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Book a flight to Kyiv with Qatar Airways
Locally known as the 'city of a thousand domes,' Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Book a flight to Kyiv with Qatar Airways and you'll discover a city that wears its rich history on its elegant sleeve. The city's golden domes rise up against the backdrop of pine forests and mountains, while under the streets, visitors can explore subterranean caves. Visiting Kyiv is like stepping into a beautifully-illustrated Gothic fairy-tale.
Kyiv highlights
With a striking skyline resplendent with glittering turrets, twisting spires and, of course, golden domes, Kyiv has now established itself as a holiday favourite among those 'in the know'.
Tourist attractions
Kyiv is home to notable tourist attractions, most importantly the Pecherska Lavra, a huge complex of cave monasteries is over 1000 years old and a UNESCO World's Heritage Site. Since the foundation, it has been the very center of Eastern Orthodox Church in that part of the world. The monasteries showcase intricate golden domes that shine in the sun. But the insides are even better.
If you would like to experience a 'small town feel' in the Ukranian capital, head to Andriyivskyy Descent and Podil. This part of the city is where Kyiv's artists used to live, and why it is often referred to as the "Montmarte of Kyiv". It is best to see the area from the surrounding hills and Zamkova Hora that offer a spectacular views of this colourful part of the city.
If you are prepared to go off the beaten track, ask around for Sculptures Alley. Founded in the 1980s, it's an ever-evolving art installation featuring bold and exciting sculptures. More are added each year, so it's worth travelling to Kyiv just to see the latest additions.
Leisure activities
If the cityscape leaves you yearning for some wide-open space, the obvious answer is to head for Kyiv's centre. There, you'll find Holosiiyiskyi Park, offering over 4,500 hectares of forest, grassland, lakes and wetlands. The park is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts will find it's not long before you're spotting endangered butterflies, birds, lizards, bats and even polecats. Getting around the park is easy enough, all you have to do is pack a picnic, hire a bike, and leave the busy streets behind you.
Café culture is tremendously popular in Kyiv, and if you just want to sit and watch the world go by, Independence Square is the best place to do it. Packed with cafés, the square contains some beautiful fountains, but the centrepiece is undoubtedly the impressive Statue to Ukrainian Independence. Maidan, as the square is known by the locals, has been the site of many political rallies and the spirit of freedom is very much in the air here.
Ukrainian cuisine is eclectic and extends far beyond the traditional borscht soup you might first think of. The most popular restaurants are to be found around Podil district, where you can expect dishes such as caviar and blinis (pancakes), various types of varenyky (dumplings) and lamb served with a barley risotto.
You might also want to sample some of street food on your trip to Kyiv, which offers everything from take-away soup and healthy sandwiches to gourmet burgers and international cuisine.
When it comes to shopping, Kyiv is a surprising mix of markets and malls. Besarabsky Market is perhaps the most famous market in the city, offering fresh fruits and local culinary delights. Travelling to Kyiv puts you in touch with a modern city that also embraces its traditional heritage, which can be seen in the crafts and particularly the embroidery on offer in various street boutiques and modern shopping malls.
Clean, sleek malls are more popular and these are where you'll find high-end goods, such as clothes and electronics. Check out the Mandarin Plaza, which has seven levels of stores and restaurants.
Essential facts about KyivEnjoy a hassle-free journey with all the information you need to know before your trip
Visa information
Check visa and passport requirements before you fly.


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Fairview, TX Real Estate
Population: 8,500 Fairview is located in the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex along US Highway 75 near the SH 121/US 75 interchange. It maintains the best of both worlds with upscale living in a rural atmosphere and still close enough to shopping and dining of the big city. Many of the residential lots are 1 to 2 acres. Fairview is home to a new 800+ acre master planned, mixed use development site, with two miles of frontage on North Central Expressway (US 75) between Allen and McKinney. It is far enough from Dallas to provide a relaxed, small-town environment, yet close enough to take advantage of activities and services in the "big city.". Located in Fairview is a gated active adult 55+ community, Heritage Ranch, with 18 hole golf course, club house, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool and restaurant. The Village at Fairview View Properties in this Community > Ebby Halliday Offices Serving this Community: Allen >...
Fairview, TX Homes For Sale
Search For Properties In Fairview
For a list of schools located within the district(s) please click on the link(s) below.

subset: commoncrawl


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... the tones were quite muted...
I wonder what we'd say if this same image had been posted by Joe newbie?Maybe someone would dare to ask what the left 1/5th added to the experience, or suggest snipping a bit off the right-side?
I only look at the image, not the name associated with it.
I only look at the image, not the name associated with it...
-1(in other words: i disagree)If true, then this would be a required reading for you and Enda: Great Photographers on the Internet
As a simple practical matter, I think you see the name along with the image.
... the left corner sky hole just draws attention away..
Maybe I've just seen too many of those never crop squabbles elsewhere on LuLa :-)


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If it's not one thing, it's another.
Some days, a farmer just feels like she's under attack. And there's a good reason for that: she is.
Now before you go judging me, let me say that I'm not a paranoiac, constantly looking for the shadowy Other who's out to destroy my life. But I'm pretty sure that there are dozens of Others who are out there to destroy the garden that I so lovingly (if ignorantly) tend to.
I've come to learn that there's always somebody who wants my vegetables every bit as much as I do. Only these little suckers don't spend hours every day fretting over them, tending them, trans/planting them, and watering them. Nope. They just hop on the fruits of my labor and start munching.
First it was the diabolical diabrotica. Emmett's dad warned us about them: they look like green, slightly oblong ladybugs, and their common name is cucumber beetle. They squish satisfyingly between the fingers, although they anoint the fingertips with rather sticky green guts. (They also possess the remarkable ability to keep walking while trailing aforementioned guts behind them. No, I'm not cruel; the little buggers are just really, really hard to kill.) Anyway, the weird thing about cucumber beetles is that they've left our cucumbers untouched. They've made lace out of our young snap pole beans, though — leaving a freshly-born bean fighting for its life. We're so worried about the crop that we actually buckled and bought some organic insecticide: Spinosad. We sprayed it on a couple of days ago, and we'll let you know if it helps.
That was invasion #1. Then there were the flea beetles, which left our bok choi and now our greens pocked with tiny holes. And on the very same day that we diagnosed the flea beetles as such, we found a mystery depression in the salad bed, a 1.5-inch deep circle that had upended a bunch of our baby lettuce greens. (Emmett thought it might be a deer, but a deer would have probably eaten the salad. My suggestion: Bigfoot.) Oh, and did I mention the gophers that tunneled under two of our squash mounds?
While I'm a solid, committed proponent of organic agriculture — with insectories and pest management strategies that don't involve chemicals or traps — I can also completely understand the impulse to basically bomb the heck out of the field. You're under attack: you need to fight back. Your hard work, your way of life, your very survival is threatened. But there's a smart way to fight back, and a less smart way. (It parallels, in many ways, the differences between conservative and liberal mindsets when it comes to national security and war.) Do you 'drop the big one now,' or do you use carefully-calculated strategies that minimize collateral damage and maximize public health?
Well, better wrap this post up. I've got to get back to squishing Diabrotica.


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25.01 - Financial Stewardship Responsibilities
Last updated August 3, 2005
A. General. Unit administrators of the university's financial resources are identified as financial stewards. They are responsible for implementing, maintaining and following proper administrative and accounting procedures, and for complying with all relevant governmental and regulatory requirements. In addition, unit administrators are required to certify an understanding the UI's Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship. (See Section B below) (Also see APM Chapters 10.00, 20.00, 45.00, 50.00, 55.00, 65.00, and 70.00)
As financial stewards, fundamental oversight responsibilities include:
A-1. Comply with Policy and Procedures. Learning, following and upholding financial policies and procedures established by the University.
A-2. Maintain Adequate Records. Maintaining processes and procedures in accordance with record-keeping requirements established by the University.
A-3. Ensure Budget Compliance. Expending or committing any fund within approved University budgets using appropriate financial, accounting, purchasing and other approved University procedures, and maintaining records appropriate to these transactions.
A-4. Monitor Current Budget Status. Monitoring current expenditures and revenues regularly for budgeting and accountability purposes.
A-5. Ensure Proper Salary and Wage Payments. Reconciling reports of time and effort to assure correct payment of salaries and wages to employees.
A-6. Substantiate Creation of Budgets. Contributing to or constructing budgets based on a thorough analysis of need while complying with guidelines and instructions issued by the UI Institutional Planning and Budget Office.
A-7. Ensure Adequate Internal Controls. Implementing basic management controls, including segregation of duties to maintain appropriate checks and balances, in order to ensure that transactions are appropriately executed and recorded.
A-8. Correct Internal Control Weaknesses. Correcting management control weaknesses that could lead to waste, misuse, misappropriation, or destruction of assets, including data and data integrity.
A-9. Report Improprieties. Reporting to the Director, Internal Audit Services, all suspected or known misappropriations, misuses, destruction of assets (including data and data integrity) and conflicts of interest.
A-10. Ensure Confidentiality and Safeguarding of Sensitive Information. Maintaining the confidentiality of University financial information as required.
A-11. Accountability and Compliance. Performing periodic internal reviews to ensure continued compliance with University financial policies and administrative and accounting procedures.
A-12. Ensure Proper Computer Security. Maintaining systems security and a secure computer environment for financial and other University records.
A-13. Monitor for Potential Conflict of Interest. Identifying potential conflicts of interest and taking effective action to avoid or prevent these conflicts.
B. Procedure. Unit administrators of the university's financial resources are responsible for familiarity with these particular financial stewardship responsibilities. In conjunction with these responsibilities is a requirement to certify understanding of such policy and procedures. Specifically, unit administrators will:
B-1. Certify Understanding of the Institution's 'Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship'. Specifically, unit administrators having responsibility for a Departmental Code (roll-up), as identified in Banner (financial reporting system), are required to certify their understanding of Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship.
B-2. Supervisory Review and Signature Required. Unit administrators will review the Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship with their supervisor, sign, retain a personal copy, and file a copy in the departmental personnel file.
B-3. Annual Performance Review. The annual performance evaluation for the above identified responsible unit administrators will include an evaluation of compliance with the requirements of the Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship.
C. Forms. See attached Statement of University Financial Resource Stewardship.
D. Information. For additional information, contact the Office of the Vice President for Finance at 885-6174. In addition, the following references are provided for information purposes.
D-1. UI Executive Council. Executive Council agenda item 2003-0011, Improved Management Controls over Deficit Spending.
D-2. UI Executive Council. Executive Council agenda item 2003-0012, Transparent, Arms-length, Business-like with Ancillary and Auxiliary Services.
D-3. Miscellaneous References. There are other professional organizations that outline specific ethical conduct relative to the profession. Review of the following websites is encouraged:
i) National Association of College and University Business Officers, (NACUBO), NACUBO Website
ii) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities
iii) Council on Governmental Regulations (COGR), COGR Website


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Gasoline at $4 Coming to a Pump Near You, Unfazed by Rising TabThe economy will expand at 2.4 percent, huh? Wow.
By Joe Carroll
April 23 (Bloomberg) -- Whether it's $50 to fill up your Prius or $130 for the Ford Expedition, $4-a-gallon gasoline is coming to a pump near you.
Fuel prices are rising at a pace not seen since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita knocked out a third of the U.S. oil refining industry in 2005. Gasoline consumption is climbing twice as fast as last year and will accelerate when summer travel begins late next month.
``What we're surprised by is the increased demand,'' said James Mulva, chief executive officer at ConocoPhillips, whose refineries from California to New Jersey produce 56 million gallons of gas a day, enough to meet 14 percent of the country's needs. ``Even though the price of gasoline is up, the demand is up,'' he said in an April 12 interview in Houston.
Population gains and U.S. economic growth are causing an increase in fuel purchases, according to Orlando, Florida-based AAA, the nation's largest organization for motorists. The U.S. economy will expand at a 2.4 percent annual pace in the second quarter, up from 1.8 percent in the first three months, according to the median estimate of 74 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Gasoline use is rising almost 5 percent above the five-year average.
Under the Clinton Administration (as noted here), the economy expanded at 4.0 percent a year.
Americans are resigned to higher prices, says David Pursell, a principal with Pickering Energy Partners, a consulting firm in Houston.Really? If that's true, then why, for example, is mass transit ridership up in Philadelphia while vehicular traffic dropped for the first time in 50 years?
``Last year, we had pump prices well over $3 for the summer and gasoline demand was up,'' Pursell said in an interview. ``Would $4 gasoline cause demand contraction? I think it will, but I also thought $3 gasoline would.''Do you think another factor here is that oil companies may have deliberately produced below capacity to maintain profitability (see the quote from Jamie Court in "Shot Across The Bow" here).
Pump Prices
Gasoline inventories, measured by the days of demand they will cover, are at the lowest level in two decades for this time of year because of refinery fires, power failures and maintenance work oil companies failed to complete in 2006. No new U.S. refinery has been built in three decades, increasing the strain on existing plants.
Pump prices in the U.S. may increase to $4 a gallon from a nationwide average of $2.87 today, especially if hurricanes threaten Gulf of Mexico refineries, says Peter Beutel, an analyst at Cameron Hanover Inc. in Stamford, Connecticut, who helps industrial consumers manage energy costs.Here's another factor involving gas prices: world instability, particularly in Iraq, Iran, and Venezuela. An increase in tensions in that area of the world automatically jacks up the price of petroleum (and though I know Dubya isn't solely to blame here, his total inability to approach those issues diplomatically have resulted in increased costs at the pump).
``Hurricanes are always the huge wild card,'' said Beutel. ``We're all praying for a year like 2006 rather than 2005.''
The June-to-November Atlantic Ocean hurricane season may produce 17 tropical storms, with nine reaching hurricane force and four becoming major hurricanes whose winds exceed 111 miles per hour (179 kilometers per hour), London-based forecasters at Tropical Storm Risk said. Some of the storms will strike the Gulf Coast this year after a benign 2006, AccuWeather.com predicted.On April 26th, 2007, this should not be "news" to anybody.
Inflation Risk
Higher pump prices will make winners of refinery owners such as ConocoPhillips, San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc of The Hague. Shares of Valero and Sunoco Inc., whose only business is refining, are rebounding after a decline at the end of last summer.
The increase in fuel costs threatens to quicken inflation and restrain consumer spending in the U.S. An appreciation to $4 a gallon would add more than $10 for a driver who fills the 12- gallon tank of a Toyota Motor Corp. Prius. The owner of an Expedition, a Ford Motor Co. sport-utility vehicle with a 34- gallon capacity, faces an increase of almost $40.
Many Americans have no choice but to drive more, says Christopher Knittel, an economist who studies fuel consumption at the University of California in Davis.
More Commuters
``We live farther from our jobs than we did in the 1970s, and with the rise of dual-income households, we now have two people who drive those distances every day,'' Knittel said.
Consumers also do more driving for things such as taking children to soccer practice, which they are unlikely to quit, he said. The U.S. population has increased 1 percent a year in the past decade to 301 million in 2007, adding to demand for gasoline, economists said.I don't know what the hell that sentence means in terms of my overall spending and income, but I tell you this: if we ever see gas at $6 a gallon, I will either a) telecommute for the rest of my life, or b) try and buy a horse.
Rising fuel prices make it less likely that Federal Reserve policy makers, who have cited inflation risks for the past year, will cut interest rates to spur economic growth. Before the hurricane-induced peak in 2005, U.S. gasoline topped out at $1.42 a gallon in March 1981, or $3.21 when adjusted for inflation, according to the Energy Department.
Economies in Europe and Asia are less likely to be hurt by gasoline prices because fuel already is subject to high taxes designed to encourage conservation. A gallon of unleaded costs about 3.25 pounds a gallon ($6.49) in the U.K., and in Japan it's 130.3 yen per liter ($4.16 a gallon).
$4 Barrier
U.S. consumers will get little relief on gasoline prices from Europe this year, unlike 2005, when oil companies shipped more across the Atlantic after the hurricanes. Europe's gasoline inventories in February were 114.2 million barrels, down 11 percent from two years earlier, according to the International Energy Agency in Paris. The drop in Europe was almost twice the 5.7 percent decline in U.S. supplies in that time.
``Just as we used to think $3 a gallon was an impenetrable barrier, now it's $4,'' said Peter Morici, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Business in College Park and former chief economist for the U.S. International Trade Commission. Gasoline at $3.50 is likely, Morici said, and a conflict with Iran or any event that disrupts crude supplies may push it to $4.
Pump prices rose 33 percent in the past 11 weeks, the fastest rate of gain since a six-week, 34 percent rally to the record $3.069 in September 2005, Energy Department data show.
Bodman's `Worry'
U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman in an interview last week said the national average pump price could break the record this summer. While his agency's official forecast is for gasoline to peak next month at about where it is today, hurricanes, refinery closures or crude oil supply cuts may send prices higher, he said.
Higher prices are ``a legitimate worry,'' Bodman said. ``We have trouble spots all over the world'' that could boost crude oil prices. ``We're in a very tight situation.''
Spending on fuel in the U.S. consumes half as much household income as in the early 1980s, which means gasoline would need to reach almost $6 a gallon to have the same effect on the economy as in 1981, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Storage tanks at U.S. refineries, terminals and ports hold enough gasoline to cover almost 22 days of domestic demand, 8.2 percent less than the five-year average and the lowest for this time of year since the 1980s, Energy Department figures show.As I read this article, I couldn't understand why the oil companies, altruistic corporate citizens all, somehow managed to be struggling with the cost of upgrading their refineries and even trying to build new ones (partly for ethanol conversion), especially given their obscene profits (as noted here, for example).
Valero-owned filling stations in Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado, ran dry after a Feb. 16 explosion and fire shut the company's McKee refinery in Sunray, Texas. A day earlier, a blaze at an Exxon Mobil Corp. plant in Nanticoke, Ontario, slashed output, resulting in shortages and higher prices across eastern Canada.
The McKee shutdown strained supplies so much that ConocoPhillips postponed maintenance at its Borger, Texas, refinery north of Amarillo to prevent shortages in the region.
``Refineries are becoming more complex,'' Mulva said in the Houston interview.
``What we're finding is it's more difficult keeping reliability up with more sophisticated pieces of equipment that are highly integrated.''
Tesoro Corp. of San Antonio, the second-largest refiner in the western U.S., said first-quarter refinery use dropped because oil companies delayed until this year maintenance that could have been done in 2006. The portion of U.S. refining capacity that was in operation in the first quarter declined to 87.3 percent from 88.9 percent a year earlier, according to Energy Department data.
`Refineries Blow Up'
``Prices will depend entirely on whether we have a couple of refineries blow up,'' said Philip K. Verleger, an economist who runs a consulting firm in Newport Beach, California. ``It's almost impossible we'll get to $4 a gallon if all the refineries run well this summer. But if something happens and there are problems, then anything's possible.''
The average share gain for Valero, Tesoro and six other oil-refining companies is 26 percent this year, outperforming the 4.1 percent gain for Exxon Mobil and a 4.7 percent increase for the Standard & Poor's 500 index.
The shares will continue to rally, said Paul Carlson, who helps manage $3 billion at HGK Asset Management in Jersey City, New Jersey.
``Refiners are doing very well these days,'' said Carlson, whose holdings include ConocoPhillips, the second-biggest U.S. refiner. ``There will be lots of demand for any new refining stocks.''
`Back in Favor'
As recently as August, investors were selling oil refiners on concern an economic slowdown would slash fuel demand in the U.S., the world's largest energy market. During seven weeks last August and September, Valero shares fell 29 percent, wiping out $12 billion in market value.
``Refining is very much back in favor,'' said Douglas Ober, who helps oversee $2.3 billion at Baltimore-based Adams Express Co. ``Even with higher prices, we haven't seen any substantial cutback in demand. They're cranking out as much of this stuff as they can, and we're throwing it in our tanks as fast as we can.''
The margin earned from processing crude oil into fuels rose to $24.68 a barrel on April 11, the highest since right after the hurricanes in September 2005. The margin has since retreated to $22.12 a barrel, still about double the five-year average.
``It'll be a fairly tight gasoline market all through the summer,'' said Robert Hinckley, an analyst at Rochdale Securities in New York.
All I know is that I'm paying just about $3 a gallon now for regular at the Shell down the street, and instead of "reporting" on this like it's the cost of doing business, I'd like to see a reporter try and earn his or her keep by looking at this issue in its totality for a change.


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Watch enough television and you may start thinking cleaning your house can be a breeze with the "right tools." TV commercials and infomercials are touting all sorts of products to help you get the job done. But before you spend a dime, Consumer Reports checked to see how they work.
Take the $15 Smart Mop. It did a fine job cleaning floors, but when you try and wring it out by twisting the handles, the pole can slip. Then you could end up having to use your hands to get out the excess water!
The $15 Perfect Squeegee was also less-than-perfect! The pad stops the blade from getting into deep corners.
For about $40, the Deluxe Hi-Reach Cleaning kit, with its flexible dusting head, helps you clean some pretty hard-to-reach places, as promised. But the head often popped off, and flexing eventually led to breaking.
Consumer Reports
The latest news from Consumer Reports magazine.
The best money spent was the $6 on the Fuzzy Wuzzy Microfiber Mitt. It's double-sided, so you can sweep over screens with ease and then turn it to tackle other dusting jobs. And because you wear it, it single-handedly can make at least one cleaning job a breeze. Plus, the Fuzzy Wuzzy is machine washable. Keep in mind that although Consumer Reports found it worked, the Fuzzy Wuzzy was no more effective than other products you can use to dust furniture and clean computer screens.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports' website.


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Molvi Naseeb Khan is a muslim astrologer who is from India. Naseeb khan is the best and well known astrologer all over the world. He provides astrology services to people. He provides horoscope services, family related problems, health related problems, business related problems, job related problems and many other problems which people face in their life. There are so many problems in the world but there is solution available also. And the solution is available to Molvi Naseeb Khan. He has the solution of every problem and he provides best solution to everyone.
Molvi Naseeb khan provides solution of love related problems also. He is love specialist and vashikaran specialist. He is expert in providing solution of love problems. If there is love triangle and people want to solve that love triangle. Sometimes a person wants to marry his bhabhi and his bhabhi also wants to marry him then only Molvi Naseeb Khan can help the both. Because her husband will never ready to divorce her but she needs divorce to marry her brother in law.
Sometimes a person wants to divorce his/her partner because the partner is not faithful for him/her and he/she did not want him/her in life but the partner is not ready for the divorce. Then Molvi Naseeb Khan can provide the best solution of this problem. There could be many other problems and molvi Nasseb khan can solve each and every problem very easily as he has the ability to solve problems.
If any person is under black magic and the person wants to diminish the effect of black magic then he/she should have to take help of Molvi Naseeb Khan who is black magic expert and he has solved many cases of black magic and all are solved successfully. He also provides vashikaran service with which a person can be controlled and take any work from him/her which you want to take. When vashikaran is done then the mind is full in control and the person will do what is said to him.
There can be many other problems too but there is Molvi Naseeb Khan available for the solution. Any person who is in problem can contact him for help. He provides solution every time when you contact him. He provides phone consultation also. If any person who wants to meet him personally and share his/her problem with him then he/she can book appointment with him and meet him after booking appointment.
Media Contact
Company Name: Muslim Astrologer Naseeb
Contact Person: Molvi Naseeb Khan
Email: email@example.com
Phone: +91-9815826706
Country: India
Website: http://molvinaseebkhan.com/


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The Informed Librarian Online is a monthly compilation of the most recent tables of contents from over 320 titles - valuable domestic and foreign library and information-related journals, e-journals, magazines, e-magazines, newsletters and e-newsletters. This current awareness service helps keep you informed and abreast of all library trends. It is an easy, timesaving way to tame your professional reading tiger, and is very popular among all types of library and information professionals.
The Informed Librarian Online ( http://www.informedlibrarian.
If you are interested in writing for The Informed Librarian Online, email email@example.com a brief description of your proposed subject matter.


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Today's electric automobiles (EVs) suffer from reasonably large purchasing costs. a task is developing and assessing a new integrated electric motor concept in which the wheels are housing the entire powertrain except the battery pack. With this project, scientists are working on developing a full in-wheel motor construction prototype. Despite an expected market of 100 000 cars for the technology by 2015, most existing in-wheel designs are nevertheless at the model stage. Except for the wheel and the electric motor, power electronics, structural parts, brake system and a decrease gear are also areas of the prototype system. The proposed concept is based on a commonly used front suspension system — the MacPherson strut — and should be able to fulfill typical B-segment EV requirements. To develop and evaluate a concept vehicle, focus will be put on factors such as thermal stress under extreme working conditions, car dynamics, driveability, safety and durability. Interest is compensated to aspects such as eco-design, component and whole-car life-cycle assessment analysis, dismantling, and recycling of important materials such as uncommon earths. The in-wheel motor idea provides greater scope for revolutionising the car design, greatly increasing the interior area (the only remaining component to be housed in the car body is the battery) and improving driving performance. Overheating is a great threat for in-wheel motors, particularly since the proposed idea features a fully air-cooled motor, with traditional airflow driven by the vehicle and assisted by an innovative wheel design. This ensures that enough airflow is supplied to the in-wheel system to evacuate the temperature in metropolitan and motorway driving cycles. In addition, a fan is considered for the standstill situation, whenever the vehicle needs to drive gradually when the electric motor is at large conditions. With its activities, the project is developing the basis for a industry production electric motors and components with required performances at competitive expenses.
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A dog who's captured the hearts of many for guarding his dying friend now needs a new home.
Michael Mason snapped the picture that's now gone viral of the dog standing over his companion, who was lying on the side of a road in Atlanta.
"The look on his face. 'Can someone help me?' He was watching over him like a guard dog," Mason told Atlanta TV station WSB.
The dog on the road later died.
But his friend, named Herman by veterinarians, is now at Fulton County Animal Services and is in need of a new home.
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Herman is described as very kind and smart enough to learn how to open the back fences at animal control.
"We are grateful someone stopped and cared enough to take a picture and share it to demonstrate the power of a dog's love. And this sweet animal didn't leave his friend when she was injured," Cicley Gay with LifeLine Animal Project told WSB.


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BEIJING (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to China, Gary Locke, whose term was marked by a dramatic diplomatic row over the fate of a human rights activist, said on Wednesday he would step down from his role early next year, for personal reasons.
Locke's departure will leave a temporary vacancy in Beijing at a time when the world's two largest economies must navigate what Chinese President Xi Jinping has called a "major-power relationship".
His 2-1/2 years as ambassador were highlighted by a tussle over blind activist Chen Guangcheng, who escaped from house arrest to seek refuge in the embassy and secured a visa to travel to New York to study on a U.S.-brokered deal.
"When I met with President Obama earlier this month, I informed him of my decision to step down as ambassador in early 2014 to rejoin my family in Seattle," Locke said in a statement released by the U.S. embassy.
Locke is the first American of Chinese descent to head the U.S. embassy in Beijing. His grandfather emigrated from China to Washington state, and his father, who was also born in China, ran a grocery store in the United States.
Locke, a former commerce secretary, carried that role into his ambassadorship, pioneering his position as something of a travelling salesman, plugging American businesses and exports in province-by-province events to promote investment.
"Our efforts have focused on job creation in America by increasing exports to China, opening more markets for American companies, and promoting Chinese investment in the United States," Locke said.
He named increases in Chinese business and tourism travel to the United States and reducing wait times needed for Chinese to obtain visas as accomplishments.
"And we have advanced American values by meeting with religious leaders and human rights lawyers, and visiting Tibetan and Uighur ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang," he said.
Locke made rare trips to both restive western regions which are heavily populated by ethnic minorities that chafe at Chinese rule.
The length of Locke's tenure is consistent with that of other ambassadors who have spent several years in the post. In August 2011, Locke succeeded then Ambassador Jon Huntsman, who left after less than two years to make a run at the White House in the 2012 presidential election.
Locke was immediately popular when he arrived in Beijing, partly because of his Chinese descent, but also because of what Chinese viewed as his humble manner in contrast to perceptions of Chinese officials accustomed to the fawning of assistants.
He earned accolades from Chinese Internet users after images of him toting a backpack and buying his own coffee at a U.S. airport went viral. Some have said that ability to connect with Chinese citizens would be part of his legacy as ambassador.
But Chinese criticism of him mounted in 2012 over the Chen affair, which overshadowed high-level U.S.-Chinese foreign policy and economic talks.
News of Locke's decision to step down spread quickly on China's Twitter-like microblog, Sina Weibo, where users weighed in with both praise and criticism.
"As an envoy of U.S. and Chinese culture, Locke has made an indelible impact. He's a good example to all other officials, especially in terms of his work ethic," one user wrote.
"China's smog has defeated the American ambassador. In order to survive he's had no choice but to declare his resignation and return to beautiful Seattle!" another quipped.
Reporting by Michael Martina, Additional reporting by Natalie Thomas; Editing by Clarence Fernandez


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Product Description
The Mayan Flower design will be embroidered on the front of your snapback hat. Please choose which panel you would like embroidered. Left or right when looking at the hat. Also choose 2 thread colors. Leave me a note at checkout. Choose your snapback color & back option at the top. Do you want our GSD wings logo embroidered or do you want the words GET SHIT DONE written out?
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Freedom Of Creation has just added the Macedonia Space Divider to its design collection. This versatile system, designed by Janne Kyttanen, provides a lot of flexibility and freedom when dividing interior and exterior spaces. The modular Macedonia Space Divider system creates a highly decorative 3D effect and is and very easy to install.
The applications for the space dividers can be very diverse. For example the system makes an ideal solution for backlit walls in clubs and bars.
Due to its highly decorative nature, this system can be integrated in the design of interiors of the highest nature in hotels and private residences.
In order to create the most fascinating 3 dimensional shapes we are can warp the structures practically around any curved surface. Imagine any interior be it monumental or highly modern architecture, it adapts to the interior surfaces in any color or shape.
The system is very robust, so it can be easily mounted on large surfaces, both in the width and height.
For more information, please follow this link to download the (low resolution) PDF, which contains more technical details of this product. For project requests, please contact Michiel Dekkers at Freedom Of Creation.


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My Account
Customer Loyalty Discount
Santa And Me's Customer Loyalty Program rewards customers by enabling them to receive discounts on their purchases. The discount applies to all items in our Online Catalog.
How Do I Join?
As soon as you purchase any product on our website, you are automatically registered into the Program. Our special software tracks the value of your order so the next time you make a purchase, you may be entitled to a discount.
What Do I Get for Joining?
Following is the discount scale we have:
Total for your combined orders is over  $100  -  5% discount.
Total for your combined orders is over  $250  - 10% discount.
Total for your combined orders is over $500 - 15% discount.
How do I get my discount?
Once you are eligible for the discount, the discount is automatically applied to your next orders. You can verify that by looking at the bottom of your invoice and read the line that says:
Customer Loyalty Discount:
You have spent $XXX.XX in the last year so qualify for a discount of XX%: $XX.XX
There's no paperwork to fill out, no special forms to sign up. Everything is done automatically on our website behind the scene.
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There is no limit on how many times you use this discount, as soon as you reach the amount, every next order is elible for that much discount.For example: If you have placed 2 orders for the amount of $50/-, this will bring your loyalty to $100/- this means you are elible for 5% discount on every next order.
How can I tell if the discount percentage is accurate?
Simply login to your account and you will see the previous orders. If you wish, you can add up all your previous orders and use the following scale:
Total for your combined orders is over  $100  -  5% discount.
Total for your combined orders is over  $250  - 10% discount.
Total for your combined orders is over $500 - 15% discount.
Or you can look into Loyalty Discount table (after you sign in under My Account) that shows what you are eligible for (based on the past orders) and how much is remaining to get more.
What are your terms and conditions?
By participating in the Program, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions as set out above. Santa And Me offers this Program at its sole discretion, and shop.santaandme.ca has the right to change or discontinue the Program, in whole or in part, at any time without notice.
Also, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information. If you still have any questions, please Contact Us.


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Follow RFF News on your cell phone. Text follow rff to 40404 you will receive txt messages with RFF News
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Awww Matt."My dad is superman." How awesome is that?
And the Globies take out one of the bros in the footrace.
The closest thing I could find next to route 263 is this mine/gravel pit looking thing.
Next time on AR Sam & Dan strip down, just for me....Oh and some other things might happen, but I doubt it.Maybe the mud wrestle, yeah thats it..
Hated Meghan at the Detour.. was thinking why is she such a panicky woman... and was shocked when she just decided to do it because Cheyne refused to make a decision. This is some tough woman we have right here... and it gets irritating by the moment she rolled the haybales.. with all her crying and whining... and then your heart slowly feels for her... and hoped that she quickly find a clue... and SHE DID!!! It was amazing how she still had the energy to fool Cheyne.
And over Dan & Sam. I certainly see Dan sides early on, Sam did seem to be taking way, way to much time doing one hay bale. But as many, many, many racing teams over the years have learned, constantly yelling (even if its to help or encourage your partner) just drives them crazy. But the great thing about them is look at how they reacted after they found it on the way to the Pit Stop and at the Pit Stop. Solid relationship there.
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Fun & Easy Things to Do Under $20
When it comes to spending quality time with family and friends - sometimes it can get spendy. Puzzles and games are a great way to have fun on a budget - but there are a lot of other fun things you can do that are entertaining without breaking the bank.
First off, we have a huge selection of puzzles, brainteasers and games under $10. Since times are tough for a lot of us out there, it's also good to have some ideas for fun things to do that don't break the budget. Examples of puzzles you can get for $10 or less: From left to right:
1. A Sign of the Times - 300 piece puzzle from Ceaco.
2. African Afternoon - 100 piece puzzle from Ravensburger.
3. Fifties Junkpile - 1000 pieces by TDC Games
Of course, puzzles are not the only way to enjoy your time on a budget. Here, we've put together some great ideas for you to have fun that shouldn't cost you more HOME MOVIE NIGHT Still go that VCR hanging around in a storage closet? Find your old childhood home videos and watch them with the family, or take a trip to the nearest Goodwill or St. Vinnie's and pick up a collection of some of your old favorite movies you've forgotten about and have a movie night! TRIVIA NIGHT Find out more about your friends and family with questions you wouldn't normally think to ask each other—like "Would you ever go skydiving/bungee jumping/eat a foreign delicacy like frog's legs?" Take turns guessing things about other people. It was a fun way to learn new things about the people you already thought you knew best! You can find tons of "would you ever" questions online - or if you think you need a little more help, Puzzle Warehouse has tons of conversational games under $20. BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN Check into your museums and the parks you haven't yet got a chance to visit in your town.
Pick a new form of transportation: if you usually drive everywhere, why not ride the bus or ride a bike? Try to look at your home from an outsider's perspective. What do you think about it? MAKE A QUILT Still attached to some old clothes that don't fit? A friend of mine has a quilt stitched out of his favorite childhood t-shirts, and it looks pretty cool and has sentimental value. Also, it will help you out with your sewing skills! Here are some helpful hints. LEARN HOW TO ORIGAMI You can use all that notebook paper you kept buying at the beginning of every school year and then lost, or old papers that you just haven't gotten around to recycling. Pick up an origami book from your local craft store or visit Origami Online for some tips and tutorials. REARRANGE YOUR ROOM Sometimes just moving things around makes everything feel fresh and new. If space is tight, even just rearranging some decorations or throwing out things you really don't need anymore can liven up a space. COLLAGES Take out those old magazines you've been storing or some old tissue paper you have for gift bags and do some modge-podging on a glass jar to make a neat candle holder. Or use the magazines to make some homemade birthday or holiday cards to give out later in the year. Or just make a collage like when you were 13 of your favorite things for no reason at all! Lots of DIY crafts can be searched for on Pinterest. BLACKOUT POETRY There's a poet somewhere in all of us. It may just be more buried and hard to pull out in some more than others.
Blackout poetry is a great way to push yourself creatively! First you find an old book or go and pick up some used copies somewhere for cheap. Then you find phrases and words that stick out to you and take a sharpie and black out the rest of the page—leaving only the words you want for a poem. CROSSWORLD PUZZLES On an episode of Friends, Rachel once challenged herself to finish a New York Times Crossword all by herself. But you can always ask a friend to help you with the clues you just have absolutely no idea about, or you can also find resources online like this handy website which lets you know whether you're on the right track. PICNICS Organize a picnic with some friends. Each of you can bring something—it'll be like a mini pot luck! Again, online can be great resource - find great cheap picnic food ideas.


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Tales of Transformation with Darryl 'Oasis' HastenName: Tales of Transformation with Darryl 'Oasis' HastenDate: October 25, 2018Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PDTEvent Description:An NEA Big Read Presentation! Tales of Transformation Adult Storytelling. With fifty years of experience as storyteller, actor, dancer, and human performance artist, "Oasis" Darryl Hasten journeys the realm of story, metaphor, and parable (Real Estate Magazine). Tales of Transformations and Dreams will celebrate the tradition of "fantastic tales" as shown in the 2018 NEA Big Read selection Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link.
Upcoming Events
Resources for Businesses During the COVID-19 Crisis
Current Health Order
Summary of Changes: Updated Stage 3 Health Officer Order Shelter-In-Place Effective 3:00 p.m., June 19, 2020, Until 3:00 p.m., July 3, 2020
As the State and Counties (with Variances) move further into Stage 3, this week the State released a new Guidance for Personal Care Services, for reopening in Variance Counties no sooner than June 19, 2020. Consistent with that release, the Health Officer, issues an Updated Stage 3 Shelter-in-Place Order (SIP) to become effective 3:00 p.m. June 19, through 3:00 p.m., July 3, 2020. In addition, the Order was revised to account for the newly issued Order effective June 18, 2020, broadly requiring facial coverings statewide when in public or common spaces and which will apply to all industries (and all Guidances to be updated.) (Read more on that here).
In addition to these central changes to the Order, the Health Officer made some revisions to clarify the additional areas of the SIP.
Personal Care Services
The Health Officer updated the Stage 3 Order to re-open Personal Care Services, defined by as: (1) personal care that requires touching a client's face or body, e.g., facials, electrolysis, and waxing; (2) esthetician, skin care, and cosmetology services; (3) electrology; (4) nail salons, body art professionals, tattoo parlors, and piercing shops; (5) and massage therapy (in non-healthcare settings). This varied sector may re-open with strict adherence to the COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Expanded Personal Care Services (https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/expanded-personal-services.pdf), and with special attention to the "Additional Considerations" for each particular field. Central to that Guidance is the statewide requirement that workers must wear a face covering throughout the entire interaction with the customer; customers must wear face coverings at all times while in the facility, except when the face covering must be removed for the performance of services involving that part of the face; facilities should provide clean face coverings for all staff and make them available to customers, if possible; and workers should wear disposable gloves (except in body massage services). Additionally, the Guidance provides details regarding cleaning and disinfection of particular accoutrements and utensils such as tweezers, scissors, electrical implements, esthetic devices, linens, wax pots, and pedicure bowls. The Health Officer also encourages personal care service businesses to take additional measures to protect the workers from exposure, such as installing plexiglass screens, and wearing face shields, which may provide additional protection to workers performing services which involve touching a client's face.
As with all Permissible Higher Risk Businesses, before reopening, all Personal Care Services businesses must to file their Safe Business Reopening Plan (addressing the requirements of the State Industry Guidances) with their local self-certification form, which will be accessible for the public to view online at https://www.mendocinocountybusiness.org.
Revisions Related to K-12Schools and Early Childhood Education
The Updated Stage 3 Order provides an exemption to the self-certification requirement for Schools and School-based programs, and clarifies that guidelines for Childcare and other programs do not apply to public and private schools, early childhood education, and K-12 schools, which must instead follow the applicable (currently interim) State Guidelines for Schools and School-Based Programs 1 (https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-schools.pdf) . The State through this recently released guidance has made clear that the guidelines and considerations do not reflect the full scope of issues that school communities will need to address, which range from day-to-day site-based logistics to the social and emotional well-being of students and staff. Further state guidance is forthcoming, including on school- based sports and extracurricular activities. The Order clarifies there is no requirement that an individual local school's COVID-19 plan be specifically approved by the Health Officer. Each Industry Reopened By Statewide Guidance Is Permitted Even if Not Specifically Mentioned In SIP The Health Officer Updated Stage 3 Order clarifies for those industries which have been re-opened by the State per Industry Guidance but are not specifically referenced in the local Health Officer's Orders, their re-opening is permitted by the Health Officer in accordance with the State's Guidance. All businesses are responsible for regularly reviewing the State website to determine any changes or restrictions that may be issued by the State for their particular industry, i.e., open sectors in counties with variances (https://covid19.ca.gov/roadmap-counties/), and industry-specific guidances statewide (https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/) For example, Music, TV and film production may resume throughout California, including within Mendocino County, per the statewide guidance.
Revisions to Transient Lodging
Recognizing that some households include extended family in one household, the Updated Stage 3 Order is revised to state each room, unit, or Vacation Rental (regardless of size) may only be occupied by no more than one household or living unit, including up to no more than 4 adults and the children of that single household or living unit. Additionally, the Health Officer clarifies the purpose for the 24 hour vacancy between each separate occupancy (48 hours for Vacation Rentals), to allow thorough cleaning in a safe manner and disinfection between each re-occupancy. In the case of Vacation Rentals, the extra buffer is also needed for the extended stay of guests in the event of isolation or quarantine due to COVID- 19. The Order also clarifies that public saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs should remain closed in any transient lodging establishment. However, private hot tubs in such establishments, for use by only one household are permitted, provided that they are drained and cleaned in between each reservation's use.
Additional Revisions to SIP
In accordance with recent revisions by the State, the Health Officer has clarified that outdoor religious services and protests do not have a specific attendee capacity limit. Additionally, the inside capacity limit, i.e., 25% of building capacity or a maximum of 100 attendees, whichever is lower is still in effect. All other restrictions for these activities remain. Public pools and shared pools have been revised to permit pool-based physical therapy or exercise (as recommended for health reasons) for up to 12 individuals at one time per pool, with all individuals maintaining at least six feet physical distance from each other (and following the additional requirements in the order).
Finally, while the current Order expires at 3:00 p.m. on July 3, 2020, a revised order will be released at the expiration of this Order.
Read the Entire Health Order
We will be posting resources to help our local businesses during this difficult and unprecedented crisis.The Chamber is here to support you and our goal is to provide as much information as possible so that you will have access to resources that can help you through this extremely challenging time.
Although our office is closed, I'll be working from home and available via phone and email. I've temporarily laid off my staff to mitigate the impact on the Chamber budget.
For eNews submissions: email@example.com
*Please note that all submissions should be regarding announcements that follow all state and local orders. We ask that events are not submitted at this time unless they are virtual events or webinars.
To reach Sharon call 707-961-6302. email@example.com
This Shop Local program is created and launched as a partnership of the Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance, the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Willits Chamber of Commerce, and community leaders.
Love Local Mendo Website
Click Here For the Application
It is designed to represent businesses from Hopland to Laytonville, across the county to Boonville, Fort Bragg and the South coast. The focus of the campaign is to create a central marketing effort to support local businesses to generate income while closed to the public.
The campaign is a perfect platform to market your services, gift cards, and products. It will directly link customers to your selling platform. (delivery, curbside pickup, etc. within the guidelines of the most recent Shelter In Place orders must be observed)
I'm partnering with the County, EDFC, West Center and the other Chambers in the County with meetings twice a week so we can brainstorm how we can best support you.
Please let me know how else I can support you and your businesses.
I hope that you are all doing as well as can be expected under these stressful times.
Take care, STAY HOME and be well.
County of Mendocino COVID-19 updates
Mendocino County has an up-to-date information site including business resources. Our two coastal districts also have very active Facebook Groups:
City of Fort Bragg press releases
West Business Development Center
How your business may be impacted and resources to help.
Community Foundation Resources
KOZT Resource Page
MCN Update page
A message for business that use Square
Today Square Online Store released the option for curbside pickup, and later this week a local delivery feature will be available for all businesses so that you can quickly adapt to this changing environment. They are also waiving curbside pickup and delivery fees for the next three months. Square Online Store already offers online orders for in-store pickup with no monthly fee. They are refunding all software subscription fees for the month of March.
KGUA Resources


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Welcome to the Dockwalk.com Forum
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Dockwalk.com Forum
Regulations - Ask MTS
Now here's a good one: Emergency towing arrangement
We have just gone through ,on one of our vessels,both, PSC and annual class survey. Only Class brought up issue of ammendment due to enter Jan 2012. (Emergency Towing).We have written a procedure along with a risk assessment and implementation onboard. We do recommend following the IMO circular as a guide line. Do remember that using the on-board equipment ,towing line,bridle,heaving lines,messenger lines etc... and not adding unless you want to double up on safety. (we did add a crew member-safety officer as a direct out come of the risk assessment conducted.).
One of the major issues covered should be the communication sequence between the towing and towed vessels as they are not familiar with one another and in some cases can involve another yacht (unproffesional in terms of towing).
Also implementing a training schedule for procedure and if possible actually conducting a one to one practice with fellow vessel.
We will be happy in assissting in terms of risk assessment or procedures required.
Capt. A. Pick www.mvmsystem.com
I found when studying for my Commercial lic´ that the Admiralty book on towing was excellent, it has all the various rigs for all situations, although it was some years ago and an old book, I doubt whether things have changed much. There is admittedly, alot of "new" names to get used to!
Capt Kaj


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HYDE PARK — There has been a lot of outcry about murders in Chicago, but not enough for those who die at the hands of police, said an organizer of "A Peoples Hearing on Police Crimes" Saturday.
More than 100 community members and relatives of those affected by police-involved shootings and police brutality attended the forum at the University of Chicago.
"Politicians are flapping like a flock of wild geese about gun control and stopping killings like that of Hadiya Pendleton," said Frank Chapman, of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Oppression. "They say nothing about police killing... We have come today to break this silence."
Chapman said the group doesn't oppose police when they serve and protect the public. But the group takes issue when they see instances of police abusing their power.
"We must separate the good officers from the bad officers. That's what we're here to do," Jeff Baker, a member of the steering committee for a group called Stop Police Crimes.
Earlier this month, the city settled a case with the family of Flint Farmer, who was shot and killed in 2011 by a police officer who thought Farmer was armed. He was not. That officer, Gildardo Sierra, had been drinking prior to his shift, and was responsible for two other shooting deaths.
In January, the city paid $33 million to other victims of police misconduct. Alton Logan spent 26 years in prison after being tortured by infamous police Cmdr. Jon Burge to get a confession. And Christina Eilman, a mentally ill California woman, was sexually assaulted and thrown from a high-rise in 2006 after police released her from custody near the now-demolished Robert Taylor Homes.
Speakers called for the creation of an Civilian Police Accountability Council, whose members would be democratically elected, to oversee cases of alleged police misconduct. The current oversight committee, the Independent Police Review Authority, is staffed by civilians, and its chief administrator is appointed by the mayor.
The authority investigates any officer-involved shooting, allegations of misconduct and more.
The hearing touched on mental health as family members who felt their loved one had died because of police misconduct spoke out.
Renee Watts, sister of Stephon Watts, who was killed by police in February in Calumet City, called for legislation that would require police to get training for dealing with those who have autism.
Percy Coleman, the father of Philip Coleman, who was Tased by police Dec. 12 and later died in police custody, spoke Saturday about arriving on the scene of his son's arrest.
Coleman said police on the scene told him, "We don't do hospitals. We do jail."
"The police are not going to investigate themselves," he said, calling for someone to go to jail for his son's death.
Martinez Sutton, brother of Rekia Boyd, who was shot by police in June 2012, couldn't stop the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke about his sister.
Sutton focused on the future and getting justice for his sister.
"Last year, I felt like I went 15 rounds in the heavyweight battle with Tyson. I was tired and weary...I pushed away all of my friends and everybody that wanted to help us," he said. "It's a new year. I'm gonna make sure my sister didn't die in vain."
Catherine Ortega, 17, attended the hearing with her mother, Lisa Simeone, a teacher and graduate student at the University of Chicago.
Catherine said was impacted by Sutton's emotional speech. She said it is easy to become desensitized to violence when she so often hears about her friends being shot and general violence across the city.
"Then family talks, and it's like, 'woah.' I'm just glad people are coming together and talking about it," she said.
Mildred Williamson, who lives in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, attended the hearing. She said there is a long history of distrust between the Chicago Police Department and communities of color, citing the infamous Burge police tortures in the 1970s.
"It's not just random people, its disproportionately people of color, certainly all of my lifetime," said Williamson, who is 59. "This is not a new issue."
"That's why people don't feel comfortable speaking up when they have a lead," she said about people adhering to a "code of silence" when police are seeking help in solving a crime.
From January 2009 through September 2012, Chicago police have killed 61 people and shot 149, and 94 percent of the victims were non-white, according to a pamphlet from the hearing citing the Independent Police Review Authority.
The organizations sponsoring the event Saturday plan to come together in late May or early June to march on City Hall and get petition signatures, Chapman said.
"We are not here to mourn but to organize," he said.


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The only thing I was wondering about was the beige bow in her hair. Did they run out of pink ribbon to match the ribbon trim on the fashion? Very strange.
I'm happy to have the three of them.
My good friend Ovaz sent me Silver Zinger's outfit as a Christmas gift. Doll collectors are a great bunch of people! I changed the belt and altered the earrings which were too long. It's a great outfit. Aren't the shoes terrific? These shoes have the opposite issue from the usual issue. The platform is too high for the heels. So we're still looking for the shoe that will stand on it's own thereby enabling the doll to pose in a natural way.


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A wealth of applications
Our main activity is to supply base resources for jewelers, gold and silversmiths, wholesalers and precious metals processors. We also provide semi-finished wares and alloys for industrial soldering products and manufacture globally tradable bars of gold, silver, etc.
We process a wide range of input materials, from gold and silver scrap to dental fillings.


text: Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums :: View topic - HELLO!! Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in HELLO!! Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Hobbies View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message sachikokkoJoined: 28 Jan 2004Posts: 1 Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:59 pm Post subject: HELLO!! My name is sachikokko!! My hobbies is movie, soccer, photograph and more. My recommended movies is "Party7" in Japan and "Nightmare before christmas". I am menber of soccer club in my school. I have camera that mekar is PENTAX!! Very good!! It is in others hobbies. It is waiting!! Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Hobbies All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Student Forums----------------ComputersCurrent NewsCultureEnglish SchoolsFamilyFilm and CinemaFoodHealth and FitnessHelp CenterHobbiesHolidaysLearning EnglishLiteratureMaking FriendsMusicOpinionsPetsScienceSportsThe Strange and MysteriousTOEFL and Other English ExamsTravel You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group


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Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.
MV Vision of the Seas
Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Bob and Wendy
# previous cruises: 9
Date of Trip: March 13, 2005
Itinerary: Mexico
This was our 9th cruise, the first with RCI. The ship departed from LA and visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We booked an outside deck 2 aft Category I cabin.
We arrived 2 days early to see the sights at Marina del Rey, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica. We decided to blow the wad and stayed at the Marriott MDR for $200/night, across the road from Mother's Beach. Our eighth floor room offered a great view of the marina, mountains, and ocean in the distance, and the hotel was well located to enjoy the marina activities and quickly get to Venice and Santa Monica. The marina is huge, over a mile long, and in the summer from May to Sept there will be a water taxi taking people to different spots around the marina for $1. The Visitors Center sent us a great map with info about sights to see: www.VisitMarina.com (310-305-9545).
For dinner in MDR we wanted good value and a nice view of the marina. The Cheesecake Factory is well known but has only a few tables with a good view, and a better bet is Tony P.s on Admiralty Way, entrees from $10-32, huge portions, great selections on the menu, and tons of tables with marina/sea views.
Venice Beach is the famous collection of street buskers, eccentrics, hotties, and tourists. It's about 1.5 miles from MDR, and has a 30 foot wide ocean boardwalk passing by tons of shops, sport areas such as paddle tennis and basketball courts, roller bladers, bikers, and the Muscle Beach area. Even on a cool March day there were lots of people. Muscle Beach is an open air fitness gym behind a 4 foot railing, and there were always some muscle types pumping iron where we went by. Teens and spring breakers would think this is the coolest place. Here's the link to a good map showing the different areas there:
Santa Monica is much more upscale, especially the Third Street Promenade, restricted to pedestrians only, very pretty, cute shops, tons of eateries. The famous S. M Pier is cheesy and tacky, a few entertainment rides, fast food joints, arcades. Lots of parking on the pier for $7 or under/beside the pier for $6. Nice view of the beach and waves. A cab from MDR to SM is about $10-12, and from Venice to SM about $6, or there are lots of local buses (3 companies) for $1. The SM Visitors Center sent another great map: www.santamonica.com (310-393-7593). Cab from MDR to the ship was $65.
We arrived at the port at 11:45, dropped our luggage with the porters, and waited 10 minutes in line to do the Sea Pass ship card. Then we were sent to the security check area, and a welcome surprise was that passengers didn't have to stand in line, but were seated in a lounge until their number was called. We were on the ship an hour after arriving, having lunch in the Windjammer buffet. Cruisers were asked not to go to their cabins to drop stuff off until after 1:30 to give the stewards time to prep them.
In the afternoon we met our friends, and had some fun drinks at the pool . It was cloudy and chilly, had to keep our clothes on.
The ship is lovely, nice public areas. We seem to have a favorite area on every ship, and on the Vision it was the pretty Solarium, an indoor hot tub and pool area with glass walls under a retractable glass ceiling. Pillared Greek style pool, wavy bubbles by the steps, upscale loungers, bar, pizza/burger/fries at back. Always quite warm here, 85-90F, a cosy quiet place, no kids allowed (we saw them kick one out). Salt pool, fresh water shower stalls.
The Windjammer buffet had a nice feature, window seating all round the back and sides, and elevated love seats in the next row facing the water. The Capt said she was designed for maximum glass areas. An extra food area here is easy to miss, at the end of the buffet lines, past the drink stations, in the center of the Windjammer. At breakfast this is where the pancakes, waffles, omelettes etc are, and extras for lunch and dinner there too.
The gym was adequate, several machines of each type, some free weights, nice views. The jogging track was disappointing because it.s on deck 10 going through the loungers above the pool, so joggers are bumping into people in this crowded area when the weather's nice, never seen that setup on any other ship.
The food was excellent, like an upscale restaurant. We've never had ship food on any cruise that we could complain about. Best lemonade ever, full flavor, not diluted. Best ship drinks ever, tasted like doubles, first time for that too. And the first time we.ve seen standard alternate entrees at dinner, about 5 of them, making a total of about 10 entree choices for dinner. Sometimes the alternate would be the same as on the main menu but with a different sauce. The two of us sometimes had 3 entrees, splitting the third one, although that tended to wipe out dessert. Tough choices.
Our outside deck 2 aft cabin was ok, not as big as CCL, about the size of NCL, and not as well appointed as Celeb, but adequate. The bedspread looked tired, perhaps a bit worn, or just too many washings, which the steward replaced with new when requested. The love seat also appeared to have some stains, used by too many sun-screened bodies, didn't say anything, mentioned it on the evaluation. Luggage fits under the side of the king bed if you lift it up, but not at the end, bars in the way. 2 electrical outlets, bring a power bar. Good strong hair dryer, good shampoo, bring conditioner. Free safe. Tipped steward to keep the ice bucket full, and bring an RCI robe for Wendy, great job. Stewards ask cruisers to slip the card that says Make Up Room/Don't Make up Room into the card key door slot so they can fit their work to your desired schedule. Push the black button on the shower temp control to turn the knob further for hotter water. Decent shower pressure, removable wand. On the last day we discovered the glass panels on either side of the makeup mirror on the vanity opened up, duh. We had a nice steady engine sound, we find it puts us to sleep and drowns out strange noises, but if you need quiet you should get a forward cabin.
There were the usual song and dance shows, lots of energy, and other entertainers like comedians, as well as audience participation shows, lots of fun. Lots of activities for teens and kids. Three of the casual night dinners had dress themes, one was country and western, one was rock and roll, and one was island. Very few people dressed in theme, a few in cowboy hats, more in loud island shirts (like mine), but surprisingly the young hotties didn't do the rock theme. Maybe they think they're already dressed like that.
The casino wasn't busy most of the time, always space at the $5 and $10 BJ tables, and at the slots and video poker.
FIRST SEA DAY - Cloudy and cool till about 2pm when the sun came out and we and everyone else made a dash for loungers. Rather windy but the tough ones stayed for an hour or so, and actually got some rays. Later on we discovered 2 sunny spots protected from the constant wind, see below, day 6 and 7.
CABO SAN LUCAS - The ship anchors in the bay right off Medano beach where the resorts are, and the view is beautiful with the rocks of the Arch on the left, the harbor boats in the middle, and the beach and resorts on the right. It reminded us of the pretty hillside towns in southern Italy. It was lovely to be on deck watching the ship come into the bay and anchor.
Cabo is the only tendered port, and cruisers are allowed on tenders in order of their tender ticket number. People without early numbers didn't get ashore until lunch. Tickets are handed out at 9:30 by the piano in the Centrum on deck 4. If you want an early number you should line up at 9:00, which we did with about 100 other people. Perhaps the crew took pity on our long line and started handing out tickets at 9:15. We got a number 1, and the first numbers were called at 10:00, #'s 1-3 all together. To avoid being in a huge lineup down the stairs to the loading area, be at the loading area at 9:40 or earlier, deck 2, main elevator foyer stairs.
We wanted to get off early to be able to shop and see the town in the morning, and then have lunch and drinks at a resort and hang at their pool/beach for a few hours in the afternoon. We got in the tender line rather late at 10 because we were admiring the gorgeous view on deck, and were in the middle of the mob, but got on a boat by 10:20, (I'd estimate they each hold about 100 people) and ashore by 10:40.
When you get off the tender you can take a lovely walk along the boardwalk into town, or get a cab to the left behind the flea market. Here's the link to a pretty good map of Cabo: www.loscabosguide.com/maps/pics/cabo-san-lucas-map-04.jpg , the ship anchors right were the word .Bahia. is printed over the bay. And the ship tours desk hands out a good map too, in the green shopping guide, easier to read and the boardwalk is better marked. To take the boardwalk stay to the right as you leave the tender dock, and there will be marina boats on your right and pretty shops, cafes, and apts on your left. You can walk all the way to the upscale Puerto Paraiso Mall, perhaps 15-20 minutes, or you can turn left at several places, marked on the ship map, and get over to Marina Blvd, lots more shops there. A good place to turn left is at the large lighthouse, walk up the cobblestone aqueduct about 30 yards to the Blvd. We did this area in the morning.
For the afternoon we wanted to have lunch and drinks and maybe a swim at one of the resorts, catch some rays at the pool/beach, and several large resorts in Cabo welcome cruisers as free day guests, including the Finnisterra near the tender dock, and the Hacienda, Melia, and Pueblo Bonita around the harbor on Medano Beach. The beaches are public, and if you prefer you can throw a towel down on the sand anywhere. We chose the Melia San Lucas. This area is a $6 cab ride from downtown, or a 6 peso (60 cent) bus. We took the bus because we got talking to vacationers staying in Cabo who were going that way and suggested we come along, and we wanted to get some local flavor anyway. So we got on with them and used up some of our loose pesos, and had a little .bus route. tour through Cabo.
The Melia was lovely, beautiful grounds, a series of pools, and loungers at the pools and beach (http://www.solmelia.com/sol/hoteles/jsp/CHome.jsp?idSolRes=5833
They also have large rubberized mattresses on platforms with outdoor pillows that 6-8 people can lay on, both at the pools and the beach, but we preferred loungers (although Wendy said the mattresses would be great for tanning on your tummy, more comfy).
When we entered we went to the girl at the pool kiosk, identified ourselves as day use cruisers, tipped her $5 and requested towels and loungers. She quickly scooted off and came back with 2 big resort towels and offered us either of the only 2 mattress cabanas left. We said if we couldn't find loungers at the beach we'd come back for one, but we found 2 under an umbrella, and ordered drinks and a nacho platter from the waiter for $14. It had lots of great cheese and spicy tomato/pepper sauce and guacamole on the side for scooping. Beautiful view, ship right in front of us, rocks of the Arch to the right. A rope keeps vendors out of the immediate area, but they patrol up and down. We did see one ceramic thing we wanted, and got if for half of the asking price, which is normal.
At the end of the afternoon we decided to walk back to the tender for some exercise, along the beach and then around the harbor to the boardwalk, and along it to the tender dock, which took about 25 minutes. More street vendors, all selling the same things. A lovely full day.
MAZATLAN - In Mazatlan we wanted to do 2 things, see the historical sights in Old Town where the ship docks, and then go up to the Golden Zone (resort beach area) to do some shopping and hit another resort for some sun and pool/beach time.
Tractor-pulled trams take people from the ship across the dock to the terminal where you pick up cabs. We took a $5 per couple cab ($4 because we split it with another couple) to the Mercado Market, tons of flea market shops in a covered square block, but too touristy, then walked 1 block south to the huge historic cathedral and Revolution Park, pretty area. Wendy sews, and found a local non-tourist fabric store to die for, prices about 10-20% of what she'd pay at home. Then we walked down to the ocean boardwalk, might have been a short $2 or $3 cab, then walked north along the boardwalk to see the cliff divers. Here's a link to a map of Old Town, shows the whole area but many streets not marked: www.advantagemexico.com/mazatlan/images/maz_oldtown.pdf
And here's one that has the streets and sights marked: www.pacificpearl.com/Images/map3.jpg and here's a suggested walking tour, page 3 of this link: www.guide2mexico.com/cities/mazatlan/mazindex.htm
The cliff divers survived and then we caught a $10 cab to the Golden Zone. We wanted to have lunch with a view of the beach and ocean, and hit El Capitano's on a recommendation, which was good. Lots of tables facing the surf, some live entertainment and dancers, 2 beers and shared combo platter for $10.50. Then hit some shops and then got a $2 cab to the El Cid Castillo, a resort that welcomes cruisers for free day use. Do not bother with the El Cid timeshare people at the dock unless you think 1.5 hours of your time is worth a free lunch and drinks. Don't bother with more of them in the El Cid lobby, just go straight to either of their 2 large pools or beach. Even at peak time, about 2pm, we found loungers, and a waiter got us 2 towels and 2 good margaritas for $7 (he needs to leave your ID with the towel attendant, which you get back when you return your towels to the pool . bring any cheap ID). While there we discovered another great place for a meal, beside the north pool, under the huge thatched roof, called La Concha. Upscale, lovely tables, open air to the sea, other tables outside on a stone patio, great view. $10 cab back to the ship, another day in paradise.
PUERTO VALLARTA - PV time is an hour later than ship time, but the ship advises us not to change our watches. Convenient shopping and nightlife all in one area downtown, rather than split like Mazatlan. In the morning we hit the shops downtown. The expensive cabs are the white ones just off the gangway, about $8-9, but if you walk out to the main drag (3 minutes) and get a yellow cab, it's $4 if you bargain hard and $5 if you bargain easy. They can drop people off near the gangway but can't do pickups there, the white cabs have the gangway contract. Tell the cabbie to take you to the Malecon (beach boardwalk), and drop you at 31 de Octobre street. Often their English is very limited, as was our Spanish, but if we showed them where on the map that worked fine.
The tourist shops and bars are along the beach road, Paseo Diaz Ordaz, starting at 31 de Octobre and going east until you get to Zaragoza street, a pretty treed square with a huge cathedral behind it. On one side of Ordaz are the cafes, bars, and shops, and on the ocean side is a pretty stone boardwalk along the beach. Again the endless peddlers on the shop side, less on the ocean side.
The real local shops with no peddlers and better prices are the next 2 streets in from the ocean running parallel to Ordaz, Marelos first, then Juarez next, running down to Zaragoza. Prices are as marked, no haggling. Wendy found another fabric store, half an hour of heaven. Best price on the #1 vanilla extract, Orlando brand, 120 pesos a litre. Morelos and Juarez are a sea of humanity, mostly locals, but lots of tourists, heavy traffic. We asked about crossing streets, and were told the method translates into .run for your life.. Sometimes traffic control cops (?) hold traffic back for tourists.
The tourism people also told us there was good local shopping for 2 blocks in each direction of the Main Plaza at Pitillal (pronounced pity-al), perhaps a mile inland from the ship, a $4-5 cab. The tourism kiosks have maps showing it.
In the afternoon we wanted to hit another resort, and went to the Krystal, a 5-7 minute walk from the ship, which welcomes both cruisers and crew for free day use, no towels included (bring ship towels). Don't go the long way out to the main drag, take the shortcut down the back street. I'll give these directions because there are so many messages asking how, and it is a bit hard to locate. Go off the gangway, walk to the right around the circular building, then across the square in front of the flea market, then head for the large white wall with a yellow wall behind it, go through the gate at the left end of the white wall, and go down this street to the end, where you will see the .Welcome cruisers to the Krystal resort.. You can see this route from an upper deck on the dock side of the ship.
The Krystal was lovely, several pools, no umbrellas but didn't need one, loungers scarce at peak time after lunch but we found 2, more of them on the beach under thatched papillas umbrellas. Drinks were $4.50, rather weak. Beach flags show the danger level of the waves, second highest on our day, too much for kids under 12, it would knock them all over, steep dropoff too. Had a lovely afternoon, lots of ship towels all over, walked back to the ship for dinner.
After dinner we took a yellow cab back into town so see the nightlife. The Malecon boardwalk is hopping at night, music from all the party bars, stores open till 10, tons of people. Down at the end of the boardwalk there was a live band playing soft music in the pretty treed square. Across the street beside Hooters there is a small amphitheatre where a comedy troupe was putting on a free show, where you can see several large Greek style arches. The show was very cute, good fun, at times pulling tourists in to be straight men, unicycles, fire batons, gags, lots of gestures, no language barrier. Donations requested, and just about everyone tipped. With a bit of polish they could easily be one of the ship entertainment groups. The show may have started around 7:30 ship time, they were rolling when we got there before 8. After 8 there were fireworks above the beach.
The party bars have staff out front trying to get you in, open air fronts so you can see inside and customers can look out at the street scene, sometimes no cover charge, sometimes a large cover of $30-40 incl free booze all night, some signs offering 10 beer for $11, all had 2 for 1 drinks, quite a scene. Don't go back on Morelos or Juarez at night.
Tons of yellow cabs, just like NYC, no prob getting one back whenever you need one. Sailaway pool b'b'cue at 11. The ship map in their shopping guide is good, rip it out, and here's a link to one: www.allaboutpuertovallarta.com/images/PVdntw1.gif
DAY 6 - The first sea day heading home began sunny with a calm sea, but windy and chilly. This wind that other reviewers have mentioned must be a permanent trade wind or something, because it was always blowing, even on this perfect day. It was borderline warm by the pool, lots of people with tops on or towels wrapped around them. Too windy and cold to sit on the loungers above the pool, no one there. We strolled all over and actually found 2 sunny places without the wind . see note #2 below. The bow location is busier, more people walking past on the track. Other location is more secluded.
DAY 7 - The last sea day, Saturday, started beautifully, ocean almost glassy calm, blue sky. Even so there was still that stiff chilly breeze on deck. Only a few die-hard tanners were in the loungers, bundled up. We got a few rays in our sheltered bow spot, and then the clouds rolled in about 9:30, so we went to breakfast. Overcast and cold the rest of the morning, and at noon the captain made his daily announcements, saying that the weather would get cloudier and windier in the afternoon, with higher seas. He turned out to be a better seaman than a weatherman, because after 12 the sea got a bit choppy, but it turned mainly sunny all afternoon. No one could sit above the pool on deck 10, all those loungers were empty, it would blow your sunglasses and hat right off. Somewhat better at the pool, loungers all taken, maybe half the people with tops on. Just lovely in our protected spot at the bow. We hit lunch just before the buffet closed at 2:30, then back in the sun till dinner time. Our friends in a mini-suite on deck 8 couldn't tan on their balcony, the overhang went too far out.
DISEMBARKATION - Luggage out in the hall by 11pm.. In the morning cruisers are asked to be out of their cabins by 8. Dining room closes at 8, buffet closes at 8:30. Final ship accounts are delivered to cabins early Sunday morning for checking. Debarking is by color code as usual, and the first was called at 7:50. After leaving the ship and entering the terminal there was a 45 minute wait in line for customs. Then you get your luggage, each color tag in a separate room, and leave the terminal, total time for us was 1 hour 20 minutes. The sidewalk in front of the terminal is for private pickups, and if you want a cab or shuttle you cross over to the island where a taxi coordinator radios for them. Another ship was debarking beside us, but there were tons of cabs, and we had one in 5 minutes, and were off to LAX for $43. Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle are about $30/couple to LAX, need to pre-book.
1. Internet: Need to check your email? The ship is expensive as usual, 50 cents a minute, sometimes pretty fast, more often slow. Crown and Anchor booklet has coupon for 10 minutes free. Have to submit coupon same day used. Great internet ashore, often $1/hour! In Cabo a good one about halfway down Marina Blvd, just 1 block off the Blvd on the left in a plaza, ask any of the tourist kiosks, they're very helpful. In Maz there's one a block from the cathedral, rec'd as cheap, but didn't get there. In PV the one off the gangway is expensive, $3 for 15 minutes. In town it's $1/hour at a place at Juarez and Aldama, fast connection, about 5 pesos (50 cents) for about half an hour. Another place on Ordaz, the beach strip, 2 doors east of McDonalds, don't know the rates.
2. Protected tanning locations: On our strolls we only found 2 sunny places protected from the winds. One was on deck 10 (jogging track) up at the bow in front of the 5 foot glass panels. The other was also on deck 10, behind the Solarium. There are no loungers there, you have to drag them in from the side of the ship.
3. Menus: We had to look around to find the daily menus, they aren't displayed at the doors to the dining room, but back about 20 feet in the wine display cases.
4. Tipping: RCI has 2 nice tipping features. The ship gives people the choice of putting tips on your Sea Pass card or handling it yourself, a nice choice the other cruise lines don't do, with others you have to cancel them off the ship card if you want to do it yourself. Also another nice feature, if you put the tips on your ship card, you get vouchers to put in the tip envelopes to give the staff which shows you tipped through the ship.
5. Money. Don't bother bringing large bills like 20's, they're just a nuisance, only good for large purchases like private shore tours. No one can or wants to change them, cabs, bar waiters, food waiters, and if they do you often get a bunch of pesos to try and get rid of. Plus wasted time waiting for change. It's best to pay close to the exact amount and be gone. It's good to have about $50-70 in ones, about 20-25 fives, and 5 or 10 tens for generally getting around. Don't use the ones until you need to.
6. Comfy. If you like a terry robe in the cabin, but your cabin category doesn't include one, you can ask (or tip) the steward to get you one, and RCI's policy is to fill your request.
Lovely cruise, hi to our new shipmates Gary and Betty, lots of fun together, hope your hangovers don't last too long :-)
Here's the link to our cruise photos, should be posted by April: http://community.webshots.com/user/rob42ca
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Alex Cole has not received any gifts yet
Hey Alex, I'm a 3.5 player, just moved to the 77005 west U area of houston and looking for someone to hit with weekdays. let me know if ur available. thanks, Neil. firstname.lastname@example.com
Hey Alex!!
Got my mobile phone, please note: 832-499-4230.
Call or text, so we can play this weekend!
maybe we can get some doubles,set up this weekend if it sounds good get back to me later
are u still looking for tennis partner to hit with
I am out this weekend but maybe next if your schedule works out. I am huge fan of doubles as well but dont really have any players to hit with in the area right now. As you are aware I am getting back into the sport. Maybe we can play some where closer to you like Gtown.
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NCAA finalists illustrate many ways to make a run
ARLINGTON, Texas – Kentucky reached the brink of an NCAA title with five freshman starters, including the cool right hand of Aaron Harrison and his decisive 3-pointers in three straight games.
Connecticut got to Monday night's championship game behind a pair of starters with Final Four experience, and a strong dose of defense.
Wisconsin and Florida rode rosters heavy on upperclassmen to the final weekend, and the Badgers were in position to beat the young Wildcats thanks to their 3-point shooting after 7-foot stalwart Frank Kaminsky was shut down.
Bottom line: There are plenty of ways to make a run in the NCAA tournament. And there will be another batch of potential "one and dones" in the nation's elite programs no matter how many in the current crop jump to the NBA.
"There's a lot of different ways to play this game and there's a lot of different ways to teach it and coach it and play it," said Kentucky's John Calipari, the one-and-done king who says the term is too negative and redubbed it "succeed and proceed" during Final Four weekend. "My whole thing is I'm coaching the hand that's dealt."
Calipari's hand has a lot of aces, and he's facing the annual question of how many will still be there after the NBA draft. Julius Randle, playing for the title in the Dallas area he calls home, seems the most likely to make the jump.
Aaron Harrison is certainly getting a lot of attention after last-second 3-pointers to beat Michigan and Wisconsin and another late shot from long range that put the Wildcats in front of defending national champion Louisville.
Connecticut's Shabazz Napier and Niels Giffey are seniors who had roles on the Huskies' national title team in 2011.
"The scope of talent is always a funny word," said retired UConn coach Jim Calhoun, who won three national titles. "They have that experience. That's part of the talent."
UConn fell behind 16-4 before a suffocating defense took Florida leader Scottie Wilbekin out of the game. DeAndre Daniels, a junior, scored from inside and out to keep the Huskies afloat.
Kaminsky had just eight points and five rebounds after being named the outstanding player of the West Regional, but the Badgers made eight from long range and Traevon Jackson forced a foul by Andrew Harrison on a 3-point shot with the score tied in the final seconds.
Jackson, a junior with an NBA pedigree in father Jim Jackson, missed one of the free throws and then a potential game-winner at the buzzer after Aaron Harrison's shot. That's the razor-thin difference between programs with vastly different makeups.
"In basketball it might look like there's different styles, but I'll tell you, we're trying to do two things," Wisconsin's Bo Ryan said. "We're trying to get more shots than the other team and we're trying to get better shots than the other team."
Chances are the conversations will be similar in a year.
Jahlil Okafor, a top high school prospect out of Chicago, is one of two leading recruits headed to Duke. Kentucky, North Carolina and Kansas have signed a pair each as well.
So even if Randle, Duke's Jabari Parker and Kansas star Andrew Wiggins — who has already announced he's leaving — are in the NBA, a new batch of freshman stars will be on campus.
Even SMU and Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown might be part of the one-and-done crowd with Emmanuel Mudiay, a point guard. Another top prospect from the Dallas area, Myles Turner, has the Mustangs on his list.
"You need to have an unusual personality in my opinion, patience, to be able to coach that many young kids," Calhoun said. "Everybody thinks there's different wants to do it. And there are different ways."
The Final Four in North Texas is showing it. Next year's event in Indianapolis probably will, too.
Tonight's game ended too late for this edition. For game results and more coverage, visit MyCentralJersey.com/sports.