text:
Stamford company, owned by Greenwich PE firm, picks up Polish packager
Stamford-based ASG, a global specialty-packaging manufacturer, has acquired the Poland-based beauty and personal care folding-carton business of publicly traded MeadWestvaco.
The move is intended to help ASG expand its footprint in the European consumer-packaging market, the company said in a statement.
It's part of ASG's multi-year strategy to build out its packaging division for the beauty and personal care, spirits, confectionery and healthcare markets, the company said.
"We increase our level of technical capability, experience and knowledge of consumer markets," Tony Garnish, ASG's chief executive for Europe, said in a statement announcing the deal on Monday.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Shares in MeadWestvaco rose 5.9 percent to $42.96 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange.
ASG's key packaging segments are in health and beauty, pharmaceutical, home entertainment, consumer electronics, confectionery and specialty foods, spirits and sporting goods, the company said. It operates 18 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
It is owned by Greenwich-based private equity firm Atlas Holdings, which operates in sectors like building materials, energy, capital equipment, steel mill services, wood products, pulp and paper, and packaging, according to its website.
Its portfolio companies combine to generate more than $3 billion in revenues annually, the statement said.
email@example.com; twitter.com/timloh


text:
First we told you about the new top-of-the-line Ferrari expected to be unveiled in March; now a Ferrari enthusiast has snapped these photos of a heavily disguised model out testing near Maranello. Don't worry — it's not really a hatchback.
The shooter posted the shots to the FerrariChat forums, saying the hunchback rear-end raised and lowered at speed in an attempt to keep the car's actual silhouette a mystery. The red is actually tape; the real body is apparently blue. And as for it's engine, the only report is: "The sound of the car is unbeliveable, especially when downshifting."
As we've said, the 612 replacement is expected to offer all-wheel-drive and a new 6.3-liter V12 good for 670 hp, turning a 7-speed gearbox. (Photos by Shawn and Shonna Speer) [FerrariChat]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thanks so much for attending my presentation for the 2017 Retirement Income Summit for Investment News!
Further Reading Materials:
- Understanding Sequence Of Return Risk – Safe Withdrawal Rates, Bear Market Crashes, And Bad Decades
- What Returns Are Safe Withdrawal Rates REALLY Based Upon?
- Crafting A Withdrawal Policy Statement For Retirement Income Distributions
- Estimating Changes In Retirement Expenditures And The Retirement Spending Smile
- Should Equity Exposure Decrease In Retirement, Or Is A Rising Equity Glidepath Actually Better?
- Sample Withdrawal Policy Statement (WPS)


text: Cheerful and beautiful Mandy haze has an undeniable rocking body with a perfect pair of perky tits to top it all off. Her wild dark hair and soft alluring dark eyes balance the playful wickedness of her teasing smile. This college girl wants to get ahead and has learned how to work it. She loves to tease one on one after school, and has been looking for good jobs to pay her way. As a result, she is a full time Nanny during the day, fulfilling some lucky bastards babysitter fantasy every time she shows up for work. This hot little number is looking for a date that can cook in order to spoil her with nice dinner, because this former Mofos babe is far too busy working her fine ass to do it herself!


text:
A bullet that goes up must come down -- and when it does, it can cause power outages or injuries.
A bullet that goes up must come down -- and when it does, it can cause power outages or injuries. The trend of revelers shooting firearms in celebration of the new year can be a dangerous one, Allegan County Sheriff's office Undersheriff Jim Hull said. Shots fired randomly into the sky can result in loss of electric service to thousands of homes and businesses, endangering people who depend on life-support systems. Hull said that while such occurrences aren't frequent, the sheriff's office handles a few calls from startled neighbors each year who say they've heard gun shots. "We'll get four or five calls, but usually it's hard to tell if it was a gun or fireworks that made the noise," Hull said. Either way, he said, those activities are both illegal. "Any fireworks that go 'bang' and go up in the air, you can't do in Michigan," he said. "Only the things that stay on the ground, like sparklers, are OK." In Michigan, it is also a crime to fire a gun within 500 feet of a residence. Hull said these activities are also especially dangerous on New Year's Eve, when many people are consuming alcohol. Michigan law dictates that using a firearm recklessly, carelessly or while intoxicated is prohibited and can carry a 90 day sentence. If there is property damage or injury to another person, the punishment can be more severe. Holland Police Department Capt. Rick Walters said that a city ordinance prohibits shooting any projectile within the city. "With the number of houses and people and population density, it's just not reasonable to fire a gun anywhere in Holland," Walters said. Consumers Energy, a natural gas and electricity provider for 6.5 million residents in Michigan, is offering cash rewards to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and arraignment of those who cause power outages with gunfire this New Year's. Such information can be given to local law enforcement agencies or phoned in to Consumers Energy at (800) 760-3295. Holland (Mich.) Sentinel


text:
SPOILER ALERT: Do not read any further if you haven't watched the latest episode of Game of Thrones, "Home."
He's alive!
Apparently, this whole time, all we needed was for sorceress Melisandre (Carice Van Houten) to rub her hands all over Jon Snow's body and speak a bunch of gibberish before our beloved Lord Commander of the Night's Watch would just perk right back up again.
U.S. & World
After Davos begged her to work her black magic, Melisandre – who had returned to her usual youth after last week's twist – cleaned all the blood off of Snow's wounds, rubbed him all over, and said a few magic words. Of course, it didn't kick in until everyone had left the room, but at least he took a breath there at the very end of Sunday night's episode.
For the record, the actor who portrays Snow is sorry about all the lies and rumors surrounding the death of his character.
"I'd like to say sorry for lying to everyone," Kit Harington told EW in an exclusive interview regarding his character's much-discussed death.
Harington also feared Snow's death would not make an impact on the show's fans.
"I'm glad that people were upset that he died," he continued. "I think my biggest fear was that people were not going to care, or it was just going to be, fine, Jon Snow's dead, but it seemed like people did have a — similar to the Red Wedding episode — a kind of grief about it, which meant that something I'm doing, or that the show is doing for Jon is right."


text:
Meets U.S. EPA Spark Ignited Stationary NSPS Emissions for 2010/11 with the use of an oxidation catalyst
G3600 engines provide a wide range of power options to fit your gas compression application. G3600 engines bring the highest uptime in the industry and long operating intervals between overhaul. Operators that use G3600 engines in their fleet enjoy virtually no unscheduled downtime, the right power for their application, the lowest operating costs, and emissions compliance. Ideal applications for G3500B engines include centralized gathering stations, gas processing, transmissions, and storage applications. Cat G3606 gas engine with ratings: 1324-1413 bkW (1775-1895 bhp) @ 1000 rpm are NSPS site compliant capable.
Meets U.S. EPA Spark Ignited Stationary NSPS Emissions for 2010/11 with the use of an oxidation catalyst
Lean-burn engines operate with large amounts of excess air. The excess air absorbs heat during combustion reducing the combustion temperature and pressure, greatly reducing levels of NOx. Lean-burn design also provides longer component life and excellent fuel consumption.
- High-strength pan and rails for excellent mounting and stability - Side covers on block allow for inspection of internal components
ADEM A3 engine management system integrates speed control, air/fuel ratio control, and ignition/detonation controls into a complete engine management system. ADEM A3 has improved: user interface, display system, shutdown controls, and system diagnostics.
Large variety of factory-installed engine attachments reduces packaging time.
Every engine is full-load tested to ensure proper engine performance.
GERP is a PC-based program designed to provide site performance capabilities for Cat® natural gas engines for the gas compression industry. GERP provides engine data for your site's altitude, ambient temperature, fuel, engine coolant heat rejection, performance data, installation drawings, spec sheets, and pump curves.
More than 2,200 dealer outlets Cat factory-trained dealer technicians service every aspect of your petroleum engine Cat parts and labor warranty Preventive maintenance agreements available for repairbefore-failure options S•O•SSM program matches your oil and coolant samples against Caterpillar set standards to determine: - Internal engine component condition - Presence of unwanted fluids - Presence of combustion by-products - Site-specific oil change interval
Over 60 years of natural gas engine production Ownership of these manufacturing processes enables Caterpillar to produce high quality, dependable products - Cast engine blocks, heads, cylinder liners, and flywheel housings - Machine critical components - Assemble complete engine
For all your petroleum power requirements, visit www.catoilandgasinfo.com.
For all your petroleum power requirements, visit www.catoilandgasinfo.com.
Air Inlet System
Control System
Cooling System
Exhaust System
Flywheels and Flywheel Housing
Fuel System
Ignition System
Lube System
Mounting System
Starting System
Air Inlet System
Charging System
Control System
Cooling System
Exhaust System
Fuel System
Ignition System
Lube System
Mounting System
Power Take-Offs
Starting System
View the latest company and product news, events and customer stories.Learn More
View the latest offers available on a range of Cat® equipment and genuine parts.Learn More
Connect with us to learn more about our company, products, services and customers.Learn More
With branches across the UK & Ireland, you can be sure that we're never far away.Learn More
Effectively manage your equipment to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.Learn More
Integrated technology can help you understand your equipment's output and help extend its lifespan.Learn More
Quick and easy financing with customised payment plans through Cat Financial.Learn More


text:
Raise the main sail! A group of young people from Pembrokeshire have experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity, sailing on a replica of Captain Cook's tall ship and taking part in marine biology research off the coast.
Pembrokeshire's Darwin Centre, in conjunction with the Bluestone Foundation, took the group of 15 youngsters on board the Earl of Pembroke tall ship, currently moored at Milford Marina as part of the Seafair Haven 2014 festival.
The three-masted ship is a replica of HMS Endeavour, the ship that Captain Cook took on his first voyage to Australia.
The day-long experience saw the young people taken out to sea on the vessel, taking samples of marine life with the Dale Fort Field Studies Centre, before returning to land to investigate the samples.
"The day was about giving a group of disadvantaged young people from Pembrokeshire the opportunity to experience something they would otherwise not have the chance to do," said Marten Lewis, Manager of the Darwin Centre.
"It's an aspirational experience that will hopefully guide them into new interests and opportunities in education or employment."
The experience was supported by the Bluestone Foundation, a charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, a luxury short break destination near Narberth, set up to help people to help themselves through environmental, economic and social projects in Pembrokeshire.
ITV Wales was also filming the day as part of its forthcoming Coast and Country series.
Daniel Freeman, 21 from Milford Haven, one of the young people who was part of the experience, said: "I'd love a career working with boats and ships, so I really enjoyed the day. We were all getting involved; dragging the nets and gathering the samples. It was good fun."
Melissa Murphy, 19, from Fishguard, said: "As a former sea cadet, I enjoyed getting back out onto the water - especially in such a spectacular ship. I've never studied any sort of marine biology before, I found it really interesting to look at the samples under the microscope."
Liz Weedon of Bluestone National Park Resort and who oversees the Bluestone Foundation, said: "The Earl of Pembroke experience will hopefully provide these young people, who are not in education, training or employment, with some inspiration to help them in their lives."
"Heading off to sea on a tall ship and then being involved in environmental research is a rare opportunity for most people and we hope the experience will develop their interests and abilities."
The Darwin Centre, which is also supported by Dragon LNG, has also received support from the Bluestone Foundation to undertake a number of educational activities in conjunction with Pembrokeshire Fish Week 2014.
David Lort-Phillips, co-founder of Darwin Experience, Wales, said:
"Contributions such as this one from the Bluestone Foundation are vital. We'd love to be able to do a lot more of these experiences in the future, all over the world."
Notes to the editor
The Bluestone Foundation was established to help people to help themselves through environmental, economic and social projects in Pembrokeshire through the provision of grants.
The Foundation is a charitable arm Bluestone National Park Resort and underpins the business's ethos as a sustainable, local business providing employment, economic and social opportunities to the people of West Wales.
For more information, visit www.bluestonewales.com/foundation
Categories:Pembrokeshire, Events and Whats On, Charity and Community


text:
- Home
- All Products
- Fasteners
- Anchors
- Pin Anchors
- Powers Fasteners - 06648-PWR - 3/8" X 2-1/2" Spike Mushroom Head Pin Anchors, 316 Stainless Steel, Tamperproof (250/Bulk Pkg.)
Note: The image displayed is a representation of the product. Product dimensions, finish, head type, and thread length may differ from picture. Products are guaranteed to meet the specification to which they are manufactured. Please email us with any questions.
Powers Fasteners - 06648-PWR - 3/8" X 2-1/2" Spike Mushroom Head Pin Anchors, 316 Stainless Steel, Tamperproof (250/Bulk Pkg.)
Product Description
This Spike impact pin anchor by Powers Fasteners features a pre-expanded anchor design that allows for easy installation. In addition, this Mushroom Head Spike is tamperproof and is useful for situations that require added security.
The Spike is a, one-piece, vibration resistant anchor for use in concrete block or stone. Several head styles, including Tamperproof versions, and anchor materials are available. The Spike anchor is formed with an s shaped configuration at the working end of the anchor to create an expansion mechanism. Since the anchor is pre-formed, there is no secondary tightening operation required which greatly reduces the overall cost of an anchor installation.
General Applications and Uses:
- Tamperproof Applications
- Exterior Applications
- Cable Trays and Strut
- Pipe Hanging
- Metal Track Attachments
- Concrete Formwork
Suitable Base Materials:
- Normal-Weight concrete
- Lightweight concrete
- Grouted Concrete Masonry (CMU)
Approvals and Listings: Tested in accordance with ASTM E488 and AC01 criteria


text:
Research group says Maine tax ranking improved from 37th to 30th
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) � A tax research group says Maine's ranking for its business tax climate has improved to No. 30 nationally.
The Tax Foundation's 2013 list shows an improvement from Maine's No. 37 ranking. The Washington-based, nonpartisan group's index compares the states in five areas of taxation that impact business: corporate, individual income and sales taxes, unemployment insurance taxes and taxes on property.
Maine's Gov. Paul LePage is pleased with Maine's new ranking. He notes that Maine had the biggest improvement in the Tax Foundation's ranking this year, a result of the repeal of Maine's alternative minimum tax and a change in treatment of net operating losses.
Additional changes to Maine's tax structure, including lower brackets for individual income taxes that take effect Jan. 1, 2013, were not considered in this year's report.


text:
A 31-year veteran of the FBI took a room full of guests at Trinity Presbyterian Church Friday morning on a "fast journey... through the world of blue-, white-, sometimes red- and pink-collar crimes."
A 31-year veteran of the FBI took a room full of guests at Trinity Presbyterian Church Friday morning on a "fast journey... through the world of blue-, white-, sometimes red- and pink-collar crimes."
Using examples of cases from Hendersonville and around the nation, former agent Allen Ezell gave a presentation to the American Association of University Women, saying that sometimes the sneakiest criminals are right under your nose.
The entire spectrum of crime costs the United States between $1.7 trillion and $3 trillion each year, said Ezell, co-author of "Degree Mills: The Billion-dollar Industry That Has Sold Over A Million Fake Diplomas."
Susan Murphy of the AAUW said she invited Ezell, her neighbor, to give a talk on his book last year and the program was a success. She invited him to talk to the group again on Friday about economic crimes.
White-collar crimes, also known as economic crimes, are financially motivated in nature, bank on deceit and concealment and are typically committed without violence unless the collars turn "red," he said, and involve injury or death.
"These fraudsters generally are psychopaths who have a need for stimulation; shallow affect, callousness, poor behavioral controls, early behavioral problems, and juvenile delinquency," he said. "Sometimes they believe violence is their only way out."
But Ezell cautioned that an economic crime "is not a victimless crime." White-collar crimes cost each taxpayer about $4,118 a year in losses, enforcement, victim assistance and imprisonment, and is 14 times the cost of blue-collar crimes, he said.
"The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world. We have about 2.3 million prisoners locked up. The federal prison has about 10 percent — 220,000 — and they're about 40 percent above capacity," he said. "1980 was the beginning of the mandatory sentences of various crimes; because of that the prison rate has quadrupled. From 1989 to 2009 the rate of female prisoners has increased five-fold due to recreational drugs and other criminal involvement."
White-collar crimes, generally committed by females at their place of employment, have spawned the new moniker "pink-collar crimes."
Jail or crime college?
"Many states are spending six times the amount of money on prisoners than they are on higher education... The debate continues: is prison for punishment or rehabilitation or is it an institution of higher learning?" Ezell queried.
In a PowerPoint slide, he pointed out that white-collar crimes can wipe out a family's savings, destroy communities and businesses and cost investors billions, but blue-collar crimes are punished more severely.
Blue-collar crimes, committed against another person or property, involve crimes of arson, assault, theft, robbery, burglary, larceny, drug abuse, gambling, kidnapping, murder, poaching, prostitution and vandalism, he said.
John Edmonds Jr., 59, and his 26-year-old son, James Edmonds, were convicted of robbing Forest Commercial Bank of more than $5,000 in Biltmore Forest on Dec. 8, 2011. Last year, John Edmonds was sentenced to at least eight years in prison. His son received a minimum prison sentence of six years.
Ezell cited the case of Karl Karlsen, a Varick, NY father who admitted to knocking a jack out from under his 5,000-pound pickup truck, crushing his son, in order to cash in a $700,000 life insurance policy. This crime, he said, "was blue, turned to red and then went white."
A judge told Karlsen he was "not fully human" and sentenced him to at least 15 years in prison.
White collar
"The 'perfect crime' is the one which is never detected, nor recognized for what it is," Ezell said.
Law enforcement officers investigating white-collar crimes can face difficult challenges when evidence grows stale, witnesses disperse or decide not to rat on friends, or offenders attempt to impede the investigation or confuse the issue.
"White-collar criminals are opportunists who learn to take advantage of their circumstances to accumulate financial gain," he said. "They are educated, intelligent, affluent, confident individuals whose jobs involve unmonitored access to large sums of money."
Unlike blue-collar criminals, white-collar offenders may be convention speakers and write books on how to survive life in prison, Ezell said, but most of the "hard time" is done at easy minimum security prisons.
"I've been to Maxwell Air Force Base. There's a federal prison camp there. There are no fences. There's a yellow line. The inmates will tell you, 'we dream about tunneling under, climbing over and going around the line,'" he said. "If you go over that line when you're not sent out on a work detail to cut the grass on the golf course for the officers, then that's considered an escape and now you're locked up in the big house. It's a privilege to be in that level of a facility."
White-collar crimes run the gamut of deceitful offenses from bank fraud, bid rigging, blackmail and bribery to computer fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, political corruption and tax fraud. Citing a story on the Times-News' website Friday, Ezell said the IRS had issued nearly $4 billion in fraudulent tax refunds last year, leading to 1,500 criminal investigations of identity theft in 2013.
He cited the case of former Hendersonville attorney Sam Neil, who admitted to embezzling close to $2.5 million from his clients. Neill was sentenced last year to serve three years in federal prison before a three- to five-year stint in the state slammer.
Ezell also mentioned Keith Vinson, the Seven Falls developer who was found guilty of 13 federal fraud and conspiracy charges related to the failed development on Oct. 17. Vinson awaits sentencing in federal court and a trial on state charges of defrauding his employees of their health insurance.
Mark W. Olesen, treasurer of the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance in Asheville, was arrested last year and accused of embezzling close to $27,000 from the charity's business credit card.
Ezell mentioned the case of William Lee Smith, a former evidence room manager at the Asheville Police Department who pled guilty to embezzling $10,000 to $30,000 in drugs from the evidence locker. An audit showed guns and cash were also missing.
He also mentioned former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon, embroiled in a case of bribery and political corruption. He was officially charged with the crimes in March after accepting a $20,000 bribe from an undercover agent.
"These crimes can take place, anywhere, at any time, by our most trusted neighbors, businessmen and government employees," Ezell told the crowd.
He advised them to "be alert! Be on guard! Keep your eyes and ears open" and recognize the red flags: a person living beyond one's means, a control freak, someone who is irritable or has a wheeler/dealer attitude, divorce or family problems, addiction problems, always complaining about inadequate pay, someone who refuses to take a vacation, or an employee who ambushes a boss at the end of the day looking for a signature on financial-related transactions.
Ezell reminded the crowd of the old adage, "If it seems too good to be true, it is!"
Reach Weaver at email@example.com or 828-694-7867.


text:
Recently added item(s) ×
You have no items in your shopping basket.
Whilst some confectionery retailers like to buy their wholesale bulk sweets in bags, others prefer to buy and display them in traditional sweet jars. A specialist confectionery wholesaler, Hancocks sells a large range of competitively priced sweet jars both online and in the cash and carries.
We offer some of our most popular pick and mix sweets in jars to buy online:
Hancocks recently launched a wholesale range of sugar free sweets in jars to cater for this growing sector of the market. Sales through sweet shops, market traders and other confectionery retailers are strong, given the rising interest in sugar free sweets due to greater health awareness and the growth in conditions such as diabetes.
Many traditional sweet shops prefer to create a display of filled sweet jars to sell their pick and mix sweets from. This certainly adds to the theatre of the buying experience as shoppers choose their favourite sweets and watch their chosen amount being weighed out. Keeping your sweets in jars can also be a good storage solution and Hancocks Cash and Carry sells many sizes of empty sweet jars to help you in this way.
Other confectionery retailers prefer to make use of our pick and mix stand to sell their pick n mix sweets from – it certainly provides a visual impact within the store.
Whatever way you decide to retail pick and mix sweets, this is a very profitable and popular category of confectionery, be it retro sweets, old fashioned sweets, sweets for children or particular occasions such as weddings, birthdays, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
You can order your bulk sweets in jars online at Hancocks.co.uk or visit one of our wholesale confectionery cash and carries that are located throughout the UK. If you order online, we will get your bulk sweets to you within 48 hours – we understand the importance of receiving your sweet supplies quickly.
View as
1-12 of 134
0800 319 6951


text:
Do you have more money than sense? Really? Fantastic! That qualifies you to purchase this 60HP, three-wheeled contraption from Hammacher Schlemmer for a mere £48,000.
Dubbed the Lean Mean Green Machine, this nine-foot long, gas-powered tricycle sports a fixed 45-inch front wheel with the rear wheels controlling the steering via two handheld levers. Gear changes are controlled by a foot pedal. An air-cooled, 80cc Harley-Davidson Evo engine propels the Machine up to 50 MPH while its 8.5 gallon tank gives it a range of roughly 400 miles, though I really doubt this thing is even remotely street legal. [Hammacher Schlemmer via Gadget Review]


text:
The lip of the replacement seal should not run on the same path as the lip of the old seal. There are several ways to achieve this:
- Rework or replace the counterface (this may entail removing the shaft).
Install a wear sleeve; SKF SPEEDI-SLEEVE or LDSLV.
- Install a spacing ring in the housing bore between the housing shoulder and the seal (fig 1).
- Press the new seal to a different depth in a cylindrical opening in the housing, i.e. toward the medium to be sealed.
When choosing a replacement seal, be sure that its design and material correspond to the original seal. In case of doubt, select a seal that meets the operating conditions of the application, and that the seal materials are compatible with the lubricant.
Seals made from a different material should only be used when absolutely necessary. In these cases, the recommendations provided in the table should be followed. The order in which the materials are listed is an indication of their suitability.
If a seal of the same design is not available in the same width as the original, then a somewhat narrower seal can be used, or if the depth of the housing bore allows, a somewhat wider seal can be selected as the replacement.


text:
SafEscape Elite Brochure SafEscape Elite Manual SafEscape Elite FAQ Wind Power Safety
Miller Catalog
It can accommodate one or two users simultaneously, on multiple descents. Units with the optional hoisting wheel can be used to raise personnel from lower levels to a safe location above. This equipment is designed for use on wind turbines in the growing Wind Energy market, Construction and Maintenance -- as well as offshore and landbased oil drilling rigs, utility pole and tower construction/maintenance, construction tower cranes, fire and emergency rescue services, and many other applications where there is a need to rescue or evacuate personnel working at heights.
The Miller SafEscape ELITE RDD is not a fall arresting device. It may not be used to lift or lower materials.
HomeAbout UsContact UsMy Account
Contact Us At 480-968-6698
FAX Us At 480-921-3077


text:
Hellboy: House of the Living Dead by Mike Mignola
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this follow-up to the "Hellboy in Mexico" comic, the story starts with Hellboy on a bender after allowing a friend to be turned by bad guys. He's also spending his time as a lucha libre, or Mexican masked wrestler. He winds up at a mad scientist's house where he enters the ring with Frankenstein's Monster and at various points fights other monsters based on the classic Universal Studios horror films.
The story has a mixture of adventure, action, humor, and melancholy that are found in the best Hellboy stories. The art by Richard Corben is perfectly suited to this tale. It is a very quick read but also very enjoyable. If I ever want a wry smile, I'll come back to this book.
Thanks John and Lisa for an awesome Christmas present!
View all my reviews on goodreads.com
Cry Room Chronicles LXIX
8 years ago


text:
Elizabeth Holmes: The Breakthrough of Instant Diagnosis
- September 7, 2013, 12:06 a.m. ET
A Stanford dropout is bidding to make tests more accurate, less painfuland at a fraction of the current price.
Palo Alto, Calif.
- By
'The reality within our health-care system today is that when someone you care about gets really sick, by the time you find that out it's most often too late to do anything about it. It's heartbreaking. Because in those moments, there's nothing you wouldn't do to change it, and too often you're helpless," says Elizabeth Holmes. "We're finding cancer when you have a tumor, or heart disease by virtue of the fact that you're having a heart attack."
She wants to change that.
Ms. Holmes, a 29-year-old chemical and electrical engineer and entrepreneur, dropped out of Stanford as an undergraduate after founding a life sciences company called Theranos in 2003. Her inventions, which she is discussing in detail here for the first time, could upend the industry of laboratory testing and might change the way we detect and treat disease.
Ten years ago, Ms. Holmes was working out of the basement of a group college house, a world away from her current headquarters at a rambling industrial building in a research park just off campus. The company's real estate was one of the few Theranos facts known to Silicon Valley, but one suggestive of the closely held business's potential: The space was once home to Facebook, and before that Hewlett-Packard.
The secret that hundreds of employees are now refining involves devices that automate and miniaturize more than 1,000 laboratory tests, from routine blood work to advanced genetic analyses. Theranos's processes are faster, cheaper and more accurate than the conventional methods and require only microscopic blood volumes, not vial after vial of the stuff. The experience will be revelatory to anyone familiar with current practices, which often seem like medicine by Bram Stoker.
Enlarge Image
Fred Harper
A Theranos technician first increases blood flow to your hand by applying a wrap similar to one of those skiing pocket warmers, then uses a fingerstick to draw a few droplets of blood from the capillaries at the end of your hand. The blood wicks into a tube in a cartridge that Ms. Holmes calls a "nanotainer," which holds microliters of a sample, or about the amount of a raindrop. The nanotainer is then run through the analyzers in a Theranos laboratory. Results are usually sent back to a physician, but a full blood work-upmetabolic and immune markers, cell count, etc.was in my inbox by the time I walked out the door. (Phew: all clear.)
It's the kind of modern, painless service that consumers rarely receive in U.S. health care, though Ms. Holmes makes the point the other way around: "We're here in Silicon Valley inside the consumer technology world . . . and what we think we're building is the first consumer health-care technology company. Patients are empowered by having better access to their own health information, and then by owning their own data."
And a Theranos clinic may be coming soon to a pharmacy near you. On Monday the company is launching a partnership with Walgreens for in-store sample-collection centers, with the first one in Palo Alto and expanding throughout California and beyond. Ms. Holmes's long-term goal is to provide Theranos services "within five miles of virtually every American home."
Diagnostics is one of those corners of the health markets that is more irrational the closer you look. Tests account for between 2% and 2.5% of health spending, but Ms. Holmes notes that they drive an estimated seven or eight of every 10 clinical decisions by physicians, with 6.8 billion lab tests annually in the U.S.
"The art of phlebotomy originated with bloodletting in 1400 B.C. and the modern clinical lab emerged in the 1960sand it has not fundamentally evolved since then," she says. The billions of tests generally follow the same ritual: In a hospital or clinic, "you go in, sit down, they put a tourniquet on your arm, stick you with a needle, take these tubes and tubes of blood," as Ms. Holmes describes it.
The specimens are then transported, via a courier or hospital pneumatic tube, to a centralized lab, where they are manually removed from the tubes with a pipette and mixed with a chemical reagent or sent through instruments like a centrifuge or mass spectrometer. After days or weeks of waiting, your doctor finally gets the results.
One major problem, Ms. Holmes says, is that physicians rarely have "the best actionable information to make the best possible diagnosis at the time it matters." She posits a hypothetical patient whose doctor orders a test and discovers that she has a dangerously low hemoglobin count, so he puts her on an anti-anemia drug. He must order another test to find out what kind of anemia she has, and days later it turns out to be merely an iron deficiency. The best final treatment was actually "take some iron pills or eat more spinach."
Theranos's technology eliminates multiple lab trips because it can "run any combination of tests, including sets of follow-on tests," at once, very quickly, all from a single microsample. Ms. Holmes estimates that patients and doctors will receive readouts in "as little as two hours" and can even do so before an office visit based on their physician's recommendation for better, or at least less ad hoc, consultations.
Only about 62% of tests that doctors order are ultimately carried out, according to health-policy researchers at the Lewin Group. One reason tests aren't performed: not enough blood. To ensure that labs don't reject samples, several studies have documented that medical institutions sometimes collect as much as 45 times the amount of blood from patients that conventional tests actually require.
Luckily, blood is a renewable resource, though the small Theranos sample size is a particular advance for the elderly, for whom blood draws can be agony because of collapsed veins. It's also good news for children who fear needles, and for oncology patients, whose blood is being constantly tested.
Another Theranos advance is its testing's accuracy. Ms. Holmes believes the chain of conventional laboratory custody introduces too many opportunities for error, "which is basically wherever humans are involved." The integrity of lab specimens can be contaminated if they sit too long on the bench, or if they're mistakenly processed by a tech, or by temperature, and so forth.
A 2002 review in the journal Clinical Chemistry found error estimates ranging from one out of every 33-50 tests to one of every 8,300, though the rate has likely since improved. The same sample sent to two different labs can yield two varying results, and the same lab testing the same sample twice can yield different results too.
That's because the precision of lab instruments, and their reference ranges, vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Labs buy from different vendors and often don't calibrate the machines to each other. Certain tests may be reported with fairly wide margins of error, such as a plus-or-minus 30% of allowable error for HDL cholesterol. Ms. Holmes notes that a measurement that is essentially a 60% error range isn't very useful, especially over time, since disease itself is a progression over time.
Theranos's technology is automated, standardized, and attempts to subtract human error from the process. It can thus achieve much lower variance ranges for a given test. Ms. Holmes says its tests have margins of "allowable error" targets less than 10%.
The medical promise of this speed and better information means catching disease in its earliest stages before the onset of symptoms. The company's analytic tools might also help realize the possibilities of truly personalized medicine, as scientists gain a better understanding of the heterogeneity of disease and how to treat individuals based on their own bodies, not large averages.
Theranos's tools may also allow doctors to analyze data "longitudinally"to see trends, clusters and rates of change that they can't now. Medicine would ask fewer on-off, do-you-have-this-disease-or-not questions, and instead "meaningfully and powerfully answer the question of how to detect and manage these diseases early on," says Ms. Holmes.
She first funded Theranos at age 19 by cashing out an education trust that her parents set up, which allowed her to hire her first employee and rent lab space. Later rounds of funding were raised from venture capital and private equity. Once Theranos was more established, it started to earn revenue from contracts conducting pharmaceutical testing in cancer drug and other clinical trials.
A word about costs and what that investment bought, which doesn't follow the usual rules about a new medical technology. Ms. Holmes says Theranos can conduct a battery of tests for "tens of dollars," a phrase that does not exist in U.S. health care. She calls it "a watershed opportunity to change the trajectory of health costs through price transparency."
Since 1984, the Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule has set reimbursements for 1,140 unique lab tests across 57 U.S. jurisdictions. That's 64,980 different price controls. Meanwhile, the prices that private insurers negotiate with providers are virtually trade secrets.
Theranos is committing to a half-off discount on Medicare fees. "So a test that costs $100 now, we'll do $50 or less. The quote-unquote payer community I don't think has ever seen someone walk in and say we want to bill you at less than you're willing to reimburse," she says. If this strategy succeeds in squeezing down pricessay, lowering testing as a share of total health costs to 1.5% from 2.3% nowit could save Medicare $61 billion over 10 years and Medicaid $96.1 billion, according to what Theranos calls a conservative estimate.
Ms. Holmes says her larger goal is increasing access to testing, including among the uninsured, though she might also have a market-share land grab in mind. For instance, she says Theranos will publish all its retail prices on its website. The company's X-ray of self-transparency also includes reporting its margins-of-error variations online and on test results and order forms, which few if any labs do now.
This strategy may be inviting a hell of a battle with the health industry, where the incentives are rigged against startups and the empire usually finds a way of striking back. Witness the medical-practice regulations that make medicine a cartel against competitors. Pathologists, lab scientists and technicians won't be pleased if their jobs go the way of travel agents.
Ms. Holmes declines to discuss Theranos's future plans, though one may speculate. There could be military applications in the battlefield, especially given the numerous framed American flags across the Theranos office and the presence on its corporate board of retired Gens. Jim Mattis and Gary Roughead, former Defense Secretary Bill Perry and former Secretary of State George Shultz.
The other obvious tech reality is that the devices keep shrinking, and over the last several years Theranos has been granted several patents for portable diagnosis system at the point of care. One of them even invokesforget the iWatcha wearable diagnostic device that would attach to the body with silicon microneedles "about the size of a human hair."
The biggest question is whether Ms. Holmes has discovered one of those often promised, more often elusive disruptive innovations designed to cut costs while improving quality. In a conversation about a year ago, Secretary Shultz said Ms. Holmes could be "the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates."
When I put it to him again on my recent visit, he smiles slyly. "This is not the last thing she's going to invent or create."
Mr. Rago is a member of the Journal's editorial http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...mod=hp_opinion


text:
Choosing a roofing material may not be as easy as you first imagined. There are so many different materials and styles to choose from and understanding the materials and knowing what makes them so popular, can help you make your own informed decision in the long run.
While rubber roofing appears exceptionally popular around the word, especially for outer buildings such as sheds, it is important to know that they do have their disadvantages. Weighing up the positive and the negative will help you identify whether this is the right roofing material to use for your re-roofing or new roofing project.
Rubber roofing does have a long list of benefits and a handful of negatives. The first downside to this exciting material is the appearance. There is nothing overly appealing about a rubber roof, in fact it can look rather dull and boring. Depending on the style of your home, this black rubber roofing effect may not be the one that will enhance your house appearance in the long run.
Another downside is that not all roof installers have experience with this material. You will be able to find something who has worked with this material before, but you may also find that the price will be slightly increased than if you were to use another roofing material.
Further, what you may not be thinking about right now is that the black rubber will absorb heat, which is beneficial in the winter months, but it can be a little overbearing in the summer months. Unless you use air conditioning, this is definitely something to think about. This could be a positive or a negative when it comes to choosing whether to buy rubber roofing or to look at one of the other options on the market today.
The good news is that lighter colours are being introduced for rubber roofing, black isn't the only available colour these days. But when you look at how affordable this material is, you may find that choosing a lighter colour will cost you considerably.
Now that you have heard about the disadvantages of rubber roofing, it is a good idea to see how this particular product can benefit you now and moving forward. Rubber roofing is very strong and durable and is made to last. The benefit to this is whether you live in a hot or a cold climate, the roofing material you have chosen will be able to withstand all weather conditions with ease.
This product is very low maintenance, while remaining very easy and affordable to repair. Due to the nature of the product, you do not need to carry out expensive maintenance from time to time, Repairs are quick and easy. You can get rubber that covers the damaged area and as long as you seal it properly, there will be no issues moving forward.
Because this material comes in a long roll, you limit the number of gaps where water may get in, unless you have chosen the roof tile style. Having less gaps or places where the end of one sheet meets another can help reduce the risk of mould and mildew in your roof.
A great benefit of the material is that it is usually made from recycled materials. This makes choosing this particular roofing material is environmentally friendly and will help you reduce your impact on the environment when you replace your roof or install a new roof.


text:
A 41-year-old man died Friday afternoon after plunging an estimated 250 feet from the top of a rock formation popular with climbers in Eldorado Canyon State Park, according to authorities.
Boulder County emergency dispatchers began receiving reports about the fatal fall at 5:25 p.m., officials say.
Boulder County Sheriff's Sgt. Lori Cox said deputies arrived on the scene to find the body in the roadway. It appears the man, described only as a white male, born in April 1971, fell 250 feet from the top of the Bastille rock formation, Cox said.
He was not wearing climbing gear when his body was found, according to Cox.
David Applehans, 26, of Lafayette, said he was wrapping up a day of climbing in the park Friday when he witnessed the man fall. He did not want to speculate on what caused the fall, but he noted the man was alone and did not scream when he went over the edge of the rock formation.
Applehans said his climbing partner Friday was a paramedic who was the first one to call 911 after they witnessed the man fall.
"We were the second group on the scene," Applehans said. "It was obvious when we arrived that nothing could be done to help him."
The incident is under investigation.


text:
Following the most successful season in program history, the Central Connecticut softball team has added another accolade to its impressive list of 2012-13 accomplishments. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has named CCSU to their 2013 NFCA Division I All-Academic Team list. In addition to the team honor, six Blue Devils were named 2013 NFCA All-American Scholar-Athletes, Kat Malcolm, Brittany Ernst, Ashley Black, Lauryn Alibozek, Evie Rentzel and Morgan Trudeau.
The 2013 Northeast Conference Champions closed out the 2012-13 school year with a 3.07 grade point average. Joining the Blue Devils on the list in representing the NEC is Robert Morris, Bryant, LIU Brooklyn, Sacred Heart and Saint Francis U.
"One of our goals has been to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher as a team," Head Coach Jeff Franquet said. "We finished with a 3.07 GPA this year which is remarkable considering all the adversity we went through last year. We couldn't be more proud of this group of student-athletes."
The All-American Scholar-Athlete award is bestowed upon exceptional college and high school athletes who achieve a grade point average of 3.50 or higher during the 2012-13 academic year. Malcolm, Alibozek and Black are no strangers to the list as the trio was the sole representation from the Blue Devils for the 2011-12 school year. The addition of freshmen Ernst, Rentzel and Trudeau doubles last year's All-American Scholar-Athletes from CCSU.
"We had an amazing season with so many great things happen for our program," Franquet said, "but it is always remarkable to see our student-athletes get a 3.5 GPA or higher and still play at a high level. We are very proud of them."
Malcolm adds the accolade to her NEC Co-Player of the Week (twice), NEC Most Improved Player and NEC Player of the Year awards as a sophomore. Malcolm also earned Capital One Academic All-District, First Team All-NEC, NEC All-Tournament, NFCA Division I All-Region and ECAC All-Star Team honors last year.
"Kat Malcolm is the highest example of being a student-athlete in my opinion," Franquet said. "Her work ethic is unmatched in the classroom and on the field. We are so proud of Kat and are very thankful we get to watch her play for two more years."
For the first time in program history, the 2013 squad clinched the NEC Championship and traveled to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils traveled to Baton Rouge, LA where they completed the round 1-2 to end the season. Central also beat the record for wins in a single season for the third consecutive season, posting a 36-15 record.


text:
Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling (30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936 / Bombay)
» Click to list general statistics » OR, select a date :
How The Camel Got His Hump
The Camel's hump is an ugly lump
Which well you may see at the Zoo;
But uglier yet is the hump we get
From having too little to do.
read more >>
- Hits: Number of visitors who read the poem on the given date.
- Posts: Number of visitors who posted the poem to a friend (via e-mail) on the given date.
- Dates that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list.
- Dates, poems and poets that have "0" hits may not be shown on the list. Statistics are generated daily.


text:
The Washington DC Chapter of the
User Experience Professionals Association
A one-day exchange of ideas that demonstrate the value of user experience.
Author of Simple and Usable Web, Mobile, and Interaction Design
If you've ever seen someone shout at their laptop or throw down their phone in anger, then you'll know that our response to the machines around us can be highly emotional. In human discourse, emotions play an important role in planning, decision making, and memory. Yet in much of UX design, we simply try to eradicate 'negative' emotions and then put a veneer of prettiness over an interface. In doing so, we're ignoring some powerful tools for communication and connection. Designing for emotion needs to be about more than adding cheeky headlines or choosing nice colors. This presentation will give you the tools to go deeper.
See the full conference schedule
$125 UXPA DC Metro Members
$150 Non Members
$165 UXPA DC Metro Members
$190 Non Members
$85 Student Member Rate


text:
Server farms are expensive, but what's many times more expensive than the cost of all the hardware is the cost of keeping the place from incinerating itself with waste heat.
Most farms rely on complex air conditioning systems, but Facebook has found a place where all it'll have to do is open a window: the Arctic.
Facebook's newest server farm (and it's first one outside of the United States) is going to be built in Luleå, up in northern Sweden. At 65 degrees of latitude, Luleå is just as close to the pole as Siberia, Greenland and most of Alaska, although technically, it's a few tens of miles south of the Arctic Circle itself. The average temperature up there is a whopping 35 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect environment for a giant data center. Instead of having to pay a bunch of money for energy-hungry air conditioners, all Facebook is going to do is (more or less) open all the windows and turn on some fans.
This is not going to be some sort of piddly little exploratory project for Facebook. They'll be building three gigantic server halls, covering an area equivalent to 11 football fields. Even without having to pay for the additional A/C, the air cooling system is still going to cost about $75 million a year. The other appeal of northern Sweden, though, is cheap hydro power: the Luleå river produces twice as much electricity as the Hoover Dam.
Cold air may be cheap in the Arctic, but once a server farm sucks up a bunch of it, that cold air turns into hot air. Then it gets blown back out into the Arctic, which instantly gets a little less Arctic-y. 'Course, there's more than enough cold air to go around, but it's still just a little something that the Swedes should keep in mind, lest the environmental effects harm the indigenous moose and lucrative gummy fish industry.
Via Telegraph


text:
AN INCUBATOR for hundreds of Winchester businesses has celebrated its 30th anniversary.
The Hampshire Workspace, a set of serviced offices on Southgate Street, has welcomed hundreds of businesses through its doors over the last 30 years since it was set up by George Dibben and his wife Sylvia.
Mr Dibben said he set up the Southgate Chambers site when he couldn't find a lease that matched his needs.
He said: "At that time the property market was such that landlords wanted you to sign quite long term leases – five years and beyond – and were looking to tie tenants up financially with guarantees and the like. That didn't seem to me sensible because I didn't know what my business would look like in a month, let alone five years. I didn't want to tie my capital up keeping some landlord comfortable when I needed it to start up and work my business.
"There is a big difference between a five year lease and a three month commitment. People don't always understand that it is intentionally that way because it is the provision of a service and not the provision of a fixed amount of space, so it is very much a temporary agreement," he said.
"That flexibility is really important because it means if your business grows for a period of time, you can take on more space and then you can shrink back down again if you need to, which is very difficult if you take on a fixed space.
"In practice we've had one or two people who've been here for long periods of time. One stayed here twenty years."
Since it began Mr Dibben said he's seen the face of the workplace environment evolve with the growing use of modern technology.
"The whole workplace environment has become much more mobile," he added. "Mobile phones, laptops, small printer-cum-photocopiers and other devices remove the need for central services because people look after themselves. However there is still the fundamental business of providing a reception, mail handling and an office cleaning service.
"The thing that hasn't changed is that people working on their own need other people, they need a shared experience, an occasional laugh around the water cooler or something like that. That is one of the things we have always provided."


text:
- Premium grade complex of Manuka Honey, Bee Pollen, Ginger Root and Royal Jelly, combined with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Contains elderberry extract, famed for it's immune support capabilities.
- Packed with natural flavonoids, bioflavanoids and the most important vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients.
- Expertly formulated to support healthy immune function and energy metabolism to help maintain an active lifestyle.
- Natural source of health bacteria probiotics.
- Vitamin C & B6 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Manufactured in the UK To GMP standard using only the finest ingredients.
Take 2 capsules daily, preferably with a meal.
Each capsule provides: Whole Equivalent Bee Propolis (from Bee Propolis Extract) 500mg, Whole Equivalent Royal Jelly (from Royal Jelly Extract) 250mg, Whole Acerola Cherry Fruit Extract 150mg (providing minimum 25% vitamin C), Manuka Honey 75mg, Bee Pollen 75mg, Vitamin C 75mg, Black Elderberry Extract 50mg, Lemon Bioflavonoids 50mg, Ginger Root 50mg, Resveratrol 25mg, Zinc 10mg, Niacin 8mg, Iron 7mg, Vitamin E 6mg, Pantothenic Acid 3mg, Thiamin 1mg, Riboflavin 1mg, Vitamin B6 0.75mg / 750μg, Copper 0.5mg / 500μg, Vitamin D3 500iu, Folic Acid 100μg, Selenium 50μg, Vitamin B12 1.25μg.
Always consult your health practitioner before taking nutritional supplements if you are taking medication or are under medical supervision.
You should not take supplements as a substitute for a varied balanced diet.
Store in a cool dry place, out of reach of children.
Do not exceed stated dose.
Not suitable for anyone wishing to remove Sulphur, ginger, rice or corn from their diet.
This product is manufactured in a facility that also handles allergy based materials such as nuts, seeds, milk, egg, cereals, soya, mustard, celery, fish, crustaceans and sulphites.


text:
It is only twice a year on Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Saturday (the Saturday before Thanksgiving) and the week before Christmas (this year on Saturday December 15th) that we open up our Dock for a Special Holiday Sale. This is a tradition that started on Dakin Street in a Tent and has continued to our Bakery & Cafe on Forest Preserve Drive. You can shop the Eli's Cheesecake Cafe daily with the biggest selection of Eli's Cheesecake anywhere as well as special deals on our Sweet Imperfections, but there is something special about going on the Dock and seeing the amazing selection.
Thanks to all our families at Eli's for making Dock Sale Saturday such a great success. We are delighted to welcome our customers to our home and to highlight the dedication and great work of our people throughout the year.


text:
Skip to Content
Wednesday October 26, 2011
CONTACT: Richard Penny, (425)352-3395, email@example.com
BOTHELL, Wash. – The newly formed Debate Society at the University of Washington Bothell successfully competed in the Steve Hunt Classic Speech and Debate Tournament hosted by Lewis and Clark College in Lake Oswego, Oregon, from October 7 to 9, 2011.
Student competitors Ismaila Maidadi and Jeff King qualified to compete in the quarterfinals in the novice category. Maidadi won first speaker and King won fourth speaker in the novice category.
The Debate Society also competed in the Logger Invitational tournament held at the University of Puget Sound, from October 22 to 23.
Student competitor Allison Titchernal won ninth speaker in the novice division, and Soong Kit Wong won seventh speaker in the novice division while Killian O'Connel won tenth speaker in the novice division. Ismaili Maidadi won ninth speaker in the junior division.
About UW Bothell Debate Society: The purpose of the Debate Society at UW Bothell is to develop student skills in speech and argumentation while becoming a regionally and nationally competitive debate team. The program provides opportunities to develop skills in competitive speech, critical discourse and argumentation. Further, this program is meant to enhance student interdisciplinary research skills, critical thinking skills, and oral and written communication.
About UW Bothell: The University of Washington Bothell combines the benefits of a small campus with the resources and prestige of a world-renowned university. Offering over 30 degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, its curriculum emphasizes close student-faculty interaction, collaboration among students, and hands-on learning.For more information, visit www.uwb.edu.


text:
Memorial Day is just one day a year, and as Louetta Smith, director of the annual Denver Memorial Day Tribute event, sees it, it's not too much to ask to take a few minutes during the day to …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
If you made a voluntary contribution of $25 or more in Nov. 2018-2019, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one at no additional charge. VIP Digital Access Includes access to all websites
Memorial Day is just one day a year, and as Louetta Smith, director of the annual Denver Memorial Day Tribute event, sees it, it's not too much to ask to take a few minutes during the day to remember those who have served the country.
"Like a lot of people, for a long time I never really thought of Memorial Day like I should," she remembered. "But I started getting involved in the tribute, and that reminded me of the importance of gratitude for those who gave their lives for all of us."
There's a lot going on during Memorial Day weekend, as it has long served as the unofficial opening weekend of summer. People looking to spend time outside are spoiled for choice, and even while doing something like participating in a beer run, a community picnic, or even a huge Nerf battle, events like the tribute remind people what the day is all about.
The first Denver Memorial Day Tribute event was held on Memorial Day 2000 by Deb Ellis, following the death off her World War II vet father. The event started out with more of a fair atmosphere, but 9/11 and the ensuing war on terror changed the vibe of the tribute. It became an event about the Gold Star families.
"I had attended the City and County of Denver's Memorial Day Parade and I remember at the time being amazed that the parade was so poorly attended. The country seemed so complacent about military sacrifice — past or present," Ellis said. "This year, there are more than 40 families that will attend the Tribute, and they come from all over Colorado."
The Tribute is now held indoors at the POF Hall, 1340 Sherman St. in Denver, just south of the Capitol, and will go from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 26. The event will feature musical tributes from the U.S. Navy Band Northwest Brass Quintet, soloist Rosemary White, violist Valerie Reives and more.
Then, there will be a seven-wreath remembrance ceremony honoring veterans and the fallen from all wars and presentations to the Gold Star families who have lost a loved one since the war on terror, complete with names, biographical information and a Navy bell tolling.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Those looking to show appreciation in a quieter way can volunteer at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., to help lay flowers at the graves. The flower laying begins at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 28.
"It feels like Memorial Day has lost a lot of its meaning for many people," Smith said. "It helps to remember what this day is for amidst everything that is happening over the weekend."
Other items that may interest you
We have noticed you are using an ad blocking plugin in your browser.
The revenue we receive from our advertisers helps make this site possible. We request you whitelist our site.


text:
Inspiring Logo Design for Formation Capital
Held by: Kathryn Warren (kwarren)
Last rated:
Contest Statistics
Scores (229 total)
5 0
4 0
3 7
2 45
1 177
This Project 7
Average 1
This Project 229
Average 112
Logo design created by professional graphic designer Tracy Loewen
Entry designed by:
More entries from this contest:
Want a unique logo design like this one?
Did you know?
Our clients use design contests for all of their graphic design needs, including:
Banner Ad Design, Twitter Page Design, Clothing Design, Button & Icon Design, and more!


text:
This spring young and old can come to the studio of the GlazenHuis to blow an own colourful glass flower vase under the guidance of an experienced glassblower. Get acquainted with the fascinating transformation of liquid glass into a self-made unique glass vase to put your spring flowers in. This workshop is suited for adults and children aged 6 and over. An unforgettable experience!
Dates: 11 April | 5 May | 12 May 2019
Time: various hours
Duration: approx. 30 minutes per person
Instructors: Team GlazenHuis
Age: aged 6 and over
No previous experience required
Price: € 35/person (entrance to the exhibition included)


text:
Founded in 1972, Redwood Roofers provides the highest quality roofing on the Mendocino Coast. During those years Redwood Roofers is proud to have roofed many high-profile historic building in the village of Mendocino. Redwood Roofers has also roofed some of the most modern of homes on the Mendocino coast.
Our large, experienced crew allows us to do residential and commercial work in a timely manner with a minimum of disruption. We are fully insured, and offer a full range of services, including repairs, complete skylight installation, guttering, insulating, roof cleaning, roof maintenance, and roof evaluations for real estate transactions.
Redwood Roofers has built it's business on its reputation for the finest quality work. We are licensed roofing contractors and are glad to provide references.
Experience, quality, and reputation—the reason why Redwood Roofers has become the most trusted name in roofing on the North Coast.
Redwood Roofers are a reliable, solid, efficient team with whom I am totally satisfied. They first met their commitment date on schedule and went to work immediately. The custom-designed roof had several unique issues, and the Redwood Roofers addressed them all.
Their work ethic was beyond criticism—arriving on time, taking only a short break, and leaving late. The office staff was responsive and always available by phone, and the proprietor worked alongside his crew.
Redwood Roofers honored their original estimate, which was below our expectation, and there was no later "add-on" billing for several adjustments in the project. We now have what we dreamed of having one day—a "walk-on roof." The county inspector visited the site and signed off immediately.
Jim G., Little River, CA
Two days after new roofing [was] installed we had a heavy rain and our formally leaky roof help up fine. Thank you for an efficient and speedy job from your hard working crew.
Jill W., Mendocino, CA
I am more than pleased with the roofing job and friendly workers. I would recommend "Redwood Roofers" to anyone who asks.
Irene P., Fort Bragg, CA
Great crew, good work. What we'd hoped for.
Sam W., Mendocino, CA
Thanks again—all of you did a great job.
Cynthia G., Mendocino, CA
Excellent work and service. Clean up was perfect, no evidence the roof was redone.
Doug M., Fort Bragg, CA
Crew did a great job and finished on schedule. All were very friendly and cooperative.
Wayne B., Mendocino, CA
Redwood Roofers is the fifth roofing company to attempt to stop this leak. It seems to have worked! Thank you!
The Coast - KOZT FM
Expedient, efficient and thorough.
Glenn S., Mendocino, CA
Always highly professional work. Thanks so much.
Larry H., Mendocino, CA
Great job, thank you.
Dan M., Mendocino, CA
We had you do our house. Work was very good. Working with your people was very enjoyable.
Dave F., Mendocino, CA
I have been using Redwood Roofers as my roofing subcontractor of choice for the last five years. I especially like the crew, their durability, workmanship and can-do attitude. They have "Stamina, Stability, and a Good Disposition®", which is also the motto of my company!
Mike Abell, Abell Builders
Wonderful people to work with! Actually fun! Our house was warmer and dryer this winter ? and no mold! We were VERY happy working with our community roofers!
Sue B., Mendocino
You repaired a roof done by one of your competitors. This time it was truly done right. Thank you.
James G., Fort Bragg
I was very happy with your work- you did a great job and the skylights are beautiful. It was a professional job. Thanks for taking the time to do it right and fixing the bad spots. I will highly recommend the roof and the skylights.
Sukii N., Fort Bragg
You guys always do quality work and I appreciate your professional approach to the roofing business.
Charles W., Mendocino
Easy to work with and very thorough and professional.
Point Arena High School
Redwood Roofers provided excellent quality on a reliable schedule. They are knowledgeable and honest. The job was not easy, but they made sure that the roof was properly install and vented. The crew was conscientious. Clean-up was thorough. I highly recommend Redwood Roofers: they will do a first-class job.
Eric & Betsy F., Mendocino
The roofers started while we were away. They were very careful with all the yard things and also when they had to go in the house. We now have a beautiful roof and we thank all of the guys!
Arlene & Karry W., Little River
I appreciated that everything was explained to me when I would ask questions. I feel I got quality work at a fair price. I'm very pleased all around.
Pat D., Little River
Really great roofing crew. They worked fast through fog, wind, sprinkles and heat.
Paula & Glenn I., Fort Bragg
This is my second time using Redwood Roofers on a second house. Their work, service, cleanliness is outstanding. I highly recommend them!
Greg S., Little River
Very happy with the job!! From estimate to completion—very professional.
John R., Fort Bragg
Thank you for your prompt response and quality of workmanship and safety measures followed on this very challenging roof.
Jan H., Elk
Very fast, love the attention to detail, nice job cleaning up. I would not have known you had been there if I didn't see the pictures!
Mike G., Mendocino


text:
Bringing Balance to the Force
. Please
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Login with username, password and session length
JediDefender.com Forums
Photonovels and Movies
Jesse James
) »
EP8 THE VOLATILE VISION (the finale PART 3)
« previous
next »
Pages: [
Topic: EP8 THE VOLATILE VISION (the finale PART 3) (Read 1306 times)
Darth Depressis
Jedi Padawan
Posts: 546
i've never seen garbage eat garbage before
EP8 THE VOLATILE VISION (the finale PART 3)
April 30, 2008, 09:10 PM »
The Mammoth Armies of the Gogekra descend upon the beach surrounded by rock formations that conceal the vast valley. The tide comes in violently at the feet of Anakin Solo whom stands fully adorned in the gold Hastlo built Armor, which glistens in the sun.
Jacen Solo Hovers close to his brother while holding his saber hilt firm between his gloved hands.
The two stand looking out at the advancing armies which are followed by Dozens of Massive serpentine Vehicles, then from out of the mist rides Chi-Ro Rahem.
Chi-Ro pilots his speeder bike at full speed to the front of the advancing line to take control of the charge and personally handle the Jedi. From out of nowhere jacen solo chops off the front of the speeder bike causing it to wreck into the sand and send chi-ro hurtling through the air.
from where he curls up into a ball and rolls along the sand until he jumps to his feet igniting his concealed weapon of choice and flinging his torn up robe into the air as he engages Jacen Solo with his Deadly Light-Chukes. The hovering knight enters into a violent duel with the Teras Kasi warrior, whom displays a show of force against the knight by joining him in the air to lock light blades.
Left standing at the head of the trail, Anakin solo must wait for the advancing army to almost engulf him before gives the signal for the Hastlos to converge upon the GogekRas.
Just as the advancing armies come within ten feet of the Jedi, he engages his saber and charges towards the gogekra army. As he ignites his saber the hastlos fly up from the vast valley and dive downward in front of him with their wings spread outward continuing their path across the beach and into the advancing army.
Chopping several dozen of the warriors down as they go with their knife-like armor.
as he steps into the violent sea four massive serpentine war machines emerge from under his feet causing Anakin to force jump into the blood soaked ocean full of corpses. the Jedi wades his way over to the small island where chi-ro and jacen are dueling, only to find jacen being fought down to the sand as chi-ro pummels the disfigured Jedi with both light blade and teras kasi energy bombs.
Anakin brings his saber down on chi-ro, who takes the blow to his arm, which he protects by firing off teras kasi energy. Baffled at the sight of this, Anakin stalls in amazement only to be attacked by chi-ro rahem, who swings his light-chukes around at tremendous force powered speeds clashing with Anakins light blade with each swing. The completely overpowered Jedi is backed up by his floating brother from behind who speeds at chi-ro from the behind.
The hastlos continue flying through the gogekra wave after wave, the brutish warriors begin to start grabbing the hastlos out of the air and tearing them apart before they can decapitate them. The serpentine machine starts blasting flocks of hastlos out of the sky.
From out of the distance the millennium falcon ascends upon the scene firing all its weapons at the serpentine machines exploding three as the mighty vessel thunders across the sea.
Jaina:(in captains chair) this looks grim, dad keep your eyes open up in that turret!
Han: (within turret) dont worry, about me you just make sure your brothers are alive via the force.
Jaina: I never thought youd ask me to use the force, theyre alive. Not safe but alive.
Sliding down the side of a cliff while clinging to his ignited saber hilts keeping Zeb-Ska clung to the side of the cliff.
Coming to a stop on a vast expansive area overlooking the molten core of the planet Gurlituim. Just two hundred meters above the core resides a launch pad that has Maldinis Assault cruiser and an Gogekra Serpentine fighter parked upon it, aside from the ship sitting at the center of an pillar is The Kaliber Crystal.
The young Jedi disengages his sabers and gets to his feet, only to be attacked by Pando Dranet from the rear again.
Reacting flawlessly the young Jedi proceeds to stab Dranet through the head and decapitate him.
Out in Space the long awaited republic fleet blasts out of hyperspace above Gurlitiuim, the fleet is ambushed by the blockade of Gogekra Assault Cruisers.
Olop: alright rogues! Now we show our stuff to these bogeys.
Before his transmission can be heard, his vessel explodes in flames as the entire blockade opens fire on the advancing fleet detachment.
Jacen Solo submerges from the violent ocean, via the force he pulls a serpentine machine mid air and hurls it towards chi-ro rahem.
The teras kasi warrior reacts by using force push to blow apart the massive vechile so it crumbles to pieces around him. Not wasting the open window for attack Jacen.
Han: Here comes the Pain.
As Chi-ro goes to deliver the death blow the millennium falcon Fires its lasers at chi-ro, sensing the attack via the force. Rahem does a full body teras kasi power shield.
Down in the caverns, Luke begins to show weakness before his ravenously attacking Daughter.
Zeb-Ska force jumps down to the launch pad.
Luke puts in his last efforts to win the duel as maldini kicks him in the stomach and back flips over his head while stabbing her lightsaber into his left eye. Luke falls to his knees in pain cradling his smoking Ocular Cavity.
Maldini: (swinging saber and going to strike Luke) only now you will understand my purpose, to bring about the destruction all that exists in the eyes of the force, which will stop controlling the fates of all!
Maldini lets loose a volley of dark force lightening upon her father whom unwisely attempts to absorb said lightening with his prosthetic hand.
Luke: (cradling smoking ocular cavity) why!
Zeb-Ska: (jumping to the launch pad) get away from him!
Maldini: now it comes down to it. But neither of you know what is needed to enact the Prophesy, which is way you fail.
Zeb-Ska: Master Luke, dont worry Im here.
Maldini: (preparing to strike) it is only a matter of time now, he will die. And theres nothing you can do about it Jedi.
The two lunge towards each other with sabers drawn, Luke springs to life and force pushes both in separate directions as he takes up his saber and holds it high above his head.
He brings the blade down upon the Kaliber Crystal, running it through and releasing an explosion of pure force energy.
The ensuing explosion happens in slow motion for all force-sensitive present that make for their escape routes as the destruction engulfs Luke Skywalker and splits the planet Gurlituim in half. Maldini runs to her Attack Cruiser and speeds away into hyperspace from within the planet; Zeb-Ska does the same from within a Gogekra Serpentine War Machine.
Chi-Ro Rahem leaps into another Gogekra war machine and speeds away as the planet explodes into two separate halves of burning rubble.
Closing shot of four vessels speeding away as the planet splits in two and explodes.
To be concluded in Star Wars Episode Nine: Reign of the Force
Set Twenty Minutes after events in Episode Eight and forty-six years after
Episode Four: A New Hope.
Last Edit: May 8, 2008, 03:58 PM by Darth Depressis
Pages: [
« previous
next »
JediDefender.com Forums
Photonovels and Movies
Jesse James
) »
EP8 THE VOLATILE VISION (the finale PART 3)
Simple Machines
Page created in 0.04 seconds with 18 queries.


text:
Panasonic Eluga DL-1 8GB (Black) is in stock!
Panasonic ELUGA is the first phone from the manufacturer to mark its return to the European market. Derived from the phrase "elegant user-oriented gateway", it is certainly bound to turn some heads with a thin aluminum frame and IP57-certified body, meaning impermeable to dust, as well as immersible in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Just 0.3 inches (7.8mm) and 3.63oz (103g), it is one of the slimmest and lightest Android handsets out there of this screen size. Panasonic boasts that the BELUGA comprises of 66% screen and has one of the largest screen-to-body ratios on the market, thanks to the almost nonexistent screen side bezel, and the compact ergonomic shape. It sports a 4.3" qHD display, 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP processor, 8GB of memory, HSPA+ 4G radio plus NFC chip, and an 8MP camera.
For more inquiry, please email email@example.com or contact us at this link.


text:
Issues of the UK's Wireless World magazine from 1911 to 1986 are available to download as PDFs
In the 1960's, 70's and 80's the magazine featured an amateur radio column 'World of Amateur Radio'.
You can download Wireless World magazines from http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Wireless_World_Magazine.htm
The above is taken from Southgate ARC's brilliant news site. http://www.southgatearc.org/


text:
hellooo! its wednesday so that means its "what i wore wednesday", where i record my outfits for the week to keep me accountable to actually getting dressed each day. wanna join me? see the rules at the bottom of the post. rules? oh yeah, we're serious here ;)
my first day of home school outfit
i don't buy my kids back to school clothes because, well, they have plenty (they get tons of hand-me-downs) and i buy them stuff when they need it. but i decided to do a little back-to-school shopping for myself!
polka dot cardi – forever 21
v-neck t-shirt – forever 21
jeans – forever 21
petal pushers – the pleated poppy
necklace – lisa leonard designs
shoes – target
top – target
jeans – target
flats – payless
dress – target
jean jacket & belt – forever 21
boots – steve madden
fluff – allora handmade
bracelet – christine marie studio
earrings – ike & co.
new favorite easy outfit – love it!
top – target
jeans – forever 21
converse – nordstrom rack
gold braid headband – forever 21
top – from my mom, paris
shorts – banana republic outlet
sandals – gap
necklace – allora handmade
top – forever 21
jeans & flats – target
necklace – lisa leonard designs
so, i thought i'd share a stream of pictures of a shoot my husband did. usually, lily, my 6 year old, takes my wiww pics. but occasionally i'll have sean take my pics. see the stream of pics below and you'll see why i don't ask him too often ;) he makes me crack up and takes waaay too many pictures!
wanna link up with me? yay! just follow the rules:
1. link to your specific blog post, not your blog's main page. ex: http://thepleatedpoppy.com/2011/09/what-i-wore-wednesday-fall-inspiration/ not http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/.
2. please only link outfit related posts. your craft project may be adorable, or that may be a great giveaway, but this linky is for outfit related posts only – thank you!
3. please please please link back here to me so all this wiww stuff makes sense to your readers. and its just nice to do ;) grab a button from my sidebar (see the code box?).
4. check out as many links as possible! i am constantly inspired by so many outfits each week! and you will definitely find some new blogs that you've never stumbled upon before – so fun!
i'm also linking up with nina of momma go round for "real momma, real style" – join me there, mkay?


text:
The Academic Testing Center's mission is to provide reliable test administration and high quality customer service in a secure environment that facilitates academic success. We adhere to the National College Testing Association Professional Standards and Guidelines and strive to provide services that will advance the mission of Grand Rapids Community College.
Academic Testing Services provides testing services for Grand Rapids Community College students and the community at large. We offer a variety of tests from College Level Education Program (CLEP) and Challenge exams for college credit, to professional certification exams for the business community. We also offer Online and special proctored exams for students from other colleges.
Students will need to present a picture ID for all tests.
**Please be aware that we have a limited number of lockers available for students while testing. If possible, bring only your picture ID with you when you arrive to take your test. You will not be allowed to take anything electronic into the testing center**
Fall & Winter Hours
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m.-noon
Summer Hours
Monday,Thursday:and Friday 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday
325 Student Community Center


text:
"Guest DJ party flyer vol.3" is perfect for a mainstream music party or any other night club event.
Files are structured in folders for easy editing. Change text, edit colors, move items, turn/off layers creating tons off different looks. All text styles are included. The above images (except the people) used all included in the download. Logo is only for a preview. Not included.
You can download and learn more about this PSD template at the following link – graphicriver.net/item/guest-dj…
More flyers and posters here: graphicriver.net/user/4ustudio…I think, it is pleasant to you!
Image size
590x3915px 1.22 MB


text:
…let us pause for a moment to consider the true underlying cause of the conflict, which of course is the nefarious Jesuit Order's ongoing attempt to control the world.
Conspiracy theorist Eric Jon Phelps (whose distinctive views on the American Revolution we've noted here before) tackled this very issue in a recent online missive. Here's what he had to say:
In VAIII I cover the Jesuit Order's control of both the North and the South during the "Civil War," or rather "the War Between the States," or better yet, "the War of Northern Aggression." The Jesuits controlled Jefferson Davis, Judah Benjamin and Robert E. Lee (with their conscious assent). The Order also controlled Abraham Lincoln and the "Radical Red/Black" Republican Party (although Lincoln underwent a true conversion to Jesus Christ after Gettysburg and then began to oppose his Jesuit masters). Both ex-priest Charles Chiniquy and General Thomas Harris (a Baptist-Calvinist) missed the Jesuit connection to the North.
I'd always assumed the Vatican had something to do with it, but even I was surprised to hear that both the North and the South were under Jesuit control. As somebody who's been probed by aliens on no less than three occasions, I guess I should have known better.
Phelps further explains that the Vatican—and I swear I'm not making any of this up—started the slave trade, instigated slave revolts, inspired the abolitionist movement, brought on the War of 1812, engineered the Missouri Compromise, stopped the black colonization movement, split the Democratic party in 1860, sabotaged the Confederates at Gettysburg, stopped Meade's pursuit of Lee, implemented the Union's hard war policy, set off the New York draft riots, and masterminded the Fourteenth Amendment.
Those Jesuits got around, didn't they?
And did you know that Lee and Longstreet deliberately threw the Battle of Gettysburg? Or that Lee and A. P. Hill conspired to have Stonewall Jackson knocked off? That right there is the kind of thing your history books will leave out.
Phelps then switches gears, explaining his belief in "white predominance," which refers to "predominance in intellectual capacities as reflected in culture, the arts, sciences and nations." Other races, he maintains, have "obviously lower cultures," and the important thing is that "White raced-peoples must be preserved." Accordingly, he urges, "we must observe racial separation as mandated by the Word of God when the Lord created the races to keep mankind separate."
But he's quick to point out that he avoids the phrase "white supremacy," and with good reason. "Since this term conjures up the ideas of the White KKK and the White Nazis," he states, "I do not use this term." See, if he started using terms like "white supremacy," people might mistake him for some sort of racist kook, instead of the mild-mannered advocate of white intellectual predominance and racial separation that he actually is.
Is the Internet great, or what?


text:
A co-worker came to work with a poison ivy rash. She assured me she's not contagious. Is that true?
Your co-worker is right: You can't "catch" poison ivy from coming into contact with her rash. But it's summer, so let me give you a refresher course about the many plants that can cause a rash and how to take precautions against them. That way you'll be as safe while gardening in your backyard, biking in a park or hiking in the mountains as you are sitting beside your co-worker in your office.
Many plants have defenses to protect themselves. Some secrete oils or saps that cause animals and humans to develop allergic reactions. If you touch the plant, the contact triggers an allergic reaction that appears in two to 10 days as a red, swollen, itchy, blistering rash. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are best known for causing the problem. (I've put an illustration of these plants below, so you'll know what to avoid when you're outdoors.)
If you do encounter one of these plants, the allergic reaction will go away on its own in about 10 days. But you'll likely be desperate for relief from the burning, itching sensation long before then.
My colleague at Harvard Medical School, dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Arndt, shared some tips for relieving symptoms. First, apply cool compresses, then pat your skin dry. Try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. If that's not strong enough, ask your doctor to prescribe a more potent steroid cream. You'll have to apply the cream a few times a day until the rash clears up.
Of course, it's better to avoid the rash in the first place. That means protecting yourself when you're outside. Wear long sleeves and pants, as well as thick work gloves, when gardening. Be careful about those clothes and gloves. They may have kept plant oils off your skin while you were outdoors, brushing against poison ivy, but those oils remain on clothes and gloves for several days. So if after you come indoors you touch the outside of the unwashed clothes or gloves, you could transfer the oils to your skin and get poison ivy.
If you think any part of your body may have come in contact with poisonous plants, wash the area with soap and water as soon as you can. The faster you wash, the more effective it will be. If you wash immediately, most of the plant oil will come off. If you wait more than two hours, it's too late.
Don't forget to always wash your hands, even if you don't think they touched a plant. Your hands may not have touched the plant, but they could well have touched the part of you that touched the plant. And when you wash your hands, scrub under your fingernails, as that's a place that oils like to hide.
Know your poisons
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak (above) are either vines or shrubs that have 3 broad shaped leaves on a stem. Poison Sumac (left) is a shrub that has stems containing 7-13 leaves arranged in pairs."


text:
06.28.13 – Day 5 – So today is our last day in Mexico and while this is very upsetting, I am trying not to think about it. Rather, I will focus on the wonderful morning/afternoon experience that is Rancho La Puerta.
This fitness resort and spa is located in Tecate, Baja, Mexico and utilizes its massive and beautiful natural setting to promote health and wellness. We began the experience by sitting down with Executive Chef Denise Roa at Rancho La Puerta's La Cocina que Canta Cooking School and Culinary Center. Here we have the most extraordinary breakfast made with all natural and gluten-free ingredients (if you're gluten-free like Splash Magazine Publisher, Lawrence Davis, you know how rare it is to find great food that accommodates to this diet!) While we enjoy the delectable meal, we learn about the cooking school and how guests at the resort are able to book classes where they can learn how to make authentic Mexican cuisine in an intimate sixteen-person setting. La Cocina que Canta receives over fifty visiting chefs each year and is open every day of the week.
**SideNote: "Rancho la Puerta" means "the door ranch" and was given this name because the resort originally started as a small camping site near two large trees that formed a doorway entrance together- the trees are still on the property today!
At La Cocino que Canta Cooking School and Culinary Center, only "home-grown" fruits and vegetables are used in the cooking; the gardens responsible for this produce can all be found right outside of the kitchen. Even more exciting: on Wednesdays the guests signed up for the classes can help Chef Denise and her staff garden and pick the produce themselves.
As Chef Denise explains to us, "there are over sixty acres of the most wonderful veggies in the world here" and their main goal is to take care of the soil. The ranch itself is "vegetarian" and uses food to help guests achieve a higher sense of physical well-being. Denise tells us, "The ranch is about finding a balance…it's about fulfilling your emotional and spiritual needs." At La Cocina que Canta the chefs do just that, using their knowledge of gardening and cooking to assist guests in achieving an elevated state of health and comfort.
We continue our tour of Rancho la Puerta, which is composed of natural woodlands, valleys, and flatlands. The landscape and scenery here is insurmountable and the buildings for the resort maintain the "nature" theme with cottage-like architecture and woodsy interiors. Rancho la Puerta has eighty-five guest accommodations - each one uniquely built and different from the rest! The resort has twelve gyms, four pools, and four tennis courts. The most celebrated and magnificent element of this haven, however, is not any of the buildings- it is Mount Kuchumaa. The resort claims that all of the positive energy and serenity at Rancho la Puerta is derived from this majestic mountain and that its "presence" creates a "splendid rhythm" for the resort.
All of these various spaces and natural land sites are employed to their fullest potential at Rancho la Puerta. The resort offers an endless list of activities, classes, and spa treatments, which makes every single day an adventure for the guests. Rancho la Puerta offers scheduled hikes, walks and runs through the valleys, mountains, and forests- all at different levels of rigor. The "inner self" is promoted through voluntary activities such as sound healing, meditation, reflexology, and even silent dinners (no conversation- just relaxing music!). Holistic therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic services, watsu (an aquatic therapy), and Feldenkrais. Fitness classes seem innumerable as the ranch offers everything from boxing to circuit training to t'ai chi. There are, of course, plenty of yoga and pilates classes, as well as a series of water programs that utilize the pools for a unique and stress-relieving work-out experience. Volleyball, tennis, weight-lifting and dance courses are also offered. Additionally, most programs are available for one-on-one private training sessions with an expert instructor. The infinite list of events is only made more endless with all of the various art, sculpting, and music classes available at the ranch. While Rancho la Puerta discourages the use of electronics by guests during their stays, I highly doubt anyone could miss their cell phone with so much entertainment available here. Every night the ranch provides a guest performer, speaker or lecturer and if all of these options still don't entice you- there is more: Spanish lessons, nutrition consultation, hands-on gardening, make-up lessons and of course, cooking classes are all provided for guests.
**SidenNote: Rancho la Puerta's celebrity guests have included Madonna and Oprah!
Rancho la Puerta is an experience that cannot be paralleled with any other as it takes weary, weak, and stressed-out people in for seven days of exercise, mediation and fun- leaving everyone feeling rejuvinated and refreshed. This resort detaches people from the lives that they are so accustomed to and allows them to find an inner peace. This is the kind of place that anyone could seek refuge in and leave feeling physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually stronger than they have ever felt. Rancho la Puerta is dedicated to helping people find themselves and improve every aspect of their lives. Being at this matchless sanctuary is the most perfect cherry on top of our entire Baja experience; I can't think of a better fit for a 'grand finale' for our Mexican adventure than Rancho la Puerta, with its striking scenery and unforgettable ambiance.
As we leave the ranch I notice a sign with an "Inspirational Quote-of-the-Day", that read: "What are you doing with your one wild and precious life?" I smile and think to myself "I am experiencing the most surreal adventure one could ever hope to have."
I am now heading back to LA where the real world awaits me; back to traffic jams, crowded everything, and stressed-out everyone. This is my sign-off: farewell Baja, you opened my eyes to beauties that I never knew existed- you reminded me how to laugh, relax, and enjoy every part of my "one wild and precious life". Baja, Mexico fulfilled dreams I never even knew I had and satisfied every craving for adventure that my heart has ever wanted. This truly was one of the most precious treasures-of-an-experience that I have ever had and while my wild journey through Baja comes to its end, it certainly won't be forgotten. ¡Adiós!
Here are links to ALL FIVE DAYS of my wonderful trip to Baja California:
Adventures in Baja California – Day 1 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 2 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 3 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 4 of Our Journey Through Mexico
Adventures in Baja California – Day 5 [Last Day] of Our Journey Through Mexico
Photographs by Lawrence Davis


text:
The Avengers
In case you haven't heard, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye are coming together to battle Loki, the Norse god of mischief, and his alien robot army. We've talked to director Joss Whedon, a couple of professional comic book fans who say it's the best superhero movie ever, Tom Hiddleston--the man behind Loki, and Marvel Pictures head Kevin Feige about the future of The Avengers. Read all of our coverage and watch the trailer
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, and Dev Patel star in this dramedy about a group of British ex-pats who head off to India for retirement. Read interview with director John Madden and watch the trailer
First Position
A documentary that follows a group of kids as the chase their dreams of being professional ballet dancers. Watch the trailer
A Little Bit of Heaven
Kate Hudson stars as a carefree young woman whose life changes forever when a visit to a doctor brings a cancer diagnosis and a new love interest, played by Gael Garcia Bernal. Watch the trailer
The Perfect Family
Kathleen Turner stars in this indie dramedy as a devout Catholic forced to reconsider her worldview and values when her son's (Jason Ritter) marriage crumbles and her daughter (Zooey Deschanel) gets engaged to a woman. Read our interview with Kathleen Turner and watch the trailer


text:
RV Forum flags - click HERE
119 posts and not a single photo to help the rest of us dream about Quartzsite a bit.
Yesterday's Sunrise taken at the rally site.
A picture of the RVs that have arrived as of Sunday morning January 21. It is an overcast day with some sprinkles earlier this morning.
Larry bad luck! We are sorry we missed you.
We should be there early this afternoon. Anyone going out on a Jeep trail tomorrow?
Page created in 0.079 seconds with 21 queries.