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The criminal legacy of the illegal, right-wing paramilitary organization remains, even though the AUC signed a peace accord with the government in 2003, and largely demobilized by 2006. New criminal gangs have inherited the paramilitaries' weapons, personnel and modus operandi around the country. For many Colombians, the peace process and the AUC's demobilization did not improve their situation. Fragments of the AUC, now referred to by the government as "criminal bands" or BACRIMs, for the Spanish acronym, are now dedicated to drug trafficking and organized crime, as well as attacks on civilians, especially activists and community leaders.
The paramilitaries' legacy extends beyond security. AUC members infiltrated the state and political parties, which has led to a series of investigations. The investigations continue and several prominent legislators have been charged, in what is known as the "parapolitics" scandal. The tradition of corruption continues to undermine and demoralize the Colombian government, and remains an integral factor in the ongoing violence in this country.
The origins of the paramilitaries go back to the early 1980s, when drug traffickers, facing a wave of kidnappings by leftist guerrilla groups, decided to create a death squad they called Death to Kidnappers (Muerte a Secuestradores - MAS). This illegal group assassinated not just the kidnappers but any supposed member of the rebels' infrastructure, which included many innocent civilians, activists, union leaders and politicians. Later "self-defense" groups emerged, some of them initiated by Colombian army officers and politicians who called for the population to organize in their own defense. Many of them were legally constituted. However, rather than protect civilians from the transgressions of the guerrillas, many of the groups simply worked for drug traffickers and or at the behest of large landholders. The alliance with these powerful economic interests gave paramilitary groups access to weapons, cars and communications equipment, but it distorted their original purpose.
Indeed, the rise of the drug traffickers' economic power would change the face of the war. Powerful members of the Medellin Cartel invested heavily in land and, using the paramilitary groups, sought to shield themselves from the guerrillas' extortion and kidnapping attempts. MAS expanded exponentially in these rural areas. But soon the "self-defense" groups were protecting drug stashes and cargoes rather than civilians. These organizations also unleashed waves of violence against sectors of the population who were considered supporters of the guerrillas. Thousands of civilians were killed, including state agents and politicians, leading the government to criminalize the paramilitary groups.
The criminalization of these groups coincided with a larger battle over extradition fought by the Medellin Cartel and its leader Pablo Escobar against the government. This fight eventually spread to other parts of his organization. When Escobar killed two of their close associates, Fidel Castaño and his brothers, Carlos and Vicente, teamed with Diego Murillo, alias "Don Berna," to form a group called People Persecuted by Pablo Escobar (Perseguidos por Pablo Escobar - PEPES). They used Carlos as their intermediary with the police, who worked closely with the paramilitary group to gun Escobar down in December 1993. Fidel mysteriously disappeared shortly thereafter. One story is that he died fighting the Popular Liberation Army (Ejercito Popular de Liberacion - EPL). Another is that Carlos killed him in a family dispute. In either case, the core of the paramilitary group that he and Don Berna had created remained.
The second generation of paramilitaries came from the PEPES. The remnants of this group formed the Peasant Self-Defense Forces of Cordoba and Uraba (Autodefensas de Cordoba y Uraba - ACCU). In 1996, the ACCU created a loose federation of self-defense groups comprised of seven regional organizations known as the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). These paramilitary groups were able to establish local fiefdoms in the main areas of guerrilla influence and drive out the rural population that they accused of collaborating with the rebels.
The AUC's emergence coincided with a shift in the drug trafficking industry. Following the destruction of the Medellin Cartel and the subsequent dissolution of the Cali Cartel, the market became segmented, giving rise to about 500 small micro-trafficking groups. Leftist guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - FARC) also began exerting more territorial control over areas where drugs were harvested and developed. The result was near-inevitable conflict between the two remaining super-structures as the paramilitaries fought the guerrillas for control of the means of production of the drug crops, entering by force -- often with the support and assistance of the Colombian army -- and carrying out selective assassinations and massacres that generated massive displacement and widespread terror.
The profits from their war spoils allowed the AUC to grow exponentially and create an army of more than 30,000 soldiers. But the source of this profit, principally drugs, placed the group in the crosshairs of the United States government, which sought to break up what had become arguably the largest drug trafficking organization in the world. Sensing a showdown and already facing a series of indictments in the US for drug trafficking, the paramilitaries sought a way out by negotiating a peace deal with the Colombian government. Between 2003 and 2006, the two sides hammered out an agreement, and numerous paramilitary fronts demobilized. The shortcomings of the process, however, were immediately apparent. The government lacked the infrastructure to verify who the demobilized paramilitaries were and whether they had turned in all their weapons. Some paramilitary groups deliberately duped the government, handing in old and poorly maintained weapons and conscripting civilians to pose as paramilitary soldiers.
These groups began operating under new names even before the demobilizations officially ended in 2006. The new groups -- the Urabeños, the Rastrojos, ERPAC, the Paisas, the Machos, Nueva Generacion, Aguilas Negras, the Magdalena Medio Group and Renacer, among others, have had a powerful impact on Colombia. While more than 30,000 paramilitaries demobilized, many remained at large or abandoned the process and have since been implicated in grave human rights violations, drug trafficking, extortion, kidnappings and many other criminal acts, which could lead to legal action against the Colombian government for failing to properly regulate the peace process.
Modus Operandi
The paramilitaries were a loose federation of armed groups, whose columns ranged in size from 10 to 150 troops. Some operated as death squads, moving in smaller units to avoid detection, eliminate their enemies in a systematic manner, and cause fear in the local population. Other parts of the organization worked in large, military-style columns, aiming to push the enemy from their territory with "slash and burn" techniques. The AUC, however, was never a vertical hierarchy. Its individual parts operated in a relatively autonomous manner, which often led to serious disagreements and even military battles between them.
Most of these fights centered on disputes over the group's mission. Ostensibly, the paramilitaries were combating leftist guerrilla groups. But this battle included the attempt to control drug trafficking corridors and coca-growing regions. Major drug traffickers participated in the financing and leadership of the paramilitary groups throughout the country, but especially in the Magdalena Medio region in central Colombia, the northeastern part of the Antioquia department, and the departments of Cordoba and Meta. The alliances with drug trafficking groups eventually made the paramilitaries indistinguishable from their bosses. The two allies also acted similarly in many respects beyond their business interests, including using their muscle and financial power to buy politicians and fund campaigns, as well as assassinate those who did not collaborate, as seen with the 1989 murder of Luis Carlos Galan, the presidential front-runner.
The Castaño family is a perfect example of this dichotomy. After the FARC kidnapped and killed the father of Fidel, Vicente and Carlos Castaño Gil, the three brothers gathered several family members and murdered the perpetrators. It was beginning of a family odyssey that would eventually lead to the creation of the AUC. Fidel and Vicente also worked with the Medellin Cartel for years, and Carlos was an Escobar hitman. What's more, Fidel, using drug money, invested heavily in land and cattle along the northern coast, and formed his own paramilitary group in the early 1990s when he fought a brutal war of extermination against the EPL and FARC rebel groups. But he also used his military power as a means to earn money. He displaced smaller farmers, bought their land and either developed or put cattle on it, often selling it on at a much higher price. In the end, the paramilitary leaders' battle plan was indistinguishable from their economic strategy.
The same was true for the organization as a whole. Indeed, most of the AUC's individual units were really camouflage for the group's larger purpose: trafficking drugs. Ideology was secondary and those who tried to push the drug traffickers from the AUC's leadership posts were often eliminated, as in the case of Carlos Castaño. The AUC splintered in early 2000, as Castaño attempted to separate his faction from another part of the group, which he claimed was only interested in trafficking drugs. The dispute led to his murder in April 2004, at the hands of the AUC. Vicente, who many believed had been running the AUC throughout, took control and when his attempts to negotiate with the government failed, he returned to clandestine life. He is believed to have been murdered in 2008.
It's little surprise then that the AUC concentrated their troops in areas of economic strategic interest: Guajira, Cesar, Magdalena, Atlantico, Bolivar, Sucre, Cordoba, Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Choco, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Narino, Putumayo, Caqueta, Guaviare, Meta, Vichada, Casanare, Arauca, Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Santander and Norte de Santander.
- Steven Dudley, "Walking Ghosts: Murder and Guerrilla Politics in Colombia," (New York, 2004).
- Human Rights Watch, "Paramilitaries' Heirs: The New Face of Violence in Colombia," (2010).
- Human Rights Watch, "The 'Sixth Division': Military-paramilitary Ties and U.S. Policy in Colombia," (2001)
- Robin Kirk, "More Terrible than Death: Violence, Drugs, and America's War in Colombia," (New York, 2003).
- Verdad Abierta.com, Paramilitares y conflicto armado en Colombia


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The Lost Show
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subset: commoncrawl


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Making an argument is one of the most basic types of discourse. Everybody has something they agree or disagree on to a certain extent. Opinions also do count when it comes to writing research papers. In fact, a complete subsection of research papers is created for exactly that. Are you wondering how to choose an interesting argumentative research paper topics and deliver a great work? Here are the steps you must follow.
- Come up with a topic you'll do research for. One of the most difficult parts in making a research paper is coming up with a topic. No matter which field you'll be focusing no or which audience or purpose you are targeting, you have got to come up with a topic first. It must neither be too narrow or too broad, and it must be something that you are confident you can make a convincing argument for.
- Do your research. This is not called a research paper for nothing. Compared to conventional argument essays, you really have to do your research when writing an argumentative research paper. Because of this, you have got to do ample research about the topic. You can read books, search for arguments related to it, and even go to the field if necessary. It's research that would serve as the barometer for your paper's success.
- Make an outline. Every article has a particular sequence to follow. Having an outline provides you the necessary framework where you can place all the data needed for writing the articles successfully. A well-made argumentative essay outline can have you covered from introduction to conclusion, and would give your paper much-needed structure for easy writing and reading.
- Write the article. After all the preparations done, most people feel that this part is the easiest part in making an argumentative research paper. Organize your thoughts and fill your outline with the details that support your arguments. Be interesting and creative. Do not forget to proofread your work to check both accuracy and content cohesiveness.


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Dr. Ralf Wagner, a chemist in Germany, captured this photo of a Daphnia, or water flea, playing with a volvox, a type of green algae. He found the specimen in his garden pond, according to Nikon. It doesn't really reflect deep science so much as an extraordinary view of nature — the daphnia is interacting with its environment, not something you can see up close very often. Wagner said he hopes by reminding viewers how much fun science can be, he might inspire others to take up its study.
Technique: Darkfield
Magnification: 50x


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The Grout Doctor is a franchise that offers "aftermarket care of tile installations".
|Complete Tiling (Stanley Complete)
|Detailed photos and easy-to-follow presentation for tiling floors, walls, countertops, and showers guide novices and experts.Two-tiered design offers instruction for common tiling situations plus additional information for unusual circumstances.Comprehensive guide covers basic and advanced tile techniques to plan patterns, measure and cut tiles, seal finished surfaces, and repair broken tile.Prestart Checklists detail the tools, materials, skills, and time needed to complete each job.Stanley Pro Tips offer shortcuts to work easier, faster, and safer.Includes installation instructions for all types of ceramic tile, plus vinyl, laminate, carpet, and parquet tile products.
|The Franchise Handbook: A Complete Guide to All Aspects of Buying, Selling or Investing in a Franchise
|Atlantic Publishing Co
|This book is a great resource for both prospective franchises and franchisors as it explains in detail what the franchise system entails and the precise benefits it offers to both parties.
|The Educated Franchisee: The How-To Book for Choosing a Winning Franchise, 2nd Edition
|Rick Bisio
|There is nothing more expensive than ignorance -- let The Educated Franchisee serve as your guide for selecting a franchise that meets your needs! The Educated Franchisee will show you: -How to find a franchise that is right for you -How owning a franchise can create wealth -Where to find quality franchisors -What qualities franchisors look for -How to gather information from franchisees -How to make sure the franchise makes money -How to confidently select the best franchise -The five keys to success in owning a franchise
|The Unofficial Guide to Opening a Franchise (Unofficial Guides)
|Jason R. Rich
|The inside scoop... for when you want more than the official line!So you dream of escaping the 9-to-5 rat race, starting your own business, and becoming your own boss, but you don't have a clue where to start. Opening a franchise-based business can lower your start-up costs and reduce the time, hassle, and risk associated with getting a new business operational. A franchise offers training, support, a proven business model, and the closest thing possible to a turnkey solution for achieving success. There are more than 3,000 different franchise opportunities in more than seventy-five industries, including packaging and shipping, tax preparation, maid service, fitness, car care, and more. Featuring exclusive, in-depth interviews with a wide range of franchising experts, this book gives you a first-hand perspective plus valuable tips and strategies for success. It provides the guidance you need to choose the right franchise, select a prime location, market your business, and get it up and running efficiently. You'll learn all about financing, essential business skills, hiring and managing employees, working with suppliers, and even preparing for your grand opening. This guide includes:Vital Information on things to look for when evaluating franchise opportunities--and where to lookInsider Secrets from successful franchisors, franchisees, and franchise consultantsMoney-Saving Techniques such as using a franchise attorney to help you review the UFOC (Uniform Franchise Offering Circular) and finalize your Franchise AgreementThe Scoop on the latest trends, plus profiles of the top twenty-five franchises in AmericaHandy Worksheets to help you examine your goals and opportunities, evaluate financing options, develop a realistic business plan, and more
|Franchise Bible (Franchise Bible: How to Buy a Franchise or Franchise Your Own Business)
|Erwin Keup
|How To Buy A Franchise Or Franchise Your Own Business Are you thinking of buying a franchise or franchising your own business? This indispensable guide tells you how to do it--and save time and money in the process. Franchise expert Erwin Keup shares 35 years of franchise experience to reveal what to expect and how to avoid costly mistakes. With the Franchise Bible, you learn to: Determine if owning a franchise is right for you Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of franchising Understand the legal terms and documents associated with franchising Navigate the offering circular and what items it should contain Decide whether you should buy a franchise or start your own Select the best methods for expanding your existing business Determine the optimum time to franchise your business Includes these samples of actual franchise documents: Offering Circular Franchise Agreements Franchise Application Form Site Evaluation Form Operational Manual Outline Plus, this guide is packed with checklists to help you: Investigate franchisors Interview existing franchises Assess your suitability for running a franchise Prepare the required information before purchasing a franchise Whether you want to buy a franchise or franchise your own business, this guide is required reading. "Author and franchise lawyer Erwin J. Keup has made an exhaustive study of the franchise purchasing process and delivers his findings in concise, understandable language that has all you need to franchise with finesse." -- Entrepreneur Magazine "Kudos to author Erwin J. Keup. We like the book's easy-to-read style." --Small Business Opportunities magazine "Equally useful to prospective franchises and franchisors. Explains in detail what the franchise system entails and the precise benefits it offers." --Robert E. Bond & Jeffrey E. Bond, author of The Sourcebook of Franchise Opportunities
|Making Healthy Places: Designing and Building for Health, Well-being, and Sustainability
|The environment that we construct affects both humans and our natural world in myriad ways. There is a pressing need to create healthy places and to reduce the health threats inherent in places already built. However, there has been little awareness of the adverse effects of what we have constructed-or the positive benefits of well designed built environments. This book provides a far-reaching follow-up to the pathbreaking Urban Sprawl and Public Health, published in 2004. That book sparked a range of inquiries into the connections between constructed environments, particularly cities and suburbs, and the health of residents, especially humans. Since then, numerous studies have extended and refined the book's research and reporting. Making Healthy Places offers a fresh and comprehensive look at this vital subject today. There is no other book with the depth, breadth, vision, and accessibility that this book offers. In addition to being of particular interest to undergraduate and graduate students in public health and urban planning, it will be essential reading for public health officials, planners, architects, landscape architects, environmentalists, and all those who care about the design of their communities. Like a well-trained doctor, Making Healthy Places presents a diagnosis of--and offers treatment for--problems related to the built environment. Drawing on the latest scientific evidence, with contributions from experts in a range of fields, it imparts a wealth of practical information, with an emphasis on demonstrated and promising solutions to commonly occurring problems. (20110512)
|Is Your Business Right For Franchising?
|Jr. Ralph Massetti
|This book is written to offer would-be Franchisors the virtual experience and benefit of personally speaking with an expert Franchise Consultant about franchising their business. It provides straight-talk advice concerning every business and personal consideration which needs to be contemplated when deciding whether to franchise a business including: Whether your business is ready to franchise, Options for expanding your business, What to expect as a Franchisor, Introduction to the franchise development process, Branding and marketing for Franchisors, Other factors that impact your chances for success, Choosing a Franchise Developer, Sample Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC) and more. Ralph Massetti is President & CEO of The Franchise Builders, a franchise consulting, development, marketing and technology firm. He also holds a Bachelors and Master Degree in Business Administration, and is a candidate for the prestigious Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation.
|Franchise Times Guide to Selecting, Buying & Owning a Franchise
|Julie Bennett and Cheryl R. Babcock
|Buying a franchise can be a handy shortcut to the American dream of owning your own business. But there are dangerous pitfalls—and possible drawbacks to even the best franchise deals. Here, for every prospective franchisee, is authoritative advice from a trustworthy source. The experts of Franchise Times offer their picks of the top 200 franchises and 100 up-and-comers, complete with contact information, financial requirements, fees, and more. There are practical tips on everything from hiring and marketing to financing your franchise, leasing a retail space (or setting up a home office), and deciding if you should buy or run a franchise with your spouse. With anecdotes and advice from current franchisees and franchisors, this is a book every would-be entrepreneur should read before signing a contract.
|Franchise Bible (Franchise Bible: How to Buy a Franchise or Franchise Your Own Business)
|Erwin Keup
|The go-to book for franchise information, now in its sixth edition This proven, popular reference has been completely updated to better guide you through the current franchise environment. Real-life examples of both service- and product-oriented franchises and useful checklists prevent mistakes and save time and money. Contact information for state and federal franchising regulatory agencies and a listing of useful publications guide you to the resources you need. Robert Smith, founder of Granite Transformations, describes how he successfully opened franchises nationwide based on guidelines in previous editions
|Advanced Practice Nursing: An Integrative Approach, 4e
|Ann B. Hamric PhD RN FAAN, Judith A. Spross PhD RN AOCN FAAN and Charlene M. Hanson EdD RN CS FNP FAAN
|Covering all advanced practice competencies and roles, this book offers strategies for enhancing patient care and legitimizing your role within today's health care system. It covers the history of advanced practice nursing, the theory behind the practice, and emerging issues. Offering a comprehensive exploration of advanced practice nursing, this edition also adds a focus on topics including the APN scope of practice, certification, and the ethical and legal issues that occur in clinical practice.The development of all major competencies of advanced practice nursing is discussed: direct clinical practice, consultation, coaching/guidance, research, leadership, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.Advanced practice competencies are discussed in relation to all advanced practice nursing and blended CNS-NP roles (case manager, acute care nurse practitioner), highlighting the shared aims and distinctions of each role.In-depth discussions on educational strategies explain how competencies develop as the nurses' practice progresses.A chapter on research competencies demonstrates how to use evidence-based research in practice, and how to promote these research competencies to other APNs.A conceptual framework shows the clear relationship between the competencies, roles, and challenges in today's health care environment.Practical strategies are provided for business management, contracting, and marketing.Comprehensive information covers the essential competencies of the new Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.More exemplars (case studies) provide real-life scenarios showing APN competencies in action.A new chapter shows how to provide reliable and valid data to substantiate your impact and justify equitable reimbursement for APN services, also enhancing your skills in quality improvement strategies, informatics, and systems thinking.Information on telehealth considerations covers the new sources of electronic healthcare information available to patients and describes how to counsel them on using reliable resources.
|Aussie Pet Mobile
|dogs grooming mobile pets
|Captain Ice Cream
|food icecream mobile novelty
|Cell Again
|cell cellphone cellular mobile phone
|Cool Cycles Ice Cream
|food icecream mobile
|Fast & Friendly Floorcare
|cleaning floor maintenance restoration
|Floor Coverings
|carpet covering floor flooring vinyl
|Friendly Computers
|computer mobile repair service
|Hounds Mounds
|animals dogs mobile pets poop
|Kona Ice
|dessert frozen mobile treats
|Lil' Pals Pet Photography
|mobile pet photography
|cellphone mobile phone
|One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning
|ac heating mobile repair
|Only Doors And Windows
|doors mobile windows
|ReNEW Softwash
|cleaning home mobile
|Spray Green Landscape Service
|landscape mobile
|The BBQ Cleaner
|bbq cleaning mobile outdoors
|The Master's Touch
|cleaning mobile
|The Phat Pasty Company
|food mobile


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Creative Writing Contest
Every spring semester the New Mexico Tech Humanities Department holds a creative writing contest. The contest has several categories for judging; Poetry, Fiction, Creative Non-fiction, and Playwriting. Winners of the contest are published in Miners' Ink and receive an award and recognition at a celebration reading.
The Creative Writing Contest - 2007 list of winners can be found at the NMT Creative Writing Contest website.
Humanities Department


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Catalyst offer two routes to fully integrated e-Commerce with Platinum Software. We can either provide our own e-Commerce web facilities or integrate with third party e-Commerce solutions.
The web offers huge trading possibilities, it does this with no customer facing staff and operates around the clock. The attractions are obvious.
The downside to the web is often that the products which sell on the web are not linked to the back office systems required to ship the goods efficiently. Broadly this product is intended to take the pain out of web trading by providing a seamless interface saving the need to re-key web orders into Platinum management software running in your office.
This option allows you to set up and control the content of your web site from within your office based Platinum software. The structure and content of the sales site are simply created and maintained, products may be grouped as required with relevant images as required. Incredibly simple, quick to set up, inexpensive and fully featured. You can add e-Commerce to your web site ("eShop") in hours without compromising on features or ease of use, we provide professional links to an integrated order processing system which can receive orders from the web site in "real time", display genuine "real time" current stock availability.
This e-Commerce system can be easily added to existing web sites provided by third parties, all they need to do is to provide a button to launch the e-Commerce from your existing sites. Colour schemes and graphics used will be styled to blend in with existing styles (using third party "CSS") to provide full shopping cart facilities and customer payment via "paypal".
We recognise that Catalyst are far from the only company developing e-Commerce software. Other companies have specific skills, specialisations and expertise, this means that they may well be better placed to provide your e-Commerce. We work with other companies to provide their e-Commerce sites with full integration to Platinum Software. There are no compromises, we offer exactly the same powerful facilities found in our own e-Commerce solutions. This integration is both modular and comprehensive.
Our most popular e-commerce link is with eBay. A very significant name in the world of on-line sales. Our software interfaces with eBay and details of sales made are directly imported into our stock and order processing systems just like items sold from via your own web page. The information received includes not only details items sold and payments received but also customer information via a routine which automatically matches eBay users to your existing customers records.
See what a couple of our customers have to say about our eBay link. (DLS Testimonial and Bitzforbikes Testimonial)
In short a fully automated interface to administer eBay orders which saves huge amounts of time and the saving of any keying errors over the conventional alternative of manual processing of these transactions.
We are a member of the eBay developer program.
Regardless whether you decide to use Catalysts own or a third party web developer to produce your e-Commerce site the same powerful features are available.
This is a brief and simplified overview of what can be achieved using existing software available from Catalyst combined with our on line data server. Costs for the software and service are broken down according to what features are required and the volume of data storage and transfer required.
What this means in practice is that we can make available on the web a standardised XML interface to pass information into and out of a customers local copy of Platinum Software.
Obviously standard Platinum reports can be used to provide stock information to populate a web site. These will not however automatically upload the information to the web. Likewise it is possible to report on and export customer information. The advantage to our software in this area is that it is completely automated and very reliable.
Without our specialist interfaces we suspect it is impossible to perform stock level "look up" or download orders directly into the Platinum order processing suite whilst automatically creating new customer records as appropriate.
Why do we charge? Essentially we charge because what we are doing sounds simple and easy but it is of course, not! Catalyst have to pay for the web servers and bandwidth that are required to run the system. We monitor the smooth running of the system and can even detect when a vital PC is switched off in your own office. The system is intended to run 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Obviously in all systems a fault cannot be 100% guaranteed to not occur but we have spent considerable time and effort to ensure the reliability of the system and in the unlikely even of a failure it's ability to restart without loss of information. We have invested considerable programming time in devising and developing software to make it all happen.
This is an incredibly web integrated, secure and reliable solution for users of our software who want to run an e-Commerce web site. Our aim is to maximise reliability and minimise user input thus making it very staff efficient and therefore an incredibly cost effective solution to a tricky problem.
How do we move forward?


text: The Dacia Nova was introduced in1998 as an alternative to the 30 years old Dacia 1300. It's almost modern design made it quite attractive to the Romanians. It also was cheap compared to other new foreign cars and seemed to be a well-made car (not totally true). Nova GT and GTi The Nova was available in 2 versions, GT and GTi, but don`t be fooled by the names. It had no sporty capabilities. It was basicaly the same car, one with a duble barrel carburetor and the other had a Throttle Body (...)


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» Pack » TKT
The Kopa Trilogy by Kopaka [LaMe]
The new level pack by Kopaka. The levels will be released in three episodes of 15 levels. First 15 levels was made over an almost 3 year period, this won't be the case for the other two episodes, but no release dates will be set, atleast not untill when they are close.
|Most recent activity
|2 months: 1:16,52 in TKT05 by ycsys
|1 year: 31,15 in TKT12 by Adebis
|1 year: 1:26,70 in TKT11 by Adebis
|1 year: 32,77 in TKT10 by Adebis
|1 year: 53,71 in TKT03 by Adebis
|2 years: 1:04,02 in TKT05 by Witalo190
|2 years: 56,83 in TKT05 by BlaZtek
|2 years: 58,89 in TKT05 by BlaZtek
|2 years: 59,72 in TKT05 by BlaZtek
|2 years: 1:47,82 in TKT15 by Adebis
|2 years: 1:11,75 in TKT14 by Adebis
|2 years: 33,22 in TKT13 by Adebis
|2 years: 38,13 in TKT12 by Adebis
|2 years: 1:44,93 in TKT11 by Adebis
|2 years: 39,10 in TKT10 by Adebis
Dakar Cup Dakar Cup 2
Internal Mixes
Mirror Max Tilted
Level Packs
WkE levels
umiz qumiz
NP Qsla Gsla
Great Sticks
BlaZtek Adventure
Haru Pack
Pab Level Pack
Handpicked Jeppe battles
Found Internals
Pipe Levels
FinMan Pipes
Random igge Pipes
Höylä Levels
veezay höylä
Höyl Pack
Raven Höylä Pack
FinMan Höylä levels
danpe levels
Bliz Höylä
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text: VNA x Retna the video…. by G Earlier this year we managed to grab a moment with Retna at his LA studio for a photo shoot and chat. Check out the video for a unique look into the world of this amazing artist… Retna VNA from The Baron on Vimeo.


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New summer ERMIE has arrived!
I posted a sneak peek of this one ages ago and I am thrilled to have it in the shop! In addition to being an amazing Ermie dress in it's own right, it's a Myrtle exclusive! I suggested a vintage dress shape I loved for it's easy elegance and Jennifer brought her amazing color and pattern.
{photos by KATE MISS courtesy of ERMIE}
Theme by Monique Tendencia


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Tigi S-Factor Color Savvy Conditioner 8.45 oz.
Aqua (water/eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearamidopropyl, Dimethylamine, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Quaternium-91, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Hydroxyethyl, Ethylcellulose, Citric Acid, Methylparaben, Cetrimonium Chloride, Propylparaben, Polyquaternium-37, VP/VA Copolymer, Tetrsasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Benzophenone-4, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, CI 14700 (Red 4), CI 19140 (Yellow 5).
Tigi S-Factor Color Savvy Conditioner was designed to protect and extends the life of your color!
- Provides soft, radiant hair
- Protects and extends the life of your color
- Adds brilliant shine
- Prevents breakage
- Seals the cuticle
After cleansing with Tigi S-Factor Color Savvy Shampoo, apply to damp hair, then rinse. For best results use Tigi S-Factor Color Savvy Balance Boosters once a week for intense conditioning and protection.
Folica stands behind the authenticity of everything we sell. Since 1998, Folica has made it our mission to provide you with an outstanding selection of hair and beauty products at highly competitive prices.
Most Helpful Reviews
This is an excellent conditioner. I would use even if my hair wasn't colored. Doesn't weigh your hair down but really seems to be absorbed by your hair to make it stronger and protect your co… Read More
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This is the cake I made for the recent birthday celebration. It's my go-to chocolate cake recipe. It is so delicious I am now a cake snob. Boxed cake mixes just don't cut it.
Auntie Liz's Chocolate Cake
Mix together:
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
In a separate bowl, mix:
2 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
Add the wet mix to the dry mix. Add 1 cup boiling water. Beat well (I use my stand mixer).
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes in a greased pan. I like to bake mine in a bunt pan, but a 9 by 13 works great or two 8 inch rounds.
Happy baking!


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NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than 40,000 employees at AT&T Inc will keep working under the terms of an expired labor contract while their union continues negotiations with the telephone company, averting a potentially costly strike for now.
The workers in AT&T's traditional wireline telephone business and some other units voted recently to give their union, the Communications Workers of America, authority to call a strike ahead of the expiration of four separate labor contracts at midnight local time April 7.
At midnight eastern time April 7, contracts expired for almost 10,000 workers, including almost 6,000 so-called legacy AT&T workers in various states and about 4,000 workers in the eastern United States.
The union said just after midnight eastern time on Saturday that it made "some progress" but had "a lot of ground yet to cover" to reach agreement with the company. At midnight central time, a contract covering thousands more AT&T workers in the midwest region expired. AT&T said that the midwest contract covers 13,000 people while the union said it covers 15,000.
At midnight Pacific time, a fourth contract that the union said covered about 18,000 workers in western states such as California and Nevada also expired. Negotiations were continuing in that region as well, according to a union statement.
AT&T said the negotiations reflected "the spirit of the longstanding relationship" between AT&T and the union.
Last August, AT&T's rival,Verizon Communications, had to cope with a two-week strike after contracts expired for 45,000 workers. Roughly eight months later, Verizon is still negotiating with unions for a new contract.
AT&T has been negotiating with the CWA on the four contracts since February. Contracts covering another 30,000 AT&T wireline workers expire in coming months, the company said.
The last time AT&T faced a big strike was in 2004 when 100,000 workers walked out for four days on the company, which was then known asSBC Communications. SBC changed its name to AT&T Inc after it bought AT&T Corp in 2005.
(Reporting By Sinead Carew; Editing by Ron Popeski)


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We're sorry but you can't collect Welcome Rewards® nights at this hotel
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The Rodeway Inn and Stes Downtowner is located in Williams, Arizona, United States of America
The Rodeway Inn and Suites/Downtowner Rte 66 is located in beautiful downtown Williams on historic Route 66 within walking distance to shopping/ historical district/train station/train museum/restaurants/and lounges. The Rodeway Inn offers complimentary continental breakfast and an LCD flat panel TV in every room. Train packages/tour packages/helicopter and airplane tours are available upon request. Office hours: 8am -10pm. If arriving after hours/please call hotel or leave cell number prior to arrival with estimated time of arrival.
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We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.


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this is the only frozen-related gifset you'll ever need
We actually asked the composers of Frozen about this very moment!
"It was an unconscious callback to Arrested Development," Lopez says with a laugh when asked if he meant to recall Michael and Lindsay Bluth. "I think we had seen [that] episode once, and we did the joke, and realized that we had kind of made an homage. And then we tried to rewrite it, but we kept it because we couldn't come up with anything better. Because Arrested Development is amazing."
His wife remembers things slightly differently. "I will say that I think I wrote that line and I hadn't seen the show — but that sandwiches are a very big part of our writing experience…We were always eating bagels when I was writing these lyrics." In fact, Anderson-Lopez jokes, "if I could have put more sandwiches in, I would have."
Well played, everybody involved!


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Alliant Energy Corporation Announces Presentation Materials for Meetings With Analysts and Investors
MADISON, Wis., March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT) has scheduled meetings with the financial community during the month of March. Materials to be utilized during those presentations will be available on the company website at alliantenergy.com/Investors on March 22, 2012.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020405/LNTLOGO)
Alliant Energy Corporation is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and over 414,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electricity and natural gas service is the company's primary focus. Alliant Energy, headquartered in Madison, Wis., is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.alliantenergy.com.
SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation
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- Jul 24, 2014, 09:05 ET
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Yoga and detox water on this beautiful Sunday.
Detox water recipe: 1-2 liters of water. Half a cucumber (sliced). Half an orange (sliced). Half a lemon (sliced). 10-15 mint leaves. Let it sit in the fridge overnight for the nutrients to soak into the water fully.
Namaste and hope you all had a wonderful Sunday funday as well,


text: Today jewelry is increasingly viewed as a form of artistic expression as the tools and materials of production become increasingly affordable and available. This trend also continues to grow due to the fact that precious metals and gemstones are no longer utilized as signs of wealth and social status. Dramatic improvements in technology mean that jewelry constructed from affordable and readily available resources as well as synthetic materials are capable of rivaling the beauty of the most expensive natural gemstones and metals. These factors have contributed to a focus on design, creativity and artistic expression over symbolism and social status. As social barriers are removed and cultural influences are shared the variety of styles available increases. The predominant style of spring may vary completely from the predominant style of autumn. In addition to the increasing rate of change jewelry is now accepted more as a form of personal expression and so a wider and wider variety of styles continue to grow.


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LomoWalk with Horizon
walking along nieuwegrachtThis photo was shot on film. Taken by mephisto19 with a Lomography Horizon Perfekt loaded with DM Paradies 400 (35mm) film in Utrecht, Netherlands. These tags describe this photo: horizon perfekt, horizon, panorama, mephisto19, utrecht, twijnstraat, 35mm, dm paradies 400, 400iso, cn, city, stadt, niederlande, netherlands, nederland, and nieuwegracht. Date: 2012-03. Time: Afternoon. This photo can also be found in the album 2012-04-17 5 Horizon Perfekt dm CN 400.
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Shiv Visvanathan
The career of Narendra Modi whets the appetite of any anthropologist. The way the man has been transformed from a roadside bully and a riot suspect to a statesman, a leader of the developing nations, is fascinating to watch.
Disasters not only disrupt society, they also distort its basic categories, creating inversions, disrupting normalcy and suspending time in a prolonged way. Return to normalcy then becomes even more difficult and unpredictable.
A political party which seeks a text book start often remains superficial, pretending that the preamble or the introduction remains the real thing. For a party that created a great propaganda machine to devastate the Congress during the election, the Bharatiya Janata Party regime has little to say.
Rudolf Heredia, a Jesuit sociologist and theologian, once asked me whether I could think of a way of escaping ideology and social science terms like poverty and exploitation — which have almost become
One of the most fascinating things about the 21st century is what I call the return of the body to the centrality of things. The body has become the site for all the major dramas — philosophical, political and ethical.
One of the most fascinating things about science is that it can no longer be seen as the thing under a lens. Science has become kaleidoscopic meaning many different things to many people.
One of the most difficult things to write about after the current elections is the fate of the Aam Aadmi Party. The AAP was many things to many people and yet to all of them it represented a sense of hope, the optimism of a new politics.
I want to begin with a little story that was told to me by a leading executive at Aptech. He was exercising in a gym with a lot of younger people.
Modern theories of efficiency and equality are such that one loses a celebration of the marginal. Ever since socialism, we have removed the category called "third class" from our trains and our lives. As an upwardly mobile nation, we want to travel first class and as a truly global country we want our institutions to be world class. Our presidents and vice-chancellors were upset when they realised that our IITs and IIMs are not world class.
Babri Masjid is today a photo-montage of images, with each image capturing one angle of a strange and kaleidoscopic event. Babri is also a failure of storytelling because each separate story demands a different sense of ending, and a different idea of consequences.
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Las Vegas Cougar Convention for Younger Men & Older Women
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Las Vegas Cougar Convention have expired.
The last date listed for Las Vegas Cougar Convention was Friday January 22, 2010 / 7:00pm (Doors Open).
Currently at Tropicana Resort & Casino:
The Laugh Factory -- All-Star Comedy at the Tropicana
- Full Price:
- $31.90 - $49.95
- Our Price:
- $21.95 - $30.72
The best comedians from the famed Hollywood Laugh Factory perform live on the Las Vegas Strip at the New Tropicana. Founded in 1979, the Sunset Boulevard club has been recognized as "the No. 1 comedy club in the country" by such high-profile media outlets as USA Today, and has launched the careers of some of stand-up's biggest names. The Las Vegas show features America's biggest headlining comics, up-and-coming stars and the best local talent. Among the stars who have been regulars at The Laugh Factory in L.A. are Tim Allen, Paul Rodriguez, Ray Romano, Richard Lewis and many more. Learn More
Venue Details
Walked. Tropicana is beautifulComedian Roseanne Barr info • Mar 07 2013 star this tip starred
Drinks expensiveComedian Roseanne Barr info • Mar 07 2013 star this tip starred
Quotes & Highlights
Read an article about the Las Vegas Cougar Convention, Miss Cougar USA and promoter Rich Gosse in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Meet new single friends at this fun event. Discover what Demi Moore, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Madonna, Jennifer Anniston, Ivana Trump, Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey, and Joan Collins have all discovered: The best romantic combination is younger men/older women! Adults of all ages welcome.
7pm – Doors Open
7:30pm – Entertaining Keynote Address with author Rich Gosse
9pm to 1am – Dance Party, featuring your favorite hits
At approximately 11pm, one cougar attending the convention will win the title of Miss Cougar Las Vegas and prizes, including a free berth on the International Cougar Cruise, December 2010, courtesy of SinglesTravelCompany.com. She will be elected by the cubs (younger men) in attendance. Eligible contestants must be legally single and at least 40 years old.
This event will take place in the beautiful ballroom at the newly renovated Tropicana Hotel Conference Center. Dressy attire recommended.
Co-sponsored by the Society of Single Professionals, the worlds largest nonprofit singles organization SinglesTravelCompany.com, and many other organizations.


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The $100,000 Jolly Jackpot Second-Chance Drawings returns! The Early Bird Drawing will offer 10 prizes of $10,000, and your entries will carry over to the Grand Prize Drawing. The Early Bird deadline is Monday, Nov. 26. Winners will be announced Saturday, Dec. 1. The Grand Prize Drawing will offer one prize of $100,000. The entry deadline is Monday, Dec. 31, with winners announced on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tannhauser said...
What?!! You expect me to heal your pet?!!
To be honest, I don't really expect pet heals....for the most part I can watch my own and throw out a Mend Pet if needed.
If, however, something critical happens and my pet's near death, I wouldn't mind a HoT thrown on him. A pet's a significant part of my DPS, so by losing him the group loses overall DPS.
Obviously a pet is lower priority than a group member, but if everything else is going fine, and you're still good on mana, some healing attention on a pet is wonderful. :)
ladygamertn said...
As a resto druid, I have pet bars up in addition to the players because as a former hunter, I do realize the value of the pets. Plus, it seems that the pet's owners don't have the time to heal their pets in battle so if everyone is ok, I shoot some HoTs on the pets. I hate seeing pet corpses... it's just too sad...
I never expect heals from the healer but I always am very happy with any healer who spends a little of his or her mana dropping the occasional heal on my wolfie. If you have the time and resources it won't hurt, y'know?
However I give all healers my full blessing to completely ignore any hunter who demands heals for his pet. Hunters have Mend Pet, which is more thanI can say for my poor mage and her water elemental. Use it. If I notice the healer doesn't have time to heal my pet when I'm running with my hunter, I drop mend pet. That's all.


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The Body Shop • Body Butter Shea • Lotions/ Creams
(214 reviews)
|Average Rating.
|Would buy this product again.
bkurant on 5/5/2014 8:38:00 PM more reviews by bkurant
Age: 36-43 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse Eyes: Hazel
This Shea butter is wonderful for my dry, sensitive skin. On my skin it smells divine.
It seems that people either love or hate the smell, possibly because their natural skin chemistry works with tbs fragrance or, unfortunately not. Btw, those who think that L'occitane Shea butter smell is a "natural shea smell" are mistaken. I always buy unprocessed shea butter imported from women's cooperatives and it has very thick texture, darker yellow color and very distinctive smell - nothing like either tbs, nor L'occitane. Also, the natural shea butter is much more difficult to spread.
In any case, tbs shea butter is soft, easily absorbed and leaves skin very well moisturized, yet without oily film. For my skin, it is for cold, windy days but also during warmer months.
The only negative is the container, though sealed, was barely 1/2 full. Not sure if that was just one-off, or tbs skimming the product in effort to save $$.
Outside of this issue, I would buy this shea butter again because of the way it feels and smells on my hands, and because it absorbs so quickly, there is no waiting required. Love.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* honestopinions on 4/11/2014 5:18:00 PM more reviews by honestopinions
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Brown
This is a rich body butter with no scent that I noticed. Good for dry skin but my skin isn't particularly dry. Good if you want to use another scent or perfume as it does not have a strong scent unlike most other body shop products. I prefer something with a scent though.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Sanne656 on 2/5/2014 10:00:00 AM more reviews by Sanne656
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Grey
I got a sample of this stuff when I bought a few other TBS products. I tried it on when I got home and I absolutely loved it!! The smell is amazing to me!
After I ran out of the sample I bought the full-sized one, and I think it's one of my all time favorites. I keeps your skin well moisturised during the day and I could just feel I put it on, my skin was super soft all day long.
I am absolutely in love with this product and I'd recommend this to anyone!
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*TOP REVIEWER* TeHNyboR on 2/1/2014 9:44:00 PM more reviews by TeHNyboR
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse Eyes: Green
Oh my god. You guys. This body butter. You guys. OH MY GOD. This stuff is WONDERFUL! I found a mini jar of this in a half off gift basket at Ulta, and quickly snatched it up. It smells so dang good...I literally slathered it on moments ago and as I'm typing I find my nose keeps wandering over to my shoulder for one big sniff. Like all Body Shop body butters, this is super moisturizing without being greasy, and I think is my favorite scent out of all the ones I've tried so far. Definitely repurchasing!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* mellymel11 on 1/24/2014 9:24:00 AM more reviews by mellymel11
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Brown
This was purchased at a great price as a result of a store closing down in my neighborhood. I got the large size of the body butter not really being concerned with the scent.
This is not normally a scent I would have picked...to me its almost manly...but the smell dissipates quickly. This butter is lovely and thick. It's not greasy and absorbs into the skin well. As I am getting to the end of my jar I am liking it more and more. I wont repurchase right away. I have other lotions to finish.
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auntita on 1/14/2014 12:53:00 AM more reviews by auntita
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Black, Wavy Eyes: Hazel
Thick and moisturizing, just like all of TBS body butters but not a fan of the smell. My brother in law loves the Shea scent though. It has a nutty unisex scent, I prefer more girlish scents.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
oxymora on 1/5/2014 10:45:00 AM more reviews by oxymora
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium Eyes: Blue
It always amuses me when people say that this doesn't smell like a shea butter product from another company. The thing is, pure unrefined 100% shea butter absolutely stinks like rancid old nuts. So if a company like the Body Shop is going to make a shea product, they're going to want to add some other fragrance - trust me, you don't want want it to smell of pure shea. They've done this well with this body butter.
The fragrance is hard to pinpoint - soft, sweet buttery floral. The texture is the thicker type, which is good for my dry elbows. Might be a bit too heavy for summer, but perfect for applying to dry spots in winter, or just before bed. I'd definitely buy again.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* lotusfairy on 12/28/2013 10:02:00 PM more reviews by lotusfairy
Age: 25-29 Skin: Oily, Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium Eyes: Brown
It has a nice creamy and thick consistency and does a great job of keeping my skin supple and soft. I like to use it after I get out the shower and my skin is still a bit damp so that I can seal in the moisture. I do like the scent a lot and can't wait to try the body mist soon. This and the Moringa and strawberry body butters are my favorite scents from TBS so far.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
xlipstickloverx on 12/28/2013 5:15:00 PM more reviews by xlipstickloverx
Age: 30-35 Skin: Other, Tan Hair: Black Eyes: Other
Im really liking this, with it being winter and frigid outside! My skin gets all dry and cracks if im not careful. I got a sample of this from Body shop last month when i brought a couple of other things from there and use it after i shower. It goes in well, smells ok and moisturises decently. I dont think id be able to use it in summer though, might be too heavy! But will def buy some once this sample runs out.
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adeballesteros on 12/27/2013 7:35:00 PM more reviews by adeballesteros
Age: 25-29 Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
I have very dry skin, and in this cold months nothing would keep my skin moisturized, until i saw on Youtube, someone talk about how amazing this Body Shop Butter is.
I picked the Shea Butter, I loved the smell, and it is the best product i have ever used that really has helped me for the dryness of my skin.
I apply it in the morning and, and at night my legs feel so soft!
I totally recommend this!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top Rated Lotions/ Creams
- 63 reviews
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm31 reviews
Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment1197 reviews
Flexitol Heel Balm81 reviews


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Get the latest 4-H news delivered to your inbox.
Read the blog now ›
Check out the deals and offers at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center Learn more. ›
Our Mission: To increase investment and participation in High Quality 4-H Positive Youth Development
National 4-H Council supports national and state 4-H programs with a focus on fundraising, brand management, communications, and legal and fiduciary services. Council also oversees National 4-H Youth Conference Center, and the National 4-H Supply Service, the authorized agent for items bearing the 4-H Name and Emblem.
As a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity and one of just 1,800 charities to be given 4-Stars by Charity Navigator, National 4-H Council is a strong leader in the non-profit community. Learn more about how you can support National 4-H Council in building a stronger world for our young people.
Jennifer Sirangelo is a believer in young people and their capacity to change the world. She leads Council in its mission to increase investment and participation in high-quality 4-H positive youth development programs around the world. Sirangelo, who joined Council in 2006 to grow support for the 4-H movement, is focused on supporting global education, growth and leadership development for 7 million young people worldwide through programs in science, agriculture, health and citizenship. In her previous roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, she led the development of Council's strategic plan and tripled annual fundraising. Learn More.


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Dark deeds by shady underworld villains; a criminal gluttony of beauty, desire and sex. Welcome to Sex City, a city of sin and temptations; a city that never sleeps powered by lust and protected by unlikely heroes!
Private line: Private Gold
Directed by: Pierre Woodman
Pornstars: Vera , Sonia Carter , Afrodite Night , Sue , Divinity Love , Xenia Lova


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A Community prayer vigil will be held at Community Clubhouse in Crisp County on Sunday, September 14,2014 at 7pm.
June 17, 2003 Albany-Breanna Bolton never expected to be the mom of a toddler at age 19.
"I had so many goals before. I either wanted to be a lawyer or a teacher," Bolton said.
After becoming pregnant at 16, her life changed forever.
"I never said I regret having her. But if I could, I would have waited."
Bolton is among a large group in Georgia. In 2000, one of every 28 Georgia girls ages 15 to 17 had a baby. But statistics show that the problem here is not getting worse.
"We are holding our own and I think that we are holding and maintaining where we are is highly commendable because it is such a fragile process," said Angie Barber, director of Phoebe Putney's Network of Trust that helps teenage mothers finish school and learn parenting skills.
Today, prevention programs are common in schools and churches, and they're helping.
"Because teenagers are going to be teenagers and they have questions and they need answers and we have to be brave enough to help them find those answers," Barber said.
Teaching abstinance, Bolton says, is important, but they need to know the realities of teenage motherhood.
"And how hard it is. Many kids think babies are cute, but they need to learn how hard it is."
Breanna has conquered some of the hardships of teenage parenting. Alexia will be two years old soon. Breanna graduated from Lee County High School last month, though a year late, and plans on starting Albany Technical College in the fall.
"I'm going to do it for both of us."
So that Alexia will know that she didn't hold her mother back from reaching her life goals.
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Albany, GA 31706
(229) 446-1010
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Posts Tagged 'electro stress'
Natural Remedies for Radiation Illness, Electro stress
Written by Frances on Tuesday, December 04, 2012 | No Comments
Categories: Electro stress Tags: cell phones, electro stress, electrohypersensitivity, hydration, radiation, radiation illness
Natural Remedies for Radiation Illness, Electro stress, Electrohypersensitivity Note from Frances: Someone sent me this in an email. I do not know where it is from which is why I have not included the link. it is great people are working on the remedies as so many people are sick and our traditional doctors are [...]
Live Blood Analysis and Electrosmog
Written by Frances on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 | No Comments
Categories: Electro stress Tags: cordless phones, electro hypersensitivity, electro stress, electrosmog, WiFi
"This is a clear demonstration by Dr Havas, an independent highly competent and qualified academic, scientist, researcher, of direct link and adverse effects wi-fi radiation has on our health. Australian government and Energy Safe Victoria, including power companies, claim they have reviewed smart meter safety and have evidence smart meters are safe, which they never [...]


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Berlitz/ Choices International, in cooperation with Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools, aim to provide a friendly, personal service throughout your soccer football camps holiday. An unforgettable soccer camp experience for boys 10 to 18 years old.
Residential Camp soccer sessions only.
Develop your soccer skills with the world-famous Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools coaching programme and gain an insight into the techniques and training methods of Champions.
Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools is unique in providing in-depth training covering technical skills, tactical appreciation, psychology and physical training techniques. The coaching programme is delivered by trained, FA qualified coaches using the Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools model. It takes place at Chelsea's Football Club world-class Cobham, Surrey training facility near London.
Also develop your goalkeeping skills with the world famous Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer School Goalkeeper coaching programme and gain an insight into the techniques and training methods of Champions. Goalkeeper training program is available during the first 2 regular summer soccer sessions.
The soccer programme is combined with an optional quality English language programme designed to provide student with, both, a fun and interactive Language-learning experience.
Chelsea Football Club is one of the most famous names in world football. Chelsea's FC Foundation Soccer Schools is a fantastic introduction to the game, the Chelsea club and Chelsea's unique coaching philosophies for boys of all abilities.
Chelsea Stamford Bridge Stadium Visit:
All participants will have a visit during the weekend to the Stamford Bridge Stadium, the home of Chelsea FC. (Note: in some exceptional circumstances, England soccer clubs close their stadia in the summer months with very little notice and therefore exact destinations and availability may need to change without prior warning).
English classes are taught by Berlitz a member of the world-famous group of Berlitz language schools and will take place at the University of Roehampton Campus
Language instruction uses a fun, participative approach to learning and emphasises spoken language skills.
The programme is specifically designed for children with an interest in soccer and includes a range of role-plays, pair-work and activities. Created exclusively by Berlitz the programme develops English skills within a soccer context.
Students receive 15 hours of English lessons per week, taught by qualified teachers in classes of a maximum size of 15 students. Students are tested on arrival, and placed in classes with other students of approximately the same level.
Berlitz/ Choices International, in cooperation with Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer Schools.


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Search pictures and profiles of Senior Singles near you right now. Discover how online dating sites make finding singles in the United States, Canada, and all over the world simple, safe and fun! Once you browse profiles and pictures start flirting, messaging and connecting with other members of the SeniorPeopleMeet.com community. Search today and find other sexy, intelligent singles for casual dating or a serious relationship in your area.Search Single Senior Men | Search Single Senior Women
A little about me...
I'm a fun person to be around. Honest to a fault. Great sense of humor. I talk to the Lord daily, so I take my relationship with the Lord seriously. I don't play head games. I grew up in N.O. but now live in the country. I would love to move to Dallas one day. You have the city life and country life at the same time. One of my plans for this coming year is to buy a Kayak and travel the bayou's of LA to see our great wild life.
About the one I'm looking for...
I would like to find a man who believes honesty and commitment is very important ingredient in a relationship. Looking for someone who enjoys the outdoors, comfortable in a suite or cameos. A man who enjoys the finer things in life. I am also looking for a man who feels comfortable being around the Autistic population. That is the world I live in.
I'd just like to add...
Enjoy being outside,camping,fishing you know the sorts.
Going out for dinner or just for a cup of coffee.
Meet Senior Singles
in your State


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A community for motorcycle enthusiasts to find motorcycle events within their area.
Coming 2014!
While we're building the site, if you'd like to send us information about your motorcycle event, please feel free to email us the info at firstname.lastname@example.com and it'll be among the first to be published on the site and possibly featured!


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Back to all partners
Newton is a London-based global asset management subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and part of BNY Mellon.
Newton is a global investment management company located in London, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The BNY Mellon Corporation. With assets under management of £50.9billion (as at 30 June 2014), Newton provides award-winning investment products and services to a wide range of clients, including pension funds, charities and corporations.
We have expertise in a range of disciplines, including:
- multi-asset strategies
- portfolios with absolute-return objectives, both multi-asset and fixed income
- regional and global equity mandates (both 'benchmark-aware' and unconstrained)
- global bonds
News and other information about Newton is available at www.newton.co.uk or on www.twitter.com/NewtonIM.


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Jul. 29, 2011
A fiery angel erupts from the Sun
For a moment there, just at its peak, it coincidentally looks like a classic angel with wings spread. Of course, once the angel dissolves it forms more of an arc… so I guess this makes it an archangel. I'm glad no one heard a trumpet playing when this happened. That could've been awkward.
Credit: NASA/SDO
(Source: blogs.discovermagazine.com)


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A team of leading telecommunications lawyers in Washington, DC, is working with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) to develop recommendations for changing the federal E-Rate program so that more libraries receive more discounts on telephone and internet costs. Reed Hundt, who developed E-Rate as chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, is now one of the attorneys advising ULC on how to adjust the program to fit a shifting digital landscape... Read more >>
ULC, ALA and Other Groups Sign Joint Letter to Chairman Wheeler
Read the joint letter here>>
July 16, 2014
ULC and several organizations joined together to help guide the FCC in its E-Rate moderization effort formula. Those joining ULC, were the American Library Associaton, The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and the Public Library Association.
ULC Urges FCC to Ensure Universal Broadband for Public Libraries
ULC e-Rate Letter to FCC >>
Document A: Library Systems Consist of Urban, Suburban and Rural Libraries >>
June 9, 2014
As the process to modernize the U.S. E-Rate program continues, ULC has submitted a letter to the FCC underscoring two critical points. The first, "Public Libraries = Education" affirms the essential role of the library as a 21st century educational institution and points out that libraries have been the fundamental "go-to" institution in recent years for job seekers of all ages and occupations. The second point, "Connectivity for All Public Libraries – No Matter the Location," emphasizes that all public libraries require immediate and comprehensive support in acquiring broadband connectivity.
ULC Members Urge E-Rate Fixes to Ensure Digital Access
Press Release >>
ULC Member Letter to FCC >>
May 21, 2014
Members of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) have called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to level the E-Rate playing field to enhance public libraries' access to funds that will help provide a digital future for all Americans.
FCC E-Rate Modernization Workshop
Podcast (04:34:10) >>
May 11, 2014
If you were unable to attend or live stream this event in DC, we encourage our public library colleagues to listen in and continue the E-Rate conversation.
ULC Recommendation/Filing
ULC Filing # 4 >>
April 21, 2014
ULC submitted its reply to the FCC on E-Rate. A two page summary at the beginning of this document provides a snapshot of ULC's comments.
IMLS Hearing on Modernizing E-Rate
FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler >>
Former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt >>
April 17, 2014
IMLS hosted a public hearing, "Libraries and Broadband: Urgency and Impact," to examine the need for high-speed broadband in America's libraries. Current Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler and Reed Hundt, former FCC Chairman, offered persuasive analyses of what needs to be done to modernize the nation's E-Rate program so that all citizens have equitable access to technology as a means of education and productive lives. The Benton Foundation distilled their presentations into these cogent summaries that can be used as talking points for local and national advocacy efforts.
ULC Recommendation/Filing
ULC Filing #3 >>
April 7, 2014
ULC submitted a filing to the Federal Communications Commission with refined recommendations for strengthening the U.S. E-Rate program so that public libraries remain "the primary free public Internet access point in civil society."
ULC E-Rate Fact Sheet
Modernizing the E-Rate Program >>
February 2014
ULC E-Rate White Paper
Modernizing the E-Rate Program to Support the Public Library Role in Lifelong Learning >>
February 2014
New America Foundation Forum Podcast
Co-sponsored by Urban Libraries Council
Connected Communities in the Age of Digital Learning:
A Vision for a 21st century E-Rate Program >>
Podcast published February 27, 2014 (run time 01:38:17)
Politico Pro, an online news magazine
Libraries Angle for Bigger Role in E-Rate >>
Article by Caitlin Emma


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MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The state DNR says there's not nearly enough snow to ride a snowmobile safely – and there's not enough ice cover to support humans or their vehicles.
People have been trying to test Mother Nature, despite temperatures above-freezing for much of the week.
A 26-year-old man drowned in a snowmobile mishap on Tuesday, when he tried skipping across open water on the Flambeau River near Ladysmith. And a few people had to be rescued after falling through whatever ice there's been.
DNR snowmobile administrator Gary Eddy says it's important to stay off the trails until local officials announce that they're open. Otherwise, riders run the risk of causing damage – and perhaps cause landowners to close their properties.
The National Weather Service said only about 5 inches of snow have fallen in La Crosse this season – well below the normal of 14 inches.
In Madison, a public ice skating party scheduled for Friday night at a city park has been postponed. And none of that city's 12 skating rinks are open yet.
But solid ice might not be too far away, especially in northern Wisconsin.
It's supposed to get much colder starting on New Year's Day – and by Tuesday morning, the mercury could get below zero in much of the north.


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Remember the BF-Performance GT 600 we talked about in March? Here it is again, but this time painted in a beautiful black and white combination.
As a reminder, the aerodynamic kit is made entirely of carbon fiber and includes air inlets, a new front spoiler, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a rear wing. Also, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, the total weight goes down by 43 kilos. And, as it's name suggests, the engine was tuned to deliver an impressive 600 HP.
Meanwhile, the interior gets sports bucket seats, steering wheel, door handles and ventilation grids made in carbon fiber.
This Lamborghini Gallardo GT600 Black and White Edition is ready for any black tie affair sporting the most elegant and formal color combination known to man. It also has a kick-ass performance portfolio.


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Alaska Glacier Kayaking Trip
You'll start your day with a leisurely walk from our base in McCarthy to the lake at the toe of the Kennicott Glacier. During the half mile hike to the lake, your guide will share interesting local natural and human history, with a focus on the geology and glaciology you are about to experience up close.
When you reach the lake, after a brief safety talk, you'll launch your kayaks and head off. The route changes daily, depending on the location of the best scenery, icebergs and cliffs. As you go, your guide will explain aspects of the glacial features you are seeing, and how this surreal landscape was formed. There are spectacular views up the valley towards Mt. Blackburn, the Stairway Icefall and the town of Kennecott. Part way through the paddle we'll stop for some hot drinks.
These trips launch every day and reservations are highly recommended as we have limited capacity. Individuals, couples, friends, and families are all welcome!
Highlights Include:
- Paddling past icebergs
- Fascinating stark landscape of rock and ice
- Views of the 7,000ft high Stairway Icefall and 16,394ft Mt. Blackburn
- Knowledgable guides with lots of information to share!


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With the launch of its Green Science skin care line, Aveda shows that a combination of nature and nurture can work to help lift and firm the skin, minimizing lines and wrinkles.
The products are a favorite among estheticians and clients at Avalon Salon and Day Spa in Deer Park, Illinois.
"Clients notice immediate results after receiving a Green Science facial," says Karina Hupf, an esthetician at Avalon. "Their skin feels hydrated—not tight. And fine lines have visibly diminished."
The Green Science line includes a lifting serum, to boost skin's natural cellular renewal; firming face crème, which gently moisturizes and smoothes fine lines; firming eye crème, which reduces the appearance of puffiness and under-eye circles (a client favorite at Avalon); line minimizer, to boost collagen production; and a professional-only skin-renewing treatment featuring the Masque-age massage-in masque, a series of four treatments customized to each client.
For more information on Green Science, visit www.aveda.com.


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Severe sepsis and septic shock are major causes of mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It is unknown whether progress has been made in decreasing their mortality rate.
To describe changes in mortality for severe sepsis with and without shock in ICU patients.
Design, Setting, and Participants
Retrospective, observational study from 2000 to 2012 including 101 064 patients with severe sepsis from 171 ICUs with various patient case mix in Australia and New Zealand.
Main Outcomes and Measures
Hospital outcome (mortality and discharge to home, to other hospital, or to rehabilitation).
Absolute mortality in severe sepsis decreased from 35.0% (95% CI, 33.2%-36.8%; 949/2708) to 18.4% (95% CI, 17.8%-19.0%; 2300/12 512; P < .001), representing an overall decrease of 16.7% (95% CI, 14.8%-18.6%), an annual rate of absolute decrease of 1.3%, and a relative risk reduction of 47.5% (95% CI, 44.1%-50.8%). After adjusted analysis, mortality decreased throughout the study period with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.46-0.52) in 2012, using the year 2000 as the reference (P < .001). The annual decline in mortality did not differ significantly between patients with severe sepsis and those with all other diagnoses (OR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.94-0.95] vs 0.94 [95% CI, 0.94-0.94]; P = .37). The annual increase in rates of discharge to home was significantly greater in patients with severe sepsis compared with all other diagnoses (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.03] vs 1.01 [95% CI, 1.01-1.01]; P < .001). Conversely, the annual increase in the rate of patients discharged to rehabilitation facilities was significantly less in severe sepsis compared with all other diagnoses (OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.07-1.09] vs 1.09 [95% CI, 1.09-1.10]; P < .001). In the absence of comorbidities and older age, mortality was less than 5%.
Conclusions and Relevance
In critically ill patients in Australia and New Zealand with severe sepsis with and without shock, there was a decrease in mortality from 2000 to 2012. These findings were accompanied by changes in the patterns of discharge to home, rehabilitation, and other hospitals.
Error bars indicate 95% CI.
When considered as a continuous variable, there was no difference between patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and other patients in the database for the decline in mortality over time (odds ratio [OR], 0.94 [95% CI, 0.94-0.95] vs 0.94 [95% CI, 0.94-0.94]; P = .37), whereas significant differences were observed in the change over time for discharge to home (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.03] vs 1.01 [95% CI, 1.01-1.01]; P < .001) and discharge to rehabilitation facilities (OR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.07-1.09] vs 1.09 [95% CI, 1.09-1.10]; P < .001). Discharge to rehabilitation included discharge to rehabilitation facilities and chronic care facilities such as nursing homes. ICU indicates intensive care unit.
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Greenwood Villa Apartment1500 Bryant Way, Bowling Green, KY 42103 View On Map
For rates, availability, and other information fill out the availability request form and a representative from Greenwood Villa Apartment will contact you shortly
Greenwood Villa Apartment is located in the Bowling Green Area in the 42103 zip code. View this apartment on a map.
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SHOSHONE COUNTY--The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that an 18-year-old Kellogg man is missing.
Deputies said they received information on Sunday that Dylan Michael John Parker was missing.
Parker called his mom around midnight to ask her to pick him up near the Osburn Shell station. He was not there when his mother arrived shortly after.
An employee at the Shell station said they had witnessed a male matching Parker's description get into a white car with Kootenai County license plates. The employee said Parker got into the car with an adult male and female.
Parker was last seen by his friends leaving a residence near the 400 block of Two Mile Road near Osburn, Idaho.
Parker's cell phone has been going straight to voicemail since Saturday.
He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt hoodie, blue Jeans and black work boots.
If you have any information leading to Parker's whereabouts, contact the Shoshone County Sheriff's Office at (208) 556-1114.


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South Africa's weak rand draws few tourist complaints
People walk on the beach in the upmarket suburb of Camps Bay, one of the most popular touristit venues in Cape Town, on January 11, 2014 in Cape Town - by Rodger Bosch
The teetering rand, a victim of ongoing emerging market volatility, is tipped to remain on the back foot after hitting a fresh five-year low of around 10.87 against the US dollar.
The plunge comes as tourists flock to Cape Town -- named as the world's top place to visit in 2014 by The New York Times -- for the peak southern hemisphere summer season armed with hard currency.
"From a visitor perspective, it all bodes well for international visitors coming to Cape Town," said Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy.
Foreigners spent an estimated $1.2 billion (12.7 billion rand) last year in the city and the industry is already pointing to a rosier season.
Official figures for December are still being tallied but feedback from hotels, tour operators and restaurants is that things look "a lot better" than the previous summer.
"If you look at our key source markets -- UK, US, Germany, Netherlands -- the exchange rate is in the favour of those travellers," said Duminy.
"Which is great news for us which means that we become a lot more affordable for a lot more people wanting to leave Europe or the US."
While recent market darlings, emerging economy currencies like South Africa have been hammered by moves in the US Federal Reserve to ease its stimulus package.
Added to this are domestic challenges such as sizeable twin deficits and spending needs, after a run of turbulent strikes.
"It's largely a global story of which South African characteristics play a part and certainly the depreciating trend is strong," said Peter Kent, portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management.
"We wouldn't be surprised to see it depreciate some more but on a sort of medium term horizon I would expect some stability, possibly a small rally."
'Wow, it's so cheap here'
In the meantime tourists like Norwegian Vidar Woldengen, 47, are getting a welcome surprise.
"When people in Europe find out, I'm sure they will bring their money here as soon as they find out because I was really surprised," he said while browsing a popular African craft market.
"Now they can afford it."
Foreign arrivals were up by 14.5 percent year on year in November and hotels are reporting strong occupancy rates.
For the area's famed wine farms, the exchange rate is a boost but long-term impacts are also being eyed.
The rand helped winemakers smash exports records in 2013, with volumes leaving the country up 26 percent.
The country's oldest surviving estate Groot Constantia, hugely popular with tourists, exports 60 percent of its wine and sells a further 20 percent through its tasting room and restaurants.
"The effect of the weak rand now benefits us in the short term in terms of income but in the long term, it's going nail us in terms of input costs," said Jean Naude, general manager.
Others agree the long term impact of the weak rand is still to be seen.
"It does help with bang for buck but it's a small component of the decision making," said Rey Franco, manager of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the popular Waterfront shopping and restaurant hub.
"The feedback I've heard mostly from guests is 'wow, it's so cheap here', and that goes back to the fact that currency plays a factor in variable spending but it's not the decision maker when it comes to travel."
But for now tourists like German Daniel Fleig, 31, who in 2011 paid 6.55 rand to the dollar, the situation is "perfect".
"Now we can spend much more money on our holidays here," he said.
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