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There are so many mock drafts out there, I didn't think another one was needed. I did think it would be both fun and challenging to sift through the hundreds of NFL hopefuls and build a team of players that are generally undervalued by most mock drafters. My goal is to fill out a starting roster of guys choosing the most undervalued and underrated prospects that I think deserve to be more highly thought of.
Starting Offense:
- Quarterback – Ryan Lindley, SDSU – Lindley has an NFL arm and experience in a pro-style offence. He needs to work on accuracy and dealing with pressure. He can make the throws but he has been inconsistent at times. I wouldn't be surprised to see him much higher than the late round projections he mainly receives.
- Running Back – LaMichael James, Oregon – James was such an electric college player but his short stature really drags his stock down. He has burst, wiggle, and a low center of gravity. Although not a prototypical feature back, James may surprise many with his ability to make people miss and pick up extra yards. In an NFL weight program, he needs to add lower body mass and power to help break more tackles. With added power, think Ray Rice, without it, Darren Sproles. Either way, I'll take it and work with it.
- Full Back – Terrance Ganaway, Baylor – Ganaway was considered a running back prospect at one time but I think he is a better fit at full back. At over 240 pounds and with 4.6 speed, he could turn into a valuable lead blocker and has the skill to catch the occasional pass or get carries in short yardage situations.
- Center – Ben Jones, Georgia – Jones is usually predicted in the middle rounds. I think that he is slightly undervalued, not majorly undervalued. That fits the bill though. Worthy of a second round pick, Jones is a good technician that plays smart and seems to have a good grasp on the game. He doesn't jump off the screen but he knows how to play the position and has the size and strength to transition to the NFL. He very well may end up being a starter in the future.
- Left Guard – Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin – Zeitler should be a first round pick in my opinion. He consistently beat NFL level defensive tackles with his combination of size, strength, and smarts. He plays blocking angles well and already has NFL level power. If it wasn't for the DeCastro love-fest, Zeitler would be talked about as a first round guard.
- Right Guard – Brandon Brooks, Miami of Ohio – Brooks was a combine snub. It's a shame because his physical size is his most impressive asset at first glance. The 6-5, 345 pound Brooks is a mauler in the making. He has good feet for his size and I think he will settle in on a team that likes some beef in their lineup.
- Right Tackle – Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State – Osemele is so big that many think he must be a Guard at the next level. Not so. He compares in stature to players like Phil Loadholt, who struggles mightily with speed rushers. Osemele is much lighter on his feet, however, and has great length. I think he will start at right tackle for many, many years in the NFL.
- Left Tackle – Bobbie Massey, Ole Miss – Let me say, left tackles are usually overrated so finding an underrated one is quite difficult. Massey is my pick because I think he can stay at left tackle and probably deserves a first round grade. He simply beat defenders in the run game, and is a superb run blocker. He is surprisingly athletic and has the potential to stay on the left side. I don't see him as a pro-bowl candidate but I do think he could settle in as a serviceable to good left tackle or a very good to pro-bowl caliber right tackle.
- Wide Receiver (1) – Tommie Streeter, Miami – Streeter has the size and speed you need from your top wideout. He needs some development but is mostly an afterthought in the draft. He has the things you can't coach and needs the things that can be taught. I think he is worth a shot in the third round although I usually see him in round 5 and on.
- Wide Receiver (2) – Greg Childs, Arkansas – A bit of a gamble, Childs had injury issues that slowed production but appears to be getting healthier again. He has good measurables and when healthy he was highly productive. I don't think he is going to be an elite NFL player but he could be a good number 2 wide out.
- Tight End – Orsen Charles, Georgia – He has character concerns, no question, but he has great potential. He is a very impressive tight end prospect that will make plays, not just block. He can really stress a defense and make plays. Hopefully he keeps his nose clean, works hard, and realizes his potential.
Starting Defense:
- Defensive Tackle/Nose tackle – Josh Chapman, Alabama – Chapman played hurt most of the year but strikes me as a blue-collar defensive tackle. he's not going to make a lot of splash plays but I think he could be a consistent run stuffer that is capable of anchoring against double teams.
- Defensive Tackle /Under Tackle – Mike Martin, Michigan – Martin was constantly double teamed and still managed to make an impact on games. he had a great post season and has the potential to be a solid starter as an under tackle in a 4-3 defense. I don't think he has the size to play on the nose in the NFL.
- Defensive End (Left) – Jake Bequette, Arkansas – Bequette is not a double digit sack guy in the NFL but he could play defensive end on a 4-3 or 3-4 team. He is a capable run stopper that has the strength and speed to get to the quarterback and force him to step up into the pocket. He is another solid player that isn't as flashy but will make plays consistently with his motor, strength, and deceptive speed.
- Defensive End (Right) – Vinny Curry, Marshall – Curry is typically a second round pick but I think he is a late first round talent. He's still underrated and could be one of the big draft surprises next year.
- Outside Linebacker (Strong/Rush) – Bruce Irvin, West Virginia – I'm sure this will raise some eyebrows but the kid knows how to rush the quarterback and is highly gifted athletically speaking. He is raw and slightly undersized but I think a year or two of development and he could be a pro-bowl caliber player, he's that talented. He projects well to rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. I really think this kid is going to be a mid round steal if he keeps his head on straight.
- Middle Linebacker (Inside) – Mychal Kendricks, Cal – Kendricks has slowly moved up draft boards but this kid should challenge Luke Kuechely for the top middle backer in the draft. He was underrated going into the combine and turned heads wth his outstanding athleticism and speed. He is powerful, has great vision, good instincts, and I think he will be a starting middle line backer next season.
- Outside Linebacker (Weakside) – Lavonte David, Nebraska – First round talent all the way. The kid can play, he's all over the field, reading defenses, tackling anything with a ball. I think he's a perfect 4-3 WLB in the pass happy NFL. He has elite speed for a linebacker and is as multi-dimensional as it gets. He's not undersized like some reports say. I feel very strongly that Lavonte David will be turning heads in the NFL next year.
- Corner (1) – Jayron Hosley, VaTech – Hosley was once considered a first round prospect but he has just sort of slid down draft boards with no real reasoning. He is a good athlete, he has the speed and instincts to be a solid corner at the next level. I think Hosley should be drafted in the top 45 picks although he will probably fall further than that.
- Corner (2) – Brandon Boykin, Georgia – Boykin is one of the best athletes in the entire draft. He would do well to add some size and strength but he is the same size as many NFL corners. Boykin is an explosive return man and with his exceptional athletic ability he has the potential to be a true number 1 corner in a few years.
- Strong Safety – Antonio Allen, South Carolina – Allen is a solid athlete who has teh versatility you need at teh safety position. He has real starting potential and belongs in the second round.
- Free Safety – Blake Gideon, Texas – Gideon has been a solid playmaker for Texas. He is an afterthought on many draft boards but he reminds me of the typical solid, but unspectacular prospect. He will play consistent, make occasional plays, tackle well, and be a solid addition to any team looking for quality depth with starting potential.


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Sep 30
Mike Angley Guest-Blogs about Child Finder on the Writing Mommies Blog (as a writing daddy)
I'm honored to have been invited as a guest-blogger on the Writing Mommies blog. The site is run by four great ladies: Angela Atkinson, Alyssa Ast, Kat Foust, and Kerrie McLoughlin…all stay-at-home moms and writers. It was a nice to share my experiences about writing, life, and my USAF career with them and their readers. Read More
Posted in Author Blogs, Author Colleagues, CF: Resurrection, CF: Revelation, Child Finder, Guest Blogging, Interviews Tagged Abductee, Abduction, Access, ACFW, Afghanistan, AFOSI, AFOSISA, Agency, Agent, Air, Air Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Alliance, Alyssa, Alyssa Ast-, AlyssaAst, America, American, American Christian Fiction Writers, Angela, Angela Atkinson, AngelaAtkinson, Angley, archangel, Area, armchair, Ast, Atkinson, Author, Beretta, bin, bit, Black, Block, blog, Book, boy, Bureau, career, Catholic, Central, CF: Revelation, check, Child, Child Finder, Child Finder: Resurrection, Children, Christ, Christian, CIA, Colonel, com, Counter-intelligence, Counter-terrorism, Counterintelligence, Counterterrorism, Crime, Criminal, death, Defense, degree, DIA, Donnell, e book, Editor, education, ESP, everyone, Extrasensory, Extrasensory Perception, Faith, Family, FBI, Federal, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fiction, Finder, Force, Foust, freelance, freelance services, Fulfillment, Fun, God, Government, great ladies, Gun, health, Henley, home, home mother, homeschooling mom, Intelligence, international Thriller writers, Intrigue, Investigation, investigations, itw, Jesus, Journal, Kat, Kat Foust, Kel, Kel-Tec, Kerrie, Kerrie McLoughlin-, Kerrie Show, kidnapper, kidnapping, Korea, Laden, Library, life, Magnum, Major, McLoughlin, mental health articles, Michael, Michael Angley, Mike, Mike Angley, mom, Mommies, mother, mountain, Murder, MWA, MWSA, Mystery, mystery thriller, Mystery Writers of America, National, Novel, NRO, NSA, Office, Operation, Osama, OSI, Pakistan, Paranormal, Parenting, parenting magazines, Patrick, Pentagon, Perception, personal blog, Pistol, Preschool, preschool teacher, Priest, Program, Project, Psychic, Psychotic, Pursuit, Putnam, Random, random thoughts, Reconnaissance, Regional, Rescue, Resurrection, Revelation, RMWA, Roswell, Saint Michael, saucer, Security, site, Society, Sorcha, Special Agent, stay, stay at home, stay at home moms, stop, Suspense, Synesthesia, Synesthete, Tangled, tangled mind, Teacher Support, Tec, Telekinetic, Terrorism, Thoughts, Thriller, TotalRecall, UBL, UFO, United States Air Force, University, USAF, Usama, Virgin Mary, visit, Washington, website, work, working from home, Writer, writing education, year Leave a comment

subset: commoncrawl


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Asturias, golf between the mountains and the sea
La Cuesta Golf Club, Llanes
Golf course by the sea
There is a place where you can play golf in exceptional natural surroundings, with courses ideal for all different levels, just a few kilometres apart, set in stunning landscapes. We are talking about Asturias, a region where the mountains meet the sea, offering a host of possibilities to visitors.
In the north of Spain, between the Cantabrian sea and the spectacular Picos de Europa National Park, you will find Asturias. This region offers a host of attractions and things to do, one of which is golf. Clustered around a small number of towns and villages there are many different courses to be found. They offer a range of difficulties, course-routes and sizes (9- and 18- hole). All their facilities are perfectly adapted to the natural surroundings, which include stunningly beautiful beaches and mountains, and where the presence of nature can be felt through and through.
More and more people are coming to Asturias to play golf every year. In addition to the varied, spectacular landscapes of the region, there are other attractive factors, such as the proximity of the different courses, the good communications between Oviedo and Gijón, where most of the clubs are to be found, the magnificent infrastructure in place throughout the region, as well as the array of complementary leisure and services facilities available, including many other outdoor activities. Not forgetting that there are facilities ideal for all different player levels and needs, with practice and teaching areas also available. You can even find these types of facilities in small, welcoming villages such as Llanes, Ribadesella, Tapia de Casariego and Villaviciosa, where there are excellent places to play golf offering more than acceptable value for money.
The wide range of golf courses to be found in such a small area makes long journeys unnecessary. This region is ideal, offering golfers a variety of courses, most of which are in peaceful, green valleys with an abundance of autochthonous tree species and beautiful views to the mountains and the sea. Fun and entertainment are guaranteed, thanks to modern facilities and a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere.
Nevertheless, Asturias is much more than just golf. Here you will find first rate historic-artistic heritage, delicious cuisine, unique countryside ideal for hiking, biking and other open-air activities, fast-flowing rivers for swimming and fishing, spectacular coastline, with sandy beaches and cliffs, folklore and entertainment in Asturias' cities, towns and villages… There are endless reasons to visit the region.
Have you found this information useful?


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Lance Armstrong Still Believes He Won 7 Tours de France But No Longer Wears A Livestrong Bracelet
Disgraced American sports icon Lance Armstrong still believes he is a seven-time Tour de France champion, he said recently in an interview on "The Dan Patrick Show."
Patrick asked Armstrong if it was correct to introduce him as "the seven-time Tour winner."
"It depends, Dan, I don't know," Armstrong said. "When you just said that, it didn't even register."
Patrick asked, "Do you believe you are?"
"I do, I do," Armstrong said. "And I don't like arguing and fighting about it. But if you ask me if I feel that way, I say yes. But I know very well that there are many, many people that don't agree with that. I respect that, and I understand that. I do."
Patrick asked Armstrong if he could have won the world's greatest bike race without doping.
"Not in that era," Armstrong said.
Armstrong said he no longer wears a yellow Livestrong bracelet, which promoted the anticancer foundation he founded. Originally called the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Livestrong severed all ties with Armstrong in 2012.
Armstrong became the first person to win the Tour seven times, and he did so consecutively, from 1999 to 2005. From roughly the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, cycling was rampant with blood doping, mainly the use of EPO, and suffered from a lack of effective drug testing.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency stripped Armstrong of his seven Tour titles in 2012, claiming "evidence shows beyond any doubt that the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team ran the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."
"Was it worth it?" Patrick asked Armstrong in part two of the interview.
Armstrong went on at some length in answering, but eventually said, "I don't know what I'd do if I had to go back there again .... I sure as hell hope others are not put in that position again."
According to CNN, he's still fighting with the U.S. Federal Government over its sponsorship of his former cycling team with "potential $100 million ramifications."
Armstrong's net worth, according to The New York Times, was estimated at $125 million in 2012.
'Imminent Plans' To Write A New Book
In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Armstrong said he needed to write a new book:
"I need to write a book and it needs to be pretty raw," says Armstrong, who claims he has not read any of the books about him, or watched any of the programs, since the post-Oprah fallout, describing them as a "cesspool."
"The book needs to be pretty intense and transparent. I need to 'boom' -- put it out there and let it sit. The sooner the better. It has to be the right book, the right tone and there has to be totally no bullshit."
Armstrong said the reactions he gets when he's out in public today are "positive." He owns two houses, one in Austin, Texas, and one in Aspen, Colorado. He has five kids and says he's been trying to stay fit and is a "crappy golfer."
A quote from Hunter S. Thompson is Armstrong's current Twitter bio: "Life has become immeasurably better since I have been forced to stop taking it seriously."
You can listen to the full three-part interview with Dan Patrick below:
Join the conversation about this story »
See Also:
- The Most Badass Athlete You've Never Heard Of Is Retiring — And Getting This $12,500 Bike As A Gift
- Bizarre Photos Of People Running With The Bulls — In The United States
- Ford Removes New Mustang Ad Starring A Disgraced Cyclist Who Helped Bring Down Lance Armstrong
SEE ALSO: Ford Removes New Mustang Ad Starring A Disgraced Cyclist Who Helped Bring Down Lance Armstrong


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|Training and Conferences
|Education Case Studies
Home > Education
The PDA Society was formerly the PDA Contact Group.
Find out more
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1165038. The PDA Society is run purely by volunteers, all of whom are parents of children with PDA. We will always try to answer your enquiries as soon as possible, but please bear with us if there is a delay.
Please view our terms & conditions, privacy policy and cookie usage policy.


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Vancouver Spot Prawn Festival: five things you need to know about spot prawns
So, today was the much-heralded Chefs' Table Society Spot Prawn festival down on Fishermen's Wharf. In its seventh year more than 2000 sustainable seafood fans poured into False Creek to dive into the new season of spot prawns. Sweeter than many other prawn varieties and much-loved by BC chefs, there are several spot prawn festivals and dinners (like this series at yummy Italian Campagnolo) across BC for the season. Try to get along to one of them because oh, those prawns are good!
1. No one knows how long the season will be. I chatted with Chris Sporer, the Executive Director of the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association, who told me that, "In 2009 the season lasted for 66 days and in 2012 it was just 44 days. The fishery is monitored to check the health of the stock and count the number of spawning prawns. When the threshold is reached, that's it, season over." This is what makes the BC Spot Prawn season one of the most sustainable there is.
2. Prawns change sex. Seriously. Spot prawns have a natural four-year life cycle. All prawns are born male but around aged two, they become female and then start to spawn in their last year, so every adult prawn you eat is a female.
3. Commercially-fished BC Spot Prawns go through vigorous checks. Spot prawns are caught in traps which get dropped to the ocean floor – so there is no trawling. The traps stay on the bottom and the fishermen can only haul up once a day. The first check comes from the prawns themselves – the holes in the traps are fairly large, so first the smaller ones swim in, then the larger ones arrive and chase the little ones out. Once they are hauled in, because they are hand-sorted, any remaining young prawns are thrown back in the ocean and those that remained are checked against a size requirement.
4. If you buy them fresh – off with their head! Yup, turns out that unless you want to cook and eat those prawns immediately, if you're keeping spot prawns at home in the fridge, you need to take their heads off as soon as you get them home as they start decomposing and that affects the taste. I drove home from Fishermen's Wharf with my bag of prawns jumping away on the floor next to me, raced upstairs, boiled them (heads on to get the best taste) for a minute and a half and then doused them in cold water to stop the cooking. Then I ate them dipped in aioli. Oh, yes please! So when you buy them from a fishmonger, make sure they're live in a tank or already have the head off.
5. Support sustainable fishing – ask where the prawns came from You can buy spot prawns from Washington State or Alaska – but nothing beats the taste of a fresh-off-the-boat BC spot prawn. And nothing feels better than knowing that you're supporting one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. Sure, the season's short but that makes it all the sweeter… Ask questions and make sure you support the good guys!
Everything you ever wanted to know about spot prawns from Organic Ocean


text: Da RULZ in the Garage If the majority of a thread is applicable to a wider audience AND it contains pearls of wisdom, OR if a post (or better, 2 or 3) are REALLY generic and belongs in the company of 'master wrenches' then it should stay (or be moved) to this forum. Subject to revision/change without notice. Primarily this forum is about non bike specific knowledge/ideas/projects/wisdom/and the sharing of same. JJ


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|Kennesaw, Ga.
|High School:
|North Cobb Christian
|Previous College:
|South Georgia College
|Business Management
Prior to GC: Played two seasons at South Georgia College in Douglas, Ga. under head coach Scott Simms ... Was a first team All-Conference closer ... Helped lead team to the JuCo World Series.
In High School: Graduated from North Cobb Christian where he played baseball for coach Chris Stafford.
Personal: Majoring in business management with a minor in finance ... Son of Stan and Tina Hula ... Born Sept. 12 ... Lists his favorite athlete as Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers ... Has "Dirt Road Anthem" as his ringtone ... Chose GC for the opportunity of going to a very respected school while furthering his baseball career at one of the top baseball programs in the nation ... His biggest sports thrill is closing out a one-run ballgame ... Has an in-game ritual of never stepping on the foul line ... The thing that scares him the most is not knowing if he could have accomplished something only because he was afraid to try and fail ... His favorite song is "This Town" by O.A.R., favorite movie is "300" and TV show is SportsCenter ... Lives by the motto: "Do or do not, there is no try".


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If you are an IBM Software Accelerated Value client, did you know the IBM Support Portal -- the customizable, personalized, award-winning gateway to IBM technical support tools and information -- offers you a collection of elite features that are available exclusively to Accelerated Value clients? If you are not already set up to access the extra features, contact your IBM Accelerated Value Leader to get started! Learn more
If you are not already an IBM Software Accelerated Value Program customer, this is just one more reason to learn more about the many benefits of the program!
Questions? Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Learn more about the extra Accelerated Value Program features in the IBM Support Portal.


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You're currently on:
- Description
Get secure and reliable wireless access all over the office
Simplify your wireless networking by using Sophos UTM as a wireless controller to centralize your Wi-Fi management and security. Our access points are automatically set up and configured by the UTM. That means all your wireless clients get complete threat protection too.
Installs fast with automatic setup and configuration
You can set up multiple wireless Access Points (APs) within minutes. They require no local configuration and will simply find the controller, retrieve their IP address via DHCP, and import the configuration. Devices automatically appear in the UTM interface where you can manually activate them.
Creates reliable mesh networks
Our range of access points support different deployment scenarios. They include the ceilingmount design AP 30 and the dual-band/dual-radio AP 50. The AP 50 can acts as a repeater and/or bridge to extend coverage to hard to wire areas.
Provides guest Wi-Fi and BYOD access
We give you secure, easy-to-manage guest access out-of-the-box–without extra appliances, licenses or complex configuration. And you can tailor the guest experience to suit your needs. Set bandwidth limits and content filtering as well as customizing the login page and vouchers to strengthen your company brand.
Secure wireless and integrated UTM protection
To prevent unauthorized access we use the most advanced encryption and authentication standards available, including WPA2-Enterprise in combination with IEEE 802.1X (RADIUS authentication). And, our APs forward wireless traffic to the UTM, giving wireless clients the same level of security as if they were physically connected to the LAN. You can also choose to authenticate users based on their credentials from any back end server supported by our UTM for greater flexibility and control.
Wireless controller UTM 100 UTM 110 UTM 120 UTM 220 UTM 320 UTM 425 UTM 525 UTM 625 Number of access points 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 Number of wireless users 5 10 25 50 100 250 500 1000
Our Linux-based OS includes a free Essential Network Firewall. It provides fundamental security like firewalling, networking tools, routing and secure remote access. And our modular approach lets you add layers of protection as your needs evolve.
UTM Network Protection stops sophisticated attacks that a firewall alone can't stop.
- Configurable intrusion protection system and flood protection against denial of service attacks
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UTM Web Protection lets you protect your employees from web threats and control their time online.
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- Protect personally identifiable information like credit card and social security numbers
- Inspects information submitted via forms on your websites to prevent server exploits
UTM Wireless Protection gives you secure Wi-Fi in minutes.
- Centrally manage access points through the UTM's built-in wireless controller
- Easily set up wireless hotspots and grant guest access with a simple voucher-based system
UTM Endpoint Protection provides desktops, laptops, and servers with antivirus, device and web control.
- Scans files, webpages and devices blocking or cleaning threats
- Device control reduces the risk of data loss and malware by managing removable devices
- Built-in URL filtering ensures users get the same level of web protection outside of the office as they do inside
- Technical Specs
Additional Information
Manufacturer Sophos Subscription Service Wireless Protection (New) Subscription Service Wireless Protection (New) Supplier Other
- Images


text:
Welcome to CHIS-UK
This is the UK's guide to complementary and alternative medicine, self-development and natural remedies.
This site is growing and is very much a work in progress. We hope that you will benefit from visiting its pages and that you will spare a minute to let us know how you think it can be improved. Simply contact us to give some feedback when you are ready. Thank you.
In the meantime, learn more about the world of alternative and complementary therapies, find a course or a practitioner using our directories, read the articles on natural health and check the holistic health news section.


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We think rescue pets make great pets! We also believe everyone who gives a rescued animal a second chance and a place in their home and heart is fantastic too.
From dogs, cats and rabbits, to exotic pets, birds and equines, we have lots of animals looking for loving new homes and owners.
You can visit our wonderful pets at our rehoming centres six days a week (closed Tuesday) from 10am to 4pm. Our rehoming teams will be delighted to tell you all about them and the homes we're looking for as well as the next steps in the rehoming process.
If you're planning to visit and you're interested in finding out more about a specific animal we'd advise calling the centre first on 03000 999 999 (option 2) to make sure they are still available. Read more about rehoming a rescue pet from the Scottish SPCA.


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Log in to MyPACEY to access exclusive content and make the most of your membership.
Use your membership number to activate your account and enter your postcode if you've not yet created a password.
Use your PACEY membership number to access MyPACEY. Log-in with your email address only if you are a non-member.
Please submit your membership number or email address to receive a PACEY email confirming your password.
Log-in using the email address you initially registered with.
To become a full member or renew your membership, join here.
PACEY is the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years. Formed in 1977, we are a charity dedicated to supporting everyone working in childcare and early years to provide high quality care and early learning for children and families.
We provide training, practical help and expert advice to practitioners working throughout England and Wales. We represent the views and experiences of practitioners and champion their vital role in helping prepare children for a bright future.
By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details see our Cookie Policy


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This is a set of 30 Hand-drawn Vector Frames. You can use it on your website, business card, print and more (see our examples). This file was a part of Print Designer Bundle by Envato!
1. What this set includes?
- this set includes 30 Hand-drawn Vector Frames
- .ai file
- .eps file
- .psd file
2. How can I edit it?
- that are vector, layered files, so you can easily edit each element (shape, rotation, color) on the layer
- you can open it not only in vector-based software like Corel Draw or Adobe Ilustrator, but also in raster-based software like Photoshop
3. Searching more like this?
Please check out our Hand-drawn Series!
Thank you for purchasing, any comments and ratings!


text: So you are the biggest IronMan fan and can't wait for Iron Man 3 movie to be come out? Well, you've found the right place to play all your favorite Iron Man games featuring heroes and ennemies from both Iron Man 1 and Iron Man 2! For action lovers, fly accross the battlefield as the red and yellow powerful and robotised hero and shoot incoming ennemies, collecting powerups and coins or pick your favorite Marvel hero and defend your base from ennemies. Feeling more relaxed? Play some puzzle games featuring IronMan stuff, like completing pictures or testing your knowledge about the superhero story and movies! Guess what, you can even play fullscreen and see the superhero in action as big as in the movies! So why not spend some time here and play alone or with your friends, if you feel like sharing your fun with your buddies! We try adding new games when they become available, so keep an eye on new stuff and games!


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Photo of Nina Kucharczyk courtesy of Gil Talbot.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The Harvard women's lacrosse team trailed No. 4 Virginia by just one goal at halftime, but a strong second half by the Cavaliers allowed Virginia to pull away to a 14-9 win Monday night.
Sophomore Melanie Baskind scored three goals, grabbed four ground balls, won two draw controls and caused two turnovers in the loss for the Crimson (4-6). Freshman Danielle Tetreault scored two goals, assisted on another, won a draw control and caused a turnover. Senior co-captain Sara Flood and freshman Jennifer VanderMeulen had a goal and two assists each.
Harvard scored first before falling behind 3-1. The Crimson came back and tied the game four times during the first 30 minutes of play. Caity Whitely scored with 27 seconds left in the half to give the home team the lead at the break. She scored again to start the second session. Rookie Nina Kucharczyk scored her first collegiate goal to close the game at 9-8, but that was as close as the Crimson would get as Virginia scored five of the next six goals to seal the win.
The Crimson went 10-for-11 on clears and won 11 of 25 draws on the night. Harvard and Virginia both had 15 ground balls and 12 turnovers.
Kerry Clark played 32 minutes in the net and stopped two shots in the loss. Katherine Martino played 28 minutes in the cage, making two stops as well.
Harvard has a nine-day break before taking on non-conference foe Holy Cross Wednesday, April 14 at Harvard Stadium. First draw is slated for 7 p.m.


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Toronto Maple Leafs Barn Board
$ 80.00
- Your home is sure to be a hit on game day, or any day, with the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Barn Board. This high quality and rustic wall sign can be hung above a doorway, mantel, television set or any empty wall space to show off your Toronto Maple Leafs NHL logo in style. This piece will complete any living space from the game room or man cave, to the family living room. This piece of wall art will make a great gift for the special hockey fan in your life. Ships ready to hang with attached hardware making decorating simple and fun. Handcrafted and made in the USA.
- Each piece is made in the USA, and uniquely handcrafted; final pieces may vary from photos shown.
- All products are made to order and will ship within two weeks. If you need to receive the item by a specific date, please contact us before purchasing.
- Hanging hardware attached
- Available for all 31 NHL teams


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This week's giveaway is sponsored by Alaska Glacial Mud Company, a truly unique company with some seriously stellar and therapeutic products featuring you guessed it — mineral-rich, glacial mud from Alaska!
The winner will have the pleasure of testing out the Glacial Facial Purifying Mineral Mud Masque in Vanilla Lavender (masque brush included) and the Exfoliating Mineral Soap Bar:
How to win:
- Be a follower of AllNaturalAnnie.com
- Leave a comment below
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If a honeymoon is in your plans, you should consider the financial aspects along with all the details of your trip. Those issues are how much the honeymoon is going to cost and how to pay it.
Submitted questions will be answered by an Arvest banker and may appear on the Arvest Blog.
All Arvest banks are Equal Housing Lenders and Member FDIC.
Investment products and services are provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Asset Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Trust services are provided by Arvest Bank. Insurance products are made available through Arvest Insurance, Inc., which is registered as an insurance agency. Insurance products are marketed through Arvest Insurance, Inc., but are underwritten by insurance companies.
Securities and Insurance Products: Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate.


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Laurier Brantford
Laurier's campus in Brantford, Ontario, has carved out its own niche, providing unique programs that complement those available at Laurier Waterloo. Course offerings at Laurier Brantford revolve around a unique core curriculum in contemporary studies that focuses on the skills and knowledge relevant to contemporary issues and concerns. A variety of other honours programs, such as Business Technology Management (honours), Criminology, English, French Teaching Option, Health Administration, Health Studies, History, Human Rights & Human Diversity, Journalism, Law & Society, Leadership, Psychology (BA, Comprehensive) and Youth and Children's Studies can be taken by part-time study. Laurier Brantford also offers a wide range of minors and options listed below.
For more information about becoming a part-time Laurier Brantford student, please contact the Recruitment Office at 519-756-8228, ext. 5777 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com. If you are a current student, please contact us at 519-756-8228 ext. 5885 or by email at email@example.com.
Business Technology Management (honours)
For complete program requirements and contact information for academic advising, please visit www.wlu.ca/brantford/advising.
Find course listings and other Laurier Brantford information online at www.wlu.ca/brantford.
Academic & Related Dates Spring/Summer 2012
Other Calendars


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Okay, last week a member named Dandeeno, submitted an awesome lesson on a Sesame Street character called Bert. Once that was uploaded, I was sort inspired to do a lesson that was on the very popular duo from the same PBS series. Today, I will be showing you guys "how to draw Bert and Ernie", step by step. These two roommates are some of the more popular characters from the show, and there is good cause for all the hysteria. First off, Bert is what you call the more series of the two, and Ernie is the goofball, and he also has a goofball mentality. Ernie is best known for his whimsical song that he sings called "Rubber Duckie" and it goes like this; "Rubber Duckie you're the one, You make bath time lots of fun, Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you, Rubber Duckie joy of joys when I squeeze you, you make noise Rubber Duckie you're my very best friend it's true, I find a little fellow who's cute and yellow and chubby Rub a dub dubby, Rubber Duckie you're so fine and I'm lucky that you're mine, Rubber Duckie I'd like a whole pond of you, Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you". The Sesame Street puppets where provided, and created by Jim Henson, and The Public Broadcasting Company worked together with Henson to bring together one of the most popular shows in America. There is a total of forty seasons, and four thousand, two hundred twelve episodes. The lesson itself is going to be very easy to replicate. I mean after all, they are just hand puppets. That is all I have for you guys for this lesson's description, meet me back in a few with more drawing fun. Adios mi amigos!
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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From Obama's second inaugural speech:
We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great Mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.
I know that he was referring to Martin Luther King, Jr. But why did he use the indefinite article "a" before "King"? Is it better, for example, to use "Dr. King" or just "King" instead? Does the use of the word "a King" provide a sense that Dr. King was the king of something, such as righteousness, justice, etc?


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Posted in
The future site of the Sheridan College Large Animal Science Facility in the Wrench Ranch Hills Subdivision in north Sheridan. A special ceremony was held Thursday to announce Neltje's gift to the College of 40 acres of land valued at $1.2 million. The complete story can be viewed by clicking here.
Photo by Ron Richter


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European Commission agrees on two-track action to ensure copyright stays "fit for purpose" in the digital economy.
The EC's 27 commissioners have agreed on a two-track action to ensure copyright stays "fit for purpose" in the digital economy.
The decision was taken after a debate initiated by EC President José Manuel Baroso held during the Commission's weekly meeting in Brussels yesterday (Dec 5).
The first line of action would be a structured stakeholder dialogue to be launched at the beginning of 2013 that would address six issues where "rapid progress" is needed:
- cross-border portability of content;
- user-generated content;
- data and text mining;
- private copy levies;
- access to audiovisual works;
- cultural heritage.
According to an EC memo, these discussions would "explore the potential and limits of innovative licensing and technological solutions in making EU copyright law and practice fit for the digital age".
It will be jointly led by Michel Barnier, commissioner for internal market and services; Neelie Kroes, EC vice-president responsible for the digital agenda; and Androulla Vassiliou, commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth.
Findings are expected to be presented to the College of Commissioners by December 2013.
Impact assessment
A second line of action, covering medium-term issues for decision-making in 2014, would include the commissioning relevant market studies, impact assessment and legal drafting work "with a view to a decision in 2014 whether to table legislative reform proposals".
The following four issues to be addressed here are:
- mitigating the effects of territoriality in the internal market;
- agreeing appropriate levels of harmonisation, limitations and exceptions to copyright in the digital age;
- how best the reduce the fragmentation of the EU copyright market;
- how to improve the legitimacy of enforcement in the context of wider copyright reform.
The EC also noted that it was aiming for a "modern copyright framework" that would guarantee "effective recognition and remuneration of rights holders in order to provide sustainable incentives for creativity, cultural diversity and innovation" as well as open up "greater access and a wider choice of legal offers to end users", and "contribute to combating illegal offers and piracy".
In an initial reaction to the EC's plans, Cécile Despringre, executive director of Brussels-based Society of Audiovisual Authors Cécile Despringre, said: "SAA is very pleased to see that the Commission has adopted a pragmatic approach and shunned an immediate re-opening of the 2001 copyright directive."
"Our petition gathered 16,000 signatures by the time the Commission finished their orientation debate – a fantastic result and one we're sure had an impact.
"We are now looking forward to participating in the stakeholder dialogue and, alongside other industry partners, ensuring that creators' interests are really taken into account."
The Creators' Petition, which was launched by SAA ahead of the Commissioners' meeting, has since attracted over 16,500 signatures, including directors Didi Danquart, Nana Neul, Jaco van Dormael, and Miguel Gomes, Adeline Monzier (on behalf of Europa Distribution), Julie Bergeron of Cannes' Producers' Network, and producers Jakob Claussen and Elvira Geppert.


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Double-acting piston seals
Double-acting cylinders are the most widely used cylinder types. They operate with pressure on both sides and, therefore, require double-acting seal arrangements (fig. 1).
Double-acting piston seals have a symmetrical profile (cross section) and identical sealing functions in both directions. Typically, double-acting piston seals consist of a slide ring and an energizer. The deformation of the elastomeric energizer when installed provides adequate force to keep the slide ring in dynamic sealing contact with the cylinder bore, while sealing statically against the seal housing groove.
A double-acting cylinder typically has the same fluid on both sides of the piston. Therefore, a relatively thick lubrication film can be permitted between the piston seal and the cylinder bore to minimize friction and wear. The transportation of fluid occurring during dynamic operation is, however, small and insignificant in most applications.
In some older cylinder designs, O-rings were used as piston seals. To allow easy replacement of O-rings with the equivalent piston seals, the housing dimensions for some double-acting piston seals are the same as those for dash-number O-rings. Therefore, these housings are also called O-ring dash-number housings.
SKF supplies double-acting piston seals in many different profiles and in a wide range of series and sizes, which make them appropriate for a wide variety of operating conditions and applications.


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Compostable Plastics
Compostable Plastics Quick Facts
- Generally Freezer safe
- Depending on resin can handle hot food till 200F.
- Fully compostable in commercial composting operations
- Feel and look like plastics for the most part
- Est. Home Composting Time: Varies, See Table
- Est. Commercial Composting Time: Varies, See Table
- Reports and Test Results
Compostable Plastics
Compostable Plastics are a new generation of plastics which are biodegradable through composting. They are derived generally from renewable raw materials like starch (e.g. corn, potato, tapioca etc), cellulose, soy protein, lactic acid etc., are not hazardous/toxic in production and decompose back into carbon dioxide, water, biomass etc. when composted. Some compostable plastics may not be derived from renewable materials, but instead derived made from petroleum or made by bacteria through a process of microbial fermentation.
Currently, there are a number of different compostable plastics resins available in the market and the number is growing every day. The most commonly used raw material for making the compostable plastics is corn starch, which is converted into a polymer with similar properties as normal plastic products. Other compostable resins are available made from potato starch, soybean protein, cellulose and as well from petroleum and petroleum by products. It is counter intuitive to think that compostable resins could be derived from petroleum, when all normal plastic products are derived from petroleum and are non compostable. However, there are certified compostable resins available in the market, derived from petroleum and the field of compostable plastics is constantly evolving with new materials and technologies being worked on and being brought to market. There is even research underway to make compostable plastics from carbon dioxide.
Properties The compostable resins for the most part mimic plastic properties, and different resins have different properties related to heat resistance, tensile strength, impact resistance, MVTR, oxygen barrier etc. One of the main compostable resin PLA, for example has a heat resistance of only 110F, while other compostable resins can have a much higher heat resistance.
Biodegradability & Compostability
Bioplastics can take different length of times to totally compost, based on the material and are meant to be composted in a commercial composting facility, where higher composting temperatures can be reached and is between 90-180 days. Most existing international standards require biodegradation of 60% within 180 days along with certain other criteria for the resin or product to be called compostable. It is important to make the distinction between degradable, biodegradable and compostable. These terms are often (incorrectly) used interchangeably.
Compostable Plastic is plastic which is "capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the plastic is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose). and leaves no toxic residue." American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). In order for a plastic to be called compostable, three criteria need to be met:
- Biodegrade - break down into carbon dioxide, water, biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper).
- Disintegrate - the material is indistinguishable in the compost, that it is not visible and needs to be screened out
- Eco-toxicity - the biodegradation does not produce any toxic material and the compost can support plant growth.
Biodegradable Plastic is plastic which will degrade from the action of naturally occurring microorganism, such as bacteria, fungi etc. over a period of time. Note, that there is no requirement for leaving "no toxic residue", and as well as no requirement for the time it needs to take to biodegrade.
Degradable Plastic is plastic which will undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties. Please note that there is no requirement that the plastic has to be degrade from the action of "naturally occurring microorganism" or any of the other criteria required for compostable plastics.
A plastic therefore may be degradable but not biodegradable or it may be biodegradable but not compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called compostable or leaves toxic residue).
|Home Composting
|Commercial Composting
|Wheat Straw or Sugarcane Fiber Plates, Takeout Contianers, Bowls, Cups and Trays
|Upto 6 months
|1-3 Months
|Ingeo Cold Cups, Clear Containers, Straws
|Not recommended
|3-6 Months
|TPLA Heat Resistant & Non Heat Resistant Utensils
|Not recommended
|3-6 Months
|Trash/Kitchen Bags
|Upto 1 year
|2-4 Months
The rate of biodegration for different biocompostables is dependent upon the composition and thickness of the material as well as composting conditions. Commercial composting facilities grind the materials, turn over the piles and reach high temperatures, thus reducing the amount of time it takes to compost and, is thus, the recommended method for composting these products. Home composting rates are slower and can vary, depending on how frequently the pile is turned over, the moisture and material content and the temperature. Composting utensils at home is not recommeded, due to their thickness and they may not break down for few years. Similarlry, Ingeo products are not recommended to be composted at home.
There are currently few international organizations which have established standards and testing methods for compostability, namely:
- American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM-6400-99
- European Standardization Committee (CEN) EN13432
- International Standards Organization (ISO) ISO14855 (only for biodegradation)
- German Institute for Standardization (DIN) DIN V49000
The ASTM, CEN and DIN standards specify the criteria for biodegradation, disintegration and eco-toxicity for a plastic to be called compostable.
- Biodegradability is determined by measuring the amount of CO2 produced over a certain time period by the biodegrading plastic. The standards require 60% conversion of carbon into carbon dioxide within 180 days for resins made from single polymer and 90% conversion of carbon into carbon dioxide for co-polymers or polymer mixes.
- Disintegration is measured by sieving the material to determine the biodegraded size and less than 10% should remain on a 2mm screen within 120 days.
- Eco toxicity is measured by having concentrations of heavy metals below the limits set by the standards and by testing plant growth by mixing the compost with soil in different concentrations and comparing it with controlled compost.


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Questions tagged [shape]
Shape is a very broad Go term. It usually refers to special configurations of stones. A shape is "good" when it is efficient in its purpose.
2 questions
1k views
Resources for learning about good shape?
Shape is immensely important in Go, and you can read about the basics anywhere - don't make empty triangles, table and mouth shapes are good, etc. Where can I find more advanced treatments of shape?
1k views
What is the difference between thickness and heavy stones?
Thickness in Go describes a strong formation of stones. A heavy group is one that's over-concentrated. How do I know when my stones are thick, without going too far and becoming heavy? It seems ...


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Please do not get me wrong; I HATE multiple sclerosis! The content of this posting does not, in ANY WAY, hint that I'm ok with having this disease. Like every circumstance in my life, however, I believe it is my task to learn something from and advance myself because of the experience.
That said, I have learned much from living with MS.
This weekend friends from Europe called to let us know they were arriving (in hours). We knew they would be coming sometime this month, but weren't exactly sure (as they have been driving around the western states on holidays).
A quick phone call from a national forest in California and we were in full planning mode!
On Saturday, just hours before a welcoming party, I suffered a couple of back-to-back self-inflicted injuries which lay me down for about an hour (the residual complications of which I am still contending).
While laying in recovery I began to reformulate the afternoon/evening's plan.
I used the very same tactics I learned for coping with MS related set-backs and delays. Even through significant pain, I was able to adjust my own expectations of the event (and myself) and delegate to those who wanted to help in the first place.
There would have been a day that I would have forced myself to "power through" the incident and just make it all happen. The outcome would have been fine, but I surely wouldn't have been and for that, I am thankful.
I am not, nor do I plan to be, one of those people who see MS as some kind of a blessing. It that's the way you get through and survive, I salute you and wish you well. For me, however, every day with MS is a pain in my arse and I'll be glad for the day it's cured.
Yes, I've learned many things from living with MS. I would, however as I said in a previous post I'd trade every lesson I've learned for health.
So, what have you learned from living with MS? Share, because it is said that a smart person learns from his mistakes but a wise one learns from others' mistakes.
Wishing you and your family the best of health.


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Credit unions can expect to face three major regulatory compliance issues this year, says Sai Huda, vice president/general manager for compliance solutions at FIS: safety and soundness, fair lending, and Unfair Deceptive Abusive Acts and Practices (UDAAP).
Safety and soundness refers to a renewed focus by NCUA and state regulatory agencies on management and board competency, Huda says. "The number of problem credit unions is rising. By the end of 2010, 359 credit unions had CAMEL [capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, and asset/liability management] ratings of 4 or 5, and a larger number was expected by the end of 2011."
At that time, another 1,791 federally insured credit unions had CAMEL ratings of 3, "meaning they had problems that could place their operations in eventual danger.
"The Office of Inspector General has said NCUA... didn't do enough to force some credit unions to take corrective measures," Huda continues. "One effect of NCUA's new scrutiny has been that if a credit union enters a new business line and has no solid risk management plan for the new venture, NCUA will no longer give the institution a CAMEL 1 or 2 rating."
As a result, Huda says credit unions must improve their performance. "NCUA Regulation 701.4 requires boards to get enhanced training. They need to understand asset/liability management, economic influences on members and the financial industry, and risk management."
The emphasis on fair lending is a spillover from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, regulators' scrutiny of big banks' anticonsumer practices, and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. As a result, NCUA's Office of Consumer Protection is looking at fair lending in greater detail.
Huda says financial institutions can run afoul of fair lending regulations by:
UDAPP aims to provide transparency for consumers. "UDAAP makes sure that ads aren't bait-and-switch," Huda says, "and that there are no unfair, deceptive, or abusive sales or service conditions. Financial institutions are under pressure to grow and show returns, which may increase the temptation to engage in questionable practices. Credit unions must make sure their fee structures and payment procedures are clear so members understand what they'll pay and there are no practices that may be considered problematic."
FIS, which has worked with thousands of financial institutions as well as regulators, provides clients with software and education to get staff and directors up to speed.
"We offer online or in-person educational sessions with credit union boards," Huda says. "We teach them what regulatory red flags to look for, questions to ask, and issues to focus on. Credit unions often ask us to review their product compliance and regulatory compliance programs. We benchmark them against successful, well-managed programs so they can see how other credit unions manage this responsibility."
Next: Managing the reg burden


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The longest continuous ride in New Zealand and part of the Nga Haerenga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail it's a great way to explore the landscape of the Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie region.
The trail is perfect for the whole family with the benefit of being able to cycle sections if you're unable to complete the 310km trail in its entirety. Currently the trail offers both on and off-road riding, which means some sections require you to cycle on the main highway. The awe-inspiring scenery especially when cycling through the Mackenzie is well worth the peddling!
The starting point of the trail depends on whether you want to ride the full trail or just sections of the track.
- Section 1 - Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Station
- Section 2 - Braemar Station to Twizel
- Section 3 - Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge
- Section 4 - Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama
- Section 5 - Omarama to Otematata
- Section 6 - Otematata to Kurow
- Section 7 - Kurow to Duntroon
- Section 8 - Duntroon to Oamaru
Section1 - Aoraki/Mt Cook to Braemar Road – easy, 32km, 46% of this section is on gravel roads with 33% on rough shingle.
Begin the short 5.3km ride out of Mt Cook. You'll need to take a short helicopter flight with your bike across the Tasman River to the eastern side of Lake Pukaki. The helicopter ride is a highlight, with fantastic mountain scenery and glacial fed braided streams. If the helicopter ride isn't for you then begin the track on the east side of Lake Pukaki at Tekapo B Power Station.
Section 2 - Braemar Road to Twizel – easy, 43km, 53% of this section is on gravel roads.
A stunning section of the trail and a starting point for many. Cycle on a country road taking in the outstanding views across the crystal blue waters of Lake Pukaki towards the Southern Alps. The views encapsulates the turquoise lake waters dwarfed by mountains are some of the most photographed in the region. Follow the entire length of the lake with continuous lake views to your right. On arrival at the end of the lake treat yourself to some pure king salmon from Mt Cook Alpine Salmon. After your salmon feast you'll need to cross the State Highway before continuing on the trail across the Pukaki Flats. The golden tussocks cover this vast basin-like area surrounded by hills in the distance. The vista is spectacular and really sum up the tapestry of the Mackenzie region. Dismount your bike in Twizel for a well-deserved coffee break.
Section 3 - Twizel to Lake Ohau Lodge – easy, 38km, 72% of this section is on sealed roads.
This section of the trail follows several roads before crossing the canal bridge past Loch Cameron. Continue on the north side of the canal road for 18.4km until you reach Lake Ohau. From this point the track descends down to Ohau Weir. Enjoy cycling around the lake foreshore. The trail then meets up with the sealed Lake Ohau Road that you continue to follow until you reach Lake Ohau.
Please note: There's an alternate route for when the Ohau Wier is in flood. Keep an eye on the A2O website for details www.alps2ocean.com.
Section 4 - Lake Ohau Lodge to Omarama – intermediate, 40km, 27% smooth shingle, 28% gravel road.
Begin at Ohau Lodge following the base of the mountain, looking out towards Benmore Range. The track is an easy ride until Freehold Creek where it narrows and begins to climb to 900m above sea level. After climbing be treated to an easy descent to Quailburn Road about 18.3km. Once at Quailburn Road a side trip to the Clay Cliffs is highly recommended. The 14km return side excursion is well worth it with spectacular views of large clay spires, protruding out of the ground and towering high into the skies. The first glimpses of these unique formations from the gates is dramatic and is definitely worthy of a photo or two. After the Clay Cliffs Quailburn Road meets the highway (35.6km) where the off-road trail runs beside the edge of the highway. This section of the Alps 2 Ocean finishes at Omarama.
Section 5 - Omarama to Otematata – easy, 24km, smooth shingle 51%, sealed road 49%.
Trail surfaces in this section combine smooth shingle and sealed roads as you ride down the Waitaki Valley heading east. The trail is off-road until you reach the top of Chain Hills, from there follow State Highway 83 until Pumpkin Point before arriving at Sailors Cutting, a popular destination for camping and water sports. Begin the climb up the Otematata Saddle with great views of Lake Aviemore before descending to Otematata.
Section 6 - Otematata to Kurow – easy, 44km, 99% sealed road.
99% of this section of the track is on sealed road. Rich in hydroelectric history with a collection of dams to see including Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki. From Otematata ride 5.5km of steep trail up Lock Laird Road and then over the impressive Benmore dam. Follow Te Akatarawa Road along the length of Lake Aviemore to the Aviemore dam. It's then back on the main road to Lake Waitaki viewing the Waitaki dam before finishing up in Kurow.
Section 7 - Kurow to Duntroon – easy, 23km, 100% sealed road.
Care needs to be taken on this part of the trail as you cycle State Highway 83. Cross the alluvial plains through the wine country of Kurow. There's only a short climb on this section near the Māori rock art site before taking it easy on the downhill ride to Duntroon. Be sure to check out the Kurow Museum and Historic Kurow River Bridge on this section of the trail.
Section 8 - Duntroon to Oamaru – easy, 55km, 47% sealed road, 44% gravel road.
The trail moves away from the river system passing through the weathered limestone formations called Elephant Rocks. Be sure to have the camera at the ready as the limestone formations are a fantastic photo opportunity. Cycle the quiet country roads through to Weston. At this point the track joins the old railway line to Saleyards Road. Carry on the sealed cycleway until you reach the Oamaru Gardens. Cycle through the gardens passing the Aquatic Centre to Thames Street. Turn left onto Itchen Street and follow the historic trail to Oamaru Harbour and Friendly Bay, the end of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. When passing through Oamaru be sure to check out Steampunk HQ, the Victorian Precinct, the North Otago Museum and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.


text: DysoForums :: View topic - OOC Thread (OOC, obviously) DysoForums Gallery Donate Dyso.com Search Memberlist Usergroups Stats Register Login to check your private messages Login OOC Thread (OOC, obviously) DysoForums Forum Index -> The Kraken Society (Private) View previous topic :: View next topic :: Show signatures Author Message ThirdOfTriumvirateMortalJoined: 31 Jan 2003Posts: 14 Level: 2 XP: 50% Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 9:54 pm Post subject: OOC Thread (OOC, obviously) This is the Kraken OOC thread. Since all other threads in Kraken are considered IC, please post your OOC stuff here. Thanks, 3 Back to top ThirdOfTriumvirateMortalJoined: 31 Jan 2003Posts: 14 Level: 2 XP: 50% Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2003 3:14 am Post subject: For those who have been watching this forum and have been wondering about the lack of activity, I think things will pick up very soon. Many of us were waiting for the vault wipe to begin our Dyso experience in the Kracken Society. My understanding is that the wipe will occur VERY soon. I look forward to once again watching over our members within the walls of Dysotopia. 3 Back to top snewoMasterJoined: 05 Nov 2002Posts: 232 Level: 14 XP: 24% Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2003 5:04 am Post subject: I've been away myself. I figured the self-imposed sabbatical would help me concentrate on the characters once the wipe occurred. I'm ready now. Snewo Back to top Tiarella Jones~MasterJoined: 19 Nov 2002Posts: 107 Level: 9 XP: 35% Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2003 2:58 am Post subject: Hello again all! It's time to assemble again! The wipe is supposedly this evening at 2400 (GMT -5). Please look for me or another from the group when you come on and we can travel together! See you there! Tiarella Jones~ Back to top DarroNoobJoined: 11 Jan 2003Posts: 7 Level: 1 XP: 66% Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2003 3:11 am Post subject: I was wondering what everyone is doing now that the main dyso server has been taken down. I tried Bri's SoU server, but there was 2 people there, including me, deffinately didn't feel like dyso. Please someone send me a message, I miss playing with the people that made dyso, such a great place. Back to top MogsterMasterJoined: 07 Oct 2002Posts: 186 Level: 12 XP: 70% Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2003 12:25 pm Post subject: I've been playing Earth & Beyond. I tried Planetside too, but I didn't like that it's all PvP, and when it gets late and no one is on there is literally nothing to do. Also, the hardware requirements are very high. Back to top Tiarella Jones~MasterJoined: 19 Nov 2002Posts: 107 Level: 9 XP: 35% Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2003 11:28 pm Post subject: Hello Darro and Mogster. So glad to hear from you both again! I do hope you are both well. I've also missed everyone as well and find myself drawn back here to look about and see who still drifts by. I've been busy with many things so have not had time to play in another world. I'll continue to stop by now and again to say hello so please keep in touch. *smile* Take care! Tiarella Jones~ Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First DysoForums Forum Index -> The Kraken Society (Private) All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum General----------------Official AnnouncementsChatterHelpComplaints, Rants and FlamesOff TopicWorldbuilders General - History (Read-Only)----------------Chatter - HistorySuggestions - HistoryBugs - HistoryComplaints, Rants, and Flames - History Dysotopia----------------Dysotopia Information (Read-Only)Dysotopia: The RebirthSuggestionsDyso Quest Idea VaultIn-CharacterBugsEvents Cities----------------EleriinaKravenwoodSylvandaleGloth Guilds----------------General Guild TalkLeague of Shadows (Private)White Guardians Of Eleriina (Private)Order of the Shining Blade (Private)The Lost Guard of Glorin (Private)Keepers of the Long Story (Private)Order of the Howling Wolf (Private)Druid Circle (Private)High Knights of the Lost Guard (Private)Tempest Steel (Private)Kravenwood Militia (Private)The Kraken Society (Private)The High Council (Private)Kravenwood Leaders (Private)eXiled Spirits (Private)The Scamps (Private)Nel's House / Rumanos' Dark LairShadow Clan (Private)Black Shadows (Private)Salon de la RoseThe Shadow Bretheryn (Private)Items 'R UsTrader's GuildHigh Order of the SpammersWilwarin-Men' Cobar Arulean----------------State of the WorldIdea MillCobar Wide Bugs Har-Rhun----------------AnnouncementsIn-CharacterHar-Rhun BugsSuggestions Tuskandale----------------AnnouncementsIn-CharacterTuskandale BugsSuggestions You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Powered by phpBB 2.0.2 © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group


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Mobile Carriers Don't Want To Give Up SMS Without A Fight
from the what-a-racket dept
Apparently there was some tension at the Mobile World Congress—the world's largest mobile phone trade show—as the growing battle over text messaging took center stage. As you may know, SMS text-messaging is a rip-off, and a huge cash-cow for the mobile telecoms, who charge premium rates for a service that has an effective cost of zero (SMS messages are encoded into regular signals that cell towers have to send anyway). But they are losing a growing chunk of that income to data-based messaging services like BBM, iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and more. Naturally, they aren't happy, and they try to frame it as an unfair disruption of their business model:
Needless to say, mobile companies are not happy at the flood of free messaging services piggybacking on their networks. Telecom Italia chief executive Franco Bernabe told MWC that free messaging services are undercutting the ability of phone companies to invest in their networks. Paid texting, or SMS, has been a cash cow for phone companies which uses minimal network capacity.
The new players "have based their innovation in the mobile domain, without a deep understanding of the complex technical environment of our industry. This is increasingly creating significant problems to the overall service offered to the end user and driving additional investments for mobile operators," Bernabe said.
None of that makes a lick of sense. Bernabe is basically saying that everyone else has a responsibility to not build data apps that compete with telecom services, but unfortunately for him that's not how free markets work. Rather than seeing the huge opportunity that is the growing demand for wireless data access, the telecoms have decided to focus on the one thing that has stopped SMS from being completely replaced already: the lack of a single standard alternative. GMSA, a mobile industry group, has built a new cross-platform messaging service that they hope to get pre-installed on all cellphones and have become the standard for all text, photo and video messaging—though they haven't announced how much they plan to charge for the service. They claim that nine out of ten major device makers have signed up, with all eyes falling on Apple as the probable holdout: Apple is on a crusade to kill SMS messaging, and they likely would have succeeded by now if they weren't committed to their own walled-garden approach that pushes everyone towards iOS.
Of course, the same conference was also attended by the companies that have the telecoms so frightened. Joe Stipher, co-founder of messaging service Pinger, had a wiser perspective on the direction things are headed:
"Text messaging is free, and calling is going to be free," said Stipher, wearing jeans that contrasted with the dark suits favoured by thousands of mobile phone company executives attending the four-day 2012 Mobile World Congress that ended Thursday. "Data is going to be like electricity or water, not totally free, but do you worry about giving someone a glass of water at your home or letting them plug in? No."
I actually think that could be slightly better worded: in the future, there will be no more distinctions like "text" and "voice". Everything is just data anyway. But Stipher is absolutely right that bandwidth is becoming a generic utility, and that's something the telecoms have to accept. For some reason, they are terrified of becoming "dumb pipes"—they want to be "smart pipes" that charge premiums for different "kinds" of data, even though that's basically an imaginary concept. It's an odd attitude, because being a dumb pipe for something that everybody wants is a pretty good position, and if you accept it then you stand to make more money by letting people build whatever they want on top of what you provide. Truly, this would be the smart thing for a pipe to do, and Stipher has some fun with this by co-opting the term for himself. The carriers play along, using their own definition, and what results is an amusing portrayal of the mental disconnect that exists:
[Stipher] explained that "The carriers should be smart, reliable pipes" providing internet data access like utilities give reliable water and electricity, he said. "They need to focus on being good network operators."
[Rene] Obermann [chief executive of Germany's Deutsche Telekom] said carriers are at a crucial point at which they must "develop our own, innovative product suites" through cooperation with the smaller messaging companies. "The smart pipe will be one of the areas where (telecommunications companies) will show their innovation," he said.
Of course, Obermann's own company has a venture capital division that invested $7.5-million in Pinger, so maybe on some level he knows which way the winds are turning.
Filed Under: competition, data, smart pipes, sms, text messaging


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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres leading scorer Jack Eichel isn't sure when he'll be cleared to play after returning to practice for the first time since spraining his right ankle a month ago.
Eichel says he'd like to start playing as soon as possible. But he adds it's premature to pick a specific game. He says the timetable will depend on his conditioning level and how his ankle responds to the lengthy on-ice session Tuesday.
The Sabres are off until Thursday, when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs. Buffalo sits last in the Eastern Conference standings and is all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Eichel has been skating on his own for the past 10 days. He's missed 14 games since he was hurt in a 4-2 win at Boston on Feb. 10.
• Power Rankings: Are the Lightning and Predators on a Stanley Cup Final Crash Course?
Eichel still leads the Sabres with 22 goals and 53 points despite playing just 55 games.
The Sabres recalled goalie Linus Ullmark from the minors. Coach Phil Housley says the promotion is based on merit, and he plans to have Ullmark start in one of Buffalo's upcoming games.
For more NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/NHLhockey


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Over all those hard edges? We have some good news for you. After many years of being dominated by straight lines, curves are making a comeback in interior design. Business Insider called rounded furniture one of the hottest design trends this year. "The furniture is a lot more substantial and rounded off where it was feeling very squared," Caitlin Murray, founder and CEO of Black Lacquer Design, told them.
They're not alone. Everyone from Elle Décor to Architectural Digest has been touting this trend, which is now starting to settle in as a "must-have."
"A boxy item here and there is fine, but 2017 will be the year rounded edges and circular furniture return," said Elle Decor. Patti Carpenter, a "global ambassador and found of carpenter + company," told them, "It's all about finding a place of calm and comfort in this constant chaos and information that we constantly have coming at us." In short, they said, "it's all about comfort…not edginess."
Don't be afraid to take your whole room to a curvy place. You may want to mix up the color palette a little, but the three-piece set looks chic together. The faux marble wallpaper behind the seating area? That's another top trend.
Or, incorporate one great piece, like this tufted couch from West Elm featured on the Today show during a segment on this year's design trends. On the show, Amy Astley of Architectural Digest embraced the round furniture trend, saying the curvier shapes bring in a romantic, softer, prettier feel – especially when executed in velvet, like below.
Worried about how rounded furniture will look in your existing space, especially if it already boasts a strong design style? The desk and credenza in this office space create a modern focal point, complemented beautifully by the ornate moldings.
Keeping your straight lines and incorporating rounded furniture, too, looks great in this breakfast nook. The round table is a great choice because it fits in snugly in a small space and allows everyone to gather 'round (literally) and enjoy each other's company.
Going the round route in your outdoor space immediately reads: resort. With these cocoon-like chairs, you may never go inside.


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- Tech Trader Daily
Samsung Gains, Apple Declines, Both Hoard Smartphone Profit, Says Canaccord
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Canaccord Genuity's Mike Walkey today issues his Q1 "survey" of handset trends for Apple (AAPL), Samsung Electronics (005930KS), BlackBerry (BBRY) and others.
Walkley, who has a Buy rating on Apple shares, writes that the quarter was a "normal seasonally soft" Q1, following a "strong" holiday quarter, with total industry sales of 420 million handset units, up 7.4%, year over year, but down 12.5% from the prior quarter. That included 211 million smartphone units, up 35%, year over year, but down 3.9% from the prior quarter.
Walkley doesn't detail the approach of his surveys, although they appear to include store calls and other anecdotal sorts of evidence.
Among the headline trends globally, Walkley writes that "We believe this is the first quarter smartphones outsold feature phones."
"With record 3G subscriber growth in China during the March quarter, we believe affordable Android smartphones contributed to the first quarter of smartphones sales exceeding feature phone sales."
Feature phone sales were probably 208.9 million units in the quarter, below the 211 million smartphone units, writes Walkley.
Some of that was an "increasing mix of LTE smartphones," writes Walkley, meaning the 4G cellular standard known as "long-term evolution." Those include Apple's iPhone 5, Samsung's Galaxy S III, and the Samsung Note II.
Samsung appears to have gained share during the quarter, writes Walkley, echoing remarks two weeks ago from research firm Strategy Analytics, while Apple lost share:
Given Samsung's strong global brand, broad portfolio of smartphones across a wide price range, and very strong flagship Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II smartphone sales, we believe Samsung grew its overall leading unit market share and leading smartphone market share position during Q1/13. In fact, we estimate Samsung increased its position as the top selling handset OEM with 27.5% of the global handset unit market share in Q1/13 from 24.0% in Q4/12. Further, we believe Samsung was the top selling smartphone OEM and grew its smartphone unit market share to 33.0% in Q1/13 from 28.9% in Q4/12. In fact, we estimate Samsung shipped an incredible 69.7M smartphones in the seasonally softer March quarter, an increase from strong December holiday quarter sales of 63.5M smartphones. Due to our expectations for softer Q2/13 iPhone sales during Apple's transitional June quarter combined the strong ramp of the Galaxy S4 to over 300 carriers in 155 countries, we believe Samsung will grow its overall global handset and smartphone share during Q2/13. After a very strong December quarter for iPhone sales post the iPhone 5 launch, we estimate Apple's global unit market share declined during Q1/13 to 8.9% versus 10.0% in Q4/12, and we estimate Apple's global smartphone unit market share declined to 17.7% versus 21.8% in Q4/12. Given our expectations for a transitional June quarter for iPhone sales before a potential iPhone 5S refresh later in the September quarter, we believe Apple could lose material global handset and smartphone market share to Samsung and other Android OEMs during Q2/13 and Q3/13.
Despite the share shifts, Walkley concludes that "We estimate Apple and Samsung combined to capture a remarkable 100% of Q1/13 handset industry profits as several competitors such as BlackBerry, Nokia (NOK), and LG Electronics (066570KS) posted break-even results to slight profits offsetting ongoing losses from Motorola":
With Samsung growing its overall market share in both smartphones and overall mobile phones during Q1/13, we estimate Samsung captured an impressive 43% of handset industry profits versus 34% in Q4/12. Further, despite seasonally softer iPhone 5 sales and a stronger mix of legacy iPhone 4S/4 sales, we estimate Apple still captured 57% of industry profits, but Apple's share of industry profits declined from 72% in Q4/12. However, we believe Apple's value share of the handset market is even higher than our estimates in Figure 4 considering Apple's dominant market share of the tablet market, as some Android OEMs such as Samsung and HTC include tablet sales in reported smartphone sales and profits.
Walkley thinks Nokia, which uses Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows Phone operating system, lost share in the quarter, perhaps dropping to 2.9% share of smartphone sales, or 6.1 million units, down from 3%, or 6.6 million units, in the prior quarter:
Consistent with our belief Nokia had lost feature phone market share during the March quarter due to increased competition from Chinese OEMs and from Samsung's new REX products, Nokia reported Q1/13 Mobile Phones unit sales of 55.8M that were below our 59.7M estimate and well below the consensus estimate of 64.9M. Further, sales of Nokia's profitable higher-end Asha smartphone series declined 46% sequentially from 9.3M to 5.0M units resulting in Mobile Phones ASPs declining to €28.5 from €31.0 in the December quarter.
Walkley thinks BlackBerry lost share as well as its Z10 handset came to market with the new BlackBerry 10 operating system at the end of January. He models 6 million BlackBerry smartphone units in total last quarter, or 2.8% of the market, down from 6.9 million units, or 3.1%, in the December quarter:
Walkley thinks BlackBerry may have better luck with the Q10, which has a hardware QWERTY keyboard, which went on sale in initial markets outside the U.S. a week ago Friday:
Our U.S. wireless store surveys indicated BlackBerry Z10 sell through trends remained soft during April despite Blackberry increasing advertising spending levels. In fact, we estimate Z10 weekly sales combined for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are roughly half the rate of the launch week at each of these carriers, as we estimate weekly combined Z10 sales for these three leading U.S. carriers at roughly 20,000 to 30,000 units. […] Our U.K surveys post the recent Q10 launch indicated strong initial sales. However, we believe the Q10 may have initial production issues or intentionally limited supply at the launch to drive consumer excitement for the devices. Our surveys indicated most U.K carrier stores received less than 15 units for the initial day of the launch with many stores selling out of the devices or the majority of the initial allocation during the first few days of availability. Further, our initial surveys in Canada indicated very limited initial supply of the Q10 into the recent launch […] With new BB10 smartphones facing increased high-end competition from the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One, we anticipate Z10 sales could further weaken in the consumer retail channels. However, we anticipate a strong ramp in Q10 sales over the next several months should more than offset the slowing Z10 sales.
Lastly, walkley sees good early demand for HTC's (2498TW) "HTC One" smartphone, but sees a large challenge to HTC from the market around Samsung's S4:
Our U.S. April wireless store surveys indicated strong initial consumer interest and very positive sales representative reviews for the recently launched flagship HTC One smartphone at AT&T and Sprint. While we believe the HTC One is a very compelling smartphone, we believe the delayed HTC One faces a very competitive high-end global smartphone market dominated by the Samsung Galaxy S4. While the HTC One was the #3 top selling smartphone at both AT&T and Sprint, the Galaxy S4 also launched at the same two carriers and was more popular. We believe Samsung's massive global scale, marketing muscle, and strong volume ramp of the Samsung Galaxy S4 could limit HTC One sales.


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From Not in My Family: AIDS in the African-American Community, edited by Gil L. Robertson IV. Copyright 2006. Excerpted with permission from Agate Publishing.
This essay is a commemoration and appreciation that I can celebrate reaching the cusp of my 20th year of life with HIV. Feeling as healthy as I do and having AIDS is a mixed blessing, of course. I love being as healthy as I am. I have not yet lost the thrill of living that many of us lose long before we die. I feel fully immersed in the stream and flow of life. In particular, I love the physicality— the carnal aspect of living.
I love being in my body. I am learning to worship my body without shame or apology. It is not just a mere vessel for me. While it is not my essence, it is certainly an essential part of me. I have got to love it. Every day, the HIV that lives within me threatens to slowly and imperceptibly nest and divide to weaken and kill this body of mine. I will not let that happen.
And if viruses possess some form of intelligence, as some admiring virologists suggest, then I suspect that this virus, my virus, understands that. We have at least reached an agreement, if not an impasse. I cannot get rid of it, and it can't get rid of me. We have a very dysfunctional mutual respect for each other.
But because I have been spared many of the severe manifestations of this disease, I still have to remind myself to remain vigilant -- to get my blood work done, to call and find out what my viral load and T-cell counts are, to continue to set up appointments with my case manager. My long-term wellness has made such precautions seem less urgent, but I know better. I know that the insurgent force that lives within my territories is clever, with inexhaustible patience and stealth as its greatest weapon. I must not fall asleep on my own watch. I do things to ensure my survival, informed by both intelligence and, far more frequently as of late, instinct.
For instance, I love my body quite tenaciously. Remember Baby Suggs's soul-stirring sermon on the mount from Toni Morrison's Beloved, in which she admonished black people to never ignore their flesh? "Love it," she commanded. "Yonder," she warned, "they do not love your flesh."
Well, I have a new understanding for this these days. I indulge my body in certain disciplines and certain pleasures. To eat dessert, to sleep late, to run, to exercise, to stretch, to feel the weight that I push against or pull upon, to inhale, to drink, to lick, to suck, to sweat, to smell, to exhale, to touch, to feel ... this is to Live. This is life in the body. Each body is as divine and as unique as the color Purple, and I think it "pisses God off" for us to dwell in our body all the live-long day and not see this. I find myself sometimes smelling myself between my own legs. I taste the salt of my own tears. I touch the viscous tissue of my own pungent cum. I listen to the sound and hug the abrupt quake of my own laughter. This is what I will recall when those angels ask me about the beauty of it all. What was it like down here, below.
If my focus is highly erotic, it is because the erotic, like nothing else, reminds me of the animal that I am. I am still discovering the differences between the erotic and the sexual. During a recent men's retreat, I met a kind and honest brother who asked to spend the night with me without having sex. I agreed, but as there was a mutual attraction, I was afraid that I would not be able to resist the temptation of his body laid up next to mine. How fortunate then that I managed to refrain from any sexual touch and still hold and be held by him in a manner that left me more naked than many of my sexual encounters. I felt safe and loved in the warm blanket of his body. I felt no lack or regret, and even though I was excited by his touch, I felt no need to do anything other than be touched. I never felt more alive or fully open.
I once believed that the erotic and the sexual were one and the same, and that anything considered erotic must serve as a prelude, an invitation, to the inevitable sexual act. I believed that without the all-important consummation, anything erotic was in and of itself a worthless tease, a ruse not worth getting hot and bothered about. In this line of thinking, erotic things, after all, are the appetizers that whet our appetites for the main course, sex. And sex, then, means intercourse; in the homosexual world, it specifically means anal penetration. Anything else would then be foreplay, and sex must culminate in ejaculation. Somebody has to come, or the deed will be left undone.
My first boyfriend and I often enjoyed hours of delicious sex, sometimes without penetration or climax; when I shared this with friends, several of them claimed that this was not "real sex." Our culture, true to its Judeo-Christian roots, enforces a thick, dark line between sexuality and spirituality. It also reduces the erotic to serve the singular agenda of intercourse.
I believe that one of the reasons why homosexuals are so feared and reviled is because our sexuality is often not legitimized by procreation, marriage, or monogamy. The values that define sexual pleasure outside of such constructs as base and immoral are the same values that, in these United States, frame the bodies of women, black and brown people, and gays as terrains of unbridled desire and decadence. These bodies must be covered because they are profane; sanitized because they are hopelessly dirty; punished or imprisoned because they are criminal; and lynched, raped, mutilated, or otherwise destroyed because they are evil and threaten to subvert the dominance of white men or sully the purity of white women. When the voluptuous Janet Jackson flashed her breast before millions, it was a transgression for which she was swiftly punished. When a virile, dark-skinned 17-year-old named Marcus Dixon had sex with a 16-year-old white girl in Rome, Georgia, it was a transgression for which he was speedily imprisoned. When I perform fellatio on another man and then enjoy passionate sex with him way into the midnight hour, it is a transgression for which I could be consigned to eternal damnation, or at least be dispatched from this life like our young sister, Sakia Gunn, a 15-year-old murdered because she rejected the advances of a man by declaring that she was a lesbian.
Since I am revealed as an outlaw by my skin and my sexuality, it is crucial that I celebrate my day-to-day survival in a land that rejects me as if I were an infection it has discovered and hopes to wipe out. But I know that I belong here, triple offender though I may be; despite the odds, I have managed to survive here. It is my birthright "bought and paid for" by my African ancestors and their American progeny, as well as my homosexual forebears. I am compelled to celebrate those who endured and those who perished so it would be considerably more difficult (though not impossible) for me to be killed or jailed for eyeballing a white woman or balling a man of any color.
Black men who love men tend to carry heavy loads of shame that are often masked by addictions and distorted self-images. We are usually served by well-intentioned organizations that don't have a clue about how we see ourselves and where our power and resiliency lies -- that we are not merely walking pathologies to be saved by catchy messages with hip-hop soundtracks or mudcloth graphics. How do we reach the sensual salvation we seek when we are forced to love on the "minefield" described by the brilliant Charles Stephens in his contribution to the seminal anthology Think Again? It is, I think, an unanswerable question, and yet we must ask it.
One of the most powerful ways for me to exalt the improbable triumph of drawing breath is to fully embrace my own body, and to kiss and trace every warrior mark, whether or not it was earned or deserved. As a teenager, I often felt embarrassed by my desires and what or who -- either innocently or deliberately -- aroused them. I did not wait to relinquish that shame before I started having sex with men. But no paramour, however skilled or compassionate, could hope to love away the stains ingrained beneath my skin. This is my work, and I am so commissioned for life.
Shortly after I discovered that I had been infected, there came a time when sex was no longer sexy to me. After all, it was the very thing that got me into this mess. I was afraid to pee, much less have sex. I was so preoccupied with the fear of infecting someone, or someone finding out, or not being able to get hard, that the first time I tried, I found I could not perform. Well, I met this one brother who told me that he was HIV positive as well. And we did it. And it was good. It was so good that the morning after, I prepared for him an exquisite breakfast. And after he left, I took the day off so I could take time to reflect on the experience. I didn't want to let go just yet of what had just happened and act as if nothing had changed. I wanted to savor it. I was not in love. I do not even remember his name. But I do remember that he gave me something precious. He reminded me of my right to life, to a corporeal, sexual life.
My flesh. I have got to love it. "Do not forget to love your flesh. Just love it."
Craig Washington
Craig Washington is a self-affirming, HIV-positive black homosexual who has engaged in writing and organizing to foster progressive social change. For more information, please visit www.craigwerks.com.
The above is an excerpt from Not in My Family: AIDS in the African-American Community, published in 2006 by Agate Publishing. More information on the book is available at its official Web site, notinmyfamily.com. Want to purchase this book? Click here. Want to view additional excerpts? Click here.
To read or listen to an interview with the book's editor, Gil L. Robertson IV, click here.


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Welcome to Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers
We thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you. Our entire staff of dedicated professionals is committed to your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Concern for every aspect of a patient's well-being is one of our hallmarks. For more than 85 years, Little Company of Mary has earned a reputation for delivering trusted, compassionate care in a convenient and pain-free manner.
To help you and your loved ones during your stay, we have prepared a special portion of our website to answer questions that you and your visitors may have about Little Company of Mary. Please explore the links at the left of this page to learn items that will help you during your stay with us. If you cannot find answers to your questions in this guide, please ask your caregivers who are happy to assist you.
Every patient who receives services at a Little Company of Mary facility is offered a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices in English or Spanish. On behalf of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Board of Directors, Physicians and Staff, we wish you a swift recovery and wellness.
Sister Sharo n Ann Walsh, L.C.M.
Chairperson of the Board of Directors


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Lax bros are one of the fastest-growing scourges to American society. They are members of a subculture that is composed entirely of privileged white kids with annoying names. Even worse, they are getting attention from the Boston Globe and stupid movies made about them.
Thankfully, the crew of a Southwest Airlines flight recently decided to take a stand against the lax bros of America when they forced a high-school lax bro named Mac Breedlove (of course his name is fucking Mac Breedlove) to apologize to the entire flight for cutting in line like a little dipshit.
Breedlove read an apology that was written by the flight crew and his coaches over the PA system, and somebody was smart enough to film the entire ordeal. Take a moment to savor the sweetness of a lax bro getting his comeuppance.
Westlake High Student Apologizes to Entire Southwest Flight over PA System [Austinist]