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Difference between revisions of "Wikitravel:Travellers' pub/2014"
Revision as of 23:23, 15 May 2014
Happy 2014!
Happy 2014 from New Zealand to one and all!
This seems like a bit of a dead place now. Is that because of the heavy censorship - or is there some other reason? --184.108.40.206 16:36, 5 January 2014 (EST)
IP edits You probably know what's best for you but you could always make a throwaway account with a throwaway e-mail. Definitely let the tech guys know on Shared—they're always trying to improve the user experience around here. I wish I had more to offer you. Thanks for your patience in trying to help us build the travel guide. Koavf (talk) 23:37, 5 January 2014 (EST)
admin edit
What is an admin edit? --188.8.131.52 08:23, 20 January 2014 (EST)
Region Heading Needs to Be Changed
In the Rajasthan, India, section there is a region called Shekhawati, but the page is titled as Shekhavati. http://wikitravel.org/en/Shekhavati
All the other references on the page are spelled Shekhawati, which seems to be the most common spelling. I do not see how to edit the spelling of the page title.
Muchwari (talk) 12:37, 27 January 2014 (EST)Muchwari
Changes needed to the listing format
Our current policy at Wikitravel:External_links#External_link_format states:
"There are three possible formats for "external" links. For the sake of consistency and to avoid those confusing, incrementing little footnote-style numbers appearing all over the place, we only use the first format below for external links as a general rule:"
*Example, to create the standard hypertext-style of external link seen all over the world wide web, the syntax is to place one open square bracket, then the URL (not forgetting to include the
"This "good" style means that it is very easy for our readers to spot when they will be taken away from this great site to another website because the upward and right pointing arrow symbol like this is very visible. This "good" style also does not interrupt article prose with meaningless, footnote style numbers and nor does it occupy valuable screen space or confuse screen readers for the visually impaired with huge, ugly, unpacked URLs."
Is the management able to task their tekkies to bring our listings into conformity with this advice? --22.214.171.124 19:28, 16 February 2014 (EST)
Changes needed to the listing format
Our current policy at Wikitravel:External_links#External_link_format states:
"There are three possible formats for "external" links. For the sake of consistency and to avoid those confusing, incrementing little footnote-style numbers appearing all over the place, we only use the first format below for external links as a general rule:"
*Example, to create the standard hypertext-style of external link seen all over the world wide web, the syntax is to place one open square bracket, then the URL (not forgetting to include the
"This "good" style means that it is very easy for our readers to spot when they will be taken away from this great site to another website because the upward and right pointing arrow symbol like this is very visible. This "good" style also does not interrupt article prose with meaningless, footnote style numbers and nor does it occupy valuable screen space or confuse screen readers for the visually impaired with huge, ugly, unpacked URLs."
Is the management able to task their tekkies to bring our listings into conformity with this advice? --188.8.131.52 19:28, 16 February 2014 (EST)
Large scale deletions without adequate explanation
What's the story with Special:Contributions/22.214.171.124 who seems to have deleted a lot of our Punjab_(Pakistan) article without an explanation in their edit summaries or the article's discussion page, please? --Ttcf (talk) 16:36, 22 February 2014 (EST)
Publishing markup
As far as I am aware, the publishing collaboration with User:Peterfitzgerald, User:Jpatokal, User:Maj and User:Evan, etc ceased in 2011, so may we now remove the special markup such as <!--WEB-START--> and <!--WEB-END--> that still lingers on in some articles such as Chicago, Paris and Singapore? --Ttcf (talk) 17:42, 23 February 2014 (EST)
Obstructive abuse filter
Except for about 50 countries with universally known currency notation exceptions, our Wikitravel:Currency policy requires most currencies in the world to be formatted with the three letter ISO 4217 code for the currency in block capitals and no intervening space.
eg: AZN100 in Azerbaijan, not 100 Azerbaijani New Manat.
I have been thwarted on more than 20 occasions today with the message: "This action has been automatically identified as harmful, and therefore disallowed. If you believe your edit was constructive, please inform an administrator of what you were trying to do. A brief description of the abuse rule which your action matched is: Vandalism in all caps" when trying to make an edit such as the following:
==Get out== If you get the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, there will be a bunch of combis waiting for you outside the train station that go to Cusco Plaza de Armas. Some are PEN10 and some are PEN15..
Please would someone with sufficient privileges adjust this demonic filter? --Ttcf (talk) 01:31, 24 February 2014 (EST)
Editor retention
For the last decade or so we have not made much of a distinction between editors who have admin rights and those who don't.
Traditionally all editors have had both the ability and the opportunity to plunge forward and make edits that benefit the traveller.
Sometimes these edits are reverted because they are clearly against policy or our Manual of Style or simply because the reverting editor simply doesn't like the change.
However, if reverts are to be constructive it's important that the editor that rolls back an edit made in good faith then explains their viewpoint on the editor's talk page if the reason is not obvious or - if it's a general point or concerning a policy development - on the relevant article's discussion page.
If this discussion does not take place, then editors may become discouraged or simply confused at the difference between what is written on our policy pages and their personal experience.
Obviously, since many of our most experienced editors left a year or so ago, the three remaining active admins (User:Pashley, User:Nurg and User:Koavf together with the IBadmins ( User:Adzas, User:Binbin, User:GiulioC, User:IBAlex, User:IBobi, User:IBpark, User:Ibrshao, User:OVK, User:PierrB, User:Porteplume and User:Tyen) have been very busy fighting linkspam and vandalism but I would encourage them all to try and become more active on discussion pages if we are ever to restore this "community" to health.
PS: Obviously I except you from this little sermon, Koavf! --Ttcf (talk) 21:39, 24 February 2014 (EST)
User Talk pages
There are some points of etiquette in using User Talk pages that have built up over the years. Here are a few that come to my mind:
Is there anyone editing here that feels these rules of etiquette are now outmoded and, if so, why please? --Ttcf (talk) 21:39, 24 February 2014 (EST)
User pages (other than "User Talk")
It's heartening that, after 2 weeks, nobody seems to to feel that these rules of etiquette for User Talk pages outlined above are now outmoded, so I'd go on to summarise what I believe is the the current etiquette for other pages in User name space:
Good new and bad news
Site visit statistics show that wikitravel.org has increased its total site visits in the last quarter and remains second only to lonelyplanet.com in global visits to on-line travel guides with all other wiki travel sites trailing far behind due to poor search engine optimisation. This is a vital metric for our editors to understand and appreciate since there is not much point contributing to an on-line travel guide that few people actually read.
The Israeli site reports the weekly number of visits in the last 6 months as follows:
(travel.yahoo.com is a bit of a wildcard because of the way that its travel guide domain is arranged with estimates going as high as 22.6M estimated visits and as low as 988K.)
However, Alexa also reports under "How fast does wikitravel.org load?" that wikitravel.org is "Very Slow (4.126 Seconds), 88% of sites are faster." and this may have important implications going forward since Google increasingly takes speed of loading into account when delivering organic search results... --Ttcf (talk) 18:44, 3 March 2014 (EST)
Page protection
Wikitravel:Protected page policy currently states: "The revolutionary nature of Wiki is the ability for any reader of any article to edit that page right now. Wiki is the enabling technology that is making Wikitravel into a really great travel guide. Wikitravellers know that we need to keep Wikitravel open and available to make it succeed. We depend on the distributed effort of the millions of people on the Internet to get high-quality, up-to-date and reliable articles.
"However, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to protect a page on Wikitravel. When a page is protected, it can only be edited by administrators. This is an extreme measure and shouldn't be taken lightly. Whenever possible, we prefer to counteract abusive actions by some users with the ability of other users to edit a page."
Although neither the reason nor the page protection has been listed at Wikitravel:Protected pages, a new itinerary, The Walking Dead 1, has been fully protected from editing by anyone other than someone with admin privileges by its IBadmin author.
Is this a mistake? --Ttcf (talk) 22:58, 5 March 2014 (EST)
She does good work fighting linkspam.
Was her block a mistake? --Ttcf (talk) 16:39, 12 March 2014 (EDT)
Carrot and stick
I'd like us to put more effort into educating them about our policies and then trying to get them to stick around in a mutually beneficial relationship where travellers benefit from frequently updated, factually useful listings without those touty practices we dislike so much. --Ttcf (talk) 17:34, 13 March 2014 (EDT)
Breadcrumbs buggered by Sol
I'd fix it myself but I don't have enough privileges to edit this abusively locked page.
{{isIn|Sol}} needs to be removed for the joke article Earth or breadcrumbs for country articles such as Bermuda are continuously buggered by the appearance of the red-linked and never to be created Sol article ... --Ttcf (talk) 03:30, 18 March 2014 (EDT)
Default image size
Most of our readers are not logged in.
For them, the default image width of thumbnails is rather small at 180px.
Please may we increase that to 250px, please? --Ttcf (talk) 20:45, 16 February 2014 (EST)
Please would someone explain to me why it is helpful for travellers to have "maintenance" categories visible (as opposed to hidden) at the foot of many pages?
For example, how does it benefit the traveller to have visible at the base of our article about Jammu and Kashmir:
exactly? --Ttcf (talk) 22:13, 25 February 2014 (EST)
Wide images
Most of our readers view our pages without logging in.
All of these readers (that have not logged in) will have adverts enabled.
If editors use images that have fixed image widths larger than about 620px, then unwanted page artifacts appear meaning that, with most common browsers and operating systems, the page then "falls off" the right hand screen edge and the {{panorama}} template does not work properly.
Readers who have set their user preferences to display adverts can compare the differences between these two pages:
(since adverts are not displayed on user pages). --Ttcf (talk) 19:59, 15 March 2014 (EDT)
"Travelling with kids" section
Hi !
I was wondering if the idea of adding a section for people travelling with kids would be of interest. I am actually travelling with two kids in Ecuador and I feel like I could share a lot on many of the pages I read.
Thanks for answering !
--Rufen327 (talk) 18:03, 28 March 2014 (EDT)
Top 10 most photographed travel destinations across the globe
Google's Panoramio is a photo-sharing website that lets people tag photos of landmarks or landscapes with their locations and upload them to Google Maps.
That means it only takes some relatively trivial programming for them to produce some interesting "heat" maps...
(Incidentally, many of these photos have licences which mean that editors can use them here, too.) --Ttcf (talk) 04:20, 8 April 2014 (EDT)
Order of Listings
For about 7 years now, we have not had anyone suggest that listings should be in a random order rather than in alphabetical order as a default, or another logical order if agreed on the destination article's discussion page.
However, our Wikitravel:Accommodation listings#Listing order current policy has now been questioned so I thought I would give a "heads up" here in case anyone else wants to participate in the discussion at Wikitravel_talk:Listings#Random order in listings?... --Ttcf (talk) 23:16, 9 April 2014 (EDT)
Tout's new tricks
It's not the first time I have seen a deliberately untrue edit summary in an attempt to deceive.
Then along comes another "helpful" editor to change the Brussels reference to a "Marrakech" reference (all this in our Marrakech article) and then finally another "helpful" editor restores the touting with an edit summary of "Undo revision 2193705 by 188.8.131.52 (talk) No links to Airbnb".
One has to admire the team work - and well spotted, IBAlex! --Ttcf (talk) 19:36, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
Front page news items are stale
Please update Almost everything on the front page when it comes to travel advisories and events is out of date (the only one that really could apply is that traveling to South Sudan is probably not wise). Someone needs to add fresh content to our splash page, lest it look like the entire site is out of date. Koavf (talk) 23:29, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
Watermarks in images
Currently we have a prolific editor that has expressed a wish to upload images with watermarks to enhance our articles and been told that he shouldn't.
While there has been discussion a few years ago about removing images that have images that feature grotesquely prominent watermarks for commercial entities (eg, hotels or tours), the wts Image Policy is currently completely silent on this topic.
Is this "policy" on watermarks one that does not really exist - or simply one that is inadequately documented? --Ttcf (talk) 19:00, 17 April 2014 (EDT)
Incidentally, is it really necessary to continue to include information which we know to be wrong and outdated? isn't the edit summary of "It hasn't been true for quite a while that "Every page on Wikitravel has a credits block at the end of the page" we do still have an edit history, 'though..." a true statement? --Ttcf (talk) 03:19, 18 April 2014 (EDT)
Wikitravel:Manual of style for the US - obsolete and defunct?
The last edit to this was nearly 4 years ago and all of its style points are now incorporated into our general Wikitravel:Manual of style that is valid for all the other 207 countries as well. I therefore suggest labelling it as "Currently inactive but retained for historical reference." --Ttcf (talk) 04:26, 19 April 2014 (EDT)
Islands in Thailand
I note that the islands are variously noted as Ko or Koh. Both are used in transliteration, both in Thailand and in travel books etc. So it is important if anyone wants to look at a particular island to be able to be redirected from either. (some already are). I note that Ko Laan is written as such when I went to set myself up to make a contribution. However, it is also written as Ko/Koh - Laan/Larn. Koh Larn is used on the island itself and nearby in English transliteration.
Will it be possible to go through the islands in Thailand and make redirection from Ko/Koh possible at all? Also with Ko Laan, to make the same redirection as well as redirection from Larn also. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Avemario (talk • contribs) • 11:03, 23 April 2014 (UTC)


text:
Game Changers: Lori Webb
A baseball collection has grown along with Webb's accomplishments in the Southern League.
Lori Webb made history by becoming president of the Class AA Southern League, succeeding the late Don Mincher. Webb started with the league in 1994 as an executive assistant. Steadily, she rose through the leadership ranks, and when Mincher died early last year, Webb had become the natural choice to succeed him. She has since been part of a sweeping series of shifts in the affiliated minors that have included numerous affiliation and team ownership changes and a new embrace of national marketing strategies.
"Things are changing very rapidly in our business right now, and it's very exciting," Webb said. "What we're doing now is going to bring us a lot more national recognition, but the important thing is to also not lose the things that make minor league baseball special."
- Crowning professional achievement: Being elected president of the Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs in 2012 after working with the league since 1994.
- Biggest professional disappointment: Reaching my goal of being elected president, and my parents did not live long enough to enjoy this achievement with me.
- Person who had the biggest influence on your career in sports: Don Mincher. After he was elected in 2000, we had a 12-year working relationship and friendship. He allowed me to take on as much responsibility as I could handle, and then some — and he mentored me along the way. He was always supportive of me and willing to answer all my questions and explain many of the finer points of baseball when I needed clarification. He showed me that it is possible to attain your goals with patience and humility.
- Woman in sports business you'd most like to meet: Danica Patrick. She broke through the gates of a male-dominated sport and has continued to set and reach goals for herself in the race car industry. To do this she must surround herself with smart people to help her, and she has made many risky business decisions that have allowed her to remain competitive and reach her goals.
- Best advice you've received: When faced with a difficult decision, sleep on it. Things will look different in the morning.
- What would you, at age 18, find surprising about the person you've become today?: At age 18, I was graduating from a small-town high school and dreamed of being a secretary in a doctor's office, getting married, having a family, and living in a cobblestone house a few miles away from my hometown in upstate New York. I would have never believed that my marriage to my high school sweetheart would lead to living in several different states, meeting new people from all walks of life, and eventually working in baseball, much less becoming president of a professional baseball league in the South.
- The biggest challenge I face working in the sports business is …: Not being able to relate to all of the on-field incidents the same way the players and managers do because I never played organized sports. Although I continue to learn about these things, I do look at them from a different perspective.
"I've been very impressed with her thought process and her demeanor, the way she works through problems and issues. She is extremely capable."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Doylestown Rock Gym & Adventure Center is housed in one of the original airport hangers for the Doylestown Airport (then called Airon Field). The building was an active airport hanger until the early 1960s, when the new airport hangers were constructed. Looking at the front of the building you can still see the enormous, sliding steel doors that would allow planes to enter and exit the hanger.
Over the years the building was used for various industrial business. In 1995, local resident and climber David Pastorok and his wife Nancy had a vision to build an indoor rock climbing facility. Construction of the original walls, including the barrel and cave, began in August of that year. Filled with new holds, colorfully painted walls and a rubber chip floor, the grand opening event was held November 5, 1995. Since opening, many more walls have been added. In 2005, the Doylestown Rock Gym acquired the rear portion of the building which was developed into a party and program area.
The mission of the Doylestown Rock Gym is to provide quality indoor, outdoor and adventure climbing experiences where seasoned climbers as well as newcomers to the sport can practice, train, and learn to climb safely.


text:
Video shows California prisoners offering protection and escape help to drug lord 'El Chapo'
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A group of California prisoners filmed a video message for Mexico's drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, pledging to protect the captured drug lord and help him escape. The YouTube video, which includes profanity, shows five men, whose faces were partially concealed with pieces of cloth, sunglasses and hats, standing inside a prison cell as they…
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text:
Disaster in Deep Water
Originally published in The Mountain Astrologer, August/ September 2010.
It was apparent right away that what happened on April 20th in the Gulf of Mexico was no ordinary oil spill. Within days, the disaster moved through several meaning changes in the public mind: from that of an accident brought on by the failure of a mechanical device, to that of an example of how government fails to regulate oil companies, to that of a call to reevaluate our position on travesties against Nature.
The skies under which the Deep Water rig went down indicate to astrologers that disturbing questions are meant to be asked, right now, about the way we live in today's world. It was a literal explosion that triggered an even more far-reaching kind of explosion: one of collective consciousness.
Americans in particular are being put through a crisis of values, signaled by the fact that the U.S. (Sibley) chart's Jupiter-Venus conjunction supplies the final piece of what some astrologers are calling the Cardinal Climax. ((The Cardinal Climax refers to the T-square between Uranus, Pluto and Saturn (2010-11), which leads into the square between Uranus and Pluto (exact seven times between 2012 and 2015). The Sibley chart's Venus-Jupiter conjunction makes the transiting T-square into a Grand Cross, tightly linking the fate of the USA with the epochal period associated in the mass mind with the year 2012.)) Watching as the plumes of black toxicity spread, week after week, into the waters off our southern coast, we are being forced to consider issues whose implications are themselves spreading from the particular to the global to the spiritual. These issues include the control over our lives wielded by big corporations, our fatal addiction to oil, the prioritization of the profit motive in the industrialized world, and, ultimately, the role of human beings in the web of life.
In a telling synchronicity, this latest insult to the environment occurred a week before the 24th anniversary of the horrific meltdown at Chernobyl. It was also two days before Earth Day 2010, when many of us were already thinking about our checkered stewardship of this planet we call home.
Shocked and Appalled
The opposition of Uranus and Saturn (2008-2011) is the spine of the explosion chart. It was within a degree of exactitude, with Jupiter not far behind. What is being called the biggest oil accident in history (Jupiter signifies exaggerated size) occurred at the advent of the critical period that astrologers and other seers have long identified as a time of paradigm shifts for humanity.
The disaster broke into public awareness onto the scene during a season chock full of crises, including telluric disasters like earthquakes and tornadoes, extreme financial instability worldwide, military escalation in Korea, Central Asia and the Middle East… all of them heartrending issues that most of us would deny if we could.
But we can't. Uranus' job is to wrench us out of our torpor, like cold water in the face. The sheer drama of the Deep Water fiasco was amplified by Jupiter, whose conjunction with Uranus has been a signal that whatever surprises took place this spring and summer would not stay hidden. The fact that the conjunction was opposite Saturn, the planet of responsibility, when the blast occurred helps us understand the ferocity and immediacy with which questions of accountability took center stage. Since late April the airwaves have been buzzing with torrents of blame (Saturn), as well as reverberations of shock (Uranus): the shock of recognition about the nature of the times we live in.
All kinds of shock have been on display. Oil industry executives were caught with their pants down. So were the feds: heads rolled at the Mineral Management Service as soon as it became known that the agency had rubber-stamped BP's project with the barest possible oversight. In this cynical age, we may roll our eyes when we hear corporate perpetrators and their less-than-vigilant government watchdogs claim to be all shocked-and-appalled when things like this happen. Given the known risks of drilling 5,000 feet down into a fragile seabed, and given the doleful history of such spills, any protests of incredulity from BP and the MMS are taken by the public with a grain of salt.
But the general population does seem to be genuinely stunned and horrified. We have had the wind knocked out of us with this one. This is Uranus, the Great Awakener, doing what it is supposed to do. If one can speak of transits having intentions, we might say that the ongoing T-square between Uranus, Saturn and Pluto has the intention of shocking the tar out of us; in order to amp up our sense of urgency about the fate of the Earth.
Chaos and Secrets
The efforts to staunch the gushing torrent (to call it a "leak" is an outrageous euphemism) have been, at this writing, so clumsy and ineffectual as to be almost vaudevillian. BP has tried to plug the hole with everything from junkyard trash to laser-guided diamond-saw-wielding robots. The random hodge-podge of strategies itself seems to reflect the awkward back-and-forth of the opposition between Saturn (the clunky, the old-fashioned and the obvious) and Uranus (technology so advanced as to smack of science fiction).
But many observers are wondering how it is possible that these patching efforts are turning out to be as ludicrously ineffectual as they are. Other suspicious aspects of the debacle, including the misleading statements issued by company spokesmen at the onset, the government's green lighting the project despite BP's long record of egregious safety violations, and the fact that the US Coast Guard is supporting BP's injunction against reporters getting close enough to the site to film it, all raise troubling questions. This chaos of unexplained details makes an astrologer suspect the wild, dark energy of Eris. ((This dwarf planet, discovered in 2005, is associated with the shunned Feminine principle. Like the13th fairy uninvited from the christening in the tale of Sleeping Beauty, Eris can be violent in her revenge; as can Nature when her gifts are abused and her laws denied. For more on Eris, see Henry Selzer's article in The Mountain Astrologer Oct/Nov 07.)) In the explosion chart the Moon in the 8th house (fatality and secrets) is square to Eris, hinting that this is one of those national disasters about which much will remain unknown.
But the 8th, in which the karmic South Node also resides, is also the house of transformation; and the Moon represents the public's emotional life. I don't think our complacency about the environment will ever be the same.
A New Normal
Uranus at its highest represents the embrace of ideas whose time has come – whether or not this creates disruption. Saturn represents the effort to keep things stable and consistent – whether or not this entails denial. Uranus responds to the urgency of the new; Saturn yearns for what it thinks of as normalcy. We have seen this pair act out through many a culture war worldwide since late 2008, when the opposition began to peak.
In the USA the transit has manifested as a philosophical divide so strident as to be almost tribal. Where the issue of environmental catastrophe is concerned, the Uranian contingent has opposed, politically and intellectually, those who deny or minimize (Saturn) global warming. The Uranians tend to favor legal constraints upon corporations; the Saturnians tend to be pro-business. Saving the Earth has been the rallying cry of the one; saving jobs the cry of the other. If cooler heads were allowed to prevail, it would become clear that these two goals are not at all mutually exclusive; but since the Saturn-Uranus opposition began, the global warming debate has been stymied by this kind of reductionism. With oppositions in general, the archetypes represented are often oversimplified into cartoons. ((When the two poles involved are already polarized in terms of meaning (e.g. Saturn: the old; Uranus: the new), we are especially likely to see the expression of extreme positions, each making the other out to be a caricature, with no pretense of seeking middle ground. Consider the health care "debate" of 2009.))
Delving more deeply into the opposition's meaning, we see that the two poles are each a natural part of every human being's worldview. Our allegiance to standard operating procedure (Saturn) is up against the new and unfamiliar (Uranus). On a group level, the collective intelligence seems to be struggling to absorb the calamity in the Gulf of Mexico just as an individual must try to integrate two disparate ways of looking at the world they know. Will we open up to a sudden disclosure of new information (Uranus), or doggedly try to return to the known (Saturn)? By astrological law, the optimal response to any opposition is to integrate the two energies.
Bringing Uranus and Saturn together would mean daring to redefine what we've always thought of normal. Up until now, for most people, oil spills have been ruefully accepted as a necessary side effect of a lifestyle based on cheap fossil fuel. But an awareness of peak oil is nudging its way into the collective mind, naiveté about the forces that drive the world economy is starting to recede, and the popular mood is beginning to turn. The defilement of the waters by oil companies may soon be seen as unacceptable to the point of intolerable.
To understand Jupiter's impact on the Saturn-Uranus contest, we might imagine a hefty kid hopping onto Uranus's end of the seesaw: tipping the scales in favor of the Jupiter-Uranus side. This augurs a quantum leap in cultural attitudes.
We are redefining our sense of what's normal. ((How telling it is that the first of this opposition's five hits coincided with the election of Barack Obama, an event that changed forever Americans' understanding of political normalcy.))
Saturn and Pluto
Though the orbs are still wide between Pluto and the Saturn-Uranus opposition, the energies of the Cardinal Climax are clearly afoot. Pluto is trine the Sun in the explosion chart; and its placement in the second house of money, square to Saturn, can be seen in the immense economic damage that has been dealt to the Gulf Coast fishing industry (three planets in this chart are in Pisces, the fish), tourism and real estate. Saturn, which in its primitive state shows up as reactive blame, erupted in an orgy of finger-pointing as soon as the rig went down. Each of the major players was seized by panic over the prospect of being held financially liable.
But the fact that the corporate entities involved, including the media, are focusing on the business angle of the catastrophe, rather than on its moral or ecocidal implications, is itself telling. Under the Pluto-Saturn square, we get the feeling that the obsessive question, "Who is responsible?" really means "Who will pay for it?"
In a larger sense, Pluto's dirty fingerprints are all over this fiasco. On a political-cultural level, the planet of plutocracy is dropping numerous hints about the public's relationship to the business conglomerates to which we have given overweening power. The Deep Water disaster is one more exposé of the shady arrangements that exist between governments and cartels like Big Oil. The incident is bringing to popular attention the ways in which corporate entities operate; such as through the feds' lax regulation of industries with deep-pocket lobbyists.
One of the teachings of the Saturn-square-Pluto period (Nov 09 – Aug 10) is to bring to light the nature of dominance-control dynamics, exemplified by the dark face of modern capitalism. Together with the financial crisis that revealed how Wall Street calls the shots in Washington, the oil rig explosion, and the dysfunctional corporate response to it, serve to underscore that these monster entitiesbow neither to nationalist codes of democratic justice nor to notions of the public or environmental good. They are, by definition, about the bottom line (second-house Pluto in Capricorn).
The fact that our system is set up to prioritize profit over all else is not news. But the disaster in the Gulf represents a game-changing shift. It is a milestone event in the evolution of consciousness that has been foretold for the years surrounding 2012. Through the shock of fire, water and uncontainable ancient black slime, the collective learning curve has spiked dramatically.
Pluto and Oil
The archetypal meaning of oil is of paramount significance here. As Tem Tarriktar has pointed out, Neptune, god of the sea, has been at the midpoint of Pluto and Eris during the spring of 2010. Neptune, governor of liquids and lubricants, is the traditional ruler of oil; but to my mind oil has gone through a meaning change over the centuries that argues for a joint rulership with Pluto. I am thinking not only of oil's underground source and the preternatural value placed upon it (Pluto/Hades was the god of subterranean wealth), but of the fact that oil's talismanic power in the modern world seems to invite destruction wherever it is discovered, dug up and transported.
The Pluto-Saturn square is an indicator of destruction, toxicity and corruption, themes that are evident here. Fighting poison with poison, BP first attempted to break the oil down with poisonous dispersants that were rumored to have sickened the workers using it. (A mere few weeks ago, BP was issuing reassurances that the stuff was safe.) Now that the oil slick has spread to far shores, beachgoers are being told it is too poisonous even to touch. Amidst all this imagery of taint and ruin, the one that may burn the deepest into the collective imagination may be the Plutonian coinage "dead zones," now being applied to those Louisiana marshes whose intricate ecosystems have been irredeemably destroyed.
Surrounding the disaster is a flurry of public relations spin, including that of the American president, whose pronouncements of strained indignation beg more questions than they resolve. Obama's anodyne assertions reflect another facet of the Saturn-Pluto square. Though an intelligent and capable father figure, the man is between a rock and a hard place here. As a society we maintain the fantasy that he is in control, but situations like this make it all too clear that he is not.
Saturn in the explosion chart occupies the tenth house of public prominence, but Pluto is in the second house of money. The difference between the two tells the tale. Obama is a Saturn figure, an archetype of nominal authority; the oil company is the Pluto figure, the face of actual power. The square between them exemplifies a deeply unsettling theme that the 2012 years are bringing to light: the fact that in the modern industrialized world, profit-based networks governs governments, not the other way around.
This is a deeply unsettling concept for most Americans, as destabilizing as the configuration which symbolizes it: the T-square between the planet of revolution (Uranus), breakdown (Pluto) and the old order (Saturn).
Uranus conjunct Jupiter
Just as we would expect from a transit involving both Jupiter (breadth) and Uranus (radicalization) in Aries (activism), the horror in the Gulf has widened the scope of this issue and lit a fire under a debate that was, until now, relatively abstract and theoretical. The citizenry has been galvanized.
At this writing, as the first exactitude of the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction (June 8th, 2010) electrifies the skies, the national conversation is abuzz with ideas about how to respond to the catastrophe. Many blogs are insisting that Washington beef up environmental regulations; a grassroots movement has arisen calling on the government to seize BP's assets. ((The Seize BP Campaign (www.seizebp.org/) held demonstrations in early June 2010 across the USA; notably, the week the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction came to a head in Aries (political activism). They are demanding that the federal government seize the assets of BP — a company that rakes in $93 million a day in profit — and use them for compensation and damages.)) Politicians, spooked by the shift in public mood, are backpedaling from their previous support of offshore drilling. Spirited editorials are appearing in newspapers talking about what it would look like to shift to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.
Many consumers who used to grumble about prices at the pump are now thinking in a bigger-picture way about the costs of our reliance upon oil. They are turning their attention to the wellbeing of not only humans but of flora and fauna. They are considering the harm being done to not only those alive today but to generations yet unborn.
Wounded Seas
On the day of the disaster, Ceres, the asteroid of the Earth Mother, conjoined Pluto, the despoiler, in the sign Capricorn (corporations) within a degree. Moreover, that same day Chiron ingressed into Pisces (grief, universality), which is conjunct Neptune (water) in the explosion chart.
The literal level of meaning here is that the scene of this crime against Gaia was the sea. But the waters Neptune governs include salt tears as well. And Chiron is the symbol of wounds; those of a physical nature as well as of those of a more sublime nature, including the pain of being human in an imperfect world.
These features of the explosion chart help us understand the deeply emotional response that has been called forth from ordinary people all over the globe. Many sensitive souls are experiencing this event with a qualitatively different kind of distress than such issues have given rise to before. Among the people I know, this dismay has a keening, mournful quality. There is a sense that a crime has taken place; a crime with a matricidal resonance.
The explosion in the Gulf began occurred a mere nine hours before Chiron entered Pisces, whose job it is to instill within us, through heartache if necessary, an exquisite truth: that everything in creation is connected. On the level of ecological theory, this means that damage done to mangroves, gulls and crabs is damage done to us all. On the level of mystical understanding, it means that everything in existence sloshes around in the same cosmic sea.
The water emphasis of the explosion chart reminds us that the universe is a unifying matrix whence all life sprang and into which all will eventually be absorbed. We cannot separate out the spoiled vacations of tourists in Florida from the ruined careers of fishermen in Louisiana from the death of an oil-soaked pelican washed up on the shore. We cannot pretend a division exists between the blindness of the profiteers that caused this hideous damage and the blindness of the populace that buys the profiteers' oil.
The essential meaning of Chiron is that pain is a teaching tool. The anguish this incident has engendered in heart-connected observers is not an improper response, nor a side effect to be wished away. It is a cosmically appropriate response. When understood as part of the Chironic plan, our gut responses to the oil rig disaster will serve to strengthen our empathy (Pisces). And though empathetic strength is not the kind typically celebrated in a top-down, yang-oriented culture like ours, it is exactly the kind of strength we need to bring the Earth back to balance.


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Have you ever had wasabi peas? They are a vibrant green snack that's both crunchy and hot. This recipe for kimchi peas was inspired by those but replaces the wasabi with kimchi powder! If you don't have powder, you can replace it with other flavors (I'll make a few suggestions below).
Kimchi powder is dehydrated kimchi that's ground into powder (we show the process here). It's a preserve made from a preserve; something we did largely as an experiment but we had a lot of fun with it. A little goes a long way; 2 tablespoons of powder packs all the flavor of 2 cups of kimchi. If you don't have a dehydrator and want the flavor, you could experiment with soaking the chickpeas in kimchi brine overnight to create a similar effect.
The results are a lot of fun. The chickpeas are crunchy, salty and a little spicy. Everything a snack should be.
I started with dried chickpeas but you could use canned ones if you'd like (just skip the boiling part).
Crunchy Kimchi Peas – Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- A handful of salt for boiling the water.
- 2 tablespoons kimchi powder
- 2 tablespoons oil (I used olive)
Crunchy Kimchi Peas – Instructions
- In a large pan, boil 4 cups of salted water.
- Cook chickpeas till soft. Stir occasionally and check water levels (top off if needed)
- Drain chickpeas very well – the drier the better.
- Heat oven to 350.
- Spread the dried chickpeas on a cookie sheet, cover in oil and gently shake tray to make sure they get covered.
- Distribute the kimchi powder, gently shaking to distribute the powder.
- Bake for 40 minutes until crunchy. Monitor carefully after 30 minutes to prevent burning (I rotated my tray at that point because of a hotspot in my oven).
- Store on counter or in fridge.
Other Possible Flavor Combinations
You could experiment with any of these (just add these instead of the oil):
- Garlic powder and honey
- Garlic, Onion and cayenne powder
- Wasabi powder
- Curry powder
What flavors would you add?


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Calling all Curly Girls and Curly Girl Supporters. In honor of our April Sweepstakes, we are going to post spring hair tips that will help you get the most out of your hair as the weather goes from cold to warm and the climate goes from dry to humid.
Spring Hair Tip of the Day!
"One surefire way to keep frizzies at bay is with great styling aids. Whether you're a mousse, pomade, gel or cream girl, you need to slather your curls with some sort of styling product to help smooth and define their natural texture.. When searching for the right gel, mousse, pomade or cream, be sure to opt for products with moisturizing formulas that infuse the hair with nourishing ingredients. Stay away from products with too much alcohol as they are drying and can lead to damage."
With the onset of spring storms, it's time to pull out your favorite rain boots, chic umbrellas, striped rain slickers and colorful parkas.
For this contest, we want to see you in your rainy day best! Send us pics of you rocking your stormy weather wares and you could win a frizz fighting Mixed Chicks trio to help you fight the frizz that ramps up during the rainy season.
This contest will run for the entire month of April. We will pick one winner each week so be sure to check back to see if you're a winner!
You MUST submit a Twitter and/or Instagram handle along with your rainy day pics to be entered to win.
Winners will receive special Mixed Chicks No Frizz Trios with full-sized product. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @mixedchicks or Instagram @mixedchickshair for daily giveaway announcements and information. #rainproofhair #rainydaydivas #frizzfighters


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TheFood Innovation Center at Rutgers has developed a Best Practices for Sponsors and Managers Course.
This course is designed to provide market sponsors and managers with the practical tools required to successfully plan, begin and sustain a farmers market.
The Rutgers Food Innovation Center has developed a Best Practices for Farmers and Vendors Course.
For new vendors, this course provides practical guidance and tools to help farmers and other food purveyors transition to successful direct-to-consumer retailers. For established vendors, this course is designed to help expand and maximize the opportunities available at the markets at which they participate.
Can we get some guidance and overview on issue 2 from those in the know on this site? Here are some recent articles.
The Center for Rural Affairs in NE has a program called Land Link that helps connect new farmers with experienced ones. These bonds are made to help new farmers learn about retirement planning, financing, farm business, etc. Click on the link below to read more
This article gives an A-Z list of technologies that will change agriculture. For example, computer-controlled tractors, drought-tolerant crops, and vegetable oil engines. Click on the link below to read more
An environmental stewardship program has been developed in Washington state for students. The program teaches conservation practices to reduce depletion of natural resources and help to protect the environment. Click on the link below to read more
Peaches and Greens, a local produce grower in Detroit, is bringing fresh grown fruits and vegetables to urban Detroit neighborhoods in converted ice cream trucks. Residents can line up to purchase produce similar to kids lining up for popsicles. Click on the link to read the article.
Click on the link below to read an article about fruit and vegetable consumption in children. According to the article, a "factor of significance was age, as the tendency to consume fewer fruits and vegetables increases dramatically as children move into adolescence. Teenagers were four times more likely to consume less fruit and nearly 2.5 times more likely to consume fewer vegetables."
A meeting has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon, October 1st from 1 to 2pm at Ohio Dept of Agriculture to discuss various grant possibilities for a MPU project with USDA rep Deb Rausch. Amalie Lipstreu with ODA, has organized the meeting so members of the poultry processing work group - and anyone else having an interest in the development of additional processing capacity - can discuss the opportunities.


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Breaking News****Just announced TODAY! The She Speaks 2013 special guest keynote speaker is Michael Hyatt, NY Times Best Selling Author, Top Rated Blogger, and Social Media Expert. Only 150 spaces left! We are SO EXCITED and honored to have him at She Speaks! Visit Michael Hyatt's site today and subscribe to his blog and you can get an awesome FREE ebook about your personal life plan. Then plan to see him in person at this year's She Speaks Conference!
Wondering if She Speaks is for you? Read on as Stephanie describes her She Speaks experiences. (And she will be back for her 3rd She Speaks this year!)
There I sat, on a plane destined for Charlotte. It was my first year to attend the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speak Conference. What in the world was I thinking? Why I am I going? What if everyone thinks I am too young…or too Texas twangy…or too fat…or too whatever! What if I am not good enough! What if I walk into my publisher appointment and vomit on the table, rendering the publishing agent unable to complete her daily tasks, a room unfit for further use, my cute outfit ruined, and my shoes sloshing with the product of my uneasy stomach! What if that actually happens?!?!
Talk about stress and a panic attack! I wish I had the Stressed-Less Living book then! But one thing kept me moving forward. I wanted to meet my friend and Bible Study Partner, Melissa Taylor, for the very first time. I couldn't wait to hug her and I knew that even if my anxious stomach projected vomit on her…well she would just laugh it off and go change clothes. She is that kind of friend. Here is a picture of us the first time we met face to face. And I will tell you in that very moment my anxiety didn't disappear, but I knew everything would be okay. (If you cannot view the pictures in this blog post, click here to go directly to the blog.)
I spent the next few days attending sessions and workshops, meeting other ministry minded women who had hopes and dreams just like me, basking in times of worship, listening to the amazing speakers, and bathing in the glory that is the prayer room (the prayer room is one of She Speaks best kept secrets…if you go…I guarantee it will be one of your very favorite parts).
I got to meet two publishers while I was there (this is optional), and although my book proposal was far from ready…I really enjoyed meeting with them and learning about what they want and expect from a prospective author. And I didn't even throw up on them!
If you are interested in writing, speaking, or women's ministry in any way I want to encourage you to consider attending the She Speaks Conference. It will take place July 25-27th in Concord, North Carolina. Please click here to read all the wonderful information provided on the She Speaks Website.
The biggest reason I hear that people hesitate to go is the price. Yes, it is expensive, but not when you consider what you get. The opportunity to hear and be motivated and challenged by top-notch speakers such as Lysa Terkeurst and Renee Swope, amazing praise and worship time, tailored workshops from industry and ministry professionals, your hotel stay, food, and networking opportunities unmatched by any conference I have ever been to before. Plus, many of your Online Bible Study sisters will be there – and girls, let me tell you, meeting these women face to face has blessed me beyond measure. Here is a picture of some of the Online Bible Studies Team at She Speaks last year.
If you are interested, spend some time in prayer about going, and if God says yes – then I can't wait to meet you there! That first year, I could not pay the way myself, so I sent out support letters and over half of my expenses were paid by others who believed in what God was doing in my life. God made a way where there seemed to be no way. And He met me there in ways I couldn't have ever asked or imagined.
I would love to spend some time answering your questions about She Speaks in the comment section. First look at the website because you likely will find the answer there, but if not, please ask! I may not get to every question but I will do my best. Also, I would love to hear about your experience at She Speaks if you have been before, and if you haven't, but want to go, how is God speaking to your heart and calling you to attend either this year or on down the road?
Remember every time you comment you will be entered to win this weeks giveaway! A beautiful OBS necklace donated by "The Rusted Chain".
And don't forget! Tomorrow is the Blog Hop!!!! The topics for this week are:
1. Rest. In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. ~Isaiah 30:15b (NIV)
Haven't taken the "verse mapping" plunge? Dig into this verse for three days and share with us how your heart responds to His message to you?
2. Hope From Upstream. Being a parent isn't always easy and as Tracie shared, it's even more challenging to follow God's plan for our kids when you feel like you're going against the flow. If you are a parent, share some godly advice from upstream on how you help your kids follow God's will. {Ok, I hope we have LOTS of these since I only have a 3 month old cutie pie, so I'm excited to hear from you!!}
3. Healthy Tomorrow. Chapter 3. What are some healthy choices you need to make for your life as you deal with stress? OR Share with us the healthy choices you already make!
4. #Blessed. Add to your #Blessed post, or start one today!
Stress can cause us to overlook the many blessings God has poured out into our lives. Make a list of five things God has blessed you with. Once you have listed five, try for five more…then five more…then five more. You can add to this list whenever you have something new to add. I.E. I am thankful for the dirty laundry because my family is well clothed. OR I am thankful for the beautiful weather we had today. OR Thank You Lord for my family.
***To access the Week 3, Day 2 post, click here.
***To access the Week 3 Overview and Day 1 post, click here.


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Probe into civil servant who snooped on dozens of women for 'curiosity'
A CIVIL servant has admitted snooping on personal records belonging to dozens of women including school colleagues, a former girlfriend and a person he wanted to ask out on a date.
The Department of Social Protection is investigating the "inappropriate" actions of the official, who insists that he searched the private data to satisfy his curiosity.
Documents obtained by the Irish Independent reveal how the man told his bosses that he checked the records of predominantly women in their late thirties who have not settled down.
He admitted meeting up with a female whose records he had obtained through the internal social welfare database known as 'INFOSYS'.
The employee has also been confronted by his superiors over making alleged "inappropriate interactions" with colleagues.
The man said his activities were "stupid and foolish" and told his superiors that medication he was taking had impeded "his judgment and caused him to do things that he would not normally do".
The actions of the official are now subject to an internal investigation by the department, according to details released under the Freedom of Information Act.
The inappropriate activities by the man, which took place during working hours, were initially detected in 2010.
He said that there were times where he would have spent one or two hours per day snooping on women and their spouses.
The man added that he would check people he went to school with to see if they were single or married and what part of the country they lived in.
But after being sanctioned by the department, he was found to have again begun making inappropriate accesses of records last year.
Some 80pc of the people searched were women, according to the documents.
The Irish Independent understands that the latest round of snooping by the official is subject to an ongoing internal investigation.
Details of the probe are revealed after this newspaper revealed the ease with which private investigators were able to access information from the department with just a single phone call.
The so-called 'tracing agents' acting on behalf of at least a dozen credit unions, were able to wrest reams of personal data from officials in the country's biggest spending department without having to prove who they were.
All the private investigators had to do was ring up and say they were from another agency.
In one case, a private investigator didn't even give a surname, just a false Christian name.
The information was then handed back to at least 12 credit unions in return for lucrative fees.
The department said it constantly reviews its internals controls and takes its data protection responsibilities very seriously. The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) said it condemned the practice of the private investigators, which it says its members were not aware of.
The link between the credit unions, the department and private investigators has been the subject of a year long investigation by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
As revealed last week, Assistant Data Protection Commissioner Tony Delaney now believes that State agencies other than the Department of Social Protection have been targeted by agents who use suspect tactics.
Mr Delaney and a number of his officials have begun building profiles of the agents in question.
A routine audit of a small number of credit unions sparked the probe revealed in the Irish Independent.
After inspecting the books and records of credit unions, it became clear that customer records had been obtained illegally from the Department of Social Protection.
Mr Delaney and his staff last year carried out audits into 12 credit unions as part of the wide ranging probe into private investigators.
Sources say the department in question was targeted due to the reams of confidential data it possesses.
The information that was supplied to the agents working on behalf of credit unions was retrieved from a wide ranging database known as 'INFOSYS', which is similar to the garda 'PULSE' system.
Irish Independent
Promoted Links
Related Content
- Dirty tricks at centre of credit union snooping
- Personal data handed to private investigators by State department 'with just one phone call'


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More Info
Youth Programs
Office Phone: 602-718-1774
Senior High Youth is a weekly outreach (Wednesday nights) to 8th-12th graders that keeps youth off the streets, provides positive peer activities, learning opportunities and spiritual development.
Emerging Leaders: An exceptional leadership development track is available for youth who seek not only to serve their community, but also to obtain financial stability and self-sufficiency. Emphasis is paced on community service, education, teamwork, social skills and job training.
Summer Internship: Youth in the Emerging Leaders track are able to apply for NM's highly coveted summer internship positions in which they gain workforce experience and serve their community.
Youth Programs
Office Phone: 602-718-1774


text: Great location. Trans studio has a huge food court with great Indonesian food, plus lots of shopping and entertainment. Hotel staff is extremely friendly, helpful and efficient - unlike Ibis in Singapore. Within three days most staff at front desk and cafe knew me by name! The breakfast staff knew my special omelette and coffee - most impressive. Of course,... More


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|Model: NOUFPCB1416
ADP Code: SE0001345
HCPCS Code: NA
|Size: 14"-16" (35.6-40.6 cm)
Dimensions: 16" (40.6 cm)
The nxt Back Support Series offers a range of contours to provide Posterior, Posterior Lateral and Posterior Deep Lateral support. The Scapula cut-out shape is designed to provide excellent support and comfort while enhancing the user's natural range of motion. For optimal positioning of the pelvis, Pelvic-lumbar support pads can be uniquely positioned to customize the fit for the user. The wide range of sizes and contours provide exceptional support and comfort.
CDN Retail Price (CDN): $995.00
Available in the USA Through DHCS
Available in Some Countries for Export Through DHCS, Approval Required
All prices subject to change without prior notice.
The nxt Seating Series is made up of a range of modular back rests, coupled with a range of contoured cushions adapted to meet the needs of different client groups. Together, they provide effective postural support while protecting skin, for a combination that maximizes mobility, activity, and function.


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December 19, 2002And now, for a tale from the Ghost of Christmas Present:
On Tuesday, December 17th, I boarded an airplane bound for San Jose, CA. It's a short flight, and that means I did not bother to pack a paperback book. I opted instead to do a little drawing, fiddle with the crossword puzzle in Sky Magazine (it kicked my butt -- I'm out of practice), and absentmindedly go shopping in the SkyMall catalog.
Most of the things in this catalog are kind of sad. It makes me sad to think that there are people with enough disposable income to pay these kinds of prices for these things, while also being stupid enough to think that these things will make them somehow happier. Then I came across the robotic vacuum cleaner "Roomba," and realized that I have just enough disposable income to afford it (if I kiss my plans for a GameCube goodbye) and am just stupid enough to believe that it will make me happier.
I am NOT, however, stupid enough to impulse-buy something while on an aircraft. I instead circled the price, dog-eared the page, and slipped the catalog into my carry-on.
Much later that day, as I was wrapping up the last of my appointments in Silicon Valley (note: the place feels much shabbier since the dot-bomb crash -- either that, or the rainy weather had me down) I discussed the Roomba with some technophiles at an analyst firm. One of them actually OWNED one and said it worked as advertised. Fascinating...
I flew home uneventfully (if you don't count the part where I was psychologically bludgeoned by the airline customer service folks in my attempt to switch flight reservations over the phone on the way to the San Francisco Airport), drove home from Salt Lake International, and went to bed. Before drifting off to sleep, thoughts of the Roomba crossed my mind, and I turned to my wife to ask her what she thought about making a two-hundred-dollar hole in the budget so I could buy her something nice.
I never got around to asking the question. As I rolled over she said "your packages came today. Did you buy me something from Sharper Image?"
My first thought was "I didn't order anything from Sharper Image."
My second thought was "Woohoo!!! Packages!!!" I think I may have actually verbalized that one.
They were at the foot of the bed. I tore into them wondering who they were from and what they contained. The answer frankly terrified me.
Someone had sent me a Roomba. It arrived, according to Sandra, less than an hour from the only time during the day that I verbalized my interest in the device. The only clue that this was a coincidence, rather than a plot on the part of airline spies, meddling industry analysts, or co-workers with a penchant for expensive practical jokes was that along with the Roomba I had received a talking photo album. Oh, and the order was placed on December 10th.
The story gets less interesting from here. My father-in-law confessed, when called the next day, to sending the gift. I should have known that the man who taught me the true meaning of the word 'technophile' (as well as the phrase 'wears slacks at the beach') would already own one of these. After all, he was buying programmable refrigerators before it was fashionable to own programmable VCRs.
Is there a moral to the story? Of course there is. Even when you think it would HAVE to be Santa Claus, it's probably just your parents. If you let this detract from the joy of the season, you need to have more good will toward men. Merry Christmas!


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Sprint Discount Program
We are pleased to announce that Central Piedmont Community College is part of the Sprint Discount Program and offers discounts for employees.
Employees receive 18% off select Sprint plans courtesy of the MiCTA GPO using CorpID GMCTA_ZZZ.
- To shop, CPCC employees may visit http://sprint.com/save, enter their CPCC employee email address ending in cpcc.edu, and they will receive an email with a special link to shop online. CPCC employees may also visit their local Sprint store (http://storelocator.sprint.com) or shop via Sprint telesales at (866) 639-8354.
- Existing CPCC Sprint customers that need their Sprint CPCC discount added may visit http://sprint.com/verify either on their computer or smart device. They should enter their cpcc.edu email address and Sprint will immediately send an email to the employee. The CPCC employee should open the email and click the verification link by the date provided.


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The Juice: Yankees clinch East, Red Sox set to fire Bobby Valentine
The Juice has concluded its fifth season of fun! Remember to stop by each weekday next season for an ample serving of news from the action, plus great photos, stats and video highlights.
[Y! Sports Fan Shop: Buy New York Yankees division champs merchandise]
Easier this way: Even if the Orioles hadn't fallen at Tampa Bay earlier, the Yankees would have won the AL East by smashing the Red Sox 14-2 on Wednesday night, clinching their 14th division title in 18 seasons and their 47th first-place finish in history, all since 1921. Robinson Cano went 4 for 4 with two home runs and six RBIs, and Curtis Granderson also went deep twice to back Hiroki Kuroda. Now, instead of having to play in a wild-card free-for-all on Friday, the Yankees can sit back and wait for either Texas or Baltimore in the ALDS.
[Jeff Passan: Bobby Valentine has fitting, frustrating swan song]
Bobby 'V' is for vamoose: The Red Sox finished with a 69-93 record and, if you've paid attention to Bobby Valentine all season, it was even more embarrassing than that. Rather than giving it another shot next season, the team intends to fire him any moment now, reporter Jon Heyman writes at CBS Eye on Baseball. With apologies to Boston fans, that's too bad, because it was kind of fun waiting for what Bobby V would do next. And what he does next probably will come on TV, because Bob Nightengale of USA Today says ESPN will bring back Valentine as an analyst as soon as he's free from the Red Sox. Nutzo.
Three times a-Longo: Evan Longoria likes to save his best for last, so he lighted up the Orioles for three home runs in Tampa Bay's 4-1 victory against the Orioles, sealing Baltimore into the wild-card game after a ridiculously fun and surprising 93-69 record. A year ago, Longoria hit two home runs on the final day of the season to help send the Rays to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Orioles were Robert Andino-ing the Red Sox to knock them out of the playoffs. See how everything is connected?!
How's the rest of the postseason shake out?: Kaduk tells you!
* * *
Quote of the Day I:
"This was difficult. Come into the last day of the season, nobody knows what's going on. We've been taking it one day at a time for quite some time. It feels good." — Derek Jeter, on the Yankees sorting out their playoff possibilities by beating the Red Sox.
Quote of the Day II:
"When I went up in the ninth, A.J. (Pierzynski) told me that Longo hit three tonight. I was not going to let him show me up." — Dan Johnson of the White Sox, a former teammate of Longoria's with Tampa Bay, after he hit three home runs, too.
Quote of the Day III:
"It stinks just as much as the last time we were at .500." — Diamondbacks skipper Kirk Gibson, whose team finished 81-81.
* * *
[More: Raul Ibanez's heroics for Yankees may keep him from birth of his child]
Photo of the Day: Hey, it's Brandon McCarthy!
And he's pouring beer on a teammate's head during the A's victory celebration. Good to see B-Mac back with the gang as he continues to recover from the beaning.
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Three Facts for the Water Cooler
• Chase Headley of the Padres finished a breakout season as the NL's RBI champion, holding off Ryan Braun of the Brewers. Headley went 2 for 3 and drove in two runs in a 7-6 win against Milwaukee to finish with 115 knocked in. San Diego, meanwhile, kept Braun off the board for the entire series and he finished with 112. Headley, playing home games at Petco Park, one of the toughest parks in the league for hitting, also finished with 31 homers and 31 doubles.
• Braves closer Craig Kimbrel struck out 116 of the 231 batters he faced, a 50.2 percent rate that "by far" is the best in history, notes Talking Chop.
• Expected by many to contend, the Marlins instead finished 69-93. They drew 2.2 million fans in their first season at a new ballpark, good for 12th in the NL but their highest total since 1997.
* * *
Love baseball? Ready for the playoffs?
Follow @AnswerDave, @bigleaguestew, @KevinKaduk on Twitter,
along with the BLS Facebook page!
Baseball video from Yahoo! Sports:
Other popular content on the Yahoo! network:
• ESPN's 30-for-30 'Broke' makes an impression on today's college hoops stars
• DeSean Jackson is moving quickly toward a rap career
• Ohio State will play a series with 'poor' TCU
• Y! Shine: Victoria Beckham's awkward teenage modeling pics


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An Important Lesson in Business
This week, I am giving a presentation at the Premier Conference in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The title of my presentation is bound to turn a few heads, but even more so, will help all attendees achieve their goals for 2013 be it business or personal. Read on and get inspired to turn rejection around in 2013!
"How did the Elephant Man marry a super model?" is about accomplishing big goals that you may think are impossible. There is one simple formula for doing anything impossible, which I learned this from my friend Mike or "The Elephant Man", the greatest salesperson in one of the first companies I worked for.
When I was a kid, my first big job was trading commodities such as sugar and crude oil. I worked at the World Trade Center and because I was a young broker, I always looked to mimic the best broker I could find. This is the same thing that I recommend in all my sales classes. Find who is the best at what you do, find out what they're doing and then you do it. Anyways, I noticed this guy Mike who was about 20 years older than me. I started hanging around him and eventually, had the good fortune of becoming friends with him.
One thing about Mike was that physically, he was not very attractive. I don't judge people by their looks at all, but behind his back, other brokers would refer to him as "the Elephant Man". The best way I can describe him is that he had a poor complexion and a body like the Michelin Man. I became friends with him and one day after work, he asked if I wanted to go out. It was ladies night at this place called Buttle's Nightclub.
That night, Mike approached the hottest women in the club and proceeded to get cruel rejections from all of them. This continued in every establishment we visited that year. He would always ask me, "Who is the hottest girl here?" and then he would go over there and try to get a date with these women. I would always see the girls wincing when he came up to them. I'll bet he approached hundreds of women that year.
One day, we were at a supermarket and he asked me, "Who is the hottest girl here?" There was this cute little brunette across the aisle. He walked over to her and from my vantage point, I could see that she liked him. They started talking and she said, "Yes, I'll go out with you." I thought it was amazing. She said "yes" to a first date, "yes" to a second date, "yes" to marrying him and today, he is married to one of the most beautiful women both inside and out.
The thing I learned about Mike's process is that he didn't feel the rejection at all. He just felt that the right one would be at the right time, the right place and that it would take a bunch of these conversations to get it. Now, take his scenario, crystalize it and then create a game plan to help you accomplish your own goals. If you have a big goal, you need to go out and get it. Understand that every rejection is bringing you one step closer to the answer you're looking for.
The reason why I am presenting this at the Premier Conference is because I think everyone can relate to it. In business today, getting a customer has become much harder and keeping an account has become harder. Business owners and sales people need to realize, getting rejected a hand full of times doesn't mean the year will be a disaster, it just means you need to make more calls. For every "no" you get, you are closer to a "yes."
How many people do you know who have settled? They sold themselves short, have had bad luck and accepted that they would never reach their goal? The only reason it's not going to happen for them is because they gave up. I truly believe, if the Elephant Man married a supermodel, then you can accomplish what you set out to accomplish and I can too!


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Diamonds Info
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Our Sponsors
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MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS 4:30PM to 7:30PM!
2017 Diamonds Summer Baseball Camps
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Spartan Baseball Adds Bailey Peterson for 2018
Grandville's Bailey Peterson to play baseball at Michigan State University
The Best Just Got Better!
Diamonds Sports Training Academy has now opened the doors to their new training facility. The new facility is almost 40,000 sq. feet. It is showcased by a 150 X 100 Field with the new state of the art "field turf" with the rubber infill. Diamonds also has 7 batting cages, 5 pitching lanes, a 60 yard dash runway, a weight room, a pro shop and a spacious parent seating area(Wi-Fi, Flat Screen). Diamonds is the largest facility in Michigan devoted specifically to training baseball and softball players.
Bill Peterson
and the Diamonds has had over
200 players
move on to the College ranks in the last 4 years alone, an additional
25 players
have been drafted or signed professionally. That's more than any other training facility in West Michigan.
Diamonds Sports Training Academy, the Best Training West Michigan has to offer!
Private and Group Hitting, Pitching, Catching and Defensive Skills Work
Baseball and Softball Cage Rentals
Instructional Clinics
Full Team Practice Available
Hitting Leagues
40,000 sq.ft. Turfed Facility
7 Batting Cages
5 Pitching Mounds
60 Yard Dash Runway
Training/Conditioning Equipment
150X100 field with state of the art Field Turf
Video Training Support
Baseball Travel Teams
Softball Travel Teams
Strength / Speed / Agility Training
Kellogg shortstop Bailey Peterson racked up 5 home runs and 21 RBIs to bring home @NJCAA DII Baseball Player of the Week honors! Bailey is also leading the Country in Batting Average, On Base % and is 3rd in the Country in Slugging %!
Talking Chop interviews Braves prospect Corbin Clouse about his first year in professional baseball!
Great job by Bailey Peterson; Player of the week!!
University of Michigan sophomore LHP Oliver Jaskie was named the Big Ten Conference Baseball Co-Pitcher of the Week!
Diamonds Softball's Wally King named Head Softball Coach at Ferris State University!
Diamonds Alumni Ryan LaMarre gets called up to the Big Leagues by the Reds!
Bender Named WHAC Player of the Year...He is also one of our Alumni as well as an Instructor and a 16U travel ball coach.
Spring Lake's Lozano signs letter of intent with Wright State
Bryce Davis, a 2017 graduate of Sparta High School, has made his commitment to continue playing baseball and further his education at The University of Toledo.
Read About It Now!
Bloomingdale and Diamonds Softball 18U - Marty Haris Signs with Huntington University
Read About It Now!
Coach Laska Adds East Kentwood & Diamonds Softball Standout Lauren Parker To Aquinas Team
Read About It Now!
Muskegon Community College signs Caledonia & Diamonds Softball Star McKenzie Butgereit
Read About It Now!
Diamonds Camps & Events
To help identify players, please have your son wear a jersey with number to the tryout.
There is a $10 fee (cash or check only) for tryouts due at registration and that one-time fee that is good for both days your age group is scheduled.
2017 Diamonds Summer Baseball Camps
Click here to see flyer!
Diamonds Sports Training, the BEST Training West Michigan has to offer.
Jordan Keur- Hudsonville HS/ Michigan State University
Torsten Boss- Lowell HS/ MSU
Andy Radamacher- Dewitt HS/ MSU
Shane Street- Rockford HS/ Spring Arbor University
Derek Dennis- Forest Hills Central HS/ University of Michigan
Kyle Clark- Portage Central HS/ U of M
Cam Luther- St. Joe HS/ U of M
Kyle Bobolts- Middleville HS/ Oakland University
Joey Larson- Ludington HS/ Oakland University
Stephen Claypool- Divine Child HS/ Ball State University
Kevin Baker- Creston HS/ GRCC
Matt Skirving - Midland Dow/EMU
Tim MacDonald - Midland Dow/WMU
JT� Scarpelli - Big Rapids/WMU
Greg Welke - ���� Portage Central/Oakland Univ.
Sam Russell - Grandville/CMU
Brett Schwartz - B.C. Lakeview/WMU
Mike Nixon - Catholic Central/CMU
Ryan Lamarre - Jackson Lumen Christi/U of M
Danny Killian - Chippewa Hills/Kentucky�� *Drafted by Washington Nationals
DJ. Jarrod - Portage Northern/Oakland
Brett Geschke - Paw Paw/Oakland Univ.
Jeff Harfst - ���� �Grandville/SVSU
Ed Napieralski - Catholic Central/SVSU
Cory Radamacher - Dewitt/GVSU
Zach Laupp - Mattawan/GVSU
Drew Carmody - Grandville/Hope
Steve Lewis - Forest Hills Cent./Hope
Blake Thornton - Olivet HS/Olivet
Lisa Mulder - Northview/Aquinas
Kennan Less - Rockford/Aquinas
Chad Bowhuis - Jenison/Aquinas
Aaron Englebert - Caledonia/Aquinas
Brady Nemetz - Ionia/Lansing CC
Matt Bultman - Rogers/GRCC
Matt Malewitz - East GR/GRCC
Chris Waha - Charlevoix/GRCC
Brett Johnson - Grandville/GRCC
Tyler Morgan - Grandville/GRCC
Josh Shaeffer - Mt. Pleasant/Kellogg CC
Paul Jorgenson - Chippewa Hills/Kellogg CC
Devin Deboer - Caledonia/GRCC
Kirk Weiss - Caledonia/Kellogg CC
Kaleb Speck - Gull Lake/Kellogg CC
Joe Krugh - Berrien Springs/Lake Mich. CC
Rob Frost - Gull Lake/LMC
Zach Snoeyink - Hudsonville/GRCC
Drew Beck - Fruitport/Muskegon CC
Kevin Schultz - Fruitport/Muskegon CC
Nick Vanhemert - Cedar Springs/GRCC
Dan Taylor - Kingsley/GRCC
Logan Burrows -�Caledonia/GRCC
Tom Okke - GR Union/GRCC
Josh Loy - Flint/Mott CC
Jeff Krebs -Tri County/GRCC
Jake Ward - Grand Ledge/Lansing CC
Kevin Rutkowski - Hartland/Jackson CC
Kristi Kuiphof - South Christian HS/GRCC
Nichole Laakso - Northview/SVSU
Tyler Meppelink-Lowell HS/Muskegon CC
Congratulations to all of these players!


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'Celebrity reviews' got a bad name in Whitehall under Gordon Brown. The accepted modus operandus was for a big name to be hauled in to do a review under the close supervision of the Treasury – and come up with recommendations in line with the thinking of the Chancellor's key advisers and provide cover for decisions already in the making. Too often, departments were involved late and presented with a fait accompli and there was little attempt to use a review to open up public debate.
There were exceptions. The Turner commission on pension reform which we looked at in our policy success series was a model of how to use an independent review to redefine an issue and develop a well worked evidence base – and then use that to develop a new consensus. The downside for an impatient government – it took time.
Beecroft has achieved none of this. The report, delivered in October but finally published this week does nothing to persuade people who might be sceptical of its proposal. There is no evidence, or modelling of potential effects.
Its process was closed. The commissioning process was unclear. There was a single reviewer representing only one side of the argument. Unlike the Brown reviews, it lacked an effective champion within government – indeed the Business Secretary has gone out of his way to dismiss it. And the Telegraph has revealed that No.10 excised some of the more controversial proposals before official publication. So far, the main effect of Beecroft has been to entrench pre-existing views.
The issue it addressed is an important one – and one worthy of a serious review. Employment law means striking a balance between the interests of those who have jobs and those who would like them and between the interests of employers and employees. Some countries – like Spain – have clearly got the balance wrong and that is showing up in horrendous unemployment figures. Others – like Germany – went through a long process to build consensus on a new set of labour laws and people attribute the reforms that emerged from the Hartz Commission with Germany's new competitiveness. We may or may not have the balance right in an economy characterised, as Beecroft says, by a bigger unemployment problem that we had when many of the laws were conceived.
But the government needs to learn an important process lesson from Beecroft. There is a world of difference between a good review and a bad review. A good review opens issues up, engages people and confronts the real choices policy makers face – rather than hide them. It uses rigorous evidence to expose issues – and to build a new consensus if rebalancing is necessary. And a public review allows the government to distance and promote public discussion.
After our policy reunion on Turner we set out five lessons governments should learn for a successful review. Key among them was the need to engage stakeholders and build a robust evidence base. That was a characteristic too of the 15 strong Hartz commission – which had businessmen, academics, politicians, trade unionists (and one woman!). We also suggested that reviews needed to be led by a technocrat who could also manage the politics – but that the role of politicians – who have to deliver the final outcome – is critical too. They also needed time to build consensus.
The government says it is interested in opening up policy making. Done well, that can lead to policy success. Done badly it can backfire spectacularly. The government should learn lessons from Turner, Hartz - and Beecroft.


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Local News Releases
Prepared by Andrew Gates 314/453-1808
ST. LOUIS - The city of St. Louis will be closing several ramps along I-55 and I-64 on Saturday, March 1 for the annual Mardi Gras parade.
Parade organizers will close the ramp between northbound I-55 and 3200 Broadway, and northbound and southbound I-55 at 7th Street between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. The ramps from eastbound I-64 to 6th Street will also be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. They will close the ramps between northbound and southbound I-55 and Arsenal from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the ramp between northbound I-55 and Gravois from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
In addition, organizers will close the ramp from westbound I-44 to Broadway on Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. for the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday parade.
Throughout the week, motorists should be on the lookout for short duration work zones as crews continue to fill potholes around the region. As crews work to keep the roadway safer, please slow down or move over to give them room to work.
For additional work zone information, go to http://traveler.modot.org/map. For real time traffic, visit http://www.gatewayguide.com/. All work is weather permitting and may be shifted due to inclement weather.
Motorists should be aware of the following on-going closures:
Please see the list of daily road closures, weather permitting:
Thursday, February 27
Friday, February 28
Saturday, March 1
Sunday, March 2
Monday, March 3
Tuesday, March 4
Wednesday, March 5


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Posts Tagged 'Solo Travel'
Solo but Not Alone
What does bungee jumping, elephant bathing, cooking classes, and riding off into the sunset with your most recent Tinder date have in common? They can all be done in one week while traveling solo on the other side of the world. That's right, true story. It was one magical week in Chang Mai, Thailand, which…Read More


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Following new forecasts from the Office of Budget Responsibility, the value of tuition fee rises to universities are forecast to rise, but the predictions can only take us only so far for universities' complex planning cycle.
When you can't do right for doing wrong
Degrees of satisfaction: the Student Academic Experience Survey
TEF and tuition fees – myths and reality
Five risks to the success of the Teaching Excellence Framework
Human capital: a look at IFS research on graduate earnings
Changing our conversations about HE – the impact of TEF
Beyond conspiracy: Why TEF plus fees may drive efficiency
The debate about the TEF's impending link to fees has caused widespread debate in the sector, but what if this measure was interpreted differently – as a measure of inflation ? Gordon McKenzie wonders about the funding choices universities will have to take if the Green Paper proposals are implemented.


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Dear Harlan: I have had braces for 10 months, and I just started my freshman year in college. Guys come up to me to talk but almost always turn away once I open my mouth and show I have braces. They stare for a while, then quickly try to end the conversation and walk away. The few that do stay always ask me how much longer I am going to have them. Everywhere I turn, I get judged by my braces. What should I do?
— Metal Mouth
Dear Metal Mouth: Your braces are like my ears — they act as a filter to keep people from using you and discarding you. But unlike my ears, your braces are temporary. Good news: Soon, you'll have straight teeth and boys will be looking to date you.
Before blaming the braces for ruining your social life, you need to have a social life. This means having friends outside of dating in college. So, put all your effort into making new friends. Do things you love to do with people who love doing the same things. Get involved in activities and organizations that make you smile. Consider getting a part-time job that helps you meet people. Put yourself in places where people can get to know you over time.
You'll be surprised what will happen next. People will forget about the braces and get to know you. You'll learn that you're so darn cute it's hard for guys to approach you with or without braces. You'll discover that guys who care about you will forget about the braces (just like my wife forgets about my ears). Soon you'll have solid friends, straight teeth and the ability to create a social life — all because of braces.
Dear Harlan: I met a nice guy at my sister's party. He drove all the way to my house to take me out to dinner. That night, we made plans to go out again. We continued to text and make more plans, but he has not followed through. He just made plans again to come to my home and go bike riding. Then, when I asked when and where he would like to go, he said he wasn't 100 percent sure he could and used his sons as an excuse. Then, he asked me to understand. I think I know what your answer is going to be.
— Excuses, Excuses
Dear Excuses: Think I'm going to tell you that he should take a hike? He's not being a nice guy. Not telling you the truth and making excuses isn't nice. Don't make him better than he is. This guy is not following through because he has a girlfriend, family issues or other problems he can't tell you about.
Make it very clear that you liked the date but are interested only in dating someone who can follow through with plans. You can tell him that you assume other things are happening and once he's able to commit to going out, he can call you. Then, move on.
Your willingness to let him go will help him realize you are a woman with options, even if you don't have them. And I know you don't have a lot of men in your life, because any woman with options would know the answer.
Write to firstname.lastname@example.com or Help Me, Harlan!, 3501 N. Southport Ave., Suite 226, Chicago, IL 60657.


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Sanjay Raut cautions against dismantling of Khar-Bandra rail bridge
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has written a letter to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, saying the proposed dismantling of an old rail bridge at Khar-Bandra would lead to 'mega block for months'
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has written a letter to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, saying the proposed dismantling of an old rail bridge at Khar-Bandra would lead to 'mega block for months' that could 'jeopardise' the lifeline of the Mumbai city.
The WR plans to dismantle the old rail bridge between Khar and Bandra stations and erect a new one close to it. Raut, in his letter written last week, also suggested that instead of constructing a new bridge near the same location, a new bridge should be built at Mahim, the junction of Harbour line and Western line suburban train services.
"A new bridge should be built at Mahim that would connect Harbour line services coming from King Circle to west side of Mahim," Raut said in his letter.
"If railway wants to make a new bridge, then Mahim station would be the most suitable place which has sufficient landscape for the extension of the fifth and sixth line. It would help railway to shift the entire Harbour line services in west side, which is right now partly in east side (from Mahim to Bandra) and partly in west (from Bandra to Andheri)," the letter mentioned.
"If the railways does so, then it would eliminate the chances of constructing new bridge at Bandra and would save lot of railway land that could be used in future for extension of Bandra Terminus or suburban services," Raut said. He also suggested to use the "dead" platforms of Mahim by shifting the slow corridors of WR.
"Currently, Mahim station has six platforms to cater the operational needs of WR and Harbour lines. But, platform no 3 and 4 are dead as these are never used. Slow corridor of WR could be shifted at these two dead platforms which would free the platform 1 and 2, which could be used for the Harbour line services," he said.
A new bridge needs to be built at Mahim, where sufficient land is available and would be a less tedious process for the railways. Raut told PTI that if his suggestions are accepted, it will help railways to save cost and time.
"Can we forget the hardships faced by lakhs of commuters of the city during 72-hour megablock undertaken between Wadala and CST recently. One can imagine what would happen during the dismantling of Bandra-Khar bridge, and for how long.
"Hence, I have made suggestions that would eventually be helpful not only to railways, but also to lakhs of passengers," he said.


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Flora and Dr. Dunner both stand for quality and integrity. We are actively engaged in the protection of the environment and in providing products made according to ecologically sound methods.
A delicious, natural beverage concentrate made from the pure juice of wild grown Elderberries and the extract of hand-picked Elderflowers with added honey.
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View All Flora (Udo's Choice)View All Vitamins & Minerals > Condition-Specific > Immune Support > ElderberryTop 10 Vitamins
Other Ingredients
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Warnings Do not drink directly from bottle as it will cause contamination. Security sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is damaged or missing. After opening keep the bottle refrigerated in an upright position and consume within 3 weeks.


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I chose to rebrand Organique, an organic goods store that also serves fresh meals. Hungry Gramercy area residents and workers looking for high-quality but reasonable prices have a great option at Organique. They offer dishes with as much certified organic meat, vegetables and other produce as they can find.
SCHOOL: School of Visual Arts
INSTRUCTOR: Dan Blackman
ART DIRECTION, DESIGN: Edward Yeung


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Remi Garde has been appointed as the new manager of Aston Villa on a three-and-a-half-year contract, the struggling Premier League club announced on Monday.
The former Lyon coach, 49, succeeds Tim Sherwood, who was sacked on October 25 after a run of six successive league defeats that saw last season's beaten FA Cup finalists slip into the relegation zone.
"It is an unbelievable honour to be the manager of such an illustrious football club," Garde said in a statement on the Villa website.
"I've had extremely positive meetings with both the owner, Randy Lerner, and chief executive Tom Fox. They have ambitious plans for the club and I'm excited that they have turned to me to help them realise them."


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Az álláshirdetés lejárt.Aktuális állást talál az aktív állásajánlatok között: új keresés indítása itt
Capital Regulatory Reporting Specialist (Insurance sector)
Our prestigious partner is building a regional financial centre in Hungary, therefore looking to recruit a Capital Regulatory Reporting Specialist. The role holder will be responsible for source and produce accurate data sets required for the production of both the Capital & Regulatory Reporting in respect of the quality standards and timeline agreed.
- Liaise with the data users (i.e. requestors) either from External Reporting team or other departments (e.g. Capital Modelling) to identify the data needs for the purpose of the production of both Capital & Regulatory reporting including (non-Exhaustive list):
- Standard Formula & Economic Balance Sheet
- Solvency II pillar III
- GCAR annual return
- PRA Return
- NAIC returns
- Source the data needed and interface with the in-scope countries (e.g. Europe) and technical teams where required
- Review, reconcile and manipulate source data to match expectations and reach internal sign-off before transferring data set for further processing e.g. ensuring 'Finance' data provision is accurate and complete prior to its inclusion within the Solvency II Standard Formula and Internal Modelling
- Support the preparation of the submissions where required with analysis and comments
- Support process design improvements within the data management process, including the creation and update of procedural documents
- Execute any Ad Hoc activity required to support the External Reporting team
- University or college degree in Finance
- At least 3-5 years of working experience in a financial services firm, preferably insurance
- Fluent English and preferably other local language
- Operational experience with U.S. GAAP, and IFRS
- Advanced user of EXCEL
- Prior work experience in a multinational organisation and matrix reporting structure
- Accounting qualification
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial colleagues
- In depth understanding of the regulatory environment in the finance sector
Pénzügy / Számvitel / Kontrolling
|Minimális tapasztalat
|3 és 5 év között
|Szükséges iskolai végzettség
|Egyetemi végzettség
|Munkaidő tipusa
|Teljes munkaidő
|Elvárt nyelvtudás
|Aktiválás időpontja


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Alright, I'll be frank with you.. I've known about this offer for a very long time! I shared it with my User Groups and the like, but because it was still a bit 'under wraps' I never shared it with the general public! But that is no more! Here it is! (and yes this was also released in the Microsoft Press newsletter, which is why I'm releasing it now :))
Act Now! 25 Percent Discount on Microsoft Press E-Reference Libraries
The Microsoft Press E-Reference Libraries are a premium online collection of Microsoft Press books, along with a powerful search tool to quickly find the answer, code snippet, or troubleshooting tip that you need. Customize your library with your own bookmarks and notes, and download selected chapters for offline reading. All libraries are a 12-month subscription service.
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Use the promotional codes above to receive your 25 percent discount when purchasing the library(ies) of your choice. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/learning/books/ereference to take advantage of this offer. To learn more about what the E-Reference Library can do for you, check out the demo.
Offer ends on Thursday, July 23, 2009—so act now!


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The Simple Solution for Utility Billing
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