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Every few hundred posts, I like to take a few moments and take a look back at what's been happening in this space. And this is post number 500. I decided to skip the update on number 400, so we've got some catching up to do.
Looking back at the last 200 posts (it took just less than a year to write them), I see three distinct spikes in traffic. One came last August when I went to a Radiohead show. Any time you mention Radiohead, the fans come flocking, so that's no surprise.
The second spike came in March, when half of my face seized up, courtesy of Bell's Palsy. I'll write more on the subject later this month, but needless to say, palsy is good for web traffic.
But the biggest driver of traffic to this site came came earlier in the year, when I gave a shout out to Mormon writer and performer Elna Baker. I had herd a piece she did on This American Life, and subsequently learned that she's got a lot of talent. It seems a lot of people were looking for information about Elna Baker, because traffic went through the roof. That little profile on her is by far the most read thing I've ever posted on this blog. Nothing else even comes close. Her book, The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, will come out next year. It's easily the most searched for term on this site.
And the post actually had real-wold consequences. Some friends in Los Angeles read the post and flew her out to LA for a show. I'm told it went well. I didn't get to go. Oh well.
Shahara Simmons and Patch the Pony are also big drivers of traffic.
As for search terms leading to this site, you'll find the usual suspects: Elna Baker, Shahara Simmons, various spellings of my name. But a new search term star is Thomas Storesund. That's right, my Norwegian buddy Thomas man in demand, if the Internet is to be believed. In the past 11 months, more than 100 people have found their way to this site by searching for the name "Thomas Storesund." Who knew?
Curiously persistent in the search term hierarchy is "My girlfriend is a prostitute." I used the term once when trying to do a white boy translation of a Dr. Dre song. But there are a lot of people searching for information on this topic. So, if your girlfriend is, indeed, prostitute and you've somehow found yourself on this site, please allow me to offer you the following advice: break up. That's just not a healthy situation.
My Faroe Islands project launched some 18 months ago had its greatest success last week with my debuit on Faroese National Radio. Over the last 11 months, several hundred hits from the Faroe Islands have been logged, from at least 200 unique visitors. When you consider there are only 48,000 people that live in the Faroes, that's no small accomplishment. And once again, to my readers on the Faroes, I say, "Hi." I will continue pandering to you for as long as I possibly can.
I end each one of these annual naval gazing sessions the same way, so let's keep the tradition up. This blog started as a writing exercise, then also became a way to keep my parents stocked with baby photos. I don't know who I expected would read this thing, but there is a small band of you out there who don't know me, but read this anyway. I think that's really cool. Thanks for stopping by when you have a chance. I'll keep trying to fill this space with stuff worthy of your attention.
Labels: navel gazing


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However if we look at the world of manufacturing, we can see that it is possible to create highly customised products on a production line. This can be achieved by decentralising the assembly process. Just look at the range of options available when you buy a new car. There are hundreds of possible configurations. If each car had to be built from scratch to order, auto manufacturers wouldn't be able to offer this service. It would take too long and be too costly. Instead they make the car up of many modules which are often subcontracted to other specialist manufacturers. These can then be combined in many different configurations on the assembly line as orders come in. This speeds up the process and enables more flexibility.
With a product as complex as a car (or a building) this is only made possible by the use of design software. This software allows products to be built virtually, with part and module interfaces modelled well in advance of assembly.
Here's a great example of decentralised manufacture in the building industry:

subset: commoncrawl


text: Um, my year round rosetting flytrap is being weird. As most of you know, it's grows habit has lead to a hollow deep center to the plant. I mesured it with a prob a while back and I may have nicked the growing point or something, I honestly don't know, but in sted of making new leaves, the last two weeks it's been swelling red in the center (No joke, it is seriously puffing up) and now it looks like plantlets are poping out of it. I sware, it's like it was pregnent and now is giving birth or something. Has anyone heard of such a bizarr thing befor? I can't figure out what the heck it is trying to do, it is rebelling to having it's flower staulk removed or what? LoL. In all other ways, it's fit as can be, quite lovely right now actually (it has peach traps, which aren't as stunning as the popular reds, but still very nice).


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Is it always best to buy your print direct from a printer?
6th April, 2008
The answer of course is NO! But then again you would expect me to say that or would you?
Those of you that have met me will know that until I joined Nexus I ran a successful litho printing company in West Sussex with many direct customers and independent print managers. As a printer I had to employ sales reps to go out and get the business to keep the presses running but the type of business that the reps brought in had to be right for the printing equipment we had in-house. As a consequence if it was a very large run, digital or large format printing then I had to either turn a client away or try and print the job in an inefficient way.
If you approach an independent print manager (like Nexus) with your print requirements then they are not limited by a single printer's plant list. Instead the print manager can take your job to the printer with the best equipment for the job and add value to your print project through effective planning and management. You can rely on an independent print managers's knowledge of manufacturing materials and processes, workflow issues, and judgement on timing. If you have a custom project with lots of problems to solve, then you will appreciate the value of a committed and capable print manager that can handle your project from concept, through the production process and to delivery.
But it's not just the big projects that independent print managers are good for, they are also great at ensuring brand consistency. You must have had this scenario (or something similar) before: your usual printer does a great job of your stationery but can't do all of the things you need for an event like a sales brochure, personalised invites, printed pens, signs and large format graphics. So you Google a few companies and end up with 4 or 5 different suppliers and each has their own interpretation of your brand.
On the big day you open the boxes and then you spot the problems; your logo has different shades of your brand colours and the overall effect is lost. In this scenario you have the ultimate responsibility yet these issues could be avoided if you had the benefit of specialist knowledge in all areas of print production. This is where an independent print manager can add real value.
As independent print managers, we get to understand your brand guidelines and apply them to individual projects as and when they come up regardless of the type of print required.
If you are an experienced marketing manager or print buyer then you will know how much work it takes to identify your production problems, define specifications, and solve production issues. Someone must do this work to deliver your projects. If you possess the expertise, time, and resources needed to define specifications, select the right printers, and manage your projects day-to-day, then you are a rarity.
On the other hand, if you are short of the resources and time needed to devote to the buying process, then enlisting the services of an independent print manager would be the best way to save money, prevent waste, and ensure the timely delivery of your projects.
Using an independent instead of going direct to a printer doesn't mean that you pay more for your print, in fact it can sometimes be a dramatic saving because they often use trade-only printers. When the printer sells direct to an independent, they have a lower cost of sale because they don't pay the print manager (no commission, salary, reimbursement, or benefits) like they would have to if they had an in-house rep. The independent also achieves keener prices because they buy considerably more print than clients who buy direct. In turn, the print manager can resell the job at the price equal to or lower than you would pay if you purchased from a printer directly but with all the added benefits a broker can bring.
So whether your next print requirement is a business card or an exhibition graphic think carefully before you call your usual printer. Why not try Nexus instead?
Mike Sturt


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DENR allocates P20-M for grassroots' approach in NGP implementation
National Greening Program (NGP) focal persons and coordinators from the DENR regional and field offices tackled the status of NGP projects in various provinces during the recent Meeting on Bottom-up-Budgeting (BuB) for NGP and Typhoon Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan.
The BuB approach in implementing the NGP projects prioritizes the identified needs of the people in the affected communities. The budgeting mechanism is not just about proper allocation of the resources to ensure proper allocation of funds for the implementation of the NGP aimed to substantially reduce poverty but also to properly address environmental concerns of identified communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda by directly involving them.
"This is a very important meeting for us to level off and gather our actions together to successfully attain our targets in NGP and in typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation efforts," DENR 6 Regional Director Jim O Sampulna (left photo) told the employees.
DENR 6 Planning and Management Division Chief Edna B. Locsin (left, right photo) encouraged the NGP Coordinators to be specific in defining details in their report while DENR 6 Finance Division OIC Chief Nancy Gavan (right, right photo) discussed the need to be clear in making remarks as to the financial status of each project in their respective areas.
In 2014, the BUB for NGP has implemented 33 projects out of the target of 46 regionwide, and with a total cost of Php 20,374,000.00. The group also discussed how to fast track the implementation of physical and financial targets in BuB sites and the various issues and concerns of typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery plans.
More News Item
Press Statement of Secretary Roy A. Cimatu
I am pleased, honored and humbled by the vote of the Commission on Appointments confirming my nomination. I am excited about this opportunity to continue serving the public as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The challenge for me now is to prove that President Rodrigo Duterte and the honorable members of the CA have made the right decision in placing their trust and confidence in my abilities to lead the DENR towards fulfilling the broad mandate entrusted to it.
The confirmation of my ad interim appointment as DENR Secretary will allow me to continue to institute reforms, and pursue programs and projects that would truly protect the environment and improve people's lives. This gives me enough inspiration to carry out the seemingly gargantuan tasks of protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable use of the country's rich natural resources in the face of climate change and dwindling natural wealth of the nation.
Rest assured that under my watch, the DENR will push for people-centered agenda in pursuit of environmental protection and sustainable development. It is high time that every Filipino, regardless of status in life, should have equal access to the benefits of clean environment and sustainable natural resources. ###


text: UGH! Well i was out feeding the hens. So I let out my broody. She ate some of the lay food. And some grass. 2 of my 4 eggs had pipped. And without me knowing, she eats one. I tried to get the chick away from her, but she ATE IT!!!!!! Im gonna cry. I might just see if these hatch, If not, shes gonna get culled, or sold(i m not really gonna cull her!) I just need to vent. Why would she do it?


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I'm standing in the hallway of the grand 18th century residence of Lord Edward Davenport – 33 Portland Place. The walls are mint green, and to my left is a sweeping staircase I desperately want to climb, but I'm ushered through to the cocktail room before I get the chance.
I'm here for the launch of Black Moth, the world's first all natural truffle infused vodka. I'm a truffle nut, so the event was a no brainer.
Before we sit down for a truffle-filled dinner, a selection of Black Moth cocktails await. First up I try the Black Moth with Tio Pepe Fino Sherry. It sounds like a strange combination, but somehow it worked. I bypass the Black Moth Martini and go straight for the stronger poison – Black Moth and Absinthe, with a few drops of Sauternes for good measure, expertly mixed by Panu, the Finnish mixologist.
Cocktail in hand, I get talking to truffle aficionado and self confessed 'forager' Paul Thomas, a young blond with corkscrew curls in a cream suit. 'You'll have to excuse me, I'm a complete truffle geek', he warns me, before explaining how the vodka is made, from sourcing the highly sought after black Périgord winter truffles from Périgord in South West France, chosen for their rich, earthy flavour, to the vodka's vigorous distillations process – each batch is distilled five times and triple filtered for a soft, velvety mouthfeel. 'It took two years to refine the flavour', admits Paul. 'It's been a labour of love'.
The vodka is 100% British, made from grain. A bell tinkles and we're summoned to dine. We move into a wonderfully shabby chic conservatory with a domed glass ceiling and paint peeling off the walls. In keeping with the theme, everything is black, from the chandeliers to the table cloths. Silver platters piled high with black truffles are decadently dotted about the room. It's all very gothic chic - like a scene from Anne Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho.
We begin with a Black Moth shot. It's interesting to taste it naked. I think I prefer it straight; more of the flavours come through. The nose is incredibly potent – earthy and slightly oily, it smells remarkably like the Périgord truffles it's infused with. I wasn't sure if they'd be able to pull it off, but they have. The palate is surprisingly smooth for a vodka.
Dinner begins with a palate cleanser – Black Moth sorbet, swiftly moving on to a starter of Lobster Cornish crab salad with truffle beluga caviar jelly and soft poached quail egg. It's a work of art, finished off with three big slithers of Périgord truffle. I'm in heaven. On to the main: Welsh Salt Marsh lamb stuffed with truffle, with a pistachio crust in a wild mushroom sherry jus. I deviate from the Black Moth and move to the Rioja on offer – an excellent wine match for the juicy, tender lamb.
Desert is an exciting affair – white chocolate pannacotta and truffle vanilla sorbet served with a trio of Beatrix Potterish blackberries in an exquisitely crafted golden sugar cage. The truffle sorbet is subtle and delicious. I can't quite believe, after three courses and numerous cocktails, that I'm not truffled out, but I clearly can't get enough. To round off the evening we're presented with a pretty pink Moth Flower cocktail in tiny egg cup glasses. It tastes of Palmer Violets and takes me straight back to the playground.


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- Arrest Number: 2007056435
- First Name: DJ
- Last Name: HOLLON
- Middle Name:
- Suffix:
- Current Age: 28
- Booking Date: 1/9/2018 10:54:00 PM
- Height: 5' 10"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Hair Color: BROWN
- Eye Color: BLUE
- Race: White
- Sex: M
- Arresting Agency: JOHNSON CO. SHERIFF
- Arrest Date: 01/09/2018
- City: Paris
- State: Kentucky
booking information
DJ HOLLON was booked on 1/9/2018 10:54:00 PM. HOLLON was arrested by JOHNSON CO. SHERIFF in Paris, Kentucky. HOLLON was 28 years old at the time of the arrest.
DJ HOLLON may not have been convicted of the charges or crimes listed and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Please contact the JOHNSON CO. SHERIFF for more information regarding arrest records.
We are not affiliated with the JOHNSON CO. SHERIFF and we cannot make any claims as to the validity of the records provided by them.


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Fill With Nutrition Utilizing Terrific AdviceOur bodies evolved in harmony with the earth. They are amazingly complex adaptations to what the earth provides. We were given every ingredient we need for good health. But the current prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other problems, tells us that something has gone awry. These tips on nutrition are designed to help you get your body back to a state of harmonious health.
You should not totally avoid red meat. While it is generally higher in saturated fat, you can cut this by removing its skin. Opt for leaner cuts of red meat such as beef, pork and chicken. They still contain a vast amount of protein and as long as they are skin-free, the fat is removed or reduced, and nothing unhealthy is added to them, they make healthy additions to any diet.
To help you keep your acne under control, make sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day or two liters, will ensure your skin does not become dehydrated. Skin being dehydrated is a key cause of pores becoming blocked and so not allowing this to happen, will keep acne at bay.
Vitamin A is an important part of a healthy diet. You can get it from such foods as dairy products, eggs, beef liver, dark greens, and orange fruit and vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for for vision, particularly night vision. It also aids in the repair of bone and tissue.
http://www.iamsport.org/pg/bookmarks/alvin991modesto/read/32234996/paving-the-road-to-a-life-of-healthy-consuming for breakfast. Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, protein and whole grains. It will fill you up, keep you full and help to clean the cholesterol out of your system. Oatmeal can be eaten plain, or with whole fruit added to sweeten it up.
When considering a diet that provides an adequate nutrition level, be sure to include snacking as a part of your regular day. This will ensure that your metabolism stays in shape. Not everyone can eat six meals as recommended, due to obligations with friends or family. Be sure to snack on healthy foods such as toasted almonds or dried fruit.
15 Lifestyle Tweaks To Lose Weight Fast - Lindsey Reviews
There is a better way to lose weight – Swap the all-or-nothing approach for one or two healthy switch-ups in your daily routine. Doing this can lead to more weight loss than you ever imagined. Here are 15 tricks that will help you tweak your lifestyle to a skinnier and sexier body. 15 Lifestyle Tweaks To Lose Weight Fast - Lindsey Reviews
When you are craving a glass of fruit juice, you should consider having a small piece of fresh fruit instead. This will curb your craving and it will also keep you full for much longer. If you must drink fruit juice, try to drink a diet or 100 percent natural version.
A great nutritional tip is to eat healthier sandwiches. Stick to whole wheat bread and go with lean meats such as tuna, chicken, or turkey. Also try to use light or fat-free condiments. Avoid meats that are high in fat such as pastrami and stay away from unhealthy condiments.
If your recipe allows for your choice of nut, choose almonds. These nuts provide a lot of nutrition and are very easy to find. is collagen good for you products are also less expensive than other kinds of nuts.
One way to have healthy bones is by taking lots of calcium rich foods. A good source of calcium are dairy products, such as soy milk. These products also provide the body with a good amount of protein and helps the body to be less prone to the disease called osteoporosis.
When it is time to eat try to sit down and enjoy your meal. When you eat meals standing up or while on the go your body does not digest all of the food the way that it should be doing and you will have a harder time getting the extra weight off.
One of the most important fatty acids in your diet are the omega-3 fatty acids. They are very important in preventing inflammation, which is a contributor to the constellation of disorders that result in heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They can be found in cold water oily fish.
Growing one's own vegetable garden can be a trustworthy and convenient source of fresh vegatables of the individual's choice. This garden can be custom grown to personal preference in vegetables and even different types such as the variety of tomatoes that can be grown. A garden can be very rewarding both nutritionally and in other ways.
You might have heard many negative comments about carbohydrates, but you should include good forms of carbohydrates in your daily nutritional plan. Good sources include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Whole fruits and vegetables provide your body with fiber. Whole grains contain essential vitamins and minerals, and legumes are an excellent source of low-fat protein.
When trying to feed your child nutritional foods, make it fun. Give a vegetable a cheese topping. Cut a fruit into the shape of a smiley face. Serve food on a plate with your child's favorite super hero on it. Your child will view meal time as fun, and the foods as more appetizing too.
Knowing how to eat a healthy, nutritious diet isn't really very hard. The basic principles of nutrition are easy to learn. If you utilize the information you've learned from this article, you shouldn't have any problem eating a healthy diet. Before you know it, you'll be in better health than ever.


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Weathered steel plates frame distressed surfaces.
Flat Iron's textured, weathered steel plates frame heavily distressed solid acacia planks in a flamed rub-through finish. Steel accent plates on the top corners tie in with the plated steel sides and add an industrial feel to the design.
Approximate Dimensions:
Fill out the form below to request Better Price for this product.
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Sleeplessness During Menstrual Period – What causes Sleeplessness during Menstrual Period ?
The hormones, estrogen and progesterone play a vital role in the regulation of the menstrual cycles. These affect the brain and influence several bodily processes like circadian rhythm, body temperature and sleep. Besides the
hormonal factors
, several other factors like stress, illness, medication, mood swings, environment and diet can also interfere with the sleep ability. But indirectly, all these factor contribute to the change in the hormonal levels.
Doing a
shift job
can also disrupt circadian rhythms in the production of the hormones. Such jobs affects the reproductive sex hormones resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, longer cycles of menstruation, painful menstruation and many such complications.
Sex and Sleep patterns
- Women are two times more prone to suffer from poor sleep than men.
- They demand a greater need of sleep than men.
- Women face more trouble maintaining sleep than men.
- Women are found to consume more sleeping tablets than men.
- Women blame psychological factors as the culprit to their sleep disorders, while men blame their work related issues.
According to the National Sleep Foundation,
- 67% of fertile women (who menstruate), experience toss and turn for the first 2-3 days of their menstrual cycle each time.
- Anxiety related to backaches, body aches, breast tenderness, bloating, pelvic aches or other pains during menstrual period can cause severe sleep disorders. But sleeplessness is also observed before 1-2 days of menstruation.
- A sleep log is necessary to keep a log of your sleep patterns and then you can work to turn it right.
- Most doctors believe that premenstrual insomnia is associated with a rapid drop in the progesterone level.
- Progesterone is a naturally occurring drug, which our body releases every month during ovulation, which then trickles dramatically just before the menstruation.
- When there is a gradual drop in the hormonal level, a little discomfort is felt with the sleep patterns.
- Premenstrual insomnia is not about your loss in ability to sleep, but the quality of sleep is also affected.
- We take around 90 minutes to enter the REM sleep after we fall asleep. But during ovulation, rise in the body temperature reduces the time significantly to a 60 minutes. Thus, the deep-sleep stage which is followed by the REM sleep also lessens or skipped over.
According to a poll conducted in the year 1998, 1,000 women between the age 30-60 were considered.
- Out of which, 25-50% of women suffered from sleep disturbances due to menstruation symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, pain and cramps.
- 70% of those had a hard time sleeping before the menstrual period.
All the above facts mentioned have been scientifically researched by Kathryn Lee, Ph.D., a researcher (sleep), the University of California, San Francisco.


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Now that the cat is out of the bag, here's the brief review:
The Altra Torin caught my eye, as the first "towering" stack-height (28 mm) zero drop shoes. The HOKA Stinson Evo Tarmac (SET), at 35 mm stack height, puts the Torin to shame, BUT the Torin has the honor of being the first tall zero-drop shoes (how about that for an oxymoron?).
This review will focus mainly on the Altra Torin, with brief (and inevitable) comparison to another shoe in its "category," the Hoka SET.
FIT, BUILD, and APPEARANCE: Ordering shoes online is always a risky bet, particularly from a relatively unknown brand such as Altra. Would they fit right? Will the build quality be commensurate with the price? Et cetera etc.
When I first put them on, I was ecstatic that the Torins fit well (there's no return shipment from Indonesia to USA), both in terms of width (I have wide feet) and length (I was offered to go 1/2 size up on the Torins, which I opted not to).
The shoe's shape is rather "odd," as its generous forefoot area directly translates to an almost "boat-like" (similar to Crocs shoe-sandals) appearance.
I also notice the seventh eyelet (which I believe is a recent modification, due to complaints about its absence in early production batches) to secure the heel if necessary. I did not use the seventh eyelet in my first run, but did try them on my second outing in the Torins (and yes, they do help secure my feet better). Big kudos to Altra for responding to consumers, and reacting swiftly.
The "boat look" and colorways of this Torin variant translate to a rather unique-yet-pedestrian appearance.
The summary (first number is the Altra Torin, the number in brackets is the Hoka SET):
- FIT = 9 / 10 vs. (9 / 10)
- BUILD QUALITY = 7.5 / 10 vs. (9 / 10)
- APPEARANCE = 7,5 / 10 vs. (8,5 / 10)
Great fit and generous toebox. Notice the 7th eyelet (recent addition)!
Comparing the Torin to the Hoka SET, the latter has the better build quality, with both being great in terms of fit. Each of the two looks "unique" in their own way (feel free to translate, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder). It's worth noting that the Hoka is about 45% more in terms of price.
RIDE and COMFORT: I like running shoes that are light (nothing over 400 grams / 14 oz, the lighter the better), and preferably with heel-to-toe differential of 6 mm or less.
In both weight and (zero) drop, the Torin is top notch. Considering the amount of ample cushioning, I was pleasantly surprised to see it weighs in at a paltry 270 gr / 9,5 oz, for my size US 11 (!)
Altra provides two insoles for the Torin (as pictured below), one contoured and the other flat. My review is based on using the contoured insole.
The hundred dollar question is, what does 28 mm stack height front-to-back give you, in terms of ride?
The sole of the Torin is neither stiff nor flexible. I usually prefer flexible outsole to facilitate a more natural ride, and I was worried about the Torin's sole.
What, then, does "all of the above" do?
After taking the Torins out for a couple of runs (5km and 10km), I am happy to report that "all of the above" results in a wonderful ride.
IMHO the litmus test of any shoe is how comfortable you are running in them, how you feel "they are not there," yet they are able to provide confidence through effective cushioning (note I'm not using the term 'ample cushioning'), for moments where you want to pick up a bit of pace, or go up and downhill.
The Torin gives you a "consistently velvety" ride, which is neither soft nor harsh. And the combination of its 'abound' midsole and the metatarsal-mapped outsole gives great rebound, similar if not better than Adidas' boost marble-bouncing midsole.
compared to the Torin's zero drop (28mm front to back).
With the Hokas, you almost feel like your foot is "sitting" IN a plush sofa set, where all shocks are absorbed and their primary purpose is to ensure your comfort. There are certainly days when you want to pamper your feet like this.
Going back to the coffee analogy, I would prefer more beans in my beverage, i.e. the Torin's Tall Flat White "consistently velvety" characteristic. I also enjoy the Grande Cafe Latte (a.k.a. the Hoka SET) for its "milkiness," but can't help wonder if too much dairy may have unintended consequences in the long run.
If I have to choose between the Hoka and the Altra (in terms of effective ride comfort) for the long haul, it would be the Torin.
The Hoka SET weighs in at a relatively heavy 380 gr (13,5 oz), yet it somehow compensate for this by its more luxurious ride. I haven't done any long runs in the Torins, but I believe their more consistent (less soft, and effectively bouncy) ride would serve my feet and legs better for the long haul.
In summary, I'd give the Altra Torin a score of 9 out of 10 in terms of Ride and Comfort. The Hoka SET is not far behind at 8,5 / 10.
CONCLUSION: I believe this relatively new category of TLD (Tall-Low-Drop) shoes will only grow, as many runners want to get that "natural" feeling (via minimal heel lift), but still want to feel protected (via maximum cushioning material).
Before we conclude, a couple of (perhaps) important questions to consider:
- Is the TLD shoe good for runners in general?
- Would their tall stack height, and subsequently inferior road/impact feedback, cause improper form in the long run (as opposed to running in thin-soled minimalist shoes, where one has to keep some semblance of proper form to remain injury-free)?
Time will tell (if there are studies related to these questions, I would be very interested to know more).
In the meantime, I like to keep running in my Hokas, with the Torin certainly getting LOTS of playtime in my shoe rotation.
As mentioned somewhere in this post, I would pick the Torin if I can only choose either the Altra or the Hoka (mostly attributed to its "consistently velvety" ride).
In terms of VALUE, here is a list of five shoes that have made some splash in the running community, and how much I think each shoe's "Good Value" price-point (in US$) should be (purely my subjective opinion):
- HOKA Stinson Evo Tarmac, good value at $ 150 (retail price $ 170, overpriced)
- Brooks Pure Drift, good value at $ 90 (retail price $ 100, slightly overpriced)
- Adidas Boost, good value at $ 115 (actual price $ 150, significantly overpriced)
- Skechers GoRun 2, good value at $ 80 (matches the retail price, and discounts still possible)
..and last but certainly not least..
- The Altra Torin, good value at $ 105 (retail $ 115. You can get it at $ 105 with diligent searching)
Thoughts and/or Comments?
NOTE: I receive neither compensation nor free shoe samples for this post. Just sharing my thoughts as a shoe-addict.


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Product Overview
Whether you're looking for a simple yard sign or banner for yourself or much larger and more professional signs for your business or office, we can handle projects of any size.
Professionalism, attention to detail and affordable prices are what you can expect when you work with us. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for in our products section, call us and we'll do everything in our power to get you what you need.
Signs By Blohm230 River Rd. • New Milford, NJ 07646-1719Phone: 201-262-3172 • Fax: 201-262-3157E-mail: email@example.com


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Is there anything in between truth and untruth?
interesting question. perhaps a thin grey line is what i would call it. sometimes you don't want to tell someone the truth as it could hurt them badly but at the same time you don't want to lie to them for the same reason so you sort of go half way. i hope this makes sense.
there is One thing in between truth and untruth u better know this is cheating
by primardie 7 years ago
Is there a physical way that one can tell when a person is not telling the truth?
by manatita44 19 months ago
Can we fight, perhaps as a soldier or otherwise, yet still love our enemies? If yes, why?
by Chibuzo Melvin Mobis 9 years ago
Folk, he is your confident companion, you do everything to satisfy all his needs and in return for your love, he treats you like the moon and the star, you are considered his Queen, he wash your cloths, under wears, cooks for you and even rob your feet, he makes sure that you lack nothing.He is so...
by Holly 8 years ago
I've been contemplating the key to living a happy existence and a thought came to mind- Maybe part of being happy is when your life and what you do in your life matches who you are on the inside.I spent a large portion of my life being who others wanted me to be, and was never true to who I was...
by dashingscorpio 16 months ago
Is sexual incompatibility a valid reason for ending a marriage?Assuming everything else in the marriage is going fine and the kids are happy.I'm incline to believe most people would opt to cheat rather than go through the divorce process if there has been no change after communicating their needs...
by lelay 7 years ago
Do you still have feelings for your first love?And if you had the chance, would you get back with them?
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So i told you that i went shopping yesterday so here is one of the shirts that i bought
I'm so in love with it , it's from the River Island and the sleeves are so special
and look at the colour so pretty coral colour!
this shirt reminds me of yasmin of the disney movie Aladin
i will definately show a picture of me wearing it later!!
look out for the other tops !!
Tee from River Island 29.99 euro


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Weddings 6/14 votes
Gina was great and easy to work with...we even got to re-taste our cakes when we went back to confirm details, who would complain about that! She put our dreams and ideas into reality!!!Liked - You
Rachel is absolutely amazing...we continue to get compliments of how great the food was!! Being the bride and not having much time to eat, I was jealous of the people getting to sit down and eat that delicious food!!!Liked - You
The girls here were fantastic to work with and made this process so memorable!! I found the dress of my dreams and to think it was the FIRST one I tried on?! There is also an alterations store just down the strip center (John) who is incredible at what he does and works with Winnie!!!Liked - You
She literally made my DREAM BOUQUET!!!!!!!!!! The flowers were stunning and they really pulled together all of my ideas to make my wedding perfect!!Liked - You
This was by far the best decision I made when it came to the music for my wedding. The Amp'd quartet was amazing and the DJ made our night!! We also did lighting with them...STUNNING!!! They were so professional and easy to work with.Liked - You and 1 other
We have not stopped getting compliments of how beautiful this venue was...TOTAL PACKAGE!!! Not to mention the coordinators are outstanding - shout out to Jamie!!!!!!Liked - You


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Thursday, August 12, 2010
words and stuff
My friend KY has a list of words she hates and it has always made me laugh every time I here one of them. I won't list them all(as there are many) but top contenders are; skillet, moist, slacks(those last two should never be used together), ointment, davenport?... the list goes on. Why these words??? I will admit the word slacks is gross and they should be called pants or trousers but is it the way they sound or the picture they make in your mind? My language issues come from common sayings like, what is up with "I could care less"?? I don't get it. What I think it means is that you don't give a shit. That you simply don't care. So when you say "I could care less" that means there is an actual amount that you can care less than you do right now. So you are saying it wrong! In Australia people say "I couldn't care less" which makes sense... right. Because when you say that, it means you care so little about something there is no less to care. So why, why, why? I don't get it. And I shocking as this may seem it bugs the hell out of me! There is another one that irks me equally as much and is heavily used by my idol Martha "each and every one of you". Aarrrg what! Each of you means all of you and every one of you means all of you so isn't it kind of redundant. "Huge big", "very unique"and the list goes on. Oh and my personal favorite irregardless. NOT a word. Any way I am not sure why I got on this rampage but irregardless it is a huge big irritation to me each and every day but you could care less. So I am going to change my moist slacks before I need some ointment.
Posted by Rebekah Kaminski at 2:21 AM
Labels: family life, friends
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Dancing Oaks | Mindful Yoga Studio
Dancing Oaks | Mindful Yoga Studio
Peaceful rural lowcountry estate home located a mile from the road with marsh views, screened in salt water pool, yoga studio offering private yoga instruction, and private pond. Comfortable private rooms with amazing views. Located on beautiful John's Island only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, 25 minutes from Kiawah Island, and 30 minutes from Mount Pleasant. We are minutes away from the giant famed angel oak tree and America's only tea plantation. Delicious locally owned and operated restaurants within 3-5 miles include John's Island Pizza, Wild Olive, and Fat Hen. There is a grocery, pharmacy, and gas station and doggie boarding facility less than 2 miles away.
We offer 1 large peaceful private room and a private full bath. Guest room is located on the second floor up a spiral staircase.
Guests can expect to relax, enjoy the scenic landscapes, take a swim, lounge by the pool, sit in an infrared sauna, sit out at the dock or gazebo nestled up to the pond, with the option book a private yoga session or guided mediation, while experiencing comfort, warm welcome hospitality and a healthy fresh breakfast each morning.
Our place in unique and a truly zen-like atmosphere complete with the beautiful symphony sounds of nature.
Бесплатная парковка
Недоступно: Детектор угарного газа


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After writing my first Book of the Month post for 2018, I feel compelled to share with you all a little more information about Hallmark Publishing, a branch of Hallmark Channel.
Hallmark Publishing is another way for Hallmark fans to enjoy their favorite stories, in e-book form! Besides Moonlight in Vermont (my Book of the Month for January), other stories available include Christmas in Homestead, Journey Back to Christmas, A Heavenly Christmas, and Love You Like Christmas. Another e-book, A Dash of Love, is forthcoming.
Even though I enjoy reading a classic (Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens), a modern romance (Nicholas Sparks), latest bestsellers (Nina George), some mysteries (Mary Higgins Clark), and some Christian Fiction (Karen Kingsbury, Rachel Hauck, Becky Wade, to name a few), there's a place in my heart reserved for Hallmark Channel and their movies. Wholesome stories centered on family, friendship, finding love in the unlikeliest of places, and great messages, never get old. I actually talked about a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, "A Novel Romance," in a post last year.
So when I found out Hallmark Publishing was looking for bloggers to review their books, I couldn't resist the opportunity. I want to again thank the publisher and Stacey Donovan for the chance to read some amazing books. Another thing I've appreciated is their Twitter account taking the time to answer questions about what they're looking to publish and the submission process. If you want to see their complete guidelines and submit your own story, you can click here.
I feel we need to take time to support publishers no matter how big or small whether it'd be buying their books, reviewing your favorites, sending a message to one of your favorite authors, or simply promoting them on social media and your personal blog. I hope I did my best accomplishing this feat here.
If you want to follow this amazing publisher, check out their Twitter and Facebook. Fellow writers, if you have a wholesome romance or mystery to share, consider Hallmark Publishing!
Happy writing!


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Astrology is a panacea to solve all kind of problems in life for this take the assistance of free horoscope reading near to your city. Whenever we get into problems we search the worldly sources of those problems and try to find out, from where do these problems arise. But there might be celestial sources of your problems and you cannot fight those problems alone. We are here to suggest you ways by which you can handle all your troubles, supernatural troubles to be accurate. All you have to do is to get our help regarding these creatures. Many a times after going everything right, we face problems in many spheres of our life. We do not exactly know where we have done wrong and what we have done wrong. We get troubled and we lose sleep over those issues but we do not know how to fight them off and how to get mental peace. But with us, you can get help in eradicating all kind of issues from your life and you can get all kind of help that you want. You can come to our specialist and get free horoscope reading from him. Horoscope is a part of astrology and it is used by people to predict their future and to know what is unknown.
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Astrology is a study of positions of stars and planets in the galaxy and the affect of these bodies on the life of human being. It is a like a science but the only difference is, the experiments cannot be carried out in controlled situations. Astrology tells you about the places acquired by these bodies and the movements of these bodies. There are various kind of energies released during their movements and these energies affect us adversely. With the help of astrology, you can monitor their movements and control these bodies.
What is horoscope reading?
A horoscope is a chart of diagram which depicts the positions of the sun and the moon and the planets at the time of the birth of a person on this earth. It represents all the astrological movements and sensitive issues related to supernatural creatures, and with its help you can help yourselves. It is well known that since the time we take birth on this earth, we get affected by celestial creatures. Horoscope reading is a way to predict what future has hidden for you and how you should deal with them. So what are you waiting for, come to us.
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Vote: Roelens Oyourou – Ivory Coast
Salut! My name is Roelens Oyourou Your contestant Number 3 I am representing the beautiful Cote D'ivoire. I am entering Miss Teen Africa UK because I saw this as an opportunity to represent my country, on a huge platform. I love being African! Everything about it from its unique native languages, to the humble traditions, and the amazing, colourful culture. I am a proud Ivorian young lady and growing up in an African household has shaped me into a God-fearing, humble and independent lady.
Africa's a place where we can be ourselves and remake ourselves in the image of our dreams, with no limitations due to its boundless energy and nurturing sprit towards its children. Africa is a place of so much hope and opportunities that have been stripped away.
I aim this year to be Miss Teen Africa to raise awareness of its beautiful culture empowering the youth to embrace and uplift their heritage and to let it be heard that we are more than our stereotypical poverty line, resulting in making a positive change work towards limiting the negative stereotypes associated with Africans.
I will also focus on working with our young ladies through encouraging them to look beyond society's definition of "beautiful" I find that this is a issue amongst the younger generation of ladies out there who have felt like they don't meet society's expectations of what is beautiful, as they don't look like any of the girls in the magazines. I will create campaigns that will allow our youths voices to be heard and my main priority will be to give back to my brothers and sisters, so we can work hand in hand in uplifting our Continent, our Motherland, our Africa!
i will be entering as a representation for our young women out there, establishing that being African is beauty in itself. Being a finalist in Miss Teen Africa 2016, I will be able to say that I have made a difference through working with our youth towards putting our continent in the best place it should be as we are the future leaders of tomorrow !


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Elements in astrology are the basic entities that are primarily used for interpreting the character of a person. There are four elements and these are denoted as fire, air, water, and earth. In simple terms, each element represents a particular stream of personality and character. Each of these elements encompasses three different sun signs, based on the characteristics of people on each of these elements. The name of the elements is indicative of the character traits of people belonging to each group. In conventional astrology, a person is assigned a particular element based on his or her date of birth. Modern astrological thinking considers this too simplistic. It has been often said nowadays that all the four elements are present in a person in varying degrees.
Fire: There Is Fire In The Belly
The element fire is associated with the sun signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. People who come under this category are born go-getters and utterly dominant. When they see success, they waltz past others to grab it by the horns. They are very efficient and they know that too. Their confidence stems from the urge to be the center of all activities surrounding them. They can be surely called the leaders of men. One problem they cause is that they can be so self-centered and opaque to the sensitivities of others that people surrounding them may feel the heat. They are not the ones to be succumbed to emotions. They are mostly compatible with those with the air element.
Air: There Are Ideas In The Air
The element air is associated with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. People who belong to this element are generally creative and communicative. While they are not as assertive and dominant as those with the fire element, they can be extremely spontaneous and flexible. Usually they are outgoing people who can be comfortable with almost all types of personalities. They normally are a steady source of words, especially when they are talking. They can be very objective, even to the degree of being impractical. Also, they generally show scant respect for emotions.
Water: Hot And Cold
The element water is associated with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. They are creative and intuitive. Also, these people are introvert and highly emotional. They are sensitive to the feelings of others and are easily moved by the emotions. They can be excellent artists who often find a way to communicate the inner demons and feelings through art. On the other hand, they can be extremely moody. If things go wrong, it is solitude that they embrace. They are most compatible with people belonging to the element earth and least with those in fire.
Earth: Immovable Objects
The element earth is associated with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. People who come under this category are hard workers and traditionalists. They have incredible focus and concentration for doing something. If your life depends on something, then people in this category are most likely to do the job for you. But they do something only if they are convinced of the need to do it. Unlike the people under the fire and the air elements, they are not entirely comfortable hogging the limelight.


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In the Google group Android Beginners I frequently see messages that ask what the error "r cannot be resolved" means in Eclipse.
Eclipse generates the file
R.java for you using the aapt tool (Official Guide to the Android Asset Packaging Tool).
R.java contains a mapping to all the resources your application will use. Note that you should have the
Build Automatically option under the
Project menu checked on.
Continue reading


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Gisborne District Council has been found liable for $875,000 in damages for failing to address a fire hazard due to overgrown vegetation on a block of Council land, which contributed to the development and spread of a fire to neighbouring sawmilling and manufacturing business Double J Smallwoods Ltd in 2010.
The Court found that the fire, which sparked a massive blaze that required five helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets to control, was most likely deliberately lit. However, the Court found that the Council was aware of the fire risk posed, that it would have been reasonable in the circumstances to clear the land of the overgrown vegetation, and that it was more likely than not, had the land been cleared, the plaintiffs' losses would have been avoided.
Judge Thomas did find that the business owners had not followed best practice in protecting their timber yard from fire, and reduced the damages to be paid by the Council by 50% accordingly.
The Council is appealing the judge's findings.
The decision is a reminder that a party need not be the sole cause of damage to be held liable in negligence (here, the fire was deliberately lit by a third party), where it could have taken reasonable steps to mitigate risk and chose not to do so. This is a potential issue for any landowner keeping parcels of vacant land. Even only as a partial contributor, the cost can be high (as the Council has found out, to the tune of $875,000).


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After more than four decades of Barisan Nasional rules, 29 years under Taib Mahmud, more than two-thirds of Sarawakians still living in darkness, drinking from river, stored rain water.
That's admitted Najib today, happening despite Malaysia's considerable achievements in the provision of rural basic infrastructure (RBI).
He said more need to be done to serve the rural population that constitutes about 35 per cent of Malaysians – when officiating Government Transformation Programme today.
Najib's government was embarking on a very ambitious plan to provide basic infrastructure development programme in peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
The government he said will build more than 7000 km of new and upgraded roads by 2012, 1900 km of these roads will be in Sarawak and Sabah.
This will result in 91.4 percent of West Malaysians will be living within five km of a paved road by the end of this year, to 100 percent in 2012.
Najib didn't provide any figure for Sabah and Sarawak, probably because it's too gaping and embarrassing to reveal when government talking about transforming itself.
Book highlighting Bintulu progress and development
State leader often boasted – Bintulu as the example of Barisan successes in developing the state. During recent book launching Abang Johari said the state had successful transformed once sleepy fishing village into industrial city.
"From a sleepy fishing village in 1970s – Bintulu is now an "industriopolis," he said.
But what he didn't say – Bintulu also has one of the biggest number of squatters in the state.
Within less than 50 km radius from Bintulu town center thousands of Dayak living in longhouses still have no paved road, no electricity. This despite the fact they were living underneath the state electricity grid!
Another 5 hours drive from Bintulu on slippery logging road is Belaga. The district boasted having the multi-billion ringgit Bakun dam that would generate millions to the state starting 2011.
But according to Taib while campaigning in the 2008 General Election, Belaga still don't need much development as it contribution to the state coffer were meagre.
Belaga voters – perhaps being an overwhelmingly 'Orang Ulu' constituency – still voted for Barisan Nasional. Surprising indeed!
Belaga particularly and Kapit division generally is the least developed Division in Sarawak despite its immense resources.
Kapit Division can boast having the most gaping division between the rich and the poor – the least developed part of Sarawak.
The Division huge track of tropical rainforest – is the source of wealth to it richest son – Dayak billionaire Linggi Jugah. It also can boast having the largest hydro-electric dam in southeast Asia – the most impoverish


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Product Description
Please Note: This product is now discontinued. Please contact our Technical Team on 01462 421333 for an alternative.
Technical Details
- 3M Scotchkote Epoxy Floor Coating WB 855
- Formerly Thortex Floor-Tech HB
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2 Pairs of Knitted Fabric Ice Skates Christmas Tree Decorations
In stock
Made from a bright collection of red, white, green and blue fabrics, these knitted Scandi ice skates are perfect for display on the tree. Very eye-catching and complete with pom poms!
- 2 pairs of ice skates Christmas tree decorations
- Made from bright green, red, blue and white knitted Scandi-style fabrics
- H10 x W9 x D10cm in size (each – excluding hangers)
- Bright, eye-catching and a fun addition to your tree
There are no reviews yet.


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Budgetary allocations for Sri Lanka's education sector fall short by approximately Rs.14.2 billion when compared to allocations presented in the Budget Speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Verité Research, a private research firm, which provides strategic analysis for corporate and government institutions in Asia said in a report.
In Section 36.8 of his speech, President Rajapaksa delivered assurances that the government would continue to maintain its commitment to the free education system, subsequently proposing a 15 percent increase in expenditure, amounting to Rs.177.6 billion in 2013.
Despite such assurances, Budget 2013 ended up allocating just Rs.163.4 billion, representing only a 5.9 percent increase in spending and a reduction in the education budget in real terms.
"The claim of "not compromising on commitment to deepen the scope of free education" is almost directly contradicted. Either there has been an error in apportioning the budget, or the claim is deeply cynical," the report asserted.
Criticism was also leveled at the supposedly inclusive and widely publicized consultation process by which the government sought to incorporate the concerns of stakeholders, in the context of its subsequent disregard of calls for increases in education spending, particularly the demands by the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA) for an allocation of 6 percent of the GDP.
Budget 2013's education allocations account for approximately 1.88 percent of the GDP in 2013, implying a decline of almost 2 percent in real terms.
"It was widely publicized that Budget 2013 arose out of a process that consulted widely to incorporate the concerns of people and stakeholders in the allocations. However, the government has roundly ignored the wide public support, on the street and in the newspapers, for significant increases in the education budget," the report stated.
Despite contradictions between government rhetoric and budgetary allocations, the report noted that the ongoing decline in education spending is not a new phenomenon and is in fact traceable to budgetary trends from 2006 onwards.
"A clear downward trend is evident in the allocations made to the education sector as a percentage of the GDP in four successive budgets from 1.81 percent in 2010 to 1.51 percent in 2013. This is driven by sharp decreases in current expenditure on education," Verité showed.
Declines in education spending are however part of a larger policy shift in the country, according to Verite, which if continued will mean an erosion of Sri Lanka's traditional welfare state status, as further evidenced by increasing privatization in both healthcare and education.
"Free education and healthcare are strong ideological pillars of Sri Lanka's welfare state. However, over time, both of these have suffered erosions in quality that have required consumers to substitute the state supplied services with private complements – private clinics, laboratories and hospitals in the case of the health sector, private tuition and 'international' schools and universities in the case of the education sector. The total percentage of the GDP allocated to health and education in the budget, at 2.84 percent, is meager and reflects a trend of de-prioritising this historically important welfare infrastructure," the report noted. Increased expenditure towards the Ministry of Social Services, which is tasked with the welfare of the elderly and disabled, would prima facie appear to contradict Verite's assertion that the welfare state model is under attack. However, the report went on to highlight other social infrastructure sectors which are facing cuts or significant constraints, likely negating any benefits gained from increased spending on social services over the long term. "The increased allocation to this ministry reflects the increased priority given in this budget for direct assistance to the poor and vulnerable. It also reflects the fact that the methods of channeling such assistance is becoming increasingly diverted to flamboyant, new, personality-based political-support-building programmes that draw from various different government ministries, rather than being embedded in stable government institutions. This could negatively impact both the durability of the programmes and the productivity of the expenditure," the report stated.
Budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Affairs and the Ministry of Resettlement continue to show a declining trend, both as a percentage of the GDP and total government expenditure, whilst the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption saw its budget cut by a drastic 22.7 percent from 2012, down to Rs.50.4 million.
"This gradual retreat from longstanding social protection channels can increase vulnerability of those at the lower socio-economic strata. The dependency of the poor on the various new, political-support based, direct assistance schemes is likely to increase, as those schemes also grow in political significance," Verité warned.
Add commentComments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.


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From Publishers Weekly
As a highly sensitive person (HSP) herself and a psychotherapist, Aron is in a strong position to provide guidance to parents who are raising highly sensitive children (HSCs), and provides here a wealth of useful suggestions and case studies. The author, who has studied and written about what she calls "high sensitivity" (The Highly Sensitive Person), states that this is a personality trait that occurs in 15% to 20% of the population. Although HSCs tend to be "empathetic, smart, intuitive, careful and conscientious," they are also easily overstimulated and require informed parenting in order to prevent temper tantrums, stress illnesses and the avoidance of pleasurable group activities. Aron offers helpful advice that will assist both nonsensitive and highly sensitive parents through all stages of their child's development from infancy to adolescence. For example, since HSCs have great difficulty with change, it is necessary to prepare them gently so that they do not feel powerless during transitions. According to the author, there are four basic strategies that will help an HSC to become a happy adult: parents should foster their child's self-esteem, try to reduce the feelings of shame HSCs may develop because they are different, employ only mild positive discipline and learn how to talk positively to teachers and friends about their HSC so that interactions will be productive.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"Aron offers helpful advice that will assist both nonsensitive and highly sensitive parents through all stages of their child's development from infancy to adolescence." ---Publishers Weekly


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Today we visited the Labyrinthe Vert near Nebias and afterwards the Chateau de Puivert. The former is an amazing area of forest with stunning rock formations but sadly characterised by perennial half-shade, making it hard to get decent pictures with my camera. The following are therefore all either plants or photographs of the castle ruin.
The Chateau de Puivert is one of the many castle ruins in the area that played a role in the Cathar wars. This one was conquered by the crusaders after three days and four nights of fighting.
It was inhabited until the French revolution and has been extensively restored in the last few decades. It was used as setting for several movies, probably partly due to the relatively good state of repair of its main towers and partly due to its accessibility.
Inside there is a small exhibit of medieval items - mostly replicas as far as I can tell. (I know very little French.) There is a suit of armor and a few helmets, instruments, official seals, and some furniture.
It is much easier to see orchids in the Corbieres than in Germany, for example. The above is perhaps one of the prettiest European orchids (or at least that is my opinion) but also a relatively common one. Orchis ustulata (Orchidaceae).
Not an orchid but also an intricately built, zygomorphic flower: Polygala (Polygalaceae). Don't know the species, unfortunately.


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Alberta consistently has one of the highest domestic violence rates in Canada, with approximately 200,000 adults in our province living with family violence. Discover House is a multifaceted non-profit organization supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence. They approach care holistically, providing access to safe shelter, as well as innovative therapies, counselling, financial, emotional and educational support. At Discovery House women and children acquire the tools they need to overcome trauma and become confident and safe members of society, ready to build healthy relationships.
Discovery House measures impact and success in three strategic areas: Service, Sustainability, and Leadership. The organization employs best practices in service delivery to improve client outcomes in goal attainment, basic needs, service referrals, safety assessments and housing. Sustainable growth includes maintaining quality services while continuing to meet the expanding and changing needs of the community. Leadership objectives include identifying innovative approaches to support safe and healthy environments for families fleeing domestic violence, to be credible influencers of transformational social change, and to be a non-profit employer of choice.
In 2016 there was a 36% increase of domestic violence calls to the Calgary Police Service. Discovery House was able to support over 650 women and children fleeing domestic violence in our shelter and through our Community Housing Project.
The Opportunity: Director of Development
Primary Purpose of the Position:
To assist the Executive Director in achieving the Discovery House vision of a community free of domestic violence. The position will be responsible for planning and managing all philanthropic activity, and for building and cultivating relationships with the following constituencies: donors, key community stakeholders, and members of the non-profit/government community.
This position exercises considerable independent managerial discretion in the development and building of an annual program which includes events, grant-seeking opportunities, direct mail and digital solicitations, and developing a business plan and case for support to engage prospects and donors. This individual has independent discretion and operates across all aspects of typical managerial decisions.
This position is accountable to develop and execute a strategy for business development to ensure sufficient funds are available to achieve the identified philanthropy goals and objectives of the organization.
Maintaining professional relationships with donors and stewards is vital to the success of this role and to the organization. Adverse relationships will have a detrimental impact on organizational success.
Ensuring the confidentiality related to donations and development programs is critical to the ongoing success for this position. Disclosure of this information would be detrimental to Discovery House.
The Person
Required Qualifications:
The Director of Development is responsible for all aspects of fundraising and those aspects of external relations as they relate to development for Discovery House:
If you think we'll be a great fit, please send your resume to: [email protected] and we'll be in touch.


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RR Lyrae stars in the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy: Period analysis*,**
DASGAL, Observatoire de Paris, 61 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75014 Paris, France
2 Centre d'Analyse des Images -INSU, France
Accepted: 1 June 2001
We carried out a period analysis on ~3700 RR Lyrae stars on two Schmidt fields centred on , -7.1°) and (6.6°, -10.8°) respectively, covering an area of ~50 deg2. These stars are distributed almost evenly between the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr) and the Milky Way. For Sgr members, the average periods are and for RRab and RRc stars respectively. This places Sgr in the long-period tail of the Oosterhoff I group. We report the detection of 53 double-mode RR Lyrae stars (RRd) within our sample. The magnitude of 40 of these stars is consistent with membership in Sgr whereas 13 RRds are located within our Galaxy. We also found 13 RR Lyraes (5 in Sgr and 8 in the Galaxy) exhibiting two closely spaced frequencies, most probably related to non-radial pulsations. The period distribution of the RR Lyrae variables in Sgr is compared to those of other Milky Way satellites. We find a remarkable similarity between the RR Lyrae populations in Sgr and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), suggesting that these galaxies have similar horizontal branch morphologies. This may indicate that Sgr and the LMC started their formation under similar conditions. Using various photometric indicators, we estimate the metallicity of the RR Lyrae stars in Sgr and find dex with a dispersion of 0.5 dex around this value and a minor but significant population at ≲-2.0 dex. We do not find evidence for a spatial metallicity gradient in the RR Lyrae population of Sgr. From the spatial distribution of RR Lyraes, we find that the main body of Sgr contains ~4200 RRab stars. Assuming that population gradients are negligible in Sgr, we find 13.9 mag for the main body. If Sgr has been stripped of 50% of its mass through Galactic tides, as assumed by some models, it would imply a total absolute magnitude of ~-14.7 mag for this galaxy. Such a luminosity would be consistent with the empirical metallicity/luminosity relation for dwarf spheroidal galaxies.
Key words: stars: horizontal-branch / stars: population II / stars: variables: RR Lyr / galaxies: dwarf / galaxies: individual: Sagittarius dwarf / local group


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From 12N-3pm every Sunday in August at No. 5 choose from a special brunch menu, two courses at £17.50, three courses at £22.50, which
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It looks like each of the ladies of "Sex and the City" will have some familiar men on their arm when the eagerly awaited film version hits the big screen. Last week we broke the news of a prime summer release date for the "Sex and the City" film, and now we can report that you will see two more familiar faces in the flick.
Reprising their roles as the significant others of Samantha (Kim Cattrall) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) will be Jason Lewis and David Eigenberg. This news comes straight from New Line so you can take it to the bank. Lewis and Eigenberg join fellow returning "Sex and the City" paramours Chris Noth (yes, Big is back) and Evan Handler.
As for new faces, the previously reported addition of Jennifer Hudson as Carrie's assistant is the only name to surface so far. But with production scheduled to begin in New York within the week, look for additional names to pop up soon enough.
So it looks like the gang is all back. Are you happy to see these familiar men returning for the film? What new blood would you like to see the ladies cannodling with? Tell us below.


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Some of the greatest things about this country are the juxtapositions. Things are connected here in ways that they were never intended to be - socially, physically and even gramatically.
Perhaps this is nowhere more evident than in the bathroom. You see, the Japanese have developed what is likely the world's greatest toilet. This wonderful device includes a heated seat, a butt washer, a bidet (lady parts washer, for all you single men out there), multiple water flush levels, a deoderizer, a fan, "flushing sounds" (so that your internal orchestra can't be heard), and now... motion sensitive seats!
Adding to the technical achievement is the fact that the toilet is not controlled by any sort of crappy knob system, but rather by a wall mounted control panel (computer bank?).
Check out the sweet graphics for "ass" and what they did to avoid depicting "washing a vagina" in cartoon format.
Oh... and with buttons on the top of the control panel, you can also control different aspects of the seat. Now there's no need to use your foot to lift the seat in a skeezy bar bathroom!!!
/I know I promised not to take any more cell phone videos, but I felt weird enough making "picture" sounds in the stall. I didn't feel the need to cart in a giant camera with a huge telephoto lens.
//.... ha ha... very funny.
Of course, much in the way that your sweet old grandma can talk a lot of crap after a bottle of wine, nothing is perfect. Thus, all is not roses in the land of the Japanese bathroom. The "traditional" (aka "train station") bathroom is somewhat less technical. In fact, it consists of little more than a flushable hole in the floor.
While this hole has the admirable benefit of only needing to be cleaned once every winter, it has some significant drawbacks:
1) You have to squat uncomfortably. No magazine reading for you, mister.
2) If you aren't careful, you might crap on your shoes.
3) Drinking and going to the bathroom takes on a whole new risk level. Avoid it.
4) When you finish your business, it's WAAY more "in-your-face".
5) No more "I got it from the toilet seat, baby", excuses.
6) Did I mention that you can poo on your shoes a lot more easily?
7) You. Might. Poo. On. Your. Shoes.
There is a trick to it, which I will share with all of you non-Japanites (just in case you ever drop by, or need to crap in the woods). Pull your pants down to the lower thigh, rather than all the way down to your ankles. This minimizes the chances that you will have any...complications.
And of course, there is one more dirty little secret to the Japanese bathroom. Take a look at this picture.
Do you notice anything missing? Anything.... hygenic? Like SOAP??
For some reason, soap seems to be quite optional here. To all you people at the Fucked Up Shit Department, I would like to know how you can automate a toilet to the point where it is practically qualified to vote for me in municipal elections, yet miss something as essential as soap?!?!
Maybe if we had Robo-soap.
/For the record, I have never pooed on my shoes, but it remains my greatest Japanese bathroom fear.
First time here? Try these.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Potty Minded
Labels: culture, fucked up shit, japanese, products, restaurants, toilets, wonderful
1 comment:
An old favourite-
How to use a Japanese Style Toilet.
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