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Florida Customers Benefit From Focus on 3G, 4G Wireless Services; $131 Million Invested in Network Enhancements in First Half of 2011
Aug 16, 2011, 11:46 ET
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, which operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network, announced today that the company invested $131 million during the first six months of 2011 in Florida to further enhance wireless services and network coverage for its customers across the state.
The 2011 investment to date includes the continued rollout of the company's 4G LTE (Fourth Generation, Long-Term Evolution) network, which now serves the core areas of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Sarasota-Bradenton and Lakeland. The 4G LTE network also serves customers along Duval Street in Key West and in nine airports, including the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.
4G LTE provides wireless consumers access to services up to 10 times faster than the company's industry-leading 3G network. With this latest progression of wireless technology, the company expects average data rates in real-world, loaded network environments to be 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
These speeds will allow for smooth mobile video-conferencing, multiple simultaneous video streams, speedy transfer of large files, downloading and running of powerful programs, and numerous other applications to improve efficiency and productivity wirelessly.
The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE technology also is designed to improve coverage strength inside buildings, as it runs on a powerful 700 megahertz wireless frequency.
Verizon Wireless also continues to reinforce its 3G network in Florida, which already covers nearly 98 percent of the state's population and landmass. Enhancement highlights included the construction and activation of numerous new cell sites, as well as hardware and software upgrades to hundreds of sites across the state to improve outdoor and in-building coverage.
"We're committed to upholding our reputation and ratings for the most advanced and reliable 3G wireless network and the fastest, most advanced 4G LTE network and coverage for wireless consumers in Florida," said Pam Tope, Verizon Wireless Florida region president.
Florida network enhancements in the first half of 2011 include:
- Hardware and software upgrades to five "super-switch" network processing centers across the state (Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Jupiter and Pembroke Pines). The super-switches are designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, feature large-scale on-site power generation, various redundant operations and technologies, and other back-up systems to ensure reliable handling of tens of millions of wireless calls and data transmissions each day. The super-switches serve as the hub for network operations in the event of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and any type of disaster response.
- Deployment of technicians and special vehicles to measure connection quality on the Verizon Wireless network versus other carriers in Florida. Using sophisticated testing equipment in specially designed vehicles, company engineers traveled nearly 50,000 miles and conducted hundreds of thousands of voice call attempts and data tests to ensure network superiority.
- Installation of numerous high-tech in-building systems that use dozens of small wireless transmitters, resembling small smoke detectors, to ensure strong inside coverage. These systems were installed in high-priority public safety facilities such as police stations, emergency command centers and hospitals, as well as high-traffic wireless consumer locations such as hotels, resorts and tourist attractions.
- Enhanced capacity at more than 650 3G (EVDO Rev A) cell sites across the state.
Since the company was formed in 2000, more than $2.2 billion has been invested to build and enhance Verizon Wireless network coverage and services for customers in Florida. Nationally, Verizon Wireless has invested more than $65 billion to increase the coverage and capacity of its nationwide network and to add new services.
For more information on the Verizon Wireless network, visit www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 106.3 million total wireless connections, including 89.7 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ : VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ : VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
SOURCE Verizon Wireless


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Master Kwik Plug
Master Kwik Plug is a convenient and useful compound. It quickly plugs bowling ball holes, curing at room temperature in just five minutes. Its one to one mixing ratio simplifies the process and helps you to complete the job faster and easier than ever before.
- This revolutionary ball plugging compound has been scientifically formulated to cure at room temperature in only 5 minutes
- Simple, 1:1 mixing ratio helps get the job done easier and quicker
- One kit satisfies all plugging requirements
- Includes a generous quantity of mixing cups and stir sticks
- Individual quarts also sold separately
- 746.BLK Black, 746.NAT Natural, 746.HRD Hardener

subset: commoncrawl


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Traditional Konso Village On A Mountain Ridge Overlooking The Rift Valley . Car ...
Stockphoto ID: 2695722
File name: 38014_pd.jpg
Format: digital, 5000+ pixels longest side
Property release: no Model release: no
Source: photographer Based in: Germany
Description: Traditional Konso village on a mountain ridge overlooking the rift valley . Car of visitors surrounded by kids . The Konso are living in traditional villages with compounds for each family . The compounds are connected by a maze of stone walled and fenced pathways . The Konso , a tribe of the Ethiopian southern nations , have developed over centuries an agriculture which is considering relief and climate . The Konso use dry farming methods on man made terraces . The terraces are catching the precipitation and avoid soil erosion on the steep slopes of the rift valley . Sorghum ( millet ) cassava ( manioc ) , sunflowers and soybeans are the staple foods of the Konso and growing in companion planting on the terraces . Africa , East Africa , Ethiopia , Konso , February 2010
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Message in a bottle
Interactive installation
October 2014, Museum of Modern Art, Yerevan, Armenia
"Message in a bottle" is a public invitation to participate and share ideas. Messages written for the installation are about the identity and how the environment may effect it. Visitors are free to write and share their messages. Read messages are hung on the line above the installation and new ones are put in the bottles.


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A Jands Vista T2 console, running the next generation Vista v2 software, has been controlling lighting and visuals for progressive rockers Mutemath on their recent US tour.
The tour's production design was a creative collaboration between the band themselves and Jeff Lava & Darien Koop of Nashville based 44 Designs.
44 Designs are a full service visual design practice, specialising in creating lighting, video and staging concepts for all types of performance and live shows. The company now owns five Jands Vista consoles after purchasing their first when 44 Designs was formed in 2008. They continue to be firm advocates of the brand, citing that with Vista v2 software it really is the ultimate "designer's tool".
The touring system features a lighting floor package including a selection of moving lights and generics, as well as a 24 foot wide aluminium screen-like structure which is supported from a rear truss. The structure is fed with mapped video stored on a Pandora's Box media server.
In addition to their own touring equipment, Mutemath plugged in to the house lighting rig at each venue. The Vista's ability to quickly and accurately swap and clone programming between different fixture types, even using different colour systems, offered quick and easy integration of the available venue lighting into their show each day.
Darien, who programmed the T2 and ran visuals on the tour, remains hugely impressed with the performance of the Vista v2 software.
He thinks the Timeline editing on Vista v2 is "fantastic", allowing the operator to drill down to far greater depths and much faster than before. "They have really nailed the timeline now, it's very simple and offers possibilities that I've not found on other consoles" he says.
One function that has helped him out is the ability to customise and build new fixture profiles. on the console. This feature was used to write a personality for the brand new Pandora's Box v5 before it was generally available, creating exactly the profile they wanted, and even tailored to the way the media server is specifically being used on their tour.
Darien feels that Jands really listen to user feedback in their quest for continual improvement of all their products.
He concludes "If you are a designer and haven't taken a proper look at Vista v2 yet, you really need to…"
On top of that, he notes the superlative service, support and backup through Jands' US distributors, AC Lighting Inc.
Find out more about the Vista v2 at www.jandsvista.com or contact:
European Sales:
Jands Europe
Tel: +44 (0)1494 838 365
Email: [email protected]
North American Sales
A.C. Lighting Inc.
Tel: (416) 255 9494
email: [email protected]


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Can Insurance Companies Generate Revenue Despite the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act?
Written by George Simons on July 19, 2012
That's the question everyone is asking. Whether or not you support what some call "Obamacare", the effects of the act will be far reaching. Employees, employers and insurance companies may be facing a brave new world! Over on our website we've outlined several ways that Insurance companies might get creative increasing their revenue.


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Why Choose Us
- We tailor unique solutions for each client and manage every project right to the very end.
- We offer extremely competitive rates and take great care to fit our client's budget.
- We strive for excellence and treat every job with professionalism and integrity.
- The environment is our workspace and we treat it with the utmost respect.
- We offer free support because we care about your site as much as you.
About us
The Green Zone was established in 2004 .We are constantly growing as a company, with a professional approach and a satisfied client base.
We offer a wide range of services including Landscape Design, Landscape Installation, Irrigation and more.
Work Ethics
At The Green Zone safety is our first priority.We stringently follow health and safety regulations to create a safe working environment for our employees and our clients.
A Word from our Happy Clients
I love my new boma area. Thanks Stephen and Greenzone for an awesome and professional job.
Yes, we are very happy with the work done. Efficient, clean and nice plants. Thank you for your services.
The herb garden is looking fab fab fab and I'm over the moon with the result!!! Also love the pavers outside the office and guest room etc and that was a really good shout…really finishes the area.
Thank you for going the extra mile to complete our garden. It looks great! My daughter's birthday party was a great success…..so all in all garden and birthday were fantastic!!
I would like to sincerely thank you and you team on the work you have done in landscaping and re-designing our garden. As we were trying to sell our house this added value to our house in terms of saleability and the reward was when we sold it. I think that using the Green Zone to do the maintenance on the garden for us was also vital for us ensuring that the garden looked immaculate and was looked after the way it was designed. Living overseas and have bad experience with garden service , it was nice to see that some people still take pride in the work they do. Well done to you and your team. Please feel free to use us as a reference anytime. All the best!
I wanted you to please pass my thanks on the team. They really worked so hard in the garden from the moment they arrived until they left late afternoon. Please tell Fanini they are doing a great job and the garden is looking fabulous!
We are very happy with our garden.. job well done.. its always a pleasure to get value for our money.. and we did.. also your service was excellent.. we thank you and your team..
Thank you for the job well executed and a life changing experience. This has exceeded my expectation and I have no words to express my happiness. Thanks again with the sweet touch of wine. Fantastic indeed.
I love my garden! Thank you!
I am very happy with the work your team has done so far. The garden is looking great and the grass in the front is unbelieveably green!
We walked through the garden on the weekend. It looks great.
I want to thank you for such a beautiful job that you and the team have done at Misty Cliffs. Gavin and I spent the weekend there and he is happy with every aspect of your work and installation. Thank you again and please thank your team for working so hard and for such a great job.
Our Projects
- Informal formality – Gates gardenChantelle
Informal formality – Gates garden
- French PetitChantelle
French Petit
- On the verge of restrictionsChantelle
On the verge of restrictions
- Eastern Fusion GardenChantelle
Eastern Fusion Garden
- Elkanah SchoolChantelle
Elkanah School
- Horace's GardenChantelle
Horace's Garden
- Spring FlowersChantelle
Spring Flowers
- Van AlmenkerkChantelle
Van Almenkerk


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Tivax USA Customer Service Number, Office Address, Phone Number – helpline customer support number, email id and website is listed below with the headquarters or other office address, telephone number, and fax number. As this page, we are providing the Tivax USA customer service phone number and toll free helpline number of Tivax USA.
If you are searching toll free phone number of Tivax USA and 24 hours customer care helpline number of Tivax USA. So, here we are sharing the full contact information of Tivax USA service number and available products by Tivax USA.
How to Contact with Tivax USA Service Department:
There are several ways to contact with Tivax USA customer care representatives such as toll free or non toll free numbers as well as email IDs and corporate or branch offices. Below you can check all detail.
Tivax USA Customer Service Contact Details:
Tivax USA provides the best customer support and services to the customers with the help of its well trained representatives at customer care office or corporate office. For any customer support information and service request enquiry of Tivax USA products and services, the customers can contact at the following contact details given below.
Tivax USA Toll Free Number: NA
Tivax USA Customer Service Non-Toll Free Number: +1-888-338-4829
Tivax USA Customer Support Timings: Weekdays
Tivax USA Customer Service Email: NA
Tivax USA Corporate Office Contact Detail:
- Tivax USA Main Office Address: Michley Electronics, Inc., 530 Showers Dr. STE 7-204, Mountain View, CA 94040, United States
- Tivax USA Main Office Phone Number: +1-888-338-4829
- Tivax USA Main Office Fax Number: NA
- Tivax USA Main Office Email ID: NA
Official Website: www.tivax.com


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So Carly Monzo thought she would take a chance and ask her man crush, Shaun White to her prom in Pennsylvania. She heard nothing back, and thought nothing of it. Flash forward to her at the prom and she gets called on stage, only to realize Shaun White is standing up there with his band. He ends up surprising her, and DOES attend her prom with her. How cool is that?
The rumor is that Shaun White initially thought he would not be able to make it due to other things he had planned, but as the night came, he found himself free and thought to himself: why not? So he crashed her prom, and pretty much gave her what I imagine must have been one of the best nights of her life. Not in a creepy sense, but in the "a celebrity just totally hung out with me" sense. Although you do know what they say about what goes on a prom, right? Everyone dances and has a great time. Jeez, you people need to get your minds out of the gutter.
All kidding aside, it seemed like Carly had an amazing time and a night she will never forget. It also showed us Shaun White seems like a cool, down-to-Earth dude, which is what we suspected of him all along.
(Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Target)


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The Dr. Jerry Kennedy Show
About This Show
The Dr. Jerry Kennedy Show is an entertaining and informative show about health, diet and fitness. Dr. Jerry Kennedy is on a mission to help people UnPlug from all the mainstream health and wellness noise and encourage them to ask questions and start thinking for themselves. Dr. Jerry delivers his unique insights as well as having fun and informative conversations with experts in the fields of health, fitness, clean eating, diet, posture, pain reduction, real food and anything else that can help you be the most AWESOME YOU that you can be! Join us.Read more »


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November 20, 2013
Help us celebrate local heroes of community public health.
Do you know an individual or organization doing outstanding public health work in the NYC region? Please nominate them!
Hunter College is seeking nominations for the fourth annual Joan H. Tisch Community Health Prize. This $10,000 award for distinguished accomplishment in urban public health will be presented to one individual and one nonprofit organization in spring 2014.
The selection committee includes prominent health policy experts drawn from Hunter faculty and the broader public health community. Nomination guidelines and forms as well as additional information can be found here.
Submission of candidates will be accepted between November 13, 2013and January 24, 2014.
Successful candidates will have pioneered creative approaches to tackle significant public health challenges and made valuable contributions to the health of New Yorkers. They will join a respected group of former recipients selected based on achievement, innovation and impact. You can view their inspiring stories here.


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Children as Hidden Victims of Domestic Violence
On February 28th ECSA participated in an international symposium on violence against children, hosted by the Policy Exchange in partnership with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies. The symposium was held to raise awareness of children as hidden victims of domestic violence and abuse in Europe.
According to Marta Santos Pais, the United Nations Secretary General Special Representative on Violence against Children, 70% of children aged 2-14 are victims of some form of domestic violence.
The UN World Report on violence against children states that an estimated 133-275 million children worldwide witness violence at home.
The European Commission estimates that the cost of domestic violence in just the 4 states measured (UK, Netherlands, Finland and Spain) exceeds 38 billion euros per year. This includes the costs of police action, the criminal justice system, healthcare, social services, emergency housing, civil legal support, and loss to economic output.
Symposium Chair - Christine Harrison, Associate Professor, Chair of the School of Health and Social Studies, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Safety and Wellbeing, University of Warwick
At the symposium, Margaret Tuite, Commission Coordinator for the Rights of the Child for the EuropeanCommission, presented the EU Agenda for the Rights of the Child in 2011.
The EU Agenda states the commitment of the EU to promote, protect and fulfil the rights of the child, and places special emphasis on:
- Protection of vulnerable children
- Elimination of all forms of violence against children
- Child friendly justice systems, missing children studies
- Implementation of the 2011 Directive to combat sexual abuse and exploitation of children
- The Directive on victims' rights due to be adopted in 2012.
Godana Berjan of the Children's Rights Policy Division, Council of Europe, emphasised the need for international justice for children. The new Council of Europe Strategy addressing violence against children has four strategic objectives:
- Promote child-friendly services and systems (health-care, social services, justice & family law)
- Combat all forms of violence against children (sexual violence, corporal punishment, domestic violence, violence in schools & cyberspace)
- Safeguard the rights of children in vulnerable situations (in alternative care, in detention, migrants, asylum seeking, refugee, children with disabilities)
- Promote child participation at local, national and international level
Further presentations addressed dealing with the effects of domestic violence and abuse of children, improving cooperation between child protection services in Europe, and sharing of toolkits for assessments and holistic social services for children as victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Joanne Vincenten, Director of the European Child Safety Alliance, said that violence against children and young people is a hidden issue, often taking place where children should be safest- in their homes. Presently, the available data are inadequate to truly describe the scope of the problem. We hope our work investigating and advocating the adoption, implementation and enforcement of good practices to prevent intentional injuries to children and adolescents will contribute to reduce these unjust injuries.
More information on the United Nations "Violence Against Children" activities can be viewed at: http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/.
More information on the Council of Europe activities can be viewed at: www.coe.int/children.
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We have developed a range of investment plans so that you can choose the one that fits the best with your investment strategy.
Our referral program will earn you additional income, by bringing new investors into the Holborn Hill Forex system. Our goal is to build a widespread global partner network. To this end, we provide special conditions for our partners. We offer an excellent opportunity to earn in the Internet, regardless of your geographical location and core business. Each registered user can earn with our affiliate program. You don't need an active deposit to participate in the referral program.
Holborn Hill Forex is a registered company in United Kindom and its company number is 10522298. We use COMODO SSL encryption with green address bar that confirms that the presented content is the genuine and legitimate.
It will not take a lot of your time. After registering you will be a full member of the project.


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What to CookFrozen Dessert
The Ideal Summertime Sundae Combines S'mores & Strawberry Ice Cream
For those nights when you get home hungry, stressed, and impatient, Kendra Vaculin has quick, exciting meals to rescue you from that box of minute rice.
Today: One bowl and two of summer's best desserts.
No disrespect to the crazy combo ice cream flavors of the world (you know who you are, Mocha Choco Turtle Praline Cherry Funfetti Fiesta), but I like my scoops simple. I want the creamiest vanilla, strongest coffee, richest chocolate, or most delightful green tea your freezer section has to offer. Going with tried-and-true over outrageous means I'm happy down to the last melty drop at the tip of the cone.
If I do get crazy with my frozen dessert—everyone slips sometimes — it's inevitably in sundae form. That's because the toppings get to happen on my terms, in controllable quantities, and once I've eaten the cherry and waded through the peanuts layer, I'm back to a bowl of basic. Such manageable risk-taking means I'm not stuck with an entire serving of Peanut Butter Bacon Brownie Passion Fruit Sweet Cream.
What follows is a recipe for my ideal summertime sundae, because it combines two warm weather favorites. S'mores, even if made indoors over a stove, taste like August nights in my cousins' backyard, crowded in our still-wet swim suits around their fire pit. And strawberry ice cream is an undeniable force of seasonal perfection. Spring for the good stuff and you'll be a happy to the bottom of the bowl.
Makes 4 sundaes
6 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 marshmallows
1 pint the best strawberry ice cream you can get your hands on
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs (take out some rage on a sealed plastic bag of crackers until they reach the size you want on your ice cream; I like them somewhere between the Nerds candy and dust)
See the full recipe (and save and print it) here.
Photo by Alpha Smoot


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OPTOMIB1 is a management information base (MIB) file that describes the Opto 22 network objects, such as SNAP Ethernet-based brains or controllers, that can be managed using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). If you are using SNAP Ethernet systems with an SNMP v1.0-compliant management system, such as Computer Associates' Unicenter®, Hewlett-Packard's OpenView®, or IBM's Tivoli®, you need this free product.
NOTE: The 2014 update for this file includes all channels of high-density digital (HDD) starting with SNAP PAC firmware 9.4b.
NOTE: If your management system is compliant with SNMP v2.0, use OPTOMIB2 instead.
This MIB file is used with SNMP 1.0-compliant management systems. If your management system uses SNMP v2.0, download OPTOMIB2 instead.
To use this 1.0 OptoMIB to access the scratch pad area of a SNAP Ultimate brain, the brain must have PAC firmware version 5.0 or higher installed.


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Crittenton Services' President and CEO, Kathy Szafran's Op-Ed "Staying Resilient for WV's Children" Goes Statewide. The piece has been featured in The State Journal, The Charleston Gazette-Mail, and the Huntington Herald-Dispatch.
Today, Thursday, May 4th, is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, a national day organized through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to focus on integrating behavioral health and primary care for young people.
The future of West Virginia depends on the health of the state's children. We need to have a generation of kids who are physically and emotionally healthy, ready to learn in school and join the workforce, productive and skilled. That is a tall order for kids growing up in a state with the highest rate of overdose death in the country, where shrinking populations create isolation, and basic needs go unmet.
Studies show a definite link between early childhood adversity (called ACEs) and future health outcomes. Kids that grow up with abuse, neglect, and household chaos have a higher risk of smoking, alcoholism, drug use, depression, suicide, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, stroke, and cancer. The outcomes aren't just about "bad behavior." Advanced imaging technology illustrates structural brain development deficits in children that grow up in adverse environments.
There is plenty of data to indicate that West Virginia's kids are growing up with adversity—go online, search for national data on any indicator of child well-being by state. Look for West Virginia…keep scrolling down. The challenges seem overwhelming. Wearisome, even insurmountable. To tackle the challenges, we have to be resilient. Resiliency is what keeps us able to survive and adapt, what keeps us strong and flexible to meet the needs of our state's children.
Resiliency is what we strive to build in our kids so that they can be successful and healthy, in spite of the hardships they are facing. Resilient kids are able to work, play, love, and hope well. How do we build resiliency in kids? By providing connection, consistency, and safety. Those are the basics that guide the work of bringing up capable kids. Crittenton Services provides both residential care (specializing in the needs of girls, especially those pregnant and parenting) and community-based care. Based on our clients, we have plenty of work to do.
Many clients bear the burden of substance abuse in their families. One resident told me that she wanted a mom who would "tell her right from wrong," but her mom "chose drugs over us kids." Two young sisters endured years of abuse from a neighbor, because their father agreed not to press charges in exchange for a steady supply of prescription pills.
There is chronic stress, fueled by economics and dysfunction in families that creates an unstable environment for children that includes neglect, hunger, and exposure to violence. Sadly, child maltreatment seems ever-present. Clients come to us with traumatic histories. Too often our young mothers became mothers as victims of abuse and even incest.
Our clients are strong survivors with a desire to heal, to be loved and loving, to build a successful path for their lives and for their families. Their courage motivates our work; their resiliency inspires us. Like them, we must choose to be committed, rather than overwhelmed.
Now, more than ever, we need to devote our energies to the well-being of our marginalized children and families. In the on-going discussions about West Virginia's financial stability and economic future, policy makers need to address the adversity our children and families face—if for no other reason, as an investment in public health and workforce development. Let's observe Children's Mental Health Awareness Day by reflecting on how all of us may contribute to building a better future for our kids.
Kathy F. Szafran, MA, LPC is the President & CEO of Crittenton Services, Inc., Wheeling, WV. Szafran has more than 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field and is a national speaker and presenter on integrating trauma-informed practice into child-serving systems. Crittenton Services, Inc. is the WV's only licensed residential behavioral health treatment facility serving the specialized needs of pregnant and/or parenting adolescents. For more information on early childhood adversity and its long-term effect on health outcomes, visit www.cdc.gov/ace.


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Have you ever wondered how exactly Marie's makes their unique and mouth-watering Buckeyes? Now you can know!
The first step in making Marie's famous Buckeyes is whipping up a batch of made-from-scratch peanut butter cream. An interesting tid-bit: This is the same peanut butter cream that is in Marie's Peanut Butter Fancies.
Next the warm cream is poured onto trays to cool.
Then it is prepared to be placed in the Friend Machine.
Meet the Friend Machine, a.k.a., a cream former. This is how we can quickly form lots of tiny balls of cream to become the centers of our delicious chocolates.
This is what the little balls of peanut butter cream look like when they come out of the Friend Machine.
Final stop: The enrober. We send the Buckeyes through the enrobing machine twice in order to get the natural Buckeye look on top.


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God Bless Him for Trying..but...
Men, please read the following email sent to a woman (as a first email) on an online dating site. I truly feel bad for him, because he sounds like a good guy. Poor guy, he's just saying waaaay too much, it's all about him, it's clear he never even read her profile and it's obviously a "cut and paste" job that he sends out to every lady. So read his email below and take heed!
"nibbling on sponge cake...watching the sun bake....
"nibbling on sponge cake...watching the sun bake...all the tourists covered with oil"...
that's me an island boy...just did a gig in Key West, Florida...singing tropical songs...
I'm Matt, my profession is an architecture, I'm a lead designer in a major LA architectural firm...
I'm what everyone calls a 'creative'. I'm a song writer, poet and artist. In fact all those three come out in my designs. smile. I'm putting together a benefit for a horse rescue ranch...in late June so I'm working on the song list for the evening of wine, food and music...it should be a lot of fun...talking to a lot of my musician and singer friends to volunteer for a good cause.
Driven but easy going...strange combination...most people just view the easy going part...but a lot gets accomplished this life is way too short to waste it. Have begun to show my paintings...just did a small show in Soho, NY. People were great and receptive...love to paint people...very figurative in my art. Published my first two children's books last fall and they are now available on Amazon...funny my kids had no clue I was going to do a series of tales I used to tell them as kids. They had a bang when they found dedicated the book to them...they were tickled.
I've been blessed...no other way to say it...5 gorgeous and talented grown kids...I love my work...love my hobbies... still I want to find that special someone to explore with and live this fun life.
Have fun this week...I am.
Why Are You Single?
This is a question that I have been asking people for a while now. Let's face it, we all have our reasons. Or are they excuses? According to my married friend Karen, the ONLY reason anyone is single, is because they want to be. Hmmmm. Well, I guess if we took Karen's theory completely literally, we could all be married if we were willing to grab any old jackass that looked at us and smiled. But, I think that the majority of us aren't THAT desperate to get married that we are willing to marry the first parolee who crosses our path and asks us to marry them. But, then there is the other side of the coin. And on the other side of the coin is what I consider to be the number one reason why most of us are single, UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. It is a very very big problem. I notice this especially at my various singles events. When you put a group of single people in a room together and ask them to list who they are interested in, you can bet that EVERY guy will pick all of the prettiest women and all of the women will pick ALL of the cutest guys. Now, when it comes to attractive people...there's no problem there. Attractive people will always be attracted to each other, of course. But, the problem with unrealistic expectations lies with those people that aren't a 10 or a 9 or an 8 or 7 even a 6. I'm talking about people who are on the 1 to 5 scale. 5 being just average, not unattractive but not attractive either. The people in the 1 to 5 range NEVER seem to want each other....EVER. And I'm not sure if it is because they are completely unaware of their "number" or they know their "number" but, feel that in spite of their short comings they are entitled to someone way out of their league. Or maybe they want a trophy to prove to the world that they are much more than an ugly duckling. I'm not sure; I just know that people are way too concerned with someone's temporary shiny outer shell rather, than look past the superficial. I really wish more single people who want to find love would choose their dates and future mates on what really matters most and what is not going to change with time, and that is a person's intelligence and moral character, within their "number range" whether it's 1 to 5 or 6 to 10. So, tell me, what is your number? Do you think you have unrealistic expectations? Why are you single?
Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Be Glad You're Single
My top ten reasons why you should be glad you're single.
10. You can date, talk to and kiss anyone you want.
9. You can look any way you want to, any time you want to.
8. You look younger. Research has found single people look younger and are usually in better shape.
7. You can have sex with a different partner every night of the week, if you want to.
6. You don't have to deal with any relationship drama.
5. Being single means you are constantly meeting new people and going new places.
4. Your possibilities are endless.
3. You can take over the entire bed.
2. Your hand or your vibrator never disappoints.
1. The possibility that you could marry George Clooney or Cameron Diaz is still a possibility.
Improve your life and start now
If you are like most people, there will come a time in your life where you are stuck, in your love life or just in your life. Are you alone? Are you in a bad or just boring relationship? Well, it's a new year and there is no better time to look back at what got you to this place in life and look ahead to where you would like it to go in the future. Now, take a good look at the present and the changes you need to make. I recommend, instead of the usual "baby steps" or "sticking your toe in the water".....if a change is what you what, then you must plunge into action. Now!
One of my big changes last year was starting my own internet radio show, called "Love Life Makeovers" where each week I have a featured guest who has insight or advice on anything and all things love related. And if you had told me this time last year, that I would have this show..(that has become hugely popular)...I would have said "no way." So, I speak from experience when I give you the following advice on changing your life for the better. I hope it helps.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started, although, everyone's "sticking point" is different..the idea is to take an honest look at your life and what is holding you back and to tackle it in a big way. But, I have listed big and small changes...for those who aren't quite ready yet.
Step 1: If you are tired of looking at you're same old place...change it. If you can't move (which would be the best way for a huge change, because it changes who you meet at the grocery store, gas station and changes your whole life) then just redecorate your place. Sell your furniture on craigslist..or trade it in..or just move it around and recover. Paint. Painting a room is an instant affordable, change. Put new or vintage knobs on your doors and cabinets. Get new pictures for your walls. You can even just start small, with your bathroom. Any change is change. FYI...changing your bedroom, even what you wear to bed...is a great place to start with changing your current love situation. Freshen it up, spice it up.
Step 2: Start going to new places...even just to run errands or walk your dogs.
Step 3: Smile and say "Hi" to anyone and everyone. I can't tell you how much positive attention I get from people when I walk around with a smile on my face. And not a huge "I'm crazy" smile..but, a pleasant, friendly smile. And make sure you are aware of your facial expression at all times. Even just smiling when you're by yourself..will put you in a better mood. This might sound strange...but, it works.
Step 4: If you don't like your career....do something about it. Look around for other work opportunities or even sign up to do community work. This might open new job opportunities and will most certainly allow you to meet new people.
Step 5: Change your love life. Change your life. If you are single and lonely or in a unhappy relationship ...nothing will change until you make it happen. The other person will never change....you are the only one that can make your life better. So, maybe you need to start going to therapy or you need to join a women's or men's support group (whether you're single or in a relationship). If you're single, join online dating sites and choose differently. Do not choose dates based on looks. Make choices based on inner qualities that you seek in someone. If you don't want to do online dating, then join a "meetup" (meetup.com is a free web site, where you can find a group for anything you like to do).
All of the steps mentioned above will change your love life in one way or another. Because when you start the ball rolling for any type of change, you will be amazed at how it just keeps rolling and rolling. The key is to keep it rolling, by making changes. Make an agreement with yourself to do something everyday or just once a week, that you normally never do. If you do this now, then next year at this time you will look back on your life and you will be so amazed and proud of all of the changes you have made.
The best thing that I did for myself last year..that started the ball rolling for me, was, I made a sign that said "What Did You Do To Change Your Life Today?" and I put it where I would see it at the end of everyday. I can't tell you how many many many changes that happened in my life last year, all for the better...and this year, there is still more change to come. It's fun, it's exciting and necessary. The best quote I heard recently was: "The only difference between a rut and a grave, is the depth". So what are you waiting for? Give yourself a love life makeover now!
And if you have any questions, I'm always here to help.


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- Above is another WWE Swerved clip with Renee Young and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose talking about Ambrose going in disguise for the show.
We are so honored & happy to share with you our cover of @latina Magazine! B&N #BellaTwinsOnLatina pic.twitter.com/K5ipzRaBXC� Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) June 28, 2016
- WWE posted this preview for an upcoming swimsuit shoot with Summer Rae:
Follow Marc Middleton on Twitter at @this_is_marc. Got a news tip or correction? Send it to us by clicking here.


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EMT Elbows with Integral Couplings are used for a 45° or 90° bend between two lengths of EMT conduit. These elbows have integral set-screw couplings that replace traditional EMT couplings so there is no longer a need for additional components or extra steps in installation -- saving the contractor time and money!
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Cable, satellite and streaming options:
You can find a Music & the Spoken Word weekly broadcast in your area by using the lookup feature at the top of this page. For holiday specials, consult the airing guides in your local media. Weekly broadcasts and holiday specials air on TV, radio, cable, satellite and streaming media platforms throughout the world.Available in English, Espańol and Portuguęs.All Times below are U.S. Mountain TimeMusic & the Spoken Word originates and airs LIVE Sundays at 9:30 AM on: --KSL-TV channel 5 NBC affiliate--KSL Radio 102.7 FM/1160 AMThe broadcast also airs live on the following media outlets:--KSL Radio HD2 channel in Spanish--ksl.com X-Stream in Spanish--BYU-TV--BYU-TV International--KBYU-TV --BYU Radio channel on Sirius XM --CBS Radio Network on selected stations nationwideADDITIONAL DETAILS ON LIVE AND REPEAT AIRINGS ON THE ABOVE MEDIA OUTLETS:BYU-TV:--Sundays: 3:30 am, 6:30 am, 9:30 am (live),3:30 pm, 11 pm.--on Dish Network (channel 9403) nationwide--on Direct TV (channel 68 in Utah & 374 nationwide)BYU-TV International:--Sundays 7 am, 9:30 am (live), 2:30 pm.KBYU-TV channel 11 (PBS Affiliate)--Sundays at 7 am, 8:30 am. BYU Radio Channel on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, channel 143 (and online @ byuradio.org)--Sundays at 2:30 am, 9:30 am (live), 11:30 am, 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.KBYU-FM 89.1 FM, Sundays at noon and 7:30pm.On the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's website, www.mormontabernaclechoir.org--Sundays at 9:30am (live)
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FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. Photo: FIFA via Getty Images
The FIFA President also gives a brief update on the different activities regarding the reform process and states that 'the results will be ready for presentation to you at the FIFA Congress in Budapest next May'.
"I hope 2012 is going well for you so far. At FIFA, we made our now traditional start to the year with the FIFA Ballon d'Or in Zurich on January 9, a gala which wedded the rhythm of music with the rhythm of football thanks to the presence of the leading players in the men's and women's game – Lionel Messi and Homare Sawa – and superstar artist Shakira.
In the seven days following the gala, I got down to business by holding a very positive meeting with former World Cup-winner Romário, now a member of the Brazilian parliament, to discuss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I also received a visit from Football Federation Australia President Frank Lowy to the Home of FIFA, during which we had a constructive exchange of views.
Another traditional date in my calendar for January is the CIS Cup. This year, the 20th edition of the cup coincided with the celebration of the centenary of the Football Union of Russia. On this occasion, I also had the chance to meet Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin together with Michel Platini, as well as 25 football associations from Europe and Asia.
After returning to Zurich last week, I had a number of interesting meetings with influential people who are leaders in their particular fields: Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, Sir Martin Sorrell, communications and advertising expert, and Rupert Murdoch, whose FOX network acquired the US media rights for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups last year.
Looking ahead to my programme in February, I will be travelling to Paraguay for the CONMEBOL Congress and to Gabon for the CAF Congress and the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on January 21.
I would like to finish with a quick update on the different activities regarding the reform process. The second round of meetings of the Task Forces took place this month, as well as the inaugural meeting of the Independent Governance Committee, with the next round of meetings scheduled for the second half of February. The reform process is therefore on track and the results will be ready for presentation to you at the FIFA Congress in Budapest next May.
I wish you all the best with your own activities and thank you for your teamwork, ongoing support and trust.
For the Game. For the World."
Story courtesy of FIFA.com.
For more on the world game go to www.fifa.com or www.Oceaniafootball.com
Blatter: Getting down to business in 2012
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. Photo: FIFA via Getty Images


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Let me start first by saying hello to all. I am new to the threads..
I have suffered from depression/anxiety/health issues for as long as I can remember. As a child I was forced into therapy. I can barely recall any sessions. All I do know is I didn't like it at the time. I am 26 now. During the time that I had insurance and a better job I tried hypnotherapy, acupuncture, and counselling sessions to try and pull myself together. Nothing helped. I have not had a clinical diagnosis because I was guiding into a more natural way of treatment. Well, I enjoyed the acupuncture but felt no change. The therapy was interesting, but yet again, nothing. I am still a good bit of a mess. Lately things have been more severe. My mood swings have been more intense, more angry, and more down than normal. I truly need help. It is affecting my work, my life, my love.. =( I am looking for a diagnosis and possibly medication to help me live my life. My job has since changed and I do not make enough money to jump into a 200 to 350 dollar appointment (which is the quotes I got from 2 psychiatrists in the area). I do not have insurance because the company I work for has expensive plans which do not cover mental health. I had to decline. I had open heart surgery at a younger age and I want to know if that is causing the constant struggle with my health or if it is something else, possibly my depression.. I know I need to see a few different doctors, but right now my state of mind is the most important to me..
Any help would be most appreciated..


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Sean Hayes, best known for playing Jack on "Will & Grace" has been cast as Larry in 20th Century Fox's "The Three Stooges" movie, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The Farrelly Brothers will be directing the film, which already has Will Sasso ("$#*! My Dad Says," "MADtv") signed on as Curly. The movie will reportedly be divided into half-hour vignettes featuring the slapstick trio.
There is no word yet on who will be cast as Moe, but Johnny Knoxville and Hank Azaria are among those rumored to be in consideration for the role.
The Farrelly Brothers were originally aligned with MGM and the initial cast was thought to be Sean Penn as Larry, Jim Carrey as Curly and Benicio del Toro as Moe.
"We got everything in place, but we don't have the cast yet," Bobby Farrelly told CNN in February. "But we're looking diligently. There are a lot of good guys out there."
It was also announced on Thursday that Sofia Vergara is in talks to join the cast as the women who lures the brothers into a murder-for-hire scheme, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Hayes has appeared in several movies like "Pieces of April" and "The Cat in the Hat," but this will be the actor's first starring role in a feature. Hayes is also an Executive Producer on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland."
Filming for "The Three Stooges" is expected to begin in April.


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Annual Community Events
BWL Chili Cook-off
Dozens of vendors will be dishing out a variety of chili recipes from mild to spicy, including local restaurants, non-profits, businesses and organizations. There will be live music played by local musicians and bands, a merchandise tent and a chili dog eating contest.Link to page
Capital City Film Festival
The Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) is a multimedia showcase of independent films and live touring bands with engaging audiences in Michigan's capital city. It celebrates artists from around the world who share their craft while promoting and building on the cultural assets of our diverse locale.Link to page
Concerts in the Park (Summer)
Lansing Parks and Recreation presents the Summer Concerts in the Park series! FREE concerts every Wednesday throughout the summer months.Link to page
Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate 4th of July in Lansing at the morning parade in Downtown, followed by an evening concert with Fireworks.Link to page
Lansing JazzFest
Join the roughly 7,000 people from across Michigan and nearby states who come for the music, but also the great food and craft vendors, expansive beverage tent, children's activities, River Boat rides and more!Link to page
Love Lansing Celebration
Join the City of Lansing in celebrating and recognizing neighborhood leaders and neighborhood watch captains/coordinators for their amazing efforts in creating excellent communities across Lansing.Link to page
Michigan BluesFest
BluesFest is held in the streets of Old Town, Lansing, surrounded by the best of the Capital City's art galleries as well as unique retail stores and grand architecture. Its 3 stages offered national, regional, and local acts to roughly 7,000 people from across Michigan and nearby states.Link to page
Mayor's Annual Family Riverwalk
Every summer, participants join the Mayor of Lansing on a 3 mile walk that starts at Potter Park Zoo and ends at a Lansing Park, with fun stations along the way. Get fit on the Lansing River Trail!Link to page
Mayor's Ramadan Unity Dinner
The mission of the Ramadan Unity Dinner is to bring awareness to the plight of hunger and demonstrate the importance of diversity and inclusion.Link to page
Mayor's Senior Activity Fair
The Mayor's Annual Senior Activity Fair celebrates senior life in Lansing. This is an educational, interactive fair featuring a variety of vendors covering senior living to senior health.Link to page
MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission
The Greater Lansing Area Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday Commission is proud to announce that our 31st Annual Celebration Luncheon in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr will take place on Monday, January 18, 2016, in downtown Lansing at the Lansing Center.Link to page
Silver Bells in the City
Silver Bells in the City is a Lansing tradition that is loved by generations of families. Silver Bells in the City attracts over 80,000 people to the Capital City each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving in Lansing, Michigan.Link to page
Taste of Downtown
Food and Wine Tasting in Downtown Lansing.Link to page
Trick-Or-Treat on the Square
Trick-or-Treat on the Square is a free family-friendly event that celebrates the best of the fall season in the heart of the Greater Lansing region - downtown Lansing.Link to page
Veteran's Day Commission
The Veterans Day Commission has been organized to develop our region's annual Veterans Day tribute event each November. The Commission will plan, fund and stage the Veterans Day event with the purpose of paying honor to America's service men and women. Our goal is to ensure quality and continuity of the observance as the highlight of regional and state Veterans Day tribute programs.Link to page
Grand Concert Series
The Grand Concert Series is an annual summer event featuring local and international performers on the lower riverside plaza of the Lansing City Market.Link to page


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Exisit. Oxycise – breathing exercises
Become healthy, fit and beautiful will help breathing exercises. Enough to spend a day 15 minutes of your time and your waist, hips, legs, and the stomach will become slender, and the mood will improve for the whole day.
What is Exisit?
It is a modern technique of weight loss and overall health improvement. It was developed by American Jill Johnson, who all his life struggled with being overweight: sitting on a diet, went to the gym and tried many
different alternative methods. However, none of the above didn't help her, and she developed breathing exercises Oxisols, which is now popular not only in USA, but all over the world, including in Russia.
What you need to do, according to this methodology?
In order to lose weight by the method of enough daily to perform simple physical and breathing exercises and the results will be available next week. Exisis works thanks to a special system of breathing, which allows you to fully Continue reading
The benefits of swimming in Bassani
Over the long Christmas holidays and have already come to reflect on the resumption of physical activity, the more that extra few pounds precisely there. Where to start, so that was not painfully hard, but useful? Our advice is to swim!
The benefits of swimming in the pool, as a form of physical activity, it is difficult to overestimate: floating in the pool, you can seriously
improve your health and restore the body after physical and psychological injuries, and reduce/maintain weight.
The benefits of swimming in the pool is reflected in its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Those who are constantly engaged in swimming, marked slowing of heart rate to 60 beats per minute or less. Continue reading
Loads of man under the action of extreme factors
In all cases, adaptation is not difficult to distinguish between physiological adaptation in the form of installation activities to a new level of reference.
Scientific and technical progress deepens the relationship of society with nature, pushes the limits of the used environment, expands the range of human habitability. The intensity of natural resource development is
related to the fact that large numbers of people work in the high latitudes, within the boundaries of the coastal shelf, in the deserts. Even the mountains, until recently accessible only to mountaineers, became the area of industrial development.
Our Earth is not revealed Continue reading


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Yet another game release using Gamedonia. This week we're covering Swim Niyo a little game made by a trio of developers from India. The team led by Muthusellapandi, publishes the game under the umbrella of the LivTek IT conglomerate. The developers relise that with the industy current state, the beautiful designs by Raj and Praveen are only the beginning of any project that seeks to be productive.
Swim Niyo's Developers Big Concern
The main concern of the developers was the ability to effectively manage all the data users would generate non-stop with the use of the game and assuring a level of control for sensitive information that should always be kept private, such as passwords.
In Gamedonia, this issue is handled from the start, with a User collection of data that is automatically generated when you add a game to our platform. The structure of Gamedonia gives developers the freedom to add all the information they need in the Profile part, such as id, nickname, Elo rating or profile pic. But maybe more importantly, it keeps sensitive information private in the Credentials part.
Screenshot of gameplay of Swim Niyo.
Another thing they wanted to get right was finding a way of integrating secure in-app purchases. In fact, this feature was their gateway into the Gamedonia backend platform. Besides, Muthusellapandi was interested in setting up part of the data for the game using Gamedonia database, a crucial decision that makes managing the main functions on the game very easy. For instance, encrypting all communications, or adding a verification process for the items bought via IAP that were previously organized in a catalogue collection for easy tracking.
The bottom line is that, using a live game operations like Gamedonia makes the management of the backend side of games easy, by giving developers the possibility to handle a scalable database, customizable user profiles, and many more.
Find out about all you can do with Gamedonia here.
And don't forget to download Swim Niyo from Google Play to give it a spin!


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Architecture Famous Architects from Lebanon
7.8k views 5 items Follow
List of famous architects from Lebanon. This Lebanese architects list features photos when available, along with info like birthdates, famous structures, and where the architects were born in Lebanon. The notable architects of Lebanon are listed alphabetically, and clicking on each name leads to a page featuring the biography of the architect. This list helps answer the questions "What architects are from Lebanon?" and "Who are the best Lebanese architects?" This list is made up of a variety of items, including Wissam Shekhani and Wissam Alameddine. (5 Items)


text: Hey gang, Recently downgraded my wii to 3.2U I have downloaded the bundle with gator and the Cios Rev 7, however, when in homebrew I try and execute the Cios Rev 7 install and the black and white screen appears. I read the prompt and continue through. Then it states "to continue press A" well it doesnt seem to like my A button. It will not register it nor will it install it. Additionally, when running into the backup loader channel for wiigator, the screen simply displays the title and a green alligator icon in the bottom and sits..it will not reset, it will not continue. I need abit of help guys! ive read alot here and couldnt seem to find a fix for my specific problem.


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Yanchang CCUS – a new slice of history
It seemed only fitting that China's first large-scale CCUS facility should rise in a city renowned as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and the home of the third century Terracotta army.
Now a bustling, modern city of almost 9 million people, Xi'an is home to 8000 earthenware warriors which were buried in a mausoleum in 210–209 BCE to protect the emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in his afterlife.
Pertinently, the warriors were not actually discovered until 1974 when a group of farmers were digging a water well not far from where the Yanchang CCUS Facility is sited.
Global CCS Institute Asia Pacific General Manager, Alex Zapantis, was quick to remind attendees at the Global CCS Institute/Yanchang Petroleum CCUS Symposium of this historical fact.
He also recalled that the 1970s were significant since CCUS it was first deployed in 1974 (in Texas).
In his welcome speech to delegates, Alex said the Yanchang CCUS Facility represents a new slice of history and a series of historic "firsts" for China and Yanchang Petroleum.
"This is the first large-scale Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage facility to enter construction in China.
It is the first large-scale CCUS facility to enter construction in Asia.
It is also the first large-scale coal-to-chemicals CCS facility in China.
And thanks to Yanchang Petroleum and the leaders of Shaanxi Province, it is the first-time China, has used large-scale CCUS to reaffirm its commitment to addressing climate change.
That's at least "four firsts" already - (if there is such a thing.)
Four years ago, Yanchang was an industrial plant venting CO2 into the atmosphere. Today, just four years later, it is a standard-bearer for clean technology.
When it is operational, the plant will capture between six and eight million tonnes of CO2 over the course of its life.
In 2015, Yanchang CCUS was identified as one of the key cooperation projects in the US-China Joint Presidential Statement by President Obama and President Xi.
That marked a first-time collaboration on CCS by the US-China Climate Change Working Group and the US-China Clean Energy Research Centre. Through those initiatives, Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum has partnered with the University of Virginia to foster the acceleration of CCS.
Mr Zapantis said that marked another historical first.
"If you are counting, I think we are up to "five firsts" now."
Five is an auspicious number in Chinese numerology and is associated with the five elements – water, fire, earth, wood and metal.
However many "firsts" Yanchang CCUS actually represents,attendees universally agreed that China's first large-scale CCUS facility is a landmark moment and it represents a new shining piece of climate change history.
As far as CCUS goes, China is most definitely on the march.


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By Brian Winter
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A controversial new campaign ad has made class divisions a key theme in Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's battle for re-election in October.
The combative video, released online by Rousseff's Workers' Party this week, suggests a deeply polarized campaign ahead in which the incumbent will try to shift attention away from Brazil's current economic malaise and focus instead on how life improved for the poor over the last decade.
The ad shows a rural family happily driving in a truck loaded with goods. Then they pass a dust-covered, downtrodden version of themselves from the past, walking along the side of the road and carrying heavy boxes.
"We can't let ghosts from the past come back and take away everything we achieved," a narrator says.
The ad is designed to appeal to the some 40 million Brazilians who have been lifted from poverty under 12 years of leftist Workers' Party rule. Many acquired trucks, washing machines and other big-ticket consumer goods for the first time.
Despite that progress, Brazil still has one of the world's biggest gaps between rich and poor, and class divisions remain a fact of politics and daily life.
The ad drew an immediate rebuke from Rousseff's leading rival in the election, Senator Aecio Neves of the centrist Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), who accused the ruling party of "scaring and threatening people in order to try to stay in power."
Polls show that Neves' party, which governed from 1995 to 2003, is still vulnerable to accusations that it is the party of Brazil's rich elite.
Under President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the PSDB tamed hyperinflation, which caused poverty to fall. But those years also saw double-digit unemployment and the privatization of many state-run companies, which the Workers' Party has repeatedly characterized as benefiting the rich.
Rousseff's support has sagged in polls, in part because of high inflation and economic growth that has averaged just 2 percent since she took office in 2011.
However, she still leads her rivals and her backing among the poor remains strong. In a poll released earlier this month by Datafolha, Rousseff led Neves by a margin of 47 percent to 17 percent among the lowest income group, families making less than about $700 a month.
In the highest income group, Rousseff led Neves by only two percentage points. Overall, among all groups, she still has a 19-point lead.
Rousseff's powerful chief of staff, Aloizio Mercadante, said in an interview published Wednesday that the "true dispute" in the election would be Cardoso versus Rousseff and her Workers' Party predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
(Reporting by Brian Winter; Editing by Kieran Murray)


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It happened at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday at the Walgreens in the 3300 block of Lancaster Pike.
Investigators say the two men walked into the store, both pulled out handguns and one fired a shot into the ceiling and demanded money.
The cashier complied, and both men fled.
Police have released the following description of the suspects:
Suspect 1: Black male, approximately 5'11" tall, 185 pounds, wearing dark clothing and a maskle). Armed with a handgun.
Suspect 2: Black male, approximately 5'8" tall, 170 pounds, wearing a light color coat and a mask. Armed with a handgun.
This is the third robbery of a Walgreens in Wilmington since the beginning of the year. Police say while the crimes are similar, it is not clear if they are related.
State Police are asking anyone with information about this crime to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 extension 6.
Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword "DSP" plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES), or through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Information can also be submitted through the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.


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GSC Office Tour
Been owing you a tour of the Good Smile offices for a while now and a post on the official Good Smile blog yesterday prompted me to make time to put this together sooner rather than later.
Today we are going to look at the Good Smile offices and tomorrow we will take a look at the Max Factory offices.
For folks who don't know, Good Smile Company (also known as GSC) is a distributor and figure maker based in Matsudo Tokyo.
First off we take a look at the sculpting studio. Here you see Lala from To Love Ru being worked on.
Lala-chan kawaii! This figure is not castoffable but you can see plenty of her in birthday suit in the To Love Ru manga.
Awesomely cute.
The box on the right sucks in the paint from an airbrush and ends up in a cup of water. At the end of the day, the employees do junken and the looser drinks it.
More fans, lighting, sculpting tools and paint.
Painting booth.
Another sculptor working on nosebleed figures.
Some of these figures take months to sculpt.
And a lookie at the offices.
The quality control area. Samples come back from the factory in China and go through repeated steps of adjusting paint colors, position and size.
The web production and design area.
Desk overflowing with figures!
Nice eyes.
My fave room at GSC - the stock room ^^;
The man who sculpted the Nendoroid Melissa.
And we take a look at the figma Saber - still in production. The photos that you saw of the color version is the actual one that was sculpted. That is then used to produce this test copy.
The facial expression is not final.
Different parts of Saber come in varying softness of plastic.
Another great figure to fidget about with during meetings.
While standard figures are still popular, the last Wonfes saw a ton of articulated figures and looks like this area is going to be more n more popular. You is prefer standard non-articulated figures or articulated figures?
cant wait till shes out!
After the Max Factory office tour, I will upload the video tour so you can get a better feel of the office/studio environment. The video covers much more than these pics and looks at the 3D casting machine, molding process and much more.


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Jan. 25, 2009
Final Stats | Box Score | Quotes | Game Highlights
Santa Clara, Calif.-Bronco freshman guard James Rahon scored a career-high 25 points in helping Santa Clara beat Houston Baptist 85-59 on Sunday. It was his second straight 20+ game as he scored 21 in the win over USF on Friday.
John Bryant had 20 points and 21 rebounds as the Broncos (9-13) won their second straight following a six-game losing streak. Bryant has 15 double-double's this season, just one back of the country's double-double leader, Blake Griffin, who has 16 for Oklahoma this season.
Kevin Foster added 15 points. Foster tied the Santa Clara freshman school record with his 51st three pointer this season.
Andrew Puzyk scored a season-high 20 points to lead the Huskies (2-18), who are 2-4 since opening the season with 14 straight losses. Baron Sauls added 14 points.
Bryant recorded his fourth game of 20-plus rebounds, and the fourth time he's had at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game. It's his 38th double-double of his career.
Houston Baptist led for most of the first half before Santa Clara managed to edge ahead, 37-34, at halftime.


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Mac Fisheries head office at Bracknell, Berkshire.
A 1971 ariel photo of the Bracknell head office, prior to the construction of a predestrian underpass. Building at the bottom is the Met Office.
Mac Fisheries, its Founders and its Outer Hebrides connections.
William Hesketh Lever
(1857-1925) was a partner in his father's wholesale grocery business at Bolton, he was one of the Lever brothers founders of the giant conglomerate `Unilever`.
He first visited Stornoway, on the scottish isle of lewis as a tourist on a cruise ship in 1884. He was about 33 years of age.
During that cruise it occurred to him to specialise in selling soap under his own trademark. Within a year he was manufacturing and selling his own soap, made in a small rented factory in Warrington, England.
He started selling 'Sunlight' soap to the workers in the 'dark Satanic mills' of the North of England in 1884. Five years later he was manufacturing soap at his own factory in 'Port Sunlight' near Liverpool.
Fewer than half Lever's employees and their families were housed in the so-called model village he built for them at Port Sunlight. The village relied on paternalism and other forms of control – and high rents.
By 1911 Lever Brothers was producing one third of the UK's soap. Lever's success was built by the exercise of power over his work-force, heavy brand advertising and a supply of cheap raw materials.
Lever bought out competing firms and by 1890 had set up soap factories in Australia, Canada, the US, Germany and Switzerland.
In 1911 Lever obtained a right to use, within ten years, up to 750,000 hectares of palm-bearing land in Africa. He called his Congo base 'Leverville'
Lever Brothers soon needed vast amounts of edible oil and wanted to control their sources of supply. Levers quickly took over the Niger Company and the African and Eastern Trade Corporation (UAC) The two Companies estimated exports in the four UK colonies of West Africa amounted to 60 per cent of palm oil, 60 per cent of groundnuts, 50 per cent of cocoa and 45 per cent of palm kernel.
UAC was able to diversify into textiles, beer, engineering and more profitable trading activities. UAC prospered as the rising West African elite realized that their interests were similar.
The First World War increased women's purchasing power in the UK and brought prosperity to the US, pushing up sales of Lux soap flakes.
In the same period, Lever increased glycerine production for munitions and began to make margarine, using cheap oils kept out of Germany by the British naval blockade.
He married Elizabeth Ellen Hulme, and when he was raised to the Peerage, he adopted the name Leverhulme formed by joining their two names.
By the time Lord Leverhulme bought the Scottish isle of Lewis in May 1918 he was 66 years old and the head of a vast business empire extending all over the world and employing a capital of 17.5 million pounds sterling.
Unlike previous Lewis Landlords, Leverhulme seems to have acquired the Island of Lewis in his retirement.
He paid a mere £167,000 for the whole island, which was well below the asking price of £200,000.
He contended that the great wealth of the Island lay in the surrounding sea and not the land.
He was convinced that he could resurrect the fishing industry and set about investing heavily in all aspects of the supporting industries and Stornoway in general.
Sir James Matheson paid £100,495 in the building of Lewis Castle and its policies and various shooting lodges etc. The ownership of the island changed in the usual way without any information or consultation with the indigenous people that live on the island.
He embarked upon a bold plan to transform the economy of the islands by modernising the fishing industry.
There would be an ice-making factory at Stornoway, refrigerated cargo ships to take fish to a depot at Fleetwood, herring-curing facilities, a canning factory, and a plant installed to make fish-cakes, fish-paste, glue, animal feed and fertiliser.
Very rare photographs of Lord Leverhulme bowling at the Stornoway Bowling Club which he and Sir Henry "Harry" Lauder (Kilted gentleman on the stage) had just opened.
Harry was the early 1900s equivalant to Sir Elton John or Sir Mick Jagger. Unsure to the year of these photos and have had no luck with contacting the club direct but I suspect around 1920.
Photos sent to me by Phil Renouf from British Columbia. Phils grandfather was Lord Leverhulmes architect in the hebrides and was most likely to have taken these photos.
To create a market for the islanders fish, he started to buy up fishmongers shops throughout Britain, eventualy creating the "Mac Fisheries" chain.
But in 1919 demobilised servicemen, who had been promised 'smallholdings fit for heroes' after the war, started a land invasion by occupying plots of farmland and erecting shelters for themselves and their families. Lever condemned the squatters and ordered them
off his land.This created considerable local animosity as indeed did Lever's high-handed attitude towards the crofting way of life, which he regarded as an archaic impediment to progress.
The Scottish Office took the side of the squatters, and these disputes, alongside financial problems faced by Lever Brothers, meant that works slowed down and the grand plan was never fully realised.
In 1919 William Leverhulme purchased the South Harris estate, which took in the Obbe, from the Earl of Dunmore for the sum of £36,000.
He planned to turn Obbe into a major fishing centre and with this in mind and to create a market for the islanders fish, he purchased his… what was to be his first shop in a chain of fish shops throughout the UK, thus incorporating "Mac Fisheries" which was to become a chain of fish shops throughout the whole of Britain. He bought shops in every town and city as they became available.
A total purchase of 400+ was made. His plan was to have fish landed at Obbe and then distributed to his shops.
The company,which was based in London, grew so rapidly that within a short time the capital was increased to £3,000,000.
In December 1920, with the backing of the local people, the village of Obbe was officially renamed `Leverburgh`. Within weeks of this work began on the pier and surrounding area , over 300 men, local, from Lewis and Uist were involved in preparing the site. A stone pier, with two wooden piers which would provide enough room for fifty herring drifters to berth, was constructed, an accommodation block, curing sheds, smoke houses and a refrigeration building were all erected. Work huts ,store sheds and a twenty car garage added to this development and houses were built for his team of managers.
He had planned a second phase of development that would have seen the inner sea loch converted into a harbour that would take up to two hundred boats,
A channel was to be blasted between the inner loch and the open sea and fitted with lock-gates to maintain a constant depth of twenty-five feet of water in the inner sea loch.
He offered the local crofters free help and advice to improve their homes and the roads were upgraded to withstand the volume of increased traffic.
With the economic decline of 1920 -21 Lord Leverhulmes project suffered with some of the work having to cease and men were laid off.
This is a scan of an original card I have, which Lord Leverhulme sent out for the Christmas of 1920. On the cover there is a picture of him in May of the same year, about to embark on an Air Transport & Travel Ltd De Havilland DH16. This pose would have been taken at the new Croydon Airport which was used from March that year. The plane journey time, from London to Paris is recorded as 2 hours 15 minutes and is clearly meant as a tribute to progress. This flight route was first offered commercially from 25th August 1919.
Inside there is a poem which seems to hint at those who stand in the way of 'progress'. The poem speaks of those who 'like the gloom, and the discord of strain and stress.' It is not a big stretch to imagine that he is referring to inhabitants of Lewis, who carried out land raids in Tong, Coll and Gress in response to the Government's reneged promise of land for veterans.
In 1922 Mac Fisheries was incorporated in Lever Brothers Company.
In September 1923 Lever announced that he intended to leave the island. At the same time he offered to gift all the crofters the freehold of their land, and to hand over the rest of the island to district trusts. This was exactly what some of the islanders had been campaigning for.But by now mistrust ran very deep, and the Highland Land League representing the crofters and all the district councils (with the exception of Stornoway) turned down the offer, and so the islands were sold, once again, to absentee landlords.
In a speech before he left Lewis, Leverhulme said that, "No one regrets more than me that the canning factory, the fish products, the ice company, etc cannot be opened for work because the conditions of supply and demand in these industries make it impossible to do so. The business could only make losses if they operated at present, and we must wait patiently for world markets to be cleared of surplus stock before prices will adjust themselves to the cost of production."
It was the failure of the fishing in Lewis and the worldwide difficulties of Lever Brothers that caused Lord Leverhulme to abandon his development schemes in Lewis.
Unknown to the Lewis crofters and land raiders, Leverhulme had other and much greater worries than the troubles of his Lewis Estate. His worldwide business empire was going through a very difficult period with the distinct possibility of failure and bankruptcy. Lever Brothers bought the Niger Company in Africa for £8,000,000 without noticing that the Niger Company had a £2,000,000 overdraft for which Lever Brothers became liable in 1920, at a time when Lever products were not selling well because of the depressed economic conditions of the 1920s
At the end of the day the crofting community of Lewis were right to be sceptical of the Leverhulme development schemes at the expense of their crofting way of life, at least not until Leverhulme proved his schemes to be successful.
1924 Leverburgh was ready to receive its first landing of herring. Twelve Great Yarmouth registered drifters landed a quantity of herring that was so great that extra girls were taken in from the mainland to handle the catch, this brought great excitement to the village.
After opening the Lewis War Memorial near Stornoway, Lord Leverhulme left the Island on 5th September 1924 never to return. On 23rd September 1924 he embarked on a six-month tour of the Congo, arriving back in Britain on 15th March 1925. Asked how he felt, he replied,
"I never felt better in my life." Shortly after that he caught a cold, which quickly developed into pneumonia. At 4.30 a.m. On Thursday 7th May 1925, William Hesketh, the Right Honourable Lord, Viscount Leverhulme of the Western Isles died in Hampstead.
When the news reached Harris the sirens were sounded on Leverburgh pier and the workforce stop work immediately, this was to be a very sad day in the history of Leverburgh.
The people of Lewis and Harris were sorry to hear about the passing of Lord Leverhulme. Those of them that had crofts were glad that they could fall back on their crofts, but sadly there were many landless families, and the 1920s and 1930s was a lean time for everybody.
Since his executors and the Board of Lever brothers had no interest in the Leverburgh project they ordered the work to cease and the work force were laid off.
They put the South Harris Estate up for sale and in October 1925 the pier site at Leverburgh was sold for £5,000 and the 33,000 acres of land in South Harris sold for a mere £900.
Apart from some of the houses that were built for his managers very little remains to suggest that such a great development ever existed.
Managers Houses built for Lever
No pensioner on those shores will ever forget the great man for he has benefited them all. In 1907 a private members bill was put before the Commons by Liberal MP for Wirral, Mr. William Hesketh Lever wanting to increase income tax so as to provide a state pension for the elderly which would be paid through the Post Office.
In 1908 the Old Age Pension Act was passed.
His entire venture in Leverburgh cost an estimated £500,000, maybe if Lord Leverhulme had survived a few more years things may have been very different in Leverburgh today.
Towards the end of the 20th century Lever Brothers sold Mac Fisheries. It was said that it could be argued that Mac Fisheries was a very sound investment, and on the whole, the financial outlays of Leverhulme in the Hebrides was probably re-reimbursed many times over by Mac Fisheries.
1920s to 1950s to Continue……….at a later date.
The following quotes and a considerable amount of the history has been supplied to me by
Mr Reg Joslyn
Reg was a Manager for Premier Supermarkets and then Mac Fisheries. He managed quite a few branches over the years, all Supermarkets, in chronological order .
Chelsea, Earls Court, Dartford, Maidenhead, Harrow and Camberley. He did two stints in Maidenhead, his home town for thirty years.
The smallest store was Chelsea and the largest, Harrow.
Reg States:
'We called the first two stores, 'frying pan stores' being in central London and very much in bedsit land, tenants only had small and often single gas rings to cook on, if you could fry it , we could sell it'
Thank you Reg for all your help.
During the Second World War food was strictly rationed and in very short supply, fish was never rationed & although never plentiful it certainly helped as a supplement to the meagre food rations available with Mac Fisheries playing a major role in retail fish sales. Fish supplies depended on a good fishing trip by our brave fishermen who were often attacked by enemy aircraft; a zoning system was devised by the Government where delivery to shops was dependent of which area trawlers docked, Essex one week, Sussex the next and so on.
Macs shops would have a notice displayed in their windows IE: fish tomorrow 10.30, long queues of housewives would form waiting for the shop to open which was usually staffed by elderly gents or women as most of the younger men had gone to war.
Quote……..our local Fulham branch was run by Vera, a large female with horned rimmed glasses, a long blue & white stripped apron from which hung a knife sharpening steel , the allowance was two herrings, one each for mum & I, which mum soused, the awful smell of fish cooking lasted for days, the fish heads went to the cat. Having sold her allocation Vera would shut up shop until the next delivery….Reg.
The end of food rationing in 1954 meant housewives could freely serve meat again, resulting in a sharp decline in demand for wet fish, also, new to the market was frozen fish fingers. This new form of pre-packed ready to cook food was an instant hit to the housewife and started to have an impact on wet fish sales instantly. Macs realized they could not live by fish alone, they had to expand.
Early expansion involved introducing additional foods such as vegetables and dairy products, but shop size often proved a problem, to help solve this issue larger units were bought and stocked with a range of food consisting of fish, fruit & vegetables, provisions, groceries & even a butchers dept.
Many shop moves came about during the later half of the 1950s, some moves involved a completely new area of the town and what with the extensive rebuilding programs the government had approved for shopping areas such as Parades, Squares, etc, Macs often took on a new unit located in such areas.
Other moves may have been to a larger shop just two doors away.
These new shops were very successful and within the company given the title Multi Traders.
Quote…. an excellent one traded in Kensington High Street….Reg
With the confidence this gave Macs directors and financial backing from the parent company Unilever, it was decided to enter the world of super-markets, a very new concept in food retailing at the time.
During the 50s another long established retailing company Express Dairy had entered this same field and were opening stores in large buildings like old music halls and closed cinemas etc, trading with the name Premier Super Markets.
This company was up for sale during April 1964.
Quote…. From the beginning of March 1964 Premier Super Markets was buzzing with rumours about a potential takeover of the company, instead of giving full attention to running their stores mangers were ringing each other with the latest information some of it quite worrying, it got to the stage where it was affecting some managers efficient running of their stores. Premier's senior head office staff became aware of the situation and called a meeting of General Managers to their head office at Ruislip on 23rd March at which the full board of directors attended.
We were assured the rumours were incorrect, there was no intention to sell the Company, they had every confidence in the company's future and our positions were secure. We returned to our stores with a sense of relief and renewed enthusiasm for our jobs.
A week later while on the shop floor of my store in Chelsea a telegraph boy asked for the Manger and gave me a telegram!!…….Reg
Mac Fisheries had purchased Premier Super Markets for £1,000,000 a huge sum of money back in 1964.
At the time of the take-over Mac Fisheries had already started to open their own Food Centres when they could find suitable sites, the total number of stores they achieved is unsure and process was very slow, purchasing Premier made them a sizeable Company overnight.
Quote……..this is where I come in having been a Store Manager for Premier for six years I was also taken over and became a Mac man.
In the early days of super marketing there was very much a pioneering spirit with new and exciting things like public address systems, name badges, music for the shoppers, also new problems such as shop lifters and to counter that, two way security mirrors and store detectives.
Shop lifting was a serious area, no C.C.T.V or electronic scanners at the exit then, had to rely on the mirrors and the store tecs, (as they became know). I had a very good security manager by the name of Jock Frazer, he could tell a shoplifter before they'd even pinched something. Unfortunately staff pilferage was another evil, I had to be hard and always prosecuted anyone caught be it customer or staff….Reg
Paul Gilam Macs Operations Manager at the take over considered the title Super Market brash & preferred Food Centre. This title was used for a while but the Super Market heading soon crept back in and stayed with the company to the end.
As food centres Mac Fisheries began expanding countrywide, having stores built to their own design, ironically fish became a bit of a problem being regarded by the public as smelly wet stuff & didn't fit in with the plate glass, stainless steel image of modern retailing, also the thought of it being near other perishable foods did not go down well.
From 1964 – 75 Macs opened many new FC stores with over 80 as a final figure, some sites were not well chosen being in a quiet part of town.
Major changes occurred to the company's image so as to tie in with the new concept of trading. The one thing most people remember was the change of the company's traditional colours, from blue to orange.
Another small change was within the company logo, the four fish would lose their head and tails leaving just a symbolic shape of fish, all typical of Mac Markets desire to get away from the fish connection, see the following link.
This carrier bag was in use from 1968 onwards, the company had the effrontery to charge 6d to shoppers but gave them out free for purchases over £5 which was the average weekly shopping bill then, the bags good quality really shows up to-days low standards.
From the late 60s the last thing Supermarket Group wanted was to have the name Mac Fisheries on their fascia or at the worst even a connection with 'that company that sell fish'.
People would think it was just a giant fish shop.
Food Centres opened in traditional town centres, no large out of town shopping Malls then. If there was already an established Mac fish shop in town that shop was left at that.
Many towns had a Mac Fisheries and a Mac Market operating at the same time.
No fish in the new stores if it could be helped, where fish was needed in a Food Centre reluctantly a shop within a shop was created.
Mac Markets seemed to make good progress through early years introducing excellent staff training schemes, good distribution of merchandise to stores through a modern warehouse in Farnborough Hants, also they pioneered a computerized order and stock control system which was the forerunner of today's bar coding. See the following 3 photographs
Awards were given as gifts for 15 and 40 years of service, for 15 years the choices were a canteen of cutlery / wrist watch / living room clock.
Click here to see a photo of Reg Josyln's clock.
Click here to see the Macs inscription
Staff incentive schemes were also another inspiration (see the following quote and letter)
Quote…. A personal touch, the award mentioned in the letter was £100, back in 71 that paid for two weeks holiday including spending money for both of us in Austria, but I never won anything else worth winning…..Reg
Click to read letter
More letters, Note: these were sellotaped to the staff notice board.
In1967 Supermarket group managers started to became aware of their much larger store size's, along with turnover & staffing levels and comparing them to the smaller fish shops, tended to look down on them as a poor relation.
Big mistake Mac Fisheries was the Unilever Company with Mac Markets just the Supermarket group, Mac Fisheries had the political clout and this was made very clear to all Supermarket staff at the time of the sell off in 1979.
Of course with the other 'on the rise' Super Markets IE Sainsbury's etc, Unilever were very aware that their competitors were their customers and had to be very careful not to be seen giving Mac Markets advantageous terms, they gave all the large companies exactly the same buying rates, and still do today, have you ever noticed when one supermarket company has an offer on a particular item of merchandise, they all have the same.
Unilever was helped by Mac Market staff by giving any items manufactured by them pride of place on shelves and in cabinets. They also helped them with market research and product placement.
So what went wrong? Mac M had a problem, unfortunately a serious one, even with the combined Food Centres approximate yearly turnover of £50 million (1973), annual company profit levels were always meagre from 1974, the larger Super Markets were expanding and what with the changing lifestyle of the general public and transportation to larger out of town complex's and Malls, along with vehicle ownership becoming easier and easier, they started to show loss's in figures and customers, which meant Unilever had to bail them out cash wise.
Unilever were a good parent company to Mac F and Mac M and treated their staff very well, but in 1975 there was an extreme cost cutting program mainly Bracknell head office staff, not just clerks etc but quite senior field management,
The workers annual conference (to some was the company highlight of the year) was usually held in a top class hotel with brilliant entertainment…..see the following extract from a 1977 Mac Matters magazine, an in-house distribution.
Close to the end this was reduced to a second rate venue, and left to the staff to entertain themselves. The problems were really starting to show.
Open the following link to read an article printed in the 1977 Mac Matters magazine which was expressing Unilever's confidence in Macs future. Was this just an effort to raise morale within the workforce?
Unilever had lost patience, and even though Mac Fisheries was the only retail company they owned in the U.K. amongst their massive conglomerate of companies and obviously their loyalty to Lord Leverhulme, (Mac Fisheries founder from 1919) they never really seemed happy with owning a Company in retailing, preferring what was really their forte of food manufacturing and wholesale supply.
From 1975 non profit making stores were closed down, but in a strange bid, new stores were still being sourced and built.
See the following Photo of a London bus in the Queens Silver Jubilee colours advertising the opening of their latest store.
In April 1979 the Food Centres were sold to International Stores and the surviving wet fish shops were simply closed down over a short time.
It does make you wonder that if Unilever hadn't got involved with Super Marketing would Mac Fisheries still be around today?……Probably not.
An interesting fact arising from these studies was:
The reason Express Dairy sold Premier was a cash flow problem which was affecting their efforts in perfecting long life milk, the sale of Premier raised the cash needed and everybody gained long life milk.


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NEW YORK (AP) — Mo Farah of England outsprinted Gebre Gebremariam in the final 200 meters of the NYC Half-Marathon on Sunday, edging the Ethiopian by 2 seconds in a scintillating finish along Manhattan's West Side Highway.
The British runner raced past and then held off Gebremariam, the 2010 New York City Marathon champion, and American Galen Rupp to cover the 13.1-mile course in 1 hour, 23 seconds. Gebremariam placed second in 1:00:23 and Rupp third in 1:00:30.
"I know (Gebremariam) has a great kick to the finish," Farah said. "As we got closer to the line, I thought he would come with me, but I said to Galen, 'Let's do this thing."'
Caroline Rotich won the women's race in 1:08:52, pulling away from fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat in the last mile. Kiplagat, also the reigning NYC Marathon champion, crossed in 1:09:00 and American Kara Goucher was third in 1:09:03.
The race was a confidence builder for Goucher, who is preparing for the Boston Marathon next month after returning to racing only recently following the birth of her son, Colt, less than six months ago.
"I feel so relieved," Goucher said. "Now I feel like I can really pull this out. I felt great."
Goucher ran her first marathon in New York in 2008, finishing third in the fastest marathon debut by an American woman. She also finished third in Boston in 2009 and won a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2007 world championships.
Farah, Rupp and Goucher are all coached by three-time NYC Marathon champion Alberto Salazar. Farah and Rupp were making their pro debuts at the half-marathon distance.
Rupp had a nasty fall early in the race when he clipped defending champion Peter Kamais of Kenya, sending both down.
"Past the initial shock, I tried to calm down and relax, relax," Rupp said. "I told myself that I am back up there, nothing serious injured and have to save energy for the finish."
The race drew a deep international field, including Yuri Kano of Japan, who was invited to compete after the Nagoya International Ladies Marathon was canceled in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami March 11.
"The people in New York really welcomed me and cheered out my name to encourage me. I would to return to run in New York again," said Kano, who finished 21st in 1:14:59. "I can't express how much it helps the people in Japan to know that people around the world are supporting them."
Organizers said 10,225 runners started the course that took them on a loop through Central Park, down Seventh Avenue through Times Square, across 42nd Street, and along the West Side Highway to Battery Park.
The winners earned $20,000 out of a total prize purse of $100,000.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Farrah Abraham's physical assault caught on camera (VIDEO)
Farrah Abraham reportedly got violent with a Teen Mom crew member — and now there's a video to prove it.
In a trailer released back in December, Abraham is seen in the midst of a vicious argument with Teen Mom coexecutive producer Larry Musnik.
"I don't need to be a part of a trashy-ass show anymore because I make millions of dollars doing other shit!" Abraham is seen screaming. "What a dumb, twisted mother f***er!"
More: Farrah Abraham and her daughter get physical on Teen Mom OG (VIDEO)
But the shocking clip did not show the scariest part: Abraham actually became violent and shoved Musnik!
More: Teen Mom's Amber Portwood has a surprising response to a question about Farrah Abraham
What were they fighting about in the first place? Apparently Abraham made plans to appear with her mother on a counseling-type reality show in a bid to repair their troubled relationship, and Musnik had to break the news to her that doing so was in direct conflict with her MTV contract.
"This gave you your start!" Musnik says in the middle of the argument. "This gave you your start!"
"Get the f*** out of my property!" Abraham shouts, then shoves him.
This isn't the only time she has been totally unbearable with Musnik — in a recent clip she even nearly ran him over in a parking lot.
Her fellow cast members are furious over Abraham's diva ways, and Catelynn Lowell is apparently now gunning for her job.
"Catelynn was furious about Farrah's behavior, and called her every name in the book with cameras rolling," a source told Radar Online. "Getting violent with a crew member who they've all known for years is completely out of line, and Catelynn said she wouldn't stand for it."
Abraham has not commented on the issue except to retweet a fan's comment about it on Twitter.