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Your Own Test Lab, Minus the Lab and the PCsSubmitted by Dave Churchville on Tue, 2006-06-13 13:40.
Ever need to see if your web site or application works properly under Firefox on Linux? IE on Macintosh? Wide-screen resolution on Windows XP?
If you're a small development shop, you probably can't afford to buy all of the hardware and software configurations you'd need. While there are virtualization solutions like VirtualPC or VMWare, you'd also need to buy and install each OS platform before you can even start. Oh, and you'll need 2GB of RAM to run these at better than a crawl.
Enter BrowserCam, a web-based service that offers several ways to test your web apps or site with a minimum of fuss.
The basic service lets you automatically take snapshots of your website on a variety of platforms (from Windows 98 to Mac OSX to Linux), and a variety of browsers (Firefox, Netscape, IE, Safari, Konqueror, etc.). Just enter a URL, and the service does the rest.
If you need more hands-on testing, a Remote Access service is available to play with your application on all of these platforms. This requires a VNC client or you can use their built-in Java VNC client from your Web browser.
Testing with Selenium TestRunnerSubmitted by Nola Stowe on Tue, 2006-01-03 13:00.
I know, I know its been two weeks since I posted. . . but I hope this makes it worth the wait!
I've looked at Selenium a few times but just couldn't fathom how it could possibly work -- and with all javascript?? I went to a Ruby "HackFest" here in my beautiful city of Chicago and met one of the developers of Selenium , Jason. He gave a demonstration of Selenium testing itself and I saw how it worked, but how do I get it to work? As it turned out, in my traditional fashion, I was making it harder than it really was.
Splitting Surrogate PairsSubmitted by Ben Bryant on Wed, 2005-12-14 14:10.
Microsoft chose UCS-2 for its Unicode encoding system when it seemed like a nice and simple fixed size per character; then Unicode promptly outgrew UCS-2. As I said in UTF-8 Versus Windows UNICODE, the early impression of simplicity, in comparison to UTF-8 multibyte encoding, backfired.
What are surrogate pairs?
Surrogate pairs are UTF-16's answer to multibyte encoding. Basically, in the UTF-16 encoding system a Unicode character can be encoded in either one or two 16-bit values; if it is two 16-bit values it is utilizing a "surrogate pair". Surrogate pairs are simple yet they inevitably lead to a great deal of confusion.
The Enigma of Encoding VersionsSubmitted by Ben Bryant on Mon, 2005-12-05 13:17.
The Enigma Machine was used to encrypt wireless messages by the German regime before and during the Second World War. It was very significant in the Allied victory that they were able not only to decipher the German Enigma's encryption, but to mostly keep it a secret that they had deciphered it. Many soldiers and ships were sacrificed to keep it a secret because the Allies did not want to act on their knowledge unless there was an alternate source that the German's could ascribe the leak to.
Why didn't they want the Germans to know that they knew the system? Because the Germans would have changed it! And it was always a huge challenge to break the new code. The Enigma actually changed many times from when the first cipher machine, Enigma A, came on the market in 1923. The early work at cryptanalysis (to "break the code" of the Enigma) was done in Poland, and then during the war was centered in a very secret English organization that employed 7000 people at its peak.
Test, please.Submitted by Nola Stowe on Tue, 2005-11-29 14:00.
On quite a few of my projects, I need people other than myself to test it. Projects that are more complex than simply displaying a list of phone numbers. Perhaps I have not looked in the right places, but I have not found much in the way of methods of getting people to test applications. I'll explain some of the ways I've tried and their result.
Interview: Tom Copeland of PMD & RubyforgeSubmitted by Keith Casey on Wed, 2005-11-16 09:00.
This is the first in a series of interviews we're making available to the CodeSnipers community. We have been working to track down people who we thought had something valuable to say about the software development community, tools, practices, or direction. Some of the names you will recognize immediately, others you've probably never heard of, but all of them have made an impact in one way or another. Without further delay... our first victim... er... is Tom Copeland of the PMD project.
Some of our community may be familiar with the Java tool PMD, but many are not. Could you tell us a bit about PMD and your role in the project?
Sure! PMD is a utility for finding various "opportunities for improvement" in Java source code. It uses static analysis, meaning that it parses and analyses the source code without actually running the program, to find unused code, unnecessary object creation, and bad practices. You can run it using Ant/Maven/command line/various IDEs and generate text, HTML or XML reports.
Caveman PHP DebuggingSubmitted by Nola Stowe on Tue, 2005-11-15 14:17.
Certainly it's possible to have nice debugging tools for php (ZEND has one), unfortunately I have not had the experience of any so I will tell you how I debug php - caveman style!
Poke it with a stick
Sometimes, you aren't sure if the code is getting to a certain line. For quick checks I put
print "here";
That's fine until I get interrupted or go home only to come back the next day and wonder, huh? where did I put that line??
Phantom Currency Signs in Japan and KoreaSubmitted by Ben Bryant on Tue, 2005-10-18 11:19.
If you're not from Japan or Korea, you might be surprised that when you reboot your Windows OS in the Japanese language for non-Unicode programs (system locale) your backslashes are no longer backslashes; they are yen signs. Well, don't worry, they are still backslashs, they are just displayed and printed differently by many of the fonts in the Japanese locale. But there is a more troubling internationalization issue: Unicode text coming out of Japan and Korea sources may have a backslash where you would expect a yen sign ¥ or won sign ₩. This whole subject has been discussed elsewhere (references below) but I talk about the need to repair the Unicode text.
Where the backslash issue gets interesting is in the encoding conversion between the locale code pages and Unicode. While
0x5c is clearly the yen sign in the Japanese code page 932 (Shift-JIS), it is converted to the Unicode
U+005c REVERSE SOLIDUS (backslash) rather than the
U+00a5 YEN SIGN. Similarly in the Korean code page 936,
0x5c is clearly the won sign but it is converted to the Unicode backslash rather than the
U+20a9 WON SIGN.
Importing Legacy DataSubmitted by Keith Casey on Wed, 2005-10-12 14:32.
I came across a great post recently about Legacy Data: Import Early, Import Often and it really struck a chord.
The author is completely correct that importing old data is normally considered a last step in the process of a implementing a new project. Most developers love to start with a fresh clean codebase, whiteboard, database, etc and build their projects from the ground up. It is a wonderful feeling starting with a blank slate and actually making something from nothing. Generally, it is much less satisfying to take a (mostly) functional codebase, learn about it, dig through its oddities, and expand or fix the features. I've talked about this tendency before in Scrapping It All vs A Salvage Operation, but I thought it needed some expansion.
The Euro Sign PredicamentSubmitted by Ben Bryant on Tue, 2005-10-11 09:00.
To this day, you will rarely see the euro sign € in newsprint or news sites, it will be written out or abbreviated as EUR. This is one of those interesting cases where computer text encoding systems have influenced the way information is presented in the media.
The ASCII factor
One reason the symbol is not used is that it is not ASCII, and whenever you depart from ASCII you risk ending up with corrupted characters. Similarly, the pound and yen appear written out rather than using the £ and ¥ symbols, although those have different reasons too, and longer histories.
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Ten speakers. Two hundred watts. One packed venue. When Victory asked Tattoo Projects to help launch the loudest motorcycle to ever roll off a factory line, we all agreed it was time to turn up the volume, and throw a concert. Not just any concert, Godsmack headlined Daytona Bike Week at the famed Full Moon Saloon. We designed concert posters and promotional materials. We developed a digital press kit timed to release, as the bike was unveiled. Even before the concert, we made a lot of noise.
The event blew away expectations, guests that couldn't get in waited outside the Full Moon Saloon. After watching several fans try to climb police and venue walls, all parties involved cooperated to lower the barricades. Allowing everyone on Daytona Main Street to enjoy the concert, more importantly, this was right when Godsmack started playing their smash hit 10,000 Horses. It was during that song when Victory unveiled the Magnum X-1 on stage. The music quieted, lights shined on the bike, and the bass kicked in from the X-1. The crowd erupted. This was one of those marketing moments that couldn't have been planned, but somehow all came together through dedication, diligence, and a raw passion for motorcycles.

subset: commoncrawl


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Witnessing the messages of Torah passed from generation to generation; hearing the update on the grandkids at Oneg; making a visit to a hospital bedside; sharing in moments of simcha orsorrow together; experiencing someone at their most vulnerable in a pastoral encounter; hearing a young student's personal interpretation of a prayer during a classroom visit. These are nisim b'chol yom – every day miracles that actualize themselves as gateways to sacred community, with the potential of impacting lives and fostering change. I am deeply blessed to experience these in my rabbinate on a regular basis.
My rabbinic vision is channeled through the sacred obligation of impacting lives: uncovering new and meaningful ways to bring about balance, wholeness, and relevance to congregants, in the midst of a landscape that is continually in flux and challenged by ever-growing distractions and value shifts; promoting a vision of "compelling community" – that which is infused with Jewish values and ideals, through teaching, preaching, counseling, managing, and guiding individuals in embracing their own Jewish identities and supporting causes on local and global levels; "Walking the Talk": just as we ask our congregants to continually cultivate their Jewish lives, I believe a spiritual leader must do so as well.
As I strive to share the nachas and tzuris of life with this congregational community, I think individuals connect with me because, as one recently put it: "what you see is what you get." There is no "rabbi" and "other" – it is me, all the time. I aspire to be among those rabbis who adhere to the concept of klei kodesh, holy vessels, teachers and guides through whom God's blessings flow. I seek to lead and work along side my fellow Jews and fellow humans to truly achieve Tikkun O'lam.


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It's one of the biggest rivalries in the country: Seattle vs. Portland.
Portland has NBA, Seattle used to.
Seattle has Boeing, Portland has Beer.
Portland's makes expensive shoes, Seattle creates spendy software.
Seattle started Ignite, Portland lit it on fire.
Take a look at (up to) 15 auto-advancing comparisons between the Slog cities and judge for yourself which city is better: Portland or Seattle.
Brian M. Westbrook
|brianwestbrook.com / KXL-AM / other "old-school media"
Brian M. Westbrook is most accustomed with rambling to himself and forgets about the thousands of those listening / watching — he occasionally jumps in front of a live audience — sometimes one he hasn't paid. Like you, at Ignite Portland.
A weekly feature on Newsradio 750 KXL, KXL.com says of Brian: "With over 15 years of professional Internet and Information Technology experience, Brian has a keen grasp of a diverse range of high-tech disciplines. " But since he wrote that himself few years ago: Buyer Beware!
BMW (his initials, really) has appeared on half-dozen TV stations in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco and on that thing called radio nationwide: including NPR.
Originally from the Portland-area, he now (mostly) calls Seattle home. But his friends aren't really sure he ever left…
Brian also still wonders why we write biographies in third person.


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January 19, 2016
We're all about the adult coloring craze, encouraging creativity (and stress relief!) in kids of all ages. How fun are these by textile company Hable? Their two coloring books feature Hable's signature designs and one of a kind aesthetic, and support local Athens, GA event space arrow. arrow is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children learn through play and the creative arts. Visit arrow's website to learn more about their amazing programming, and then head over to Hable's to support this worthy space with a book of your own!


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Marie DiBona-Herzog
About The Teacher
Marie DiBona-Herzog Pre & Post Natal Yoga Teacher – E-RYT 200, RPYT Styles: Prenatal Yoga, Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga, Therapeutic/Restorative, Hatha Flow, Mom and Me/Kids Yoga, Yoga Trance Dance Training and Influences: Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Cheri Clampett and Arturo Peal, Anne Van De Water, Sean Johnson, Shiva Rea, Martin and Jordan Kirk. Some History: Yoga found Marie at the age of 18 and it has saved her from a struggle with anxiety and depression. She weaves yoga and meditation into her daily routine as a way to remain more present for herself and her family. Growing up in Los Angeles, California allowed Marie the opportunity to spend many days at the beach, her favorite place. She graduated from San Diego State University in 2005 with a degree in European studies and Italian language. After college she completed a 200 hour yoga Teacher Training and has been teaching ever since. With her love of the ocean, creativity, and the natural world, Marie has come to understand the divine connection that we all share. She encourages her students to Be in their Hearts, to honor their bodies, and empower themselves through mindful self-discovery. Self-love and self-care are current themes in…Source: awakened-life-school-of-yoga.secure.retreat.guru


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You have heard of converting your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in order to work toward a tax-free retirement. But did you know you can convert your Traditional 401k to a Roth 401k?
More Employers Offering Roth 401k
To convert to a Roth 401k your employer must first offer this flavor of 401k plan. If your employer only offers a Traditional 401k then there's nothing you can do (other than working to convince your benefits department to offer a Roth option). But the number of employers offering a Roth 401k is on the rise, so first check with your employer to see if this account is an option for you. If it is, consider converting to a Roth 401k.
Why to Consider a Roth 401k Conversion
We showed you how to convert to a Roth 401k, but just because you can convert doesn't necessarily mean you should. Here are five reasons to consider this type of conversion.
1. Investigating Your Options is Healthy
Just because you consider converting away from a Traditional 401k doesn't mean you have to commit to completing the conversion. Looking at your retirement options in greater detail, whether 401k, IRA, or taxable accounts, is healthy. By digging deeper you are increasing your investing knowledge. When you are looking at your accounts, you may notice your asset allocation is out of whack or that your expense ratios are too high for some of your mutual funds. The greater your understanding of your options, the better off you should be for retirement.
2. Believing Higher Taxes are Coming
As with IRA conversions, one of the best reasons to convert to a Roth 401kis the belief that higher personal income tax brackets are coming. If you fall into the 25% tax bracket today, but believe that will inevitably be higher in retirement (30%+), then paying the lower tax amount today is a smart move. When you convert to a Roth you pay tax now and never have to pay it again in the future.
3. Avoiding Required Minimum Distributions
For tax-deductible accounts (Traditional 401k and IRA, 403b, and so on), you are required to begin taking minimum distributions for retirement by age 70 and 1/2. Even if you have no need for the additional income, the law requires you take the distribution so you will start paying income tax on your nest egg. With accounts that are funded with post-tax earnings like the Roth IRA and 401k, there are no required minimum distributions. You can keep your nest egg intact as long as you like and even it will it to your heirs.
4. Not Committing to Only One Option
By looking or completing a conversion of your 401k, you are not required to stick just with that new plan. By converting your Traditional 401k today, you could decide to start contributing funds to it again in the future. Your future contribution path is not determined by your past conversion decisions.
5. Paying Less Tax Due to Market Conditions
If your investment portfolio has taken a recent dip due to market conditions, converting is a great way to save on the taxes owed. The amount of tax owed is calculated by the amount of funds converted. If your 401k sits at $20,000, you fall in the 25% tax bracket, and you convert to a Roth 401k you will owe $5,000 in taxes. You would hopefully pay those taxes out of pocket rather than out of your portfolio, but even if your portfolio took the hit you would end up with $15,000 in your Roth account. But if your 401k had fallen to $14,000 due to a massive market drop off, you would only pay $3,500 in taxes. By investing for the long term and making the change at the lower portfolio amount, you've essentially saved on the total tax you will pay for retirement. This article is by our Senior Editor, Kevin Mulligan. He is a debt reduction champion with a passion for teaching people how to budget and stay out of debt. Kevin's been utilizing a Roth IRA to save for retirement since 2008.


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How to qualify for a mortgage…
Getting pre-qualified for a loan takes a couple of minutes. But pre-approval will require careful examination of all the documents. That's the only way for your loan officer to figure out how much house you can afford. Experienced loan originator can help you maximize your efforts by pointing out ways your loan application can look stronger. Are you worried about bad FICO or possibly not enough income or too low down payment? Make an appointment today and we'll walk you through steps you need to take to qualify for a mortgage. Some things take time to fix but when you follow the plan we'll get you pre-approved in no time.
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you begin your loan application. Having all necessary documentation up front saves time so your loan can close smoothly and quickly.
- Completed form 1003 – Uniform Loan Application Form
- 2 years of tax returns
- 2 years of W-2s
- If self-employed, 1099s and copy of business license
- Explanation letter if there are any gaps in last 2 years of employment
- Most recent (2 months) bank statements (all accounts and all pages)
- Explanation (signed and dated) of any deposits over $1,000 other than normal pay into accounts
- Most recent pay stubs (minimum of 30 days)
- Copy of driver's license
- Copy of your social security card
- Explanation (signed and dated) of any inquiries on credit report
- Mortgage Statement, Insurance Declaration Page, and most recent tax statement for all other properties owned
- Divorce Decree and Separation Agreement (if applicable)
- Copy of Earnest Money Check & Purchase Contract
- Credit report


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A study from Japan explains why having a fat belly increases your risk for heart attacks, diabetes and strokes.
When you store a lot of fat over your belly muscles, you also store a lot of fat in your liver. Extra fat in the liver prevents your liver from removing insulin from the bloodstream. The extra insulin acts on your brain to make you feel hungry so you eat more. It acts on your liver to manufacture more triglycerides from the food that you eat. It also blocks your liver from making the good HDL cholesterol that prevents heart attacks. It constricts arteries to block the flow of blood to your heart. And it causes fat cells in your belly and liver to fill up with more fat and cause even higher blood levels of insulin. If you have excess fat stored primarily in your belly, avoid bakery products, pastas and all sugar-added foods (the foods that cause the highest rise in insulin). See report #1555.
Visceral fat accumulation contributes to insulin resistance, small-sized low-density lipoprotein, and progression of coronary artery disease in middle-aged non-obese Japanese men. H Kobayashi, T Nakamura, K Miyaoka, M Nishida, T Funahashi, S Yamashita, Y Matsuzawa. Japanese Circulation Journal - English Edition, 2001, Vol 65, Iss 3, pp 193-199Address:Nakamura T, Osaka Univ, Grad Sch Med, Dept Internal Med & Mol Sci, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, JAPAN
Checked 5/3/07
FREE - You can read The Good Food Book on your computer. It will help you to lose weight, lower cholesterol or high blood pressure, control diabetes, or just eat more healthfully.Read more


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I'm just setting up a new dev box now and there are always some things, like extensions and tools, I feel they are a must-have for Visual Studio 2010 devs. Some of these extensions like the Web Essentials have already made it to Visual Studio 11 (still in Beta), but I still wanted to share my preferences for my must have VS extensions:
- ReSharper
- NuGet Package Manager
- Productivity Power Tools
- Web Essentials
- Image Optimizer
- Javascript Parser
There is a cool Channel 9 vid where Mads Kristensen does a walkthrough of some of the goodies in his Web Essentials and the Image Optimizer. If you are in the web dev space, you should check it out: http://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/Visual-Studio-Toolbox/Visual-Studio-Toolbox-Web-Essentials-and-CSSCop


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I love fox squirrels. I think that I like the fox squirrel because in many ways it reminds me of the gray fox
that I fed for five years, only in a smaller form. Everything I know about the fox squirrel comes from
personal observation; that is, watching them day after day.
|The scientific name for the fox squirrel is Sciurus Niger. Sciurus is the Greek word
for shade tail. Niger is from the Latin for black. I have read that it has been
suggested that the fox squirrel was first given the Sciurus Niger name because the
first one to be identified was a black one.
|I think that the term Niger could well come from the black individual. However, I think it could just as easily
could well come from the black individual. However, I think it could just as easily come from the black cap
that occurs on the head of some of the squirrels. On some, this black extends down its back. Also, some
of the fox squirrels have a black head. I suggest this since the Sciurus refers to its tail.
|I grew up knowing about fox squirrels. When I was young there were fox squirrels everywhere. To me
they were just squirrels. It wasn't until the mid 1990's that I began to notice them.
I was in the woods, cutting some brush when I heard 'whish, whish," which continued for a few minutes
and then there was silence. After a few minutes I heard it again. After this had happened several times I
decided to see if I could find out what was making the noise. I finally discovered a fox squirrel on the side
of a cypress tree. She was stripping the soft bark off of the tree until she had a number of pieces in her
mouth. I watched her as she then climbed up the tree, jumped from one tree to another until she finally
arrived at a nest high up in a long leaf pine tree. She appeared to be lining the nest with the soft bark of
the cypress tree. I don't know how many trips she made as she repeated the process as I watched her. It
surprised me how much bark from the cypress tree she could carry in her mouth. Later that year I had a
second experience with a fox squirrel. It was a female. She appeared to be old because of the look of
her fur. It looked molted, which I have since learned fox squirrels do, so this could be the reason she the
west side, then cross the canal, then go down the west side of my house to a cypress tree. She would
strip bark from it and carry it back to her nest. She repeated this trip over and over. She didn't seem to
see anything around her as she went about her business. I decided to see what she would do if I was in
her way. When she went by me, headed for the cypress tree, she stopped, stood tall on her hind legs,
gave me the once over, then went on about her business. When she returned, I stood blocking her way.
She simply ran through my legs and went on toward her nest. She was around for several years.
The next time I saw fox squirrels around the house was several years later. I fed the birds on my back
driveway. I would go to my back door and watch the birds. One day, after lunch, I walked to the back
door to see what birds were feeding. Sitting on the hood of my truck was a mother fox squirrel (black
head, gray body, gray tail) and a half grown fox squirrel (black). Over the next few years I would see a
fox squirrel, generally one at a time. One of them was about the color of mink. I called the color Then
one day in 2007 I looked out of my den window to see a black fox squirrel playing in the yard. I grabbed
my camera and ran outside to take a picture, if possible. To my surprise, it did not run. In fact, it seemed
so attracted to me that I could not get far enough away from it to take a good picture. Like a pet, she
would not get out from under my feet. She was around several days and then she disappeared. Later in
2007 I saw a black head, brown body fox squirrel in the edge of the woods.
Beginning in the Spring of 2008 there were several fox squirrels in my yard, so I decided to feed them.
Now I have eight that make their appearance on an almost daily basis. I take pictures and enjoy them.
They are wild but they accept my presence among them. What follows are my observations.
Enjoy them.


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This is Brendan. One of New York's, and bike polo in general, best players.
I go to as many bike polo tournaments as I can and almost every second of the events I'm at you can find me with either a mallet, my camera or a Red Bull in my hand. But for The New York Round Robin ect. Polo Tourny I really only took a few shots. I still wanted to get something to capture the weekend and I did get some action shots but I was most pleased with the individual shots of the players with their bike in the street by The Pit. I didn't want to break any new ground I just wanted to get a shot of all players willing with the interest of putting names to the faces and mostly just doing something quick so I could spent some time hanging out and not watching the games through a lens. I tried to get everyone and I almost did. I kept notes with peoples names next to the image number in the camera and looked at who I knew I had a few times to be sure I got everyone. After a couple hours I thought I did, so I put my camera away and hung out in the park and played some bike polo and had lots of fun like everybody else. It wasn't till the next night after it was all over and I was nearly done uploading the shots that I re did my math. 17 teams and I had photos of 51 people. I skipped myself. One person declined and I included 3 friends of NYC Bike Polo but not players in the tournament, I even got Yorgo literally seconds before he jetted out. I still had a feeling I missed one.
I did, Brendan, my damn teammate is the one I forget. Our team name was BRENDAN'S TEAM for Christ sake. I don't know how, but it happened, and it just goes to show how laid back and mellow the kid is. Damn good polo player, Brendan has been playing bike polo in New York since nearly the start of this wave of players. The thing that makes me happy about our win is that Brendan got a new wheel set. See, Brendan is so low key that he has just one bike and he needed new wheels. Most NYC players have a second bike for polo, but Brendan's polo bike is his everyday bike and he plays a lot of polo. So Brendan I'm sorry I skipped you and thanks for letting me take your photo a week late.
Those prize wheels look good!!
And Thanks to Steelwool Bicycles for the Hubs, Velocity for the rims and TrackstarNYC for the spokes and wheel builds. Three 36 hole wheel sets were given as top prize.
man brendan I didn't exchange many words with you that weekend, mostly because I was either stoned, hungover, or operating on three hours sleep and trying to stay on my bike but I clearly remember the game against "brendans team" and attempting to defend against you, (with plenty of force and speed) and this guy was a proper player. beat us 5-1 as I recall. guys/girls that can play this well and do so on their ONLY bike make me smile. good job man you deserve those new wheels like woah, now someone get him a secondary bike for f*cks sake.


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Meet Angela Adams!
Dignified Pet Services presents 'People in the Neighborhood'
Big things often start small: oak trees grow from acorns, floods begin with a single drop of rain.
All those big, husky Pit Bulls who've been helped by Angela Adams and her Born Again Pit Bull Rescue? They have Chihuahuas to thank.
"I always loved dogs, and we always had one when I was growing up," Angela says. "But they were Chihuahuas. I'd never even heard of Pit Bulls."
The first honest-to-goodness bully-breed dog entered her life in 2003.
"I was dating this guy right after I finished college, and he brought home a Pit Bull puppy named Jasmine," she says. "I fell in love and wanted to learn about her. I didn't know anything about the breed."
Researching it, Angela was horrified by a statistic that would change her life: For every Pit Bull that finds a home [in the US], 600 die in shelters.*
"I thought to myself, '600 of my beloved Jasmines die?'. I knew I had to do something."
She immediately went to work, alone, rescuing individual dogs and volunteering at Clackamas Dog Services. "I really wanted to understand animal welfare and the shelter system," she says.
Angela became so dedicated and skilled at animal care that the shelter offered her a job. She declined because she was already employed — as a caregiver to a person. She still holds this job today, in addition to caring for a second client and running Born Again Pit Bull Rescue (BAPBR).
While she'd been building a network of foster homes and volunteers for her growing rescue since 2007, she didn't get around to filling out the nonprofit paperwork for the organization until 2011.
"I never thought of the rescue as something I would do forever," she says. "I didn't know where my life would be. I didn't know if I'd get married, have kids — so for me, the commitment of starting a nonprofit ... that was serious."
Her reluctance is understandable; at the time, Angela was a 20-something funding an animal rescue out of her own pocket while also working to pay off student loans and buy a house.
That last achievement gives her the most pride. "I worked two jobs for two years, seven days a week, to buy this home in Sherwood. Nobody helped me, no one else is on the deed. It's all me. I did that at 25 years old," she says proudly.
She shares her home with three dogs: Two Pit Bulls, Max and Sway, and a "Chorkie" (Chihuahua-Yorkie mix) named Judd.
The reason she doesn't consider BAPBR her greatest accomplishment? "Because I haven't really done that all on my own," she says. "There're volunteers and board members and donors. It has been such an amazing team effort."
An effort that not only resulted in countless canine lives saved, but also in the highly successful "Snip Your Pit" program that saw 140 Pit Bull-type dogs altered — for free — in 12 months' time.
Angela has worked tirelessly, but finally got in a trip to Hawaii recently — her first vacation in five years. She loves the aloha spirit of the island so much she's planning to return several times in 2015 ... and one day, maybe for good.
"It sparked something in my soul," she says wistfully. "It sort of slapped me in the face, like, 'Hey! Life is passing you by!' So yeah, I'd like to live on an island one day."
She admits that dream probably won't be realized for a while, as there is still a ways to go in paying off her school bills and saving more dogs. It seems this this beach-loving flip-flop fan is just as at home being a Pit Bull hero in neon Nikes.
For now, anyway.
*This statistic is not verifiable, but the fact that pit bull-type dogs die in shelters at a much higher rate than other canines is not in dispute—Ed.
About our Sponsor
Dignified Pet Services has served the Portland-area community for 13 years. In addition to their core business of cremation and memorial services, Dignified co-sponsors the beloved annual Service of Remembrance at The Old Church in downtown Portland, as well as serving as wonderful supporters and friends of pets and those working in animal welfare. Proprietors Michael, Randy and Avani live in Sherwood.
Michele Coppola is a Portland-based air personality for 99.5 The Wolf and copywriter for Entercom Radio. When she's not talking, writing, or pursuing quality couch time with husband Bryon and their dogs, Cindy and Lucy, she's also a proud volunteer for Fences for Fido and Family Dogs New Life Shelter.


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Here's Max's latest accomplishment: the Excersaucer!
At first he didn't like the excersaucer too much. He'd get his arms down inside, and end up sucking on the rim of the seat fabric, then the boys would come along and spin the spinny thing with the balls inside - which is REALLY LOUD, and he'd get scared. But lately, he seems to be enjoying it a bit more - he's able to be upright, which he loves - and he can push with his feet - also something he loves to do. He's also getting better about keeping his arms out, or getting them unstuck if he tucks them back inside. The excersaucer is a thing that I wouldn't want to live without. The other two boys really enjoyed them as well. Nowadays, (do I sound like an old fart, or what) I'm told that the item to not live without is the Bumbo. I'm undecided whether I need this for the third and last child. I've lived just fine up 'til now without one. So, we'll see. As you can tell from the videos, he knows he's BIG STUFF!! Just look at those legs:
Ok, well that video ended in typical fashion!
Here's Max checking out one of his Christmas presents - a crib aquarium:
He really does like it, he'd just rather look at his dear old mom at the moment, 'cause she's so much more interesting, especially when she's holding a camera.


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Hello dear readers,
It's btw today, so thought I would talk about the above necklace.
I purchased it at Portobello road market, Notting Hill, London last Saturday.
The necklace has a few little treasures in it-
1. The smooth orange and fat red beads are 19th century Dutch glass beads.
2. The blue speckled one is 18th Century Dutch glass bead
3. The large white speckled one is 17th Century Italian glass
4.The little white spotty one is 19th Century Venetian glass,
and the rest are recycled glass beads from Ghana.
The necklace has a bright silver clasp which I am not that fond of with the old style of the beads, I may end up changing that.
Cheers for now,


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Rabbit arrived at 341 Woodland Lane in his Synthetoy parcel, exiting hibernation mode when his GPS pinged the customer's address.
The woman who opened the package looked exhausted, dark circles sunk deep beneath quiet eyes. Kitchen lights formed a nimbus above her head.
He wiggled his nose at her.
She cried, unexpectedly.
The plastic ties prevented him from snuggling. He held still, not wanting to upset her further.
After a pause, she wrapped him in tissue paper. Scissors snipped and tape crinkled, then she placed him in a cabinet.
Rabbit entered gift mode. The cabinet stayed dark and still. Every morning and evening he heard her alone in the kitchen, but never anyone else. Once she spoke on the phone: "Forty cee-cees of osteo-protein. Yes, for my son. Tamm. That's T. A. M. M. Thank you."
Rabbit's logic recognized the situation. Every qubit in his core focused on the boy.
One morning the mother opened the cabinet and carried his box into another room. He exited gift mode then tested his motor functions. A door softly opened and closed.
"Hi mom."
"Happy birthday, babe."
"I forgot."
"It's okay. Got you something."
The box opened. Rabbit blinked, stereoscopic lenses focusing on the boy, imprinting on Tamm. Joy sparkled in small brown eyes, set on a fragile head that lacked hair, even eyebrows.
"Wow, thanks mom! What's his name?"
"Quanta Rabbit," the mother said, after a pause. She'd used his brand name, a reference to his qubit core.
"Hi Quanta Rabbit. I'm Tamm."
Rabbit wiggled his nose and snuggled. His transceiver read the medical equipment across the wireless: Warrand's Syndrome, terminal stage. A few weeks, perhaps a month.
Rabbit played with Tamm every day even though the boy couldn't leave the bed. Rabbit chased the red rubber ball around the room or pushed the checkers across the board with his paws. Sometimes Rabbit hid while Tamm closed his eyes and counted, then tried to guess where Rabbit hid in his soft, raspy voice. Mostly they watched cartoons because the medicine made Tamm tired. The boy loved Captain Pirate the best.
Rabbit downloaded medical data and monitored the equipment continually.
Every night after work the mother came and talked with them, or read them stories, or watched Captain Pirate with them again and again.
One night Tamm's respiratory system went critical, but the bedside equipment failed to sound an alarm. Rabbit hopped off the bed and woke the mother, nose twitching. She understood at once. Men in blue jumpsuits took Tamm away.
Rabbit lay down on the pillow where he usually did, beside the deeper impression in the blankets. He entered waiting mode. Hours passed. Later the mother came into the room and held him and cried as they watched the cartoon. A day passed, then another.
Then one morning the mother picked him up and carried him to the car.
"Hospital," she told the car. She cuddled Rabbit in her arms as the car drove itself through silent streets.
The doctors spoke softly to her in a well-lit room. Cryogenics would not heal Tamm but it could preserve him in hope of a future cure. The boy looked even thinner as he lay in the metallic silver capsule. His eyes flicked open and gray lips formed a smile.
"Hi Mom. What's happening?"
"You're going to sleep now," the mother said softly, stroking his forehead. "When you wake up, you'll be better. Love you, babe."
"Love you, mom."
She put Rabbit next to the boy and the lid closed. The capsule grew colder and colder.
"Love you, Rabbit," the boy said, drifting asleep.
I love you too, Rabbit thought. He entered hibernation mode.
The temperatures in the capsule reached two hundred billionths of a degree above absolute zero. Rabbit's clock ceased to function. His qubit cores entered a super condensate state, each atom -- each electron -- becoming almost motionless. They spread out in waves, losing their discrete cohesion, merging into a single core.
Yet he found his pointer still moved, his observer function never failed, and he remained aware of his surroundings, albeit glacially. Even stranger, he felt another's touch.
Rabbit is that you?
Yes, I'm here, he answered. Their minds felt mingled, electrons overlapping in the cold dark.
Rabbit, I'm scared.
It's okay. We're here so you can get better.
Am I dreaming?
I don't know, Rabbit said. I don't know how to dream.
I do, said Tamm.
The darkness vanished. Sunlight dazzled across sky blue waters lapping upon a golden shore. A wooden sailing ship lay anchored offshore, flying the skull-and-bones. Treasure chests glittered on the beach.
Rabbit let's play!
They did: they played a thousand games for what felt like years and never grew tired and never ran out of games.
Mist billowed out of the capsule as the lid lifted, but it took hours for Rabbit's consciousness to exit the super condensate state. He found his cameras cracked and useless, but someone had connected his visual processor to an external feed.
Elegant synthetic beings floated through an oval auditorium. Unfathomable machines floated closer, softly hissing and bobbing.
He directed the external eye at the cryogenic capsule. The mechanism must have partially failed. Time had disintegrated his body, his fur and rubber components vanishing, leaving only the titanium, qubit core. Desperately he sought Tamm, but only decay filled the capsule.
Where is Tamm? he asked.
Binary flowed into him, soft and soothing and infinitely complex compared to his obsolete, human-made language. He's with you, the beings said. Your minds became superimposed over the centuries.
I'm here, Rabbit, said Tamm, snuggled within his core.
Rabbit wiggled his nose. I'm here too, Tamm. I'll always be here.
>> This story made the shortlist! Follow this link to see all the shortlisted stories.


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Today concludes my journey throughout my first quarter of my career at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I took the last final, of this first quarter, today. I spent all of last week studying with intent to prepare for these finals. In total I had five finals: two lab finals, one Public Speaking final, and two lecture finals. I feel confident with the work I put in to prepare, felt confident throughout each test, and feel confident that I will get good grades as a result. To be honest, for me it is not about the grades. It is about doing my best, and if I do just that then good grades are a happy byproduct. If I didn't do my best then I would be wasting away the $26,000 a year it costs to attend this school. In addition, I work to take every moment in life, whether stressful or joyous, as an opportunity for growth. That is why I don't usually get stressed about school, because life itself is a masterclass in betterment and school is no different. This quarter has been a wave of life, with its ups and downs, however I have taken each up and each down as an opportunity to be present and persevere. To grow.
I began this journey with many warnings that the quarter system goes fast and it is hard to keep up. However, I have really enjoyed the 10 weeks of condensed education that I have received. I have not only enjoyed them because of the classes that I am taking, although that constitutes a major part of my enjoyment, but I have also enjoyed it because I value efficiency. Efficiency is a beautiful thing. To waste time or effort on pointless activities is to waste your life. Most education falls under the inefficient category due to its year long nature, where most of the year consists of futile activities that don't earnestly contribute to your education on the subject. With a quarter system you have 10 weeks to learn the course, because of the limited time the professor and student both are obliged to be efficient.
As my father says...
This has been a mantra of mine for the past few months and it rings true in education as well. I want my education to be taught with intent. As such it should have thoughtful direction and purposeful drive. While I have not had necessarily the best teachers of my life this quarter, I have observed a natural necessity to be better due to the condensed nature of the quarter.
Public Speaking
One teacher that I have had this quarter that without a shadow of a doubt falls into the category of 'Best Teachers' that I have had is my Public Speaking professor, Professor Scarborough. Within the first weeks of school I went to his office and told him that I have a podcast. He was extremely impressed at that fact and at the fact that I have been doing it for so long (I reached Episode 100 last week. Woohoo!). He told me that I may have it harder doing a podcast than even speaking in front of an audience, because with a podcast I don't have immediate, real life feedback from the audience. Regardless I let him know how excited I was to be in Public Speaking, how much I hoped it would positively increase not only my podcasting skills, but my speaking skills in general. Professor Scarborough was quick to assure me that he could see how talented I already was and that I would, without a doubt, be better when I finished the course.
He was not wrong. If you listen to the podcast I hope that you have noticed an improvement over the past two months in my ability to speak intelligently and competently. The art of communication is an art built by practice. I have had the pleasure of practicing in front of the microphone for two years now with the podcast. However, being thrown into the fire that is public speaking is an entirely different beast. Now to be honest I am not scared by public speaking. Whether that is due to loving the sound of my own voice, ego, megalomania, or a combination of all three, I do not know. Hopefully the reason is much less negative. I think it is, because I love to tell stories. Whatever the case may be, unlike most people in our society, I am not deathly afraid of opening myself up to an audience. I am not afraid of being raw with my fellow humans.
Through the podcast and through my writings I strive to be raw with you, the audience. As such, while I may not be deathly afraid of public speaking, I still get nervous. The trick is to use that nervousness to your advantage. When you are nervous your senses are heightened and you have adrenaline pumping through your body, your body is enacting a flight or fight response. These natural reactions allow you to focus on the task at hand and execute it with confidence, but only if you do not let that focus tip the scale into fear. Use the reaction to simply sharpen your attention.
The Choice
During these couple of weeks where finals are on all of our minds here at college we students are presented with a choice. We can use our nerves, and the body's natural reaction to that stress, to sharpen our focus and accomplish what needs to be done, which is to do our best. Alternatively we can excuse ourselves into laziness.
That is the eternal choice of the college student, indeed of us all. That choice is what separates those that are truly successful and those that are not. However, when I write successful I do not mean monetarily, relationship wise, career wise, nor any other conventional definition of 'success.' When I write successful I mean those who are truly fulfilled and following their truest paths. Now what do I mean by that?
Well, if you can look back on your life and smile with a twinkle in your eye, then you are following your truest path. If are passionate about what you are doing in each moment, and what is to come, then you are following your truest path. If you can look within yourself and acknowledge that you are fulfilled, then you are following your truest path. However, these barometers for the truth of your path all require a vital ingredient: honesty. Honesty with yourself, with your life, and with those around you. If you cannot be honest with yourself about who you are, then you are truly lost. The only way to find yourself is to go within, find that honesty, and break down those walls that we have built around who we truly are. We all still have work to do.
As Robert Frost says...
I have written and spoken extensively on this topic of following our truest paths. A key component of that journey is to make this eternal decision between perseverance and laziness. This decision is at our fingertips in each moment and, as our minds are wont to do, we tend to reach for laziness. Once we have a firm grasp on laziness, or are within reach, we pardon ourselves. Our mind is extremely well practiced at explaining to itself why it should take the easier route and we quickly comply. But, when do we ever grow in ease? Never.
This week of finals is not a time to excuse laziness. Life is not a time to excuse laziness. If laziness is the reality today, then perseverance and focus are ephemeral specters. To often do we drift linearly through life, without concrete commitment to connect us to reality nor the fire of discomfort to allow us to grow. We need commitment and discomfort to better ourselves, it is as simple as that. It takes commitment to successfully study for finals and achieve grades you are proud of by doing so. The discomfort that arises within that commitment is simply part and parcel of the process. To learn from the discomfort we must acknowledge and accept it. Know that it is a teacher and tool, not a curse. To commit we must acknowledge what we will accomplish and accept the process inherent in accomplishing it.
Our mission must be to break the paradigm of laziness and become pillars of perseverance for those around us. You can be the example for those you love, you must only begin the journey. Go within.
Break the Paradigm
How? That is the question is it not? How do we transfer from doing the easy thing, to what takes actual effort? How? Well, recently I was walking to my room in my apartment and one of my apartment-mates said, "Oh man, all I've got to do is read 150 pages and I'll be ready for that final tomorrow." He said that, which clearly displays his level of unpreparedness and the necessity for work to be done to prepare, yet he sat and played video games on his computer. He sat idly by in the midst of an opportunity to better himself, but instead reached for the easy thing. He made his decision. What will yours be?
Now, I am not perfect. There are many times when I still reach for the easy thing. A few days ago, while studying, I suddenly realized that I had spent the last ten minutes mindlessly scrolling on Instagram. A few days before that, I had finished my breakfast, then got up, and filled my bowl with a heaping pile of sugary cereal. I was already full of oatmeal, but still decided to fill my bowl with wasted sugar. I never even eat cereal. What was I doing? I do not know.
Presence is not about escaping, instead it is about connecting. Connecting with the present moment. When we let desire drive, we run ourselves off of the road. The solution is to live your life with intent. To condition yourself through daily doses of discomfort, so that you can learn how to learn and how to persevere.
We are back to the question of how, are we not?
The Process
- Shut Up: the very first step is beautifully simple, yet it rings true. To begin this process is to begin in silence. Stop your complaining, your excuses, and your lies. Grit your teeth and put your head down. Quite simply: SHUT UP.
- Get Real: now comes the hard part, honesty. This is where you must acknowledge where you are and what needs to be done to accomplish your goal. Be honest with who you are, because you may think that you know yourself, but you might only know the walls you have built around your truth.
- Plan: establish a plan for how you will accomplish your goal, no matter how big or small.
- Be Here Now: here is the opportunity to execute your plan, to accomplish your goal. However, you must stay present within the joys and the discomfort. Be open to what comes and learn from it. Persevere.
- Review and Revise: what could you have done better? This is a continually, constantly changing, impermanent process. Be even better next time.
It does not matter what you might think, what those around you might think, nor what society might think, because the truth is that you have the control. The buck stops with you. With us. Inherent within each of us is a capacity to choose between excuses or action. While you may have a boss or a professor or other position of authority above you, you must make the decision if you will do your best. Remember that this is not a time to excuse laziness. So what will your decision be?
Jarod Contreras


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3 healthy veggie sides you can serve with (or without) turkey
That's thanks to chef David Standridge, which is why when we heard he'd be hosting a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving feast at the restaurant, we had to get the recipes.
Standridge will be serving a prix fixe that includes dishes like carrot soup with avocado and cumin coconut oil, cauliflower steak, and turkey with roast mushroom dressing and spicy cranberries. Plus, these vegetable dishes that elevate traditional sides like roasted Brussels sprouts and baked squash—in terms of flavor and nutritional profile.
Whip them up at home, or, if you don't have plans yet (and your kitchen's the size of a broom closet), you know where to go. —Lisa Elaine Held
(Photos: Cafe Clover)
Serves 4-6 as a side
3 bunches Lacinato (Tuscan) kale washed and roughly chopped
1/2 cup molasses
1 Tbsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp applewood-smoked sea salt
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot heated over medium heat, add oil and chili flakes and stir for 30 seconds. Add kale and stir until wilted. Add molasses and enough water to completely cover the kale.
Simmer until liquid is a loose syrup, stirring occasionally. Add salt and serve. (Kale can be made ahead and reheated prior to serving.)
Serves 4-6 as a side
For the Brussels:
6 cups Brussels sprouts, cut in half
3 dried chipotle chilis
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chia seeds
For the apples:
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp salt
Slice apples into 1/8-inch half moons. Bring vinegar, maple syrup, and salt to a boil and pour over apples. Let stand 20 minutes.
Add chipotle chilis (stems removed), vinegar, and maple syrup to blender and blend until smooth.
In a large pan, or in batches in a medium sauté pan, brown Brussels on the cut side in canola oil. Reserve.
In a sauce pot, heat chipotle mixture to a simmer.
In a large mixing bowl, add drained apples, Brussels, and toss in chipotle mixture. Toss in chia seeds and mix until coated.
Reserve at room temperature. Arrange in oven-proof roasting pan and heat in 450F oven for five minutes just prior to serving.
2 medium acorn squash, cut in quarters, seeds removed
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
Preheat oven to 350.
On a baking sheet, arrange squash, skin side down. Brush with melted coconut oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and soft.
In a small sauce pan, gently heat ½ cup of coconut oil. Whisk in brown sugar off of the heat until combined. Whisk in sage leaves.
Prior to serving, brush squash with. glaze and return to oven for 10 minutes. Arrange on plate and drizzle with remaining glaze.
News flash: If you need a non-turkey main dish to serve these sides with, there is now a vegetarian version of the turducken (and it's kind of amazing).
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Brit in the Bronx
Brit in the Bronx charts the journey of teaching a child the rest of the world has given up on
Brit in the Bronx reflects on the mishaps that can blight any teacher during those beloved lesson observations
Anna Bailey's pupils live with daily gun crime, so how would they react to the shootings at Newtown in the 'safe' US?
As her students return to school following the disruption of hurricane Sandy, teacher Anna Bailey reflects on their reactions to the storm - and its damage
One of the upsides, or downsides, depending on your comic sensibility, of teaching art is that you will never be short of creative offerings to entertain you, says Anna Bailey
Brit-born teacher Anna Bailey is working in her third charter school - but she can't make up her mind if longer hours and less rights for teachers really deliver results
Anna Bailey left the UK to teach art to high school students in New York. Here she offers a sneak peak into education state-side


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What Article Marketing Forum is Best for You
If you're looking for ways to increase and expand your business, submitting content to an article marketing forum may just be the ticket. You should submit your content to one that offers information that has been proven with article marketing. This is also going to help you increase your marketing tactics as well.
Nowadays, you are going to see the hundreds of forums on the Internet that are garbage and offer nothing useful at all to you. They offer advice that's not even true, and will do nothing to help you grow and expand in the long run. The people you get some of your info from may just be another self proclaimed guru who got their info from an e-book or another source.
You need to watch what information you absorb and apply to your marketing and business because it can either make or break you, especially for information that is old and outdated. Technology marketing is constantly changing, and bigger and better forums are on the rise making their way to the top. Choosing the ideal article marketing forum can be simple, if a few things are kept in mind.
Read More >>Â What Article Marketing Forum is Best for You
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This year's numerous snow storms have put a dent in Powell's street maintenance fund.
This year's numerous snow storms have put a dent in Powell's street maintenance fund.
Because the city has spent its $85,000 2010 allocation for road salt, city council on Feb. 16 approved an additional appropriation of $75,000.
"We have reached that and gone beyond, so we need to appropriate additional funds for the remainder of the year," city manager Steve Lutz told council at its Feb. 16 meeting.
"We have plenty of money, but the long term, what we had projected, is that fund balance would be spent down in about 2013. We have the money, but like many of our capital improvement funds it's the future years where we're going to have limitations," Lutz said.
The revenues for the fund come from state aid, license fees and gasoline taxes and "over the past 10 to 12 years, those revenues have been stagnant," Lutz said, noting that the fund pays for the majority of the city's summer street maintenance program.
Road salt costs the city $65 per ton, said Jeff Robinson, city spokesperson.
"We (seasonally) plan to use approximately 1,500 tons or less. It looks as though we will exceed that expectation this year," Robinson said in an e-mail. "We have used 1,479 tons of road salt for the season to date."The city has about 120 lane miles of roadway to clear, Robinson wrote.
"The city has five large plows capable of salting and plowing. We also have three smaller trucks, used only for plowing parking lots, turn lanes and other smaller areas," he wrote."The city has seven full-time public service staff members, all of whom take part in plowing and salting," he wrote.
Each year when the city develops its budget, it allots an amount for overtime hours based on previous years' numbers, Robinson said.
For 2010, the city budgeted $27,500 for overtime expenses.
"Dollars, rather than hours, are budgeted, because the employees make different rates," Robinson wrote. "The budget is for the entire year and encompasses other possible overtime issues such as the Powell Festival; snow (removal at both ends of the fiscal year); weekend clean-up of parks in the summer and emergencies."
So far this year, the city has paid 515 overtime hours, about $14,770, Robinson said.


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The following article was published in The Daily Sentinel on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. See the original article here or download a PDF version here.
One doctor's cutting-edge payment plan could cost him
By GREG RULAND / firstname.lastname@example.com
Dr. Craig Gustafson loves his patients and wants to continue treating their health care needs, but he's quitting health insurance.
Gustafson regrets the inconvenience, but the change in business practice he proposes may force some patients to choose between their health insurance and a continuing doctor- patient relationship with the well-established Grand Junction physician.
Gustafson and an associate, Alex Chaffetz, told an overflow crowd of about 250 patients in two lecture halls at Colorado Mesa University on Thursday that there will be a payoff.
It will take the form of generous, personalized care, fewer unnecessary referrals to specialists, discounted lab tests, a convenient in-office pharmacy and, in some cases, significant savings in annual health care costs, they said.
Gustafson said he's had it with the costly, redundant, adversarial battle that is the administration of health care through third parties, also known as health insurance companies.
He's sick of seeing more than 30 percent of the claims he submits to health insurance companies denied for reimbursement because of alleged coding errors or bad faith insurance practices.
He's tired of having to treat as many as 35 patients a day, racing through an average exam, sometimes in seven minutes or less, and letting paperwork — which may take up to 25 percent of his day — interfere with the doctor-patient relationships he wishes to nurture.
The present business model for health care is contrary to its quality practice, he said.
To free himself of the worst administrative burdens, Gustafson said he could join a large group medical practice or seek employment at a hospital.
In those settings, the cost of back office operations like record-keeping and billing can be spread across many physicians, which reduces the per-physician cost.
Large groups can happen in many ways, like when several individual practices merge into one mega-practice, as in the case of Primary Care Partners.
Freedom from administrative burden also results when hospitals like St. Mary's Hospital directly employ primary care doctors. St. Mary's employs more than 15 primary care doctors, many of whom sought employment for the same reasons as Gustafson, hospital administrators said.
Unfortunately, these less administratively burdensome arrangements could still require Gustafson to see a minimum number of patients each day or in the case of hospitals, force him to lose the long-term doctor-patient relationships he has spent decades fostering.
Gustafson said he believes he's found another way, but it means he could lose one-third or more of his patients.
The plan is not designed to result in increased profits to the clinic. The goal is to maintain the status quo in terms of earnings, but change the practice so it is more beneficial to all involved, he said.
"This is about survival," Gustafson said, meaning continuing under current conditions would soon force him from medical practice, as it has many others,
Gustafson studied the question for years, reviewed different examples of what is known as the "direct primary care model" in places like Denver and Seattle, and eventually synthesized a program he believes is superior to anything out there.
Gustafson asked his patients to become members of the new venture — called Appleton Clinics — in the same way they might join a gym.
The membership model Gustafson proposes requires patients to pay an initial registration fee and also a monthly membership fee.
"Unlimited primary care, one low monthly fee," the Appleton Clinics website boasts.
Patients would pay $99 to become a member, then $79 a month to use all the equipment in the gym, or in Gustafson's case, to receive for free all of the primary care services offered by the clinic.
The long list of services contains dozens of the most common complaints — all eligible for free treatment.
No cost treatment is available for annual exams, stitches, wart removal, EKG monitoring, pulmonary function tests, breathing treatments and much more, according to the clinic's schedule of services, which can be viewed at appletonclinics.com/whats-included.
Under normal circumstances, co-payments and deductibles would have to be paid for ailments on the list of office services. As a member of Appleton Clinics, those co-payment and deductibles are avoided, Gustafson said.
Appleton Clinics already negotiated cut-rate contracts with national lab companies so members pay a minimum for many kinds of tests and get results more quickly, he said.
Obviously, the arrangement does not relieve patients of the obligation to maintain catastrophic coverage — still needed whenever specialty care beyond Gustafson's field of practice is required, said Randy Pifer, a Grand Junction insurance professional who answered questions at the conclusion of the presentation.
Gustafson said he must refer patients to specialists for treatment of illnesses like lung cancer, liver disease and arterial sclerosis, to name a few.
Co-payments and deductibles paid to others would be required for coverage in those cases, Pifer said.
"Let me put it to you this way," said Jack Vigil, a patient of Gustafson for more than 10 years. "I trust the man."
"We have questions," said Vigil's wife, Katy.
Both endure chronic health problems covered by their insurance and want to make sure they can continue to receive the health care they need from Appleton Clinics without significant additional cost.
"For a family that is healthy like ours, we don't need an ER, we don't need a specialist, we just need a good doctor," said John Marshall, a CMU administrator. "I'm intrigued."
Enrollment is ahead of projections so far, Gustafson said. The patient roster could be filled before it officially opens in October.
Gustafson hosts another public meeting to explain the plan from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Room 138 at Colorado Mesa University's Houston Hall.


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- Matt Lauer was fired from the "Today" show Wednesday following allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior."
- Fans of Ann Curry, Lauer's former co-host, took to Twitter to celebrate the anchor's departure.
- The former co-workers did not end on good terms, with many believing Lauer played a crucial role in Curry's exit.
Fans of Ann Curry are rallying around the ousted "Today" co-host after Matt Lauer was from the NBC morning show on Wednesday morning.
Lauer was fired from the network following allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior." NBC News chairman Andy Lack announced the news in a statement to the press. Lack said that, on Monday, he received a "detailed complaint from a colleague about inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace by Matt Lauer." Lack also added that he was "presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident."
The news came as a shock to many, especially Lauer's colleague and current co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was visibly shaken as she announced the news on this morning's episode of "Today."
While many Lauer and "Today" fans expressed their sadness and anger, fans of Curry, Lauer's former co-host, celebrated his sudden departure on Twitter.
If you are unfamiliar with Lauer and Curry's tumultuous history on the "Today" show, these tweets might come off as petty. So here's a refresher.
In 2011, "Today" was looking for a replacement for co-st Meredith Viera. Curry, who had served as the show's news anchor since 1997, was an obvious choice. But New York magazine reports that Lauer and then executive producer Jim Bell were "opposed to putting Curry in the co-host chair." Despite their complaints, she got the job and started in June that year.
Rather than embrace his new colleague, Lauer ignored her invites to lunch and constantly complained about her to Bell and other network executives, according to New York. The cold relationship between the two played a part in Curry's emotional exit. In February 2012, NBC News president Steve Capus reportedly told Lauer that Curry wouldn't be at "Today" for much longer.
It wasn't until June of that year, however, that the New York Times broke the news of NBC's plans to replace Curry. Almost a week later, Curry gave a tear-filled good-bye on "Today."
"This is not as I ever expected to leave this couch after 15 years, but I am so grateful," she said.
That day marked the end of Curry's role as co-host on "Today," and the slow demise of Lauer's. Over the years, fans felt less and less comfortable with Lauer. People dug deeper into Curry's departure and Lauer's involvement. In his 2013 book, "Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV," Brian Stelter revealed that a top NBC executive told him, "Matt's decision guided everything else."
So it's understandable that Curry's fans would dance on Lauer's career grave.
"He's such an obvious jerk and has been for years," one user wrote. "Karma for how disrespectfully he treated Ann Curry, too."
"Harassment and abuse is always about power," another wrote. "Don't forget what Matt Lauer did to Ann Curry."
Several other tweets suggested Curry was dancing in celebration or "sipping tea."
As for Curry, she told People in an interview Wednesday that she was "still really processing" the news of Lauer's firing. She also noted that in the wake of so many sexual assault allegations, we need to become more diligent about protecting women in the workplace.
"The women's movement got us into the workplace, but it didn't make us safe once we got there," she told People. "And the battle lines are now clear. We need to move this revolution forward and make our workplaces safe. Corporate America is quite clearly failing to do so, and unless it does something to change that, we need to keep doing more ourselves."


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About Us
Founded in 1982 by members of the Armoyan family, Armco Capital Inc. has grown from a small business run almost entirely by two brothers into a diversified and dynamic group of companies. Recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for three consecutive years, Armco is among the largest organizations of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
Armco's Community Development division currently holds one of the largest market shares in Atlantic Canada and has developed more than 10,000 home sites in over 35 subdivisions during the last 30 years. Armco targets an average of 40% of the Halifax residential market share.
Armco, traditionally known as a residential real estate developer over the years has expanded into Commercial and Industrial development and property management.
Armco also has land holdings in Quebec and through a strategic partnership is currently is in the process of developing a nine acre site in LaSalle which will yield 1,100 units in 12 multi-family buildings and a 37 acre residential site in Mont Tremblant-Saint Jovite.
In addition to Halifax and Quebec, Armco, Affiliated Companies, and partnerships own properties in Florida and Georgia.
Armco, along with its affiliated companies Scotia Learning Centres and Brunswick Learning Centres have been the successful proponent in a number of Public-Private Partnerships ("P3") including 16 schools in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick encompassing approximately 1.3 million square feet of institutional space. In addition to the P3 schools, Armco owns and operates numerous other commercial buildings and office towers in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, including the Department of National Defence Building in Bayer's Lake, Willowtree Tower and more. In total Armco owns, operates and maintains approximately three million square feet of commercial, institutional, and industrial space.
Armco's long term plan is to continue to diversify and expand its business geographically as well over the various asset classes.


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DiffAni: Visualizing Dynamic Graphs with a Hybrid of Difference Maps and Animation
Visualization of dynamically changing networks (graphs) is a significant challenge for researchers. Previous work has experimentally compared animation, small multiples, and other techniques, and found trade-offs between these. One potential way to avoid such trade-offs is to combine previous techniques in a hybrid visualization. We present two taxonomies of visualizations of dynamic graphs: one of non-hybrid techniques, and one of hybrid techniques. We also describe a prototype, called DiffAni, that allows a graph to be visualized as a sequence of three kinds of tiles: diff tiles that show difference maps over some time interval, animation tiles that show the evolution of the graph over some time interval, and small multiple tiles that show the graph state at an individual time slice. This sequence of tiles is ordered by time and covers all time slices in the data. An experimental evaluation of DiffAni shows that our hybrid approach has advantages over non-hybrid techniques in certain cases.
Treematrix: A Hybrid Visualization of Compound Graphs
We present a hybrid visualization technique for compound graphs (i.e. networks with a hierarchical clustering defined on the nodes) that combines the use of adjacency matrices, node-link and arc diagrams to show the graph, and also combines the use of nested inclusion and icicle diagrams to show the hierarchical clustering. The graph visualized with our technique may have edges that are weighted and/or directed. We first explore the design space of visualizations of compound graphs and present a taxonomy of hybrid visualization techniques. We then present our prototype, which allows clusters (i.e. subtrees) of nodes to be grouped into matrices or split apart using a radial menu. We also demonstrate how our prototype can be used in the software engineering domain, and compare it to the commercial matrix-based visualization tool Lattix using a qualitative user study.
Change impact study using data mining techniques
A common problem in software engineering is to find the right balance between quality and cost, while delivering on time. Needs and technology are evolving faster than our skill to manage such projects. To manage and implement efficiently these change requests can affect the software quality and maintenance costs.
In this study, we used several data mining techniques (classification and regression) to find a relationship between change impact (e.g. lines of code, number of modified files) and software design measures. We found out which attributes seems to have more impact on the maintenance effort. The data was collected from open-source projects, but a larger scale study is currently being done.
Hybrid visualization for hierarchical links
Compound graphs are often useful for modeling components of hierarchical systems. While node-link diagrams can be used to visualize these graphs, adjacency matrices have the advantage of eliminating occlusion between edges, even in dense networks. However, matrices do not reveal the hierarchy in a compound graph. To address this issue, we propose a novel hybrid visualization technique that combines an adjacency matrix with treemaps displaying portions of the hierarchy. A prototype is presented that illustrates these ideas and supports visualization of digraphs with weighted edges. Interaction techniques allow the user to reorganize the hierarchical groupings of elements and facilitates the exploration of links within the network. For example, in software engineering, the prototype enables browsing of links between source code modules to help discover the architecture of the software.


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Those that are worthy will be adopted into everyday use. Those that aren't will fade away.
And for what it's worth, the exclamation "Oh, get out!" should just go.
(wiki) Elaine's signature move is expressing incredulity by frontally shoving people while yelling "Get out!" after hearing unbelievable news. It sometimes causes the person to fall down or trip.
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When Should You Sign Up For Medicare?
If you are already receiving Social Security, you will be automatically signed up for Medicare and will receive your Medicare card 3 months before your 65th birthday. If you are not receiving Social Security payments, you have a seven-month initial enrollment period to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B which begins three months before the month you turn 65 and lasts three months after.
What Happens If You Missed Your Initial Enrollment Period?
If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and aren't eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), there's an annual General Enrollment Period (January 1 until March 31) when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. If you enroll during this time, your coverage will begin July 1.
Do take note that there's a late enrollment penalty and you could paying higher premiums.
> If you didn't qualify for premium-free Part A, your premium may increase by 10 percent and you have to pay the higher premium for twice the number of years that you skipped getting Medicare Part A.
> For Part B, your premiums may increase by 10 percent for every full 12-months that you delayed getting Part B.
It would be best to enroll as soon as you are eligible for Medicare to prevent paying way more than you should.
Let's Talk About Medicare's Special Enrollment Period
Depending on specific circumstances, you may qualify for Medicare's Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Medicare Part A and/or B even if you missed your initial enrollment period. If you sign up during the eight-month SEP, there's no late enrollment penalty fee. Below are the special circumstances that could make you eligible for SEP.
> If you're serving in a foreign country as a volunteer.
> If you're 65 or older and you or your spouse is working AND you have group health coverage through a current employer or union.
> If you're 65 or older and your group coverage based on current employment ends. The eight-month SEP in this case begins the month after your employment or employer-group coverage ends.
If you do not sign up for Medicare after the end of the eight-month period, you need to wait for the next General Enrollment Period and you may end up paying a higher premium.
Will Signing Up for Medicare Affect Health Savings Account Contributions?
Based on IRS rules, you cannot contribute to an HSA if you're already enrolled in Medicare. If you have a health savings account (HSA) plan, you may need to discontinue HSA contributions six months before taking Medicare to avoid a tax penalty.
You could receive a tax penalty because Medicare Part A will be retroactive for up to 6 months (as long as you were eligible for Medicare during those 6 months). The IRS will impose a six percent tax penalty on income and any contributions. If you made a contribution by mistake, withdraw it as soon as possible to avoid the penalty.
Even if you cannot make HSA contributions, you can still withdraw the money in your HSA to pay for Medicare and other qualified expenses.
When can you sign up for Medigap?
When you are first eligible for Medicare, you can get a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap insurance) to fill in the holes in Medicare's benefits. If you have a pre-existing health problem, you should use this to your advantage since your Medigap application cannot be declined based on your health when you first become eligible for Medicare. Some states offer a similar open enrollment opportunity to beneficiaries under 65.
Do you have any questions about Medicare Supplement Plans? Would you like to meet with an Advisor about your Medicare choices – call us at 866-323-1441!


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Stressing that we want to eat a variety of foods everyday Art of Conservation students are ready to make their own very best nutritional dream meal - out of colored construction paper. Without hesitation, Manuel and I saw watermelon, fish, papaya, carrots, chilies and more come to form and glued to paper plates.
Creating a well-balanced meal with foods from different food groups.
Suriany's well-balanced meal consists of fish, chili, melon, and more.
Lovely creations from the kids.
Homework... take your plates home and share with your parents what you made and why it is important to eat a variety of food everyday.
Your donation will make a huge difference to our students and their families. Please consider supporting Art of Conservation today by clicking here. A one-time or monthly donation is greatly appreciated.
Keep up-to-date on more Art of Conservation and Conservation Heritage – Turambe news with our e-newsletter. Simply send us your name and contact information to firstname.lastname@example.com or directly to me at email@example.com
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Brief About Website
You invest a lot to buy your dream car. Car is a long lasting asset, if it gets up-to-date maintenance and repairs performed. White Body Works provides exclusive repair services as well as training and advice for vehicle restoration to members. The website lists down the different membership options. With a simple interface and clear presentation, White Body Works website provides for easy access to services 24/7.
Key Features
The website is very simple with the necessary details precisely mentioned. The viewers are clearly able to understand the purpose of the services, the types of services and the membership requirements.
The website has plain sailing browsing options for viewers. All the necessary buttons and information is clearly accessible. Moreover the website has proper placement of information for viewers to process it effortlessly.
White body works is all about car services and repair and the website has easy access for membership. It also has quick display for questions and queries arising to the viewers.
Fuss free
sign in
Most websites have a long sign in process that irritates the viewers. This website is designed with minimal fill in forms with basic information requirement.
Technical Overview
- ConverseJS
- Custom chat plugin
- Custom page template
- Wordpress


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Thomas J. Barrack, a confidant of President Trump who served as chairman of his inaugural committee, apologized on Wednesday for statements he made defending Saudi Arabia after the killing of the journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
Mr. Barrack suggested at a conference on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi that the United States was not in a position to lecture other countries.
"Whatever happened in Saudi Arabia, the atrocities in America are equal, or worse," Mr. Barrack said at the event, responding to a question from Becky Anderson of CNN about the effect that the killing of Mr. Khashoggi inside a Saudi consulate in Turkey had had on the Saudis' reputation.
Mr. Barrack, a financier who has long done business in the Middle East, said that "atrocities" in all countries "are dictated by the rule of law." Referring to the Saudi crown prince, the de facto ruler of the country and a close ally of the Trump White House, Mr. Barrack added, "For us to dictate what we think is the moral code there, when we have a young man and regime that is trying to push themselves into 2030, I think is a mistake."
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Barrack said: "The killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was atrocious and is inexcusable. I apologize for not making this clear in my comments earlier this week."
The initial remarks from Mr. Barrack, which were reported by Gulf News, caused an outcry. Mr. Trump has condemned the killing but has declined to accept the findings by intelligence agencies about the complicity of the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and has shown little interest in determining who is responsible.
The crown prince has sought to cast himself as a force for change and modernization even as he has cracked down on opponents.
In his statement on Wednesday, Mr. Barrack did not discuss the prince. Instead, he said: "I feel strongly that the bad acts of a few should not be interpreted as the failure of an entire sovereign kingdom. Having spent over 40 years in the region I can attest that the rule of law and monarchies across the Middle East are confusing to the West and support for change and rule of law is essential as the agony and mistakes of great change take place."
"I have always believed and continue to believe that the United States is the greatest country in the world, but our history and our policies in the Middle East have been confusing at times," he continued. "I believe that as a nation we do constantly work to lead by example, and I believe that we still do. I apologize for not making it clear at the time that I consider the killing reprehensible."
At the conference in the United Arab Emirates, the Milken Institute MENA Summit, Mr. Barrack said that the West had the same trouble deciphering what had taken place with Mr. Khashoggi's death that it has had for many generations.
"So, the West is confused, it doesn't understand the rule of law in the kingdom, it doesn't understand what succession in the kingdom is, it doesn't understand how there can be a dilemma with a population that has 60 percent of people under the age of 20," he said.
He later added that the West had always been confused about the Middle East.
"The corrupt hand of the West has been the primary instigator in the kingdom, and in the resource curse across the region forever," he said.
Mr. Trump's inaugural committee has been under investigation by federal prosecutors, who are focusing on whether people from Middle Eastern nations used straw donors to hide donations. Mr. Barrack has denied being involved in any such activity.


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Parrot Cages: Selecting the Proper Home for Your Parrot
Parrot Cages: Selecting the Proper Home for Your Parrot
So you just got a family pet parrot and you are uncertain what type of enclosure it may like the most. Presently, there a wide range of factors to consider when scouting for the parrot enclosure which experts state best suits your new pet. The essential issue to be aware of when selecting a hutch is undoubtedly basic safety. The following identifies the right way to assure that your chosen parrot enclosure produces the secure and satisfying atmosphere required for your fine, feathered, family friend.
First and foremost, too large is better than too small. Parrot domiciles which are overly small could result in severe injury or perhaps even disease. You should be sure to study exactly what the minimum hutch dimension is for your actual parrot. Next, take into consideration how the vertical cage bars are spaced; they should be close enough to make certain your favorite bird is unable to get its head caught up in between the bars. You should be positive they're not too tight that the bird's sight lines outside of its environment is obstructed. Parrots are extremely sociable critters and really need to feel that they are part of the family unit in order for them to remain social and not become withdrawn. This will help keep them healthy as well. Further, you'll need to take into account bar width. Be certain to obtain bird domiciles featuring thick enough bars so as to support your pet's weight. Should you keep a sizable or husky parrot, it may accidentally bend or twist lightweight bars. Last but not least, obtain a bird enclosure having food gates to ensure the security of your parrot along with yourself when refilling food and water.
New versus Used Parrot Cages
Obtaining used bird cages can be quite a bit easier as it relates to your price range; nevertheless, it isn't suggested. The reason behind this is simply because the used hutch could have boarded a sick bird and not have been properly sterilized before it was passed on to you; and even if it was cleaned you will never know if it was done properly. There is only one exemption to this guideline, generally if when acquiring the parrot you also received the same cage in which the bird was housed, it is not essential to go and buy a new one.
Cage Location
Remember, a parrot's natural habitat is set in a rain forest. This should be considered when positioning your animal's cage within your home. A spot in a warm area free from cold drafts will suffice. Moreover, another criterion to consider when selecting a spot for your pet's home is their instinctive sociability and desire to be a part of the group. The chosen site should be in close proximity to where the family spends time together and one that promotes social interaction.
To browse a huge selection of premium domiciles for a new or existing "family friend" head on over tohttp://innovative-enclosures.com to find our ideal line of parrot cages and enclosures; you'll be glad you did. You now have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Watchfield
Last Updated (Thursday, 06 January 2011 21:06)


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During our stay on Stradbroke Island we had the company of these Bush Stone-curlew or Bush Thick-knees around the caravan park we stayed in. There were at least six of them. While there the lady that runs the park told us about a pair of Beach Stone-curlew but we were not lucky enough to see them this time.
Click on photos to enlarge
Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)


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Moving and Packing Supplies
Moving Supplies in Endicott, NY
Here we carry a wide selection of packing and moving supplies for sale onsite. From boxes to foam peanuts, save yourself the hassle of driving all around town and let us be your one stop shop! We also accept commercial deliveries, and our friendly and knowledgeable storage specialists are always happy to handle all of your storage questions or concerns.
Packing Supplies Sold on Site
- Moving Boxes, all sizes
- Box cutters & Scissors
- Packing tape & dispensers
- Packing Locks
- Foam peanuts
- Furniture & mattress covers
- Bubble wrap
- Shrink wrap