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UPDATED: AMERICAN VAMPIRE Up-Close - SKINNER SWEET
Updated on Aug. 19th: Due to an email mix-up, we overlooked this special Skinner Sweet piece prepared especially for Newsarama by series artist Rafael Albuquerque. We apologize to both Albuquerque and our readers and include it here now...Original story: On September 8th, American Vampire starts its second storyline, moving the comic's characters to Las Vegas and a new decade of characters and vampire evolution.
Readers of the successful Vertigo series have been introduced to the concept that, in the "AmVamp" universe, vampires can evolve into new species. For example, the older vampires from Europe must stay out of the sun, but descendants of the relatively new vampire Skinner Sweet thrive in the sunlight and have powers that are distinctly American.
American Vampire's first storyline covered almost 50 years of time, introducing readers to a cast of creepy yet compelling characters on the American landscape. With a story that explored the Old West and the Hollywood of the roaring '20s, AmVamp captured the imagination of readers with its stories by series creator Scot Snyder and best-selling author Stephen King.As the series heads into its second arc, Newsarama sat down with Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque to find out more about who's who in the "AmVamp" universe and what comes next for the series.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be doing a series of profiles on the comic's characters, beginning this time with Skinner Sweet, whose story is just beginning as the series moves into the 1930's.
Skinner Sweet
Origin: Skinner Sweet was an outlaw in the 1880s in the Old West, but was turned to a vampire after being captured by a Pinkerton Detective named Book.His attacker was a European vampire who attempted to contain Skinner by burying him under water. But decades later, a scavenger disturbed Skinner's watery tomb, allowing him to escape and enact revenge.
"In life, Skinner Sweet was a very ruthless outlaw," Snyder explained. "He was a real demon of the Old West. And in death — or in un-life, I guess — he's even worse. With the powers sort of bestowed on him to not be hurt, his invulnerability to bullets, he just has a field day."
Powers: "He's a first American vampire," Snyder told Newsarama. "The central concept of the series is that vampires, as their bloodline has hit different people in different parts of the world, develop into different species. Every now and then, the blood will mutate or will evolve, essentially, into a new species.
"And so Skinner is part of a new species that's born in the American West and has almost served as an evolutionary leap from the vampires we all know — the classic European vampires with the small fangs who are burned by the sunlight and have a pathogenic allergy to wood."
In contrast, Skinner has no aversion to wood and the sun heightens his invulnerability. He also has claws and a snake-like mouth that emphasize his animalistic nature.
"Skinner has extremely long, spiderlike claws, and big rattlesnake fangs – his whole jaw dislocates and opens so that the lower jaw almost distends," Snyder said. "The gums come out of the skin, you know, with big lower fangs.
"And also, one thing that didn't get a lot of panel time in cycle one, is that American vampires inject a venom into you when they bite you that causes a temporary paralysis," Snyder told Newsarama. "So, actually, when they bite you, you wind up becoming frozen for a while. They're kind of extra deadly in that way that they can freeze you or paralyze you and drag you back to their lair and eat you whenever they want."
One surprise twist in the first story arc was that Skinner seems to be weakened when the moon isn't in the night sky.
"With no reflected silver light, the idea is he's at his weakest," Snyder explained. "We were trying to make it as pseudoscience as possible. So, that's why, for example, the European vampires have almost no reflection in a mirror, because of the way they reject sunlight and natural light, but American vampires have a distorted reflection."
This one weakness isn't much, considering Skinner has evolved into a daywalking vampire without the normal limitations of the European strain.
"Skinner is bigger and tougher and stronger," Snyder said. "All the European vampires and everybody's sort of clamoring to learn what the weakness of the American vampire is, because otherwise, you'll have to track Skinner down during this one particular moment when he's weak, you know. But if you knew what it was that was his weakness, you could attack him anytime you see him."
Archenemy: James Book, and his descendants. "Book is sort of Batman to Skinner's Joker in a lot of ways," Snyder said. "He's been chasing Skinner obsessively for years."
Appearance: "Skinner, in the first arc is a madman who is just figuring out how to deal with his new 'vampire' situation — the powers, the weakness but especially his anger," said artist Albuquerque, who designed all the characters in American Vampire. "So, visually, we needed to get him a a crazy look. He is always dirty, unshaved, with long hair. We needed that idea of someone who doesn't really care about anything else than his revenge.
"For the second arc, Skinner is still the same guy, but more experienced now," the artist said. "He understands that 'playing the game' can be good for him. So, on Issue #6, we see him as someone more seductive. Evil, but interesting, you know? Yes we cut his hair and put him in a suit."
But Snyder wanted to make sure readers know the character is not Kid Rock. "People sometimes think that he's supposed to look like Kid Rock, but Kid Rock has no part of his DNA," Snyder said with a laugh. "No offense to Kid Rock. But neither me nor Rafael are real Kid Rock fans. If there's a rock star that Rafael began to base him on, it was more of a Kurt Cobain. He actually used a photo of him at one point when we were discussing expressions and looks."
Personality: "Skinner Sweet is the star – or central figure – in the entire series and mythology," Snyder said. "His mission in life is essentially to keep the West and the country wild. That's his ideology. He's not just an anarchist like The Joker or someone. His point of view is essentially is that what makes us special – what makes us American – is the ability to be wild and your own person and the sense of freedom you find out in the middle of nowhere and that kind of anarchy that comes with the Old West and forging yourself through violence.
"He really is somebody who is very playful and mischievous, but his goal – he really dislikes anything that he sees as kind of civilizing the west and civilizing the country into a kind of Euro-centric mold. "
But Snyder pointed out that, for some reason, Sweet doesn't really make a lot of other American vampires. "He's not a team player at all," the writer said. "[He's] a huge leap ahead of the European vampires because there are so many of them and there's only really one of him. Until he turns Pearl, who is — as far as we know — the second American vampire."
The King Connection: Although the character was conceived by Snyder, his origin story was told by the best-selling author Stephen King. The prolific writer was asked to write an introduction for the Vertigo series, but when he saw Snyder's outline, he instead offered to write a five-issue story to introduce readers to the character and to establish the link between Skinner Sweet and James Book.
Now Snyder takes on the character solo, but he's thrilled with everything King added to the mythology. "He's definitely added a ton of great story material," Snyder said. "But he's also been good about following a general outline we had planned. So there wasn't any problem taking the baton from him as he finishes his Skinner story and moving forward with it."
What's Next: Beginning with September's American Vampire #6, the story moves to 1930's Las Vegas, right around the time Hoover Dam is being completed. The series will introduce a few new characters, and readers will find out more about Skinner's plans.
Snyder promised that readers will also see evidence that Skinner is not the first evolutionary leap forward in the vampire bloodline.
"This cycle is very much about that — broadening the mythology," Snyder said. "We wanted to step away a little bit from the '20s and the West, even a decade and show you how far-reaching this series is and the breadth of the bloodline."
But that doesn't mean Skinner and other established characters play any less of a role now that the series moves forward.
"Pearl is back and Skinner is back in a big, big fun way," Snyder said. "Henry, Felicia, the European vampires — they're all there, but we wanted to try and broaden it a little bit by using a couple new characters to give us a new angle. But they'll all play major parts in the whole series. None of it will be thrown away.
"We'll never do that. We'll always stay focused on Skinner and Pearl. Anyone we introduce, we really intend to follow through the years," Snyder said. "This line of vampires and adversaries, with Skinner and Book and Pearl, will always be the main focus of the series. But the story will feel like time has passed and you'll get a set-up for the next chapter in their story. We'll take a breath and introduce a couple new characters, but then we'll catch right up with your favorite characters."
And although Skinner's archenemy, James Book, may not seem like a threat to a vampire who is immortal, the Pinkerton agent's descendants are still after Skinner in the next arc. "The House of Book will carry on as a villain to Skinner and his plans," Snyder explained. "They're locked together — the outlaw and the lawman. They're two halves to the same whole.
"There will always be a Book to fight Skinner," Snyder said. "That will play a major part in the entire series, in the mythology of American Vampire, and especially in the next story."


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Have you always wanted a robot that can paint in watercolor? Kickstarter has one
Here at TweakTown, I have one rule about Kickstarter campaigns and that is that they have to seriously impress me and think very far outside of the box before I will back them. Fortunately, Sylvia's WaterColorBot has done just that. This robot is actually capable of painting you a cartoonish painting out of the same kind of watercolor paints we all used as a child.
Unfortunately, the team needs to source $50,000 to get the project up off the ground and start manufacturing the WaterColorBots. Luckily for you, a small pledge of just $295 will secure your unassembled DIY kit. As not only a maker but a creative in general, this robot makes me smile on a level that no 3-D printer ever has. It's so simple yet so complex at the same time that I cannot help but get excited about it. If you want to pick one up for yourself, head over to Source #1 to check out the full Kickstarter.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sometimes I buy on aesthetic impulse, these BTR-D SPAAGs from Armies Army were just that! The ubiquitous ZU-23-2 has some many options, so I ordered a few. First up are two BTR-Ds with the 23mm mounted, one centrally, one at the rear.
I added some details around the AA piece, primarily crew seats (a crewman is supplied) and mudguards, I'm not going for 100% accuracy, these are 15mm gaming items after all.
The second was mounted more traditionally, at the rear, again only minor mods just for flavour really.
Crew figures are Peter Pig and battlefront, with some additional tarps added on the rear deck.
Not entirely sure on the future for these, they don't fit in my Middle East extravaganzas, so they will probably be paint opportunities for me and then open to new homes.
I sneaked in another quick mod, this time the skytrex BT152, with mod'd Peter Pig crew ( two missed the photo-op). This will probaby embelish an Egptian HQ's element, but can slip in anywhre really.


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Inspection of the Secure Electronic Network
for Travelers' Rapid Inspection
Report Number I-2000-019
June 2000
Office of the Inspector General's Analysis of Management's Response
On April 14, 2000, the Inspections Division sent copies of the draft report to the Justice Performance Review (JPR). JPR responded by memorandum from the Director dated June 16, 2000 (Appendix XIV).
In our exit conference, both the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and JPR contended that the Northern border sites included as part of our inspection should not be considered true SENTRI sites, but rather as automated Dedicated Commuter Lanes that use some, but not all, SENTRI technology. Throughout the course of our inspection, we collected and carefully reviewed a significant amount of documentation that indicated that both the Northern and Southwest border sites were implemented and managed collectively as part of the INS SENTRI program. Our evidence on this point includes congressional testimony by the Commissioner, the Commissioner's Performance Goals for FY 1999, the 2000 Reinvention Impact Goals, the October 1999 INS Automation Initiatives Report, the official INS website, and our interviews with many INS headquarters and field officials. Moreover, in its official response to our report, INS wrote that, "The [INS Headquarters Office of Policy and Planning] acknowledges that the DCLs along the northern border that utilize SENTRI technology have been reported as SENTRI sites," (see Appendix XII).
While the subject of our report is the INS SENTRI program, which includes both Northern and Southwest border sites, we recognize that only sites along the Southwest border are affiliated with JPR. Therefore, in response to JPR concerns raised during our exit conference, we agreed to add language in our report clarifying that the Northern border SENTRI sites are not a part of JPR's reinvention laboratory program (see pages 4 and 8). Where appropriate, careful distinctions were also made in our report to ensure that operating statistics were not combined between the Southwest and Northern border SENTRI sites. For example, in analyzing SENTRI's impact on commuter wait times, we consider operating statistics from Otay Mesa and the Peace Bridge separately from one another and we reach separate conclusions for each site based on these statistics (see pages 11-14). In other instances, however, our report identifies several issues that were found to exist for sites along both the Southwest and Northern borders, including: the need for additional quality control measures to ensure the integrity of SENTRI's enrollment data; the inadequacy of SENTRI's current user fee; and the fact that SENTRI's overall operations have not been fully evaluated. Because no distinction had been made by INS between the Northern and Southwest border sites at the time of our inspection, we do not believe it was inappropriate for us to group these sites together in instances where similar or crosscutting issues were identified.
We visited the only two sites in operation at the time of our inspection, Otay Mesa, near San Diego, California, and the Peace Bridge, in Buffalo, New York. We also visited San Ysidro, near San Diego, California, where SENTRI's operation has been indefinitely delayed. We did not visit El Paso, Texas, or the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, Michigan, because both these sites became operational only after our fieldwork had already been completed. Nevertheless, we interviewed port officials responsible for implementing SENTRI at both these sites. We also included El Paso in our evaluation of INS methods for selecting new SENTRI sites (see page 28).
INS concurred with each of our eight recommendations and, based on our report, has also agreed to take steps to distinguish between sites along the Northern and Southwest borders. We believe these recommendations will help INS better manage the SENTRI program at both existing and future sites and we stand by our inspection methodology.


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Bodum "Brazil" 8 cup French Press
Bodum "Brazil" 8 cup French Press
-Coffee is measured in 4 oz. cups, this 8-cup, 34-ounce French Press serves 2-3 people
-Carafe is made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass; BPA free
-Plastic handle and base. Both Dishwasher Safe
-3-part stainless steel mesh filter helps extract your coffee's aromatic oils and subtle flavors
-Pressed coffee extracts the perfect amount of essentials oils and acids from the bean for the maximum amount of flavor from your coffee. It's the preferred method for brewing for coffee enthusiasts everywhere
-All parts are dishwasher safe


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Time to get into some holiday spirit(s). The Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA), operator of the acclaimed Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, is hosting ~TWO HOLIDAY-THEMED COCKTAIL EVENTS~: a happy hour tasting on Wednesday December 2nd and a hands-on class on Saturday December 5th.
On Wednesday December 2nd, CUESA and the San Francisco Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild (USBG) will host an evening of holiday farmers' market cocktails at the Ferry Building from 5:30pm—7:30pm. Guests will get two full-sized signature cocktails made with Jim Beam bourbon and crafted with early winter produce (think dates, clementines, kumquats, and pomegranates). Also available to taste are eight sample-sized drinks from bartenders Scott Baird from 15 Romolo; Lou Bustamante, bartender at large; Erick Castro from Rickhouse; Darren Crawford from Bourbon & Branch; Tim Gushue from Butterfly; Parker Heineman from Lingba; Trip Hosley from Sauce; Brian MacGregor from Jardinière; Enrique Sanchez from La Mar; Aurora Siegel from Rose Pistola; Aaron Gregory Smith from 15 Romolo; and Sierra Zimei from Seasons Bar at Four Seasons San Francisco. Cocktails will feature Auchentoshan, Batiste Rhum, Cabana Cachaça, Campari, Corzo Tequila, Oxley Gin, Pierre Ferrand Ambre, and VeeV Açaí Spirit (guests will vote on their favorite drinks).
You'll also be able to graze on hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of local restaurants Butterfly, 15 Romolo, Tacolicious, and CUESA's market chef, Sarah Henkin. Tickets to "Holiday Farmers Market Cocktail Night" are $30. All proceeds benefit CUESA and the USBG equally. This event sells out, so be sure to get your ticket now!
Then on Saturday December 5th, CUESA will host a hands-on cocktail class with Scott Beattie, author of Artisanal Cocktails: Drinks Inspired by the Seasons from the Bar at Cyrus, and Marko Karakasevic, 13th generation distiller of Charbay Winery and Distillery. Beattie will teach the group how to make three drinks from his book highlighting winter citrus: the Meyer Beautiful (My, You're Beautiful), the Pelo del Perro (Hair of the Dog), and the classic Margarita. Instruction will include side recipes, garnish how-tos, foams, and rim sugars and salts. Karakasevic will share his vast knowledge of the distillation process, and Charbay's role as pioneers in the modern American artisan distillery movement. Drinks will feature Charbay's small-batch spirits and fresh, seasonal fruit from the market. (Scott's book will also be available to purchase.) Tickets are $40 and include instructions and all drinks. Cheers!


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Wildflowers are typically grown from seed sown in the fall (mid-Sept thru mid-Nov). Rake in the seeds to loose soil to a depth of about an inch. The more rainfall, the more prolific the flowers. If in a landscape, water regularly to establish the seeds. The most common ones include Mexican gold poppy, purple owl's clover, lupine and African daisies.
*Be sure to save your seeds if you have these in your garden! If you are admiring them from afar, ask permission of a neighbor or landowner to harvest seeds. Once the plant dries out, pull it out, bend the stalk or cut to the ground. Shake the mature stalks into a paper bag. Label your seeds, share with friends and store for next year.


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Isn't Mr. Roy G. Biv the cutest dude ever! Pinterest linked me up to the blog Made for 1st Grade where I found this great craft! All of my lions know the color order in a rainbow now!
We also used rainbows to review compound words this week! Miss Kindergarten's "Compound Words Craft" was easy to prepare and make! (Click on the picture above for your very own copy) Like I've said before, my lions LOVE making crafts this year! They work so hard and are so focused...believe it or not but they actually stay quite! Who knew?
Our compound word rainbows turned out great and they look awesome hanging from our clothesline!
We had a lot of fun this week learning about rainbows and they are a great segue into our upcoming St. Patrick's Day unit! Thanks for stopping by!


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So what exactly is my philosophy?
I have very strong views on the farming of animals for a start! I believe that animals should only be farmed free range - ethical farming I call it. It is wrong and I believe unnecessary to lock animals in small, crowded cages/pens, where they don't have access to display their natural behaviours. We don't need feedlots (CAFO's) to feed the world. If we returned the farmland that is currently used to grow grain for cattle feedlots, to pasture, if we managed our pasture lands using regenerative farming techniques, if we de-centralised our food systems, we can feed the world.
(People starving in the world is not due to animal or land management, it's due to politics and I'm not going into that now!)
We grow our own meat, so I very rarely buy meat. If I eat out and there isn't a free range option on the menu, I will often have vegetarian. I actually don't go out very often, so it's not a huge issue for me. I've had to buy eggs lately, and I just cannot buy anything but true free range. If I can't get them, we go without!
Most of my dry goods I get from our local whole foods supplier. These are also organic. My preference with all food choices would be organic, but as I said before, local comes first for me. One of my concerns with non-organic farming (think wheat and other grains) is the amount of chemicals used. Glysophate is such a commonly used herbicide and I know for a fact that the withholding period is not long enough and crops are harvested too soon. I don't buy non-organic grains.
So in a nutshell:
Free range and/or organic where possible.
Local food comes first in vegetables and fruit (over organic).
Meat - I wouldn't buy intensively farmed meat even if it was local.
I try not to support Coles or Woolworths, because they DO NOT support farmers. If I can't buy dry goods from a local business, I will buy online (e.g. Who gives a crap toilet paper)
I support local food systems and small business.
I would prefer to buy things without single use plastic, but realise that this is not always possible for small producers going to the markets (it certainly isn't possible for our business)
And to be completely honest, I would stick to this at least 90% of the time. Sometimes, especially if I'm travelling, it's hard, but I'll support a local business if I can't get local food. One final comment I'd like to make, is I know it's expensive to buy organic, but I choose to go without other things so that I can afford to. I don't believe that we can afford to muck about with out health buying choosing less nutrient dense food. I also prioritise my time to grow and prepare food. It's all about choice!


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Keep Our Pension Promises
This week Bernie introduced his bill to protect American pensions at a rally on Capitol Hill. The bill, entitled the "Keep Our Pension Promises Act," rolls back provisions in last year's Multiemployer Pension Reform Act which allow union-negotiated retirement funds to seek benefit cuts.
There is a longstanding and concerted effort underway to convince the public that America's pension funds are financially unsustainable. As the Wall Street Journal noted last year, the rollbacks in the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act have been touted as a model for future cuts in the already-battered retirement security of American workers.
"Hard-working retirees should not ever have to doubt their retirement security," Bernie said. Rep. Marcy Kaptur introduced the new measure in the House of Representatives.
Bernie's announcement was accompanied by the cheers of workers from the Teamsters Union and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The bill has also won the approval of retiree advocates AARP Inc., according to the Wall Street Journal.


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BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's celebrity cross-eyed opossum Heidi — who made an appearance on American television this February predicting Oscar winners — died of old age on Wednesday at 3-1/2 years.
The star of Leipzig Zoo became a national darling when her photo appeared in the mass-circulation newspaper Bild in December.
With merchandise, a song written about her, and more than 330,000 fans on Facebook, Heidi's death will be mourned by many.
"The cross-eyed opossum Heidi has closed her eyes forever," the zoo wrote in a statement on their website.
The zoo said Heidi had not moved and had been suffering for weeks. The pain had intensified over the last few days — even with increased medication.
"We did everything possible to find the cause of her immobility," Leipzig Zoo Director Joerg Junhold said in the statement.
Zookeepers deemed her condition to be a result of old age and put her out of her misery by injection on Wednesday.
Heidi is the third German animal celebrity to pass away in a year.
Knut the polar bear, who became internationally famous as a cub when Berlin zoo hand-reared him, died after an epileptic fit in March this year.
Last October, Paul the octopus died at the age of two. He made headlines in 2010 after correctly predicting the results of each of Germany's World Cup soccer matches and accurately tipping Spain to beat the Netherlands in the final.
Reporting By Natalia Drozdiak


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Jalan P Ramlee
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Reggae Bar in KL Chinatown
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Phowintaung Cave Pagoda
Pyu of Srikshetra in Myanmar
North Myanmar Kachin State
Thailand caving adventure
Soi Freedom
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Tigano Waterfall
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Silk Road Trade
China to Pakistan
Meditation in Myanmar
Burmese Girls
Photo Video Accessories and Equipment
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Trang Thailand exotische Inseln und Strnde
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Best Thailand Caverns & Caves
Shanghai Day & Night
Photo Video & Travel
Travel Thailand on the Road
Shark in the Ocean
A Idol Died
Orchid Flowers in Southeast Asia
Attractive ASEAN Hybrid Plants
Orchid flower shop colors growing plants & more
Orchid flowers collectively form a family called Orchidaceae, which is the biggest family of plants worldwide. They grow mainly in the tropical regions but some species are also are found in the Alps and other cold regions, actually there are only three regions where they don't grow this is dessert Arctic and Antarctic.
They are grown and put at different places because of their decorative beauty. Buying and selling them is a big and profitable business plants traded are hybrids originated in South & Central America tropical Asia and plants from greenhouses in countries such as Netherlands and other lots of people are growing orchid plants under different climate conditions and the very interesting is that today they have developed artificial materals which looks and feel almost natural. Often it needs to take the orchid pland iwith the hand and check it is it natural or human made.
Today nothing can hold anyone back to buy orchid since they are easily available on a worldwide scale just see our pictures of dendrobium cattleya oncidium mokara vandas and other.
After two centuries of poaching and looting of wild plants in their
orchid natural habitat
the creation of hybrids gave nature a real break. No need for poaching anymore just go to the internet or have a look in the nursery if you are around South East Asia a visit to a Thai nursery the Singapore or Kuala Lumpur orrchid garden will make your day. To achive this labs are crossing hybrids continuously for more colors and shapes plus new combinations to be more resistant. They are common today actually any plant on the market to buy is this hybrid variant, most are better to handle than species. It is not a big problem anymore to keep them since today's plants are relatively cheap and widely available.
Means they are easily to be replaced by a new when there is a problem. Although they can be found almost anywhere on the globe but the real beauties come from tropical or subtropical regions. Some wild orchids grow there on trees in the rain forest mangroves and in rock crannies. Most are half-terrestrial and epiphytic.
Singapore Orchid Garden
Kuala Lumpur
Orchid Garden
Orchid Colors
Wild Orchids
Pretty Monopodial Vanda Orchids
Orchid Photos
This plants can be divided into monopodial and sympodial groups. Monopodial orchids like vanda and aerides are growing upwards from a single point and the flower appear atop a long stem.
The sympodial group can growth in several directions, but with cattleya, its only one direction.
Orchid plants are the most prolific, thousands of varieties are out there in nature and thousands more being created by cross breeding. About 600 new varieties are coming up each year either through the discovery of new species or the creation of new hybrids.
There are even some orchids flowers, which do not engage in the normal process of photosynthesis as most plants do, but actually live from a fungus in the darkness of a cave, read more.
One of the largest families are Phalaenopsis also know as phal. They can grow in just about any environment although the majority of are growing in tropical environments and they are are real fragil beauties read more.
This array of blossoms is real attractive and they are also not difficult to grow they just need the same "food" and environment as most other of the family.
Orchids in tropical southeast Asia
Flower Photos
How to raise pepare and handle phalaenopsis cymbidium, cattleya, dendrobium and other orchid flowers.
Here is an orchid nursery / garden with wonderful flowers, have a look.
What orchid flowers need?
The right temperature air circulation and moisture most of
the roots hang down and take what they need from the moving air. Yes, they feed on air what a great idea, imagine all humans would feed on air; many problems wouldn't be on mother earth.
Now, what about outside? Since they are plants originated in a tropical environ again less water is better. so what? As an example, I've put some gorgeous dendrobium into a coconut shell and fixed them on a palm tree in front of the house. If that is the "weather side" the showers of the monsoon kill them, ergo they also need a good shelter for not being exposed to the power of nature.
A good watering tip is to mix fertilizer into a spray bottle and give it to the plant for the right water mixture. Ask at the shop where you bought them for the mixture. When everything is done right the orchids will show gorgeous blooms, not all year round but most of the time. When disaster strikes and maybe one of these beauties die, don't worry just buy another one or more.
One of the good things of the new communication age it's easy to order them. When possible visit a nursery they have plenty of them for either take away the grown flower or the seedlings. With seedlings always be careful that they come in a sterile container otherwise, problems will come.
How to raise this beautiful orchid?
Considering all this different types and diversities they are relatively easy to handle. Basics are sunlight and water plus some fertilizer just mixed into the spray bottle.
The best is just stick to a certain type such as a Thailand vanda maybe some cattleyas or a dendrobium there are many variants and once you get used to your colored beauty becomes routine. Since most people don't have a greenhouse the normal place an orchid will be in the non-tropical area is indoor. Actually in Thailand are countless orchid garden because the climate fits perfect to the flowers.
Another subject does you want a plant just growing maybe up to around 30 cm or another which will hang down maybe for a meter and more as it is with dendrobium species and hybrids. After some experience with them you might get another one or two, maybe more since they really are a feast for the eyes and that's the best possible in a house. The positive impressions the plants make everywhere are the hues. This is especially true when you are on vacation, buy some of them and have them in the room to give an individual touch, if there is no vase just cut an empty water bottle and that's an excellent container.
In a Thai Orchid Nursery
are phalaenopsis plus cymbidium maybe some cattleya and more to choose from.
It is a good idea to check out the different kinds before you buy so that instead of having to work too hard to just hang them in a pot.
orchid flowers Asia blue orchid colors
Adapt your environment to the specific needs of your flowers, you can choose an appropriate one very easy since the subject is always watering, temperature and airflow.


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The CDP-361 is one of the newer generation of remote capable CD players of the mid-80's. Well built but a feather-weight when compared to my ES-series units. Even so, the CDP had no issues with CD-R or my test CD with transparent areas in the TOC (table of contents)! Body was steel all round (thin but still the real thing).
Since it was a budget CDP, it was not surprising to discover that the transport mechanism was not to the standard of the Philips CDM-2 eg will not play non-disruptively thru all the rock-n-roll of a quake aka pickup and shaken not stirred (to coin a phrase from the movies) during play!!!
As per typical Sony CDP(s), there are only the analogue outputs via RCA and a TOSLINK for digital out.
|With volume control for the headphones
|Only TOSLINK for digital out
|With covers removed
|Angled view from rear
|Close-up of the main board with everything including the analogue audio components (on LHS side of board)
How does the unit sound?
Pretty good for a stock unit. Details are reproduced with above average quality - enough to enable one to distinguish various instruments in most music genre without requiring much concentration. Good overall reproduction of the CD fed, though not to the standard of a ES-series CDP.
While testing the unit to ensure it was in ok condition, discovered the CDP can be picky on the type of inter-connect utilised - preference for plain but good quality pure copper interconnects.


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I don't have my 100th day for another month or so, but I know a lot of you are celebrating it right about now. I shared these last year, but I wanted to post them again just in case you missed them.
You can get download these freebies HERE:
Here are some other activities that I'll be doing on the 100th day of school:
Jenn from Finally in First has some super cute ideas including 100 year portraits. You must check these out if you haven't already seen them!
Little Miss Kindergarten has an adorable sorting sheet for 100th day snack. LOVE this!
Kelley from Teacher Idea Factory has ADORABLE 100th day hat. She is too cute! What a creative idea. :)


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I am a clinical psychologist with a doctorate in organisational and environmental psychology.
Since 1998, I have been working independently with international organisations, governments, non-government organisations, women's networks, companies, consultancies, and research institutions.
I develop, coach and facilitate processes that involve a multitude of different people, cultures and interest groups in the context of sustainable development, climate change, and gender issues.
This includes organizational and network development, partnership brokering, corporate strategy making, inter-governmental dialogues, training in process design and facilitation, advocacy, and evaluation.
I have a lot of experience with international policy making, facilitating, training, writing and presenting. I most enjoy seeing people developing and fulfilling their potential; as well as working together and achieving common goals: sometimes in the conference rooms, often in the corridors, and mostly in the cities and villages where sustainable development is becoming real, rather than being talked about.
I work developing new initiatives and supporting existing ones, learning from people, environments and experiences. I enjoy dialogue, reflection, and action.
My languages are English, German, and a bit of French.
I also do non-for-profit work with the MSP Institute eV, an international charitable association based in Berlin, Germany.
Knowledge & Skills
Stakeholder Participation, Dialogue and Multi-stakeholder Partnerships. Wide experience with multi-stakeholder partnerships and participatory processes, including their design and facilitation, with excellent people skills across cultures and interests. Gained a leading role in the international discourse on and practice of multi-stakeholder processes.
Gender issues / Intergroup Relations. Social scientific expertise in intergroup relations, women's / gender studies, networking, mentoring, people and environment interactions. Proven skills of translating empirical research into effective input for policy-makers.
Programme Development and Implementation. Proven ability to initiate and implement programmes, manage small and large scale activities within tight timelines, raise funds from a variety of donors, and maintain effective external relations.
Team Membership and Leadership. Wide experience as an effective, reliable team member in non-government, academic, and multi-stakeholder settings; accomplished as a leader of small and large teams of global and diverse membership.
Writing and Presenting. Accomplished as an author and speaker in a variety of settings.
Sustainable Development. Extensive knowledge of sustainable development issues and processes; wide experience with participating and taking leadership roles in relevant fora of governments, intergovernmental bodies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, representing multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives, NGOs, women's organizations, governments.


text: Know Dabo? Know Dabo? Dabo is a Chair Professor in Climate Change Economics at School of International Development, University of East Anglia, a Senior Member of St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge, and a Distinguished Professor at Tsinghua University, China. He is a Fellow of Royal Geographical Society. He is the Director of Water Security Research Centre at UEA. He serves as a Subject Editor of Applied Energy (Impact Factor: 7.182 and 2.6 million downloads in 2016). He is a council member of the Rockefeller Foundation Economic Council on Planetary Health. He served as a Lead Author for the 5th Assessment Report of Working Group III, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Dabo has published over 120 articles, including articles published in Nature, Science, Nature Climate Change, Nature Geoscience, Nature Communication and PNAS. His h index is 34 and has over 7500 times citations. He won the Leontief Prize 3 times and my paper at Environmental Science & Technology won the "Top Policy Paper 2007" and the PNAS Cozzarelli Prize 2014. He won the Philip Leverhulme Prizes (to award outstanding scholars who have made a substantial and recognised contribution to their particular field of study, recognised at an international level). Dabo landed in the UK in 2000 and gained a BA in Environmental Management with Science in 2003 at University of Leeds. He studied further and obtained a PhD in Ecological Economics by 2007 from Leeds. Dabo spent about 5 years in Cambridge as a Postdoctoral researcher and later as a junior faculty. In between, Dabo worked for World Wild Fund (WWF) for a year as an Economist. He re-joined University of Leeds in 2011 as an Associate professor and then appointed to a Chair by University of East Anglia in 2014. Dabo specialises in ecological economics, international climate change mitigation policies, climate change adaption modelling, scenario analysis on environmental impacts, footprint accounting and resources management, input-output techniques and their applications in both developed and developing countries. He has been leading several international consortium projects and research fellowships funded by Newton Fund, AXA and RCUK. See his latest papers and media reports (English / Chinese) and Google Scholar.


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Introduction Companies which handle packaging services must be able to provide a variety of options to their consumers. They must be able to meet consumer demands when parcels need to be shipped and received within a designated timeframe. UPS is a global company which meets all of these needs. Describe Main Line of Business of the Company United Parcel Service started out as the American Messenger Company founded by 19 year old James Casey in Seattle, Washington back in 1907. Most deliveries were made on foot or bicycle. It wasn't until 1919 that the adopted name, United Parcel Service became official.
write my history essay for me
This was because "United" served as a reminder that every retail expansions were part of the overall organization. "Parcel" was the nature of the business, and "Service" was what the organization offered. Today, UPS, as it is now formally known since 2003 has grown to become the world's largest and leading packaging delivery service via air, ocean, ground and electronic sources to over 200 countries worldwide (UPS). Name Four Countries in which the Company Operates The home base of the United Parcel Service is Atlanta, Georgia.
It was in 1975 that they first went international providing services in Toronto, Canada with an air hub now in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1976, services were offered in Germany and domestic air service began in 1989. Six European countries became the focus of international air delivery services with the United States in 1985. The first non-stop delivery service was launched between the United States and Guangzhou, China in 1985 and has since acquired interest in China, providing access to 23 cities which is more than 80% of their international trade (UPS).
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Implementation of Competition Ethical marketing behavior is one of the greatest assets to the competitive strategy of UPS. This is because it is used to dictate what is morally right and just. These standards drive companies that compete in the global marketplace because they affect social and economic behavior through laws and regulation which can create ethical dilemmas (Kerin, 2011). UPS uses this in order to provide services worldwide because they do not change their ethical standards even though there is a variety of languages and cultures.
Another asset was the development of the UPS Logistics Group in 1995, which provides consulting services and management solutions based solely on a consumer's individuals needs (UPS). Implementation of Target Market The target market for UPS are individual consumers, retail businesses, big and small businesses and any organization which needs mail or parcel deliveries to be shipped to individuals or other businesses either nationally or internationally. Implementation of Product Strategy UPS provides many options to their consumers for delivery services.
They are able to set the timeframe of when their packages are to be received at their destination. Consumers are able to estimate costs, track their shipments, schedule pickups, create or cancel shipments and order UPS supplies online through the UPS website or in one of its many retail locations (UPS). It also supplies an online tool function, UPS OnLine Tools, which provides businesses the opportunity to integrate their tracking information, ratings, address validation as well as other functions to help with the businesses (Levy, 2001).
Implementation of Distribution Strategy UPS promotes it service through their website, which is one of the most visited sites on the Internet with an average of 20. 7 page views a day and 8,5 million customers daily (UPS). It also provides delivery services by air, ocean, railway, motorcycles or motor vehicles. They are also available to consumers through worldwide retail outlets. Implementation of Communication Strategy
UPS uses a variety of mixed media to promote their services to consumers. These include print, online and television advertising. Web sites contain product and service information, news updates as well as contact information and is user friendly (Kerin, 2011). Call center services are available to consumers and businesses, thru leasing, to provide fulfillment and shipping of their products out to their customers. UPS currently provides the back-end support to Nike. om in which they are responsible for all shipments of the Nike products out to their customers who purchased them (Levy, 2001). Implementation of Pricing Strategy The pricing strategy of UPS is based on their competition. They want to establish lower prices in order to retain returning consumers. Prices are individually based on the services needed by consumers. These would include type of transportation needed for delivery, where the package is being shipped to and the timeframe in which it needs to arrive at its destination.
Prices for international shipments must be calculated using the currency exchange rate and competitive pricing of the country as well as the income of consumers who live there (Ebert & Griffin, 2011). Differences in Implementation: From One Country to Another UPS serves over 200 countries worldwide. Rules and regulations vary. It is important to know the legal terms and conditions, forms needed as well as restricted items for each country in order to make a shipment go through efficiently.
UPS provides these items for consumers on their website for potential consumers. Not every country has the same rules so it is imperative for UPS to provide the consumer with everything they need to know to determine what they need when shipping to other countries. Conclusion Delivery services are genuinely needed by everyone. UPS provides low cost services both nationally and internationally which can boost an organization's success. They supply all the information needed for an efficient shipment. This is why they are the largest packaging delivery service today.


text: Philadelphia Subrogation Attorney Representing the Interests of Insurance Companies Outside of the insurance industry, the concept of subrogation might be a wholly unfamiliar term. As a consequence, insureds do not always understand that their cooperation in the process is beneficial for them and their insurance company. Read "Just When You Thought You Didn't Need an Expert...Damages!" in Subrogator Magazine, co-authored by Jesse M. Cohen, Director of the Subrogation Department Our attorneys are recognized as being among the leaders nationwide in various types of complex litigation, and we have a track record that includes securing more than $4 billion in settlements and verdicts, including the single largest landowner verdict in the U.S. Contact us today to request a complimentary consultation with our helpful and knowledgeable staff. Form Downloads New Loss Evidence Transfer Workers' Compensation Categories More information about: Workers' Compensation Subrogation Property Subrogation More 100 Years of Shared Prowess: Dial 215.764.3008 As an insurance company, you must recognize the need for sophisticated litigation representation that utilizes an aggressive subrogation strategy. Reimbursement of loss payouts, including fees and costs, directly go to your bottom line. By retaining our firm in your loss recapture claims, you can dramatically increase your chances of boosting your own company's revenue through successful subrogation. Whether your case involves property damage or workers' compensation or title insurance, our Philadelphia subrogation firm has the experience and skill to maximize these recoveries on your behalf. Get the legal guidance you need for this complicated form of litigation. Contact us today.


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.TF is the toplevel for domain names in French Southern and Antartic Territories. Realtime Register is an accredited AFNIC Registrar. We can register, transfer or change your .TF domain names quickly and efficient. The Registry for .TF domain names can be found at NIC TF
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The admin contact needs to reside in the European economic zone.
The technical contact for a .TF domain has to be an organization.
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text:
- Mobile Site
- Maps
- Contact Us
What should I do if I can't meet an assignment deadline?
One of the best things about taking an online class is the flexibility of being able to study on your own schedule. Deadlines are set for online classes to keep you, the student, on track to finish the course on time. However, there are always times in life that you may hit a curve in the road, and it may be impossible for you to get an assignment turned in on time. In this case, your best plan of action is to email the instructor, let her know the reason you cannot meet the deadline, and give a specific date (no later than three days) when you will turn in the assignment. If you neglect to communicate your issues to the instructor, it may result in your assignment not being accepted at a later date.
How important is communication in an online class?
Communication is the most important aspect of an online class. Because you do not meet in a face-to-face environment, the only way to get your questions answered or to share your thoughts with the class is through course mail and discussion board communication.
Course mailing your instructor is of the utmost importance, since it is the only way your instructor will know if you are struggling with an assignment or are having problems keeping up with the course schedule.
The discussion board is a great way to share your views on a subject with the rest of the class. Just as you would participate in an active discussion in a classroom, the discussion board allows you to do the same thing in an online environment.
How do I post to the Discussion Board?
What is the etiquette of the Discussion Board?
Discussion Board etiquette is no different than classroom etiquette. In other words, treat your classmates with respect, period.
To allow for orderly learning and discourse, students are to follow the rules of online courtesy, including refraining from use of sexist, racist, off-color, or demeaning language or behavior, sometimes referred to as "flaming." This is a college course and student vocabulary and word choice should be appropriate to a college classroom. Students will stay on-topic, handling non-class related matters over off-line posts.
How are discussions graded?
In order to get full points for a discussion board, you must follow the directions from your instructor. Sometimes, it is required to post one original comment and reply to two of your classmates' postings. That is a total of three times you need to post per discussion item.
Discussion points are awarded based on the class grading scale and department policies. Sometimes, they are required and sometimes they are graded. Depending on your instructor, your individual postings may also be awarded points based on your input into the conversation. Frequently, if you simply state "I agree" or something equally as short and non-instructive, this will not receive as many points as a well thought out response that adds to the discussion postings.
While you may think discussion points are not as important as other assignments, this is untrue. Discussion points can either make your grade or break your grade (should you fail to participate in the discussions). In other words, final grades may be lowered by as much as two letter grades from non-participation. Discussion is an important percentage of online courses so participate wholeheartedly.
How often do I need to check the discussion board?
You should be logging on to the discussion board throughout the week of the current discussion. It is extremely important that you stay on schedule with your discussion board postings. It does not do any good for you to reply to a classmate who has already moved on to the next discussion board topic - or the next week of assignments for that matter. In the same respect, if you post to a discussion late, no one will get to read your insightful posting, so post early and post often.
Some courses require a first post by a certain day of the week. Many courses will have a "post first" which means you must make your first post before seeing classmate posts.
How do I send an email to the instructor?
Click the Inbox button in the Canvas (LearningZone) global navigation menu, which is the blue vertical bar located on the left side of the screen. To compose a new message, click on the button showing a box and pencil in the top-center area of the screen. Select your course and then browse for your instructor by typing his/her name or by clicking on the people icon at the far right of the To line. Once you have filled in the Subject line and the message area, click the Send button.
How do I send an attachment via Canvas Course mail?
In the bottom left corner of the box in which you are composing a Canvas message, you will see a paperclip icon that allows you to add an attachment. Click the paperclip button and select the file you wish to attach. When the file has been successfully attached, you will see the file name in the bottom portion of the Canvas message box. When you are finished composing your message and adding attachments, click Send.
How do I check my grade?
On the Course Homepage, click the "Grades" area. This will allow you to view your grade statistics
Please let the instructor know if you have a grade missing that you believe should be there or if there is a grade you feel is posted incorrectly.
When will I know my final grade for the course?
Final grades must be posted to Records shortly after the semester ends. Students will see their final grades in Dragon Zone at least a week after the course ending date.
How do I take an exam or quiz in Canvas (LearningZone)?
Quizzes and exams are located within the course modules. They can be easily identified by the green circle with a white Q in it. These icons are located to the immediate left of the assignment names.
When I finished an exam, it did not automatically post my grade. Why?
Exams or quizzes that do not have essay questions will automatically post a grade as soon as you submit your answers. However, exams that include essay questions must be graded by the instructor before a grade is posted to the system. This allows the instructor to read your answers to the essay questions and award points based on the validity and thoroughness of your answers.
If you would like your exam graded (that has essay questions) in an expedient manner, you need to let the instructor know that you have completed the exam. The system does not automatically notify the instructor that there is an exam to grade


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I will be taking a break from my three weekly blogs, The Overnight Bestseller, Open Investigations, and Behind the Walls of Nightmare so I can focus on completing the first novel in my new Canadian crime series.
Thanks to all of you who continue to follow my blogs. I expect to be back at the end of August with an update on the new series.
I will continue to post reviews as part of the Tribute Books blog tour. Next week's review on The Overnight Bestseller will feature Dianne Ascroft's Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves.
In the meantime, I will remain active on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great summer, everyone!


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Personalised Wedding Soy Candle - Cupid's Arrow
The Cupid's Arrow soy candle is part of the Designer Candle Range for Weddings.The price includes image, photo (optional) and wording on front of candle as shown in above picture. The large soy candles are 12.5cm (with lid) x 8.2cm x 9.0cm (base) and burn approx. 55hours.
We are very proud to say that each and every one of our soy candles are 100% hand made by us. We still hand blend and pour them at home, using only the finest ingredients. We use more the the recommended ratio of fragrance oil to wax to ensure a beautiful strong scent to our candles.
If you wish to have a different graphic instead of the standard one
shown in the design, then please specify by ticking the 'additional
graphics', then quote the number found next to the chosen graphics. The
colour of the graphic will match your colour theme or design. Alternatively, email us with the graphic that you would like to use.
Once order has been placed, please email the photo that you wish to have on your candle/s.
Love + Light from the Wickitywick Team x


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|Illy Alien Cups UFO
|Sunday, 08 March 2009 11:02
In 2000, David Byrne designed a set of collectible espresso cups for the Italian coffee brand Illy. The alien espresso cups were sold as boxed sets. In addition, a special limited edition of "spaceship" packaging was produced in 2001 and quickly sold out. There were 1,000 units in the spaceship edition, as well as 250 so-called "artists proofs", each individually numbered and with printed signatures. A limited number of spaceships were hold back and this limited inventory -all from the Artists Proof edition- is now available for as long as stock lasts during the European leg of David's current tour (which starts in Dusseldorf March 9th).
A set will be on display at the merchandise stand at every show, but the sets can only be purchased on-line for logistic reasons. Flyers with additional info on the sets and ordering info will be available at the merch stand as well.


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Hay Fever
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About Hay Fever
What is hay fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. Unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens such as grass and pollen. Hay fever is extremely common; it affects one in four people in the UK.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Hay fever symptoms typically mimic that of the common cold. These can include:
- Runny and/or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy nose
- Itchy roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-coloured skin under the eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by allergens, specifically pollen. Pollen is a fine powder that comes from plants. Exposure to allergens, such as grass and tree pollen, causes people with allergies to exhibit hay fever symptoms.
Typically, hay fever is worse at certain times of the year, specifically between late March and September. This is because these allergens are most present at that time of the year.
The allergens that most frequently cause hay fever are:
- Trees (late March to mid-May)
- Grass (mid-May to July)
- Weeds (end of June to September)
Some very early flowering trees produce pollen as early as January, meaning hayfever symptoms for people allergic to tree pollen can start at the very beginning of the year.
How can you treat hay fever?
There are several types of treatments for hay fever, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Pharmacological treatments include antihistamine tablets. In addition, you can take a nasal spray to help ease congestion which is one of the most common symptoms of hay fever.
If standard hay fever treatments are no longer effective in treating your symptoms, your doctor can prescribe steroids or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy involves being introduced to small amounts of pollen, either through an injection or tablet, to build up an immunity to it. This treatment generally starts approximately 3 months before the hay fever season begins.
How can you try to prevent hay fever?
Medication such as antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays are typically the best way to treat hay fever. However, there are some precautions you can take at home to protect yourself from allergens. These can help prevent your hay fever symptoms from worsening:
- Vacuum and dust regularly
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home
- Don't cut or walk on grass
- Don't smoke or be around smoke as smoking makes your symptoms worse. Consider Champix to help you quit smoking.
- Allergy UK recommends monitoring the pollen forecast each day and staying indoors on days where the pollen count is likely to be high.
- Avoid drying washing outside on days when the pollen count is likely to be high.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell the difference between hay fever and a cold?
There are a few differences between the common cold and hay fever:
- Hay fever occurs immediately following exposure to allergens, while a cold occurs 1-3 days after exposure to a cold virus
- Hay fever only lasts as long as you're exposed to the allergens, while a cold will typically last 3-7 days
- A cold will have additional symptoms, such as a low-grade fever and body aches
Can you buy cheap hayfever tablets online?
Yes, you can purchase affordable hayfever tablets, as well as other hayfever treatments, online.
Does hay fever make you tired?
Yes. Generally, one of the symptoms of hay fever is tiredness. This, in addition to the other hay fever symptoms, can really affect your everyday life. There are a number of medications that can ease your hay fever symptoms.
What can you do if your hay fever tablets are not working?
If your hay fever tablets are not providing you with relief from your allergy symptoms, you should go see your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe either steroids or immunotherapy to alleviate your hay fever symptoms. However, this is only necessary in severe cases. Most people's hay fever can be treated using one of these allergy medications.
Can you cure hay fever?
No, hay fever cannot be cured, however, there are medications you can take to ease your symptoms. In addition, there are precautions you can take to minimize your exposure to the allergens that cause hay fever, such as closing the windows in your house and vacuuming regularly.


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Stay ahead of developments in federal and state health care law, regulation and transactions with timely, expert news and analysis.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Oct. 22 sent a subpoena to the Department of Health and Human Services for documents related to the creation of a Medicare managed care demonstration project, a committee spokesman told BNA.
Committee Chairman Darrell E. Issa (R-Calif.) last week threatened HHS with a subpoena for failing to turn over relevant documents related to the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration.
In an Oct. 17 letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, GOP committee leaders said the department had failed to provide information requested numerous times about the program and that the committee would begin the "compulsory" process to obtain them if not provided by Oct. 18.
The committee said HHS late Oct. 18 provided 1,300 pages of information, but they did not contain enough detail about the demo.
HHS declined to comment on the issue Oct. 22.
Committee Republicans have charged HHS with using the demo to defray Medicare Advantage reimbursement cuts in the Affordable Care Act to help President Obama's standing with seniors before the November election. The department has denied the charge, saying the demo will allow HHS to test new ideas for saving Medicare money and is improving the quality of MA plans.
Republicans also have pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office report that found the demo was unlikely to produce meaningful results and questioned HHS's authority to establish the demo, which will cost $8.3 billion over 10 years (see previous article).
Committee Democrats have said HHS could have done a better job of explaining the demo, but said the investigation is overtly political.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates MA plan sponsors for quality on a one-to-five star scale, with five stars representing the highest quality. The demonstration offers plans bonuses if they have a rating of at least three stars.
In contrast, under ACA, MA benchmarks would have been increased so that plans would be required to have four or five stars to receive bonuses.
By Steve Teske
All Bloomberg BNA treatises are available on standing order, which ensures you will always receive the most current edition of the book or supplement of the title you have ordered from Bloomberg BNA's book division. As soon as a new supplement or edition is published (usually annually) for a title you've previously purchased and requested to be placed on standing order, we'll ship it to you to review for 30 days without any obligation. During this period, you can either (a) honor the invoice and receive a 5% discount (in addition to any other discounts you may qualify for) off the then-current price of the update, plus shipping and handling or (b) return the book(s), in which case, your invoice will be cancelled upon receipt of the book(s). Call us for a prepaid UPS label for your return. It's as simple and easy as that. Most importantly, standing orders mean you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you're relying on. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.960.1220 or by sending an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
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This Bloomberg BNA report is available on standing order, which ensures you will all receive the latest edition. This report is updated annually and we will send you the latest edition once it has been published. By signing up for standing order you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you need. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.372.1033, option 5, or by sending us an email to email@example.com.
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Mind-Mapping Method for Note Taking
Mind Maps are visual diagrams with lines and pictures that represent ideas and the relationships between ideas.
Mind Maps are great, not only for taking notes, but also for brainstorming and planning. This style of note taking is effective because it is a fast and efficent way of getting down branching ideas with one or two words, not lengthy explanations. The use of pictures, color, and creativity is encouraged. Mind mapping is about the process of creating the diagram as much as it is about making studying easier.
To create a Mind Map, first put the main idea in the center of the page. Then branch supporting ideas off of this main ideas. Further branch supporting ideas into more specific details. You can continue branching until ideas are fully illustrated.
Return to Note Taking


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Quick Stroke Treatment Can Save Your Life
By Dr. Claudia Aguilar-Chalela
In Mexico, ten patients die of a stroke every hour. As medical director of the H+ Hospital in San Miguel, I oversee both the emergency medical teams and protocols applied to stroke victims. It is my responsibility to ensure that all nurses, technicians, and physicians are properly trained and credentialed as well as board certified in emergency medical procedures. ER doctors are certified by Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
H+'s emergency medical guidelines include a comprehensive program for full stroke recovery. The program is called "Código PILAR" (Programa Integral para la Recuperación Cerebral). It is applied to adults with signs and symptoms of sudden neurological deficit (stroke). Quick Stroke Treatment, an FDA-approved treatment for ischemic strokes, is part of H+ Hospital´s Emergency Medical Protocol.
When the Red Cross has identified that a patient has potential stroke symptoms, they apply the FAST test.
F – FACE: Smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A – ARMS: Raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – SPEECH: Repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T – TIME: If you observe any of these signs, take action.
Red Cross EMTs are trained in ACLS and can identify when a patient tests positive for the FAST test. While in transit, they will radio the ER physician at the H+ Hospital and communicate the patient´s vital signs, medical history, and medications.
The H+ ER doctor will immediately activate the Código PILAR and alert the entire emergency medical and administrative team to prepare for patient arrival. The patient is taken directly to the emergency room; the ER doctor corroborates the patient´s diagnosis using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. The ER nurse applies an intravenous infusion and lab tests are taken. Meanwhile, the on-call neurosurgeon is called and arrives within 15 minutes.
The patient is rushed to the imaging room for the CT scan and then moved to the ICU.
The neurosurgeon and radiologist check the CT scan for inclusive criteria for thrombolysis (clot busting). They will also determine if the patient has had an ischemic stroke (when an artery to the brain is blocked) or hemorrhagic stroke (when a weakened blood vessel ruptures).
If it is an ischemic stroke, a tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) injection will be applied; tPA injections dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the affected part of the brain. If the tPA is administered within three to four and a half hours of onset of stroke symptoms, the clot buster can significantly reduce the effects of ischemic strokes. It is applied only after confirming CT scan results.
At H+ our goal is to complete the Código PILAR sequence within a 60-minute time frame.
I invite you to contact our board certified doctors regarding emergency medical protocols. I also welcome you to attend our upcoming preventative health talks offered by Peace of Mind in San Miguel & H+ Hospital.
Dr. Claudia is the CEO of H+ Hospital San Miguel; she started her practice here 24 years ago as a bilingual & bicultural board certified doctor.


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Nature's Herbs Artichoke Extract Description: Cynara Scolymus. Preferred Concentration 15 Mg. Caffeoylquinic Acids Per Capsule. Certified potency artichoke-power is the highest quality, most potent and most effective form of artichoke extract available. A rich source of caffeoylquinic acids, artichoke-power is standardized with the greatest concentration of naturally-balanced active principles while retaining and enhancing all the whole-plant synergistic benefits, thus making it one of the world's finest and purest concentrated plant extracts. Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
© Copyright 2014 | Ninja Sitemap


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|By Dnalor 01 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0
via Wikimedia Commons
But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, 'Where are you?' He said, 'I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.' He said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?' The man said, 'The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.'
And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles,
to be with him...
...and while they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.'
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness
we have received the bread we offer you:
fruit of the earth and work of human hands,
it will become for us the bread of life.
'Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, "You shall not eat of it", cursed is the ground because of you;
in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.
By the sweat of your face
you shall eat bread
until you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.'
until you return to the ground,
for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.'
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness
we have received the wine we offer you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands it will become our spiritual drink.
...Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.'
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, 'Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?'
That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, 'The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!' Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.


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Raj Kushwaha is based in New York, joined the firm in 2012 and serves as chief technology officer responsible for technology diligence with prospective investments, as well as ongoing work with the firm's existing portfolio companies. He brings over 25 years of experience in leading commercial software product development, strategic planning, technology operations, business transformation, ERP implementations, and process outsourcing initiatives at Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kushwaha held senior management positions at Zimmer Holdings Inc., Dell Computer Corporation, First Data Corporation (FDC), Cummins Engine Company and Safway, Inc. He has been recognized as one of the top 100 IT innovators in the automotive/manufacturing industry, is the recipient of a CIO 100 innovation award and has filed numerous patents in the field of disruptive services technologies. Mr. Kushwaha holds an M.S. in management of technology from MIT, an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and Idaho State University; a B.S. in electrical engineering from India and completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard University.
Years of private equity experience, deep industry knowledge, and unparalleled networks of resources enable our team of approximately 200 investment professionals to identify opportunities, attract outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders, and ultimately partner effectively with management teams to grow successful businesses in today's dynamic environment.


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GOLDEN — "The Road to Mecca," in a taut production at Miners Alley Playhouse, is profound in what it says, and what it implies, about society, aging, love, art and race in apartheid-era South Africa.
Inspired by the story of the iconoclastic Afrikaner artist Helen Martins, "The Road to Mecca" refers to Miss Helen's fascination with the concept of Mecca as an ultimate destination. Set in 1974, two years before Helen Martins' death, the play is set in a room with vividly hued walls embellished with glittering mosaics.
Outsider artist Miss Helen (Deborah Curtis) is frumpy and a bit pixilated, responding with fluttery surprise to an unexpected visit from her young friend and fan Elsa (Miriam BC Tobin ). Elsa, a spirited opponent to apartheid, worries that her old friend is dangerously depressed. Elsa discovers that the local church council wants to move Miss Helen from her home and whimsical sculptures to a bland pensioners' apartment.
Most people in Miss Helen's South Africa hometown disapprove of her reclusive ways, and dislike the extraordinary sculptures that populate her yard and home. Their censure, and a candle accident that led to a scorched curtain, help galvanize the efforts of Marius, a local pastor (Tim Fishbaugh), to force the move, despite Miss Helen's reluctance.
Infuriated by this campaign, Elsa tells Miss Helen to resist, to the pastor's displeasure.
When Elsa and Marius heatedly debate Miss Helen's future, leaving Miss Helen to sit unnoticed, it is impossible not to see the parallels between the Afrikaners discussing how to handle the "colored people," without listening to a word from the people whose lives are at stake.
The same disenfranchisement applies to elders who wish to remain in their own familiar homes, instead of relocating to what developers sunnily call "assisted living communities."
And yet, even while Miss Helen remains silent, it's easy to understand Elsa's impatience with Miss Helen's fretful indecision. Does she embrace the idea of herself as the perpetual victim? Does she have an inkling of the role she plays in abetting her own fortune?
Watching, you root for Miss Helen to take a stand in the face of Elsa's sniping, and to call Marius on his insufferable condescension.
And then, in a speech as luminous and sparkling as her own fascination with light, Miss Helen becomes absolutely splendid.
Director Len Matheo , who also is responsible for the excellent South African music (Soweto jazz, Johnny Clegg) that plays before and after the show, and during intermission, extracts masterfully calibrated performances from a talented cast. If the first act is a bit slow (and it is), it was written that way to make the dynamic second act all the more forceful.
"The Road to Mecca" draws attention to a subject — aging — that Americans need to not only address, but tackle headlong. Waiting for the default answer, being willing to let others make the decisions instead of accepting responsibility as the authors of our own fates — that is the road to tragedy, not to Mecca.
Claire Martin: 303-954-1477, email@example.com or twitter.com/byclairemartin
THE ROAD TO MECCA Script by Athol Fugard. Directed by Len Matheo. With Deborah Curtis, Miriam BC Tobin and Tim Fishbaugh. Stage manager: Bryanna Scott. Set design: Peggy Morgan Stenmark. Dialect coach: Joey Wishnia. Through May 4 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave., Golden. Tickets $23 at 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com


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Hello Everyone,
Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. Things with a 4 year old get hectic. Since I haven't posted lately I thought I'd give an update on recent events.
School Days?
A few weeks ago, I was told by daycare that since she would be 5 before the deadline, Riley would start Kindergarten this August. When I tell you I was not prepared for this at all, I mean it hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew that she(and I)weren't ready for big school. I had planned on keeping her at her excellent daycare one more year, because she is testing at about a year delay, I felt this would give her some "catch up" time and lead to successful school days. After several hours of crying, and with the help of my wonderful Mom(THANK YOU SO MUCH!!)I was able to explain to the local school board, the special ed coordinator to be exact, our situation. Not only did I not feel like Riley was ready for school she is so small(she only wears 24months-2T and she'll be 5 this year). The woman explained that I did not have to enroll Riley in Kindergarten this year, that she could wait one more year to start and that because of her special needs, school district was not a determining factor because we can send her to the school we feel has the best programs for her. WHAT A RELIEF!! So in August, if she is to old for daycare, then we will be sending Riley to a preschool program at a local elementary school where Gerard's cousin is a Kindergarten teacher, then next year she will attend there and have a familiar teacher. That should help ease my anxieties about school. It is amazing how fast they grow. When Riley was born, I thought it would be forever before I was worried about school, but that day has come.
Ballerina? After 3 weeks of dance class, with no significant progress, I was facing a difficult decision. I did not want to give up on Riley, but with her not participating and spending the entire class running around, nor did I want to pay for her to run(something she can do at home for free). My mother-in-law went with us to dance and was pretty irritated that neither of the teachers engaged Riley or even tried to get her to join the group and participate. I asked for a withdrawal form and then something wonderful happened. Watching on the tv monitors(parents aren't allowed in class) I saw Riley joining the group. The head teacher decided to hold her hand and say Riley you will be my partner. The rest of the class she stood right by the teacher and participated. Even attempting the ballet positions, so I know she had been watching at least. During a bathroom break, I snuck in a told Riley how proud I was of her. The teacher said, "to be honest with you, I was scared to try to make her participate and stand by me because I didn't want to hurt her feelings, but now that I know that this is what she needs she'll be my partner. Riley really seemed to enjoy the rest of the class,I think she felt special standing up front with the teacher, and given the extra attention, she may turn out to be a prima ballerina after all.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Posted by punkymama at 11:39 AM
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Consumer Goods and Retail Hospitality Experience Programme
Increase business opportunities, manage and mitigate risk and showcase your hotel to tour operators and travellers alike, with SGS's hospitality excellence programme.
International ratings systems vary dramatically in format, key performance indicators (KPIs) and transparency. Our hospitality excellence programme helps you to stand out from the crowd, by offering customers, tour operators and insurers independently verified confirmation of your establishment's food safety and environmental management practices.
Unlike existing certification schemes, this programme is voluntary and based on regular, unannounced third party assessments of an establishment. It helps ensure that its management is aware of potential risks and takes appropriate measures to reduce them.
Reflecting market needs, this programme comprises one mandatory module, food safety, and a range of voluntary modules. The voluntary modules are currently under development.
Food safety
- All aspects of food sourcing, management and preparation
- Hygiene and cleanliness of storage, preparation and serving areas
All voluntary modules meet specific establishment and client needs and have standard operating procedures (SOP) and a checklist.
Audit results can be used for benchmarking and comparison across enterprises, both domestically and internationally. Our auditors deliver consistent results, wherever they are located, thereby ensuring that audit results are comparable around the world. Additionally, clients can identify and analyse trends using the Steton tool.
The process
Businesses participating in this programme agree the modules to be included, a minimum number of interventions and regular unannounced assessments. The number of on-site assessments may be varied according to the establishment's performance and any risks identified. All sample testing is conducted in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
SGS performance mark
Establishments meeting the hospitality excellence programme criteria qualify for a Certificate of Compliance and can use the SGS Approval Performance Mark on premises and marketing tools to highlight their success.
Compulsory and voluntary schemes in combination
Our hospitality excellence programme draws together legal compliance needs with the best of the voluntary schemes:
- SGS Hygiene Monitored Programme
- Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1 – 1969 Rev. 4 (2003)
- HACCP pre-requisites
- Federation of Tour Operators – Food Hygiene, Preferred Code of Practice (June 2007)
- Reviewed testing limits, and for swabbing: DIN 10516:2009-05, Food Hygiene – Cleaning & Disinfection
- Applicable local regulations
Why choose the hospitality excellence programme from SGS?
With a presence in nearly every single region around the globe, our experts speak the local language, understand the culture of the local market and operate consistently and reliably. We have a harmonised approach to delivering services to our customers, leveraging the largest independent network of hospitality and food service experts in the world.
Find out more, contact us today.


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Our pets are like family. So when we travel, we'd often love to take them along. It's easier than ever to do now that many hotels and airlines extend their hospitality to our four-legged friends. But there are some doggy dos and kitty don'ts for traveling with your pet that are best to follow (for their sake, and yours).
Health Check
All pets require a clean bill of health before you jet off, so schedule an appointment with the vet a couple of weeks before your trip. If your pet is taking any medications, stock up on refills a few days before you leave town to ensure that you have enough to last the whole trip. Bring a portable water dish to keep them hydrated and bring enough of your pet's preferred food to avoid tummy trouble from a sudden change in diet.
Carry On
Packing a good animal carrier is key. If you're traveling by plane or train, contact the airline or railway to find out about carrier size restrictions. Leave a new carrier open and out for several days before your departure so your pet can explore it at their leisure. Placing a favorite blanket or toy inside that's imprinted with their scent will also make the carrier feel friendlier to your pet. And it's a good idea to line it with a puppy pee pad in case of an accident en route.
Very Accommodating
When planning your accommodations, make sure they accept pets before you book. Some hotels charge fees or have weight limits or restrictions on the number of pets. Try these animal-friendly hotels, motels and car-rental companies:
- Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and National are all pet-friendly car-rental companies. Just make sure to return your car free of pet hair to avoid cleaning fees.
- Hilton has 378 properties that will pamper your pet.
- All Motel 6 locations allow one pet per room, with no extra fees or deposits.
- Pets are welcome at more than 1,600 Best Western hotels.
- Baymont Inn and Suites, Days Inn, Howard Johnson and Ramada accept pets at many of their locations. Call ahead to ask about their pet policies.
Have you ever traveled with a pet? Tell us about it in the comments below.
By Rhonda Riche


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We met Kezia (who is from Brazil originally) this past winter holiday, where I spent the majority of it fatly pregnant and spewing forth illness for three solid (or, rather, unsolid) days, so I didn't quite get to know her, though I did have the opportunity to observe some very cheerful game-playing with the four-year-old nephew Jimmy, whom I adore. I look forward to more adventures and their beautiful celebration this late summer. Congratulations, congratulations.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Congratulations are in order: a week ago, Kezia made an honest man of my brother-in-law in a courthouse in Denver, Colorado. Eric is Ryan's older brother, though people who learn it are often surprised, not only because Ryan's hairline is rapidly slipping back and his beard gives him a mature look, but also because Ryan has all the "grown up" accessories--the house, the wife, the child, the job that stretches back several years, and on. Eric majored in recreational management in college and can be found in gorgeous cities in the west--we've visited him in Mt Hood and Lake Tahoe, and now we'll see him in August in Colorado for his wedding celebration--where he works closely with snowboards and kayaks and is known to spend summers living in corners of the mountain in a tent with a cooler of beer. He has the capability to make friends with just about anyone, as he has the Kiefer-traited "good heart," and perhaps would make a good poster boy for the term "free spirit."
3 comments:
- Inspiration said...
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- April 19, 2011 at 11:50 AM
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Trisha told me that while she was attending school in Hawaii the tri team had a rule, you can't leave the race site with your race gear on. Apparently this guy didn't get the memo. Not only did he leave the race site with his gear on, he kept it on all the way to the airport.
BTW, Garel pictures from IMFL are up on Picasa web
Total Waffle House past on the drive from Austin to Panama City Beach = 30.
Michael, Diana and I visited one the morning after the race. It was the first visit for each of us. We encountered a rude A-type triathlete waiting for a table but our overly kind waitress made up for it.
Later that night we went out for dinner and our triathlete friend from earlier happened to be at the same place. As they were leaving his friend was taking pictures of some girl's behind, these guys seemed like real winners. It's amazing what you witness after the race.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Only in Kona
Posted by Mich at 11:57 AM
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