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Santa's Little Cycling Helpers 2012
Cycling Shorts unleashes Santa's (last minute) Little Helpers.
We're up to our eyes in bicycle shaped packages badly wrapped and covered in sticky tape, it's all got a bit manic, so much to get organised and so little time, so we've got together to give you a list of gift ideas that won't disappoint even the fussiest cyclist in your life.
We've split our choices into four perfect price parcels. Let us know what you intend to give, or hope to receive.
Secret Santa
Under £30
Anna Magrath:
I'm going to give you a long list of favourites, a pick n' mix if you will.
Ideas for the kids… why not go for a Crazy Stuff Helmet, choose a crocodile, cat, eagle or numerous other critters, all for under £30.
Keep your loved ones visible on the daily ride or commute and weekend roaming with this selection of road safe stocking fillers:
Daub the kids (or your own) bikes and clothing with this brilliant Glowtec Reflective Paint, a little pot goes a long way! Besides my bikes I own a KMX Trike Kart which is very low, so for extra safety part of the frame and the wheel rims are painted with this stuff, during daylight you can't see the paint, but at night when light hits it it's amazingly bright and a steal at £4.99 a pot. Also try the Glowtec glow in the dark paint if you're riding in the countryside (it needs pitch black to stand out). What about a brilliant Proviz Triviz Light, this neat little gadget will attach to clothing and bikes, it has a number or light settings and to recharge you plug the battery into your USB hub on your laptop. Genius! and a snip at £29.99. howies reflective Roadsign Backpack, now available for a limited time at £25! Why not pair it with an awesome howies T-Shirt, so many designs to choose from, all classics!
Let people know you're coming… and with a bit of panache… this Brass Striker Bell does the trick! Personalise your bike with your own Custom Head Badge for £17.00.
For the stylist female rider in your life, why not treat her to some AnaNichoola Goat Skin Kestral Cycling Gloves (fingerless mitts) they are so buttery soft on your hands, well padded and a great value buy at £34.99 (yes I know over budget a bit, but worth every penny). Available in white or black.
For the men… these Bike Chain Cufflinks should do the trick £20.
For the serious roadie… some excellent ASSOS Chamois Cream, I swear by this stuff, it's cooling menthol feel is great and it lasts twice as long as other brands I've tried, it's a bit more expensive that some others (£13.99) but I think it's worth the money.
Something to give you your coffee stop fix, why not send some Montezuma's Doppio Coffee Pip Sweets, get your coffee and sugar rush on the go. If you're feeling naughty why not try some of their award winning chocolates too! Bean Machine bars and chocolate covered coffee beans. All these goodies start at £2.39 and go up to £4.99.
If only a hot coffee fix will do; then why not go for a Keep Cup, these reusable cups help keep your coffee warm between the coffee shop and the office. They come in a range of colours and sizes and will only set you back £8.50, they fit under most coffee machines to be refilled.
Lets get a bit arty… what about one of the gorgeous prints from friends of Cycling Shorts; Bruce Doscher and Andy Arthur aka Magnificent Octopus. All for around £30, what a treat!
For the collector types why not gather your own peloton, with these great die cast cyclist figures from France, made as they always have been, each is hand painted, available for around £6 each.
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke:
Rapha Winter Socks… £15
I've spent countless hours in the saddle with cold and numb feet… often extending up the legs until it feels like they're made of wood. Some toasty winter socks such as these can help make that peg leg feeling a thing of the past!
Keep those feet dry and warm in a pair of Campagnolo Thermo Txn Waterproof Overshoes, these are a real favourite of mine. Slightly over budget but what the hell!
Christian Grasmann:
Because you are the revolution!….What about an – RPRT T-shirt £20
Nick Dey:
It's book time… 'Vélo', £21 from those fine gentlemen and ladies at www.rouleur.cc. A series of short essays by Paul Fournel, he of 'Need for the Bike' fame, beautifully illustrated throughout by Jo Burt. A book the cyclist in you life will find themselves returning to time and again. I'd bundle this with 'Need for…' To complete the Fournel Christmas cycling package.
David James:
Has to be a book! Not an electronic version to go on the Kindle or iPad, the real thing I mean. For anyone who hasn't read it yet, Tyler Hamilton/Daniel Coyle's The Secret Race has to be up there, but I think David Walsh's Seven Deadly Sins is likely to be the top seller and the one I want to read the most (along with the rest of my family!). As a stocking filler, again for anyone who hasn't read it, it would have to be Paul Kimmage's Rough Ride. If you do have an iPad then for £2.99 Lanced: The Shaming of Lance Armstrong is all the old David Walsh articles from the Sunday Times about Armstrong and are well worth a look, especially for those shocked when Armstrong was finally caught out!
Lawrence Bywater:
Fantastic images by two of the best photographers in the business – a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Gruber Images Cycling Calendar
Hayley Davis:
This is a tough one. It's either got to be a mix or cycling related toiletry goodies such as Hoo Ha Ride Glide for the girls, some Muc-Off Dry Shower for the commuters and some Joshua Tree Salve for the road rash we're bound to get in the new season!
Alternatively, it's been a topic on every cycling fanatics tongue of late, but I've heard some fantastic reviews on Tyler Hamilton's book, The Secret Race: Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France: Doping, Cover-ups, and Winning at All Costs.
Felix English:
Inside-Out Sharp Cycling Book £10
Heather Bamforth:
Giordana Skull Cap – Stops heat escaping through your head when you're out in the cold.
Registration to the Cycling Development North West Road Race League
Be a part of one of the most successful road race leagues in the country, with over 19 road races, supported by the National Escort Group, next season – visit www.cdnw.org for more information.
Taster session at Manchester Velodrome
Fancy being the next Emma Trott or Sir Chris Hoy? Get yourself down to a taster session at the National Cycling Centre to have a go – check out: www.nationalcyclingcentre.com
Paul Harris:
There's only one thing on my list for the Secret Santa category – after his immense year, what could possibly be better Christmas day viewing than a review of Wiggo's Tour de France victory? You can get the 4 hour edition plus a commemorative water bottle for twenty quid from the Cycling Weekly website, which leaves ten pounds to spend on seven and a half litres of Alpro chocolate soya milk, maybe not scientifically the best recovery drink, but certainly the tastiest… Between them, they should see you safely through digesting the turkey.
Sim Parrott:
Breaking the Chain by Willy Voets RRP £8.99
Sam Jackson:
'Rough Ride' by Paul Kimmage RRP £8.99
Kimmage has certainly endured a rough ride both in cycling and journalism, fighting what seemed a losing battle against omerta and the powers-that-be. As cycling looks to (hopefully) be on the brink of massive change, Rough Ride serves as a reminder of a cyclist who never fulfilled his youthful potential as he was generally beaten by juiced-up riders for the entirety of his career. Very enlightening, made even more so with the addition of hindsight. Try and pick up an updated edition if possible. An absolute steal – available at well under £30. One of the best and most honest cycling books ever written.
Keelan Phillips:
A huge amount of chocolate! Energy for my riding… honest!!
Jack Holroyd:
Park Tools Pizza Cutter – £17.99 – Great for the cyclist who has everything, a small novelty item that shows thought without breaking the bank or requiring knowledge of cycling from the buyer!
100 Greatest Cycling Climbs – RRP £8.99 – A handy little book for the cyclist who fancies self-medicating their lack of willpower with extreme pain.
Marty MacDonald McCrossan:
Would have to be one of my own Wiggo Cartoon mugs or a T Shirt all the way on that one! £12.50 and £20 respectively.
Paul Sloper:
Eddy Vinyl Figure £35
Hmm secret santa now thats always a hard one…I had to go over budget by a fiver on this one http://rouleur.cc/eddy-vinyl-figure
Santa's Little Helper
Under £100
Anna Magrath:
Maybe something for the coffee table? What about the stylish book Merckx 525. It's a beautiful book and any true cycling fan or cyclist would be happy to receive this.
Treat your bike to some luxury this Christmas… Brooks Leather Handlebar Tape £45.
This little curiosity caught my eye, the Lightskin LED Seat Post, contained within the stem is your rear light, not sure how great it is but it looks very stylish £43.
For the cycling mad ladies you can't go wrong with an AnaNichoola Sun Cat Jersey (£75) and matching Sun Cat Padded Cycling Shorts (£80); both are beautifully made and the shorts have a high waist unlike other brands so you won't find your back exposed when you lean forward on your bike. The waist is really comfy too, it doesn't dig in. Available in Black and white (I opted for one of each colour).
Another favourite of mine and great value are the dhb Women's Vaeon Roubaix Padded Bib Tights, great for winter, they have a zip front and they are really comfortable, only £49.99.
Quality unisex items that won't disappoint are the TwoZero Verso Hi-Vis Cyclone Cycling Jacket, available in Black or Yellow, in a range of good sizes and well made, price £54.99. For a few pounds more for a limited time is the Visijax Signalling LED Cycling Jacket, this jacket is really well made, it has a soft feel and is extremely bright, there are reflectors all over the jacket and integrated front and rear lights with indicator lights when you lift your arms. It's a great jacket with the lights off and you're like a neon christmas tree when the lights are switched on, no one will miss you in this thing! Limited offer prices of £58 – £78 (depending on size) from an RRP of £149. It should also be a hit with gadget lovers in your life as Stephen Fry was spotted wearing one in his latest series 'Gadget Man'. The other unisex item is a wonderful New Zealand Soigneur Merino Wool Retro Cycling Jersey
Monkey Bike Wheel Lights… for kids and proper big kids! Turn your spokes into a party of patterns and colour. £39.99
Christian Grasmann:
RPRT fluo Helmet Sterling – Keep visible, safe and sound even in the Christmas rush on the dark icy winter nights.
Nick Dey & Felix English:
Nick says: Has to be the Rapha Merino bundle especially with their current discount. Not cheap but how can you not give socks, etc, for Christmas? £90 with 15% discount.
David James:
A really bright rear light (not sure which one) or a luminous jacket (again no preference) to show someone how much you care. You can never be too safe out on the road, so anything which makes you more visible in my mind, even though in the case of the luminous jacket you can probably see it from outer space is a fantastic gift!
Lawrence Bywater:
Channel the great Eddy Merckx on long winter rides.
Molteni Retro Long Sleeve Jersey
Hayley Davis:
Everyone consider's their bike a piece of art, so there's no better way than to display them in the home than with a bike shelf like this wooden beauty from Urban City Bike Shelves www.urbancitybikeshelves.com
Heather Bamforth:
Castelli Leggera Jacket – This is one of the best rain jackets that I have ever owned (and I have owned a few).
British Cycling Membership and Race Licence
For under £100 you can have £10m liability insurance and personal accident insurance if you buy the Gold membership package, together with loads of other offers plus if you purchase the racing licence for £32 if you're over 18, you can compete in various British Cycling events! Visit www.britishcycling.org.uk for information about the racing licence.
Sam Jackson:
A nice set of pedals. E.g. Look Keo 2 Max Carbon Pedals
For the most friendly, secure and satisfyingly fantastic cleat click you could ever wish to experience, invest in some nice pedals for your bike. Money can't buy the confidence and assurity you get from a quality pair, meaning you can keep the power down for longer without any niggling fear of pulling out of a cheaper pair. An excellent investment that will last.
Paul Harris:
For a hundred quid, you're approaching serious territory – if it's for someone who spends a long time on their bike, how about a gift that keeps on giving? The Brooks Swift saddle is an example of hand-crafted British finery, a piece of leather perfection that, once worn in, will be more comfortable than anything else on the market, and will last… Well, last longer than the bike you fit it to.
Keelan Phillips:
A voucher for a massage, really need it, on a bike every single day for hours can do anyones back in! …and preferably a hot young lady.
Jack Holroyd:
Foska Novelty Jerseys – £48.99 – Great jerseys worth a giggle and surprising comfortable. Comes advertising Road tax, Baked Beans, Newcastle Brown or Cornflakes amongst others.
Sim Parrott:
Tacx T3075 Cycle Motion Stand
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke: & Jack Holroyd:
Lezyne Super Drive – £99.99
What JTL says: Super bright and compact little unit, and very well made. Just leave it on the winter bike and never get caught out in the fading light again. Flashing commuter mode through to full power where it's good enough for MTB night rides!
What Jack says: A 500 lumen light under £100? This baby is seriously bright. Whether commuting through London or climbing the Pennines after dark, this little sliver of CNC aluminium will really light up your life.
Cristi Ruhlman:
Camelbak All Clear
And finally, Camelbak has a cool new biotech offering that uses an ultra light long lasting battery with a UV light to clean and purify water from "iffy to safe". Made for travel to some remote parts it's great for the car or hiking or just to be on the safe side. Retailing for $100
Marty MacDonald McCrossan:
A nice expensive bottle of Montepulciano!
Paul Sloper:
Shutt Velo Rapide Active Softshell Jacket £99.00
Affordable, well made, great design and fit… what more do you look for in a jacket?
Something Under the Tree
Under £250
Anna Magrath:
For this price range I'm starting with my favourite winter jacket. I really love my Le Col Ladies B3 Winter Cycling Jacket, everything about the design is perfect in my opinion. A couple of my friends have road tested my jacket and it doesn't seem to matter if you're tall or short, busty or less so the design works. My favourite feature is the extra long thumbhole sleeves which my friends and I all found brilliant. There has been real attention to details on this jacket, the finishing is excellent. It looks great, feels great on, fits perfectly and is really well made. Wicks well, and keeps you snuggly warm and dry. This is going to be a favourite for years but I can't wait to see what Le Col do for the girls next season. £234 pricey but worth it, you'll get year worth of wear out if it.
To accompany the jacket and complete the look why not try the Le Col Unisex Padded B3 Winter Tights £159.99, same as the Jacket, beautifully made and really comfortable (speaking from a female perspective).
If Santa cares to listen I'd love a set of Elite V-Arion Parabolic Inertial Rollers (£229.99 current price), during the winter months there's nothing better than staying toasty warm and still being able to give yourself and the bike a workout.
The other item to catch my attention was a pair of ASSOS Zegho Crystal Glasses £223.99 (normally £279.99) I've heard good things about them but not had a chance to try them out for myself, they have good eye coverage to protect from any unidentified flying objects that may be airborne (and if you temporarily take flight) which I like, they also have great reactive lenses at the top so going in and out of shade won't leave you temporarily totally in the dark as the bottom third of the lens will be clear… so I'm putting them on my little list… I can but hope.
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke:
Karcher Pressure Washer… around £200
I used to dread coming back from a muddy MTB ride or wet road ride in the lanes…not anymore. What used to be a lengthy and freezing cold chore is now less than a minutes work!
Christian Grasmann:
Thule Bike Case – Let your bike travel in style and safety, just in case you can't wait for spring.
Hayley Davis:
A GoPro HD Hero 3. These little cameras are so much fun to play with regardless of what you're doing. I sure had a great time watching my descending videos this year!
David James, Heather, Anna & Nick Dey:
David says: I would have definitely said a Go-Pro Pro HD Camera, but the price has crept up too much, so there's can't be anything better than a Garmin 500 with the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor to see how your training is going, or in my case to tell me just how unfit I am!
Nick says: The Garmin Edge 500 GPS performance with heart rate and cadence. £199 (Amazon) to £229 (Wiggle) depending one where you shop. A fine little bike computer that makes for very useful analysis with Strava.com. If, like me, you get lost a lot, then the Garmin Edge 800 is the perfect bike buddy – but too pricey for this category.
Heather says – 'A trusty favourite at Cycling Shorts Towers, this computer is small yet will still monitor your heart rate, cadence and track your trip with GPS – a brilliant buy if you are looking at building on your performance next season.'
Anna says – 'Always popular, one of the most picked item's on last years list, I'm picking it again. If I had the cash though I'd splash out on the Garmin Edge 800" title="Click to buy the Garmin Edge 800″ target="_blank">800'.
Lawrence Bywater:
Anything with Yak leather must be worth the money!
Rapha Grand Tour Cycling Shoes
Felix English:
Rapha Hardshell Jacket £240
Heather Bamforth:
Mavic Aksium Wheelset
Worried about trashing your carbon deep section wheels on potholes? Then invest in a paid of Mavic Aksium wheels – superb value for money and make a great spare wheelset – have a look at the following link for more information: www.bike-treks.co.uk
Association of British Cycling Coaches
So you want to improve next season but can't afford a coach? Why not become a coach yourself through distance learning with the Association of British Cycling Coaches? Prices start at £250 and you don't have to qualify as a coach if you don't want – but the content of the course will be invaluable in helping you exceed your targets – check out: www.abcc.co.uk
Sim Parrott:
Tacx Galexia Roller Trainer £245
Sam Jackson:
A turbo trainer. "While away the wintry hours safe in your garage or shed, away from the perils of black ice and the dark. You get the additional benefit of working off all those mince pies, and you'll definately notice a massive difference in your riding as the training pays off. A perfect motivation booster, if all seems lost in your bid to get fit for next year.
Paul Harris:
You've got to like someone to spend two hundred and fifty quid on them – if you like them that much, it would be a good plan to do something to make sure they come back to you, so why not make sure they can see their way back home after a winter training ride? The Exposure Revo is a dynamo powered light that's available for road and off road disk hubs, so there's no need to worry about keeping your battery charged and at 800 lumens there shouldn't be any problems seeing where you're going.
Keelan Phillips:
My current tv cost me about 20 quid, it's so old school, I'd like a big tv that I can hook a laptop up to so I can watch all the latest bmx videos!
Jack Holroyd:
Tacx Booster Turbo Trainer – £231.99 – A winter trainer suitable for long term use, the Booster is a solid piece of kit for moving the bike inside in bitter conditions.
Kask Vertigo Helmet – £164.99 – As worn by Wiggo and Cav, this helmet is a serious piece of kit. It's super lightweight, increasing the comfort from the already stonking padding. Add in it's beautiful looks and you've got a winner.
Cristi Ruhlman:
Cycling clothes – Nothing makes me want to ride more than a new cycling kit
This year Interbike was showing bright NEON colors for Spring for Women at least.
Who said the 1980s were over!! But for cycling gear it makes great safety sense and fashion sense too.
Pearl Izumi has cycling and Tri-athlete wear in blue, black, white with neon green accents. From $80 to $150. Giro was showing some Empire cycling shoes in everything from the traditional black with bright GIRO pink inners, naming and laces with matching soles to some really glow in the dark neon green show and traffic stoppers. Retailing for $299.
And Giro also has a line of nice open helmets in blues and silver to protect and add extra styling to the outfit. Retailing from $40 to $275.
Paul Sloper:
Genesis LED Light from £195
New front light. I'd love to have the more expensive one but that's over budget so it's this baby.
Marty MacDonald McCrossan:
Having had Yanto in the commentary box with me a fair few times over the years I would have to go with one of his Arcus Winter Jackets methinks!
Santa Baby
Dream gift… The sky's the limit!
Anna Magrath:
Well obviously if a budget is no option I could go on forever, but for me I'd be happy with a WSD [Women Specific Design] Trek Madone 7, being a short girl these bikes really work for me…. Oh and maybe a set of custom made V-Sprint Wheels… yes please!
Ok… I hear you, coffee does feature quite heavily on this list… but we like a good espresso here at Cycling Shorts, so we would really love a top notch machine to help us though the day.
For the cycling gent who has everything… a Dashing Tweed Reflective Stretch Tweed Cycling Jacket, this design is cutting edge even though it takes inspiration from 16th century equine armour. The underarms are open for ventilation and the classic tweed is woven with wool mixed with modern reflective fibres. It's yours for £850!
If I was truly dreaming then a I'd like a Pro Women's Cycling Shorts Cycling Team!… you never know… it could happen!
Jonathan Tiernan-Locke:
2013 Cyclo-cross World Championships, Louisville USA: Weekend VIP tickets, Flights & accommodation… approx £1000 (other ticket packages are available).
This is something I'd love to go to; the atmosphere at 'cross races is incredible and I'm sure the US won't disappoint. An awesome weekend of racing, with foghorns, chips and beer!
Christian Grasmann:
Fuji Altamira SL – It fits perfectly into the Thule Bike Case and takes the ride to at new level.
Nick Dey:
Four offerings here. Firstly in terms of equipment it simply has to be a custom build Serotta Ottrott SE. The frameset comes in at £6,499. It's a journey!
But what about an experience you will never forget? My choice would be Flanders Week with Nico and his fantastic team at www.go4cycling.com. It's as close to pro riding as many of us will ever get. Ride the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, and several classic routes under the watchful eye of the Lion of Flanders, Johann Museeuw; fully supported as only the pro's know how. Follow the pro-races at several points as the Go4cycling team play 'Belgium hopscotch' across Flanders for the Ronde, the midweek Scheldeprijs and Paris Roubaix. Keep up with the race via a satellite feed in the ultra-comfy bus. But best of all, don the VIP pass, enter the service course and watch the teams prepare, chat to the riders, the DS's, the mechanics and support staff. Fully embrace the the flavours, sounds, and energy of an elite Race. A week never to be forgotten. Genuinely classic.
Charity fundraising £500: why not sign up your loved one for one of the splendid Action Medical Research century rides? The 'must ride' UK event of 2013 is the Ride London Olympic route sportive on 4th August. Relive the glorious memories… Cav's heartbreak, team GB's chase, and, if you really need to, Vino's success!
Charity fundraising £1500: ride from London to Paris with a hundred plus other like minded souls and be there when the centenary Tour de France finishes, and Cav wins, on the Champs Élysées. When: 17th to 21st July 2013.
David James
I'm sure it would be very easy to list endless number of presents in this section, but whenever I'm in a position to spend a decent amount of money I try to give that extra bit of thought and apply Epicurus's philosophy and say to myself "Would it really make me happy?". So is it the latest carbon 29er hardtail MTB that first springs to mind the one that would make me really happy? After some deliberation it is a resounding, no. Just riding a bike should bring happiness, not the type of bike you are riding. So on those lines, I think if money was no object I'd love to be able to go to a remote community somewhere in the world, with a lorry full of bikes for people who may have never ridden one before. I reckon they would have so much fun the look on their faces would be worth far more than anything money can ever buy! I'm not sure everyone would want this as a present, but it certainly ticks all the boxes with me.
Lawrence Bywater:
Twice in one stage can't be missed. Hopefully to see Chris Froome outsprint Contador to the line.
Hayley Davis:
I absolutely love love love the TDF 2010 paintings by Sarah Halliday and can imagine they'd look fantastic in every one of our 'training rooms'. And at Price On Demand, I can imagine they're pretty pricey!
And if art isn't your thing – a week (or 3) cycling in the pre-alps with VeloVercors.com ;)
Felix English:
Condor Lotus Type 1 LC Road bike £5,200
Heather Bamforth:
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
For the ultimate team car, this is on the wish list – if it is good enough for Team Sky, surely it should be good enough for your team or club? Check it out at: www.jaguar.com
Sim Parrott:
A Parrotti Roubaix full carbon frameset fitted with Pete Mathews custom wheel set and Campag Superrecord EPS
Sam Jackson:
An Unlimited Budget?! Go hard or go home. Buy a cycling team. Or better still, several. Perhaps you could invest in women's cycling, or sponsor an amateur team? If the sky's the limit you would even some money left over to buy the £8,000 bike you've always dreamt of. How about the Cervelo P5 Time Trial bike? Buy one of those and watch your 10 mile time trial PB plummet by probably about ten minutes! Stealthy.
Paul Harris:
The clue's in the question – if money was no object and Sky was the limit, you couldn't get much more extravagant than purchasing a celebratory Pinarello Dogma 2 in glorious TdF yellow. You probably don't deserve it, you probably couldn't get anywhere near pushing it to its extraordinary limits, and you'd had to have been very, very good indeed for Santa to leave one of these under the tree – but you know you want one. And even if modesty forbade you taking it out in public, wouldn't it look great hung on the living room wall…
Keelan Phillips:
My perfect gift would be for my very own indoor BMX flatland area for me to ride in, with a heater, a fridge, sound system, even a disco ball… and also a new VW Transporter for me to cruise around in to get to my venue with my bikes in the back…. and then a nightclub to put a BMX night on once a month where they only play the music I want and the dancefloor is for BMX riding!… and then maybe a chicken shop to deliver to me wherever I am (I love chicken), all kinds of chicken, jerk chicken, fried chicken, chicken curry etc; all this riding makes me hungry ya know!… Oh and a decent mountian bike so I can ride at Cannock Chase!…. and also a tandem so I can have fun jumping stuff and trying tricks with another rider…. hope that's ok Santa… I hope I'm on your good boy list.
Jack Holroyd:
Brompton M3L – £870 – The Brompton is the iconic british bicycle. Small, convienient and sturdy, this thing turns heads and folds into a couple of square foot for easy carrying. It's ideal for commuters, for regular city riders or anyone with limited storage space. A definate winner.
Cristi Ruhlman:
BIKND Inflatable Bike Case
This is THE inflatable bike case. Made in Quebec, Canada by biknd. Really cool, easy to use, innovative and so fast to get the bike ready for those short or long destination cycling trips. Priced at $599 it's about half the price of the industry standard Sci-Con case (but takes half the time to put the bike in or out!) I was totally impressed with it. It's #1 on my wish list.
Marty MacDonald McCrossan:
Euskatel Team Bus – To me would look great to rock up at the local 10 or Wednesday night World Championship of Criteriums and you'll be helping to feed the families of the team as well as they have €1million shortfall to pay the wages
this month……I think I would have a jacuzzi fitted as well though!
Paul Sloper:
Bianchi's 2013 Vacansoleil-DCM Team Bike
A 55cm frame weighs a claimed 895g… yes please!
Let us know your cycling gift ideas.
All the Cycling Shorts Team wish you a happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year!
If you don't see anything that fits the bill, check out last years list by clicking here!


text:
It has landed for all your holiday needs. I have a chapter in the new book "Anthropologists in the SecurityScape" now available from Amazon.
As the military and intelligence communities re-tool for the 21st century, the long and contentious debate about the role of social scientists in national security environments is dividing the disciplines with renewed passion. Yet, research shows that most scholars have a weak understanding of what today's security institutions actually are and what working in them entails. This book provides an essential new foundation for the debate, with fine-grained accounts of the complex and varied work of cultural, physical, and linguistic anthropologists and archaeologists doing security-related work in governmental and military organizations, the private sector, and NGOs. In candid and provocative dialogues, leading anthropologists interrogate the dilemmas of ethics in practice and professional identity. Anthropologists in the SecurityScape is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand or influence the relationship between anthropology and security in the twenty-first century.
Editorial Reviews
"These close studies move us past dogmas to data in discussion of relations between anthropology and the military."
—James Peacock, University of North Carolina
"When their governments wage wars, what can scholars do? For anthropologists in particular, what are the practical, ethical and civic responsibilities that come with scholarly knowledge of other cultures? As the blast radius of 9/11 rolled outward, serving as the pretext for liberations that turned into occupations, the erosion of civil liberties at home, and an explosion of extra-judicial killings abroad, it also fueled heated and adversarial responses among American anthropologists to these urgent questions. This volume expands the debate, presenting the voices of smart, principled scholars and practitioners who explain how and why they work in professional settings that are alien or suspect to most academic anthropologists. Conceived and executed in a spirit of even-tempered, open-minded and empirically-informed conversation, this volume constitutes a vital resource for anyone curious about the diverse roles and locations of 'security anthropologists.' It also opens a substantive dialogue around concepts of public engagement, professional vocation and moral complacency which are of pressing concern for the discipline's future."
—Keith Brown, Associate Professor, Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University
"A gripping read through a charged yet respectful high-stakes conversation about the position of anthropological work in the security sector. Anthropologists in the SecurityScape is packed with personal stories from anthropologists working in a wide range of roles both in and around the military and other defense and security institutions. The contributors' distinct voices shine through: teachers and trainers, humanitarian workers and intelligence analysts, religious scholars and cultural resource managers along with many others. They reveal the tensions faced in their encounters with those in the "securityscape" as well as with colleagues in the anthropological community. This book excels in achieving the dialogical potential of anthropological work. It promises to challenge and extend understanding of the motivations and realities of engagement – as well as non-engagement – with the security sector. More broadly, it raises questions relevant to anthropological work with consequential institutions of all kinds. Anyone invested in informing a public anthropology is sure to learn from this book."
—Melissa Cefkin, Author of "Ethnography and the Corporate Encounter
"This engaging and important casebook explores the dynamics of how, when, why and under what conditions and with what risks, anthropologists have engaged with the large and expanding security apparatus of the United States. The collection is broad, interesting and could not be more timely."
—Paul Rabinow, University of California, Berkeley

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In virtually all outdoor, walk behind, power equipment sold in the
US, power is transferred from the engine to the transmission by a
belt. At its best, a belt loses 15% of the engine's power in the
transfer. In reality, the percentage is much higher. Every BCS
tiller, by contrast, utilizes a spring-loaded, double cone clutch
to transfer the engine's power. The clutch loses less than 3% of
the engine's power. Because it is self-adjusting, the clutch maintains
high degree of efficiency through decades of use.
Many manufacturers couple their belt(s) to transmissions that are
more than more belts and/or chain drive mechanisms. BCS tiller
combines its clutch with super-efficient transmissions of shafts and
The bottom line -- more power delivered to the working end of the
tool means better performance. The BCS garden tillers easily converts sod
into seedbed; the chipper smoothly chips 3" diameter limbs; the snow
thrower is more like a snow cannon; and the sickle bar mower effortlessly
off 1 ½" diameter saplings.
And, because of the all-gear-drive, the BCS is more compact and easier
handle than its bulky competitors.
All BCS garden tillers transmissions are precision-made housings, enclosing
heat-treated steel gears and shafts. These shafts are supported by
embedded ball bearings and running in oil bath. Whether it's the
model 710 or 948, the entire BCS line is designed for commercial
applications and decades of reliable service. Divide the price of a
BCS tractor and attachments by its projected life, and you'll have
the lowest cost per year in the industry, in addition to the best
So why buy a separate power unit for every piece of seasonal, outdoor
power equipment? That would be parallel to a farmer having a separate
tractor for his plow, another for his harrow, and yet another for his seeder.
By combining the tasks performed by just one tractor, the farmer saves
minimizes maintenance, and has less to store.
You can now enjoy these same benefits. In just 5 - 10 minutes, rotate
handlebars, tighten two nuts (or just flip a lever, if you use our optional
quick hitch), and your tiller is now a mower or chipper/shredder, or snow
BCS's garden tillers wide range of attachments and accessories maximizes
your ability
to further customize a set of tools for your unique circumstances. If you're
mowing across steep slopes, widen your wheel base with easy-to-install
axle extensions. If you don't get too much snow in winter, use the BCS garden tillers
dozer blade, rather than snow thrower. In short, you can now have tailor-made,
not off-the-rack, solutions to your outdoor power equipment needs.


text:
𖧧 Soft Cotton Faced Fabric
Royal Society of Medicine Unisex Hoodie
Pickup available at My College/Society
Usually ready in 5+ days
Wear it in the winter, wear it in the autumn, wear it in bed - you can't go wrong with this stash staple. Boasting a chic drop shoulder style, soft cotton-faced fabric, and ribbed cuffs and hem, the college hoodie provides a snug fit that will keep you cozy all season long. Perfect for running errands or lounging at home.
Please note: all of the items feature the embroidered crest.
Size: XS S M L XL XXL 3XL
Chest To Fit (ins): 34 36 40 44 48 52 56
Size & Fit
Male model in image 1 is 6'2"/187cm and wearing size Large
Female model is 5'8"/173cm and wearing size Small
About Me
- Fabric: 80% ringspun cotton, 20% polyester
- Soft cotton faced fabric with brushed back fleece
- WRAP Certified – ethical manufacturing is achieved by ensuring workers have safe, humane, lawful and ethical working conditions
Care For Me
Caring for your clothes is an act of environmental care. To extend the lifespan of embroidered garments, consistently turn them inside out and wash them at low temperatures. This practice not only helps maintain their colours and fabric structure but also minimises energy consumption.
- Close any zips on the garment to ensure the shape is maintained during the wash
- Hand washing in cold water with a mild soap will extend the longevity of the embroidery, though if you do machine wash use a delicate setting with short spin cycle and very mild detergent, at max. 30ºC/86ºF
- Do not use bleach
- Cool iron inside out on the reverse of any embroidery
- Air dry, do not tumble dry
Free Delivery (most popular)
- Delivered free within 3-4 weeks to your College/Society
- A member of your committee will let you know when your order is ready to collect from a designated stash collection point
Home Delivery
- Delivered within 3-4 weeks to your UK home address
- UK addresses only
Size Guide - Unisex Hoodie
Sizes (EU) | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL | 4XL |
Chest (A) | 49cm | 51cm | 56cm | 61cm | 65cm | 69cm | 73cm | 78cm |
Body (B) | 64cm | 67cm | 70cm | 73cm | 76cm | 79cm | 82cm | 86cm |
Sleeve (C) | 57.5cm | 59cm | 60.5cm | 62cm | 63.5cm | 65cm | 66.5cm | 68.5cm |
Paypal, Apple-Pay, Klarna, and all major credit and debit cards accepted.
Choose Delivery to College at checkout for free delivery on all orders.
Don't sleep on it. Stash drops are open for 7 days from launch.


text:
Cruise Ship Schedule 2024
Lost Property/ Baggage enquiries
P&O, Cunard, Princess Cruises
Any Baggage enquiries for the above lines please contact The Baggage Handling Company Tel: 023 8087 3111
For lost property for the above lines please contact Tel: 023 8065 6426
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines & Azamara
For any baggage or lost property enquires please contact Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services – 023 8068 2680
For all other cruise lines
Please contact your cruise line or booking agent directly
Directions to the Terminals
Please note that the information below refers to the BERTH that a ship is scheduled to arrive at / depart from.
38 or 38/9 berth = QEII Cruise Terminal46 berth = Ocean Cruise Terminal
101 berth = City Cruise Terminal
106 berth = Mayflower Cruise Terminal
102 berth = Horizon Cruise Terminal
For any other berth number, please check with your cruise operator for full details and see "Directions to Terminals"
For parking and directions to all of the cruise terminals, as well as local information, please click HERE or visit:
Accuracy of Information
Please be advised that the Cruise Ship Schedule is strictly provisional and is subject to alteration without prior notice (Please refer to our Disclaimer). More precise details can be found under 'Planned Movements' (left) within six days of the indicated arrival date.
We feed cruise ship times and berthing details directly to this web site from ABP's own live data. The information below will be updated every 10 minutes day and night, and will always show the latest arrival and departure times known to the port.
No other website has the benefit of this live information, and in the case of any conflict, this page or our planned movements page are likely to be the most up-to date and accurate.
Whilst we make every effort to provide you with information that is as accurate as possible, the departure and arrival of cruise ships at ABP Southampton's cruise terminals can be affected by weather, air pressure, tidal times, technical problems and changes to itineraries by the cruise lines.
The cruise list is compiled from ABP's live shipping information.
However, we cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage or delay as a result of relying on this information. You must check (with your tour operator or cruise line) before your arrival or departure which cruise terminal a cruise ship will be berthed at, and your boarding time.


text:
Early Life and Education
Paul Martin grew up in Windsor until 1946, when the family moved to Ottawa. His influential father, Paul Joseph James Martin, appointed to the Mackenzie King cabinet the previous year, would become one of the architects of Canada's social safety net. In Ottawa the younger Martin was educated at a French elementary and bilingual high school. In 1962, he graduated with an Honours degree in philosophy from St Michael's College at the University of Toronto. In 1965, he graduated from University of Toronto law school and was called to the Ontario bar the next year.
In 1966, Martin moved his new family to Montréal, where he joined Power Corporation of Canada as executive assistant to mentor and president Maurice Strong (and later, Paul Desmarais). Although there was no business experience in the family, Martin displayed a natural entrepreneurial skill. By 1969 he had been appointed vice-president of Power Corp, by 1973, president of Canada Steamship Lines, and two years later, CEO. In August 1981 Martin and a business partner bought the company (renamed CSL Group) for $180 million, and by 1988 Martin was sole owner. His creation of an ocean-going fleet equipped with self-unloading technology was highly successful, but other profit-making strategies later became the subject of criticism. They included decisions to build new ships overseas, set up operations in foreign countries, employ low-wage foreign workers, and have his ships operate under so-called "flags of convenience." Although these were standard procedures in the world of maritime commerce, Martin's connections with CSL were used against him when he entered political life.
The elder Martin had often counselled his son, eager to enter politics, to wait until he was well established in business. In 1988, when Martin was 50, he ran in the federal election in the Montréal-area riding of LaSalle-Émard. That year, the Progressive Conservative Party under Brian Mulroney swept to its second majority victory, but Martin was one of a strong contingent of Liberals elected to Parliament that year. After Liberal leader John Turner resigned, Martin ran against Jean Chrétien in 1990 to become Liberal party chief. One of the major issues of the leadership campaign was the Meech Lake Accord, which Martin supported and Chrétien opposed. At the Calgary convention that chose a new leader, Martin lost on the first ballot — taking 25% of the vote to Chrétien's 57%. The bitter fight for the leadership marked the beginning of a long and complex rivalry between the two men that eventually tore the fabric of the Liberal Party itself.
Finance Minister
Chrétien recognized the talent of his rival, asking Martin to co-author the party's 1993 election platform, usually known as the "Red Book." After the 1993 election that brought the Liberals to power with a majority government, Martin was appointed finance minister. During his nine-year tenure in that portfolio, he presented a series of widely watched budgets, but it was those of the mid-1990s that brought him new supporters and critics.
By 1994 the Canadian economy was in a deep recession, and in February of that year Martin slashed funding for unemployment insurance and closed several military bases. In 1995, he presented a landmark Canadian budget. Determined to reduce the Canadian deficit, he cut the spending of virtually every federal department, reducing government expenditures by more than $25 billion (spread over three years) and eliminating 45,000 public service jobs. Federal transfer payments to the provinces for health and education were chopped by $7 billion. Though he was criticized for cutting social programs, his popularity was undiminished. The Chrétien government won a second majority in 1997, in no small part on account of Martin's record.
By 1998, Martin had erased the $42 billion deficit he had inherited, establishing a reputation at home and abroad as a fearless "deficit cutter." He achieved a balanced budget for the fiscal year 1997-98, and was later able to present consecutive budget surpluses, expand government spending, and cut income tax rates. The Liberals won again in the election of 2000, another victory that had much to do with Martin's success as the most influential finance minister in decades.
Martin Versus Chrétien
During his years as finance minister, Martin's relationship with Chrétien was strained, but the tensions were usually kept from public view. The two worked closely together, despite having conflicting ideas on some sensitive files, including Québec, the home base of both politicians. Martin was ambivalent in his support for the Clarity Act, one of Chrétien's key pieces of legislation, privately favouring a less confrontational approach to Québec separatism. By 2002, anticipating Chrétien's retirement, Martin and others had begun campaigning for the Liberal leadership. In the winter and spring of that year, the Liberal government was besieged by accusations of incompetence and corruption, particularly related to the misuse of government funds to sponsor events in Québec. Believing that damaging leaks were being orchestrated from within Cabinet, Chrétien ordered leadership campaigning to stop.
A leadership review, which Liberal Party rules required after each general election, was set for March 2003. By late May 2002, the controversies within the Liberal Party dominated Canadian politics. Martin was on the verge of resigning, when, on 2 June 2002, Chrétien fired him. Martin announced that he would continue to sit in the House of Commons as an ordinary MP. In August, Chrétien, no doubt fearing repudiation at the upcoming party convention, announced he would resign from office, but not for another 18 months.
Prime Minister
In November 2003, following a campaign in which Martin's victory was never in serious question, he won the leadership by a massive majority (3,242 to 211 votes, or 95% to 5%) over his only remaining opponent, Sheila Copps. In taking the mantle of Liberal leader, he had succeeded where his father, who had tried three times for the leadership over four decades, had failed. Chrétien left earlier than expected and on 12 December 2003, Martin became Canada's 21st prime minister. He rewarded some but not all of his key supporters; Chrétien loyalists were mostly shut out of the top jobs.
Initially, public approval of the new prime minister was stunningly positive (64%). Yet, despite 15 years in Parliament, more than half of them as a high-profile finance minister, Martin was still largely an unknown quantity. To some observers he was an enigma, a politician without fixed policy priorities. To others, including colleagues and friends, he was a man full of intellectual curiosity whose ambition was to transform the government and the country. Although he was accused during his long run for the leadership and after becoming prime minister of being vague on specifics, he articulated an ambitious number of priorities for his government, promising to create improved ties with the US, a stronger military, and a skilled workforce. He also pledged to reduce health care wait lists and poverty among Indigenous peoples, and to repair what he called "the democratic deficit" in Parliament, expanding the role of backbenchers in government decision making. All this would be done as he cut taxes and reduced the national debt.
"New" Government, Old Scandals
Whatever Canadians' expectations and Martin's own ambitions, Canada's new prime minister inherited a party suffering from the wounds of protracted internecine battles .
As Martin struggled to set a new agenda, the auditor-general revived the so-called sponsorship scandal in a report outlining the misspending of $100 million in federal funds, some of which had been diverted through government agencies and advertising companies to Liberal supporters in Québec. As the Liberals sank dramatically in the polls, Martin went on the offensive, denying knowledge or involvement and promising to resign if he was proved untruthful. He appointed the Commission of Inquiry into the Sponsorship Program and Advertising Activities (Gomery Inquiry) to look into what he called "the disgusting mess" and attempted to ally himself with an outraged Canadian public, going on national talk shows and announcing he would punish those responsible.
In February 2004, the prime minister fired ambassador Alfonso Gagliano, who was implicated in the scandal as a former public works minister, and suspended the presidents of the Business Development Bank, VIA Rail, and Canada Post. The scandal and Martin's forceful actions to meet it exacerbated tensions between his supporters and those of former prime minister Chrétien. At the same time, the scandal presented Martin with an opportunity to act on promises to reform the government structure and end the concentration of power in the Prime Minister's Office. Martin pledged that in the future all senior appointments, including those to Crown Corporations and the Supreme Court, would be vetted by Parliament.
The sponsorship affair severely diminished the popularity of Martin's government. In the election of 28 June 2004, the Liberals were reduced to a minority in the Commons, winning 135 of 308 seats. Martin continued to pursue an active agenda but found that much of his attention was now focussed on saving his beleaguered government. The bold businessman and finance minister was now seen as cautious and indecisive, both in Ottawa and internationally.
The first report of the Gomery Commission, released 1 November 2005, exonerated Martin, but his government was damaged by the report, which pointed to the misuse of sponsorship funds and corruption within the Québec wing of the federal Liberal Party. Sensing an opportunity, the opposition parties combined on 28 November to bring down the government and force an election. On 23 January 2006, the Liberals won 103 seats, 21 fewer than Stephen Harper's Conservatives. That night, Martin conceded defeat and announced that he would step down as Liberal leader.
Martin had floundered on international issues, having trouble producing a statement of Canadian foreign policy and deciding whether Canada should take part in the US ballistic missile defence system. But he was extraordinarily active on several other fronts during his two years in office. The government legalized same-sex marriage, created a national child care program, negotiated a $41 billion health care accord with the provinces, and forged the Kelowna Accord with the provinces and territories to improve the quality of life for Indigenous peoples.
Although Martin resigned as party leader in 2006, he remained as Member of Parliament for the riding of LaSalle–Émard. He did not run for re-election in the 2008 federal election.
Post-Political Career
Since retiring from politics, Martin and his family have established the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship (CAPE) Fund and the Martin Family Initiative (MFI). The MFI works with Indigenous leaders, governments and the private sector "to support K-12 education for Indigenous children, and the wider determinants that influence their educational outcomes," such as health. Martin was also founding co-chair of the Congo Basin Forest Fund and works with the Advisory Council of the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa. Martin was also a member of the Global Ocean Commission (2013–16).


text:
In the eastern city of Donetsk, protesters hung a huge banner declaring a government office building to be the "People's Republic of Donetsk."
These pro-Moscow activists want to pull away from Europe and align Ukraine more with Russia. The protests in Donetsk and elsewhere in eastern Ukraine are the focus of the ongoing crisis in the country and it has international repercussions that reach well beyond the country's borders.
Yet life in the rest of Donetsk is going on completely as normal.
The occupied government building in the center of town is surrounded by razor wire and sandbags. It feels like the kind of place where nothing will happen unless, suddenly, something dramatic does.
Young men wearing face masks spend all day walking back and forth, carrying metal pipes. Molotov cocktails sit unused behind stacks of tires. It's calm, but the activists seem pretty tightly wound up.
A skinny young guy with a wispy moustache and a black stocking cap demands to see our papers. He says his name is Vadim, and he wants eastern Ukraine to join Russia.
Asked if he expects an attack, he responds, "We've been informed that it will happen."
He says this information has come from "higher up the chain of command," adding, that if attacked, "we will defend ourselves to the end."
When asked about the weapons he and his fellow activists have, he describes that as "private information."
A Different World A Few Blocks Away
While this conversation is going on, women are making sausage sandwiches for the occupiers. Parents walk by with little kids on their shoulders.
It's a strange juxtaposition.
Every now and then someone takes the microphone to deliver a rousing speech about Russia. The sound system plays patriotic Russian folk tunes.
Just three blocks away, the music is totally different. Two guys have pulled out their instruments. A guitar case lies open on the ground. And people walking toss in small bills while the musicians play ... Adele.
These musicians are surrounded by sidewalk cafes, playgrounds, and flowering trees.
While the political protest is just a stone's throw away, the musicians say they don't care a bit about it.
Neither does a guy standing nearby with a pony. Emir Gushinov is offering rides for kids. Business is slow, he says, but not because of the political turmoil.
"The main reason is that it's not a holiday and all the kids are in school," he says. "This is a great business at vacation time. But I guess the political situation also influences things a bit."
Some people strolling down this boulevard say they lean toward Russia in the east. Others would prefer that Ukraine align with Europe in the west.
But almost all of them say they don't feel like they're at the center of a revolution, and they don't care much about the drama taking place just down the road.
At the end of the day, people leave the scene of the protest like concert-goers after an outdoor festival.
A man named Michal walks with a few of his friends. He's wearing the orange and black ribbon of the demonstrators. He looks at the kids eating ice cream, the grandmothers sitting on benches, and says most people here are just "unconscious."
"Only about 10 percent of the people who live here really understand what's happening," he says.
When I ask whether that 10 percent can change the fate of eastern Ukraine, he coolly says that it's always been this way. "The minority decides the fate of the majority."
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


text:
The SomerTile Hudson Edge Caffe 12-3/8 in. x 12-3/8 in. x 6 mm Porcelain Mosaic Tile offers a beautifully tranquil update on the timeless square design. This tile features a reactive glaze that creates variable beige tones in the center mixed with tan shades on the edge. The end effect is a pleasing mixture of tints with additional dimension added by the high-gloss finish. Impervious, frost-resistant and easy to clean, this tile is a perfect choice on its own or coordinated with other colors in our Hudson Edge series.
All ceramic and natural stone tile within coordinating series may be produced at different times which can cause variation in color and caliber which is authentic to tile.
Copyright © 2022 SomerTile, All Rights Reserved.


text:
ESE 2010 Was Great!
If you were there, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. If you had to miss it, we hope you can make it to our next Eclipse community event.
We Want Your Feedback
If you attended ESE 2010, please take our short survey. If you have a suggestion for a keynote for ESE 2011, please send email to ralph.mueller_at_eclipse.org. Thanks!
Next Up: EclipseCon 2011
EclipseCon 2011 preparations are well under way! The Call for Papers has gone out, registration is open, and the program committee is preparing another amazing selection of tutorials and technical talks to go along with the keynote presentations, receptions, and networking opportunities. Plan to join us March 21-24, 2011, at the Hyatt in Santa Clara, California.


text:
This rolled lead flashing is designed for use in areas where water ingress is high risk. Areas such as around chimneys, dormer or bay windows, and gutters are all susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed with a tried and tested material. Flashings made from plastic and bitumen can become brittle over time, leading to water ingress that can cause substantial damage to the roof structure. Using lead flashing ensures a watertight home for years to come.
Codes relate to the thickness of the lead which means the code needed will depend on the application for which the lead is used. Code 4 lead is designed for use on lead soakers, lead flashing, vertical cladding, and dormers.
Durable and versatile, the lead is highly malleable, making it wonderful to work with. This also ensures it can expand and contract with a building, easily handling any fluctuations in temperature. Manufacturers, ALM, are so confident in their Enviro Lead that they even offer a fifty-year warranty. They have been awarded A and A+ Green Guide ratings and their lead flashing is made from 100% recyclable materials.
Why Choose this 360mm x 6m Code 4 Lead Flashing Roll?
- Highly malleable
- Extremely durable
- Easy to work with
- 100% recyclable material
- Environmentally friendly
- 50-year warranty
Product Specifications:
Size: 360mm x 6m
Thickness: 1.80mm
Weight: 20.41kg per m²
Material: Rolled lead (BS EN 12588:2006)
Uses: Lead soakers, lead flashing, vertical cladding, and dormers
Have a Question?
Be the first to ask a question about this.
Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.


text:
Discovering code violations while trying to sell your home can be extremely frustrating. Minor code violations may not be a big deal, but significant violations could prevent your home from selling. You do have several options for proceeding with the sale, though. Here's everything you need to know about selling a home with code violations:
Common Code Violations
Code violations are much more common in older constructions, but they can occur in any property. Violations often result from DIY repairs and renovations, but subpar work from contractors may also violate code. There are so many specific building requirements in every municipality, so it can feel impossible for homeowners to keep up-to-date on every regulation. Homeowners are sometimes shocked to discover that their home has code violations because they truly believed that all the work done on the property was up to standard.
Building codes vary from place to place, and many codes are created due to climate and geography. You should look into the specific codes for your municipality if you're concerned that your home may have a violation. The following are some of the most common violations:
Renovations without permits: Some renovations can be done without permits, but others require a permit to stay in compliance with local regulations. If the work isn't up to code, you may have to demolish the renovation.
Misplaced smoke alarms: Many municipalities require that homes have a smoke alarm outside each bedroom and on every level of the house. Missing or misplaced alarms are a common but easily fixed violation.
Window issues: Holes or cracks in the glazing of your windows can be a code violation. Additionally, windows need to be supported with frames that are securely attached to the wall to prevent moisture damage and mold.
Improper bathroom venting: The fans in your bathroom must vent outside, not into the attic or another space in your home. This helps to prevent moisture buildup in the house.
Missing GFCIs: Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are an important safety feature in your home's electrical system. GCFI outlets are required in bathrooms, kitchens, and certain other locations in your home. Missing or defective GFCIs are a code violation and a major safety concern.
Overloaded electrical panel: Overloaded panels are a common issue in older homes that have been remodeled. This can create a serious fire risk.
Handrails without returns: Railings in your home should turn into the wall at the end so that clothing doesn't get caught while walking up or down the stairs.
In some locations, buildings are held to the code that was in place at the time the structure was built. If you own an older home, certain code violations may be grandfathered in. This doesn't apply to all locations or all code violations, though, so you should check with your municipality if you have any concerns.
What Happens if You Have a Code Violation?
Code violations are sometimes discovered by home inspectors or contractors. It's very common for violations to be identified when selling a home because an inspection is almost always part of the process. If a professional makes you aware of a violation, you can choose how to proceed. However, your local government may become involved if someone makes a complaint to the municipality. In this case, a code enforcement officer may visit your home to assess the complaint. If your house has a violation, they may give you a deadline to correct the issue.
Some minor code violations may not need to be fixed before selling your house. In some cases, state or local laws require that safety issues be fixed before putting a property on the market. The buyer's mortgage company may also require code violations to be fixed before proceeding with the transaction. Homeowners insurance can be more expensive for a home with violations, too.
Your buyer might also choose on their own to walk away from the sale when they discover the violations. Most transactions include a home inspection contingency, which can reveal code issues. Inspectors don't look specifically for code violations, but they will point out any safety issues or functional problems with the property. This can be especially challenging for sellers in a buyer's market. If your buyer has plenty of other options, they may not want to negotiate or put their money into the necessary repairs.
Disclosing Code Violations to Buyers
Almost all states have laws requiring sellers to inform buyers of structural issues or safety problems in the home. If you're selling a house with code violations, you must disclose them to prospective buyers. Not doing so could result in a lawsuit.
You don't need to disclose a grandfathered code violation. However, you should always disclose safety issues. Even if you don't inform the buyer of any problems, the inspector will call attention to safety concerns.
Solutions for Code Violations When Selling Your House
Discovering that your home has code violations is frustrating, but there are a few ways you could proceed. Your first option is to fix the violations before selling the house. Many code violations can be corrected for less than $1,000. Fixing these minor issues may be your easiest solution, and it assures the buyer that you take good care of the property.
Unfortunately, fixing larger and more serious violations may not be within your budget. If you can't correct a violation, you could offer a repair credit to the buyer. This is a specific dollar amount that the buyer will then use toward bringing the house up to code. Not all mortgage lenders allow transactions that include a repair credit, so another option is to simply negotiate a lower selling price.
If you're struggling to negotiate with buyers, you could also sell your home as-is to a cash buyer. Whether or not this is a wise option depends on the current market conditions. You and your real estate agent can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of an as-is sale. You probably won't get a high price for your home, but it can be a quick and simple transaction.
Code violations can make selling your home more complicated, but it's not a hopeless situation. You could correct the violations yourself or negotiate with the buyer. The best path forward depends on the specific violations and the current real estate market conditions. If you're not sure what to do, you should consult with your realtor about your options.


text:
caramel swirl popsicles
- 1 cup (250ml) milk
- 1¼ cups (310ml) single (pouring) cream
- 2 tablespoons malt powder
- ¼ cup (40g) icing sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) caramel topping
- 2 tablespoons single (pouring) cream, extra
- Place 8 x ⅓-cup-capacity (80ml) popsicle moulds in the freezer to chill. Place the milk, cream, malt powder and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and set aside.
- Place the caramel and extra cream in a small bowl and mix to combine. Using a teaspoon, drizzle the caramel down the sides of the frozen moulds.
- Divide the milk mixture between each mould, insert popsicle sticks and freeze for 4–5 hours or until frozen. Remove the popsicles from their moulds+ and serve. Makes 8.


text:
Hesgoal TV is a free site for sports streaming, LiveTV and livescores. We are pleased to give you the opportunity to follow many sporting events from around the world, anywhere on any device.
Hesgoal TV covers all major leagues, provides streams for all available platforms: online, desktop, mobile. You will also receive latest results, match statistics, important kick-off notifications for your favorite teams in most competitions.
Hesgoal TV to watch every game of the best leagues on TV, access to which is absolutely free and no registration is required.


text:
When you're decorating your walls, you dont need to bother with paint, glue, and the whole mess that comes with them. Wall decals from Trendy Wall Designs offer a beautiful and hassle-free way to bring life to your drab walls.
Vinyl wall art or wall stickers allow you to decorate your walls in an easy, mess-free, and affordable manner. Whether you want to put up a design that you love, or are looking for a unique way to liven up your child's bedroom, decals for walls provide a creative and inexpensive solution for changing and sprucing up any area of your home.
What's great about the wall decals from Trendy Wall Designs is that they allow you to inexpensively decorate any room according to your personal taste without having to work with messy paints or glue. You can also get custom vinyl lettering or choose from different kinds of vinyl wall art according to specific rooms, themes, or age groups.
Our decals for walls last for a long time, are easy to use, and can be applied on any smooth and dry surfaces. If you're thinking of replacing them with a new design, don't worry you can easily remove and replace them with your favorite new designs.


text:
Here's the latest article from the Cocktails site at BellaOnline.com.
Brunch Cocktail Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect cocktail to serve with breakfast or brunch? Screwdrivers, Strawberry Champagne and the Mimosa make an excellent morning cocktail.
Please visit cocktails.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Cocktails.
To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Cocktails located here -
I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!
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Teaching on a clinical shift can sometimes be difficult: it's busy, everyone's running around and it's hard to capture a trainees attention. Recently, on twitter, Amal Mattu (@amalmattu) has been posting pictures of his white board teaching: discrete pearls written down and shared with anyone who walks by. The pearls are often prompted by patients presenting during that shift but they don't have to be. It's an excellent pro approach to clinical teaching shared by a master. One of the limitations that was pointed out, though, was that many of us no longer have white boards in the department. Enter master educators Michelle Lin (@M_Lin) and Rob Cooney (@EMEducation) who started using post-it notes to the same effect. There are a number of advantages to the post it as well:
- Works anywhere. All you need is a pocket full of post-it notes
- Can be left behind to spark conversation and teaching long after you're gone
- Size mandates that only short, quick teaching points are used (pair with a Sharpie marker to enhance this aspect)
Here are some post-it pearls from the week.


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Log in with your Maryland EXCELS account to bookmark resources
Log into your Maryland EXCELS account. This will redirect you to the Maryland EXCELS system.
Register for a Maryland EXCELS account and to keep track of your favorite child care and early education resources.
As the community grows, you will gain access to more resources and features which will allow you to stay up to date with quality care and early education information.
Apply to become a Maryland EXCELS provider. This button redirects you to the Maryland EXCELS system to register for an account as a program or provider.
In the near future, your log in for the Maryland EXCELS system will also give you access to an account on the Maryland EXCELS website so you can bookmark your favorite resources!
You are about to register as a parent in the Maryland EXCELS community. Please fill out the form below and you will be there in no time!
This link will open the Maryland EXCELS Find a Program online tool in a new window. Are you sure you want to continue?


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See the status box below for the most up to date return date info for Season 5 of NCIS: New Orleans:
NCIS: New Orleans TV Show Status
NCIS: New Orleans SEASON 5 Renewed By CBS
Don't miss the release of NCIS: New Orleans: bookmark this page or subscribe below to get our free release date alerts!
About NCIS: New Orleans
NCIS: New Orleans Season 4 premiered September 26, 2017 on CBS.
NCIS: New Orleans is a drama about the local field office that investigates criminal cases involving military personnel in The Big Easy, a city known for its music, entertainment and decadence. Leading the team is Special Agent Dwayne Pride, a.k.a. "King," a native of New Orleans who is driven by his need to do what is right. Working with Pride is Special Agent Christopher LaSalle, who plays hard but works harder and former ATF agent Sonja Percy, who is still adjusting to the team after years of solo undercover assignments. Supporting them is coroner Dr. Loretta Wade, who is as eccentric as she is smart; her brilliant, quirky Forensic Scientist, Sebastian Lund; and Investigative Computer Specialist Patton Plame, an animated and talented hacker. New to the team is Special Agent Tammy Gregorio, a tough, acerbic FBI agent with a mysterious past in New Orleans, who is sent from D.C. to investigate the NCIS team, but also work with Pride when high-risk cases threaten the city. This colorful city that harbors a dark side is a magnet for service personnel on leave, and when overindulgence is followed by trouble, Pride's team is at its best


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Video: UAW President Bob King thanks Planned Parenthood, environmentalists, clergy, et al., at anti Right-To-Work Protest
LifeSiteNews.com looks at the — at first blush as least — strange alliance between the United Auto Workers union and Planned Parenthood on the Michigan Right to Work issue. Elise Hilton of the Acton Institute, interviewed by LifeSiteNews reporter Kirsten Andersen, says that the UAW, Planned Parenthood and other like minded groups are afraid that right-to-work laws will help defund the progressive agenda.
"I don't think people outside of maybe the leadership of the UAW or Planned Parenthood know about the strong ties between unions and Planned Parenthood," Hilton told LifeSiteNews.com. "I don't think they realize that the president of Planned Parenthood was the keynote speaker for the UAW conference, or that the UAW says on their own website that they 'strenuously support a woman's right to choose.'"
The ties between unions and the pro-choice movement go beyond mutual support. The leadership of the two groups overlaps, as well.
Last year, the UAW appointed Mary Beth Cahill director of its national political efforts. Cahill had previously spent five years running EMILY's list, a political action committee (PAC) dedicated to electing pro-abortion politicians.
UAW President Bob King showered Cahill with praise for her efforts, saying, "During her five years at EMILY's List, she helped turn the pro-choice PAC into an unrivaled political powerhouse—the largest in the country at the time."
Read the entire LifeSiteNews.com article, with more analysis from Hilton, here.


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By Ben Cubby
LARGE-SCALE coal seam gas drilling would take place directly under suburban streets and backyards in Sydney under a proposal being assessed by the state's planning and infrastructure department.
But the gas company AGL has ruled out using the controversial fracking technique at its proposed 66-well gasfield between Liverpool and Campbelltown.
About 10,000 homes in the affected area, covering suburbs such as Currans Hill, Varroville, Kearns, Eschol Park and Denham Court, have been notified of the company's plans by newsletters.
AGL said there would be no impact at the surface, even for houses directly above the path of a drill.
''It is possible that horizontal drilling could take place under houses. However it is worth noting that as per the community update provided by AGL, horizontal wells do not cause any impact on surface infrastructure above,'' a spokeswoman said.
The proposal before the planning agency is for up to 66 wells at 11 sites. While the surface well heads are mostly between 300 and 400 metres from homes, the plan calls for underground drilling of up to 2.5 kilometres from the surface site, a radius that includes thousands of homes.
The technique involves drilling a well about 700 metres down, then guiding the drill horizontally under the earth to reach sources of underground coal seam gas and create a path for it to be brought to the surface.
But some residents believe not enough is known about methane leaks that appear to be caused by large-scale gas drilling.
They fear that by sucking water and gas up from underground, some gas will find other ways up to the surface, and could end up leaking through fissures in the ground and emerging in suburbs.
''We're concerned with what we're seeing in Tara in Queensland,'' said Jacqui Kirkby, of the Scenic Hills Association, which opposes coal seam gas drilling in the district.
''Once you de-water a coal seam, the gas can find its way up to the surface and goes wherever it can.''
At the Tara gasfield on the Western Downs, high levels of methane, carbon dioxide and other compounds have been detected at distances of several kilometres from drilling sites.
Ms Kirkby said people she had spoken to in western Sydney generally did not trust AGL's assurances that the drilling techniques were completely safe.
''I think it's just that natural tendency for Australians to take things with a grain of salt,'' she said. ''AGL won't ever talk about the potential downsides of what they're trying to do, so people tend not to believe them.''
The company said it had been transparent with residents about its drilling plans, and invited people to make submissions about the proposal, which is on public display at the NSW planning website until February 8.
''Horizontal wells do not cause any impact on surface infrastructure,'' a spokeswoman told Fairfax Media.
''Drilling horizontally into the coal seam creates a path that allows the gas to travel back to the surface. This technique stimulates the flow of gas, meaning that other stimulation techniques like hydraulic fracturing will not be used in the northern expansion area.''
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves pumping a mix of water, sand and chemicals down a well at high pressure, to force gas to the surface. The technique has been used at some other AGL wells.
NSW Health is expected to make a submission to the planning agency to outline its view on the possible health effects of gas drilling in populated areas.


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Chrissy Teigen Apologizes to Courtney Stodden for Viciously Cyberbullying Them
Welcome to PopCrush's Daily Break! Here's a breakdown of today's hottest pop culture and and lifestyle stories as heard on PopCrush Nights, airing across the country. Check out Olivia Rodrigo meeting Taylor Swift, Chrissy Teigen's apology and more, below.
Chrissy Teigen Apologizes to Courtney Stodden for Cyberbullying Them
After Courtney Stodden revealed that back when they were just 16 years old, they were the victim of cyberbullying from Chrissy Teigen, who even went as far as to tell Stodden to kill themself, Teigen has publicly apologized. See her tweets, below:
Google Reveals the Five Questions People Search the Most
Google Trends just turned 15 years old. To celebrate, Google has revealed the five questions that people have searched for the most in the past 15 years. Behold our deepest, darkest queries as a species, below:
1. "What time is it?"
2. "How to tie a tie"
3. "How to kiss"
4. "Where am I?"
5. "How many ounces in a cup"
Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo Finally Met in Person
It's no secret that Olivia Rodrigo is a huge Taylor Swift fan. Well, her dream came true when she met her idol for the first time ever at the BRIT Awards this past weekend!
DJ Khaled Called Out for Disrespecting Ramadan
DJ Khaled is being dragged online for posting a bunch of videos of women in bikinis twerking on a yacht. The outrage comes from the fact that he posted the videos on Wednesday, which was the last day of Ramadan. Since DJ Khaled is Muslim, many people thought it was disrespectful, especially since men and women are expected to dress conservatively during the month of Ramadan. (via TMZ)
Is It Time to Panic About Gasoline?
Last week, the Colonial Pipeline, which carries fuel between Texas and New York, was shut down during a cyberattack that forced the system offline. But believe it or not, that wasn't the cause of the current gas shortage. The real cause? People panic-buying! As a result of panic-buying, fuel demands and prices have skyrocketed. (via WPST)
Woman Holds Fake Funeral for Boyfriend So His Mistress Will Think He's Dead
A woman named Thea Loveridge just posted a TikTok video about how she got revenge on her ex-boyfriend's mistress. Hear the wild story, below:


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Even if you have done nothing wrong, but a client alleges negligence on your part, the policy will still protect you and pay the legal costs in defending you.
Insurance can be arranged for work undertaken in the UK, EU, and Worldwide including North America, including contracts with overseas jurisdiction.


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Alkaline & Zinc Batteries
Alkaline batteries are manufactured in standardized cylindrical forms interchangeable with zinc-carbon batteries, and in button forms. BatteriesInAFlash.com stocks many popular national brands in both consumer and industrial grades, such as Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, Varta, Rayovac, to name a few.
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In this interview with Strategic Architect for Ubuntu One, Stuart Langridge, I kick off the first of a series of articles about Ubuntu One.
Today, we'll learn a little more about Langridge and his involvement with Ubuntu One and a brief overview along with future plans for this personal cloud service.
Naturally we can't cover all the ends and outs of Ubuntu One in one interview, so hopefully we'll be able to highlight one feature per article over the next few weeks. We'll also begin to cover how the community can get involved in the process.
Amber Graner: Stuart what is your role at Canonical?
Stuart Langridge: I'm the strategic architect for Ubuntu One, and I run the Futures team. What this means is that I'm responsible for working out what Ubuntu One should do, working with partners and developers and the community to make that happen, and talking about it to people. I also run the App Developer Programme, which is a new thing to help people add the personal cloud to their applications and to bring Ubuntu One to new places.
Amber Graner: How long have you been involved with Free and Open Source Software and what made you get involved? When and how did you get involved with Ubuntu?
Stuart Langridge: At university in the mid-90s, I found myself for the first time using Unix machines (HP and Sun), and then I discovered that I could do the same things on my own machine, first with Minix, then Slackware, then Debian. I gradually grew to want the power that my machine gave me and to love the concept of open source, but also to want a machine which didn't make me be super-technical every day just to get that; it's nice to not have to, even if you can. At almost exactly the same time, the first release of Ubuntu came about, and I never looked back.
Amber Graner: As one of the lead developers for Ubuntu One can you tell readers what Ubuntu One (U1) is?
Stuart Langridge: The website's got a good description here: Ubuntu One is the personal cloud that brings your digital life together, so you can enjoy your content, your way, wherever you are. With our suite of cloud services including storage, sync, sharing and streaming – you have immediate access to your music collection, favorite photos, videos, important documents and more, at any time and from any device.
Amber Graner: What do you believe the biggest advantage Ubuntu One offers end users? Why would a user want to choose U1 over dropbox, Amazon or similar services?
Stuart Langridge: Ubuntu One is a whole personal cloud. Most of the other services don't encompass as much: file sync OR music streaming OR being integrated into your desktop OR apps that can live on desktop and web and mobile and share data, but not all of them.
Amber Graner: In addition storage solutions offered, tomboy note and automatic file syncing what else should users know about U1?
Stuart Langridge: The thing I personally find most useful with Ubuntu One is music streaming; I uploaded all my music into the personal cloud and now it's all available to me to play whenever I want. I never have to "sync" my phone, plug a cable in, any of that. It's really handy! I also publish files a lot; if I want to show someone a picture or something, I just tell Ubuntu One to publish it and that gives me a URL for it that I can send to others. Publishing's easy — I've already added most of the folders with stuff that I care about (Pictures, Documents, and so forth) to U1 so that that stuff's available everywhere to me, which has saved me on a number of occasions where I don't have my laptop but was able to grab something from my phone or someone else's web browser.
Amber Graner: How can users use Banshee and U1 to manage their music needs?
Stuart Langridge: Banshee's got some interesting ways to organise your music; its automatic scoring gives you a way of working out what you *actually* listen to a lot, and creating playlists. It's also where I buy music; the Ubuntu One music store being built-in to Banshee means that I'll fairly often just buy songs on a whim, which is handy; instant gratification! I'd love to see closer integration between Banshee and U1 music streaming; at the moment they're separate but complementary, and it'd be great if they worked closer together. This seems like a great project for someone to hack on as part of the app dev program 🙂
Amber Graner: What are the plans for U1 for 11.10 and how can the community help? What can non-developers do to help with U1? What do you need from developers?
Stuart Langridge: What I'd love to hear from developers is ideas and how they want to work on them. I've got a good understanding of the Ubuntu One APIs (and am trying to gradually document them at https://one.ubuntu.com/developer ) and I'd love to chat to people about their ideas for how they can make their apps better with Ubuntu One, or what cool apps you can build if you have syncing and data and music capabilities built in.
Thanks Stuart and I look forward to learning more about Ubuntu One and sharing it with the community. More information about how to get involved with Ubuntu One can be found on both the Ubuntu One website and wiki page.
Originally Posted here on 2011-09-20


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