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The first time I held my oldest daughter, I felt completely overwhelmed with wonder. I was finally holding, in the flesh, my long awaited answer to prayer! For years, I had been praying for her. For months, I had been praying about her. Now that she was here —I prayed for myself!!
That first night in the hospital holding my daughter, my husband and I prayed, praising God for bringing us through the day safely. We were so thankful for this gift! She was perfect. Why would I need to pray for such a perfect, little creature? Me, on the other hand? I became instantly aware that I could quite easily fall short of tending this precious gift.
Fast forward a couple of years … We are at the hospital again expecting not 1 bundle of joy, but three. Yes, you heard me — THREE!!!
These babies were also covered in prayer. These babies heard me praying for them long before I laid my eyes on them. We were blessed with healthy, almost full-term babies — "exceedingly, abundantly, more than I could think or imagine." But let me tell you, when we got all 3 of them home, my prayers changed pretty quickly from praying for them to praying for me!
The Only Way to Survive
The ONLY way I was going to survive parenting a 2-year old and triplet newborns was God's strength filling me through prayer.
Gone were the days (at least for a few years) of quiet solitude in lengthy Bible study and lengthy prayer. Instead, my prayers became desperate cries of the heart to get through a single moment in time. As I lay down at night not knowing what the dark hours would hold, my prayer would be "God, give me what I need for this night." He was always faithful. The nights I breathed that bedtime prayer, I was able to get up and do what needed to be done with strength and with a good attitude. But, the nights I didn't mention that prayer I would often be grumpy and resentful for not getting the sleep I desperately needed.
Again, my prayers were more often were me so that I could take care of them. Here's what I would often pray:
Lord, give me wisdom.
Lord, give me discernment.
Lord, give me what I need for this moment.
Lord, give me strength.
We are past those baby years of diapers, formula, and sleepless nights. I miss my children being little, holding them and smelling the tops of their heads, but, I don't miss those long, hard days. Still, I find myself praying I would be the mother they need me to be so I can be the best I can for them.
Where do we start with praying for our girls?
As we begin this journey together at Prayers for Girls, there are so many things to pray for our girls. They face so much in this world. Their little lives need to be covered and saturated in prayer. I know I need to do a better job of it! But, if I'm honest, I have to say praying for ourselves is the first place to start.Sometimes the best start to praying for our girls is praying for ourselves. #prayersforgirls Click To Tweet
A Mother's Prayer
Father, thank you for the precious gift of my girl(s). You have shared her with me for a few, short years. I confess in my own power I cannot raise her effectively. Father, give me the wisdom, strength, and endurance to raise her to be a reflection of You. And, in the process, may I become a reflection of You as well. In Jesus' name, Amen.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Holiday Search
- Destinations
- Lodges & Resorts
- Be Inspired
- Offers
- Blog
Related links
Our guide to Grassington holiday cottages
Did you know….that Grassington hosts some of the most ancient woodland in Britain?
Grassington lies half way up Wharfedale and is supremely situated to explore the dramatic scenery and spectacular limestone scars nearby. Technically a town but with the friendly feel of a nostalgic village, Grassington's shops and lanes huddle around a pretty little square and include a host of fascinating shops.
Wander your way up inviting cobbled streets to discover a great choice of places to eat and drink and enjoy the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Properties are found at the centre of this popular area separated on one side by the River Wharfe and the other by the dry stone walls, and this is the place to experience 'real' Yorkshire.


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TROY, Ala. (AStateRedWolves.com) — Daniel Wright tossed nine innings of shutout baseball, but Troy delivered a walk-off double in the bottom of 10th inning to defeat the Red Wolves 1-0 Friday night at Riddle-Pace Field.
After nine innings of baseball neither team had managed to score a run, but A-State (24-26, 10-15 SBC) ran itself out of a scoring opportunity in the top of the 10th inning when Tanner Ring was called out for leaving second base on a sacrifice fly attempt by Stuart Levy.
Claude Johnson led off the inning with an infield single and then advanced to second on a throwing error by Troy (36-13, 17-8) third baseman Logan Pierce. Ring came on to pinch run for Johnson and Drew Burks came in to pinch hit, but popped up a sacrifice bunt on the first pitch he saw.
Stuart Levy followed and flied out to deep right field and Ring attempted to tag up on the play, but was called out when Troy appealed to the second base umpire and was called out for leaving the base before the ball was caught in right field to end the inning.
John Koch came in relief of Wright to start the 10th struck out the first batter he faced, but issued a double to right field to Mathew Howard. After another strikeout, Ali Knowles delivered the game winning hit with a double to right field to end the game.
Wright was near perfect in nine innings of work. He gave up just four hits, struck out six and issued two walks. He sat the Trojans down in order five times on the night, including the bottom of the ninth against the heart of the Trojans batting order.
Troy starting pitcher Tanner Hicks was equally as impressive, striking out six and issuing just six hits in 7 2/3 innings of work before giving
Wright gave up a double to lead off the game and then issued a walk, but settled down after that. Austin Baker threw out Tyler Vaughan after Baker misplayed a ball in left field, but Baker was able to throw out the lead runner on a fielder's choice putout.
Wright received more help from his defense in the second inning when Ryan Emery threw out Garrett Pitts when he tried to stretch a single into double. Pitts hit a ball off the wall in right field and Emery played it perfectly and threw a perfect strike to Dustin Jones who was covering second on the play for the out.
Wright retired eight straight after that until he gave up a hit and a walk in the fifth inning, but got Brandon Brown to ground into a double play to end the inning.
ASU had a scoring opportunity in the third inning when Jones and Collin Massanelli reached on a hit and walk with one out, but Baker grounded into a double play to end the scoring threat.
The Red Wolves had another scoring opportunity squashed in the fifth inning. Stuart Levy doubled off the wall in right center field and Jones followed with an infield single to put runners on the corners with two outs, but Massanelli struck out swinging to end the inning.
The start time for game two of the series has been moved up to 3 p.m. on Saturday due to the threat of rain in the Troy area on Saturday night.


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Mage: Rise of the Golden Age
High Magician, Occult Specialist, and part time wedding photographer.
Order: The Mysterium
Rank: Head Curator, 2 nd Degree Archmage
Path: Mastigos
Legacy: The Stone Scribes (Name Takers)
Students Winter
Apparent Age: late 20s (actual age 32)
Virtue/Vice: Fortitude/Lust
General Appearance: Aleister tends to keep his attire black and classy. He has a slightly muscled build, and the pale skin of any shut-in scholar. He looks younger than his actual age, and his dark hair is cut and styled short. He makes it a point to smell good as often as possible. Sometimes during Mysterium functions he can be seen carrying his pet ball python around whose name is, rather ironically, Gerald.
Aleister has been the Curator of the Vancouver Mysterium for five years. Always an overachiever (and brilliant mind for magic, metaphysics, and life's mysteries), he earned the position at 28 years old when his mentor retired from the Curator position at a ripe old age of 82.
Aleister's interest in the Occult dates back to his younger years. By the time he was 10, he was already writing book reports on "The Book of the Law", and by 14 he began offering his own theories of Magical Law. Even as a teenager, his library was stuffed with now-classical works on the Occult. At 21, he became a member of the Ordo Templi Orientis, a factoid which made him unpopular during his college studies. Interestingly, he attended college for Photography and Philosophy (yes, a double major) with a minor in Theology. He has studied the belief systems of many ancient cultures, and attempts to keep abreast of new movements within the fields of the Occult and Neo-Paganism. He has his hand in many religious communities, and occasionally gives talks at book clubs and other "interested parties". It is also in this manner he keeps an eye on the sleeping world, ever watchful for new mages or potential foes.
Despite his keen interest in all of these topics, Aleister himself remains mum on his own beliefs. Knowledge for knowledge's sake has always been one of his supreme goals; that the information be found, chronicled, kept, and kept safe where those who were worthy of it's pages could read it.
As far as a social life, it would seem that Aleister is a quiet, well tempered man, who knows how to enjoy himself. Some years of self-imposed seclusion led him farther from a social life than he had intended, but it ultimately prepared him for his role as Curator. His right hand-gal is Rhianna, his provost. Despite rumors that the two are married, the two are actually like brother and sister.
He has no hated enemies (well..perhaps the Exarchs), and appears to be courting the Mysterium as a whole to secure the Belfast/Vancouver Alliance. He has been seeing the Belfast Curator romantically (and cautiously, thank you Iolan) and the two have been steadily working on projects and archaeological finds.


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Live cultures, natural plant extracts, and Vitamin C which helps you maintain a normal immune system
Natural bacteria, plant extracts & vitamin C, 2.5 billion live cultures + 135mg plant extracts + 100mg vitamin C per capsule, Vitamin C helps to support your immune system, Powerful polyphenols in grape seed, green tea and pine bark extracts
Natural plant extracts: (Green tea extract, Grape seed extract, Pine bark extract); Vitamin C, Live cultures: (Lactobacillus acidophilus UBLA-34, Bifidobacterium longum UBBL-64, Bifidobacterium breve UBBr-01, Bifidobacterium infantis UBBI-01); vegetarian capsule: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; anticaking agent: silicon dioxide.
Take one capsule daily with food, preferably with breakfast, or as professionally directed
For best results, take daily
OptiBac Probiotics may be used on an ongoing basis
It is not recommended to give live cultures to patients who: are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the Intensive Care Unit, have blood in the stool, have central venous catheters; or to post-surgical patients with open wounds, or infants with short bowel syndrome; unless under a doctors care.
If you need more information about this product just ask Dr. Lifestyle for some personalised advice. Alternatively ask your Registered Nutritional Therapist (if you dont have one you may find one in our Directory) or the experts at OptiBac - the manufacturers of this fine supplement by calling 01264 363 193
Registered Nutritional Therapists and Personal Trainers can access restricted expert content by clicking HERE


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GoWork Solutions Ltd is a Global IT and ITES services and solutions organization, with offices in India, USA and Singapore and expansion plans across Europe and Asia. We help our customers achieve their business and IT transformation initiatives by leveraging our following execution models:
Our Project based consulting services delivered in a hybrid onshore-offshore model leveraging our innovative catalogue based pricing gives flexibility and predictability to our customers.
Our Value management consulting division provides high end consulting services and helps customers build a blue print for their key IT initiatives.
The technology architects and industry focused domain experts from GoWork collaborate with our client's key executives and consistently bring value and thought leadership that enables their key transformation initiatives.
The way Speed, cost and quality continue to be the key measures of success, the need for high quality technology consultants to make things happen for the success of a program still remains in the forefront. This is the philosophy of GoWork team and we continue to service our clients by keeping our focus on execution.
Vision, Mission & Values
GoWork's vision is to be a partner of choice for our global clients in niche technologies that drive growth and provide competitive advantage.
The vision is supported with a mission for impeccable execution and value based system where innovative minds can thrive to create quality deliverables. We believe that in focusing all our efforts and resources on this vision, we are on the mission to realize our dream of becoming globally recognized as a leader in the niche technology areas of IT services industry.
GoWork is a knowledge and quality-driven company that values transparent and logical business practices and provides comprehensive solutions to help businesses achieve their goals of rapid progress and profitability. Our core values revolve around respect, trust, integrity, customer experience, commitment, passion and fun.
GoWork Differentiators
Our people centric policies and approach is the key differentiator for our internal growth.
GoWork has been committed to providing services and solutions to its global clients. We provide consulting services as well as solutions in technology areas, to various industries. GoWork is driven by continuous improvement to quality, predictability, efficiency and productivity.
- Our client centric focus on customer experience supported by our strong technology and domain talent in leadership roles.
- Our dedicated client management teams consistently engage with our customers to provide thought leadership and present the business value that has been generated from our key engagements
- Our transparent and no surprise approach ensures that we facilitate a good partnership with our clients.
- Our constant interaction with our clients, and continue feedback, enables improvements and helps us grow mutually.


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I came across another paying site for writers called QualityGal. From what I can see from other blog posts, QualityGal is undergoing a few changes, but it seems that some of the current writers are willing to stick with them through the growing pains.
What Do They Pay?
Before I get too excited about any paying site for freelance writers I have to know how much they pay and how often. Taken straight from the QualityGal site, as of 1/1/09, below is their current pay rate:
- Editing (per article) – $2
- General articles (about 300 words) – $8
- Researched and referenced articles (about 500 words) – $12
- Blog posts – $20
- Newsletter articles – $25
- Linkbait articles – $50
- Press Releases – $50
UPDATE effective 11/1/09: Check out their Revised Payment Schedule
How Often Does Quality Gal pay?
According to their website, payments are processed weekly. The writer, however, must submit an invoice by Thursday 3:00 in order for payment to be processed by Friday. Weekly payment is a nice feature.
How Does One Apply?
After finding out what they pay and how much they pay, I figured it was time to find out how to apply.
In order to apply for QualityGal as a writer, you must complete
- The Writer's Application
- Submit a Content Release Form. QualityGal retains all the copyrights to your written work – in essence your work is ghost written and cannot be placed online. You can, however, include it in your off line portfolio.
- Complete and submit a W-9 Form
- Confirm that you have read their Style Guide and SEO Writing for Beginners documents
- Register on their Writer Panel
They also require a test assignment before you are approved.
Quality Gal appears to be serious about the quality of its content which I find admirable. They take their deadlines as seriously as they do proper spelling and grammar.
Maybe a little down the line when my plate is less full, I'll give them a try. In the meanwhile, I'd love to hear from anyone who is currently writing for them.


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Blanchard, Reiter, Walker Valley and Nearby Islands
The 4,500-acre Blanchard State Forest, located in Skagit County, and areas to the south in Snohomish County, are working forestlands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide sustainable revenue in support of public services.
DNR manages this working forest in partnership with its Blanchard Forest Advisory Committee, which approved this timber sale. This committee consists of a diverse group of stakeholders from the recreational, environmental, timber industry and Skagit County working collaboratively to provide input to the agency on the best practices for managing Blanchard State Forest as a working forest.
Extensively logged starting in the mid-1800s, Blanchard State Forest, also known as Blanchard Mountain or Blanchard Hill, was deeded to the state after a major fire there in 1925. For more than half a century DNR has invested time, funds and effort to manage, replant and protect the new forestlands that today provide many benefits. Timber production, biomass byproducts, communication tower leases, and other activities on these lands help to fund local services in Skagit County. Local beneficiaries include Burlington-Edison Schools, United General Hospital, the Port of Skagit County, and Skagit County roads and public services.
In addition to earning income, the undeveloped working lands in this area provide habitat for native plants and animals, water retention and water quality benefits, and diverse recreation opportunities. In 2007, DNR established a Blanchard Forest strategy to protect long-term income production for the trust beneficiaries, plant and wildlife habitat, and public-use opportunities with involvement from the broader community. Today, an eleven-member Blanchard Forest Advisory Committee appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands provides recommendations to assist DNR's management and recreation decisions. These committee members, whose meetings are open to the public, represent organized non-motorized recreation, trust beneficiaries, the forest industry, land trusts, conservationists, and local community members, businesses and schools.
When working in or visiting managed lands in the Blanchard State Forest or nearby areas, always remember to:
- Be alert for other road users, ranging from heavy vehicles to bicycles, and check your speed accordingly.
- Know the fire risk and of any burn bans or Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) restrictions before entering.
Those interested in learning about planned forest activities in, or near, the Blanchard area may use our Habitat Conservation Plan, recreation planning, Forest Practices Application Review System (FPARS), and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) web pages to find out about proposed and authorized timber harvests, thinning projects, road projects, planning efforts, and other activities.
DNR offers diverse recreation opportunities in Blanchard and the surrounding forests. Find hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking in the Chuckanut Mountains of Blanchard Forest, or head to Walker Valley for 35 miles of off-road-vehicle riding trails. Kayak to one of our boat-access campgrounds on the waters west of Blanchard, such as the Griffin Bay Campground on San Juan Island, or take a trail ride in the horseback riding-oriented Les Hilde trail system in the Harry Osborne Forest. Additional recreation opportunities can be found in the surrounding DNR-managed forests, including Reiter Foothills Forest, Harry Osborne Forest, and Walker Valley Forest.
- To access recreation sites on DNR-managed land with your vehicle, you'll need a Discover Pass, your ticket to Washington's great outdoors.
- Campgrounds are first come, first served. No reservations.
- Camping stay is limited to 7 days in a 30-day period.
- Practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you pack in.
- Enjoy campfires in approved fire pits in designated campgrounds. Always check for burn restriction.
- Don't Move Firewood: Help protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. Please purchase your firewood near your campsite. Find more information here.
- Dogs allowed on leash. Horseback riders may bring unleashed dogs controlled by voice command.
DNR's Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area, Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area, Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area, Lummi Island Natural Resources Conservation Area, Point Doughty Natural Area Preserve, and the Lake Louise Natural Resources Conservation Area, near Blanchard Forest, also provide low-impact recreation opportunities. Use our statewide interactive recreation map to find recreation opportunities near you.
Recreation sites
Blanchard Forest
View a trail map of the Blanchard Forest and surrounding Chuckanut Mountains.
Samish Overlook
At an elevation of 1,300 feet, Samish Overlook, offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands and Skagit Valley. Watch hang gliders and paragliders launch from this site, or access the Blanchard Forest through this trail system. Trailhead facilities include benches and a vault toilet.
- Large vehicles limited to 25-feet in length.
- Day use only. Open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Directions: Take exit 240 from I-5 north. Turn left on Samish Lake Road. Go .5 miles and turn left on Barrel Springs Road. Go .6 miles and turn right on DNR Road. Go .6 miles to Lower Trailhead Drive. Get directions.
Blanchard Forest Lower
The Lower Trailhead trail, which serves as the southern entrance to Chuckanut Mountains, has wide switchbacks that connect with the Upper Trailhead.
Directions: Start at I-5 exit 240. Go north on Samish Lake Road for .5 miles. Turn left on Barrel Springs Road. Go one mile. Turn right on B-1000 Road. Go 1 mile to trailhead. Get directions.
Blanchard Forest Upper
Blanchard Upper Trailhead provides the main access for non-motorized recreation use in the southern portion of the Chuckanut Mountains. Trails provide views of Samish Bay, the San Juan Islands and pristine forest lakes. Trailhead provides access to backcountry campsites, Lily Lake Campground and Lizard Lake Campground.
- No toilets available at Lily and Lizard campgrounds.
- No garbage service at Lily and Lizard campground. Practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you pack in.
- Camping is limited to established campsites only for a maximum of 7 days in a 30-day period.
Directions: From Blanchard Forest Block - Lower Trailhead. Continue on B-1000 Road for one mile. Stay right on B-1000 Road for .2 mile to site on right. Get directions.
DNR also has boat-access camping available at the Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area and the Lummi Island Natural Resources Conservation Area.
Griffin Bay Campground
This five-campsite campground on San Juan Island provides stunning ocean views. Facilities include a vault toilet.
Directions: Boat access only.
Upright Channel Day-Use Area and Beach Access
Upright Channel Day-Use Area and Beach Access is located on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. It offers access to a 20-acre day-use park, which includes trails, beach access and a picnic area.
Directions: From Lopez Island ferry landing, continue 2 miles on Ferry Road. Stay right on Fisherman Bay Road and continue .4 miles. Turn right on Military Road and continue .2 miles. Turn right and continue on Military road .3 miles. Site on the right.
Harry Osborne Forest
Recreation alert: Medford Pit Update: The Medford pit is currently closed to public entry Monday through Friday for the safety of the public and contractors working in the pit. This closure is anticipated to last about a month. (Updated as of October 2nd, 2018). This recreation alert will be updated as new information comes in from the contractor.
Les Hilde Trailhead
Les Hilde Trailhead, located in the Harry Osborne State Forest, has 40 miles of primarily horseback riding trail. Facilities include picnic tables, highline for horses, day-use shelter, and vault toilet.
Directions: Start in Sedro Woolley at SR-20 and Township Road. Head east on SR-20 for 10.4 miles. Turn left on Cabin Creek Road. Go .2 miles. Turn right on Hamilton Cemetery Road. Go .4 mi. Turn left on Medford Road and go 1.1 miles to trailhead. Get directions.
Reiter Foothills Forest
Reiter Foothills Forest's 10,000 acres are located between sub-alpine wilderness and the Skykomish River valley, surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountain peaks.
Trail maps
4x4 Trail Map
ATV and Single-track Trail Map
Reiter - Motorized Trail Map
Reiter - Non Motorized Trail Map
4x4 Trail Map
ATV and Single-track Trail Map
Reiter - Motorized Trail Map
Reiter - Non Motorized Trail Map
Reiter Foothills Forest is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside of the summer season, hours change to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reiter Foothills Forest is open on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Reiter Foothills Forest is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outside of the summer season, hours change to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Reiter Foothills Forest is open on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
- Obey posted signs and stay off unsigned or closed trails.
- No dispersed camping, day-use only.
- No garbage service. Pack out what you pack in.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Only ride on trails that fit your vehicle.
- Discover Pass required on all street-legal vehicles, including motorcycles and 4x4s.
- Report illegal activity to DNR's Forest Watch program at 1-855-886-8268 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Directions: To access the motorized area From Gold Bar, continue east on Highway 2. Turn left on Reiter Road. After 1 mile, stay right at the fork. Turn left after 3.2 miles onto a DNR forest road, Deer Flats Road. Continue to the parking areas, which will be marked.
The Reiter Foothills Public Forum meetings are open for all to attend. These are a great way to hear firsthand about the progress at Reiter and to provide your input on recreation planning. Meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month. They are held in the East Public Meeting Room in the Snohomish County Building at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett.
Walker Valley Forest
Walker Valley Trailhead is a popular ORV destination with 36 miles of trails. The Walker Valley Trail system has single track trails for motorcycles and mountain bikes, double track trails for ATVs and six miles of 4x4 trails.
Recreation alert: Curt's Conundrum Motorcycle Trail is temporarily closed for tail re-construction and should be open in August.
Recreation alert: Expect heavy logging truck traffic on the Bear Creek Mainline Road. Drive slowly and exercise caution around logging trucks.
Trail maps
View a trail map of the Walker Valley ORV Area.
View a trail map of the Walker Valley ORV Area.
Directions: Start at I-5 exit 227. Go east on SR-538 for 4 miles. Turn south on SR-9. Go 3 miles (milepost 42). Turn left on Walker Valley Road. Go 2 miles. Turn right on to Peter Barns Road. Go 1 mile, then to Walker Valley trailhead on right, just past the bridge. Get directions.


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The wide receiver position in the NFL is truly unique. While today's receiver is often cast as a 'me-first' prima donna, there is little doubt that no other player on the field has as much potential to change the nature of a game in a single play.
While the characters of the players have changed, the formula for being a great receiver has not: route-running, speed, body-control, and hands. These are the necessary elements, in varying degrees, of the NFL's ballerinas.
From Don Hutson to Larry Fitzgerald, here are the NFL's 25 greatest wide receivers of all-time.


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The Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC), Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), Vietnam Airlines (VNA), and Vietnam National Railways (VNR) - five of Vietnam's biggest transport companies - had a difficult time of it in 2014 according to reports they submitted to the Ministry of Transport.
SBIC and Vinalines both recorded major losses 2014, though not to the same extent as in 2013.
SBIC's total revenue in 2014 was VND7.64 trillion ($356.06 million), 30 per cent higher than the annual plan. But its losses still came in at more than VND2.18 trillion ($102.13 million) at the end fiscal year 2014. In 2013 it lost VND6.4 trillion (299.84 million) .
Sales and production value were two indicators where SBIC achieved its target. Production value reached VND5.7 trillion ($267.05 million), while sales revenue was more than $200 million, with 76 ships being handed over. Of these, 33 ships were exported for revenue of nearly $34 million, while 43 ships were sold domestically, mostly for modernizing fishery inspection vessels and steel-armored fishing vessels.
"The corporation mostly built vessels for the Damen Shipyards Group from the Netherlands in 2014, as well as Navy and fishing vessels," said Mr. Vu Anh Tuan, General Director of SBIC.
Vinalines, meanwhile, recorded an estimated loss of VND1.392 trillion ($65.22 million), 76 per cent lower than in 2013 (which was $267.05 million - its highest ever). Its 2014 business results fell short of the annual plan, with total revenue reaching only VND18.086 trillion ($847.33), or 77 per cent of 2013's revenue figure. The low result was put down to falling imports for re-export services.
Some good news for Vinalines is that exploiting activities of vessels in most of its member companies began to see positive cash flows. And though its seaports recorded revenue equal to 2013, losses fell by 35 per cent.
VNA, VNR and ACV had a profitable year, but their figures perhaps reflect a number of issues they had to face.
ACV's pretax profit was VND1.256 trillion ($58.84 million), 5 per cent higher than the annual plan. However, this was the third consecutive year profits have fallen, in this case by 7.7 per cent compared to 2013, but the corporation still recorded the highest profit among the four largest companies in Vietnam's transport sector. Total revenue in 2014 stood at VND8.571 trillion ($401.55 million), 6 per cent higher than the annual plan and a 0.86 per cent increase against 2013.
VNA's revenue in 2014 reached VND71.79 trillion ($3.36 billion), a 2 per cent increase compared to 2013. State budget contributions were VND2.936 trillion ($137.55 million) and pretax profit VND647 billion ($30.31 million). Capacity was approximately 80 per cent, marking a 0.5 per cent increase against 2013, despite declining in some markets.
Though the figures for 2014 were positive, VNA's Board of Directors have set modest targets for 2015, with total revenue to be VND55 trillion ($2.58 billion) and profit VND180 billion ($8.43 billion).
At VNR, total production value was VND9.230 trillion ($432.43 million), revenue VND9.333 trillion ($437.25 million), and pre-tax profit VND180 billion ($8.43 million). Though not officially announced, a leader of VNR said that its results mostly came from its parent company's activities.
Worth noting is that revenue from transporting passenger and freight has reached a peak because further improvements are difficult to come by. At the same time, VNR has to compete fiercely with other modes of transport, such as air and waterway.
"Except for ACV, the business forecasts of these companies are not completely accurate, especially VNA and Vinalines," one expert said. "They will greatly depend on changes in the oil price, which are very difficult to forecast."


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Linkham Services are a market leading provider of broking and niche insurance services. Within Africa, our core specialism within the Airline and Travel space is the end to end delivery of Ancillary revenue solutions - from travel insurance through to airport lounge access.
Having gained significant expertise within the European market, Linkham Services not only have the knowledge and insight to deliver complete Ancillary revenue solutions, but we also provide complete, and seamless, technology solutions which ensure that your passengers are provided with relevant products in a non-intrusive manner, at the right time.
We don't stop there. We believe in providing on-going support to ensure the long term success of the programme - so we provide regular feedback, recommendations and implementable solutions to ensure that you are sending the right messages to your customers!
Linkham Services is part of the Linkham Group, with presence across multiple regions - this means that we can draw on a significant breadth of skills and resources to deliver - and delivery is our core objective!
Read more...
Shailendre Woodhoo
Regional Direct - Africa
Linkham Services Mauritius
5th Floor Nexteracom Tower 1
Natacha Lily
Head of Retail Travel Insurance
Linkham Services Mauritius
5th Floor Nexteracom Tower 1


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Ok, so Istanbul is my jump off point for rambling travel through the Balkan States. No raving from me about the incredible monuments and sites, I will leave that to the thousands of others who have articulated everything and anything I might write. Instead, here are some of my favourite moments…
It's late spring, and flowers are in bloom everywhere. Roses, bright red, impossible yellow, pink pink pink, appear in every garden, from a thousand window flower boxes, and in every unlikely corner and patch of earth. Walking through a park, in the middle of a city of 15 million people, I was suddenly overcome and made dizzy by the scent of hundreds of roses inexplicably releasing their gorgeous perfume.
One day, I walked for miles, and came across a wedding. The bride and groom were happy to pose for a mad woman with a camera… though some family members were definitely perplexed!
The view from one of the windows of the Aya Sofia almost made me cry. Maybe it was because I'd just been admiring the mosaic of the Archangel Gabriel… but in my mind I could see everything that was ever seen through this window.
The view from Anadolou Kavagi [puff puff puff up a very steep hill to the ruins of a castle to take this picture], on the Asian side of the Bosphorous River, is breath-taking. Amazingly, on the return boat journey I spotted dozens of dolphins cavorting through the water as they headed back out to the Black Sea.
The denial of Armenian genocide by the Turks during World War I is fairly common. French President Sarkozy recently tried to pass a law that criminalised it's denial, but it was defeated as unconstitutional. I came across this strange effigy, and I am not sure I understand the meaning… is it supporting the truth of the genocide, or perpetuating it's denial?
My very favourite architecture in Istanbul. The old wooden houses from the Ottoman era. It's unbelievable to me, unthinkable really, that there are so many of these places that are just falling apart and being left to ruin. This one clearly is still inhabited, but falling apart all the same. They're the minarets from the Blue Mosque in the background.
Finally… Turkish men and women are absolute fashionistas. Seriously, who could possibly resist a man wearing a pair of these shoes…


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Phoenix's SMPM series subminiature connectors offer electrical performance from DC to 26.5 GHz. Billed as 30% smaller than SMP blindmate connectors, the subminiature connectors feature snap-in interconnects, allowing control while mating multiple connectors. Other features include: compensation for up to .010" radial and axial misalignment (when used with an adapter), and center-to-Center spacing of .135".
Phoenix Company
(800) 323-9562, www.phoenixofchicago.com


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Stag Head Locket
This amazing oversized locket features a stag's head made from beautifully detailed antlers, and a tiny little brass locket for his head! The locket is genuine vintage stock dating to 1970s and the inside in inlaid with an amazing copper. It really is excellent quality and has a great size and weight, making it ideally suited to being worn at longer lengths. The locket is 70mm (well over two inches) long with a perfectly working clasp. It's finished with some thick brass chain. The tiny locket on the front also has a working clasp! The locket is available in a choice of lengths. Please refer to my illustration for a better idea of what they will look like when worn. *** PERSONALISATION *** We can personalise this locket for you, using a carefully designed technique to transfer your photographs onto the metal of the pendant itself, for a really soft and unique vintage effect. Parts of your image will merge with the golden brass behind, creating a very beautiful, unusual and ethereal look. To add personalization to your order, please purchase the add-on linked below, along with the locket of your choice. Please note that this service is only available for new locket purchases and cannot be bought for lockets purchased previously. Further examples of the technique are also available to view here: http://www.silkpursesowsear.com/product/add-personalisation-for-your-new-locket
See more: Necklaces


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Update: EA informs IGN, "the message on EA's Help site was posted in error. Players with questions about PS4 connectivity can visit https://support.us.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5102 for the latest updates."
Original story follows.
The version 1.50 launch day firmware update for PlayStation 4 is the source of instability problems in games played on the system, according to Electronic Arts.
In an article on EA's support site, the firmware was identified as the cause of "stability issues while playing games on the system." This apparently isn't only the case for EA's own games, either, as the article claims, "This affects all games on the PS4, including EA titles, causing crashing/freezing and non-responsive connections between the player's console and their TV Screen."
The article goes on to suggest Sony is aware of the issue and that it will have to be the one to resolve it: "Unfortunately since it's an issue with Sony's firmware, it requires a new update to fix it. Sony is working to resolve the issue as quickly as they can. They will update their System Update page as new versions are made available, and we will keep this page updated as we find out more."
IGN has contacted Ubisoft and Activision to find out if they are aware of any firmware-related issues in their PS4 launch games.
Sony has already acknowledged problems with PSN due to the high volume of traffic on its servers and has said it is working to resolve them. One specific issue with the system's HDMI port has already been fixed and may have been a fluke.
The 1.50 firmware is not a required update unless you're trying to play games online, but it does enable some key functionality, including Remote Play support on PlayStation Vita and playback of Blu-rays and DVDs, among other things.
Stay tuned to IGN for the latest on the PlayStation 4's launch.
Chris Pereira is a freelance writer who spends his spare time agonizing over the final seasons of The X-Files. Check out what he's saying on Twitter and follow him on IGN.


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Oh boy, I can hardly wait. ABC is producing a new series about a female conservative pundit, with Calista Flockhart slated to star. The perspective of the show's producers is not hard to deduce:
Asked to describe the pundit, producer Ken Olin (formerly a star of "Thirty Something') said, "She's not Ann Coulter. She's not insane."
Right. Instead, this "conservative" pundit will be a "a thoughtful conservative. She's ideologically, in some respects, very much in mind with the older parts of the party, the sort of Eisenhower Republican, the William Buckley conservative." This is a common liberal theme: the old conservatives were OK, in contrast with present-day conservatives. Of course, at the time they hated those conservatives, too, especially if they won, like Reagan. Liberals can only be really fond of conservatives who got clobbered, like Barry Goldwater, or who remind them of the days when conservatives were a powerless minority, like Buckley.
The show's producers sound like they're embarking on an anthropological expedition:
[I]t's very, very interesting and compelling to us to try and understand this, to leave behind some of the smug presuppositions of the two coasts, . . . to look at evolving patriotism and evolving traditionalism," [writer Jon Robin Baitz] said.
I think the "understanding" process would go better if they didn't start with the assumption that Ann Coulter is insane, and the last good conservative was William Buckley.


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Seinfeld Quotes...
I have to dribble. If I give it to you, you just shoot. You're a chucker
"Oh, I'm a chucker."
"That's right, everytime you get the ball you shoot."
"I can't believe you called me a chucker. No way I'm a chucker. I do not chuck, never chucked, never have chucked, never will chuck, no chuck!"
- Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"
"I snuck a peak."
- Kramer, to Jerry and George, after they showered at the gym, in "The Boyfriend"
"I made a conscious effort not to look. There's certain information I just don't want to have."
- Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"
"I'd love to be a Civil War buff. What do you have to do to be a buff?"
"So Biff wants to be a buff? Well, sleeping less than eighteen hours a day would be a start."
- George and Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"
"Jerry, he's a guy."
- Elaine to Jerry, who is concerned about making a good impression on his new friend Keith Hernandez, in "The Boyfriend"
"I got a gum guy!"
- George, to unemployment office worker, in "The Boyfriend"
"You've got to see the baby! When are you going to see the baby? Can't they just send us a tape?"
- Elaine, in "The Boyfriend"
"Something happened that changed us in a deep and profound way from that day forward."
- Newman, in "The Boyfriend"
"That must've been one magic loogie."
- Jerry, during a reenactment of the spitting incident with Kramer and
Newman, in "The Boyfriend"
I'm Vandelay Industries?"
"And what is that?"
"You're in latex."
"Latex? And what do I do with latex?"
"You manufacture it.
- Jerry and George, in "The Boyfriend"
"What kind of a shake does he have?"
"Good shake. Perfect shake. Single pump, not too hard. You know, doesn't
have to prove anything, but, you know, firm enough to know he was there.
- George and Jerry, talking about Keith Hernandez, in "The Boyfriend"
Vandelay Industries, Kel Varnsen speaking. May we help you?"
- Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"
"Vandelay! Say Vandelay!"
- George, running from the bathroom after Kramer answers Jerry's phone, in "The Boyfriend"
"And you want to be my latex salesman."
- Jerry, to George, in "The Boyfriend"
Elaine, you don't know the first thing about first base
"Well, I know something about getting to first base. And I know you'll never be there."
"The way I figure it I've already been there, and I plan on rounding second tonight at around eleven o'clock."
"Well, uh, I'd watch the third base coach if I were you because I don't think he's waving you in."
- Keith and Elaine, in "The Boyfriend"
I would really like to have sex with a tall woman.
- George, in "The Boyfriend"
Magellan? You like Magellan?
Oh yeah, my favorite explorer. Around the world, come on. Who do you like?"
"I like DeSoto."
"DeSoto? What did he do?"
"Discovered the Mississippi."
"Oh, like they wouldn't have found that anyway."
- George and Jerry, in "The Boyfriend"
Back to the Index


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CANTINA HAS BECOME ONE OF NEW YORK'S FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANTS AND BARS. WE COULD NOT DO this without great staff promoting our brand, values, and company to the thousands of guests we serve.
This employee handbook was created to guide our day-to-day operations and to ensure all employees are treated fairly and held to equal standards. All employees are required to adhere to the standards set forth in the following text.
Cantina operates on a "three strike" system. If an employee violates a policy, it will be counted as a 'strike'. If an employee obtains three (3) documented strikes within a six month period starting after the first recorded incident, further disciplinary action will be taken. This usually means suspension or termination of employment. Some exclusions exist, for example, cases revolving around harassment, theft, and others in which Cantina strictly enforces a 'zero tolerance' stance.
- All employees must be on company payroll before beginning their first shift.
- Please visit corporate headquarters at:
- Harlem Bar-B-Q, 2367 Frederick Douglas Blvd. (127 St & 8 Av.) New York, NY
- Tuesday or Friday 11am-5pm
- Please visit corporate headquarters at:
- All employees must sign a NY Labor Dept. knowledge of pay rate/day (form LS-59)
- All employees will be paid in accordance with all federal and New York State labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and any other applicable wage laws.
- All employees must provide legal Identification. You will not be allowed to change names or Social Security numbers on your payroll documents unless you have an approved and official name change order by a court/judge.
- Some employees such as managers, contractors, or administrative staff, will fall under different wage orders and be issues individual wage agreements that comply with all laws.
- Payroll is processed using the times accumulated on the point-of-sale system timecard. It is your responsibility to ensure your times are correct before the end of a given pay-period.
- If you forget to clock-out for a shift, we will automatically correct the out-time to match your scheduled shift for that specific date.
- ALL employees, regardless of method paid, are required to clock in and clock out for the duration of any time they are performing work for Cantina.
- If there is an error on a paycheck, the employee must immediately inform the manager, officer, or owner of the company in writing (such as a text or e-mail).
- company made errors will be corrected and a manual check for any amount owed will be issued within one business day.
- errors due to an employee mistake will be corrected on the next paycheck.
- Payday is every Friday. In some circumstances, such as holidays, weather conditions, or other uncontrollable delays in processing or shipping- paychecks may be delayed by a few business days. If this happens, the company may issue, at their discretion, manual paychecks as a courtesy to employees. In this case, the official check will be kept upon arrival and the employee will only be issued their pay-stub.
- The company reserves the right to delay a payday because of unforeseeable events.
- You will be paid no later than the Monday after a Friday payday.
- In the event manual checks are issues, you will not receive a pay-stub immediately with your paycheck. However, pay-stubs will be issued when they're delivered, no later than the following Monday.
- Pay periods are Monday-Sunday. The current week is always paid the following Friday
- Any court-ordered garnishes (such as child support) will be automatically deducted from your paycheck.
- At this time, servers and bartenders may sign-up for direct deposit.
- Employees who take advantage of direct deposit will NOT receive paper pay-stubs.
- You are required to create an account with ADP Payroll Services (free), so you may access, print, and manage your pay-stubs, direct deposit info, address, taxes, etc.
- Paychecks are delivered in secure sealed envelopes. The company logo and owners signature will be on the checks.
- Cantina prohibits sharing information on rate of pay. Your pay is your business, not your co-workers. Cantina may pay a co-worker performing the same role differently based on things like work experience, length of service, so rate of pay therefor should not be compared.
- Many positions have starting salaries, or minimum wage requirements. If you're interested in another position and would like to know how much it pays, please talk to your manager, not the .
Cash Advances / Pay-Day Loans / Personal Loans
- While all of us may face a financial hardship at some point, Cantina does not give pay-day loans, cash advances, or other type of monetary loans to employees for any reason.
- If you are facing a true financial crisis or hardship, Cantina may be able to provide extra shifts or side-work to earn additional income. Please discuss this with your manager or an owner of the company.
Dress Code
- Employees will be given "Cantina" branded t-shirts. Each employee shall receive three to five shirts depending on the frequency they are scheduled. These must be worn for all shifts.
- These are yours to keep. We do not recycle t-shirts. If you need special accommodations you must inform us in writing.
- In the event you're hired and we've ran out of t-shirts:
- wear a black shirt (such as a plain black t-shirt, black business casual type shirt)
- t-shirts will be issued to you after the next ordering cycle
- Jeans, business-casual pants, and skirts are acceptable so long as they do not have any writing, images, or are otherwise plain. Athletic pants (jogging pants, yoga pants, etc.) are not permitted.
- Shoes
- no open-toe shoes or sandals are allowed during shift
- non-slip shoes are encouraged, but not required
- high heals are not permitted
- Kitchen staff and any employees handling food must wear a hat or a provided hair net at all times
- Employees must always present themselves in a clean and professional manner. "Business casual" is the go-to theme.
Scheduling & Attendance, Time-Off, Jury Duty, Leave of Absence
- Employees must register for access (free) using the "When I Work" app and online scheduling software. You will be guided through this as part of the new-hire process. This can always be accessed by visiting: www.wheniwork.com
- Employees are expected to arrive prepared for their shift and on-time
- "on-time" means no later than 10 minutes after your scheduled start time.
- Three or more 10-minute violations will result in disciplinary action up-to and including termination.
- NYC offers many public transportation options. It is your responsibility to arrive on time to work. We do not accept MTA issues ('my train was late') as excusable tardiness reasons.
- Cantina reserves the right to schedule employees in the best interests of the business, and not necessarily the employee. We consider many factors when scheduling such as availability, prior tardiness, sales, performance, and several additional attributes. Your shifts are earned and are never guaranteed. What does this mean?
- e.g. Employee Jon Doe usually works 5 days a week as a bartender Monday-Friday. He's done this for years. Lately Jon has been arriving to work late, and his sales have been lower than usual. After he has received a warning, the scheduling manager may drop John down to 3 days a week until performance has improved.
- e.g. Employee Jane Doe has been working 3-4 shifts any given week. Jane decides to take another job at another business and changes her availability at Cantina and can no longer work weekends. The scheduling manager may drop Jane down to 1 or 2 shifts a week to give preference to an employee who offers Cantina more availability.
- e.g. You applied for and are hired to work specifically on Saturdays and Sundays as a weekend job. You will only be scheduled to work Sat/Sun however this does not guarantee a set amount of hours, days, or shifts. Cantina may schedule another employee.
- Cantina may give scheduling preference to an employee who performs well. Performance means sales, attitude, positive customer feedback, etc.
- Employees requesting time off for a future, non-published schedule may do so at any time. All requests must be make using "when i work".
- For requests that occur during an already published schedule, you must use "when i work" to swap, drop, or request a day off.
- This must be approved first to be in effect.
- We'll work with you to ensure you may participate in this important public service. We will follow all jury summons on a case-by-case basis. We will follow and adhere to all labor laws on jury duty should the time come.
- All leaves are covered on a case-by-case basis. This includes military, family medical, active duty, maternity, etc.
- We'll gladly answer your questions regarding your specific case, or refer you to our labor attorney if you need detailed legal explanations.
- We follow all labor and other applicable laws in regard to leave
- All leaves are fully-documented. Requests must be in writing.
- All leaves are covered on a case-by-case basis. This includes military, family medical, active duty, maternity, etc.
Cantina believes in the value of a diverse workforce, equal opportunity and a workplace free of discrimination and all forms of unlawful harassment. We believe in these values because they make good business sense and are the right things to do.
Cantina prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment. Employees who violate this policy may be disciplined up to and including immediate termination.
Discrimination Prohibited
- Cantina strongly believes that employees and applicants for employment should be treated fairly and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited basis. This applies to all employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, pay, performance reviews, training and development, promotions and other terms and conditions of employment. Discrimination or harassment of an employee—whether by another employee, supplier, vendor or customer—is strictly prohibited.
Harassment Prohibited
- At Cantina no form of harassment is acceptable. This includes joking remarks or other abusive conduct (including verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct) that demeans or shows hostility toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other prohibited basis and that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or otherwise adversely affects an individual¹s employment opportunities.
Sexual Harassment Prohibited
- Cantina is firmly committed to maintaining a positive working environment for all employees, whether male or female. Sexual harassment is prohibited because it may be intimidating or an abuse of power and it is inconsistent with our policies, practices and management philosophy. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and certain other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct that is sexual or based on gender if that conduct could reasonably offend another person, whether or not such conduct was intended to offend.
- Examples of sexual harassment can include the following:
- Verbal harassment, including jokes, comments or threats relating to sexual activity, body parts or other matters of a sexual nature.
- Non-verbal harassment, including staring at a person's body in a sexually suggestive manner, sexually related gestures or motions and/or circulating sexually suggestive materials.
- Unwelcome physical conduct, including grabbing, holding, hugging, kissing, tickling, massaging, displaying private body parts, unnecessary touching or other unwelcome physical conduct.
- An employment decision (including promotion, demotion, compensation, scheduling) made by a Manager/Director based on the employee's submission to or rejection of sexual conduct.
- Submission to sexual conduct as an implicit or explicit condition of getting or keeping a job.
- Conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to a person because of his/her gender and creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
- Any other sexual conduct that unreasonably interferes with another person's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, or adversely affects another person's employment opportunities.
- All employees are required to adhere to this sexual harassment policy while on the premises, while engaging in work-related activities, during Company-sponsored trainings and other functions and at non-Company activities when conduct at these activities would affect the work environment.
Employee Recourse
- Every employee has the right, and is encouraged, to tell any Cantina employee in a professional manner to stop behavior towards him/her that the employee believes to be discriminatory, harassing and/or offensive. Any employee who feels subjected to discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment should immediately report such behavior directly to their Manager/Director or to an owner of the company. Reports may be made at any time on any day. An objective investigation will be conducted based on the facts presented. If the results of the investigation confirm the offense, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the person violating the policy, ranging from a warning to termination. Cantina also has an online report form, which may be accessed 24/7 by visiting www.CantinaNY.com/employees
Retaliation Prohibited
- Cantina encourages employees to freely report incidents of discrimination or harassment without fear of reprisal. Retaliation against any employee who has made a complaint in good faith about discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment, or who has cooperated in the investigation of such a complaint, is prohibited. Retaliation includes any employment decision or other conduct made with the intent to punish an employee for complaining about or assisting in the investigation of discrimination or harassment, and any decision or conduct that might have discouraged a reasonable employee from making a complaint or cooperating in an investigation.
Tip Credits/Gratuity/Auto-Gratuity
You are required, by law, to report your tips to your employer. We are also required to report your tips to the IRS for tax purposes both on your individual paychecks and for business tax purposes. The following are guidelines to consider if you're a tipped employee at Cantina.
Tip Credits
- Tipped employees are usually payed at a lower rate, often minimum wage. However, state and federal laws allow a pre-determined hourly amount to be deducted in from this hourly wage for tipped employees. This is referred to as a "tip-credit". For example, if the current minimum wage is $9/hour, we may elect to take the maximum tip credit of $1.50/hour against that $9/hr, meaning your pay from the restaurant is $7.50 an hour minimum, plus your tips.
- In the event your hourly wage falls below $9 per hour for the time you've worked because you have not earned enough tips, Cantina is required to pay you the difference so you always earn the minimum wage.
- Customers may offer a voluntary gratuity to express their gratitude for your service. Cantina may place auto-calculated percents of gratuity levels on the guest checks to make calculations fast and easy for the guests.
- Cantina prohibits circling, highlighting, or any other means to draw attention to the gratuity line or the tip calculations on the receipt.
- Tips will be paid-out in accordance with the current payroll policy.
- You are required to report your cash tips honestly at the end of your shift in the PoS system when prompted.
- Gratuity on a bill is calculated on a pre-tax basis (gratuity does not get calculated with the tax of the bill).
Automatic Gratuity
- Automatic gratuity is a gratuity that is automatically calculated at a specific determined rate and applied to a customer's bill and calculated in the total amount due.
- Automatic gratuity is not a service fee.
- Cantina strictly prohibits the use of automatic gratuity, unless the following conditions are both met:
- You have served a party of 6 or more guests
- Your specific location has a notice of an automatic gratuity clearly stated on the menu including percent and guest count required to enact the automatic gratuity.
- Your PoS system will automatically include automatic gratuity as soon as the guest count on any given check is 6 or more guests.
- Do not abuse the guest count feature. Any employee caught changing/increasing the guest count to purposefully include automatic gratuity when the above conditions have not been met will face disciplinary action including termination. Automatic gratuity is closely monitored in daily sales reports by managers and owners as the restaurant must report it differently for tax purposes. It will be noticed every time you use it.
Theft & Security
Theft comes in many forms. Cantina has a zero-tolerance policy for theft. If you are caught stealing from Cantina, you will be immediately terminated without warning, no exceptions. It does not matter if it was intentional theft or not.
- Examples of theft include, but are not limited to:
- Taking money that's not yours- tips, house cash, etc.
- Taking food, liquor or other items for sale home without paying or accounting for them.
- Clocking in/out for a co-worker when they're late, not scheduled, etc.
- Over/under pouring drinks to solicit a better tip, or otherwise transfer money to yourself rather than the business by means of incorrect ringing-in, pouring, or accounting for bar drinks.
- Giving away food, liquor or other product without accounting for it or paying for it.
- Clocking in/out outside of your scheduled shift to gain more hours on your timecard.
- Preparing food items that contain more product than is customary.
- Allowing a friend to eat/drink for free or at a reduced cost.
- Taking a co-workers personal belonging.
- Any form of paycheck fraud.
- Not tipping-out your co-worker properly
- Removing or altering company computers, phones, iPads, printers, cameras, etc.
- All Cantina restaurants are equipped with High-Definition PTZ video and audio surveillance recording 24/7. Every area of our properties, including walk-in refrigeration, basements, inside, outside (except inside restrooms) are recorded and monitored by owners and/or security companies remotely. Extra hidden cameras may also be placed to closely watch registers, safes, and other areas of high risk or concern.
- Employees OPENING and CLOSING the restaurant should pay close attention to the restaurant.
- check the integrity of the locks on doors before entering.
- Peak into the windows to make sure no one has entered off-hours or may be hiding/waiting inside.
- Immediately lock the door behind you after entering.
- Do NOT let ANYONE into the restaurant who is not an employee or approved/regular vendor. This includes anyone requesting to use the restroom. Remember too, all our vendors will have their own keys.
- Always count your money away from public view, even bartenders. Never count cash by a window, at the bar, or near the storefront.
- If there are 3 employees or less inside the restaurant, the door is to remained locked at all times. The door may remain unlocked if we are open for business and there are more than 3 employees present.
- Please remember to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when leaving late night from a job at a bar. Particularly this is most important when carrying home cash tips, paychecks, or other large monetary amounts.
- If there is any incident involving a fight, theft, or other incident that jeopardizes the immediate safety of other guests in the restaurant, call 911 immediately.
- Keys to the restaurant are carefully monitored, logged, and assigned by the owners to those with a specific need only. No manager or other person besides a direct owner of the company is to issue a key to another person, vendor, or employee.
- Managers are to deposit nightly house-cash into secured safes. These are emptied daily and contain minimal cash at any given time.
- In the event of a robbery:
- remain calm and comply with any request of the robber
- remember they are likely not getting much money and we will never lose more than your safety is worth. Money and material items are replaceable, you are not.
- do not attempt to restrain the robber
- when the robber has left, immediately lock the doors, roller cage or other security device on the store front. Then call 911. Ask and witnesses to remain until police arrive and can get statements. Get their contact information if they must leave and had witnessed the event.
- Only paying customers are allowed to use the restroom and only during operating business hours. Restrooms are single occupancy only, except children accompanied by a parent/guardian and the disabled who require the assistance of a caretaker.
- Only employees are allowed in kitchens, basements, or behind the bar. No exceptions, not even for friends or family.
Substance Abuse & Drug Testing
General Policy (section added 11.17.2016)
- 'Substance' refers to illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. 'Abuse' refers to the impairment in social, work, or other inability to uphold standards normally required while working at Cantina as a result of using a substance.
- No alcohol or illegal drug consumption is to take place while on the clock by any employee.
- If you clock out and remain at the restaurant, you are subject to the same serving guidelines as a regular customer would. You must always remain a professional appearance and attitude at Cantina so long as employed by Cantina, even if off the clock.
- This also includes bartenders consuming alcohol, even shots, during their shift.
- Prescriptions must be in your name, in its original labeled container. Although, you do not have to disclose why or the condition for which you are required to take a Rx drug. Being transparent with management is the best policy when it comes to prescription drugs. If the drug makes you unable to perform your work duties, you should call-out or go home 'sick'.
- If you clock out and remain at the restaurant, you are subject to the same serving guidelines as a regular customer would. You must always remain a professional appearance and attitude at Cantina so long as employed by Cantina, even if off the clock.
- Any employee, regardless of position held, who violates the substance abuse policy will have their employment terminated immediately. There are no warnings or suspension options.
Drug Testing
- Cantina does not routinely ask for drug or substance testing.
- It may be required to take a drug-test following an injury or incident that took place on the clock or while on the property of the restaurant (e.g. you clock out, and fall on the way out the door).
- If you are asked to take a drug test for any reason, you will be notified in writing and must do so as a condition of continued employment. Cantina will pay for any requested drug testing.
Employee Meal Policy
Please click here to view the most recent employee meal policy. (Updated 11/19/2016), Printable.


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Mike Jones said Bergman ran into the back of his 2010 Chrysler Town and Country minivan that was stopped to make a left turn. Jones said that he didn't see Bergman coming and the impact of the collision drove his car 30 to 40 feet on Muegge Road near Hampton Place Court, just north of the Missouri 94-Missouri 364 interchange.That's strike one. Here's strike two:
"I was just sitting there in shock," Jones said. "He seemed pretty shook up, and he came over and said he was sorry, then got on his cell phone."
[Becki] Breeze told police that Bergman appeared distracted when he drove his 2008 GMC Acadia into the rear of Jones' minivan waiting to make a left turn...Bergman, however, maintains his phone was on the passenger seat and that "there was a bag of raisins in his lap." He was, however, taken to the hospital and treated for injuries to his arms and leg.
...Breeze told police that Bergman was driving erratically, "swerving in the lane and appeared to be not paying attention with his cell phone and looking around on the floorboard."
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text:
source: http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4874/info It has been reported that Netscape Enterprise Web Server may disclose path and system information to a remote user. Netscape Enterprise Web Server for Netware contain several sample files which leak system information, this information can be obtained by remote users. An attacker is able to send a request, for an affected sample file, that will cause the host to disclose the location of the web root path. Certain sample files will also reveal detailed system specific information. http://webserver/lcgi/sewse.nlm?sys:/novonyx/suitespot/docs/sewse/misc/test.jse http://webserver/lcgi/sewse.nlm?sys:/novonyx/suitespot/docs/sewse/misc/allfield.jse http://webserver/perl/samples/env.pl http://webserver/perl/samples/lancgi.pl http://webserver/perl/samples/volscgi.pl http://webserver/perl/samples/ndslogin.pl http://webserver/netbasic/websinfo.bas
Related ExploitsTrying to match CVEs (1): CVE-2002-1634
Trying to match OSVDBs (1): 17461
Other Possible E-DB Search Terms: Netscape Enterprise Web Server for Netware 4/5 5.0, Netscape Enterprise Web Server for Netware 4, Netscape Enterprise Web Server for Netware
|No matches


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Our Mission
The mission of the National Pro-Life Center is to give the Justices of the Supreme Court, their high level staff, members of the federal judiciary, members of the U.S. Senate and other public policy makers the information, education and inspiration they need to better form their consciences and make decisions in keeping with the common good.
The philosophy of the National Pro-Life Center is based on the precepts of natural law informed by a Judeo-Christian worldview and enlightened by revelation. While not exclusively religious, this philosophy is consistent with the Church's moral theology.
The National Pro-Life Center's mission is accomplished through symposia, publications, information sessions, personal meetings with officials and media events. In addition to our work on Capitol Hill, NPLC also reaches out to the members of the state supreme courts. The missionaries at the NPLC also travel throughout the country giving presentations, institutes, conferences and lectures on human life issues.
The missionaries of the National Pro-Life Center welcome inquiries about its programs, visits to Capitol Hill, media appearances and presentations to churches, conferences, schools and charitable organizations.
To read about the founding director, Rev. Paul C.B. Schenck, click here.


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Intrigue by Blush 430
- Brand: Intrigue by Blush Prom
- Style #: 430
- Availability: Available to Order
- $350
The fabric in this Intrigue by Blush style is Organza Print
While we make every effort to insure all styles are available at time or your visit to our website, during our busy periods styles do sell quickly. **To insure your dress purchase please call us! 770-831-8795. Thank you.**


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1964 Honda CB77 Super Hawk
Country: Japan
Engine: Air-cooled twin-cylinder 4-stroke with 180 degree crank
Ignition: Battery and coil
Power Rating: 28.5 bhp @ 9,000rpm
Bore & Stroke: 60x54mm
Displacement: 305cc
Valves: Single overhead camshaft, chain driven
Fuel System: Two Keihin slide-type carburetors
Transmission: 4-speed
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear twin shock
Brakes: Front and rear twin leading show drums
Weight: 350lb
Top Speed: 95mph
Honda set new standards when they introduced the Hawk models. Performance was equal or better than the British 500cc machines, and the quality and reliability quickly convinced enthusiasts that the Japanese invasion would drastically change the motorcycle scene.
As I tried to say in my previous "post" I agree - the 250 scrambler has one of the sweetest sounding exhaust tones I've heard. The 305 Super Hawk is also very nice over 6000 rpm with wide open throttle. Incidentally, the carb throat is so big on the 305 that you *need* to be over 6000 rpm before the engine will accept full throttle without bogging.
250 sc
OK...if everyone can stand a Super Hawk story: My dad bought a new 250 Hawk in 1965 when I was 13. It hooked me on Honda. In 1970 I bought a used CB 77 that had been used for a trail bike, but it was all I could afford. It had a 42 tooth sprocket on it, and the rear shocks were shot. After changing the sprocket, I rode if from Mobile, AL to prep school in PA, and rebuilt it in "shop" during my senior year. In March of '71 I rode it down to Daytona for bike week, meeting my dad there. I traded it in for almost nothing in '72 for new CB 450. I'll always have warm memories of the Hawks and Super Hawks. It's great to see the restoration jobs.
The instrument nacelle is also not correct for 1964, I think. Mine had two counter-rotating needles, each moving through 180º only, with zero at the bottom and 12,000 rpm/120mph at the top. With top gear at 10 mph/1000rpm, you could as easily read the tach for speed in 4th. I remember seeing 11,700 rpm/117mph after being flat out for about 5 minutes on the prairies with the throttle friction stop holding it wide open, the handlebar friction tightened, my feet on the back pegs and steering by holding the top ends on the forks - all to keep my wind resistance low. There was about a 40 mph tailwind from about 40º off my rear end, and I was wearing shorts, t-shirt, wrap around sunglasses and no helmet. I cringe when I think of this - this was in 1966 and I was in the midst of jet flying training in the RCAF (Canadian Forces) in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan. After about 10 straight minutes of absolutely flat out running I expected I may have damaged the engine, but to my surprise when I slowed down for the city, the engine ran as if I had done nothing unusual.
I noticed the forks. I assumed they mis-dated the bike or used later model forks. When did Honda introduce the seat with the lip at the front (that curves up the rear of the tank) and did those seats use the old style "hooks" for the seat strap? Also, did all blue CB77's have blue seats? I have a very nice, original blue '68 that I picked up at the Barber swap meet this year (2012).
I purchased a '64 305 Super Hawk to replace my first bike, a Honda 250 Scrambler, purchased used in 1963 as a first bike. I had never ridden a motorcycle prior to the purchase of that used bike with such an incredible sound. I remember paying $625 for bike (helmet included) and riding it home with no problems, other than trying to keep away from cars. I held onto the bike for the better part of a year, then decided that the bike was too slow for freeway use, after which the new 305 got placed into the garage. The bike was so simple and easy to ride. I miss it, even after all these years. I now own a lovely as-new Honda GB500TT.
The bike has Type 2 forks from 1966 years. A 1964 bike would have steel, frame colored forks.


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How do you open your letters and emails? "Dear" feels too formal for email, to me, so I usually open with "Hi Joan:" or just dive into the communication. I keep the "dear" in my letters. though.
But step back for a second and think about it — about addressing business associates, or people you've never met, as "Dear." It has worked commendably in letters, but imagine using it with those same people in face-to-face situations.
Read Is 'Dear' dead? on CNN.


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There's no better inspiration for design than nature. Tesi range is a wonderful example of a supremely functional form exhibiting exquisite beauty. Slender, elegant and agile: it's precisely adapted to suit environment and lifestyle needs.
Recent design trends have accustomed us to angular aesthetics at home interiors – but the future is warmer and softer. It's time to put the emotion back into our surroundings.
Enjoy its numerous benefits such as the Easy-Fix system, the hot temperature limiter and a 5 year warranty!
For over 40 years, we have been at the forefront of environmental friendly innovation.
© Ideal Standard Gulf FZCO, P.O. Box 261559, Jebel Ali, Dubai , United Arab Emirates
Use of this Website is subject to our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookies.


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Hiring Employees
See Using PeopleAdmin 7 for instructions on how to create a position description.
Although there are exceptional circumstances under which a waiver to post a permanent position may be permitted, the University of Arkansas is an institution committed to taking affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants and, therefore, requires posting and advertising of vacant faculty and staff positions.
All recruitment, selection and hiring of faculty is managed in PeopleAdmin. Hiring Request approval from the provost is required before a position posting can be advertised. Faculty positions must be advertised for a minimum of 30 days, except for visiting or clinical faculty, instructor and lecturer positions which require a minimum two week posting period. Applicants apply through the PeopleAdmin Careers website.
Hiring for a staff position, whether classified or nonclassified, is managed in PeopleAdmin. Hiring Request approval from the provost is required before a position posting can be advertised. In most cases, postings are active for a minimum of two weeks. Applicants apply through the PeopleAdmin Careers website.
Internal Positions
Internal postings, promotions, transfers and demotions for nonclassified and classified positions are processed in PeopleAdmin (with the exception of academic promotions for tenure). Hiring Request approval from the provost is required. For assistance with internal postings, contact an HR Expert. For assistance with promotions, transfers and demotions, refer to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance (OEOC) for instructions.
Temporary Appointments or Hourly Positions
Advertising is not required for temporary appointments of one year or less, but Hiring Request approval is required. Departments can request a RazorTemp or hire an extra help hourly employee on a temporary, as-needed basis to meet staffing needs. Hiring Request approval is not required for RazorTemp or extra help hourly positions. Contact an HR Expert for assistance with temporary appointments or hourly positions.
Nonresident Aliens
New employee paperwork for all foreign nationals (nonresident aliens) will be handled in Human Resources. This includes setting up the SUNE, completing the I-9, personnel information sheet, the universities Acknowledgement of Policies, direct deposit and E-Verify. Contact an HR Expert for an appointment.
Background Checks
Each position (including faculty) that requires pre-employment screening will indicate that a background check is required in the posting. The background check process is managed in PeopleAdmin. Background Checks and Substance Abuse Testing policy can be found at Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 402.1.


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Naza Hotel Johor Bahru is located just 5 minutes away from the ever famous Stulang Laut Duty Free Zone, a paradise to shopping. Conveniently located near the famous and legendary cape of Tanjung Puteri, offers refined and refreshingly comfortable hotel with city like atmosphere for all. The 14 storey building houses 140 rooms which is equipped with amenities and facilities to accommodate the needs of our guest. Houses three category of rooms, Superior King, Superior Twin and Corporate Suite. Hotel rooms located at Level 3 onwards with 17 units per floor.
Relax and lay back at our swimming pool area on 2nd Floor and enjoy the spectacular view of the Straits of Johor. NAZA Hotel Johor Bahru, is also able to cater for banquet and meeting arrangements for corporate organizations and government bodies. The hotel houses a Ballroom and three meeting rooms which are able to carry seating capacity of 200 dinner banquet and the meeting rooms are able hold about 120 participants.


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Number 18 Florida meets up with number 2 Alabama for the 2015 SEC Championship Game. If the Crimson Tide win this game, they'll be in the College Football Playoff. If the Gators end up pulling the upset, it still might not be enough for them. More
No one expected Auburn and Missouri to be the teams to reach Atlanta and turn the 2013 SEC championship game into a mini Tiger bowl, but these are the surprising winners of the divisions, and two teams that hope to put on enough of a performance to convince the voters to give them a chance to take a leap in the polls and find themselves playing for the national title and not a lesser BCS bowl game. More
Last season Alabama weren't in the SEC Championship game but still made it to BCS national championship. This year, they represent the SEC West, facing Georgia, making their second consecutive appearance in a game that will decide who gets to face Notre Dame for the big prize in College Football, 2012 edition. More


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EASIN (European Alien Species Information Network) is a platform developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre which enables easy access to data on Alien Species reported in Europe.
EASIN builds on collaboration with existing European and global projects to deliver tools and information in support of Alien Species policies.
EASIN has been appointed as the information exchange mechanism supporting the implementation of European Regulation 1143/2014 on prevention and management of introduction and spread of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).
ESP regional conference
GBIF 25th Governing Board Meeting
10th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB)


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A Taste of the
Peak District
Guide to renting out a cottage or house as a holiday home in the Peak District, Derbyshire …
The Insider's Guide to Letting a Derbyshire Holiday Property
Key points to think about when renting out your Derbyshire property as a holiday let …
I considered myself fortunate to be the owner of properties in Derbyshire, one of the most beautiful counties in England. But then I realised it was time to think about how to make them earn some real money. Each year millions of visitors flock to Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park and, of course, they need somewhere to stay! So there was my answer - I would rent my cottage or house as a holiday let.
It did not take me long to discover that plenty of other owners had the same idea and that if I were to make it stand out I needed to do some serious thinking...
My first step is to identify just who might want to rent my cottage or house. It may be quaint and quirky but this might not suit more senior visitors, or those with toddlers. So perhaps I should consider a "niche market" - for outdoor types like hill walkers and climbers, or bird watchers, archaeologists... the possibilities are numerous.
Before anyone will rent a cottage or house, it has to be equipped to the best possible standard: today's discerning visitors expect comfortable beds and all mod cons - unfortunately it's no good offloading my battered old sofa or granny's dressing table!. Above all, kitchens and bathrooms must be spotlessly clean.
I know my visitors will appreciate a "welcome pack", tea, milk, maybe some fruit and a bottle of wine. Fresh bread and a vase of flowers will add a homely touch.
The safety of my visitors has to be paramount - especially for families with young children - so I'll need to check things such as the banisters and staircases and also consider safely fencing in the garden.
Will I accept pets? Many visitors will want to bring their dog to enjoy the Derbyshire countryside walks so if I forbid pets I am cutting out a sector of the market. I'll have to think about this point.
So, all I need now is some photos and an excellent website and bookings will come flooding in... No, I have to consider the marketing in more detail. Do I need an agency or can I handle it all myself? Shall I advertise in more traditional media such as magazines?
When all the hard work is complete and my first visitors have left, I realise that I must listen to feedback, whether positive or negative, to ensure the future success of my business.


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Scripture: Matthew 2: 13 – 23 or pages 356 – 357 in The Golden Children's Bible
Target Age Group: 1st through 6th grade
Welcome the children to the classroom and chat with them about their week as they gather around the table.
Pray and ask God to teach the children not just head knowledge, but also heart knowledge.
Bible Lesson:
Have the children open their Bibles to Matthew 2 or pages 356 – 357 in The Golden Children's Bible.
(Read the story to the children because at this age some of the children do not read smoothly, which hinders comprehension for the whole class.)
- What did the angel warn Joseph of in a dream? That Herod was going to try to kill Jesus, so they needed to escape to Egypt.
- Did Joseph obey the angel? Yes.
- What does this story tell you about Joseph? He was obedient. He was protective.
- Do you think it was hard for Mary and Joseph to go to Egypt? Why? Yes. It was a foreign country. They didn't know the language. They weren't near their families. They may have been in danger along the way. It was a long way to travel. etc.
- How did Herod react when the Magi didn't return? He was furious.
- Why do you think he was furious? He really didn't want to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill Him so that Jesus couldn't replace him as king.
- What orders did he give? To kill the boys in Bethlehem who were 2 years old and younger.
- Do you think it was selfish and cruel of Herod to kill innocent children just so that he could have the life that he wanted?
- How long did Joseph, Mary and Jesus stay in Egypt? Until the death of Herod.
- Who told Joseph that Herod had died? An angel
- What did the angel tell him to do? To take Jesus and Mary back to Israel.
- Why did he take them to Nazareth? He heard that Herod's son, Archealaus, was now the king and he was afraid of him. An angel warned them of Archealaus.
- Who did God use to protect Jesus in this story? angels, Joseph
- Have you ever felt really scared? Let them tell you of some situations.
- Who did God give to you to protect you? Jesus, angels, parents, etc.
- Let's pray and thank God for being with us and protecting us when we are in danger…
During the remaining class time do activities that help to reinforce what the children have learned. Here are some suggestions…
Memorize the verse.
Romans 8:31b "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Act out the flight to Egypt using this example by the Sunday School Center.
Read the story "Cause for Fear" from Keys for Kids
Show the you tube video "The LEGO Nativity" and encourage the children to use Legos to tell the story to their families at home.
Have the children use colors or pastels to draw their own vision of the story on a sketch pad page. Or have them color a color page related to the story. Or this page.
Make this silhouette of the flight into Egypt.
Sing "God Will Take Care of You"
Play the song "Joseph's Song" by Michael Card. (It's on i-tunes) Talk about what kind of a dad Joseph was and how he may have felt about it.
Have the children help Mary, Joseph and Jesus escape to Egypt through this maze by Sharon Whittaker.
Evaluate what the children have learned. While they are coloring or crafting ask each one what they learned today.
Send each child's parent an e-mail (or a hard copy) of the Parents' Page.


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Though some people aren't too keen on the idea of turbochargers in everything from a $500,000 Ford GT to a lowly Hyundai Veloster, the state of the environment and the powers that be are making the normally-aspirated engine a thing of the past. The salient fact is, for better or worse, turbochargers are here to stay, since commuter cars and performance rockets alike will use forced induction for the advertised sake of fuel economy. In fact, by 2020, it's predicted that 60% of light vehicles will use turbochargers for fuel gains.
Though these hairdryers save at the pump, they come with their own set of problems: namely dulled throttle response, a muted exhaust note, and a marked increase in engine bay temperature. It's well-known that turbochargers produce incredible amounts of heat, and with the incentive to make city cars and family sedans alike more tightly packaged, there are some serious logistical issues designers must contend with.
When the red-hot turbocharger assembly is mounted in an engine bay which does not spare any plastic, it'll take some very clever packaging or a newer, more resilient form of plastic to keep the engine bay from resembling a G.I. Joe melted under the magnifying glass of a pyromaniac teenager. To compensate for the increase in engine bay temperatures created by turbocharging, BASF has developed a new form of heat-resistant plastic to debut on the Alfa Romeo Giulia with the 2.0L GME engine.
According to BASF's press release, "The Ultramid Endure portfolio can be used in many air induction applications of the turbocharged system, including the air intake manifold, charge-air ducts, resonators, intercooler end caps and throttle bodies." To test Ultramid Endure's resistance to heat aging, BASF subjected the components to temperatures of 200-220° C for 3,000-5,000 hours. To improve resistance to heat-aging, BASF developed an innovative stabilization technology to protect the material from oxygen attack on the polymer surface. The Ultramid Endure plastics will be resistant to 220° C over the long haul, and can withstand temperatures as high as 240° C (464° F)!
The new Endure lineup was developed in conjunction with other big names. For instance, the 2.0 GME's charge air cooler—made in conjunction with Magnetti-Marelli—will use their new D3G7 resin, which shows great resistance from acid condensate in the exhaust gasses. Additionally, BASF developed a new form of glass-fiber resin in conjunction with ABC Group Inc. for the Giulia's hot-side turbocharger duct. With infared welding parameters used to achieve strong welds, the durability of the turbocharger duct was improved significantly. Anne Bueschkens, CEO of ABC Group, notes, "The part requires weld connections and our engineers worked closely with BASF's material and joining experts to understand the unique requirements, allowing us to fine tune our infrared welding technology, assuring success of the welding process for this demanding high temperature duct."
With the anticipated industry shift towards downsizing and turbocharging, BASF intends to stay ahead of the curve with innovative technologies that will push reliability, economy, and performance. For that reason, the new 2.0-liter Giulia is one that enthusiasts should keep an eye out for.


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By Rich Borell:
Greetings Everyone! I want to share with you our recent trip to Scandinavia that included stops in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This trip actually came together just a few weeks before we left. We had tickets to fly into Copenhagen, then on to Finland. From that point, we were going to take the train a..


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Karachi: A judicial commission set up by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court arrived here on Thursday to examine a boat used by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to sail to India to attack Mumbai in 2008.
The commission, comprising Special Prosecutor Misbah-ul-Hasan Qadri and Defence Counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi, is also expected to record the testimony of a witness who is believed to have seen the boat, Al-Fouz, being seized at the Karachi shipyard in 2009, Dawn newspaper reported.
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Saturday ordered the panel to travel to Karachi for the investigation because the boat was too large to be brought to the court.
Al-Fouz was allegedly used by the 10 Mumbai attackers to cross into Indian waters and carry out the Mumbai carnage, killing 166 people eight years ago.
The daily, citing sources, said the commission was due to submit its report to the court next week.
The report comes a day after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directed fresh attempts to be made to restart the stalled Mumbai attacks-related trials.
The Prime Minister's pressure on the country's military leadership and its spy agencies followed Pakistan's admission that it was facing global isolation over its failure to curb terrorism and action against terrorists including Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Lashkar's Haafiz Sayeed.


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As we enter September, and schedules change, I offer a few words about being intentional in our cultivation of that which will nourish. Enjoy.
It happened between graduating from high school and starting college. I was working at a camp and the staff went out one night for pizza. It was one of the those places that hide all the ingredients under the cheese. When the pizza came, I took a big, unexamined bite.
"Wow! That's tremendous! What's on this pizza?"
"Pepperoni, Sausage, and mushrooms" came the answer from across the table. And that's how mushrooms moved from a source of fear, disgust, and disdain, to a source of pleasure in my life. They snuck in, covert, under cover of cheese.
Now that we're adults, less things sneak into our lives. We've the freedom to make choices regarding food, time use, entertainment, recreation, spiritual life. We're free, but if we're not careful, we'll make the same choices over and over, and create deep grooves of habit, which will stunt our growth. The way to avoid these ditches of habit is simple:
Intentionally Cultivate Enjoyment of "the good". Here's what I mean:
1. Enjoy good food, and by good food I mean real food, because most of the prefab food you buy that comes in boxes with a list of chemicals on the side will not, in the end, help you live better. Why not, instead, learn to like food more like the food of old, which is to say, real. Find some meat that's grass fed, and keep your veggies and fruits as fresh and organic as possible. Expensive? Compare a banana (about 20 cents) at Trader Joe's, to a bag of chips. The expense, it turns out, is time. Try making kale chips. They're amazing.
2. Read books. The real world of economics, politics, family values, and how we navigate through it all in a meaningful way, comes from ideas, and ideas come from books, which is why reading is important. The River Why will challenge your notions of work, the environment, and consumerism. Biographies will challenge your values, priorities and moral courage. NT Wright will challenge your notions of orthodoxy, even while articulating profoundly orthodox Christianity. Malcom Gladwell will challenge your notions of why some people succeed. Shakespeare will expose the glory and tragedy of the human soul. Start small, perhaps, but those who cultivate an enjoyment of reading books will be richly rewarded.
4. Prayer. I don't know how it works for you, but I find it helpful to keep a journal, right here on my computer, in which I write my prayers in the morning. I've grown to enjoy this discipline because committing the day ahead to Christ gives me a sense of confidence that the day is, indeed, His. This time reminds me that God has given me all the riches of Christ, which is a good reminder on days when I feel overwhelmed.
5. Movement. We need to find ways, in our sedentary world, to make sure we're moving around. Some of my favorite fitness resources (and food thoughts too) are found here, but whatever you do, do something!
6. Service. The point of it all is to let our lights shine, to be a blessing in our world, in some very real and practical ways, and everything else we do, the reading, eating, moving, loses value unless we're strengthened to bless and serve in our world.
I'm learning to enjoy new facets of these areas, little by little. I'll close by saying that, when my life begins spinning out of control, I can usually look back and find that one of these areas has become dormant.
What "good" are you cultivating, enjoying, learning to enjoy? Please share.


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While it is true that a timeshare contract is a binding legal document, it is often mistakenly thought that such a contract cannot only be cancelled. In fact, most timeshare companies maintain that their contracts are non – cancellable. This misconception is perpetuated by timeshare companies and user groups that are funded, maintained and controlled by the timeshare industry.
The FHA 203k loan program provides home buyers the opportunity to buy and fix up a property, without exhausting their personal savings.
A recent national survey shows that while almost two-thirds of millennials feel they don't have enough for the typical down payment for a home, more than half plan to be homeowners within two years.
The survey by Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC (Carrington) and OnePoll found that 64 per cent of millennial respondents think their biggest obstacle to buying a home was a sufficient down payment.
"Early signs indicate that 2015 might see a surge in home purchases overall, and particularly with first-time buyers," says Ray Brousseau, executive vice president of Carrington Mortgage. "According to data from Redfin, in the week of January 12, 57 percent of the home tours conducted by its agents were for first-time homebuyers, a significant increase from the 48 percent seen in the same week in 2014 and the highest rate recorded since the end of 2012."
Despite available capital being a hurdle, the survey conducted in April 2015 of 2,000 millennials found that 55 per cent plan to purchase a home within two years, a statistic that may have been triggered by the reduction in mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) announced on January 8 by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
OnePoll is a leading online market research company that provides consumer insights for national brands, charities and other organizations daily.