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Cultural Experience | Packing Lists
10 Tips for Budget Travel: Planning and Packing
By Johanna Gruber of Boston University 07/29/14
How to prepare for your next adventure–without breaking the bank!
Planning—and then packing—for any trip can be exceptionally stressful and challenging, especially if it involves flying.
I was inspired recently to compile some of my most handy tips for efficient pre-travel planning after doing some planning of my own: the last few weeks of my life have been largely dedicated to planning a week-long trip to Los Angeles, and just a few days ago, I pulled the trigger and bought my tickets!
Being a savvy flight-finder and suitcase-packer can be hard at first, but all it takes to become an expert are some good practice and some useful tips!
1. Plan far in advance:
Unless you want to really cut it close and opt for a cheap last-minute flight (exciting but risky!), try to plan your trip as early as possible. The earlier you work out the details and decide when you want to travel, the cheaper your flight will be. As the departure date gets closer and closer, the price of the flight will increase until the very last minute when airlines are desperate to sell those last few seats. But to ensure that you get to travel when you want, and to save yourself some stress and anxiety: plan ahead!
2. Be flexible with dates:
It's a good idea to have an idea of when you want to leave and return, but it's actually beneficial if you don't plan exact dates. Perhaps you want to leave mid-August and return at the very end of August—this is a wise travel plan! If your travel dates are too structured, you may miss out on really good deals and cheaper flights. Flight prices actually fluctuate a lot, practicallyup until the minute the plane takes off, so try not to be tied down to specific days.
Of course, sometimes you have to be a little strict with which day or week you travel. In my case, while planning my trip to LA, I knew I should leave sometime during the week of August 10th, and come back sometime during the week of August 17th, so that I would have enough time to pack up and return to school at the end of the month! This wasn't such a bad setback, because I was still flexible with exactly which day I flew out and returned home.
3. Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday:
Research (both outside research and my own personal experience!) has shown that Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly, followed closely by Tuesday, and then Saturday. It sounds random, but it actually kind of makes sense:
A lot of people fly out for a single weekend. These people are probably going to want to fly on Thursday or Friday, and then Sunday or Monday. And for people who are traveling for business, it is most common to leave at the beginning of the week—Monday. That leaves Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday as the least desirable days to travel—which means the most desirable price!
4. Don't shoot for direct flights:
This goes along with being flexible with your traveling—direct flights are easier, shorter, and less stressful, but they are also usually far more expensive. Don't hesitate to book flights with one or more stops. It may be a bit more of a hassle, but it can save you a lot of money!
5. Check every airline/flight finding service:
I can't stress enough how important it is to be super diligent about doing your research and using every single resource available to you. If I had gone with one of the first few round-trip flights between Philly and LA that I had found, I would have probably paid double what I am paying now!
I started out by doing a simple Google search for "cheap flights." I opened up a bunch of websites, plugged in my departure city and destination, and looked for which websites offered the most extensive results. I found that Airfare Watchdog was the best—it allowed you to open up several different tabs of different travel sites so that you could compare prices. You could edit the dates, specify what time you wanted to leave if you had a preference, and more. I ended up buying my tickets through LatinoFares, which offered the best individual prices—even with the $10 service fee, it was the cheapest option I found after several days of searching!
6. Check every nearby airport:
If there is more than one airport nearby your departure/arrival city, make sure you check out flights to those other airports—they might be cheaper! For example, I usually fly from Philadelphia International, since it is the closest. But I always check flights to and from Newark International, and sometimes even New York airports, just in case the price is a lot better. Don't assume every airport and every airline will be the same.
7. Sign up for cheap flight alerts with Airfare Watchdog:
Airfare Watchdog is especially useful when you are flexible with your travel dates. It is best used a few months in advance to see what time frames are the cheapest to travel in. And the best feature is that you can sign up for alerts that will let you know when there are new deals and discounts on trips from your hometown to any specific destination.
8. Buy tickets on Tuesday afternoons:
Here's an important tip to remember if you're ready to pay up for your tickets: buy your tickets on Tuesday! Most airlines will post discounted prices very late Monday/very early Tuesday (as in 3 AM on Tuesday), and these prices generally last about 3 days. However, if you don't snag them early enough, the cheap tickets may be gone by day 3 of the sale.
9. Don't check a bag—unless it's free:
The first time I flew, I assumed you had to check a suitcase since they are so much bigger than a backpack or purse. But you can use a standard small-medium sized suitcase as a carry-on to stow in the overhead compartments, which is awesome if you are able to fit all your belongings in that size luggage. A lot of airlines (though not all, so be sure to check with your airline) charge for even just one checked bag, so to be super cost-efficient, just pack light! Check out our packing guides here.
10. Pull out all the clothes you want to pack. Then put back half of that pile. And then maybe break it in half again:
Seriously, you never need as much as you think you need. Think essentials. What will you really need?
Consider when and where you are travelling—what is the weather generally like at that destination at that time of the year? If it going to be hot the entire time, don't bother packing more than one light jacket for cool nights, and opt for more shorts over jeans. I am the queen of over-packing, so learn from my mistakes: don't bring more than you need. That way, all of your clothing will fit in one small suitcase, and you won't have to pay extra to check a bag! (See #9)


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Catching a glimpse into someone else's story, no matter their season or walk of life, can encourage us to keep going within our own. The heart behind Portraits of Hope is to spur us each on, to put a spotlight on God's work in other people's lives, and to inspire us to keep hunting hope!
Encouragement and Inspiration comes when you click on these portraits:

subset: commoncrawl


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Nonito Donaire to face Carl Frampton, adds another chapter to storied career
As indicated by facing Carl Frampton on Saturday, Nonito Donaire insists he wants only the biggest fights from this point on. Steve Kim reports.
Tags: Abner Mares, Belfast, Bones Adams, boxing, Carl Frampton, Clarence Adams, Donaire-Frampton, Editorial, Frampton-Donaire, Ireland, Leo Santa Cruz, Nonito Donaire, op-ed, opinion, preview, Richard Schaefer, Ringstar Sports, Santa Cruz-Mares II, SSE Arena, steve kim, Top Rank, vacant WBO interim featherweight title, WBA featherweight title


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National Chocolate Week
7th October 2017
9th to 15th October 2017 is National Chocolate Week
Every year the UK comes together to celebrate all things chocolate, culminating at The Chocolate Show, held at the Olympia, London on the final weekend. Events are taking place all around the country in celebration of the nation's favourite sweet treat. Happily, you don't have to bother going all the way to London to enjoy quality cocoa, brilliant blends of beans and more delicious treats than you can shake a stick at! We've got more than enough on offer at St Martin's Square to satisfy even the sweetest tooth.
Quality chocolate in the hands of everyone
Of course, leading the way is our very own Cocoa Amore - who have been bringing wonderful chocolate experiences to the people of Leicester since 2013. Their store is full of the familiar and the exotic. Chocolate you know and cocoa brought from far flung places that brings new, exciting aromas and tastes. If you are curious, ask questions! The knowledgeable team is always happy to give information about the origins of their chocolate and the practice of making artisan chocolate.
St Martin's Square is a haven for chocoholics
The highlight of Cocoa Amore's Chocolate Week activities will be a 6 course tasting menu at The Spotted Duck in Mountsorrel where each course is carefully paired with chocolate. Or you can pop in store and pick up a selection of their handcrafted chocolates, which are all made with Casa Luker chocolate from Columbia. Gelato Village is another place to head if you love the finer things in life - they use a range of high quality chocolates in their gelato and sorbetto. Look out for the dark chocolate sorbetto - made with Sur del Lago from Venezuela. You will be so distracted by the notes of coffee and almond coming from this excellent quality cocoa that you won't believe this is a dairy free and vegan friendly dessert! Just Fairtrade also stock an excellent range of chocolatey treats and you can rest assured that everything they sell is ethically sourced. If white chocolate is more your thing, then check out the innovative White Chocolate & Mojito Cheesecake at Bodega Cantina. Wash it all down with the spectacular Earl Grey of De Montfort cocktail at 33cankstreet, which contains gin, lavender, white chocolate and biscuit with an Earl Grey foam and special chocolate clock hands made by Cocoa Amore!


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It's a problem that medical experts say has grown to epidemic proportions across the country...opioid addiction.
On this edition of Northwest Now, we take a closer look at this epidemic and see what's being done to keep people from the pitfalls of drug addiction, especially those who became addicted through taking medically prescribed painkillers.
April 19, 2017


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Enjoy the beautiful mountains and spa resorts all year round
- Voucher validity in ground package
4 days / 3 nights
- number of adult guests
2 guests
- reduction for children
available for 1 child(ren): from 0 till 3 years free of charge
- catering in grundpackage
self catering
- Package includes services as follows
internet access, parking lot, swimming-pool (Free use of the heated swimming pool during the summer season in the garden.)
- Other services incl. in the package
* + 1 night prolongation (4 days/ 3 nights)
* Use of our new sauna once for two guests: Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, bio sauna and relaxation room.
- Apartement: livingroom, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, balcony, fridge and dishwasher
- 25 EUR for the end cleaning and tourist tax (2,25 EUR/guest/night) have to be paid at the reception.
- Validity / expiry of voucher
for 1 year after purchase
- Exception times in the "Buy it now" package
between Christmas and New Year.
- Discounted prolongation
50.00 euro / package / night
Additional EXTRA pay-services to the
"Buy it now" package
Kur-Camping & Appartementhaus Erlengrund
Bad Gastein, Austria
Enjoy the beautiful mountains and the spa resorts of Bad Gastein! In spring, summer, autumn or winter, you can enjoy your holiday the whole year around!
Allow yourself a short holiday. Here you can relax and get new energie.
In case of "Buy it now" price you can stay 4 days/ 3 nights in the beautiful Gasteiner valley.
The apartments are spacy and comfortable.
Winter in Bad Gastein
In the winter you are guest in one of the most beautiful and greatest ski areas from Austria.
Gastein is an unique area.There is something to do for all ages. This is why you meet many families in Gastein. While parents go skiing, grandparents take their grandchildren for a walk or go sledging with them. In the afternoon they meet on one of the sunny terraces. After skiing or walking one can visit the beautiful Alpen thermae to bathe in lovely warm water.
For young active skiers and snowboarders there are beautiful skipistes and a wide variety of apres ski possibilities.
Also in winter you can make lovely walks. For the crosscounty skiers there are 90 km of beautiful tracks in the valley and in the Angertal higher up. There are more than 60 skilifts and 200 km prepared pistes. (altitude 2686 m) For skiers and snowboarders there are many alternatives both for beginners as well as more advanced skiers.
Summer in Bad Gastein
In the summer there are many walking-hiking paths.
Our camping is situated in the middle of the Gasteiner valley. Right from the camping you can go for wonderful walks along the 'Aache' or around the golf course. There are also some easier walks a bit higher up. For example the 'Gasteiner Höhenweg'a very romantic path in the Angervalley. Even on the 1600m high situated Sportgastein you can go for a flat walk
One can use these walking ways in winter and the paths are also very suitable for 'Nordic Walking' which is very popular here. For those who prefer mountaneering there are many possibilities from easy to very difficult. All walks are signposted.
Both spas are open the whole year.
Ask your questions
If you have questions, our colleague helps.
Kur-Camping & Appartementhaus Erlengrund , Bad Gastein
Enjoy the beautiful mountains and spa resorts all year round
Buy It Now
Are you sure you wish to "Buy It Now" ?
|discount price:
|/ guest


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Lake Country Amateur Radio Service offers free training for individuals interested in obtaining their Technician Class (the entry level license) or upgrading to the General Class license. Classes are normally taught over two weekends, and culminate with an FCC examination testing session conducted by W5YI Volunteer Examiners (also LCARS members.) Classes are coordinated by our training committee Alan Champagne (NL7LR), and are taught by club members.
Training materials for the Technician Class license are provided to students free of charge, which may also be downloaded from this site. Students who are upgrading to the General Class license are encouraged to purchase the ARRL General Class License Manual, and supplement it with other training materials also available for downloading.
The only cost to a student is the FCC Examination Fee due at testing, and a small amount of time devoted to studying the materials and attending class. LCARS instructors enjoy a high student success rate for both classes. The training lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, and practical examples. No student questions are left unanswered and the material is understood. While they cannot guarantee a student will pass the examination, they will make every effort to ensure the student is prepared prior to the exam. There is no substitution for studying the materials and taking a few online practice examinations.
If you, or a group you are affiliated with, are interested in obtaining a ham radio license and entering the exciting hobby of Amateur Radio, please contact a club officer for more information.


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From the early 1960s until 1977,
Sandusky area residents enjoyed hamburgers,
French fries, and milkshakes at Burger Chef. The first Burger Chef was at 302 West Perkins Avenue.
Manager Joe Brennan once presented Jacquelyn Mayer, Miss America of
1963, with a gold plated lifetime pass to Burger Chef.
The Burger Chef restaurant was air conditioned, but customers often ate in their automobiles. In 1966 hamburgers at Burger Chef cost fifteen cents. In 1974, Burger Chef offered larger sandwiches, like the "Big Chef" and the "Super Chef." By 1974 there were two Burger Chef restaurants in the
, the original on Sandusky area Perkins Avenue and the other at 3002 Milan Road. By
1975, the first Burger Chef had closed, and the Brew and Watcha took over the property on West Perkins Avenue. According to the July 3, 1976 issue of the
Sandusky Register, "Burger Chef and Jeff" were to appear on the Burger Chef
float in the Bicentennial parade. In an article which appeared in the December
17, 1977 issue of the Sandusky Register, the last Sandusky Burger Chef was
scheduled to close on the following day. Burger Chef expressed its appreciation
for customers having patronized the restaurant for the past seventeen years.


text: http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=4838 Summary: XWing Alliance fails to start networking Product: Wine Version: unspecified Platform: PC URL: http://appdb.winehq.org/appview.php?appId=2110 OS/Version: Linux Status: UNCONFIRMED Severity: normal Priority: P2 Component: wine-directx-dplay AssignedTo: wine-bugs at winehq.org ReportedBy: djd20 at kent.ac.uk XWing alliance - http://appdb.winehq.org/appview.php?appId=2110 - fails to start up the networking component (complains that your windows 95/98 networking is not set up). The following messages show in the log: err:dplay:DP_IF_InitializeConnection Unable to load service provider err:dplay:DirectPlayCreate Failed to Initialize SP: DPERR_UNAVAILABLE This means that playing network games of XWing Alliance are not possible. -- Configure bugmail: http://bugs.winehq.org/userprefs.cgi?tab=email ------- You are receiving this mail because: ------- You are the assignee for the bug, or are watching the assignee.


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Welcome to the web site of The Flukes. We are a ukulele-based group from the Southampton and Winchester area who perform a wide selection of popular covers, taking in rock, pop, jazz, country, blues and folk. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the band formed out of a shared love of the ukulele. But we don't constrain ourselves to the humble four-string, and having been known to extend the acoustic sound with the inclusion of guitar, bass, and even washboard and stylophone!
"…spot on perfect music for a Saturday night… …Sarah has the most gorgeous of voices like a late night cocktail in Harlem, sure sweet and full of soul. And the band played in the groove, nothing too flashy just in the groove which was perfect on a night which topped off our busy day with the cherry on the cake . . ."
The Flukes are all about good songs and having fun.


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Citi has raised some credit-card rates - MarketWatchJul 1, 2009 . NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Citigroup Inc. said it has raised its rates on some credit cards this year as it reviewed its risk exposure and its .http://articles.marketwatch.com/2009-07-01/industries/30779730_1_card-issuers-credit-card-rates-credit-limits
Citi raises card rates on millions - FT.comJun 30, 2009 . Citigroup has sharply increased interest rates on up to 15m US credit card accounts just months before curbs on such rises come into effect, .http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e1d0c610-65c7-11de-8e34-00144feabdc0.html
Citi to Raise Credit Card Interest RatesNov 15, 2008 . In an article titled "Despite Pledge, Citigroup to Raise Credit Card Rates, Blaming 'Difficult' Environment", Eric Dash writes for the New York .http://www.paymentsnews.com/2008/11/citi-to-raise-c.html
Despite Pledge, Citigroup to Raise Credit Card Rates, Blaming ...Nov 14, 2008 . After pledging that it would no longer reserve the right to raise interest rates at any time for any reason, Citigroup now plans to start raising rates .http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/business/15citi.html
Citi Jacks Credit Card Rates To 29.99% On Unsuspecting ...Oct 21, 2009 . Citi Jacks Credit Card Rates To 29.99% On Unsuspecting Customers . The next letter I opened stated that Citibank was raising my interest rate .http://articles.businessinsider.com/2009-10-21/wall_street/30011759_1_citibank-credit-scores-rate-hike
Citibank Rate Increases: Be Sure to Opt Out @ Credit Card AddictNov 18, 2008 . Here's something to look forward to
In an attempt to offset losses in their global credit card division, Citi is raising interest rates for millions of .http://www.creditaddict.com/archives/citibank-rate-increases-be-sure-to-opt-out/
Citi raises credit card rates what about yours? - The Advocate ...Jul 2, 2009 . The Financial Times (via Reuters) is reporting that Citigroup, one of those banks we bailed out, has raised rates on up to 15 million cards in .http://blog.timesunion.com/advocate/citi-raises-credit-card-rates-what-about-yours/1614/
Old debt gets new rates: Citigroup raises credit card ratesAn article by Tim Westrich of the Center for American Progress discusses Citigroup's announcement that it would raise its credit card interest rates on 20 percent .http://www.consumer-action.org/radar/articles/old_debt_gets_new_rates_citigroup_to_raise_rates_on_credit_cardholders/
Citibank Credit Card Interest Skyrockets In Anticipation of Federal ...Oct 27, 2009 . Last nigh, I received a letter stating, that my interest will be raised from 8.24% . Citibank credit card users across the country rec'd RATE HIKE .http://www.mybanktracker.com/bank-news/2009/10/27/citibank-credit-card-interest-skyrockets-in-anticipation-of-federal-regulation/
Citi raises rates on millions of credit cards: report | ReutersJul 1, 2009 . (Reuters) - Citigroup Inc has increased interest rates on up to 15 million U.S. credit card accounts just months before curbs on such rises come .http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/01/us-citigroup-idUSTRE5600ZI20090701
Why Did Citi Raise My Credit Card's Interest Rate?Jul 8, 2009 . Many are asking why Citi raised their APR often for no reason to a higher interest rate. Well, you are not alone. They have raised rates on .http://creditcardforum.com/blog/why-did-citi-raise-my-credit-cards-interest-rate/
Citi Sharply Raises Interest Rates On Credit Cards Months Before ...Jul 1, 2009 . Citigroup has sharply increased interest rates on up to 15m US credit card accounts just months before curbs on such rises come into effect, .http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/01/citi-sharply-raises-inter_n_223646.html
Citibank Raises Interest Rates to 29.9%; Laughs All the Way to the ...Nov 8, 2009. are wondering after finding their credit card interest rates hiked to . Citibank Raises Interest Rates to 29.9%; Laughs All the Way to the Bank .http://voices.yahoo.com/citibank-raises-interest-rates-299-4842160.html
20% Of Citigroup Cardholders Can Expect Rate Increases For 2009 ...Nov 17, 2008 . If you have a Citigroup-issued credit card and you haven't had a rate . "Despite Pledge, Citigroup to Raise Credit Card Rates, Blaming .http://consumerist.com/2008/11/20-of-citigroup-cardholders-can-expect-rate-increases-for-2009.html
Why banks are boosting credit card interest rates and fees ...Nov 9, 2008. have sharply raised interest rates and penalty fees on credit cards. . Among large card issuers, Bank of America, Citigroup, Discover and .http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2008-11-09-bank-credit-card-interest-rates_N.htm
Citibank Raises Checking Account Fees. Time to Fight Back.Oct 5, 2011 . Citi joined the long list of banks raising the fees and requirements . NerdWallet named Money Magazine's Best Credit Card Website of 2010 .http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2011/citibank-raises-checking-account-fees-time-to-fight-back/
My Credit Card Raised My Interest Rate! Here's What to DoNov 10, 2009 . Stories of credit card companies raising interest rates on just about . My wife just received a notification from Citi that her interest rate will jump .http://www.moneyunder30.com/credit-card-raised-interest-rate-what-to-do
Credit Card Issuers Raising Rates, Fees Ahead of New LawJul 2, 2009 . Credit card companies are raising interest rates and fees seven months . Card issuers including Bank of America and Citi also continue to cut .http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/01/AR2009070103868.html
US credit card companies jack up ratesJul 2, 2009 . US credit card companies are raising rates for borrowers behind on their . that Citi raised interest rates on 15 million cards co-branded with .http://wsws.org/articles/2009/jul2009/citi-j02.shtml
Citibank Credit Cards Will Get Higher Interest RatesNov 15, 2008 . If you have a Citibank credit card watch out for an interest rate . Interest rate increases and credit limit decreases are commonplace in the .http://credit.about.com/b/2008/11/15/citibank-credit-cards-will-get-higher-interest-rates-2.htm
Citibank Raises Checking Account FeesOct 5, 2011. for debit card users. Citibank will also have some unhappy customers as the. . Tags : bank of america, checking account fees, Citibank, debit card fees . So, now banks are promoting credit cards with points. Guess who .http://www.inquisitr.com/148238/citibank-raises-checking-account-fees/
Citigroup Credit Cardholders Will See Rates Jump -- Unless They ...Nov 20, 2009 . While Citi is raising interest rates across much of its credit card portfolio, select customers will be offered lower rates. To qualify, however, they .http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/20/citigroup-credit-cardhold_n_364999.html
US Politics | AMERICAblog News: Citi raises credit card rates ahead ...Jul 1, 2009 . Citi raises credit card rates ahead of new law. It's really time to punish this idiotic company. Whether it's raising salaries to get around having to .http://www.americablog.com/2009/07/citi-raises-credit-card-rates-ahead-of.html
CreditMattersBlog.com: Citibank To Raise Interest Rates On Its PlasticNov 14, 2008 . You can read the rest of the Times story here. Despite Pledge, Citigroup to Raise Credit Card Rates, Blaming 'Difficult' Environment (link here).http://www.creditmattersblog.com/2008/11/citibank-to-raise-interest-rates-on-its.html
Citibank is raising credit card rates | Interest.comCitibank is raising credit card rates. by Interest.com. November 25, 2008. No Comments. <p>When trying to ward off increased regulation in 2007, Citibank .http://www.interest.com/credit-cards/news/citibank-is-raising-credit-card-rates/
Citi raises credit-card rates: report - MarketWatchJul 1, 2009 . BOSTON (MarketWatch) -- Citigroup Inc. (US:c) has sharply raised interest rates on up to 15 million U.S. credit-card accounts as the industry .http://articles.marketwatch.com/2009-07-01/news/30842985_1_credit-card-rates-interest-rates-industry-braces
Malaysia Banks to Raise Credit Card Balance Rates | LoanSafeFeb 15, 2012 . Malaysia Banks to Raise Credit Card Balance Rates . Hong Leong Bank, Citibank and AmBank have also put up announcements on the new .http://www.loansafe.org/malaysia-banks-to-raise-credit-card-balance-rates
Wells Fargo raises credit card rates - Democratic UndergroundWells Fargo & Co. plans to raise interest rates on a majority of credit card customers . Citi raised my rate already to 18.99% on what had been a zero interest .http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4094749
Citibank Raises Interest Rates A LotJul 21, 2009 . A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about Citibank raising credit card interest rateson a small number of store issued credit cards. At the time .http://www.smartbalancetransfers.com/blog/2009/07/citibank-raises-interest-rates/
Citigroup failure in Fed test raises questions - Yahoo! NewsMar 14, 2012 . Citigroup said late on Tuesday the Federal Reserve turned down its plan . wall street finance bill, they raised my credit card rate from 11% to 30%. . Now, I have a credit card owned by Citi with a balance of about $9K and I .http://news.yahoo.com/citigroup-failure-fed-test-raises-questions-224311758.html
Citi Credit Card Customers May Benefit from Class Action Lawsuit ...Sep 15, 2010 . If you had a credit card account with Citibank between May 5, 2002 and May 24, . Citibank involving increases to the interest rate on Citibank credit cards due to . All Citibank credit card customers who had their interest rate .http://ctwatchdog.com/finance/citi-credit-card-customers-may-benefit-from-class-action-lawsuit
Citicards.com - New Laws Bring Change - Citi CardsHere's what you can expect to see with your credit cards issued by Citi, including retailer . In general, increases to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) must be .https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/copy.do?screenID=1906
Citi chides BofA fees, and raises some of its own - Business - US ...Oct 3, 2011 . Citibank made sure to draw attention last week to its lack of fees for using . certificates of deposit and IRAs, but also credit cards and loans .http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44762382/ns/business-us_business/t/citi-chides-bofa-fees-raises-some-its-own/
Interest rates surge higher as credit card reform arrivesFeb 24, 2010 . Citi, one of the many issuers that recently hiked APRs, said that its latest . Banks have gone beyond just raising rates to restore their profits.http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/interest-rate-report-aprs-card-reform-1276.php
Consumer complaints about CitiCardThe amount that I applied to borrow on the Citibank credit card was $20000. . for them to follow suit by raising rates and more decreases in other credit lines.http://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/citicard.html
Banks Race to Raise Fees Ahead of New Credit Card Rules - ABC ...Jan 4, 2010 . Banks Race to Raise Rates on Credit Cards . don't like price increases, especially in difficult economic times," a spokesperson for Citi wrote.http://abcnews.go.com/WN/banks-race-raise-fees-ahead-credit-card-rules/story?id=9477096
Ed Myska | Citibank shows why credit card holders need protection ...Oct 25, 2009 . Citibank shows why credit card holders need protection . on abuses by credit card issuers, the bank increases interest rates to almost 30% on .http://articles.latimes.com/2009/oct/25/business/fi-lazarus25
Citibank Increases Checking Account Fees « LowCards.com ...Oct 3, 2011 . Citibank Increases Checking Account Fees . accounts, which includes investment accounts, mortgage, credit cards or retirement accounts.http://www.lowcards.com/blog/citibank-increases-checking-account-fees-2751/
Citi Hikes Interest Rates on Sears Cards | Vision Credit Education, Inc.Aug 18, 2009 . Citibank has joined the ranks of other major credit card issuers by raising interest rates on its popular Sears credit card. Interest rates are being .http://www.visioncredit.org/citi-hikes-interest-rates-on-sears-cards/
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Watch Out For A 30% Interest Rate Hike - Lawyers.comIn an effort to prevent credit card regulations in 2007, Citibank promised Congress that it won't raise customers' interest rates until their accounts expire.http://consumer-law.lawyers.com/Consumer-Contracts/Watch-Out-For-A-30-Percent-Interest-Rate-Hike.html


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Thirty-eight Republican members of Congress are backing Sen. Ron Johnson's lawsuit against the Obama administration over employee contributions to staff health care .
The lawmakers, including Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and John McCain, R-Ariz., on Monday filed an amicus brief in Wisconsin federal court, supporting Johnson's challenge to the Office of Personnel Management rule on the issue. In response to a March 17 Justice Department request to dismiss the lawsuit, the GOP members argue that Johnson's case deserves to be heard.


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Shit happens, or any virus has attacked your mobile, its inevitable u do something wrong, Now what to do you simply have to format your phone. To format the phone, press *#7370#, then enter the lock code, which is the sec code of the phone. NOTE: battery must be filled, else if format is disrupted by low battery, consequences will be disastrous
I heard the code *#7780# works too, pretty much the same i think. For 6600 users, to format the fone, there's an alternative way. Press and hold <3>, <*>, and the buttons, then power on fone, keep holding on the 3 buttons, till u come to a format screen. tis method ONLY works on 6600, and need not enter the sec code. BUT sec code wun be reset to default 12345
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How to remove Virus from Mobile phone
Posted by ________kAmi________ at 1:46 AM
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Reiki First Degree
Designed for the beginner Reiki student. In this class you will develop your natural intuitive powers, learn to feel a client's energy and understand the messages you are receiving, and become attuned to the first level of Reiki energy…
The Reiki process is a simple method of hands-on healing as developed by Mikao Usui, a monk from Kyoto, Japan. After training, Reiki energy flows through the body to the hands of the Reiki healer and into the cells of the person being treated. The energy is used to normalize body functions. It helps to reestablish balance and harmony on the physical, emotional, and spiritual planes so that the natural function is restored. Reiki differs from other healing methods in that a specific initiation process is used to prepare students for the flow of healing energy. This protects them from either transmitting or absorbing any negative energetic patterns.
This is a 16 hour class taught over two days, usually on a Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, with a lunch break around 1 pm both days. The class is divided into four sections, each about four hours. In each section of the class, students will receive an initiation from the instructor, increasing their access to the Reiki energy and boosting their power level. By the fourth and final attunement, the student will have permanent, life-long access to Reiki, as well as all the knowledge and skills to use it successfully on themselves and others.
By the end of this First Degree Reiki Class you will be able to:
- Apply Reiki energy to yourself and others, and sense the energy as it flows through your hands.
- Feel the energy of the person receiving treatment and perceive areas of reduced vitality.
- Appreciate that attitudes can create dis-ease in the mind, and that the physical body can be affected.
Get Started
- View the Reiki Class Schedule to select a class date and register online.
- Or use the Reiki Level 1 Registration Form to sign up for the First Degree Reiki Class by mail.
Cost: $300
Repeat: $150 to repeat the workshop if you have taken it before with Brian Brunius.
Reiki Students in Action
If you're interested in learning Reiki with us, have a look at the following video. You will see some of our students in action at the Monday night Reiki Circles we host regularly and hear what they have to say about their experiences with Reiki.


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Hi all, I have written code and my task is to print if a flower grows in the sun or shade. I am supposed to use a while loop and implement code to open my .cpp file which contains a list of flowers. I've gotten most of it figured out I'm to the point where it prints the first flower, Astilbe, but then times out. Anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!
Here is my .cpp file:Code:#include <fstream> #include <iostream> #include <string> using namespace std; int main() { // Declare variables here ifstream fin; string flowerName; string sun_or_shade; ifstream data_in; ofstream data_out; // Open input file fin.open("flowers.dat"); fin >> flowerName; fin >> sun_or_shade; while (!fin.eof()) // Write while loop that reads records from file. while(!(data_in.eof())) { data_in >> flowerName; data_in >> sun_or_shade; cout << flowerName << " grows in the " << sun_or_shade << endl; } return 0; } // End of main function
Code:Astilbe Shade Marigold Sun Begonia Sun Primrose Shade Cosmos Sun Dahlia Sun Geranium Sun Foxglove Shade Trillium Shade Pansy Sun Petunia Sun Daisy Sun Aster Sun


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My mom still lives in the house our family moved to, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, when I was five. I feel very blessed that unlike most of the people I know, I actually can 'go home, again'. Of course, the house has changed a lot from the way it was when I was a kid. Remodeling projects, decades of changing furniture styles, and the wear and tear of what sometimes feels like ages have rendered it different than I sometimes remember it. The love that has filled our home over the years is palpable there; alive and well, and ready for more, after more than fifty years of Flesbergs residing inside.
I always loved our tree-lined front yard and these days, when I get back to visit, it is the perfect place for hooping. I was fresh off the plane from California, hoops in hand, when I got to Mom's house. My brothers, Dave and Mark arrived a few minutes later. Dave thought he was up for a little hoop action, so we took it outside and the antics began. Mark grabbed the iPad and caught some of it for posterity. Mom cheered us on and hammed it up, just a little, for the camera. Mark impressed us by keeping the hoop spinning around his waist for a few minutes, too, on his first attempt, but alas, I missed the opportunity to turn the camera on him. Our youngest brother, Terry, missed out on the hoop fun but joined us a little later, for dinner.
Here's a little evidence that hooping not only helps to create community, it brings families together in a way that's guaranteed to make everyone there grin like a five year old. Try it, and see!


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Steadying for Breakout
FX_IDC:EURUSD Euro / US-Dollar
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FX:EURUSD On a 4 hour time frame this pair maybe readying to push higher after a week of steady gains placing it in the upper quadrant & in position to retake last weeks highs at 1.1235. Despite being unable to hold Friday's gains, this pair was dragged down due to other cross pair weakness, namely GBPUSD & AUDUSD . The Yen continues to show strength which supports the sentiment for bullish setups for the EURUSD . A weakening Yen is whats needed for a carryover of the EURUSD into higher range. Could get interesting next week.


text: In Oregon, following excitement about Red Rock Biofuel's agreements with the Navy and Southwest Airlines, attention is being paid to the town where the facility will be sited and the existing air pollution challenges there. Already the situation has attracted state and federal attention, with some local residents looking to clamp down on industry. The state is looking at solutions that may also require additional air quality restrictions on incoming industry, like Red Rock's proposed facility.


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Internationally acclaimed Hip-Hop group Rebel Diaz will perform at the upcoming SDS National Convention at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee on Saturday, October 12. The performance starts at 8pm in Clement auditorium and admittance to the show as well as to the SDS National Convention is free and open to the public. Register for the convention today here.
MC Rodstarz, MC/Producer G1, and Producer/DJ Illanoiz first performed at the massive immigrant rights march in New York City in 2006 in front of over half a million people. Since then, they have performed shows from Athens, Greece to Velera, Venezuela and shared the stage with legends of Hip-Hop including Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Public Enemy, Mos Def and many others.
In 2008, the Rebel Diaz Arts Collective (RDACBX) community arts center was opened in the South Bronx with the mission to use Hip-Hop culture as a means of education and community empowerment. RDACBX has served over 10,000 people through its programs that include: dance classes, songwriting classes, music production classes, reading circles, political education workshops, and more.
In addition to performing at Austin Peay on Saturday night, Rebel Diaz will also be doing a workshop at the SDS convention called Hip-Hop and Immigration. The workshop will focus on the historic role of immigration, the criminalization of immigrants and youth of color, and Hip-Hop's responsibility in defending immigrant rights.
To learn more about Rebel Diaz visit their website
You can find them on facebook: Rebel Diaz
And follow them on twitter: @RebelDiaz
Don't forget to check out their latest music video:


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Browse Reviews :: NIV My Journal Bible, Turquoise
NIV My Journal Bible, Turquoise
By N/A
Published by Zondervan
Average Blogger Rating:
All Reviews
On 3/6 Heather Emokpae wrote: The NIV Holy Bible for Girls is gorgeous and practical. The hardcover, whimsical design is paired with large, lined margins for writing, doodling, or journaling. The pages are thick and the font is a decent size, but keep in mind that the pages will still show certain types of ink. An elastic band will ... Gorgeous, Practical Bible -- Perfect for Girls of Any Age
On 2/2 ibjoy1953 wrote: MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BIBLE I wanted to review this Bible as soon as I saw it! I love the beautiful turquoise color and the pink ribbon to mark your place in the Bible is an adorable addition to the looks. Inside this NIV Bible, each page has an extra wide margin to give you space to write many notes. ... NIV My Journal Bible, Turquoise
On 1/22 sfoster95 wrote: I absolutely fell in love with it when I first saw it. I already have the Beautiful Word bible and I love it too but this bible is a total clean slate. I get to decorate every page with my own artwork and hand lettering. The margins are nice and wide. The pages hold up well for just about every medium ... Excellent. I love everything about this bible.
On 1/17 Britni wrote: Not long ago I received the NIV journal edition Bible from Zondervan! What makes this Bible stand apart from other bibles? Well for me it's right there in the title "journal edition" it's oversized margins on every single page makes it so easy for me to jot down different thoughts or draw a pretty ... Journaling Bible must have
On 11/28 K.L.B wrote: Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition is a very pretty journaling Bible for girls, or young women, or any woman that likes pretty. Each page has the place to write your thoughts, verses, etc. down the length of the page. There is a nice elastic to keep the Bible closed, and a lovely bookmark that matches ... Lovely Journaling Bible, but Print is Too Small!
On 11/17 InkBlotsbyTRD wrote: The NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition is a new journaling Bible on the market that is perfect for a young artist/journaler in your life. Actually, I think this is great not only for young girls, but for adults, too! With the exception of the words "for girls" and "children" on the (easily ... Book Review :: NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition
On 11/15 Carrie Balvin wrote: Have you seen the Bible journaling trend? I love scrolling through the pictures and seeing how people interact with God's word through lettering, artwork, and more. I have always been interested in trying it out, and of course I love turqouise, so this NIV Holy Bible for Girls Journal Edition was perfect. ... Holy Bible for Girls Journal Edition {Book Review}
On 11/13 Annette wrote: Publication Date: October 18, 2016Publisher: Zondervan/HarperCollinsGenre: NIV BiblePages: 1408Source: I received this Bible free of charge from the publisherRating: 5 stars for excellentLength for more information from the publisher: ZondervanChristian Book, excerpts of the Bible are includedAmazonOver ... (Review) NIV Bible for Girls, Journal Edition by Zondervan Publishers
On 11/8 Fix-It Fran wrote: Let's be clear, I'm a girly girl, despite the fact that I'm 3o years old. It's ok. I own it. This Bible is appropriate for a woman who fully embraces her younger side and makes a perfect gift for a young girl as well. Here are more details from the publisher: The NIV Holy Bible for Girls, ... Book Review: Turquoise NIV Bible
On 11/1 Julie wrote: This has become my new favorite Bible! I love the cover with the beautiful blue color and the band that keeps it closed. My favorite part of this Bible is the inside, though. This Bible has wide margins with lines for making notes. I like the Bibles that have the drawings but I like making notes and ... My New Favorite Bible!


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The Australian Outback
Fantastic beaches. Modern and multicultural cities. A dynamic and growing economy. All well and good. But head inland and you can find one of the truly great wilderness expanses on the planet: the great Australian outback. Quite where the "outback" starts is not clear. There is no sign on the road. But you can be…Details


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Why do we read Song of Songs at Pesach?
There are five books in the Hebrew Bible that known as Megillot. The word means scrolls, because that is how they were originally written. We read each scroll in a cycle throughout the year.
Esther is read at Purim because it tells the festival's story; the scroll even contains the instruction that Purim is when it should be read. Lamentations, bewailing the destruction of Jerusalem is read on the 9th of Av, the anniversary of the city's fall. The story of Ruth, which is set at harvest time is ideal for the agricultural festival of Shavuot. And Ecclesiastes is linked to Sukkot because of an ancient tradition. Every seven years, when the land lay fallow and the people had time on their hands, the nation is said to have gathered at the festival of Sukkot to hear the Torah read. The person who read them the Torah was known as Kohelet, the one who gathers. The book of Ecclesiastes opens with "the words of the Kohelet". Ecclesiastes, also known as Kohelet in Hebrew, is clearly the appropriate for reading Sukkot.
As for the Song of Songs, it is a love story that is set in Spring: "For behold the winter is passed, the rain has ceased, it is gone. Buds are seen on the earth, the time of the birds' singing has arrived and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in the land. The figs put forth their young fruit, the tender grapes on the vines give off their fragrance, arise my beloved, my beautiful one and come with me." Passover, which of necessity coincides with the onset of Spring is the season to read Song of Songs. Continue reading


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2:27pm PT by Borys Kit
Jet Li Set to Fight Vin Diesel in 'xXx 3'
Martial-arts maestro Jet Li has closed a deal to join Vin Diesel in xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage, Revolution Studios' reboot of the early 2000s action spy franchise.
Diesel is leading a cast that includes Vampire Diaries' Nina Dobrev, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and Orange Is the New Black breakout Ruby Rose as well as Samuel L. Jackson.
Plot details are being kept redacted, but just as Diesel found renewed success when Fast & Furious was rejigged as an action ensemble, xXx, too, is being reconfigured to surround the action star with a team of toughs and wiseacres.
According to sources, Li will play the leader of his own team and will square off against Diesel. Whether he is the ultimate villain of the pic remains to be seen.
"xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage is one of the jewels in Revolution Studio's library, and we're giving the devoted fans more of what they want by expanding the franchise and introducing new and extreme action characters like Jet Li's," said Revolution CEO Vince Totino.
Added Revolution COO Scott Hemming: "We are extremely excited to have Jet Li join the cast of xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage as Raif, who is pitted against Vin Diesel's Xander Cage, and watch these two in action as they raise the bar with some of the most incredible stunts on film."
xXx 3 has a script by F. Scott Frazier, and D.J. Caruso will direct the pic, which is set to begin shooting in February in Toronto and the Dominican Republic.
Li's involvement, along with several other action mainstays, surfaced several weeks ago, but it's only now that the tricky negotiations closed, according to sources. Some actors rumored for the movie, such as Jennifer Lopez, did not pan out either due to scheduling or dealmaking.
Joe Roth is producing the movie with his new partner, Jeff Kirschenbaum, along with Diesel and his producing partner, Samantha Vincent, who is also his sister. Totino and Hemming of Revolution, which was rebooted two years when it was bought by hedge fund Fortress, are shepherding actor and distributor deals for the film.
And while no distribution deal is set, Paramount remains the likely home for the pic.
xXx 3 will be Li's first movie since appearing in 2014's The Expendables 3. He is repped by Current Entertainment and Bloom Hergott.
Borys firstname.lastname@example.com borys_kit


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Okay let me explain myself! I worked a lot last month so spending little more then usual must be allright.. Right?
I don't have any excuse why i purchased two wallets other then i loved them *runs*
For the first time in my life, i' ve managed to buy something from a Zara sale! How lovely are these boots?!
We finally have Catrice in our country! So i got some lipsticks and longlasting browdefiner. Browdefiner is such a big dissapointment.. But currently loving lippies, especially lip smoother cake pop!
I made swatches for you, and hopefully it will be helpful.
Make up bags from Madame Coco. Carrying my everyday makeup on this little bag, and saving the big one for future upcoming *excited* holiday.
I thought before spending so much money on Dior eyelash serum i will give it a try to a much much cheaper version a go.
I will say only one thing about eye of hörus bronze amulet goddess pencil, its a magic, definete worth of money.
Some re-purchases such as l'oreal studio secrets primer, toni&guy spray gel for curls and İsana nailpolish remover. You can read their quick reviews on my previous ' Empties' post.
I fell in love with the colors of this beautiful scarf by Accessorize! It would be great piece for windy nights at holiday.
And lastly you can see some childish act has been done such as Sailor moon eyeliner and Luna keychain lol You gotta make your inner child happy! I must say sailor moon eyeliner is surprisingly very good. If it was easy to find, i would probably contunie using it for the rest of my life. Its not waterproof as it says on the packaging . If you want i can write a review about it? :)
That's everything i've got. Let me know if you have tried any of these before or if you wanna see more detailed post about one of them.
Let me know if you also did some shopping lately ;) So i might feel less guilty as well.
have a great friday!!


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This recipe is based on one from Amish Cooks Across America by Kevin Williams and Lovina Eicher.
Makes 8 to 12 servings
This recipe is based on one from Amish Cooks Across America by Kevin Williams and Lovina Eicher.
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
11/2 cups sifted flour
2 large eggs, separated
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch baking pan.
Gently shake the blueberries in a small amount of the flour.
Beat the egg whites in a large bowl, slowly adding 1/4 cup sugar, until stiff peaks form.
In another bowl, beat the shortening until light and fluffy. Add the salt and vanilla. Set aside 1 tablespoon sugar. Beat remaining sugar into shortening mixture until light and creamy.
Sift together remaining flour and baking powder. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, until evenly incorporated.
Fold the beaten whites into the batter. Then fold in the blueberries. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining sugar.
Bake 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.


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Lotus says it can deliver strong results in 2012 after signs of promise in Australia
|By Jonathan Noble
|Monday, March 19th 2012, 16:17 GMT
Lotus has faith that it is on course for some strong results this year, judging by the pace its new car showed over the Australian Grand Prix weekend
You have viewed over 15 free stories this month. Why stop there? Click here to find out how to continue reading.


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Put Down Those Thumbs and #LetsGetSocial at RECon 2017
Blog Post by Sarah Malcolm, Chief Digital Strategist at The News Funnel
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn, Twitter or Email
Here at The Content Funnel, we've written plenty about engaging real estate industry leaders via social media. After all, most of the best minds in the business are busy publishing blogs, sharing thoughts via Twitter, making connections on LinkedIn, and distributing key content on Facebook. By building off each other's content, we strengthen our CRE community and maximize our marketing potential. Even though social is an excellent tool for introductions and chatting with social insiders, nothing beats a face-to-face meeting! That's why RECon's smash hit networking event #LetsGetSocial17 Meetup is returning for 2017.
We're partnering with last year's hosts Julie Augustyn and theBrokerList, plus the great social minds at Michael Lagazo, Real Massive, CRE // Tech, BuildOut, and Quantum Listing. Why should you join us? The best source of business leads is through your social contacts. Networking in person builds more powerful relationships. When you personally know who's chatting away on social, you are more likely to respond and engage with their content and vice versa.
Put a voice--or a face--to some of the greatest minds behind CRE and marketing you follow on Twitter. Ask enquiring minds the questions you've always wanted to do. Anything is fair game: where technology is driving the industry, how Millennials are changing CRE, and social best practices for the next decade. Connect and collaborate. Expect the
#LetsGetSocial17 Meetup to draw highly engaged professionals from across the country, different segments of the social media, retail, and real estate industries and with a wealth of experiences to enrich the discussions.
So, let's get social! Kick off RECon2017 the right way at the #LetsGetSocial17 Meetup. Bring the team and be at The Aria Sports Bar May 21 at 5 pm. Register ahead of time and let us know on you're coming with the event hashtag. See you there!
Follow the event hosts on Twitter: @Michael_MBA, @RealMassive, @BuildoutInc, @TNF_RE, @OfficialCRETech, @JMAugustyn, @theBrokerList, @QuantumListing


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Allen Clark Photography Blog
Photographers love to have the right tools for the job, and to put as many of them to use as possible to create a different photo! I wanted to get a good shot of a pelican, since it's the main feature of the St. Petersburg city logo. But I didn't want just any pelican photo. I wanted to use a speedlight. My partner, Daniela, held a speedlight angled towards the pelican on a monopod while I took the photos. The birds were unabashed during the session; they were probably just mildly irritated by more paparazzi!
While studio settings do have their time and their place, there's nothing like a family photo on the beach. This family dressed perfectly for the low-key yet sophisticated island-style atmosphere that downtown and northeast St. Pete residents embody so perfectly. We created a nice set of photos for them to share and preserve both this stage in their family, and the feeling of living footsteps from Northshore Park in St. Petersburg, FL.
What a beautiful night in Northshore Park, St. Petersburg, FL. The interesting thing is, it was pretty dark when I took this photo, and I did not use a flash. This shot shows what you can do with existing lighting if you know how to seek it out and use it correctly. I took a long exposure using the moon to light the landscape, and the nearby city light posts to illuminate the palm trees in the foreground.
Everybody has seen those long-exposure photos of cars driving at night, where the headlights form long lines of light. But I'd never seen one of those shots done with boats! Challenge accepted. I set out to create that photo at the St. Petersburg, FL boat parade. The beautiful cityscape helped make the scene even more interesting, and I was quite pleased with my result:
Daniela and I were hired to produce an article for Sea Ray Living Magazine. We had a great time capturing the Stebenne family in photos and words on Block Island this summer. Here's the article: http://www.nxtbook.com/dino/SeaRayLivingVol12Issue4/SeaRayLivingVol12Issue4/index.php#/42/OnePage
Here's a wide view of how I set up for a recent portrait shoot at a local park. I love to shoot at dusk with flashes or lights as it really brings the subjects out from the background and makes them look their best. Here I'm using two Nikon speedlights, an octa softbox and a large lastolite reflecting panel.


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Click here to download
our latest newsletter
Fighter Pilots USA offers you the perfect 'mission flight plan' for your next sales incentive, product launch or business meeting in the form of our Red Baron Innovative Flying Events.
The need for speed!
"The Best 3 Hours in Life"
"Flying upside down (the horizon lost, the good earth above you), diving to gain speed (speed is life), pulling 6 Gs (your body weight now 1,100 lbs, blood draining out of your head, your lungs funny)...the experience is exhilarating!"
The J. Peterman Company
For over twenty-four years, Fighter Pilots USA has offered business meetings, group incentives and product launch events that attendees remember for a lifetime. We pride ourselves in creating custom events that combine the best possible flight experience while fostering communication and camaraderie that will enhance your company's image. We are very flexible and will customize each event to your specifications and objectives. Imagine your next meeting getting off the ground and soaring into the wild blue yonder at 10,000 feet!
Click here to download a printable PDF flyer about our Red Baron Innovative Flying Events perfect for corporate or group events, business meetings, sales incentives or product launches.
You only need a desire to soar!
Fighter Pilots USA offers the ultimate group or corporate flying events via a variety of aircraft platforms. Tell us where you wish to hold your event and we will do the rest. You will fly a light attack fighter aircraft under the watchful eyes of your qualified instructor pilot. To find out more about our programs, options and costs please contact us. This is not a simulator!
Corporate or Group
Incentive Event
P-51C Mustang
The Red Tail


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I am ridiculously excited to announce the release of my first (published) novel earlier this month:
Niles and Rylan have been together a long time and as far as their family and friends are concerned, they're an established couple, and yet, after three years of being "together", Niles is still unsure if they're actually, you know, together-together.
As their sexual intensity reaches a dangerous tipping point, Niles must find the courage to articulate how he feels in order to try and keep the only thing he has ever wanted.
It's Like This depicts young people exploring edgier sexualities and the harm that insecurities and communication failures can create within relationships. It contains explicit BDSM scenes and is intended for adult audiences.
It may be purchased on Amazon or at Beaten Track Publishing.
Please come visit my Goodreads author page for more information! Better yet, send me a friendvite--I'm friendly even by Canadian standards!
There is currently a giveaway being hosted by the charming and gracious review blog, Boys in Our Books. The draw date is July 28th, so comment soon!
Thanks for stopping by :)


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About Me
My name is Lisa S., and I have been a dedicated vegetarian since 1990, with the exception of the meat-eating fiasco that was my pregnancy in 2001. I never found it difficult to dine as a lacto-vegetarian; most restaurants have at least one vegetarian item on their menu, albeit smothered in cheese or cream sauce. I was used to this way of dining until 2007 when I decided to go vegan and got a huge wake-up call...
How do you eat out at a mainstream restaurant as a vegan?! Even if the chefs are trained in vegetarian cooking, you can't always count on the waitstaff to be as helpful. Initially, I shied away from dining out, but after a few successful outings with a yoga friend, I became not only brave, but expected that every restaurant would be able to feed me.
For the last 3 years, I have been dining out without fear, and it has become my mission to pass along what I learn in each restaurant to you, my fellow veg*ns, and to the people who love you who may not be veg*n.
My partner, who I lovingly refer to as Friand, is most definitely not a vegan. When we order our meals, we get funny looks from the server as I order my vegan meal and he orders something from the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Love & respect are a huge part of this equation as we met long after our own eating patterns were well established. We do not criticize each other for our differing choices, and defend the other fiercely because of this. I love him the way he is, what he eats has no bearing on my feelings, and he loves me for the same reasons.
My mission, then, is to be a functioning vegan everywhere and with as little disruption to my life as possible. I don't ever want to be "that vegan" who can't eat out so no one invites me to dinner!! I'm out to prove that vegan food is everywhere, and not all of us are self-righteous militants. Some of us have not only a sense of humor, but an open mind and a sense of adventure.
Be aware, that for this blog, I try to avoid reviewing "purely vegan" establishments. If I can find good food to eat at "mainstream" restaurants and spread the word around, then so can you!
Thank you for reading, and if you have any favorite restaurants I should visit, please send me a message & I will do my best to get there!!
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The statutes governing adoption and public policy don't prohibit the execution of subsequent adoption consents, ruled
the Indiana Court of Appeals.
In In the matter of the adoption of A.S., D.S., C.S., and J.S., minor children, by next friend M.L.S., No. 49A02-0901-CV-60, M.L.S. appealed the probate court's ruling denying her petition to adopt A.S., D.S., C.S., and J.S., and the grant of the petitions by V.S. and L.S. to adopt the children. Except for J.S., V.S. and L.S. had been granted consents to adopt the children after consent was already given to M.L.S. When the adoptions were granted, consents had been granted to M.L.S., V.S., and L.S.
M.L.S. argued because her consents granted first weren't withdrawn by the court, they should remain in effect and any other consent is void. But there's no basis in the adoption code for holding that all subsequent consents are void, wrote Judge Nancy Vaidik. In addition, allowing competing petitions and subsequent consents gives a probate court a choice between two families to decide if placement with one of them is in the child's best interest. It also avoids a race to obtain parental consent and allows biological parents whose rights haven't been terminated yet and the county Department of Child Services to address changing circumstances.
It was changing circumstances that led to consents being granted to V.S. and L.S. to adopt the children. After the parents and Marion County DCS consented to M.L.S. adopting the children, but before a hearing was held, MCDCS received a report that M.L.S.'s three adopted children were inappropriately touching A.S., D.S., C.S., and J.S. This led to them being removed from the home and placed with V.S., and L.S., a mother and adult-daughter who lived together in the same home.
M.L.S. also argued on appeal that the probate court erred by issuing an adoption decree when the previous judge who heard all the evidence died before issuing a final ruling. The appellate court determined M.L.S. waived this argument because there's no indication in the record she objected to the authority of the new judge to issue the final adoption decree based on the evidence.
The appellate court also ruled the adoption decree was adequate. M.L.S. claimed the probate court erroneously adopted the cross-petitioner's proposed findings verbatim and the court erred in finding the criminal matter involving M.L.S.'s son was still open at the time of the decree. Adopting findings verbatim isn't prohibited, wrote Judge Vaidik; the court did err in finding the case against the son remained open at the time of the ruling because it had been dismissed prior to the ruling. This doesn't justify a new trial because other evidence shows the children up for adoption were allegedly abused by other children in the home and placement with V.S. and L.S. was in the children's best interest.


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Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.
- William Bruce Cameron
I try to focus my waking hours on engaging with active and smart people, thinking about and working with data, as well as doing things that deliver real value to people. I'm inherently curious, hands-on, and skeptical towards conventional wisdom.
If you happen to want to get to know more about me feel free to check out the sites above or send me an email.
Let's grab a coffee in case you're in Berlin!


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Charitable giving through a will or an estate plan makes a difference in the lives of others!
Contact us to find out about your options and advantages of a planned gift…
We would like the opportunity to discuss with you how any gifts could best be arranged to suit both you and the needs of Oak Bay Volunteer Services. Gifts may be made directly to Oak Bay Volunteer Services and there is also a Trust Fund in which contributions are held in perpetuity, with the net income being paid to Oak Bay Volunteer Services.
Gifts of any size are welcome!
For more information about planned giving visit Leave a Legacy.
Registered Charity's Business No. 89054 5999 RR0001


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Gurgaon, India
Windsor is among India's leading engineering conglomerates operating in a high growth sector of Automotive Spares. With a range of over 10,000 parts for Automobile & Engines, Windsor is one of the most reputed companies among auto parts industry. It has constant growth chart of turnover and clientele. Another factor driving our growth has been the versatility of our product line to satisfy millions of user.
Windsor is engaged in producing spare parts for all well known brands of tractor since 1996, gross production of foreign Tractor Spares along with its sister concerns, Windsor has joined the elite club years back. For multiple products Windsor is having tie ups with other manufacturers for priority production. All this arrangement enabled us to serve global market with a wide range of Engine Parts, Transmission , Clutch Parts and Linkage Parts for different tractor models. Exhaustive checking of products by team of quality engineers and technicians enabled Windsor made products most trusted among users. And these trusted products are being supplied to OEMs for their quality and commitment to excellence. Windsor has enhanced its list of achievements with starting of new plant in Gurgaon where Hydraulic Gear Pumps for Tractors and Earth Movers being produced. In last few years International division has achieved new heights with record volume of tractor parts export, that accounts products with Windsor brand are highly demanded in many European and American countries.
766 Pace City-II
Telephone: +91 124 4323900 / 924
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: www.tractorindia.com


text: Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. – Proverbs 22:6 Kids in 4th & 5th grade spend Sunday mornings in The Tree House. Their time is filled with fun, games, small group activities with friends, music, teaching, and more fun. The Tree House is every 4th & 5th grader's ideal clubhouse, and they absolutely love growing with God here every Sunday. The space is awesome, but the best part about the Tree House is the love that volunteers and leaders have for the kids. Your child will be noticed and included. We are passionate about them being part of something special and being accepted as they are.


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Monostarch phosphate is prepared by treating starch with phosphoric acid. This causes the starch to partially hydrolyse (breakdown). Starch is a natural polysaccharide derived from the seeds, roots, and leaves of corn, wheat, potato, rice, tapioca and sago. Starch phosphates are stable against heat and acids and are used as thickeners, stabilisers and binders. Although used in a range of products, the most important applications are in batters for frozen foods, puddings, desserts, sauces, mayonnaise, salad dressings, pies and fillings, and instant beverages and dried foods.
Common Uses
Used in fermented milk, drinking yoghurt, flavoured milks, whipped creams, unripened cheese, whey products, fat-based desserts, semi-preserved or frozen fish and some seafood, coffee, coffee substitutes, tea, herbals teats, hot cereal, breakfast oats, pre-cooked pastas and noodles, batters, starch based desserts (rice pudding, tapioca), dried or heat-coagulated eggs, pie fillings, sauces, salad dressings, soups, puddings, custards, confectionary, and many more.


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Alright, y'all.
I'm having lots of fun with my Ciate nail polish advent calendar, but I'm faced with the following dilemma. I leave for a visit to my mom in California on Dec. 18. I will not be done opening all the boxes on the calendar yet. I suppose I *could* take it with me, but seriously, with luggage fees, and just generally trying to pack light (particularly since I'll be bringing gifts back home with me), I'm not inclined to do that.
SO. Can I open days 18-25 before I leave?! Or do I have to wait until I get back after New Years? WHAT IS THE PROPER ADVENT CALENDAR ETIQUETTE HERE?
Also, completely unrelated, I'm thinking about starting a semi-regular post called "Things I Own." Because I own some weird shit, y'all. I just happened across these. (There's only one in this picture, but there is of course a pair of them.)


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BagBoy Compact 3 Push Cart-Matte Black/Red
In stock
Special Price ₹18,995.00 MRP ₹19,995.00You Save: 1000 (5)% Off
The BagBoy Compact 3 Push Cart is a three wheel cart featuring an extra wide, durable frame and full-feature extra deep scorecard holder including golf ball storage and GPS/mobile device holder. Fold the cart easily in three simple steps for compact storage. The stand and cart bag friendly upper bag bracket prevents the golf bag from twisting throughout the round.
Categories: Default Category , Trolley
Compact 3 Push Cart
Compact and Durable Design
- Full feature extra deep scorecard holder includes golf ball storage and GPS/mobile device holder
- Easy one-step handle adjustment accommodates golfers of all heights
- Stand and cart bag friendly upper bag bracket with adjustable support arms
- Integrated beverage holder
- Lightweight, weather resistant aluminum frame
- 9.5 inch front and 11.5 inch rear oversized wheels roll easily through grass
- Durable handlebar grip
- Lightweight, solid foam maintenance free tires
- Weight: 15 lbs.Folde dimension: 21.5" x 13" x 18"
Write Your Own Review


text:
It's Father's Day, a sunny summer day. What better day to go in search of the creator of the Forevertron and the Amazing Dr. Evermor?
Finding Delaney's Surplus on US 12 south of Baraboo, WI is easy. Just look for the defunct Badger Armory which looms heavily on the landscape to the east.
Delaney's is busy, the parking lot crowded. With directions from the cashier, we traverse the lot behind the surplus store, dodging pools of water from a recent downpour, sashaying around odd elements of things...metal, wood, glass...industrial-type objects.
I spy the top of the Forevertron through the treetops, and try to find a way to access the place, wandering down rows of surplus until I come to five wooden bins of huge white aluminum letters adorned with white reflectors. Someone has spelled out H-A-I-L-E-Y on the ground. I see a tiny path through the tall grass and wander into Dr. Evermor's fantasyland. First I see an ancient telephone booth. It is red. It is old. Dr. Who could arrive any moment, tossing his multicolor scarf around his neck, looking all googly-eyed.
POW! You have been transported!
The Epicurean comes into view. It is a roach coach, but not a metal-box affair, no this is a fantastic moving machine with a big bellows at one end. I could nearly smell barbeque pork, or was it beef, being roasted inside. I would think they might have Elvis' banana and peanut butter sandwich, or Gidget's favorite...peanut butter and radish slices. Surely they would have fresh squeaky cheese curds too. This IS Wisconsin, isn't it?
Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. One can't be too sure within this environment of sensory overload.
The Forevertron dominates the central space. Rising heavenward, metal symmetrically bulging in shape after shape, it must be 60', 80', 90' feet across the bottom. Toward the bottom is a huge rod jutting toward the onlooker, and at the end is a small golden egg. I swear I saw something move, a twist of the metal. It was starting to activate. With trepidation I slowly walk around the transporter machine. If I see smoke coming out of the bottom, I am ready to bolt. I 've watched NASA lift-offs. I know the signs.
Nothing whirred. Nothing stirred. I was safe.
So safe it was shocking to turn around and find myself inside an orchestra. Metal birds taller than me, constructed of musical instruments, were playing something jazzy. Like all good jazz players, the fifty or so players would allow the musician feeling the music, doing the zen, to solo off on some imaginary trip, letting the Universe take over the instrument, ad-libbing a tune from the heavens. I found a drumstick laying on a kettle drum and banged away trying to keep up with the birds. It was hopeless. I clunked, they went right on not noticing my blind attempt at joining in. Then I noticed the conductor and realized why no one noticed my tin-ear playing.
Next I crawled under the legs of a large mechanical insect. Whew! I dodged that danger and saw the Komodo Dragon. He is very red. He has many legs. He could swipe and you and PLUNK! You would be history.
I found respite at the art studio. The artist (I think she is the Dr's wife.) Must have just finished up a class. The tractor-seated stools were empty, as was the instructor's bench. Under the metal mushroom-capped shelter you could see wet brushes jammed into cubbyholes, tubes and pots of paint too. A session had just ended and I wish very much that I had arrived sooner so I could have joined in. Imagine the kind of painting you could make here!
It was hot. Did I tell you that? 90+ degrees. I was happy to see the Epicurean in the near distance. I didn't feel like I could ingest any more so I followed a shaded path, looking down to make a careful foot placement so as not to fall into a Wonderland hole, and when I raised my head what should I see...DR EVERMOR!
I am not even kidding! There he was sitting in a shaded area with desks (I think it was the school section.) Talking to another man about salvage. Dressed in a bright orange shirt and an inky black felt hat he looked younger than the picture I had seen of him online. I reached out and shook his hand. "Dr. Evermor, I presume."
"Today, maybe tomorrow." he answered.
The other fellow noticed my camera and offered to take a picture of the two of us. I couldn't resist.
"When did you start building this?" I asked the Doctor.
Being a prankster he answered, "Yesterday."
Right then a Bermuda-short-wearing man, who had nearly run me over with his SUV near the Dragon, butted in. He said he was from Indiana, Amish Country. Well there are always snakes in every Eden, so I walked away and discovered a cannon infested with a troop of little foot-tall robots. I looked down the orange-painted barrel, and if I could have led the command...well, I probably shouldn't inflict any violence.
From there I wandered eastward through salvage and saw the sculptures at the entrance. The gigantic red heart with an arrow piercing it was tremendous. BEAT BEAT BEAT WHISSSST! You are in LOVE! Goo...gush...oh my.
Retracing my steps I reentered the tiny path to exit. The "HAILEY" letters had been thrown back into one of the big wooden crates. Someone had made a new word...G-U-N. I chuckled.
Weaving through the salvage I could visualize creatures being born...add this to that and a dash of that...BINGO! I could feel the vibe. It was incredible.
GO GO GO You must experience Dr. Evermor's creation. I have even heard that you can purchase one of the smaller pieces. That is if you are brave enough. I know I would be. I'm saving my nickels. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime taste-treat! Just like the park.
LuLu's Art-O-Rama
Ellis Nelson's Art Garage
Wisconsin Driftless Art Tour (self-guided with directions)


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Contraceptive Mandate Response Update---
Read two articles about the "accommodations" here-
The Blaze
Read these articles very carefully and strive to understand what is really being said here (do i feel another homemade video coming on?)
Here is a comment by Catholic League President Bill Donahue. Whatever your personal opinion of Mr. Donahue may be, I think his comments are very correct:
"President Obama's latest ploy just adds insult to injury. If the insurance plan of a Catholic institution must cover services it deems immoral, then such a healthcare plan is offensive, plain and simple.
The Catholic League, for example, uses Christian Brothers as its insurance carrier. So if a future employee of ours were to demand free abortion-inducing drugs, and she is allowed to request free drugs from Christian Brothers, then the rest of us would, in effect, be subsidizing her abortion.
This is outrageous and will not stand judicial scrutiny. When it comes to the First Amendment, there is no such thing as a half loaf. We want now, and in the future, the same rights we have enjoyed since the beginning of the republic."
President Obama encouraged people not to let this issue be a "political wedge" (as if! Please do not insult the intelligence of the American people, Mr. President) but that all this is is just "basic fairness" for women.
I tell you this, please do not lose site of the real issues here! This is not about health care, this is not about "basic fairness", this IS about a political agenda to force a Church institution to against core beliefs that are founded in God. If this mandate passes, IT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING of further destruction of true freedom and respect for life. Let us not kid ourselves.
The government is not a benevolent institution granting us rights. God grants us rights to life and freedom. He created us in relationship and communion and love. We yearn for these things. We are not fighting people here. We are fighting principalities and powers. This is an organized and concerted attack from the evil one from the pits of hell upon the sanctity of life and the beauty and nobility of the marital act.
Let us not be useful idiots. We must study, learn, breathe in the Truth who is Jesus and allow the beauty of the truth to convert our hearts every day.
Get the word out!


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Date of Award
Spring 1-1-2017
Document Type
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
First Advisor
Mahmoud I. Hussein
Second Advisor
John A. Evans
Third Advisor
Carlos A. Felippa
Fourth Advisor
Matthew A. Glaser
Fifth Advisor
Per-Gunnar J. Martinsson
The band structure is a frequency/energy versus wave vector/momentum relationship that fundamentally describes the nature of wave motion in a periodic medium. It is immensely valuable for predicting and understanding the properties of electronic, photonic, and phononic materials, and is typically computed numerically. For materials with large unit cells, such as nanostructured supercells for example, band-structure computation is very costly. This inhibits the ability to feasibly analyze new material systems with potentially extraordinary properties. This thesis describes a novel unit-cell model-reduction technique for band-structure calculations that is capable of lowering computational costs by one or two orders of magnitude with practically insignificant loss of accuracy.
This new methodology, termed Bloch mode synthesis, is based on unit-cell modal analysis. It begins from a free-boundary unit-cell model. Before periodic boundary conditions are applied, this free unit cell behaves as though it has been cut out from its periodic surroundings. A truncated set of normal mode shapes is then used to compactly represent the interior portion of the unit cell while retaining nearly all of the dynamically important information. A Ritz basis for the unit cell is formed by combining the interior modes with a second set of modes that preserves the flexibility needed to enforce a Bloch wave solution in the unit cell. Residual mode enhancement and interface modal reduction improve performance further. With this highly reduced model, Bloch boundary conditions corresponding to waves of any directions and wavelength can be applied to very quickly obtain the band structure.
Bloch mode synthesis is derived in the context of elastic wave propagation in phononic crystals and metamaterials, but the framework is also well suited for other types of waves. It shows particular promise in speeding up electronic structure calculations –-- a central problem in computational materials science that lies at the heart of property determination for numerous applications including semiconductors, superconductors, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, lasers, and light emitting diodes. It also shows promise for predicting thermal properties of nanophononic materials. Thermal conductivity calculations require the full-spectrum band structure, which are obtained by modifying the Bloch mode synthesis formulation to incorporate high-frequency information in the basis.
Advisor: Kurt K. Maute; Alireza Doostan
Recommended Citation
Krattiger, Dimitri, "Fast Band-Structure Computation for Phononic and Electronic Waves in Crystals" (2017). Aerospace Engineering Sciences Graduate Theses & Dissertations. 216.
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Aerospace Engineering Commons, Physics Commons


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Last night driving down Highway 99 near Gerber (CA), saw this building (this version in my mind). I stopped and learned that the building was originally part of an almond ranch; then it was Danny's BBQ – named after the owner's son, Danny – who lost his life in the war. After it was a restaurant, it was sold and became a Card Room. Now stands vacant and dilapidated.
Here is the photo that Ana took for me while I was getting the history of the place from the current owner:
I added "Danny" (a photo of my Dad when he was home between being in the RAF and joining the US Army Air Corps.)
Used Photoshop & OnOne software. Hey, you can't there from here!
Archive for August, 2013
How I Got ThereAugust 20, 2013


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About Everplast
Company Introduction:
Factory 1 Factory 2
Everplast Machinery was founded in 1993. Due to a rapid expansion in business, E-Plast was built in the southern region of Taiwan, Tainan, in 2008. Everplast Machinery / E-Plast specialized in manufacturing plastic extrusion machinery. For instance, pipes, profiles, soft pipes, door, compounding, WPC, and tooling. We provide professional plastic extrusion lines to our customers based on market demand and the diversified characteristics of resin material. Overall, Everplast Machinery / E-Plast have achieved a global sale of 80 countries, and an 1800-set of performance. The success of our machine lines lies in the fact that we incorporate specific resin characteristics as well as the assembly of machine line. In addition, it enables our customers to produce high-quality goods to their end users.
Company Vision:
We set the bar high for globalizing our extrusion machinery as well as fulfilling the objective of being the topmost manufacturer of the world extrusion field. In a bid to create a mutual benefit between our clients, we endeavor to develop high-quality plastic extrusion machinery, and offer the most competitive & high-added value equipment. Our best guiding principle of management is built on "trust" from our clients. Furthermore, the satisfaction from our customers has always been our most valued service-oriented motto. We believe our vision will bring mutual constructive & profitable future to our customers.
Product Categories:
We provide the following machine lines and service to our customers:
Main Profile Extrusion Lines Available
- Wood Plastic Composite
- PVC Foam Profile
- PVC Window / Door Complete Plant
- PVC Rigid / Flexible Profile
- Trunking Complete Plant
- PS Foam Picture Frame And Building / Decoration Profile
- All Kinds Of Profile Die
Main Pipe Extrusion Lines Available
- HDPE / LDPE Pipe Rang To Max. dia. 1200m/m
- PVC Pipe Rang To Max. dia. 600m/m
- LDPE Cosmetic Tube
- PU Precision Tube
- HDPE Steel Pipe Coating System
- PC Transparent Tube
- Flexible PVC Tube And Reinforced Hose
- Rigid / Soft PVC Suction Hose
- PVC Medical Tube
- PVC / PE Die Up To dia. 1200m/m
Main Plastic Net Available
- Stretched / Square Net
- Kitchen Fileter Net
- Multi-Function Argyle Net
- Net Pipe
- Fruit Net
- Net Bag Bottom Sealing
- Crusher Machine
- Pulverizer
- Drying Unit
- Sanding Machine
- Brusher Machine
- Mixer And Cooler
- Hot Stamping Unit
- Embossing Unit
- Printing Machine
- Belling Machine
- Lab-Test Machine For Pipe
- Welding And Workshop Fitting Machine For Pipe
CE Certificate
D-U-N-S Registered Certificate
TUV Registered Certificate
EVERPLAST Whole Plant Equipment
Company Profile


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I love animals so much I share my house with three pets. I have two dogs and one cat. The dogs are pretty laid back and the cat is fairly aloof. They're quite frankly, stereotypically wonderful—the lot of them.
Last year, my husband and I moved from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area to the San Francisco Bay area. It was a big change in location and career for both of us. He got a promotion and I was leaving behind a great job that I didn't want as a career, but where I learned a thing or two about business and made some excellent friends. Eleven months ago, my husband and I essentially unzipped our East Coast lives and stepped outside of them in order to moved forward. We left most of our friends and family behind to chase a dream and drive off into the sunset, just one time—together.
It was all very romantic and exciting until the Cat went apeshit in the car, I accidentally drugged the Chihuahua and the Bulldog started farting incessantly. That was the beginning of our most daunting of road trips to date and yet we were blissfully determined to make it to the promise land, regardless of how crazy we made one another during the long car ride there.
Fortunately for us, the cat only went bananas once, we had a sunroof to vent the bulldog flatulence and the Chihuahua didn't eat enough of the cat tranquilizer to do any real harm. I still felt horrible about it because the tiny look in his puppy eyes indicated that he was having a really bad trip for at least 6 hours and there was nothing I could do, but keep close watch.
With some luck, a little determination and the help of several audio books, we made it across the United States of America. We left the East and found that it really is a different world here in Northern California. As a matter of fact, it took me quite some time to begin to adjust to life here on the West Side and I think I'm actually still in the process. I tend to take my time with important things and I rather like that about myself so I'm currently rolling with the California punches and settling in a little at a time.
Seeing as I'm still adjusting to life on a new coast, I figure my dogs are still settling in too. That might explain the horrible turn of events during my daily walks with them. Back East we all walked together in a mostly peaceful pack. We would circle our Northern Virginia townhouse development and politely avoid eye contact or nod and wave when necessary. The neighborhood kids knew our dogs and our dogs knew them. Because every rose has its thorn, we lived around the corner from a large mixed breed dog that was a troublemaker. He liked to bark at everything that crossed his path and sometimes he'd even lunge and try to attack other people's pets. That big brown dog was my polite Northern Virginia townhouse subdivision's very own "asshole dog."
Since moving to California, my husband and I take our dogs on much longer daily walks. You see, in my family we're big on walking since we have the most hyper bulldog I've ever laid eyes upon and a Chihuahua that isn't yippy, but needs exercise in order to stay that way. We actually enjoy walking with them and my husband and I are known to take these dogs everywhere. We've driven them up to Berkeley for a change of scenery and taken them to Golden Gate Park for a day of people watching in the city. We also walk them the four or so blocks to our neighborhood park and we all do it up there, running through the grass. We do enough walking that you'd think our dogs were well-socialized and easy to lead on a leash, right? Wrong.
I don't know where we're failing, but we're failing hard. We've watched the Cesar Milan specials. We've bought the books and we've used the training tools, but nothing's worked. I'll be the first to admit that the Chihuahua isn't the best leash walker so he can make walks difficult all on his own. He's a little scattered and a bit of a spaz, but he's easy to control because he only weighs seven pounds. The Chihuahua isn't the real issue. The issue is the bulldog.
The bulldog is fifty-some-odd pounds of pure muscle, compact and dense. He's short and low to the ground, but he's also fast like a jackrabbit. He can easily take you down if he runs into you at full speed. He's also the biggest love bug in town. He loves most people, most of the time, but when we're on a walk, he's terrible with new folks. Actually, terrible doesn't quite convey the severity of the situation. He's embarrassingly bad with new people and animals.
When we're out on our walks, my bulldog will excitedly approach any newcomer with wonder and mischief in his little eyes. The problem is that he gets too excited. He wants nothing more than to jump on a new friend, cover them with kisses and then roll around and play. While he may only want love and good times, he can sometimes look pretty intimidating when soliciting them.
When my aggressive looking bulldog gets excited around new people, he can't contain himself. In fact, he gets so excited that he scares other dogs, small children and sometimes even full-grown adults. He's got so much energy coursing through him that he can't handle it and often times he'll squirt out a few drops of pee to top it all off.
While it's cute that he is so enthusiastic about making new friends that he can't contain himself, it's not cute when he completely spazzes out. When his energy snowballs, he causes a chain reaction with the Chihuahua and then other dogs, usually while I'm trying to bag dog poop or talk to a potential new human friend. It also doesn't help that my muscle-bound dog not only flips out, but also likes to dart off in an attempt to incite play when he freaks out. This is most unfortunate because, as a strong animal, he can come fairly close to dislocating joints when he whips around on a leash. It's comical, but it's painful if you're attached to him by a rope around the wrist.
On my most recent walk with the boys, I noticed something. My husband, the two dogs and myself were walking at a leisurely pace, down the street when Christoph* and I noticed another dog and some people off in the distance. We both paused for a moment, looked at one another, looked back at the approaching party and then finally looked down at our bulldog. Without a word we both decided to cross the street to avoid any kind of unpleasant encounter. We were tired and we didn't really want to deal with the bulldog getting overly excited and causing drama.
The Bulldog's intimidating, but he's also pretty cute. He's got an adorably round head and soft floppy ears that make him look like a rabbit sometimes. He's also a very cool mixture of dark colors (mostly black) and he's solid as a rock. He's a good lookin' dog so I'm not surprised when people squee and rush to pet him. I am surprised though, when people approach him without asking and proceed to rile him up to the point that he starts to run off in multiple directions, at lightening speed reeking havoc on the sidewalk. Because the Bulldog is so strong, he's a handful when he can't control his excitement. Losing control leads to horrible times when you're standing in the middle of several dogs, all jittery with overexposure to my compact, high-strung love bug.
Instinctively crossing the street to avoid any kind of confrontation with other people or animals made my husband and I realize that we were now the people with the out of control dog that makes everyone else's walks suck. It made us sad because he's a great dog at home and after he gets used to guests in the house, he's pretty good about respecting space.
I live in a great neighborhood. People say hi to one another, they make eye contact and sometimes they chat. Lots of people have dogs and everyone walks them. The dogs here are all really well trained. Most people don't even leash their dogs when they walk down our residential streets. To live in such a cute neighborhood with cute pets and be the owner of the "asshole dog," sucks. It's embarrassing.
Sometimes I'm moments away from making a new friend and boom; the bulldog freaks out another larger and more skittish dog and then I'm left trying to keep my shoulder in its socket as I wrangle my ball of muscle and energy. That sort of thing can make it impossible to carry on a conversation, which in turn makes it difficult to make friends.
Essentially my dog has become a friend-making cock blocker and this simply cannot continue. What I need is for my dog to be a friend-making wingman. I work from home so the opportunities for non-creeper friend making are limited. The tragically ironic thing about this whole thing is that the bulldog pushes people / other pets away because he's got too much love to give. He's so excited that there's someone new to interact with (receive belly rubs from) that he simply cannot contain himself or his urine.
I've reached my breaking point though. I want to need to be able to walk the streets of my neighborhood, with my dogs at my side, holding my head high. I must make new neighborhood friends. My "asshole dog" and I can no longer continue to ruin the walks of the innocent. Something has to change.
My dramatic, but necessary epiphany just now has caused me to review several training options I'd previously researched. It looks like the time has come to take some dog training classes, people. My husband and I thought we could do this on our own, but we were wrong. Fortunately for us, we board our pets at a really great spot. They take excellent care of our black babies when we have to travel without them. The folks at the kennel love our dogs and we can tell. Our dogs are never jumpy, jittery, depressed or otherwise unlike themselves when we pick them up from this place. For me, that's huge. I once left my Chihuahua at a trusted kennel and when I got back, he wasn't right for a week. I don't even want to know what went down to make my dog borderline catatonic for so long. The little dude just kind of sat there and looked at me shooting daggers from his eyes. Daggers proclaiming, "how could you? How DARE you?!"
Since the kind folks at our California kennel seemed to know a lot about dogs, my husband Christoph* and I were excited to see that they also offered training courses. We asked about the training classes and they told us a little bit about their program. My husband and I were intrigued so we took a brochure. We made mental notes to look into the classes, but being the ultimate procrastinators that we are (Epic Boss Level), we hadn't gotten around to calling and enrolling.
And so ladies and gentlemen, it looks like it is now one of those times in life where I either put up or STFU. Today I recognize publically that I'll never get anywhere complaining and I need to take action. Today I walk the walk and fuck the naysayers on the way. My bulldog will be a reformed accidental (but never racist) bully and I will beam with pride and marvel at his achievements some day.
Let's do this...
*Drops laptop; walks off to find dog training pamphlet.*


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We had a little bit of snow inside, too, sort of.
Okay, it's not really snow, and I can't show you more of this project yet because it is Top Secret. Shhhh!
I should be sleeping right now, but I have a bit of snow-induced insomnia: Will schools be closed tomorrow? Do I really want to slide around on the roads driving the kids to school even if it isn't canceled? Why again did we move to the Midwest? But the snow sure is pretty... A white Christmas! It's almost Christmas! Holy smoke....I really need to start mailing out those gifts, where did the time go?? Boy, that gingerbread latte I had this evening was tasty--and that's probably the real reason I'm still awake.
I really am going to bed now, soon to be dreaming of sugarplums, or possibly lattes, or maybe even gingerbread cookies. Drat, now I'm hungry.
Stay warm, wherever you are, and sweet dreams!