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This project is a part of our shared program with Western Water and Sanitation Forum (WEWASAFO). Our team is pleased to directly share the below report (edited for clarity, as needed).
Background Information
The Ebwiranyi primary school is located in Ebwiranyi Village, Mwitubwi sub-location, Southwest Bunyore location, Mwivona Ward, Emuhaya Constituency, Vihiga County.
The Church of God sponsored the school's opening in 1952. The primary school has a total population of 728 pupils: 373 boys and 355 girls. There are also 67 early education pupils: 35 boys and 32 girls. This number includes four disabled students: one with physical disabilities and three with epilepsy. There are 13 TSC teachers and four PTA teachers. There is also a staff of three: one cook and two watchmen. While this many people may have access on any given day, realistically a single water source can only support a population of 350-500 people. (This community would be a good candidate for a second project in the future so adequate water is available. To learn more, click here.)
There is no safe water source within the school compound. Thus, students have to carry water from home to class every morning. The water they bring is not sufficient for an entire day, since water should be used for drinking, cleaning classrooms, and hand washing.
Students must then search for water during the school day, but the only available safe water source is one kilometer away. This walk is too far, so students often pull from contaminated sources around the school.
The contaminated water has resulted in water-borne illness outbreaks among students. The head teacher reports that those in the compound have already suffered from diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid.
The school sanitation situation is also in dire need of improvement. There are only seven VIP latrines that are used; three for the boys, three for the girls, and one shared among the teachers. All bathrooms are shared between students of both the primary school and secondary school. Since these 200 secondary school students do not have their own latrines, the primary school latrines are almost full and in poor condition.
Along with the shortage of latrines, there are no hand washing facilities present in either compound.
63 students have already suffered from Jiggers. This is a distracting and embarrassing condition that has caused decreased self-esteem especially among female students.
The head teacher is appealing to WEWASAFO or any other organization that can help. They want to provide clean and safe water before a major illness and disease-related catastrophe occurs.
A Community Project
Parents, school board members, local administration and WEWASAFO staff were included in mobilization.
Representatives were chosen to create both a community and school calendar to effectively plan the project. These representatives also mitigated tasks and mapped materials available to the community.
These materials were collected so that three spring protections and three water tanks could be constructed in Kakamega County. Materials include sand, ballast, hard core, bricks, and poles. Construction began on the fourth week of June, 2015.
Project Results:
Rainwater Harvesting Tank
Construction of the tank is complete and it is now in use. The area receives high rainfall throughout the year, giving the school a great opportunity to collect and store adequate water in their new tank. The water tank has made it easy for students to fetch water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Before the tank, students had to carry water to school with them, which was often inadequate. They then had to walk long distances in search of more. Pupils are now very happy that they no longer have to walk long distances for this necessity.
Access to safe drinking water has saved so much time for students. This additional time is used for study, and staff has already seen an improvement in academic performance. This makes the parents, teachers, and students very happy with the project's results.
VIP Latrines
Two double-door VIP (ventilation improved pit) latrines have been constructed and are now in use. Two of the doors are for girls and the other two are for boys. Though the facilities are still not enough (especially for girls), the pupils are content with shorter lines.
Hand-Washing Facility
Two hand-washing facilities were delivered to and installed in the school compound. The pupils were trained on how to properly use these, and were assessed to ensure they wash their hands well. The two stations serve the entire school, and so you can imagine that the lines are extraordinary during class breaks. Thankfully, the Student Health Club has come up with an improvised solution of tippable tins filled with water that help alleviate the long lines.


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Pinterest valued at $12.6bn ahead of float
- Published
Pinterest, the online scrapbook company, has priced its shares at the top end of its range as it becomes the latest "unicorn" to make its stock market debut.
It will start selling its shares at $19 each, giving the loss-making firm a market value of $12.6bn (£9.7bn).
Pinterest is yet to make a profit and admitted in its flotation documents it may never report income.
It will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday.
Pinterest had originally set a price range of between $15 and $17 each for its shares.
Why is Pinterest's flotation important?
Pinterest's stock market listing acts as a gauge of investors' appetite for the so-called unicorns - which are private, venture capital-backed firms worth over $1bn - and comes before next month's highly-anticipated flotation of Uber, the ride sharing and delivery app.
Uber, which is loss-making, is expected to raise around $10bn and be valued at $100bn.
Lyft, Uber's smaller rival, was one of the first unicorns to float this year but since listing on the Nasdaq index in March at $72 a share its stock has dropped by more than 22%.
Other firms expected to float in 2019 included home-sharing site AirBnB and WeWork, the office provider.
Sales at Pinterest are growing and losses are narrowing.
Revenue has risen to $755.9m last year from $298m in 2016 while pre-tax losses have dropped to $62.5m compared to $181.8m two years ago.
However, Pinterest concedes that its business is heavily dependent on advertisers and a downturn in spending could harm its company.
It also expects to "incur operating losses in the future and may never achieve or maintain profitability".
What does Pinterest do?
Pinterest describes itself as "the productivity tool for planning your dreams".
In layman's terms, users collect pictures and save them into collections called "boards".
Pinterest was set up 10 years ago by former Google employee Ben Silbermann, Paul Sciarra, who worked in venture capital and ex-Facebook product designer Evan Sharp.
The vast majority of the company's revenue comes from advertisers on the site.
Pinterest says the difference with its company - and why it is attractive for advertisers - is because people come to the website with an intention to purchase a product or services.
They may be looking for inspiration for a new kitchen or a new hairstyle but the common drive behind using Pinterest is commercial.
It also says that two thirds of its 250 million monthly active users are female, many of whom are mothers who "are often the primary decision-makers when it comes to buying products and services for their household".
When will Pinterest make a profit?
Like its fellow unicorns, Pinterest does not know when or if it will make a profit.
However, it says that there is potential for growth.
According to research group IDC, the global advertising market is expected to grow to $826bn in 2022 from $693bn last year. Within that, digital advertising is forecast to hit $423bn.
It intends to expand the sectors its focuses on such as food, home, beauty and fashion to areas like automotive, technology, financial services, media and entertainment and travel.
Pinterest also wants to grow internationally "with an initial focus on Western Europe and other select markets to follow".

subset: commoncrawl


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I used two bags of mix and two tubs of Pillsbury creamy cream cheese icing. It made quite a few cookies.
I used my beautiful flea market and antique mall plates for the gifting process.
I used a freezer zip lock bag, cut a tiny cut out of the tip of the bag, added a decorator metal tip and piped the creamy, cream cheese icing on each cooled cookie.
Because I think chopped walnuts go perfectly with pumpkin cookies, I added those and sprinkled red and green decorator sugar on each one.


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Custom wine cellars that capture your unique architectural and artistic vision.
No two are the same. Our innovative, custom wine cellar designs enable you to protect your investment, create a unique, functional piece of art, and truly enjoy your collection.
Custom wine cellars.
At the crossroads of tradition and innovation is a magical place where the very best custom wine cellars are created.
Commercial wine cellars.
Today's restaurants, wine stores, commercial venues and country clubs demand a highly customized wine storage solution that melds style with functionality. At Heritage Vine, we pride ourselves at being real innovators in commercial wine cellar designs.
Listen first. Vision second.
The quality of our craft reflects the hard work we've invested to reach this level of artistry. An energetic group of relatable problem solvers, the Heritage Vine difference is that we listen to your ideas, craft your unique vision, install your custom wine cellar with as little impact as possible, and genuinely thrive on your satisfaction.
A truly custom experience.
We pride ourselves on being the best custom wine cellar designers in the industry and have been recognized worldwide for our outstanding, innovative, forward-thinking designs and implementations.
Our work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post. We've also been awarded "Best of Houzz" for both design and client satisfaction on numerous occasions. We would love to help you create the custom wine cellar of your dreams.
What would you like to create?
Let's talk about your vision.


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SlashGear is at MWC 2014!
SlashGear is in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2014, and while we're primarily here for new devices like Samsung's Galaxy S5 and Nokia's X, it's also a great chance to road-test some new gear in intensive conditions. This year, as well as our usual complement of laptops, cameras, external battery packs, and more, the team is trying out SCOTTEVEST's latest gadget-friendly clothing, including the new Q.U.E.S.T. Vest, which has a total of 42 different pockets.
If you're not familiar with SCOTTEVEST, the company has been making geek-friendly clothes since 2000, complete with multiple pockets for phones and mobile hotspots, routing channels for wires, and even pouches big enough for tablets and laptops. In the case of the Q.U.E.S.T. Vest, launched this month, that even includes RFID-blocking pockets for passports and credit cards.
At any trade show, we're used to spending all day and most of the evening out, and even the longest-lasting laptop and smartphone tends to run out of charge before the tech news is through. That means carrying several chargers (not to mention international adapters to go with them when we're in Europe) to suit each device.
It's a test that has sorted great rucksacks from mediocre ones in the past, and we're looking forward to seeing how the new Vest – not to mention the similarly new Sterling Jacket and Pack Jacket, which we've also brought along – holds up to the challenge.
We'll know for sure by the end of the show, so until then enjoy our video walkthrough with the SCOTTEVEST range and keep track of all the Mobile World Congress news at the show hub!


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ABC Mermaid Print - choose your own colours
Regular price $15.00 USD
Regular priceUnit price per
Sale price
New hand drawn ABC print. This ABC print features characters from my mermaid and sea animals prints. You can select your own colour combinations using the colour swatch chart. If you are unsure of the colours chosen then I can send you a digital proof after you have placed an order. Please enter the colour swatch numbers below.
I've created some examples of colours that work well with the characters ...
Photo 1 - 6, 31, 22, 4, 3
Photo 2 - 31
Photo 3 - 8
Photo 4 - 22
Available unframed in 8x10", A4, A3, 11x14", A2 and 50x70cm.
Product details
Hand drawn print
Final print digitalised and printed onto 230gsm Professional Archival Matt Acid Free Paper.
5x7 up to A4 Posted flat.
- A3+ Posted rolled in a tube.


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New And Precise Research Paper-Two Parts SECOND PART-3pages Third Part 4 Pages 7 Pages Total
New And Precise Research Paper-Two Parts SECOND PART-3pages Third Part 4 Pages 7 Pages Total
Part 1 has already been written and is included in the word document 2.1 typed in red. Please use this as a starting point.
Instructions Second Paper-Course Project— SECOND PART-3pages
Air Pollution Research Paper Milestone Two: Annotated Bibliography
In Unit VII, you will write a research paper on one air pollutant. The paper will require a detailed discussion of the sources of the pollutant, the factors affecting its fate and transport, its health effects, its ecological effects, engineering control measures, and regulatory control measures.
For this milestone, locate one resource for each aspect of the pollutant you chose in milestone one (Carbon Monoxide see attached paper) the sources of the pollutant, the factors affecting its fate and transport, its health effects, its ecological effects, engineering control measures, and regulatory control measures.
You will need to find a minimum of eight sources, at least four of which must be from academic journals, and two or more may be from credible sources from the Internet, such as the EPA website. Write a one-paragraph summary of each source, and provide at least one sentence that describes how the source will be useful in your final research paper. Your annotated bibliography should be at least three pages in length, not counting the title page. Include in-text and full citations in APA format.
Instructions Final Paper-Course Project-Final part-Four pages
Air Pollution Research Paper
In this assignment, you will pull all the information you have gathered from your work in milestones one and two in order to write a research paper.
In your introduction, include a thesis that provides your overall opinion on the danger presented by your chosen pollutant and the adequacy of current engineering controls and regulatory controls. In the conclusion, revisit this thesis and sum up how the information you presented supports your opinion. Based on your research, provide suggestions for what should be done about your pollutant. Your research paper should include a detailed discussion of the following:
§ sources of the pollutant,
§ factors affecting its fate and transport,
§ health effects,
§ ecological effects,
§ engineering control measures, and
§ regulatory control measures.
Your research paper should be at least four pages in length and written using APA style guidelines.
You must use at least four peer-reviewed or academic (e.g., trade journals, etc.) sources from the Online Library and three other sources. Additional, credible sources from the Internet (e.g., EPA website) may also be used. The title and reference pages do not count towards the minimum page requirement. Need eight references.


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Ryan looking for 'common ground' on tax reform
House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan said on Sunday he still stands ready to compromise with President Barack Obama on tax reform if they can "find common ground."
"We got to get this economy growing," the Wisconsin Republican said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "We have had such a stagnant economy, the slowest recovery since World War II. Middle income wages are stagnant. We've got to break out of this slog. And I do believe that there are things we can do hopefully in the next year to get this economy growing faster."
"We want to work with this administration to see if we can find common ground on certain aspects of tax reform.," he said. "And we want to exhaust that possibility."
"If and when that possibility is exhausted, then we will put out what we think ought to be done," Ryan added, addressing GOP tax strategy. "So, we fully intend on the Ways and Means Committee of showing what full, comprehensive tax reform for everybody, individuals and families alike, looks like."
The tax increases the president advocates, Ryan said, are one large area where Republicans and Democrats disagree on how to proceed.
"We've got to get this economy growing," Ryan said, citing the tax code as a means for creating economic growth.
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew will testify before the Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday to discuss tax reform, Ryan said.


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The Product Manager drives revenue through the integration and development of products within the CDW portfolio. This individual keeps current of the market and understands how to create opportunities around core products. In addition, the Product Manager works with partner development management to secure COOP funding to support marketing activities, maintain part numbers within the product portfolio and works closely with segment leaders to develop customer segment focus and product leaders to define solution. The product manager oversees products, processes, projects and campaigns.
Minimum Qualifications


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22 Oct The Throws of Throw Pillow Mania…
I love Divine Design. I don't love that clearly Candice doesn't work in a budget, but love the end REVEAL. One of my favorite parts is when she sits with the rugged-tough FABRIC GUY (what is his name?) and whips out all of these random fabrics that magically look great once piled together.
{Photos from Elle Decor and "Take Over Your Attic" Episode}
I'm ready to dive in and try the mixing game. My two successes so far – USING POWERPOINT and ETSY:
Candice suggests a sample board (I also love this part of the show) so that you can play with fabric scraps and samples before they get install. Since I am the online girl I like to do it on my laptop. If you don't have a Photoshop, Powerpoint (or even Word) can work just as well. When you have a picture selected the Format Tab should show up at the top, and will allow you to resize, crop and drag your images. I pasted in all my favorite pillows and slid them around to play with different groupings. You can even place the pillows right onto pictures of your furniture. Very helpful!
My second tip is looking on Etsy for pillow covers. Sexy pillows in sexy stores always seem to cost an ungodly amount. Browsing Etsy I found some fabulous shops. I ordered from three different sellers and not only were they affordable but when each arrived I squealed! Then trotted myself over to Joann's Fabric for inserts. Can't wait to show you my purchases in the final REVEAL. My Etys picks…
Show Above {Decidely Chic, The HomeCentric and Nena Von}


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Photobook by Fabio Sgroi
Published by CROWDBOOKS
Past Euphoria Post Europa photobook is a personal long–term project by Fabio Sgroi. Focused on East Europe unstable identity due to the consequences resulting from the regimes' cleavage and from the advent of democracy. Everything occurred under the gaze of the media, which today are telling us about a Europe that is seeking refuge in itself.
In this work, he describes the everyday life of a society that's still in search of an identity. Sights and places are carrying on with them the memory of a deep Europe, which suffered the violent effects of geopolitical dynamics, from the fall of the Berlin's wall to the foundation of the new European Union.
Past Euphoria Post Europa — a photobook by Fabio Sgroi
I shot many images trying to capture the sense of doubt that exists in countries that are already part of the European Community as well as those countries willing to get in.
In the pictures, there are grazed faces and places corroded by memory, but also surrounded by modernity; the pictures show signs of modern euphoria, although they fall into the gloom of a restless past. All the images were shot in areas that have lived a strong identity tension and change.
The countries where I took the pictures are 14:
Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Herzegovina, Hungary, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia.


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Youth violence hurts communities
September 9th, 2011
Omaha, NE – The University of Nebraska Medical Center hosted its weekly Science Café, with a discussion on youth violence in Omaha this week. A mother, who lost her son in a gang-related shooting, shared her personal story with KVNO News after the event.
Listen Now[audio:https://kvnonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/777-Youth-Violence.mp3]
In a packed room at the Slowdown in north downtown Omaha, Sherri Brown listened as community groups discussed ways to tackle youth violence. "It's a battle out here in the streets just like Afghanistan and other places," she said. "War is going on, and I feel like these children are losing their lives (in) this worldly war.â€
Brown's son was murdered in 1997, in what she believes was a gang-related shooting. Her eyes started to water as she shared the story of a recent encounter with the person responsible for her son's death.
"He walked up to me, and he says Ms. Brown… And, I looked… He said I just wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you. I didn't know who he was still until…he said I am so, so sorry," she recalled. "Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, and the only thing I could ask him was if he could just walk away."
Dorris Moore, the CEO of the Center for Holistic Development Inc, said when a community, or family, tragically loses loved ones, people may need to seek professional help.
"It means you have a lot of people in the community that are hurting," Moore said. "I believe that hurt people hurt people. That's what I see happening a lot with some of the violence that's going on. People that are hurting look for solutions in things that they know to do, and don't have a good vehicle to express themselves in other ways. They kind of continue the cycles of hurting one another.â€
Moore said the biggest challenge is getting people through the door.
Sherri Brown said while she believes her son's murder was related to street gangs, the bigger problem is that young men in the community don't have a sense of belonging. She also said it might be time for sons and fathers to seeking counseling too.
"When men go and have babies and then they don't stay and take care of their responsibilities," she said. "The children have to grow up without him, and then there's chaos.â€
Brown said it's time for the community to stop simply talking about change, and start doing something about it.
One Response
The civilians of Iowa and Nebraska will NOT tolerate this (expletive) anymore. Kids and even adults running around with weapons, slaughtering innocents. This will not be tolerated. Gangs will not be tolerated. Many of us are fed up with this ordeal in our precious 2 states. Enough is enough.


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By Mummymoon
Mummymoon is rather a big feeling than a fashion trend. With outstanding quality and timeless style, the demi-couture brand from Lithuania offers solely handcrafted garments with a touch of minimalism, both for everyday wear and one-of-a-kind apparel for special occasions.
Buttery soft, minimal, yet full of superbly handcrafted details, the Moon pants are the wardrobe must-have for your stylish kids. Unique details include the chic round gold buttons, big pleats on both legs that create a wide-leg design for better movement.
- Unisex
- 100% Viscose
- Machine wash cold


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How to be aquatic: Bryan Mineo's journey from the lakes of Texas to the Pacific Ocean
It began in on a hot summer day in a backyard pool in Bedford, Texas. The kid wouldn't get out of the water.
His mother had come out to call him to dinner. He was hungry, but staying in the water was better. He liked to go upside down in a handstand or dive deep and swim along the floor almost effortlessly, the earthbound laws of gravity no longer applicable. He liked the way the sound flowed through water, the slow-motion thump of his own heartbeat, the long whoosh of his own breath, the way light speckled through the swaying blue of the pool water.
Bryan Mineo was four years old and he'd just come to a realization. He wanted to be in the water, always.
That day, his parents were forced to literally drag him out of the pool. But Mineo was from an aquatic people. His brother, Justin, who was four years older, would win a state championship and set Texas records in the breaststroke. Though Mineo swam competitively from the ages of 5 to 14, to him, it was never about speed. It was simply about being in the water.
At 18 he fell in love with a girl triathlete. As young men do, he slightly inflated his qualifications, to the point where she asked him to help coach her in the open water swim component of her race. They went to nearby Grapevine Lake so he could give her some pointers, but he failed to mention something to her. He'd never swum in open water.
"I thought swimming was swimming was swimming," he said. "It was all the same, whether in a pool or a lake or the ocean."
Mineo tried to play it cool as they arrived at the lake. But he was terrified. Once he jumped in and and started swimming, it got worse.
"Within seconds, I was absolutely panicked," he remembered. "I had been dreading the day we'd go to the lake the whole week before. I'd been having dreams about it. I just knew I wasn't prepared for it, and it was going to be difficult. Which made it worse than it was."
They were 500 yards from shore when his friend saw Mineo's face and realized he was in trouble. He could see her mouthing two words: "Just breathe."
He closed his eyes and let out a long exhale, followed by a slow, deep inhale. Images of floating in his backyard pool as a child flashed through his head and calmed him. He closed his eyes and floated in the lake. Everything would be fine.
When they returned to shore, Mineo felt humbled, but also exhilarated. He'd faced fear in a way he'd never known it before. The love affair with the triathlete wouldn't last, but he'd found the twin passions that would govern the rest of his life: open water swimming, and breath.
"I was inspired," Mineo said. "Swimming had become a significant part of my identity, yet a singular experience in the water was able to completely humble me. I wasn't born with any inherent fears, so I understood that my fear of the open water was a learned thing, thus could also be unlearned."
He wanted to face his limitations directly. He began lake swimming daily. Somewhere in his mind, a nascent notion took root. He couldn't quite articulate it, but from that day in Lake Grapevine forward, his life was oceanbound.
Love and water
Mineo wouldn't find his way to the Pacific Ocean for a decade.
He attended Virginia Tech, studying film and literature, and moved to New York City to work as a video editor after graduation. After a few years in the city, he returned south, to Austin, Texas, a town with seven lakes. In Austin, he began lake swimming again, and he developed a serious yoga practice, which, like swimming, links movement and breath. Some triathlete friends started asking him for training help, and soon he was training athletes professionally as a swim coach. He launched Keep Austin Fit (a play on the city's underground motto, "Keep Austin Weird") and within a few years had expanded the business and moved it north with Keep Dallas Fit. When Diana Nyad completed her Cuba to Florida swim in 2013, Mineo was in the midst of training for his own ultimate test — swimming the English Channel.
"It's not even about sports anymore," he told the Dallas Morning News. "It's about human potential, and she really set the bar. For me, that's the most motivating thing. For me, it's less about the swim than knowing I can do something, put my mind to something big and follow through."
But while training he'd also made a discovery. When he took the physical to qualify for the 21-mile channel swim, a shocking diagnosis came back: he had ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that causes vertebrae in the spine to fuse together.
"Suddenly it all made sense," Mineo said.
He'd struggled with back pains and abnormally long recovery times since his early 20s. Now he knew why. He also knew why he felt so much better in water than on land.
"The water takes all that weight off your body," Mineo said. "You are less than half your weight in the water. When I move in this very purposeful way, yoga and swimming, I feel best."
In 2014, he and his then-wife, a professional triathlete whom he'd married the previous year, moved to California, largely to be near the ocean. But almost immediately after arrival, the marriage fell apart. In the messiness of a divorce, he had to abandon his English Channel quest. He had neither the money, nor the heart. He'd just arrived in the place he'd hoped to be all his life, but he knew almost no one, and for a few months was without a home.
Two things saved him. The first was the ocean.
Mineo vividly remembers the first ocean swim of his life. He went out at sunset, off the Topaz Jetty in Redondo, ducking under waves, shouting, exultant as he finally launched into the Pacific.
"It was the most liberating feeling I'd ever felt, diving, swimming out there," he said.
He's been in the ocean nearly every day since. He launched his business locally as The Swim Mechanic. It grew quickly, through word-of-mouth, his column in Triathlete magazine, and the popularity of a group swim he led every Saturday morning off Knob Hill in Redondo Beach. He got his first tattoos and found a life that seemed like it had always been waiting for him.
"I'd just lost all my money, both my dogs, and my place to live," he said. "And it was the happiest I'd ever been."
One day he was standing in line at a coffee shop with his parents, who'd come to console him and help him with the details of his divorce, and he saw someone he'd admired from afar since 2008. Rebecca Soni set world records in the breaststroke both in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and then had quietly, and somewhat mysteriously, bowed out of competitive swimming altogether. Although she kept a very low profile, Soni remained as big a celebrity as existed in Mineo's world.
"I was like, 'Holy shit, that's Rebecca Soni. I'm going to say hi to her,'" he recalled. "I'd had a celebrity crush on her since 2008."
He somewhat sheepishly introduced himself, they talked briefly about swimming and exchanged numbers.
It began slowly, as a friendship, over the next year. He kept trying to convince her to join his Saturday morning group swim.
"No way," she told him. "You are not getting me in a swimsuit."
Soni swam competitively all her life and after winning two golds and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics, she'd decided to end that chapter. The hyper-discipline elite competition required had nearly drained the joy of swimming from her life.
"I was almost boycotting swimming in my life, just in general," she said. "I was done. It was a tie to the past, in a way."
Finally, one Saturday morning she agreed to come along. As far as she was concerned, it was going to be a one-off.
"Just to make him shut up," she said.
Something happened in the water. They immediately paired, swimming closely together in what one other member of the group called a "two-headed monster."
"Our stroke cadence was in sync," Mineo said. "I swear to god, we were breathing together, smiling. We were so in sync it was disgusting."
"I don't know if I was mirroring his stroke or he was mirroring mine, or just looking at each other, but it was stroke for stroke, breath for breath," Soni said. "It was disgusting, I'll give you that."
They became a couple shortly thereafter. Beyond falling in love with each other, together, they became deeply immersed in a love for the ocean.
"She kind of saved me," Mineo said. "Honestly, I was thinking of moving back to Texas. I stayed because of her."
"He kind of opened my eyes to a different kind of swimming, where it's all about enjoyment, not necessarily about how to make people faster," Soni said. "He made swimming fun for me again."
Their swimming life together, like the ocean, is different every day.
"What's it like out there today? Whenever you are done, you are done. If you want to keep going, keep going. He not only got me back in the water, but created a whole new world," Soni said. "It's a fun side of the sport you forget when you train on a high level, where there is no expectation…You are the master of what you want to create, whether it's swimming through the seaweed off PV, we talk about swimming from Redondo Beach to Torrance [Beach] and see if we encounter whales. It's a different experience every day. It takes you back to the root of the sport, doing it for our own enjoyment."
Fear and water
The Saturday group has grown from four or five people to as many as 50. Among its members are several who have either been introduced to open water swimming, or, like Soni, reintroduced to a love of the water.
Megan Tobin is a triathlete and experienced ocean swimmer. But she a wave caught her at the wrong angle and she was smacked into a sandbar, injuring her head and her neck. Even after she recovered her health, fear remained. She'd lost her confidence in the ocean.
Tobin heard about Mineo and signed up for a one-on-one session. She expected him to ease her back into the ocean. He didn't.
"Bryan is not afraid, and he knows how to handle the ocean," Tobin said. "So it wasn't, 'Oh, you are afraid, let's talk, or let's practice for a while…' No, it was, 'Let's swim in big, giant waves.' And I was like, 'Oh no, he's not taking it easy on me today.' But really, one or two sessions with Bryan, and I felt completely confident again. He is so comfortable out there it rubs off on you. I know a lot of people have a lot of fears, whether it's whatever else is out there, or the waves. I was injured, and he gave me the ocean back."
Mineo also worked on the mechanics of her stroke, and adjusted how she held her head. Now she swims better than she did before the accident.
"He made what I thought were some minor tweaks and they made a huge difference, like when a chiropractor adjusts you and you feel like you have a whole new body," she said. "The way my body feels in the water is entirely different, in a pool or in the ocean."
Greg Huntoon, on the other hand, had never been an ocean swimmer. He'd grown up in Southern California and was a college baseball player, and continued to play ball for six or seven years afterwards. But as he grew older, in the process of balancing work, marriage, kids, he drifted into a sedentary life. To shake himself out of it, he decided to become a triathlete, and about two years ago started working out. But the swim portion scared him. He read a column by Mineo in Triathlete magazine and reached out.
They met by the Avenue A lifeguard tower in Redondo. "It was a murky day," Huntoon said." It felt like Loch Ness. You couldn't see very far. I was like, 'This is the day I'd chose to learn how to open water swim?'"
Mineo eased him in. They talked for 15 minutes on the beach, then swam out 200 yards, did some work on Huntoon's stroke, and came back in and talked again. Huntoon's fear dissipated like the morning's marine layer. Now, he's become one of the group's leaders, and open water swimming has become more of a passion than triathlons. It's become an organizing principal of his life and helped him get his health back.
"It's such a deep part of my life experience now to get up at six on Saturdays and drive down to Redondo [from Beverly Hills], pull on a wetsuit, jump into freezing cold water and have a blast," he said. "All because this hippie boy from Texas by way of New York. Had it not happened that way, I'm not sure what would have come of it, but I am now in that place — I can't imagine not being there every Saturday morning."
Mineo now has to confront his own final fears. The sting of pulling out of his English Channel swim lingers. So despite the challenge ankylosing spondylitis presents in training for long distance swimming, he intends to swim the 21-mile Catalina Channel this September.
"Catalina is my English Channel now," he said.
To Mineo, it's not really about swimming. "I'm not really a swimmer," he said. "I'm good, not great. My girlfriend, she's a swimmer. I'm just an ocean man."
Like yoga, ocean swimming is almost spiritual practice for him, a way of monitoring his internal dialogue, of communing with something larger than himself, of breathing life deeply.
"Each of us is called to the water," Mineo said. "Each of us have something to take from the ocean, and more importantly, something to give back to it. We all want to live a life of happiness and love. The ocean is simply a perpetual proponent to finding your unique happiness and love. How you choose to harness this energy is up to you. Remember, just breath."
See TheSwimMechanic.com for more information and follow Mineo's preperations for his Catalina Channel swim at EasyReaderNews.com. B


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Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
Christian Schacht Clinic Re-cap: Part 3
But first, a lesson in how we learn.
When we learn anything new, especially like dressage, there is language that must be learned as well. We learn the vocabulary and the speech patterns necessary to participate in the learned activity. Often times, the activity has a language of it's own. If you don't golf, try participating in a conversation with an avid golfer; it will sound like Greek. It is no different with dressage.
Even though we all speak English, many of us, in all honesty it's probably most of us, are not yet fluent in the language of dressage. During my studies of language acquisition (I hold a B.A. with an emphasis in language acquisition), we learned that it takes at least six years to become completely proficient at a language, even our own first language. Have you ever noticed that it's much easier to speak to a six year old than a four year old?
Is it no surprise then that it takes years and years to become proficient at dressage? It's not simply making your body respond in a certain way, it's also about learning the language in order to effectively communicate with your horse, other riders, your trainer, and the judge. The USDF handbook actually has a glossary of Judging Terms.
Stephen Krashen, a noted linguist, developed the Input Hypothesis in the 1970s and 1980s. The Input Hypothesis is actually a series of five hypotheses that describe the process of acquisition of a second language. Stay with me here, there is a dressage connection. The fifth hypothesis, the affective filter, is that one that holds most adults back from learning.
While I understand the affective filter, I am going to let Wikipedia explain it for me. Wikipedia?
The affective filter is an impediment to learning or acquisition caused by negative emotional ("affective") responses to one's environment. It is a hypothesis of second-language acquisition theory, and a field of interest in educational psychology.
Did you get that? If not here's an example of what happened at the clinic that almost caused me to pack it up and go home.
I was feeling a lot of anxiety (negative emotions) about learning in front of other people. I was afraid of being laughed at and made to feel foolish or out of place. I was particularly worried because I knew Christian might ask me to do exercises that I didn't know how to do, which is exactly what happened.
Christian asked for a change of direction. Now remember, I work in a ring filled with jumps. There is no crossing the diagonal. When JL asks for a change of direction, I pick the first available space and do a small figure eight, changing the bed on the one or two straight strides that I get. So that's what I did during the clinic. Christian's comment rang a bit sarcastic (to my anxiety-ridden ears), and the auditors laughed.
I felt my face flush, and tears threatened. I was humiliated. How dare they laugh at someone who had ADMITTED to being a lower level rider without a dressage instructor. I took a deep breath and pressed on. Not long after, Christian asked me to do a leg yield which I was unable to do. I simply didn't understand the exercise, which was to come up centerline, leg yield left to the rail, turn back down centerline, and leg yield left again. It sounds so obvious now, but when I got to the rail, I didn't know I was to turn down centerline again. Even after getting there, I kept getting confused about which way I was to leg yield.
Finally, I simply halted and verbalized that I didn't understand what was expected. Christian's comment had something to do with what kind of endurance rider must I have been to not know my left from my right. The auditors again broke into laughter. Right on the spot, I had to make a decision: was I going to cry and walk away, or was I going to stiffen my back bone and show them what I was made of?
Of course I toughened up, but it was a close call. Once the decision was made, I decided that I needed to get the upper hand (according to Krashen, build self-esteem). I may not be fluent in the language of dressage, but I do have a vast skill set. I am not stupid (as many second language learners are perceived to be) so I fought back.
I completed every exercise with zero complaint, and I did everything the instant he asked for it. While I had watched the other ladies ride, I noticed that most of them asked for a walk break at some point in the lesson. I knew that I wouldn't need a break, and so I decided to let that be my little success in school that day. I can work very hard.
As Speedy and I trot around, I let fly a little comment like, oh, and by the way, I can do this all day. Bring it on! Christian doesn't speak English as his first language so some of my quips had to be explained to him. He asked what I meant, and the auditors told him that I just thrown out a challenge. In reply, he told me to cross my stirrups over my saddle. The spectators laughed again, but this time it wasn't at me, but with me.
I confidently crossed my stirrups and went on at the sitting trot. It was ugly, of course, but very quickly, the ladies started offering me margaritas after the lesson. I gaily laughed that I wanted three! I also started to hear lots of positive comments coming from the auditors. Hearing me laugh, Christian told me to switch to the rising trot which I did with no problem.
I don't know for how long I rode with no stirrups, but I didn't ask for a walk break, and I just kept on going. Before long, I could feel that the ladies were rooting for me and so was Christian. At some point, Christian of course called the lesson to an end, and I let Speedy amble over to him for some final words. I was no longer embarrassed or angry. And I realized that no one meant any harm in their laughter.
When our "affective filter" is raised high, we are not able to learn as the filter blocks any input. Once I realized that I was not in a learning frame of mind (by being embarrassed), I decided to tear down the filter by demonstrating what I am good at. I empowered myself which restored my self-confidence and helped me to get what I needed from the lesson.
I had a fantastic time at dinner and even sat beside Christian. No one knew that the initial laughter had embarrassed me and nearly brought me to tears, (although they do now!). But it's okay. It wasn't personal; it was simply how I perceived it.
Jen, the clinic organizer, kindly pulled me aside on the first day and explained the rule about crossing the diagonal to change direction. And during the second day's lesson, Christian pointed out that he wanted me to change my posting diagonal closer to the letter. Somewhere I had read that when crossing the diagonal, it should be done at X. From Christian's comment forward, I changed my posting, and the bend, just before reaching the letter. I am a quick learner.
I had a wonderful time at the clinic and came back with a lot of information. Much of it will no doubt need time to be absorbed and fully understood. You know that I am always honest here. The honesty is to myself first. If I had let my own insecurities rule my day, I would have simply wasted hundreds of dollars and come home empty handed. Be honest with yourself, let go of your fear and anxiety, and ride your horse!
Bring it on I say; I can trot forever!
1/29/2013 11:17:19 pm
You go girl!! Loved this post!
1/30/2013 10:05:41 am
Thanks, Judy. :0)
1/30/2013 01:20:59 am
Your posts are always so earnest - they really resonate. Well done regaining your composure at the clinic. Thanks for writing this.
1/30/2013 10:10:58 am
I am earnest, of that there is no doubt, maybe too much. Live a little, eh?!
Bravo Karen for hanging in there...you are one tough lady :) I appreciate you honestly sharing your entire experience at the clinic.
1/30/2013 10:13:45 am
I love taking lessons and have even done a clinic with Peggy Klump, the California Dressage Society president. That clinic was here in town and I knew everyone there. This lesson was a bit intimidating for sure.
I COMPLETELY understand the levels of intimidation that can come from being a lower level rider trying to ride with someone so advanced. Early in my time with my current horse I went to a clinic with Todd Bryan. Talk about intimidated. I'd not been riding pure dressage for long (I was, GASP, an EVENTER! The horror...) The other riders in the clinic were schooling upper level movements. They had horses that cost 10x more than my thoroughbred.
1/30/2013 10:19:14 am
Thanks for sharing, Austen. It might seem like I toss my honesty around like a cheap soccer ball, but the truth is, it's HARD to write about being embarrassed and feeling inadequate. Secretly, I am glad that so many of you have had a similar experience. At least I am not alone in the land of "suckiness."
1/30/2013 08:15:19 am
You go girl! That was awesome.
1/30/2013 10:22:15 am
Bravo to you as well! Being the standout, and not in the good way, is certainly difficult. But we have the choice about how we walk through the situation. We can wimp out and learn nothing, or "suck it up" and learn (as you said) mountains. I prefer to be part of the Everest group myself!
1/30/2013 05:12:21 pm
OK, my first attempt to post my comment was deleted. My crazy laptop is so sensitive that if my palm just lightly brushes the pad it will switch screens and if you're typing in a comment box, well then, it's gone.
1/30/2013 09:35:08 pm
It takes a lot of courage to push through negatively charged situations, especially embarrassment and frustration. But you did it with flying colors and were able to take away a lot of information as well as social connections. Very interesting to know there is an actual name for that kind of learning interference. Congrats for overcoming it!!
1/31/2013 10:57:07 am
Thanks, Sarah. It was really nice to have a friendly face there as well. Meeting you brought me back to reality and helped remind me of why I was there. It's just people and their horses - we're not curing cancer or landing on the moon. :0)
2/3/2013 08:53:33 am
Good post, Karen. On many occasions I've felt this way during a lesson. There's always a point where I'm thinking that I just need to suck it up, get some confidence, and realize there's no place for a fragile ego in horse backing riding. That's easier said than done. Your post gave me a little insight into the psyche behind those moments. I didn't know about the affective filter, but the concept really resonates with my experiences. Thanks for that!
2/3/2013 09:01:02 am
Oh yes, and good job finding the confidence to push through your moment! In addition to all the great stuff you learned from the clinician, this too is a valuable take away from the event.
2/4/2013 10:51:44 am
Thanks, Amy. It's pretty tough to tell the whole world about your moments of waa waa waa. :0) I figure that we all have them though and if no one ever talks about it, no one will ever feel validated. Based on the comments I've received, EVERYONE feels that way at some time and everyone wants to work through it. I am glad I was able to this time.
Comments are closed.
About the Writer and Rider
I am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
Welcome to my dressage journey.
About Speedy G
Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About Izzy
Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider Awards
State Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award
Third Level: 63.514%
Third Level: 62.105%
Fourth Level:
Fourth Level:
2023 Show Season
Show Rating
(s) Schooling
(c) Clinic
(r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
2023 Show Schedule
2023 Completed …
2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)
Qualifying Training Level
3 Scores/2 Judges/60%:
Score 1:
Score 2:
Score 3:


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Return to the Society of Illustrators
I love the drop-in figure drawing sessions at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. Two models that pose together, wine and snacks, and live music for 3 hours. My classes at Fashion Institute of Technology precluded my usual monthly visit during this past year, but I hope to go each month during the summer.
I sketched both of these models previously and was happy to draw them again. My dear friend Sara joins me for a June session each year when she and her husband are visiting us at the beach and then in the City. Here are 3 of my sketches - all done with a washable graphite pencil (Sketch and Wash from General). Each page represents 20 minutes of drawing done on 12 X 18" sheets of watercolor paper.


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Department of Motor Vehicles
Register your vehicle or renew registration
General Information:
Hearing Impaired: (916)323-5400
Fax (916)323-5400
Highly rated HMOs and PPOs make sure that patients with asthma or other lung diseases get the right medications and know when and how to take their medicine. If you have asthma or lung disease, you can experience difficulty breathing. These attacks are frightening and weaken your body's defenses. Getting the right medications can relieve these attacks and prevent repeat attacks. Health plans and their doctors should make sure you get medicines that work.
The stars tell you how successful each plan was at helping patients get the care they needed. More stars are better.
Why isn't my health plan listed?


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Final Fantasy VII beat out upstart Rogue Legacy for the top spot on Steam's latest top ten selling chart.
Square's PS1 classic roared up the sales chart this past week after launching late during the period. The game relaunched on PC last month through Square Enix itself, but just days ago on Valve's digital distribution platform.
TheIndie roguelike runner-up improved its position by a spot versus last week, continuing to sell on par with the best Valve's service has had to offer in recent memory.
Mortal Kombat finished ahead of a heavily discounted Left 4 Dead 2, and Company of Heroes 2 dropped four spots from last week's top position to round out the upper half of the list.
The Walking Dead's new DLC '400 Days' reached the eighth spot for its chart debut.
- Final Fantasy VII
- Rogue Legacy
- Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition
- Left 4 Dead 2
- Company of Heroes 2
- Civilization V: Brave New World
- Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition
- The Walking Dead: 400 Days
- Skyrim – Legendary Edition
- Dust: An Elysian Tail


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Posted on May 22, 2019
Amherst, NY – Gear For Adventure chooses Amherst for their second store. Building off the success of their original store in Hamburg, NY, Gear For Adventure owners are expanding their market to serve residents in the northtowns. The store offers equipment and apparel for summer and winter activities like hiking, camping and paddling. Business owners Sarah and Kevin Beckwith sensed the lack of a locally owned outdoor gear store in the Amherst area. "We've become successful in large part due to our brand of one-on-one, personal, knowledgeable customer service. We really care about our customer's experience both in the store, and in the outdoors," stated Sarah Beckwith, adding "our Hamburg customers rely on us for solid, unbiased advice, and that's what we do. We're about making sure that what you buy is going to work in the way you expect it to."
For summer, the store carries kayaks and stand up paddle boards, featuring Wilderness Systems, Perception and Bic Sports, and a full line of tents and sleeping bags from Big Agnes and MSR to Eureka. Clothing options include Patagonia, The North Face, Kuhl and Outdoor Research. Winter equipment snowshoes, accessories and cold weather apparel like Darn Tough, Smartwool and insulated boots.
For those just looking to test the camping or kayaking waters, Gear For Adventure offers kayak, paddle board, tent and sleeping bag rentals. "This is just another way we try to meet our customers' needs," Kevin Beckwith added. "There are a lot of folks that aren't sure if a particular activity is right for them. By offering the option to 'test the waters', we're helping people find the outdoor activity that is going to make them a lifelong enthusiast."
The new store is located at 3906 Maple Road, next to the Premier Plaza, near the intersection of Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst. The store is open now and their Grand Opening is scheduled for June 15th where there will be a rep from Osprey Packs there to help with backpacks fittings and to answer any questions. Plus giveaways and raffles.
Gear For Adventure was founded by husband and wife team Kevin and Sarah Beckwith in 2004, as an online only store. By 2008 they moved operations to a brick and mortar location in the Village of Hamburg, NY, and now own their own building located at 305 Buffalo Street, Hamburg, NY.


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|In 2014 Food for the Hungry (FH) helped 1.4 million people get treatment for malaria or learn how to prevent malaria contraction in their homes and families. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that in 2013, 198 million clinical cases of malaria occurred, causing 500,000 fatalities, a number that will grow without continued international work to eliminate malaria.
While efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria have gained important momentum over the past years through governmental and non-governmental organizations such as FH, an annual shortage of US$ 3.6 billion threatens to slow down progress, particularly across Africa where high-burden countries are facing critical funding gaps.
"Unless the world can find a way to bridge the funding gaps and endemic countries gain the resources and technical support they need to implement sound malaria control plans, malaria resurgence will likely take many more lives," said Gary Edmonds, FH president and CEO.
Since many of the countries that are home to the malaria-carrying mosquitos are already among the poorest nations, the disease often traps individuals and families in a cycle of poverty.
Mrs. Phat Vet, a farm owner in Prolean, Cambodia, had spent all the money she had on malaria treatment for her family members and did not have enough resources to produce adequate crops even to feed her family. After working with FH to receive malaria prevention training, her family members are in good health and are able to work diligently on the farm. "Now I make a new house for my family and run a grocery shop," she told an FH staff member.
FH works with local communities in high-risk areas to encourage the use of mosquito nets, and to provide malaria prevention training through small community groups. In some instances, FH distributes nets, and in others, FH helps families find free or low-cost nets to purchase themselves. FH often shows families how to establish savings groups and save and invest their earnings. This helps parents earn extra money to help pay for their family's medical-related expenses, including mosquito nets.
"Malaria prevention has a dramatic effect on communities by enabling people to work consistently and to invest earnings rather than spend them on treatment," said Edmonds. "By donating to malaria prevention, people can make a substantial difference in the well-being of entire economies."
Those who want to get involved can give a mosquito net to a family in need at FH.org. The cost is $6 to buy one mosquito net.
|About Food for the Hungry
Founded in 1971, Food for the Hungry provides emergency relief and long-term development programs with operations in more than 20 countries to help the world's most vulnerable people. Learn more by visiting fh.org. Social connections include facebook.com/foodforthehungry and on Twitter @food4thehungry
- China reports fatal H5N6 avian influenza case in Chongqing
- Australia: Another measles case reported in Victoria
- Jamaica: Certain health centers extend hours in response to dengue outbreak
- Lyme disease: mRNA vaccine developed that provides protection against Borrelia burgdorferi in pre-clinical research
- Colorado reports 2nd human plague case of 2023


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Browse by Publication
|Up a level
Group by: Year | Authors/Creators | Item Type | Full Text
Number of items: 2.
Regan, J; (2011) Immigrant religion indigenous culture: South Asian experiences of dementia in the UK. [Conference or Workshop Item] https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/2017853 Full text not available from this repository.
Ferri, C; Prince, M; Price, G; (2003) A quantitative review of prevalence studies of dementia in China and Southeast Asia - The influence of methodological factors on observed prevalence. International Psychogeriatrics, 15. p. 64. https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/14316 Full text not available from this repository.


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To: email@example.com
Sent: Friday, October 4, 2019 11:04:25 AM
Subject: STOP sign is there for a reason, RESPECT!
Dear neighbours:
As a long time residents in Brookview area, we have seen many violations and careless driving in our area. Driving exceed 50km/h or not stopping at STOP signs on Burton Road, Buchanan Road, Butchart Dr. and etc, is not acceptable. When you come to an intersection, please make a FULL stop at the STOP sign, being impatient, honking, giving hand gestures won't make you go faster. This morning we encountered again an impatient driver at Burton Road and Bulyea Road right across from Husky gas station. This Caucasian gentleman in a silver Porsche SUV did not make a full stop at the STOP sign, also made a wide right turn to try to pass other vehicles on the road. As we drove behind drivers like that, how do we teach our children about traffic safety. Please respect traffic rules and respect your Brookview residents/visitors.
Concerned residents


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Attorney General Marty Jackley
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Monday, July 30, 2012
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
8th Circuit Court of Appeals Reinstates Jury Conviction for Vehicular Homicide
PIERRE, S.D - Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the Federal District Court decision overturning the jury conviction for Oakley Engesser's vehicular homicide of Dorothy Finley.
"The Federal Appellate Court's decision gives important recognition to the deference that is owed to jury verdicts and state court decisions," said Jackley.
Engesser was charged with vehicular homicide and battery in 2001 as a result of a crash near the Tilford weigh station on I90 that killed Dorothy Finley on July 30, 2000. According to the Federal Appellate Court, Engesser left the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, with Finley around 6:00 p.m. on July 30, 2000. They drove off in Finley's red corvette, and around 8:10 p.m. their car collided with a minivan on I90. They had been traveling 112 miles per hour at the time, and their car rolled over several times before coming to rest upside down in the median. Finley was killed in the accident, and two of the minivan's occupants were injured. Engesser was found on the ground unconscious, and Finley's body was inside the car on the passenger side. According to one witness, Finley was lying face down against the roof of the car, in line with the passenger seat, with her feet underneath the dash board. At the time of the crash Engesser's blood alcohol level was approximately .125.
Prior to trial Engesser was informed of two witnesses who were on the side of the interstate when the crash occurred. Both witnesses were questioned by law enforcement and neither could identify the driver. These witnesses were never called to testify at trial because they could not identify that driver. A Meade County jury convicted Engesser based on evidence that indicated he was the driver, which included, but was not limited to the following: the driver seat adjustment setting, which fit Engesser; the location of the victim's purse under the passenger seat; the accident reconstruction, which included the victim pinned in the passenger seat; and the location of the victim's injuries.
The South Dakota Supreme Court affirmed Engesser's jury conviction, and Engesser subsequently filed a total of three state and two federal habeas petitions. The South Dakota Supreme Court repeatedly rejected his claims. After his first federal habeas petition was denied he filed a second federal habeas petition, claiming his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to call the previously disclosed witnesses. The Federal District Court found Essenger's trial counsel was ineffective for not calling the witnesses. In making its decision, the Federal District Court relied on identification testimony the South Dakota Supreme Court had previously described as questionable.
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the District Court, holding the Engesser failed to meet the requirements that would entitle him to prevail on the second habeas petition.


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"Hope Walk" – this is the name of the very particular fashion show that was by refugees with the assistance of IFA Paris students.
IFA stands for "International Fashion Academy" and the fashion school of Luxury and Design is true to its' name. Indeed IFA Paris students assisted the Good Chance Theatre, a pop-up theatre coming from England – for this first fashion show of its' kind. The idea behind it was simple: link the students of IFA Paris, who come from all parts of the world, to the refugees, mainly Africans, who are in a precarious situation in Paris.
"Hope Walk" Fashion Show in Paris
The result: a colourful fashion show, the "Hope Walk", a collaboration running for a few weeks and of a perfect harmony between the IFA Paris' students and the delighted refugees to create uniquely colourful and stylish garments. Another particularity: the garments created actually live their second life, they were made from used clothes, which were donated to the famous French charity organisation Emmaus (founded in Paris by Abbot Pierre in 1949).
Nouredine from Sudan, Pape from Senegal or Waga from Guinea were among these refugees who had an immense success and moved the audience with their displays. The impact of this event was so great that the English newspaper The Guardian reported the fashion show under the title "Hope Couture: Refugees collaborate on Paris Catwalk Show".
For pictures of this event, please visit The Guardian


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Adding mushrooms to your diet – whether once a week, or once in a while – can have fascinating benefits to your health.
Mushrooms are the chicken of the woods. You can barbecue 'em, boil 'em, bake 'em… and you're pretty much guaranteed to end up with something scrumptious. That is, once you've mastered the basics. Many mushroom haters were traumatized early in life by bland, soggy…
Got a scrumptious recipe you'd like to share? We're always hungry for ideas.
A high protein diet supports muscle growth and repair, helps you feel energized and satiated, and can even help you maintain a healthy weight. But if you're not eating animal products or would like to eat less meat, finding natural sources of protein can…Learn More
Are you a boring person? Does your crush leave you on read? Do your pets immediately leave the room when you try to cuddle them? Improve your life, your popularity, and your credit score with these amazing mushroom facts. 1. Mushrooms have twice as…Learn More
If you're anything like me, you worry about wasting food, but you also worry about making yourself and your family ill by cooking and serving spoiled ingredients. When it comes to mushrooms, you can usually trust your senses when it comes to deciding whether…Learn More
Mushrooms are delicious and packed with vitamins and minerals. So what does it matter if they're classified as a veggie, a fruit, or something else entirely? Well, whether you're wondering if your mushroom meals need additional veggies to be balanced and healthy, or you…Learn More
With all of their marvelous gills and crevices, you might be wondering how you can get them properly cleaned and ready for cooking or eating. For most mushrooms from the grocery store or farmer's market, you don't actually need to wash them. It's sufficient…Learn More


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Markel's Social Service program's auto accident history indicates some recurrent trends. Failure to yield accidents and accidents involving insured drivers rear-ending other vehicles occur most often.Accidents where our insured driver backed into another vehicle or another person's property and lane change accidents were also common.Implementing a program that requires drivers to drive safely and rewards them for positive driving behaviors can help control and possibly prevent these accidents from occurring.A joint effort by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has produced a very useful document called the Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes. NETS recommends a 10-step program to minimize crash risk:
1. Encourage senior management commitment and employee involvement: Ask senior management to provide leadership, set policies, and allocate resources to create a safety culture.Actively encourage employee participation at all levels of the organization, and include employees in the initial planning phase.
2. Provide written policies and procedures: Create a clear, comprehensive, and enforceable set of traffic safety policies and communicate them to all employees. Post them throughout the workplace, distribute copies periodically, and discuss the policies at meetings. Offer incentives for sticking to the rules, and point out the consequences of disregarding them.
3. Require signed driver agreements: Establish a contract with all employees who drive for work purposes, whether they drive assigned company vehicles or their personal vehicles. By signing an agreement, the driver acknowledges awareness and understanding of the agency's traffic safety policies, procedures, and expectations regarding driver performance, vehicle maintenance, and reporting of moving violations.
4. Check motor vehicle records (MVRs): Check the driving records of all employees who drive for work purposes. Screen out drivers who have poor driving records—they are most likely to cause problems in the future. Periodically review MVRs to ensure that drivers maintain good driving records.
5. Establish and reinforce a crash reporting and investigation process: Employees must report all crashes, regardless of severity, to their supervisor as soon as possible. (From an insurance company perspective, reporting a crash within 48 hours of the event is a good goal to maintain.) Review all crashes to determine their cause and whether they were preventable. Understanding The root causes of crashes, regardless of fault, forms the basis for eliminating them in the future.
6. Establish vehicle selection, maintenance and inspection procedures: Review the safety features of all vehicles to be considered for use. Implement a routine preventive maintenance schedule for servicing and checking safety-related equipment. Conduct regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Hire a mechanic to inspect each vehicle at least annually, and place documented results in the vehicle's file.
7. Implement a disciplinary action system for drivers who develop a pattern of accidents:There are a variety of corrective action programs available; most are based on a system that assigns points for moving violations. The system should describe progressive disciplinary actions if a driver develops a pattern of repeated traffic violations or preventable crashes in any predefined period.
8. Develop a reward/incentive program: A driver reward/incentive program can make safe driving an integral part of your business culture.
9. Provide driver training/communication: Even experienced drivers benefit from periodic training and reminders of safe driving practices and skills.
10. Ensure adherence to highway safety regulations: It is important to clearly establish which, ifany, local, state, and federal regulations govern your vehicles and drivers.
Go to www.osha.gov/publications/motor vehicle guide.pdf to learn more about NETS's recommendations.
To help our customers reduce the number and severity of auto accidents, Markel has teamed with I Drive Safely™, a nationally recognized online driving safety organization. We offer our customers three driver education courses at 50% off the regular price, including a passenger van driver education course. You can access this program by going to our website, Markel, and clicking the I Drive Safely button on the home page.
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President Bush announces the cancellation of modernisation programmes
for nuclear artillery shells deployed in Europe and for a follow-on
to the LANCE short-range nuclear missile. He calls for negotiations
on US and Soviet short-range nuclear missiles to begin shortly after
a CFE treaty is signed.
The Latvian Parliament declares the independence of the Baltic
The Estonian Parliament modifies the Republics name and constitution
and restores its pre-war flag and national anthem.
NATO Defence Ministers, meeting in the Nuclear Planning Group in
Kananaskis, Canada, discuss the implications of political changes
taking place in Europe for NATOs security policy.
Following elections in Romania, former Communist Government member
Ion Iliescu is elected President despite opposition accusations
of electoral irregularities. The National Salvation Front obtains
a majority in Pariament.
NATO Defence Ministers, meeting in the Defence Planning Committee,
assess the implications for NATO security policy of the changes
taking place in Europe and initiate a review of NATOs military
strategy. Hungarys new Premier, Josef Antall, announces his governments
intention to withdraw from the Warsaw Treaty Organisation following
Boris Yeltsin is elected President of the Russian Republic in the
third round of elections.
US-Soviet Summit Meeting in Washington.


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Do you need a will?
While I'm not an attorney, I very often make recommendations to clients that they retain an estate planning attorney to, among other things, create a will.
Here's why.
You might think that unless you're in the top 1 percent of wealthy Americans that there's no real point in creating a will.
That's totally false.
Even people with moderate wealth may be subject to automatic probate—the court process to conclude all your legal and financial matters after you die—which is often far more expensive and time-consuming than the cost of setting up a will.
The Worst Plan is the No-Plan Plan
During my 25 years as an advisor, I've seen tens of thousands of dollars unnecessarily wasted by estates that end up in probate.
In my view, there are two primary reasons that keep people from drawing up an estate plan.
- No one thinks they are going to die today, so they put it off until later.
- It's no fun to think about how you're going to divide your assets, especially when a spouse has a different opinion, so you avoid it altogether.
But unexpected death and avoidance are precisely the reasons why it's important to put a plan into action sooner rather than later.
And, depending on your situation, to safeguard your assets and ensure that your wishes are carried out, you need a specific group of professionals to help you cover your bases. This is not merely a reference to a financial advisor, but also an estate planning attorney and an accountant, as well.
One last piece of advice about your will: Don't worry if it's not perfect. A will can always be revised and updated. But having no plan leaves your heirs (and your hard-earned money) at the mercy of expensive and time-consuming probate.
What's this I hear about living trusts?
One way to help ensure that your estate gets distributed in accordance with your desires is to set up a living trust.
Unlike a last will and testament, a living trust is not a document, per say, but a process. It's when you transfer all your assets and titles of property and possessions to a trustee to maintain legal possession of them while you're alive.
Some people believe that if you don't have children, you don't need to set up a trust.
That's also false.
Let's say that your plan is to designate charitable organizations as the recipients of your assets. Here's a tip: Some charities will pay for the process of setting one up. This will help ensure that your moneys end up right where you intend, while also helping a charity of your choosing.
Keep Your Beneficiaries Current
Here's something that I find myself reminding clients of all the time.
Did you know that regardless of whether or not you have a will or living trust, your retirement accounts—your IRAs and 401(k)s—automatically pass on to the beneficiaries you have listed on those accounts?
That's right! Your list of beneficiaries on your retirement accounts supersede whoever you have listed in your will.
Question: When was the last time you checked who your beneficiaries are? (If you're still employed, or those accounts are still in intact, you should be able to check who your beneficiaries are right online.)
Dying Isn't Free
There's no two ways of getting around the expenses associated with passing on. However, there are plenty of ways to minimize those expenses and avoid egregious taxes and costs that can cut a huge slice out of whatever it is that you intend to leave to your heirs.
Have you considered how your heirs will be taxed on their inheritance? What about the cost of your own death and funeral arrangements?
All these elements need to be safeguarded. Working out the solutions to these questions with your team of trusted professionals is the key to formulating the best kind of estate plan for your needs. Take the necessary steps to protect your legacy today, and talk to your financial advisor to ensure that you're not leaving any stones unturned.


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Update, Oct. 5: Councilman Laurie Capitelli issued a statement Monday to clarify his role in the purchase of a home by Berkeley Police Chief Michael Meehan in 2010 following a City Council vote the prior year to loan the chief money toward the purchase. Capitelli told Berkeleyside he never served as the real estate agent for the home purchase and did not split a $30,000 commission for the deal, contrary to what was reported Friday by the Bay Area News Group. Capitelli told Berkeleyside he received an unsolicited payment after providing another agent advice about sewer lines and creeks, which he says he now plans to donate to charity. He initially kept the money because he said he was advised by Berkeley's city attorney that there was no ethical conflict related to the vote and his role in the later transaction.
Original story, Oct. 3: Seven months after City Councilman Laurie Capitelli voted in November 2009 to loan incoming Police Chief Michael Meehan $500,000 in public funds to buy a house, he helped sell Meehan a home and garnered a $15,000 commission, according to a report by Thomas Peele for the Bay Area News Group.
Capitelli had not been hired as Meehan's real estate agent when he voted with the rest of the City Council to provide the housing loan. Consequently, he does not feel he broke any ethical boundaries, he told the newspaper.
"I had no clue I'd be representing him" when the loan was approved, said Capitelli, 69, who is a partner in Red Oak Realty. "He came to me months later."
Others, including City Councilman Kriss Worthington and an ethicist, think Capitelli did violate ethical boundaries.
"No way!" Worthington told the Mercury News. "It is almost inconceivable. It's just slimy and unethical. It cheapens the office" of council member.
Meehan bought a home in June 2010 in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood for $1.185 million, $90,000 above the asking price, according to the report. The city's loan, which he combined with others, was offered at 3% interest.
Red Oak Realty got a $30,000 commission for the sale, which Capitelli split with another agent, according to the Mercury News.
Capitelli said city lawyers told him representing the police chief would not violate state conflict-of-interest rules because they had no representation agreement prior to the loan vote.
Capitelli is widely expected to run for mayor in 2016 when Mayor Tom Bates steps down. Bates announced during his last campaign that that would be his last.
Read the complete story here.
Do you rely on Berkeleyside for local news? Support independent journalism by becoming a Berkeleyside member for $5 a month or even less, or by making a one-time donation.


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Rethink how you attract + convert new home buyers. Get impressive digital ads for every community, every plan, every inventory home at an unlimited scale.
Keyword Search
Don't show your customers something generic while they're surfing Google & Bing — show them the specific community that meets their needs. Get custom ads for 1, 100, or 1,000 properties.
Display Advertising
Improve performance in your display and responsive ads with custom ads for each of your inventory homes — address, price, and all.
Facebook Advertising
Convert social media customers into high value website visitors. They aren't interested in "homes in Chicago" — they want "that specific house" that only you can provide.
Stop the bland, generic ads that lead back to your main website and give your customers relevant and cohesive ads based on their wants and needs — all the time. If they view the Geneva plan, they'll get a retargeting ad for the Geneva plan — across search, display, and social.
Business Listings
Update and audit your Google My Business listings at scale. With dozens or hundreds of sales centers, manually updating office hours at each location can be a real chore. automatd.digital makes it easy.
How it
You have a compelling brand that customers love. We have a platform that dynamically creates and manages ads, emails, landing pages and business listings for all your products — with the click of a button.
Revolutionary advertising just around the corner.
Revolutionary advertising. At your doorstep. Reduce your creative costs and stop the endless back and forth. Turn campaigns on or off on time, every time. And eliminate data accuracy issues. You won't find ads with the wrong home prices here. Now you can free your team to do more valuable things than manually creating and updating ads (like building your brand and selling even more homes).
Here's the deal.
We've all heard of marketing automation for lead nurturing, but automatd.digital's technology platform addresses the advertising part of the sales funnel – something previously unavailable. Now you can get ads for every single one of your products, on every major ad platform with fully automated, hands-free management. Plus 100% accuracy, guaranteed. What's not to love?
Working with automatd.digital.
Simple. Affordable. Scalable. Working with automatd.digital is easy. Put your entire portfolio — big or small — in front of online home shoppers. No hassle, no fuss, no breaking the bank.
Painless, Quick, White Gloved Start Up
Enjoy easy, fast startup, lifetime support that's always there when you need it, the latest updates on us, and actionable reporting you can use to start informing other areas of your marketing right away.
Save Money on Creative Costs, Today
Even if you had a fleet of marketers to pull it off, normally it would cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months to setup an advertising program that you get in an instant with us.
Get a Competitive Edge with Innovative Tech
Be years ahead of your competition with innovative technology that delivers custom ads for all your properties — without all the stress of manually creating variations or an arduous review & approval process.
"Go Team!" Mentality
If you have another brand or advertising agency, no problem. Our goal is to streamline your advertising and make selling dream homes easier — and we work well with others.
100% Accurate - Our Platform Uses Your Data
Using your existing photos & property descriptions, our ads keep up with your business. So if your plan price changes, your ads are automatically updated. And, there'll be no more accidentally calling a 3 bedroom home a 4 bedroom.
Advertise on All Ad Channels All at Once
Ads for qualified website traffic. Landing pages for lead generation. Emails for one-to-one nurturing. And scalable business listings management to never, ever lose a customer who can't contact you.
This video walks you through it.
Inside the automatd mind.
What To Do: Zero-Click Searches
Half of all Google searches end without a click. This factoid might sound troublesome for the search engine giant that earns most of its revenue selling clicks, but the reality is quite the opposite. No-click searches (or zero-click) are by design, and they're here to stay. It's the newest iteration in how Google makes scouring […]
Digital Transformation and Government Agencies
It's no secret that the government tends to move slower than the private sector when it comes to hopping on current trends. This isn't necessarily a good thing or a bad thing. It's just the nature of the beast. But with COVID-19 flipping our world upside down, a whole host of flaws have been exposed […]


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LSAT Prep Course Options in Santa Clarita
From expert instruction to comprehensive resources, TestMasters provides everything you need to succeed on the LSAT. Our live online LSAT course is the ideal option for CSUN undergrads as well as for residents of Santa Clarita. If you're serious about crushing the LSAT, join the hundreds of thousands of students who have achieved amazing score increases with TestMasters!
Live Online Course Schedules
Mid-Autumn Course (Su)
January 12-13, 2024 LSAT
David Ganin
Start Date:
October 1, 2023
*two Saturdays ()
Late Autumn Course (Tu)
February 9, 2024 LSAT
Doug Lawrence
Start Date:
October 17, 2023
*one Thursday ()
Late Autumn Course (Su)
February 9, 2024 LSAT
Jeff Benjamin
Start Date:
November 5, 2023
*three Saturdays ()
Other LSAT Course Options
TestMasters LSAT Course Reviews
|Devon Frankel | Cal State Northridge
|Before TestMasters 147
|After TestMasters 158
"While the LSAT isnt an exam that you can directly memorize, TestMasters gave me a comprehensive look at all the different types of questions, preparing me to spot patterns when I was deconstructing arguments. TestMasters has a huge variety of material with insighful and practical advice for understanding each type of prompt. My score went up more than I could have imagined and I have TestMasters to thank for it."
|Ivan Cao | UCLA
|Before TestMasters 161
|After TestMasters 173
"I first took the LSAT in June 2009 without taking a prep class. Although my score of 161 was decent, I knew I could have done better given more time. So the day after receiving my LSAT score, I did my research on the best prep course available and enrolled in Testmasters shortly thereafter. Following the TestMasters approach to the different sections definitely increased my accuracy and efficiency for every type of question. When I took the LSAT again in September 2009, my score increased by twelve points. There is nothing more gratifying than knowing that the hard work really paid off."
|Clay Cogman | Pepperdine University
|Before TestMasters 154
|After TestMasters 166
"The TestMasters program offers students a unique opportunity to get a leg up on the LSAT. They accomplish this so well because unlike a great deal of prep courses and night programs, TestMasters is truly an educational experience. I came into the whole experience with a lot of questions and fears; I had never taken a test like this before. Each night in class, we would learn the 'curriculum' for the night (techniques, question types, rules, etc.) but along the way we were also given a prescribed methodology of thought as well. The techniques you learn in studying for this test are invaluable to confronting everyday problems and situations well beyond the test. Aside from the content, the teachers I encountered were pleasant, patient, punctual, professional and always willing to answer any number of questions about any number of things. Overall, I enjoyed the whole experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of taking the LSAT."
|Mary Kwon | UCLA
|Before TestMasters 157
|After TestMasters 173
"When I first decided to take the LSAT and initially looked over the questions—especially the logic games—I was utterly bewildered. I had never seen anything like it in my life, and certainly didnt know the first steps to approaching it. My first TestMasters class with Jeff Benjamin went a long way in assuaging this first shock, mostly because he was incredibly encouraging, optimistic and exhibited a comprehensive and deep understanding of the test. Everything he said in those classes made sense to me and helped me to think about these problems more systematically and accurately. I really appreciate the time he spent to return my e-mails and comb over my performance on diagnostics. Consequently, my score jumped from a 157 first diagnostic to 173 on the real deal in the span of just three short months. I would recommend Jeff—and TestMasters—to anyone who wants to beat the LSAT and meet his or her academic goals."


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The Timken Company is a global industrial leader with a growing portfolio of engineered bearings and industrial motion brands. Here's how we are driving industries forward and results for our shareholders:
Growing, Market-leading Product Portfolio and Diverse End-market Mix, Including Renewables
Successful Repositioning of the Company to Perform Through Cycles
Clear Strategy to Deliver Shareholder Value
Proven Track Record
Learn more
Figures are in millions of US dollars except per share data
*Click here for
reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted EPS, free cash flow, net debt,
and net debt/adjusted EBITDA to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Free cash
flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities minus capital expenditures.
Years Continuous Quarterly Dividends
5-year Annualized Total Shareholder Return
As of June 30, 2023
Global Associates
Engineered Bearings
Industrial Motion Products
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
Distribution/End Users
Mobile Industries
Process Industries
48%North America
7% Latin America
22%Europe, Middle East, Africa
23% Asia-Pacific
Phil Fracassa, Timken's CFO, discusses the integral role acquisitions play in realizing our
corporate strategy and what it means to become better, not just bigger.
We serve global customers in diversified markets and unique geographies from the North Sea to the Sahara and Mars.
Our growing portfolio of engineered bearings and power transmission brands is designed to meet our global customers' evolving needs.
Mail Code: WHQ-03
The Timken Company
4500 Mount Pleasant Street NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (234) 262-4204
Mail Code: WHQ-03
The Timken Company
4500 Mount Pleasant Street NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (234) 262-2310
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul MN 55164-0874
Telephone: 800-401-1957
Outside US: 651-450-4064
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Autumn Wreath Pre-Fragranced Reed Refills
About This Fragrance
There's a cheerful fall welcome in the spicy warmth of autumn leaves and cinnamon apples.
Fragrance Notes:
Top: Green Leaf, Apple
Mid: Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg
Base: Woody Notes, Vanilla
Top note is the initial impression of the fragrance, middle note is the main body of the scent and base is its final impression.
About Yankee Candle Pre-Fragranced Reed Refills
NEW: Experience powerful, room-filling fragrance in an instant, without the possibility of a mess or spills. With Pre-Fragranced Reeds, there's no oil to add, so there's no clean-up. Set the perfect fragrance level simply by adding or removing the pre-scented reeds in the ceramic diffuser vase (sold separately). Whatever you're up to — entertaining with friends, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying quiet moments alone — you'll enjoy long-lasting, continuous fragrance, up to six weeks per reed.
The refill pack includes 5 Pre-Fragranced Reeds in a resealable, scent-locking pouch. Designed to be used with the open-sided vases sold separately in Pre-Fragranced Reed Diffuser kits.


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Hmong Resettlement Still Possible
BANGKOK—More than 150 Lao Hmong asylum-seekers just repatriated from Thailand could still be resettled to third countries, according to the Thai prime minister.
"The people who went from Nong Khai—who perhaps would pose more concern—before we sent them back we allowed third countries to interview [them], and they continue to work with the Lao government now on resettlement in third countries," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said.
Vejjajiva addressed a group of foreign journalists and community members on the security and safety of the Hmong on Thursday evening at the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok.
He said countries interested in receiving the Hmong for resettlement "can work it out with the Lao government," an arrangement the Thai government agreed to with Laos and the third countries before repatriating the group.
But Vejjajiva also indicated that Lao leaders are frustrated by the sudden international attention and lack of progress in resettlement talks.
"When I talked to the leaders in Laos, they said that if these countries were serious about working on resettlement they should have accepted these people long ago, and that a lot of them weren't able to go because they weren't issued visas."
When asked if the Lao government intended to allow the Hmong to resettle, Vejjajiva said he sees "no reason that they shouldn't [abide by this agreement]," adding that Bangkok is continuing to monitor the progress of talks between Laos and potential third-country candidates for resettlement.
"There is no gap of understanding between us and Laos, and I think we should put an end to this chapter," he said.
'Changed their minds'
Vejjajiva's statement contradicts claims made by Lao Foreign Ministry spokesman Khenthong Nuanthasing on Monday indicating that all 158 members of the group had "changed their minds" and agreed to settle in their homeland.
On Wednesday, spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kitty Mackinsey said the agency has been unable to meet with the repatriated Hmong to determine if the claims by the Lao Foreign Ministry were true.
"We would like to get access to them to help facilitate their resettlement, because the resettlement countries still are offering them places to go.... The last time we talked to them they did want to go for resettlement," Mackinsey said.
The 158, all of whom have been designated "people of concern" by the UNHCR and could face persecution in Laos, were repatriated from Thailand on Dec. 28 along with a larger group from a camp in Petchabun totaling 4,711.
They had been held in a detention center overseen by immigration police in Nong Khai, Thailand.
Thai military units equipped with riot shields and batons entered a refugee camp at Huay Nam Khao in Petchabun and forced thousands of Hmong onto buses, sending them back across the Mekong River into Laos.
The forced repatriations ended years of uncertainty over the status of the Hmong.
Known as America's "forgotten allies," the Hmong sided with the United States during the Vietnam War and many fled Laos in 1975 when the communist Pathet Lao took power.
Tens of thousands have since been resettled in the United States.
Many Hmong say they fear persecution from the Lao government because of their Vietnam War-era ties with the United States.
Some Hmong fought under CIA advisers during a so-called "secret war" against communists in Laos.
Original reporting by Pimuk Rakkanam for RFA's Lao service. Lao service director: Viengsay Luangkhot. Written for the Web in English by Joshua Lipes. Edited by Sarah Jackson-Han.


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Stocks in the Future's mission is to develop highly motivated middle school students who are eager to learn and dedicated to attending class through the use of incentives coupled with a financial literacy curriculum focused on investing that reinforces Math, Language Arts and Social Studies.
Stocks in the Future's vision is to see middle school students thrive in their classrooms, homes, and neighborhoods by investing in their financial future and themselves.
SIF develops curriculum to give middle school students real-world financial education that is not provided in schools today. SIF teaches underserved middle school students personal finance skills to empower each student to take control of their financial and academic future.
Educate, Encourage, Empower
We are a 501c3 organization which provides a three-year financial literacy curriculum for middle-school students in under-served communities. Developed at Johns Hopkins University, we introduce students to business concepts, expansion possibilities, reasons for taking a company public, and ways to compare company performances. As students learn, they earn money by attending school regularly and improving grades. Earnings up to 80 SIF dollars each year enables students to purchase publicly traded company stocks that become theirs when graduating from high school and turning eighteen. Academic fundamentals are reinforced throughout.