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Terrorism continues to make victims. As more victims die, amongst the spirits of the dead, a group has now formed to help newcomers who have crossed over in this way.
But the living too have a part to play. We should meditate for the dead as follows (see instructions below):
This Mantram was by Rudolf Steiner (for those killed in war):
You who watch over souls in the spheres,
You who weave around souls in the spheres.
Spirits, who work protecting the souls of men
With love from cosmic wisdom:
Hear our request, look at our love,
Which wants to unite with your power currents of help,
Intuiting the spirit, radiating love.
For the wounded (physically and emotionally) we should meditate as follows:
You who watch over souls on earth,
You who weave around souls on earth,.
Spirits, who work protecting the souls of men
With love from cosmic wisdom:
Hear our request, look at our love,
Which wants to unite with your power radiance of help,
Giving the spirit, sending love.
How to meditate:
Concentrate on each word of the text one at a time, stopping at the end of each phrase.
Imagine each word as livingly and as fully as possible, to make it come alive in you.
Then go back over the same phrase a second time, this time trying to focus on the feelings each phrase evokes.
Then go back over the same phrase a third time, and for each word ask what it means to you personally.
Then go back over the same phrase for the fourth and final time, asking yourself what action it asks from you: what will-impulse it awakens.
Now you are ready to go to the next phrase; until you reach the end.
Repeat daily for about a week following major atrocities, then weekly for a month, and then monthly thereafter. Restart high frequency as needed.
PLEASE Publicise this site and tell everyone about it
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The Missing Perspective
There is an additional viewpoint to what has already been said on this topic, and that concerns our inner responsibility in relation to what triggered these sad events.
Whether or not it is a conspiracy by the state matters little, given that the whole thing has been made possible by the masses who let themselves be manipulated through fear, hatred and superficiality.
Since the 19th Century the French state had already invented the system of the agent provocateur. Believing that in the 21st Century this kind of thing cannot exist would be truly naive.
In fact, that which truly triggered the whole sequence was a problem that each of us knows very well since we went through it (otherwise, you would not be reading this) and that is the observation that a purely materialist life, lived like good animals who chew the grass without disturbing anyone, and who purely enjoy physical pleasures (that nice voyage, that meal, that handbag) is a life that is not only terribly false and superficial, but also deadly boring.
However, few people know that inner working exists and that is is deeply satisfying, building a bridge between the iner life and outer reality, and like life scintillating with thousands of facets.
War and Trickery
Other people do not know any alternative other than taking their courage in their hands and setting off to war. We have already seen in Bosnia, how youths from the region around Trieste and elsewhere, set off to war filled with ideals, and came back inwardly wounded by the things they lived through.
We see it now with those who set off towards Al Qaeda or for ISIL/ISIS in Syria, or into other areas in Africa or elsewhere.
The BBC recently sent a reporter to Russia, to interview the volunteers who were going off to Ukraine. Here we saw the same luciferically distorted idealism (in this case the defence of Holy Mother Russia and the Orthodox religion), with the same bloody results.
In fact, if we observe carefully, we can see in the souls of these young people a burning desire for something more than materialist life: a search for a "secret" or occult life which we live through the practice of Spiritual Science, but that impulse is deviated to where it can only do harm.
Certainly, behind appearances, dreadfully anti-moral forces are at work, like the person who attached a bomb onto a ten year old girl on the 11th January in Nigeria in order to kill civilians in a market, ot those who train living bombs, using lies about a Muslim paradise (terribly distorted) for those who "sacrifice themselves".
These people only take hold of an impulse to live a more spiritual life, to be lived as fully as possible, an impulse which should turn those people towards us, the practitioners of Spiritual Science, who would know how to guide these youths on the path that leads to freedom, to understanding and to love, instead of hatred and a brutal karma. It is not by chance that precisely these people are being targeted....
Conspiracy and Karma
No less atrocious from an ethical viewpoint are those who work to create murders using fake perpetrators, to discredit any thought current, without realising that those who die are human beings, even if they think this or that.
A conspiracy to manipulate other people's freedom, treating humans like beasts with no individual I, like ants, to be exploited for their economic potential is the foundation for this.
Certainly, we know that karma operates to adjust these matters, and that the Logos does not allow even a single one of His own to be lost, but we, to the extent that we are prepared by inner working over several long years, we cannot remain just wringing our hands.
The action we should undertake is inner above all: through the East and West initiative [eastandwest.co /eastandwest.info], we are starting to move in the right direction.
But it is now urgent to go beyond this, and start to come forward in society. I and other volunteers will sacrifice our anonymity fo be able to offer clearer guidance to the world (if necessary covered by a pseudonym).
This should be done via a Website. The we can add live adverts on media like Facebook and Twitter, so that everyone can know where to turn to find practical help that does not judge, which appreciates individuals, and knows how to help people grow.
Various people can do this. So we should creat a system in shifts, to cover 24 hours of possible requests, witha view to a world-wide launch, in various languages, starting with those available on East And West.
We have the means. How many more dead are we waiting for?
Actual Proposal
1 Escorting the Dead by Meditating Them
bearing in mind that there are nothing but victims: victims of hatred twisted into murderous violence, or victims of deadly deception, we should meditate the dead in any massacres.
The technique of meditation demands preparation in the technique of concentration (because if we are not capable of holding a single thought still for at least 5 minutes, it is a waste of effort).
A beginner who does not yet know what to do can find indications by doing a web search on the 5 (or 6) exercises proposed by Rudolf Steiner (or of not see the works by Massimo Scaligero on that topic). In English, you can also visit www.think-light.org.
The dead are to be meditated, by imagining them bathed in light, at the best of their potential (recalling that they are no longer the beings that lived in the bodies we maybe knew, or that we may have seen pictures of).
Having animated that imagination, follow them in their contact with the Logos (going towards the light).
Then meditate in the evening (animate in the imagination) this Mantram by Rudolf Steiner (for those killed in war):
You who watch over souls in the spheres,
You who weave around souls in the spheres.
Spirits, who work protecting the souls of men
With love from cosmic wisdom:
Hear our request, look at our love,
Which wants to unite with your power currents of help,
Intuiting the spirit, radiating love.
It is left to each person to assess the time required which cannot be less than 5 minutes a day. At the end of the exercise, leave the consciousness empty for a certain time (no less than 3 minutes), and see what returns you get.
This should be repeated each day until you get inner confirmation that the situation (agitated like a tempest in such cases initially) has totally calmed down. The we can stop and move on to something else (whose turn is it?).
2 Monitoring Other Victims
Start as above (technique of meditation etc. until the paragraph that starts to handle the dead specifically, bearing in mind that other victims may be outwardly completely unharmed, but deeply wounded inside.
The meditate in the morning (animate through imagination) this Mantram by Rudolf Steiner (for combatants in war):
You who watch over souls on earth,
You who weave around souls on earth,.
Spirits, who work protecting the souls of men
With love from cosmic wisdom:
Hear our request, look at our love,
Which wants to unite with your power radiance of help,
Giving the spirit, sending love.
The timing and technique are exactly the same as above.
If we organise in the right way, we should be able to obtain the following miracle: that the evil attempted by the authors of these terrible acts, may be transformed into good for the victims fist of all, and for all humanity too.
There is a special temptation ascending along the path: that is of judging the path based on the ethical development of the person that practices it.
In the Gospels, Christ incites us to never judge our neighbour (a question of motes in the eye of our brother instead of beams in our own).
The there is the consideration that no one really knows what pressures and inner conditions anyone is labouring under, and thus we cannot ever truly assess the ethical circumstances around any act.
But someone who is seeking their own path, naturally tends to look at the human results from long practise along any path: spiritual science is not immune from this. And from a certain viewpoint this is justified too.
Certainly, one could reply using Steiner's comment, that practitioners should not be judged for what they are, but one should ask what they might have been without Anthroposophy.
Yet this is already a work of the imagination (first stage of cognition before inspiration and intuition), and not everyone is in a position to pull it off, because in itself it demans a technique that is unknown to the majority of the uninitiated.
But I am not here to justify the poor results by those who practise the inner path of thinking: because what I have to say mostly involves me myself.
And whilst when I was young I had a certain critical attitude towards those who I saw as hypocrites (those who called themselves Anthroposophists but never did any exercises), with the passing of the years, my position has greatly changed.
It ahs changed because I have fallen over my own limitations several times: not only that which involves desire which all males everywhere have in common (and in this context advice from Steiner is precious, even though it was only published at the end of the 1980s in German – and I do not believe it has ever been translated – from the lessons of the Esoteric School of the Theosophical Society: that is that desire disappears ehtn devotion to the Spirit becomes strong enough); not only this, but other limitations of my own too.
One practical example is the rage that rises up in me with such speed that it surrounds me before I even become aware of it, and this happens fairly often. I am improving, but with a terrible slowness, cwhich means I continue to offend the innocent despite myself.
It always remains a consciousness issue – but personal honesty means that i do not want to pretend that I am better than I am– I prefer to work to truly get better.
And that is how I ask anyone who looks at my behaviour to check if the path I follow is worthwhile,to have a certain human understanding – which was missing when I was young. What I follow as a path has not limits – But I do instead – but only for the meantime.
I improve every day, and I reckon to continue doing so as long as I am able to.
If I do not manage to overcome myself, I risk going mad – and then I will even go mad, but i refuse to give up.
Let us remember: on step forward in knowledge, means three steps forward in morality – and how long the path is!


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Syfy's 'Ghost Shark' Is the Next 'Sharknado', Only With, You Know, Ghost Sharks
We're all going to have to invest in wolf urine, or whatever it is that may repel sharks, because they're becoming a problem. After they were whirled ashore in a twister of man-eating realness in Syfy's Sharknado, they're now back in the water for Syfy's Ghost Shark.
No, Ghost Shark isn't the Sharknado sequel you've been hoping for, but it is another original movie promised to make you laugh almost as hard as the Ghost Shark producers did after they came up with this idea over a couple rounds of piña coladas. And Everclear.
Sharknado was a massive hit for the network, and Ghost Shark's poised to draw in those who loved that movie, and those who regretted missing it. Premiering August 22, this might be another huge win for Syfy, and another huge loss for shark P.R.

subset: commoncrawl


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It's easy to forget about types of weather that occur outside of our own backyards, especially during the summer months of sunshine. The wonders of our planet and its most essential resource never cease to amaze us, though, and that's why we're so fascinated by a summer weather phenomenon called monsoons.
A monsoon, according to National Geographic, is a seasonal change in the winds of the area that alter the climate of the region. This phenomenon is common in areas close to the Indian Ocean, like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladeshand Myanmar, but it also occurs in the southwestern United States. Clearly, our eight Aqua states don't typically see this type of weather, so we're extra curious about it!
There are two kinds of monsoons: dry and wet. A wet monsoon causes heavy rain in a region, while a dry monsoon does the opposite. This video from NASA does a great job of explaining how and why monsoons form.
Monsoons mostly affect North America in the middle of summer, from July to September. In fact, states like New Mexico and Arizona get half of their annual rainfall during monsoon season. Fun fact: The wettest monsoon recorded in U.S. history was in 1984, with 9.56 inches of fallen rain. These records include numbers traced back to 1896.
Usually, monsoons are beneficial to the areas they affect. Because these storms often occur after long periods of drought, the moisture they bring is replenishing and fruitful to the plants in the ecosystem. The high levels of rain can also aid firefighters battling wildfires in extremely dry areas.
Not all effects of monsoons are simple and benign, though. Since the affected land has often been bone-dry for so long, it can only soak up so much water at once. The rest of the water sits on top of the parched land, causing flash floods even from small amounts of rain. On top of flooding, monsoons can also bring lightning storms and massive dust storms called haboobs that can pose additional safety concerns for the affected communities, especially for people caught off guard while driving.
People who live in parts of the U.S. where monsoons occur are usually aware of necessary precautions. But for tourists, business travelers, or even new neighbors in the southwest, it's important to know how to prep for monsoon season. In fact, paying attention to weather forecasts and having an emergency supply kit on hand are good summer weather tips for people living in any part of the country, especially during Hurricane Season.
What other types of watery weather pique your interest? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
August is National Water Quality Month, which is a great reason to remember that clean water is an invaluable resource to our communities both big and small. Aqua is committed to ensuring water quality. Our efforts to update and maintain infrastructure are one way Aqua helps make a difference, but we like celebrating the simple ways individuals can make a difference, too.
Here are six easy ways you can stand with us in our pledge to protect the water in our communities.
If you need to get rid of paint, chemical cleaners or any other questionable liquids, do not dispose of them in your sink! Some of the chemicals in these products can be toxic, so you do not want them to get into your water supply. Instead, it's easy to find a proper way to dispose of these hazardous waste materials by searching Earth911 or by contacting your local sanitation, public works or environmental health department.
Additionally, non-biodegradable objects such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products and medicines should never be flushed down the toilet as a method of disposal. Instead, dispose these items in their proper trash receptacles or see if your local pharmacy has a take-back program to safely get rid of pills.
You might think washing your car at home is a no-brainer, but you may be surprised to know that because many car-washing soaps contain mixtures of various chemicals, you could be unknowingly contaminating your water supply.
When you use cleaning products inside your home, the used water goes straight to a treatment plant through sanitary sewer systems. The leftover water from washing a car outside, however, often goes down storm drains and ends up in water supply systems without undergoing proper treatment.
Instead, consider getting your car washed at a commercial business designed to handle all the watery runoff. Professional car washes tend to use 60 percent less water than at-home methods, too. If you prefer to wash your own car, make sure to invest in biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaners. Wash on an area that absorbs water, such as gravel or grass, and use a trigger nozzle on your hose to conserve water.
Common lawn chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides are often used to care for gardens and yards. When they aren't used correctly, though, they can enter into streams where they can harm critters and contaminate drinking water.
Instead, consider using compost as a natural fertilizer. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has a helpful guide to how to get started. Composting adds nutrients and organic matter back into soil without relying on harmful chemicals found in synthetic fertilizers.
When you don't pick up your pet's waste, you put yourself and your water supply at risk. During rain storms, a lot of this waste runs straight into storm drains that—you guessed it—do not get treated to ensure water quality.
Did you know you can make it a priority for your neighborhood to clean up after its four-legged friends by coming together to install a community waste bag station? Consider fundraising to buy a ready-made waste station, or rise to the challenge building your own.
Litter on streets, sidewalks and parking lots easily washes into our water systems. Even if you would never dream of littering, it's important to note that it still happens all the time. People are less likely to litter when it isn't the norm, so instead of relying on others to pick up trash, challenge yourself to lead by example.
The most effective way to protect water quality in your community is to go straight to the source. Enacting a community clean-up of your local watershed can do wonders for your local ecosystem and water supply. There are plenty of existing toolkits that make it as easy as possible for community members to organize clean-up efforts at local rivers or streams.
You can also search for established clean-up projects in your area. Most groups are always looking for volunteers and would be happy to include you in their efforts.
Clearly, a great deal of planning goes into a community clean-up, but a commitment to water quality in the long-run is beneficial to all.
There are so many ways to protect the water in your community. Together we can ensure that the quality of our water remains a priority for ourselves, our families and generations to come.
By Aqua Vice President of Regulatory, Government and External Affairs, Kim Joyce
April is National Volunteer Month. In recognition of this month, organizations, companies and individuals in cities all over the nation make an extra effort to thank volunteers, sign up new ones and contribute to causes that matter.
As someone serving on the committee to help roll out and oversee our Community Volunteerism Program, I'm proud to acknowledge our employees' commitment to volunteerism. This dedication is what inspired us to launch the program last year.
Aqua's volunteerism program organizes community outreach events that allow our employees to connect with one another. Plenty of Aqua employees and their families can be found serving communities across the eight states we serve.
Some examples that highlight the wide array of volunteer activities in which Aqua employees have participated and continue to participate include:
In line with our mission to supply communities with clean water, Aqua Illinois has participated in the state's Adopt-a-River program for 15 years. As part of the program, volunteers have worked to clean up the Kankakee River, which sources one of our water treatment plants.
In North Carolina, our crews responded quickly when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asked Aqua to supply clean drinking water to more than two dozen homes with contaminated wells. We were proud to expedite this process in order to minimize the negative impact on the Wake Forest community.
By planting more than 620 new trees in one day, volunteers from Aqua Pennsylvania connected with local conservationists and residents to bring plenty of fresh air to the Perkiomen Creek Watershed.
To help promote fire safety, something we care about deeply at Aqua, our Ohio employees help to install fire alarms and teams across our states have focused on fundraising for various local fire department. It makes us proud to support brave men and women who often volunteer to risk their lives protecting our communities.
In New Jersey, our team biked from "City to Shore" for several years to raise awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Our employees in Virginia took their love of water to a bass fishing tournament to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Hats off to Aqua Indiana employees who participated in South Haven's Team Up to Clean Up event on Earth Day. Several Aqua employees volunteered to ready the community parks for the new season. They helped install bike racks, benches and grills at the parks, and re-installed fencing and a gate.
Finally, Aqua Texas sponsored and took part in the Wimberley Village Library summer reading program, which provides families an opportunity to discover and develop the joy of reading.
Whether as part of a company event or due to a personal dedication to a cause, every volunteer effort made by our Aqua employees is an effort that matters.
Providing exceptional water service to our customers includes all aspects of making their communities better places to live. At Aqua, we strongly believe that volunteerism is a vital part of that commitment to each and every community.
As National Volunteer Month comes to a close, please join me in thanking our employees—and all the other volunteers in your lives—for their service both in and outside the office. Together, they create a positive impact that not only benefits our communities, but also inspires us all to continue giving back to the people we serve.
Every March, we celebrate Women's History Month by honoring women past and present whose commitment, knowledge and achievements have left lasting marks on the world.
Women are particularly impactful in the water industry, whether they work with our most precious resource here in the United States or abroad. Between developing infrastructure projects, performing important scientific research, or finding ways to provide clean water to those in need, countless women make global change every day in the realm of water.
Dr. Deepthi Wickremasinghe, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
Honorable Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation of South Africa
Rehema Bavuma, Katosi Women Development Trust, Uganda
Khin Ni Ni Thein, Myanmar woman water professional
Emma Anakhasyan, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment
What other women – besides all the ladies here at Aqua, of course – are doing important work in the water industry? Tell us which water wonder women inspire you!
Avon, IN — Aqua Indiana (Aqua) presented a $1,500 charitable contribution to the Washington Township/Avon Fire Department on February 8th. The local fire department consists of 57 full-time firefighters and 9 full-time administrative staff. The department protects and serves residents of Washington Township in Hendricks County, Indiana, including Aqua customers in its Hendricks County wastewater division.
Fire Chief Dan Smith and other members of the department gratefully accepted the contribution. Chief Smith thanked Aqua for its generous support and said that the donation would specifically help Station 142, which is an Aqua customer.
"Aqua is proud of the community partnerships we've established with organizations like the Washington Township Fire Department," said Aqua Area Manager Kieran Tansy. "We take great pride in supporting the dozens of volunteers who protect the communities we serve. Aqua knows firsthand the importance of the specialized training it takes to perform our jobs, and we're thankful to help support the fire department's ongoing efforts."
Aqua Indiana operates 11 utility systems in 11 counties and provides water and wastewater service to more than 80,000 people throughout the state. Visit AquaAmerica.com for more information, or follow Aqua on Facebook at facebook.com/MyAquaAmerica and on Twitter at @MyAquaAmerica.


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Oh my god, please tell me Pinky and the Brain highjacked this movie's weather machine and are finally in the process of taking over the world! Please! You can't have something as stupid and ridiculous as a weather machine going haywire and not have Pinky and the Brain behind it!
So… it's 2012 (2009) and SAN ANDREAS (2015), but with Gerard Butler. I have zero problem with this. Oh, I'm not expecting this to be a good film. Of course it's not going to be. I don't know how many times I'm going to say this in my review, but… the disaster porn is a result of a WEATHER MACHINE!!! I'm just here for the spectacle, y'all. Mindless entertainment is good for the soul every once in awhile.
Here's the cast. Starring, we have the greatest gift of ham from Scotland, Gerard Butler, known for LONDON HAS FALLEN (2016), P.S. I LOVE YOU (2007), MRS. BROWN (1997) and upcoming films ANGEL HAS FALLEN (2019) and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD (2019). In support, we have Jim Sturgess (STONEHEARST ASYLUM [2014], CLOUD ATLAS [2012], and ACROSS THE UNIVERSE [2007]), Abbie Cornish (ROBOCOP [2014], SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS [2012], ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE [2007], and upcoming film THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI [2017] and TV show Tom Clancy's JACK RYAN [2017]), Eugenio Derbez (HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER [2017], JACK AND JILL [2011], PLEDGE THIS! [2006], and upcoming films THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS [2018] and SPEEDY GONZALEZ, no release date announced), Andy Garcia (PASSENGERS [2016], OCEAN'S THIRTEEN [2007], THE GODFATHER PART III [1990], and the upcoming MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN [2018]), and Ed Harris (MOTHER! [2017], NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS [2007], and THE ROCK [1996]).
Now for the crew. Directing and co-writing, we have Dean Devlin, known for TV shows THE LIBRARIANS (2014 – 2016) and LEVERAGE (2008 – 2012). Devlin's partner-in-pen is Paul Guyot, known for TV shows THE LIBRARIANS, LEVERAGE, and FELICITY (1999 – 2000). Composing the score is Lorne Balfe, known for THE FLORIDA PROJECT (2017), TERMINATOR: GENISYS (2015), and RANGO (2011). Finally, the cinematographer is Roberto Schaefer, known for MILES AHEAD (2016), 007 QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008), and MONSTER'S BALL (2001).
Overall, yeah, this movie is going to suck, but I doubt it's trying to be good. It's just going to be mindless fun.
This is my honest opinion of: GEOSTORM
In 2019, the Earth went through a horrendous series of weather storms that caused terrible destruction. The weather issue was resolved when the space station nicknamed "Dutch Boy" was used to control the weather, its construction thanks in large part due to American hotshot genius Jack Lawson (Gerard Butler). However, his hotshot attitude has lead to him to being a troublemaker, causing him to be fired from leading the team that keeps Dutch Boy in proper functioning order, now headed by his younger brother Max (Jim Sturgess). But it's soon discovered that something is wrong with Dutch Boy and the weather is getting all screwy again. To make matters worse, the problems aren't accidental and might be sabotage within both the government and the space station itself.
Oh my god, I can't believe I was only kind of wrong. Ha! This movie was awesome! But wait, wait, wait… according to the movie's Wikipedia page this movie, "received negative reviews, with critics praising the special effects but calling the film as a whole 'uninspired'." What?! No! Don't say it like that, you hoity toity critics, you!
Alrighty, if you happened to have read my summary, you'll notice that this movie's global apocalyptic weather starts in 2019. Yup, we've apparently got only two years or less before we have to figure out how to make technology that controls the weather, science! Get on that shit before we all die. I don't even think this was more than a few seconds into the movie before I started snickering and realized, yup, this is going to be that kind of movie. I'm beyond excited by this point to see what else we have in stock.
I previously mentioned the quote from Wikipedia that says the critics praised the CGI and I disagreed with it. I hold to that. The CGI is awful. CG from the 90's looked better than this. The tornadoes here look worse than from the movie TWISTER (1996). Having said that, the visuals are still very interesting and fun to watch. You see enormous tidal waves getting frozen over, frozen birds falling like hail storm, followed by a crashing airplane, buildings betting toppled over like a set of dominoes, skyscrapers getting submerged in water, giant lasers super heating Russia's winter snow and setting everything on fire, lightning bolts zapping the ground and blowing cars up, it's completely ridiculous to the umpteenth degree, but there's not one second of this destruction that doesn't have me thoroughly entertained. I'm constantly laughing with sick delight at all of it. There's a sequence in space where Jake and Fassbinder (Alexandra Maria Lara) are in space suits trying to bring something back into the space station, but something goes wrong and someone hacks Jake's space suit and attempts to fling him into space. Again, the effects are more akin to a video game's cutscenes. Jake is moving around like a cartoon character, crashing into the hull of the station, destroying this thing and that thing, I even think there's a bit where he's sliding on the hull with his face. How the guy makes it out of the situation without even so much as a fractured arm, let alone his suit coming out with barely anything more than scratches is well beyond me. Either way, no, the CG is awful, but it is something to behold in its own right.
On top of it all, you have Butler helming a majority of the movie. I know there's a wide belief that he's not a very good actor, despite being in some pretty popular roles, like Leonidas in 300 (2006). Maybe I'm just a very forgiving amateur critic, but I don't think he's that bad. He emotes properly, he has expressions, and he always looks good holding a gun or kicking someone's ass. I think he's got tremendous charisma and always gives a hundred percent in anything that he does. Sure, he's an over actor, but he's still great as one. Hey, it's better than being an actor who doesn't even look like he's trying. And try he certainly does in this. Jake is definitely a hotshot who needs things to be a certain way for other things to get done, knowing full well that the interference of big-wigs will only cause further problems. His opening scene in the court hearing is certainly longer than it needs to be, and the script is so poorly written, but I couldn't help but love the character because he is so passionately hating on the politicians right to their faces that I'm silently cheering in my seat.
When I say the script is bad, it's really bad. I can't necessarily quote anything, so it's not memorably bad, but it's laughable. For example, the relationship between Max and Sarah (Abbie Cornish) is so awkward. They're that couple that hides their relationship from the public eye because he's a government official and she's a secret service agent who directly protects President Palma (Andy Garcia), and they're not allowed to fraternize. But they're secretly seeing each other and they do that cliché of complimenting each other like they don't know each other or trying to be professional about it. Lines will go something like,
I really like that blouse.
It's the same one I always have on.
It's so stupid, but both actors are owning the shit out of the lines that it becomes highly enjoyable anyway. Hell, that's probably the best way to describe the humor. The lines themselves aren't funny, but because they're written so badly and the actors are trying as hard as they can to make them work, it sort of does in a hilariously sad kind of way. Beyond that, a lot of the characters speak in exposition, saying everyone's back story in completely unnatural ways to the point where it's as out of control as the planet's weather, aww man, it's a blast to listen to.
Pinky and the Brain were behind Dutch Boy's sabotage! Sort of. The shark wasn't jumped over quite like that, but has anyone really taken a step back to see how not-quite far off I truly was? Two guys are behind it, one of them an annoying, child-like character who's more of an idiot than the movie thinks he is, and the other is a deep voiced frowning dude and Harris' hairless scalp makes his head a little more brain-looking. To top it all off, the intention is for him to become the President of United States, America's enemies all destroyed in the geostorm, and the new President risen up as a hero, making America stand firmly as the greatest country in the world. TELL ME THIS DOESN'T SOUND LIKE PINKY AND THE BRAIN!!!
Overall, I think if you went into this movie think it'd be good, then you've likely wasted your time. As for anyone else who knew exactly what kind of mindset to have when going in probably had a better time than most. It's not a good movie, by any means, but for me, it's ridiculously entertaining. From the characters to the destruction, I had a really fun time and kind of want to see it again. Hell, I wouldn't even mind owning this on Blu-Ray when it comes out. I can see myself watching this many more times in the future. If you have a fetish for planet wide mayhem with some hammy acting to boot, then I think this is for you and therefore highly recommend it. This is an uncontrollable storm of amazing shit that it's still a wonder to behold.
My honest rating for GEOSTORM: 5/5


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Want to Experience Leaf Academy First Hand?
You have several options how to meet us personally and get a taste of LEAF Academy firsthand:
Open Days (Bratislava)
A major event for all prospective students and their parents. During the event, you take part at the sample classes, meet our teachers, ask any questions, and experience the atmosphere of LEAF Academy.
- December 8, 2018 (Saturday) from 1.00 – 4.00pm
- February 9, 2019 (Saturday) from 1.00 – 4.00pm
Campus visits (Bratislava)
If you cannot attend any of our Open Days you may join regular visits of our school campus where in one hour you will have an opportunity to get a tour around the building, meet our Admissions team or talk to some of our students and teachers.
- December 12, 2018 (Wednesday) from 3.00 – 4.00pm
- January 16, 2019 (Wednesday) from 3.00 – 4.00pm
- February 13, 2019 (Wednesday) from 3.00 – 4.00pm
Open Clubs (Bratislava)
Our afternoon co-curricular activities are now open for any student in grade 8 – 9 of primary school and for high-schoolers. Clubs are run in English and are for FREE. You can join in anytime during the school year by filling in the registration form below. For more information about what clubs we offer at the moment see this article.
For more information contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or call us +421 907 836 490.


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What Is Trooping the Colour, Anyway?
This Saturday marks the Queen's birthday parade, the Trooping the Colour. Here's what you need to know about the annual royal event, from the history to how you can watch the whole thing go down.
The tradition dates all the way back to King George II, who in 1748 combined the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration—even though he was born in October. Ever
So what does "trooping the
Back in the 1700s, the various regiments would show off their flags, so all the troops would recognize their banners during battle. Hence, "trooping" the "
It's basically every child's dream come true. On April 21, the actual day of her birth, Elizabeth II celebrates privately, but on Saturday, June 9 she will mark her "official" birthday publicly with a parade.
It all comes down to the weather. (Can you think of a more British reason?) Summer is the only time for a proper parade.
Queen Elizabeth II during the Trooping the Colour ceremony during the 1980s.
During the parade, the Queen will inspect her troops. For years, she did this on horseback, but since 1987, she has attended in a carriage.
According to the Telegraph, the annual event features not only 1,500 officers and men, but also 244 horses.
For a cool 360-degree video of the pageantry a few years ago, watch the below:
A key part of the Trooping the Colour tradition is the royal family's balcony appearance. While the royal family does from time to time assemble on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for reasons other than the birthday parade, Trooping the Color is the only guaranteed annual appearance, and the one with the largest group.
The royal family's balcony appearance in 2015.
Invitees include descendants of the Queen, her sister and her cousins, plus their spouses. The group often tips the 30+ mark, and for the Queen's 90th birthday in 2016, there were over 40 family members gathered.
This year, newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to be in attendance, as is the Duchess of Cambridge, even though she is technically on maternity leave. It's unclear if baby Louis will be making an appearance.
If you want to see the whole spectacle go down, you have a few options. In the U.K., the parade will be broadcast live on the BBC at 10:30 a.m. The program will also be available online shortly after the event—for those of you in the U.S. that should be in time for your morning coffee.
If you'd like to attend in person, unfortunately tickets for the stands around the Horse Guards Parade have all been allocated. Next year, submit a ballot by late February for a chance at a seat. (Full instructions can be found here.)
But if you're okay standing, make your way to the Mall on Saturday morning. According to the Household Division, "the parade route extends from Buckingham Palace along The Mall to Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and back again," so there is ample opportunity to see members of the royal family arrive via carriage.
Keep in mind for next year that there are also multiple rehearsals that take place in the weeks before the parade. Those can both be seen from the Mall as well.
This story originally appeared on Townandcountrymag.com.
* Minor edits have been made by the Townandcountry.ph editors.


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Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban NOT Having Baby Boy Through Surrogacy Or Adoption, Despite Report
One of this week's tabloid claims Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban want a baby boy and have been looking into options to make it happen. Gossip Cop can exclusively correct the inaccurate story. The spouses, who are parents to two young girls, aren't planning to have a third child.
A headline in the latest issue of New Idea reads, "Nicole's Baby Joy: It's A Boy!" The article begins by making it seem as if the actress is pregnant, saying she was "tenderly touching her stomach" while posing for photos at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie Boy Erased. After teasing a pregnancy, the magazine acknowledges that she's not currently expecting but is "more determined than ever" to have another child.
An alleged insider tells the magazine, "Nicole has made no secret of the fact that she wants more children with Keith and this time she'd love a little boy. Nicole and Keith have been looking into options to help have a baby." The outlet's supposed source adds, "While Nic's grandmother had a baby late in life, Nicole knows it will be a struggle for her, so the couple are talking about surrogacy and adoption as well."
The questionable tipster goes on to say that Kidman "would love a new baby in the home" now that her two daughters are getting older, "and she knows Keith would love a little boy." The tabloid's story is simply fabricated. Kidman's rep, speaking on her behalf, tells Gossip Cop on the record that it's untrue.
Despite what anonymous "sources" say, Kidman herself has made it clear that she doesn't want more kids. When asked last year by "Entertainment Tonight" if she planned on having more children, the actress said "No," while laughing and shaking her head. Kidman added, "I would have loved to, if I would have had more kids, but I think I'm past that point now. But I'm very thrilled with what I have." As for the magazine's claim that Urban is pushing for a boy, the actress even noted, "My husband says, 'Let's just enjoy what we have!'"
It should be noted, New Idea is hardly reliable when it comes to reporting about the actress's personal life, especially in regard to her having more children. This past July, the outlet wrongly reported that Kidman and Urban had "baby news" they were about to announce. They didn't. Meanwhile, Gossip Cop busted the tabloid last month for falsely claiming that Kidman was furious with Urban for meeting with Tom Cruise during a trip to London. The premise was completely made-up, much like this latest one about the couple wanting a baby boy.
Schillaci, Sophie. "EXCLUSIVE: Nicole Kidman Clears Up Reports That She Wants More Kids - 'I Think I'm Past That Point Now.'" Entertainment Tonight, 9 Jan. 2017.
"Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban 'Baby News' Stories Are Wrong." Gossip Cop, 16 Jul. 2018.
Shuster, Andrew. "Nicole Kidman Furious Over Keith Urban Secretly Meeting Tom Cruise?" Gossip Cop, 9 Oct. 2018.
Leslee Dart, Spokesperson for Nicole Kidman. 6 Nov. 2018.


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Earth could have more water than we thought while exoplanets have less
We might need to rethink our understanding of water, both on Earth and other planets. New experiments with water ice at high pressures has revealed unexpected behaviour, which could upend our assumptions about the makeup of icy exoplanets.
There are two ways to make ice: by lowering the temperature, as in a freezer, or by raising the pressure, essentially compressing the water into a solid. Ashkan Salamat at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and his colleagues used the second method, crushing water between a pair …
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Win a Northern Lights and whale-watching Norwegian Arctic trip for two
Update: This competition is now closed
In celebration of the paperback release of Michael Palin's Erebus, Penguin Books and small group adventure specialists Exodus Travels, are giving away a trip to the Arctic for two.
Looking at Exodus Travels' website, the prize value amounts to nearly £4,500!
What do you win?
Two places on the Exodus Travels Arctic Lights & Whales Tour, Norway, comprising
- 4 nights in wilderness cabins or Aurora guesthouse with shared facilities
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How to enter
- Click the red button link to take you to the competition page
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Competition closes
11.59pm on 31st July 2019


text: Share: Comments Print April 9, 2009 at 5:00 PM Changes in defense spending Posted by Seattle Times staff All money used is necessary There was a post about how the Obama administration was going to shake up the military and kill useless programs ["Pentagon budget overhaul: money no longer going into black holes," seattletimes.com, Northwest Voices, April 8]. Well, I've had enough of it. Many people say that the military is wasting useful dollars. They have no idea what they are talking about. Obviously, they have no information on what has been happening in the world at large, because pretty much every single dollar is used for a necessary purpose. FDR said during World War II, "Suppose my neighbor's home catches fire, and I have a length of garden hose … I don't say to him … 'Neighbor, my garden hose cost me $15' …" Every cent of that money is needed. The F-22 Raptor? It has been attacked for being ready to fly only 62 percent of the time, but that is better than most planes and is all they are needed for. As for the $100 billion the Navy plans to spend on carriers? They're hardier than you think, and they are much more essential to the military putting out fires than many people know. The Future Combat Systems? Those have been targeted for how undeveloped they are, but it takes four years to develop a car. How can you expect a synchronized system of attack vehicles to take less? The real reason that we don't have enough money is because some idiot came up with the idea of throwing money at companies that don't know how to deal with it and lose money whether or not Congress gives them trillions of dollars. If you want people to spend more on education and infrastructure, throw out the bailout. You could pay people to throw rocks at trees all day, but that doesn't help the economy. Why is paying people who don't produce anything different? — Scott Corbitt, Bellevue A better balance of priorities Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' shift in military spending and his leadership in calling for greater investments in nonmilitary approaches to foreign policy deserve wide citizen support. Gates is simply demanding more accountability and efficiency for military spending that counters the years of phenomenal and unchallenged growth of the military-industrial complex. But perhaps more important, President Obama and Gates recognize that the military alone cannot provide for our national security. Much more U.S. attention needs to be given to diplomacy, development and international cooperation if we are to make any progress in establishing a humane and lasting peace on our planet. In the FYOB (Final Year of Bush) national budget of $517 billion dedicated to U.S. engagement in the world, a disproportionate $486 billion (94 percent) went to the military while only $29 billion (6 percent) supported diplomacy and development, such as the State Department and the U.N. (source: White House Office of Management and Budget). Last week, when the House and budget committees tried to cut the administration's request for increased funding for diplomacy and development, Gates himself lobbied to restore the money. He is correct in bringing better balance to our national security funding priorities. — Tom Ewell, Clinton No enemy to drive need My career as an engineer at Boeing and Honeywell has greatly benefited from defense spending. However, I believe our precious resources would be better spent on improving our infrastructure and social services. We do not need another fighter aircraft; there is no enemy driving that need. We spend more on defense than the rest of the world combined. — Daniel Molnar, Redmond Comments | More in military


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Annual Review: "Business"
Email Me | Twitter | Facebook | My eBay Store | My Want List | RSS Feed
Following Wednesday's mixed-bag of results in the Collecting category of my my series of Annual Review posts, today's look back on my "Business" Goals and Objectives takes a definitely downward turn. Here's the look at how and why that ended up being the case:
Achieve a 10% increase in eBay Store sales; both in volume & revenue – NOT ACHIEVED
The final results for the year won't be in until midway through January, but barring some sort of bidding frenzy over the next 8 days I'm going to fall well short of this one. In fact, I'm going to fall well short of matching last year's results.
Sales in the first 5 months of 2012 were hampered massively by the penalties imposed on my account by eBay, all of which resulted from the unrealistic expectations of just a few buyers.
This proved to be far too much to overcome and I am all but certain to have had my worst year of sales (revenue and volume of items) in the three years that I've been striving for a financially self-sufficient hobby.
Have my items account for 1% of the Hockey Card listings on eBay.ca – NOT ACHIEVED
This is another goal that I won't end up coming close to achieving. I currently have 2,311 items available for sale, while the category has a staggering 740,000. This number was greatly inflated by the free listing promotion eBay has run for the last few months, a promotion that all but eliminated my desire to pursue this objective since I couldn't hope to scan and list the extra 4,000-5,000 items I would need.
Generate revenue from other sources – PARTIALLY ACHIEVED
Another goal that proved rather loose in terms of what success would mean.
I started the year with the best of intentions of raising funds from those other sources through selling items on sites like Kijiji and craigslist, as well as through advertisements on my website. Neither of those proved successful in any way, but I did manage to add $50 in cash by using swagbucks.com as my primary search engine website, earning enough points to score myself a $50 Paypal gift card.
Though some may view that $50 Paypal gift card as enough to mark this as complete, my intent was to generate much more money that just $50 over the course of the year and to do so from a variety of sources. Since I didn't manage either of those, partial achievement is all I'm willing to give myself here.
Start and closely monitor an "investment project" – ACHIEVED
Easily the most successful of my "Business" objectives, at the time this article is being posted I will have made more than $300 in profit from the cards I have bought and flipped for a higher price than I paid for them. To make things even better, I will also have more than 275 cards left to sell from this project's inventory.
An extremely successful first go at this type of project in my books!
Enhance my website – PARTIALLY ACHIEVED
Early in the year I made some changes and additions to my website that I feel were an improvement from the previous layout and content. But by the midway point of the year I had completely run out of steam in going any further this project. This is a time-consuming process (especially for someone who is far from an expert in this area) and there were other things that I felt were much more important than attempting to overhaul my website in its entirety. This will almost certainly be a goal that is worked into the plan in some way, shape, or form in 2013.
With the 1 achieved objective, 2 partial achievements, and 2 failures in the "Business" category, the tally for the first two categories stands at 2 goals achieved, 5 partially achieved, and 3 not achieved.
Again, some significant lessons were learned from my lack of success in this category, so even though there were failures involved they will have served a purpose in the long run.
Stay tuned for the review of the "Writing" category of goals and objectives coming up in my next post.
Until Wednesday, all the best in your collecting pursuits!
Email Me | Twitter | Facebook | My eBay Store | My Want List | RSS Feed
Related articles
- Annual Review: Collecting (bbbros.wordpress.com)
- Annual Review: Overview (bbbros.wordpress.com)
- A Flippin' Success, Volume 3 (bbbros.wordpress.com)
- A Costly Cheapskate Mistake for My Collection (bbbros.wordpress.com)


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Includes all flights, 2 nights at Victoria Falls with sightseeing activities, 2 nights at Chobe National Park with river and land safaris plus two amazing nights in the Okavango Delta.
14 days of luxury including: all flights, private Kruger game lodge, Blue Train, Cape Town, Victoria Falls and many sightseeing activities
The African continent includes over 50 countries, each with individual tribal groups, traditions, dialects, landscapes and wildlife species.
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(Sydney time)


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Up to $500,000 is available from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to improve productivity and liveability of Victoria by funding major infrastructure projects.
Need Infrastructure Funding?
Call 1300 658 508
Regional Infrastructure Fund
The Regional Infrastructure Fund provides funding to improve local infrastructure and services, creating jobs and boosting business opportunities within Regional Victoria and is delivered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV).
Priority Areas
In the past, the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund has focused on six priority areas:
- Tertiary education;
- Sustainable industries;
- Industry investment and development;
- Tourism;
- Transport and access; and
- Community and cultural infrastructure.
Success Stories
Bulletpoint assisted the Greater Shepparton City Council to receive $7.19 M towards the Greater Shepparton Regional Sports Precinct.
This project will substantially expand the capacity of the 65 hectare Greater Shepparton Regional Sports Precinct (GSRSP) by building new fields and facilities for a range of sports. It will provide modern infrastructure for the site, including a linking boulevard, fencing, landscaping, playgrounds,signage, car parks, traffic signals and supporting works.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is the main infrastructure program of the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF). It aims to harness key regional strengths to improve regional Victoria's productivity and liveability. It invests in major infrastructure projects that create or enhance the conditions for economic growth, and build diversified and sustainable regional economies that are resilient to change.
Program Streams
The Regional Infrastructure Fund provides public grant funding for the following four program streams:
Visitor Economy
This program stream aims to harness the economic strength of regional Victoria's visitor economy. It will create new or redevelop existing tourism and cultural assets that improve the attractiveness of regional Victoria and stimulate increased visitation and private sector investment. These projects will diversify regional Victoria's economic and social base.
Productive and Liveable Cities and Centres
This program stream aims to stimulate new investment opportunities and jobs growth. It aims to increase the use and dollar-spend within regional Victorian cities, centres, towns and precincts as well as improve access and connectivity to transport, retail and service hubs. Projects supported under this program stream will coordinate a number of economic and social services and activities and create or enhance economic growth conditions.
Enabling Infrastructure
This program stream supports regional industries to innovate, build resilience and improve adaptability to changing economic and environmental conditions. This program stream recognises that investments in strategic and enabling infrastructure are critical to providing a competitive environment for existing and emerging regional industries to operate in.
At the same time, they help unlock the region's growth potential.
Rural Development
This program stream will assist rural Victorian businesses and communities to create opportunities for economic growth. It will also assist in enhancing the appeal and liveability of rural towns and surrounding areas by improving local infrastructure.
Eligible Projects
Regional Infrastructure Fund applications will need to demonstrate the proposed project's ability to meet a significant number of criteria.
Some of the criteria for assessment of Regional Infrastructure Fund may include:
- Does the proposed project attract new investment, or complement other investments in your region?
- Demonstrate how the proposed project will create new jobs
- Show how the proposed project facilitates the integration of your region into global markets, including opportunities for exports or import replacement.
- Identify any other ways in which your project will stimulate or maintain economic growth in your region
- Demonstrate how the proposed project enjoys relevant local community and/or industry support.
- Show how the proposed project is consistent with ESD during construction and operational phases
- Indicate how the proposed project will contribute to or build on identified key regional strengths and how it adds value and benefit to existing products and services.
- Demonstrate how the proposed project provides an adequate social return to the community, and indicate who else will benefit from this project.
- Show how the proposed project is consistent with objectives and key outputs of local or regional economic development strategies, including Municipal Strategic Statements
- State how the proposed project is consistent with the Victorian Government's stated policy commitments to regional Victoria.
- Identify project risks and how these are to be managed
- Demonstrate that your project is financially viable in construction and operation.
- Identify the opportunities for increasing the skills of Victorians and Australians and the potential to undertake innovation, research and the development of technology.
Eligible Applicants
Regional Infrastructure Fund applications will be considered from:
- private sector businesses and agencies
- business and industry groups including:
- chambers of commerce and business associations
- industry peak bodies
- business and industry clusters
- local government authorities
- government departments and agencies
- not for profit organisations and community groups that:
- are an incorporated body, cooperative, or
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or can provide written advice from the Australian Tax Office that no withholding tax is required from the grant payment
- higher and other education institutions Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Regional Infrastructure Fund applications open on an ongoing basis.
Need Infrastructure Funding?
Call 1300 658 508
Latest Recipient
Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, visited Euroa today to officially open the Euroa Conference and Function Centre and reaffirm the Labor Government's $500,000 commitment to upgrade the Euroa Saleyards.
The Euroa Conference and Function Centre project has seen a small community space transformed into a multipurpose venue to support the local community and the region's food, wine, equine and tourism industries.
The revamped centre will be a vital economic asset in the region and has already proved valuable by engaging local contractors during its construction.
Visiting the Euroa Saleyards, Ms Pulford said the Labor Government's $500,000 commitment for the second stage of the upgrade would support jobs and drive economic growth across the region.
Each of the 14 annual sale days currently generate up to $2 million and employ about 25 local people, generating $77,000 in indirect annual benefits for local businesses.
The Stage 1 upgraded was funded by the Strathbogie Shire Council and included partial roofing and improving stock pens.
Stage 2 will be delivered through the Labor Government's Regional Infrastructure Development Fund and will support additional work including relocation of power lines, further upgrades to the yards, and finalising all roofing.
Previous Recipients
|Project Name
|Midfield Meat International
|Midfield Group Capacity Upgrade
|ViPlus Dairy
|ViPlus Toora Milk Plant Development – Stage 2
|W. Ryan Abattoirs
|Ryan Export Upgrade Project
|Parks Victoria
|Grampians Peaks Trail – Stage Two
|Tatura Abattoirs
|Tatura Abattoirs Expansion Project
|Phillip Island Nature Parks Australia
|Nobbies and Summerland Peninsula Tourism Expansion Project
|Pactum Dairy Group
|Pactum Dairy Group (PDG) Future Ready
|Unilever Australia Trading
|Unilever Tatura Investment Project
|Deakin Residential Services
|Student Housing – Geelong
|Upgrade of Longerenong College Student Residential Facilites
|Murray Dairy
|Murray Dairy Accelerating Change
|Alysium Gardens
|Alysium Gardens Aged Care
|Brandy Creek Winery & View Cafe
|Brandy Creek Spa and Wellness Centre
|Pactum Dairy Group
|Ultra High Temperature Dairy Milk Processing Plant
|Australian Fresh Salads
|Vegetable Processing Expansion Project
|Kagome Foods Australia
|Installation of a Permanent Beetroot Line
|CTE-Custom Transport Equipment
|CTE – Weerong Road Expansion
|Gippsland Body Builders
|Darcan Way Expansion and Equipment Upgrade
|Australian Trailer Manufacturers
|Relocation & Expansion of Australian Trailer Manufacturers
|Gibsons Groundspread
|Gibson Ground Spread Expansion Project
|Maffra Farmhouse Cheese
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|Clean Room Laundry Expansion
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|Safetech Capacity Expansion
|Riviera Farms
|Infrastructure & Processing Expansion Project
|K & R J Matthews Quarries
|Tyers Quarry Plant Upgrade
|Barolli Orchards
|Barolli Export Expansion Opportunity Project
|Kyabram Food Packing and Filling Facility
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|ACN Orchards Export Opportunity Expansion Project
|Boumbis Operations
|Boumbis Orchards Export Expansion Opportunity Project
|Latrobe Valley Bus Lines
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|Latrobe Valley Sands
|Latrobe Valley Sands Expansion Project
|Spectrum Sales
|Spectrum Outbound Sales
|Toolamba Fresh
|Toolamba Fresh Expansion Project


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No products
Production of PCBs
The TPz (Transportpanzer) Fuchs ("Fox") is an armoured personnel carrier originally developed by Daimler-Benz but manufactured and further developed by the now Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV)).
German assault gun variant of the Panzer IV used in the latter part of the Second World War.
Jetfire Balsa Glider.


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Volunteering - a great way to give back
Scouting across Wokingham is managed and run all by volunteers. Some people offer skills to support the Groups in the background whilst others share or lead a section. We can only support our Young people with these great volunteers and are always looking for new faces.
If you think you have a skill to offer part time or on a weekly basis please look at the job roles we could offer you today by clicking this image.
Young People head to Africa
In the summer of 2019 more Scouts and leaders (just under 140 in total) will be making the third Berkshire Scouts visit to Uganda to undertake more international community projects with local primary schools (Buwala; Bubugo; and Bituli) as well as work at the Jinja District Scout Campsite (Buwenda).
Wokingham's Blue Bears head to WSJ2019
On Saturday 20th July 7 members of Wokingham Explorer Scouts left for their journey of a lifetime to the World Socut Jamboree in the United States - Follow there trip here.
Volunteering is good for you
New research has shown that volunteering has a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who volunteer in the charity sector, but their efforts are not always supported by employers. According to the research, the majority of volunteers reported having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%). Nearly two thirds (65%) also said that since beginning volunteer work they have developed useful employability skills; with 59% saying they feel more confident and 54% feeling more motivated in their jobs.


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James Madison to Bernard Peyton, 20 March 1828
Mar. 20—1828
Dear Sir
Mr. Cabell has obligingly procured for me a sight of the 1st. vol. of the Journals of the H. of Delegates just published. But, it does not reach to the Sessions of 1784-5. 1785-6. & 1786-7. for wch. I had occasion If these have been struck off, tho' not finally put together for publication, and be attainable in that form only, I would ask the favor of you to purchase me a copy if to be had in that way, or on loan, to be returned in a reasonable time. Be so good as to let me know the result of your application and if it be successful I will point out a mode of transmission.
You will see by the inclosed note that I avail myself of your continued aid at the Bank With esteem & friendly [resps.]
Draft (DLC).


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Review: Minesweeper Genius05 Jun 2018 1
Review: Minesweeper Genius
Released 16 May 2018
Aristotle, the hero of Minesweeper Genius, takes a rather literal approach to mine disposal, whipping out his broom to sweep the surroundings for deadly devices. He is a peculiar little character, so proud of his superior brainpower that he keeps his smarts in a glass dome that is attached to the top of his head. The silly plot concerns aliens and scientific experiments, but sweep this aside and you are left with a smart update of a game that has its origin's in the earliest mainframe games of the 1960's and 1970's.
The most well-known version of Minesweeper dates back to the early 1990's, when it came bundled alongside Solitaire with Windows 3.1. It may not have had the same mass appeal as solitaire, but countless hours of productivity were wasted by those bored office workers, who wanted something a little more tactical than just arranging playing cards. Better still, the unobtrusive graphics, consisting of a small grey grid, were much less likely to catch the eye of a wandering manager.
Actually, Minesweeper Genius has just as much in common with number puzzler Sudoku as it does with its original namesake. Aristotle begins each level placed in a grid, the exit will be marked but the rest of the spaces will be unexplored and could contain deadly mines. You can infer which spaces are safe from the numbers that appear along the edges of the grid. These reveal how many mines are in each row and column. On each level, Aristotle gingerly makes his way from square to square. He is never allowed to backtrack, and should he tread on a mine then he is returned to his starting position.
Minesweeper Genius consists of thirteen islands, each with ten levels apiece. Upon completing a level Aristotle will be awarded a star rating and the next level will unlock. Sometimes, after completing an island, a number of optional advanced levels will also become available. As you progress, more features familiar to those who played the original minesweeper will become available. From the second island onwards, you can flag squares that you think contain mines. Simply press on a square or drag your finger across multiple squares to place flags. The third island introduces radial indicators; these appear in certain squares at the beginning of some levels and display a number that signifies how many of the adjacent spaces contain mines.
To spice things up, the game also introduces a range of special squares that trigger as soon as Aristotle steps on them. There are ones that allow Aristotle to belie his advanced years and leap over a square. Others will slide squares from one end of the grid to the other or swap entire rows and columns. All of the special squares in a grid must be triggered in order to successfully complete a level.
My initial impressions of Minesweeper Genius were extremely favourable, the graphics are clear, the controls responsive and the puzzling initially feels very rewarding. It is obvious that the developers have spent a lot of time polishing and refining their game. It is also commendable that the game offers a generous amount of levels and comes as a complete package, with no extra purchases required. Unfortunately, after playing for a while things began to go downhill pretty fast. Some of the issues are easily remedied; the background music soon begins to grate, but it can be switched off, as can the annoying sound effects that have Aristotle nodding off and snoring after only the briefest period of inactivity. The old dear's desire for frequent naps may initially be mildly amusing, but I soon felt like grabbing his broom and whacking him over his stupid fishbowl head.
Unfortunately, the game's biggest issue is not one that can be so easily resolved with the flick of a switch. Minesweeper Genius really suffers from a lack of variety and challenge. Each island follows a similar pattern, starting on small grid layouts that gradually increase in size. It soon begins to feel very formulaic, even the graphics hardly change from island to island. Minesweeper, like Sudoku, is all about making inferences from the limited information on offer in order to build up a complete picture. A large part of Sudoku's appeal is down to the leaps of logic that you have to make in order to arrive at the correct conclusion. In comparison, the decisions here are much more straightforward and consequently less satisfying.
So, whilst you may initially think, wow, that's a neat twist on an old classic, Minesweeper Genius soon becomes a bit of a slog. It may make a neat casual game that you can play on your daily commute, but, in the long-term, the repetitive gameplay is a big disappointment. I'm no puzzle genius but still managed to cruise through the first sixty levels with ease, racking up a complete set of three-star ratings. Even at this relatively advanced stage it wasn't really getting any more difficult. It seems that the game is too obliging and eager to help you succeed. This is largely down to the fact that the puzzles aren't individually designed but procedurally generated.
Initially, this seems to be very neat and clever, an insurance against player frustration. Yet it turns out that it also makes things too easy, even the special squares that should really add some extra challenge turn out to be a big disappointment. You would think that switching around the grid would really increase the challenge, but actually, the special squares just feel like they are just a point on the board that you have to reach. No matter how drastically they change the layout you can be assured that there will always be a valid move. Consequently, there is never any need to think further ahead than your current move, which is never that taxing, even if you are not a genius.
Review: Minesweeper Genius
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Curious Creatures
January 20, 2018
Kate Humble hosts this BBC Two panel show all about the animal kingdom. Two teams – one captained by Chris Packham and the other by Lucy Cooke – face various rounds testing their knowledge of all beasts.
Amongst the furry fun there is the legendary 'Whose Poo' round, in which teams inspect animal droppings and try and discover the origin of the faeces.
Series 1 (10 x 30 min)
Series 2 (20 x 30 min)


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Hemmed in Hollow, Arkansas
Yep, dang ole' Arkansas
*This post continues the mining of old photographs taken in the pre-digital era. We therefore apologize in advance that the quality of the pictures is not quite up to the usual standards. Also note that our description of the falls was accurate for the time we visited, which was in 2005, things may well be different now. We would suggest you check the NPS website for the Buffalo National River for updates details.
**We have added Hemmed In Hollow in the Buffalo National River to BecauzeItzThere's best hikes in North America!
Back when Sylvia and I used to live in Texas there wasn't a whole ton of hiking to be done, unless what you were looking for is walking along the edge of roadsides, through housing developments or across flat prairie studded with anthills.
Not that there isn't some great hiking in Texas. Problem is, most of it is further from the Dallas and Houston areas than Cleveland is from Boston. See our post on Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
If you want mountains, the closest place to the Dallas area where you can find REAL mountains is the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. Though it was still a good long drive, Sylvia and I used to go up there as often as we could on long weekends. Which wasn't often enough.
People often dismiss Arkansas, which very much lives up to its nickname "The Natural State." It's one of those places where, if you have heard anything about it at all, it's probably bad. Something about Rebel Flags and moonshiners or the like. Well, there's really not much bad to be said about the Ozarks at all.
Together with their companion range to the south, the Ouachita Mountains, the Ozarks are the only mountains of significance between the Rockies and Appalachians. From eye level, these mountains are almost indistinguishable from the Appalachians, except for the surprising number of dramatic limestone bluffs that rise up without warning seemingly everywhere.
Viewed from a higher perspective, the Ozarks/Ouachitas are notable as being the only mountains range whose ridges run east-west as opposed to north south. So if ever you are on a coast to coast flight, chance look out the window and see mountains running along below going the same direction you are…you are flying over the Ozarks.
The Ozark Mountains are not particularly big in themselves, being about half as tall as the Appalachians. They are however quite rugged…more proof that the sea level elevation of a mountain range is only one, and not necessarily the most significant, indicator of how rugged and difficult the terrain will be. What they are famous for, beside the bluffs and the whiskey stills, are waterfalls and limestone caves.
We're not much for caves. Waterfalls, on the other hand…
Back in our Waterfall Week posts, we made mention of a place called Hemmed in Hollow in the Ozarks. Despite the odd name, Hemmed in Hollow is very definitely a waterfall. In fact, it is one of the most significant waterfalls in the Eastern United States. HIH is one of about 200,000 claimants to the dubious title "Tallest Waterfall East of the Mississippi." It is also routinely called the "Tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians," and this claim has more truth to it. The debate about whose waterfall is bigger, however, is not what this article is about…if you wish to read more about it, you can read this.
But make no mistake, Hemmed in Hollow is a very big waterfall and a very impressive place. It's also very hard to get to, being at the end of a very narrow, steep walled valley, and this helps keep the crowds down. For those looking for an easy drive-up experience, Hemmed in Hollow is NOT that place.
Some smaller falls on the way in. Astonishingly, this is a fork of the same creek that plunges over Hemmed in Hollow.
The falls is located in by far our favorite place in Arkansas, the Buffalo National River. Though Arkansas does have a National Park, they obviously picked the wrong place to put it. With all due respect, Hot Springs National Park is at best a made for TV national park…it is better termed a national historic site. Our opinion is that the highlights of the Ozark Range — the Boston Mountains, Boxley Valley and Buffalo River area are self evidently far more suitable for designation as a national park. But that's unlikely to ever happen, and we're sort of okay with that. They are nonetheless a federally protected landscape.
There are three ways to reach the falls, one of which involves coming in by raft or canoe from the river itself. Most people hike down from the Compton trail head along the Hemmed in Hollow Trail, which is about 2.5 miles one way down to the falls. It is a VERY steep trail.
Sylvia and I did this trail in April of 2005, right before the leaves bad come on the majority of the trees and the dogwoods were in full bloom. It was gorgeous. It was a memorable hike for other reasons as well.
- It was our first serious hike together
- Sylvia, as usual blabbing away, fell and skinned here knee
- We got turned off the trail onto a 'scenic route' that proved to be even steeper and more difficult than the real trail
- After we returned to camp from the hike, we had a scary moment as Sylvia briefly passed out, possibly from dehydration
Though it's a tall fall, Hemmed in Hollow is not always very voluminous in terms of water coming over the top. In fact, in most seasons, when it is running at all, it could best be termed a 'natural outdoor shower.' Water doesn't crash down, it drizzles. There is no plunge pool per see at the base of the falls, just some rocks. And, as there are no man-made barriers at all around the base, you can walk about as close as you want…in fact, you can walk up right into the stream of water itself, and do so in reasonable safety (as long as you exercise caution.) I knew of very few other falls where this is so.
The result is a strangely magical experience.
The Wikipedia article for the falls states that "Wind swirling in the canyon causes the falls to continually dance about." This is absolutely true…when we were there, the water stream kept swaying to the left and right, like playing a garden hose across a lawn. The falls could move as much as fifty feet in either directions.
Apart from the falls, the Hollow itself, with its huge cliffs, is a very impressive place.
When we visited the falls it was not very crowded at all. Many of those who were there had obviously come in from the river…some were still wearing life jackets or carrying paddles. The falls is only a half mile walks, reputed to be very easy, from the river.
Despite the misadventures, it took us only a few hours to do the hike, which is about five miles round trip. We took the CORRECT trail back. Note that there are several smaller falls and many ledges along this trail that had nice views in spring…From May to November leaves are on in Arkansas, so there may not be many views at all.
Hemmed in Hollow was one of several great hikes we did in or around the Buffalo River. We also hiked sections of the Buffalo River Trail, with its impressive views of limestone bluffs up to 1000 feet tall, and the Ozark Highlands Trail.
If you are interested in the Ozarks, the undisputed authority in the field is Tim Ernst, a photographer and author who has written the definitive guidebooks of the area. I own a copy of his Ozark Highland Trail Guide, fourth edition, and Arkansas Hiking Trail, third edition.
Note that if you hike in Arkansas in the fall, it is beautiful…but deer hunting season usually begins in early or mid-November. Let's just say the Arkansas woods are an interesting place during hunting season. Wear as much blaze orange as you can find.
We loved Hemmed in Hollow and have great memories of the Buffalo River. It's one of those places we'd love to go back to someday, but heaven knows when we'll get the time, with so many other great adventures competing!


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CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Agilent Technologies Inc. A, -1.30%, a provider of life sciences technologies, said Monday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Varian Inc. vari for $1.5 billion in cash. Agilent will pay $52 per share in a deal that represents a 35% premium to Varian's closing price last Friday. Agilent said the transaction would broaden its offerings in the areas of life sciences, environmental, energy and materials and strengthen its consumables portfolio, among other advantages. Agilent sees the purchase generating $75 million in annual cost savings, and said it should yield a 20% return on investment capital within four to five years. The company expects its buy of Varian to be completed before the end of 2009.
Agilent to acquire Varian for $1.5 billion
Quote References
-1.10 -1.30%


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Situated in a key area at Gaur Chowk in Noida Extension, Gaur City Centre is a huge commercial establishment by Gaursons India. Spreading over an extensive area on a corner plot with 4-sides open, Gaur City Centre Greater Noida West enjoys an excellent connectivity with Noida, Greater Noida and rest of Delhi-NCR through NH24, DND Flyway and upcoming metro connectivity. Designed to offer the second floor of Gaur City Center Noida Extension for Wholesale Bazar, this commercial development is going to be the most prominent retail zone in the city.
Gaur Wholesale Bazar Noida Extension features multi-sized retail shops starting from 200 sq. ft. which are ideally crafted for all varieties of wholesale retail businesses across all categories. Gaur Wholesale Bazar retail shops are available for multi-budget, opening the gateway towards infinite options for commercial investments. Surrounded by a highly populated neighborhood of Gaur City with more than 2 lac population, Gaur Wholesale Bazar Greater Noida West assures to provide huge return on investment to its investors.
Water Supply
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9643378308 to Buy gaur Property


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Last week I "did crafts" 3 days at Gymnastics Camp. Almost 30 girls and boys, age 4-17 ran, played, jumped, danced, flipped, and did a few crafts.
It's fun to create refrigerator magnets made with flat-back glass marbles (I bought these at JoAnn's floral section), scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and magnets.
I've seen these several places, including E-How and DailyDwelling.
They are so simple and quick, and the designs are only limited to what you can find on a piece of paper. I cut some designs from my scrapbook stash, and printed out a few stylized gymnastics clip art pictures.
The children chose paper squares, brushed the backs of the glass marbles with Mod Podge, and smushed the marbles onto the face of the paper. When you first paint on the Mod Podge, it appears cloudy, but soon it dries crystal clear.
While the initial coat dried, the children ran off to play one game of 4-Square. Then back they came to trim edges and "glue" on magnets using Mod Podge as the glue. All done! Pick them up on your way home!
A few hints and observations:
- Since we were marking these on the back before they were totally dry, we had some bleed-through of Sharpie pen on some magnets
- Buy the heavy-duty magnets - they are so much stronger. KEEP THE MAGNETS SEPARATED DURING THE DRYING PHASE! These magnets are strong enough to pull together, and you come back to find a magnet has slid right off one marble onto its neighbor.
- 5-year-olds need a lot of help trimming
- When I did this at home, I took the time to seal the back with Mod Podge also, but didn't while working in 30-minute classes.
More Gymnastics Camp crafts soon!


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A Beginner's Guide to Day Trading Online (2nd edition)
Day trading is highly profitable–and highly tumultuous. Moreover, the financial markets have changed considerably in recent years. Expert author Toni Turner gives you the latest information on mastering the markets, including: Decimalization of stock prices New trading products such as E-minis and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Precision entries and exits The new breed of trader Written in an accessible, step-by-step manner, A Beginner's Guide to Day Trading Online, 2nd Edition shows how t
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THE RIVER DUFF (or Bunduff)
Catch and Release only for 2018
The Duff (or Bunduff) flows for 14 miles from the Glenade valley to the sea. It is joined by the Ballanaghtrillick River, which runs out of the Horseshoe Pass. The bottom 3 ½ miles is most fished. This is a prolific little spate river for salmon. The Duff gets a good run of summer salmon and grilse. The fish start to enter the river at the end of May with the peak of the run in July / August. With good water levels it can fish through to the end of September.
The Duff is a spate river that can fish very well given the right conditions, especially after a freshet. Most anglers choose the deep pool below the falls close to the sea and consequently this pool can become overcrowded. Once a flood has let fish run the falls there is some good fishing available above the falls and also some good water upstream of the main road bridge. Anything between 300 and 500 salmon are caught in a season. The river is open from 8am-9pm.All legitimate methods are allowed but spinning is prohibited in low water.
Fishing is from Feb. 1st to Sept. 30th inclusive.
Classiebawn Fishery and Tom Devins of the North Bank Fishery on the river Duff are closed to angling of all forms until further notice. Both fisheries feel that this is an opportunity to aid the enhancement of the salmon numbers escaping to spawn and it will help the future of the river.
Salmon licences are available from:
- IFI Ballyshannon, Station road, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal.
- Land and Sea Sports, West End, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
- Barret's Tackle Shop, Main Street, Bundoran, Co. Donegal.


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Meet the Runaway Bride Helping to Stop Child Marriage
At 12 years old, Mikre was married to a man more than twice her age. Her mother, Mare Nega, made the arrangement in secret, using the christening of her newborn as cover for her young daughter's wedding.
Weeks earlier, Mikre's father was killed on his way home from the market with the family's savings, which was stolen.
"After he died, I hated life. I could no longer afford to clothe my children, I couldn't even feed them," she says.
In Ethiopia, girls as young as 11 are often married against their will to much older men. In the northern region of Amhara where Mikre lives, as many as 48 percent of girls are married by age 15.
"My friend revealed that my mother was going to force me to quit school to be married," Mikre says.
Mikre confronted her mother, who denied the plans. Unconvinced, Mikre and her cousin, who was also about to be married, tried to run away. They made it to the local bus station where they were turned away for being too young. Days later, while helping her mother prepare for the christening, her new husband showed up.
"I was trapped, so I kept quiet and went with him," Mikre says.
But after only three days with her husband, she ran away again, returning home to her mother. Her husband soon followed, waiting at the door and demanding Mikre come with him.
"There is an educated man in my community. I wondered, 'Why can't I be like him?' I want to learn and have opportunities like everyone else, not be poor and suffer," Mikre says. "I thought about my life, quitting school and being forced into marriage. I thought I should kill myself."
11 years old
In Ethiopia, girls this young are often married against their will to much older men
A large tree anchors the community of thatched, metal-roofed houses where Mare Nega lives. Mikre took some rope, snuck out to the tree, and climbed it.
"I pleaded, 'Are you going to kill yourself because of me?'" Mare Nega says, shaken at the thought of losing Mikre so soon after her husband. She begged Mikre to come down from the tree, eventually promising that she could leave her husband and return to school.
Divorce followed and so did judgement from the community. Mikre was bullied and shamed for leaving her husband, not having a father, and prioritizing her education.
"I was afraid to go to school," she says.
But she continued to find a way, making her own school uniforms and joining CARE's TEFSA program, which teaches students how to save money, and about the importance of education and the dangers of early marriage.
"My mother was thinking of arranging a marriage for my sister. I demanded to know why my mother would do this to her," Mikre says. "I stopped the marriage. Now my sisters will get married when they want to, after completing school."
Mikre borrowed from TEFSA's savings group and started raising chickens. She soon had enough to start buying school supplies for herself and then for her siblings. Mikre is now head of the household, running multiple businesses and studying to become a doctor.
"I want to get married by my own choice," Mikre says. "I want to see my community change, to end early marriage."
Girls like Mikre are putting the HER in HERO every day. Meet other inspiring women and girls and tell the world who puts the #HerInHERO for you.
Additional filming by Raegan Hodge; Video edited by Brooks Lee.


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When dogs in the Californian city of Modesto suffer abuse, neglect, or abandonment, there's no shortage of dog lovers and animal welfare groups willing to help. Modesto's pooches can rely on a helping paw from several grrr-eat rescue groups and animal advocates that operate in the local area, such as the Humane Society of Stanislaus County.
This non-profit animal rescue, welfare, and education organization helps at-risk companion animals throughout Stanislaus County. The group is run completely by volunteers and does not have a shelter to house the animals it rescues, relying instead on a dedicated network of foster carers to provide the care these at-risk pets need. As the Humane Society of Stanislaus County is not associated with any national organizations or government associations, it is always on the lookout for volunteers and much-need donations.
The SPCA of Stanislaus is another local non-profit with animals at the forefront of everything it does. Founded to protect animals from cruelty and to promote their well-being and humane treatment, the SPCA is a no-kill shelter staffed solely by volunteers. It relies on donations to continue helping animals in need and does everything from promoting the passage of humane legislation to finding homes for unwanted pets and supporting spay and neuter services.
Finally, Pupz N Palz Rescue is a small canine rescue group based in Modesto. Operating on a no-kill philosophy, the group rescues dogs from high-kill shelters, accepts owner surrenders, and sometimes takes in lost and abandoned animals. All rescued dogs are vaccinated, given the medical care they need and then given a second chance at life in a loving forever home.
Looking for a spook-tacularly good time with your pooch and the whole family? The annual Halloween Party & Pet Parade, hosted by Westurf Nursery and the Humane Society of Stanislaus County, could be just what you need. Kids and fur-kids are encouraged to dress up and embrace the Halloween spirit, and there's a paw-somely cute pet and costume parade through the nursery. There's plenty more to enjoy during the party including cookie decorating, face painting, DIY seed bombs, and photo ops. All activities throughout the day are compliments of Westurf Nursery, but donations of cat and dog food for the Humane Society of Stanislaus County are appreciated.
A woof-tastic celebration of dogs and all the wonderful things about them — that's what you can expect at Modesto's annual Puptoberfest. Held at the local Petco and hosted by Pupz N Palz Rescue, this paw-some day out provides six hours of pet-friendly fun for dog lovers and their doggos. You can enter your pooch in the entertaining pet costume contest, stuff your face in a pie-eating contest, and shop for products from a variety of vendors. There's also face painting, a bake sale, doggy games, and plenty of adoptable pets for anyone searching for a new furry friend. There's so much to see and do, you might even need to stay all day long!
Love Easter? Let your dog join in the fun at the annual Easter Eggstravaganza, hosted by Pupz N Palz Rescue at the Modesto Petco! This is a free furry event that provides fun and games for the whole family, with six hours of games and activities to enjoy. Some of the main highlights include vendors, delicious food, live music, face painting, a bake sale, and a paw-some opportunity to get some pics with the Easter Bunny. Speaking of which, the Easter Bunny will most certainly be popping in for a visit, while there'll also be an exciting egg hunt for young kids to enjoy. Just remember that you're the only one allowed to indulge in some tasty chocolate treats — not your dog!
An entire weekend festival celebrating chocolate — what could possibly be better than that? Taking in all the festival fun with your dog by your side, of course! Held in May, the Iakdale Chocolate Festival is heaven on Earth for any chocaholic. It features more than 200 vendors selling unique arts and crafts, food for every palate and, best of all, lots and lots of chocolate! Fudges, truffles, ice creams, cheesecakes — you'll find it all here, and pooches on a leash are always welcome at this dog-friendly event. Once again, just remember that chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs and should never be given to your furry friend.
A free, family-friendly and dog-friendly event to support a local animal rescue group — sounds pretty paw-some, huh? That's exactly what you can expect at Barktoberfest, the annual fair and expo held to benefit Animal Rescue of Tracy. If you're looking for a fun day out with your pooch, you'll find it here as the two of you can shop for products from local vendors, enjoy interactive doggy activities, listen to live music, and learn from canine demonstrations! There's even a well-attended doggy costume contest to enter or you can just sit back and watch, plus there are raffles to help with fundraising efforts. Event proceeds fund the care of rescued dogs, so there's no excuse not to check out this grrr-eat event!