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Thank you for inquiring about becoming a Clever Container Consultant. This email has some basic information and covers many of the frequently asked questions.
1. There are lots of direct sales companies out there, so what makes Clever Container such a great opportunity?
Clever Container truly is a ground floor opportunity– we recently just passed the mark of 2,000 consultants. In the direct sales world, that is an incredibly small number (for comparison — Scentsy has over 200,000 consultants and Thirty-One has 170,000!) So what that means for you is the field is WIDE open nearly everywhere. There are thousands upon thousands of towns and communities who have never heard of Clever Container yet. You have a golden opportunity to be the first person to introduce your friends, family and community to Clever Container.
Another thing that makes this an especially great opportunity is that we are the ONLY direct sales/party plan company that focuses exclusively on organizing products. This is great news because organizing products are HOT sellers. Every women's magazine at the checkout stand has a featured article on organizing. Why? Because organizing is a need that is common to almost everyone. And most of today's women are not looking for an elaborate organizational system. They want solutions that are quick, easy and affordable. That is exactly what Clever Container delivers!
2. What kind of training is provided?
New consultant training covers business basics such as getting started, Bookings, Host Coaching, how to do a demonstration, Team Building, and Customer Care. These topics are all covered in the new consultant manual you will have instant access to on our consultant extranet system immediately after you sign up as a consultant. These topics are also covered via telephone conference calls and video tutorials and lots of helpful tips and resources on our team Facebook page which you will also have immediate access to when you sign up. 🙂
3. What's the commission?
Commission is 20% for your first 1,000 in sales, then it permanently goes to 25%. In addition, during your first three months, you get a 5% bonus any month that you have over $1000 in sales!! There are additional bonuses for power seller levels. You can earn up to 38% during your first 3 months!
4. How much money can I realistically make?
Average party sales are $400 so most consultants will average an income of $100/party. So, one party a week will yield about $400/month income and 2 parties/week would give you about $800-$1200/month income. Plus you may qualify for power seller bonuses which would increase your earnings. Many consultants on our team are earning $500-600 a month doing 4-6 shows a month and are working this around a full-time job.
Those earnings can easily be doubled if you decide to build and lead a team. When you tell others about this awesome company and they sign up with you, then you can earn money for that too! Starting at 3% and up… AND you are eligible for a Mentor Bonus for those consultants. The mentor bonus is an additional 10% bonus on their sales during their first three months. IF you choose, you can continue to build a team and move up in leadership and as you do, you will earn additional layers of earnings on your team. We have a generous compensation plan. You can earn a little cushion for your budget or you can build a business capable of replacing a full-time income. As an independent consultant, the choice is yours when and if to move up in the company, how much you want to work, and how much you earn. The choices are limitless and so is the income potential.
5. How will I be paid?
You submit customer orders at full retail price and for all parties that you close each week by Sunday night, you will receive a direct deposit paycheck on Tuesday each week! In addition to your weekly commissions, bonuses are paid monthly.
6. What can I earn free as a new consultant?
RSO stands for Ready Set Organize! This is a great program Clever Container offers for new consultants. You can earn over $450 in additional FREE PRODUCTS during your first three months. They are pictured below! (RSO products can be changed at any time at the company's discretion but these are the current products.) Wouldn't you love to get all this free just for doing 3 parties per month during your first three months??!!
RSO Program Rewards for New Consultants!
7. Is there a minimum monthly order I must make? Are there "quotas"?
There is no minimum monthly sales requirement. Your agreement is good for one year. After that, as long as you sell at least $1,000 in a 12 month period, your agreement continues indefinitely. ($1,000 per year would be about 2 parties per year.) Also…There is also no minimum order amount. You (or your customer) can place an order of any size at any time. Clever Container is all about choices! You work as little or as much as you choose, based on your personal goals.
8. Will I have to order or stock inventory?
NO. You do not have to carry any inventory. Orders are taken at parties and shipped when ordered. When you purchase your starter kit, you have everything you need to start your business as a Clever Container consultant.
9. What comes in the kit and how much does it cost?
It is more affordable than ever to get started as a Clever Container consultant!
You can now purchase a starter kit for only $99*!! (*plus $25 shipping and state/local sales tax if applicable.)
Check out this AWESOME new starter kit!!
OR, you might want to choose THIS fantastic deal if you are really serious about getting your business off to a great start and want the best demonstration kit to get started. The cost for the deluxe kit is $149 plus tax & shipping. It has a value of over $350 in products and business supplies.
Full size Deluxe Kit
10. Why is this month such a great time to sign up?
This is the time of year when everyone is in the perfect frame of mind to start organizing! By joining now, you will be set up perfectly for the new consultant incentive period when you can earn nearly $500 in free products!! Since you get paid weekly, as soon as you start doing parties, you will have extra money for whatever your financial goals are!
11. What if I try it and decide I don't like it?
If you sign up, do some parties, and don't like it– you can quit. No penalty! You will have earned a little money, free products, and half price products and grown a little as a person! What have you got to lose by giving it a try? This could make a significant difference in your personal and financial goals and you will never know if you don't give it a try! 🙂
12. What if I'm ready to sign up now?
Go to the website of the consultant who sent this link to you and click "Join Now". It takes about 15 minutes to sign up and your kit will be on its way to you! You will receive it in about a week but you can start your training right away so you're ready to go when it arrives on your doorstep! 🙂 Soon after I receive the notification that you have signed up, you will get a welcome email from the director with information that explains your first steps. I also add you to the team pages on Facebook where you get great support from your fellow consultants. If we are not already Facebook friends, you will have to send me a friend request on Facebook in order for me to add you to the team pages.
|Stay in touch!
Thank you for considering the Clever Container opportunity. If you need further questions answered or points clarified in order to make a decision, please message me. You have my word, I will not pressure you. I believe that only YOU can decide if this is right for you but I am happy to help you get the information you need to make that decision.If you have decided you do not want to become a consultant, but love the products, you need to join my customer VIP list! You will get all the latest updates on products, specials, and an organizing tip or two each month! If you might want to become a consultant in the future, but this isn't a good time right now, the email list is a great way to ensure you don't lose touch with what is going on with the company.
Whatever you decide, please let me know right away. As a professional, I believe it is my responsibility to follow up with people who have inquired about being a consultant until they let me know their decision, so I will be checking in periodically until you let me know otherwise.
Stay Organized! 🙂
Erin Thornton,
Your Clever Container Consultant
|Organizing Just Got Fun!
|Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.


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pen me in.
Here are the documents that make it official. I hope you actually read them.
Once we schedule our initial appointment, you will receive an email from me with a link for filling out paperwork online. If for some reason you can't find the link, you can do it the old fashioned way and print these out & bring them with you.
Click on a typewriter key below to get started.
If you have any questions regarding any information provided in these forms, please do not sign them and we will discuss any concerns you have at our first session.

subset: commoncrawl


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Note : Your request will be directed to Microtech Inc.
The 206475 from Microtech Inc is a Waveguide to Coax Adapter with Frequency 3.95 to 5.85 GHz, Insertion Loss 0.1 dB. More details for 206475 can be seen below.
1.85mm, 2.4mm and 2.92mm Waveguide to Coax Adapters Operating Up to 65GHz
You can now find similar products from multiple companies on everything RF.


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Participants in the meeting of the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment pose for a photo (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The APEC Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI) commenced meetings on May 13, as part of the second APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM 2) and related meetings in Hanoi.
At the CTI meetings, participants from APEC member economies are scheduled to discuss content of the statements set to be approved at upcoming meetings, including the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, the APEC Ministerial Meeting, and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
They will also debate APEC's contributions to the WTO's 11th Ministerial Conference.
The delegates will give opinions on the schedule for the making of reports on the member economies' progress in the realisation of the Bogor Goals, APEC's post-2020 vision on trade and investment, the working plan for 2017 on the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement, and the framework document on the facilitation of cross-border e-commerce.
During three working days, the CTI will also look into the connection of supply chains, including the implementation and supervision of the realisation of the second phase of the Supply Chain Framework Action Plan.
Other issues on the agenda include regional economic integration, trade connectivity and facilitation, and promotion of reforms in APEC.
In a preliminary report on the second phase of APEC's progress towards the Bogor Goals, the APEC Policy Support Unit said from 1994 to 2014, the trading of commodities in the region grew by 7.8 percent annually on average to 18.4 trillion USD in 2014. Notably, intra-APEC trade surged four times. Trade revenue in the service sector also posted an annual growth rate of 7.6 percent.
The region's average most-favoured nation tariff fell by almost a half, from 11 percent in 1996 to 5.5 percent in 2014. The rate of products benefiting from zero-percent tariff rate in APEC increased from 27.3 percent in 1996 to 45.4 percent in 2014.
By the end of 2015, APEC member economies participated in 152 free trade agreements and regional trade agreements, 61 of them were inked between the member economies.-VNA


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On top of it all, the Alerts which are generated by APM are really detailed, delivering experienced .NET developers the information they need to get their job done. Besides these Alerts two new Consoles are added as well, tailored to detailed APM monitoring, tracking and reporting.
(Picture taken from http://blogs.technet.com/b/momteam/archive/2011/07/30/operations-manager-and-application-monitoring.aspx.)
Since AVIcode is a product with so many capabilities, possibilities and therefore items to configure, one could easily say that OM12 is actually two products in one: the successor of SCOM R2 and the successor of AVIcode. On one hand it's good, since one gets even more bang for the buck, on the other hand it looks like a challenge as well since one has to learn how to run two products instead of one.
However, Microsoft has gone to great lengths not only to integrate these two products but also to lower the learning curve. And they have succeeded very well in it. None the less, for anyone without any experience with AVIcode (like me, I knew about the product but also its price which was really staggering) the APM component of OM12 is something new which requires some new skills. This posting refers to some valuable resources found on the internet all about APM, what it does, how it works and out of what components it's made off.
Read these postings since they really help you understanding APM quickly, thus enabling one to get the most out of APM.
- Configuring APM – Basic overview and guide
- AVIcode vs. APM – High level overview
- APM Architecture in OM12 Beta
- How to use APM in OM12
- Working with Alerts in APM
- APM Object Model
- Microsoft TechNet – Monitoring .NET applications
- Quick look – APM in OM12
- KB: Steps to import the AVIcode 5.7 templates after upgrading to OM12
- Series of blog postings all about installing APM
- Troubleshooting: Why aren't my web applications discovered?


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This Saturday night will see one Australian Diamond add another crown to the Netball World Cup and Constellation Cup titles, as the winner of the Liz Ellis Diamond, the most prestigious individual honor in the sport.
In the build-up to the Australian Netball Awards, we'll take a look at the major contenders in each third of the court, beginning with the shooters.
Last year Madi Robinson created history by becoming the first multiple winner of the Liz Ellis Diamond – will a shooter create history by winning the accolade for the first time in 2015?
No one has had a greater presence in the goal circle around the world this year than Bassett, who scored almost 1000 goals overall.
The 27-year-old spearheaded Australia's campaign to defend its Netball World Cup crown in Sydney and finished her 2015 international season with 364 goals from 11 appearances at an average of 33.1 per match. In 2014 she averaged 32.6 goals a game.
She equaled her career-best haul of 49 goals – set in the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medal match – in the Diamonds' semi-final win over Jamaica and then backed up with a 48-goal performance in the final.
A career-best season in the ANZ Championship was also the catalyst behind West Coast Fever qualifying for its first ever finals appearance.
The 193cm Bassett became the first Australian to score 600 goals in a season and only finished behind Jamaican duo Romelda Aiken and Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
However, her performances saw Bassett preferred as goal shooter in the Foxtel All-Star Team – the first time a Fever player had earned that honor.
The smooth-moving Bell made the most of her recall to the Australian team for the Netball World Cup by helping the Diamonds get their campaign away to a strong start in their early pool matches.
Against South Africa Bell produced a career-best performance in a Diamonds dress by scoring 33 goals and she highlighted her versatility to the line-up by playing a couple of cameo roles at wing attack.
She saw limited court time in Australia's Constellation Cup series win against New Zealand, but produced a strong final quarter performance playing at goal shooter in the third Test in Melbourne.
Her numbers for the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the ANZ Championship were slightly down on her career-best 2014 campaign, however Bell was again the second most prolific scorer from long-range behind Maria Tutaia, shooting 100 of her 233 goals from that area at 70 per cent accuracy.
The influence of the crafty goal attack goes far behind her shooting numbers.
While her long-range scoring ability continues to be a key weapon of her game, Medhurst's speed around the goal circle and quick hands make her a tough opponent for any defender to handle.
The Medhurst-Bassett combination during the ANZ Championship season and then the triumphant Netball World Cup campaign kept defenders constantly on their toes and the pair have a wonderful understanding of each other's games.
She was awarded two Player of the Match Awards for her performances at Christchurch and Auckland in Australia's recent Constellation Cup series win over New Zealand.
At the age of 31, Medhurst still has plenty left to offer Australian netball for many years to come.
The last 12 months has arguably been the best of Thwaites' career both in the green and gold and also in the ANZ Championship.
She finished with 128 goals from five appearances in Australia's Netball World Cup campaign at 87 per cent accuracy.
That included a career-high 43 goals in three quarters against Wales in the Diamonds' last classification match while she also made valuable contributions against Trinidad & Tobago and South Africa during the tournament to highlight the depth in the side's shooting ranks.
Her 500 goals in the ANZ Championship was also a personal best, eclipsing her 2009 tally of 476 and was also a new season record for the NSW Swifts.


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Date Added
Job Type
General Adult Psychiatrist needed for inpatient position in the Springfield area. This is a full-service, med/surg hospital with a need for up to 6 months. Those interested must hold a Commonwealth of Massachusetts license and be Board Certified (or Board Eligible for less than 3 years). This is 100% inpatient work on a unit for the chronic/persistent mentally ill.
How to Apply
If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Renea Lindsey at 270-535-8909 x246 or email us at email@example.com regarding job number MA539L


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Future oceans will be much quieter places, making it harder for young marine animals that navigate using sound to find their way back home, new research has found.
Under acidification levels predicted for the end of the century, fish larvae will cease to respond to the auditory cues that present-day species use to orient themselves, scientists reported in the journal Biology Letters.
While ocean acidification is known to affect a wide range of marine organisms and processes such as smell, until now its effect on marine soundscapes and impact on the larvae of marine animals was unknown.
NOAA Salutes The Ocean: Photos
The ocean is filled with sounds that carry information about location and habitat quality, study co-author Sir Ivan Nagelkerken said.
"Along with chemical and other cues, because of sound's ability to travel long distances underwater, it is used as a navigational beacon by marine animals, particularly larvae," Dr Nagelkerken said.
"More than 95 per cent of marine animals have a dispersive larval stage, where larvae drift with the currents for anywhere from a few days to a year, before returning to settle in their adult habitat near where they were spawned."
Nudibranches Stand Out In Any Ocean: Photos
To understand how acidification affects these marine animals, the team led by PhD student Tullio Rossi travelled to a naturally occurring carbon dioxide vent near White Island in New Zealand, where ocean acidification levels are similar to those predicted for the end of the century under business-as-usual conditions.
"This natural laboratory gave us a peek into the future," Dr Nagelkerken said.
"We recorded the soundscape around the vent, then compared the loudness and composition of sounds with control sites a few hundred metres away."
The area around the vent was much quieter, the team found.
"There could be a number of explanations for the decrease in sound," Dr Nagelkerken said.
"For example, as acidification increases, kelp forests may be replaced by turf algae. This results in changing abundance of the animals that produce sounds, such as snapping shrimp whose ubiquitous crackle forms the backdrop to present-day ocean soundscapes."
Ocean Of Acid Blamed For Earth's 'Great Dying'
To understand how acidification affects marine animals' auditory preferences, the researchers studied the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels on settlement-stage mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicas), a common temperate fish species.
They found that the 25- to 28-day-old larvae that had been exposed to higher carbon dioxide concentrations deliberately avoided present-day acoustic habitat cues recorded near White Island, while fish reared in present-day carbon dioxide levels responded positively.
Neither group of fish responded to the "future" soundscape recorded around the vent, despite the hearing of the normal fish being unimpaired.
Ocean Acidification Causing Pacific Oyster Die Off
Ocean acidification is known to increase the size of otoliths - fish ear bones - used for hearing, orientation and balance.
It has been hypothesised that bigger ear bones would increase the hearing range of larval fish, but the hearing in fish reared in future carbon dioxide levels was negatively impacted by ocean acidification, even though they had larger ear bones.
Dr Nagelkerken said the findings suggested that in the future, affected species would have to use other, potentially less reliable cues to help them navigate, even though other senses such as vision and smell are also negatively impacted by ocean acidification.
"Finding a home is the key to population sustainability," Dr Nagelkerken said.
"Those that rely on sound as an orientation cue will be heavily impacted, limiting their ability to survive and contribute to the population."
Article first appeared on ABC Science.
The month of June honors both National Ocean Month and World Ocean Day (June 8). What better time, then, to check out photos of undersea life and be reminded that things "down there" are just as important as things up here on land. Here, a manatee goes about its day. The manatee, also known as a "seacow," is an air-breathing herbivore listed as a federally endangered species. Manatees are slow moving and can't swim quickly away from boats. This often results in collisions that can kill or injure them.
Life's a beach. Mom and her baby elephant seal roll around in the sand in Ano Nuevo Island, Calif.
A humpback whale breaches in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, off the coast of California.
A blue rockfish fans for the camera in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, in California.
A Southern sea otter, aka,
Enhydra lutris nereis
, wonders what all the fuss is about, at South Harbor, Moss Landing, Calif. The World Ocean Day Photo Contest entrant was Submitted by Dr. Steve Lonhart.
A white-lobed sponge brightens up the scenery. It's one of several images of rarely seen deep-sea animals that were captured on camera in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary during a NOAA expedition. Researchers used a NOAA remotely operated vehicle in waters 328 to 656 feet deep off the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. The research was funded by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program.
This image brimming with colorful marine life is from the Pearl and Hermes Atoll. It's a huge oval coral reef within several internal reefs and is the second largest among the six atolls in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Having no backbone isn't always a bad thing! Just ask any octopus. These boneless invertebrates know how to squeeze into (and out of) many a tight spot. They have three hearts, nine brains and blue blood. (Two hearts send blood to the gills, while the third pumper sends it to the rest of the body.)
Rapture Reef sits within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. The monument encompasses more than 140,000 square miles of ocean and coral reef habitat.
A sea turtle swims off of the Hawaiian islands.
This seal is eager to wriggle its way back to freedom, as divers release it from fishing nets. Marine debris -- such as these nets -- makes a serious impact on its surroundings. From being an eyesore on a beach to injuring marine life or stopping a 400-ton vessel at sea, it causes problems that are difficult to ignore.
Grey matter artwork? Nope! It's a sharknose goby (
Elacatinus evelynae
) propped up on brain coral in the U.S. Virgin Islands.


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What's up! It's been a week and I wasn't able to blog about anything at all. That's why I'll try to make up by writing a post which I think is very useful.
In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how you can use php's command-line capabilities to manipulate mysql database in the background.
This is useful in instances where you need to execute sql queries automatically. That is without user intervention.
- PHP – you can also install Wampserver or XAMPP if you're on Windows.
First, you'll have to setup your machine to use php. Luckily, I have already written about it before. So please check out the link below and then come back here once you know how to do it.
Once you've read that, I'm sure you'll already know what to do with the following address:
Yes, that's the address which you need to include in the path for the environment variables so that your machine will be able to execute php commands. However, you might want to modify the address above if you're using a different version of php. Or if you have installed Wamp in a different location.
Next, you need to open a text-editor then create a new php file. Save it into whichever location you want. Its not necessary that you save it on a web accessible folder since were going to execute it in the command-line and not in the browser.
If you're using a framework which handles the database manipulation for you. You can also include it like you do in a normal php file accessed in the web. And as you can see, we still wrap the code with php tags.
Ok, so I'm going to leak a few of the codes that I might probably use in the current project that I'm working with since I'm not really in the mood to think up of examples.
First, I setup two variables. The rates for surcharge and interest:
$surcharge_rate = .24; $interest_rate = .10;
Then I selected the records which doesn't have equal amount and amountpaid. To explain, the amount is the total amount that needs to be paid. And the amount paid, is the amount that has already been paid.
Then we loop through all the records which matches our query. And updated them one by one.
if(!empty($penalize)){ foreach($penalize as $p){ $bp_ledgerID = $p->bpledgerBillID; $not_paid = $p->dblAmount - $p->dblAmountPaid; $surcharge = round($not_paid * $surcharge_rate, 2); $interest = round($not_paid * $interest_rate ,2); $updater = $db->query("UPDATE sys_bpledgerbill SET dblSurcharge='$surcharge', dblInterest='$interest' WHERE bpledgerBillID='$bp_ledgerID'"); ?> <?php echo $bp_ledgerID; ?> <?php echo $surcharge; ?> <?php echo $interest; ?> <?php } } ?>
As you can see from the code above, we didn't actually use html tags when we outputted the values. You probably already know the reason for this. But I'll repeat it once again. That is because were executing all of this in the command-line, the command-line isn't a browser which can understand html tags that's why we must try not to use them. Although, I actually got a nice tabular data when I executed the script. I don't know the reason for this but it certainly is awesome, considering the fact that we don't have html which acts as a data container.
To execute php scripts in the command-line, all you need is to specify the path where the script is stored:
cd c:wampcl_scripts
Then once you get there, type 'php' followed by the filename of the script:
php surcharge_updater.php
As simple as that. But where's the automated part? Well, that's another story which I have already written before:
The same procedure can be used to execute you php script automatically. All you need to add is a batch file which will call the php script:
cd c:wampcl_scripts php surcharge_updater.php
Then just select that batch file from the Windows Task Scheduler and configure it to your liking.
You've just learned how to execute php scripts from the command-line, how to create a batch file which calls a php script, and how to use the Windows Task Scheduler to execute the batch file automatically. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.


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This fine antique George V sterling silver teapot has a plain panelled octagonal form onto a spreading stepped octagonal collet style foot, all in the Queen Anne style.
The surface of the Queen Anne teapot is plain and unembellished.
This antique teapot retains the original hinged hallmarked domed panelled cover surmounted with an impressive sterling silver urn style finial.
This fine Queen Anne sterling silver teapot is fitted with the original shaped carved painted wood handle with a carved scroll style thumbpiece, scrolling lower terminal and plain sterling silver sockets.
The teapot has a panelled swan necked spout, ornamented with a chased decorated scrolling design to the lip.
This impressive example of antique silverware bears the retailer's mark/icon of James Dixon to the underside.
Read about the anatomy of silver teapots here
This antique Queen Anne teapot is an exceptional gauge of silver, fine quality and in exceptional condition.
This fine example of antique teaware has been professionally polished.
The interior of the teapot has been professionally cleaned and is ready for use.
Full hallmarks struck to the surface and part hallmarks struck to the cover are very clear.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique teaware.
Length from back of handle to tip of spout 20.4cm/8"
Width 11.4cm/4.5"
Height 16.8cm/6.8"
19.5 troy ounces/ 605g
35b St Georges Terrace,Jesmond, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE,NE2 2SU,United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 191 240 2645
Get the latest updates on new products and upcoming sales
By clicking Submit you agree to our Privacy Policy and allow AC Silver to contact you about new items. You can unsubscribe at any time
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Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.


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Scott Will Mazda, conveniently located in Sumter, SC, provides our customers throughout the Midlands with an impressive selection of Certified Pre-Owned Mazdas. Our expansive inventory features popular Mazda models, like the MAZDA3, MAZDA6, CX-9 and other favorites, all for the best price in the Midlands! Each pre-owned model comes equipped with confidence; the confidence to greet every turn, on-ramp and green light with the wild abandon of a Mazda owner. It all starts with extreme standards that ensure only well-maintained late-model vehicles are even considered to make the cut. Thus, each vehicle undergoes a rigorous 150-point inspection which examines both major and minor components. This allows our customers to enjoy the thrill of owning a Mazda at a pre-owned value!
For your next Certified Pre-Owned Mazda purchase, visit Scott Will Mazda, located at 2540 Broad Street, Sumter, SC 29150. We look forward to serving our customers from Sumter, Lugoff and Florence, SC, and throughout the Midlands!
*Coverage begins on the certified purchase date for 12 months/12,000 miles, whichever comes first.


text: I just wanted to mention that I am going to see Sleepytime Gorilla Museum tomorrow at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco tomorrow night (Friday the 13th). Come by and say hi to me, and buy me a beer while your at it! By the way, I look like this: And if you've never seen Sleepytime before, you should really check them out. They're great! Plus, you could buy me a beer!


text: On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM, Brett Cannon <brett at python.org> wrote: > On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 15:19, Steven Bethard <steven.bethard at gmail.com> wrote: >> On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 11:03 AM, Brett Cannon <brett at python.org> wrote: >>> class braces_fmt(str): >>> >>> def __mod__(self, stuff): >>> if isinstance(stuff, tuple): >>> return self.__class__(self.format(*stuff)) >>> elif isinstance(stuff, collections.Mapping): >>> return self.__class__(self.format(**stuff)) >>> else: >>> return self.__class__(self.format(stuff)) >>> >>> The biggest issue is that ``"%s" % {'a': 42}`` substitutes the dict >>> instead of throwing an error that str.format() would do with the code >>> above. But what's nice about this is I think I can use this now w/ any >>> library that expects % interpolation and it should basically work. >> >> Could someone please lay it out for me, step by step, showing what >> happens in each version? > > 1. Nothing changes as hopefully the wrapper works fine (as people are > pointing out, though, my approach needs to override __str__() to > return 'self', else the str type will just return what it has > internally in its buffer). > > 2. Raise a deprecation warning when ``isinstance(ob, brace_fmt)`` is > false. When a class is passed in that is a subclass of brace_fmt, call > ob.format() on it. > > 3. Require the subclass. > > 4. Remove the requirement and always call ob.format(). Thanks Brett, that's clear. So you save one version over the proposal of adding a format= flag to the API. On Thu, Oct 1, 2009 at 4:13 PM, James Y Knight <foom at fuhm.net> wrote: > Here's what I said in my first message, suggesting this change. Copy&pasted > below: [snip steps that only talk about str.__mod__, not an API that uses it] I didn't understand how you wanted to apply your suggestion to an API (instead of str.__mod__) the first time and I still don't understand it. Is what Brett has proposed the same thing? Steve -- Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis? Did Steve tell you that? --- The Hiphopopotamus


text: Spotcap provides loans of up to £250k to UK-based small and medium-sized businesses. Our short term finance is a perfect fit for purchasing stock as well as bridging gaps in cash flow. In fact, we recently supplied a Midlands based engineering company with a £150k loan to purchase inventory. We offer loans on a fully unsecured basis, requiring no assets or personal guarantees, with credit decisions given within one working day. Through rigorous underwriting, we focus on cash flow and real-time performance. This allows us to offer a transparent and competitively priced product. The result: a sustainable and supportive approach to business lending.For further information see www.spotcap.co.uk or contact Max Verploegen on +44 (0)203 883 1407 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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How to register Qt app with MeeGo(N950) to open certain file extension
For my app I have a menu btn that allows the user to select a file on the phone and the app will open that file. However I also want the user to go into a file explorer app and when clicking files with a certain extension (e.g. file "foo.bar" - extension ".bar") my app will open with that file. Can this be done using Qt APIs or from the installer?
Can anyone provide an example?
Thanks & regards,


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"A World Class Act by any rigorous standard"
After several shows illustrating a story with a beginning, a logical storyline and an ending, Robotboys returned to a more visual graphical type of expression in the show Dubstepic.
Dubstep is a relatively new genre of electronic music with heavy beats and bass lines. And new listeners may begin here, cause in the 7 minutes long Dubstepic show you can literally see the music illustrated down to the last detail in a minutely choreographed dance with both tight and soft moves.
The dance displays the rhythmic patterns, bringing attention to details you probably wouldn't have recognized so fast only by listening.
And no sooner have you categorized this as a well-greased dancing machine as a big shiny insect stretches out it's 2-3-4 arms, transforming before your very eyes in a sort of mechanical ballet that doesn't stop at being fascinating, but adds a strange beauty to the mechanics…or even a emotional dimension shown in facial expressions as the Transformers-like metamorphosis goes wrong..or when the mechanics leads the robots astray, so they end up hurting themselves.
(Photo: Joseph Schnell)
Dubstepic was uploaded to Youtube in November 2011 just before Robotboys went to USA to perform at the San Francisco HipHop Dance Festival, and it got 250.000 views in only one week!
Fans from all over the world commented with likes and wishes for the Robotboys to come to their country and perform – as you can see on their fast-growing Facebook site.
In San Francisco, the show was well received as well:
"The Robotboys from Denmark, appearing on both programs, made their San Francisco debut with ..maroon uniforms liberally decorated with gold making for militarily tinged smartness. Theirs was a minuscule movement of the legs, aided by swift turns and changes of direction; the arms moved like railroad semaphores awry with spring madness. Add solemn expressions and occasional wide-eyed wonder and you got it, a world class act by any rigorous standard."
(This is a quote from http://woollywesterneye.wordpress.com/2011/11/ – scroll down a bit to find it.)


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Recent Posts
Tag Archives: Wildlife
Are you looking at me?
It's been several weeks since I first introduced you to my girls – the five hens that have become my little friends, soil tillers, compost engineers and food producers. Things have changed, the flock has grown, and we're all learning … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Tagged Chicken Coop, Chickens, Euonymus, garden, Garden, Hawk, organic, Pecking order, Roosting, Shrubs, Veggie gardening, Vertical gardening, Weeds, Wildlife 4 Comments
Arachnid Innocence Project aka Justice for Spiders
Last night I ran across a photograph I took at Duke Gardens a few years ago of a light green spider on a Polianthes tuberosa flower. I'd seen them before on occasion, but didn't know the name, so off to … Continue reading
Posted in Garden, Nasturtium, pesticide, Polianthes Tagged Aphids, Butterflies, Edible Gardening, Entomology, garden, Garden, Honey Bees, honeybees, Ladybugs, ladybugs, Mulch, Nasturtium, organic, Organic gardening, Pest Control, pesticide, Plants, Polianthes, School, Spiders, spiders, Wildlife, wildlife garden 2 Comments
Winter Reflections
In the business of horticulture here in zone 7b, winter is a time for regrouping. It's a dormant period for many of us, just like that of a plant, time to slow down many of the more public processes and … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Tagged Blogging, blogging, Chickens, chickens, Dormancy, dormancy, garden, Garden, Growth, growth, Life Lessons from Nature, organic, Organic gardening, Plants, sustainable, Website, website, Wildlife, wildlife garden, Writing, writing Leave a comment


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The HR Manager manages plans, develops and administers policies and procedures relating to all phases of HR.
The HR Manager captures and tracks personnel data; and assists the Director of Human Resources by serving as primary support in his/her absence.
The HR Manager must champion the HR Teams vision, values; promote a professional and positive image to all of our Associates.
From (Hcareers)
Caribbean Jobs
Jobs in the Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Jobs
Caribbean Jobs Online
Caribbean Jobs and Careers
Filed under: Hotel Jobs, Human Resources Jobs, Jobs, St. Kitts Jobs | Comments Off on Human Resources Manager, St. Kitts


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What's your special interest?
Addressing Criticisms of the Autism Speaks Boycott
If you're skeptical or think boycotting Autism Speaks is a terrible idea, please read on and see if this post addresses your concerns.
Q: Don't you all just represent some small, unrepresentative segment of the autism community?
A: Actually, the participants in #BoycottAutismSpeaks are impressively diverse. There are autistic adults with no children, neurotypical parents of autistic children, autistic parents of autistic children, at least one speech therapist, and people like me, who don't fit into any of these groups.
We do all agree on certain things. For example: autism is not a disease. Autistic people aren't missing, as Autism Speaks says; they're right here, listening. Happiness is possible after an autism diagnosis. Autistic lives are just as valuable as non-autistic ones. Autism Speaks' financial decisions and rhetoric harm autistic people.
But some of us describe autism as a "difference" and others as a "disability," and "disability" may have different shades of meaning for us. Some can't speak, while others can speak unreliably and communicate better through writing, and still others speak just fine. (However, we don't think these differences matter much). You will find many ages and degrees of independent living among the boycotters.
We differ in approach, too. Some seek to address people's preconceptions and persuade them to change. Others say what they think without diplomacy. And while we have many problems with Autism Speaks, different individuals may emphasize different ones.
I challenge you to find a group consisting of a larger portion of the autism spectrum, plus parents and other allies.
We don't have a central leader or ideology. The upside is that, should anyone's Twitter or Facebook accounts be blocked for some reason (as happened to the @Boycott_AS account four times in one day), the rest can carry on unimpeded. The downside is that we may be expressing many related messages rather than one polished, unified one.
Q: Is a "posAutive" outlook on autism realistic?
A: Some people have the impression that a positive outlook on autism means acting like Pollyanna, seeing autism as all sunshine and rainbows and without any sorrow or struggles. That wouldn't be a realistic portrayal of non-disabled people or their parents' lives, much less people with disabilities.
But the view presented by Autism Speaks, that autism is nothing but pain, without a single moment of happiness, is equally unrealistic.
We're not saying autism is all sunshine and rainbows. Instead, it is a complex mix of joys, sorrows, and banality, just like every other human life. To argue that autistic people's lives are all one thing (be it happiness or sorrow), while all other human lives are complex and full of diverse emotions, is to take away autistic people's humanity.
Q: Your entire message is to attack an organization. Why can't you be more positive?
A: If you look at the #BoycottAutismSpeaks tweets, my own included, you'll find that they often suggest alternative places to donate money. "Please give your money to other organizations" is a positive message.
The misconception that this is all about negativity might come from tweets that characterize Autism Speaks as a "hate group" and similar, while not presenting an additional "support instead" message. This isn't my preferred approach, precisely because it leads people to see one as "negative" and ignore the substance of one's message. But look at who sends these tweets. These are autistic adults, many of whom have undergone lifelong bullying and abuse from others for being autistic. Ask and they'll tell you about it. They're tired of being called "missing" and a burden in Autism Speaks' ads. Imagine what it would be like to read similar language about yourself; I think you'd feel the same way. And they are tired of being ignored or insulted when they complain about it. They've earned their anger, and it's important for Autism Speaks to understand how they feel.
However, there is more to the message. We're not just saying "stop giving money to Autism Speaks." We're also saying, "give money to organizations that treat autistic people respectfully and actually spend the majority of their money on services or research." We're also saying, "Autism Speaks, it's time to change your messages to the world, and get some autistic leadership."
EDIT: We've taken this concern to heart and have started a #posAutive social media push, which is happening today. Messages are focusing on alternative organizations to support, and on informing people about the positive and just plain ordinary aspects of life with autism.
Q: Autism Speaks has a lot of resources that it can use to help the autism community. Isn't it harmful to abandon them in favor of less powerful, established, and well-financed organizations?
A: This argument sounds reasonable at first, because it seems sensible that consolidating all our money in one place should be more efficient than distributing it among many local organizations. But if you really look at it closely, the argument simply states that "Autism Speaks is too big to fail." And that's not a good argument. Joel lays out why nicely here.
Q: Who will promulgate autism awareness when Autism Speaks is gone? And isn't their rhetoric the best way to raise autism awareness?
A: Unfortunately, Autism Speaks is in no danger of going away any time soon.
Yes, making people afraid, and portraying helpless children as the victims of some calamity, are great ways to get attention and raise money. Some have described their tactics as having great "shock value." If Autism Speaks were to stop fearmongering--or be replaced by another organization that used a different approach--they might raise less money. However, I think the harm this rhetoric does, by spreading misinformation, panicking parents, and demonizing autistic people, far outweighs the benefits of the extra money and attention.
Please understand that misleading autism awareness--widely spread misinformation--is more harmful than none at all. By this point, people know that autism exists and is being identified at increasingly high rates. Yet autistic people, and family members like myself, are constantly debunking myths and stereotypes about autistic people. No, vaccines don't cause autism. Yes, autistic people care about other people's feelings. No, autistic people aren't all intellectually disabled--or all geniuses. Yes, autistic people's lives are worth living, and their parents can live happily. I can't speak for autistic people, but I know many autism family members spend a large portion of our time informally educating people about autism. Without Autism Speaks, we'd continue to do so. And without Autism Speaks, there would be air-space for other organizations to fill the gap and help us spread, not just awareness, but acceptance.
Q: Why should I believe Autism Speaks is saying hateful things about autistic people? They have never said anything hateful about me or my child.
If Autism Speaks has never hurt you or your autistic loved one(s), I'm sincerely happy for you. However, that's not an adequate answer to our complaints.
Here's why.
Autism Speaks does not just claim to represent you, or people who have the same experience as you. Autism Speaks claims to represent the entire autism community to donors, the media, and the U.S. government. They also make claims about what "autism" is in their "Call to Action" and other media. Therefore, they are claiming to represent everyone in the autism community--parents and autistic people alike, speaking and non-speaking, those who live independently and those who may never be able to.
So when many of us say that Autism Speaks' message does not represent what autism means to us, it matters. If Autism Speaks wants to claim to represent us, it needs to address this discrepancy.
So, if Autism Speaks represents your perspective personally, that's nice, but it isn't relevant.
(I also personally believe that Autism Speaks' language is likely to hurt the children of such parents, even if it doesn't bother the parents. I see myself as advocating for their loved ones as well as my own, and I think many of us feel the same way. But I'm not their parent, and the decision of what autism organization to support is ultimately the parents').
Q: Are you engaging in public shaming?
A: I'm not entirely sure what other boycotters would say, so I'm only going to speak for myself here. Others should feel welcome to comment.
Personally: I am publicly shaming Autism Speaks itself. I am not trying to shame any corporations, celebrities, or others who support them.
Because Autism Speaks has positioned itself as the leading autism charity (despite offering no direct services), people unfamiliar with autism will assume that since it has "autism" in the name, it must actually be helping autistic people. Sponsors who know little about the harmful aspects of Autism Speaks (probably most) have no reason to feel ashamed--unless they have deliberately refused to listen to information about it.
Other organizations, such as those led by Autism Speaks board members, are acting on good intentions, doing what they believe will help the autistic people in their lives. I have less hope of convincing these sponsors to change their own minds, but I'd like them to at least understand what we are doing. I think what these sponsors are doing is deeply harmful, but I'm not trying to shame them. I'm trying to pressure them to change their behavior.
I've written separate messages for each of these audiences because I think it's important to address the very different perspectives of those who don't know and those who disagree.
Q: Why aren't you engaging with Autism Speaks?
A: We're trying. They have yet to respond publicly.
Usually, when you address an organization repeatedly, either directly or in Twitter mentions, they will reply in some way.
Autism Speaks has yet to post so much as a tweet or facebook message in response to the boycott, let alone an official message.
"Anonymous Aspie" has written an open letter to Autism Speaks, and the link, addressed to @autismspeaks, has been circulating widely through Twitter. The organization has yet to reply.
Instead, they are making minor changes to their website. They are featuring stories about autistic adults, such as Susan Boyle's coming out with Aspergers, in order to make it seem as if they value and work with autistic adults. However, they still have no autistic people in decision-making positions, and the autistic self-advocates they feature were working on similar initiatives before Autism Speaks ever decided to give them money or put them on their site. They just sent out a press release discussing the grants they have given this year. These grants are all quite small and total only a small fraction of their operating budget, just as in previous years. You can see a timeline of their attempts at "damage control" and public relations here.
Autism Speaks has no interest in engaging with the autism community. Rather, they are using public relations to make it appear as if they are addressing our complaints without changing the substance of what they are doing. Were they truly concerned about autistic people, or about whether they were adequately representing the autistic community, they would make some attempt to engage.
Have any other questions or arguments not addressed here? Please comment; I'll try to answer.
6 comments:
I keep looking for some sort of public reply from Autism Speaks, as you mention, to no avail. It's actually mind boggling to me. And upsetting.ReplyDelete
I agree with trying to mention supporting other organizations, and there are many to choose from.Replies
It's hard for me to wrap my head around, too. Part of me wants to believe they aren't as bad as I think they are, and my friends in the autism community say they are. But their lack of response is so telling.Delete
What other organizations do you recommend supporting instead? There are so many--all the ones I know of have flaws, but many are doing something worthwhile, and all are decidedly better than AS. My friends and fellow boycotters have all been recommending ASAN, but haven't been able to agree on a recommendation that serves kids. They tell me the organizations I've listed in my open letters (Easter Seals, The Arc) have some serious flaws, as does the Golden Hat Foundation, which I've been considering adding. I'd like to have an organization to recommend that provides services to kids, especially when talking to sponsors like Toys R Us. Any ideas?
Added to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Autism_Speaks/Controversy_linksReplyDelete
Excellent write up -- good responses to possible criticisms.Replies
Thank you, Jesse! Nice to meet you. I'd been wondering who compiles that Wiki. Thanks for putting in all the work to collect all these resources in one place.Delete
Anyone is welcome to do so. I've been the main one so far, but the point of putting it on Wikipedia (or any wiki, really) is so that multiple people can do so. Please do add any links you think are relevant!Delete
houlton institute is a foremost online education source that associates with well-known, task determined non profits and research organizations all-inclusive in order to generate highly featured, online courses and curriculum.ReplyDelete


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Early one evening something caught Mark's eye outside the window in the family room....it was a deer...it was about 10 feet from the window....of course my camera was back in our bedroom inside my handbag...isn't that just typical??? Anyway, I rushed back with it and managed to snap this shot.
(The brick half moon raised bed is actually a gas fire pit...wonderful on cool spring and fall nights...don't know if we'll get to enjoy it much this year though, our winter was so mild, the mosquitoes are going to be horrendous!).
Our young visitor was not alone...
Lola, our Dutch Shepherd
(Picture taken on Christmas day!) finally realized that we had some visitors/intruders and proceeded to tell us exactly how she felt about it! ..the deer just stood there...quite funny actually, but after a minute or two, they scampered back to the woods, long white tails wagging behind them...
We often see the deer come out of the woods at this time, but usually they stay quite a distance away. This was the first time they had ventured so close to the house.
We are so lucky to have a nature preserve right on our back step. The wildlife is a treat. We have seen foxes, coyotes, turkey vultures (yuck!) lots of bunnies, ducks and the dreaded geese (I don't like them...there are too many of them and they poop everywhere...Lola chases them away for us.) lots and lots of birds and deer of course .
Thanks for popping by,


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Affiliate promotion is very profitable for those who know what they're doing. The tips from this article can help you to avoid article marketing mishaps.
Once you have generated a good amount of sales as an affiliate promoter, consider asking for a higher commission percentage from the affiliate program you belong to. If you are able to generate sales and are able to market successfully, the program will want to keep you on board and will do whatever it takes.
Only get profitable affiliates. Be sure to review your affiliate's performance on a regular basis. Choose to eliminate affiliates that are not giving you much revenue. This way you can add advertisers who will be more profitable.
If you pick an affiliate that has a lot of options on how to get your money, it is the best way. Some companies require you to meet a threshold before they send you a check, but others deposit into your bank account directly.
Look for an affiliate partner with a broad and constantly expanding array of products. Look for a reputable, solid company that produces a continuous stream of products. Introducing fresh, new and useful products to your customers will keep your commissions coming. Avoid products that seem like fads.
People will eventually unsubscribe from your emails, and you will need to go out and find new customers. To get new ones, use your very best emails that grab a potential customer's jacket by the lapels.
If potential customers to your site are coming there for specific themes such as sports, remember that their focus is on that particular subject. Putting a link leading to a completely unrelated affiliate won't be nearly as effective as a link to something related to sports. Readers that visit your site are more apt to click the links related to the content you feature.
Online Marketing
As you are now aware, online marketing is simpler than it first appears. It requires a certain level of research, networking and hard work, but the investment of your efforts is worthwhile for the success of your site. Use the above tips to help guide you, and you'll be an online marketing success.


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After few days strungle with Bash and Rsync on Windows, I decided to combine some tools from main package, because i only need Bash, Rsync and some linux tols to run on Windows 7, and here my experience.
Altought many site said that Rsync only need, this package :
- Rsync.exe - the executable program
- cygwin1.dll - the main library file needed by all Cygwin programs
- cygpopt-0.dll - the library for handling command-line options
In fact, Rsync.exe (Rsync Version 3.0.9) still need one file cygiconv-2.dll, so here's my completed file for running Rsync Version 3.0.9 on Windows 7 (64 Bit).
- Rsync.exe - the executable program
- cygwin1.dll - the main library file needed by all Cygwin programs
- cygpopt-0.dll - the library for handling command-line options
- cygiconv-2.dll - the library to handling command-line option, also necessary to implement emulator functionality
After all tools complete collected on one folder, i starting create Rsync.conf, a file that contain some neccessary configuration to start Rsync server, and here my Rsync.conf :
use chroot = false
strict modes = false
hosts allow = *
log file = Rsyncd.log
# Module definitions
# Remember cygwin naming conventions : c:\work becomes /cygwin/c/work
path = /cygdrive/D/
read only = false
transfer logging = yes
after configurating Rsync, it's time to running Rsync server with this simple command
Rsync.exe --config=Rsyncd.conf --daemon --no-detach
that command will bring up Windows DOS Prompt Windows, to stop the Rsync server is simple, just close the Windows Prompt.
To check if your Rsync server running or not, is simple to, from Windows DOS Promt, type the following command :
Rsync.exe localhost::
If you see "test" as output, then your Rsync server is running.
Simple Hah ^^
rsync files
rsync files


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14 October 2016
M&MS Peanut Spooky Colours Edition (Boots) By @cinabar
Oh MnMs you don't make it easy for me. Every year I think this will be the year where we get some exciting themed Halloween edition, perhaps Pumpkin Spice flavour, and every year I'm left disappointed. This year we have a Spooky Colours edition, which are just regular peanut MnMs in select colours.
The spooky colours are orange (a classic Halloween colour and the colour of pumpkins), green (Halloween slime?) and brown (errr, nope I got nothing). The peanut, chocolate and candy shell works, but of course it does. I love nuts and chocolate so these tasted good, and the packet looked smartly themed. It had a funky Jack-o'-lantern shape on the front. The idea of just changing the colours feels like it's lacking effort for a proper Halloween edition, but they still tasted good.
I think I might go and see what interesting flavours are available in the import shops for Halloween from the States. I'll eat those while I look forward to the red/green peanut MnMs inevitably coming out for Christmas here.
3 comments:
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After updating to current version of propulsion the Forum has completely disappeared and am unable to recover it.
Hi cismedia,
Is the plugin up to date as well or was it somehow disabled?
Hi Devin,
All plugins were updated, It happened after downloading a series of recent propulsion updates., In any event can you advise on how to re-enable the Forum please.
Many thanks, Tony
If the plugin is active, then the forums are active. You should be on version 2.2.4 of bbPress and can see your forums in the Forums tab of the wordpress options.
If not, de-active the plugin from the plugins admin, then try re-activating it.
The topic 'Forum disappeared' is closed to new replies.


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Xojo Conferences
About an unique machine ID
From time to time I'm asked to add a plugin function for an unique machine ID. With the 10.3pr4 plugins we got a function for this: SystemInformationMBS.MachineID. I think a few people will be happy, but I need to warn about it. This ID may not be unique. Virtual machines can have the same ID as well as cloned installations. Also the ID may change over time. Maybe some values used for the machine ID or even the algorithm to calculate it can change. So whenever the MachineID does not match a stored one, you know that something changed. Maybe a new computer, maybe the same. But that is the time to reask for license information like a license key.
Now the Machine ID in my plugins is based on the serial number of the first hard disc in the computer, the brand string of the main CPU, the serial number of a Mac or it's model name. Those 4 values typically only change if you replace the harddisc or get a new computer. All the functions we use are exposed in the SystemInformationMBS module, so check them. You can build your own ID yourself if you like.
We do not use the MAC Address for the ID as it changes if you switch between wireless network and wired network. Also not counted in is the physical memory size as people like to upgrade their memory and the ID should not break too often.
More information: http://www.monkeybreadsoftware.net/pluginpart-systeminformation.shtml
No comments


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10 episodes. 10 stories. This story started one evening coming out of Bombay Hospital visiting a friend from Ujjain who was here for his second operation on a broken leg. There was a line of cabs and for some reason I kept walking to the one far down the road. It was Sagir Bhai. He is full of stories and full of a sense of belonging to this city. We rode through the night and I heard his story as a young 16 year old who just failed his 10th Board Exams, running away from home, to Bombay, without even a change of clothes or an address. Just the wisp of knowledge that between 7am and 8am at a place called Maratha Mandir, he might find his sagaawalas. He found them, and like Sevalal, became a tailor and a sampler at Saat-Raasta and then a taxi driver. And now 24 years after getting off the 66 bus from Dadar Terminus at the petrol pump across from Bombay Central, he speaks of Raj Thackeray, of 1992, of 26 July, of film shoots, of his life then and now and to come.
click here to stream podcast
or here –> sagir bhai podcast and here to download –> download podcast
sagir bhai: hum log ne kabhi yeh nahin sochha ke yeh shahar mera nahin hai.
The streets are dotted with Meru cabs. They stick out like pastel interlopers amidst the black and yellow taxis and in their blandness, catch my eyes. They seem to exist in the interstices of private and public vehicle. I have yet to talk to a Meru driver but often imagine what that conversation would be like, especially if accompanied by Sagir Bhai or Sevalal or, if I could find him again, Babu. How many kaali-peeli drivers have gone over to Meru? According to this outtake, probably not many because of the required papers needed for submission. Have you ever tried to shift a ration card from your native place to Bombay? But also according to this outtake, perhaps many drivers, like many passengers, would like to drive around in an air-conditioned taxi in April, in May, in the rains or in that hot October month. Yet what will happen to kaali-peeli? And what will it mean to roji-roti if they are made to disappear. Perhaps its more than we think. This is a long outtake but wonderful.(4 min 3 sec)
click here for outtake —-> Meeru taxi and kaali-peeli
Everyone told Sagir Bhai not to drive a taxi but he didn't listen. He wanted to drive. So 11 years of taxi driving later, what advice would he give a young man just arriving in Bombay? And would that young man listen? Do we heed advice? I didnt. No regrets. (1 min 22 sec)
click here for outtake —–> Taxi mat chelao
People ask me if drivers ever refuse to be recorded. No, none has refused but there were two drivers that were so reticent I didnt use the material. One was a Gujarati driver and the other was the 10th driver I recorded, an older Sion-Koliwada Sadarji, Ranbir Singh, born here in Bombay.
Actually, Hari Lal Yadav was my third conversation. My first was Shankar Jaiswal from Jaunpur, UP, done exactly one year ago. The traffic noise is overwhelming in parts of that conversation because I didn't know to set the mic sense in the recorder from omni-directional to uni-direction. I am clearly nervous and thus over-animated. He is wonderfully forthcoming. Perhaps I can clean it up and post it some day. The second was with the Gujarati driver. He is so reticent your can hear the sweat forming on my upper lip as I try to engage.
One year. 10 lives shared. I love these stories, these accumulating histories of the drivers in the city around them, the city around us.
The intro music in the podcast is the song Boombai Nagari from the movie Taxi 9211, sung by Bappa Lahiri, Merriene , Nisha and Vishal Dadlani.
Music by Vishal Dadlani and Shekar, lyrics by Vishal Dadlani and Dev Kohli


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Alecia Whitaker
Alecia Whitaker
Genre: YA Contemporary
Hardback: 320 Pages
Publication: July 1, 2014
by Poppy
Hardback: 320 Pages
Publication: July 1, 2014
by Poppy
The best songs come from broken hearts.
Sixteen-year-old Bird Barrett has grown up on the road, singing backup in her family's bluegrass band, and playing everywhere from Nashville, Tennesee to Nowhere, Oklahoma. One fateful night, Bird fills in for her dad by singing lead, and a scout in the audience offers her a spotlight all her own.
Soon Bird is caught up in a whirlwind of songwriting meetings, recording sessions, and music video shoots. Her first single hits the top twenty, and suddenly fans and paparazzi are around every corner. She's even caught the eye of her longtime crush, fellow roving musician Adam Dean. With Bird's star on the rise, though, tradition and ambition collide. Can Bird break out while staying true to her roots?
In a world of glamour and gold records, a young country music star finds her voice.
◆ A copy was provided by Little Brown for review ◆
Another fantastic book from Alecia Whitaker! I read and loved The Queen of Kentucky back when it came out in 2012. What I remember (and love best) about Whitaker's writing is that she writes about teen girls in the midst of forging their identities and struggling to come to terms with who they are, and she's done it again in Wildflower. And, once again, she had me feeling the feels. So much I don't want to write this review because I was so busy enjoying the novel I forgot to take notes on what I'm supposed to be writing about.
Bird's voice is light and youthful. From the first pages, it had me hooked. So bad that I noticed during on the of couple times I came out of my reading reverie that I hadn't heard my family members talking in the same room—loudly. Her youthfulness means that she has big dreams, which sets her up for the crash when she realizes they aren't as easy to obtain as she hoped. Like Ricki Jo from The Queen of Kentucky, she plunges forward without much thoughts to the consequences, choosing instead to live on the thread of hope that everything will come true only to despair when they don't. She's also prone to thinking that she doesn't know the best for her, which made me sad since she relies on other people so much, and not all of them want the best for her as a person. Sometimes, I just wanted to slap some sense into her, but most of all I wanted to hug her and tell her to take the time to slow down a little and think about what she really wants instead of what she thinks she wants.
Two things really brightened this novel for me (other than Bird herself): family and the country vibes. Frequent blog visitors know that I'm big on family and always appreciate a good novel that has a present family (that sticks around and doesn't fade into the background). Having lived on the road with her family for most of her life, Bird is very close to her family, and they're so strong and supportive. I'm half in love with them. (The other half is with Adam and yearning for him alongside Bird. I have to know what happens between them!!! And no, I'm not speaking up about this anymore because spoilers!) I also love a good Western setting, which is the number one reason I picked up this book!
If I have any complaints, it's that time tends to skip a little in this book. The story doesn't really spend much time exploring any one events or time in Bird's life; rather, the big picture comes together through all these snippets. But this is a minor complaint. I don't know much about a singer's life, being far removed from this scene, but I probably don't need to or want to know about all the in-betweens in Bird's life. That said, it is a little jarring, especially when combined with Bird's tendency to rush into things and think later.
After this book, I'll probably give most anything Alecia Whitaker publishes a try. I'll definitely be on the lookout for Wildflower book two! I'm both happy and sad for Bird's success, and I look forwarding to seeing where she goes and how she matures from here on out!
... for the feels
Additional Information
Similar Books


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TODAY has seen quite the line-up of designers who like to look at clothes a little bit differently - there was Junya Watanabe this morning and there's Commes des Garcons this afternoon and then there's <a href="http://www.vogue.co.uk/brand/acne" target=""_blank"">Acne in between. This season, Jonny Johansson's progessive-minimalist label collaborated with artist Katerina Jebb and the Musee Galliera - Musee de la Mode de la Ville de Paris to create a collection that took apart fashion as we know it, celebrating and showing off its usually hidden angles and history.
"We wanted to insert a historic element with what we do," said Johansson, who'd had access to the Musee Galleria's archive of historical garments and took them as a starting point to rework for today. Meanwhile Jebb, a friend of Johansson's, created artworks for the prints of what would be wispy dresses by scanning the garments - mostly the insides to be in accordance with viewing fashion from a new angle - and making photo montages from and of them.
On the catwalk - whose walls moved into place as the show began - this translated as boxy leather jackets and those that purposely twisted off the shoulder and body as though they weren't quite in sync; baggy trousers with big turn-ups (something we've been seeing quite a bit of in Paris this week, at Chalayan and at Watanabe); nubbly knits with brutal zips and stitching; a patchwork of fabrics from leather and corduroy; and those printed loose and breezy dresses.
There was at times a difficulty and uneasiness in some of the shapes and the layers - but that was the idea. It was meant to be brutal. So that sartorial design stars got an outing and so that you were asked to reconsider what goes where.
Though harsh and stiff in shape, the palette was soft in salmon pinks and sandy shades, cerulean blue and occasional splashes of slate. Articulated sleeves and supremely baggy trousers, it was a collection that invited just as much consideration as had gone into it.
"We played a lot with tailoring, to get that effortless and layered feel," said Johansson.
This was a fashion history lesson, the Acne way and take those pieces and layers apart - in fact unravel that very history as you do just as Johansson intended - and there'll still be the wearable Acne there.
All seasons Acne
Spring/Summer 2019 Menswear
Spring/Summer 2016 Resort
Autumn/Winter 2015 Pre-Fall
Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-To-Wear
Spring/Summer 2015 Menswear
Spring/Summer 2015 Resort
Autumn/Winter 2014 Ready-To-Wear
Autumn/Winter 2014 Menswear
Autumn/Winter 2014 Pre-Fall
Spring/Summer 2014 Ready-To-Wear


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Return to
Toy Museum
about this site
site index
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our picks
e-mail us
FEATURED EXHIBIT: Fisher Price:
Play Family and Little People
MORE EXHIBITS: Fisher Price:
pull toys
music boxes
Little Tikes
| Playskool:
: visit CLUBHOUSEB.COM to see original SOCK MONKEY folk art paintings!!!
Fisher-Price Toys
no. 120. Tub, Tug and Barge
© 1978. This set is missing blue nesting cube and square bottom yellow duck.
The sailor can be removed from the Tug.
no. 142 Three men it a Tub!
© '70 Fisher-Price Toys, Inc.
Bell in bottom of tub.
The three men: Butcher, Baker and Candlestickmaker can be removed from tub and they float!
no. 176 School Days Desk
© 72 Fisher-Price Toys.
This desk is made of plastic, and has a metal chalk board.
It came with chalk, an eraser, magnetic letters (A-Z) and numbers (1-9), and 16 cards.
A tray on the bottom of the desk slides in and out, and holds the magnetic letters.
There is a compartment above the letter tray to store the cards.
The cards can be placed on top of the chalkboard and slid down into a slot.
There is also a compartment above the chalk board that can be used to
store the eraser and other loose items.
no. 411 Floating Family
Complete set.
no. 415 Squeak And Peek Sailor
© 1984. Rattle with a suction cup base and spinning arms.
When the red part of his sailor hat is pressed he squeaks.
no. 659 Puzzle Puppy
This puzzle comes apart into 8 pieces.
no. 972 Cash Register
© Fisher-Price Toys
This Cash Register is made of wood, masonite, plastic, and metal. The coins to this register are missing.
Push on the colored button/levers in front to raise the wooden "No Sale" and numbered blocks.
Turning the yellow plastic crank on the side rings the bell, makes the "No Sale" and numbered blocks drop back down,
and pops open the cash drawer.
no. 1135 Activity Center
© 1973, 1984, 1988 Fisher-Price Toys.
This toy is designed to attach to the crib rails and has
ten activities to do.
no. 2049 Magic Vac
© 1986 Fisher-Price Toys.
Push this vacuum toy and a little light comes on. Also little "dust particle" colored balls
are blown around in the see through compartment in the handle.
no. 2056 Magic Money Machine
© 1992 Fisher-Price Toys.
This Money Machine is made of plastic with paper lithos.
It's footprint is approximately 8 1/2" by 6 1/2" and it is about 13" tall.
It came with 8 plastic green dollar bills, 10 plastic coins,
1 plastic orange bank card, 1 plastic white bank card, and 1 nylon wallet
The coins can be inserted on the right side of the carrying handle or through the slot on the back.
Push the blue button on the front and the coins will drop down to the coin return slot in the front.
Push the blue button on the back and the coins will drop down to the coin return slot in the back.
The bills can be inserted through the slot above the safe door in the back.
Push the red button on the front and the bills pop out the slot below.
Bank cards can either be inserted above the blue button in the front
or beside the orange key pad in the back.
no. 2218
This yellow cookie jar has a removable blue lid with slot. It comes with six cookies which can be taken apart.
no. 5779 Activity Ball
This ball has approximately an 8'' diameter. The little beads slide!
Suggested Sites:
Fisher Price
This Old Toy
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our picks
e-mail us
FEATURED EXHIBIT: Fisher Price:
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Felixstowe Academy was represented by eight of its students at BT to be amongst the first in the country to have a go at the CoSpace challenge.
The students were excited as they arrived at Adastral Park to be briefed by Pam Popay from BT about the challenge that faced them. They had to programme virtual robots to manoeuvre around a course, collecting and depositing counters to gain points. They had to avoid traps which stole their points. The students worked in teams of two, with the support of BT employees, to problem-solve and create a strategy which would hopefully help them to accrue more points than other teams.
Having completed their programmes the teams competed with teams from three other schools and academies from Suffolk and Essex to see who could accumulate the most points in five minutes.
The atmosphere was tense as robots did not always behave as anticipated. Felixstowe Academy teams acquitted themselves well and one of our teams, Lucy and Kira, had the most points from their four games at the end of the day. The two teams with the most points then ran one final game and the girls were just beaten by a team from Westbourne School.
All participants received a certificate and are looking forward to helping others have a go in the Academy. BT intends to run a local and national competition using this programme next year and we hope that the Academy will be represented.
The Year 8 students who took part were; Lucy Borrett, Ben Branton, Sammy Coldron, Kacy Collins, Finn Gilham, Jason Luu, Ryan Roberts and Kira Scopes.
News > Academy News >


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I just noticed something uniquely awesome about NoFap
I have noticed there are both a lot of Christians and Atheists here, which is pretty normal in life. However, the dynamic is incredible; Christians post verses from the bible, and no one tells them how stupid they are. Atheists talk about not believing in a God while no one tells them they are going to hell or they need to repent. There is some type of mutual understanding. I feel like this is a type of real humanity, people respecting people. And what is the commonality? An abstaining from fapping–no porn. Is the mutual respect regarding notorious religious (or non-religious) disposition due to the third party unifier (no-fap)? Could be, but to me it doesn't seem that simple. I don't know if anyone else sees the connection, but I am noticing a deeper respect for all people in general the further I get as a Faptronaut. Porn ruins people I think. It degrades the very construct of what we call civil. This is on top of bio-chemical adjustments, strict obedience to scripture, or other changes in perspective frequently talked about here. I want to say keep at it, for science, for faith, for humanity, for respect, for dignity, for yourself and for others.
Posted by an anonymous NoFap fapstronaut. (source)
Well said. I guess realizing what we have a common enemy in our lives, that we're all striving for a better life… Things like what we believe become irrelevant. This community is profound in its culture of encouragement and I hope this culture will begin to spread
I've read a study somewhere telling that high levels of testosterone made subjects more sociable.
Keep it up guys, our testosterone levels are skyrocketing!
I think a bible Matthew 3:25 illustrates this perfectly and it's really a universal truth whether you're theist or atheist.
"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand"
I live in a country where religion is live-and-let-live. No one here (apart from a few bigots) cares what religion you are or aren't. We find the religious obsession in certain other countries (e.g. the USA and parts of the Middle East) bizarre and uncomfortable.


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Dinner with the family – it's a priceless time of bonding and interaction. I believe so strongly in the family table and want to share some thoughts on why it is important and how to make it work for a busy family. I made a video post on the topic recently that I invite you to watch. Feel free to like the Facebook Page also to stay connected. In short, please make the effort to sit your butt down and eat. Your family will be better for it, especially your children.
Whether you are eating a gourmet meal, pizza or leftovers, taking the time connect is worth it. There's research confirming this. In Les and Leslie Parrott's Book The Hour that Matters Most: The Surprising Power of the Family Meal, it reads:
"It's not about the food on the table; it's not even about the conversations around it. Rather, there's an unidentifiable bond that grows stronger when family members eat together. Why? Because this time-tested ritual helps families cultivate the six qualities that make a home the safest place on earth…"
According to an extensive 25-year study by Dr. Stinnett of the University of Alabama, cited by the Parrotts, these six qualities are:
- Commitment
- Appreciation and Affection
- Positive Communication
- Time Together
- Spiritual Well-Being
- The Ability to Cope with Stress and Crises
Whoa – that's a boatload of benefits for minimal effort. Surely these benefits justify making a mealtime an obvious priority that all families should be working towards. Parrott goes on to detail the specifics on each of the above qualities and it is quite fascinating. I really encourage you to try to get your hands on a copy of the Parrotts' book (link below). In addition to research and anecdotal information about mealtime benefits, they discuss "fix and freeze" dinner prep, to make regular family dinnertime easier to do. I plan to talk about in a later post as well.
To follow up on the Parrotts, I have added a few of my own ideas and observations below. Enjoy!
We aren't perfect, but almost all of the time, we avoid cell phone use at the table. It is an unneeded distraction that will cause you to look down instead of into the faces of your loved ones. Television is never an issue because we eat in the dining room, away from the TV. It also has to be turned off because that blaring racket just doesn't do anything to make the meal better. An exception to the rule of technology is that we put on our kitchen radio most nights so we have a little mood music while we eat. We usually listen to the classical/jazz station or K-LOVE Radio, which adds a nice touch to the atmosphere at dinner time.
Talking to your family is the best part of eating together. You can tailor conversations to age and even season. Try to avoid the "how was your day" question. It is possible to answer this in a single word and many kids will. We like to ask our kids to tell us one thing that was interesting, funny or new at school. We talk about upcoming plans and holidays. It is our plan to begin regular family devotions as well – just a quick little bible verse and discussion to keep the focus on God and His goodness. If you learn how to ask the right questions, your kids will talk to you – even your teenagers.
A sure way to thwart your efforts to have family meals throughout the week is to have no plan. This isn't to say you need an immaculately organized meal calendar, but you should have a few easy recipes you can make in a pinch. We love One Pan Pasta from Martha Stewart. This meal can tossed be into one pan and served on one plate each, reducing your cleanup time by a lot. Who doesn't love fewer dishes?
Another family favorite is a simple Chicken Taco meal that we like having on Tuesdays because, Taco Tuesday folks. Taco Tuesday is not only a thing, it is a delicious thing! This recipe feeds 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children with leftovers for lunch. BONUS!
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
2 lbs. frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (or both)
1 – 14-16 oz. jar of your favorite salsa (we use mild and add our own hot fixings at the table)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (adds nice depth)
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
1 cup black beans (optional)
1/2 cup corn (optional)
Simply add ingredients (except corn/beans) to the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Cook time will depend upon your pot and the meat will easily shred with forks when done. Toss beans and/or corn in after shredding meat and allow to warm through in the pot.
Serve in warm flour or corn tortillas, with your choice of toppings. We like any combination of shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream and sprinkles of chipotle chili powder/Tabasco sauce. Often it's whatever is handy.
NOTE: Frozen chicken allows slow cook time if you are out all day without drying out the meat. Fresh can be used, but you will want to cut the cook time down by just less than half.
Other quick family meals you can prepare with minimal effort at home include:
- Breakfast for Dinner (eggs, pancakes, toast, breakfast meat, fruit, etc.)
- Homemade pizza night and salad (store-bought dough topped with sauce, cheese, veggies, you name it)
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Soup (We make tomato soup in the summer and freeze it.)
- Leftovers! Have a smorgasboard at some point in the week to help tidy up the fridge and enjoy what you already spent time cooking.
The family table is one of the most important things you can do for your family because it has multi-faceted benefits. Declare war on crazy schedules and start simply by setting a couple of days a week if you are totally swamped. If you eat together regularly, but are distracted by TV or texting, make your table a technology-free zone. There's nothing you can watch, play or text that is worth sacrificing family conversation and bonding.
I am also sharing some affiliate links that may help you learn more about the family table and prepare meals easily. I hope you find nourishment for you body, heart and soul at your family table!
Hi! I'm Tracy…Christ-follower, wife, mama, writer, blogger, speaker, teacher, dreamer. I love Earl Grey Tea and quiet mornings. Here at Earl Grey and Yellow, the focus is striving to be faithful and appreciate the small things. So glad you stopped by. Please have a look around and subscribe to our newsletter and social media to stay connected.


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Pet policy to be incorporated into RLA tenancy template?
Been trying to rent out my flat but have plenty of competitions around the area so it's a price war. As a speedy measure, I have been asked if I would accept a couple that has a kid and 5 cats for my small 1 bed flat.
I have two issues as such -
1) I couldn't find a document sample from RLA for Pets policy. Is there an updated RLA sample tenancy agreement that comes with pets policy or a copy that anyone cares to share? What are the things that I need to look out for in terms of pets or children for that matter?
2) I spoke to the freeholder management company and was told it costs:
£130 to register new tenancy, £65 to renew later for consent to sublet plus £80 to get consent for pets. The charges seem excessive though from freeholder management. Wondering if anyone came across this and is it reasonable for a freeholder to ask this much even before I could get a decent rental payment to offset mortgage?
Want to read more?
This is a members only forum, if you want to read more you need to login to your membership, if you are not a member, click here to join.


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Olympus Micro Four Thirds Lens Repair
After a short day of shooting in Nawiliwili, Hawaii I dropped my bag with my camera inside. The lens of the camera separated from it's mount that was still attached to the camera, breaking the ribbon cable that allows the lens to communicate with the the body. I desoldered the old ribbon cable and make my own wiring harness by recycling the wires in an old pair of bluetooth headphones. The new bundle of wires now fit snuggly in the lens. After gluing the lens back together it worked perfectly.
Hunter's Quay
Bluetooth Audio to Stock Saturn Radio
Several years ago I received an iPod Touch for Christmas and I wanted a better way to get the audio from the device to my car's stereo. In the past I have used FM transmitters that worked pretty well, but the audio quality can be poor and you have to adjust the transmit frequency when traveling between radio markets.
I found iSimple's iPod2Car adapter. It emulates a factory CD Changer for a bunch of different radios from a variety of manufactures. The device unlocks the auxiliary audio input for the radio and passes the control commands from the radio back to the iPod. The setup worked for several years with my iPod, allowing me to enjoy my music collection as well as podcasts and audiobooks in my car. After I bought my first Android phone I needed a way to connect it to my car to enjoy streaming Internet radio. A simple iPod Bluetooth adapter hidden behind a cup holder has worked very well, it passes the audio to my car stereo as well the control commands back to my Android device.
I may have the only Saturn S-Series with a factory radio with Bluetooth audio input.


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Want to give your home a new look? Back Mountain Gas also installs custom made fireplaces from HeatNGlo that add instant character to your living space. A gas fireplace not only adds beauty and value to your home, but also adds warmth and comfort.
Click here to sign up online now or call us today and see why so many families turn to Back Mountain Gas for their propane needs.


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Author Notes: A versatile, chewy, nutty whole wheat loaf. Perfect for sandwiches all year round. —Erin McDowell
Makes: one 9-inch loaf
cups (10 3/4 ounces) whole wheat flour
cup (4 3/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
cup (31 /4 ounces) oats, plus more for finishing
teaspoons (8 grams) salt
2 1/2
teaspoons (7 grams) instant yeast
1 1/4
cups (9 1/2 ounces) warm water
cup (3 ounces) honey
tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
In This Recipe
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix the flours, oats, salt, and yeast to combine. Add the water, honey, and butter and mix on low speed until the mixture forms a ball around the hook. (This can also be done by hand in a large bowl using a wooden spoon).
- Raise speed to medium and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic, 5 minutes more. (This can also be done by hand on a clean surface for 10 to 12 minutes).
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased medium bowl and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
- Shape the dough into an oblong shape by pressing it out into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, then folding it over onto itself to expel excess air. Seal the final fold using the heel of your hand, then gently roll into an oblong loaf. Place the dough, seal side down, into a lightly greased 9-inch loaf pan.
- Let the dough rise inside the pan until nearly double in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Brush the surface with water and sprinkle with more oats.
- Bake the loaf until golden brown and crusty (and until the internal temperature reads about 195° F), 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
- This recipe is a Community Pick!
More Great Recipes:
Bread|Honey|Oat|Whole Wheat


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Myanmar's government and ethnic rebels have agreed on a first draft of a nationwide cease-fire accord, negotiators said Tuesday at the end of four days of peace talks in the country's former capital Yangon.
Negotiators from the government's Central Peace Making Work Committee and the rebel groups' 16-member National Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) said they had "agreed on a first draft of a single text," according to a joint statement issued after Tuesday's meeting.
The two sides did not make public the text of the draft, however, saying only that they had discussed the nationwide cease-fire agreement "with transparency and friendliness" and agreed to meet again in the first week of May to deliberate further.
The statement also said negotiators agreed to sign the accord and move toward political dialogue as soon as possible.
The government's top negotiator Aung Min, a minister from President Thein Sein's office, said the two sides had discussed seven chapters that would be included in the agreement.
"To get to a single draft … that was agreeable to all groups, we continued our discussions on the topics and content and seven chapters that were discussed in previous talks. Then we agreed on the text," he said at the end of the meeting.
The agreement was reached after the talks at the Myanmar Peace Center, originally scheduled to run April 5-7, were extended an extra day.
Negotiators from the two sides had written up their own versions of the agreement before the meeting, which was aimed at merging the separate drafts into a single text.
Conflicting demands
Representatives from five non-NCCT rebel groups—the United Wa State Army, the Restoration Council of Shan State, the National Democratic Alliance Army, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang, and the All Burma Students Democratic Front—had joined the talks, as had some Myanmar lawmakers and military representatives.
Ethnic leaders, who have called for greater autonomy under a federal union and control over natural resources in their areas, have demanded that political dialogue be conducted before they join the nationwide cease-fire, while the government has said the pact must be a precondition for any political talks.
"Our major aim is to create a federal union, but it is a little bit difficult for them [to accept]," NCCT representative Khun Okka told RFA's Myanmar Service after the four days of meetings.
Lian Hmung Sakhong, a representative from the NCCT's Chin National Front, said that during the talks negotiators had discussed guidelines for activities of rebel and military troops after the signing of a nationwide cease-fire, including forming a monitoring committee to ensure troops follow rules laid out in the agreement.
The local Irrawaddy journal reported Monday that the talks had been complicated by demands from Myanmar's military for the incorporation of its own six-point statement into any future nationwide cease-fire deal.
The NCCT and the government agreed last month to form a joint committee to draft a single text for a nationwide cease-fire agreement, which President Thein Sein has pushed to have signed since last year in a bid to speed up reforms after decades under military rule.
In talks in the northern Myanmar's Kachin state in November last year, NCCT members committed to signing the nationwide cease-fire agreement and began work with the government to outline its details.
The meeting marked the first time in decades that Myanmar government representatives had met with so many rebel groups within the country's borders.
Both sides have agreed to hold high-level talks again in Hpa-an, the capital of Karen state, to set up a date for the signing of a nationwide cease-fire in Naypyidaw, but the meeting has been repeatedly delayed.
Reported by Thiha Tun for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar and Khin Maung Soe. Written in English by Rachel Vandenbrink.


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By Kathryn Millhorn
This year is the twenty-fifth annual Sun and Surf Run, where over 4,000 bikers will ride to Ocean Shores, raising money for Seattle Children's Hospital and other local charities. The event runs from July 25to the 28 and includes Bike Games, a Biker Babe Contest, Tattoo Contest, Live and Silent Auctions, Concerts, a Fun Run, and a Bike Show. 100% of the money raised benefits the Sun and Surf Charity, which donates to Seattle Children's Hospital, Boyer's Children's Clinic, Guide Dogs of America, the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, veteran's organizations, and many, many local police, fire, and motorcycle-based charities. Their goal is to benefit 5000 people annually through their giving.
The Run takes place at the Ocean Shores Convention Center with many riders staying locally at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino and other nearby hotels. Registration for the event is $20 in advance or $25 at the door with entrance fees covering activities and concerts for all four days. There will be more than ninety vendors on site, many of whom will continue on to the Seventy-Third Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
This year's entertainment runs the gamut from motorcycle drill teams to live bands. 'Too Slim and the Taildraggers' will perform Saturday night, July 27, while 'Sons of Palmer' and 'James King and the Southsiders' have times on Friday and Saturday afternoons. There will also be motorcycle stunt riders, a bike blessing ceremony, a "Biker Memorial Parade", award ceremonies, and late-night beach bonfires.
A portion of the fundraising takes place through both live and silent auctions. Some of the items up for bid are trips to Mazatlan, Lake Tahoe, Puerto Vallarta, and Palm Springs as well as merchandise such as leather motorcycle jackets, touchscreen tablet computers, helmets, camcorders, and Seattle Mariners memorabilia.
Locally, Northwest Harley Davidson is the title sponsor of the event, and will have a prominent booth showcasing their merchandise and motorcycles, both new and used. They also bring their NW Bikini Babes for photos with customers!
NW Harley Davidson's Guest Relations Manager Tina Torfin says they have been involved with Sun and Surf since the beginning with mainstream sponsorship starting in 2005. Says Torfin, "We do other charity events with Sun Charities (the organization that puts on Sun & Surf, as well as many other events throughout the year) – we are the closest dealership, these are our regular customers so it just makes sense for us to be out there…..plus, who doesn't love a rally that raises money for awesome non-profits?"
Their booth is located directly in front of the convention center, central to both the beer garden and main stage.
Olympia area riders will coordinate through South Sound H.O.G., a local Harley Owners Group, to caravan to Ocean Shores, with groups leaving Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 25-27.
Questions about the 2013 Sun and Surf Run can be addressed to the customer support line at 206-953-7918 or found on their website . There you will find a full schedule of events as well as suggested hotels, campsites, restaurants, and online ticketing/registration. All motorcycles are welcome; what better way to enjoy bikes, beaches, and benefit local charities?


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Game Highlights:
- Not only did Australia, ranked 3rd in the world, get knocked out of the top contenders, they didn't even win their lower pool, being beating by Puerto Rico, 4-0. They did not look like the same team that has been to the Canadian Open in previous years. It was rather disappointing.
- I was scorekeeping on another diamond for the bronze medal game, but apparently the Canada vs. Japan game was an embarrassment. Canada couldn't hit and the Japanese kept cranking home runs off all of our pitchers. Even Sara Groenewegen, who has been our secret weapon, was unsuccessful. They mercied us. Again, embarrassing ...... This was Canada's highest place showing at an Open, so it wasn't a complete disaster.
- The U.S. ended up with Gold, getting two three-run home runs off the Japanese pitcher, Yukani Hamamuro, before she was changed out for Yamato Fujita, who allowed no runs. It was too late, as the U.S. won the game 7-3. It's the first time I've been to the Canadian Open (which this year was the World Championship) where Japan hasn't won Gold. It was a very weird feeling.
Other Tidbits:
- I must admit Japan is my favourite team. One of my favourite players is Eri Yamada, their centre-fielder. She's not quite as crazy and hyper as she used to be, but she still gives a great show.
- One of the umpires prevented a Chinese coach from striking one of his players. He grabbed his arm and said, "We don't do that in this country."
- Here's a story of Uganda's journey to the World Championship.
- And more random acts of kindness: there is an article that talks about a Vancouver businessman who took out the Indian team and bought them all cleats. It's wonderful to hear uplifting stories like these.