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BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Good Samaritan aboard a passing sailboat found an 18-year old girl struggling in the water during a search for her on Lake Champlain in Vermont, Wed., Aug. 25, 2010.
Found is: Anna Jeffken.
A 25-foot boat crew from Coast Guard Station Burlington, a Shelburne Fire Department marine unit, and Customs and Border Patrol began searching Lake Champlain from Appletree Bay to Juniper Island after Jeffken's grandfather called the station around 12:30 p.m., reporting her missing.
The grandfather began to worry after she left his house at 6 a.m., in shorts and a sweatshirt but later found the clothes at the house and noticed a swimsuit was missing.
Relatives also found a journal entry the teen wrote stating she wanted to swim to the island from Appletree Bay, approximately a three-mile swim.
[amazon-product]1883789656[/amazon-product]The Good Samaritan aboard the sailboat saw Jeffken treading water and waving her hands to get his attention about two miles from Juniper Island near Long Rock Point.
She was transferred from the sailboat to the Coast Guard boat, taken back to the station where she evaluated by a local EMS crew and released. She is reported to be in good condition.
Jeffken was visiting her grandparents in Vermont and is from the Boston area.


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Our second meet will be Wednesday July 3rd at Beaconsfield Heights Pool. Participation in two meets back to back will give us all a chance to be together on deck and solidify
our team spirit. It is this spirit that makes our team so special.
RSVP messages will go out shortly for each of these upcoming meets.
Any parent who can volunteer at either of the meets please advise Lynn Bourdeau at the following address: email@example.com. For every meet we require at least 10 officials
every week and we must advise the other team by Monday afternoon prior to each meet. Your involvement is always essential to all our meets.
Hope to see you next Tuesday at Beaurepaire pool and next Wednesday at Beaconsfield Heights pool.
Please note that the dolphin practice usually held on Tuesday will be cancelled next week Tuesday July 2nd because of the Beaurepaire re-match.

subset: commoncrawl


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Negotiation is one of the hardest areas in any industry. It can reduce a top-level executive into a sputtering seven-year-old. Negotiation doesn't need to be a mysterious intangible entity. The information on negotiation is out there, it is just not as easy to put on paper as sample letters or how to use a calculator. Negotiation is about people and the ability to fill their needs. These are my "Cash Flow Note Negotiation Commandments" if you will.
I have condensed these into smaller bite sized pieces that can be used now. Your ability to negotiate will be determined by your capability to excel in the following areas that are explored in this two-part article series on negotiation.
1. Never Negotiate – What? I am going to give you a two-part article dealing with negotiation and the first thing I tell you is not to negotiate? Well, in a word, yes. The word "negotiation" needs to be re-invented. If you tell two people to "negotiate" over the price of a used auto, the seller may say "$4,500". The buyer then says "$4,000". The seller then counters with "$4,300". Then the buyer says "$4,150", etc, etc. This isn't negotiation; it is a bidding circle. The price becomes some intangible object that the buyer and seller will stumble on at some point in time. That is not what you want. Your buy price is not necessarily up for negotiation. It may be up for discussion, but not negotiation. If you are buying a note, your price should be what the note is worth (I tend to like "market value of your note"). Make no mistake, the seller does not want to have a bidding war either. They just need to know that they are getting a fair price for their note and not getting ripped off. In other words, they do not want to sell their note for $40,000 and find out that they could have got $50,000 for it. One of the hottest marketing ideas to alleviate this problem came from the Saturn Car Company. Saturn came out with set (non-negotiable) prices on their cars. Whatever the price posted was how much you paid whether you lived in Milwaukee, WI or Wells, NV. You were not going to go back and forth on a price with some mysterious man behind the curtain and you will have paid the same as the next guy three towns over. They sold a ton of cars not because people necessarily loved Saturns but they knew they were getting the correct (fair market) price.
2. It Has Nothing To Do With The Note – The sooner you understand this point, the better. This is the essence of all negotiation. In the case of a note holder, the note is just a piece of paper. It is the proof or legal document that entitles them to receive a certain cash flow. Selling the note is not the issue. Giving up that piece of paper is no different than handing you a discarded piece of Kleenex. The issue is what does that paper represent or what does that piece of paper enable them to get? Of course the seller wants money, but money (in its paper form) is not the need. The need is what that money gets them. A new home? A college education for their child? A trip around the world? A way out of that sticky IRS lien? Pay medical bills? Whatever the need is…that is what the real issue is. The issue is, can you fill that need by accepting their note as a trade?
3. If The Deal Is Good…Tell Them – Remember that the seller may not know you from Adam. When they talk to you for the first time they are nervous and possibly afraid. They need to sell what may be their only asset. They have all seen 60 Minutes and know that there are a lot of scams out there and they need to know if they can trust you. Building a relationship will be key in your success and nothing will build or destroy it faster than your level of honesty. I am thrilled when I quickly learn that the seller has a good note (ie: good seasoning, down payment, credit, interest rate, whatever) and I TELL THEM! When you tell a seller it sounds as though they have a great note, they are more apt to believe that you are being fair and honest with them. I always point out the good things in the note (first) before mentioning the bad things. You don't want your seller under the impression that you are just trying to belittle their note to get it at a huge discount. As a side note, this is one of the best times to get an understanding of "why" they are selling the note. "This seems like a great note Mr. Jones, why would you want to sell it?" You will be amazed how many times the seller just comes right out and tells you their need.
4. If possible…Agree – This one is simple. If you have an opportunity, agree with the seller. If the seller says it is lousy that they need to sell the note at a discount, agree. If the seller wishes that the transaction could close faster, agree. The more you can agree with your seller and what they are going through, the more they will believe that you are on their side. This "positioning" will be invaluable when it comes time to mention something they may not agree with. Not to mention they may be more willing to agree with you if they feel as though all along you are on the same page and you haven't placed yourself in an adversarial role.
5. When To Be The Decision Maker – It is easy to want to be the top dog when you are buying a deal. You may want your seller to think he/she is dealing with someone who can make all decisions on their file including the price. Certainly, that is the only way to handle some sellers. However, I have found for the most part, it is better to have someone else making the final decision. You need to position yourself to be on the seller's side. That you are trying to get them every penny you can for their note. The perception should be that you are taking their deal to some "investment committee" that will make the final decision and that you will get them (the seller) as much as possible. I used to tell sellers that it wasn't my money (which back then, it wasn't). That my job was to spend (invest) the investors' money. So, short of going to Nordstrom, I needed to get that investor's money out and I will get them every penny I can. This "positioning" will also work well when you need to rebid due to a poor appraisal or credit. You can go back and sympathize with the seller that the value came in low and that the "investment committee" needs to cut the deal. You can even say that the committee didn't want the deal at all but you did get them to invest XXXX dollars. Sometimes you need to be the great "decision maker" but for the most part, it is just more important that the seller feels you are fighting for them.
6. Know your seller – Sounds pretty basic doesn't it? Understand that for the most part, a seller will not deal with someone they dislike or don't trust. Short of the seller needing money for a heart transplant on Monday, you won't get the deal unless you have some relationship or trust with the seller. When I say, "know your seller," I mean that the more personal your deal becomes the better chance you have of it succeeding. Some of the best brokers spend a considerable amount of time on the phone never talking about the deal (or note). They talk about the weather. They talk about the kids. They talk about what selling the note will buy them. All this small talk helps you form some connection with the seller that is imperative especially if you need to go back and restructure the deal for one reason or another. I always kept all my seller's names in a database. When I purchased deals direct, I would speak with 30-50 sellers per week. The odds of me remembering a person right away when they called three weeks later was pretty tough. Perhaps Mrs. Jones was going on a camping trip for couple weeks. I simply wrote in my notes "went camping / she will call in 2 weeks". Now, two weeks and 100 calls later Mrs. Jones calls in. If my assistant tells me Mrs. Jones is on the phone I punch in Mrs. Jones on the computer and pick up the phone. "Hi Mrs. Jones, how was the camping trip?". For that one moment, Mrs. Jones is the only person in my world (not to mention she is somewhat impressed). I would put the smallest notes down if I thought they were important to the seller. Hates Cats. Likes Fishing. Loves the Green Bay Packers (did they win last week?). Loves to Golf. Whatever. One last note. This is not some fancy form of manipulation. You need to honestly care about these people, you are just using technology to help you remember and "know" your seller.
7. Price – I mentioned in last month's article about how NOT to negotiate. So, let me say that round numbers (such as $45,000) scream that this deal is up for negotiation and no seller will believe that you "rounded" the number in their favor. I always, always, break the offer down to the penny. Some brokers break it down to an odd dollar amount and that is OK too. For example, $45,127.00 sounds like a real thought out number. $45,127.39 sounds like you got them every penny possible. I have had numerous sellers joke about the pennies. I simply say that "Hey, it's your .39, I would be glad to round the number for you…say $45,000?" They usually laugh and we all understand that I have put as much money on the table as possible. Which, and I believe I mentioned this last month, leads them to believe they are getting a fair, well-calculated, offer.
8. Are you the only game in town? – Is your seller shopping? Are you up against several other brokers on this deal? This is something you must know. If there is competition involved you may wish to focus on your ability to close faster or your experience in the industry or your being "local". You are not always able to ascertain whether you are "in competition" for a deal but there are ways to try and find out. Certainly, if a seller calls you and rattles off all the parameters of their note, tells you they are not interested in a "partial" and wants to be sure that you pay title and appraisal fees you can bet that most likely they have already talked to another broker. How would they know about "partials"? Most sellers are not ready to rattle off all the note parameters unless they just had to on the last phone call. Just because you are in competition with someone for the deal does not mean that you have to run and hide (provided your bid is competitive) …just be aware. Spend more time trying to build a relationship of trust with the seller. I have made plenty of deals where I was not the highest dollar bid, but did sound like the most capable of getting the job done quickly and professionally.
9. Be willing to walk away – Although this leans more towards an article regarding tactics, I thought I had better mention it here. You have to be willing to let a deal go. When I first started I wanted very much to make every deal. I needed to make the deal and pay bills. I will tell you right now that sellers can sense this. Sometimes, oddly enough, the best defense is a good offense. Occasionally I have held firm on an offer to a seller. If I know my offer to be fair and competitive, I may not budge even faced with the fact that I may lose the deal. More often than not, the very nature of my holding firm has lead potential sellers to believe that I must really be offering what the note is worth and that the transaction is truly not up for "negotiation". In the same vein, if you can't do the deal, or it just doesn't make financial sense to the seller, tell them. "If you don't need the money right now, I wouldn't sell and take this kind of a discount". Many sellers have replied "But I do need the money right now". You now have a motivated seller.
10. A confused mind says "no" – Regardless of whatever field you are in, there is extreme danger in presenting too many options. We have all been there, wanting to show someone just how much we know. I have seen many brokers run out and want to dazzle their client with their amazing calculator skills. They present the seller with anywhere from 5-9 options of how they can buy their note. It is much like walking into the Food Court in one of these Super Malls nowadays. Too many choices. I can't decide what to eat with all those choices so I just go home and make a sandwich. Your seller is not much different. By showing them too many ways to sell their note, they just get confused (or think you are trying to confuse them) and they go home to make a sandwich. You want to keep things simple. If you are talking about notes, I give the seller a full sale option and two partials if possible. That's it. I am available to tweak those options if they don't exactly meet the sellers needs, but I did not confuse them out of the gate. Too much information will just confuse people. The same is true with your initial "agreements". If your agreement to do the deal with the seller is 45 pages long with legal information that only a staff of professionals understands, then you need to revise it. The agreement should be one, unintimidating, page if possible and if you can not explain it to someone in plain English; try another version.
Widely recognized for his negotiation and deal structuring skills, Fred Rewey has worked with the most successful brokers in the industry today. From start-up home based broker to Assistant Vice President of Metropolitan Mortgage, Fred has seen the industry from all perspectives. Currently Fred provides valuable training to cash flow brokers through FindingCashFlowNotesTraining.com.


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wikiHow is a "wiki," similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.
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The romantic situation comedy Sex and the City offers inspiration for any woman who wants to be ladylike in a contemporary way. The four main characters, Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Sam (Samantha) are all ladies and whilst not always conventionally ladylike, their behaviour can illustrate what one should, or should not do, to be perceived as a lady. Pick one to inspire you, emulate their conduct, style and idiosyncrasies or pick elements you like about more than one of them to be ladylike the Sex and the City Way.
1Follow your heart. Carrie is romantic and led by her emotions. To follow your heart in a ladylike way, you must be gracious in defeat, courageous in a struggle and be prepared to laugh at yourself. In the episode The Real Me, (Season 4, Episode 2), Carrie trips on the runway whilst modelling in a fashion show. Although mortified, she gets up and finishes strutting her stuff to great applause, like a real lady. Handle yourself similarly in humiliating situations to be ladylike.
2Have some decorum. Carrie doesn't intentionally, publicly, belch, break wind, flash, moon, throw tantrums, talk down to people, insult shop staff or wait staff or, 'flash the cash'. Avoid these behaviours and similar. Carrie has been known to drink to excess and get Carried Away. Avoid this to be ladylike. Carrie also is an on / of smoker - smoking is proven to be detrimental to health, but it's a matter of opinion whether it's ladylike or not.
3Be a lover of classics. Carrie loves Vogue, Christian Louboutin shoes, (amongst many others), Chanel, vintage telephones and romantic movies like, "The Way We Were". It's conceivably ladylike to prefer these sorts of things as opposed to OK!, Ugg Boots, Juicy Couture, iPhones and The Hunger Games.Advertisement
1Respect tradition. Charlotte, arguably the most ladylike of all four characters, is traditional, conservative, chaste and demure, mostly... Charlotte knows about etiquette and has impeccable manners. Learn which fork to eat your salad with, write thank you notes and leave the table when you feel the tone of the conversation has reached an unacceptably low level. (Season 3, Episode 9).
2Conduct yourself appropriately in public, always. Sit with you ankles crossed, speak well and don't swear. Behave yourself, usually. Charlotte was a prom queen, a varsity cheerleader, and a teen model so know about deportment and posture.
3Use your feminine guile to get what you want. Charlotte isn't afraid to exploit the chivalry of men to get what she feels she has a right to and what she wants. Expect men to pull your chair out for you, stand when you enter the room and get their hands dirty for you. Charlotte doesn't do DIY, she can arrange flowers, choose art to display, lay a table and select a colour scheme for a dining room but is happy to have a man fix her cable TV.Advertisement
1Do not let your heart rule your head. Public displays of affection, being overly emotional and losing your cool are things to avoid to be a lady like Miranda. She is a lawyer and takes her career very seriously. Ensure you act in a way that will earn the respect of your peers, male and female, and don't expect special treatment from others because you are a woman.
2Be amusingly self-deprecating. Miranda often diffuses tense situations with humour. She doesn't tell jokes, use physical humour or act like a clown, she uses her intelligence to be witty, which is very ladylike. A classic quote of Miranda's illustrates this beautifully: 'Sexy is the thing I try to get them to see me as after I win them over with my personality'.
3Be professional. Be organised, not scatty; be punctual, not tardy and know your facts. Don't hide your intelligence, very few men prefer (dumb) blondes and those that do, don't think of them as ladies.Advertisement
1Go with your instincts. Samantha sees what she wants a goes for it. Be passionate not emotional. Rage about things, lust after things, don't day dream about what might of been and wait for life to give you what you what, take it!
2Be direct. Samantha gets to the point when talking and doesn't believe in dropping hints to get what she wants. There's no need to be aggressive, but don't simper or pout to try to get your way if you want to be ladylike in Samantha's way.
3Have self assurance. Samantha is the type of lady who doesn't doubt herself. Don't be a wall flower at social gatherings, stride into rooms with your head held high. Make an entrance, don't just walk in, head down, trying to avoid drawing attention to yourself.Advertisement
General Points
1Act your age. All four characters are ladies, not girls. They all age throughout the seasons of the show, occasionally telling lies about their exact ages, but at almost all times, being mature.
2Be loyal. To be lady like the Sex and the City Way, you absolutely must be loyal. Don't stand up your friends for a guy. Don't let your friends down when they need you and never take advantage of their misfortunes.
3Respect others. Don't be a bigot. Be friends with gay people, older people, younger people, people with mental health issues, rich, poor, everyone who respects you deserves your respect.
4Be well dressed and well groomed when it matters. Wear what you feel comfortable in. Over dress, under dress, as long as you feel fabulous, wear it. When with friends, you can be as casual as you wish, but when in public, always dress appropriately and be well groomed.Advertisement


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Bud break at Sparkling Pointe
Finger Lakes Times – 4/26/2016
Local wine production plays a part in growing career opportunities in agriculture.
Chronicle-Express – 4/27/2016
Major rodeo in Alberta, Canada selects a Fox Run Vineyards unoaked chardonnay as it's official white wine.
Opelika-Auburn News – 4/28/2016
Word is spreading wide about New York wine, as evidenced by this discovery in a local Alabama publication.
Urban Phoenix – 4/28/2o16
Visiting photographer assembles a compelling pictorial profile of Geneva, New York's unique cultural and community assets.
Burlington Free Press – 4/29/2016
Savvy beer connoisseurs in Vermont are looking across the lake to check out what's been brewing in the Adirondacks.


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BIMx Information and Instructions:
Model Download Instructions
2. Find and download your home model.
If you are using the new BIMx Hypermodel (this model format is only available for our finalized customers in final design and construction phase) You can only access this through an iPad or iPhone at this time. This will be available for other formats soon.


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How often do you buy jewelry? Click To Tweet
Have you ever thought about this?
Some people make a list of future fashion proposals and with the approach of the new season run for shopping. Somebody makes such purchases spontaneously – when the wallet has some excess money and the look is falling on some kind of pretty trinket. Someone picks up accessories to just purchased shoes or handbag. But more often we buy anything for special occasions, because just then our image has to be absolutely perfect.
For lots of us summer is the time for parties, night walks and just a good mood. During the summer season, the number of possible jewelry is significantly increasing. After all, we no longer need to hide our hands in gloves, wrap our necks in scarves, and hide our hair under the hats. And besides, exactly during the summer time, we can afford ourselves to wear body accessories and bracelets on legs.
Saved from Jewelers Mutual
But such events don't always pursue us. Therefore, the first option of buying is the most important. I, personally, – is a great admirer of "shopping in advance". As soon as Spring comes – I am opening the catwalk fashion shows from the greatest trendsetters, my favorite pink notebook and write … I write about everything I see, and then compose a general list of future trends. In such way I am preparing for the Summer shopping season. And the thing that helps me in this –is my favorite and lovely Aliexpress.
After all, in spite of the large selection and low prices of this site – free shipping there is about a month, and sometimes even two. As luck 🙂
In this post you will find
Qimoshi Store
First I would like to mention qimoshi Store – shop with a very large selection of jewelry for all ages and tastes. Prices also pleasantly make a surprise, but the most important thing is quality and service. All customers (including people I know personally) respond well about the quality of jewelry. Such high ratings aren't common on Ali as here. And there you will find one of the most beautiful boho trends – Agate earrings. Probably everyone has already realized that the bigger earrings are – the more they are in trend. And, yes, agate should also be in the creation of such indispensable jewelry as summer earrings. And the more size of this accessory is – the better.
Furthermore, such an accessory will perfectly complement the light attire of a monochrome dress, especially contrasting. And yet, although it may be strange for you, it seems to me that such summer jewelry will perfectly complement the office suit.
But the delivery here isn't traditionally free – it is 2,55 dollars for standart Aliexpress shipping. I do not know how it happens in your countries, but in my country there has always been a free shipping. At the moment, Ali has some problems with this and many online stores have made the delivery paid. I do not fully understand why this has happened, so if you got any information about this, please tell me about it in comments.
VIVILADY Official Store
What will never go out of fashion? Click To Tweet
Certainly pearls! This material is always relevant and luxurious. Many times I said in previous posts that pearl earrings – are an integral part of the businesswoman wardrobe. Pearl necklace – is a must-have of a true lady. Bracelets and rings with pearl inlays adorn hands and even feet of every fashionista. And piercing earrings with pearls just blew up catwalks of the winter 2016 shows.
I think you've already seen that pearls are not just an eternal classic, but an eternal fashion trend for a quite long time. And so it will be until the Chanel fashion house and its philosophy rise on the world's fashion scene. But not everyone can afford himself natural pearls, and the fashion designers say that there is nothing shameful in wearing custom jewelry and gemstone imitation. That's why I want to introduce you to the VIVILADY Official Store and to show you two necklaces that will perfectly complement your summer image for an excellent price. By the way, these products have only positive feedbacks, all of them for 5 stars.
This option is naturally gentle, playful and suitable for both day walks, and for a crazy beach parties. The more bright colors and soft tissues you will wear with it – the better!
What if you combine boho and glamor? I hope you are not afraid of a such combo, because I'm just excited about it and, of course, I want to share what I found in the VIVILADY Official Store! Two perfect color combinations are mixed in one aliexpress jewelry model, which remotely resembles a choker. But with all of this – it is a beautiful and feminine adornment for your summer image. And yes, this is an absolute trend, about which I wrote earlier. By the way, they also have pink and black version – for gentle fashionistas and for lovers of strict monochrome.
Quite controversial accessory is objectively not very comfortable, but especially good in evening spotlight – sparkling stones and rhinestones give it an extra chic. I'm just delighted with these accessories!
Ruby.Ruth Purple shells Store
Or, maybe, you want something more close to models in the Chanel style? I found another store, Ruby.Ruth Purple shells Store, and another very interesting necklace. It seems to me that if you complement it with a tweed-colored pencil skirt of pink or violet color and a vintage white T-shirt – you will get a chic image in the Chanel-Cube style. Waiting for your feedback, what do you think?
Do you remember, that once I named my two passions – movies and fashion. So, if some of you are the same as me, I have good news – I found a shop on Ali, where you will find accessories related to your favorite cult movies + there's a lot of jewelry, which are trending right now! I think it will be an interestin present or just a joke-thing for your boyfriend! By the way, if you love such theme, you should totally check more movie-style rings at Ruby.Ruth Purple shells Store.
Lisa Trendy Styles Store
I always try to take into account wishes and tastes of each of you, so I understand that not everyone will like large beadedmodels, and especially with an abundance of colored incrustations. But the assortment of Aliexpress is so great that I found something suitable for lovers of tenderness and minimalism. The Lisa Trendy Styles Store has a huge assortment of very cool and fashionable things that I will also include to this post. But the very this Aliexpress jewelry necklace made me pay attention to this store. Gentle, delicate and absolutely beautiful – just for 2 dollars!
There is one strange thing in Lisa Trendy Styles Store, also suitable only for the Summer 2019 season – bra with seashells. I'm not just accidentally decided to share this model with you. First of all, jewelry with shells are one of the main trends of Spring and Summer 2019. Secondly, during last year fashion designers decided to present the strangest innovations of their imagination: from dresses with T-shirts – up to stockings in a large grid. But the new laundry trend is even crazier! The most advanced fashionistas prefer to wear derorative bra over t-shirts and jumpers.
You should pay special attention to jewelry sets, presented in this store. Fashion bracelets and rings are something that every girl needs. Because really, massive necklace requires a simple outfit, extravagant earrings – particular event, and generally, I am silent about the hair jewelry. So that, exactly bracelet and rings set – is absolutely indispensable and versatile adornment mix. And especially for the Summer 2019 season. Stylists recommend to admirers of classical jewelry and to fashionistas to opt for a thin bracelets and rings. Also yoy can decorate your hands with several thin bracelets at the same time. It looks especially attractive.
I like Lisa Trendy Styles Store for the design, which it offers – rigorous, minimalistic and delicate at the same time. And although fashion dictates bulkiness for next seasons, such jewelry will always be relevant. I would call these adornments "daytime" + this kind of daytime jewelry you can even wear in several units.
NIUYITID Official Store
For Summer 2019 traditional silk and velvet ribbons as a base jewelry materials for choker necklace come to the fore. And, on the one hand, it is very cool, because such an adornment, in a view of its brevity, will perfectly complement the most elaborate outfits. Therefore, decoration in a form of embroidery is an excellent addition for the choker-tape. And all of this you will find in NIUYITID Official Store with their perfect Gucci-style choker:
Just do my best
There never will be too much chokers! Click To Tweet And yes, I really think so. So I found just do my best store that will offer you three trending aliexpress jewelry items at once! You already know that chokers with embroidery are a must have for an ideal Summer 2019 look. Especially if you supplement such a pink choker with some dress or a jumpsuit with the same pink floral print. And, of course, a lace choker with a pearl imitation! This can be really a massive necklace. You should wear it beneath plain things, but it should be completely different from the clothes colors. It has to get all the attention. It will look great with thin blouses and shirts, as well as light dress.
As well just do my best store have lots of other trendy and totally beautiful things, so I surely advice you to check it. As for a dessert just look at one more great ring set I have found there. I love because it doesn't look like other aliexpress jewelry ring sets – similar and boring. But this one is a great combo of boho and 20's styles. And that's all just for 1,5 dollars! You should emphasize tenderness and subtlety of your hands – this is the first and the main rule of 2018-2019 fashion season.
ZIZI Fashion Store
Summer is insanely romantic and feminine time of the year. Click To Tweet But it does not mean that fans of punk and grunge cultures should postpone all their jewelry until the fall comes. Indeed, thanks to the popularization of boho style during last few years, we know that nothing will look with a light floral dress as cool as large boots and rude leather jewelry. Therefore, I naturally decided to find for you a summer aliexpress jewelry item in the style of the last Alexander Wang collection. But, unfortunately, it is better not to wear it during the hot days. But fashion requires sacrifice. Alexander Wang has presented extravagant and unusual enough models of necklaces, which will approach not to each girl. But the general public of fashionable critics and the true fashionistas will totally fall in love. On his fashion shows, necklaces were shown in the form of leather collars and chokers with pieces of shiny chains. Most girls and women, who prefer the classical style, will consider such variations of summer jewelry rather strange, but creative people will appreciate them. As with their help, not formal women can emphasize their individuality and uniqueness. So that ZIZI Fashion Store have something great for you:
Also the assortment of ZIZI Fashion Store is full of other very interesting punk and pastel goth style aliexpress jewelry. Prices are very different – from 3 to 15 dollars, and all feedbacks are mostly positive.
My Mission–Fashion your Beauty
Now let's add to punk and pearls another popular trend – different earrings. Click To TweetIt may seem that there is some imbalance, but it has its own intrigue. A growing number of jewelry designers produce their vision of different earrings, calling not to be afraid of asymmetry and to find your own beauty in imperfection.
And Aliexpress also can offer you such option – in the face of the My Mission–Fashion your Beauty store. The only problem is that these earring's price is 4.40 dollars, and your minimum order should be 6 $.
Although there are still many people who do not accept this trend, we have to admit that it looks really stylish and unusual. The thing is in wearing of these trendy earrings and their matching. Such trendy earrings could perfectly complement your business image, but at the same time they should not be worn with an evening or a cocktail dress. In a one word, such earrings are for everyone, who can fantasize about the summer jewelry designs, everyone, who wants to attract the attention of others with their adornments. And you probably will think that I'll start to get bored… But no, because such cordially different options, such large vigor and catchy colors – it's just a chic trend, one of the most beloved!
And of course I decided to see what else fashionable and interesting can be found in My Mission–Fashion your Beauty store. And then I found something that I have never met before. This bracelet just must appear in your wardrobe. Color variations – for every taste. But personally, I choose rose gold – the color of Summer 2019 season. Succinctly, simply and tastefully. Furthermore, rose gold and summer are two inalienable sides of the coin, which always make a close association with each other.
Korea Trendy Jewelry
A further shop with a chic and truly Korean jewelry – Korea Trendy Jewelry! Everything just shines with spring mood! These accessories can outshine any other jewelry as a companion foryour daily look. And although this shop exists just for 3 years, it can boast of such improbable choice of products that other stores selling minimalistic or Tumblr have to envy a little. Wearing bracelets can be on the bare hands or over the clothes, since they are appropriate even in cold weather. Stylists recommend to admirers of classical jewelry and to fashionistas to opt for a thin bracelet. Also they can decorate their hands with several thin bracelets at the same time. It looks especially attractive.
Brooches, rings, pendants and earrings … All the colors are incredibly vivid, saturated dyes, and a variety of sizes. Prices also very different: from 0,5 to three dollars for a single adornment.
Garden Corner Store
What do girls want more than a closet full of beautiful clothes, handbags, shoes and jewelry? Of course – flowers! Because, there is no better decoration for the summer season than fresh flowers. This trend in jewelry materials has long been picked up by many extravagant designers, who just can not live a day without creating something extra-original. And, honestly, I am so much in love with this trend! For summer 2019 this trend will particularly effect fashion rings. And that is so beautiful! After all, the summer period is ideal for creating and buying the cocktail rings. And with light sarafans of gentle color combinations, rings with flowers will look especially unusual, fresh and fashionable. And Garden Corner Store has the perfect product that is just similar to that one. Guys, this must-have trend is just for 3,52 dollars!
Here they are – the best jewelry shops from Aliexpress. Have a good shopping!


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Government in the Caribbean Community nation of Guyana has established a special commission to settle simmering land disputes in the country, officials said this week. The major racial groups in the country hope it will correct historic wrongs dating back to British colonialism.
President David Granger, stating that a country with equivalent land space to Britain or Iowa but with a population of less than a million should not be quarreling over land, announced that the seven-person commission will begin work almost immediately, focusing on demands from the nine indigenous tribes for legal demarcation of lands and on wrongs committed against Guyanese of African descent in the decades after the end of slavery.
Africans make up approximately 33 percent of the population. Amerindians account for a mere 10 percent but have the single largest bloc of legally demarcated lands among the other groups. The remainder of the population comprises Guyanese of East Indian descent, a large mixed population and small groups of Europeans and Chinese. Guyana is by far the largest of the single trading bloc of 15 regional nations.
Granger, a retired army general who won general elections nearly two years ago, explained, "Land is life. Today we recognize as a government that the issue of land is far from settled, and we decided to take a decision to ensure that our people can live in this land, Guyana, without worrying about the future."
The Guyana chapter of the Caribbean Reparations Commission has already said that it plans to load up the commission with dozens of instances of historical wrongs done to Afro-Guyanese pertaining to land, including the fact that the previous Indo-led government had taken away thousands of acres of Black communal and ancestral village lands, sold large tracts to Indo investors or made tracts available for individual house lots.
Highlighting the fact that African slaves dug thousands of miles of canals and drained and irrigated farmlands for European slave owners and planters, the reparations body said that Amerindians are treated far better than Blacks when it comes to land issues as a large portion of the country has already been legally demarcated by the state.
"Africans need to get reparatory justice. The Amerindians have already applied for 25 percent more on top of what they have already. We will use the commission to make our case," said spokesman Eric Phillips.
The commission will also look at a huge row for gold and diamond mining blocks between medium scale and small wildcat miners as well as demands from mostly Afro housing subdivision developers for large tracts to build homes and new communities.
The reparations group has persistently argued that the country's 39 percent Indo population was well looked after by the previous administration that ran the country for 23 years until 2015. The reparations group believes that the previous administration ensured that a massive transfer of state wealth was given mostly to the Indo population.
Granger commented, "Land is needed to satisfy human needs for food, shelter, recreation, sports. Regrettably land is a source for pain and controversy. The establishment of this lands' commission is meant to settle these controversies. We need not fight each other for lands. We will investigate their claims and we will respond."


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Got a surprise call from my aunt and uncle late last night. They were in DC visiting my cousin Al and wanted to come over this morning for a visit. They brought bagels and donuts and we had a nice visit! I hadn't seen them since Christmas last year. This is exactly the kind of stuff we moved home for! Cosmo and KJ are heading to VT this weekend for Alumni Weekend and a lacrosse memorial game for one of Cosmo's teammates/friend who passed away way too early. They spent last night at my mother-in-laws and this morning they had breakfast with Lynn, Lisa and the twins before everyone headed out for the day.
Last weekend KJ and Cosmo made a quick trip to Bham to take care of a few things at the store and at the house. KJ had a good time catching up with friends over the weekend. Friday she spent the night with Mo and Saturday night she spent the night w/ the Twins. A bunch of them went to Sloss Furnace Saturday night and had a frightfully good time. They had such a good time, KJ actually lost one of her shoes because she was running for her life and had to go back thru the Zombies and find her shoe!
We were so, so worried about moving/relocating during her 8th grade year but in retrospect we made the right decision. Last night, out of the blue, KJ said she misses her friends from Hoover but she really likes Maryland. She said she loves our house and she loves always having something exciting to do. She luvs, luvs, luvs her school but the only thing she'd change if she could is the start time. She'd prefer school to start around noon. That's my girl!!!
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SeeTec CayugaVideo Management
Software: SeeTec Cayuga
Description: Integrated via the Seetec Access Control API which is completely client independent and runs as a separate service. Default set of triggers per door that can be used as alarm triggers within SeeTec Cayuga. An integration into the SeeTec Cayuga maps system is planned. User rights can be defined per user/group per door. Sending of commands to the Paxton system via a button, an alarm or via a map icon.
Net2 compatibility: v5.03.2818
Languages available: English, German, French, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Russian, Turkish, Dutch
How to buy: www.seetec-video.com


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FarmAndCabin.com is not just for the buyer looking to purchase property but also for the seller who has been searching for a real estate broker whose success comes from creative ways of marketing.
Once your property is posted for sale with FarmAndCabin.com, hundreds if not thousands of potential, qualified buyers will be able to access it within minutes.
Not only does FarmAndCabin.com offer a highly successful way of bringing buyers and sellers together but also provides our visitors the opportunity to follow what's happening regarding farm news, cabin designs, and land values. FarmAndCabin.com keeps you updated with recent sales in some of the local real estate markets via our "Trending Now" section. Contact Joey Burch to list or buy property. Call Now – Cell 501-454-1782


text: Hey all, i know im a friggen moron, but i got a little too happy while changing file types and the like, and somehow managed to make my drives open up in acdsee. Not a big deal normally, except that the regular "open" dialog wasnt there, no biggie again, just add it open with iexplorer.exe now my problem is that i dont know what to put after iexplorer.exe in the shortcut to make it open in the same window. Not that its a big deal, but it is getting really annoying when they open in new windows all the time. and again, yes i know im a moron.


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Vancouver's Leader in Transition toward Strong, Resilient, Complete Communities
Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 11am to 2:30pm
at VV Permaculture plot at Cottonwood Community Garden
Join us for April's salon. Rather than our usual discussion or presentation, we're going to do something hands on for Earth Day - a permaculture blitz at VV's Permaculture plot at Cottonwood Community Garden. 11-2:30, including a potluck.
Room for 6 people. RSVP here or to firstname.lastname@example.com
We have several blitzes coming up in various locations over the next 3-4 months. If you're interested in being notified, let us know.
Views: 51
© 2022 Created by Yael Stav. Powered by


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Gradient's Hardened Zero-Trust Framework Selected for AFWerx Fusion's Base of the Future Showcase
Gradient's hardened, zero-trust framework, which we recently demoed at HPE Discover 2020, has been selected in the top 20% of Base Security and Defense solutions for the Air Force's 2020 Fusion Base of the Future showcase July 28-30, 2020.
AFWerx is the United States Air Force's innovation program, catalyzing engagement between industry, academia, research, and the Air Force in order to accelerate problem solving. Their annual flagship conference, AFWerxFusion, brings together Air Force and DoD representatives, startups, small to large enterprises, research labs, and universities. The AFWerx Fusion theme this year is Base of the Future, a top focus area for both the Air Force and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Gradient is presenting our full stack zero-trust platform that supports laptops, mobile, servers, cloud, IoT, access systems, wireless, and more. We're spotlighting a solution for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) networks using credential-driven authentication. This approach simplifies enrollment and enforces permissions over the life of the device by authenticating based on the real-time fingerprint of device hardware and software (e.g. mobile phone, laptop). We replace existing multi-factor authorization with simpler & more secure silicon-rooted, device-based authentication/authorization. This solution delivers improved, real-time security by supporting BYOD authentication using a cryptographic measurement of hardware and software – and a simplified, single-sign-on (SSO) login experience, supported by standards like FIDO2/WebAuthn, by cross-securing authentication by requiring physical device (mobile/laptop/workstation/etc.).
Conference Details:
When: July 28-30, 2020
Where: AFWerx Fusion Conference Registration and Gradient Virtual Booth
If you'd like to speak with our team about joining our early customer list, please click here or the "learn more" button below:


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Moonstone Bracelet (Rainbow), Mens 4mm Power Mini Beaded Gemstone Bracelet
Pictures just do not do this stone justice. Minimalist, but beautiful, you are sure to love this bracelet. Rainbow Moonstone – Intuition and insight. Balances the emotional body. Enhances personal powers. Nurtures your spirit.
Natural Gemstones
4mm Round Stones
Strong Elastic Stretch Cord
Gift Organza Bag
Since each gemstone is natural, gemstone colors, shapes, sizes, and patterns may vary – making each bracelet unique. Bracelets are taken in a professional light so gemstone colors may vary.
Small (Bracelet size is ~ 6in): Fits wrists 5.25-5.75 inches (child sizes)
Regular (Bracelet size is ~7in): Fits wrists 6.0--6.75 inches (average adult)
Large (Bracelet size is ~8in): Fits wrists 7.0-7.75 inches (men's sizes)
Use a fabric or sewing tape measure the size of your wrist in inches. If you would like a tighter or looser fit, choose a wrist size that is 0.25 inches less than or greater than your actual wrist size, respectively.
Materials: Moonstone, Natural Stones.
Elastic Bracelet Sizing Guide
Elastic Bracelet Sizing Guide
Always use a fabric ruler or string to determine your correct size. Wrist size is independent of clothing size.
|Bracelet Size (in)
|Recommended Wrist Size
|Small (5.75 in)
|Fits 5.0-6.0 inches
|Regular (6.75 in)
|Fits 6.0-7.0 inches
|Large (7.5 in)
|Fits 7.0-7.5 inches
Shipping, Returns and Exchanges
Shipping, Returns and Exchanges
Save on shipping by signup for our mailing list. Click links to find out more about shipping, returns and exchanges.
GO GREEN! Since all order info is easily available online, we include only minimal packaging and reusable storage bags to ensure we are working to save the environment. Please let us know if you need a printed packing list.
Bulk and Custom Orders
Bulk and Custom Orders
Please contact us at email@example.com for bulk or custom orders beyond those available in the list. Please understand, bulk orders will require additional processing time.
- This product is not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any health condition. This product does not give the wearer superhuman powers :)
- Gemstone colors, shapes, sizes and patterns may vary - making each bracelet unique. Bracelets are taken in a professional light so gemstone colors may vary.
- Please remember, the number of gemstones in each bracelet will differ according to size.


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Happy 525 Day!
May 25 is a special day at Zao525. We like to think of this day as our own little holiday. We've talked about it before: The meaning of our name, Zao525, represents who we are and what we stand for. From the Greek language, "Zao" means "to live, breathe, be among the living; to enjoy…Read More


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Seems that somebody is having a bit trouble with the truth. I had engaged in a very civil discourse on open adoption records with this liar and she twisted my words. I don't like that. It seems that she wants to make people believe that I support "mutual consent" in matters of birth certificate access.
Crazy lying bitch. I do not in any way support mutual consent laws. I believe that adoptees should have free access to their birth certificates.
Here's the post followed by comments..
he Legal History of Adoption in the U.S.
December 2, 2008 by hsaxton
"Kippa Herring" has posted several comments regarding the research of Professor Elizabeth Samuels, who published her overview of the legal history of adoption in the U.S. in the Rutgers Law Review ( Winter 2001), entitled "The Idea of Adoption." Rather than print selected quotes from Samuel's work, I've decided to refer you to the article so you can read it in its entirety.
Although Professor Samuels (like Kippa) is in favor of mandated open records (as opposed to the "mutual consent" approach advocated by the National Council for Adoption and myself), Samuels' paper is helpful in providing a historical context for understanding the complexities of the issue, and how balancing the respective (often conflicting) needs and responsibilities of all three sides of the adoption triad have challenged state legislatures and social agencies alike for more than sixty years.
For those of you who are new to this, mandated open records "unseal" original birth certificates of adult adopted children (and other persons of interest), regardless of whether the biological parents agree to having identifying information released to the (adult) child.
At this time, only a handful of states allow adult adoptees unrestricted access to their original records, although this is something that a variety of nationally organized advocacy groups (such as "Bastard Nation" and "Unsealed Initiative" are fighting to change).
Nevertheless, adoptive parents will want to educate themselves about the issue so you can be prepared when your child broaches the subject of his birth parents. Not all adopted children decide to look for their birth parents, but most have feelings about their birth families that we — their parents – need to help them work through, even if search and reunion is not a possibility.
Information is power, the saying goes. By educating ourselves about the issues surrounding adoption, we empower ourselves to give our children the support they need to reconcile and integrate the two sides of their heritage.
No two families will approach this the same way. It may be that your child has no interest in finding his birth family. If he does, try to relax and not take it as a sign that he is rejecting you.From what I've read, there seems to be little connection between an adopted child's desire to know his birth family and the strength of the bond he has with his adoptive parents. Just this afternoon I spoke with a radio producer whose older sister found her birth family, and yet he had no desire to do so.
In any event, this article is well worth reading, no matter where in the adoptive triad you stand.
4 Responses to "The Legal History of Adoption in the U.S."
on December 2, 2008 at 8:49 pmKippa
Thank you for posting this, Heidi.
"Information is power, the saying goes."
Which is one reason, among others, why adopted people deserve to have the right to information about their origins restored to them – and I use the word "restored" deliberately, because that right was eroded and eventually lost during the middle of the 20th century.
I would also like to include the opinion of Margaret Somerville, Canadian ethicist and academic. She is the Samuel Gale Professor of Law, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and the Founding Director of the Faculty of Law's Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law at McGill University. She is a remarkable woman and someone to be taken seriously even where one disagrees with her.
The excerpt (below) is from a 2007 panel discussion about ethical problems relating to assisted reproductive technology, but she also relates to children's human rights in general:
"Recently I've been working on children's human rights with respect to their biological origins and biological families.
In that work I've argued that we must recognize that children have human rights with respect to knowing the identity of their biological parents and, if at all possible, their immediate and wider biological families; having a mother and a father, preferably their own biological parents; and to come from natural biological origins."
She also says that "It is one matter for children not to know their genetic identity as a result of unintended circumstances.
It is quite another matter to deliberately destroy children's links to their biological parents, and especially for society to be
complicit in this destruction."
You can read more here:
She also believes that emphasis should be placed on the rights of the child, so that if an adopted person seeks disclosure of their adoption records, that information should be disclosed *whether the parent who placed the child consents or not*, because everyone has the human right to know their origins.
The reverse, on the other hand, wouldn't necessarily hold true. In her opinion, a parent would only be entitled to information about a child who'd been placed for adoption if they consented.
Oh, and if you'll notice she said that she would delete my comment from her blog. She hasn't done that either. Just another lie.
OK, she finally took that down. But she's still a liar.
Here's my latest communication with Heidi The High Strung Convert..
Hah! Thanks for such a constructive and thoughtful response.
I've not read your blog, and based on what I've read about your perspective
so far, I seriously doubt that will change anytime soon. But I'm sure there
are plenty of those who share your viewpoint who will be happy to let you
"preach to the choir." I just happen not to be one of them.
And my response..
No sweetie, it's you that has the choir. I have minions, they look
like the monkeys that fly out your ass every time you lie. Well I
have the minions, and I have readers. You see if I bring up a topic
I'm willing to defend my position, it's called integrity. I doubt you
would know anything about it.


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Erika Bauer and her father, Tim Bauer, recently returned from a two-week missions trip to South Sudan. They went with a team from Partners In Compassionate Care (PCC), who built a hospital in Werkok, South Sudan. Erika, an RN who works in the ICU department at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, assisted in the Memorial Christian Hospital surgeries and patient care. Tim spent his time ministering in various ways to the local people. It was a great learning experience for both in a very harsh environment that has witnessed much bloodshed in recent years.
South Sudan became a nation in July, 2011 after years of civil war. The area they went to is still unstable where hostilities between tribes can flare up at any moment. Independence from the north has brought new challenges in maintaining unity within their society. Most Americans have become familiar with South Sudan through a group of young men known as the Lost Boys (young women were also in this group). The director of PCC, Dave Bowman, took five of these young men into his home in Rockford in 2001. A movie called "The Good Lie" was taken from his story. It describes the incredible journey these young people were forced to make after armies from the north destroyed their villages during civil war battles, causing them to flee for their lives. Some were relocated to America. Now that they have grown up, some are taking their newfound skills and degrees back to their homeland to help build a better society. South Sudan needs these young people who are no longer the lost boys, but rather the men of hope for a new nation.
Thanks, Erika and Tim, for taking us with you!
Are you going on vacation? Take the Post with you and snap some photos. Then send them to us with some info to email@example.com or mail them to Post travels, PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. We will be looking for yours!


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The object of this game is to use the screen or joypad and direct your beany character to shoot down the pucks before they hit you. You get 10 points for each puck you shoot down and 100 bonus and next round when you shoot down all 10 pucks. Free man every round after five.
Freeware - Download PocketPC BeanybopperPucks© Now!
To run these Pocket Visual Basic programs you need the free Microsoft Distribution Source Files located at http://www.CeBeans.com/runtime/runtime.htm
Click here to go to the Free Windows CE Software Website
(c)1998-2017 Vincent Collura ( Inventor / Engineer )


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Motor Care
For a fast and long lasting motor, you must know how to properly maintain it. First of all, get a small screwdriver,
sandpaper, modeling knife, a cup of either engine oil or kerosene, and grease that came with the car that you bought.
It's thick grease, and works good for the motor. If you don't know how to open up a motor, here's how. On either side
of the motor near the electric brushes (small metal plates at the top of the motor), you'll notice two tiny pieces of
metal coming from the body of the motor (the can) that holds on to the top of the motor. Using a screwdriver, pull these
two pieces up. Now you should be able to pull the motor apart. Now follow these steps:
1. First put the seperate pieces of the motor into the engine oil/gasoline for around ten minutes.
2. Remove the pieces from the oil and let it dry itself on a layer of tissues.
3. Put a little bit grease at the tip of the electric brushes.
4. On the commutator, you'll see thin lines of space. The commutator is the tube-like object
that the electric brushes touch. It is located at the top of the armature, or rotor. With your modeling knife,
gently scrape the lines of space to get some dirt out.
5. As time goes by, the copper plates on the commutator gets worn out as a chemical reaction is created
when it's exposed to oxygen in the air, therefore creating a lot of electric resistance. The more the resistance,
the slower your motor would be. Using the sandpaper, scrub the commutator in order to remove the oxidation.
6. Complete these steps by putting some of that thick grease on the commutator, and some more on the other end
of the armature.
Now all you have to do is put the motor back together just like how you took it apart. If you put it back wrong and
your car starts running backwards, simply open your motor back up and rotate the top of the motor (the part with the
electric brushes) 180 degrees. The above steps should be done regularly. If you do all this, the life of your motor will
be much longer, and will perform much better.
The main thing about maintaining your Mini 4wd is oiling it. Without any oils or grease, a car's
parts wear out quicker, and the speed gets cut in half. So where do you put oils? Remember, you put oils wherever
friction could exist. What type of oil? You can use sewing machine oil, engine oil, or even baby oil.
Let's start this oiling process by oiling the ball bearings. Wherever there are ball bearings, whether it's in
a gear set or inside your motor, you must add oil. Without oil, ball bearings doesn't help you much.
Next, add oil to any kind of gear, whether it's the pinion or the gears on the propellar shaft. Remember, don't
add too much oil, as it attracts a lot of dirt, and not too less either. You'll also notice little areas where the
propellar shaft can possible touch the chassis. Those areas must be oiled as well.
Finally, oil the insides of the rollers, whether it's a ball bearing roller or just a plain old roller.
That's all there is to oiling your car. As I've said already, oiling greatly improves the performance of your car.
Tire Cleaning
A dirty tire doesn't run as well, and also doesn't look as well. Currently in the world, there are two
types of tires: rubber and sponge. To clean a sponge tire, use scotch tape. For a rubber tire, take an
eraser and gently scrape the rubber. Be sure not to scrape off too much, or your tire will be ruined.
That's all there is to tire cleaning.
And that's also all there is to maintaning your Mini 4wd. Remember to do these things often. Doing this
is fun, and most importantly, keeps your car running smooth.


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Fancy dancing in the streets in a festival in the Philippines with painted faces on? Ever imagined riding a tuna parade float?
These are only some of the many ingenious ways that the people of the Philippines do to have fun and take pride in what they have. Festivals in the country are too much to count for a person to attend it all, but there are a lot of celebrations that have garnered a crowd following over the years.
Major characters that are present in the colourful and famous festivals in the Philippines are religion, food specialties and skills expertise, all of which show the ever-so-popular sunny disposition of the Filipinos.
Read More: Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Bohol, Philippines
The Filipino people are a spiritual bunch. When the Spaniards set foot in the Philippines hundreds of years ago, they brought with them the Christian religion. In a town, city or province wherein Roman Catholicism dominates the community, more or less it has a patron saint being celebrated in the place.
A lot of spiritually-inclined festivals are dated on the birthday of that particular saint. Some days have been unanimously agreed upon regardless of specific date significance. The grandiosity of the celebration ranges from a simple barangay get-together to a nationally-acclaimed street party that becomes a tourist activity on its own.
One example of the latter is Aklan's Ati-atihan Festival which is celebrated in honor of Sto. Nino or the Infant Jesus.
Aside from religion, festivals also highlight a destination's food specialty. Take for example the Tuna Festival in General Santos City where they have an abundance of this protein-packed fish. Lastly, festivities that put the exceptional skills of the people in spotlight are also numerous to mention.
Let me characterize the colorful and famous festivals in the Philippines:
- Cultural – These festivals celebrate harvest, arts, culture and food.
- Religious – These festivals commemorate Biblical figures and saints.
- Modern – These festivals are relatively new and showcase advancements in all aspects.
Month by month, let's look at the different characteristics of the festivals in the Philippines, and let's attempt to answer when, where and why these celebrations are being held.
Read More: Local's Guide on the Best Time to Visit the Philippines
List of festivals in the Philippines according to months:
Festivals in January
SINULOG FESTIVAL – Third Sunday of January
The Sinulog Festival is a cultural and religious festival held in Cebu City in honor of the Sto. Nino or the Child Jesus. It is characterized by its colourful dance rituals that depict the reception of the Filipinos towards Christianity.
Traditional costumes are displayed in action in street performances, with the highlight being a St. Nino figure being danced around. At night, all roads lead to lively concerts and parties.
PROCESSION OF THE BLACK NAZARENE – January 9
One of the largest religious festivals in the Philippines is the Procession of the Black Nazarene happening every year in Quiapo, Manila.
This is done in honor of a black Jesus Christ statue that is over 200 years of age. During this festival, the pilgrims walk barefoot while parading the religious figure in the streets and back to the church.
ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL – Third Sunday of January
Another religious festival dedicated to Sto. Niño is the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.
People go to the streets to parade their faces and bodies painted black. Crafted weapons are swayed to the beat of drums, provoking the watching crowd to dance with the performers on the streets. Before you go, practice the famous chant of the dancers and shout: 'hala bira!'
Another popular fiesta dedicated to Sto. Niño is the Fiesta ng Tondo and Pandacan in Manila. So whether you are in Aklan or in the capital, these fiestas are definitely not to miss!
DINAGYANG FESTIVAL – Fourth Weekend of January
In Iloilo City, people celebrate the Dinagyang Festival, a religious festival honoring Jesus. A mascot called Dagoy makes rounds and puts the people in celebratory mood.
Two of the events you should not miss are the Miss Dinagyang beauty pageant and the street dancing competition.
Festivals in February
PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL – Whole Month of February
A cultural festival in celebration of flowers in bloom are held every February in Baguio City.
Panagbenga is a Kankanaey term which means 'season of blooming.' The Panagbenga or Flower Festival is widely known for its elaborate flower parades competing against each other. In a deeper sense, the festival is being held to remind everyone how Baguio City rose up after the tragic 1990 earthquake that crippled the place.
Nowadays, a lot of the flower floats get celebrities from show business to serve as eye catchers and vote charmers. You can enjoy this Panagbenga Tour and enjoy the flower power of the North.
HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL – Third Week of February
The Hot Air Balloon Festival is a modern festival that happens in Clark, Pampanga showcasing different hot air balloons.
Be amazed as you see massive balloons of different designs float in the Philippine sky. This is one of the unique festivals in Luzon that attract thousands of tourists every year. You can join this Hot Air Balloon festival tour from Manila to see this colorful attraction firsthand!
Festivals in March
MALASIMBO MUSIC ARTS AND FESTIVAL – Two days in March
Malasimbo is a modern festival showcasing culture and art of the Mangyans in Mindoro in the most festive way possible. It is one of the festivals in the Philippines which promotes environmental conservation through education and charitable actions.
There is music and art, food and culture – all dosed with a party vibe.
Festivals in April
MORIONES FESTIVAL – During Holy Week
In Marinduque, a religious festival called the Moriones is being held as a way of dramatizing the life of a Roman soldier. Partakers of this event are said to be doing self-cleansing by way of wearing the Moriones costume while making mischievous acts anonymously throughout the neighborhood.
A character called Longinus plays a vital role in this dramatization which lasts for one week. Longinus was the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus during the crucifixion.
Festivals in May
PAHIYAS FESTIVAL – May 15
Lucban, Quezon celebrates a cultural Pahiyas festival every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador.
He is the patron saint of farmers, therefore houses are clad with artistic installations using fruits and vegetables. A colorful rice paper called 'kiping' must also be utilized in the beautification of the facades. The best designed homes are given awards and prizes during this festival.
People who come and visit can eat all the food and desserts prepared by the hosts in every corner of the province. You can join this Pahiyas Festival tour to see this colourful fiesta!
OBANDO FERTILITY RITES – May 17 to 19
Held in Obando, Bulacan is a unique religious festival in the Philippines that has a particular mission – to bring children to childless couples. Devotees would dance on the streets to ask favor from three saints: San Pascua, Nuestra Senora de Salambao and Santa Clara.
Once their prayers are answered, many believers come back and dance for another time to give thanks to the saints. People can also come and join the dances even in the absence of shared motives.
FLORES DE MAYO – Whole month of May
The month of May is dedicated to Mary the mother of Jesus, and a religious festival is celebrated to show this. Flores de Mayo features a ritual called Santacruzan where chosen ladies parade in evening gowns representing different queens.
Whoever is Reyna Elena is regarded as the most important of all. This festival is not unique to just one city but is celebrated everywhere in the Philippines.
Festivals in June
PARADA NG LECHON – June 24
Lechon in Filipino is 'roasted pig', therefore this cultural festival is a celebration of Balayan, Batangas' and the whole country's love for lechon. During this festival, the pork is displayed and designed for onlookers to judge and taste.
This celebration coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist, a festival where people get soaked in the streets in honor of John's baptism ritual.
PINTADOS FESTIVAL – June 29
Another religious and famous festival in the Philippines is the Pintados-Kasadayan in Tacloban City. The participants paint their bodies in shades of blue and green, colors that are a reperesentation of their ancestors.
Body art take over the stage, signifying the brave warriors that once fought for the city. Pintados, too, honors Sto. Nino in its Spanish-inspired dances.
Festivals in July
SANDUGO FESTIVAL – July 1
The Sandugo is a cultural festival in Bohol commemorating the first treaty between Spain and the Philippines. 'Dugo', which means blood, is the main highlight of this treaty, because Datu Sikatuna and Captain Miguel Lopez de Legaspi did a blood compact to seal their peace treaty.
Like many festivals in the Philippines, Sandugo holds competitions in street dancing, songwriting and beauty titling.
Festivals in August
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL – Second Week of August
A cultural festival that celebrates the harvest season in the Philippines, the Kadayawan takes place in the city of Davao.
Students wearing traditional ethnic clothes walk the streets and dance to the tune of traditional rhythms. Trade fairs and exhibits showcasing the rich produce of the country also takes place.
Festivals in September
TUNA FESTIVAL – September 3
The Tuna Festival in General Santos City is a cultural festival highlighting the main produce of the city – tuna.
There is a "Parada sa Dagat" or Parade of the Ocean where people engage in street dancing and float making. Other activities that make this fiesta one of the vibrant festivals in the Philippines are the tuna culinary competition and the search for Miss GenSan.
Festivals in October
MASSKARA FESTIVAL – Fourth Sunday of October
Masskara Festival is a giant cultural fiesta happens in Bacolod City every October where, despite trying times, everyone is encouraged to wear a smile – as in a painted mask.
Complete with colorful carnivals, food gardens and beauty competition, this celebration is one of the most famous festivals in the Philippines. The Masskara Festival's main highlights are the masked street performers bringing life to the streets with their upbeat dances. Travellers wanting to take colorful photographs of the life in the country must not miss this fiesta.
Festivals in November
HIGANTES FESTIVAL – November 22 – 23
Higantes is one of the bizaare festivals in the Philippines. It is a religious and cultural festival celebrated in Angono, Rizal in lieu of the patron saint of fishermen, San Clemente.
During this season, giant people that are up to 12 feet tall and are made out of papier mache are paraded in the streets. Homeowners open their humble abodes to visitors for a day of eating and sharing stories.
Festivals in December
GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL – Second Saturday of December
Ligligan Parul or the Giant Lantern Festival is a cultural festival celebrating big Christmas decorations that light up San Fernando, Pampanga.
These lanterns showcase the creativity of Filipinos on a whole other level, with many of them using ingenious materials that speak of the race's sense of inventiveness. This is undeniably one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines.
Found anything that teased your brain?
It's high time you experience the festivities firsthand!
Have you been to any of these festivals?
Share your travel experience in the comment box below.
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Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas and travel guides for travellers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.


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One of the more baffling aspects of fan behavior is the tendency to suspend qualitative judgement when it comes to fan's objects of affection. Past experience, empirical evidence, and ominous portents get shoved to the margins when certain Pavlovian buttons are pushed. There will be plenty of post-situ moaning and whining about getting burned, but there is little hesitation about leaping into the fire in the first place.
So it was with Teen Andrew and TransBot. As I mentioned a few days ago, I used to be a pretty fervent fan of anime, especially the giant/real robo stuff. The popularity of the Transformers and Robotech franchises meant the toy and hobby stores of the mid-1980's were well-stocked with all manner of shady (and shoddy) bootleg mecha-merchandise intended to siphon off a sweet slice of the market share.
The phenomenon wasn't limited to just toys and models. Videogames also cashed in on the trend, though this was wasn't so much cynical marketing as the simple realities of the gaming industry at the time. American game developers were either still struggling from the industry-wide crash of a few years prior or had moved into the realm of computer gaming. Arcade and console fare was dominated by Japanese imports reflecting Japanese popcult trends. That robo-jockey stuff was big in America at the time didn't hurt, either.
That's not to say that cynical manipulation didn't factor into the equation, as the name "TransBot" suggests a deliberate attempt to piggy-back on the name recognition of a couple of hot properties:
In practice, the formula comes closer to this:
While the official screenshots and gameplay footage suggested epic battles against faux-Zentraedi battle pods…
…the game is actually a very dumbed-down rip-off of Konami's Gradius. The player must blast through waves of uninspired enemies — spiked balls, tumbling cube ships, and hamburgesian flying saucers — across a horizontally-scrolling generically "sci-fi" landscape. Shooting the transport trucks that occasionally roll across the bottom of the screen gives the player access to power ups, which improve weapon strength or transform the player's ship into an unmissable target a rather goofy-looking robot.
In order to compensate for the utter shallowness of the gameplay, the developers decided to spice things up a little by tossing in the much loved gimmick of arbitrary and artificial difficulty. Unlike Gradius (or even Action Fighter), where sequenced power ups add a strategic element to play, TransBot uses a roulette-based system of determining upgrades. Nabbing a power up sphere causes an icon to rapidly cycle through an alphabetical sequence of potential rewards, leaving it up to the player's reflexes and blind chance to determine the end result.
If this wasn't irritating in itself, the fact that the power ups have only a limited number of uses and the boss level can only be reached by use of a specific upgrade in a specific location makes the game a nigh-unbearable exercise in frustration.
That didn't stop me from wasting a few score hours of my life playing and attempting to beat the game.
Why? Because it had giant robots in it!


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Public Health is concerned with improving the health and wellbeing of local populations rather than treating diseases.
Public Health is concerned with improving the health and wellbeing of local populations rather than treating diseases.
Public Health will:
Please see the privacy notice for public health services.
Resources used by the council and partners to improve health, wellbeing, and independence are considerable and include the great majority of health and social care spending. Certain specific budgets such as the Public Health Grant are used for specific functions within the overall total.
The Public Health Outcomes Framework sets out a vision for public health, desired outcomes and the indicators that will help us understand how well public health is being improved and protected.
The framework concentrates on two high-level outcomes to be achieved across the public health system, and groups further indicators into four 'domains' that cover the full spectrum of public health. The outcomes reflect a focus not only on how long people live but on how well they live at all stages of life.
The high-level outcomes are as follows:
The four domains are as follows:
The performance of public health programmes, monitoring of public health contracts and measurement of impact on local public health outcomes will be reported to the Strategic Public Health Group which will itself report to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Notifications/concerns about disease outbreaks or infection control issues should be directed to Public Health England (PHE), details below:
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Dolphin Necklace Dainty Charm Pendant Dolphins Animal Beach Lover Sea Ocean Theme Boho Gift
For the person who loves dolphins.
What you're getting:
- Quantity: 1 Necklace (Chain & Pendant)
- Style: Charm Necklace
- Color: Silver (see the pictures)
- All our photos are taken indoors with natural diffused lighting, there may be minor differences depending on how your device's screen color is calibrated.
- Pendant Shape: One Dolphin Charm
- Chain Length: • Please choose your desired length from drop down menu • 30" inches (76.2 cm) - this is a long necklace, 24" inches (61 cm), 20" inches (50.8 cm) , 18" inches (45.72 cm)
- Chain Style: Ball Chain Necklace
- Metal Materials: Lead free zinc alloy charm, Stainless Steel chain
ღThis item comes in a white gift box with a ribbon tied around it, ready for gifting.


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FCC Funding Network Rebuilds in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
WASHINGTON—The FCC has revealed a plan that will provide nearly $1 billion for the restoration and expansion of communication networks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following the damages of the 2017 hurricane season.
Chairman Ajit Pai revealed the plan on Tuesday, March 6, for which he proposed to create a $750 million Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund (Bringing Puerto Rico Together Fund) and a $204 million Connect USVI Fund, totaling $954 million in assistance. Each fund would provide additional short term assistance for the recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria and Irma, as well as longer-term support for expanding broadband access throughout the islands.
The details of the plan include an immediate infusion of $64 million in additional funding for short-term restoration efforts; a proposal to allocate $631 million in long-term funding for the restoration and expansion of fixed broadband connectivity in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; a proposal to allocate $259 million in medium-term funding for the restoration and expansion of 4G LTE mobile broadband connectivity; and the immediate conversion of the advanced funding the FCC provided last year to carriers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands into new funding by declining to offset that advanced funding against future universal service support payments.
[Pai to Visit Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands in March]
"The people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are still recovering from last year's devastating storms," said Pai in the press release. "That means the FCC's work is far from over. After my previous visit to Puerto Rico, I publicly committed to 'thinking creatively and doing proactively to help restore networks on the island.' The plan I've proposed today would deliver on that commitment and extend that vision even further."
Pai will be in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from March 7-10 to further evaluate the recovery efforts.
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- Red Bell Peppers (capsicum) – 3
- Ripe Tomatoes – 4
- Fresh Cilantro – 1/2 bunch, chopped
- Garlic Cloves – 2, finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper
- Preheat the broiler.
- Place the bell peppers on a baking sheet and cook under the broiler, turning occasionally, for 15 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and broil, turning occasionally, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until all the skins are charred and blistered.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool.
- Peel and seed the bell peppers and tomatoes.
- Slice the flesh thinly.
- Place in a bowl, mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the cilantro and garlic.
- Cover with a plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 60 minutes.
- Just before serving, drain off any excess liquid.
- Serve.


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Grassroots Gaming Expo
Way of the Puck will screen for two consecutive days at the Grassroots Gaming Expo, this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in Ottumna, Iowa. Come to casually play video games, compete in tournaments, enjoy live music, and check out a host of other gaming documentaries…
Check out this link: http://www.grassrootsgamingexpo.com/2012-event/film/
Danny Hynes Resumes His Plan For World Domination
Interview With Director Eric D. Anderson Over At the Indieflix Blog
"Cinema is an emotional medium first of all, and an intellectual one later. Movies have this effortless ability to forge an instant connection with the viewer and transport them to another place and another time, and this is what I find so compelling. We want to be transported. We want to be affected, to feel. It may seem strange for a documentary filmmaker to be speaking in these terms, but I think it's important to remember that the viewers are going to respond first to an emotional connection with the material, even if it's a documentary. Especially if it's a documentary. You must forge this emotional bond with the viewer…otherwise you're a failure. Then you're about as interesting as an insurance seminar."
Filmmaker Spotlight: Eric D. Anderson | The Indieflix Blog
There's also a link at the bottom of the interview that connects to the entire uncut interview with Anderson. Check it out!!!
Way of the Puck Available Now at Indieflix!
Way of the Puck is now available over at Indieflix!
WOTP Acquired by Indiepix
WOTP has just been acquired by Indiepix Films, which distributes Catfish, the Sundance-winning We Live in Public, Venice-winning Women Without Men, and other terrific films. DVD: February 22, Stream: March 1, Digital Download: April 5! Check them out…
Slate Magazine's Stefan Fatsis Gives WOTP an Enthusiastic (and Persuasive) On-Air Endorsement
"Way of the Puck lovingly captures the rituals, lore and joy of this nebbishy, throwback American subculture. And it does so because director Eric Anderson resists the temptation to condescend to air hockey's band of quirky devotees. As a subculture geek myself, respect matters. Praise the table!"
~ Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players; NPR commentator; panelist on Slate.com's sports podcast "Hang Up and Listen." Listen to review at 40-minute mark HERE!
WOTP Now Available As a Digital Download on Amazon
Way of the Puck is now available as a digital download at Amazon for only $7.99. If you're just interested in watching the film and not so interested in any of the bonus features or packaging, this could be for you! See the link for further details…
Quality Review at Curled Up With A Good DVD!
By Eric Renshaw
If you're anything like me, you play air hockey poorly, fumbling the puck and shooting it into my own goal. The players featured in Way of the Puck have the skills to put me to shame (better than even I can myself), and they all share a rabid love of the game.
Many of them have been playing since air hockey hit the scene back in the '70s. They shun holding the rounded handle that juts from the top of a traditional air hockey mallet, opting instead for a three-fingered grip on the mallet that gives them more control.
Director Eric D. Anderson, himself a competitor, traces the history of the game and details the lives of several players who compete in national championships. Mark Robbins ("The Guru") is an encyclopedia of knowledge, and his garage holds a fortune in equipment and treasures (including a virgin table, mint in box). Tim Weissman ("The Ex-Champ") is credited with creating the circle drift and with bringing thought and strategy to the game. Andy Yevish ("The Promoter") is an artist whose wife is not exactly thrilled with all the time Andy spends promoting, arranging and playing the sport.
Way of the Puck calls to mind King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters in how the players' dedication is portrayed and how the tournaments are covered. Both films brought a true excitement to subjects that don't set my soul on fire by their nature. It also reminds me of the clever documentary Welcome to Macintosh, mostly in the time spent on Mark Robbins – the trip through the stuff in his barn shares similarities with scenes in Welcome to Macintosh.
To take a subject like air hockey that has a, shall we say, less than massive following, to make it interesting and compelling enough to inspire its viewer to want to seek out that mostly ignored air hockey table at the local arcade and try out that three-finger grip is quite an accomplishment. I say well done.
Lost Interview With Venezuelan Sensation Pedro Otero
If Jose Mora is lithe, lanky, elegant Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki, then Pedro Otero is power hitter Hideki Matsui. All honed their skills playing professionally abroad, then emerged as dominant "rookies" on the international scene. Unbelievably, Otero competed in only four world championships, finishing second in 1998, 1999, and 2000, and finishing fifth in 2001. It is a masterfully short career, and Pedro has probably the highest average finish-per-event in air hockey history. Known for his rock-solid defense, and uniquely powerful (and difficult to defend) right-wall-over, Pedro lived in the competitive shadow of his friend and fellow countryman Jose Mora, who edged him out in three successive tournaments.
We traveled to Madrid to speak with Pedro back in the summer of 2004. The footage was never used in the film, but we wanted to publish a short excerpt of the interview and wish him well.
WOTP: Can you tell me how you got started?
PEDRO: I began playing in the city of Caracas in Venezuela in 1994. I was seventeen years old, and I began playing with some friends. We played our games at Arcade City, which is where we played for many years. Over time, more people joined us. My normal practice partner was Jose Mora. We spent a lot of time practicing together. I can say that our levels were equal because of our consistent practice. We practiced very often, practically every day, and that helped us reach a level that allowed us to travel in 1998.
WOTP: How did that all come about?
PEDRO: In 1998 Jose and I decided to travel to the international tournament in Santa Cruz, California. Tim Weissman helped us in our adventure –- to find some manner to travel to the United States. He made a collection of money amongst the players over there. And he facilitated ticketing information and things like that. I can say that if it were not for him, I believe that we would never have been able to go.
But we still had to embark on a 79-hour one-way bus trip once we arrived in the United States, without knowing, really, what expectations we had for winning, nor having been able to compare or contrast or playing level with the players there. I realize it was a stupid thing to do, an odyssey based more than anything on youth. But in reality, I'm sure neither Jose nor I regret it. And the fruits of this [Jose and Pedro finished first and second place] demonstrate that it was worth the effort.
WOTP: Were there style differences that allowed you succeed against the US players?
PEDRO: I believe that our style is different because in Venezuela we had many more players to compete against – the player base in Caracas was larger than any other city in America, except maybe Houston. There was more of a variety of rivals, which is why I think our style had to be much more complete. We could not just mold ourselves to the characteristics of one player. We had to have a game that was more compact and as complete as possible.
When I beat Tim Weissman in the semi-finals, I can say that is the biggest moment that I have lived inside of air hockey. And one of the best moments of my life, without a doubt. I can still remember that moment, everything that surrounded it, how I got to that moment. I can say that although I was beginning my career in air hockey, it was the culminating moment as well.
WOTP: How did you end up in Spain?
PEDRO: In the year 2001 I was trying to go live in the United States, because the situation in Venezuela wasn't adequate. Andy Yevish helped me a lot. He was very helpful. Lamentably, in the end, things could not be. But I am still very grateful to him.
My family members and I decided to come to Madrid, but there is really only air hockey in one city in Spain, which is Barcelona. Generally, this isn't very good for me because it is about 600 kilometers away. In all sincerity, it was very hard to stop practicing air hockey so much after eight years of uninterrupted play, but there came a moment when I had to recognize that life has other priorities.
WOTP: Do you miss it?
PEDRO: Truthfully, air hockey has given me many good moments, some of the best moments in my life. It has helped me feel that I can attain what I set out to do. In some ways I feel empty having left air hockey. But if were up to me –- under ideal circumstances –- I would have continued playing for the rest of my life.
Air hockey is a sport that teaches you the skills to better yourself in life. And for me, it has helped me realize myself as a person. Others I have played with have made the same comment –- that it's extremely fun and competitive, and you enrich yourself as a person while playing it.
But one of the best things about air hockey is that you become like a small family, and always maintain contact. We always know about each other. And wherever you go, other air hockey players will know you are there and seek you out. It is something like a chemical between us, between all of us who have played. And that is something special.
Thanks, Pedro!
Great Review in Suite 101
By Barbara DeGrande
Director Eric D. Anderson has documented a fast-paced, quirky sport; the unique individuals who are passionate about the sport; and its questionable future.
Eric D. Anderson, himself a one-time nationally rated air hockey player, puts his experience behind the camera to use in documenting the intense, little-lauded sport of air hockey in this, his first feature film. Like the sport itself, Anderson's film is intense and offbeat, using antique stills and videos interspersed with stills and videos of the players in their younger days, some history of the sport including its NASA origins, and scenes of video arcades filled with aging mid-lifers pursuing their youthful dreams of success in a sport of their passion.
As arcades themselves begin disappearing, losing out to the burgeoning of computer and video games, these anachronistic advocates of a dying sport look at what is possible for the future of air hockey. Anderson's film is always respectful of the sincerity of the air hockey advocates and the sport itself, yet spares none of the troubling aspects of the sport and its future.
Those who are invested in air hockey and its tournaments are a unique group of people, many with nicknames like The Wolf, The Juggernaut, and Egyptian Magician. There appears to be a small group of dedicated international players that love something of the incredibly quick reaction time of the sport, estimated at 1/600th of a second. Many have to buck negativity from spouses; others have full support and encouragement. One man reflects of the totality of his life against the fleeting victories of the sport he loves, trying to convince himself he has the better of the deal with his family behind him. Is air hockey a child's game or a world-class sport?
Who is to decide? There are men in the inner circle of air hockey advocates that have spent their life promoting the sport, including guru Mark Robbins, who holds much of the history of the sport. When one young enthusiast is tossed aside by his girlfriend, he is told, "Air hockey still loves you." For some, the diversion is a welcome relief from the difficulties of everyday life. There is no misery on the table: "Praise the table!" is the refrain. The profiles of the personalities involved in the sport is part of the delicious bits of this film that need to be savored.
One air hockey tournament offers a $14,000 prize, an all-time high for the sport. As men are seen taping their fingers for the next tournament, they reflect on their attitude towards the game. Two Venezuelans attend a tournament and are later discovered to have been using an upside down kitchen table to learn to play the game. Suddenly, the minority that is the air hockey corps reels from learning they are actually the privileged group in comparison with these enthusiasts.
The film flies us from their NASA origins to gaming in Japan to an air hockey expo on The Tennis Channel. One enthusiast discusses the need for a professional promoter to save the game; another is seen traveling from one tournament to another, investing everything in keeping the dream alive — even leasing the molds from a former distributor that has long since quit making pucks for the game. Perhaps Anderson's film will do what others have failed to do and help regenerate interest and profitabililty in this short-lived sport. In any case, it is a fast-paced look at a piece of the culture of Americana grown global. Worth a look.
Nice Review in Just Press Play
By Tom Hoeler
If you grew up in America between 1970 and probably the turn of the century, chances are you've played air hockey at least once. A staple at arcades around the country, air hockey was also once a very popular addition for any family basement or entertainment room. That familiarity is the basis for Way of the Puck a documentary by director Eric D. Anderson that chronicles the growth, decline and near decimation of the sport, and the story behind those that play it competitively. Yes, there is competitive air hockey.
Watching the film certainly evokes memories of The King of Kong, another documentary that focused on the zeal and passion of a group of competitors devoted to another so-called fringe hobby, video games. While there are some similarities, The Way of the Puck seems far more tragic. For the players in The King of Kong video games are merely part of who they are. They have families, jobs and are relatively successful outside of the arcade. Additionally, the video game industry is booming, even if arcades themselves are dying out; so the pursuit of gaming records doesn't seem as fleeting.
In contrast, for the players in The Way of the Puck this is their life…. (click link for rest of article)
Read more: http://www.justpressplay.net/reviews/7121-the-way-of-the-puck.html
Way of the Puck DVD Release Party
HOLLYWOOD, California: Way of the Puck, the just-released documentary about professional air hockey, was feted Thursday night at Barney's Beanery's landmark West Hollywood location. Air Hockey World Champion Davis Lee Huynh and second-ranked California player Joe Cain journeyed from the Bay Area to celebrate and to mentor guests about the finer points of air hockey tactics and technique.
Michael Rosen, Commissioner of Major League Air Hockey, traveled from New York City to meet the extended creative team behind Way of the Puck and to encourage more competitive air hockey play in the Los Angeles region. Rosen is one of four central characters followed around by director Eric D. Anderson in the feature-length documentary. "It was a perfect way to kick off our DVD release," said Anderson. "We had guests fly in from all over the country, including a large contingent from Seattle. Then again, I shouldn't be surprised, since fans of air hockey tend to be passionate people!"
Anderson and guests tried their luck against the three professional players on a new Dynamo Fire Storm air hockey table, purchased by Barney's Beanery for the event. "It was important to me that we choose a venue where people could play a little… and hopefully re-experience the singular, inexplicable pleasure of hitting a lexan puck across a floaty blue surface." Pucks and mallets were provided for the occasion by Mark Robbins, air hockey guru and CEO of Shelti, a Michigan-based table games manufacturer. Way of the Puck is the only feature film that digs into the curious subculture of competitive air hockey. It is currently available for sale at the film's website: http://wayofthepuck.com