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ON A REDUCED day of action, Lodge Park returned to winning ways in the Redditch & South Warwickshire Combination with an 11-2 victory over Redditch United Cross in which Terry Nolan scored four goals and Cory Chambers three.
Jacob King, Pete Murphy, George Parsons and Liam Fisher were also on the mark for Lodge Park, whilst the Cross goals were scored by Lee Bourke and Tim Lees.
Goals from Tyler (4), David (2), Antley, Mahoney, Akhlaw and an own goal sealed a 10-0 win for Studley Lions at Norton Athletic as Lions booked their place in the final of the Jim Fleeman Cup.
Lions will face Redditch United Cross in the final at Studley FC on Thursday, March 28 (7pm).


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Summer in Phoenix is hot and everybody says that dry heat is much easier to tolerate than hot and humid. This year I have experienced both. First in Massachusetts there was an official heat wave, that means that the heat is over 90°F (32°C) for three or more consecutive days. Actually when I was there the week of 4th of July it even reached 100°F one day and the humidity was more than 70%, which is oppressive.
In Arizona the temperature is usually over 100°F in July and August, but much drier about 5-20%. The few days it drops below 100°F the humidity usually increase to about 30-40% and everybody complains about how humid it is. The difference is that here in Arizona nearly every house has central air conditioning and you can escape the heat when you want. People are used to the heat, and the cold air-conditioned air They might complain about it, but this is normal, just as it is normal to complain about winter in Massachusetts. The interesting thing is that in both situations people stay indoors, in Arizona over the summer moths and in Massachusetts during winter.
What I have learned is the following:
- Stay inside and close the blinds to keep the heat out.
- Only go out in the early morning or lat at night when the temperature is a bit lower.
- Travel north or to higher elevation for heat relief.
There must be more to learn, but this is what I have learned so far.

subset: commoncrawl


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Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ~Winston Churchill
I don't even know what prompted it, but I was thinking today about the injuries I've been trying to recover from, and the pain they cause. And it got me to thinking about my purpose.
Yes, I run for myself. It's become a habit. A bit of a necessity for my own personal health and sanity. Which is part of my purpose. But then I think about my half marathon. And why I signed up for that in the first place. How I had decided to add fundraising to the mix. To do what I can, in my own small way, to help prevent child abuse.
And I think of the pain. The pain that those children endure, that sometimes know no other way. The pain that I witnessed in the eyes of my own child. And I think, "my pain is nothing". Because it isn't.
I know I have to take things easy to an extent. I don't want any further injuries and I want to be sure I can continue to run. But I'm reminded of the pain of those children. That there's so much I can tolerate. And I will. For them.
For more on my why, you can read about it here. And if you can find it in your heart to contribute to my purpose, visit my fundraising page here. Thank you.


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The Dongdanyindi Hotel (Beijing Dongdanyindi Binguan) is a budget hotel located in Dongsi Shopping Center, close to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and Longfu Square.
On offer are 92 rooms ranging from standard rooms to deluxe suites. Other facilities in this Beijing hotel include a restaurant, a conference hall, a business center, a beauty salon and karaoke.


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Feeding you curbside is their middle name
Jelly Bean & Julia's is a food truck titled after the middle names of the owners' two kids. And while the kid whose middle name is "Jelly Bean" thanks her parents for at least not making that her first name, you can thank them for serving greasy-spoon Americana curbside in their shiny black box of a truck.The Anoka operation (for now! Urban core, they're on their way!) first lets you choose a base, with tastiness like pulled pork sammies, bacon grilled cheeses, cheeseburger sliders, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and hand-cut fries, who must've been playing that game where you jab the knife really quick between your fingers spread out on the table.J&J's menu really takes off with what you pile on top of those orders, though, with a revolving arsenal of pickles and toppings like Jalapeno Pickled Cabbage and Strawberry Habanero Cream Cheese, and more than 10 spice-blended sauces like the "Garlichedapeno" (white cheddar, garlic, jalapeno), super spicy "Hot Darn!!", and Jamaican-inspired "Jerk Face", also an appropriate response from their daughter when anyone on the schoolyard speaks ill of her middle name.


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ALTG 09/005 TROG 09.02 CHISEL: Phase III randomised trial of highly conformal hypofractionated image guided ("stereotactic") radiotherapy vs conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for inoperable early stage I NSCLC – D Ball
TROG 09.02 CHISEL is now closed to accrual. This phase III trial is a TROG study endorsed and co-badged by ALTG. Patients with T1 and T2A N0 non-small cell lung cancer are randomised to hypofractionated stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (either 54 Gy in 3 fractions or 48 Gy in 4 fractions) versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy 66 Gy in 33 fractions or 50 Gy in 20 fractions. Randomisation is 2 to 1 in favour of the experimental hypofractionated arm. The accrual phase was completed on the 22nd of June 2015, with 101 patients randomised. There are 18 participating sites: Princess Alexandra (29 patients), Peter Mac Moorabbin (10), Peter Mac East Melbourne (27), Alfred (3), Peter Mac Bendigo (2), Peter Mac Box Hill (3), RPAH (0), RNSH (0), Calvary Mater (0), Austin (3), Liverpool (5), Prince of Wales (0), Canberra (4), Royal Adelaide (1), Royal Hobart (2), Christchurch (8), Auckland (3) and Palmerston North (1). The trial is currently in follow-up phase and will be completed in June 2017 (LPLV) with final analysis to follow.
Six serious adverse events have been reported to date including 3 events of exacerbation of COPD, bronchial infection, constipation, and Grade 3 dyspnoea, all of which are thought to be unrelated to the protocol therapy.
This trial has been funded by two grants through Cancer Australia's Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.
- Kron T, Clements N, Aarons Y, Dunn L, Chesson B, Miller J, Roozen, K, Ball, D. Radiochromic film for individual patient QA in extracranial stereotactic lung radiotherapy. Radiation 2011;46(12):1920-3.
- Clements N, Kron T, Franich R, Dunn L, Roxby P, Aarons Y, Siva S, Chesson B, Duplan D, Ball D. The effect of irregular breathing patterns on internal target volumes in four dimensional CT and cone-beam CT images in the context of stereotactic lung radiotherapy. Med Phys. 2013;40:021904.
- Siva, S., M. Shaw, B. Chesson, S. Gill and D. Ball (2012). "Analysis of the impact of chest wall constraints on eligibility for a randomized trial of stereotactic body radiotherapy of peripheral stage I non-small cell lung cancer." J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2012; 56(6): 654-660.
Study Contacts
Trial Chair: Prof David Ball email@example.com
Central Trial Manager: Marijana Vanevski email@example.com


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At 15% peak power deficit, the growth of India is getting hampered. Market reports predict that the Indian diesel gensets market is projected to reach $ 1.5 billion by 2024. Therefore, it is expected that the demand for diesel generators will grow in the coming years writes ROHAN AMBIKE.
India diesel gensets market is projected to reach $ 1.5 billion by 2024. Anticipated growth in the market can be attributed to increasing demand for power backup across commercial as well as residential set-ups, coupled with growing number of huge government sponsored projects, such as 100 smart cities, AMRUT, and freight corridor & national highways. Southern region of the country dominates the diesel gensets market, followed by the western region, owing to the presence of a large number of industries such as IT/ITES, automobile, chemical and petrochemical, jewelry, textiles, cement and oil & gas in the regions. All of these industries require uninterrupted power supply, thereby boosting demand for diesel gensets.
India currently suffers from almost 15 percent peak power deficit which is hampering growth of all sectors in the economy, ranging from manufacturing to services sector, health and hospitality, and construction and infra sector. Almost each and every organization needs consistent power supply, as data loss can be more expensive than the capital expenditure required for backup power equipment. Therefore, it is expected that the demand for diesel generators will grow in the coming years. Most of the major suppliers of diesel engines and generators in India have been continuously upgrading the design of their products. This has entailed substantial investments and technology transfer agreements with global engine suppliers. With projects now gathering frenetic pace the degree of competition in 15 – 75 kVA and 75.1 – 375 kVA segments is expected to increase considerably with several new players – domestic and international – venturing into the market.
Rising demand in India
Major players in the Indian market include market leader Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd (KOEL), F G Wilson, JCB Power Products India Pvt., Cummins India, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra Powerol, Cooper Corp. etc. are among the leading diesel genset players operating in India. Kirloskar is expanding its dealership network, offering 24/7 support services and addressing client queries through call centres. Moreover, the company's long-term service agreement programme for customers, Bandhan, is expected to aid KOEL in consolidating its market presence through 2020.
The Indian market for diesel genset is broadly classified into four segments on the basis of kVA rating: low (5-75 kVA), medium (75.1-350 kVA), high (350.1-750 kVA) and very high (750.1- 3000 kVA). Low-rating diesel gensets constitute a major share of the market, and are used in the telecom sector for backup power in grid-connected areas and also as a main power source in off-grid areas. India is the second largest mobile phone market in the world with 500 million users and 700,000 telecom towers, which require continuous power supply - on average, the country's telecom tower network consumes over 11 TWh annually, and this is likely to increase to 17 TWh by the end of this year.
Market report
According to this research, the India Diesel Genset market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during 2019-25. Diesel gensets with 5 kVA-75 kVA rating accounts for significant India diesel genset market share due to their wide usage across various applications, ease of availability, and low cost. Increasing utilization of lower rating gensets across domains such as telecom infrastructure in unreliable and off-grid areas would help 5 kVA-75 kVA diesel genset market segment to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.
By region, the Southern region accounted for the highest revenue share in the overall market in 2018. The Northern region would, however, witness a significant increase in demand for diesel gensets over the coming years on account of upcoming large-scale infrastructure projects such as Delhi Metro expansion and Lucknow Metro.
Construction of industrial corridors such as 'Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor' worth $100 billion to be completed by 2040, would spur the demand for diesel gensets in the future. Further, with infrastructure sector receiving heavy allocations in the Union Budget for 2019-2020, the construction and transportation sectors are predicted to be the key drivers behind the growth of India diesel genset market over the next six years.
Globally, power demand is increasing rapidly, while supply is not growing at the same pace, thus creating huge power deficit in many parts of the world. Consequently, the demand for power generation equipment such as diesel generators continues to increase worldwide. Poor power infrastructure and unreliable grid power supply have been largely responsible for increasing frequency of power outages, which is likely to boost the demand for diesel gensets across the globe. Rising demand for mobile diesel gensets and biofuel based diesel gensets is also expected to benefit the diesel genset market.
24x7 Power Supply Sectors to Sustain Demand
There are several sectors that require uninterrupted power supply. For instance, healthcare requires constant supply of electricity for critical equipment to function. In case of power disruption, equipment require back up, otherwise it will put the patients' lives at risk. This is augured to rise demand from healthcare sector in the global generator market. Further, globally hospitals are becoming multispecialty centers of treatment, which means they are increasing in size. Hence, the need for products from the global generator market will increase in the forecast period.
At the same time, another sector that will spur demand for products in the global generator market is information technology. A large number of companies today function on digital networks and data. To manage large pools of data, companies use servers which have to be operated 24x7. This determines the need for generators. As more companies adopt digital technologies, the demand for severs will grow, and as a result, the consumption in the global generator market will also rise.
Environment Friendly Products to Create Fresh Opportunities
Most generator across the globe are diesel powered and it is a well-established fact that diesel generators will impact the environment. Hence, there is push to develop products that work on renewable energy. Companies across the world are working on technology that could utilize renewable energy sources like solar or wind to power generators. Success in these trials will open fresh avenues for players in the global generator market. Products to power small devices are already available in the market. Devices to power large requirements are the need in the global generator market. Thus, innovation will stoke demand in the global generator market in the coming years.
The study presented here is based on a Transparency Market Research report titled "Generator (Up to 20 kVA) Market (Power Rating - Up to 5 kVA, 5 to 10 kVA, 10 to 15 kVA, and 15 to 20 kVA; Fuel Type - Gasoline, Diesel, Natural Gas, and LPG; Generator Type - Stationary and Portable; End-user: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Telecom) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 – 2025."
According to the research, the most potential market in the main countries of Diesel generator sets industry is China, determined by its rapid growth of number of procedures. Besides, Southeast Asia, Middle East and India should also be focused by the investors. They are the potential consumers of diesel generator sets. India is also a rapidly developing economy.
The market of the diesel generator sets is growing fast due to the huge input to the communication, electricity and infrastructure. At the same time ,the upgrading of the equipment also make a great contributions to the development of the diesel generator sets.
The diesel generator sets market is consolidated in nature. Various players are adopting competitive strategies such as collaborations, acquisitions and capitalizing untapped opportunities in the emerging economies of India and China, to sustain and gain market penetrartion across the globe. Some key players of this market include Caterpillar,Kohler, Cummins, Wartsila, MTU, Generac, Briggs & Stratton, GE, Honda, Dresser-Rand, Kipor, Cooltechsh, Saonon, Vpower, Tellhow, Foguang, Dingxin, SWT, Kontune, Xgpower.
The Indian Diesel Generator market witnessed growth over the past few years with an increase in infrastructure projects and rising demand from residential and commercial segment for uninterrupted power. There has been a strong demand for power back up across all major sectors. Increasing urbanisation is also paving way for a sustained demand for power. JASMEET SINGH, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT- CORPORATE COMMUNICATION & CORPORATE RELATIONS, JCB INDIA LTD
Diesel will still be the leading fuel
Diesel as a fuel type dominates the overall generator market. For several decades, the generators, especially those used in the industrial sector, have been resorting to diesel as the most preferred fuel type, due to its lower cost and easy availability. Diesel generators will account for about 65-70 per cent of the market by the end of 2020 due to greater engine lifespan, low maintenance costs, safe fuel storage, and cheaper price.
Diesel Generators have come under the fire and direct threat of environmental protection groups and strict government regulations. Though the unfavorable effects caused by emission from DG's can't be refuted, their role in aiding the manufacturing, mining, telecom, medical and other sectors can't be undermined either.
The growing infrastructure projects in the country, last mile challenges in the power grid , eco-friendly fuel options like Gas, low foot print and compactness and the need of the customer for value- for – money power solutions are the key drivers. We are the preferred partners in BFSI segment and several infrastructure projects. Farrokh Cooper, Cmd, Cooper Corporation
Engines Market in India
India Diesel Engine Market (2018-2023), a report by ResearchandMarket states that the India diesel engine market revenues are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during 2018-23. In India, major demand for diesel engines is generated from automotive industry due to growing demand for passenger vehicles in domestic and export market. Further, growing retail & logistics industry in the country is also contributing to the increase in sales of commercial vehicle, thus driving diesel engine market. Commercial vehicle segment is forecast to surge the overall diesel engine market due to high demand for trucks and buses in the country. Further, agricultural sector is the second largest consumer in value terms due to high utilization of diesel engines in farm equipment. With farm mechanization rate at just 40%, India is expected to witness growth in demand for self-propelled farm equipment during the forecast period. Decreasing labor availability and increasing labor cost would also lead to growth in farm equipment.
Market offerings
Cummins is a world leader in the design and manufacture of engines and power generation equipment, including PowerCommand standby and prime power systems. Cummins has unique expertise in that all aspects of generator set design, manufacture and service have been brought together in one company.Cummins GenSets are the epitome of rugged dependability and reliable mechanical and electrical performance. Cummins has fully redesigned its high-range GenSets to deliver the reliability, efficiency, and versatility that your customers want.
Mahindra Powerol, a business unit of the USD19 billion Mahindra Group, recently announced the extension of its higher kVA Diesel Generators (DG) range with the launch of 400/500/625 kVA DG powered by Perkins 2000 series engines. Designed at its R&D hub at Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai and manufactured at its Chakan plant near Pune, this new range of Generator sets with 12.5 Litre to 18 litre Perkins engine is the latest addition to the Mahindra Powerol's higher kVA series. The new range of DG Sets is equipped with Mahindra's unique DiGi-SENSE technology which makes it a Smart DG. The performance of Smart DG sets can be monitored real-time remotely from anywhere, thereby improving the uptime of the DG Sets.
The company entered the field of power generation in 2001-02. Since inception, Mahindra Powerol has made rapid strides in the Indian Genset industry within a very short span of time. Mahindra Powerol DG sets are the first choice of Telecom majors across India and overseas market. The brand dominates the Indian Telecom Industry for the last 11 consecutive years. Mahindra Powerol power diesel generating sets from 5kVA to 625 kVA.
Incorporated in 1946, KOEL is the flagship company of the Kirloskar group. KOEL specialises in the manufacture of both air-cooled and liquid-cooled diesel engines and generating sets across a wide range of power output from 5kVA to 3000kVA. The company serves Service industries such as telecom, IT/ITES, BPO, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and banks; educational and financial institutions. Infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, bridges, residential and commercial complexes, townships, high-rise buildings and many more.
Volvo Penta
Volvo, now in its 20th year in India, has invested `2,500 crores with 400 different Service and Sales points and three manufacturing sites pan India. Volvo Penta offers globally as an independent engine manufacturer fixed speed industrial diesel engines to generator manufacturers between 85 and 800 kVA.Penta, is widely acknowledged for versatile engines developed to satisfy OEM's demands with their low weight, compact designs and easy installation making them perfect for numerous machine and equipment applications in a variety of industries. 5 and 8 liter engines are equipped with common rail and offer a wide power range. OEMs can replace their 6 or 7 liter 6 cylinder engines with the 4-cylinder D5, due to its higher power density.
JCB Power Products
JCB Power Products offer generators from 8kVA to 3300 kVA worldwide, and a range of diesel generators in India. JCB generators are designed to suit any application from back-up support to industries from small, medium & large; infrastructures, BFSI (Banks, Financial Services, Insurance), Real Estate, Residential & Commercial properties, Hospitals, Hotels, Restaurants, Institutions, Petrol Pumps, Airports, Construction sites or off-grid locations. JCB generators come with JCB ecoMAX engine and the highest quality components, alternator, controller and breakers with the largest, world-class dealer network.
Mitsubishi MGS series is the diesel generator sets series designed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Japan and has an experience of more than 15 years. Mitsubishi MU-G series is the diesel generator sets series with medium speed SU engine series, with the capacity of 1MW up to 3MW, for any application from stand-by, prime and continuous. MGS-B/C series are equipped with low voltage alternator. (380-415V for 50Hz and 380-480V for 60Hz). MGS-HV series are equipped with medium to high voltage alternator. (3.3–11kV for 50Hz and 3.3–13.8kV for 60Hz). MOG series are specially designed to fit the requirement of oil rig top drive generator sets, in the oil field industry.
Sudhir Power
Sudhir Power is a known name in the generator fraternity with an expertise to successfully meet the power requirements of a wide range of individual and institutional customers. Important sectors for power generation solutions are Telecom, Construction, IT/ITES, Realty, Hospitality, Textiles, Auto & Auto Ancillaries, Food Processing, Data Center, Infrastructure, Pharma and Manufacturing sector.The company's product line includes the widest range of Gensets ranging from 7.5 kVA to 3000 kVA, with a fuel option of Diesel or gas.
Caterpillar commercial and industrial diesel generator sets deliver reliable, clean, economical power – even in the most demanding conditions. Each Cat diesel generator set is designed, engineered and manufactured for optimal performance. The range offered by Caterpillar is from 6 to 14,040 ekW (7.5 to 17,550 kVA) of power potential.
Greaves Cotton Limited
Speaking of generators and engines, one cannot ignore the engine giant with a legacy of over 160 years. The company offers an entire range of engines and power gensets developed with in-house research and strategic alliances with international brands like Ricardo of UK. Their gensets have diverse applications ranging from automotives, marine, defense, construction equipment, and agriculture.
Sterling Wilson
Sterling & Wilson, the parent company, is a leading MEP engineering group with over 90 years of experience in project engineering and execution. Sterling Generators manufactures D.G.Sets starting from 10 kva upto 3000 kva. The Range includes 415 Volts LT Sets as well as 3.3 / 6.6 /11 KV HT Sets. SGPL sets have established benchmarks in fuel efficiency, reliability and adherence to global emission norms. For Domestic requirements, sets upto 750 kva are supplied with Acoustic Enclosure (Ready to Use Sets) as per statutory norms. Higher capacity sets are supplied with Acoustic Enclosures with 25 dB insertion loss.
FG Wilson
For over 40 years, FG Wilson has been a world leader in the provision of diesel and gas generator sets, as well as complex power generation solutions. With global production facilities in Brazil, China, India, the US and at company headquarters in Northern Ireland, UK, FG Wilson generator sets range from 6.8kVA to 2,200kVA and include open and enclosed generator sets providing prime and standby power. FG Wilson diesel and gas generator sets can be used in a variety of applications, including domestic use right through to power modules with the ability to operate as complete power stations supplying electricity to national grids.
Cooper Corporation
Cooper Corporation has a technical tie-up with RICARDO, UK, for the design and manufacture of state-of-the-art technology for engines meeting current & forthcoming emission norms. Engines are available in diesel and gas versions in sizes from 1.2 Liter to 7.8 Liter. Cooper engines are known in the market for their compact size, best in class fuel efficiency and lowest maintenance costs. The company caters to Domestic and International markets in various applications like Agriculture, Construction equipment, Marine, Automobiles, Pump, Tractor, and more.
Expanding activity across all segments in the manufacturing sector, construction and infra sectors, and standby power from the residential segment, all add up to generating a robust demand for gensets in India, across all types and capacities.


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Hoax calls for Dublin Fire Brigade on the increase
By Maurice Garvey
HOAX calls to Dublin Fire Brigade stations in South Dublin County Council have increased over the last three years.
DFB have logged 28 hoax calls in the county this year – up until October 25 – three of which were reported to gardai.
'Time taken up with hoax calls takes away from the time they serve communities'
This is up slightly from 19 such incidents in 2017 and 26 in 2018.
The figures were provided to Councillor Emer Higgins (FG), at the monthly council meeting this week.
"To be honest, I feel the numbers are quite high," said Cllr Higgins.
"Any hoax call is one too many. DFB and gardai provide life-saving services for the community, and time taken up with hoax calls takes away from the time they serve communities."
Cllr Higgins asked for information on hoax calls from 2017, 2018 and 2019 to date, reported hoax calls to gardai and prosecutions.
In response, the council said: "DFB log incidents as either reporting 'False Alarm, Good Intent' (FAGI) or as 'Malicious False Alarms' (MFA).
"DFB do not have records on prosecutions for these incidents as these would be dealt with by An Garda Síochána."
Figures provided by the council indicated 134 FAGIs were reported in the county this year up until October 25 – as opposed to 147 last year and 61 in 2017.
The figures showed 95 MFA's for the whole of DFB in 2019 to date, with 28 such incidents related to the South Dublin county area.


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Owned and operated in Western Australia by myself, Rhiannon Bradley (and my occasional support crew of amazing boyfriend and a couple of besties) I thoroughly love what I do and aim to provide customers with the highest possible quality at the best possible prices.
I was working in the mines, away from home a lot and pretty unhappy after a few years of the same old thing…. so I started searching online for alternative options that would allow me to be home more often, and offer freedom of expression and an opportunity to make decisions I believed in. Along came Plus Size Active, a ready made website that I just had to add products to and nurture to grow. I have heard so many horror stories from my friends going in to big name active wear stores that didn't cater to larger sizes, and sometimes even being body shamed, the last thing that is needed when you're taking the first step of improving your fitness levels or weight loss, whatever your goal. Personally I always shopped at Kmart or Target for that exact reason myself, but always enviously looked at those sexy leggings that didn't come in my size… here was an opportunity to change that…. and not charge an arm and a leg for it either!!!
Currently the site stocks a few different brands, but I'm always on the look out for more, and currently trying really really hard to incorporate as many AUS brands as I can. At the moment the majority of stock comes from a young US brand Rainbeau Curves, specifically designed for curvy women, so they are super comfortable in all the right places and won't roll down at the waist or show your knickers during yoga class!!!
I'm more than happy to receive feedback, suggestions and ideas, so feel free to email email@example.com if you'd like to get involved.


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Central Wisconsin Worksite Wellness Network
Welcome to the Central Wisconsin Worksite Wellness Network registration page.
Join us on March 5, for a special Central Wisconsin Worksite Wellness Network meeting – "Improving Environmental Impacts at the Worksite: Strategies to Enhance Employee Performance and Wellbeing." This free meeting will cover a broad range of topics that detail how the environment and sustainable practices can enhance employee wellbeing and improve organizational success.
The built environment and sustainability are key drivers and an integral part of organizational culture. Theresa Lehman, from Miron Construction will speak to their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives that have been integrated into their business practices and construction operations, which are aimed at expanding our teams' green knowledge and capabilities, sharing best practices with their partners and extending sustainable leadership to their clients.
Trevor Roark, Chair of Stevens Point's Bicycle & Pedestrian Street Safety Commission and Program Manager for UWSP Adventure Tours, will address America's growth pattern of development that has caused us to almost always jump in the car to get from A to B, even if it's only 1 mile. The impact of choosing travel by car has led to less walking and biking, and can take a toll on our mental health and pocket books. Trevor will break down the stigmas and barriers to walking and/or biking for transportation, providing an assist to active transportation for life. Employers and employee/worksite/HR wellness programs have an important role empowering employees to act. Trevor will share some techniques, incentives, and best practices that employers can use to help achieve mental and physical health outcomes desired, while potentially improving the bottom line.
Lynn Frost, RN BSN, CLC, Community Health Nurse & Lactation Counselor will share with the group the Business Case for Breastfeeding, a WIN-WIN for businesses and employees through provision of private space, policy development and support.
The meeting will conclude with an assessment of employees' immediate space, their desk and office environment and how employees can improve their health, wellbeing and performance at their desk. This is usually the environment employees spend the most time in. Katie Hickman, LAT, Industrial Rehab Coordinator, Employer Solutions, will help you address ergonomic and related issues at the desk. Making smart choices about creating an environment to support your performance and well-being is critical to organizational success. This presentation will provide you with simple tools to assess your immediate work-space and do some activities to increase health and wellness.
This meeting is sponsored by Employer Solutions, part of Ascension.
CWWWN meetings are free and open to the public. A light breakfast will be served.
Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot today. Thanks!


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Yesterday I was on the move all day, despite the weather, and the Commodor Clipper was also running despite the weather, the sea was rough and the weather was wild, but much was achieved.
This morning I was horrified to get a message about my blog being hacked, but relieved to find that appeared to be an error.
I have had a lot of feedback about the blog recently, most of it very positive, and that has caused me to think.
Which is a rare event in itself.
People have told me about things in the blog that stand out, and parts of the blog that they like and that amuse them.
And I have been told that the blog says a lot about me, and apparently that is helpful.
It would also probably be helpful if I can start to describe more of my experience, and I will.
One thing I am trying to avoid, is writing my experiences when they come back to me in flashbacks and strong emotional upsets, and when I am not having flashbacks, I tend to bury the past and live day to day.
Hence not speaking about it much.
Also having been so badly invalidated by the Church of England, I still feel invalidated, and thus it is hard to write.
Excuse my French recently, I was so stressed that I needed to let off steam.
Bob and Ian have apparently produced new blogs on the Jersey matter today.
What seems very unusual is that the Bishops are staying at Government House in Jersey, staying with Senator Bailhache's second-in-command, rather than at a top hotel, how unusual, I guess it doesn't make any difference where they stay, they haven't taken my side of the story any more than anyone else did and are not going to bring justice, nor will they change anything in Jersey.
Bishop Trevor Willmot actually joined in with the cult-like church games at St. Matthews, Jersey when I was there, repeating what prophecy he was told to give, something about fear, and he is Peter Ould's Bishop and doesn't control his bullying of a vulnerable person, and he was Juliet Montague's friend and did nothing about what was going on in her benefice. She always said he fancied her, and they were close.
So, how is Bishop Trevor the right person to send to Jersey?
Bishop Trevor at St. Matthews, Jersey, said 'I sense that there are people here suffering fear, would they please come up to have hands laid on them'. Heather Warren used to go round telling selected people what prophecy they were to have.
Very dangerous to manipulate people that way, because, in reality, why would a God who allows abuse victims, vulnerable people, and disabled to suffer and be marginalized, come to one of the churches responsible and give out visions publicly so people could be manipulated and have hands laid on them? Is it really likely that the real God is only interested in public showing off and not the welfare of the vulnerable?
Basically, no matter who the Bishop sends to Jersey anyway, they will either do as they are told by the Jersey Deanery or be sent away with a flea in their ear.
I do not like the idea of fleas in ears, but people do it when they are angry.
I think the whole statement by the Bishop of Winchester was a face-saving exercise, and now apparently this Bishop visit which the Bishop of Winchester said was about safeguarding, it about repairing the rift between Jersey and Winchester?
How nice that an effort is made to soothe their hurt feelings while I am left condemned, voiceless, destitute and ruined and without my complaint dealt with!
Ian's blog:


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Aviation Fuel Price 24/7 Self Serve 100LL Aviation Fuel
$3.95 per gallon
NOTE: Self serve facility located at southeast corner of airport in front of Administration Building. Restroom facility and Pilot Briefing are also available.
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Copyright © 2008 - City of Sebastian & The Sebastian Municipal Airport


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Write to your local MP on gene technology
|Step 1
|Find your local member (link to Parliament House website, if you don't know).
|Step 2
|Find your member's address in the attached file
|Step 3
|Compose a letter.
We have drafted a letter for you, but your letter will have more impact if you personalise it a lot.
We have also provided lots of background information.
|Step 4
|Post your letter or use Google to find your MP's email address.
The email address is usually in the form of email@example.com and may have been listed in Step 1.


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You've probably all at least seen the commercials if not the actual program "Hell's Kitchen." I haven't yet but I know the charismatic and angry main character Chef Gordon Ramsay well.
I was introduced to him on a more personal level when I saw his other show, "Kitchen Nightmares," now in its second season on FOX. I never thought I'd care about a show focusing on chefs and restaurants, but this one is a winner.
The show follows Ramsay as he criss-crosses America, visiting some of the worst restaurants you could imagine, each of them on the brink of bankruptcy, failure, and utter collapse. The kitchens are dirty, moldy, and infested with vermin, and the owners, chefs, and other staff are usually egotistical and often inept.
That's where Ramsay comes in. This tall lanky Englishman with a penchant for the "F-word" swoops into these places, immediately determines their fallacies, and attacks them with furious anger. Unafraid of even the largest megalomaniac culinary personality, he cuts master chefs, head cooks, restaurant managers, and owners down to size, usually with tremendously entertaining results.
He calls them losers, horrible businessmen, pigs (usually for the less than clean state of their kitchens, walk-ins, and food prep areas) along with a never ending list of other colorful epithets, usually with plenty of bleeped out swear words mixed in that are easy to decipher for even the most church going of viewers.
No one is sacred in Chef Ramsay's world, and it's a guilty pleasure to watch him work.
What's best about this show is that he doesn't even try to baby these people. He tells them their shortcomings blatantly and without hesitation. In turn they cry, they scream, they even break things. Under this deluge of honesty and the subsequent breakdown of their tremendous egos, most of them hate Ramsey passionately for the first three days that he spends trying to resurrect their failing restaurants.
By the end of the week, though, he revamps the menu, the staff, the decor (ala several other home makeover type shows) and most important of all, he turns these places into operations that finally turn a profit. As a result, most of these eating establishments even manage to dig themselves out of hundreds of thousands of dollars of paralyzing debt.
And despite the venom and turmoil he unleashes on each of these restauranteurs and the businesses they run, each one of them learns to like Gordon by the end and even thanks him for coming. More than one owner has called the Chef an "angel" or a "blessing" on the program.
And they have good reason to do so; he's saved more failing small businesses in the last two seasons than Roosevelt's New Deal.
I used to hate that Ramsay guy, always swearing at the poor defenseless young chefs on "Hell's Kitchen," but now I respect him. Because, behind the yelling is something that this country and her citizens could use, especially in these tough financial times we're experiencing: It's honest talk that motivates good people to do what will make them successful.
And its this straight talk that Ramsay delivers which makes the program "Kitchen Nightmares" successful as well.
I give Chef Ramsay and "Kitchen Nightmares" five Ginsu knives out of five.


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Citing "security challenges," the city of Boca Raton, Fla., canceled the upcoming concert for the Believers Never Die tour, featuring Fall Out Boy and a slew of middling bands (Cobra Starship, All Time Low, Hey Monday, Metro Station, and, uh, 50 Cent). According a press release from Fall Out Boy's label, Island Def Jam, the city issued the following statement:
"There have been known disturbances associated with one of the bands, 'Fall Out Boy.' We anticipate that the concert will generate security challenges."
Disturbances? Like running mascara, frumpy girls screaming themselves hoarse, and lots of black hoodies? Florida gave us death metal and shock-rock clown Marilyn Manson, and they're worried about Fall Out Boy? FOB manager Bob McLynn said the city was basically strong-arming the tour into paying for exorbitant security fees. But emo kids, you can stop cutting yourselves now: The April 21st show has been moved to Pompano Beach Amphitheatre in Pompano Beach, and @petewentz has assured his Twitter followers that all tickets will be honored. Cobra Starship will not be denied!


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Pre75 Bangers, Unders and Overs + 2L Bangers.
Advance Spectator tickets only - SOLD OUT. No on the day sales. Meeting details can be found here.
Advance Discount Tickets
Unlimited Bangers: 617 Jack Overy and 1300 Stock Cars: 302 Jack Smith
Updated: 03 Aug 2020 19:59
1500cc Bangers: 12 Troy Cobbett, 2 Litre Bangers: 51 James Licquorice, Junior Bangers: 310 Harvey Latkowski and 1300 Stock Cars: 302 Jack Smith
Updated: 15 Mar 2020 19:31
# 100 Callum White is leading the 2020 National Banger Entertainer League which has been updated
# 682 Paul Sparrow is leading the 2020 1300 Stock Car White & Yellow points championship
#682 Paul Sparrow leads the 2020 1300 Stock Car National Points Championship
#495 Aston Gibbons leads the way in the 2020 White & Yellow National Banger White & Yellow Championship
# 495 Aston Gibbons leads the way in the 2020 National Banger National Points Championship
How do I get a ticket?
All tickets are now available at the Box Office, cash and card payments accepted.
Advance ticket holders are also admitted to the stadium half an hour at 12pm, before the Box Office opens for "On the day" sales at 12:30pm.
Can I Camp over?
Any patrons who wish to camp on Friday or Saturday nights may do so in one of the fields which is also used for car parking opposite the stadium. There will be a dedicated area for camping which will have security on it and there will be water available there as well. There will be a charge of £25 per tent / camper van for this (£20 if paid for in advance with your tickets). There will be toilets in this area. Access to the camping area will be available from 11am on Friday. Patrons using the camping area will be able to access the stadium showers between 9.30am and 10.30am on Saturday morning and the Pit Stop Cafe will also be serving breakfasts at this time.
When we have used this area in the past, BBQs and fires were not allowed in the camping area due to the dry grass and number of field fires that have occurred in East Anglia during this time. If this advice changes from the fire service before the event we will update our information on here.
What time does everything happen?
The following timetable gives you a rough idea to what time everything happens on World Final day;
12 noon - Turnstiles open for advance ticket holders
12.30pm - Box Office opens for those looking to buy tickets on the day
Remaining events and a full itinery will appear on this website at a later time
Will there be a late bar?
There will be a late night bar and disco following Friday night's meeting with a late bar, live band starting at 11pm and disco on Saturday.
Can alcohol be brought into the stadium?
Under the stadium licensing conditions no alcohol may be brought into the stadium - please note that King's Lynn is a glass-free venue and no glass is sold in any of our outlets or allowed in the stadium.
Can I bring in my fold-up chair/ stool/ step?
A limited amount of portable chairs are allowed to be brought into the stadium and anyone bringing a chair must have a portable chair ticket. These can be ordered when you purchase your tickets. If you are thinking of getting one of these please think if you need one as we are only allowed 250 and they are primarlily for customers who will not be able to stand for a long time and cannot access the grandstands. Chairs must be placed on the very back row of the terracing to comply with council regulations in case of a stadium evacuation.
Can food be brought into the stadium?
Customers are allowed to bring a small amount of food for personal use into the stadium. Please note though that all bags will be searched and if you have "brought enough to feed the 5000" you will not be allowed to bring it into the stadium. Coolboxes are also not allowed to be brought into the venue.
From the pure adrenaline and Unlimited Power of the F1 Stock Cars to the destruction and crazy antics of the Bangers - you can see it all at the Norfolk Arena! With up to fifty cars in every race, action is guaranteed and here at the Norfolk Arena we encourage "full contact" where spinning and hitting other cars is all part of the racing!
Kngs Lynn Oval Racing trading as Trackstar Racing | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Statement


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The smoky eye is sultry. It's alluring. It's enigmatic. Think 'smoke' – it's dark and mysterious. There are no hard lines and it blends into nothingness.
Okay – I'm being a bit dramatic. Here's a basic 'smoky eye' look with step-by-step visuals to help you along the way.
*Use the red highlights to show you where to apply makeup.
Step 1 – Prep
Apply eye cream. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes. At this time, you can apply a primer – this will help your makeup glide on and stay crease-free.
Step 2 – Conceal
Use your finger or a synthetic concealer brush to apply concealer around the eye. Pay special attention to the inner corners of the eyes. That's where darkness lurks!
Blend in a gentle patting motion. Don't wipe, you will simply remove the concealer. Make sure there are no obvious streaks or lines.[clear]
Step 3 – Create barrier
Pat a generous amount of loose translucent powder under the eyes. Your eye shadow will sprinkle down on top of the powder. When you're done with your eye makeup – use a powder brush and dust away the mess.[clear]
Step 4 – Neutral Lid Color
Using an all-over lid brush, apply a neutral color (think vanillas, butterscotch, bisque and champagnes) from lash line to brow bone. (I love using MAC's "Rice Paper")[clear]
Step 5 – Liner
Line eyes with a dark pencil (I absolutely adore Avon's Glimmersticks waterproof eyeliner), gel, or cream liner – something you can smudge. If you're using gel or cream out of a pot, use an angled eyeliner brush to apply the product.
The liner should be thinner towards the inner corner of the eye and gradually increase in thickness towards the outer edge.
Line the lower inner rim. Don't apply too much liner close to the tear duct – it'll goop up and you'll end up with black eye boogers (ech!)
Step 6 – Smudge
Use a Q-tip or a tight bristled brush to smudge the edges of your liner. A good smoky eye shouldn't have any hard lines.
After you've smudged your liner, blend a dark shadow directly over the smudged line. Don't go too far in to the corners of your eyes unless you have wide-set or protruding eyes.
Step 7 -Highlight
Use a small eyeshadow brush (something that will fit in the corners of your eyes and under your eyebrow) to apply a highlighter shade.
Highlighting colors are light, often reflective. They make the areas you apply them to come forward.
I use "Nylon" by MAC for a dramatic look. For a little more subtle look, I use "Shroom" by MAC. If you have a deeper skin tone, "Ricepaper" by MAC could be a good highlighter for you. Use any drugstore store or department store brand you like, as long as it does what it's supposed to do.
Step 8 – The Crease
The crease step is important. Just one dark eye shadow alone can look harsh.
Use an eyeshadow that is in the same color family as the eye shadow on your lid, but lighter. Apply it above your lid, on the outer edge of your crease. Then, using a loose blending brush, blend the shadow in a circular motion. Blend the crease shade slightly up and inward.
The crease should be darkest at the outermost corner – gradually getting softer as you move towards the brow and the center of your lid.
Make sure there are no hard lines between the dark lid shade, the medium crease shade and the highlighter on the brow.
Step 9 – Finished Look
Finish your look by defining your brows. A strong eye look desperately needs a defined brow – your makeup won't look complete without it.[clear]
*Smoky eyes look best with neutral lips. Strong eyes plus strong lips will make you look like you have too much makeup on.
**Smoky eyes don't have to be black. You can use browns, plums, navy – be creative!


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Refresh & Recharge in the Axe Valley…
Hawkchurch Resort & Spa has relaxation down to a fine art, being the ideal place in which to recharge and find inner peace.
Our 5 star rated resort nestled on the Devon-Dorset border is perfectly positioned amidst the tranquil Axe Valley with the on-site facilities being purposefully designed to exuberate the feeling of inner peace which these surroundings promote. The aim here is to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the time you leave across the entirety of our offering.
Open throughout the year, you can escape to our world of tranquility whenever you desire with the use of our Ezina Spa, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and much more. All of the senses are well and trully taken into consideration, with Hawkchurch Resort & Spa also being home to a high quality eatery and the grounds themselves being well maintained throughout the year by our hardworking grounds team who help to maintain the impeccable high standards which our regular customers have come to expect.
Bar and Restaurant
Great for couples
Luxurious spa
Pet friendly
Stunning lodges
Free WiFi
Gym facilities
Outstanding natural beauty
Private hot tubs
Hydrotherapy Pool
5 Star Spa Breaks in Devon
If you are looking for relaxing spa breaks in Devon, then Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is the place to be. You can take advantage of our stunning new Ezina Spa where we have a number of highly trained professionals who are on hand to give advice and provide a range of treatments and massages which are bespoke to your specific requirements.
There are a range of spa treatments available which our professionals can advice on. We also offer other beauty therapies ranging from body wraps to manicures and facials.
Once you've enjoyed your treatment, you can take advantage of our relaxing Hydrotherapy Pool, for over 16's only, which is designed to improve circulation and relax the tension in your muscles. This pool is heated to a higher temperature than normal pools and is also fairly shallow, so non-swimmers can also benefit from the effects.
Also available for the benefit of our holiday makers and holiday home owners is a Sauna and Hammam style steam room, so you can really chill out in the heat no matter what the weather is doing outside.
Ezina Spa
State of the Art Gym Facilities
If you are looking to keep in shape or maintain a fitness regime, then you are sure to find what you need in our state of the art gymnasium.
This air conditioned facility is perfect at any time of the year, with a huge variety of state of the art fitness equipment which is designed to cater for varying training needs including both cardio and weight equipment. Our gym is available to holiday guests and holiday home owners throughout their time on-site; just one of the many added benefits of being a holiday home owner at Hawkchurch Resort. However, please note that our gym is for over 16's only, with it being required for under 18s to be accompanied by an adult.
Are you local to Hawkchurch Resort & Spa? If so, we offer fabulous membership packages from just £45 per month. Please call us on 01297 678402 for more details about this.
The Gym at Hawkchurch
The Bistro
The holiday lodges at Hawkchurch are all fully equipped for self catered breaks, with an extensive range of kitchen facilities providing you with everything you need including fridge freezers, ovens, hobs, microwaves and even dishwashers.
However, if you are looking to treat yourself then you will always have the option of dining at our fabulous on-site Bistro which serves mouth-watering cuisine for all members of the family. Varying dietary requirements are catered for; just let our expert team know when making your table booking so that we can ensure that you are accommodated.
You can also grab a refreshing drink or two from our bar whilst making the most of the Sky Sports HD coverage afforded on our quality HD TVs which are scattered across the Bistro. Those who are in the mood for a mid-morning pick me will also be delighted to hear that we serve Costa Coffee products which can be enjoyed either inside the Bistro itself or outdoors on our beautiful patio area.
The Bistro at Hawkchurch is open to those in the local area as well as the much valued holiday home owners and holiday lodge guests staying with us on their break in the Devon countryside.
The Bistro
Our Function Venue Facilities
Our function suite is available to hire for various business and private events ranging from corporate conferences to fun filled birthday parties.
The Darwin Business team can help decorate the room to your requirements, with varying layouts possible depending on what suits the theme of your event best. Our offering is not just limited to the room hire, with the friendly team able to help you put together bespoke packages to provide you with the event which you had in mind. Regardless of whether you are looking to host a staff training event for your business or even a private party, we can help to put you in touch with the right people to make your expectations a reality.
Our function venue can accommodate up to 30 adults with complimentary on-site parking provided. Feel free to get in touch with the Darwin Business team to discuss your next event and how we can help to make it a reality.
Events at Hawkchurch
Pet Friendly Holiday Destination
Everyone is welcome to take advantage of our unrivaled lodges and facilities for a holiday in Devon that they will never forget; this includes the furry members of your clan with Hawkchurch Resort & Spa being one of the most luxurious pet friendly holiday resorts in the region.
A number of our lodges are allocated specifically to pet owners who have brought their four legged friends along with them on the trip, but please be sure to make sure that your pet or pets are included when making your booking through our partner Hoseasons to ensure we can allocate you the right lodge.
Once here, you and your best friend can explore the plethora of stunning scenic walking routes which surround our resort as well as paying a visit to the many pet friendly attractions which are on offer nearby. On Hawkchurch Resort & Spa itself we even have our own walking route which you and your dog can explore in a friendly and secure environment through the woodland on our extensive grounds. A stunning setting which holiday makers and holiday home owners at Hawkchurch Resort are welcome to explore whenever they so please.
Request a Hawkchurch Resort & Spa Brochure
If you would like to learn more about our 5 star facilities here at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, then why not download a completely free holiday brochure.
Simply complete the form below and let us know which brochure you are most interested in; a Hawkchurch brochure devoted to our holiday breaks or alternatively our holiday home ownership brochure which will provide you with full details about the luxury holiday home owners lifestyle here at one of Devon's most exclusive relaxing retreats:
Darwin Escapes keeps the interests of its customers top of mind, so you can rest assured that your data will only be used to help you and will not be shared with external parties unless otherwise requested. For more information about how your data will be utilised, please visit our privacy policy page.


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27 Jul
From May 14 to May 18, the EKOTON Industrial Group has participated in IFAT - the largest exhibition in the world, dedicated to wastewater treatment and processing of wastes which took place in Munich, Germany.
Every two years Munich gathers more and more representatives of wastewater treatment industry from all corners of the world which invent, develop and inculcate more effective methods of environmental protection. In this year, the exhibition of IFAT surpassed all records of visitors: more than 141 thousand professionals from 160 countries arrived to Germany to see the best solutions presented by 3305 exhibitors from 58 countries. Our company participates in IFAT exhibition almost 10 years. The last exhibition has been one of the most successful for the EKOTON Industrial group. Inspiring atmosphere both on the exhibition and on a stand, which was created by our colleagues, clients and business partners, has brought good professional results.
EKOTON industrial group is the acknowledged leader in production of wastewater treatment equipment in CIS and gain more recognition on the international market with every year. We offer the spectrum of equipment, covering the basic technical requirements for wastewater treatment plants, beginning from the rough cleaning and ending with sludge treatment. The wide assortment of products, high quality level and fair prices were attracting a large number of visitors to our stand.
During 5 days of exhibition, we has held more than 300 fruitful meetings with representatives of wastewater treatment plants, branch associations, designing and engineering organizations as well as parts suppliers for EKOTON equipment. We presented new developments of engineering department and presented a new strategy of company "NOT just technologies and equipment", that puts in the head our relationships with customers and partners, and also our aspiration to maximize benefit for a client in solutions for wastewater treatment plants.
Positive atmosphere at the stand assisted successful negotiations and fruitful meetings. We were very pleased to get a feed-back from existed clients and business partners about the work of the already installed equipment. For us it's important to help those, who choose only effective solutions. It is a well-known fact that this year as before, the EKOTON stand becomes a place for meeting of international delegations, where questions of financing of wastewater treatment plants construction and reconstruction were discussed as well as the optimal equipment selection for treatment of different effluents and sludge dewatering. Additionally, the changes in legislation in a water sectorwere discussed. All these topics became the most important for us this year. That's why we were holding meetings with the representatives of water branch associations of Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Lithuania, Israel, Hungary and other countries.
For the EKOTON Industrial group, IFAT - 2018 became a successful event. We have started not only new projects but also found new partners which will help to make our equipment more accessible all over the world as well as to improve it to offer our clients yet more effective solutions.
We are grateful to all who visited us in these May days in Munich and we wait for a meeting on IFAT 2020!


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Private Sector Investment in Primary and Secondary Education in Kenya: Issues, Challenges and Recommendations
Nancy N. Nafula
Eldah, N. Onsomu
Damiano, K. Manda
Kimalu, M
TypeLearning Object
MetadataShow full item record
Although many governments are committed to implementing education goals, including Education for All (EFA) and Universal Primary Education (UPE), they are constrained by availability of resources. Private sector involvement in education has been justified on the grounds that public provision of education is inadequate compared to demand. Also, public expenditure on education has stagnated or shrunk in real terms due to fiscal constraints. This study utilized both primary and secondary data sources to analyze the critical policy issues and challenges facing private investors in the education sector in Kenya. The owners of schools were the main sources of primary data. Analysis from the data shows that private investors had invested more in primary schools compared to secondary schools, despite the unmet demand for secondary education. The investors indicated that it was relatively cheaper to establish and operate a primary school than a secondary school. The investors also cited the inability to meet the high initial capital to start a secondary school. This problem is compounded by the fact that majority of private schools mainly depend on proprietor's savings to construct a school. Their ability to access bank credit is hampered by the fact that banks charge very high interest rates. Also, potential investors lack necessary collateral to secure a loan. Further, the current legal framework that regulates education provision in Kenya is limited to private school registration and examinations. Policy recommendations emanating from the study include need to speed up the review of the Education Act—it is expected that the review will address issues of registration; land norm and investment incentives; enforcement of regular inspection of schools, teacher in- service and other professional development programmes; a revolving fund for long term credit facilities; and development of a legal framework on private-public partnership in the provision of educatio
CitationNancy N. Nafula Eldah N. Onsomu Damiano K. Manda Paul K. Kimalu;Private Sector Investment in Primary and Secondary Education in Kenya: Issues, Challenges and Recommendations;KIPPRA Discussion Paper No. 76 December 2007
University of Nairobi,Department of Economics,
- School of Economics [98]


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|shoes I bought on Taobao
I was amazed when I learned a fellow Filipino has a Taobao account and buys items using her bank account without any help from Chinese friends. Since then, I got interests to register on Taobao.. But things were not that smooth and easy as you think. I've tried creating my Taobao account but it kept me going back from the top – everything's in Chinese so it was very difficult to fill in the needed information.
However, my perseverance did not stop there. I used Google browser to enable me register as this browser automatically translates anything in English. So there, thanks to translations – even if it's not perfect, it still is a big help to get things done. Once your taobao has been created, you will receive an email for verification – just click the link and log in your account.
Registering Taobao
Let's say you have already a Taobao account. The next thing to do is get an Alipay. Just go to their website and create an account. Same thing, everything is in Chinese so using Google Chrome is the best way to navigate the website – you're lucky if you have a VPN account to access Google. In creating Alipay, prepare your passport and mobile number. Tip: use email enable to register Alipay and not by mobile phones. For this reason, using your email will enable you register as a foreigner and not to require you a Chinese card. Make sure your Chinese bank enabled the Internet banking or it won't work. Link this bank to your Alipay and you're good to go.
You're welcome! Back to my story, I bought a guitar stand, pick up and badminton shoes on Taobao and they were all successful. Transactions were smooth. The pictures posted on their shops we're all the same when I got the items. Amazingly, they're way cheaper. Thank you, Taobao! Alright, always remember to put your address in Chinese and not in English or Pinyin or it will confuse the seller where to ship your items, seriously, no kidding here.
Buying Items on Taobao
Again, use Google Chrome to navigate the website to enable you get around with enough understanding of shopping online. Search the items you like and choose the size or color that fits your preference then hit the buy button. You will be directed to the page with details of your mobile number and address where the package is to be sent and the seller's address and contact information too. Next, confirm the payment and type your password. You should see a notification that you bought this item. Also, you will receive an SMS notification about the payment you had incurred.
Receiving Items From Taobao
Log in your Taobao account later. You have the option whether to send a message to the seller or not. But I would recommend to send a message to the seller first and ask about the items if they are available or not. Most often, I add the item to my cart first until I got the seller's response. That's the only time I buy the items. I have experienced, I bought a Samsung Galaxy S6 case only to find out the color was not available. The seller sent me a message and recommended me a different color, instead. I told her I wanted the item exactly what's on your post. Honest enough, the seller couldn't find anything the same so she told to request for a refund and I did.
Back to your Taobao page, click "View My Taobao". You should be able to see details of your package by tracking it. If your package already arrived, go back to your Taobao and click confirm receipt – this is to notify the seller you have received the package.


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Angola, Africa's largest crude producer
after Nigeria, is turning to international lenders including
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. for cash as it struggles to adapt to
the lowest oil prices in more than five years.
The southwest African country secured $250 million each
from the New York-based investment bank and Gemcorp Capital LLP
of London in separate deals within the past week, the state-run
Jornal de Angola reported on Monday, citing decrees by President
Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
The Finance Ministry has reduced spending on education,
imposed a government hiring freeze and is preparing to cut
outflows by a further 20 percent this year to offset the impact
of sliding oil prices. Dos Santos has said some large
infrastructure projects will be delayed, without specifying
which ones. Angola, sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest economy,
depends on oil for about 75 percent of tax revenue and almost
all exports.
"For an average price of $60 a barrel, tax revenues will
decrease to $32.8 billion compared with $45 billion for 2013,"
Manuel Jose Alves da Rocha, chief economist at the Catholic
University of Angola in Luanda, the capital, said by e-mail.
"There are storm clouds in the behavior of world oil demand."
The borrowing from Goldman and Gemcorp follows a $2 billion
loan to state-oil company Sonangol from China Development Bank,
while negotiations are under way with the World Bank about an
aid package. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose as
high as $115.71 a barrel in June, before slumping this month to
$45.19, the lowest since 2009.
New Projects
Amilcar Xavier, a spokesman for Angola's Ministry of
Finance, didn't reply to phone calls, e-mails and text messages
seeking comment. Joe Stein, a spokesman for Goldman Sachs based
in London, said the company declined to comment.
Goldman Sachs owns 1 percent of Cobalt International Energy
Inc. (CIE), the Houston-based oil explorer with wells offshore Angola
and ties to Vice President Manuel Vicente that prompted a
Securities and Exchange Commission investigation. Goldman owns
about a 10th of the shares it did when it bought into Cobalt in
March 2012, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Angola, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting
Countries, pumped about 1.62 million barrels of crude a day in
December and is targeting 1.83 million barrels this year as
projects by U.S.-based Chevron Corp. (CVX) come on stream.
Oil Wealth
Net foreign reserves fell to $26 billion in November from a
mid-year $30 billion. Inflation rose to 7.5 percent from 6.9
percent in the same period.
The Finance Ministry estimates public debt could reach $47
billion this year if the 2015 budget based on an $81 oil price
isn't revised. The World Bank estimates Angola's 2013 gross
domestic product at about $124 billion.
Luanda is displaying the benefits of recent oil wealth with
a new skyline of office and apartment buildings around a
renovated bay as it recovers from a 27-year civil war that ended
in 2002. Some builders, such as Mota-Engil SGPS SA and Teixeira
Duarte SA, may now have to scale back plans, Portugal's main
construction-industry association, Aecops, said last week.
To contact the reporter on this story:
Colin McClelland in Luanda at
To contact the editors responsible for this story:
Antony Sguazzin at
John Bowker, Emily Bowers
Press spacebar to pause and continue. Press esc to stop.
Read more:
Angola Taps Goldman Sachs for Cash as Low Oil Price Cuts Revenue


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Suddenly out of the mist I saw it. A giant goat clad in golden armour. I knelt before it and said
the controller's incantation. It worked! With operation: Troll Begone phase II complete, I directed the giant goat clad in golden armour to the river's edge. Sure enough, the troll
waved his failed bridge into smoke, and conjured forth a more enticing bridge for my giant goat in golden armour. TBH, I admired how his stubby, hairy fingers worked the glamoury
of crochetry with two makeshift wands. My giant goat in golden armour yarnbombed in rainbow colours the troll that came growling from under the newly minted bridge.
The troll was gobsmacked and bedazzled, and staggered woozily as he emerged from underneath the bridge. The giant goat continued the yarnbomb assault, in full psychedlic majesty.
The yarnbombing became more and more elaborate. The goat started showing off his repertoire, knitting a wild mix of patterns around the troll's bridge. The troll became trapped in
the goat's colorful yarn web. "Ha ha!" laughed the goat as the troll struggled to free itself, "Who's gonna stop me from crossing the bridge, now?" All the while, a giant spider
above them in a tree was examining the goat's yarn web. Allowing for the spacing and frailty of yarn compared to a spider's web, it was remarkable. The potential! The Giant Spider
Must have kidnapped and kept a goat as a sex slave in the past. Either that or it was the reincarnation of a mighty seamstress. So the legends were true. Leaping out from the trers
, the creature (whatever it really was) appeared momentarily startled & then gollumped away into the dark night. Sad really, as far as legends go. Really only sew-sew.


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Search for help on enabling JavaScript
Event Date
Saturday, July 27th 2019
Event Location
City Centre Plaza – 20300 Civic Center Drive, Southfield MI
For additional information, please contact:
American Cancer Society
20450 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076
Leeann McDowell
Registration and Event Start 12:00 p.m.
Event End 4:00 p.m.
Construction equipment demonstrations
Kids activities
Live entertainment
Food trucks
For more than 100 years, The American Cancer Society has been leading the fight to end cancer. With your support, we have helped usher in an era where more people survive cancer than ever before. By translating our research findings into action, we've seen a 20% decline in US cancer death rates since the early 1990s.
American Cancer Society
20450 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076


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Let's Hang - Sloth - 20 Piece Baby Shower or Birthday Party Photo Booth Props Kit
Item #
Let's Hang - Sloth - 20 Piece Baby Shower or Birthday Party Photo Booth Props Kit
The perfect photo booth begins with fabulous photo booth props. Our printed and cut kit will help you easily create fun party photos at your baby shower or birthday party. This Let's Hang - Sloth party photo booth props kit come with 20 pieces, one of which is personalized, and ready for quick assembly. Simply add the included wooden dowels to each prop, attaching with the included clear stickers, and display alongside a fun photo booth backdrop. Your party guests will love the mustaches, bow ties, lips, glasses, hat, animals, and talk bubbles!
Let's Hang - Sloth Party Photo Booth Props Kit:
20 Printed and cut photo booth props
- 4 Glasses
- 2 Mustaches
- 2 Bow Ties
- 2 Lips
- 1 Hat
- 2 Sloth Faces
- 1 Sloth Mask
- 1 Sloth - "It's My Bedtime"
- 1 Slow Sign
- 1 Branch - "Wanna Hang?"
- 1 Leaf - "Lunch, Anyone?"
- 1 Talk Bubble with - "Smile!"
- 1 Custom Talk Bubble
20 Wooden Dowels
20 Clear Stickers
Some assembly is needed
Printed on heavy card stock paper


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Things You'll Need
- Heavy-duty fabric drop cloths
- Trisodium phosphate cleanser
- Steel wool
- Water hose
- Professional painter's tape
- Galvanized metal etching spray primer
- Oil-based spray enamel
- Gloves
The phrase "lead weights" can either be in reference to older bodybuilding equipment or fishing tackle. Essentially, each of these items is painted the same way. Because lead weights are made of nonporous metal, they are unable to absorb the adhesives within paint. You must apply a type of acidic primer that is capable of etching lead surfaces. You should also choose a particular kind of paint that will remain durable against heavy friction and consistent exposure to moisture.
Move the lead weights outdoors, and place them on heavy-duty drop cloths. Wait for a warm day, free from high winds.
Wash the lead weights with a trisodium phosphate cleanser, using steel wool. Rinse the weights with a water hose. Wait two to four hours for the weights to dry.
Protect areas of the weights you don't want painted with painter's tape.
Coat one side of the lead weights with galvanized metal etching spray primer. Keep the spray can about 8 inches from the weights as you apply. Wait two hours.
Flip the weights over and prime the other side. Wait at least four hours for the primed lead weights to cure.
Coat the primed lead weights with oil-based spray enamel. Keep the spray can about 8 inches from the weights as you apply. Wait six hours before moving the weights.
Lead is a toxic substance. Be sure to wear gloves and work outdoors. Once the weights are sealed with the appropriate types of primer and paint, they will be rendered harmless.
Never paint unprimed lead weights, or the paint will peel.
Don't use an ordinary acrylic latex or oil-based primer on lead weights, or the finish will fail.


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Read guidance, learning summaries, evidence trends, and country reflections from USAID and its partners.
Education in Crisis and Conflict
Strengthening Education in Emergencies Data
The MEERS program is a four-year activity that supports data collection, data analysis, research, training, and capacity building related to the most pressing education issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
March 30, 2020
Systems Strengthening
Virtual Learning During Pandemic Increases Access to Education in Morocco
Over 1.5 billion children and youth around the world have been affected by school closures due to COVID-19. Morocco was prepared for virtual learning, in part thanks to two USAID-funded projects.
April 29, 2020


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AUGUST 12 UPDATE: Chinese animation smash Nezha ruled international box office and hit the $500m mark, while Universal's Hobbs & Shaw remained the worldwide champion as it surged past $200m at the international box office and $300m worldwide
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood delivered a career-best debut for Quentin Tarantino in Russia on $7.7m for Sony, while Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 4 took another stride towards the $1bn mark.
Enlight Media's Nezha, already the highest-grossing animation release of all time in China, brought in a further $64.5m as the running total in China leapt to $507.4m. Yang Yu's feature directorial debut is based on a popular figure in Chinese novel The Investiture Of The Gods (Fengshen Yanyi) – the rebellious son of an army commander who fights the Dragon King and change his own destiny. Bona Film Group's action film The Bravest produced by Andrew Lau added $28.9m for $163.6m.
UPDATE: Hobbs & Shaw added $60.3m from 66 territories as it dropped roughly 50% in its second session to reach $223.4m internationally. Executives said like-for-like it is tracking on par with Fast & Furious 6 in all opened markets.
With anticipated debuts in South Korea and, more significantly, China, just around the corner, the $85.6m global haul propelled the action thriller starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba and Vanessa Kirby to $331.8m. Universal's Fast franchise spin-off opened in five markets, led by France on $7.3m at number one, Italy on $2.6m at number one, and Belgium on $1.6m in second place.
The UK led the holdovers on $3.5m for $15.5m following a 41% drop, followed by Germany on $3.1m for $10.1m (42%), Japan $2.8m for $14.1m (41%), Russia on $2.8m for $14.1m (68%), and Australia on $2.6m for $8.7m (46%). Elsewhere, Hobbs & Shaw added $2.6m for $12.9m in Mexico (60% drop), $2.5m for $10.5m in Taiwan (38%), $1.8m for $10.9m in Indonesia (61%), $1.8m for $6.8m in Brazil (49%), and $1.7m for $7.3m in Malaysia (57%).
Illumination Entertainment's The Secret Life Of Pets 2 brought $16.2m from 51 territories and stands at $222.1m from 67. In a pair of respectable number one debuts, the family animation earned $4.9m in Mexico (the 2016 original delivered $7.6m in opening weekend), and $2.6m in Spain (compared to $4.5m for the first film). It opened at number three in Colombia on $649,000. France was the top holdover on $2.8m for $7.7m after two weekends, while Japan produced $1.2m for $10.9m after three, and South Korea $1m for $6m after two.
Yesterday stands at $54.5m internationally, and $125m worldwide. The fantasy starring Himesh Patel and Lily James stands at $15.7m after seven sessions in the UK, and opens in China this week.
The Lion King used $51.4m international and $71.4m global weekends to climb to $473.1m and $1.335bn, respectively. The family smash debuted in second place in Japan on $9.3m heading into the week's Obon holiday, and overall ranks as the 12th highest worldwide release of all time, unadjusted for inflation and currency exchanges, and the second highest international, global, and North American release of the year-to-date.
China leads the territories on $120m, followed by the UK on $73.9m, France on $61.4m, Brazil on $60.4m, and Mexico on $49m. The Lion King dropped 31% across Europe, where it has amassed $400m, and stands at $287m in Asia-Pacific, and $174m in Latin America. It opens in Italy on Aug. 21.
Toy Story 4 is nearing the $1bn global box office milestone and will become the fifth Disney film this year to accomplish the feat after Avengers: Endgame, Captain Marvel, The Lion King, and Aladdin. The Pixar release added $9.7m from 36 territories for $570.4m, and $14.1m globally for $990m. It opened top in Poland on $900,000 for the third highest Pixar debut.
The UK, where the film ranks as the second highest animation in history, leads the territory scoreboard on $73.8m. Mexico is next on $71.8m, followed by Japan on $71.1m, Brazil on $32.4m, China on $29.1m, Argentina on $28.6m, and Australia on $28.5m. Toy Story 4 ranks as the highest-grossing animation of all time in Latin America (unadjusted for inflation or currency exchange) on $196m.
Aladdin has grossed $1.035bn worldwide and $682.5m internationally. Japan is the clear leader on the territory board with a $107.2m running total, followed by South Korea on $90m, China on $53.3m, the UK on $46.2m, and Mexico on $32.5m.
Disney's Fox 2000 drama The Art Of Racing In The Rain starring Milo Ventimiglia, Kevin Costner, and Amanda Seyfried earned $1.1m from 12 in a day-and-date launch with North America. Brazil and the UK delivered $300,000 and $200,000, respectively.
In the weekend when it crossed $100m in North America, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood ventured into its first international market and pulled off a superb $7.7m number one result in Russia for the filmmaker's biggest ever debut there. By comparison, this was some 22% ahead of the debut by James Bond title Spectre, and some 154% ahead of that of The Wolf Of Wall Street.
Tarantino's ode to Hollywood past debuts in the UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Australia, and Spain this week. Then comes Mexico on Aug. 23, Japan on Aug. 30, Italy on Sept. 18, and South Korea on Sept. 26.
Spider-Man: Far From Home brought in an additional $5.3m from 67 markets for a $726m international running total, and $1.09bn worldwide. Last weekend, Sony Pictures International Productions' (SPIP) Spanish comedy Padre No Hay Más Que Uno (Father Is The Only One) delivered the highest opening weekend by a local film in Spain so far this year, and it followed up with a $1.3m session to reach $5.1m after a mere 23% drop.
CBS Films / eOne's horror release Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark produced by Guillermo del Toro and directed by André Øvredal mustered $4m from its first 30 international debuts, where highlights came from Taiwan on $602,000, Russia on $577,000, Spain on $556,000, Peru on $340,000, and Brazil on $249,000. The film about a group of teenagers who confront their fears in a small town opens this week in Mexico, followed by France on Aug. 21, and the UK on Aug. 23.
Dora And The Lost City Of Gold opened day-and-date with North America and the family adventure generated $2.5m from its first 11 markets, as executives claimed that on a like-for-like basis the performance exceeded debuts of Spy Kids 4: All The Time In The World by 16%, Peter Pan by 123%, and Bridge To Terabithia by 82%.
Dora opened at number four in Russia on $878,000, number two in Indonesia on $420,000, number six in Malaysia on $239,000, and number five in Netherlands on $233,000. The film opened at number two in Thailand on $225,000, number five in India on $171,000, number six in Taiwan on $166,000, and number four in Vietnam on $113,000. It opens this week in the UK and France.
Paramount's alligator horror Crawl opened at number four in Mexico on $1.4m and overall added $2.3m from 28 markets as the international running total slithered to $20.6m. The next wave of markets brings debuts in Russia and Germany on Aug. 22, and the UK and Spain on Aug. 23.


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Mayfair 101 Advisory Board
International Investment Group
Mayfair 101's group of companies operates using a investment banking-style model, with a focus on consistent investor returns, regular income streams, and exit strategies.
Our fresh approach to various aspects of the financial services industry has resulted in our ability to create win-win outcomes for investors and the companies we work with.
We source and attract investment opportunities that can benefit from our tried and tested global ecosystem of investors, fund managers, stockbrokers, family offices, investment bankers, lawyers, accountants, company directors, industry thought-leaders, entrepreneurs and advisors.
Our history
Our group was established in 2009 as an investment company focusing on technology-related investment opportunities. We quickly gained exposure to listed and unlisted investment opportunities, some working better than others, but all culminating in invaluable learnings that enable us to operate the way we do today.
In more recent years the group was renamed Mayfair 101 due to the breadth of international investments being located between the group's two main office locations, those being 101 Collins Street, Melbourne and 1 Mayfair Place, London.
Simultaneously the group's investment capabilities have evolved in line with an enhanced ecosystem that provides investors with confidence and clients with substantial value.
The Mayfair 101 group now operates a portfolio of wholly and partly-owned subsidiaries in 11 countries including Australia, United Kingdom, Israel, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and United States of America.
Our Team
These investments are managed by an experienced team of financial services professionals with backgrounds and qualifications in law, finance, compliance, auditing, risk analysis, funds management, private & public company boards, business management, sales marketing, and investment banking.


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Our internship opportunities range from wish granting and program-related activities to event support and communications/community relations.
Internships are for currently enrolled college students only and are offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Our office is open Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5pm and Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm. Fall/Spring interns are expected work a minimum of 10 hours per week and Summer interns are expected to work 10-20 hours per week. Please apply only if you are able to meet these time requirements. All internships are unpaid. Please see our Intern Application for more details.
If you are interested in applying for one of our internship opportunities, please submit your resume along with a completed Intern Application to:
Fax: (888) 291-8222
Communications/Community Relations – assist with all communications and community relations activities, including but not limited to: event press release drafting and distribution, follow-up with wish families on experiences, writing of wish stories for website presence and donor recognition, assisting with outreach (program/medical and fundraising) activities i.e. festivals, external events, etc., assist with wish family engagement and key stakeholder engagement activities throughout the year, and other miscellaneous administrative tasks as assigned.
Medical Outreach – work with the medical outreach manager in the implementation of the chapter's Medical Outreach Plan. Tasks include both strategic thought and administrative processes involving internet research, data entry and database development, file organization, reporting, formatting data, and phone calls to medical staff as needed to identify missing paperwork. Additional duties and assistance with outreach events may also be assigned.
Graphic Design – the successful candidate for the Graphic Design Internship will possess a working knowledge of graphic design software – Photoshop and/or InDesign – and have access to these programs. Graphic design tasks exist in all aspects of the Make-A-Wish Connecticut office, from program and wish-related projects, to event promotion and recognition, to web, ecommunication and social media material. Roles and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: creation of new templates for Wish Itineraries, creation of new templates for forms and letters for Wish family communication, design of eNewsletter templates, website graphics, and event and Wish photo editing.
Development, External Events/Corporate Partnerships Donor Relationships – focus on fund-raising, with possible experience in event planning, in-kind and auction solicitation, social media, donor solicitation, data management, individual and corporate donations. Basic tasks include, but are not limited to: assisting the Development team with all projects, events and activities as required; assisting with External Event projects, such as mailings, tracking attendees and sending out promotional materials; assisting with Kids for Wish Kids, Wishmakers on Campus, Wishmakers at Work programs and National Partnerships; assisting with updating internal database and manage confidential and personal information with high degree of efficiency; researching and reaching out for in-kind donations and vendor participation/donations; researching potential corporate, individual, foundation and major-gift contributors; assisting with miscellaneous special projects.
Special Events – the Special Events Intern is responsible for assisting with the administration of Make-A-Wish internal fundraising events. The ideal intern must have strong people, organizational, written and oral communications skills. Must be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point. Knowledge of Raiser's Edge also helpful. Attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast paced, collaborative environment are critical, as is the desire to contribute to the mission of Make-A-Wish. Events include the Celebrating Wishes Ball in November, the Evening of Wishes Gala in April and the Walk for Wishes in May. Key responsibilities include logistical support for all three events, auction support, website updates, mailings, coordinating volunteers, donor recognition, event sponsorship support, and performing other additional duties as assigned.
Program Services – work with Program Director and Wish Managers on all aspects of the wish granting process. Daily tasks would include contacting families, volunteers and medical staff as needed, faxing and mailing documentation, data entry, creating itineraries and any additional wish-related projects as assigned. The ideal intern should be an energetic individual with good communication skills and strong attention to detail. This is a fast-paced environment where the ability multi-task is essential. Knowledge of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher; Raiser's Edge is a plus.
Volunteer Services – work directly with the volunteer services staff. Make-A-Wish Connecticut has more than 400 volunteers throughout the state of Connecticut in many diverse assignments. Maintain volunteer records and files. Manage volunteer newsletter. Contact volunteers to staff Make-A-Wish events and other volunteer activities. Assist staff with volunteer research projects and maintaining volunteer applications and files. Other duties include contacting volunteers to staff events, monitoring volunteer compliance, contacting potential volunteers, assisting with volunteer recruitment and recognition efforts.
Donate your airline miles to help wishes take flight!
Join our email list!
Stay connected to Make-A-Wish Connecticut.


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Bruce Springsteen has long been an object of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's unrequited love. The governor says he's seen Springsteen perform in concerts over 120 times, but his efforts to meet his idol went rebuffed for years until he finally caught up with The Boss at a fundraiser in 2012. They hugged. Christie later said that he had wept.
He'd better get some tissues, because on last night's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Christie's boyhood hero lit into the governor for "hurting the working man" when he and/or his staff caused traffic to back up for four days in Fort Lee.
Watch it:
In more serious news, two lawsuits were filed against the Christie administration and the Port Authority. One was brought by Fort Lee taxi drivers who lost business to the closures. Another, filed on behalf of six Fort Lee residents, makes a novel argument that BridgeGate violated residents' constitutional right to interstate travel. Lawyers involved in both suits are seeking class action status.


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Lowe's Cos (LOW) - Get Report jumped 4% Wednesday after the company reiterated its 2018 financial forecast and said its board approved a $10 billion stock buyback plan.
Lowe's, which has been on a cost-cutting spree and has shut underperforming stores, was meeting with analysts and investors in its hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina on Wednesday.
"We have substantially completed a detailed reassessment of our business and are diligently implementing process and technology improvements that are rooted in the fundamentals of retail and designed to position Lowe's to win in today's complex retail environment," said Lowe's President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison.
Lowe's still anticipates a year-over-year 4% increase in revenue in 2018 while comparable-store sales are expected to increase 2.5%. Earnings are expected to be between $5.08 and $5.13 a share on an adjusted basis.
Lowe's expects revenue growth to slow to 2% in 2019 while comps are expected to increase about 3%.
"These transformational changes will take time but will enable Lowe's associates to better focus on serving customers and capture significant market opportunities. As we work to position the company for the future, we will remain true to our mission of delivering the right home improvement products, with the best service and value, across every channel and community we serve," Ellison said.
Lowe's shares are up about 9% year to date.


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Lucas Local shucks its way into burgeoning Newtown dining scene
Newtown may not immediately spring to mind when "oyster bar" is invoked — and that's kind of how Vince Cappelletti likes it.
"It's something that people here aren't necessarily used to," he said at Lucas Local Oyster Bar and Woodfire Cookery, the cozy, 3,000-square-foot eatery he opened Friday, Oct. 13 ("We stared danger in the face," he said) at 48 S. Main St. "I thought that a boutique restaurant in a small, intimate space like this would be something they could appreciate."
Most recently a home to a Peachwave frozen yogurt shop, the restaurant is near the busy intersection of Main Street and Wasserman Way, which leads to Exit 11 off of Interstate 84. Although getting in and out of Lucas Local's parking lot can be tricky, support has been strong so far, Cappelletti said.
Lucas Local is one of the latest additions to a burgeoning Newtown dining scene that was previously marked by a glut of pizzerias and the occasional Chinese restaurant. Swankier dining options like farm-to-table restaurants Market Place and Farmhouse have opened over the past 12 months, while upscale British/Italian restaurant/bar/bakery Dere Street, spiffy sports bar/restaurant Red Rooster Pub, and Beef and Barleys steakhouse made their debuts during the past three years.
Cappelletti has been in the restaurant business in one way or another since his days as a 14-year-old busing tables at Mamma Francesca, the long-lived Italian eatery in New Rochelle, New York. He said he's been involved in opening some 30 restaurants over his career, either as a direct owner or consultant. His resume includes serving as director of operations for Manhattan's Meatball Shop, a district manager for Chopt Creative Salad Co. and even a stint as a managing partner at the Outback Steakhouse in Danbury.
Unlike those endeavors, he said, Lucas Local is meant to be "an adult restaurant. We have some kids' items on the menu, but we don't have high chairs and things like that."
Instead, the restaurant is carefully appointed with a number of antiques and bric-a-brac that Cappelletti, his girlfriend and his two children have picked up over the years. Seating consists of beer garden chairs from Germany and pews rescued from a defunct church in New Haven, while the floorboards were originally part of a tobacco barn in Windsor Locks. A moss wall at the end of the restaurant was built by daughter Isabella and girlfriend Sue. (Cappelletti used to run an eatery called Isabella in Poughkeepsie.)
The centerpiece is the oyster bar, featuring freshly shucked oysters from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and the like.
"'Local' in our case can mean 'regional,'" Cappelletti said. "It all depends on the quality — I sent back a shipment of oysters from Virginia because they just weren't right."
Lucas Local also features an array of other seafood dishes, as well as salads, steaks and chicken dishes. "But it's really all about the seafood," he said.
The restaurant is named after his 11-year-old son who had a severe shellfish allergy when he was younger. "The day the allergist said he was completely free of allergies," Cappelletti said, "the two of us went to SoNo in Norwalk and knocked down a couple dozen oysters."
The Southbury resident said he'd like to expand Lucas Local into a Lucas-branded empire once the Newtown restaurant is firmly established: "Lucas Taco, or whatever, within the region."
Having "put this place together in about three months," Cappelletti said his next goal is to build an outdoor patio on the front of the building, probably by mid-April. That would add 16 seats to Lucas Local's current capacity of 50.
He'd also like to add a garden in the back to provide fresh vegetables and herbs during the warm months. "The vision is there," he laughed, "but that might be another season away."
Kevin Zimmerman is a reporter for Fairfield County Business Journal. For more of his work and that of the journal, please visit westfaironline.com.


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Max Goodwin takes us on a journey through living mythology into the season of Imbolc.
We are traveling across the great lake to the island, with a large woodland covered hill in the center. Now, together we move under the canopy and into the darkness of the wood. We find ourselves, just inside the woodland, at the foot of the hill in front of immense doors that are set into the very hillside.
Here we meet an old man dressed in bright white robes. His grey hair denotes an ancient wisdom and the staff he holds in his hand shines with the light of Divine Magic. Merlin, for that is his name, tells us, "If it is your wish, you may enter the gateway and I will guide you." We do so now.
Down into the dark tunnels we travel together, turning this way and that, past great caverns and grand halls, until we find ourselves in front of another set of doors. These wooden doors are inlaid with precious metals and magical symbols. Two tall stoic elves, clad in the armour of light open the great doors.
We enter an awe inspiring hall. The ceiling is so high, it is lost in the darkness of space and with columns and arches that seem to go on for ever. This seeming impossible place is dominated by the two awesome figures who are enthroned at the end of the hall.
The Winter king, great consort, robed in snow, crowned with bone and ice. Ancient wisdom; ageless beauty.
Beside him, his Queen, The Dark Goddess. She sleeps. She dreams of spring.
In her dreaming, the forest is warm and the young maiden gently moves through the deep paths. Where her foot touches snowdrops spring to life, and where her hand brushes against the branches, catkins burst forth. She leaves in her wake the scent of spring and the promise of summer.
Elsewhere in the great forest another moves carefully and silently. The Prince of light hunts! Dressed as the wild man of the woods, in the hide and horns of the stag, he catches the scent of early spring and follows deep into the woodland.
He approaches a grove of birch and hazel and there in the center, with her back to him, surrounded by snowdrops, sits the maiden. Her long golden hair shines like the sun and his heart is captured in an instant. His breath comes quick as his pulse races. Pushing past the trees, he enters the grove, the sound of hide on bark. The maiden turns her head…..
The dark goddess on her throne awakens in the great hall, beside her consort. She turns to us with a knowing smile on her lips and the first stirrings are felt deep inside her and all across the land.
Merlin motions for us to depart. Through the doors and past the guardians, together we follow his sure steps. He leads us back along the passages to the vast doors in the hillside and out into the light of the day. As we travel through the woods, we notice the deep green shoots of the snowdrops and the light green of the catkins. Soon we are traveling back across the water leaving the island behind us, back from whence we came.