdity of my bills for this quarter ($10k??) is explainable. I returned from Iraq and thus celebrated a bit. I bought some new clothes and electronics. I went to Montreal twice to visit my exquisite girlfriend after missing her a lot in Iraq. The new computer, a same-day plane ticket, and my taxes (which I will get the money back for later since the amount was a result of the Army paying off my mom's college loans) account for the big expenses. I am not really a big spender in terms of my income, however I do spend a lot considering I'm economically single with little responsibility.
One thing that's important to keep in mind when looking at expenses is that there's never a time when you don't have exceptional circumstances. That is, you're always going to have some one-time expensive thing you needed to buy. So assuming that you won't have to pay off that burden in the future is wrong. Something always comes up.
You never seem to end up paying the minimum in expenses.
I still put all of my non-income money into retirement. And I put some extra deployment money into a new trading account. I didn't contribute to my Roth IRA however. I don't see this as a huge problem because they are phasing out the maximum requirements in the future, approximately at the time in which I will be employed (hopefully) rather gainfully.


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text:
I recently wrote about a very simple way to prepare eggplant in my post, "Fresh from the Farm Stand". Most frequently during the summer, I grill eggplant as a side dish after marinating it in extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. (The small round Sicilian eggplants are my favorite!)
The steps are simple…First, slice the eggplant into rounds of about 1/6 to 1/4 inch thick. Then, place a layer of slices in a large baking dish and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a healthy sprinkle of sea salt. Repeat with additional layers until all slices are topped with both oil and salt. The purpose of the salt it to extract the liquid that causes the eggplant's bitterness. Let the slices marinate for about one hour prior to grilling. Grill the eggplant on medium-low heat, turning the slices with tongues so that they soften and brown.
As an alternative to a side dish, incorporate this eggplant preparation into an appetizer course. Arrange several slices on a small plate alongside a dollop of ricotta cheese. Drizzle the ricotta with extra virgin olive oil and top with fresh ground pepper and finishing salt. Fresh herbs, such as basil, make for a colorful addition to this tasty starter.


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Veterans sacrifice many things when they put their lives and health on the line for the good of the country. For that reason, many programs and agencies aim to provide benefits and services to veterans who have returned from serving in the armed forces. The Social Security Administration is no exception. It recognizes the many issues–health, financial and social–that military service has on veterans and the likelihood that many veterans will qualify for SSD benefits due to a war-related injury. As a result, it has several programs in place to make the application process easier and faster for veteran applicants.
Our office is aware of the special treatment given to veteran applicants and can help ensure that your claim is effective and timely processed. The SSA provides for special expedited processing of disability claims for certain veterans. The general requirement for this expedited processing is that the veteran applicant became disabled on or after October 1, 2001, while on active military service. In addition, the SSA makes expedited processing available to veterans who have received a compensation rating of 100% from the VA.
We understand that, due to the range of benefits potentially available to veterans, it can be difficult to navigate the different eligibility requirements and application processes of the various programs. We also understand that many veterans have questions about the connection bewteen veterans and social security disability, as well as military pay, family benefits, Medicare, benefits received from the VA and other benefits.
Our goal in working with clients is to answer questions as completely as possible and give our clients the assurance that we are working with them to obtain the compensation to which they are entitled. We work closely with individuals during the application process, advising them of important and relevant information to help them prepare the application. For more information on how we can assist veterans with the Social Security disability program, please visit our Social Security Disability page.


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BIAS Releases Peak LE 6
Peak LE 6, the "light" edition of Peak Pro, is now shipping. Last month, BIAS released Version 6 of Peak Pro and Peak Pro XT, the professional edition and an Extended-Technology edition that includes Peak Pro and eight plug-ins for mastering, restoration and sound design.
Peak LE now offers the ability to author and upload audio podcasts directly, without requiring an additional application. Additionally, a new DSP feature, Voice-Over Ducking, automatically lowers the music during a voice-over. Other new DSP features include Change Duration Options for optimization for vocal and musical content, and mono-to-stereo/stereo-to-mono conversion. The Peak LE Playlist has been improved in V. 6 with the inclusion of an advanced PQ sheet/text export feature, which creates custom playlist reports that include durations, index points, CD-Text info, and notes. The reports can be printed, saved to PDF or exported as a tab delimited file.
With Peak LE 6, users can quickly export audio documents or entire playlists into iTunes. Version 6 now supports three simultaneous Audio Units/VST plug-ins. Also included is a Record Timer that automatically automates record stop time and a Record Notepad for entering marker cues during recording. MP2 and FLAC support have been added. Finally, read/write metadata for most major file types, including Broadcast WAV, has been added.
Included with Peak LE and select upgrades is the Peak LE Production Pack DVD, a collection of audio plug-ins, utilities, audio content and more valued at more than $100. Highlights from the Peak LE Production Pack include SFX Machine LT, 21 real-time special effects for creative sound design; Ambrosia's WireTap Pro, which records system and Internet audio streams directly with no loss of quality; a content-limited edition of AMG's "ONE" sample loop player; six-month membership for Broadjam.com (online music promotional tools); 1 GB of audio samples, loops, special effects and production elements from Sound Ideas, PowerFX, Hollywood Edge, Frank Serafine, and ShortWave Recording SFX; plus additional audio utilities.
New retail copies have a suggested retail price of USD $129 and upgrades from previous versions of Peak LE and crossgrades from other editions of Peak are also available. BIAS is also offering special crossgrades from previous versions of Peak LE, DV and Express to Peak Pro 6 and Peak Pro XT 6. For upgrade/crossgrade pricing, additional information and free downloadable trial versions, visit www.bias-inc.com. For additional new-product announcements, visit blog.emusician.com/briefingroom.


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Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments is designed to help local, regional, and state governments prepare for climate change by recommending a detailed, easy-to-understand process for climate change preparedness based on familiar resources and tools. Questions addressed in the guidebook include the following:
- How do you scope out the problems of climate change across sectors of your community?
- How do you raise and maintain support to prepare for climate change?
- Whom should you include on a climate change preparedness team?
- What are climate change planning areas, and how do you identify them for your community?
- How do you identify your sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and risk to climate change impacts – i.e., conduct a vulnerability assessment and a risk assessment ?
- How do identify your climate change priority planning areas?
- How do you establish a vision and guiding principles for a climate resilient community in these priority planning areas?
- How do you begin to develop climate change preparedness goals and actions in these priority planning areas?
- How do you develop a climate change preparedness plan?
- How do you ensure that you have the right implementation tools to take your preparedness actions?
- How do you develop measures of resilience to track your progress and update your plans over time, to ensure that your efforts are really making your community more resilient to climate change?
[Document Description By JISAO Center for Science in the Earth System (CSES) and Climate Impacts Group: http://cses.washington.edu/cig/fpt/guidebook.shtml#downloading]
To obtain copies and for more information visit Climate Impact Group's webpage here.
CHRN Member contact for more information: Lara Whitley Binder
CHRN Member contact for more information: Lara Whitley Binder
The content within the resources pages of this website is all reproduced from its original website and includes citations to appropriately recognize its original source. The CHRN is not providing any information, document, or tool that is not publicly available on the original website, and serves the sole purpose to provide greater opportunity to promote the useful resources developed by the members of its network.


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CHICAGO – The Miami Heat have not lost a game since calling up Okaro White from Sioux Falls.
So signing the 6-foot-8 forward from Florida State to a second 10-day contract today was a no-brainer.
Okay, that's not the only reason. White, who joined the team on a roster exception on Jan. 17, has become an integral part of the rotation, playing crucial fourth quarter minutes the last two games and scoring five points in the final minute, including the go-ahead three pointer, of Wednesday's come-from-behind win at Brooklyn.
"He took the right approach," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He didn't let (the 10-day contract) cloud his mind, he didn't make any excuses, he controlled what he can control and that was his play on the court. Whether he was going to get minutes or not he contributed."
White, 24, is averaging 3.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in four games while playing 16 minutes per game. He is 5-of-10 from the floor, including 2-of-5 on three pointers. He played the entire fourth quarter against the Nets and finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.
Players earn $32,000 for each 10-day contract.
"It feels great," White said. "They have the faith in me and invested in me. It feels good to have a great organization invest in you. It feels good. I'm ready to get the next 10 days started."
The Heat were granted a roster exception when it was determined Josh Richardson would miss an additional two weeks after suffering a sprained foot. Miami, though, will have a decision to make when Richardson is ready to return. Richardson, though, still is in a walking boot.
White, though, likley is not going anywhere. Miami loves his energy and will do all it can to make sure he does not get away, which means signing him for the remainder of the season when his second 10-day contract expires. If the Heat returned White to Sioux Falls he would be available for any team to sign.
That means creating a roster spot. The most likely candidate to be released is forward Derrick Williams, who has fallen out of the rotation. Williams, who signed a one year $4.6 million contract last summer, has played 48 seconds in the last five games.
White was asked if he is thinking beyond the next 10 days.
"I mean, yeah, it's in the back of my head," he said. "But I've got to take it one day at a time and one play at a time. So, you know, I try to not let the business side conflict with my business side."
White averaged 18.4 points and 8.7 rebounds in 23 games for Sioux Falls this season.
[Bulls, Knicks showing exactly why Heat going about rebuilding the right way]
[Miami Heat shut out of All-Star game for first time since 2004]


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2HANDS4U LLC1401 Pine Knoll Dr.Austin, TX 78758United Statesph: 512 994 8470fax: 512 704 firstname.lastname@example.com
Customers information needed for requesting services would be:Date of ServiceTime of Service and lengthAddress POC on site if not the person requsesting servicesName of Client needing services If you have a PO number or Case number or Client number to attach when invoicing occurs Billing information - Business Name/ Address/ City State Zip and Attn to:
We will send confirmation within 24 hours that we have received your request for services if you have not received a confirmation email please call us so we can verify receipt of your request.
Copyright 2012 two hands. All rights reserved.
Web Hosting by Yahoo!


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Greek parties set for more wrangling, compromise elusive
Greek leaders were beginning a second day of talks and behind-the-scenes wrangling on Sunday to break a political deadlock that threatens to push the debt-laden nation closer to bankruptcy and out of the euro zone.world Updated: Nov 06, 2011 15:11 IST
Greek leaders were beginning a second day of talks and behind-the-scenes wrangling on Sunday to break a political deadlock that threatens to push the debt-laden nation closer to bankruptcy and out of the euro zone.
Greece's president has appealed for cooperation to resolve the political crisis after a tumultuous week during which Prime Minister George Papandreou first announced and then ditched a plan for a referendum on a euro zone bailout package, leaving his grip on power sharply weakened.
With cash in its coffers expected to last just over five weeks, Greece has been plunged into a fresh bout of uncertainty as both the ruling socialists and opposition conservatives offer rival plans to resolve the stalemate.
For Papandreou, only a coalition government ruling for at least several months can set Greece on the road to national salvation and secure a financial lifeline from international lenders before the money runs out.
But the conservative opposition led by Antonis Samaras flatly rejected the idea, offering its competing vision of snap elections -- and demanding Papandreou's resignation after two years of grappling with economic, political and social turmoil.
"Even now, we hope and wish that Mr. Samaras changes his position," Angelos Tolkas, a deputy government spokesman, told Greek television. "The country cannot afford to be left ungoverned. And we are running out of time."
President Karolos Papoulias, who meets Samaras for talks on Sunday, has urged the opposing sides to overcome their differences and get to work solving a crisis which risks wrecking international faith in the entire euro project.
"Consensus is the one and only way," Papoulias told the prime minister when he went to the presidential palace to launch his drive for a coalition government on Saturday.
At immediate stake is the fate of Greece's 130 billion euro bailout, agreed by euro zone leaders to keep Athens afloat and restore confidence on global financial markets that the euro zone nations can handle a crisis that could afflict much bigger economies such as Italy and Spain.
Newspapers were packed with speculation over various scenarios that could emerge from the talks, with the Kathimerini daily calling it "Haggling atop the Titanic".
Papandreou's socialist cabinet is due to meet informally on Sunday, as his PASOK party searches for support among the smaller parties, with Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos playing a leading role.
Only a week ago the bailout deal seemed in the bag, but then Papandreou dropped a bombshell by announcing he would hold a popular vote on the package -- which demands yet another wave of austerity be imposed on the long-suffering Greek population.
With the deal threatening to unravel, Germany and France told Papandreou that Greece would receive not one cent more in aid unless it fulfilled its side of the bargain.
Papandreou retreated on the referendum, but only after German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Greece must make up its mind whether it wanted to stay in the euro or not.
Chastened, Papandreou was forced to signal that he was willing to stand down. He himself raised the spectre of Greece's future in the euro.
"My aim is to immediately create a government of cooperation," he said at the presidential palace. "A lack of consensus would worry our European partners over our country's will to stay in the euro zone."
Here he hit a raw nerve. Greeks have fought tooth and nail against the spending cuts and tax rises demanded by their international lenders in the euro zone and IMF, with some protests turning violent on the streets of Athens.
But there is also a widespread fear that Greece might be forced out of the euro and will have to go it alone with a revived national currency.
"Europeans don't trust us anymore, they will throw us out," said Tassos Pagonis, a 48-year-old Athens taxi driver. "I hope we don't return to the drachma."
The opposition showed little sign of giving ground.
"We ask for a short-term transitional government in order to restore a sense of stability and then the country goes to the polls," said Samaras. "We did not seek a role in this government, only that Mr. Papandreou, who has become dangerous for the country, resigns."
Opinion polls suggested Greeks favour Papandreou's model of a longer-serving unity government.
One survey commissioned by Proto Thema newspaper showed 52 percent of the public backed the idea of a national unity government while 36 percent wanted snap elections. Another poll commissioned by Ethnos newspaper put support for the rival proposals at 45 percent and 41.7 percent respectively.
A government source said Papandreou's deputy, Finance Minister Venizelos, was already negotiating behind the scenes to win support from the smaller parties for a government that Venizelos himself wants to lead.
"Venizelos is having contacts with party leaders to secure their agreement," said a government official who requested anonymity.
In snubbing Papandreou, who survived a parliamentary confidence vote in the early hours of Saturday, Samaras acknowledged the leading role being played by Venizelos in the manoeuvring for power.
"Whenever we try to find a way out, the Papandreou-Venizelos government invents new obstacles to block it," he complained.


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Although it's quite simple to setup the Chromecast guest mode still sometimes users face problem while setting up the guest mode. So, to avoid this inconvenience today, we will discuss the related problems along with their solutions.
While setting up the guest mode, people are unable to find the pin on their Chromecast's backdrop. Sometimes they have the Pin, but the Cast option doesn't show up the nearby Google cast-enabled applications. They are unable to go through the automatic pairing with the audio tones and hear a sound like clicks whenever a device connects to their Chromecast. So all these issues are one of the common problems faced Chromecast users while they are trying to Setup a Guest mode for their Chromecast. Today we have the particular troubleshooting steps to overcome all of them. You just need to go through them for resolving the issue.
- Unable to view the Pin for guest mode on Chromecast's backdrop:
- Select the device card menu available at the upper-right side of device card to view the settings for the Guest
- Make sure it is set "ON."
- Turn Off the guest mode and then turn it back ON again to check if the PIN becomes visible on the device card.
- If you are still not able to find the PIN, then try to power cycle your Chromecast by unplugging the Chromecast device from the electrical outlet at the wall, wait for 20-30 seconds, and then plug in the Chromecast back to that power outlet. This time the PIN should become visible on your Chromecast's backdrop.
- The Pin is available, but the Cast option doesn't show up the nearby Google cast-enabled applications:
- Make sure the user that is connected as your guest is using an Android device or a device with an iOS operating system which should have Android version 4.3 or above and iOS version more than seven
- Check the settings of your wireless network: Hold your Android device to open the Settings menu. Click on Wi-Fi settings to view the Menu. Choose the option for Advanced settings and click on to enable the option for "Scanning always available." If the scanning settings are already enabled for all time, then leave it same.
- Make sure you are receiving a good internet speed and are connecting to a 4 GHz wireless internet network.
- Check the data plan settings: Data plan should be verified to make sure that the background Data is not restricted. Open the settings menu on your Android device. Select the option labeled as "Data Usage" and click on Menu and turn off the settings to "Restrict background data," as the blocked background data might be responsible for causing the problem.
- Unable to go through the automatic pairing, then go through the following steps:
- Make sure that the TV audio settings are not set to mute, and should be fixed to a volume level. Remember you use same volume level throughout streaming.
- Try to be within 10 to 15 feet from your Chromecast.
- Ensure the Android or iOS device is not at all blocked that might restrict the audio pairing.
- Hearing of sound like clicks whenever a device connects to their Chromecast: It is not a problem as these sounds can sometimes be heard during the pairing of devices.
So this was all you need for solving the different issues that you might face while configuring guest mode on Chromecast. For more concerns related to Chromecast feel free to get Chromecast help.


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Tag: Orthodox Christian
"We are the ones who inherited this birthplace of Christianity. I think we are agents to carry this as witnesses to the whole world," says Father Nabil Haddad, a priest in the ancient Melkite Catholic Church who lives in Amman. More
Iconographer Seraphim O'Keefe talks about how icons play a role similar to fasting in the Orthodox tradition. Both, he says, are ways of finding order and beauty. More
In the Orthodox Christian tradition fasting is not about deprivation or suffering, says Catherine Mandell, author of "When You Fast: Recipes for Lenten Seasons." More
In the Orthodox Christian tradition, icons are said to be written, not painted. The Orthodox consider making icons more a form of prayer than art, and they believe the iconographer's hand is guided by God.
The world's more than 250 million Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of Pascha, or Easter, at the end of Holy Week. They observe the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar followed by most westerners.


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Learning Resources has come out with a new product - New Sprouts® Grill it! - which is the perfect addition to all our other New Sprouts® products. When it arrived for review, Kenzie kept asking what it was and if she could open it. I waited until she cleaned up her toys and then opened it since Mason was waiting as well.
This is a fun play grill set that includes the following: 1 kettle-style, 4½"H x 8" in diameter grill w/removable grate, 2 burgers w/buns, 1 chicken breast, 1 steak, 2 slices of cheese, 2 pieces of lettuce, 2 tomato slices, 2 ears of corn, 2 asparagus bundles, and 1 pair of tongs.
Mason took to the play barbeque set like a pro and tried picking up the food with the tongs. He has to work on his coordination a wee bit better but he can hold a piece of meat for several seconds! I showed him how to play the food atop the grill but he had more fun with the tongs and meat. Kenzie, on the other hand, was the master of the grill and cooked like a pro. She loves her variety of play food from Learning Resources and this one was extra special because she was doing something that daddy does often. The pieces are really friendly for little hands and they are pretty realistic.
I love how the imagination continues with this set. They can play together and I only wish there was an additional set of tongs to avoid the tantrum that occurred. Yes, Kenzie throws a fit when she doesn't have control of the tongs. The asparagus is awesome as well as the seeded buns. Both can play semi-civilly and I have a few moments to myself.
The best part is that all the pieces fit right inside and just plate the grate on top to store. Happy kids. Happy mama.
The best part is that all the pieces fit right inside and just plate the grate on top to store. Happy kids. Happy mama.
Buy It: You can purchase the New Sprouts® Grill it! My Very Own Barbeque Set for $24.99.
Make sure to connect with Learning Resources on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!
Being MVP received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Being MVP Disclosure.