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An email to the Dean of the Olivet University in San Francisco about Ulfkotte 7/12 [EN]
I know many people who are not unlucky about Mr. Ulfkottes emigration to the United States Of America. But for the risk, that it is not true at all.
2003, Ulfkotte swore, that he would never more live in Hessen, as the regional security services stalked him there too much. 2008, Kopp Verlag pretended that Ulfkotte and his family had moved to a "christian mountain village" in order to escape Muslim terrorists. But summer 2009, Ulfkotte is still in his Wetzlar (Hessen) home, tending his fish ponds, as proved by the Kopp Verlag video about "Vorsicht Buergerkrieg", that shows Ulfkotte behind a lecture desk before his garden. (Videos removed from YouTube by Kopp Verlag, that wishes to commercialise them.)
Is Udo Ulfkotte "living" in San Francisco, as Kopp Aktuell pretends in November 2009? Anyhow, he seems to be in Germany, preparing a video about "lying journalists" (never a dull moment with Udo...). "Politically Incorrect" (PI) is sure, that he is giving a series of lectures at US evangelical schools about "geistige Landesverteidigung" (Moral Defense Of The Country). Even the PI commenters flock had their doubts about that. But the PI direction replied, that they had "a confirmation from Udo Ulfkotte himself".
We are not going so easy about Ulfkottes affirmations. We want to see proof. Scrutinizing the Olivet University website and its announcements for the 2009/2010 courses, we couldn't find any mention of Ulfkotte. Either, the Californian evangelicals are hiding their German liability, or, Ulfkotte is not engaged there at all. Or, presumably, Ulfkotte is giving extracurricular lectures on a contract with the German "Evangelikaler Rat" to a number of sister schools in the US.
For the appellation "University" for schools and academies like the Olivet institution is lightly misleading. The many different Protestant denominations in the US created during the nineteenth- and twentieth centuries each their own bible schools for would-be preachers. Olivet is one of them. Under the Bush (2) presidency, the theological departments of those schools were allowed to call themselves "university". But the ICT- and Journalism-departments remained "academic" ("Hochschule" in German). As Ulfkotte is not known for his theological competences, nor for his ICT-savvy, he must, if he is really engaged at Olivet, be at the Journalism academy. The Journalism school at Olivet has as its stated mission: "Send Christian Journalists into a heathen world. And Gods Word will prevail!" I have no problem with that. In a honest contest, we'll see, what prevails.
But Ulfkotte? Is he really committed to "divine design" in biology and history? Is he really against abortion and homosexuality? Yes, he is, when we are dealing with Muslim fundamentalists. But when it comes to "Western Culture" and "rationalism", he favors a neutral attitude to those debates. Ulfkotte adores the Californian futurist guru Celente, an ace with Kopp Verlag, who rejects openly a Christian approach.
All this, made it necessary, that we contact the Olivet University in SF, in order to get some more information:
To the Dean of Olivet University, San Francisco, California
Mr. Ulfkotte from Germany pretends that he is teaching at your university.
In your curriculum, I couldn't find any mention of it.
Mr. Ulfkotte is a very controversial person in Germany. As a former Islamic convert, he wrote a novel (Gencode J, 2000), developing an imaginary racist Israeli worldwide conspiration to eliminate all mankind, but the Levites.
More than once, we were able to prove that Mr. Ulfkotte was lying about his whereabouts and about people who he pretends are supporting or employing him.
- He was never employed by the German CIA (BND), but acted on occasion as their informer.
- In his most recent book, "Vorsicht, Bürgerkrieg!" (Be Aware. Civil War!, June 2009), he celebrates futurist Guru Celente, who is a well-known anti-Christian in your region.
- In 2005, he accused the then interior minister of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, the actual president of the country, of conniving with the Mossad in stoking secretly the urban rebellions of that moment in France. (Mr. Sarkozy is half-jewish).
- In 2007, he supported the Roman-Catholic pope in their attack against Protestantism, accepting the RC claim to "rationalism" in face of other religions.
- In December 2008, Mr. Ulfkotte was chased from the German movement Pax Europa under accusations of financial mismanagement and abuse of jurisdiction ("advocacy").
Mr. Ulfkotte pretends that he is living in San Francisco now. Allowing to a message on the racist German website "Politically Incorrect", he is about to start a lecture tour at evangelical schools in the US, teaching about "Geistige Landesverteidigung" (moral defense of the homeland).
We do not know if either is true.
A source in English on Mr. Ulfkotte and his most recent book is: David Vickrey, on
Dialog International, German-American Opinion: Politics and Culture (posted July 19, 2009).
The blogger says, he asked you for an interview with Mr. Ulfkotte. Apparently, he did not get a reply.
Your eventually non-replying to this letter will be considered as a confirmation of your condoning of Mr. Ulfkottes acts and opinions.
In that case, we will have to inform a broader public of your association with Mr. Ulfkotte and his ideas.
We hope that your information on this issue, will enable us to stop worrying about the possible intoxication with false theories of your students.
May God bless you with wisdom and measure,
Huib Riethof, Brussels
Civis Europae Initiative
Meanwhile, Mr. David Vickrey writes me to say that the Dean of the Olivet Institution
confirmed that Ulfkotte was a guest lecturer there (teaching a one –week seminar).
Which confirms my supposition, that Ulfkotte has been an extracurricular lecturer over there. If the PI-information is right, Ulfkotte will be giving seminars at other bible schools in the US. Apparently, he doesn't like to speak about it (Vickrey):
I did not get a chance to interview him when he was there in October.
I am very sorry that I have interfered with Davids efforts to get more information about Ulfkottes whereabouts in the States and the Olivet perception of their German guest. I should have contacted him first.
That is why I sent another mail to the Olivet Dean:
To the Dean of the Olivet University, San Francisco
Mr. Vickrey of Harvard wrote me a mail with copy to you, to the effect, that I was wrong, to suppose that you did not reply to his proposition to interview Mr. Ulfkotte on the occasion of Ulfkottes seminar in October of this year in San Francisco. You did. But Mr. Ulfkotte was not available for an interview.
I sincerely regret, that I interfered into your relations. I should have asked Mr. Vickrey first.
As I understand the situation, Mr. Ulfkotte gave a one-week seminar in San Francisco in October of 2009, that has been, one way or another, sponsored by the Olivet University.
Or not. For I could barely imagine, that you would associate your institution with a volatile person like Mr. Ulfkotte.
We do not know, if you have planned other associations with Mr. Ulfkotte. We sincerely want to warn you against the consequences.
Assuming, that you do not intend to engage Mr. Ulfkotte in other seminars, we worry about his plans to lecture at other US evangelical institutions.
I would like to discuss that problem with you, or your colleagues.
We know that Mr. Ulfkotte badly needs the money that is connected with his US lecture tour.
But we cannot forget, that the same Mr. Ulfkotte extorted money from completely innocent bloggers by way of "advocacy" in recent years.
I would be glad to settle this issue with you and your congregation.
Sincerely yours,
Huib Riethof
That's it. We'll keep you informed!


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27 November 2009
Australia builds on trading and education partnership with India
In an important step for the Australian-Indian relationship, the two countries have outlined a major expansion of the Austrade network in India.
Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean made the announcement today saying that the Australian Government has been determined to significantly build the relationship with India, a country which is important to Australian immigration and trade.
Currently, Indian nationals studying in Australia with an Australian Student Visa make up the second-largest group on international students in Australia's multi-million dollar overseas education industry.
Many Indians who complete their studies in Australia take up an Australian Visa after graduating, an option that the Australian Government provides to retain skilled workers.
In 2008-2009, India was Australia's fastest growing major two-way trading partner with total trade between the two nations jumping 55 per cent to A$21.7 billion.
"For the past two years this Government has been building and strengthening links with India and my first trip as Trade Minister featured a visit to the sub-continent," Mr Crean said.
"Expanding economic links are a vital component in giving effect to the shared commitment to building the relationship."
Mr Crean said there was significant untapped potential in the Indian market, and the two economies have complementary strengths that the expanded Austrade network will be seeking to explore.
Five new trade offices will be launched in India and another three existing operations will be expanded, a move that will give Australia the largest trade promotion network in Indian of any foreign country.
Under the planned expansion new Austrade offices will be established in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Kochi and Pune with offices in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata expanded.
The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge their Australian Visa applications with the Australian High Commission in London.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
mercedes-benz Citaro is hottest bus around
It starts with the hotness of one pimped car with a stylish young man in it at a red signal and then adding the spice and introducing another such car. In first car, there is one beautiful girl and when the second car stops at the signal it has two girls. The two men stare like they rival with each other but then he comes, the Mercedes-Benz Citaro. Its driver stares at them in the same way but the only difference this time is that there is no competition as the very Mercedes is full of hot cheerleader chicks. Mercedes always works, after all!


text:
Renazco RacingSanta Rosa, CA
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Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00AM-4:00PMPacific Time (GMT -7)
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LCD has 2 rows digital and analogue RPM bar-graphic displays with blue LED backlight
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Displays clock even when other functions are off
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Includes hall-effect speed sensor, magnet kits and wiring harness
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EMI/EMS tested, E mark certificate
Bar graphic tachometer, digital tachometer and RPM warning, speedometer, trip meter 1&2, odometer, maximum speed, average speed, 12/24 hour clock, riding time, total ride timer, bar graph fuel gauge
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· View our Return, Exchange and Refund Policy or Privacy Policy


text:
When I logged in to do an online check-in for our flight to Chandigarh, I found that we were assigned the last two seats in front of the lavatory. Initially, I thought that MakeMyTrip had not selected our seats as it would have cost them a whopping 300 Rupees causing a dent in their quarterly results. But then I had this epiphany that it could have been done on purpose so as to give the customer the real "economy" experience.
The last row in domestic flights can induce a feeling that the plane is taking a sudden nosedive whenever someone flushes inside the lavatory. Every time the sound gets to you. Not to mention the cramped legroom and lack of pushback seats and the scathing olfactory puncture during explosions inside the lavatory. Every time you see someone going there with a tense face, you brace yourselves for what's coming.
Day 1
The French Connection
The flight's take off was delayed due to a French family boarding late. The French lady argued with the hostesses that they had random seats assigned and that her kids couldn't sit with her. She even quoted hypothetically a flight disaster situation where her kids would be left alone adding to the tension of other flyers.
"Ma'am, what's your problem? You are delaying takeoff and we have 200 other passengers waiting. It's your responsibility to get your seats assigned before boarding", said a ground personnel who stormed in when he heard about the delay.
The argument shaped into a small ruckus and she shouted back in her French accent, "Iteeez not my responzeebeeleetee! Iteeez yourz! Si. You not doeen your job…and…er…now you ask me to go f*** myself…"
"Ma'am, do not use such words to me. I am not your servant. I am off-boarding you and your family", he said and mumbled something into the walkie-talkie.
Then, a few passengers who didn't like the sight of white people being displeased (probably from the IT industry) quickly volunteered to switch seats and got them settled.
For most part of the flight, I alternated between watching my wife reading a novel on her tablet occasionally stealing glances of random sentences and an industrious little Candy Crush Saga player in the front seat who seemed to rejoice regaining his lost childhood through his journey in his Candy Kingdom. He kept nodding ecstatically every time he achieved something and the screen popped up "Sweet!"
One thing I terribly missed is the photo opportunity of the Mohali Cricket Stadium before landing. We hit some rough air and being in the last seat, we felt as we were in the washing machine dryer for the final shake. I always knew that the stadium had low floodlights because it was very close to the airport, so I was eagerly counting on getting an aerial shot. Instead, I got a clearer view of the wing flaps opening during the landing displaying its innards. It was almost as though you get a quick glimpse of someone's rotten molars while they yawn like a Hippo.
Summer up to Shimla
We landed in Chandigarh. The airport looked neat, freshly built and somewhere between empty and haunting. The guide from the travels greeted us outside promptly with a placard and a wry smile indicating that the next week was going to be a carnival of translation comedies. He brought a Tata Indigo vehicle, fairly well-maintained, and we started for Shimla at 2 PM in overcast conditions with Maps and Translate apps open on our phones. After a breezy first hour in the plains, we started climbing the hill glancing at the outlines of high mountains.
Due to construction work and a lot of vehicle congestion, we knew we were in for a long haul. The traffic was so thick that people were getting off for roadside food at any place they wanted. Food stalls were setup every kilometer milking money from desperate tourists. Apart from the first timers, it looked like Shimla was the perfect weekend getaway for the regulars from Chandigarh.
Half the journey went stop-start and traveling through this dust bowl made us quite weary and reminded us of what we wanted to get away from in the first place.
The driver stopped the car about 4:30 PM for a tea break. The place had a row of tuck-shops and small-time eateries and a few men who liked staring at tourists. We bought water and some snacks and waited in the car. While waiting, another car slowly parked close to ours, so close that it was impossible for someone to come out. But an old man got out from the driver's seat dinging our car without the slightest comprehension that he did something wrong and walked casually to the shop as though people dinged one another's cars as a welcome hug to their town.
After our guide came back fully recharged, we started uphill under the sun gradually peeking from the clouds. He was driving as though his other personality took over, steering effortlessly along the curves ripping through at 90. Every time we were at the blind spot of the curves, I prepared myself for a huge truck conjuring suddenly and ramming right into our car. It was exciting in a fiendish way.
Eventually about 6:30, we reached the cramped streets of Shimla connecting to our hotel, Snow Valley Resorts. The outlook from a distance had a facade like spreadsheet cells, radiant in the evening sun with excellent symmetry and capped off roofs. We inched ahead in the traffic, occasionally looking at a humongous gibbon (the animal) sitting royally on a ruptured stonewall as would wise men from the villages picking teeth after a sumptuous dinner. We eventually reached the hotel at twilight.
"This is it? Is this the Shimla I've always wanted to see? Where is the snow?" I thought.
"Of course, it is only the summer but it is 27 degrees and we have seen nothing but a strangely squatting gibbon so far." When I was wondering where the hotel was, our guide pointed to a stairwell going downhill and parted with us after informing the next day's agenda.
The unusually courteous front desk gave us a room only in the first floor when we requested for a higher room with a better view. But it turned out they had actually fulfilled our request. The second floor is below the first floor. So, people who thought they wanted to go up can only go down. In fact, during dinnertime, we saw a guy frantically inquiring people whether buffet was being served above everything pointing to the roof as the restaurant was marked at fourth floor.
The room was of average size with a spacious and well sanitized restroom. We could view the stacks of town houses from our window. The restaurant was huge with a wide balcony where dinner was served for those who liked to discuss brewing international crises in a cold outdoor motif.
The balcony had the most gorgeous view of the valley with concrete on the left and greenery on the right and a distant view of mountains, marred by screens of smoke and dust, giving us a memorable snapshot of Shimla melting in its own indulgences.
There was live music with Hindi songs. Since our package included night buffet as well, we feasted on the food without guilt and retired quietly into the night.
Very picturesque and imaginative descriptions! Spreadsheet cells indeed!?
Thank you!


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It works all the time on Broadway and in Hollywood—where nothing sells a musical or movie faster and easier than a pre-existence as film, TV series, comic book or video game.
Even as it's fallen out of favor in some quarters, Disney has made an art and/or science out of turning its animated films into live-action stage shows—and, in a few cases, after that, into live-action movies too. Even movies that were born onstage— "Grease" certainly comes to mind—are reworked entirely so the live show will track the film.
So why shouldn't it work with wine? No reason at all, if you ask Vintage Wine Estates, respected California winemaker Bob Cabral and the fine folks at HBO Global Licensing.
Together, they are behind the making and marketing of a three-wine series (chardonnay from the Central Coast, a red blend from Paso Robles and a reasonably high-end cabernet from Napa Valley) themed around the hit series "Game of Thrones." To Cabral the wines reflect the intensity of the show and its fans—of which he is unabashedly one.
"These wines capture the complexity of the drama," Cabral says. "But they also have a great pedigree. We source grapes from premier vineyard sites and use the finest winemaking techniques to create wines of incredible richness and texture."
Asked exactly how he came up with these flavor profiles, Cabral admits it was every bit as much about the "sigil"—the animal or other object associated with the show's "houses" of Lannister, Targaryen or Stark—as about anything that actually happens within the Seven Kingdoms. Lannister, for instance, is represented on its banners and such by a golden lion, Targaryen by a three-headed dragon and Stark by a so-called dire wolf, the most alpha of all the symbols.
That, naturally, made the wolf perfect for the big, bold Napa cab, with its classic structure and multiple layers of flavor. While still a lion and not a lamb, chardonnay is at the other end of this spectrum. It is, like a lion, golden in color and more than a little bit regal. Still, the dragon might represent the most interesting wine of the batch, a blend of syrah, tempranillo and petite syrah. Though the blend is quirky by European standards, there's zero that's quirky about the genius of Paso Robles for turning out unexpectedly delicious wines.
With the threesome and its marketing blitz, the wines of "Game of Thrones" take their place alongside bottles branded around "Downton Abbey" (Bordeaux, or "claret" in the British vocabulary) and "The Sopranos" (five different Italianate varietals). To paraphrase GOT's motto for this, its seventh season on HBO…Wine Is Here.


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The Fox at Aspenden is a traditional English pub in a lovely, tranquil village setting in East Herts, close to Buntingford. Family friendly, with a large beer garden, open fire in winter, quality cask ales and delicious home-cooked food.
The Fox has recently been taken over by local Aspenden village lad Mark, together with his partner Sarah, their aim is to keep the village pub a social hub, with fine ales and classic pub food. Our hard work is clearly paying dividends (at least according to those customers who've been kind enough to leave reviews on TripAdvisor – take a read here)


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Wasserman Schultz faces determined opponent
Two years ago, Republican Karen Harrington lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz by 22 percentage points in a liberal South Florida district.
This time around, Harrington hopes to win because of her campaigning experience, a slightly less liberal district and Wasserman Schultz's role as head of the Democratic National Committee.
It remains a hard political hill to climb for Harrington. Political pundits say Wasserman Schultz should coast to another victory.
Harrington has benefitted from the high-profile of Wasserman Schultz. She had raised about $1.3 million through September — about triple her $380,000 haul in 2010. Yet, Wasserman Schultz has a bigger campaign bank account. She raised about $3.4 million.
The newly drawn 23rd Congressional District — Wasserman Schultz is currently in the 20th — remains mostly Democratic. About 47 percent are registered Democrats while the remainder are split between Republicans and independents, according to July state election data.
During the 2010 gubernatorial race, 61 percent of voters in the district went for Democrat Alex Sink. In 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain got 38 percent. The district includes much of Broward County south of Interstate 595 and some of coastal Miami-Dade, including Miami Beach.
Wasserman Schultz has been a fierce candidate on the campaign trail. After emerging victorious in a six-way primary for state House in 1992, she won her first office at the age of 26. She has pummeled opponents since first gaining a seat in Congress in 2004, winning by double-digit margins.
Some past GOP candidates who hoped to unseat her were such an embarrassment that even many Republican activists steered clear of them. In 2004, a challenger criticized Wasserman Schultz for using a peach crayon to write at a forum and said she was "frazzled." (The implication was that she had too much on her plate as a mom and politician.) This year, one of the GOP primary rivals was lampooned on Comedy Central's The Daily Show.
Asked to compare herself to her opponent, Wasserman Schultz told the Miami Herald: "I'm not really focused on my opponent. I'm making sure I am running the same door-to-door neighborhood campaign. I always have focused on creating jobs, getting the economy turned around" and protecting Medicare and Social Security.
Wasserman Schultz has drawn attention to her battle with breast cancer, close friendship with former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords who survived a mass shooting in Tucson and battles with tea party sensation U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens. He now represents a neighboring district and has called her "vile."
Being a Barack Obama surrogate has subjected Wasserman Schultz to intense national media scrutiny about her style and misstatements — including her claim the week of the Democratic convention that she didn't say that the Israeli ambassador said "what the Republicans are doing is dangerous for Israel." Audio showed she did say that and her claim led to her first (and only, as of mid-October) Pants on Fire ruling by PolitiFact, the fact-checking arm of the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times.
An e-book by POLITCO claimed that the Obama campaign questioned Wasserman Schultz's effectiveness — she said it "had about the same credibility as a National Enquirer story."
For her part, Harrington has earned the respect of GOP heavyweights, including U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, former Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota. She also got a nod from the National Republican Congressional Committee's Young Guns program.
Harrington has focused on Wasserman Schultz's ties to Obama and points to her national role as causing her to pay less attention to her district. She accused her opponent of missing "62 congressional votes — one of the worst records of a member of Congress" last year. PolitiFact rated that claim Half True — she did miss 62 votes, placing her in 45th place.
In left-leaning cities from Miami Beach to Pembroke Pines, the fact that Wasserman Schultz goes on national TV to fight back against Republicans makes her popular with her base.
Any missteps as DNC chair are not the type that would cost her Democrats' votes, said David Wasserman (no relation), House editor of the influential Washington, D.C.-based Cook Political Report, which analyzes congressional races.
"They are the kind of missteps that might further alienate Republicans," said Wasserman, who puts the race solidly in the Democrats' favor.
Harrington points to the fact that the number of registered Republicans and independents outnumber the Democrats. But Nathan Gonzales, deputy editor of the Rothenberg Political Report, says the race is not competitive and that Harrington would need a wave election in favor of Republicans for those numbers to work in her favor.
"In wave elections, we see independents breaking disproportionally for one party or another," he said. "But I think this year it will be a lot closer and independents will be more evenly divided."
Not helping Harrington is that she hasn't gotten the chance to debate Wasserman Schultz. She says she asked for a debate with the incumbent Democrat but she didn't respond.
Wasserman Schultz's campaign schedule is mostly composed of appearances in front of largely friendly audiences that include meet and greets with voters in Miami Beach neighborhoods, Democratic clubs in Broward and other gatherings.
Harrington describes Wasserman Schultz as "an entrenched career politician" who supports a "liberal agenda." She emphasizes her real world experience as an owner of local restaurants — her family owns Rickey's Sports Bar and Grill — and argues that the private sector will lead our way to an improved economy. Harrington supports less government regulation, lower taxes and repealing Obamacare.
Harrington has run a very different campaign from a Republican running in a neighboring left-leaning district: Adam Hasner in the Broward/Palm Beach 22nd Congressional District. While Hasner has tried to portray himself as a moderate consensus builder — one of his ads set to soft piano music doesn't even mention he is a Republican — Harrington hasn't shied away from a conservative platform and lists specifics about her pro-life stances on her website.
Harrington says this election is about the economy, jobs and healthcare but she isn't hiding her views.
"I don't think you should try to make yourself something you are not...," Harrington said. "Honesty is what people are looking for. Ask me a question and I'm going to answer it."
Erika Bolstad of the McClatchy Washington Bureau contributed to this article.


text: Trying to paint correct my 1 year old 2017 Audi. Nothing major but some swirls and love marks are there. Did some tests that did not touch the scratches that I'd like to be gone. The most aggressive I got was v34 with an orange foam pad then polished with v38 and white pad. I can go more aggressive to v32 but wondering if microfiber pad with v34 would be better combo. Need help any suggestions? Thanks!


text: Share: Comments Print March 18, 2013 at 11:22 AM Man suspected of killing grandparents in Renton to be returned to Washington by Friday Posted by Jennifer Sullivan Michael Chadd Boysen, the man accused of killing his grandparents inside their Renton home on March 9, will not fight returning to Washington. Chad Lewis, spokesman for the Washington Department of Corrections, said Monday that Boysen will be back at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton by Friday. It's there where a hearing will be held to determine how much time he will spend in prison for violating the terms of his probation. Last Monday, DOC Secretary Bernie Warner issued an arrest warrant for Boysen, 26, because he had failed to report for substance-abuse treatment required under his release from prison. Boysen's grandparents picked him up at the Monroe Correctional Complex on March 8 after he served nine months of a 16-month sentence for a 2012 attempted residential-burglary conviction. The couple then took Boysen to check in with his probation officer and to get an identification card. They brought him home and hosted a welcome-back party attended by numerous other relatives. Family members told police that Boysen appeared to be in good spirits that night. The bodies of Robert, 82, and Norma Taylor, 80, were found inside their home by the couple's daughter, Melanie Taylor. The couple were strangled, according to the King County Medical Examiner's Office. The slayings sparked a multistate manhunt that ended Tuesday when Boysen was arrested at a Lincoln City, Ore., motel after a nearly 10-hour standoff with police. It's unclear when King County prosecutors plan to charge Boysen in connection with the two slayings. Comments | More in The Blotter | Topics: Boysen, grandparents killed, hospital


text:
How Google AMP Has Changed SEO
By: Garry Grant | September 3, 2017 | View: 3844
By: Garry Grant | September 3, 2017 | View: 3844
If you've spent any time in online marketing or SEO, you know the landscape is continually changing. To keep up with technology, you have to research and learn to stay ahead of the curve. Last year, Google announced the Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) project, poised to change the mobile web experience. That was October. Now that we're almost a year out from that announcement, what is it doing to SEO?
Google AMP is a protocol for web designers and developers. It's an open-source project, developed by Google, in collaboration with WordPress, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The point of the project is to improve the speed of mobile websites, as Google's research shows sites lose an average of 40% of visitors if the website fails to load within three seconds. Websites that deploy AMP technology can improve the load speed, and thus the overall mobile experience.
AMP is also thought you be a reaction to Facebook's Instant Articles initiative, which allows content to load quickly directly within the Facebook app.
AMP HTML is just a simplified version of regular HTML. You can identify it with a lightning bolt in the code. The majority of AMP HTML tags match traditional HTML tags, though some have been replaced or modified to improve performance.
Developers can optionally use AMP Cache to allow Google to cache AMPs. The cached versions of AMP websites are delivered through a content delivery network (CDN). Through the use of the AMP Cache, all graphics and JavaScript files are loaded from the same source. Because it also includes a validation system, the page is fully functional without reliance on any external sources.
Shortly after Google rolled out the first deployment that focused on English-language news publishers, Google said the AMPs weren't drawn into results, just an improvement on the user experience. They have said AMP is not an official ranking factor, however, because AMPs improve site load time, which is a ranking factor, they have played a role in SEO.
First announced in November 2016, we still haven't seen it launched. It's vital to include AMP in the theme of your website before the launch of the index because it's better than using a responsive website design or separate domain for your mobile site.
AMP documents load 2x faster than standard websites, and just a tenth of the latency of a responsive mobile page.
Still not sure you should make AMP a priority?
Ultimately, it's too soon to see how the AMP Project will fit into the future of SEO. Unless you're focused on long-form content, there's not much benefit for you, but that could quickly change in the coming months and years. There may be a similar system implemented for eCommerce and business websites later. But, the fact remains that page speed and mobile friendliness is essential for all sites.


text: Eddie Borgo is an award-winning American designer whose eponymous label launched in 2009. He is known for his modern, sculptural pieces with a rock and roll edge, drawing inspiration from the energy and culture of New York City streets. Today, the Eddie Borgo jewellery collection features everything from statement-making collier necklaces to stackable rings with pavé-set crystals. Invest in the brand's signature cone bracelets 'modern classics in their own right.


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Crystal Steltenpohl wrote: > It would be great if you actually showed people how to FIX the problems they have with HTML. Yes, that would be useful. > Like for example: "There is no attribute *whatever*"... If it's > something commonly used like "topmargin," could you please tell us what we can > put instead of that to get the same effect? Use CSS instead of presentational markup. topmargin, leftmargin, marginwidth and marginheight attributes can be replaced with CSS by setting appropraite values for the margin and padding: body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } (add that to an external CSS file or, failing that, inside the style element within the document head.) > site: www.graphixfantasy.com The first error can be fixed by adding this DOCTYPE to the beginning of the file. <!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> Most of the other errors can be fixed by removing the offending elements and attributes and using CSS for presentation instead. eg. instead of using <font> elements everywhere, use CSS to set the font appropriately with the 'font-*'. Instead of using the background attribute, use the CSS 'background-*' properties. Don't use the marquee element, there is currently no CSS alternative available but moving text is very bad for usability and accessibility -- Lachlan Hunt http://lachy.id.au/Received on Friday, 28 October 2005 06:41:16 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 1 March 2016 14:17:47 UTC


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Phone: 703-753-4444
Fax: 703-753-4446
5371 Merchants View Square
Haymarket, VA 20169
Dominion Valley Animal Hospital
Many ferrets suffer from chronic malnutrition and other preventable health issues due to inadequate diets and housing or improper grooming. At DVAH, we want you to bring in your ferret for annual exams so that we can make sure they are the healthiest they can be!
Ferrets can make great family pets. They are extremely active, playful and curious little creatures. They can easily be taught how to use a litter box and to walk on a harness. However, ferrets do tend to have more health problems than other small pocket pets, which is why we at DVAH recommend regular wellness checks.
It is very important to "desex" your ferret. This not only helps to control indiscriminate breeding but also to reduce aggression and prevent hormone related diseases that are commonly found among ferrets.
It is also important that your ferret receives the appropriate vaccines. Ferrets are highly susceptible to Canine Distemper Virus, which is virtually 100% fatal for them. Your vet will discuss the use of vaccines to protect your ferret. They will also discuss giving your ferret a Rabies vaccine with you. These vaccines are important to keeping your pet ferret healthy and protected from these fatal diseases.
You should bring your ferret immediately if they exhibit any of these symptoms:
Call us as soon as possible if your pet is displaying any of these concerning signs!
Dominion Valley Animal Hospital
© 2019
5371 Merchants View Square Haymarket, VA 20169
Veterinary Website Design by Cheshire Partners


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During the period when your relationship is in the stage of budding, you don't really make strong promises. It's just both you date and when you mutually start feeling the same emotions for each other and come a little closer you expect some or the other thing from each other.
Those expectations lead to the promises in a relationship. Promises are actually very important in a relationship. And as you move ahead in a relationship, there are few promises you should make that you could honestly accomplish. Promises in a relationship shows that you are committed and care for your relationship. You partner feels you value the relationship and feels important in your life.
So, if you haven't made any serious promises in your relationship yet; today is the time to give life-long promises to your partner. But the promises you make should not be plain. Spruce up your promises with an interesting tinge of last minute promise day gifts ideas:
Ring is a beautiful accessory to express your feelings and promising while gifting a ring to your beloved can make her feel extraordinarily special. You can gift your loved one a solitaire or a band as token of promise and commitment.
Gift Hampers
Hampers never disappoint a receiver as well as a giver. Hampers are the complete pack of gifts, so you can gift three four items at a time and receiving so many items as gifts can simply delight the mood of a person receiving it.
Photo Frames
Though photo frames have become an age old tradition they are still special. Gift a stylish photo frame to your beloved with photos of you two and surprise her with a nostalgic present in no time.
Flowers, cake & a chocolate
The combination of flowers, cake and chocolate seems to be made in heaven because it's a lovely one that it can cheer up anyone's mood. The perfect combination is best for any celebration. So just raise a toast, cut the cake and offer flowers to your loved one and then make a promise.
Lock Pendant
Lock pendants too have been always special when it comes to gifting your beloved they rock! Locks pendants symbolize a phenomenal essence of true love and romance. Lock pendants can be purchased easily via online portals like IndiaShopps.
We wish you all the best with your promises and promise day gifts. So, move ahead and surprise her with your last minute promise day plans.


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Click on the thumbnail to see the largest animation available.
Right click on the image to save to your computer OR you can right click on the images and copy the address (URL) so that you can post the pictures on-line on sites like Facebook, Myspace, bulletin boards, forums, web sites etc.
Happy New Year! with Wallace and Gromit wearing bow ties, clinking champagne glasses with blue glittering border
Full size: 690 x 620
Type: jpeg / graphic
Happy New Year! - Wallace and Gromit wearing bow ties, clinking champagne glasses with red shimmering border
Full size: 692 x 622
Type: jpeg / graphic
1,000's of Wallace and Gromit items to bid on or buy
alarm clocks, bobbleheads, coffee cups and mugs, DVD's, figures and figurines, games, movies, plush, PVC's, stuffed animals, toys, VHS videos, watches and more licensed Wallace and Gromit items.
Clip Art / Graphics / Images /Pics / Pictures / Jpegs
Tags: animation, cartoon, dog, eCards, Facebook comments, free, greeting cards, holiday, Myspace comments


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Product Measures: 3.5" W, 4.5" H
Capacity: 10 ounces
Dishwasher safe. Warm gentle cycle. Hand washing is recommended for large or highly decorated pieces
Not suitable for hot contents, freezer or microwave use
|Article number:
|Juliska B601/44
|In stock (2)
|Delivery time:
|3-4 days
This tidy number is awash in shimmering optic glass for an added splash of subtle sparkle, atop an elegant foot. Short of stature but certainly not in style, this eye-catching tumbler dresses up any table setting and is absolutely fetching in its delft blue hue. Ideal for fresh juices in the morning or sophisticated libations in the evening.


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Communications and Advertising
We can develop and produce a full array of communications, including:
- Corporate Identity, including naming and logo design
- Sales and collateral materials
- Print and broadcast advertising
- Direct mail
- Electronic media
- Promotions
- Long Format Video Production
In addition, we can develop and place media, print materials and produce broadcast radio, TV and videos. Because of our special proprietary relationship with some printing firms and broadcast production facilities, we have the advantage of keeping in control of the whole process, from inception to production. This also leads to cost savings for you, because there is no middleman commission.


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July 2006
Colleen Mondor
bookslut in training
True Story
All nonfiction this month at "Bookslut in Training" -- hope you're in a mood to visit animals, oceans and zoos! (Plus the history of reading, Reconstruction and space.)
Every now and again a really great book drops into my lap unexpectedly. I have no idea why these books come my way -- there's no rhyme or reason to the subject matter -- but I'm grateful to the book gods. Knopf sent me a copy of Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld's latest nonfiction title, Wild Minds a few months ago and I was delighted. I realize they could not possibly know that I like books about zoos, or that I actually own a turn-of-the-century copy of the natural history book written by the founder of the Bronx Zoo. But somehow the book gods knew and Zoehfeld's history of the people and animals at the zoo is now happily in my possession.
When the Bronx Zoo opened in 1899 it was the most modern facility of its kind in the world. This should not suggest that life was good for the animals it contained however, as one look at the 1906 photo of a snow leopard in a plain concrete cage with iron bars will attest. Back then, people believed that zoos should exist primarily to entertain visitors and the care, both physical and psychological, of the animals was secondary at best. A lot of animals suffered and died in zoos in the early 20th century and it took years of careful research to determine just how to raise them humanely in captivity.
Zoehfeld does not cover-up the flaws in the early Bronx Zoo, nor the conflicting wishes of its first director, William Hornaday. But the book is not written as a political analysis of the zoo industry; the author is giving her young readers a history lesson on one particular zoo and had access to records that enabled her to do a great job. From early struggles to find a way to save the American Bison right up to current research and conservation projects, Zoehfeld shows how the Bronx Zoo remains in the forefront of changing ideology about zoo and wildlife management. Wild Lives is a great primer on jwhat zoos do and why they exist and also a fascinating historical lesson (with great pictures) on how humanity's own vision of zoos has changed in the last hundred years.
The Bronx Zoo turned up again in another recent discovery, Out of Shadows: An Artist's Journey by Neil Waldman. This very well written and gorgeously illustrated autobiography charts the artistic development of a well known children's book author and illustrator. Waldman grew up in the Bronx, along with three brothers and sisters, and a mother and father who fought constantly. He was an artist from almost the moment he could hold a pen, and spent hours with his brother Bruce creating imaginary worlds on paper. The art was a way to block out his parents' unhappiness, and fill the hours with something he was good at. His earliest inspiration was Vincent Van Gogh, a mysterious figure he discovered in his mother's favorite book. Van Gogh's work showed Waldman that being an artist was possible and his grandfather was the real world figure who held his hand and showed him that adults could be reasonable and kind. It was the grandfather who took Waldman to the zoo where he learned about the American Bison Society which was founded by William Hornaday. Waldman later wrote a book about the society and its efforts to save the bison entitled They Came from the Bronx. (It would make a great companion to readers who love Wild Minds.)
Waldman's story was interesting on several levels, and should appeal to many different readers. First and foremost, it is about a young boy struggling to deal with a family that is clinging to the edge; and children who are desperate for something that will consume their hands and minds when the shouting starts. There's a lot more to the book then just a fighting family however, there are the trips to the zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art where Waldman sees his first Van Gogh original and the secret world he invents for his brother Bruce that becomes a passion for both boys as the years go by. There is also the author's discovery in the power of words and pictures to transport him from a difficult reality and when he combines the two through journals he truly makes a leap of consciousness that has stayed with him all of his life.
Neil Waldman's biography is written for young adults, but with the amazing reproductions of his artwork and other family members, as well as his heartfelt and gripping story, any reader with an interest in art or creativity would be wise to pick it up. I'm always curious about how artists draw or writers write, and Waldman does an excellent job here of showing how he developed his talent from a very young age. This is a really beautiful book and an unusual title for young adults. Waldman treats his readers like they will understand what he's writing about and his respect for them is apparent and appreciated. It's a wonderful thing that he is writing for children; from Out of Shadows it is clear that he was ready for this job for a long long time.
You Can't Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writing, Mistranslations and Codes is a history of reading and writing via the lives of a dozen different fascinating historical figures. Val Ross has gone looking for the personal stories behind the history of illiteracy around the world. In particular, Ross is interested in how words were kept from huge segments of the population, and how and where libraries were destroyed or books were burned. What she has managed to do in just over 100 pages is craft an amazing collection of essays about people and events we should all know about but don't. In many ways, You Can't Read This reminded me a lot of the work of Nicholas Basbanes, but not as wordy.
Included in Ross's collection are stories from the ancient city of Ur (not far from the current location of Baghdad), New Zealand, Armenia, Japan and Korea. She writes about the former slave Frederick Douglass, Louis Braille and his break through invention of a language for the blind and "the evil world of comic books." There is a lot of cool stuff about codes and code breaking (from the broken code that caught Mary Queen of Scots to the Enigma cipher machine) and a prescient discussion of women and reading in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Ross is determined to take her readers around the world and deeply within the history of stolen words and endangered language. Through fascinating historical glimpses she shows how so many people have struggled for so long to have the right to read and how that ability changed their lives. And wonder of wonders -- she has written a really interesting book as well.
I loved reading You Can't Read This - it was so engrossing and such a continuous surprise that I could hardly put it down. I learned a lot and came to appreciate reading on an entirely new level. This is one of those books that I wanted from the moment I read about it (and saw the killer cover illustration). Ross is a journalist who I certainly hope will continue to share her love of history with young readers. But really, You Can't Read This is candy for book lovers everywhere and anyone who values the importance of reading.
The mystery of Molly Bang's Nobody Particular is why the whole country does not know this story. Bang's comic is the nonfiction account of the life of Diane Wilson, the Texas former shrimper turned environmental activist trying to save the East Texas Bays. Her disgust at the diminishing shrimp catch is catapulted into activism when she learned that the chemical plants in Texas give off more pollution than any other state, and her county, Calhoun County, is ranked first in the nation for pollution. Even though she had no formal legal or scientific training, Wilson could not ignore what was happening around her. So she fought back.
Nobody Particular is the young adult companion to Wilson's full length story about her struggle against big business, politics and her neighbors who are worried about losing their jobs. In An Unreasonable Woman Wilson goes into much more detail about her fight and particularly the legal wrangling against one specific company, Formosa Plastics. Nobody Particular also details that battle and includes Wilson's decision to go on a hunger strike and later organize a marine blockade and attempt to sink her boat as an underwater monument to the bays. Every step of the way she is guided by her love of the water and the wildlife that rely upon it for survival.
From start to finish, Bang's book is an excellent and engaging primer for future environmentalists. When you read what Wilson has done, and Bang has done an first rate job of making the story both readable and thrilling, you will believe that one person can change the world. This is exactly the sort of book that young people need, and that most of them want. Bang has managed to take a brief book and bring it down to less than fifty pages of words and pictures that are wonderfully effective. I never knew about the East Texas Bays until I read this book and now I'm mad as hell, which is probably exactly what Diane Wilson would like to hear.
With Cause author Tonya Bolden explores the period known as Reconstruction that came after the U.S. Civil War. Most young adults will learn about the war in school but all too often it is taught in the most boring and soul crushing manner. By the time you get to 1865 and Lincoln's bad night out at the theater, a lot of students are more than happy to see the president die. It's nothing personal; it's just so horribly dull! (And yes, I'm totally speaking from experience.) Bolden knows that a bunch of guys running around in uniforms shooting at each other and yelling "states' rights" or "union forever" can seem like ancient history to young readers. She tackles that problem head on with Cause and includes enough different and long ignored voices to really spice things up. She also has a ton of historical illustrations to show just what the nation was thinking almost 150 years ago.
One of the questions I had after seeing my first Spike Lee film was just what the deal was with the "forty acres and a mule" story. A lot of textbooks dismiss it with only a cursory sentence or two but Bolden uncovers who made the first suggestion, who followed up on it and where the offer died. She even has a copy of a title from General Rufust Saxton to Peter Lloyd, one of the "thousands of blacks who take advantage of General Sherman's Special Field Order No. 15," and received his forty acres.
So it did happen, it just didn't happen enough, and Bolden explains why the land distributions to former slaves was discontinued and the politics behind that decision.
Throughout Cause Bolden seems determined to reveal all the backroom deals and determinations of President Andrew Johnson and other southern sympathizers to undermine all attempts at spreading equality across the country. One of the most fascinating things about the book is the quotes and illustrations which show how aware Northern journalists (and thus residents) were of the difficult situation blacks were facing in the former Confederacy. (One example is an engraving from the August 12, 1876 issue of Harper's Weekly showing the result of the Hamburg, South Carolina massacre against black militiamen marching in an Independence Day parade.)
I'll be honest, history is not always an easy subject for young people and because of that a lot of them end up as adults who have no clue where Oklahoma is on a map, let alone Iraq. Bolding is trying her hardest to bring the past alive with her books and Cause is an excellent example of how good she is at what she does. If you are a Civil War era history buff then Cause is perfect, and if you know someone who could stand to learn a bit more about this period then you couldn't ask for a better guide.
Finally, Catherine Thimmesh set out with Team Moon to give a new perspective on the successful mission of Apollo 11 in 1969. Rather than focus solely on the astronauts or Mission Control, Thimmesh includes some of the other 400,000 people responsible for getting the rocket to the moon. Each page is illustrated with oversized and impressive period photographs of subjects as varied as a group of Grumman plant workers in New York watching the launch on television to shots of the moon taken by amateur astronomers on earth and from the lunar module itself. Even though readers know that the mission succeeded they will still be caught up in the story and surprised by the many things that happened that most of us have never heard of.
There are dozens and dozens of quotes in Team Moon from people as varied as Grumman engineering manager John Coursen, software expert Jack Garman, who was ready with critical answers as alarms went off on the module's descent to the lunar surface, and seamstress Eleanor Foracker of ILC Dover who worked on the space suits. It is made clear from their statements that everyone involved in the project carried a deep sense of history to work everyday.
"I think one of the things we had was a common goal; and we all realized that we were into something that was one of the few things in history that was going to stand out over the years. We're going to go to the moon! We're putting a man on the moon!" - Charlie Mars, NASA chief lunar module project engineer at Kennedy Space Center
I'm going to admit right now that I'm a total space geek -- blame Star Trek or Ray Bradbury or just growing up minutes from Cape Kennedy. (We actually call the area where I'm from the "Space Coast.") I am the perfect audience for Thimmesh's book because this is the kind of stuff I want to know about -- I want to read about the guys at the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia who struggled against a 70 MPH wind to keep the signal coming through from the moon so the world could witness history. I'm interested in NASA's Dick Underwood who trained the astronauts to use cameras without viewfinders, "shooting from the hip," because he knew "if your photographs are great -- they'll live forever." Who knew that Underwood and his team were going to have to figure out how to decontaminate the film for "moon bugs" a process that nearly melted the precious film? It seems ridiculous now but was a very real concern in 1969, as were the worries about how the lunar surface would affect the astronaut's boots. We didn't know anything about what the moon was really like until Armstrong and Aldrin got there and it was the people in Team Moon who considered all the many possibilities of what it might be like and planned accordingly. Their hard work, on every level, was essential and although we don't know their names Thimmesh has made sure with Team Moon that at least we can now appreciate their efforts; we can remember what they accomplished.
This is a great book for space fans and couldn't have been published at a more critical time in NASA's history. We need to go back, you know. We really need to go back.


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Just the other day a friend asked if I had read a particular book. The question was by e-mail so no answer was immediately required. And no, I hadn't read the book. And the title didn't convince me that I wanted to. But then she mentioned that the heroine reminded her of me. So now I'm curious. Will this book give me an insight into what she really thinks of me?
Sigh, as if I shouldn't know after all these years - we won't mention how many. I believe we still quibble about that. It's give or take a year or two but when you talk decades what does one year or three really matter?
So back to the question, I remind her of a fictional character in a book, could this be flattering?
Luckily, Amazon satisfied my immediate curiosity with a free chapter sample. So I happily delved in.
The heroine is eleven!!
What was my good friend saying? - that I'm young at heart?
Lesley Nielsen's timeworn joke - "and don't call me Shirley."
Okay, I must reveal, the book - drumroll...
Now in regards to my similarity with the heroine, I'm still on the fence about that. The closest I get to murder and mayhem is between the pages of a book. Although my friend did say that, age and interests aside, the personality of the character reminded her of me. We'll just shrug and leave it at that. In the meantime, her comment sparked my curiosity and led me to discover an author and that made it all worthwhile.
Has fiction brushed your reality lately?


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Turn It Up or Turn It Down – Doing the Volume Twist
Posted by John on July 7th, 2015
CLIENT QUESTION: We got a complaint about the music being too loud in a store and a franchisee is asking what the standard decibel (volume level) should be. Would you guys have any suggestions on that front?
CUSTOM CHANNELS: That's an interesting question — and a first for us.
Honestly, there are too many variables at play to come up with a useful standard answer to this. And a big part of the answer is personal preference. There is no standard decibel level which is right in all cases.
It's true in most stores (of all kinds) the music is often either too loud or too soft at any given time, and particular location within the business, depending on how busy the restaurant/store is. More people equals more talking equals the need to turn up the music. Same is true with a party at home. Plus, volume is effected by where the customer is standing or sitting relative to a speaker.
Occasionally, some customers are just more sensitive to what's "loud" than others. So, even if you have the volume at what you believe is the "right level" for the space and the time of day, it's still possible to get a complaint from an individual who just thinks the music is too loud. Sometimes "too loud" really means "I don't like this music".
Our recommendation is to manually adjust the volume in the dining room (or store floor) throughout the day depending on how busy and loud the dining room is. It's one of the many "to do" items a manager should include on their list. As a manger walks the space they should be cognoscente of music volume and make any necessary adjustments.
The easiest way to adjust volume is to have a volume control available at the point-of-purchase (or within earshot of the dining area for restaurants). That way, if it feels too loud after the lunch or dinner crowd has cleared out, it can easily be turned down a bit. Adjusting volume is more difficult, and hence adjusted less often, when the controls are in the back room office or in an out-of-the-way storage closest.
We think many businesses can play the music higher so it's more foreground IF music is part of the branding and the vibe. As the crowd ebbs and flows and the noise level changes throughout the work day, be prepared to manually adjust the music volume accordingly.Share this:


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Last month, it was reported that Chinese car manufacturers were interesting in buying a significant portion of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Since then, Dongfeng and Geely have denied the initial reports but now, a new manufacturer may be considering to buy the Italian-American automaker. Stepping up to the plate is Hyundai, South Korea's largest car manufacturer.
The South Korean press have reported that the two manufacturers are having discussions.The country's industry analysts meanwhile suggested that Hyundai and FCA are in talks regarding a possible merger. FCA declined to comment surrounding the matter while Hyundai denied the reports of the press. Anaylsts however have said that the aqcuisition will greatly benefit both companies.
FCA has long been looking for a partner to further develop plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles (EVs). Developing these alternative powered vehicles is an expensive endeavor and the company is seeking to share costs with other manufacturers. FCA CEO Sergio Marcionne approached General Motors CEO Mary Barra for plans to merge with North America's largest automaker. Barra has since rebuffed Marchionne's proposal repeatedly. As it stands, the only hybrid FCA has to offer is the Pacifica Hybrid.
Hyundai on the other hand has been making progress in the field of hybrids, and more recently, in EVs. The Korean automaker first developed an electric car back in 1991 and their first series production hybrid was released in 2008 with the Sonata Hybrid. From there, Hyundai, along with Kia, have expanded their respective hybrid ranges. Hyundai also produces the Ioniq Electric, their first pure EV. Should Hyundai give FCA a helping hand, the latter is likely to get a significant boost in research and development for hybrids and EVs. At the same time, it will help Hyundai in terms of sales and production volume.
If the reports are verified, Hyundai will be on track to become one of the world's top three automakers in sales and production. As of the first half of 2017, Hyundai-Kia sat in fifth, behind Renault-Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and General Motors.
Source: The Detroit Bureau


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I have not been diligent about keeping up my blog lately. I blame that entirely on summertime. This summer in particular has been brutal, with intense heat and humidity; if the temperatures do drop, it's because we're having storms. The bottom line is I have not been out in the field searching for critters to photograph, which is what I love to do, and is the whole point of this blog! (I will also blame work, where I spend 40 hours a week plus the commute, hours that I cannot be nature watching. But I love my job, boss…!)
I have been watching what comes into my own Chesapeake yard when I'm home, and have taken the occasional photo when the opportunity presents itself. I'll share some of these photos with you this month.
As you know if you read my blog, I like to photograph birds and insects, particularly butterflies and dragonflies. In the past I've taken most of my photos with my telephoto lens (a Canon L series 100-400 with Image Stabilizer). But this summer I decided to make more use of my Canon Macro lens for my insect pictures. The disadvantage of using the macro is that you do have to get very close to your subject, and insects tend to fly away from you. The advantage is that if you are able to get close, you get a better quality, sharper photo with better detail. Look at the American Snout butterfly at the top of this column; not only can you see its snout very clearly, but you can see the spots on its eyes and the stripes on its antenna (click on the photo to open a larger view).
Here's another dragonfly visitor to my yard, a female Needham's Skimmer.
Everyone loves to take a photo of a bee on a flower! Here's mine for this month:
As I have for the past 8 or so years, I am raising and releasing butterflies this summer. I plant specific "host" plants to attract specific butterfly species, search those plants for eggs or caterpillars, then collect the caterpillars and place them in screen cages where predators cannot get to them. I feed them their host plants until they go into their chrysallis stage. When they emerge from the chrysallis as an adult butterfly, I release them. I have raised over 4000 butterflies of at least 20 different species, which is very gratifying to me.
One of the more unusual looking caterpillars that I raise is the Spicebush Swallowtail. In the caterpillar stage, they hide most of the time in the leaves of their host plant (Spicebush), which they "fold" over themselves and secure by spinning sticky, web-like threads; in effect, they create a sort of sleeping bag for themselves.
Somewhere between 10 and 14 days after it goes into a chrysallis stage, it will emerge as an adult Spicebush Swallowtail, below. When butterflies emerge, their wings are wet and they need some time to dry them before they can fly; that's why this butterfly is perched on my hand. If it could fly, it would be long gone!
Another species of butterfly that I've had a lot of success with this summer is the Red Admiral, one of my favorites. Its host plant is False Nettle, and so far this year I've raised somewhere around 30-40 of these beauties:
I haven't had many chances to photograph the birds in my yard this summer, but below are a couple of pics of one of the very active juvenile Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that have been frequenting my garden and my feeders. The adult males with the bright red gorget (throat) have already left; their southb
ound migration began around mid-July. The majority of the hummingbird migration will take place later this month and into early September. By mid-September, any hummingbirds you see at your feeder are birds that summered north of us and are now migrating south; they are different individuals than the ones you saw during the summer.
I love watching the juvenile hummingbird's antics; you see them chasing each other, defending favorite perches and food sources, diving like kamikaze pilots and chattering incessantly at each other. They are "adults in training," learning the skills they will need as adult breeders, learning to be "macho."
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Grout Sealing
Austin Grout Sealing Experts
In construction or repair work in the home, grout is often used as a way to bind together tile or lock in joints. This type of mortar is frequently used in bathrooms and kitchens because it can be made waterproof when sealed properly. Grout sealing is a job that should be done by professionals in most situations because when not done correctly, it can lead to serious complications in your home.
The Austin grout sealing professionals at WOW Total Cleaning are prepared to take over the task of sealing grout in your home. Contact our offices at 512-291-0048 to schedule a time to meet with a member of our grout sealing team so you don't have to stress over getting your grouting project done yourself.
Why Proper Sealing is Important
An ill prepared person can do more damage than good when taking on a grout sealing project. Specialized tools and experience are needed to make sure that the process goes smoothly and that the tiles and grout are sealed correctly. If it is not, water damage may occur, which is an extremely costly problem as it can lead to:
- Stains on the ceiling
- Bumps in the flooring
- Discoloration of cabinetry
- Soft drywall
Although it may seem like you can take on a grout sealing project on your own, it is in your best interest to retain the services of a trained professional. Often, errors during these home repairs can lead to much more costly projects down the line, so it's always worth it to have it done correctly the first time.
Contact Us
The Austin grout sealers of WOW Total Cleaning are ready to help you tackle all of your grout sealing and cleaning needs. Contact us at 512-291-0048 for more information about our services.
- Extremely professional company! The crew did a phenomenal job today on our ceramic tile floor, getting rid of the wax, steaming, and polishing the floors! It was a long job but they left our floors immaculate! The front desk, Ivy, gave us updates on when they would arrive and communicated with us on any changes in their schedule. I highly recommend this company, and we will definitely use them again!!!
- We just had our tile flooring thoroughly stripped and cleaned. They did an amazing job and me and my husband are very pleased. They worked very hard and took almost no breaks. They arrived on time and the staff were extremely professional, respectful, and pleasant. I wish we knew about them before. We would have used them yearly. I highly recommend their service. They are a bit pricey but well worth every dime as they will leave your house immaculate. We will recommend them to all our neighborhood. It is rare to get such stellar service. We look forward to using them soon.
- I called Wow Total Cleaning's Emergency Hotline and the owner Gustavo immediately picked up. It wasn't some calling center that I had to wait for, it was a direct line to his cell phone which I really appreciated. They offered to come immediately in the middle of the night, but I was working with the insurance claims and so we started first thing the next morning.
- While on a 3 week vacation we had WOW come to our 4200 SQFT house and what can I say.............INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! Even the Schmootz in the corners that accumulates was REMOVED! Every Horizontal surface was SPIC AND SPAN!!!! Floors polished....Blinds cleaned...Ceiling fans cleaned...and even the windows(INSIDE AND OUT)...They were ...ON TIME...PROFESSIONAL and they did an EXCEPTIONAL JOB!!!!!!!.....VERY REASONABLY PRICED as WELL.
- The WOW team was on time, courteous and professional in every way. When they were finished I asked them to do a little more. They were happy to stay late to take care of my request. I will continue to use WOW for my cleaning needs.
- Best job and service ! We use them two to three times every year . Always on time and excellent work ! I recommend them to everyone ! Oh and the prices are fair , can't beat that !
- They did a fantastic job and were very professional. You could tell that they did it (and did it well) because they actually cared about helping more that just the money. They answered all our calls and were quick to get there after we first called them. Our house flooded, and they were quick and compassionate in their work to extract the water and take out damaged carpet and ceiling. I definitely recommend them.
- We have used Wow at least 3 times, maybe 4. They are always professional, on time and they do a great job. We have done carpet, upholstery, and tile. They have been great in every scenario. All in all, great service.
- WOW Total Cleaning always do an excellent job cleaning our carpets, tile and grout. They are always on time, careful with our house and furniture, very nice, courteous and fast. We always call them when We need our tile and carpet to be clean, especially after a party or Holidays, We will sure recommend WOW Total Cleaning. Thanks for a great service, and excellent rates!!
Ready to take the next steps?
If you're ready to make an appointment, you can fill out our easy to use schedule app or request a call from our office.


text: Thanks for visiting Audiko.net! All you need is to download a free Beatles ringtones for your iPhone or mobile. Suit yourself your favorite measures from your favorite ballad - Beatles, Penny Lane - Beatles Acoustic Cover, The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun, or any other track. Then download the prepared Beatles ringtones to your gadget, and enjoy Classic Rock music by Beatles every time your phone rings. On Audiko you can get your ringtone both in the MP3 and m4a formats, compatible with both mobile phones and iPhones. Just select a track, and choose free Beatles ringtones download option.


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**CANCELLED** (Portage) Addressing Anxiety Related Needs
#251 Safe and Healthy Schools and Communities
Registration Closed.
(Portage) Addressing Anxiety Related Needs
Training 9:00 am-3:00 pm; Registration: 8:30-9:00 am
October 25, 2018
CESA #5; 626 E. Slifer Street
Portage, WI 53901
Contact: Lynn Verage, CESA #9
(715) 453-2141 x228; email@example.com
Participants will learn:
- About the neurology, prevalence and diagnostics of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders including the components and symptoms of anxiety as well as the anxiety sequence.
- How to support students' self-reported anxiety levels and use this data to guide interventions.
- A variety of strategies to support anxiety both proactively and reactively for learners across the grade band and ability level.
About the presenter:
Jessica Nichols serves the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as an Education Consultant on the Special Education Team. Her work supports students with autism, students with emotional behavioral disabilities, and student needs related to mental health and trauma. Jess has extensive experience supporting a variety of learners as a teacher, coach, consultant and trainer. She has a passion for early intervention and meaningful family engagement and is committed to promoting a deeper understanding of the myriad of factors impacting youth in Wisconsin's public schools.
COST: $50.00 (Lunch and snacks are provided)
REGISTER ONLINE: Portage — https://login.myquickreg.com/register/event/event.cfm?eventid=21179
Registration or billing questions:
Mary Devine, CESA #4
(800) 514-3075; firstname.lastname@example.com
Send payment to:
ATTN: Mary Devine
923 East Garland Street
West Salem, WI 54669
PLEASE include and clearly define: Participant name, exact name of workshop, and date, with all checks or purchase orders. Thank you!
Weather Conditions: If a workshop has been cancelled due to weather conditions, every effort will be made to reschedule the workshop. If weather conditions are questionable, please call CESA #4 Voice Mail at (608) 786-4800; Toll Free (800) 514-3075. A message will be posted regarding workshop weather cancellations.
Other Helpful Hints: Room temperatures vary from one workshop location to another, so bring a jacket or sweater for maximum comfort.
Accommodations: If you need an accommodation to participate including interpreter services (sign language or other spoken language) please email the workshop contact to set up these services. A two-week notice is appreciated.


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Both of my sons have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I make art about kids on the spectrum to show the world how beautiful autism can be.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
A Bear
Last night when I was getting Derek ready for bed, I remarked that I'd had a rough day and that I was ready to go to bed too.
Derek looked at me and asked, "How come?"
Derek has been asking more questions lately, so this shouldn't have come as a shock to me--but it did. My son wanted to know what was troubling me. It sent shivers down my spine. He'd never asked anything like that before.
And THEN, when I was tucking him into bed, he asked for his bear. So I handed it to him and he looked at me for a moment. Then he got out of bed and selected another bear. He climbed back into bed and gave me the bear, saying, "Here ya go. Mommy. Bear."
I asked him, "Do you want me to have a bear too?"
He said, "Yes! Give hug."
And together we hugged our bears until Derek was asleep.
Why am I telling you this? Because it occurred to me, as Derek was hugging his bear and struggling to keep his eyes open, that if I could go back in time to the day Derek was diagnosed, I would show my former self this exact moment in time. I would comfort that weeping woman, who felt so helpless and afraid, and tell her this story. I would give her hope. Four years ago my son had no words. Four years ago my son didn't know how to show compassion. Four years ago, life was very different.
Today, my heart is full of joy and wonder. As difficult as the journey has been, I would not change a thing, because simple moments like this would not be as miraculous as they are now.
My son gave me his bear last night. But he has given me so much more than that...
4 comments:
This story touched me SO deeply - my son who has recently turned 3 has autism and also has a bear (just one) that he is totally attached to and loves above any and all of his toys - it has become part of the family so to speak. He calls it "Beer" (as that is how he pronounces bear - and as far as I am concerned, as long as he is actually trying to speak, he can call it what ever he wants to - but we spell it "Beere" just to be funny). So your story had me in tears - that is the sweetest gesture I can think of - what a gift! Thank you for sharing this story <3ReplyDelete
I liked this story.ReplyDelete
Literally sobbing reading this. Like...totally sniffling and sobbing.ReplyDelete
This is so beautiful. Thank you for writing this. I love it!ReplyDelete


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Held at the Palm Restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 18, Tecmo brought in seven of the world's best players from Japan to Taiwan to the US, New Zealand, and Mexico, for a generous dinner and a seat in the round-robin-style DOAU world champion tournament of Dead Or Alive Ultimate. The winnings featured a $1,000 check and bragging rights as the worldwide champion.
The players included Yuichi Yanagisawa, Japan; Akiko Murakami, Japan; Jhu Te-Pu, Taiwan; Neo Tao You, Singapore; Daniel Roberson, United States; Juan Carlos Castro Espinoza, Mexico; Austin Sedgwick, New Zealand; with Doug Ward of Canada unable to attend. Japan's Yuichi Yangisawa won the entire tournament in a tense, skillfully-played five-round fight, taking home a $1,000 check.
The normally quiet Itagaki-san sat down for dinner and kept his cool, but over the course of the evening a transformation took place. How many beers did it take? One? Two? Four? Itagaki is a very thin guy, so it may have only been one tall Sapparo to inebriate the traditionally reserved designer. Itagaki-san was clearly jubilant, as the night developed, eventually growing un-charactertically gregarious, speaking to all of the contestants (in whatever language they spoke) and heartily patting them on the back, while wobbling and smiling devilishly all the while.
The rounds took place in this order, with these winners:
Round 1 (1-game match)
Contestants: Itakagi-san (filled in for Doug Ward) vs. Daniel Roberson (USA)
Winner: Daniel Roberson
Contestants: Neo Tao You (Singapore) vs. Jhu De-Pu (Taiwan)
Winner: Jhu De-Pu
Contestants: Akiko Murakami (Japan) vs. Austin Sedgwick (New Zealand)
Winner: Austin Sedgwick
Contestants: Yuichi Yangisawa (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Castro Espinoza (Mexico)
Winner: Yuichi Yangisawa
Round 2 (Best 2 out of 3 match)
Contestants: Jhu De-Pu (Taiwan) vs. Yuichi Yangisawa (Japan)
Winner: Yuichi Yangisawa
Contestants: Daniel Roberson (USA) vs. Austin Sedgwick (New Zealand)
Winner: Daniel Roberson (USA)
Worldwide Finals (Best 3 out of 5 match)
Contestants: Yuichi Yangisawa (Japan) vs. Daniel Roberson (USA)
Winner: Yuichi Yangisawa
The difference in character style and choice was interesting and noteworthy as was the age of the contestants. Akiko Murakami, of Japan, is a middle-aged woman who played as the grappling queen Tina. Who says girls can't play fighting games? No one now. Jhu Te-Pu of Taiwan, who made it to round 2, brought his own controller all the way from home. It wasn't an arcade stick, or a weirdly modded controller, it was just his own controller. Daniel Roberson played as Hayabusa. And Itagaki stepped in for Doug Ward and played against Jhu Te-Pu as Kasumi.


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At Peninsula, we don't believe that the only way that we can help employers with the management of their employees is by advising how to deal with a particular situation – we believe that passing on our knowledge to employers themselves is key to providing the best service.
That's why we offer FREE employment law training to our clients on a wide range of topics to raise awareness of important areas, and to arm them with more confidence to proactively deal with their workforce.
What's more, we run these training sessions in the form of a webinar so our clients don't even need to leave their workplace to take part in the session, giving them more time to get their job done.
Feel you need to learn more about effective recruitment procedures to ensure you find the best candidate? We have a series of Recruitment and Selection webinars which would be ideal for you.
Want to know more about how to provide equality to all in your workplace, eliminating all forms of discrimination (even unintentional)? Our session on Equality and Diversity will tell you all you need to know.
If your company uses the services of agency workers, we have a session focused solely on employment legislation that applies to them, meaning that you can safely act in the knowledge that you are keeping yourself closed to potential tribunal claims.
The above are just a few examples of the topics we can provide training on. Others include:
- What's New in Employment Law
- Disciplinary and Appeal Procedures
- Grievance Procedures
- Working Time Regulations
A simple registration exercise will link you directly to the webinar which is run by fully trained and experienced employment law practitioners, and even allows you to have your questions answered, live, by the trainer.


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Friday, June 29, 2012
Healthy Herbs and Spices Many herbs and spices have potent nutrient capability that can enhance your health.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
5 Sets of 5 Reps Workout Training with 5 sets of 5 reps each is probably the best way to break through that dreaded plateau that all weight trainers go through.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Alternating Light and Heavy Workouts There are both simple and complicated reasons why you should combine various workouts using light and heavy weights.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Best Workout for Leg Mass Need New Leg Growth? Enter the Pain Zone. Here is how...
Lose Fat, Gain Muscle, Shape Up. Sign up for our Free Weekly Bodybuilding,
Fitness and Health Tips Newsletter, and you will be automatically entered
in our monthly drawing to win Free Bodybuilding Supplements and other great prizes.
Stay informed, stay motivated, win free stuff, join today!
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Saturday, June 02, 2012
Stretching for Muscle Growth If you stretch on a regular basis you will be able to enhance the muscle development process.


text:
Transportation services operates over 170 bus routes that deliver approximately 4,500 students to school every day. Prairie Valley buses travel over 27,500 kms each day - that is more than 5,060,000 kms every year! Two bus maintenance shops manage the needs of the fleet - the Regina Shop operates in our facility at the Education Centre in the RM of Sherwood and a satellite shop is located in Grenfell.
If you have questions about busing or transportation of students please call (306) 949-6566 or 1-866-488-4788. The phone number for the Grenfell Bus Shop is (306) 697-2441.
Prairie Valley School Division is committed to delivering safe and reliable transportation services to students. In doing so, we are guided by school division policies and procedures.
If you have concerns or questions regarding your child's transportation, please complete the form posted below. Concern forms are reviewed regularly and you will hear back from us within a week. If your concern is an emergency please contact us at the phone numbers listed above.
All drivers are required to complete two emergency evacuation drills each year. To find out more, click on the link below.


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Latest News
2013 Subaru Crosstrek
Is this Subaru for real, or is the new XV Crosstrek arriving this fall just faking it?
If another automaker attempted to elevate one of its small wagons to the status of "off-roader," it would risk becoming an industry laughing stock. But Subaru is different. It always has been. And just when you think the Japan-based company has settled down and become a conservative member of the community, it ratchets up the funkiness and creates this bold and brash offshoot of its Impreza wagon. You just gotta love it.
In developing the niche-oriented Crosstrek, the Impreza wagon was an ideal starting point. Subaru completely reinvented its popular entry-level model for the 2012 model year, making it larger, better looking and significantly more fuel-efficient (albeit less powerful) than before. And with its standard four-wheel-drive, the Impreza has the right stuff to be converted into a pseudo Rubicon Trail-conquering hero.
The reality, however, is that the Crosstrek is best suited for rough road and weather conditions plus limited off-trail adventuring. Anyone familiar with Volvo's XC70 wagon will think of this Subie as a scaled-down and less expensive copycat as well as sharing kinship with the now-retired Impreza Outback Sport and current Subaru Outback wagon.
The right look is critical for any sport ute-style vehicle and Subaru has provided the Crosstrek with its own distinctive nosepiece, front and rear bumpers, roof rails and rear spoiler. In addition, extra cladding for the wheel arches and rocker panel has been installed. The meaner macho look is completed with darker window tinting and a set of 17-inch all-season tires mounted to custom-look rims. You might not find them entirely to your taste, but they do set the Crosstrek apart from its lower-key Impreza roots.
The slightly bigger front brake rotors add stopping power and a hiked-up suspension provides 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is three more than the Impreza. That's just shy of the competing Jeep Patriot's 9.0-inch stance and should be plenty for straddling rock-strewn terrain and fording shallow streams.
Finally, Crosstrek owners who undertake more desolate journeys will appreciate the 15.9-gallon gas tank, which is a gain of 1.4 gallons over the Impreza.
The more generous fuel reservoir should go a long way when feeding the Crosstrek's 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes straight from the Impreza. That's significantly less oomph than the pre-2012 170-horsepower Impreza, but the offset is a 25-mpg city number and 33 mpg on the highway, ratings that crush the old "Imp's" 20/27 numbers. The horizontally opposed engine layout, with one pair of cylinders located at 180 degrees to the other pair, lowers the center of gravity and provides all kinds of underhood room.
The Crosstrek's five-speed manual transmission has Incline Start Assist to prevent the car from rolling backward when moving your right foot from the brake to the gas pedal while stopped on a hill. Optional is a continuously variable unit with paddle-shifters that has six preset ratios. An "ECO" gauge encourages fuel-saving driving habits with either transmission.
The Crosstrek's standard all-wheel-drive systems are, not surprisingly, Impreza-based. Manual-gearbox models split the torque 50:50 in normal driving situations, but will apportion up to 80 percent to either front or rear wheels when slippage is detected. With the automatic trans, the Active Torque Split system maintains a 60:40 front:rear division, but automatically directs up to 100 percent of the torque to either set of wheels when necessary.
Along with AWD, the base Crosstrek Premium is adorned with the usual suite of power and comfort accessories plus a removable waterproof cargo tray, tie-downs and grocery-bag hooks that are ideal when stowing damp and dirty outdoorsy gear.
Upgrading to the Limited adds climate control, leather-covered seats (heated in front), and a rearview camera. A navigation system and a power moonroof are optional.
Adding the XV Crosstrek to a growing lineup that now also includes the BRZ sports coupe gives Subaru a wider cross-section of vehicles. It's by no means a Jeep- or Land Rover-style rock-crawler, but for more typical rugged outdoor activities, the XV Crosstrek is about as real as it gets.


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I just got back from about two weeks out in Colorado, doing the climbing and hiking thing, and it was incredible. :) It was exactly what I needed after a bit of a rough summer (minus some awesome patches). The coolest part about this trip was going with two of my closest friends for an all-ladies trip. We all seemed to need this trip for different reasons, and it was so cool to come together as a group before we all split off across the US once again.
Highlights of the trip include:
Seeing our old Duluth friend Peter!
He gave us a local's tour of Boulder Canyon in Colorado, and we had an incredible time climbing amazing rock and staying at his place!
Finding another Duluthian, Hannah, who did quite a few days of climbing with us even as she settled in to Boulder herself!
I jumped on my first V5 in Rocky Mountain National Park, and was literally one move away from finishing it successfully after only a handful of tries. I left it as a project- guess I'll have to go back again! Ooooh darn... ;)
We were in town for the Boulder farmer's market and craft show, where we got to try sample after sample of organic, non-GMO, natural, gluten-free everything. It was a little crazy!
We ate so well on this trip! My friend Amanda was an incredible cook, and every meal was full of delicious fresh veggies that she cooked up effortlessly, usually without a recipe. It inspired me to begin eating wholly and well again now that I'm back home, especially since I felt incredible the entire time I was eating out there!
There were some fun little exciting bits, as well. I mean, you can't have a climbing trip without some "huh" moments! For instance, I did a very long moderate 5.9 that became slick and tough when it started raining on me mid-route. I had to clean the draws, then when I was lowered, we realized exactly how long the route was when this was how much rope there was left! At least I made it... :)
On our rest day walking around Fort Collins, we went to a chocolate shop similar to the one in the movie Chocolat and tried a flight of chocolate (similar to a flight of beer). I've never really done anything like that before, and it was delicious! We were all dissolving into giggle fits as we enjoyed the chocolate tasting, and each of us walked off with some truffles and hot chocolate to enjoy when the weather turns.
We ended the trip bouldering in Rocky Mountain National Park again. I absolutely loved the hike in, and it only solidified how much I truly love the mountains. And long approaches. And climbing incredible rock. And trips with friends.
This trip was exactly what I needed put my head and my thoughts back in order, and to gain back that positive and happy energy that I felt had dwindled after such a rough summer.
It's amazing how therapeutic climbing and friends can be when you need to heal your soul. :)


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The Silver Lining
Health & Wellness News
Summer Edition 2017
The Silver Lining
By The Rev. Richard H. Schmidt
"Old age isn't for the faint of heart," I have heard several people say. Yes, growing old has its downside, but there is an upside, too. And the upside is substantial.
Here are some of the things I like about old age:
- I have rediscovered reading for pleasure — history, biography, social issues, theology, and lots of novels. For a recent birthday, I threw myself a party and asked each guest to give me a book they thought I would enjoy reading. Many of those books I would never have discovered on my own.
- The older I get, the more wrinkles I have. Wisdom may be beyond me, but at least I can appear to be wise. A wrinkled face will do that for you.
- I no longer have anything to prove. Maybe I never did, but I thought I had to prove something to someone. But to whom? God? My parents? My parish? Myself? It does not matter now. There is a lovely relaxation that comes with having nothing to prove.
- Grandchildren!
- Time has become more precious. I have always known my days were numbered, but I gave it little thought until recently. Now, with the clock ticking louder with each passing day, decisions matter more. Deciding to do one thing means deciding not to do something else, probably ever.
- No one now expects me to answer questions, solve problems, devise long-range plans, or explain enigmas like why God allows evil in the world. It is easier to exceed expectations when they are low.
- Taking an afternoon nap no longer makes me feel guilty.
- I have come to enjoy doing Sunday supply work. I always enjoyed preaching and presiding at the altar, but now I do not have to fool with budgets, irascible vestries, and recruiting Sunday-School teachers.
- Few people remember the stupid, thoughtless, and embarrassing things I did years ago, and those who do probably do not care.
- I now have the time to pray in a leisurely, intentional way. Maybe I could always have found time for that, but often I did not. That daily prayer time has become precious to me.
Lord, may I never become so distracted by the downside of aging that I neglect to thank you for the upside.
The Rev. Richard H. Schmidt served parishes in four dioceses, is the author of six books, and was editor and director of Forward Movement from 2005 to 2011. He and his wife, Pamela, serve as chaplains to the retired clergy, spouses, and surviving spouses in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. They live in Fairhope, Alabama.


text: 42nd Ontario Election Calendar Add to Calendar Add to Timely Calendar Add to Google Add to Outlook Add to Apple Calendar Add to other calendar Export to XML When: 7 June 2018 all-day 2018-06-07T00:00:00-04:00 2018-06-08T00:00:00-04:00 Where: Ontario Canada Democracy. Waterloo Region Greens Author: KWPeace KWPeace is a website to link the many Peace and Social Justice organizations in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the Waterloo Region townships. KWPeace tries to provide a comprehensive calendar of events. View all posts by KWPeace


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Next July, over 1,000 teams from around the World will be at USA CUP - Where will you be?
View our amazing supporters
Some special activities waiting for you!
Book your stay early!
USA CUP is the greatest youth soccer experience in the World. While you are here, your team can stay focused and immersed in youth soccer and the player experience. We pride ourselves on attracting teams from around the globe to provide a truly international experience that will leave players, coaches, and teams with memories that will last a lifetime.
In 2018, we welcomed 1,150 teams from 20 U.S. states and 20 countries. Great international youth soccer located in the heart of the Midwest. This tournament is open to all teams and we encourage you to contact a representative to learn more. Welcome to USA CUP!
From Japan to Brazil and beyond, USA CUP is your home for international soccer. Make memories that will last a lifetime.
USA CUP soccer tournament is owned and operated by the National Sports Center Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization EIN: 41-1646516.
We are an equal opportunity facility, dedicated to providing sport opportunities for all athletes.


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Attention was focused on hobby shops this weekend with National Baseball Card day bringing in some new customers–and a little media attention.
It won't solve all of the industry's problems, but shops giving away free packs of baseball cards can't hurt.
Stores across the country participated in the event, which is meant to drive traffic to shops and hook more fans on collecting. The packs were developed specifically for National Baseball Card Day and featured Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols and David Wright among others.
The special program also generates a little media coverage which is never a bad thing. One Zion, Illinois shop owner did his part to spread a positive message. Despite some shops seeing fewer customers and less cash lately, he told the Lake County News Sun he's bullish on the hobby.


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12.27.11 Afternoon Delight
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI&w=420&h=315] ELGL Hosts Rob Cornilles on January 5 Rob Cornilles, candidate for U.S. Congress for Oregon's 1st congressional district, will speak at a special Emerging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) meeting on January 5, 2012 at Café Allegro in Tigard. We will limit the audience to the first 50 ELGL members who RSVP. You can RSVP to [email protected] … Continued