text:
A lot of you have asked us about the basics of events. What can I expect? What do I need to know? How does this work? So, we're putting these posts together as a "bare bones" reference to get you started. If you can't find the answers to what you're looking for in these posts, please don't hesitate to reach out via email or social media!
So you're going on the Backstreet Boys Cruise…
Must-Know Information
Online Check-in:
Check into Carnival online using the confirmation number that will be provided to you when your itinerary is emailed (about 2 weeks before). We recommend you check in as early as possible to ensure things run smoothly. The absolute latest you can do so is midnight prior to the cruise.
The boat doesn't leave until 4:00PM, but we recommend you get onto the boat AT LEAST 2 hours before that, especially if you want to eat lunch on board. All guests must be on board the ship no later than 60 minutes prior to the published sailing time (printed in the cruise documents). There are multiple ways of getting to the terminal (Drive, Uber/Lyft, taxi, shuttle, Carnival airport transportation). More information about transportation here .
When you arrive at the terminal, you can check your bags with a porter (up until 2:00PM) and carry on what you will need until your stateroom is ready (around 1:00PM or later. PS you may or may not be able to get into your stateroom before the sail away party at 4:00). Guests arriving after 2:00PM will be responsible for taking all of their bags on board. Each checked suit case and carry-on suit case should not weigh more than 50 pounds, and when lying flat, bags must not exceed 16 inches high by 24 inches wide (the length of the bag is not a factor). For security screening purposes, all luggage should be unlocked. Personalized luggage tags are included in the guest's Electronic Documents, through Carnival's web portal, www.carnival.com/mydocuments. It is not necessary to print the tags in color. Carnival luggage tags must be affixed to your baggage prior to arriving at the terminal. Additional tags can be obtained at curbside from the porter. Porters will re-tag any luggage tag with a TBA cabin assignment. Curbside porters are customarily provided a $1 tip per bag.
At check-in, you must personally carry on and present your all of your travel documents, including your boarding pass, picture ID, citizenship documents (including any necessary visas) and completed Health Questionnaire. You also must carry-on any valuables or medications and items which require special handling. After you board the ship, you can eat lunch in the buffet or wander around the ship enjoying all it has to offer. There will be a muster drill around 3:45PM which all passengers must attend, and then head straight to the Lido Deck for the Sail Away party at 4:00PM!
Money / Budget:
Shore Excursions/Tours: $40-$300 per person. You will be able to view these on the Carnival website once you check in. If you want to get an idea of which shore excursions *may* be offered, you can search on the Carnival website under shore excursions for "Grand Turk". Please keep in mind, these may be different or limited on our cruise since it is a charter cruise.
Spa services: $30+. Sometimes there are spa specials, especially on the day we're in port.
Merch/Souveniers: There will be a store off the lobby with cruise-specific merch. It has been known in the past to sell out relatively quickly, so if you see something you like, don't wait!
Soda/Alcoholic Beverages/Specialty coffee/Drink package: https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2633
Gambling: There is a casino onboard, which you pay for using your Sign & Sail Card.
Personal Items: There is a gift shop with Carnival merch, over the counter medicine, snacks, alcohol, etc.
Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program, which allows guests to charge onboard purchases. The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for all money transactions on board as cash will not be an accepted form of payment. More information can be found here.
You can also purchase Cruise Cash (similar to a gift card) on Carnival's website prior to boarding. Guest Services can provide guests with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise. In addition, guests can view their balance update at a Sail & Sign Kiosk . This can be set up beforehand or upon check-in.
Days at Sea
Be on the lookout for your cruise itinerary, which will include all of the events on board. All of the events are optional, but of course we think you should go to all of them, since they are guaranteed to be amazing. When there are no events, there will be downtime for you to do things on board (e.g. pool, spa, activities).
At Port
When we dock at the port of Grand Turk, you can get off the boat as early as you want (don't forget your Sail & Sign card, which is the only thing you will 100% need). You shouldn't need your passport, but feel free to bring it if you feel more comfortable. You will need cash or credit card if you would like to purchase anything on the island of Grand Turk. If you are not going on an excursion, there is plenty to do in the port of Grand Turk, such as a beach, large pool, Margaritaville, and shopping. Once the itinerary comes out, we will know if BSB have any events planned for us while at port or if we are free to explore.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. You can find information here regarding how to go about getting off the ship. How to battle PCD (Post-Cruise Depression not included).
If you have other questions, feel free to contact us, visit our Cruise page, or visit the official BSB Cruise page!


text:
Hawke's Bay Property Investors' Association
NZPIF template for RTA submissionThere are an enormous number of proposed changes to the RTA, all aimed at improving conditions for tenants. Submissions close on Sunday 21 October. More tenants have replied to these one sided reviews than landlords, so it is critical for every landlord to take the time and have their say to provide balance. Attached here is a template to help you make a submission. You can also complete a Government survey on the RTA Review t https://www.research.net/r/rta-reform-survey
07-10-2018 more >>
A summary of the NZPIF position on sections of the RTA Review Oct 2018This provides information on the Residential Tenancies Act Review and NZPIF views on it,. We encourage you to put in a submission as many tenants have already had their say on these extremely one sided proposals.
07-10-2018 more >>
Two critically important reviews on the rental industry are underwayTwo critically important reviews on the rental industry are underway simultaneously at present. The RTA Review and the review of standards for the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill.
01-10-2018 more >>
The Official Cash Rate (OCR) remains at 1.75 percent.Statement by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr: We expect to keep the OCR at this level through 2019 and into 2020. The direction of our next OCR move could be up or down.
27-09-2018 more >>
Rental system is not broken"Landlords are very aware that housing in New Zealand is expensive and the CoreLogic data shows that they are doing their best to keep rental price increases as low as possible. This is completely opposite to the commonly held view that rental property providers are profiting at the expense of tenantsâ€, says Andrew King, Executive Officer of NZ Property Investors' Federation (NZPIF)
20-09-2018 more >>
NZPIF report on Residential Tenancies Act ReviewThe Ministry of Building Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have issued a review of the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). It is a large review and extremely important for our industry. The NZPIF has summarised the review for members and provided a short assesment on each aspect of the review. Tenant advocates are encouraging tenants to support the review and are arranging on and off-line seminars to help tenants do this. It is imperative that as many landlords as possible also express their view as some of the proposals will be extremely damaging to our industry, including being damaging to tenants.
20-09-2018 more >>
NZPIF Report on proposed standards for the Healthy Homes Guarantee ActThe Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have been tasked by Government to establish standards for the Healthy Homes Guarantee Act. MBIE have produced a report into possible standards and are seeking public submissions on these proposals. The NZPIF have produced a report summarising the proposals and conveying the NZPIF position on them. You can read this report here.
20-09-2018 more >>
Rents haven't been outpacing property costs or peoples wagesCoreLogic research analyst Kelvin Davidson writes: Residential property investors are clearly under the pump from the government at the moment, facing increased costs and regulatory pressures, including higher quality standards (e.g. insulation), increased tenant rights, and pending removal of negative gearing.
19-09-2018 more >>
Rental property WOFThe Green Party has today relaunched a campaign to introduce a rental property Warrant of Fitness.
08-09-2018 more >>
Proposed standards need to be cost effectiveGovernment has released proposed standards for their Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill. This covers improved standards to rental properties that are additional to the rental property Minimum Standards Act that was passed in 2016.
04-09-2018 more >>
Capital gains tax may be in doubtBy the time you read this article, the Tax Working Group should have released its interim report, with a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) expected to be the centre piece.
01-09-2018 more >>
Government proposes to reform the RTALandlords, renters and other interested people are invited to have their say. Submissions are welcome before October 21.
27-08-2018 more >>
A landlord's wish list"Government has outlined changes they want to undertake to help tenants, but the NZ Property Investors' Federation (NZPIF) would also like to see changes to help those providing rental properties,†says Andrew King, Executive Officer of the NZPIF.
27-08-2018 more >>
Peter Lewis looks at the rental market in SwedenDuring a recent visit to Sweden, Peter Lewis, Vice President of APIA, investigated the rental market in Sweden.
24-08-2018 more >>
The NZPIF submission on letting feesAndrew King made this submission to the Select Committee
20-08-2018 more >>
Latest ASB Housing Confidence SurveyHouse price expectations continue to recover and respondents' interest rate expectations are largely unchaged.
16-08-2018 more >>
OCR remains at 1.75%Statement by Adrian Orr the Reserve Bank Governor
09-08-2018 more >>
Rent arrears are a big issue for the rental property industry.Andrew King says rent arrears are by far the largest reason for application to the Tenancy Tribunal.
08-08-2018 more >>
Wellington bounces backAccording to the CoreLogic July QV House Price Index, property values in Wellington City grew by 2.3%, reversing the previous losses experienced since March 2018.
07-08-2018 more >>
The latest Massey University Residential Market report finds that the rental market has tightenedThe Massey University Residential Market Report, which tracks mean rents and rental bond numbers, shows a steady increase in the number of people renting, coupled with a decrease in vacancy rates, over the past decade.
02-08-2018 more >>
Impact of LVR restrictionsCorelogic recently published some interesting information regarding the impact of LVR restrictions introduced by the Reserve Bank.
01-08-2018 more >>
July market update from CoreLogicGet right up to speed with what has been happening in the NZ property market as our Head of Research, Nick Goodall takes you through the latest trends in our most recent video.
23-07-2018 more >>
Unovent offers members 25% reduction until August 17The 25% price reduction for Unovent® Home Ventilation Kitsets is an exclusive offer for members of Property Investors' Associations affiliated to the NZPIF.
20-07-2018 more >>
New interactive property map from CoreLogicCoreLogic has released the ''Mapping the Market' report, a new interactive map of New Zealand's property landscape which could ease pressure on people struggling to locate homes within their actual budget.
17-07-2018 more >>
Latest Massey University Home Affordability reportThis quarter has seen a decline in national affordability in all regions (5.8%), as well as an annual decline in affordability for all regions (1.1%).
16-07-2018 more >>

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tough times require innovative strategies
Tough times require innovative approaches to standard business functions, and likewise can be the driver of creative new strategies and processes – be it from a cost cutting or revenue generating standpoint.
Published: 22 Jan 2009
Tough times require innovative approaches to standard business functions, and likewise can be the driver of creative new strategies and processes – be it from a cost cutting or revenue generating standpoint.
Presently, anywhere we turn there is no escaping the deluge of discouraging announcements relating to the uncertain economic environment that we are facing. Another airline liquidation here, another financial bailout there… undoubtedly testing times for the travel sector more than most. Some commentators believe that the worst is yet to come and that 2009 could be the toughest year that the industry has encountered since 9/11.
From the Asian standpoint, compounding this difficult situation even further are the recent political and security issues confronting some of Asia's most popular tourist destinations.
The simple truth is that it is impossible for anyone to predict what the coming 6 to 12 months will hold for the travel industry, and if anyone could predict the outcome then the current economy would cease to be continually labelled 'unpredictable'. Six months ago no one could have predicted the 6 percent drop in economy flight sales this past November, or the 3 percent drop in worldwide hotel prices in Q3.
It is with this in mind that the theme of Innovation has been applied to this year's Travel Distribution Summit Asia. Being innovative is critical to the success of the travel industry – across every sector – in the current economic climate.
Why innovation?
Because continuing business activities as if operating in a stable market will most likely be fruitless.
Because when budgets are tightened, outside-the-box thinking can often create better and more cost effective ways of operating.
Because without innovation the challenges faced will no longer just be those external to our business, but also internal.
The program has not been created to scare or depress attendees with references to economic doom and gloom. Instead it has been designed to offer a dynamic and practical means by which to positively confront the current challenges, with a degree of relative success.
Online distribution will provide the backbone of TDS Asia, accompanied by increasingly important revenue management topics, as well as the introduction of the dynamic new world of website content strategies.
As always the leaders in each of the various sectors and disciplines will be collaborating to bring you an engaging two days of opinion, theory and debate. More information and a full speaker list can be found at the following website www.eyefortravel.com/tdsasia


text:
The Galmont Hotel & Spa
The Galmont Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel in the heart of Galway City, overlooking Lough Atalia and just a three-minute walk from Eyre Square. The hotel offers the largest meetings & events facilities in the west of Ireland catering for everything from large scale corporate events to romantic weddings in the newly refurbished Inis Mór ballroom. Other facilities include the award-winning spirit one spa and spirit one leisure centre with an 18-metre pool and outdoor hot tub for guests to unwind in and with wonderful food and beverage offerings such as Cooper's Bar & Lounge and Marina's Grill guests really are spoilt for choice any time of the day. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a family stay or a business trip, The Galmont Hotel & Spa's central location, helpful team and excellent facilities create an unforgettable stay.
E: email@example.com
Galway Bay Hotel
Located on the shores of Galway Bay on the famous Salthill Promenade and only five minutes' drive from the vibrant Galway City, the 4* Galway Bay Hotel offers stunning sea views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Clare Hills. Enjoy a pre-show meal or a few cocktails in the cosy and welcoming Atlantic Bar or alternatively in the Seascape Lounge with breathtaking views of the Bay.
With a city bus stop to Eyre Square located directly outside the hotel, and with free car parking, free Wifi and complimentary access to our leisure centre, the Galway Bay Hotel is the perfect base for anyone attending the Vodafone Comedy Carnival.
The hotel is also conveniently situated next to Leisureland where Dylan Moran's shows are taking place from Tuesday 23rd - Friday 26th October.
Clayton Hotel
Clayton Hotel Galway is the perfect base for anyone visiting the city for this years Vodafone Comedy Carnival. Conveniently located only minutes from Galway city centre this 4 star hotel offers residents extensive complimentary parking. The city bus no.403 departs every 20 minutes from directly outside the hotel entrance to Eyre Square in Galway city centre. With 195 luxurious bedrooms including 14 Executive Suites guests can enjoy the added benefit of complimentary WIFI and complimentary access to our 20m pool, sauna, steam room and fitness suite during their stay. Pre event, why not enjoy a delicious meal or sample some of the finest beverages on offer at the hotel in the Tribes Restaurant; Enclosure Bar & Bistro or in the Red Bead Roastery Coffee Dock.
As official accommodation partners of the Vodafone Comedy Carnival please use the promo code 'COMEDY' to receive 10% off our best available bed & breakfast rates.
E: email@example.com
Eyre Square Hotel
Eyre Square Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Galway City Centre and just a one-minute walk from the bus, train station and most importantly the Vodafone Comedy Carnival Spiegeltent in Eyre Square. Enjoy your night of comedy without having to worry about hailing a taxi.
With our own Merchant's Bar & Restaurant and Merchant's Café there is plenty of choice of delicious food and beverages. Not to mention excellent value with our Early Bird Menu offering a 3 course meal for just €19.95 between 5pm until 7pm just in time before the 8pm show!
We are offering all Comedy Carnival goers FREE Breakfast and a late 1pm checkout ensuring you feel refreshed and fully fuelled the morning after!
W. https://www.eyresquarehotel.com
Victoria Hotel
Victoria Hotel is conveniently located just off Eyre Square, Galway's centre for shopping, dining and entertainment. Just a minute's walk from the train and bus station and a stone's throw from the Vodafone Comedy Carnival's Spiegeltent! No need for a taxi to or from your night of comedy!
Grab a steak and a pint in our restaurant before the gig for just €18.95! Or get the giggles early with buy one get one free on all cocktails, every evening before the shows!
We are offering all Comedy Carnival goers FREE Breakfast and a late 1pm checkout ensuring you feel refreshed and fully fuelled the next morning!
W. https://www.victoriahotelgalway.com
E. firstname.lastname@example.com
The Skeffington Arms Hotel
The 3-star Skeffington Arms Hotel in Galway City is an intimate, luxury boutique hotel with a BIG personality offering affordable accommodation in the 'city of the tribes'. This Galway City Hotel offers you fantastic value with a premium service located directly on Eyre Square. Our boutique hotel is just a short stroll away from Galways shopping district where you will also find a number of restaurants and bars. The Skeffington Arms Hotel offers 24 superior en-suite bedrooms all of which have a touch of class and luxury. This Galway City Centre Hotel has a fine reputation for quality, value for money, Dining in Galway and of course our superb location (just 50 m from the Spiegeltent!). Also, with 6 bars including 1852 Whiskey Bart, our Premium Gin Parlour and a variety of bespoke cocktails our very own Skeff Late Bar & Kitchen has everything under one roof.


text:
I am certain many bloggers have wondered what makes one blog more popular than the next. Why are some hugely successful while others remain unknown? While there are many factors involved, one of the largest is simply this: great bloggers exist to help others. They give before they receive. A popular way to say this is that they Pay it Forward. They help others by giving in many forms: of their time, their expertise, their money, and sometimes even other people's money. John Chow did just that … [Read more...]
Don't Blog in a Vacuum – Reach Out
Darren Rowse is potentially the highest earning blogger and his ProBlogger blog is without doubt THE best known blog anywhere - and for good reason. He blogs about how to make money blogging. How popular is it? His posts can garner 100+ comments and leaving intelligent comments there WILL send traffic to your blog. Even if you have no desire to blog for money directly, I am sharing his two recent posts here to encourage business owners who blog to increase sales by reaching out to other … [Read more...]
Using Your Blog to Increase Your Business
Many businesses have blogs now but how many are really using them to their best advantage? Once you know the answer to What Can Your Blog Do For You it becomes much easier to focus on how your blog can benefit your potential visitors. Let's start with why anyone would read your blog. It must have a purpose so what is it? For most businesses, their blog should offer answers to their potential buyers questions and help them make up their mind about purchases so they can buy with … [Read more...]
Taking a Screen Capture Using GIMP to Insert Into a WordPress Post
This is a step-by-step process for taking a Screen Capture using a free application named GIMP, saving that screenshot and inserting it into a WordPress post or page. Before I switched to Ubuntu I would have done this using SnagIt but it did not install properly for me under Wine so I went searching for another solution. Searching online for +"screen capture" +ubuntu turned up How to take a screenshot or region capture like Snagit in Ubuntu. Thanks to Richard Baxter at SEOGadget for taking … [Read more...]
WordPress Blogging: How to Write a Post
Learning any new skill can take time so focus on the basics and posting content at first. Adding images and advanced features and plugins can come later. I suspect many a would-be blogger got bogged down trying to figure out all the options or how to insert an image or screen capture and gave up before they really got started. If you're new to blogging, start here: … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 35
- 36
- 37


text:
Brownice Italian Bistro (Part 2)
As promised, the second part of my review of Brownice. Apologies for the image quality here, I shot all of them with my iPhone since I did not get to bring out my camera. Let's just jump straight into it.
Waffle fries - This was just ordinary waffle-cut fries that my sister ordered. Again, nothing fancy. If i'm not wrong, these are available in supermarkets frozen :) We initially wanted to order the white truffle fries, but we were a step too late :(
My first Lasagna ever! And yes, I kid you not. I have never tried Lasagna because they always had beef in there. And being a Buddhist, my family refrains from eating beef. So I can't compare this to anything... but if this is how a regular Lasagna taste like, then BAM, I would like to have more of this please!
Truffle Mushroom Risotto - Dad went ahead with this because he wanted to have rice (he's not a big fan of Italian food) This is also his first time having anything that's truffle flavoured but he polished the bowl clean. I had 2 mouthfuls and I thought it was alright :)
Pesto Penne - They had me at Pesto. I love pesto and even though I hardly consume nuts now... I know I HAD to give this a shot. I'm glad I did. This pesto tastes slightly different from my own pesto sauce I made a year back (hah I got lazy to make a recipe, sorry) and I thought it was rather refreshing. Don't be put off by the colour though, It's really worth a shot :)
Ahh, what better way than to end your meal with desserts? ;) I had a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm fudge brownie! I LOVE this! I kid you not, this brownie was really fudgy and it went really well with the ice cream. Brownice's ice cream are also made from brown rice, hence the name 'Brownice', perfect for those who would like to have a guilt-free dessert.
Waffles are also a must-try if you are there! Their waffles are fluffy (perfect for me), not too crispy on the outside. Since it's vegan, it does not have a buttery taste to it which I love. If you don't like fluffy waffles, maybe you wouldn't like this. But just give it a shot. It's guilt free ;) And.. I find that it tastes rather light too.
We had a scoop of hazelnut and durian with this waffle.
What would you have at Brownice? Or, if you have been there, share with me your favourite dish! I would definitely go back for more since I'm around the area every week now.
Brownice Italian Bistro
53 East Coast Road
Read part 1 here: http://jaslyngoh.com/hearty-vegan-food-finds-2-brownice-italian-bistro/


text:
Although the likelihood of you being involved in a terrorist attack remains very low (for now, at least), we need to be prepared. We can't go on pretending that terrorism is not an issue, that Islamic terrorism is not an issue or that young men of all skin colors aren't motivated to take out their own personal vendettas on the "West".
We aren't just going to look into what you should do if you ever happen to be in such an event, we'll look into ways to prevent the bad guy (or guys) from hurting more people, and then practical ways to be a hero.
But first, let's talk a little about what's happening, about the places most likely to see terrorist attacks so you and your family can avoid them. After all, the best way to be a hero for your spouse and kids is to make sure they aren't anywhere near places that are likely to see these mass shootings.
There's no doubt that the world is getting crazier and crazier. If, up until recently, most of the tragedies were natural disasters (the Indonesian tsunami, the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, Katrina), the things that make the headlines these days are people killing other people.
Why? Because, as an article on the Independent points out, racial tensions have worsened lately. And it's not just the US, it's the entire world. A lot of people thought that the election of the first black president meant the end of racial division, but it's missing something very important: the fact that Islamic terrorism is on the rise.
Without it, we may have very well been a lot more "progressive" when it comes to living peacefully with those different skin colors and religions, but the President's stubbornness to not only destroy ISIS when he should have, but to ignore and not censor Islamic terrorism has lead us to where we are today. And not just him, but liberal European leaders such as Cameron, Merkel and Hollande are also to blame, as their people turn against them.
And now we're hearing from every media voice and news outlet about shocking headlines about extremist Muslims every single day. Things like "Muslim man stabs 3 little girls and their mother in France because they weren't decent" or "Muslim man attacks 15 people on a train in Germany" or "600 women were sexually assaulted by over 1000 migrants in Cologne on New Year's Eve."
Add to these the riots from Ferguson and Baltimore, plus the reactions of white people to everything that's been going on lately. What do you get? A deeply divided world, where terrorism will thrive.
An attack at a rock concert in Paris (at the Bataclan theater) should make you weary of going to such concerts if they're in neighborhoods and cities that are known for terrorist activities.
A truck attack in Nice that left over 20 people dead on France's national day should make you weary of going to any kind of celebration, particularly those that may attract angry extremists. US Independence Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving holidays should be no exception either.
Needless to say, neighborhoods and cities that have a high crime rate should be avoided, such as the infamous Molenbeek district in Brussels. Basically, everything we already knew about avoiding personal assault rings true, as it's common sense.
You also don't want to be anywhere near protests of any kind, unless you really want to be a hero. If you really want to be the guy fighting for a cause you think it's important, be my guest. But do read the rest of the article, as it may help you be a hero for those around you should you come across with an armed or unarmed shooter.
Sign Up for our free email newsletter packed with survival tips and tips on preparing for widespread disaster. Topics covered include survival foods, martial law, government collapse, living off the land, self defense, survival hunting, survival fishing, and MORE...
If you looked at footage of the Nice truck attack on France's national day, you saw two categories of people: those running around in disbelief (who figured out they're in danger), and those who were merely looking, trying to understand what's happening.
Although figuring out WHAT the danger is, is important, the fight or flight instinct should have kicked in them, and started to run for cover the moment they realized something is wrong. But their awareness levels were so low, they decided to sit there and wait to see what happens next.
How do you develop your awareness? I'm not trying to get you to walk around in public places with a deep sense of insecurity, far from it, but you have to be on the lookout for things and people that seem out of place.
One more thing... many people get the so-called tunnel vision in an emergency. This is when the brain becomes so focused on the immediate danger, that it completely ignores everything else. So, if you see a shooter, you'll be so worried about that shooter that you'll never see a second attacker sneaking in on you. It's even possible that the attacker comes for you from an angle you could easily spot, if your tunnel vision weren't so focused on the other one.
So practice being aware of all your surroundings, practice multi-tasking (such as looking out for dangers while talking on the phone as you're walking down the street) and, if you take self-defense lessons, ask your instructor to practice these multiple attackers scenarios where one of them sneaks up on you.
If you remember the terrorist incident of 2015 from the train that was traveling from Amsterdam to Paris, then you know that, while some of the ones who tried to stop the armed attacker were from the Army and the Air Force who happened to be on the train at the time of the attack, others were just ordinary citizens.
This doesn't mean anyone can stop a terrorist but it does mean you need to get into shape. Fitness for survival situations is nothing new, yet it's overshadowed by stockpiling, bugout bags and bug out gear, because, well ... people are lazy. Remember, all the gear in the world won't help you in a situation where the only way is to charge the attacker with your bare hands or a makeshift weapon you picked up from close by. If you practice concealed carry, hopefully you will have your gun with you (and the wits and know how to aim and shoot accurately in a high stress situation), but if you travel to Europe, that's definitely not an option.
That being said, some of the things you can do to get into shape, not just for terrorist attacks but also surviving a variety of situations, are: Focus not just on strength but also on flexibility. If you wanted to stop that gunman on the train, you'd most likely have to jump over seats or even other people, duck for cover and so on.
Improve your grip by working out your forearms. This small yet crucial muscle group is often ignored by folks who go regularly to the gym. Fortunately, there are plenty of exercises.
Focus on full-body exercises such as squats, deadlifts and bench presses (or push-ups if you're doing this at home). These will activate even the tiniest of muscles, increasing your overall strength.
Do some sprinting. This will help you attack a terrorist with full speed. Then kick it up a notch by regularly practicing uphill sprints, like those running backs and linebackers in the NFL. This will build serious leg muscle and explosive strength -- helping you literally run people down like a freight train.
Before you're tempted to be a hero, you first have to figure out if you can save your family, or even yourself. If you risk getting shot, it's suicide to try and stop the gunman. So long as they have you in their sight, there's nothing you can do except to run for cover.
On the other hand, if they don't see you, that's the ideal situation. Only problem is, there might be more of them running around, so you can never be too careful. Some terrorists act alone but most terror attacks are well planned and sometimes involve a number of people. Why? Because the vast majority of them are not crazy, they're religiously motivated. If you do run into a crazy gunman, you're probably in luck because he's most likely alone... but if you were to fall prey to a coordinated attack such as 9/11 or Charlie Hebdo or Bataclan, it's much harder to save the day.
This is serious business.
a.) Breath. Stay calm. Disassociate. A flood of emotions -- fear, panic, and adrenaline -- are likely to hit you like a freight train. You need to shake these off immediately, just like a trained Spec ops soldier, and keep your focus on the task at hand: Eliminate the killer and stay aware of your surroundings and whether or not you can be picked off by another terrorist that may be nearby.
Ok, but what if you don't have a gun? There's only one other way I can think of and that's to take the guy from behind, just like a football player tackling an opponent (though you risk getting shot, of course). And short of joining the army, probably the best way of practicing that is -- you guessed it -- to start playing it!
Of course, what happens after you put him on the ground is of equal importance. The most crucial thing is to disarm him, possibly by aiming for a sensitive area such as his throat, nose (smash it), or eyes (jab him in the eyes with pointed fingers and blind him, even if only temporary). As you eliminate this terrorist, this will encourage others to help out and pin him down.
Of course, your main focus should be the weapon, because you might get shot as you try the self-defense techniques. In fact, it's best that you learn specific techniques for specific weapons: knife, handgun and semi-automatic.
b.) If you tackle a terrorist to the ground, and even if you manage to take his weapon away, realize that he may have a free hand that he's now using to pull a knife and put into your neck or torso. Truly, the only safe way to tackle a terrorist and protect yourself with a tackle may look like this: In one fluid movement, following any tackle to the ground, roll him to his stomach, pull one of his arms behind his back, and now pull up on that arm toward the back of his neck, until he screams in pain from the tension on his shoulder and elbow. Create ripping pain on his shoulder and joints with this movement.
This is a common offensive move of trained law enforcement and prison security teams for taking down dangerous and aggressive attackers and getting them to give up in surrender.
Even the most aggressive attacker is powerless to stop the pain of a move where just one of his arms is pulled up and twisted high behind his back.
Your goal isn't to slap handcuffs on this terrorist though; keep pulling up on his arm (past the point where handcuffs might normally be applied), until he is literally screaming for you to stop. (Watch out that his screams don't draw any other terrorists to your location.)
Crazy that the times we are living in mean that many of us may literally be in a war for our survival that can happen on just any ordinary day at work or at the market place; it's a theme that has happened many times in history and now, even in the prosperous nations of the West, we can expect to see it ourselves at some point in the near future ... if terrorists have their way that is.
Note: Being able to defend yourself doesn't mean you have to carry yourself with a grudge for killing "extremist Muslims"; what it does mean is that you have the confidence and can tap into the aggression and focus that will be needed to stop a murderer in his tracks, who has no qualms with killing women and children, or you, or anyone else that happens to be in the vicinity of an attack.
This kind of "self defense" isn't for everyone though. Which brings us to:
This doesn't necessarily guarantee you'll get out alive, but it's better than nothing. It's possible that the terrorist will shoot dead bodies anyway, just in case someone's pretending. In this case, it might be better to hide yourself under a body. That way, if they do shoot, at least part of you will be protected.
But playing dead is a gamble; being quick on your feet and able to quickly spot a means of escape may be the best way to survive a terrorist attack, even if you have to play a bit of cat and mouse to make your get away; what that means is that a serious of cunning maneuvers may be just the thing that saves your life and gets you and possibly others to safety.
However you survive, give all thanks to God for seeing you through ok when surely other people will have probably have lost their lives. Faith, after all, will be the only way to understand and cope with the events coming to our world.
Better yet -- consider skipping some events all together.


text:
Deangelo Hamilton
- Arrest Number: 5446-3
- First Name: Deangelo
- Last Name: Hamilton
- Current Age: 25
- Booking Date: 2017-10-12 16:10
- Race: African American
- Sex: Male
- Arrest Date: 10/12/2017
- City: Forest City
- State: Arkansas
- com from court
booking information
Deangelo Hamilton was booked on 2017-10-12 16:10. Hamilton was arrested by in Forest City, Arkansas. Hamilton was 25 years old at the time of the arrest.
Deangelo Hamilton may not have been convicted of the charges or crimes listed and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Please contact the for more information regarding arrest records.
We are not affiliated with the and we cannot make any claims as to the validity of the records provided by them.


text:
Reviving my ARTBlog!August 19, 2012 at 12:17 pm | Posted in Animals, Papercutting | Leave a comment
Alright, I have to make a commitment to myself to update this blog as often as I upload pictures on my Facebook albums. So here are two more journal covers I made for Year 1 Sem 2 and Year 2 Sem 1! I am currently using the Arctic Owl journal for school.
Front and Back covers
Front Cover
Leave a Comment »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a Reply
Blog at WordPress.com.
Entries and comments feeds.


text:
Courses that deliver results
For many years Malcolm Gallagher has delivered acclaimed leaders, sales, marketing and performance improving courses around the world. Now through this BizVision Network platform and the 5 BizVision Business Channels, he brings you a dynamic selection of focused courses online.
Each course is based on the BizVision LMS (Learning Management System) here on our platform. Each course is a proven mix of video with workbooks and unlimited online support.
Malcolm is constantly creating new courses and here's his current selection:


text:
Located in historic downtown Port Perry, Luke's For Home delivers 10,000 feet of stylish furnishings, accents and giftware from today's hottest designers. The store is a feast for the senses and brimming with ideas and inspiration. Whether you are looking for an accent piece or embarking on a décor makeover, our staff has a passion for what they do and go the distance to ensure you find what you are looking for.
Luke's Country Store
Luke's for Home is creating a buzz of excitement amongst home décor aficionados for its evolution from a country store specializing in giftware to an exciting home décor destination.


text:
what god are we debating, or just the concept of a deity in general? Mac guy?
most people consider god to have the following attributes / qualities:
- Supernatural
- Omnipresent (in all places at all times)
- Omniscience (knows all things)
- Eternal (exists for ever)
- Omnipotent (infinite power, can do all things)
- Omni benevolent (all good)
- Transcendent (above nature / beyond)
- Disembodied (no physical body)
Do you agree?


text:
The Perfume Shop
Opening Hours
Mon to Wed ... 9.30am - 8pm
Thursday ... 9.30am - 9pm
Friday ... 9.30am - 8pm
Saturday ... 9am - 7pm
Sunday ... 11am - 5pm
0121 382 5580
The Perfume Shop is the UK's largest specialist fragrance retailer, and stocks every scent and signature fragrance you could desire. The store team are fragrance specialists and are on hand to help with friendly advice and insider tips to ensure you buy the perfect perfume.
We only sell perfume and related products, with over 1,000 to choose from. With amazing deals on big brands you are sure to find what you are looking for.Map


text:
Beauty Talk with Liz Trinnear
When Upper Canada Mall invited me back to their hood last month, I said "sure". My mission was to help them celebrate the store opening of Topshop at The Bay. I knew Liz Trinnear of etalk, was the special guest, but I didn't exactly know that I'd be sitting down to interview her until 30 mins before it happened. Yikes. Instead of freaking out and making a mountain out of a mole hill (is that how the saying goes?), I decided to approach the whole thing very casually and shoot the shit with her. She's a pretty cool girl and she taught me a couple of things about her beauty routine. Read on to find out what two items she recommends for flawless skin and the one thing she does every single night.
Liz is a believer in protecting her skin from the sun and uses a daily SPF, in particular the Kiehl's BB Cream with SPF 50. I used to swear by a tinted moisturizer that Kiehl's made years ago, but they discontinued it. Really stoked that she told me about their BB cream because it's actually very similar to my old fave.
Liz's bedtime routine is always the same, without fail. Like so many of us, she always washes her face before going to bed. She's keen on removing all her makeup to keep her skin looking flawless. Finally, when her skin needs a pick-me-up, she uses the Sephora Rose Mask. She says it's great for hydrating tired skin.
So there you have it, beauty secrets from the adorable blonde who used to guest host Gossip Girl on MuchMusic. That's how I remember her. Oh, and she looks like Gwen Stefani, who I totally love!
xo, Nathalie


text: On Wednesday May 2nd at approximately 8:55am Union Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Union Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps were dispatched to a 2 car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 104 and Lincoln Rd. Crews arrived to find 2 vehicles with extensive front end damage and multiple patients. Union Hill Ambulance, Ontario Ambulance, Wayne County Advanced Life Support Medic 81 and Medic 82 provided patient care, treated, and transported the vehicle occupants to local hospitals for further evaluation. Engine 132 secured vehicle hazards and assisted New York State Police with traffic control. During the incident one lane in both the westbound and eastbound direction of Route 104 had to be shut down while emergency crews worked the scene.


text:
Pamela Goldsmith-Jones is a lifetime resident and former mayor of West Vancouver. For twenty years, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to citizen engagement. She is known as a bridge-builder, bringing diverse views together through her open and inclusive approach to the creation and implementation of public policy.
As mayor, Ms. Goldsmith-Jones empowered citizens in their leadership efforts. She gave special attention to environmental conservation in West Vancouver, working on projects such as banning the use of cosmetic pesticides, the reduction of solid waste, and the restoration of the foreshore/intertidal zone, for which West Vancouver was awarded the UN Global Green City Award. Ms. Goldsmith-Jones also played a key role in Vancouver's fundraising efforts for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Ms. Goldsmith-Jones completed her executive MBA at Simon Fraser University in Aboriginal Business and Leadership. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in political science from the University of British Columbia.
In 2011, Ms. Goldsmith-Jones retired from municipal politics and opened her own consulting business.
Ms. Goldsmith-Jones has served as a Parliamentary Secretary since 2015, and is currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs).


text:
This Haematite Chakra Pendant demonstrates the shiny hard finish and reddish-brown streaks characteristic of this form of Iron.
Hematite helps to absorb negative energy and calms in times of stress or worry. Hematite is a very protective stone and is great to carry to help you stay grounded in many situations. Hematite is also good for working with the Root Chakra, helping to transform negative energies into a more positive vibration.
Carry Hematite when in need of balance and equilibrium, or when having difficulty focusing energies. Hematite is also said to be useful in legal situations, and is thought to strengthen self-confidence. Physically, Hematite is also used to protect against geopathic stress and electromagnetic smog, and is said to be a great detoxifying stone, helpful for the liver and the blood.
The Base, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine, and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. When physically out of balance the symptoms manifest themselves as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation. When spiritual energies are out of balance, one may feel flighty, disconnected from reality or distant. When the Base Chakra is in balance, the physical body regains its strength and stamina, and the spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and sense of one's own power. It often leads to independence and spontaneous leadership.
Flattened hexagonal cut pendant with a pointed tip. Medium sized bail which makes it easily fit most slim and medium chains.
Size -
Drop: 56mm (plus bail)
Width: 18mm
Depth: 7mm
Weight: 11.8g


text:
Scenario 1
A single complaint by any 'disciple' would be enough for the government to take over a Hindu religious institution and run it under a government-appointed body or under a bureaucrat. Here two phrases must be stressed upon: "Hindu Religious Institution" and "any disciple".
Yes, this particular law would enable the state government of Karnataka to completely annex a hitherto autonomous organisation belonging only to the Hindu religion under a complaint from any random individual who could proclaim himself to be a disciple of that outfit. What would the government then do? It would then run this Hindu religious organisation under one of its inherently corrupt, congenitally inept and perpetually lazy sarkari babus!
These were the actual provisions of Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2014. Those unaware of the social fabric of Karnataka as a state would probably not comprehend the ramifications of this Act; so let us try and understand this in brief. There are literally hundreds of Hindu religious mutts in Karnataka run by various religious sects, trusts and spiritual leaders. Siddhaganga Mutt of Tumkur, Moorusavira Mutt of Hubbali and Suttur Mutt of Mysore are some prominent examples.
By and large most of these mutts not only provide spiritual and religious discourses to the populace but also run some of the best education institutions in the state. Nitya Dasoha — free (quality) meal every day — is one of the core concepts of many of these mutts especially in northern Karnataka where literally thousands of poor get their best and most nutritious meal of the day from these mutts.
With one stroke of a pen, the state government wanted to take control of all these Hindu organisations by stealth. In fact, the Siddaramaiah dispensation went ahead and introduced this Bill on the last day of the Belagavi legislative session in December without even informing the Opposition, avoiding any sort of debate. A national media, which was obsessed with some made-for-the-TV-camera reconversions, found no time to even have a cursory debate about such an inherently anti-India act by a state government. This atrocious Bill has only one parallel in Indian history: the Doctrine of Lapse policy bequeathed by Lord Dalhousie in the 1850s.
Even as of today, the Bill still stands passed and the government has only said it will reconsider it in the future.
Scenario 2
You ordinary middle class people living in Bangalore who go out and buy rice paying some 50 rupees per kilo either in one of the swanky hyper marts or from your neighbouring grocery store, have you ever wondered where that rice comes from? What if you come to realise that your state government is actually paying Rs 25 a kilo as subsidy for the rice that you are buying at 50 odd rupees? What black hole is sucking up those Rs 25?
Karnataka is fast emerging as India's biggest black market for rice. The Karnataka government is giving away rice for Re 1 a kilo to some 1 crore BPL (below poverty line) card holders in the state (9.83 million to be precise), which works out to a Rs 4,300 crore damage every year to the state exchequer. Each BPL family supposedly gets roughly 30 kg of rice every month. In fact this "Anna Bhagya" scheme was supposed to be the great electoral game changer for Siddaramaiah who had dreamt of defeating the Modi wave in the state during the LS polls, but he couldn't even save his home district of Mysore where a political novice like Pratap Simha defeated the mighty CM of a state.
Literally, hundreds of thousands of trucks operating across the state which link up with 21024 fair price shops are now part of the parallel black rice economy of the state. Individual BPL card holders are paid Rs 12 to 14 by black marketers for the government subsidised Re 1 a kg rice, which is then transported to dozens of illicit rice polishing mills spread across the state where the rice is polished, repackaged and then part exported to other states and part sold to various wholesale dealers in Bangalore. As per one estimate, Mumbai-Karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka alone account for some Rs 1,000 crore worth of black market rice that is then sold in Maharashtra. Other experts believe almost 30 per cent of rice requirements of Kerala's hotel industry is fulfilled by Karnataka's "black rice".
Scenario 3
Some 1,26,000 government enumerators are now fanning across Karnataka to conduct a census exercise which will cost the state Rs 117 crores. This is an exercise done by the state Backward Class Commission and is expected to be finished in flat 2 months. Yes, in two months the state government wants to have the entire caste data of 6.2 crore people of the state.
Being a small time pollster myself (with a decade long experience), this writer cannot even begin to comprehend the nightmares of such a survey activity. Usually just to conduct a survey with a sample size of less than 10,000 (admittedly with much less resources than a state), it takes a bare minimum of two weeks to accomplish the activity even with experienced field workers conducting the exercise, and yet many sampling errors occur despite our best efforts. Imagine 1,26,000 government employees with minimal or no survey expertise going out to collect such important data points (with 55 questions as part of questionnaire), which have a bearing on the state's policies and wrapping up the whole exercise in 60 days.
The sheer volume of data would lead to such vast errors that any findings of this survey must not even be worth the paper on which it is written, and yet the government is spending Rs 117 crore for this exercise. In fact, the state government concedes that this census exercise has an error margin of 5 per cent, which in a lay man's terms means 30 lakh citizens of the state. In reality, our own experience tells us that this exercise carries a risk of a minimum 12 per cent to 15 per cent error margin or roughly misplacing some 75 lakh to 90 lakh people!
Just why does the Siddharamaiah government want to conduct such an error prone exercise? The answer to that lies in the fact that Siddharamaiah is an accidental chief minister who achieved a victory by default in 2013 when the votes of the two powerful castes — Lingayats and Vokkaligas — got divided, especially the former due to the split in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The same BJP which then united to fight an election a year later was able to trounce the Indian National Congress in the state.
The chief minister now believes that the only way that the Congress can continue to retain Karnataka is by tinkering with the demographics, so the state government is now indulging in this dangerously dubious caste-census to arrive at erroneous conclusions, which will then enable him to further enhance his sectarian populism. Consider this: The caste census exercise is being done by the state Backward Castes Commission, which, by its very nature, is a government body that is supposed to cater for the interests of those sections of the society which are deemed as belonging to OBC and SC/ST. Wouldn't such a body have an inherent bias against, say, the upper and middle castes like Brahmins or Lingayats?
Karnataka is now the last bastion of a terminally ill Congress and possibly also of what is termed loosely as "secular socialism", which has been the dominant political theme of India for more than six decades. The three scenarios narrated above and the almost totally muted reaction of the mainstream media to the same gives us an inkling of the emerging political reality of India, a country that is probably at a crossroad of civilisational metamorphosis. The 'Idea of India' as we have known it for long through a prism that is copyrighted to Lutyen's intellectual class is engaged in a clash with a new India that is personified by one man: Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi, possibly as dramatically as President Raegan once personified a new America.
The 1980s' America is often considered the pinnacle of conservativism when the cultural liberalism of the '60s and '70s (described usually as "counterculture") gave way to an inherently conservative society that unabashedly embraced Reaganomics. That decade of the '80s was possibly the first generational shift that a post-World War world had witnessed, and it will always be considered as a watershed moment in the politics of the right because being conservative actually became 'cool' for the first time.
India (with the possible exception of China) is often considered a civilisational anomaly because the Western construct of political dividing lines often blur out in a nation where rajneeti has been a way of life for more millennia than the Western world can even begin to comprehend. Thus, while the West was going through its transformation from counterculture to conservativism, in India, Indira Gandhi was both an 'ultra-nationalist' and a socialist liberal built into one single entity throughout most part of '70s and early '80s, thereby leaving almost no space for other political thought processes.
Politics in India has often been in stasis where various streams collide to form a unique mesh of currents and countercurrents — all existing under a single electoral umbrella. The first real alternative started taking shape with the Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan in the very late '80s and early '90s when the BJP began to emerge on the political consciousness of India. But the BJP too has been grappling with a sort of existential dilemma (Gandhian socialism was one awful example) for more than 30 years because India's politics was so convoluted and so inherently biased against the right, which in its bare essentials must be defined as socially conservative, politically nationalistic and economically liberal. Thus, in the truest sense the real dawn of Indian right happened only in May 2014.
This dawn of the right in India is also a product of the demographic dividend wherein more than 60 per cent of Indians are below 35 and nearly 63 per cent of the BJP's voters belong to the 18 to 35 age group (based on our own surveys and CSDS data).
As is always the case with deep-rooted change, the old order often fights back with vengeance. In the US of the '80s, the clash between the old America and the new America was definitely less rancour-filled in nature and the debate more humorously mature [one of the best examples that I often sight using pop culture is that immensely enjoyable NBC sitcom of the 80s, Family Ties, which personifies that clash of ideas within a family so brilliantly].
Unfortunately in India, the Opposition, the media and the liberals neither have the maturity to comprehend the emergence of the Indian right nor the subtlety to differentially analyse the vagaries of the new India. So what we are seeing today is the cacophony of television studios and the imprudence of the editorial class.
Thus a Sagarika Ghose, who even at her best rarely understands an India beyond her gin drinking club, is confounded by an Indian middle class patronising a Kashmiri Muslim hero in Haider and yet voting for Modi in 2014! While a Praveen Swami goes on prime-time TV and wants the prime minister to apologise for a dead Pakistani — in this case a Pakistani terrorist at worst or a Pakistani smuggler at best! Not to be left behind, Congress spokespersons of Ragini Nayak's calibre of immaturity shout out from TV studios that her party prefers Pakistan over Modi.
In this clash of civilisational ideas, on the one hand, political opposition like Siddaramaiah's Congress is attempting to tweak the demographics by utilising sectarian populism and Nitish Kumar's new Janata Dal (United) — to be soon merged into a body of converging Janata splinter groups(?) — is trying to score cultural brownie points by propagating PK in the hinterland, while on the other hand the editorial-intellectual class is creating artificial divisions by propping up fringe groups in order to portray a top-heavy majoritarian India.
On the other side of the divide, Modi is quietly building a new India by institutionalising the right; one latest example being the NITI Ayog under the leadership of the redoubtable Arvind Panagariya.
The difference is stark. While Modi has the vision to change India, the Opposition has nothing but bankrupt ideas of mere symbolism. And the media? Well, the media has nothing but noise. It is this bankruptcy of the entire opposition spectrum that is helping BJP notch electoral victory after electoral victory and the vanquished continue to refuse to learn.
Take the case of Siddaramaiah's foolish efforts to win voters through leaky populism. No matter how much the Karnataka government spends, it cannot win any more elections as long as there are a whopping 77 per cent farming households perpetually in debt in the state. Instead of solving this agrarian crisis, Congress strategists have convinced Siddaramaiah that he can only win elections by attracting specific demographics.
Yet, history has shown us time and again the ability of meaningless cacophony to emerge triumphant over vision – Vajpayee's defeat of 2004 is but one example which was especially hurtful to a nation, for now we have the luxury of hindsight to realise how Sonia Gandhi squandered those 10 years.
It is, therefore, incumbent upon us right wingers and the assorted 'Internet Hindus' to not fall into the media trap of being perpetually outraged about Hinduism being in danger. It is time to set an agenda of a strong India with systemic reforms and liberal economics. Modi is the best bet we have had in almost a thousand years, let us not squander this one opportunity.


text:
The Season Opener
As the saying goes there is a fine line between crazy and stupid. With 18 degree temperatures forecast for the CRCA Season Opener - single digit with the wind chill - it felt like conditions were approaching the stupid side of that line.
But with Grant's Tomb looming on the horizon I wanted to get a few race efforts in my legs. So I rolled out of bed at 5AM, threw on many many layers of Garneau kit and headed toward Central Park for the 6:30AM race start.
I assumed fields would be small given the conditions but the opposite proved true as the A field was perhaps fifty riders, confirming that cyclists in New York City have a hearty definition of that line between crazy and stupid. For To Be Determined we had three riders venturing out with Torpey and Colin joining me in the fun.
Unfortunately it didn't take long for the first mishap of the day as five or six A field riders went down coming off the start line, all of ten meters into the race. Luckily our three racers avoided the crash and were able to join in the action as things started to heat up. The first time over Harlem Hill Torpey went clear with Ross Baldwin from Lupus Racing - an aggressive early attack that meant Colin and I could relax in the field covering moves as teams sent small numbers up in attempted bridges.
On the third lap Torpey came back to the field, which meant it was time to go to work with three laps left to reel in the break. With some efforts on the West Side the gap started coming down but unluckily we came through the start/finish to discover that our race was being cut by a lap, leaving us just two laps to close what was still a forty second gap.
In the end the chase was disorganized and that lost lap left too little time to bring the break back - Ross Baldwin held on to win ahead of a breakaway companion from FGX. With Grant's coming up next weekend I decided to sit out the field sprint and rolled across the line just off the back of the field after 77 minutes of cold but fun racing. Not bad for the season opener.
A special thanks to Lucarelli & Castaldi for sponsoring this year's CRCA Club Series and as always a big thank you to the volunteer CRCA Board for all of their efforts to make the Club Series happen.


text:
B.C. university develops program to help kids cope with overdose crisis
Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, March 21, 2018 5:43AM EDT
NANAIMO, B.C. - Prof. Teri Derksen says an unforgettable image of children playing overdose games in a park became the vision behind a university research project to help kids whose family members have been affected by opioids.
The description she heard at a recent community meeting about someone witnessing youngsters acting out an overdose at a playground in Nanaimo, B.C., led her to ask: "What about the children?"
Derksen said the compelling account struck her deeply and she couldn't let go of the thought of children trying to cope with the addictions of loved ones.
"It's stuck with me because it was such a powerful image."
Derksen said the description served as a catalyst and a constant reminder: "What are we doing?"
The child and youth care professor said it also gripped several third-year students who have developed projects at Vancouver Island University focused on children, families and communities dealing with opioids.
B.C. averages about four drug overdose deaths a day. The coroner's service reported 1,436 deaths in 2017. Almost 65 per cent were in private homes or buildings.
"We have to wonder how many children are in those homes," Derksen said. "Some of these children may be witnessing, directly, the overdose."
Students Emma Gillis and Abby Lise started class practicum projects that focus on children caught in the overdose crisis. The projects include two outreach programs for children, families and others in Nanaimo to talk, meet and play in a safe area.
A daycare program called Shine gathers once a week for 90 minutes of games and arts and crafts. It provides a sheltered environment where children can talk about their own experiences.
The students also formed partnerships with social and government agencies to hold public meetings and offer services to families.
Gillis said behind every overdose statistic is a person with family and friends who are hurting. She and Lise saw few supports for children, family members and others close to opioid users, she said.
"We really do need to really shine light on the impact on children," said Gillis. "They have, a little bit, slipped through the cracks. Why are we not spending more of those preventative measures on children? Why are we not gearing them towards children?"
Carrie Barker, a director at Nanaimo and Area Services for Families, said the opioid crisis goes deeper than just the individuals using drugs.
"What's bursting the bubble here is that it's happening so broadly across the community," she said. "This project is phenomenal because it's saying: What about the children, and how are we considering how they may be impacted by this?"
Children find ways to cope, but they suffer, Barker said.
"There are children grieving the loss of a loved one," she said. "There are those on the other end of the spectrum who are hearing every time the radio goes on more statistics about people in their community who have died.
"All children in the community are impacted by the health and well-being of their neighbours, families and community members."
Stephanie McCune, an Island Health substance use expert and instructor at Vancouver Island University, said the programs help to move the focus of the opioid crisis beyond individuals.
"Where do we go from here?" she asked. "How are children thriving, surviving? What are communities doing that is acknowledging the role and impact on families? It's a different part of the conversation."
B.C.'s Ministry of Children and Family Development said the safety and well-being of children is its priority.
"We know that the opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on families and communities throughout the province and we have taken a number of steps to respond to the crisis," it said in a statement.
It cited a plan to help caregivers, practitioners and support staff respond to youth at risk, or parents who might be using illicit drugs. It also provides direction and access to training on how to use the overdose-reversing drug naloxone.


text:
5 Things an Auto Locksmith Can Help You With
When talking about cars, the problems aren't always about engines, dents or bumps. Often, the problem is with small things such as locks and keys. These items may be small, but when lost, they are a big problem. In instances like this, the auto locksmith is your superhero. Auto locksmiths offer the best services when it comes to vehicle locksmith services.
Most auto locksmiths provide their customers a reliable and fast roadside service, 24 hours a day. Seven days a week and are most often called for motor trade and motor organizations help. These locksmiths offer a lot of services, but here in this article, we will tackle the main auto locksmith services.
Transponder key programming
With only one phone call, auto locksmiths provide a speedy mobile programming service for car keys. They cover most of the country as a whole. Each of their vans is suited up with the up to date technology and machinery for repair and replacement of broken car keys and locks.
Most locksmiths possess the equipment, knowledge, and skills needed for a transponder key programming. Auto locksmiths are always on call to help you get back on the road at an affordable price.
Car lock repair
In some instances, a damaged car lock, remote locking device or a central locking mechanism can be the problem to a car issue. It's not always broken or lost car keys that pose the challenge.
With repair service of a mobile care lock, an auto locksmith can replace and repair ignition barrels and car locks. This option is cheaper and more convenient than going to a garage.
Car key repair
Car keys are easily lost which often causes car problems, but it's not always the issue. Other times, they just get damaged with a snap, a crack or become worn out. With the help of an auto locksmith, a broken car key can be fixed with an onsite key repair.
Replacement car keys
Just a phone call away, auto locksmiths provide a fast service when it comes to dealing with a variety of lost car keys around the country. With auto locksmiths, a same-day car programming and key cutting are possible. Services for car key replacements include gaining entry, key cutting, and programming. Having these kinds of services on site lets you save more money compared to having your car towed and waiting for the garage to fix your car or wait until car key replacements from overseas arrive.
Being around 24/7, auto locksmiths can fix your problem when you suddenly find yourself locked out of your car. The auto locksmiths can unlock, on the spot, any jammed car door, or just open a truck's latch lock. Having a secured method of opening locks, this is secured enough to not leave a scratch on the car's paint surface. Installation or repair of door locks is possible anytime and anywhere.
You can eliminate the option of going to the garage to fix your car problems. The auto locksmiths can do it for you without the need for tow trucks. Some examples of areas with available people are the auto locksmith Katy-based team.


text:
Get Flash to see this player.
Sometimes things just spill out of the well. More messy acoustic improv.
Leave a Comment
You must be registered and logged-in to comment.
Get Flash to see this player.
|egobandit said 2949 days ago (July 30th, 2011)
can I
drink from this well, just letting it flow
i dig this its great when you can capture it in one take sounds that way to me here
Check out my latest song called Cook the goose
|btransue said 2948 days ago (July 30th, 2011)
one take Charlie
That's me. If I don't capture it in one take, it don't get took! Thanks for the listen Ego B.
|Alannah said 2948 days ago (July 30th, 2011)
I just love ....
... your messy acoustic improv .....
Check out my latest song called Sleep (w JScott and Alannah)
|btransue said 2945 days ago (August 3rd, 2011)
I just love
that you love my messy acoustic improv.
|Ed Hannifin said 2940 days ago (August 7th, 2011)
Reminds me....
...just a bit of some acoustic improvs and recordings that I have on the old Electric Muse collection.... There's a neat feeling of listening to someone feel their way along through what they want to do and play and say... Nice woody tone on the guitar... A little dry and 'natural', and it suits the mood...
Check out my latest song called Chime (Alone) (Inspired by Particle Dots)
|btransue said 2940 days ago (August 8th, 2011)
I'd like to hear that, Electric Muse
In this case, was definitely "feeling" the way. Just starts out with that tone, that keeps leading me on.
|FEEL said 2932 days ago (August 16th, 2011)
the tone of the guitar, the track almost sounds like two played in parallel. The builds are nice. Thanks for sharing.
Check out my latest song called A Second Life with Scott Carmicheal
|btransue said 2932 days ago (August 16th, 2011)
two played in parallel
Just one, although I often feel like more than myself. Just wish I could could play it like 2 of me more than once. Thanks for the listen and comment Feel!
|Drew Kopr said 2420 days ago (January 8th, 2013)
Very soothing
This one is just relaxing to my ear and soothing. I would love to write/play keys and bass over this baby, but would especially love it next time if you used a click track so I could sync up stuff and really juice up the track, because the musical base you wrote is really outstanding!
Check out my latest song called IfIWereHigh
Check out some of my other songs:
More songs in Acoustic:


text:
What Great Brands Do That Good Brands Don't in Content Marketing
Okay content is easy. Killer content is hard. This nifty eBook shows you the difference, based on our real-world work with dozens of brands. A must-read!
It's an exciting day, and the lineup for the 2011 edition of Social Media Success Summit has been announced.
As a presenter, I am of course biased, but this may be the best combination of social media thinking in one virtual conference ever assembled. Do you agree?
It's an amazing lineup, including Jeremiah Owyang, Brian Solis, Frank Eliason, Mari Smith, Erik Qualman, Dan Zarrella, Andy Sernovitz, David Meerman Scott, Ann Handley, Steve Garfield, me and a bunch of other experienced social media types. (I'm not sure what more I need to do to get included in the official banner ad. WTF?) 😉
I've been a part of several of these summits – including the recent Blogging Success Summit. They are universally of extreme high quality, attract a huge audience (last year's social media success summit had 2,500 registrations) and are an incredibly good deal.
The event (again, it's a series of Webinars) runs throughout the month of May, and you get access for a full year thereafter. My session is "How to Hug Your Calculator: The 6 Step Process For Measuring Social Media". It's on the last day, May 26.
Sign up for Social Media Success Summit now, using this link or http://bit.ly/SMsuccess and I make a few bucks.
I hope to see you in the Webinar room. If you have any questions about SMSS, shoot me a note.
Okay content is easy. Killer content is hard. This nifty eBook shows you the difference, based on our real-world work with dozens of brands. A must-read!


text:
Know the market value of your used bike
KMs Run
Hero Honda Joy was introduced in 2001 aiming the mass entry level commuter segment. The Joy was one of the cheapest motorcycles from Hero Honda. However, the company discontinued the production of the Joy and succeeded the position by the current cheapest models of Hero, the HF Dawan and the HF Deluxe. The Joy was coupled with a 97.2cc, Four-stroke, air cooled engine. The bike produced maximum power of 7.8 bhp @ 8000 rpm and maximum torque of 8 Nm @ 5000 rpm. Its engine was mated with a 4 speed gear transmission. The two-wheeler was only offered with kick-start.
Not Available
40-41, YESHWANT STADIUM, DHANATOLI, NAGPUR. MaharashtraContact Dealer
SHIVAM PLAZA, G.T.RD (DELHI SIDE), ALIGARH. Uttar PradeshContact Dealer
Near Maradu Village Office, NH Bypass Road, Nettoor P.O KeralaContact Dealer
N.H-12, GINDORE, JHALRAPATAN. RajasthanContact Dealer
KHET NO- 297, OPP AWAS VIKAS COLONY, BAREILLY MATHURA ROAD, SORON ROAD Uttar PradeshContact Dealer
ALAL PATTI, LAHERIA SARAI BiharContact Dealer
View all Hero ShowroomsView All Showrooms
|Highway Mileage
|70 km per litre
|City Mileage
|65 km per litre
|Engine Displacement
|97.20 cc
|Engine Type
|Four-stroke, air cooled
|Engine Starting
|Kick Start
|Maximum Power
|7.8 bhp @ 8000 rpm
|Maximum Torque
|8 Nm @ 5000 rpm
|Front Brake
|Chassis and Suspension
|Wheel Type
|Length x Width x Height
|1980 x -- x 1040 mm
|1230 mm
|116 kg
|Ground Clearance
|159 mm
|Petrol Tank Capacity
|10.5 litres
Know the market value of your used bike
Get the best price for your old bike. Sell your bike at the Largest Used Bike Market.


text:
Kalani claims first OIA White title
• Photo gallery: OIA White softball
By Kalani Takase
Advertiser Staff Writer
WAIPI'O The Kalani softball team was right where it wanted to be facing a one-run deficit going into the bottom of the sixth inning last night. The Falcons reclaimed the lead this time for good with a three-run inning to realize what they call their "destiny."
Kalani (13-1) pounded out 12 hits and held on to win its first O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Division championship with a 12-10 win over Waialua (10-3) at Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park.
"We knew that this (championship) was ours and we had to go get it," said Falcons junior catcher Kristi Belshe, who batted 3 for 4, including a two-run homer in the third inning. "We knew deep inside that we were meant to be here."
Kalani head coach Melissa Marquez said she told her team "they would need to battle," throughout the game and to "continue to hit the ball like we have all year."
Her team responded with seven batters recording base hits, including four with multiple hits.
After Waialua went ahead 10-9 in the top of the sixth on an RBI single by Michaela Chalker, the Kalani batters went back to work in the bottom of the inning.
Chelsea Yamamoto led off with a double and reached third on an error. Hikaru Kumagai followed with a run-scoring single to left field and advanced to second a bloop single to left by Rayme Awaya. Belshe, the clean-up hitter, doubled in Kumagai, but Awaya was erased at third on a force out. Two batters later, Kristiann Endow hit an RBI single to score Belshe and make it 12-10.
"This feels great to win the school's first title. This was our chance to leave our mark.," Belshe said. "We felt like we had to make a statement and prove ourselves."
Waialua managed to get a base runner on in the top of the seventh, but Awaya, who relieved starting pitcher Jade Teruya in the second inning, stranded her at first and earned the win.
"We're still in the running even despite this loss, so we'll have to get some momentum going again," said Waialua head coach Jay Keao, whose team has already qualified for the state tournament. "We'll try and gain something from this and turn it around for states."
Kalani jumped to an early lead after Awaya's two-run double in the first, but the Bulldogs sent nine batters to the plate in the second to pull ahead 6-2. Belshe's two-run homer to left-center in the third cut the Waialua lead to 6-4, but the Bulldogs extended it again with three runs in the fourth to make the score 9-4.
The Falcons added a run in the fourth and tied it at 9 with a four-run fifth. Kelli Muramaru hit a bases-clearing triple in the inning as Kalani capitalized on two Waialua errors.
"It's more exciting when it's a high-scoring game," Belshe said. "We tend to feed off of each others' success."
Kalani is the sixth different White Division champion since its inception in 2005. The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association/Datahouse State Championships are May 11-14 at CORP and Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium.
Also yesterday, Kalāheo beat 'Aiea, 4-3, in the third-place game.
Karina Bayudan and Jessica Temblor. Jade Teruya, Rayme Awaya (2) and Kristi Belshe. W Awaya. L Bayudan.
Leading hitters Kalani: Chelsea Yamamoto 2-4, 2 doubles; 2 runs; Hirakura Kumagai RBI, 4 runs; Awaya 2-4; Belshe 3-4, homer RBI, 3 runs; Kristiana Endow RBI; Kelli Muramaru 2-4, double, 3 RBIs. Waialua: Althia Dicion 2 runs; Alyssiah Hernandez 4-5, double; Temblor double, 2 runs; Pua Naki 2-5, double; Michaela Chalker RBI; Ciara Balidoy double.