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Remembering two icons/
Although I grew up in Virginia, I am the child of Tarheels, and we always knew who our fellow Tarheels in the world were. I knew that James Taylor spent a good chunk of his childhood in Chapel Hill. "Carolina In My Mind" was a song that I learned at a very young age. I knew that Charlie Rose, David Brinkley and Jim Lampley (Class of '71, same as Mom) were all Tarheels. My father was in New Orleans in 1982 when James Worthy and Michael Jordan et al took the Heels to the National Championship, and I was on Franklin Street enjoying the bonfire in 1993 when we did it again. There have been many iconic Tarheels since the founding of the Old North State, but today I have to talk about two that have touched me the most and have shown the best of us to the world. They are Andy Griffith and Charles Kuralt. My appreciation for these men and their work probably makes me seem older than I am, but they are a part of the North Carolina that I knew growing up, and they both shared a skill at telling stories that speaks to the heart of a story loving Tarheel like me.
I mentioned that I grew up in Virginia, but every summer for at least 2 weeks my brother and I were packed off to our grandparents house in Wake Forest, NC. Not to be confused with Wake Forest University, I mean the town of Wake Forest which is just north of Raleigh and when we were kids was little more than a stop on US Rt. 1. It's a very different town now, but back then it was a world apart from the Washington D.C. ex-urb where we lived. At Granny's we had air conditioning in only one room of our nearly 100 year old house. It was a town of shaded avenues and old homes, homemade peach ice cream and sweet tea and late night drag racing down Main Street. We even had our own fishing hole at my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Joe's house where we learned to fish with bamboo fishing poles. In short, it was a lot like Mayberry which wasn't always fun for us cosmopolitan Northern Virginia kids.
But every afternoon at 4:00 on the local UHF channel, there was The Andy Griffith Show. I rarely missed it. It helped me appreciate the simple goodness of where I was. It was a small town world free of fast food chains and smart phones and Starbucks, and in the 1980's it was a world that was fast disappearing. But the Andy Griffith show reminded us of the best of that world. Every little town in America had it's Floyd's Barber Shop, and it's fishing hole and soda fountain\drug store. It was a simple way of life that allowed the show's writers to distill things down to what's important. Even when the people of Mayberry got a little crazy and even if he got a little out of his depth, Sheriff Andy Taylor would always work his way around to the right solution with a patience and kindness that is sadly missing in much of the world today. Griffith used his incredible storytelling ability to create Mayberry and its people out of the the rural North Carolina where he grew up, but it could have easily been a small town anywhere in America.
I'm sure some folks will remind me that it was almost exclusively a white world on the Andy Griffith Show, and you're right. But we are talking about the 1960's here, and much of the South was still segregated. Although The Andy Griffith Show shied away from the racial issues of the day, it did however address many issues of the human condition and it showed a humanity in all its characters that is worthy of attention. Andy Griffith showed similar grace in the rest of his career and life. One of my favorite roles of his is the cantakerous diner owner with the heart of gold in the film Waitress. He was curmudgeonly but sweet, much like a favorite great uncle. In fact, for many of us Tarheels he always sort of felt like a favorite uncle and I know I can speak for a lot of them when I say I'm so glad that we have his vast body of work to remember him.
I've been trying all day to sum up how I feel about his passing, but honestly it's been hard. I don't think I could say it better than my old friend David Robinson.
Dear Andy Griffith, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your passing saddens me. You are my favorite television childhood memory. Strangely enough, withstanding my own fallible nature, you are part of what has made me a man. Your character in the Andy Griffith Show should be used as an example of what a man should truly be. With authority comes responsibility and that power should not be used without wisdom and intellectualism. Gentle but firm, righteousness without indignation, understanding without escalation. You are my secret Mr. McBeevee and the silver dollar you've placed behind my ear are the values and lessons taught to me through your show. No doubt there is special place for you in the heavens; you deserve no less. Good night, Paw. We will miss you.
Another Tarheel who held up a mirror to America was Charles Kuralt, who died fifteen years ago tomorrow. It seemed so fitting to me that the man who spent much of his career highlighting the best of the American individual passed away on the Fourth of July. From "Charles Kuralt's People" at the Charlotte Observer to his "On the Road" segments at CBS to his books, Kuralt brought attention to average or even forgotten people of America doing great, amazing or sometimes just crazy things. There was Levi Fischer Amish postmaster, Billy Bird Steam Train Engineer, and Joseph Charles cheerful waver. All of them ordinary American people doing extraordinary or even simple things with passion. Without Kuralt to tell their stories, we probably never would have known about most of these people. But Kuralt had a knack for recognizing the sublime in these hidden people and bringing us their stories with a generosity of spirit that I think few journalists today can afford. He showed us that even those who seem the most ordinary among us have stories worth telling.
Whatever your feelings might be about Charles Kuralt and Andy Griffith as men, their work stands up as love letters to the American people; not people waving flags and singing jingoistic country songs on the Fourth of July, but real people going about their business making the most of the freedoms we have. These two great storytellers did what great storytellers do. They held up mirrors to our society and showed us our own beautiful humanity. Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.


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Link to read me page with more information.

subset: commoncrawl


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We started blogging to increase 2 Way Radio Express visibility. At the time we were using a company from India to help us in our internet efforts. If we had to do it over again we probably wouldn't pursue internet excellence with a Indian company.
Sandeep, was our account rep. Sandeep told us that a blog would bring people to visit our website on a regular basis and the increased traffic would improve our search engine ranking. On some level Sandeep was right.
This was back in December 2009. It has been almost one year and we have had a substantial increase in website traffic and an equally substantial amount of folks who visit our blog. We do not know if all the additional traffic is because of the blog or not. More importantly we don't know if there is any value in having folks visit our blog.
What we do know; we get an incredible amount of visitors who leave comments. Most of the comments make little or no sense. For example, a specific article on the blog might talk about a special offer on radio accessories or the introduction of a new 2 way radio product. These subjects seem straight forward to us. However the comments are typically vague and could pertain to hair removal or child rearing.
We recently featured an article "Another Gold Star" that talked about our service department. The comments we received included "Keep it up, wonderful job! This was the information I needed." And another, "This topic has been up for debate quite a lot of times but none of the posts were as detailed as yours." And another, "I am fascinated by the info that you just have on this blog. It exhibits how properly you realize this topic." Is there a disconnect?
The part of all this that has us most perplexed are the email addresses left by the commenters. Their email addresses are never valid and within hours of their visit we are getting buried in viagra email advertisements.
It is hard to draw conclusions from all this but we have our suspicions. We do not need a viagra supplier but we would love to hear your comments regarding two way radios.
Best Wishes,


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I can't recall exactly how old I was but all I do remember is the method of Jimi Hendrix's demise stuck in my mind.
Young enough to be impressionable, I pondered how you choked to death on your own vomit. A very rock'n'roll death if truth be told but a particularly unpleasant one.
Steve Peregrin Took, I later learned, died under similar circumstances albeit with a cocktail cherry the offending item rather than his own vomit. Drugs were involved as well in that instance.
I did peek into the murky waters of bizarre rock 'n' roll deaths but stopped when I read about the late and hugely unfortunate Mike Edwards, a founder member of ELO, and killed by a hay bale which rolled onto his van from adjacent farmland. As bizarre causes of death go, that's pretty much taken the biscuit.
As Albert King sang, If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all.
Hendrix's music was rarely heard in our house growing up. Pops to this day, I don't think has one of his lps; it wasn't his scene. Personally, I like Axis: Bold As Love but his influences are worn firmly on his sleeve.
And this is a belting list of songs he's covered, probably nowhere near complete as there are hundreds of bootlegs out there and some crushing limitations on the licencing granted to Spotify.
If the playlist doesn't work here, click on this link to open.
|The Star Spangled Banner
|The United States Air Force Band
|Peter Gunn
|Henry Mancini
|Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?
|Bob Dylan
|Day Tripper
|The Beatles
|I Was Made To Love Her
|Stevie Wonder
|Key To The Highway
|Big Bill Broonzy
|Catfish Blues
|Robert Petway
|I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
|Muddy Waters
|(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
|The Rolling Stones
|Get out of My Life Woman
|Lee Dorsey
|Howard Tate
|The Things That I Used To Do
|Guitar Slim
|All Along the Watchtower
|Bob Dylan
|Gloria – Stereo Version
|Sunshine Of Your Love
|We Got To Live Together
|Buddy Miles
|The Train Kept A-Rollin'
|Tiny Bradshaw
|Rock Me Baby
|B.B. King
|Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)
|T-Bone Walker
|Everything's Gonna Be Alright
|Little Walter
|My Bleeding Heart
|Elmore James
|Outside Woman Blues
|Blind Joe (Willie) Reynolds
|Jim Morrison, The Doors
|Bright Lights, Big City
|Jimmy Reed
|Killing Floor
|Howlin' Wolf
|Hound Dog
|Big Mama Thornton
|Come On
|Earl King
|Tomorrow Never Knows
|The Beatles
|Gypsy Woman
|The Impressions
|Blue Suede Shoes
|Carl Perkins
|Born Under A Bad Sign
|Albert King
|Drifter's Escape
|Bob Dylan
|Johnny B. Goode
|Chuck Berry
|What'd I Say, Pt. I & II – Parts I & II
|Ray Charles
|Mannish Boy
|Muddy Waters
|Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
|The Beatles
|Wild Thing
|The Troggs
|Like a Rolling Stone
|Bob Dylan
|Aware Of Love
|The Impressions
|It's My Own Fault
|God Save the Queen
|United Kingdom


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12 Tips on How to Hunt a Job
Nowadays, jobs are needed in every period of life. Not only graduated people will look for jobs but undergraduates as well. Let's come closer! We'll tell you how to hunt for a job effectively.
1. Make a Visual Resume'
Plain text resume' is now gone. Make some more visual and creative resume' in order to attract viewer's attention and shot them more you!
2. Network Online
Facebook, Linkedin, and other social media platform, are always good at providing you the networking opportunities. As they're saying 'Network is Networth"
3. Network, not Broadcast
Getting with people in network, do not announce your job search.
4. Read up
Stay updated to news and society is always a plus to your future career.
5. List yourself
List yourself on job portals. If you steer your way through spam, you might find a good one.
6. Send mails
Say 'hi' to your friends circle. Be specific in your profile so they might lead you towards the right person.
7. Follow Companies
Follow your companies is always good, knowing what they're up to always helps.
8. Do it at Home
No money waste. No people will looking at you while you browse for a job.
9. Find your Niche
This will help you decide which company will you apply for.
10. Google Yourself
Make sure you always best shown in public. If not, clean the dirt track.
11. Run a Spell Check
Grammar mistakes in your resume' won't be a good plus to your prospective employer.
12. Don't be a Miser, Pay a Little
Pay a concultant or a niche job portal to blast your resume' to relevant HR companies. Let the pros handle it.
You may also like...
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Several women think that you have to have breast implants to pursue a high profile career like modelling or acting. A big reason for this is seeing sex symbols like Carmen Electra and Pamela Anderson who both had augmentation procedures to boost their careers.
Keeping it Real
Even women considering having breast implants in order to improve their careers where appearance counts may want to take caution in choosing their implant and breast surgery procedure. Whether the career of choice is modelling, acting or singing, the natural look is almost always preferred. The more desired look is generally a natural one that has low to moderate profile implants with a lower projection and broader base for an enhanced look that doesn't appear "fake."
The incision location is also essential to consider for women who are in careers where they may be asked to "show their body" for the cameras. A skilled and experienced surgeon who specialises in breast surgery like plastic surgeon Dr Andre Safvat knows that larger incisions underneath the breasts may detract away from the enhanced breast shape, whereas smaller incisions inside the armpit let a woman enjoy the results of the breast implants without having to worry about scarring.
Women considering breast enhancement in hopes of opening up career doors should talk frankly with their surgeons about what procedure to have and what type of implants to get for their specific needs.
Breast Implants and the Business World
For individuals that do not work in careers that rely on a certain cup size for success, the question of whether or not to have breast implants becomes even more complicated. There are some factors involving breast enhancement that could have an impact on your professional climb up the career ladder, so just consider the following before picking a breast implant procedure:
Money – The price of breast implants can be expensive, and insurance will not cover the expense for cosmetic reasons. It is essential to have some finances in order before you even think about breast enhancement surgery.
Recovery Time – Almost all breast enhancement procedures require at least one to two weeks to recover, and some individuals will need even more time before things get back to normal. Also, if complications or the need for more procedures arise, women may need to take more time off work to complete the breast enhancement process.
Breast Implants and the Self Confidence Factor
The last thing to consider when considering breast implants is the effect the procedure will have on your self-confidence level. For those who are not happy with how their breasts look and feel, breast augmentation can change the way a woman feels about her appearance. This new found satisfaction can lead to a greater level of self-confidence, which could possibly extend right into her career. A boost in confidence can play a crucial role in job performance.
Yes, a bigger cup size may open doors in some industries, but breast augmentation is a separate decision that should be made on a personal level, not on a professional one. While breast augmentation may not boost your career, it will boost your confidence, and the satisfaction that stems from breast enlargement surgery can improve your quality of life.


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Hello to Parents, Students, Staff and Teachers, and everyone involved in the Whitehorse Music Community!
As you may have noticed, we've launched our brand new website and after a lot of hard work, we're really proud of how it's turned out! A big thank you to everyone involved for their efforts and congratulations on a great result.
We hope you'll drop by occasionally! We plan on using this blog to keep Parents and Students regularly updated on what's going on around the school, upcoming concert dates and more!!


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Buildsource.in is committed to deliver your order with good quality packaging within given time frame. We ship throughout the week, except Sunday & Public holidays. To ensure that your order reaches you in good condition, in the shortest span of time, we ship through reputed courier agencies only. Whether your location can be serviced or not depends on -
the availability of reliable courier partner in your location.
if the Seller ships to your location. Some Sellers may prefer not to deliver to certain locations. This is entirely their decision.
If there is no courier service available in your area, we will ship your items via Government registered post or may explore alternate arrangement. However your order will be held in abeyance till that time.
How is the delivery charge calculated for multiple units?
The shipping charge is specified separately for every product. For multiple products ordered the programme adds up the total of all individual shipping charges. Thus, a customer who orders three products is charged the total of all individual delivery charges associated with each product. Thus the delivery fee is calculated separately when a customer orders different products.
Our prices are all inclusive. All taxes are included with the list prices except Octroi, if applicable in your region. Note: In case octroi or local body tax is applicable, the buyer has to pay directly to the delivery person/courier.
Are statewise permits & forms required for shipment?
We aim to provide seamless service to all buyers on buildsource.in. India is a big country with federal structure and most states have different tax rules. The buyers must follow the tax rules of their state while ordering items and need to provide proper forms to us before dispatch. This applies to all shipments made by surface (road) transport.
At Buildsource.in all shipments weighing 3 kg or more, are generally shipped by surface transport. In such cases, we require the prescribed forms from the customer, duly signed / authorized by the local sales tax office. NOC from the sales tax office may also be required in some states.
State VAT Rules & Regulations are subject to change from time to time. Consignees are advised to seek independent verification before placing order. The Consignee should furnish such information and documents to us as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the local laws of the States through which the consignment is likely to pass en route to destination. Buildsource.in is under no obligation to enquire into the correctness or sufficiency of such information or documents.
Regulatory paperwork is based on the Rules and Regulations of the State concerned. Practice could be different than the Rules & Regulations in some of the States.
How long does it take for an order to arrive?
Orders are dispatched within 3 working days or as per the delivery period specified at the time of placing the order. Most orders are delivered within 7 to 10 working days. Delivery of all orders will be duly done to the address as mentioned by you at the time of placing the order.
What if I the product is received in damaged condition?
If you think, you have received the product in a bad condition or if the packaging is tampered with or damaged before delivery, please refuse to accept the package and return the package to the delivery person. Also, please call our customer care at 9289990430 or email us at email@example.com mentioning your Order ID. We will personally ensure that a brand new replacement is issued to you with no additional cost. Please make sure that the original product tag and packing is intact when you send us the product back. Kindly read the Cancellation and Refund Policy for more information.
Copyright © 2015 Buildsource


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U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow of Arizona has been in control of a case heavily laden with conflicting interests, personal agendas and more involving Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for months.
The case started over Arpaio's department's alleged treatment of illegal aliens, or those suspected, advanced to an order on how to treat them, then a contempt proceeding on claims he failed to follow instructions.
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At the latest turn, Snow signaled that the case might be referred for criminal contempt prosecution after a finding of civil contempt against Arpaio, chief Deputy Jerry Sheridan, Lt. Joe Sousa and former executive chief Brian Sands.
The judge claimed in his "findings" that several officers were "willfully" dishonest about the situation.
The case has been so convoluted that Snow at one point recommended a lawyer obtain her own legal counsel because of claims that were being made.
What really goes on with the federal government? Read Andrew Napolitano's warning that "It is Dangerous to be Right when the Government is Wrong."
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Among the issues that appear heading toward resolution is a plan for the sheriff to contribute $100,000 and have a fund set up to compensate those who allegedly were profiled by the sheriff's office.
Related column (story continues below):
'Il Duce' judge out to destroy Sheriff Joe by Larry Klayman
But hovering in the not-too-distant future is a hearing schedule before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on a request to have Snow removed from the case.
That could be a result that probably would mean much of the last year's hearings, rulings and decisions could simply be voided.
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It comes through one of the ancillary parties to the Arpaio case, Dennis Montgomery. He worked with the sheriff on several projects, and had been drawn into the courtroom battle because of that.
WND reported a year ago that the judge was being contentious with the investigator.
At the time, Montgomery's lawyer, Larry Klayman of Freedom Watch, said his client was being refused permission to participate – legally – in the case, although he was being drawn in through other actions.
Klayman said at the time Montgomery's "rights are being severely harmed, on an ongoing basis. Mr. Montgomery must respectfully be allowed to intervene in this lawsuit in order to protect his property and other interests, which was previously ordered by this court to be handed over to third parties."
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Also raised at that time was the comment reportedly by the judge's wife, "as confirmed by neutral persons," that Snow was out to "destroy" Arpaio so that he could not be re-elected in 2016.
At the time, Klayman also explained the rancor is so bad in the case that his client, who had provided information at one point to Arpaio and was drawn into the current dispute that way, had filed a suit against the ACLU over their statements against him in the case.
"This case represents a multifaceted and growing conflict of interest not only by the ACLU and its attorneys but as important the equally unethical conduct by the court which must cease immediately," a motion said.
At the time, at least two motions to remove Snow from the case were made, along with several other procedural motions. They were denied at the district court level, but now are pending on appeal before the 9th Circuit.
What really goes on with the federal government? Read Andrew Napolitano's warning that "It is Dangerous to be Right when the Government is Wrong."
At the center of the effort to remove the judge from the contempt case is a statement from a witness, Karen Morris Grissom, who told the sheriff the judge hates him. The witness explained to Arpaio that she was a childhood friend of the judge's wife.
Mrs. Snow, Grissom said, "told me that her husband hates u and will do anything to get u out of office."
"This has bothered me since last year when I saw her."
Then to make matters worse, the judge was accused of asking questions, apparently for his own investigation of the situation, in court.
"By his own official inquiry, statements, and questions in open court on the record, one of the investigations into which Judge Snow unexpectedly inquired during recent contempt proceedings concerns his spouse, Sheri Snow," a motion then explained. "No reasonable person with knowledge of the facts can deny that Judge Snow is now investigating and presiding over issues involving his own family. This alone is sufficient to mandate recusal and disqualification."
Snow himself also brought Montgomery into the case by raising questions about information he provided to the sheriff.


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I had continuous trouble running the D2010 remote debugger.
The application could be started on the remote PC from the IDE.
But I could neither set breakpoints nor watch variables.
Today I had a session with Olaf Monien which solved the problem.
It turned out that the debugger worked when MadExcept was disabled.
Are there any settings that allows to have both tools working at the same time ?
Gerhard Sachs


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Regarding My Blog Post About Publications
This morning I shared a post about one of the ways misinformation about 'wedding cost' is spread around. It was the 2nd of 3 that I plan to blog about. The first was wedding coordinators and the second, shared this morning, was publications.
The post about publications (blogs and magazines) went live this morning at 8:00 and since that time, the wave of 'hate' pointed directly at me has been tsunami sized. Now, before you get any weird ideas:
But, what boggles my mind is this: If you are a blog editor who HATES my guts today, have you asked yourself why??? Why are you so defensive towards my post which only speaks the truth. The only thing I can think of is you must 'do' what I wrote about. And if that's the case, then STAND BEHIND IT!
When I blogged this morning I was coming from the perspective of my clients and how they feel. I was also voicing my own concerns about the uprise in publications giving brides and grooms 'bad ish' advice about the reality of 'what they need' while accepting money from business owners who offer the exact service that these particular publications are telling brides they don't need.
Now, if you have chosen the path of being a DIY blog editor, AWESOME!!! There is zero wrong with that. If you are owning DIY for what it is and making a business out of it then I applaud you and say: keep doing you. I am not anti-DIY and while I do have an opinion about the 'business' behind a vendor directory placed on a DIY blog, I am not the holder of the law in the wedding industry. I'm not in charge. Furthermore, if you are making the money you need to make from your DIY blog and are happy, then why on earth do you care what I think? BUT, if your DIY blog isn't making money and my blog post struck a chord because you hold resentment about why your business plan isn't working, then isn't it really you who needs to adjust something and realize maybe a DIY focused blog isn't a good way to make money?
The screenshots of comments that was shared to me most recently is FILLED with hate. Horrid things ... calling me a 'bitch' was one that seemed a bit harsh ... novels about how 'I put ALL publications' under the same umbrella ... on and on and on ...
Well, I didn't call any out by name, that's for sure. I'm not that stupid!!! What I did do is make very obvious examples of things we ALL KNOW about and listed them ... if you are in this wedding industry then you know what I'm referring to when I noted the things I listed ... so, is that placing them all under one umbrella?? I guess the umbrella of the 'examples' I gave!
Look, if you are a publication I do believe that you have some responsibility. I'm sorry, I do! Just like if you are a wedding planner or coordinator I believe that you have a responsibility to uphold the 'code' that the great wedding planners of the industry have been writing so that our industry stays strong and isn't considered a joke.
What would I have done if I was a blog editor who read my post today and was immediately angry??
I would have posted all day about how awesome my members are. I would have pumped up the pros of my offerings to advertisers. I wouldn't have spent ONE SECOND being angry at me. I wouldn't have wasted ONE MINUTE of time being defensive or pissed ... because IMO, if I'm doing that then there's a pretty good reason for it ... and the reason isn't my blog post from this morning.
XO~ Heather
PS: Thank you Alante Photography for the cute photo you took in this post <3


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Tighten and lift skin with flawless results
MicroNeedling with Collagen P.I.N. is a method of inducing a controlled injury into the skin's dermal and epidermal junction which induces growth factors, new collagen, elastin and gives way to healthier, younger looking skin. This process causes much less damage to the epidermis than dermal rolling, lasers or any other ablative treatment. Thus, protecting the skin's cell growth making for quicker healing and a higher rate of success.
Offer valid August 20th - August 31st


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The Feelfree Track Bag is weatherproof and manufactured from waterproof fabric. This backpack is perfect for most outdoor uses where you want the contents to stay dry.
The Track has quick drying padded shoulder straps, back panel for comfort and reflective patches to improve visibility when on the road. The adjustable chest and waist straps help prevent the bag from moving around on your back. The roll down liner is doubly protected by the shaped waterproof fabric top flap. The bag closure system makes it difficult for others to gain access to your possessions in crowded places. Track 15 and 25 are useful and secure dry bags for the dreaded daily commute.
- Height: 48cm
- Width: 29cm
- Depth: 24 cm
- Weight: 1.16kg
Technical Information:
Many years of collaboration with the fabric manufacturer and testing has resulted in a fabric that feels softer yet robust that will outlast laminated fabrics.
Fabric –420D VinylTarpaulin.
Coating –PVC Dip applied (not laminated).
Toxicity –Non toxic, DINP (the plasticizer in PVC) has already undergone a comprehensive EU Risk Assessment which has confirmedit poses no risk to human health or the environment.
DOP Free PVC –There are concerns that DOP (the plasticizer in some less expensive PVC coatings) can adversely affect the environment and possibly health DOP is not used in Feelfree fabrics.
UV Resistant Yes.
Anti Cold Crack –down to – 30C, Feelfree waterproof luggage was successfully used by 20 scientists for 6 months in Greenland in 2011.
DipCoated Vinyl –Dip Coating produces a fabric that is more durable than laminated fabrics, especially at folding areas.
Waterproof –The fabric is 100% waterproof.
High Frequency seam welding –Welded seams have been test by Interteck and are rated at 190lbs.
Like everything manufactured and designed by Feelfree the quality is very good.
Colours:Please contact us for available colours.
Shipping: Please contact us for a freight quote.


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A rarity at mount Vardousia
This photo is certainly not one of my best. In fact, normally I would delete it without second thought. The light is from the wrong direction, it is heavily cropped, and I had to remove a number of metal wires beside the bird during post processing. BUT this little bird is a Pine Bunting (Emberiza leucocephalos) and this is only the 5th observation of this species for Greece. The 4th was at 2004 and the previous one (3rd) was back at 1981! This short (less than 2 minutes) encounter and the spotting (from a distance) of at least five Ring Ouzels (Turdus torquatus) saved an otherwise mediocre weekend.
1 comment to A rarity at mount Vardousia
Copyright © 2019 Petros Nature Photography - All Rights Reserved


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While the gambling is bound to be good in all the major casinos, there is no uncertainty about the value that can be gained at the 2013 International Pool, Spa & Patio Expo. This show is sure to be a class act, and will be located this year at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev. The show is scheduled for Nov. 12 through 14, with the accompanying certification courses beginning Nov. 9.
Who's going to want to refuse almost a week in Vegas?
The show planners couldn't have picked a better venue for a pool industry trade show. The Mandalay Bay Hotel features one of the best pools in the U.S. according to trip advisor. The 11 acre "Sand-and-Surf Beach" includes a wave pools with swells up to 6 feet. The resort also includes a quarter mile long Lazy River, three other pools, several whirlpools, and multiple cabanas.
The show floor will be a one stop shopping event for developing next year's inventory. More than 1,300 booths of manufacturers and suppliers will display products, services, and equipment for the pool, spa, and backyard. The exhibits will be elaborate, showcasing everything from pools spas and hot tubs, to barbecues, grills, landscape décor, outdoor lighting, chemicals, equipment, and much more.
The accompanying conference, held Tuesday through Thursday, is an exceptional education program, offering 68 classes that cover business as well as technical topics that are designed to improve skills and grow businesses. Specialized technical tracks make it easy to tailor specific learning objectives such as backyard living, general business, building, and more.
Business owners will want to encourage their employees to attend the conference because a brand new lineup of service professional education will enhance the show. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals [APSP] offers professional certification with compre- hensive training that meets the needs of the ever changing service environment.
"This new level of service education is carefully crafted to vault attendees who complete the classes to the top of their game in this hyper-competitive industry we live in" said Michael Reed, director of professional development for APSP, the show's official sponsor. "In today's fast-moving environment, it's not enough for pool/spa service pro- fessionals to do what they did last year. They must stay current with trends and advanced techniques."
Led by top industry instructors, the APSP Energy Efficiency Course [EEC] is a one day course offered on Monday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. that will help participants understand the current energy efficiency requirements for pools and spas, outlined in the ANSI/ APSP/ICC - 15 2011 American National Standard for Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Energy Efficiency, which customers demand.
The APSP Certified Service Professional [CSP] is the industry's highest level of service provider certification. It gives professionals a way to separate themselves from other providers and distinguish themselves as industry leaders.
The CSP course is a one day course offered Sunday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Attendees wanting to achieve the highest level of professional certifica- tion in the industry will also have the opportunity to take the CSP Exam. While anyone can participate in the APSP service education offerings, attendees must have five or more years of industry experience and 24 hours of continuing education credits to qualify to take the CSP exam and prep course. The program requirements are fully outlined at www. apsp.org/csp. Advanced registration and application is required.
To register for these programs, attendees should visit www.PoolSpaPatio. com, where program schedules and additional information is posted.
For information about the Int'l Pool, Spa & Patio Expo, visit www.PoolSpaPatio.com or call 972-536-6350 or 888.869.8522. Additional information about the show can be found on Face- book at www.facebook.com/PoolSpa PatioExpo, LinkedIn at www.linkedin. com/groups/gid=1963264 and Twitter www.twitter.com/PoolSpaPatio. Twitter users can follow the show using #Pool SpaPatio or @PoolSpaPatio.


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Today, I gave up sleeping to go with Avery and Hannah on their Kindergarten and 5th Grade buddies trip to the zoo. I worked midnight shift, came home, got them and myself ready and off we were to the zoo....I crashed for 2 hours after I got home at 2 o'clock. It was a beautiful day for their field trip and the 5th graders do such a WONDERFUL job being "buddies" with their Kindergarteners. It is a year long program at their school and I'm not sure who enjoys it more, the 5th graders or the Kindergarteners. During the year, the 5th Graders visit their Kindergarten buddy every Friday and help them read simple books, assist them in doing part of their "centers" work for the day. They make each other cards for holidays and they really truly bond. Avery was lucky enough to have two buddies, both boys. Both very nice, helpful and smart young men. Hannah (my 5th grader) had a Kindergarten friend of Avery's for her buddy. So it was a twofer trip today! Here's some pics of our fun!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Trip to the Zoo
Posted by Christine at 6:53 PM
4 comments:
- A splash of Sherry said...
What a great day for a trip to the zoo. And how cool was it that you got to go with two of your girls.
- May 19, 2009 at 8:41 PM
- meganklauer said...
That is such a great idea to have older "buddies"! I wish every school would do that! We could have used that for my little guy at the beginning of the year!
- May 20, 2009 at 8:58 AM
- Christine said...
I agree Megan! It's wonderful, gives the kindergartners someone to look up to and shadow (behavior and otherwise) and it teaches the older kids compassion and responsibility. :o)
- May 20, 2009 at 10:44 AM
- Ginger's Camo Page said...
I LOVE the zoo - and that buddy idea is great!! Fun pics too!
- May 20, 2009 at 2:51 PM
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Jada Pinkett Smith attended the premiere of 'Girls Trip' on Thursday (July 13) in LA.
Known for her bold style, the actress wore a citron Prabal Gurung Spring 2017 look which some might consider tame by her standards, but I'm totally captivated by this gown-trouser combo.
On the one hand it's very glamorous, and on the other it still shows her fun personality.
The actress kept the gold rush flowing with an Edie Parker 'Wolf' clutch, fringed earrings and shimmering eye makeup.
Credit: Vogue.com & Getty


text: dom92 2 Report post Posted April 19, 2018 Hi All - I've been using a fully manual kiln for awhile now, but have experience in the past using PID controllers. I finally decided to upgrade my current manual kiln with a new PID controller. It arrived today. The problem is that the instruction manual has left my completely dumbfounded. It's like it's written in Old English. http://www.thermomart.com/download/PID-DTXG.pdf I don't recall my old PID controlled kilns being so complicated. I think perhaps their instructions were extremely dumbed down for laymen and that's why I had no problems with them. But this reads like an engineering manual to me (which means I'll likely never be able to get the thing turned on, let alone program it for a few simple ramps and holds). So I'm not necessarily looking for anyone to help me decipher this, but I was hoping somebody could at least point me to a simplified set of instructions for such a PID or perhaps a YouTube video. I've found this particular controller in a few videos already and all people say is "this is an extremely difficult controller to program. Read the instructions carefully." That's not much help when I can't read them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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For the last two weekends I painted a dustbin in a known mall in Rome, ROMAEST.
I haven't gone nuts: I was contacted by an art association to take part in a project to paint an homage to Andy Warhol. They wanted to bring Pop Art in the place that best represent Pop Culture, a crowded mall. There is an ongoing Andy Warhol exhibition which will end around the end of the month.
I was asked to create a painting which could depict Rome, the city, its history, its icons, in a Pop style. I thought a lot and explored many ideas until I found something satisfactory. This is the final sketch and from left to right you have: the Gazometro, the Roman She-Wolf, the Sanpietrini and Anita Ekberg (who recently passed away so this ends up being an homage to a great woman as well).
During the first weekend I worked on the Sanpietrini and sketched everything. I was, I think, the only one without some pieces of paper to look at and the reason is that I am cooler… nope… the reason is that I lost the sketch as I got to the mall.
We were given the possibility to take one of our painting with up and I chose Creatures of Snow for this first weekend. Children were in awe and intrigued by the image. Adults and adolescents were much more critical (and a bit cynical) but I tried not to listen to them as they mutter "Oh, I could do it better" passing me by as if I could not listen to them behind that mighty plastic chain…
I had not planned which colors to use ( I seldom do) and improvised as I painted but I believe the final result is stylish and… Pop. We were asked to create a list of what we needed to paint and I put in there the colors I am most comfortable using and the ones I knew could grant me the freedom I needed so I asked for black, white, Sienna, primary red/blu and yellow, a reddish ocher
I met some interesting people but kept quietly painting by myself most of the time. My parents, sister, uncles and aunts and some dear friends came to see me and give a bit of much needed support.
In the end this is an experience I was so scared at the beginning but missed sorely when I was told I could go because time was up.


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Posted by Nydia Streets of Streets Law in Child Custody
Grandparent visitation rights in Florida are generally restricted due to the constitutional right to privacy that parents have in raising their children. However, a 2017 case decided by the Florida Supreme Court opens the door to visitation for grandparents who obtain a child custody order in another state.
In the case Ledoux-Nottingham v. Downs, 210 So.3d 1217 (Fla. 2017), the Florida Supreme Court considered the conflict between different Florida appellate courts on the issue of enforcement of out-of-state visitation orders for grandparents. In this case, after the death of the former husband, the former wife moved from Colorado to Florida with the parties' children. The children's grandparents filed an action in Colorado to establish visitation with the children.
To oppose the grandparents' action, the former wife filed a petition in Florida to domesticate her Colorado divorce judgment and for a determination that the grandparents had no visitation rights under Florida law. Ultimately, the Colorado court entered an order granting visitation rights to the grandparents which the Florida court found to be enforceable. The former wife appealed, stating Florida law does not permit grandparent visitation over the objection of a parent based on the parent's constitutional right to privacy.
In upholding the decision to honor the Colorado visitation order, the Florida Supreme Court distinguished that the question before the court was "not whether the Grandparents are entitled to visitation under Florida law, but whether Florida is required to enforce the Colorado order despite the fact that entry of a similar judgment by a Florida court under the same circumstances would be prohibited by the Florida Constitution."
Grandparent visitation rights require specific analysis on a case-by-case basis. A consultation with a Miami child custody lawyer may help you determine your rights and obligations when grandparent visitation is at issue.


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Areas of Practice
Civil rights
Comerford Law has a proven track record of standing up to corporate and government interests on behalf of the average person. Handling all facets of Civil Rights Law, including, but not limited to, Prison Sexual Assaults, Inadequate Medical Care in Prison, Excessive Force, False Arrest, False Imprisonment, Malicious Prosecution, False Search and Seizure, and Students' Civil Rights in Schools, our Firm will fight for you until justice is achieved.
We at Comerford Law believe in the unalienable Constitutional Rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. In order to ensure that these rights remain, they must be protected. We are unafraid and unrelenting in doing so, even against the vast resources of the Government. Every person deserves a voice. Comerford Law will be your voice in achieving compensation for the deprivation of your guaranteed rights.
Family law
Criminal Law and Family Law are often interrelated. Our Attorneys apply their Criminal Defense experience to defending Protection from Abuse Petitions and related Contempt proceedings and can achieve unparalleled success in these areas. Additionally, we practice divorce and custody law and have a track record of proven success.
Death Penalty Trial Certification is a special distinction in the practice of Criminal Defense. Very few criminal defense attorneys are permitted by the courts to try death penalty cases. Not only are there requirements for the amount of cases brought to verdict before a jury, but there are also requirements for yearly continuing education in the field of criminal law. Death Penalty Certification is a rare distinction and honor, indicating the most competent and qualified defense counsel. Due to their years of experience and knowledge of criminal defense, Comerford Law is Death Penalty Certified.
Whatever you may be charged with, Comerford Law is capable and prepared to get you the best results possible. Comerford Law has achieved outstanding results in every area imaginable, from first degree murder, to sexual assault, to theft, to driving under the influence. Comerford Law will bring its unrivaled passion, experience, and unique courtroom talent to bear for you no matter what situation you may be facing.
Wills and estates
If you are looking for a Will, Living Will, or Power of Attorney, contact Comerford Law today. In addition to drafting these legal documents, our Attorneys are well versed and experienced in handling estates through the entire probate process. If you have lost a loved one, our Attorneys will handle their estate with care and compassion to achieve the fairest result possible and to protect your loved one's assets.
If you or a loved one are injured, it is important to quickly move to protect your rights. Statutes of Limitations, failure to preserve physical evidence, and failure to take contemporaneous witness statements are common pitfalls both attorneys and lay person may early on in a personal injury claim. Comerford Law understands the important of hitting the ground running and ensuring the maximum outcome on your case from day one.
We at Comerford Law handle all facets of Personal Injury Litigation including Car Accidents, Dog Bites, Slip and Falls, Medical Malpractice, and Premises Liability. We bring our years of trial experience to bear to maximize recovery for our clients. This begins on day one, with an immediate and aggressive posture that ensures long-term success on your claim.
municipal law
Our Attorneys have a wealth of experience acting as solicitors for various government municipalities and as defense counsel for government agencies.


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Paying for sex is an option, as everything in our consuming oriented economy. And a service we use more often than we confess! Although there are many men who see this as self deprecating or humiliating.
Why is there this big silence around the sex services? Sex industry is huge though!
Paying for sex
Sex as a work is one of the most ancient jobs. Pay either with money or in exchange of some other benefits. But sex is a service that has a high value. Since the first centuries of mankind.
We are even paying for sex while we are not aware.
"I had sex with him because I needed him to introduce me to his boss".
In some societies women marry men to create a new family. Both original families look hard to find the right male and female candidates for the deal. Then they deliver the young lady. Deep down this is a way to sell a whole human being. The trade involves economic stability though also sex and reproduction. But it is never seen as trading, and it is deeply rooted into social behaviour. Though right in a way that makes it socially acceptable. And even prestigious!
Paying for sex, a shame?
We brag about our dinner yesterday night in a well known restaurant. An expensive one, mind you. But we never mention when we have some sex we are paying for. Even if it was absolutely great!
The sex industry is making much more money than the restaurants! Worldwide. Now imagine the size of this iceberg.
There are countless ways to pay for sex. Most of the times we are not even aware of it though. Some relationships base on complicated and sometimes unaware deals.
I wrote about expensive boyfriends a couple weeks back. These are also some wicked ways to pay for sex. Though one of both is not aware of it… or does not want to be.
The concept of shame is a very social one. If certain people know about our private whereabouts we could feel shame. But not always regarding intimacy as in sex. There are many men ashamed of not earning the right amount of money, or not having the right job.
I do have many requests for very special practices. Just to include them into my massage service. These men are aware they will have a hard time to find a casual encounter. It's hard to find some willing to perform some very precise paraphilia. They do not even waste a minute trying to explain their preferences to countless potential sex partners. Just to be dismissed right away.
Save the embarrassing and go pro!
Pay to be free
Nowadays it is less and less a shame but a practical solution to an everyday issue. Since your job doesn't leave you enough space for a relationship. Or you lead a specific lifestyle like traveling constantly.
"I don't feel like being committed right now. Let me have a break from relationships. I also need to explore many other things".
It is not a shame anymore to be single. To some men being single is actually a calling. They are really managing their single-ness in great ways!
"I just want to 'cut the crap' and pay for the man I really like. I'm saving all the drinks and all the blah-blah".
"I like to choose. If what or who I like wears a price tag I'm paying for it".
Is erotic massage also sex?
This is a very controversial issue. If erotic massage was not about some sex, there would be no customers at all.
How far into sex is erotic massage actually getting?
There are as many answers as men on Earth. Sex is a concept that can range from a caress to some extremely wild and dangerous paraphilia. The shades are countless.
If you ask 100 erotic masseurs you'll get 100 different answers about this though.
I see myself as a sex worker. It is not my sexual satisfaction I am working for. I know this is difficult to understand to many customers.
"I'd like to share all this pleasure with you".
And I do, though my way. I am performing a service. So something useful for you. Something you need. This is why you are paying for it. You choose the place, the moment and the service. I confess I also get very excited, but the goal is your satisfaction.
Let's put it this way: your satisfaction is my satisfaction.
Adult awareness
How much sex is that? Well since you are requesting a massage you expect to be receiving. So it is about receiving the pleasure and themass job I'm offering for you.
Regular paying for sex encounters —as an escort can offer— work in a different way. And if you call me you choose to have a massage.
Different needs, different services!
"There are days i need an escort. Something wild and no matter how quick. There are other days though I need some mindful connection. As yours".
As adults we have the knowledge to decide and choose. Pay for sex or pay for erotic massage. You are taking the right decision because you are aware of your needs.
Gay massage in Barcelona
Gay tantric massage is some erotic bodywork. It is about awareness, mindful massage and a very special intimate connection! It needs some training, some expertise and the honest calling for this job.
Feel free to ask whatever you need to know or send me an SMS.
Paco: +34676648226
Go on diving into my full website on www.male-masseur.com
See you in Barcelona!


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You may be able to set up a loan with bad credit history, but the interest rates are likely to be higher. To improve your chances of getting a loan at low rates, you should aim to maintain good credit history. Many people know that it is important to keep a good credit score if they wish to borrow money on good terms. Despite that, some people are not aware as to how they should do that.
Below are the tips that will guide you on how to spend your money wisely and maintain a good score.
Keep Track of Your Score
To keep a good credit history, you should track your score. Authorities issue a free credit report once a year. Request a copy of this report every year to assess your score. This allows you to see where you currently stand and what you need to work on. You can also look at the credit inquiries and ask for corrections if you spot anything that is affecting the score.
Agencies calculate the score on the basis of following:
• Your recent loan
• Credit mix
• Age of loan
• Level of debt
• Repayment history
Your salary does not have a direct impact on your credit score. For example, if you are earning a high salary, it will not boost the score. Similarly, low salary also doesn't impact the score. However, it might affect how you pay the bills and make debt repayments, which defines the credit score.
Pay Bills on Time
Yes, that's right. You must pay all the bills on time. This includes utility bills, credit card bills and any other bills. Credit agencies won't get a report if you do pay your bills on time, but if you fall behind, it will affect your credit report. It can be anything as small as a parking ticket or a library fine. If you fail to pay them on time, it will adversely affect your score. Therefore, aim to make every payment on time, as it will allow you to secure a debt on favourable terms in future.
Make Timely Repayments
Nowadays, people take on debt to finance anything and everything. They get an auto loan to buy a car, a mortgage to buy a house, and even take a loan to finance their studies. This is why it is very important to make timely repayments. This will directly impact your credit score. Missing a repayment or delaying it is not good for your financial health.
Late and missing payments are always reflected on your credit report. This lowers the score and reduces your chances of getting a loan in the future.
Don't Take Excess Credit
You should apply for a loan only when you need it. Too many people apply for credit cards or take small loans to meet their personal or business expenses. This is not the right approach, especially if you plan to apply for a home loan in the future.
Every time you apply for a loan, there is an entry on the credit report. This entry adversely affects the score and lowers your chances of getting a loan on favourable terms. Credit agencies and authorities treat every application differently. For example, they might treat a payday loan application differently than a bank loan. The reason is simple; payday loans carry high risk.
Also, we recommend you aim to keep no more than two credit cards. If you fail to pay your credit card bills on time, the debt will keep piling up and it will not be easy for you to pay it back. Keep your card balance within 30% of the credit limit. Credit card companies report the balance after closing the statement. A high balance leads to a lower credit score even if you fully make the payment.
There are so many people who frequently take out a loan or draw more money from a credit card without paying other bills on time. This shows that you are spending more than you can afford and cannot manage your debt efficiently. Therefore, aim to limit your spending and not live beyond your means, especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage or any other loan in future.
Speak to Hunter Galloway about our money saving tips and how we can help with your finance portfolio now.


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Banana, Caramel & Hazelnut Baked Alaska
Andy Bates
I continued my journey thru the Municipal Market of São Paulo where my guide Mauricio, took me to try something sweet.
Leonardo Chiappetta runs a family own emporium, the stall is very colourful and has over 2,500 ingredients at any given time. Leonardo has been coming to this market since he was 8 years old and started the business with his father, he feels that they are a small piece of history in the beautiful mix of the market. But Leonardo's favourite treat from his emporium has to be his Italian-style ice cream with a Brazilian twist.
It was Leonardo's scrummy combination of ice cream, banana, caramel and nuts that give me the idea for this rather yummy and fun Baked Alaska. I also threw some rum into the mix which really works well in the banana ice cream.
Please try this recipe... it is a real WINNER!
My Banana, Caramel & Hazelnut Baked Alaska
For the ice cream:
- 100 grams caster sugar
- 4 large ripe bananas, roughly chopped
- Splash dark rum
- 400 millilitres double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla pod paste
For the sponge:
- 150 grams soft unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 150 grams light muscovado sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 60 grams ground almonds
- 120 grams self-raising flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 100 millilitres sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the hazelnut meringue:
- 75 grams toasted hazelnuts
- 200 grams caster sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- Pinch salt
For the topping:
- 75 grams dark chocolate, melted
- 50 grams toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
First make the ice cream. Heat the sugar in a large, heavy-based frying pan until completely melted.
When the sugar starts to turn a light caramel colour, add the bananas and shake the pan gently to coat. Cook for two minutes until caramelised then remove from the heat and pour in the rum.
Leave to bubble for a minute then pour in the cream and vanilla. Stir to combine and scrape up any bits of caramel from the bottom of the pan then pour into a liquidiser and blend until smooth. Churn in an ice cream machine until set.
When set, spoon the ice cream into a 500ml bowl lined with cling film and return to the freezer. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and line a 20cm loose-bottomed cake tin.
Cream the butter and sugar with electric beaters until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the ground almonds and beat until smooth. Sift in the flour and baking powder and stir in gently, keeping as much air in the mixture as possible.
Fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract then spoon into the lined tin. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool. When the cake is cool, use a 500ml bowl (the same as used for moulding the ice cream) as a template to cut a disc from the centre of the cake.
Increase the oven temperature to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and lay the sponge disc on top. Turn the ice cream out, lay on top of the sponge and return to the freezer whilst you make the meringue.
Put the hazelnuts and 2 tablespoons of the sugar into a food processor and blitz until fine. whisk the eggs whites with a pinch of salt to stiff peaks then gradually whisk in the sugar until stiff and glossy.
Fold in the ground hazelnuts, keeping as much air in the mixture as possible. Spread the meringue over the ice cream and sponge in an even layer, making sure there are no gaps or holes.
Bake for 10 minutes until crisp. Drizzle the baked Alaska with the melted chocolate, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and serve immediately.


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CAT 2018: For years, the Common Admission Test (CAT) has been the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. It draws approximately 2 lakh test takers annually from all walks of life, including, students, working professionals, those who have dropped a year (or two) trying their hand at something different, etc. The frenzy about the stiff competition is actually true; however, the hype about how difficult it is to score well in CAT is questionable.
The path towards preparations can be perplexing. So, it is important to clear the clouds of myth from your mind; and take each step in the right direction. Remember, scoring well in CAT depends more on common sense and the ability to remain calm, rather than on knowledge. Let's take a sneak peek into what one would need to commit to for breaching the 99 percentile barrier.
Net correct attempts
In CAT 2017, a 99 percentile was achieved at a score of 173 (out of 300), which is, roughly, 58 per cent of the total marks (or 58 net correct questions out of 100). The term 'net correct' can be explained by a simple example. Say, Kinjal attempts 80 questions in the CAT paper. She gets 65 correct and 15 incorrect. Now, the marking scheme of CAT is +3 for every correct answer, 0 for every un-attempted question, and -1/0 for every incorrect answer (depending on whether it is an MCQ or a non-MCQ type of question).
For this example, let's assume that all the questions that Kinjal got wrong were MCQs. Thus, her eventual score will be (65*3) + (20*0) – (15*1) = 195 + 0 – 15 = 180. Now, 180 is equivalent to attempting 60 questions and getting all of them correct, i.e., 60 net correct. Hence, Kinjal's attempt can be termed as 60 net correct.
Raw Score required for a 99 percentile in a section
What do you need to do to get 99 percentile?
Begin with the basics
The first two months, June and July, should be utilised in solidifying the basics. Everything depends on how strong your basics are, which will help you solve even the toughest of questions without any difficulty. It will also ensure that all the easy (or Level 1) questions become solvable. CAT has been setting roughly 50-55 questions, which can be termed as Level 1. In other words, more than 50 per cent of the paper becomes solvable and easy, when your basics are in place! Solve umpteen number of questions from every topic.
Mocks and analyses
Don't wait to finish the so-called 'syllabus' before you start writing Mocks. It is important that you take mocks alongside your preparations. Writing mocks regularly will help you understand the stage your preparation is in, identify your areas of strengths and weaknesses, and benchmark yourself across other aspirants. Toppers tend to write the first 50 per cent of the Mocks to pinpoint their areas of deficiency; and work on them. They write the remaining 50 per cent to get 'match fit'; and benchmark themselves against the best.
Play to your strengths
In an exam like CAT, it is critical to play to your strengths. By taking mocks, you should be able to identify your areas of strength; and focus on accomplishing mastery over those. For your areas of weakness, you should concentrate on being able to solve questions that are of easy-to-medium level of difficulty. By doing so, you will grab any 'low-hanging fruits'. The context is simple, CAT is a test of your strengths, and not of your weaknesses. However, you need to be great in the areas of your strengths; just being good isn't going to suffice.
Accuracy and speed
Accuracy and speed are important factors for scoring well in CAT. With every Mock you take, work on improving your accuracy. For speed, start applying smarter techniques for solving questions (e.g., the options given, language of the question, substitutions, etc.).
Inputs from Gautam Bawa, Group Product Head, Career Launcher


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Retail turnover 5.1 percent down
- Non-food sector slumps nearly 8 percent in second quarter
- Retail turnover 4 percent down in June
According to the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands, retail turnover in the second quarter of this year was 5.1 percent down on the second quarter of 2008. Turnover volume shrank by 4.8 percent. Retail prices dropped 0.4 percent, partly due to slumping fuel prices
Sales in the non-food sector dropped by nearly 8 percent compared to the same quarter of 2008. Within the non-food sector, the most dramatic turnover decline was recorded in home furnishing (-10.6 percent) and consumer elekcronics (-16.3 percent). Petrol stations also sustained loss of turnover, almost entirely caused by lower fuel prices.
Within the retail sector, supermarkets were the only branch to realise turnover growth relative to the last year's second quarter (+ 3.3 percent). Total turnover growth of shops selling food, drinks and tobacco products was 2.4 percent.
Retail turnover in June tallied with the entire second quarter. Consumer electronics shops saw their turnover shrink by no less than 21.4 percent. In the total non-food sector sales slumped 6.8 percent.


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Chain Collection
Ball Chain (Sterling)
Regular price $15.00
or make 4 interest-free payments of $3.75 AUD fortnightly with More info
Sterling Silver Ball Chain. Available in three different thicknesses - 1.2mm, 1.5mm or 2.0mm. These chains are quite strong.
We currently stock 45cm and 50cm chains. They are also available in 60cm, 70cm, 90cm and 100cm.
Additional thicknesses or lengths are available with price on application.


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RATB fundraiser - Mar 25 - go to the Rock Around The Blockade
- Details
- Created: Tuesday, 26 May 2009 21:29
- Written by FRFI
First of all thanks to all the people who came down! Thanks to all the acts for giving it their all! And thanks to RATB for putting it all together.
A smashing evening!
Here are the pictures from the night @ 'Pleasure Unit':
"The ZongZing Allstars",
"DeadPlants" and
"MC Drop Dread Fred"
Rock around the Blockade was founded in 1995 by the Revolutionary Communist Group and supporters of the newspaper Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! and is open to anyone who supports Cuba's socialist revolution.
Global Capitalism - dead end for humanity
We live in a world of unprecedented wealth and technological progress and a world of unprecedented poverty and oppression. Twenty million people every year die of malnutrition amid mountains of surplus food. A third of the world's population doesn't have access to safe drinking water. A trillion dollars a year is spent on arms when just a quarter of that would ensure food, shelter, health and education for everyone in the world. The consumerism that suffocates us is portrayed as a triumph of civilisation by the capitalist media, while the very survival of humanity is threatened by the environmental destruction it generates.
These contradictions are not the result of poor decision making, corruption, bad luck or divine intervention. They are consequences of the economic system that dominates the world - imperialism - the super-exploitation of the world by a handful of rich capitalist countries. If the world is to change for the better, imperialism must be defeated and replaced by the only alternative - socialism.
Socialist Cuba - a beacon of hope
For over 40 years Cuba has defied imperialism. The Cuban people have withstood invasion, sabotage, terrorism, biological warfare and a sustained economic blockade at the hands of the world's most powerful economic and military power, the United States. They have given unyielding support to other poor countries. They have built socialist Cuba, a beacon of hope for poor and oppressed people throughout the world.
From the poverty and destitution that characterised pre-revolutionary Cuba, the socialist revolution can boast today:
- Infant mortality rate of 6.4 per thousand and life expectancy 75 years - better than in many parts of Britain
- A health service second to none with a doctor : patient ratio of 1:195, the best in the world! In Britain it is 1:518
- Free education available to all - within ten years the average educational standard for Cubans will be graduate level
- Institutionalised racism and other forms of discrimination have been eradicated
- Women are supported by a national system of day centres for children - divorce, abortion and contraception are available as rights
- Every Cuban can be sure of support from their community - despite the hardships of the 'Special Period', not a single school, hospital or old people's home has been closed since 1990
Throughout Latin America and Africa, thousands of Cuban doctors and nurses are helping to save lives and provide medical services. A school of medicine has been opened in Havana to provide free training to students from these countries and poor students from the United States. Cuba has offered the personnel and expertise to control the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Revolutionary Cuba shows us that it is possible to solve the problems created by capitalism; that it is possible to provide everyone in the world with the essentials for a dignified life even with limited material resources.
Britain needs socialism!
In Britain one third of our children live in poverty. Workers are forced into low-paid, insecure jobs. Thousands of pensioners without heating die every winter. The working class gets third rate health care and education, or none at all. Immigrants escaping economic and political persecution are criminalised. Racists and police attack black and Asian people every day.
In the last 40 years Cuba has revolutionised the lives and prospects of the Cuban people. Imagine the sort of society we could build in Britain with the technical advantages available now, if only we organised society on a socialist basis like the Cubans.
RATB sees the struggle to defend the Cuban Revolution as part of our struggle to build socialism in Britain, not as a non-political humanitarian issue that has no lessons for our own country. We take the example of the Cuban Revolution onto the streets. We hold demonstrations, run street stalls, organise meetings, gigs and club nights to raise funds for Cuba. We provide a voice for Cuba through the pages of the newspaper Fight Racism! Fight Imperialism! and our own Viva Cuba newsletter and we keep Cuban youth informed about life in Britain through the pages of Juventud Rebelde, the newspaper of the Cuban Union of Young Communists (UJC).
In 1995 the UJC, which organises one in seven young Cubans, asked us to donate sound sound systems and disco equipment to provide entertainment for Cuban youth. At that time the British government had introduced the Criminal Justice Act which penalised young people and criminalised rave music. The contradiction was clear. Our capitalist government was threatened by youth culture and street parties. In Cuba they believed that young people needed 'soul food' to improve their quality of life.
So far RATB has taken four sound systems to Cuba. During the trip, people on the 'brigade' lived and worked among Cuban people, learning about how Cuban society is organised in the interests of people and not profit.
Boycott Bacardi!
In August 1999, RATB launched the Boycott Bacardi Campaign by closing down the corporation's British headquarters for a day. Bacardi backs the US blockade of Cuba and funds the right-wing Miami mafia which has committed repeated acts of terrorism against Cuba. The Boycott Bacardi Campaign is being picked up and duplicated throughout the world.
Get in contact, get involved and get active!
Rock around the Blockade c/o FRFI, BCM Box 5909, London WC1N 3XX.


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CalAmp, a maker of wireless routers and tracking devices, will shift its company headquarters to Irvine from Oxnard to be closer to the area's tech environment.
The company recently expanded its footprint by acquiring theft recovery system LoJack for roughly $134 million in a deal that more than doubled the company's workforce, which is now about 1,000 employees. The company will maintain its Oxnard facility where 400 employees work.
CalAmp recorded $70.8 million in revenue in the fourth quarter of the company's fiscal year, and $281 million in revenue for the entire year which ended in February. The business is on track to generate $400 million this year.
CalAmp's new headquarters will be near the Irvine Spectrum at 15635 Alton Parkway.
Two other companies this year have announced HQ moves into Orange County.
Game communication leader Curse Inc. said in January it was relocating employees from San Francisco and Huntsville, Ala., to Irvine to "develop a new base of operations on the West Coast." The group leased 22,000 square feet at 200 Spectrum, a new office tower built by the Irvine Company.
Nutrition and power bar maker Nellson Nutraceutical said in mid-March it would shift its headquarters to Anaheim from Irwindale. The company will bring 225 new jobs to an Anaheim facility.
Contact the writer: firstname.lastname@example.com, 714-796-2286


text: The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has for the first time nominated Hanoi alongside 17 other big cities around the world. The other cities are: Auckland (New Zealand), Cape Town and Durban (South Africa), Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Las Vegas and New York (the U.S.), Lisbon (Portugal), London (the U.K.), Marrakech (Morocco), Paris (France), Quito (Ecuador), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Saint-Petersburg (Russia), Sydney (Australia) and Lisbon (Portugal). The winner will be determined by votes from travellers around the world. Voting is open online on several platforms including sodulich.hanoi.gov, and the voting time will last until October 24 this year. Voters are required to register for an account at www.worldtravelawards.com before casting their vote. Tran Duc Hai, director of Hanoi's tourism department, said it was a great opportunity for Hanoi to promote its history, culture and tourism image among international friends, and this nomination would boost the city's tourism sector. A peaceful morning of autumn in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Quang Vu In early March last year, the American television network CNN started airing two commercials featuring the best features of the ancient capital to people around the world as part of a $2 million deal with the city. After a year of broadcasting, the ads have gained positive results, evident in a 23 percent year-on-year surge in foreign tourist arrivals to five million last year. A survey conducted by U.K. research firm BDRC Continental found 92 percent of respondents saying the ads on CNN have sparked interest in traveling to… [Read full story]


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Knee pain is a common problem.
Especially among those who are overweight and/or aging.
But the answer doesn't always have to be medications or a knee replacement.
In fact, new research is proving that exercise and diet can help to reduce compressive forces, lower inflammatory levels, and decrease pain. It's basic biomechanics and physiology.
"At 18 months, 399 participants (88%) completed the study. Compared with exercise participants, knee compressive forces were lower in diet participants and IL-6 levels were lower in diet and diet + exercise participants."
Plus, the only side effect from diet and exercise is a better quality of life.
Start Small
It's sometime best to start with smaller goals.
For example, one study showed that every pound of weight loss is equal to 4 less pounds of force on the knee joint.
So just losing 5lbs will save your knees 20lbs of force!


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Chevron board member's tweet questions oil industry's future
By Ernest Scheyder
HOUSTON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - A member of Chevron Corp's board of directors sent a tweet on Wednesday that questioned the future of the oil industry given the rise of renewable energy technologies.
"If #oil energy consumption is declining and #renewableenergy consumption is on the #rise, what does that mean for the future of the oil industry?" Dambisa Moyo, an economist and author who joined the oil company's board in 2016, wrote on Twitter on Wednesday morning.
The tweet, deleted less than five hours after it was posted, was accompanied by two graphics produced by the financial television network CNBC. One showed oil consumption slipping from 2005 through 2015 and the other showed renewable energy consumption rising across the same period.
Chevron, Exxon Mobil Corp and other oil producers have come under increasing pressure to invest less in oil projects and more in solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies.
An active presence on Twitter with 189,000 followers, Moyo added several hashtags to her post that have been associated in the past with activists pushing for greater adoption of renewables by oil producers, including "#environment," "#getsmarter" and "#happywarrior."
Moyo could not be reached for additional comment.
Chevron said the tweet showed the diversity of thought amongst its leadership. "This simply demonstrates that Chevron's board takes into account multiple points of view on the important topic of the future of energy," Chevron spokesman Kent Robertson said in an emailed statement.
Moyo, who tweets under the handle @dambisamoyo, is also a board member of Barclays Plc and Barrick Gold Corp .
John Watson, who retired as Chevron's chairman and chief executive earlier this month, told Reuters last fall that he did not see demand for oil peaking in the foreseeable future.
The view is widely shared in the oil industry and leaders of the world's biggest oil companies are not buying the argument that their traditional business faces any imminent threat from climate change policies or renewable technologies.
Chevron reported a quarterly profit earlier this month that fell far short of Wall Street's expectations, denting its stock price.
The International Energy Agency said earlier this month it expects global oil demand to rise 1.4 million barrels per day this year.
(Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown)
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Demineralization is a major public health.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative non-inflammatory joint disease. This condition causes the slow destruction of cartilage and the impairment of the synovial which is the internal mucous covering the joint and the bone that is just below it.
Many studies indicate that 80% of people aged over 50 complain of osteoarthritis.
To cushion these types of bone and joint conditions, we put together a group of nutritional compounds.
All the elements essential to the reconstruction and maintenance of cartilage, bones and skin are contained in one formula - Osteo-Regul.
Osteo-Regul can treat osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, disorders of the hair, nails, and teeth, as well as skin tissue (skin beautification).
2 or 3 capsules per day (up to 6) with meals over the long term.
Fine pearl powder (100% pure mother of pearl), Marine Collagen (ray fish), Chondroitin sulphate, Glucosamine sulphate, Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Silicium and Natural Vitamin D3.
Box of 200 vegetarian capsules of 408 mg.


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For the staff at Bridges graduation night at KHS is always exciting because we get the opportunity to see lots of young people receive their diplomas and head to college. Bridges graduates have done some amazing things and have gone some amazing places, but in the past 10 years no Bridges student has had the academic success that Cody Wilburn has achieved.
This spring Cody will graduate with Honors in the top 25 of his class and head to Purdue University for a pre-veterinary/animal science degree. He is our first Bridges student to go to Purdue and the first to go into veterinary school. Since Cody joined Bridges in 7th grade we have only seen one report card that was not straight A's. Cody has a GPA over 12 on a 12-point scale, because of all the AP courses he has taken. He even "aced" the hardest class at KHS, AP Chemistry!
Cody is a shy teenager who goes about his business quietly. He is extremely mature for a 17-year old and is very responsible. For example, when Cody made his Christmas list out for Bridges this year, where most students asked for candy, chips or earphones, Cody asked for a new wallet. He has been extremely committed to Bridges over the years and despite having to ride the trolley home, Cody rarely misses a day! Rare is a great word to describe Cody. We work with hundreds of young people every year that have the same potential that Cody possesses but it is rare to see students focus and hone in on that potential the way Cody has.
For someone who has had to overcome many obstacles in life so far, Cody has taken advantage of every opportunity given to him. Too bad "Codys" are so rare- we sure could use a lot more!


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Charlotte's out of the running for Amazon's HQ2. Here's who made the shortlist.
This video is how Charlotte pitched itself to Amazon and came up short
Amazon said Thursday that it has narrowed its list of finalists for its massive second headquarters to 20 cities – and Charlotte didn't make the cut.
Raleigh did make the list, however. The shortlist includes several other fast-growing cities in the South, such as Atlanta, Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tenn. Three locations in and around the nation's capital – Washington, D.C., along with suburban Maryland and Virginia – made the list, along with university-heavy Boston and Rust Belt cities Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio.
The headquarters has been an object of fierce competition between cities – 238 of whom submitted bids, some with outlandish PR stunts such as a 21-foot cactus from Tucson, Ariz. – since it's expected to bring 50,000 high-paid jobs and more than $5 billion worth of investment. Amazon has said the new campus will be equal to its Seattle headquarters.
Charlotte officials said they were shocked and frustrated that the city missed out while other peers, such as Raleigh and Nashville, made Amazon's list.
"I am absolutely flabbergasted that Charlotte didn't make the list," said Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari, who helped lead a group called Hivestorm with the Carolina Fintech Hub to support the Amazon bid. "If you had said five cities were on the shortlist and Charlotte wasn't one of them, I'd say, 'Alright, I guess I understand that.' ... Something's wrong here."
One big advantage Raleigh has over Charlotte are ties and accessibility to top research universities – Duke, UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State – that can offer intern programs, research and innovation/incubation centers on or nearby their campuses, experts have said.
"When I tell you I am literally shocked we didn't make a 20-city list, I can't overstate that," said Bokhari. He said the process of bidding for Amazon will ultimately help the city by defining its tech assets and how Charlotte can lure other companies in the future. Bokhari said he thinks the Raleigh area's high-ranked colleges gave it an edge.
"Clearly the concentration of their top research universities there makes a difference," said Bokhari.
Omar Kazzaz, a local logistics consultant who's been following Charlotte's bid, agreed that universities likely held Charlotte back.
"We want Duke, Harvard, MIT or extensions of those to attract the big boys," said Kazzaz. "We don't have the big names."
Amazon's shortlist was the latest loss for Charlotte, which missed out on being picked for the current round of Major League Soccer expansion teams last year. Earlier this month, Toyota and Mazda announced that they picked Alabama over North Carolina for a joint auto plant.
Charlotte submitted its bid for Amazon's second headquarters along with the other cities in October.
Officials who submitted the bid drummed up excitement about the project on social media using the hashtag #CLTisPrime, and took out ads on buses in Seattle extolling North Carolina's history of innovations, such as the invention of powered flight and the bar code.
"Getting from 238 to 20 was very tough – all the proposals showed tremendous enthusiasm and creativity," said Holly Sullivan of Amazon's public policy arm, in a statement. Amazon judged the cities on criteria such as their tech workforce, public transit and global connectivity from their airports, as well as the size of tax incentives. The company plans to make its final decision this year, Amazon said.
The Charlotte Regional Partnership-led group supporting Charlotte's bid included letters from a handful of prominent leaders in the proposal, including Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan, former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl and LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda. Also included in Charlotte's proposal, sent in a custom-made wooden box, were details of the more than 20 possible sites where the campus could be built, from uptown to Steele Creek to outlying counties such as Rowan and Cabarrus. The bid emphasized Charlotte's "edginess" and appeal to millennials, with a spoken word pitch from a local poet.
"We put our best foot forward in responding to Amazon's RFP for its HQ2 location and are proud of the proposal we made. As we said from the beginning of this process, whether or not we are selected by Amazon, we will reap significant benefits from the unprecedented regional effort," the Charlotte Regional Partnership and Charlotte Chamber said in a joint statement.
In a tweet, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said she is proud of the community's effort, and called for support of Raleigh for HQ2. "We rallied together over the past few months to prepare the Amazon HQ2 proposal and are proud of the collaboration that will continue to serve us well," Lyles said.
While I'm happy for Raleigh, I simply cannot understand how CLT doesn't make the shortlist for Amazon's HQ2. If you had told me the shortlist was 5 cities and CLT wasn't on it, I could understand that. I could even nod my head if you said 10. But 20... and no CLT? C'mon man...— Tariq Scott Bokhari (@FinTechInnov8r) January 18, 2018
Elsewhere in North Carolina, the Triad and Hickory also submitted bids. The North Carolina Department of Commerce said it was equally supporting all bids.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland said he is "not surprised" that Amazon included the Research Triangle area, pointing to its its tech-savvy workforce.
"Our state and local economic development teams will be working hard in the coming months to show Amazon executives how a decision to locate in Raleigh will benefit their customers, their employees, and our community," Copeland said in an email to the Observer.
Experts say that one of the biggest pieces of the proposal Amazon will consider are the incentives and tax breaks each city will offer.
Some cities and states have offered Amazon massive tax breaks, with New Jersey dangling $7 billion worth of incentives. City and state officials in Charlotte and North Carolina have kept quiet about how much taxpayer money they are offering Amazon, however.
The Amazon shortlist includes:
▪ Atlanta
▪ Austin
▪ Boston
▪ Chicago
▪ Columbus, Ohio.
▪ Dallas
▪ Denver
▪ Indianapolis
▪ Los Angeles
▪ Miami
▪ Montgomery County, Md.
▪ Nashville
▪ Newark, N.J.
▪ New York City
▪ Northern Virginia
▪ Philadelphia
▪ Pittsburgh
▪ Raleigh
▪ Toronto
▪ Washington, D.C.
Ely Portillo: 704-358-5041, @ESPortillo


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Smackdown: Big cities vs. small towns
by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
Blood and Whiskey, the second book in The Cowboy and Vampire Thriller Series, captures the best and worst of rural and urban living.
In Blood and Whiskey, ( Pumpjack Press, May 1, 2012 ), Tucker and Lizzie once again find themselves marooned in tiny LonePine, Wyoming, battling the maddening aspects of small town life ( at least for Lizzie ) and the murderous international intrigues of sophisticated, highly urban vampires ( according to Tucker, the worst kind of city slickers ).
One of our favorite things about writing for these characters, and the tensions between cowboys and vampires, is the "opposites attract" relationship of Tucker and Lizzie. Tucker has spent his entire life in LonePine ( population 438, with one on the way ), with the notable exception of a fevered trip to New York when Lizzie was kidnapped ( you'll have to read The Cowboy and the Vampire: A Darkly Romantic Thriller for more ). The evil vampires anxious to kill her and drain his blood were almost as bad as the crowds of people, bumper to bumper traffic on endless paved streets and rows of skyscrapers blocking the view.
Lizzie, on the other hand, grew up in New York and loves the hustle and bustle, the art and culture, the pace and energy and the international melting pot of people. She traveled to LonePine, a wasteland by her cultural standards, to research an article about the dying west. After falling for Tucker, she stays. And while she loves the clean air and wide-open spaces, she hasn't quite adjusted to small — really small — town life. The highway truck stop is the only place to eat in town, the only play they have is put on by the fourth grade class during the holidays and the library is the same size as the drive-thru espresso shack.
Despite that, Tucker and Lizzie appreciate what's special and different about the other and that's what helps keep them together and keeps their relationship strong despite some serious obstacles including, at least in Blood and Whiskey, a price on Lizzie head and a scheming vampire world pushed to the edge of extinction.
That part of their relationship, east meets west, is drawn directly from our own lives.
Whitehall, Montana, meet Washington, DC
Clark grew up on a ranch in Montana, 15 miles from the nearest town, Whitehall, which had about 2,000 people. His childhood home was a stone's throw from Fish Creek, near a number of historic stage stops and homesteader cabins and was surrounded by a lot of sagebrush. For him, hopping on a horse and riding up into the mountains, reading a good book under apple trees planted by settlers or building fence torn down by elk was all part of a regular day. He learned to be confident in the wilderness and grounded in the history, beauty and tenacity of western living.
We met and fell in love in Portland, Oregon, a small town by Kathleen's standards and a big city by Clark's. We've lived here for years now and enjoy the best of both worlds. We visit the east coast often to visit Kathleen's family and load up on art and cultural events, and we visit the remote areas of Oregon — Plush and Steens Mountain — to load up on the stillness and beauty of the wilderness. Plus, we are able to head over to the lovely Oregon coast frequently.
For us, like our characters, opposites really do attract and start to change each other. Kathleen has learned to love the empty spaces and Clark has become a fan of galleries and museums. With that in mind, here are two "top five" lists based on our experiences.
A city girl's top five reasons to love small towns:
- The views are spectacular, especially when there are mountains involved.
- Clean air and no traffic.
- Fewer lights make for beautiful starry skies at night.
- Friendly people — everybody waves at everybody in western towns and really care about how your day is going.
- There are no distractions for reading and writing.
A country boy's top five reasons to love big cities:
- History — especially on the east coast, you can visit buildings that have been standing for two or three hundred years. I know that has nothing on the historical cities of Europe, but for me, it's old.
- Art — I love all the shows and museums and galleries, even the ones I don't really get ( which is most of them ).
- Great food — there's nothing wrong with small town restaurants, but eating at the drive-in every week gets a little old compared to Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Greek, etc.
- Interesting people — sometimes really interesting, like you cannot look away they are so interesting.
- Bookstores. And good coffee.
Read Blood and Whiskey to find out even more about the difference between small towns and big cities, opposites attract romantic tension — it doesn't get much more opposite than a human and a vampire falling in love — and thrill-a-minute action. As Lizzie comes to terms with being undead, she has difficult choices ahead that will make Tucker far more uncomfortable than learning how to hail a taxi. And of course, their enemies are going to make it difficult for true love to last beyond the next sunset.
Learn more about the book
Blood and Whiskey is the second book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Thriller Series. It's available from Pumpjack Press released May 1, 2012 as a trade paperback ( 362 pages ) for $14.95 and as an e-book for $4.99. You can find out more at:
www.cowboyandvampire.com / www.pumpjackpress.com / www.facebook.com/cowboyandvampire / @cowboyvamp
About the authors
Clark Hays grew up in Montana in the shadow of the Tobacco Root Mountains. In addition to his fiction work, he is a cowboy, a published poet and occasional food critic. Recently, he was nominated for Pushcart Prize for short fiction and not so recently for a Rhysling award for poetry. Clark brings a deep knowledge about the modern west, weaponry, country music and existentialism to his writing. Kathleen McFall grew up in the heart of Washington, DC. She worked as a petroleum geologist and, later, as a journalist, and has published hundreds of articles about scientific research, energy and natural resources. An interest in the overlap of science and mysticism are an essential aspect of her fiction writing. She received an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship for fiction writing.
Friday 27th Day 1~ 5 Star Review of Blood and Whiskey
Saturday 28th Day 2 ~ Guest Blog by Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall!
Smackdown: Big Cities vs. Small Towns
Includes a Cowboy top 5 and City Girl's top 5!
( you are here!)
Sunday 29th Day 3 ~ Author Interview with the creators of Cowboy and Vampire novels,
Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays!
To makes this giveaway more interesting you can now play a Giveaway Quiz ( right answers give you more chances to win Blood and Whiskey, how fun is that?! ) also you can comment each of the Weekend Days individually to gain more chances, you can earn two point for each day!
+2 for commenting on the Review, +2 for commenting on the Guest Blog and +2 for commenting on the Interview!
Everything is right there in Rafflecopter ready and easy to use! And don't be squeamish to comment, the authors will be dropping by this weekend!
The Giveaway is Open Friday 27th - Monday 30th! ( nice of us to give one extra day right, we are just awesome like that! ;) )
+2 for commenting on the Review, +2 for commenting on the Guest Blog and +2 for commenting on the Interview!
Everything is right there in Rafflecopter ready and easy to use! And don't be squeamish to comment, the authors will be dropping by this weekend!
The Giveaway is Open Friday 27th - Monday 30th! ( nice of us to give one extra day right, we are just awesome like that! ;) )
a Rafflecopter giveaway