text:
With an annual traffic volume of around 100 billion tonnes/km, Single Wagon Load (SWL) covers half of the total volume of freight carried in Europe. SWL is very important to the economy of many European countries, dominated by a strongly divided industry and agriculture. However, SWL is not profitable. The economic crisis led to an increase in single wagon load, but this increase was not enough to revitalize this system. In Romania, SWL represents only 1/10 of the transport market, mainly because of the poor state of the infrastructure, which generates increased travel times, as well as the lack of modern switchyards and terminals. Railway Pro has put together an interview in order to discover the prospects of this type of transport in Romania.
Customers resort to single wagon load when they want to carry one or more wagons in a pre-established time frame, but they don't have enough cargo to fill an entire train. Based on the same principle, operators decided to attach single wagons to a train with several wagons in order to save time and money and to have the locomotives operate at optimum traction parameters. What is essential for the success of a SWL system is cargo selection and distribution. Loading takes place in switchyards or depots. The wagons can be attached before the train reaches its destination. This makes SWL very special and it depends highly on the technical features of the cargo loading facilities. Some countries, especially in the former CIS region, restrict SWL to international traffic, because customs control and cargo reception take a long time and also because they require more personnel than in the case of Block Train Load (BTL). The current market share of SWL in international traffic is lower than in the case of domestic traffic. The European Union has decided to support SWL and is currently working on several strategies meant to simplify the customs control in EU member states, as well as the beaurocratic and technical procedures related to single wagon load. Experts believe that SWL is more profitable in international traffic due to the large distances, which reduce the travel time, as well as the time necessary to assemble the cargo trains in specialized terminals. One of the main advantages of SWL is the flexibility provided for the customer, who can choose the load. Practically, the customer is free to choose the number of single wagons and also is able to change the quantities on a daily basis, based on the commercial requirements. At the same time, the customer can increase or reduce the load, without significantly altering the travel time. This flexibility can also be encountered in road transport. That is why, by promoting SWL, the railway sector can cover some of the flaws and thus engage in a fair competition with the road sector. A big disadvantage of BTL, but an advantage for SWL, is the fact that the customer is forced to lease the entire train, even though not all the wagons carry cargo.
In Romania, Single Wagon Load represents only 5-10%
In Romania, operators avoid this type of transport. SWL holds extremely low percentages on the Romanian market, compared to other European countries. The lack of a modern terminal network and high-performance train equipment determined a market share of only 5-10% for SWL. Amedeo Neculcea, Commercial Manager GFR, said that only 5% of the company's activities involve single wagon load. In case of Servtrans Invest, the percentage is even smaller, as shown by Sorin Zbengheci, Marketing Manager. In Europe, one of the main features of SWL is the type of cargo, which most of the time differs from that of BTL. While in case of BTL the predominant cargo includes oil products, grains and construction materials, in case of SWL the cargo comes from the light industry (textile, food products). In the US, SWL cargo includes perishable goods, such as fruits and vegetables, food products etc. According to Sorin Zbengheci, the railway operators in Romania could be able to use this type of transport. He claims that Servtrans owns refrigerated railway wagons capable to carry any type of perishable goods. However, the poor state of the Romanian infrastructure and the uncertain travel time in case of a cargo transport on the Romanian railway network makes it impossible to attract customers, who, in fact, prefer road transport for this type of activity.
Operators in Western Europe form alliances to develop SWL services
In Western Europe, the railway operators have joined forces to support single wagon load. To that end, on February 18, 2010, 7 railway freight operators signed a new alliance in Zurich for the improvement of SWL services. The founding members of the Xrail alliance are: CD Cargo (Czech Republic), CFL Cargo (Luxembourg), DB Schenker Rail (Germany), Green Cargo (Sweden), Rail Cargo Austria (Austria), SBB Cargo (Switzerland) and SNCB Logistics (Belgium). "Single wagon load is very important to the European freight transport sector", said Johannes Ludewig, Executive Director CER. "We welcome the foundation of the Xrail alliance as a major step made by the member companies and we are certain that this new alliance will have a major contribution to the organisation of railway freight transport services at international level, through a customer-oriented policy and an increased competition with road transport", added Ludewig. With an annual freight volume of approximately 100 billion tonnes/km, almost 50% of the total volume of freight carried by rail at international level is carried in single wagons. The members of the new alliance agreed on creating a complete information system and production standards in order to ensure an improved transport system. Aside from a better organisation and a high level of punctuality, customers will also benefit from an automated electronic information system. The first tests on the Xrail network have been successfully finalized. In 2010, over 200 railway lines of strategic importance will be opened in Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium.
Eliminating customs control may help develop cross-border SWL traffic
What insights does the National Association of Private Wagon Owners in Romania (AVPR) have on the subject and what are the obstacles that stand in the way of SWL development in Romania? We managed to find out the answers to these questions, as well as other aspects, from Nucu Morar, Chairman of the AVPR Management Board.
Railway Pro: Why is it that the Romanian operators aren't too attracted by single wagon load?
Nucu Morar: It's obvious that for a railway operator is much more profitable to carry groups of wagons or block trains than single wagons. This aspect is related to the cost, which is higher for single wagons. These costs are covered by the beneficiary of the transport in question. Moreover, there is also the disadvantage related to the travel time necessary for single wagon load compared to block trains. These are, I believe, the main elements that tilt the balance in favour of single wagon load.
Railway Pro: SWL involves many costs, resulted in the use of switchyards and terminals. Do you believe that the tariffs applied in these facilities prevent operators from using SWL more often?
Nucu Morar: In a liberalized society, only the market can regulate this type of transport in terms of costs and tariffs. The technical aspects are well defined, and the costs are subordinated to these characteristics. If the railway operator can optimize railway transport by grouping single wagons from several beneficiaries or by cooperating with another railway operator, than the costs would be reduced. If a beneficiary has to carry a load, usually in case of dangerous freight (ADR), in order to carry on the production process within his company, and if the load is better carried by rail, he will choose the most convenient offer from the commercial point of view.
Railway Pro: How could railway operators attract customers who usually use other modes of transport to carry perishable goods (fruits, vegetables etc.)?
Nucu Morar: Transport of perishable goods continues to exist. The main disadvantage is the high travel time by rail, as well as the possibility of recording losses, caused by the loading/unloading process.
Railway Pro: What would be the best solutions to fluidize SWL freight transport in international traffic?
Nucu Morar: In this case, the solutions concern the time spent at customs. Any transport restriction is a serious violation of the "free circulation of goods and people". Eliminating customs control would be the most realistic solution. We cannot accept any transport restriction. Eliminating customs control would boost this type of transport.
Equipment thefts represent a constant concern
Railway Pro: What should the railway operators and the local authorities do to increase safety in terminals?
Nucu Morar: If we are talking about thefts, then the question should be: what can we do to eliminate thefts in the railway sector? The thefts of railway equipment cause huge damages to the railway companies and this extremely unpleasant phenomenon has to be dealt with. Our company has made major efforts to convince railway operators and especially the national freight company CFR Marfă to diminish and eliminate thefts in the railway sector. We also organised various meetings with the Railway Transport Police. There is a local complicity between those involved in the railway transport activity when it comes to track and wagon thefts and we haven't been able to destroy this complicity. Thefts in the railway sector push further away any possible customers from this type of transport which, theoretically, should be more profitable than any other mode of transport. The same situation is encountered in the case of depots and switchyards, or even in the stations where wagons are re-assembled. Various wagon parts are stolen in these facilities because of the lack of security. The parts are hard to replace and the wagon owners complain to the operators because they don't receive their wagons in the same state in which they were leased.
Railway Pro: From the information we have, how do the operators cooperate with their customers to develop an efficient freight transport system in Romania and how could this cooperation be consolidated in the context of the current economic crisis, which has hit operators and customers alike?
Nucu Morar: The market will help companies to stay profitable and it will eliminate the companies that risk bankruptcy. Attracting freight in the transport sector is the main objective of any company at this time. Customers have become more and more exigent, seeing as the offer on the market is very rich, and the railway transport companies had to adapt. That is why the commercial aspects have become extremely important for the transport offers.
Railway companies have to learn to cooperate, seeing as the offer provided has to be competitive on the market. This would satisfy any customer. Another very important aspect is related to the transport logistics and infrastructure. The rail infrastructure is owned by the state and this entirely another matter.
by Alin Lupulescu
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text:
Mario Faces Career 'Turning Point'
Excerpted from the magazine for Billboard.com.The transition from teen to young adult can be difficult enough on its own, but imagine making that change in front of a fickle public.
That was the situation facing 3rd Street/J Records artist Mario as he began preparing his sophomore album, "Turning Point." However, judging from the reaction to lead single "Let Me Love You" and the 18-year-old's new look, the transition is going smoothly.
"With the dearth of teen idols, I was a bit concerned that Mario's more mature look might alienate some of his fans who loved him as a younger-modeled star," BET senior VP of music programming Stephen Hill says. "It seems like that concern may have been unfounded. His video is so smooth and his appeal so broad that he is simply growing with his audience."
Released Dec. 7, the album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 13 on The Billboard 200. First single "Let Me Love You" is No. 2 on the Hot 100 and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts. The single is also available as a club remix featuring T.I. and Jadakiss and is included on the album.
Discovered at age 11 by his manager, Troy Patterson, Mario signed with J at 14. He released his self-titled album debut in 2002, reaching No. 4 in R&B and pop with "Just a Friend" and top 20 R&B with "Braid My Hair." According to Nielsen SoundScan, "Mario" has sold 586,000 units.
Work on "Turning Point" began a little more than a year ago, following Mario's summer tour with B2K.
"When we sat down, we were very conscious of the transition," Patterson says. "We were looking at what was out there, what was coming and where he would fit."
Those discussions gave Mario a goal: to fashion a coming-of-age record a la Michael Jackson's 1979 hit, "Off the Wall."
"It was kind of a funny change, singing mature songs," Mario admits. "But it was natural. All the songs are about friends and the situations I'm going through."
In addition to Scott Storch, who produced "Let Me Love You," the album's producers include Lil Jon, "Mario" collaborators the Underdogs and Harold Lilly, Sean Garrett and Dr. Dre associate Ron "Neff-U" Feemstar. Mario also co-wrote several songs for the first time.
"I write here and there," says Mario, who has college and a role in the feature film "Destination Fame" on the horizon. "But I got a chance to do more writing on this album. And I want to do more the next time out."
Excerpted from the Dec. 11, 2004, issue of Billboard. The full original text is available to Billboard.com subscribers.
For information about ordering a copy of the issue, click here.

subset: commoncrawl


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The boards of directors of Northern Offshore, Ltd. and Shandong Offshore International Company Limited have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition of NOF by Shandong Offshore Company Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Purchaser. The Acquisition will be implemented by way of an amalgamation under Bermuda law at an acquisition price of NOK 7.59 per NOF share, payable in cash. The Acquisition Price values NOF's issued share capital at approximately NOK 1.3 billion. The consideration will be financed from the Purchaser's existing cash resources.
The Amalgamation is, among other things subject to approval of NOF shareholders at a special general meeting expected to be held on or about July 15, 2015. The resolution must be approved by more than 50 per cent of the NOF shareholders voting at the SGM. Bidco has received undertakings on customary conditions to vote in favour of the Acquisition from NOF shareholders holding in aggregate approximately 65 per cent. of NOF's issued share capital, including from the Company's two largest shareholders, including Geveran Trading Co. Ltd.
The Acquisition is expected to become effective during the first half of August 2015. At the time at which the Amalgamation becomes effective, each NOF share (other than NOF shares held by the Purchaser, Bidco, any other subsidiary of the Purchaser or any subsidiary of NOF, if any) will be converted into the right to receive the Acquisition Price.
Northern Offshore Ltd.,
Shandong Offshore Company Limited
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text:
Omg can you believe it today I'm going to Justin Bieber concert..I can't wait for it!!! Right now I'm with my three girls and in 5 hours Justin Bieber is going to be on stage!!! It was hard for me to sleep yesterday 'cause I was and still are very nervous!! What if something goes wrong, what if we can't get in!!! I remember when my friends and I began counting down to the Day and I remember that there was 268 days and now there are few hours!??!
I have a strange feeling in my stomach it feels like butterflies, but the butterflies is also a little bit nervous. I don't know if you know what I mean, but you feel like you know this person that you never met! Is really strange? I'm finally going to see him and I can't wait. The songs that I look forward to the must is Fall and as long as you love me, but all the songs is amazing!!!!! I can't wait to see and feel the karma in the stadium. I know it sound strange, but it's so hard to explain how I feel right now.
– Amy
Ps. Beliebers outside the arena in Copenhagen!!


text:
Cable Data / Internet
Cable High-Speed Internet offers cost-effective Internet Solutions that fit the needs of any size business. Cable Data Internet, if available in your area, can be delivered via coax or fiber. Cable Data Internet is considered the lowest cost product to recieve the highest bandwidths available today, often over 100mb for low business rates.
- Increases efficiency:
Internet speeds to help you and your employees work faster and accomplish your goals.
- Easily expand:
Scale up bandwidth easily and quickly to match your growing business needs.
- Features you need:
Custom hosting for your website, personalized email addresses and data backup available.
- Cost-effective:
Save time and money when you bundle with your other Charter Business services.


text:
By Vera Martirosyan
I have not received any formal invitation from the Armenian national football squad, capital city Yerevan's FC Pyunik's former and Fénix of Uruguay's current striker Mauro Guevgeozián told NEWS.am Sport.
To note, the national team manager Vardan Minasyan recently informed that Guevgeozián will be invited to the squad.
"I was pleasantly surprised when they told me that I will be invited to Armenia's national team. But no one has contacted me as of yet and I have not received any formal invitation. That is why I don't wish to stay with emotions. I talked with some people, who are living in Armenia, to receive more detailed information. Still, I will have to speak with my club and coach, but the priority at the moment is receiving a formal invitation," Guevgeozián said.
To note, Mauro Guevgeozián scored ten goals for Fénix in the starting ten rounds of matches in the Uruguayan First Division's current season. Overall, 26-year-old Guevgeozián played in 37 games for the club and netted 30 goals.
To note, in an interview with NEWS.am Sport back in August, Mauro Guevgeozián had announced that it would be a great joy for him and his family if he were to play for the Armenian national football squad.
Follow NEWS.am SPORT on Facebook and Twitter


text:
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text:
Every Maltese Customer Care Call You've Ever Had
For training and security, this article may be recorded.
Did you lose your bank card? Is your internet too slow to illegally stream movies? Well, you know what to do! Time to pick up the phone and call your customer care representative.
But it's never as simple as it sounds, and here's how it usually goes down:
1. Beep-boop I am your robot servant
You've finally set aside an hour of your day and plucked up enough courage to do the deed. You dial the number and a pleasant voice sings; "You have reached [sickofyourbullshit] customer service. If you would like to continue in English, press one. Jekk trid tkompli bil-Malti agħfas n-numru tnejn. Should you wish to continue in Urdu, press three."
With trembling hands, you fumble to press the desired number. "Jekk tixtieq għinuna fuq il-credit card, agħfas n-numru wieħed. Jekk għandek bżonn għajnuna biex tagħfas in-numri, agħfas in-numru tnejn".
Are my desperate sighs not enough of a signal to put me through to a human being?
"Jekk għandek bżonn għajnuna biex tagħfas in-numri, agħfas in-numru tnejn"
2. Begin the hypnosis
You listen to some jingle which is pleasant enough for the first ten seconds, and before you know it, you're hypnotised. You've been waiting so long you forget you're even waiting and strike up a conversation with the friend who's sitting right next to you; "... Insomma, taf kif sirt ottu ilbieraħ!'
At that exact second, the music suddenly stops and you feel like you've been sucked into a black hole of silence. "Hello Miriam speaking." You've got a split second to compose yourself and remember the reason you are calling. "Erm, heh, iva…qed incempel biex…eerrr"
Meanwhile, your friend is now right in front of you doing what any good friend would do when you are in need of support...
"Erm, heh, iva…qed incempel biex…eerrr"
3. Shakespeare would be proud
You finally get your well-rehearsed message across. You don't even know whether the agent is still on the line and you are parched. You go to take a quick sip of water before the agent speaks and spill most of it down your chin and neck. All this only to have the agent pass you on to someone else.
How did it take a ten-minute monologue to realise you're not the one for me?
4. It was me, in the kitchen with the candlestick
Five more minutes of that blessed hold music, and you are now experiencing intrusive murderous thoughts. But before the scene gets too intricate, the music suddenly stops again-
"Name? Location? ID card? Mobile number? Address? Square root of 60? If X monkeys eat Y bananas, what is the hypotenuse of the tree?"
5. Am I on trial?
'Hello, Jason speaking how may I help you?'
It is probably Jason's 47th time repeating that line today so he's not exactly thrilled to be having this phone conversation either.
Erġa irrepeti kollox. Jason seems sweet and understanding until without warning, he turns into a prosecutor. 'Name? Location? ID card? Mobile number? Address? Square root of 60? If X monkeys eat Y bananas, what is the hypotenuse of the tree?'
Your palms are now so sweaty your phone is slipping out of your hands. Your mouth is dry and your legs are about to give way. Eventually the cross-examination ends, and you can breathe, wiping the upper-lip perspiration on your left arm.
6. You say goodbye, I say hello...
A few typing sounds later and Jason is back to giving you his full attention.
"Mela sinjura, milli qed nara, l-kont tiegħe-"
Silence. You give Jason a second to get over whatever has come over him. Nothing. You look at your phone to find the battery has died.


text: As the silent co-maintainer of lilo I believe I should now voice my thoughts on this I too believe that lilo should belive that lilo should be remove *at some point* but now is not the time. So I restate my willingness to take over fully publicly. Upstream made a release of a bootloader in 2007 a bootloader is quite different from an internet facing service or a desktop app, so it is possible that upstream hasn't made a release because they haven't felt a need to existed. From this thread there still appears to be use cases for lilo and it seems to be meeting the needs of the people that need it. Unless there is a security hole or show stopping bug that makes the package totally unusable why remove it. There will eventually be that case and when such a time comes we will reexamine the issue but why fix what is working for people. Again I will take over the package if you (nenolod) don't want it anymore. I An RM seems overkill when a line in the package description will do nicely On Wed, Apr 8, 2009 at 10:22 AM, Giacomo A. Catenazzi <email@example.com> wrote: > Nenolod: sorry for the other mail. > > William Pitcock wrote: >> >> On Tue, 2009-04-07 at 13:06 -0300, Otavio Salvador wrote: >>> >>> On Mon, Apr 6, 2009 at 9:21 PM, William Pitcock >>> <firstname.lastname@example.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> Lilo upstream is dead (no release in quite a while), but the lilo >>>> maintainer has also been seen as saying in various mailing lists etc, >>>> that since Debian patches lilo that he has no interest in helping to fix >>>> problems in our version. >>> >>> Ok but you could try to push those patches upstream. This is how >>> grub has been improved and also parted. This works most of time. >>> >>> This way we "reduce" the amount of patches we keep in Debian >>> and also you could try to get in touch with other distros to share >>> the load and avoid reworking at same things. >> >> lilo is officially unmaintained now. The canonical website of lilo now >> points to a 404 error page, see http://lilo.go.dyndns.org/ . > > as grub was not really maintained. Also grub2 doesn't seems so fast in > development. > I think these kind of project have difficult to maintain motivated > maintainer. > > What do the other distributions? > > extlinux seems the real alternative: the maintainer is active > in kernel boot since a lot of years, he has a good knowledge > of lilo (thus is not the usual: do a new project because I > cannot read/understand the old code). > > OTOH hpa test always the boot changes in kernel, and > lilo is always tested, so in this regards, he take also > care about lilo. > > > I think we need a discussion of the fate of lilo at DebConf. > I volunteer to check and give you technical details of the > main boot loaders for i386/amd64 architecture, so that > we can decide better (and give inputs to upstream on what > they miss). Any interest in such talk? > > > BTW: my new laptop was saved by lilo ;-) > I installed grub (and Debian). Trying the Windows hidden partition > (to install windows), grub stopped working (it was rescue mode, but > without capability to rescue something). Also rescue disk + > reconfiguring + update-grub did nothing. > Installing lilo gave me a know boot environment, and it worked at > first try. So: lilo should live! > > ciao > cate > > > -- > To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to firstname.lastname@example.com > with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact > email@example.com > >


text:
(I love looking at pictures of where authors work, so I included one of my space below! If you are a writer/artist, put your pics in comments, I'd love to see where you create!)
I'm so excited that my Erin Condren planner arrived this week.
I've been watching Youtube videos and Pinterest boards and coveting them so much, but put off getting one because:
- I hardly ever leave the house. Last year, I traveled a lot. This year, I have very few plans. I work from home. I started cutting my own hair this summer (thanks Youtube!) I only go to the doctor when forced (and I'm doing great now, you guys.) My husband is the house manager, so he does the shopping, meal planning, etc. My kids live on campus and keep track of their own schedules now. I really have no pressing need to keep track of the days the way some do. (It would have come in super handy when I had two kids in sports and extracurricular activities though.)
- I am a little intimidated by glorious Washi and sticker creations all over the net.
- Did I mention I am always home?
But I purchased one for my daughter, who loved hers, and posted an affiliate link on the blog for my readers (all seven of you) so someone else could get the $10 off coupon. And when they did–Erin Condren sent ME a $10 off coupon. (Affiliate link still works–you click on it and sign up for the Erin Condren site newsletter and they email you a coupon. And if you buy something, they email me a coupon. And THEN, you get a link you can share with others.)
So I bit the bullet and figured out a way to use it as a journal instead of a planner.
So instead of using the Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Meal boxes for time, I'm going with:
My Day: Instead of planning ahead for doctor and hair appointments, I'll journal a little bit about what I did that day. It's a small box, so no pressure. I'm thinking stuff like "Met wordcount goal" and "Went out to lunch today: wore pants!"
Spirit: Everyday my life is awesome, so this box is for me to remember that. Gratitude journal some days. Bragging box on others–like this week, a book I edited, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, hit #65 on the USA Today Bestseller list. How amazing is that? Somedays, I might put in a quote that resonated. No rules.
Mind: Writers need to fill the well. This is where I'll keep track of music that resonated( 1989 by Taylor Swift if you are interested), what we watched at night (Season Six of Friends currently, books I read for pleasure or self-improvement (17th re-read of Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie). Maybe a new word I learned that day. Again, no rules. I think it will be fun to look back on.
Body: Fitbit steps, water check-off, Fruit and veggies. Probably not my weight. Because that is no fun and this journal is about nurturing myself not pushing.
I also ordered some cute weather stickers so I can track the sunshine and see if weather makes a difference in my mood. 🙂
And here is my office and workspace. I had a couple weeks without clients, so I spent some much needed time making it prettified. Now I have no excuses.
Note the treadmill to the left. Because what have I told you about sitting for too long?


text:
Filtering of Arterial Blood Pressure Signal Artifact using the Extended Kalman Filter
The figure above depicts several seconds of raw arterial blood pressure (ABP) data obtained from a patient within the MIMIC II physiologic waveform database. [1,2]
This figure shows a raw signal with a tracking signal based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) overlaid. In this case, the signal error and the process noise are very small (signal noise 0.1 mmHg, process noise 0.5 mmHg). With these settings, the filter tracks the actual signal very closely, and makes it appear as if there is not difference between signal measurement and track.
The full analysis is available at the following link in PDF form:
[1] M. Saeed, M. Villarroel, A.T. Reisner, G. Clifford, L. Lehman, G.B. Moody, T. Heldt, T.H. Kyaw, B.E. Moody, R.G. Mark.Multiparameter intelligent monitoring in intensive care II (MIMIC-II): A public-access ICU database. Critical Care Medicine 39(5):952-960 (2011 May); doi: 10.1097/CCM.0b013e31820a92c6.
[2] Goldberger AL, Amaral LAN, Glass L, Hausdorff JM, Ivanov PCh, Mark RG, Mietus JE, Moody GB, Peng C-K, Stanley HE. PhysioBank, PhysioToolkit, and PhysioNet: Components of a New Research Resource for Complex Physiologic Signals.Circulation 101(23):e215-e220 [Circulation Electronic Pages; http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/101/23/e215]; 2000 (June 13).


text:
Kioni hotels in Ithaca
Discover 2 hotels and accommodation in Kioni
Type: Studios, Apartments
Units 8
per night
Captain's Apartments is a charming accommodation located in the seaside village of Kioni. The accommodation is only a few meters from the beach, and it offers a beautiful garden, and a parking lot for guests. The apartments and studios are traditionally decorated and include air conditioning, satellite TV, fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and private balcony or veranda with beautiful views of the bay of Kioni.
Type: Studios, Traditional Houses
per night
Located in the beautiful fishing village of Kioni, Studios Fetsis in Ithaca is a traditional spacious studio accommodating 4 to 5 persons. The studio is stone-built and it consists of a spacious open-plan room with traditional wooden furniture and decorations, comfortable beds, seating area, fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. The studio also has a lovely garden and patio. It is completely private and independent, but also just a short walking distance from shops and restaurants.


text: Apparently the preamp out on my solid state Poly V combo is out as in nothing comes out of it. Never tried it before but got zip when I did. Amp function is fine otherwise. I'm guessing this is not major surgery but amps I haven't messed with. I have no problem breaking what's broken already. What I don't want to do is tear up something in the amp otherwise. Any feedback on this?


text:
Over the past five years, the statewide substance abuse system has gone back to its roots, returning to a recovery method of care. A $10,000 grant to the National Council on Alcoholism/Lansing Regional Area provides low-income people in our region with treatment for addiction.
"If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you have to manage those diseases for the rest of your life," said Pat Wheeler. "With addiction, we've been treating it like it's an acute disease even though it's chronic. That doesn't work."
Wheeler, executive director of NCA's Lansing region, said people — and insurance companies — looked at a month-long stay in a treatment program as some kind of magic spell. Change is difficult, she said — whether it's remembering to drink eight glasses of water a day or making a conscious decision not to use a substance.
The best thing you can do for families is to get somebody's parents sober. That's how kids learn what the difference is between using and not using and what that can do to a family."
— Pat Wheeler, executive director, NCA's Lansing region
"We go back to what's comfortable for us," she said. "If what's been comforting for you is alcohol or drugs, it's very hard to change that."
The Community Foundation grant helps NCA cover the costs of treatment for low-income people battling addiction. "We usually see between 800 and 1,000 people a year through our residential and outpatient programs," Wheeler said. More than 90 percent of them require some level of subsidy.
"We want to be able to give people enough case management and recovery coaching and individual therapy to keep them in treatment, keep them sober and give them time," she said. "CRCF's grant is most helpful in supplementing this."
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Hello friends, This is my post for the weeks Thursday poets rally ( honestly i dnt knw how to participate in this rally but i wrote to Jingle yesterday hope so i m counted in. If not so i request meghna(Megzone) to do the favour for me, bcoz guess what "I have hope"
Thank you and enjoy
"I have Hope"
I came to moon, you went to star.
Tell me the reason why we are so far?
I asked you the question "why are you on the run?"
You said "nothing dear, just for fun"
Will the distance between us ever vanish?
or you are still in the mood to punish.
Even if you want to forget and see me never again.
but will you not remember me when you see the sun in the rain.
My love is not limited just to your heart but it flows into your veins.
Don't you ever say to me that "you don't love me" bcoz it pains.
I understand our life is not steady and often has steep slope.
But i shall wait for you forever as I have hope.
—- Copyright © 2010 Daideepya Bhosale


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Construction of the Arp-Hansen Hotel Group's new Wakeup Hotel at Borgergade 9-11 is in full swing. Everything is going to plan, and the opening is scheduled for summer 2014. The hotel, which was originally planned to contain 341 rooms in the new building, is now set to become even bigger as the Group has managed to acquire the neighbouring property, Borgergade 13.
Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade will now have a total of 498 rooms, the last 157 of which are expected to be ready in autumn 2014. The entire project is being carried out in collaboration with architect Kim Utzon.
In short, Wakeup Copenhagen in Borgergade will be built to the same concept and high standards as at the Wakeup Hotel by the Congress Center. Low prices, trendy design, central location. With the Arp-Hansen Hotel Group's philosophy, it is our goal with this new hotel, as with all our hotels, to provide guests, partners and employees with a unique hotel in a unique location.
Both Wakeup Copenhagen hotels are a match for many of the 3 and 4-star hotels in Copenhagen, but are 2-star level when it comes to price. The Wakeup Copenhagen concept has been implemented at Borgergade, with interior design and furniture from some of the best Danish furniture manufacturers. The top floor of the hotel affords wonderful views across the city's rooftops.
Book Wakeup Copenhagen, Borgergade for Summer 2014 now! Single room from DKK 400 per night and Double room from DKK 500 per
night! Book and save DKK 100 when you book online! The new hotel is expected to be ready for opening in summer 2014 – in Borgergade, close to Kongens Nytorv.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the undersigned.
Yours sincerely
Dorte Krak
Nybrovej 75
DK- 2820 Gentofte
Tlf. +45 4597 0500
Download pressemeddelelsen på dansk
Download press release in english


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Otto or "Doughboy" as he is affectionately know around our house is a 90 pound (no, that's not a typo) bully. He's six years old and came to live with us about two years ago as a rescue bully in foster care. We fell in love with him and ended up keeping him. He has severe allergies resulting in itchy skin in spite of regular allergy shots and all kinds of remedies.
Otto loves car rides, lounging on his pillow in front of the TV, whining
loudly when he doesn't get his way and staying at Lori's house. ( Ask Lori
about the time she spent half the night sleeping on her kitchen floor with
Otto, trying to keep him from whining and howling so she and Geoff could
Otto has the honorary title of "Worst Behaved Boarded Bully. " Otto shares his turf with bully Murphy, Darryl (a big mixed breed), Rambo (lab), and Tucker the cockatiel. Murphy is his best buddy who loves to lick Otto�s face and wrinkles. Otto does no tricks except having a knack for laying around looking cute while training everyone to wait on him!


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19.05.2009 - 23.05.2009, Prague and Zlín
Today the Czech city of Zlín is two things at once: a historically important architectural monument and a dynamic city boasting an energetic social and commercial life, the location of the Tomáš Baťa University, where some 10,000 students are currently enrolled. Built by the Baťa shoe company in the 1920s as a factory city where living and working were to enter into a perfect symbiosis, Zlín possesses a rich architectural and intellectual heritage still very much in evidence today.
Zlín is a prime example of a planned city in which all aspects of life, namely domestic living, education, and leisure time, were geared towards a single goal - optimizing the efficiency of a rapidly expanding shoe company. This constitutes its current relevance for city planners and architects. Located in south-eastern Moravia, this modern planned city is unique in Europe. Following the model developed by Henry Ford, workers manufactured shoes on the assembly line, the success of the product soon turning the Baťa brand into a worldwide name.
The symposium featuring prominent international scholars and theorists pursued the question if Zlín is relevant for issues currently faced by city planners and architects and thus represents a learning model for the future. From a contemporary perspective Zlín is an irritating example, for it concords neither with the critical articulations of Postmodernism, nor with the certainties proclaimed by defenders of Modernity. The key issues discussed were the legacy of Fordism, post-socialist structural change, architectural branding and corporate identity - and last but by no means least, the place of social-utopian thinking in our present age.
These considerations were not pursued merely in abstract discussions, but intensified by impressions on the ground. The symposium was therefore not conceived as a self-enclosed event, but was augmented with Walks & Talks - thematically oriented walks through the city under the guidance of experts. These sojourns provided an opportunity to traverse the Baťa cosmos and show what the everyday life of current residents looks like in this monument of Modernity.
Film nights in the Grand Cinema presented historical advertising films, documentaries and productions by young graduates of Zlín's film academies as well as "Bata-ville: We are not afraid of the future" by British artists Karen Guthrie and Nina Pope - the bittersweet record of an English coach trip to the origins of the Baťa shoe empire. A club night with concerts and VJing in the city's former grain silo complemented the symposium program.
An event staged by Zipp – German-Czech Cultural Projects, an initiative of the German Federal Cultural Foundation, together with The Brno House of Arts, the Regional Gallery of Fine Arts in Zlín, and the National Gallery in Prague; in association with the Bauhaus Foundation Dessau – the Bauhaus College, the Thomas Baťa Foundation, the Tomáš Baťa University, the Zlín Film Studios, and the Zlín Shoe Museum. With the friendly support of the Region of Zlín and the District Authority of Zlín.
Programme | Photos | Video documentation | Publication | Project partners
Bas Princen, Zlín 2009, Photographs
The historical black-and-white photographs, taken at regular intervals after the completion of various stages of construction, shaped the image of Zlín for some time. Many of them taken from an aerial perspective, the photographs captured the vibrant public life of the population: the shots show how, during their summer lunch breaks, workers poured out into the streets and squares on their way to sporting events and rallies. The Dutch photographer Bas Princen takes these photos as the starting material for a new photographic rendering of the city's early iconography.
Read more
Zlín – Modernity Fulfilled
A whole city for a shoe factory. The entrepreneur Tomáš Baťa threw down the gauntlet to the leftist avant-garde with Zlín in Moravia. He had a giant laboratory for communal life and work built in the 1920s and 1930s. This "city of functionalism" was trimmed for efficiency right down to the very last detail. Everyone seemed to be equal, albeit not in the sense of an anti-capitalist utopia, but quite the contrary – equal in serving the Fordist assembly-line production. Regina Bittner explains the traditions upon which the ideal city was based and why today it should not be turned into a museum.
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The Christian community of which I am a part is soon to lose its home.
A new home has already been found, and everyone seems to be very excitedly anticipating the move to a new location and the moving on into whatever God has for us in the future.
I feel a sense of impending loss, and a great sadness.
It's not that I lack faith, or vision or excitement about future possibilities. No doubt we will rightly take time during this year to gather together and celebrate everything that Hetton Hall has been. But I also want time to mourn its passing, the closing of a chapter and the loss of a place which has been the context of a significant phase in my life and faith…
I first visited Hetton Hall in 1993, not long after Community had moved in the previous year, for a marriage weekend led by Community members, and even though the events of the following year cast some doubts on the effectiveness of the weekend, it was a first visit that made a deep impression.
It was at Hetton that my family (the kids at least) enjoyed our final holiday together as that family, camping on the lawn during a very hot August.
While my marriage was breaking up it was at Hetton I received love, acceptance, support and advice…and even just some relief from the pressures of trying to keep everything together.
After the final break-up, Hetton provided a place of care and recovery of hope for an uncertain future. It was there that God showed me that there was to be "life the other side of divorce"!
It was at Hetton that, as an unapologetic evangelical non-conformist, I learned the value of liturgy, of silence in worship, of accepting those whose Christian journey was different to mine.
It was at Hetton that I went with Wendy after we had married, towards the end of our honeymoon. We spent several days there in bed…with 'flu!
It was at Hetton that I have made lasting friendships with people who are scattered across the UK and the rest of the world, people who have had lasting impact on my life.
I was at Hetton I experienced some of the deepest pain of the last few years, particularly during the time I spent as part of the leadership team.
Recently it has been at Hetton where the trust of the Community has enabled me to enter into elements of pastoral ministry again, and to renew my confidence in my ability to preach, lead worship and accompany people on retreat. Few will truly know what this has meant to me.
And so I feel a deep sadness about losing this place. I'm certain that I'm not the only one. I know that the relationships will continue and the memories will linger, but this home, my home, will have gone, and as yet, I'm not certain what moving house will mean, or even that I really want to be part of another move.
I've been reading Pete Grieg's excellent book, "God on Mute", and tucked away in the section about "Engaging the Silence" I found a little passage that made so much sense of how I'm feeling.
"I hope you have a place like Bethany that you can go to when you're wrestling with unanswered prayer. It could be a place or a book or a piece of music that reminds you of all the good things God has done in the past. It could be a person like Lazarus whose very being makes the presence and power of God real to you even when life is at its worst. Bethany is a connection point that reminds you of something you once knew for sure: that God can do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, that the kingdom remains a matter of power (see 1Cor. 4: 20) even when there's little evidence of it in your present situation, and that all things are possible for him who believes. Bethany's the kind of community or the kind of family where you can sometimes still smell the perfume of God's presence." (p 271)
I feel like I'm losing my 'Bethany', and it will take some time for the ne w place to absorb the prayers, laughter, tears, memories, even 'resurrections' that have made Hetton Hall the place it is for me, as no doubt, in time, the new place will become for Community members (and maybe even for me).


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Roasted Rainbow Carrots & Broccoli with Cumin Couscous
October 13, 2015
2 rainbow carrots
1 head of broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp cumin seeds
100g couscous
200ml hot chicken/ vegetable stock
handful of chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp toasted walnuts, crushed
1. Preheat the oven to 220C.
2. Chop the carrots into bite-sized chunks and break the broccoli up into bite-sized florets. Toss them in the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cumin. Spread out on a large baking tray and put in the oven to roast for 20 to 30 min, or till golden brown.
3. Meanwhile, tip the couscous into a large bowl and pour the hot stock over. Cover and leave for 10 min until all the stock has been absorbed and the grains are fluffy.
4. Combine the couscous with the roasted vegetables and fresh parsley, then sprinkle over the toasted walnuts to serve.


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Diann with Dr. Tommie Stewart
I love meeting new people.
A few years ago I was able to spend some time with Dr. Tommie "Tonea" Stewart, Tonea who is perhaps best known for her recurring role in In the Heat of the Night, A Time to Kill, Walker Texas Ranger, Memphis Beat, Matlock, Mississippi Damned and many more TV & movies.
She was very gracious and willing to discuss her amazing work that she's accomplished over the years.
Check out Diann's books. http://www.diannshaddox.com/books.html
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Yahtasay, hello.
Hi I'm Diann welcome and join me on my adventure. I'm the author of "A Faded Cottage" & "Whispering Fog" and Founder of Diann Shaddox Foundation. I'm a member of the Wyandotte Nation & I have Essential Tremor (ET). I love to travel, cook, which leads to eating and I love wines. Chardonnay is my favorite unless I'm eating steak then I'll take a glass of Cabernet.
Diann XXOO
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September 2017


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How to prevent business data loss?
Business data is of key value to every company these days. As IDC estimates, we generate 7 times more business data than just 5 years ago. Given such a surge, IT solutions for storing, processing and sharing business data have turned into a must-have in the business environment.
The top 4 factors most frequently named in the context of the data loss include: equipment breakdown, data carrier failure, software error, power outage. Yet, the major reason for the data loss is different. The research by Kaspersky Lab and B2B International revealed that as many as 73% of companies participating in the study were affected by the problem of internal data security breach. What is more, 42% of the respondents admitted that their employees were resposible for confidential data loss. 19% of respondents admitted that they lost a mobile device with the business data in the course of a year.
"So how to protect your business data in the light of the aforementioned factors? First of all, select protection measures that are proportional to the value of protected data. Secure IT system is an absolute must-have, however either excessive thriftiness or extortionate investments are not recommended. Moreover, one-off activities will not do the job, since they only result in temporary security. Since the volume of data keeps growing, the technology responsible for storing and processing data is changing. Consequently, companies are obliged to systematically update their security measures and train their staff. Regular audits prove useful, since they allow companies to verify the current level of security" – Jacek Podsiadły, ICT Director at Infinite IT Solutions explains.
The contact point between the company network and the Internet network demands extra protection measures. Basic firewall is enough for SMEs, while large-scale companies require additional features such as anti-virus scanning or transmission control. Information security standards such as ISO/IEC 27001:2013 are recommended to all organisations which demand constant, top-tier data protection.
Trial and error is definitely not a recommended approach in terms of selecting the data protection measures. Establishing cooperation with one of the companies specializing in the ICT security is a reasonable way out. Such companies offer the latest data security solutions at a reasonable cost.


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The people of corn
*Open export markets in agriculture play to the strengths of the world's most powerful agribusiness interests – leading to growing landlessness, rural poverty and hunger. People have a right to food security. Governments should protect staple foods and small farmers from free trade agreements.*
On a mountain top in southern Mexico, Indian families gather. They chant and sprinkle cornmeal in consecration, praying for the success of their new crops, the unity of their communities and the health of their families. In this village in Oaxaca people eat corn _tamales_, sow maize plots and teach children to care for the plant. The cultural rhythms of this community, its labours, rituals and celebrations will be defined – as they have been for millennia – by the lifecycle of corn. Indeed, if it weren't for the domestication of _teocintle_ (the ancestor of modern maize) 9,000 years ago mesoamerican civilization could never have developed. In the Mayan sacred book, the _Popol Vuh_, the gods create people out of cornmeal. The 'people of corn' flourished and built one of the most remarkable cultures in human history. But in Mexico and Central America today maize has come under attack. As a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Mexico has been flooded with imported corn from north of the border. The contamination of native varieties with genetically modified imported maize could have major consequences for Mexican _campesinos_, for local biodiversity and for the world's genetic reserves. A decade ago Mexican bureaucrats and entrepreneurs had it all figured out. NAFTA would drive 'uncompetitive' maize farmers from the countryside to work in booming assembly plants across the country. Their standard of living would rise as the cost of providing services like electricity and water to scattered rural communities would fall. Best of all, cheap imported maize from the US – the world's most efficient and most heavily subsidized producer – would be a boon to Mexican consumers. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way. There weren't quite enough of those factory jobs and the ones that did materialize continued to be strung along the US border. And despite a huge drop in the price farmers received for their corn, consumers often ended up paying more. The price of tortillas – the country's staple food – rose nearly fivefold as the Government jettisoned domestic subsidies and giant agribusiness firms took over the market. Free trade defenders like Mexico's former Under-Secretary of Agriculture Luis Tellez suggest: 'It's not that NAFTA failed, it's just that reality didn't turn out the way we planned it.' Part of that reality was that the Government did nothing to help _campesinos_ in the supposed transition. Nor did NAFTA recognize 'asymmetries' or create compensation funds for the victims of free trade – unlike what occurred with economic integration in the European Union. Basically, Mexico adopted a sink-or-swim policy for small farmers, opening the floodgates to tons of imported US corn. Maize imports tripled under NAFTA and producer prices fell by half. The drop in income immediately hit the most vulnerable members of rural society. While more than a third of the corn grown by small farmers is used to feed their families, the rest is sold on local markets. Without this critical cash, rural living standards plunged. Planners predicted that three million maize farmers would leave the land. The figures seem to be around half that. Some did migrate to factory jobs along the border but a huge proportion of the displaced work as farm labourers in the US. 'Our biggest concern is that people are abandoning their farms,' says Jesús León, president of the _Ita Nuni_ Center of Integral Rural Development, a _campesino_ organization in the Mixtec region of Oaxaca. 'They get so little from the sale and the family budget gets tighter and tighter. Out-migration is already high but it's going to get worse.'
Rural poverty and hunger have soared under free trade – and placed a heavier burden on women...
Ironically, many of those who remain have opted to do exactly the opposite of what both planners and free-trade critics predicted – they've planted more corn. This year Mexico will produce a record 22 million tons of corn – at record low prices. Why this apparent blindness to 'market signals'? One factor is the $13 billion in remittances sent each year by migrants. Much of that money ends up subsidizing relatives back home who continue to grow maize. But there has also been an increase in irrigated maize in northern Mexico where large landowners dominate. Victor Quintanal, a leader of the farmer-run Democratic Front of Chihuahua points out: 'Maize has become a crop of extremes – corn producers are either very rich or very poor.' Quintanal notes that in his border state subsistence farmers have suffered as the concentration of land in the hands of large growers has intensified. But the acreage in maize has also grown in the southern states where subsistence farming predominates. Partly it's a survival strategy. When the price of crops like coffee drops and non-farm sources of income dry up, families grow more maize to feed their families. 'Corn is important because it allows us to live at peace,' says Sofia Robles from the Mixe Indian village of Tlahuitoltepec. 'It's our form of food security.' Alberto Gómez, director of the National Union of Regional Campesino Organizations and a _campesino_ from the western state of Michoacán agrees. 'Maize is part of our culture but it's also a strategic food supply. The Government has an obligation to protect small farmers who grow it.' Import surges and falling producer prices are not the only threat to Mexican maize. The first evidence of genetically modified (GM) maize contamination appeared in 2001. And experts had been warning for years that the cross-pollination of GM corn with native varieties was only a matter of time. Growing genetically modified maize is illegal in Mexico. But 99 per cent of imported corn in Mexico comes from the US and analysts estimate that at least a quarter of that is GM. The Government's rural food distribution system, DICONSA, distributes this grain to remote villages throughout the country. It is assumed the corn will be used as food for either animals or people. But the kernels are seeds and seeds reproduce. Being a promiscuous plant, GM corn cross-pollinates easily. Scientists and activists agree there is virtually no way to control this process once it starts. What they disagree on are the risks. Local farmers worry that the plant adapted by their ancestors will be irrevocably changed through contamination – with unforeseen consequences. Maize originated in Mexico and the land is home to a rich diversity of varieties that are protected and cultivated _in situ_. The risk of losing this irreplaceable genetic inheritance due to GM contamination is huge. Specialized organizations associated with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization are charged with conserving genetic material. But they've been reluctant to respond due to the enormous political power of the biotech industry. Initially the industry flatly denied GM contamination. Now it argues that contamination is a natural, innocuous occurrence and merely requires some monitoring of effects. But the giant seed companies hold the patents on GM varieties and would rake in a fortune if contamination becomes widespread. They can charge royalties even on non-intentional use of their products and the traditional system of saving seed from year to year would become technically illegal. This is precisely what worries farmers like Alicia Blanco Prieto from the Oaxacan village of Mazatlán Villa de Flores. 'Some say foreign corn is better because the ear is larger. But our corn is especially suited to conditions here. What will we do if we lose it? We can't afford to buy seed every year.' Maize is at the heart of indigenous and _campesino_ identity. José Carrillo de la Cruz, a Huichol Indian from northern Jalisco, describes that relationship: 'Corn is the force, the life and the strength of the Huichol. If there were a change, if someone from outside patented our corn, it would end our life and existence.' The good news is that the free-trade threat to Mexico's culture and food security has sparked a lively resistance. 'In Defence of Corn', a movement to protect local maize varieties, is not a membership organization but a series of forums and actions led by _campesinos_ themselves. It's a direct challenge to both free trade and the dictums of corporate science. The group's first forum called for a moratorium on maize imports, demanding that the 'precautionary principle' of the Cartagena Protocol, an international treaty on bio-safety, be enforced. Essentially this means that imports must be halted until there is scientific proof that GM maize poses no threat to native corn varieties. Over 100,000 _campesinos_ marched in the streets of Mexico City last year 'in defence of corn' demanding that the agricultural chapter of NAFTA be renegotiated to remove staple food crops (corn and beans). The Government has refused. Lately the movement has changed tack and dedicated itself to building local and regional autonomy – In Defence of Corn is carrying out its own genetic testing and developing its own long-term projects. In the Mixtec region _campesinos_ have set up a 'GM-free zone' to assure a source of clean, native seed for themselves and other communities. Among the Huichols, the defence of corn has diversified into long-term efforts to reduce chemical use, guard against erosion, develop sustainable water use and restore forests. The farmers' tenacity and refusal to abandon the crop of their ancestors is impressive. But larger economic conditions continue to shape their lives. Rural poverty and hunger have soared under free trade – and placed a heavier burden on women left to work the land. The battle for food sovereignty continues. Movement leaders insist that the Government reassess its free trade policies and develop a real rural development programme.
This article is from
the December 2004 issue
of New Internationalist.
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I work with a lot of people in their early 20s. And it seems nearly all of them smoke, almost without exception. It seems as if a larger percentage of them smoke than did those of my generation when I was in my 20s.
I don't get it. Growing up with information about the dangers of smoking, from lung cancer to emphysema, bombarding them at every turn, I don't see how anyone with half a brain takes up smoking nowadays. I pass them huddling outside on their smoke breaks, sometimes making a smart remark, "Getting a head start on that case of lung cancer, hmm?" and they laugh and keep on puffing.
The truth about the dangers of smoking have been around since the early sixties, at least, yet people continue to doggedly take up smoking. It's almost as if they have a death wish. Surely everyone has had a relative, friend, or who has known someone personally who died from the effects of smoking. Yet, they smoke on.
My mother smoked. Smoking was a direct cause of her early death in her forties from a massive stroke. I remember my father doing everything he could to get her to stop, but she kept on until it killed her. However, her death served as a negative example for her children, none of whom smoke today, myself included.
But at least my mother's generation has an excuse for when they took up smoking. My mother began smoking as a teen during World War II when the negative effects of smoking were not yet clearly known. Indeed, smoking was promoted at that time as an aid to weight loss, and several advertisements of the time featured doctors endorsing their favorite brand of cigarettes.
But people today who start smoking -- there is no excuse. It's just plain stupidity.
Following below are a couple of ads that convinced my mother's generation that smoking was harmless


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Now, you can get the raw power of HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE in a delicious, convenient powder format – just mix and drink!
Now Available In An All-New Drink Mix!
With its own unique, powerful formula that delivers an amazing thermogenic experience, HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE POWDER is the perfect solution for when you're trying to get your sweat on in the gym. Featuring a potent green coffee dose shown to aid weight loss, HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE POWDER also features caffeine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, L-theanine, and yohimbe for an unmatched sensory experience.
Powerful Weight Loss
Designed with a key weight loss ingredient, which has been shown to be effective in two scientific studies. Subjects taking the key ingredient (green coffee extract [C. canephora robusta]) lost 10.95 lbs. in 60 days with a low-calorie diet, and 3.7 lbs. in an 8-week study with a calorie-reduced diet and moderate exercise. Most thermogenic formulas don't have any scientific studies backing their key weight loss ingredients, let alone two. 500mg L-carnitine/L-tartrate. Delivers a precise dose of the most researched form of L-carnitine.
Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite Powder Contains 200MG GREEN COFFEE EXTRACT
Green Coffee Extract is a key weight loss ingredient that has been shown to be effective in two clinical studies.
28mg Yohimbe, 100mg L-Theanine, 270mg Caffeine Anhydrous
A combination of potent ingredients that contribute to a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. Caffeine has been scientifically shown to enhance energy and thermogenesis.
What's In MuscleTech Hydroxycut Elite Powder?
Nutrition FactsServing Size 1 Scoop
Servings Per Container 30
|Amount Per Serving
|Total Carbohydrate
|1 g
|0 g
|Hardcore Weight Loss Blend
|200 mg
|Hardcore Thermogenic Blend
|898 mg
|Proprietary Blends
Hardcore Weight Loss Blend
Green coffee extract (as C. canephora robusta) (seed) Supplying 45% chlorogenic acids 200 mg
Hardcore Thermogenic Blend
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate 500 mg, Caffeine Anhydrous 270 mg, L-Theanine 100mg, Yohimbe Extract (as Pausinystalia Yohimbe) (Bark) Supplying Yohimbine and Rauwolscine 28mg.
|*percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Ingredients: Natural and Artificial Flavor, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Sucralose, Calcium Silicate, Silicon Dioxide, Acesulfame-Potassium, Xanthan Gum, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
†Nutrition Facts are a simulation of the product's "Nutrition Label". For the actual Nutrition Label please refer to the product packaging.
How to Take MuscleTech Hydroxycut Elite Powder:
Individual tolerances vary. Ensure you achieve your comfort with each stage before increasing your dosage. HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE ELITE is a super thermogenic, so be sure to start with 1/2 serving (1/2 scoop) mixed with 3 to 4 oz. of water once daily to assess tolerance. Once your tolerance has been assessed:
For Weight Loss:
Take each serving of Hydroxycut Elite Powder (1 scoop) mixed with 6 oz. of water 30 to 60 minutes before your two largest meals of the day (e.g. breakfast and lunch). Do not exceed 2 servings of Hydroxycut Elite Powder (2 scoops) in a 24-hour period. Avoid snacking, and drink 10 glasses of water each day. For best results, use for 60 days in combination with diet and training.
For Pre-Workout Energy and Thermogensis:
If you're just looking for a boost of energy before your workout, take 1 serving of Hydroxycut Elite Powder (1 scoop) mixed with 6 oz. of water daily before activity. Avoid snacking, and drink 10 glasses of water each day. Avoid usage within 5 hours of bedtime. Read the entire label before use and follow the directions provided.
Not intended for use by persons under 18. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use and consult a medical doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. Consult a medical doctor before use if you have been treated for, or diagnosed with, or have a family history of any medical condition, or if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter drug(s), including blood thinners. One serving of this product contains up to as much caffeine as approximately three cups of coffee. Caffeine sensitive individuals may experience the following symptoms, including (but not limited to) restlessness, nervousness, tremors, headaches, anxiety, palpitations, increased heart rate, or difficulty sleeping. Do not combine with other sources of caffeine or stimulants. Consult a medical doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. Do not exceed recommended serving. Improper use of this product will not improve results and is not advised. Use only as directed. Do not use if packaging has been tampered with. Store in a cool, dry place (60°F to 80°F). KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
PLEASE NOTE: Product image is representative of the product offered but may not have the exact attributes. Please read product description for the specific attributes of this product.
PLEASE NOTE: The information above is intended for reference only. While we attempt to keep our information accurate, we cannot guarantee it is an accurate representation of the latest formulation of the product. If you have any concerns, please visit the vendor's web site. The information above are the views of the product's manufacturer, not the views of Same Day Supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
*Prices are subject to change at any time and some items are limited to stock on hand.
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An African Safari is one of those wondrous experiences that many people dream about. With images of heading into the wilds in a sturdy jeep, soaking up the scorching African sun, and seeing a staggering amount of different wildlife, an African Safari prevents plenty of opportunities for adventure and excitement.
There are many places across the continent where visitors can see dramatic landscapes and a rich variety of creatures that call the continent home. Perfect safari conditions can be found in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a tough call trying to select the best safari destinations, but some top places to go on an African Safari include the following:
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kenya's Maasai Mara is an ideal choice for big cat lovers. Whatever the weather, you are almost certain to see a wide selection of impressive and fearsome beautiful large felines. Lions, cheetahs, leopards inhabit the vast wilderness, and you may even see elephants, zebras, wildebeest, and other African animals running across the vast rolling plains. Although awesome at every time of the year, the best times to visit are from July onwards during the migration season, when huge numbers of animals head to the Maasai Mara from the Serengeti. It really is one of nature's very best shows.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
The World Heritage Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a terrific place to go if you want to see large and fearsome looking mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Almost half of the world's mountain gorilla's live in the area, and thus you are fairly likely to see some. It is a very scenic area, and other creatures that call the area home include chimpanzees, a large selection bird species, numerous butterfly types, elephants, jackals, hogs, and different reptiles. The old forest is one of the most bio-diverse in the eastern part of Africa, and there are over 1,000 different species of flowers, creating a colourful background.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Namibia can boast having the biggest population of cheetahs in Africa. Etosha National Park offers spectacular scenery, and is especially popular with visitors who like to drive themselves around on their adventures and explorations. As well as cheetahs, other animals that you may see include white and black rhinos, elephants, lions, zebra, antelope, and leopards.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The stunning grasslands and plains of the Serengeti National Park offer an amazing African safari trip. It is less visited than other popular spots, and is therefore great for those who like to feel like they are almost alone in the wilderness. It is famous for being the starting point of the mass migrations of wildebeest and zebra each year, and it is a terrific place for being able to see skillful lions hunting their prey, and feeling your heart beat faster as you watch the chase and the ultimate show of the survival of the fittest.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Home to four different eco-systems, the park contains huge numbers of a varied selection of wildlife all throughout the year. A high concentration of elephants means that you are almost certain of seeing them. It is possible to drive around the park yourself, and there is also the possibility of seeing giraffe, hippos, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. Botswana is often regarded as being one of the best countries in Africa for great safaris.
The Zambezi River, Zambia
The Zambezi River lazily winds through gorgeous forests and floodplains, providing an appealing home to many different creatures. Visitors can enjoy varied activities in the area, including safe hikes, fishing, and camping. Hear the roar of lions as you huddle inside your tent, listen to the chatter from distant hyenas, and enjoy a visual feast of nature, including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, lizards, birds, and butterflies.
This is a small selection of some of the top places to go on an African Safari. Wherever you choose, you are sure to have one of the most fabulous trips of your life.


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Girls Who Code Club Starting at the Library
Starting in August, the Library will begin hosting a Girls Who Code Club. This club is designed specifically for girls in middle school, and will introduce coding and computer programming to girls who are interested in learning about computer science.
The first meeting of the Girls Who Code Club will be held on Monday, August 17th at 3:30 pm in the Computer Lab at the Library. Subsequent meetings will be held on Monday afternoons and will run through mid-December. No experience is necessary, however due to limited space registration is required. (If the need and interest exists, other coding groups may be forming for those students who are not middle school aged girls.)
For more information or to register for this free program, please call 859.238.7323 or contact Beth Goode at firstname.lastname@example.com.
About Girls Who Code:
The Girls Who Code Clubs Program teaches computer science to 6th-12th grade girls. This unique and scalable model enables girls nationally to access Girls Who Code in their communities. Clubs have been launched nationally in over 25 States, helping thousands of girls learn how to code. More information about the national organization can be found online at www.girlswhocode.com.


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This article is part of Writing and cross-compiling C/C++ programs for IOT+. This is an example that shows how to write C++ program for cross compiling.
|After Netbeans started, Firstly, you have to create a project. Click File->New Project, select C/C++ Application.
|Gives the project name, creates a main C++ source file, selects mips-2015.11 on the Tool Collection.
|You should see the source code tab, you can write some statements.
To compile the source correctly, you have to change the project properties. Click File->Project Properties to bring up properties dialog box. On C++ Compiler category, two properties needs to change
1) Include Directories, add following directory paths
/media/user/rootfs/usr/include /media/user/rootfs/usr/include/mipsel-linux-gnu
On Linker category, two properties needs to change.
1) Additional Library Directories, add following directory paths
/media/user/rootfs/usr/lib /media/user/rootfs/usr/lib/mipsel-linux-gnu /media/user/rootfs/lib
2)Additional Options, this part is optional but mostly of time in a program linking to other
-lxml2 -lz -llzma
|Now, you're ready to build the project, click Run->Build Project. If you set thing correctly, you will see the success build on the Output tab.
|The output binary helloworld1 will be in MIPS code. Finally, you can copy this binary program to the IOT+ board to run.


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Modern Pavement
Home » Floor » Modern Pavement » sidewalk with leafs
sidewalk with leafs
Texture Keywords
Download from this page the concrete seamless sidewalk with leafs texture made with cement bricks tiles sidewalk blocks with seamless effect. This floor is the classic us concrete sidewalk pavement used for streets gardens and walkways. Download from this page this concrete sidewalk with leafs texture. Textures for 3d modeling, texturing, photoshop and game textures. Download the high resolution.


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Council Lounge Chair is a lower and slightly tilted version of the original Council Chair, which was designed for the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the U.N. Headquarters in New York in 2011 by Kasper Salto and Thomas Sigsgaard. The chair offers great comfort and is ideal for lounge or lower seated conferences.
Founded in 1990 by Ivan Hansen and Henrik Sørensen, Onecollection manufactures designer furniture of a very high quality at its own factory in Ringkøbing, Denmark.


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It's always good to know the exact details so here is a clear summary of all the key credit card features. The information contained in this table summarises key product features and is not intended to replace any terms and conditions.
|SUMMARY BOX - Bank of Scotland Classic CREDIT CARD
|Representative 27.9% APR (variable)
|Interest rates
|Introductory promotional rates
|Standard monthly rate (variable) simple %
|Standard annual effective rate (variable) %
|0% p.a. fixed for the first 9 months from your account opening or the date of your account transfer.
|Cash transactions
|Not available
|Balance transfers
0% p.a. on balance transfers you make in the first 90 days fixed for 18 months from either your account opening or the date of your account transfer, on the transferred amount and the promotional fee.
|Money transfers
|Not applicable.
Default charges - the simple annual rate is 24.9%
We will charge you £12 if you do not make at least your minimum payment to us by the payment due date requested on your statement. You will lose your promotional offers if this happens and the standard interest rates for the applicable transactions will apply.
|Interest-free period
|Interest charging information
We calculate interest daily based on the total amount you owe. We add together all the daily interest amounts in each statement period and add the total to your balance on your statement date.
There are three exceptions to this rule:
|Allocation of payments
We use your payments to clear any overdue amounts before we apply them to your latest minimum payment.
We will reduce the amount you owe in the following order:
We use your payments to pay off balances charged at the highest interest rate first and so on down to balances with the lowest interest rates. This means the more expensive balances are always paid off first.
If there is more than one type of balance at the same interest rate, they are paid off in the following order: cash transactions, purchases, balance transfers and money transfers, and then default charges (plus any interest or charges incurred as a result of those balances). For each type of balance, your payments will pay off the oldest balance (and related fees, charges or insurance) first.
|Minimum payment
The minimum payment we ask for is charged on a monthly basis and will be the higher of £5 or the total of:
If you owe less than £5, you must pay the full amount you owe.
|Credit limit
|Minimum credit limit
|Subject to status
|Maximum credit limit
|Subject to status
|Your credit limit is the total amount you can borrow under the credit card agreement. We set this limit and tell you what it is in writing soon after opening your account. It is important to stay within your credit limit. Please see your credit card agreement for any limitations that apply to certain transactions.
|Annual fee
|No annual fee
|Cash transactions (any currency)
|3% or minimum £3
|Introductory balance transfer fee
|3% of the amount of each balance transfer you make within the first 90 days of opening your account.
|Introductory money transfer fee
|Not applicable.
|Non-introductory balance transfer fee
|3% of transfer (min £3).
|Non-introductory money transfer fee
|3% of transfer (min £3).
|Non-sterling transactions (foreign usage)
|Payment scheme exchange rate
|Indicative rates can be found at MasterCard Currency Conversion Tool
|One or more of the following may apply:
|Non-Sterling Transaction fee
|2.95% of the amount of the sterling transaction value.
|Cash transaction fee
|3% or minimum £3.
|Default charges
|Late Payment charge
|Overlimit charge
Credit cards are designed to be a flexible form of borrowing. Paying the minimum amount every so often can help you manage your money more effectively, although we would not recommend that you make minimum payments for a long period of time once your promotional offers have ended. Once your account is open, you can set up a Direct Debit for any fixed amount over the minimum payment by calling 0345 729 3949. Lines are open 7am - 11pm, 7 days a week.
For longer term borrowing it may be more appropriate to choose a loan from us. If you would like to find out more about this you can call Bank of Scotland Personal Loans on 0345 600 4611, or visit www.bankofscotland.co.uk/loans or call into a Bank of Scotland branch, where our staff will be happy to help.
The following example highlights the difference between only paying the minimum and paying a fixed amount;
For a purchase of £1,000 on your Bank of Scotland Classic Credit Card.
|Monthly Payment
|If you pay the minimum payment each month
|If you pay £50 each month
|How much interest will you be charged in the first year?
|How much interest will you be charged in the second year?
|How long would it take to clear the balance?
|19 years 4 months
|2 years 4 months
The above example assumes the following:
Bank of Scotland is a responsible lender and we only want you to borrow what you can afford and in a way that is best for you. If you'd like to talk to us about the choices you've made or you would like further information, please contact us. We will also be able to help you if you're experiencing financial difficulties.


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The most mobile joint in the body is the shoulder. Chronic shoulder instability is typically the result of frequent shoulder dislocations, when the upper arm bone (humerus) is forced or slides from the shoulder socket.
Shoulder anatomy
Your shoulder is made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle). The head of the upper arm bone (glenoid) fits into a rounded socket. The rotator cuff is a combination of muscles and tendons that attach the glenoid to the shoulder blade. Finally, the biceps tendon is a muscle in front of the upper arm with two tendons that attach the bones to the shoulder socket.
Causes of chronic shoulder instability
Chronic shoulder instability can occur in people who tend to have laxity in their ligaments. Repeated overhead motion from activities such as swimming, tennis, and volleyball can weaken shoulder ligaments over time, leading to instablity. Certain occupations that require overhead motions, such as painting, can also cause chronic shoulder instability.
Symptoms of chronic shoulder instability
- Pain
- Repeated shoulder dislocations or the shoulder "giving out"
- The sensation that the shoulder is loose, is hanging, or slips in and out of the joint
Diagnosis and treatment for chronic shoulder instability
Your physician may order an X-ray to determine the shoulder's placement and an MRI to identify any injuries to the tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint. Surgery is usually necessary to repair stretched or torn ligaments in order to keep the shoulder in place.


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BACKBONE ELITE Rods
2014 sees the rebirth of New Zealand's most popular Shimano rod series ever - our rod building team has gone back to the drawing board with this release and created a lighter, stronger, more powerful and cosmetically appealing range of versatile rods yet!
The 2014 Shimano Backbone-Elite range of 28 rods continue Shimano's dedication to producing superb quality rods at genuinely reasonable prices. The Shimano Backbone-Elite range, are built on exceptionally high quality composite blanks. All rods are heavy duty and have moderate and fast actions, are finished with top quality Shimano Soft Touch reel seals, guides and bindings.
The comprehensive Shimano Backbone-Elite series covers a diverse range of line classes and fishing styles, from freshwater, to inshore and heavy saltwater use.


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Resumo do Emprego
Tipo de Funcionário:
Flower Mound, TX
Tipo de cargo:
Not Specified
Data de Postagem:
Identificação do Emprego:
Descrição do Emprego
As the Program Manager, you will be responsible for delivering our Division's flagship software products for use in Operating Rooms around the world. You will be responsible not just for the development of code, but for the entire effort to deliver a solution to our customers, complete with considerations such as licensing, maintenance, and hardware accessories if necessary. Your team of roughly 100 people will consist of multiple project teams that each has its own leadership structure. These project teams are primarily composed of Agile Scrum teams distributed throughout the world.
To succeed in this role, you should have a successful track record of delivering new products to external customers. You should have strong stakeholder-management skills. And you should have a clear, demonstrable understanding of business trade-offs as well as a history of being trusted with critical business decisions.
- Deliver new products to market.
- Deliver updates to existing products.
- Integrate multiple project plans.
- Manage cost, schedule, and performance.
- Manage program-level risks.
- Develop business processes needed to make the program a success.
- Manage and inform stakeholders.
- Ensure a positive return on investment.
- Lead a cross-functional team and ensure all technical and business requirements are met.
- Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in related field or equivalent.
- 10+ years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Successful track record of bringing new products to market.
- Prior project management experience over software development efforts.
- Experience with Agile software development.
- Ability to communicate and influence at all levels within the organization.
- Ability to bring together multiple functions (R&D, Marketing, Quality, Operations, etc.) as a cohesive team
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Degree or background that allows you to understand engineering problems and trade-offs.
- Preferred: Experience at a medical device company.


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"Certified Termite & Pest Control is amazing. They have the best customer service around. I'd give them an A+."
"The guy from Certified did a wonderful job. He sprayed inside and outside for pests. They were friendly and easy to work with, and making the appointment was easy. If you see one little critter, they'll come back out. They've earned an A."
"Certified came and did what they were supposed to do. I would give them an A+ for excellent."
"I give them an A+ for their excellent work."
"We do our quarterly pest treatment with Certified Termite & Pest. We've used them for a long time. I would give them an A+ for excellent."
"I had Certified Termite & Pest Control do a one-time pest control treatment. The guy who came was very professional, and I'm happy with him and the service. He did the outside and inside of the house. I would use them again—I wouldn't want to use another company in the future. I'd say they're excellent—A+."
"Certified Termite & Pest has been our termite and pest control company for several years, and we're very, very happy with them. We had problems with critters up in the attic, and they came back and made sure everything was clean and repaired. He was very thorough—he came back several times to check on things. I'd definitely give them an A+."
"Certified did an indoor and outdoor treatment of the house. I've been using them for a while, and I'd say they're an A+. They get the job done, which is why I keep going back to them."
"Certified treats our home for pests on both the inside and outside. We haven't had any more issues at all with ants or pests of any kind since they've been taking care of things. They get an A+ rating."
"The guy from Certified was really thorough and really friendly. One day, they did the outside, and then he had to come back to do the inside because I wasn't home—that was helpful. I would give Certified an A+ grade."
"Certified Termite & Pest Control is good. They did what they said—they treated the attic in my house. They did a good job. I chose them because of their prices, and I'd say they're A+."
"I've been with Certified Termite & Pest Control for about five years, and I haven't seen one bug or anything like that—not one. I like their service, and I have no issues with any type of pests. They treat my home inside when I need it, and sometimes they do the outside. I chose them because they had a good pricing and payment plan, and they came through my home warranty, so I used them for two years, and then I went with them since then. I would give them an A+ grade."
"They work with a smile, and they've been very good—A+."
"They sprayed for bugs on the inside and outside of my home. It was a one-time treatment. The technician was really nice and helpful, and I haven't had a problem since then. I would say they're an A+."
"They were fine. I would give them an A+ grade."
"Certified Termite & Pest has done a good job as long as they've been with us. They treat the outside of the house. I'll give them an A+ grade."
"They've been very receptive to my needs, and they come back whenever I've asked them to. I've been happy with them. Certified gets an A+."
"I had a pest inspection, and they came out. I would give them an A+—I had no complaints whatsoever."
"I liked everything about them. There are no insects inside the home. They do both inside and outside pest control—they come inside only when I need them to. They get an A+ rating."
"I had a bunch of bugs and roaches, and Certified Termite & Pest Control got rid of them. They treated both the inside and outside of my house. They just did what they said they would do, and it worked. They get an A+ rating."
"I had them come out for my friend, and I was there. Certified was very informative. They sprayed for ants both inside and outside of the home. I chose them because of a referral. They're A+."
"We had some little wood ants or something in the bathroom, and they put a gel material on the counter. All my bugs are gone. Certified has always been our pest control—I like them. They're A+."
"They spray to keep the bugs out of the house. They only spray the outside so the bugs don't come inside, and we don't have to worry about pesticides or any other issues on the outside. The guy comes to the house if I'm home, and he'll let me know he's there. If I'm not Home, he just does the work and leaves the bill on the door. It's very painless for me. If I'm home, they'll ask if I have anything else that needs to be looked at, and if there's anything, they'll address it at that point in time. They bought the company I was doing business with, which is why I chose them. They deserve an A+ grade."
"They did inside and outside pest control months ago. They showed up when they were supposed to and did the job. I would say they're an A+ company."
"The people who came over have been very professional, and so far, I have not found any bugs or anything. The one time that I found something, they corrected it. They came here, sprayed organic chemicals inside, and treated the areas that needed to be treated for the bugs, like the perimeter areas and things like that. Right now, my situation seems to be OK. I initially had another that company never actually serviced me; they took a long time to actually come, so I cancelled that service and that's how I chose Certified Termite & Pest Control. They're an A+ grade."
"The technician took the time to do everything right, and he made sure that he took care of everything I was looking for. He treated around the entire house and took care of all that kind of stuff. Certified Termite & Pest get an A+ rating from me. Their work was very solid. He took care of everything I needed and any problem I had."
"I was happy with their service. I had them to come back and redo the spray again, and they did that without any pay. The first time they came, they did the outside and inside; the second time, they only did my kitchen area. They were recommended to me by a friend. I say they're an A+."
"They do termite detection and prevention, and I like their timeliness. My daughter recommended them to me. They deserve an A grade."
"We're a commercial business, and they did work for my company. They get an A."
I have Certified do regular outside treatment. I wasn't personally there, but I have no complaints. They rate an A. The first time they did work for me, I was not as satisfied; I don't think they did everything that they told me they were going to do, but I was busy and didn't get time to follow up on that. The second time, they just treated the outside, and it's fine."


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I finished this quilt a week or so ago and am still to gift it to the gorgeous bubba.
A simple quilt in Gypsy Girl fabric by Lily Ashbury for Moda. So bright and cheerful. I had originally planned for a lighter green binding but I thought the darker green spot framed it better.
Keeping it real with this texta mark on the table.....
Simple quilting with my 'stitch-in-the ditch' walking foot (so easy to use!)
And the personalised back - soft pink floral flannelette fabric. I decided not to do any batting in between. This makes it suitable for the car or bassinette.
Happy Stitching