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Sale Terms & Conditions
Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to the Terms and Conditions of SW Car Supermarket (Agreement). By entering in to a contract with us you agree to abide by this agreement and by our privacy policy. These are legally binding agreements between you (the customer) and us (SW Car Supermarket).
Information about us
SW Car Supermarket
Padholme Road East
01733 669600
Sale of Goods and Services
SW Car Supermarket operates under and are governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other associated legislation. In addition we add protection for the consumer and trade who purchase goods and services from us.
Goods purchased from us over the counter may be returned undamaged and unused within 7 days, when a full refund less handling charges will be made. Thereafter we will not accept the goods back. However, goods may be exchanged for up to 30 days following purchase from us and will be bought back at a reduced price due to additional usage and ownership.
All goods and services are offered in utmost good faith.
Goods purchased on line are subject to the Distance Selling Regulations, unless collected in person.
Making an Order / Payment of Deposit
In you placing an order to purchase one of our vehicles, we will ask you to deposit a sum discretionary to us of either £250 (Two Hundred and Fifty Pounds) or £500 (Five Hundred Pounds) which will enable us to remove the vehicle from sale. This deposit allows us to stage the vehicle into our preparation centre where it will undergo checks making it ready for collection. This deposit is only refundable to the sole discretion of SW Car Supermarket and on the basis that the customer will indemnify us as defined is clause "Cancellation" against all losses inclusive of profit.
(a) The order of a motor vehicle by SW Car Supermarket at the agreed price and any allowance in respect of a motor vehicle offered by the customer incorporates the following clauses and only becomes binding after being accepted by SW Car Supermarket.
(b) The order (except where varied by an agreement between the parties which is recorded in writing and signed by an authorised representative of SW Car Supermarket) shall constitute the entire contract between the parties. SW Car Supermarket's legal duty is to provide the Goods as described on the face of the order form ("the Goods") to the terms of the contract.
(c) No person who is not a party to the contract may in its own right enforce any terms of the contract provided that this clause shall not affect any right of action of any person to whom this contract is lawfully assigned.
(a) SW Car Supermarket will use its power to secure a delivery date/s, but shall be under no liability whatsoever for loss caused beyond the control of SW car Supermarket.
(b) Delivery shall only become available on a date which has been mutually agreed by SW Car Supermarket and the Customer. Goods will be physically delivered by SW Car Supermarket to the Customer on trade premises except only where agreed by SW Car Supermarket to the Customer's invoice address and at the Customer's cost. Goods delivered on trade premises will be delivered on the following address, SW Car Supermarket, Padholme Road East, Peterborough, PE1 5XL.
Price and Payment
The customer shall not be permitted to collect and take away the goods until the total retail price of the goods as stated on the order form/final invoice (whichever is accurate and correct) has been discharged in full (without set-off or counterclaim) unless this condition has been expressly excluded in writing by an authorised representative (management team or above) of SW car Supermarket. Time of payment shall be of the essence. SW Car Supermarket shall only accept payment by Cash (adhering to money laundering laws), credit/debit card (charges may apply) and direct bank transfers. All other forms of payments will not be accepted unless the vehicle is being purchased using a finance credit agreement, in which case funds will be paid to SW Car Supermarket by the finance company/credit broker directly into our business bank account. All shortfalls are to be paid in full by the Customer.
Vehicle Preparation
All vehicles come with a 114 point vehicle inspection, provenance checks, DVLA registration, smart retail detailing inclusive of a valet, a minimum 6 months MOT (where applicable) and 3 months Warranty with Warranty First. The provenance checks cover if a vehicle has outstanding finance owing, is stolen, cloned, written off or clocked giving you real confidence in our cars. All vehicle checks carried out during preparation include a rigorous assessment of each vehicle.
Administration Fee
For customers using a 3rd party finance broker, one which is outside our agreed panel of lenders (brokers such as Car Finance 24/7 and Zuto etc, that pay funds direct to SW Car Supermarket, on the customer's behalf), the administration fee is 99.00 plus vat. All admin fees are non refundable.
Failure to collect Goods
If the customer shall fail to collect and/or pay for the Goods within 14 days of delivery then SW Car Supermarket may at its option either store the goods at the customer's cost or, upon giving the customer 7 days' notice of its intention to do so, elect to treat the contract as repudiated by the customer and thereupon any sums paid by the customer shall be returned less a sum equivalent to a reasonable administration fee, any damages, loss or expenses which SW Car Supermarket may have suffered or incurred by reason of the customer's default (including as a result of selling such vehicle at a lower value) and/or storage costs and SW Car Supermarket shall be under no further liability to the customer. SW Car Supermarket may, at its option following such repudiation elect to return any part-exchange vehicle or to retain it at any agreed trade-in price (in which case the agreed trade-in price shall be treated as part of the sums paid for the purpose of this clause).
Part Exchange
In the event that SW Car Supermarket agrees to accept a used motor vehicle from the customer then the customer shall be subject to accept the following conditions;
(a) the motor vehicle is HPI clear and must be free of outstanding finance, previous accidents/repairs, other loans made against the vehicle in return for security, must not be on the loss register against theft, stolen and recovered or on the police register;
(b) the motor vehicle will be delivered in the same condition as at the date it was examined by SW Car Supermarket;
(c) the motor vehicle shall be delivered to SW Car Supermarket upon collection of the goods together with all spare key sets, registration documents, service documentation, MOT certificate, service invoices, warranty documentation and all other appropriate documentation and with the registration book completed and for the avoidance of doubt the customer shall not be permitted to collect the goods until the motor vehicle shall have been delivered to SW Car Supermarket;
(d) title to the motor vehicle shall pass absolutely on delivery to SW Car Supermarket;
(e) the exchange value quoted by SW Car Supermarket shall be binding on SW Car Supermarket for one calendar month from the date of the order, unless a different period is stipulated in the order. SW Car Supermarket at its sole discretion can choose to alter the part exchange valuation after the one calendar month has elapsed / adjust the valuation based on condition after the first visual inspection was carried out or due to natural depreciation of the vehicle.
(f) in the event of a shortfall between the adjusted part exchange valuation against the agreed order, the Customer will be liable to pay in full the shortfall to SW Car Supermarket prior to take delivery or title of the purchased order.
Cherished Number Plate
In the event of a vehicle being sold to SW Car Supermarket whether as an outright sale or part exchange, the Customer shall assist SW Car Supermarket towards the transfer of the cherished number plate via the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Failure to claim the cherished number plate after title of goods have been passed on to SW Car Supermarket will remain the property of SW Car Supermarket and no liability will be taken by us or loss / damages.
SW Car Supermarket shall use all reasonable endeavours to pass the benefit of any manufacturer's warranty (where applicable) on to the customer. The manufacturer's warranty does not apply if and to the extent that the defect is caused or worsened by one of the following circumstances:
(a) after discovering the defect the customer has failed either to inform SW Car Supermarket or to have the defect examined by a Dealer (authorised main agent) without reasonable delay;
(b) has failed to give a Dealer the option to repair the goods without reasonable delay;
(c) the goods or any part thereof have been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident or use for racing or similar sports;
(d) if the Goods have been repaired or maintained and that repair or maintenance has not been carried out by or through a Dealer and/or to the manufacturer's recommendations;
(e) parts have been installed into the goods the use of which have not been approved by the manufacturer or if the Goods have been altered or modified in a manner not approved by the manufacturer;
(f) instructions concerning the treatment, maintenance and care of the goods have not been adhered to.
(g) In the case of the goods being a second-hand vehicle, SW Car Supermarket shall transfer to the customer the unexpired portion of the manufacturer's warranty (if any) together with any used car warranty made available (discretionary to SW Car Supermarket) with respect to the goods as stated on the front of the order. The customer acknowledges that in the case of the goods being a second-hand vehicle the goods will be sold subject to such wear and tear as is reasonable for a vehicle of its age, type, usage and mileage; and subject to paintwork and/or bodywork repairs that may have been carried out to it. Goods which have been sold to a customer without accessories such as vehicle mats, SD Cards / CD for the use of navigation purposes etc are not to subject to warranty and SW Car Supermarket will not be held liable for this unless the accessories were listed within the advert on the SW Car Supermarket website only.
Examination of Goods and Reliance
Prior to signing the order form the customer shall examine the goods to be purchased (if such are available for inspection) and satisfy itself in full prior to making payment / commitment. If the goods are sold subject to defects and have been notified by SW Car Supermarket to the customer before the signing of the contract then no liability will be accepted by SW Car Supermarket. The customer confirms that it has satisfied itself as to the suitability of the goods for its requirements and has not relied upon SW Car Supermarket's skill or knowledge regarding the goods' fitness for any particular purpose or use.
Without prejudice to the terms of the warranty, where any valid claim in respect of the goods is brought to the attention of SW Car Supermarket for defects or workmanship of the goods then SW Car Supermarket shall be entitled at its sole discretion either to replace or repair the goods (or the part in question) or to refund to the customer the price of the goods (or a proportion part of the price), but SW Car Supermarket shall have no further liability to the customer. SW Car Supermarket will not be liable where any defect results from or is worsened by wear and tear or any similar circumstances.
Sale to Intermediaries or Third Parties
The customer confirms that it is not purchasing the goods as an intermediary or reseller unless specifically agreed by SW Car Supermarket to the contrary. SW Car Supermarket may, at its discretion refuse to change the customer's details or identity on the order or register the goods to anybody other than the customer.
Customers using a 3rd party finance broker, one which is outside our agreed panel of lenders (brokers such as Car Finance 24/7, Zuto etc that pay funds direct to SW Car Supermarket on the Customer's behalf), the administration fee is £349.00 (inclusive of VAT). This fee covers all costs which are forwarded over to us. The £349 admin fee is non-refundable upon completion of a valid transaction.
7 Day Money Back Guarantee
The 7 day money back guarantee applies to retail customers only and strictly excludes vehicles purchased for the trade or any commercial use inclusive of taxi use. Customers looking to exercise this guarantee must abide by the terms set below. This does not affect your statutory rights.
All returned vehicles are subject to a returns fee of £495 and must be returned back to us in the same merchantable quality and condition or a retail ready condition. Additional charges may apply against vehicles which do not meet this criteria calculated on a fair basis in order to return any damage to its original retail condition.
Vehicles must be returned to back to our Head Office address, SW Car Supermarket, Padholme Road East, Peterborough, PE1 5XL. We will not collect the vehicle/s. All documents and keys supplied on sale inception must be returned back to us in full.
The 7 day money back guarantee will be claimed no more than once for each customer and will become void after this point.
Vehicles purchased using an outside finance company (such as Car Finance 247, Zuto, and all external finance brokers or finance companies) are subject to a £99 +vat admin fee which is strictly non refundable.
We will aim to identify any queries to facilitate the 7 day money back return and will assist you to choose an alternative suitable vehicle to fit.
We will transfer the purchase of all additional insurance products i.e. Gap/Return to Invoice, Warranty, Smart Cover, Alloy Wheel Cover, Lost Key Cover, Mishap Cover, Monthly Paid Service Plan, to the alternative purchased vehicle. Strictly no refunds will take place on the purchase of a Full Service or Paint Protection.
Vehicles purchased on credit are eligible to the 7 day money back guarantee only under conditions where we are able to arrange funding from our panel of lenders, in order for you to purchase the alternative vehicle from us. Customers who arranged finance using lenders outside those who sit on our agreed panel of lenders will need to arrange suitable funding to ascertain the new alternative vehicle from us. Failure to secure suitable funding will void your claim and no refunds will take place.
Customers are liable for all shortfalls.
Price Match Promise
If you see a similar vehicle at another main agent or car supermarket before you come into our store at a lower price, then we will price match that price at our sole discretion subject to the following conditions;
(a) the alternative vehicle must be the same age (i.e "15" plate) and the same specification as the SW Car Supermarket vehicle.
(b) must have the same or lower mileage than the SW Car Supermarket vehicle. The mileage MUST be warranted and proof of this must be shown on receipt of any claims.
(c) a written quote must be presented as evidence of all claims made against us to our competition. Price Match Promise is only valid against a vehicle marketed with a maximum of a 30 mile radius from our business postal code. The quote must be dated prior to and/or on the same day of purchasing one of our vehicles, and SW Car Supermarket must be able to verify the availability of the vehicle either by examining the alternative dealers website or physically inspecting in person. The alternative vehicle must be available for immediate purchase and physically located within a 30 mile radius of PE1 5XL.
(d) the price promise is valid against a comparable car at a main agent or a car supermarket dealer only. Dealers trading from home or non-permanent premises will not be considered. Private cars for sale are strictly excluded.
(e) the alternative vehicle must have the same Specification as the SW Car Supermarket vehicle and must match all optional extras elected to the manufacturer when ordered new. The condition of the alternative vehicle must match exactly or in any event show a better condition when compared to our vehicle and a condition report maybe requested at the sole discretion of SW Car Supermarket.
(f) the alternative vehicle must match the quality and provenance of our vehicle i.e. the 114 point inspection check, interim service and 12 months MOT, interior and exterior condition, vehicle detailing and professional smart retail valet and a nationwide warranty inclusive of wear and tear and consequential damage cover.
(g) the price match does not apply in cases where the alternative vehicle is being offered at a CAP clean / Glasses Guide trade price or lower price. CAP and Glasses are a guideline used by the motor trade industry to determine monthly trade prices and disposals of vehicles in the UK mainland.
Loan Cars
Whilst your vehicle is within the care of SW Car Supermarket (i.e. under repair, warranty or inspection) it is not law to provide Customers with a loan vehicle. Loan vehicles are made subject to availability at the sole discretion of SW Car Supermarket and will only be loaned to customers when booked in advance. Loan cars are subject to terms and conditions and once entered into contract will become legally binding. These can be obtained in store prior or at the time of making a booking. All loan cars are subject to a refundable £250 deposit when the loan car is returned in the original condition.
Except as provided by law, orders made by the Customer to SW Car Supermarket may be cancelled except on terms that the customer's deposit shall be forfeit and further that the customer shall indemnify SW Car Supermarket in full against all loss (including loss of profit), costs (including the cost of all labour and materials used), damages, charges and expenses incurred by SW Car Supermarket as a result of cancellation.
Defective Goods
Without prejudice to clause "Warranty" above any claim by the Customer which is based on any defect in the quality of the goods must be notified to SW Car Supermarket within 7 days of purchase. The Customer shall satisfy itself by examining / testing / test driving the goods (although all reasonable care and attention has been taken by SW Car Supermarket to ensure the merchantable quality of the goods) prior to making commitment or entering into a contract. Should the Customer not notify SW Car Supermarket of such defects with 7 days, then the Customer shall be deemed to have accepted the Goods.
The data displayed within our adverts (on the website or in store) details the specification of the vehicle from the manufacturer when manufacturer new. We subscribe to third party data agencies to retrieve this information. We will not be held liable for sudden changes made by outside agencies to the road fund licence, model variations or anything miscellaneous, therefore we recommend that you physically check the specification of the vehicle on site prior to purchase. This information does not form part of the buying contract with SW Car Supermarket. We accept no legal liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies.
SW Car Supermarket shall not be liable to the Customer under the terms of this contract, for (a) loss incurred by the Customer as a result of third party claims (b) loss of profits (c) loss of personal / business savings (d) damage to reputation (e) consequential damage of any nature.
SW Car Supermarket operates within the guidelines of the Data Protection Act and is commissioned by the Information Commissioners office (ICO) for data storage and usage. Under this contract the Customer shall consent permission to SW Car Supermarket for the filing and use of the Customers personal data only to be used for direct marketing of offers, products and services which may benefit the Customer, and will not be sold to third parties.
Applicable Law
This contract shall be governed by the Laws of England and Wales and the parties shall submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts.


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Dental Hygiene
There is nothing more important than your health, and a healthy mouth is a very important part of the equation. A good, regular at home maintenance regime of flossing, rinsing and brushing will take care of everyday oral hygiene, but a regular 6 monthly or 12 monthly dental examination, scale and polish with your dental surgeon is very important to limit build up of the hard bacterial calculus deposits on the teeth. We will also check the health of your whole mouth as well as your teeth, and advise you on the appropriate dental hygiene regime for you.
See our full list of services

subset: commoncrawl


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Latest News
January 25, 2019: Website Goes Live
We have refreshed the website for a new year of REU fun! Applications will be accepted starting on Jan. 24th. Apply!
February 23, 2019: Application deadline
Submit your application by 2/23/18. Note that we have some leeway for the letters–we don't want to be the cause of any letter-writer consternation (we've been there!). Remember–this is for students from campuses outside of Claremont; the deadline for students from Claremont campuses is earlier: click on Research at the top of this page.
Notifications and offers...
... will go out as soon as we can organize them, after the deadline.


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Music Business Handbook and Career Guide
12th Edition
- David Baskerville - Professor Emeritus, Late of the University of Colorado, Denver
- Tim Baskerville
Additional resources:
Other Titles in:
Business & Management (General) | Music
Business & Management (General) | Music
February 2019 | 632 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
The Twelfth Edition of this powerhouse best-selling text maintains its tradition as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the music industry in all of its diversity. Readers new to the music business and seasoned professionals alike will find David and Tim Baskerville's handbook the go-to source, regardless of their specialty within the music field. Music Business Handbook and Career Guide is ideal for introductory courses such as Introduction to the Music Business, Music and Media, and other survey courses as well as more specialized courses such as the record industry, music careers, artist management, and more.
The fully updated Twelfth Edition includes a comprehensive discussion of the streaming revolution and its impact on all parts of the value chain, including composers, performing artists, publishers, and labels. The book also analyzes shifts in the competing platforms of consumption ranging from fast-shrinking physical formats and broadcasting to downloads and subscription services. This edition offers more vignettes than ever, illustrating how individuals in different industry roles advanced their careers, as well as how they've adjusted to the intertwining influences of technology, law, and culture.
The fully updated Twelfth Edition includes a comprehensive discussion of the streaming revolution and its impact on all parts of the value chain, including composers, performing artists, publishers, and labels. The book also analyzes shifts in the competing platforms of consumption ranging from fast-shrinking physical formats and broadcasting to downloads and subscription services. This edition offers more vignettes than ever, illustrating how individuals in different industry roles advanced their careers, as well as how they've adjusted to the intertwining influences of technology, law, and culture.
Foreword by Nile Rodgers
Online Resources
About the Authors
Part I. Setting the Stage
1. Overture
|Music and Society: We've Got Music in Us
|Adjusting to a Fast-Changing World
|Historical Development
|The Digital Future in Context
2. The Music Business System
|Help Wanted!
|Getting through the Maze
|Show Me the Money
|Tools of the Trade: Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime
Part II. Copyright, Songwriting, Publishing, and Licensing
3. Music Copyright
|Essential Provisions
|Key Terms
|Exclusive Rights
|Fair Use of Copyrighted Material
|Copyright Ownership
|Transfer or Assignment
|Work Made for Hire
|Musical Arrangements
|Sound Recordings
|Compulsory Mechanical License
|Royalty Payments (Section 115[C])
|Duration of Copyright
|Infringement, Remedy
|Record Counterfeiting, Penalties
|Determining Infringement
|Changing Laws
|Rights in Names and Trademarks
|A Final Note on Law
4. Professional Songwriting
|The Market
|Predictors of Success
|The Craft
|The Business of Writing
|Income Sources
|Publishing Options
|Evaluating Publishers
|The Songwriters Guild of America
|Contract Reassignment or Default
|Breaking In
5. Music Publishing
|Types of Publishers
|Contracts with Writers
|Split Publishing, Copublishing
|Promotion, Advertising
|Income Sources
|Trade Associations and Rights Administration
6. Music Licensing
|Music Rights: An Overview
|Performance Licensing for Compositions
|Keeping Track of the Music
|Comparing PROs
|Regulation of PROs
|Performance Licensing for Sound Recordings
|Mechanical Licenses
|Synchronization Licenses
|Cable Television Licenses
|Video Licenses
|Audio Transcription Licenses
|Special Use Permits
|Jukebox Licenses
|Dramatic Music Rights
|Creative Commons
Part III. Managing Artist Relationships
Chapter 7. Agents, Managers, and Attorneys
|Professional Associations
8. Artist Management
|Discovering Each Other
|The Financial Relationship
|Manager's Commission
|The Manager's Role
|Advancing the Career
|Personal Management Agreements
9. Unions and Guilds
|American Federation of Musicians
|American Guild of Musical Artists
|American Guild of Variety Artists
|Actors' Equity Association
|International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
|Other Unions and Guilds
Part IV. The Recorded Music Industry
10. Record Labels
|Major Labels
|Independent Labels
|Specialty Labels
|Record Company Structure
11. Artists' Recording Contracts
|SAG-AFTRA Agreements
|AFM Agreements
|Royalty Artist Contracts
12. Record Production
|Record Producers
|Matching Producer to Artist
|Production Deals
|The Recording Studio: Operation and Selection
|The Five Stages of Record Production
|Getting Started in the Business
|Professional Associations
13. Record Label Marketing and Distribution
|The Daunting Challenge
|The Marketing Plan
|Digital Distribution and Marketing
|Physical Product Promotion and Distribution
|Physical Distribution
|International Marketing
14. Music Streaming
|Reshaping the Landscape
|Streaming Technology
|A Crowded Marketplace: Audio and Video
|Licensing Sound Recording Rights
|Streaming Royalties
|Economics of Streaming
|Audience Targeting
|Looking Downstream
15. Market Analytics
|Research Topics
|Data Sources
Part V. Live Performance
16. Concert Promotion and Production
|Concert Promotion
|Getting Started
|Booking the Artist
|Making an Offer
|The Art of the Deal
|Production Planning
|Publicity and Public Relations
|The Future of Live
17. Concert Venues
|Venue Contracts
|Licensed Merchandise
|Venue Trade Association
18. Arts Administration
|Representative Organizations
|Symphonic Music
|Funding the Arts
|Classical Artist Management
Part VI. Music in the Marketplace
19. Music in Radio
|Types of Broadcast Radio Stations
|Audience Identification and Market Research
|Spectrum of Formats
|How Commercials Radio Stations Work
20. Music in Television and Video
|Variety and Talk Shows
|Music Specials/Events/Awards Shows
|Theme Songs
|Background Music and Foreground Spotlights
|The Evolving TV Picture
|MTV and the Rise of the Music Video
|Music Video Economics and Distribution
|DIY Avenues
21. Dramatic Scoring for Movies, TV, and Games
|The Craft
|Music Scoring for TV
|Music SCoring for Video Games
|Production Music Libraries
|Hiring Practices
22. Music in Advertising
|Influences on Style
|Music Uses
|Station Branding Logos
|The Agency Role
|Spot Production
23. Music and Theater
|Types of Musical Theater
|Theater Associations
|Production Components
24. Music Products
|Music Retailers
|Sales Leaders
|Promotion of Musical Products
|A Changing Industry
|Trade Associations
|Opportunities for Employment
25. Business Music and Production Libraries
|Foreground and Background Music
|Business Music
|Production Music Libraries
Part VII. The Entrepreneurial Musician
26. The DIY Toolkit
|The Direct-to-Fan Era
|Doing the Math
|Making Money with "Free"
|Tools of the Trade
|Major Online Platforms: Now You see It, Now You Don't
27. Starting Your Own Business
|Getting the Process Started
|Choosing a Name
|Forms of Ownership
|Permits and Legal Issues
|Raising Funds
|Accounting and Finance
|Keeping Track of the Money
|Operations Management
|Where to From Here?
Part VIII. Career Planning and Development
28. Career Options
|Creative Careers
|Directing/Producing Careers
|Performing Careers
|Teaching Careers
|Broadcasting/Film/Video Game Careers
|Music-Related Careers
|Entrepreneurs/Starting Your Own Business
29. Career Development
|Defining Goals
|Climbing the Ladder
|Finding Work
Part IX. The Global View
30. The World Outside the United States
|The International Scene
|New Patterns around the World
31. International Copyright
|Copyright Conventions
|Multilateral Agreements
|Bilateral Treaties
|Intergovernmental Bodies and International Industry Organizations
Appendix A: Membership and Copyright Forms
Appendix B: Selected Resources
Instructor Resources Site
Password-protected Instructor Resources include the following:
- A test bank by Tim Baskerville is available containing multiple choice, true/false, and essay questions for each chapter. The test bank provides you with a diverse range of pre-written options as well as the opportunity for editing any question and/or inserting your own personalized questions to effectively assess students' progress and understanding.
- Editable, chapter-specific Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides by Tim Baskerville offer you complete flexibility in easily creating a multimedia presentation for your course.
- Chapter-specific discussion questions help launch classroom interaction by prompting students to engage with the material and by reinforcing important content.
- Teaching tips are designed for instructors to expand questions to students, or initiate class discussion.
- Web exercises direct both instructors and students to useful and current web sites, along with creative activities to extend and reinforce learning or allow for further research on important chapter topics.
- Web resources are included for further research and insights.
- General resources include templates and forms students can use in the music business.
Sample Materials & Chapters
16. Concert Promotion and Production


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Ynys Hir
Ynys Hir,
Near Dyfi Furnace,
Tel: 01654 700222 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Ynys Hir is a beautiful RSPB nature reserve, 12 miles inland from Aberystwyth, set in the Dyfi Valley covering over 1000 acres. It was most recently used as the base for BBC Springwatch in 2011.
With a wide variety of landscape, from woodland to marshland, Ynys Hir has a huge variety of species of bird for everyone to see. The habitats include:
Woodland: In the spring time the woods are full of bluebells, which is a beautiful sight to behold. Several species of butterflies can be found here.The oak tree rich woodland is home to many species such as buzzards, woodpeckers, pied-flycatchers, warblers, and redstarts.
Freshwater Areas: Teaming with dragonflies and damselflies at certain times of the year, you will also see cormorants and red-breasted mergansers from the overlooking bird hide.
Saltmarshes: The Ynys Hir salt marshes are popular with various waders on their migration journey at specific times of the year, and provide spectacular views over the estuary into Snowdonia.
Peatbog: A wide variety of plant life can be seen in the peat bogs of Ynys Hir.
Reedbed: The reserve's reedbed, which is small in size, is home to several breeding species of warbler.
For more information on the Ynys Hir reserve, please click here
For information on getting to Ynys Hir by bus, please click here
Please note that dogs are not allowed in the reserve.


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When junior Clayton Besong drove back to his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, last spring he had no idea it would be one of the last times he would see the train bridge; a sign he was close to home. The bridge collapsed when the Cedar River rose over 30 feet and flooded several sections of the city.
"I really didn't think something like this would happen," said Besong, of the flood. "It's Iowa, we're landlocked. That's why I was in such disbelief."
Besong remembers hearing there would be a flood, but thought it would only damage the basements of buildings downtown near the river. He had an internship at Mercy Hospital for the summer and learned the water might reach that far.
"I was asked to help sandbag. At that point, I didn't know how bad it was," said Besong. He helped sandbag all the entrances to the hospital for six hours.
The next day, Friday, when he drove to the hospital, there was water flooding the street across from it and coming up into the parking lot. He got into the first floor of the hospital and looked out the window, but instead of the usual trees and structures all he could see was water.
"I thought 'This is kind of freaking me out'," said Besong. "We were like 'Oh my god, this is real and we can't fathom it.'"
Later that day the hospital evacuated all the patients to other hospitals around the area. Besong was told to go home and return to work on Monday wearing jeans. He spent much of his weekend in front of the television, watching the local news coverage as the flood damage worsened.
Images of houses, businesses, and city buildings surrounded by water flashed onto the screen. Besong remembered seeing a Dairy Queen he had gone to only a few weeks earlier completely underwater, except for the top of the sign. He said it was weird to see buildings he was so familiar with, like the Czech Museum, completely under water.
Several people who lived on the Southwest side of Cedar Rapids completely lost their houses to the flood.
"I was feeling sad, kind of depressed, all my sympathies went out to the families," said Besong. "I tried to find ways to help."
He spent time sandbagging in preparation for the flood, and afterwards gathered food and supplies with his church for the families that lost their houses.
"I was thankful my family wasn't affected," said Besong. "It made me realize what hurricane victims went through."
The flooding in Cedar Rapids was also covered on several national news stations. Besong said a few professors and friends from Knox e-mailed him to make sure he was doing all right.
"That was comforting," said Besong. "People knew Cedar Rapids got flooded."
In addition to the private houses that flooded, City Hall, the Cedar Rapids Public Library, and two theater venues downtown were damaged during the flood.
A few weeks after the water went down, Besong drove through the condemned neighborhoods that had been under water. He saw water lines that were ten feet above street level on the houses.
"A lot of furniture was piled up on the streets. It smelled really bad," said Besong. "I could not believe what I was driving through."
He also remembered driving on Highway 30, which was completely flooded over, and after the water went down he saw lines on the trees where the water had been. The leaves on the top were green, but the leaves that had been under water were brown.
Despite their efforts, Mercy Hospital suffered some flood damage.
"The sandbagging barricades we built didn't help at all," said Besong.
Besong said the hospital was in the process of constructing a new parking ramp when the flood hit and the hole where it was going to be filled up with water. It took about four days to pump the water out.
When Besong returned to work, he was instructed to move lots of computers around and set them up in usable locations. The hospital brought mobile trailers containing an MRI, CT, and a nuclear medicine trailer from California because all those machines had been on the first floor of the hospital and ruined in the flood. The trailers parked outside of Mercy and enclosed pathways were built so patients did not have to go outside in order to have their tests done.
Besong was planning on working with the system analysts in health software because the hospital was using a new program, but for two to three weeks after the flood, he spent his time with the clean-up and reorganization effort. He finally got to do his regular job in July and August.
Mercy Hospital was able to reopen by the end of June. However, the restoration efforts for the rest of Cedar Rapids continued through the summer and are still part of many people's everyday lives.
"I hope that the city recovers as soon as possible," said Besong.


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View All Calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me® button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.
August 22, 2019, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
August 27, 2019, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
August 23, 2019, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Third Space
Addictive Comedy is hosting Open Mic Night's for anyone and everyone. We invite anyone to come and try your hand at being funny, all experience welcome. This is a supportive safe space, alcohol and Drug-free. These nights are for connection, creativity, and laughter. This will be a chance to try new/existing material or just come and be entertained. This is an adult orientated space so colourful language may be used. If you are interested in doing a 5 min spot you will have to sign up in advance. We are running the night by Suggested DONATION $4- which will be donated to ThirdSpace for their venue, coffee, and tea.
Dates are every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.
August 24, 2019, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Memorial Park at the Pier
Latin Dance Party starting off with free Salsa Lessons! Enjoy the dance floor and the beautiful view!
August 25, 2019, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Miramar Plaza
The White Rock Farmers' Market, supported by the City of White Rock, is organized by the White Rock Farmers' Market Society.
August 25, 2019, 6:30 PM @ White Rock Community Centre
Open Mic Night at the White Rock Community Centre
Presented by the Drama Class, in partnership with White Rock Recreation & Culture.
It's your time to shine!
*Singers * Actors * Poets * Musicians * Dancers * Storytellers * Comedians * Magicians * Impressionists*
Admission: $5 at the door
Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM – Show starts at 7:00 PM
Date: last Sunday of Every Month
August 25, 2019, 9:00 PM - August 27, 2019, 8:30 PM
Early Registration for Members opens at 9 pm on WebREG https://webreg.whiterockcity.ca
AND Phone Registration opens at 8:30 am Monday August 26 604.541.2199
August 27, 2019, 9:00 PM - August 28, 2019, 8:30 AM
Registration opens at 9 pm on WebREG https://webreg.whiterockcity.ca
AND Phone Registration opens at 8:30 am Wednesday August 28 604.541.2199


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"Mark Fiore, whose animated political cartoons appear on SFGate.com, the Web site of the San Francisco Chronicle, won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning Monday.
It is the first time since the category of editorial cartooning was created in 1922 that the Pulitzer has gone to an artist whose work does not appear in print."
via SFGate's Mark Fiore wins Pulitzer Prize.
Brilliant stuff – funny and incisive. In addition to the one for which the Pulitzer was awarded – "Science-gate" – check out "The State of the Union We'd Like to See." I liked these so much I just spent twenty minutes figuring out how to download and watch them offline.


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Location: Basseterre, St. Kitts
Today began early, seeing as we were still on passage through the night. We had three watch teams working in a 3 hours on, 6 hours off rotation. Night watch entails a set of varied jobs that must be completed; we did comprehensive boat checks and plotted our coordinates on the hour, we had two people sitting up front on bow watch (constantly getting splashed by large swells of water), and of course someone on the helm. At about 8:30 in the morning (with land in sight) a squall moved in over the boat and the last hours of passage proved to be the toughest. When the weather cleared up we took to land; walking on solid ground felt a bit strange after acclimatizing to the constant stir of the boat. We trekked up hill for about half an hour to Brimstone Fort, a fortress erected by the British in the 1690's.
We returned back to the boat and took our first ocean showers since before passage; I never thought cleaning off with salt water could be so refreshing. That night we reflected on our first passage, and the group felt much more close knit than on previous nights. We anchored for the night near a wreckage and tomorrow we will be getting up bright and early to dive.
Related VoyageView All Voyages
Shift your summer into overdrive with a fast-paced sailing expedition around the Caribbean's Leeward Islands. This is the shortest semester at sea we run, nevertheless you'll develop strong sailing skills, earn college credit in seamanship and even have the opportunity to learn to scuba dive.View Details


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The Dreaded SSS: Part II
So can you believe that this morning while enjoying my breakfast at my favorite diner a couple came in and sat beside each other in their booth? Did they not read my previous rant? If they are still choosing to display SSS behavior because they hadn't read my post about it yet, that is just irresponsible. Clearly, if your actions are irritating me, you should stop them. I managed to snap a photo of the infraction as evidence.
I think the guy in this photo may have noticed me doing something funny with my phone, but whatever. I might be photographing strangers so I can later make fun of them on my blog read by my mom, but you are the creepy one, so you can't be upset.
What is particularly interesting about this couple is that they sat beside each other when they arrived and remained that way while they ordered, then when their food came, the girl moved to the other side of the booth... I don't know which one of the two made that decision, but I certainly wouldn't want to be in that conversation. "Hey darling, I love sitting this close to you but now that the food is here maybe I/you should move." Awkward.
If I believed that they had an actual system worked out where they had found a balance between remaining close and affectionate and still maintaining the appropriate amount of space while eating I could condone this, but I'm not buying it. How did the other person feel when their partner asked them to please move because the food was there? Clearly this now sends the message, "Hey, you're great until my meal arrives, and then I really need some space to focus on that... go away." If I were the one who had suggested SSS in the first place I would assume that the other person had never wanted it and feel uncomfortable that they had said yes when clearly they wanted me on the opposite side of the table (but I'm a cuckoo clock so I shouldn't project on this). I think it is worse that they started next to each other and then didn't commit to spending the entire meal this way; not that it doesn't make sense to cuddle a little and then separate for eating, but things are never that simple.
The lesson here? If you are doing something that irritates me, stick with it because your changing of the behavior mid-behavior irritates me more than the original infraction. I don't understand it and I can't wrap my head around it so it must be bad. Plus, this couple's rational decision making when the food came almost ruined my post idea for the day and I don't like it one bit. Thank goodness I can think on my toes and roll with the punches.


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Videos, content, photos, movies, games, and more—they become a whole new visual experience with the RED HYDROGEN One and its 4-View Display with LitByLeia technology.
Featuring Leia Inc.'s Diffractive Lightfield Backlighting (DLB™), the 4-View Display creates imagery in both 4-View and standard 2D (2560x1440 resolution) that is as immersive and amazing as existence itself.
With the RED HYDROGEN One and its 4-View Lightfield display, you can do what no other 3D or technology has ever done: Switch seamlessly between 4-View and standard 2D modes without visible surface artifacts or loss of brightness.
At the same time, 4-View renders complex light effects—flares, light shafts, reflections, and more—with spectacular results. It also makes textures such as skin, leather, wood, metallic surfaces, and natural features look rich, real, and absolutely radiant.
The most advanced display in the industry needs no special glasses. No clunky headsets. No customization. And, unlike previous "3D," 4-View works in both portrait and landscape modes without degrading the resolution or offering the limited 2 views (left eye/right eye) of previous technology.
4-View is able to send up to 16 different images at the same time to your eye while a proprietary algorithm creates a true "look-around" effect. In other words, this is a view that's never existed before.


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Graphic design can be many things. It can be bold, subtle, cool or emotional. It can be dyed-in-the-wool traditional or it can be streetwise cutting edge.
A lot depends on the nature of your business and the profile of your customers. An elegant brochure for luxury holidays aimed at ABC1 consumers will not look the same as a flyer for a discount food chain that caters for teenagers.
At Jazzbones, bespoke design is the name of the game. Design that is tailored to your company and your targets, be that increased sales, new clients or a higher ROI.


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You have torn out magazine pages, pinned to your Pinterest boards and searched on Houzz and are finally ready to start your remodeling project! Sometimes our clients know exactly what they want, but we still have a design consultant guide them through their project. Why you may ask?
Keep reading so we can break it down.
KM BUILDERS finds value in design consultants for every project. You may know what you want, but it's not as easy as it seems to bring a picture from a magazine come to life. We want to ensure your project is tailored to your personal needs.
This is a short list of 5 reasons why you need a design consultant:
Save Money: Designers do have a price, but they can guide you from making costly mistakes! If you want to keep the resale value in mind, designers can guide you to the halfway point between your vision and excellent resale value.
Extensive Resources: Design consultants have lots of resources that won't be open to the general public or even your builder. All of your designer's contacts can bring your space to another level.
Thinks Outside the Box: A design consultant can expand your vision of a dream remodel 10 times over! When you bring your ideas to your designer, it becomes a collaborative effort. This results in the designer presenting you with something you may not have even known you wanted. Designers think outside of the box for a living, so they are ready to add to your ideas!
Qualified Liaison: This is probably the most important part of having a designer. They can communicate with your contractor to ensure everything you want is implemented in the remodel. If you don't have the designer to talk with the builder, you might not be getting what you want.
Designer collaborations: You will have a design consultant who will guide you through your whole project, however you will also have licensed architectural and interior designers that will be working on your remodeling project. The architectural side will ensure everything is built correctly, while the interior side makes sure its built beautifully with your design consultant there from start to finish to make sure the process runs smoothly.
Some clients are hesitant to invest in any type of designer, but they never regret it once the project is complete because of the "5 Top Reasons" listed and many more! Start your remodeling project today with KM Builders and let us pair you up with a great design consultant!
----KM Builders is San Antonio's premier design-build remodeler specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, room additions and whole-house remodeling. We boast the largest in-house staff in San Antonio offering architectural design, interior design, and cabinet design for all your home remodeling needs!


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Surprising Stuff
No parcel of land is more valuable to the city's future than the Hillmoor property, not Flat Iron Park, not Library Park and not even the Riviera property (including the beach area downtown). All of those properties are land-locked. The property around them is taken, filled up with stuff or special dedicated spaces. Those properties cannot be used for future growth, as every new item takes up more and more of the valuable space, that already developed space they occupy. The downtown area of Lake Geneva is filled to the brim, and it cannot handle any more visitors on a warm summer weekend than it currently does.
The future expansion of the City of Lake Geneva as a resort destination lies with the Hillmoor property. What the plan commission and the city council, do regarding the Hillmoor property will either hold the door open to the city's future, or slam that door shut on it. Despite numerous citizen efforts to get the city council to buy Hillmoor, those concerned citizen's arguments have been ignored, and entreaties continue to bounce off city council members like water off a duck's back. Fortunately, the Hillmoor parcel is still vacant and there's one simple question to ask Lake Geneva alderpersons: "if the city owned the Hillmoor land today would they be thinking about rezoning it for some developer to develop it?" If the answer to that question is yes, then that council person would have no business being on the City Council or on the Plan Commission because they would be allowing personal interests to rise above those of the city, and the city's future.
The situation with Hillmoor is similar to that of the tract of land backed for purchase by a man named Seward. He saw the value in some apparent wasteland and then got the new nation of the United States to pay $7.2 million for it. He was ridiculed for buying it, and not allowing it to fall into other hands. That land became known as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox". Today that land is called Alaska, and Seward is remembered as a man with brilliant foresight who bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867. How important that purchase was did not become truly apparent to most people until almost a hundred years later in Oct. of 1962 when the lower 48 of this nation was threatened during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Its importance came to the forefront once again thirty years later when a vast oil supply was found there.
Every city council is remembered for its key votes and actions. For the current members of the city council, and the members of the plan commission, it will be their votes on the Hillmoor property, and the annexation of the Geneva Inn property, that will be remembered by everyone in the future. Some members have already made up their minds about both of these seminal projects, but some will listen, and to those here is some conservative advice they should pay attention to: Every alderman should vote on these two issues like the future of the city depends on their vote, because it does. Neither the annexation of the Geneva Inn, nor the corporate development of Hillmoor are reversible. The mayor of Lake Geneva, the members of the city council and the members of the plan commission should all look to Seward and the acquisition of the Alaskan Territory. There may be some heat for decisions they make today, but down the road there will be reward for everyone if they choose the right thing to do.
Why is what is happening in McHenry, Illinois important for Lake Geneva to pay attention to and watch closely?
The sanitation department of McHenry has filed suit against the City of McHenry. Amazing, but true. The sanitary operation in that town is independent of city leadership control. It's run by its own commission. It does not truly tax the citizenry, but it charges fees that amount to huge sums every year. It spends the money the way it wants, according to commissioner decisions. Those decisions have come into conflict with other needs the city leaders see as being more pressing (like repairing roads, fixing bridges and stuff like that). The city attempted to take over the sanitation operation but the commission said no. Now it's all going to court. The exact same fiefdom situation is in existence in Lake Geneva. The city attempted to take over the utility department last year, but the department did not want to be taken over. They liked spending their large sums of money on parks, paths or whatever they felt like. The new city administrator, with a lot of past experience, had been through the fiefdom wars and nightmares before, and was therefore in favor of ending the fiefdom. He lost.
The utility department sits in the middle of Lake Geneva's living room like a big fat and powerfully torpid elephant. It increases fees and rates as it sees fit (like over twenty percent last year) and then spends the money as it pleases, like on an outdoor bowling facility up at the church atop Catholic Hill. It might behoove all tax and fee-paying residents of Lake Geneva, and the leadership of both the city council and the commission of the utility department, to pay attention to the court case in McHenry. There is no question that these fiefdoms need to be brought under tight control or done away with. It isn't going to be easy and nothing is going to happen right away.


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Celebrated Valentine just 2 days before the exactly day, in order to avoid the crowd as well as the special menu that specially created for this special occasion which sometime the dishes may not be what you desired to take, not to mention the special price as well (worse still, too crowded might resulted in lower standard quality than normal).
3 courses set lunch here is roughly S$38++ which I must admit very reasonable for the potion, quality of the food. Both my gf and I enjoyed the time here, chilled and relax. Definitely a place I will go back and recommend to my friends (in fact, many of my friends have been there before I did!)
Tasting Notes ::
1983 Château Rieussec (France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes)
- Caramel in color, very dark, but bright that display complex with good depth aromas of Bortrytis spices, dried raisin, maple syrup, almond nut, marmalade, honey, chalk and caramelize tropical fruits. Bright, smooth, with good acid grip and balance to the medium level sweetness entry with preserved plum, haw flake and touch of chili spices that nicely intermixed with dried tea leaves bitterness that add on to the complexity with short-medium length, light persistent juicy finish, not 1st class, but a complete, mature Sauternes that drinking well now.


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January 22, 2017
This world is a pretty dark place. Yes, there is much beauty. There are many wonderful people. But I am becoming more convinced that the world is far darker and given to violence and destruction than many want to admit. At the same time I am also more and more convinced that the only hope this world has is found in Jesus Christ.
This morning we begin looking at the gospel of Mark. Many consider Mark to be the earliest of the gospels. Most believe that the author is John Mark, the traveling companion of Paul and Barnabas and who was later in Rome with Peter. In fact Papias, who was bishop of Hierapolis until 130 AD, said that Mark was the secretary and translator for Peter. He wrote down the recollections of Peter.
Mark's gospel is filled with action. The word, "immediately" is found often. Jesus enters into the lives of people. When you read Mark's gospel, you are confronted with Jesus who wants to enter into your life. In fact as we will see today. The highest potential for living life to the full is found in knowing Christ.
The last of the Old Testament prophets is Malachi. Malachi was a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah. Israel had returned from the Babylonian exile and the temple had been rebuilt. But as time went by their faith became stale. The people of Israel were just going through the motions, observing the Sabbath and other rituals, but their hearts were far from God. So God sent Malachi to call the people to repentance. Mark 1:2 quotes from Mal.3:1. In Mal.3:1 God says, "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple." This is a prophecy of the coming of both John the Baptist and Jesus, the Messiah.
Between the time of Malachi and the birth of Jesus there was a period of some 400 years. Four hundred years went by without any clear word from the Lord to his people, Israel. During those 400 years Israel was continually oppressed by other nations. As Mark begins his Gospel he wants his readers to understand that the coming of Jesus is deeply tied to the history of Israel.
This is important. It's important because the gospel, the good news about Jesus is not something that just happened in a vacuum. Jesus brings to fulfillment the history and significance of the nation of Israel. But I must not get too far ahead of the story.
In v.2-3 Mark combines Mal.3:1 with Is.40:3. Isaiah was written roughly about 170 years before Malachi. And yet, both Isaiah and Malachi refer to the same messenger. Isaiah 40:3 says, "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Mark tells us that this voice is none other than John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing a highway for our God. And who is our God? It is Jesus Christ. Do not miss what Mark is saying. The word, Christ, is the Greek word for the Hebrew, "Messiah" or anointed one. Jesus is God's anointed King. But according to Mark, Jesus is in fact God. In Is.40 the messenger is preparing the way for God. Jesus is God in the flesh. He is fully God and fully man.
Now how did John prepare the way of the Lord? It says in v.4 that John was in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from Judea and Jerusalem were going out to listen to him and be baptized as they confessed their sins. In v.6 Mark tells us how John dressed and what he ate. Why is that important? Well, this description pretty much matches the description of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. In fact, in Mt.17:10-13 the disciples ask Jesus, "Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?" And Jesus answered, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.' Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist." There was a belief in the days of Jesus that before the Messiah would come, Elijah would make an appearance. John came in the spirit of Elijah.
John was not just preaching that people needed to get right with God. He was preaching that people needed to get right with God because God was about to do something. After 400 years, God was on the move. Someone was coming who would be far mightier than John. This one would baptize people with the Holy Spirit of God.
Now suppose you were down at Daly Plaza and some guy stood up and started preaching that you needed to repent because an important person was coming to town. Would you pay much attention to that guy? Probably not. Why did these people listen to John? I mean, John didn't do any miracles. It is because John was talking about things these people understood. Many Jewish people were looking for the Messiah, the Savior who would bring deliverance. John spoke about the Messiah and the people understood. John's message connected with their understanding of the Old Testament and the longings of their heart. And many repented preparing to receive this one who was coming.
Repentance means to change direction. Based on new information, a person changes the direction of his or her life. If God was about to do something wonderful how would you prepare for it? Would you just keep living the way you have always lived? Or would you want to have your heart ready to receive God's gift? John was saying that to receive God one's heart must be tender, open, and repentant. God is on the move. Are you ready for him?
Matthew and Luke take the time to describe the birth of Jesus. Mark starts his gospel right at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. During those days when John was preaching and baptizing Jesus came from Nazareth and he was baptized by John. Did Jesus have any sins to repent of? Did Jesus need a baptism of repentance? No. Jesus was without sin. So why did Jesus get baptized by John?
I believe that Jesus was seeking to identify with all those who wanted to be right with God, ready to receive the One who was coming. Those who want to be right with God in their lives are tracking on the same page as Jesus. Jesus was identifying with people whose hearts were open and tender towards God. He was showing that he also has a heart that is tender towards God. As Jesus said In Mk.2:17, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
Notice what happened when Jesus came out of the water. The Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Notice that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are referenced in these verses.
A number of scholars have suggested that there is a parallel here with Gen.1. In his book, "King's Cross", Tim Keller points out that there is only one place in the sacred writings of Judaism where the Spirit of God is likened to a dove. In Genesis when God created the heavens and the earth, it says, "And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." The Hebrew word for "hover" can also be translated, "flutter." The rabbis translated that sentence like this: "And the Spirit of God fluttered above the face of the waters like a dove." Keller makes the point, "Mark is deliberately pointing us back to the creation, to the very beginning of history. Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the triune God, Mark says, so the redemption of the world, the rescue and renewal of all things that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the triune God." At Jesus' baptism God the Father publicly affirmed Jesus Christ as his beloved Son.
In v.12-13 we learn that after his baptism the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness. In the wilderness Jesus was tempted by Satan. If there was ever any doubt that Jesus experienced life as we know it, these verses should help to bring clarity. After Adam and Eve were created, the serpent, the Devil came and tempted them in regard to God's command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They disobeyed, sin entered into the world, and Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of God.
Here is Jesus out in the wilderness fasting for 40 days, being tempted by Satan. "Command these stones to become bread and eat." But Jesus replied, "Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." If only Adam had said that.
Men and women, in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the second or last Adam. Listen to what Paul writes in 1Cor.15:45-47. "Thus it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven." Adam disobeyed in temptation. Jesus, the second Adam did not. The Adam of the old creation brought sin into the world. The second Adam makes all things new.
Jesus entered into life as we know it. He was tempted in all ways like us but was without sin. Time and time again Satan tried to thwart Jesus from doing the Father's will. But Jesus was faithful all the way to the cross. Here is a man who not only died for our sins, but also showed us how to live a "with God" life.
In v.15 we find the basic message of Jesus. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." In the Lord's Prayer, we pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When Jesus came to this earth as a man, the kingdom of God became visible on earth. Jesus did the will of God on earth as it is done in heaven. In the gospel of Mark we are going to see what happens when the kingdom of God invades the world as we know it.
The kingdom of God is the rule of God. The kingdom of God is found wherever God's will is accomplished. God's will was and is accomplished in Jesus. For a brief time, Jesus showed the world through his public ministry what the kingdom of God is like.
Notice in v.1 the reference to the "gospel of Jesus Christ." Notice in v.14, the reference to the "gospel of God." Are these two different gospels? No. As you know, the word "gospel" means "good news." The good news of Jesus is about receiving the life of God by entering into his eternal kingdom. That is the gospel. But we cannot fully appreciate the gospel apart from the cross and resurrection of Jesus. It is through his death and resurrection that Jesus makes forgiveness of sin a reality for all who believe.
Notice what happens next. Jesus calls some fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, James and his brother, John. "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." In both instances it says, "They left their nets and followed him." "They left their father in the boat and followed him."
Jesus did not tell them to say a sinner's prayer. He just said, "Follow me." The sinner's prayer is important, but first we hear the call to follow Jesus. Eternal living in the kingdom of God is found in following Jesus and believing all that he does and says. Jesus didn't even tell them where he was going. Instead he indicated that by following him their lives would change.
My hope is that as we immerse ourselves in Mark's gospel, we will find Jesus to be compelling and we will apply ourselves to study Jesus and learn from him and enter into life with Him in the kingdom of God.


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You bet !
Gone to ZEN on 11 Dec. Still on ADSL but soon upgrading to FTTC. I know its early days, but the difference is significant.
My ADSL with Zen is very very stable, min latency with ZEN is consistently below 20ms, TT was 35ms and rising week by week by stealth ! ADSL Speed with ZEN was advertised as 14mbps I am getting 19.8 mbps, Talk Talk was on average 15mbps but fluctuated wildly between 8 and 17mbps.
And the best is the ZEN customer service. Ring and straight through and the person at the other end has 100% of your information to hand. Communication and delivery of the changeover was flawless.
Yes it it more expensive, but value for money.
Big Smile


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Mohammed asked : " Moulana ( btw I'm not a Moulana) can I take up photography of wildlife as a profession??"
I said : " yes Mohammed you may"
He was astonished and said " like seriously"
I replied in the affirmative.
Mohamed insisted I explain myself.
Before I do that, let me draw a picture for you.
Mohamed asked this question to many a cleric, some got angry on him and said, " become an Aalim focus on your studies"
Others just blatantly said no with no explanation.
When Mohammed grows up and finds himself in a dilemma, will he contact any of those clerics in search of advice??
When he has he's own kids and faces a dead end in regards to dealing with their adolescent questions, will he contact any of those clerics?
I doubt it very strongly
Ask a non Muslim for advice ???
Google it?????
Because he has lost faith in his own leaders, because everything he asked he was shot down, or judged or questioned as to why he asked such a question whilst being a muslim.
So this is what I told Mohammed.
" I said Mohammed. " firstly you need to draw a line and create a boundary for yourself and be sure never to cross that boundary"
I then posed a question to him.
Mohammed. " you and I ad your wife are standing on the pier, your wife leans over and falls down, you are thrown into panic as you cannot swim, I dive and rescue your wife, will you be angry at me for touching your wife in places of her body due to rescuing her?
Mohammed's answer was, no…
But rather you will be happy that I saved your wife isn't???
The ummah is currently drowning they need rescuers, we cannot sit back and say they going in the wrong direction we warned them so let it be, no no dive in and save them.
I then answered his question about nature photography and wildlife.
Mohammed if I take a bbeautiful picture of a very beautiful girl and show it to you what would you do?
" id get shy, probably" he replied
Will you say mash Allah? And keep on staring ??
And then subhallah ????
Will these praises of Allah on seeing this picture be justified?
No!!! Moulana….. He said
Why ??? I asked
" because it's a picture of a girl and it's Haraam to look at women, so looking at them and praising Allah would be a grave sin" he said
Allah has placed no limitation at gazing at nature and animals, even the swine, even though we can't eat it, we can look at it.
So by taking brilliant pictures of these animals and if some other Muslim sees it and it's a means of him saying " SUBHANALLAH !!! Then you have done great.
I adviced him to take up another profession and do wildlife photography as a hobby. Mohammed was most delighted and left.
Had I adviced him against it, or on any other ambitions he might have had, I'm sure I would have lost him totally.
Depression could have kicked in and he could have resorted to something else which was more Haraam.
Therefore DONT WRITE THEM OFF!!!!! That is the youth, they are our leaders for the future.
Please keep in mind that it is totally Haraam to capture draw or engrave pictures of any animate objects, in no way do we says it's permissible.
Therefore iv asked Mohamed to take up another profession and do photography of nature as a hobby.
Saving a Muslim from a greater wrong and later on guiding him with the help of Allah is of essence rather than loosing him from the very start.
May Allah guide us all insha Allah


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All your money, all in one place
If, like many people, the money we look after for you is only part of the story, Internet Banking Plus allows you to view your first direct and other finances together in one place, so you can see the bigger picture with just one simple login.
- it's completely free of charge
- your non-first direct balances will sit next to your first direct accounts
- it's very secure - all your usernames and passwords are encrypted and stored in a digital safe on your own computer.
Getting started
- you'll need all the security details for each of the online accounts you want to add to Internet Banking Plus - and you can add more later
- if you haven't registered for online management on any account, you'll need to do this before you can add them
- details of mortgages, savings accounts and other valuable items can also be included as assets to give an idea of what you've got.


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The Monday AAR - New games to play + RAFFLE UPDATE
What, Tuesday already? AGAIN? I'm late! I can't even say it's Tuesday somewhere because unfortunately for me, it isn't. That doesn't change the fact, though, that I have a slew of updates to share. Here we go!
Raffle update: The raffle has been slightly delayed, but it's gonna push through! A Steam copy of Crusader Kings II is waiting for a new owner of high and noble birth. Fortunately, anyone could be of high and noble birth, as long as fate says so! I'm going to need some help confirming the list of donors, however. If you donated to support OMGeek this month, please send me a PM soon. Check this post for some details. Thanks!
ArmA II server issues: INQUE is the resident caretaker of the ArmA II server, but while he's away, please direct any server-related issues to me or blitzio. We'll give the server the swift kick it needs to get back in line. Alternatively, we can bang some coconut husks together and chant nonsensically until something gets fixed. The bottom line? Something will get fixed.
Zombies and samurai: Not all in the same game, I'm afraid. Some of us got together to play some Left 4 Dead 2 last Sunday, and I finally got to sacrifice myself as Bill in The Sacrifice! Blitzio and I also played a coop campaign game of Shogun 2, which had the expected amount of one-sided fights, snooty diplomats, prolonged sieges, and the sweet, sweet feeling of watching a cavalry charge decimate a whole lot of archers. We'll be doing a short impressions report on that game soon.
Hey, I'm up for a quick game of L4D2 almost anytime, so let me know if you feel like playing!
Blood Bowl: Fantasy football fans, we need one more entrant to the league to make four. Blood Bowl is an awesome game about football teams of orks and dwarves pummelling each other into mush over a leather ball. It's turn-based, and it's based on the Games Workshop Warhammer-themed board game of the same name. If you have a copy, please post in this thread and be our fourth man. 8)
Minecraft: The update is coming, and we're poised to do a major community update for MInecraft ourselves. More information soon!
Source Filmmaker: Anyone else messing around with SFM? I just put up a 100% self-serving post in the video forum. Post and share your own creations with us!


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I'm pleased to report that my Mac successfully woke up at 3.55 GMT
this morning, checked out the source code from GitHub, built Zip and
Dmg packages in both debug and non-debug versions, and uploaded to
FoddHub https://www.fosshub.com/Audacity-Mac-Nightlies.html
On completion, the script sends me email notification in which the
email "Subject" says if the script completed successfully or failed.
On success, the email message includes the last 20 lines from the log.
On failure, the last 100 lines are in the message body.
During the run up to the next release, perhaps it would be useful to
Cc: these emails to the RM? Let me know if you want to be Cc'd Paul.
If anyone sees any problems with the Nightlies, please email me directly.
Also, a big thank you to Cliff for holding the fort while this was being set up.
Check out the vibrant tech community on one of the world's most
engaging tech sites, Slashdot.org! http://sdm.link/slashdot
Audacity-quality mailing list
[hidden email]


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NRC South Report - March 2011
March started with the 49th Annual Tierra del Sol Desert Safari featuring the opening of an obstacle course at Ocotillo Wells SVRA. The Tierra del Sol 4 Wheel Drive Club contributed hundreds of manhours in planning and building the very challenging obstacle course in partnership with Ocotillo Wells SVRA staff. Designed by Rich Klien, WE Rocks, the obstacle course features replications of many of the popular obstacles found from Moab to the Rubicon.
More SVRA related news, I was at the Emergency California OHMVR Commission meeting in Sacramento on Monday, March 14 along with over 100 attendees representing a broad spectrum of the OHV community. Two new OHMVR Commissioners were seated and introduced. Both have a strong OHV recreation background.
The primary topic on the agenda was the OHMVR Trust Fund and the effort by CA Legislatures to divert $31 million from the fund. The following is a simplified description of the issue. There are two components to the OHV Trust Fund - Operations an Reserves.
First, consider the "reserves" as a savings deposit account. The Operations segment has two subcomponents - Grants and Operations. There is a proposal in the Governor's Budget to "borrow" $21 million from the Reserve Account.
There is another proposal that will take $10 million from Operation (split $5 mil each from Operations and Grants). It is unclear whether this is a "take" or a "loan". Overall, the OHV Trust Fund could loose $31 million for the next Budget Cycle which begins July 1.
At the end, the Commission did pass two motions:
1. The Commission will send a letter to the Legislative leaders stating that the 'Trust Fund" should remain in tact (do not take the funding).
2. The Commission will send a letter to the State Attorney General asking for a clarification of the legality of taking funds from the user supported OHV Trust Fund to augment the General Fund shortfall.
The grant funding for the current cycle is safe as it was appropriated during the last year budget session. Any disruption to the grant funding will occur with beginning with the CA Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2011. The pending cut would affect grant applications from the next funding cycle (spring 2012).
For California, this is an ugly budget cycle with many oxen being gored...
The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service provided welcome news to the SoCal desert areas relating to the Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard which has been a species of concern in Imperial Sand Dunes and Ocotillo Wells SVRA.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), has determined that the listing of the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), is not warranted, and therefore withdraw the November 29, 1993, proposed rule to list it under the Act. They made this determination in this withdrawal because threats to the species as identified in the 1993 proposed rule are not as significant as earlier believed, and available data do not indicate that the threats to the species and its habitat, as analyzed under the five listing factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act, are likely to endanger the species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
On Monday, March 21, U.S. Forest Service hosted an informational public forum on the proposed planning rule. While comments were not accepted on the Planning Rule, the pubic was able to ask question to gain a better understanding of the Forest SErvice proposal.
There has been a lot of reference to the Forest Service Planning Rule and for the benefit of the members members, I would like to provide some background to underscore the significance of the Planning Rule.
The National Forest Management Act of 1976 is the primary statute governing the administration of national forests and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to assess forest lands, develop a management program based on multiple-use, sustained-yield principles, and implement a resource management plan for each unit of the National Forest System.
In short, that "assessment" is known by a series of names: Land and Resource Management Plan, Land Management Plan, or Forest Plan.
In 1982, Forest Service published a "rule" that provided guidelines for each Forest to follow as they developed their Forest plan.
An analogy is: With NFMA, Congress told Forest Service to "build a house that served the needs of the Forest". The Forest Service Headquarters took that instruction and provided a "construction plans and building codes" to each National Forest unit in the form of a "planning rule". With the planning rule, each Forest proceeded to "build a house that served the needs of the Forest".
Over the years, the planning rule has been shown to be cumbersome which has lead to Forest Plans that are large and very complex; taking extended periods of time to develop with a resulting high cost. And, due to the complexity, easy to litigate.
In 2000, the Clinton administration issued a revised Planning Rule, It was challenged in court. The Bush administration issued 2 planning rule changes; both challenged in court.
The current Proposed Planning Rule appears to be a blend of a third Bush admin effort that has been tweaked by the Obama administration.
As noted in the National Resource Defense Council e-mail, the environmental community is not receptive to the changes being proposed.
In particular, they note, "Among the greatest concerns are that the new Planning Rule gives USFS managers discretion to make management decisions without benchmarks or standards".
This is based on a major change in the planning rule, The 1982 planning rule provided "construction plans and building codes". The current proposed planning rule removes the "constructions plans" and allows the local Forest Supervisor the discretion to develop a Forest Plan tailored to the local issues.
The Forest Service is organized in a classic "command and control" hierarchy of management. In other words, they have a rigid chain of command that allows for little flexibility at the local level with issues being sent up the chain of command for a decision. A time consuming and highly inefficient process. While it worked in simpler times, it is unworkable in today's climate.
So, the proposed planning rule is an attempt by the Forest Service to overcome the tag of "100 years of serving the land unmarred by progress".
The proposed planning rule involves the management concept of "adaptive management" and is based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. In theory, this philosophy allows for changes in response to emerging conditions without having to start at the beginning.
As a result, new Forest Plans developed would be smaller and less complex as they would be "construction plans" for building the house that serves the needs of the Forest. The specific construction details and plan modifications would be done as necessary to meet changing conditions through "site specific planning". The local Forest Supervisor would have flexibility to adapt the planning as necessary.
I spent about 10 years of my career with the US Navy within an adaptive management and collaborative action framework when the Navy began an shift in management philosophy. I understand the concepts and pitfalls with the process as my 10 year tenure was working with a team that was trying to implement the management changes.
With this approach, there are opportunities and there are pitfalls..
CA$WDC and Blue Ribbon Coalition have been involved with litigation concerning the four southern California National Forests that was recently settled. That settlement called for the Forest to establish a "stakeholders group" to establish criteria and priorities for decommissioning routes within Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRA).
The first meeting of the SoCal Collaborative Group was held on March 23, 2011 at the USFS Ontario Interagency Support Cache facilities in Ontario, CA. The process is expected to be complete by August 3, 2011.
The draft collaborative protocols were reviewed and discussed with a couple of changes proposed. Agreements and disagreements on routes will be recorded. And, the group will work with the definition of "decommission" as noted in CFR 212.5.6.b.12. Final vote for approval of the collaborative protocols is set for the next meeting.
Considerable time was spent reviewing the Geographic Information System (GIS) data for each of the four SoCal forests. One significant point of interest was the number of routes annotated as "perimeter mapping error". This is a result of IRA boundaries being defined prior to having accurate mapping data. In other words, when current GIS technology was used to map routes, there were many places where IRA boundaries included routes that were intended to be an IRA perimeter boundary.
The next largest category of routes are Unclassified/Undetermined. This appears to be where most of the future discussion will reside. PDF maps of the Forests will be created and posted to a FS web site.
From my perspective, I believe the biggest discussion with by on routes within the Los Padres and San Bernardino NFs. A number of GIS data layers were identified that will help identify potential issues with routes. A number of the Unclassified/Undetermined routes may have a necessary purpose.
There was a proposal by the environmental representatives to extend the review to include wilderness areas. I noted a look of relief on the faces of some Forest personnel when I objected as that would be expanding the scope of the settlement agreement and charter for the collaborative group.
I also pushed to the Forest to do a route review based on the archeology/cultural heritage data layer as a first cut to identify any routes that would have a special circumstance leading to leading to closure due to arch site impact. I don't want to waste time on a route addressing potential resource issues if the decision will be trumped by arch issues.
There is an interesting observation with respect to the State involvement. I get the feeling that Resources Department and CalFire are looking at the issue from a public safety perspective and the Attorney General office is looking at it from a different (and potential conflicting) perspective. Quite a bit of discussion revolved around "wildland urban interface" and fire issues. The State rep from Resources Department expressed some concern that fire access routes be maintained and accurate maps be provided. And, it was stated that the AGs office was more concerned about not being in on the discussions early in the planning process.
Of note, the IRA designation stems from the 1964 Wilderness Act where the Forest Service was required to inventory lands for potential wilderness and wilderness characteristics. That lead to the RARE I inventory of lands with potential wilderness characteristics. At that point, then California Governor Jerry Brown filed suit to force the Forest to include more lands in the inventory. That resulted in the RARE II inventory. And, then Attorney General Jerry Brown (now Governor Brown) filed suit to bring about more state interaction with the management of IRAs.
Maybe it is a coincidence that the concepts of adaptive management, collaborative planning, and coordination with state/local government are coming into play about the same time the proposed planning rule is out for comment.
On March 26 was the Desert Advisory Council meeting with two high interest items on the agenda:
1. Special Recreation Permits
2. Johnson Valley.
The meeting room was packed with people interested in the Special Recreation Permits. There were about 80 attendees just for that agenda item.
The DAC recognized 30 speakers on the SRP agenda item. I did get a chance to voice CA4WDC concerns about the SRP process. It was interesting in that normally, 3 minutes is allocated for public comment. Due to the number of speakers requesting time, a 2 minute limit was imposed on each speaker.
After I spoke (I did go over by about 15 seconds), the DAC Chairman commented with an apology noting that he understood I had significant historical knowledge and extensive understanding of the SRP process and that I did a good job of outlining issues within the speaker time constraint. He wished he could provide a full 3 minute per speaker but was limited due to time constraints.
As it stands, the DAC will be establishing a Sub-Committee to address SRP issues. The Sub-Committee will bring issues forward to the DAC and subsequently to the Desert District Manager by way of an advisory recommendation. The Sub-Committee is expected to be a long term committee. The DAC is soliciting applications and is expected to have the positions filled with the next 45 days. Sub-Committee selection will be reviewed and selected by the DAC.
With respect to Johnson Valley, there are a number of issues that are surfacing that I expect to be of concern. I did submit comments during the scoping period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on behalf of CA4WDC. I will be reviewing those comments and the DEIS to ensure they have been addressed.
With the presentation by the Marines, there are a couple of major issues of concern I have dealing with "joint use". The Marines are proposing a "joint use" area which will have "permitted access". The terms of the permitted access are vague in that to obtain a permit, the applicant will be required to attend a one and half hour training session; most likely via an internet connection. The Marines dodged the question of how long the permit was valid and other implementation issues.
Also of concern is how Executive Order 11644 applies. That EO requires all land management agencies to develop designated route systems. I am not questioning the fact that they CAN develop an access control plan (designated route system), I have reservations as to how they intend to develop and implement a plan that is within the bounds of the EO.
To put it in perspective, the Marine Captain Nicholas Mannweiler, public affairs officer for the Marine base, opened his presentation with a statement that the Marines did not "play well" with the other services as the Marines were the only service that incorporated air and ground support under one umbrella. Read: Wave the FLAG -- we are special....
When I had the chance to comment, I challenged the Marine Captain that perhaps it is time the Marines learn to "play well with others" and truly investigate joint use of other military reservations that are largely unused.
Also, I noted that the biggest polluter of the desert is the US Government under the name of the military. They continue to "pollute" the desert with unexploded ordinance and refuse to clean up their mess. I encouraged them to go back to the sand boxes they have contaminated and play there.
I will be submitting comments in the Draft EIS on behalf of CA4WDC; just as I submitted comments on the scoping on behalf of CA4WDC.


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This is a simple dessert for coconut lovers. It's with 4 ingredients and you can make it within 15 mins. Best of all there's no cutting because everything is in a bag or can.
You can eat this hot or cold. I like my Asian desserts hot because my mum would always server it fresh from the stove. Sweet memories. (^_^)
My mum use to make this dessert with the tapioca zig zag sticks, but I couldn't find it in the Asian markets. I don't like pearls that much, so I found the 3 colours tapioca sticks. Maybe they don't import the zig zag styles anymore.
If you don't want a strong coconut taste, then you can put more milk and less coconut milk. The same goes for the rock sugar, if you like it more sweet, put more rock sugar in. But make sure you do a taste test, so you don't make it too sweet.
Prep time: 1 min (it's all from the can & packet)
Cook time: 15 mins
Serves: 2 medium bowls
40g Tapioca Jelly, sticks, pearl (can use sago)
400ml Coconut milk
200ml Milk (normal or low fat)
2-3 pieces of Rock Sugar
1. Boil water in a pot, pour tapioca into the pot. Turn the stove to medium heat.
It will take 5mins or more to cook. Take out one tapioca and cut it in half or try and chew on it. Inside and outside should be soft, if it's not soft, continuing cooking the tapioca.
2. Once tapioca is soft, put the strainer in the sink and run it with cold water. Pout the tapioca into the strainer and rinse
3. With a new pot, pour coconut milk into the pot. Turn the stove to low.
4. Add milk into the pot. (NOTE: make sure you don't over boil the milk mix, keep on stirring from time to time)
5. Add rock sugar, and taste.
6. Once you're happy with the sugar taste, add in the tapioca. Mix for a few more minutes and turn off the stove.
7. Serve the mix into bowls.
You can serve hot or put it in the fridge for an hour and serve cold. Enjoy the dessert!


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US Restaurant Giant Achieves $50,000 in Time Savings in First Year of Test Automation With Eggplant Functional
Quick-service operator automates 2,000 manual testing hours to drive software quality improvements.
This is one of the United States' leading quick-service restaurants. The company and its more than 350 franchise organizations have 6,000 restaurants across the country that serve more than 40 million customers every week.
In recent years, the technology landscape in the restaurant sector has grown increasingly more complex. The addition of new hardware and software solutions means it is becoming more challenging for large companies like this to ensure software quality across their organizations, especially as digital transformation takes hold across the industry.
By differentiating on digital services and delivering a better user experience (UX), restaurants are looking to stand out from their competitors to increase profitability and market share. Implementing new technology is part of this, but equally important are the tools and processes needed to support those technologies — whether it involves adopting agile or DevOps development methodologies, or performance and functional testing solutions.
Automation identified as key
We spoke to a senior IT manager at the restaurant operator who is responsible for quality. Until 2015, his team conducted a purely manual software testing program across the company's various IT systems.
"New technologies have quickly taken hold in our business, ranging from hardware systems like self-service, point-of-sale kiosks through to our new mobile ordering and payment application," said the IT manager. "In addition, as our technology infrastructure is increasingly being placed in the hands of our users through self-service options and mobile devices, then quality and user experience becomes progressively more important."
"All of this added a significant burden to our manual testing workload, so we decided to explore test automation options that would help us achieve productivity efficiencies in our quality program."
The quality team conducted an extensive review process, looking at several of the leading functional software test automation products on the market, including Eggplant Functional, Perfecto Mobile, Sikuli, Appium, UFT, and Test Complete.
"We were looking for a tool that we could use to conduct end-to-end testing across all our platforms, ranging from iOS and Android testing through to our legacy POS platform," said the IT manager. "Our POS presented a key challenge because it runs on a locked-down version of Windows that does not provide access to object properties that are typically required by automation tools."
Eggplant comes out on top
On completion of its review, the restaurant firm chose Eggplant Functional as the only tool that met all of its testing requirements. Eggplant Functional uses a patented, image-based approach to UI testing that allows it to interact with any device by looking at the screen, in the same way a user does.
"The unique image-recognition engine that allows Eggplant to test any user interface was a key factor, as it meant that we could test everything from our POS terminals to our mobile app using the same tool," said the IT manager. "This set it apart from the other tools in our review."
Following its decision to adopt Eggplant Functional as its automation platform, the IT division moved quickly to implement the tool. An initial trial period allowed the quality team to start using the tool to set up some basic scripts, working closely with the support team at Eggplant.
"The service that we have received from our support contacts has been exemplary, and it's been a real differentiator for us to see that their engineering team is genuinely interested in our success," said the IT manager. "My team has found it easy to get up to speed using Eggplant, which is very helpful when it comes to onboarding, and we've also found the flexibility of the tool to be beneficial in our day-to-day work."
The restaurant giant has adopted a phased approach to its automation rollout, initially focusing on its mobile pre-ordering and payment app, followed by its back-of-house systems, then its POS terminals, and finally the website application. After all of these are completed, the quality team will then automate complete, end-to-end testing across all platforms used in a customer journey.
"To date, we have completed our test automation goals for our mobile ordering and payment app, and are currently in the process of automating our back-of-house systems," said the IT manager. "So in less than a year, we have already reached around 20 percent of our planned automation scope."
The impact of test automation has been impressive.
"We have tracked that test automation relating to our mobile app has already saved us about 2,000 man-hours of testing in the first year of using Eggplant," said the IT manager. "This equates to a financial saving of around $50,000. More importantly, this has actually had the benefit of allowing us to spend more time doing exploratory testing, increasing test coverage, and improving quality."
As the automation program continues, the restaurant firm expects to see significant savings going forward.
"We are actually looking to increase the speed of our automation rollout through more Eggplant licenses," said the IT manager. "This will enable us to achieve even better results more quickly, helping improve our time to market."