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Chapter 1
September, 1941
Walking in a driving rain, Ravanna Zorka could almost feel the excitement that permeated New York City. With Europe already firmly locked in the jaws of war, the city appeared to be whirling on the edge of a maelstrom, as though all its activities, all its life forces have been heightened.
Ordinarily, Anna enjoyed the rain. But not today. The telephone call from Mr. Kipchak late the night before regarding her father's illness had filled her with alarm. Could she stop by in the morning---yes, he usually worked on Saturday---and discuss the situation?
Waiting impatiently for the light to change so that she could dash across 5th Avenue, Anna was too preoccupied with thoughts of her father to notice a man walking rapidly with his head down against the rain until he bumped heavily into her. Her thought, as she teetered on the edge of the curb, was not one of fear, although cars and trucks raced past like juggernauts. Rather, it was one of surprise. With so few people walking in the foul weather, how could someone bump into her?
The split second of teetering saved her life. It was just enough time for the driver of a big Mack truck to see her and slew to a stop at the instant she lost her balance and lurched into the street. The fright in her eyes as she stared at the big radiator of the truck scarcely inches from her face, stilled the angry words of the truck driver who had leaned out of his cab. He contented himself by yelling, "Watch where the hell you're goin', lady."
The grinding of the truck's gears shook Anna out of her shock and she leap back to the sidewalk just as the truck shot forward, its side panel almost brushing her nose.
Anna's legs were weak as she made her way to the shelter of a building and leaned against the blessedly cold marble. Her breath was coming in short, ragged gasps, and she could feel her heart racing, its beat so strong it thudded against her ribs. Stupid New Yorker. Rushing along with no thought of anyone except himself. My God! She had escaped being killed by a hair's breath.
She huddled against the building's facade and waited for her heart to stop its heavy thudding. The brief respite also gave her time to remember why she was out in the driving rain, and abruptly, one fear was replaced by another.
How ill was her father? He was only 45, too young to be in real danger. But then, her Aunt Sonja had only been 45 when she died last year of cancer.
The thought sent a stab of pain down Anna's spine. At first, news of her father's illness had made her want to rush to the nearest steamship office and purchase a ticket for home. But apprehension made her hesitate. Suppose she had to go back. The Nazis were in de facto control of the government of Hungary. If she went back now, would they allow her to return to America when her father got well? And would her father even want her to come? He had sent her to America in the first place because he was afraid the Nazis would take over Hungary. Would he want her to return now when it was a fact?
The desire to know even the worst drove her from the shelter of the building. She was probably worrying for nothing. Mr. Kipchak would tell her that everything was fine and she could resume her happily uneventful life.
Damn the rain. The cold, wind-whipped downpour maliciously sought out every miniscule opening in her raincoat, determined to drench her to the skin. Thank heavens she was rarely sick. She supposed her immunity to ordinary germs and viruses was because for generations her mother's Gypsy ancestors in Hungary had been forced by their Magyar and Walachia masters to work from daylight to sundown naked in the icy waters of the Borsog and Tisza rivers washing gold from the river bottom. Those who survived had developed an incredible immune system.
Anna made a vow to herself that if she ever had the money, she would have a beautiful plaque---or better yet, a huge statue---erected on the banks of the Tisza as a memorial to the hundreds of Gypsies who had perished so that their masters could live in luxury.
Thoughts of home brought tears that mingled with the rain. She wondered if her father had changed during the past 4 years. She knew she had. Now, at 22, she was probably as tall as he. And his eyes might be darker, but she thought her face with its high Magyar cheekbones and wide-spaced eyes was more like his than her Gypsy mother's, although she did have her mother's dusky, olive skin, which always made her look as though she had just returned from a vacation in Florida.
Perhaps his hair was now gray. The last few years must have been difficult for him. First there had been the death of her mother the year before he had sent Anna to New York. Then there were the Nazis who now occupied Hungary. Her father had certainly been right about that.
Anna could still remember his words as he put her onboard the ship at Fiume on the Adriatic. "This Adolf Hitler and his New Order will pull us all into war. In America you will be safe. You can return when it is over and that madman and all of his kind are dead."
"But, papa," she had said. "Come with me. You must be safe too."
But he had not come with her. Instead, he had elected to stay and manage the Zorka estate with its famous vineyards that had been in their family since the days of King Matthias. And now, . . . She did not want to think about what might be happening now.
At the Bradley Building on East 54th, she took the elevator to the tenth floor and the office of Mr. Kipchak. The elderly lawyer was an old friend of her grandfather. He had immigrated to the United States almost forty years ago, but had kept in touch with her family. So it was natural that he had practically become her guardian after she arrived in New York.
Mrs. Czacnic, his secretary, a matronly woman with an ample figure and thick, gray hair, said good morning to Anna and helped her take off her wet raincoat. When she saw the water-soaked areas on Anna's knit dress, she clucked in display and departed for the restroom to fetch paper towels.
While waiting for her return, Anna tried to pull a comb through her hair, but after a few futile strokes, gave up the task. Moisture had turned her naturally curly hair into an unmanageable mass of ringlets and long, twisting strands. She considered putting on some lipstick and rouge, but decided not to. The brisk walk had brought color enough to her cheeks and she really did not like to wear lipstick. It drew too much attention to her lips which she thought were a trifle too full. Ever since a boy had once told her that her lips always looked as though she was waiting to be kissed, she had tried to make them as inconspicuous as possible. She did have exceptionally good teeth, thank heavens. Again, courtesy of her mother. Slaves and nomads did not survive if they could not masticate anything that passed for food.
After she had blotted the worst of the moisture from her clothes, Anna went into Mr. Kipchak's office.
Before today, she had always enjoyed visits to Mr. Kipchak. His office, with its large windows, huge old desk and untidy bookcases, had the cluttered look reflective of a man who had trouble getting one task accomplished before he started on another. And there was always the aroma of pipe tobacco, just like the office of her father.
"Ravanna! Late as usual."
Jozsef Kipchak put his pipe in an ashtray and heaved his bulky form from the deep leather chair as though reluctantly leaving the embrace of a lover.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Jozsef. It's the rain."
She did not want to tell him about the near accident. He worried about her anyway as though she were still an adolescent.
He lumbered around the desk and wrapped her in his arms as he always had. She could remember when his hugs had threatened to crush her like a sear autumn leaf in the grip of a giant. Now she could give as well as she took, and he grinned at her through his scraggly beard, his small eyes twinkling behind the thick lenses of rimless glasses.
"I've got to stop that." He spoke in Magyar, the old Hungarian language. "You're beginning to hurt my ribs."
"Not much chance of that," she laughed, lapsing easily into her native tongue. "I can't even get my arms around you."
He patted his stomach with satisfaction. "I'm prepared for a long winter. I'll be alive when you skinny ones are nothing but bones."
"Skinny! You think I'm skinny?"
Kipchak peered at her over the tops of his glasses. "Well, they like them with thin waists and big bosoms today so I guess you're all right. You'll fill out more when you get older."
"Not I. I'll never be fat. My bones are too small."
"Ridiculous. You have bones like a dinosaur. You wait."
"Well, maybe when I'm old---like forty---or real old, like fifty."
Kipchak snorted as she knew he would. He had to be at least eighty and any mention of age threw him into a defensive angst. "Age is relative. If you have the right relatives, you don't get old. Remember that, young lady. Choose your mother and father carefully and you'll live a long time."
She felt her face grow sad at the mention of mothers and fathers and, noticing, he retreated behind his desk to hide his dismay at the faux pas. He allowed himself to be enfolded by the big leather chair and motioned her to a seat on a couch. She was forced to restack some of the papers on the couch before she could make a place to sit and Kipchak growled, "Careful there. Those are important cases."
Anna glanced at the dates on some of the papers. Most were months old. She blew dust from one sheaf that was beginning to turn yellow. "Whose case is this? Abraham Lincoln's?"
"Don't be facetious. I have everything under control. Now, let me see. Where did I put that telegram?"
Telegram! Anna hunched her shoulders against a sudden chill. Telegrams were always bad news. "It's my father, isn't it? Is he all right?"
The old man straightened and threw his hands up. "That woman. She's always moving things. But. . .." He turned to Anna, worry in his eyes. "You're right. It is bad. They want you to come immediately."
A fist closed on Anna's heart. "Why did Uncle Albrecht send it to you instead of directly to me? I could already be on my way."
"I suppose it was because I've been the official guardian of your welfare since you've been here."
That was certainly true. When she had arrived in New York, Mr. Kipchak had already prepared the way. An apartment was waiting and a checking account had been set up in the Chase Manhattan Bank.
"But it was about my father. Uncle Albrecht should have sent it to me."
"There's more to it than that."
The grimness in his voice startled her. "More? What?"
Instead of answering directly, he said, "How well do you know this man Albrecht Grantz?
"Uncle Albrecht? Well, he's not really my uncle, of course. But he seems like an uncle. I've known him since I was a child. He's been my father's solicitor for years."
"I see. I've been trying to telephone him, but the telephone these days. . .." He shrugged his heavy shoulders as much as the chair would allow. "However, that is now moot. I, uh, received a letter."
"A letter? From Uncle Albrecht?" Her fear at his evasiveness made her voice no more than a breath.
"No. From your father."
"Father? When?"
"A few days ago." He selected a folded sheet of paper from a scattering on top of his desk. "See. I know exactly where everything is."
"A few days ago? Why didn't you tell me?
"It did not seem important. Until I received the telegram from Herr Grantz. See for yourself."
Her fingers trembled as she opened the letter. It was in Magyar, written in her father's large flowing hand. Except for his occasional letters, she never read Magyar any more and she had to struggle to make out some of the long agglutinative words, many containing thirty letters or more. The gist of it was that her father was suspicious that someone in the government was attempting to usurp the Zorka estate. Thus far there was no concrete evidence, although he was sure that one attempt had been made on his life. At the time it had seemed like an accident, but after he had discovered power-of-attorney papers forged with his name, he was not so sure. If someone was trying to usurp the Zorka estate, an attempt might also be made on Ravanna's life. He did not want to alarm her. So without her knowledge, would Herr Kipchak arrange for her protection?
Anna jerked her eyes away from the paper, her breath caught in her throat. "My God. Maybe it wasn't an accident."
Joseph Kipchak stared at her, his eyes inquisitive. "What wasn't?"
"On the way here. Someone bumped into me. I almost fell in front of a truck."
Kipchak's pudgy hand went to his mouth. "Good heavens! We must call the police."
"It's too late for that. It probably was an accident. But. . . my father. What is his illness? When did it start?"
"Herr Grantz' telegram was not specific. But the timing of his illness does lead to speculation, wouldn't you say?"
Alarm pushed Anna to her feet. "I'm going back. He might need me."
Kipchak held up both his hands, palms out. "I considered that and I agree."
Anna hated the thought of leaving New York. During the past four years, she had made a home in America. She had her B.A. from Columbia University; she had a good job in a brokerage office; she had her own apartment just off 5th Avenue. And she had become an American citizen. Now, she felt more American than Hungarian. Her accent had virtually disappeared; she even thought in English. But her father needed her. "Good," she said. "Would you make the arrangements?"
"But . . . there are considerations," Kipchak continued in Magyar as though he hadn't heard her. "First, we must obtain an entry visa from the Hungarian government."
"Entry visa? For God's stake, I'm a citizen."
"I thought you became an American citizen."
"I did. But I was born in Hungary. That gives me dual citizenship."
"Perhaps. However, the Nazi's have peculiar views about who is and who is not a citizen. They are afraid of spies."
"From the United States? We're not at war."
"Not technically. But it's only a matter of time. We're already delivering lend-lease to the British."
"The United States doesn't want to get involved in another of Europe's wars. Hitler knows that. And I'm sure he wouldn't want anything to happen to an American citizen. Not at this critical time."
"You may be right. There is, of course, the matter of getting there."
Anna was fully aware of the dangers of travel across the North Atlantic: German submarines were sinking American ships even though the United States was not at war. The admonition that "Loose Lips Sink Ships" was displayed everywhere. Perhaps the Germans only sank freighters transporting war material to England and would not sink a passenger ship. But then, maybe they would.
"I can go by way of the South Atlantic. To Brazil and Spain and through the Mediterranean to Fiume. It'll take a little longer, but there won't be much danger."
Jozsef Kipchak made a tight little smile. He knew she was rationalizing away the danger. German submarines were ranging the entire Atlantic from Iceland to the Azores and into the Mediterranean. "And what happens after you get there?"
"Well, if my father is feeling better we'll have a nice visit."
"I hope you're right." He sounded cheerful, but deepening furrows between his eyes indicated his worry better than words. She understood the reason for his concern. She would be in a country controlled by the Nazis. Although, technically, Hungary was ruled by its Regent, Horthy de Nagybanya, Hitler had forced Hungary to become one more German satellite. Like it or not, Hungary was now part of Hitler's Third Reich. And even though, unlike other countries under German domination, Hungary was not overrun by Gestapo secret police and Sturm Abteilungen terror squads, it was the Nazis and their fascist sympathizers who were running the country. And if some Nazi bureaucrat was trying to take the Zorka land, there was no guaranteeing she would be safe. Nor was her father safe. So, she really had no choice. Whatever the danger, she had to return.


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Location: Resurrection Bay Kenai National Park
Date: 8/25/2013 - 8/26/2013
Our first real day of adventure on this trip included the train ride on the Costal Classic which took us from Anchorage down to Seward. Seward is a small town on the northern end of Resurrection Bay and is the main access point to touring Kenai Fjords National Park. Julie and I had reservations to spend a night on Fox Island which was a 20 – 30 minute boat ride from Seward. We made our way to the small boat harbor and got checked in with Kenai Fjords Tours who would be transporting us to the island.
The boat ride to Fox Island, although short, was awesome since the weather was beautiful and the view of the surrounding mountains and their glaciers were amazing. We even spotted some sea otters, floating on their backs and just hanging out in the bay. They didn't seem at all fazed as our boat stopped to watch them for awhile.
We were dropped off at Fox Island and greeted by their friendly staff and shown to our cabin. This lodge probably only has about 6 – 8 cabins, so the number of people you are sharing this island with is very limited. They've just built a new main lodge building which is very nice and comfortable and includes a small dinning area and day room. There is electricity in the main lodge, but not in the cabins. The cabins have battery powered lights, no cell service, no tv, no internet but had awesome views of Resurrection bay and the surrounding mountains. This is definitely a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and relax.
So, this is the new lodge just completed this spring. The front porch, with the Adirondack chairs is a fantastic place to spend some time and take in the beautiful views. The day use area, where they would serve nightly appetizers, also included a wood burning fireplace and was a great place to hang out and talk with some of the fellow guests and staff.
Here's a few pictures of inside the lodge looking out onto the bay. What a great view!
This was the cabin that we stayed in. It was nothing fancy, but very comfortable. Plus it had a back porch looking out over the small fresh water pond that was behind the row of cabins.
The lodge offered walks around the island with a park ranger every afternoon. Here is Ranger Chad, who works with the park service, giving us some information on the plants and rocks which are found on this island. We found him to be very knowledgably and could answer any questions we had for him. Plus he's been in Alaska for a long time, so he had a few good stories about the locals to share with us.
Since we were on vacation, we just had to have a local Alaskan brewed beer while sitting on the lodge porch. With blue skies and a calm bay, this view was hard to beat!
Fox island does have a few hiking trails heading up into the mountain behind the lodge. We did attempt to do one of these hikes, but turned around after about a quarter mile because the trail was pretty rough and it was like hiking through a rain forest. It was wet, slippery and non stop tree roots and downed trees to climb over and around. I t required much more effort than we wanted to give, so we bailed on the hike and decided to walk on the beach. But we did get a good picture showing the fresh water lake, the spit of land with the row of cabins and then the bay beyond.
Here's just a random sampling our pictures of our one day stay at Fox Island. We would definitely like to return some day!
This route shows our short hike we took behind the main lodge. We didn't get very far!
Fox Island / Resurrection Bay Hike at EveryTrail
Resurrection Bay and the mountains beyond.
Looking back towards Seward and Mount Marathon. Every Fourth of July Seward holds a race where runners climb to the top of this mountain and then back to the downtown area. The winning time this year was 43 minutes which is hard to believe when you see how high and steep this mountain this mountain is.
And here we are as our boat comes into the dock to pick us up. We are heading off for our nine hour tour of Kenai Fjords National Park.
A link to all the pictures I took during out time at Fox Island can be found here.
On 9//20/13 added some YouTube Videos.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) has released a new genealogy resource for Northern Ireland.
PRONI, along with FamilySearch, has digitized the Valuation Revision Books, 1864-1933. These books contain a list of landholders and their property valuations in counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.
The records are handy for filling in gaps between Griffiths Valuation (which ends in 1864) and the 1901 census (the earliest surviving Irish census).
Here's what the Valuation Revision Book pages look like:
You'll need to know where your ancestor lived in Northern Ireland to best use the collection.
Access the Valuation Revision Books on PRONI's website (click the Search Valuation revision Books button on the right). There, you can enter a placename (city, county, parish, or townland; or a street or ward name in Belfast and Londonderry) and digitally "flip" through books pertaining to that place. You also can browse by county and parish.
Note that 44 of the roughly 3,900 books are still be digitized.
Searching for Irish roots? Get in-depth guidance in Family Tree Magazine's Ultimate Irish Genealogy Collection, available only in May.


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Am Himmel der Tag (2012)
- Studio: Independent
- Release: November 29, 2012
- Director: Pola Schirin Beck
- Writer: Burkhardt Wunderlich
- Cast: Aylin Tezel, Henrike von Kuick, Tómas Lemarquis, Godehard Giese, Marion Mitterhammer, Lutz Blochberger
Video archive for the film Am Himmel der Tag, which has a domestic theatrical release in the year of 2012. There is currently one video available for the film, of which one and only one is a trailer, as listed below. Happy viewing!
Featured Movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker


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Currently, our school district does not allow the use of Twitter in the district. Unfortunately this means that those who could not make it to the conference have no way to follow along with abundant networking that takes place with the commonly used hashtags and sharing of information via twitter during their day.
So this year, I developed a method to share all of the important hashtags and stream of METC_CSD tweets that come out of the conference. I hope my site offers those who have twitter blocked some connection to the wonderful things that are going on at the conference while they are in the classrooms, offices, etc working, planning, or teaching.


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In 1965 as the first National Trail in the country was opened – 'a Pennine Way from the Peak to the Cheviots'. There are now 19 fully waymarked and state-maintained trails spanning the length and breadth of Britain from Land's End to Inverness.
Customers who bought this item also bought:


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Phil Harrison has commented on the first-party exclusive lineup for the Xbox One. According to a report from Gamepur on April 16, the corporate vice president behind Microsoft was asked if his company's stance on exclusive games is different when compared to Sony. Although Sony is focused on publishing first-party PS4-only titles, Microsoft has been partnering with third-party companies with releases such as "Dead Rising 3" and "Titanfall."
Phil Harrison reassured fans that his company is still very much committed to first-party development. He first mentioned that critical and financial success of "Forza Motorsport 5," which came out at the launch of the Xbox One. Along with the tentatively-titled "Halo 5," Microsoft is also planning to release "Fable Legends" and "Quantum Break" for the next-generation console. Finally, the recent acquisition of the "Gears of War" franchise, which is now being developed by Black Tusk Studios, should bolster the lineup as well. You can find his comments from the Xbox Achievements interview below:
I'd like to think we do both. I'd like to think we have incredible talent in Microsoft Studios building unique, exclusive franchises for Xbox One, whether it's Forza 5, which has been one of the highest rated games on the platform, selling incredibly well. Whether it's Kinect Sports Rivals from the team at Rare, whether it's Fable Legends coming from Lionhead, whether it's Quantum Break coming from Remedy. We have just announced that we acquired the Gears of War franchise and are bringing that to Xbox One with one of the most talented teams that we've ever seen together in our industry.
The biggest first-party franchise for the Xbox One is still "Halo," however. Microsoft announced "Halo 5" during their press briefing at last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. Although the company has revealed very little information since, Phil Spencer did teased that new details will be coming at E3 2014.
Aside from "Halo 5," "Quantum Break" is probably the most standout exclusive to be shown off so far by Microsoft. The third-person shooter, which is being developed by the creators of "Alan Wake" and "Max Payne," uses live-action videos along with time-manipulating powers. You can find a photo of one of the development team members talking about the Xbox One video game from the official Remedy Games Twitter page with the image attached to the top of this article.
"Quantum Break" is expected to arrive before the end of this year. On the other hand, several reports mentioned that "Halo 5" won't be coming out until 2015. Microsoft is expected to fill the gap with "Halo 2 Anniversary," a remake of the second game from the popular first-person shooting series.


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Back to all reports
Dumped bed frame
Reported in the Flytipping category anonymously at 14:30, Sunday 3 March 2019
Sent to Edinburgh City Council 5 minutes later
Someone in the stair keeps discarding items outside the front of the rubbish chute at night without arranging for them to be properly uplifted and disposed off - it is the frame of a double bed which has been there for 2 weeks so far!
Provide an update
Please note that updates are not sent to the council. Your information will only be used in accordance with our privacy policy


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Pokemon Crystal Version - Pokemon of the Day: Growlithe (#58)
|Everybody remembers the good ol' Pokémon of
the Day Guy, right? Well, once Gold and Silver hit the shores of the US
and all the hype had died down a bit, he decided to move to the top of
Mount Kilimanjaro to seek enlightenment. Now that every self-respecting
Pokémaniac has Ruby and Sapphire on the brain, however, it's high
time we revitalize the age-old tradition of bringing you your Pokémon
of the Day! And, as everyone knows, there's only one thing better than
a Pokémon of the Day Guy...a Pokémon of the Day Chick!
Each and every day we'll be taking a close and personal look at one of these unique creatures called Pokémon. Here you'll find all the moves you could ever want (learned, hereditary and all compatible TMs/HMs from G/S/C and R/B/Y, if applicable), breeding chains for hereditary moves, Pokédex entries, general descriptions, max stats, in-game locations, weaknesses and resistances, gameplay tips and one or more suggested movesets (SUGGESTED, people; I'm not telling you what to do) to get the most bang for your Pokébuck.
Growlithe is the first evolutionary form of what is unquestionably
one of the most popular Fire types of all time, Arcanine. Though I've nothing
against Arcanine, really, I've always preferred Ninetales as my Fire type
carnivore of choice (funny, considering I have far more play time on Red
and Gold than any other version). Still, the Growlithe line is acceptably
sturdy and dependable, and I must admit Growlithe is one of the more adorable
Pokemon in existence. If you're a fan of dogs and a fan of Fire types who
finds Houndour's insanely brittle Defense and added dual type weaknesses
a turn-off, this playful and perky orange puppy is definitely worth a look.
|NAME: Growlithe
TYPE: Puppy (Fire)
WEIGHT: 42 lbs.
EVOLUTION: evolves into Arcanine when exposed to a Fire Stone
AVAILIBLE IN: Red, Yellow, Gold, Crystal
LOCATION: Wild Growlithe can be found in the Pokemon Mansion on Cinnabar Island in Red and Yellow, in addition to Routes 7 and 8 in Red. Gold owners will find Growlithe on Routes 7, 8, 36 and 37, while Crystal players should search Routes 8, 35, 36 and 37. Unfortunately for those trainers playing Blue and Silver, Growlithe is unavailable in either of these two versions.
|Learned Moves:
Bite - Basic
Roar - Basic
Ember - lvl 18
Leer - lvl 23
Take Down - lvl 30
Agility - lvl 39
Flamethrower - lvl 50
Bite - Basic
Roar - Basic
Ember - lvl 9
Leer - lvl 18
Take Down - lvl 26
Flame Wheel - lvl 34
Agility - lvl 42
Flamethrower - lvl 50
|Compatible TMs:
TM06 - Toxic
TM08 - Body Slam
TM09 - Take Down
TM10 - Double-Edge
TM20 - Rage
TM23 - Dragon Rage
TM28 - Dig
TM31 - Mimic
TM32 - Double Team
TM33 - Reflect
TM34 - Bide
TM38 - Fire Blast
TM39 - Swift
TM40 - Skull Bash
TM44 - Rest
TM50 - Substitute
TM02 - Headbutt
TM03 - Curse
TM05 - Roar
TM06 - Toxic
TM08 - Rock Smash
TM10 - Hidden Power
TM11 - Sunny Day
TM13 - Snore
TM17 - Protect
TM20 - Endure
TM21 - Frustration
TM23 - Iron Tail
TM24 - Dragonbreath
TM27 - Return
TM28 - Dig
TM32 - Double Team
TM34 - Swagger
TM35 - Sleep Talk
TM38 - Fire Blast
TM39 - Swift
TM44 - Rest
TM45 - Attract
|Hereditary Moves (G/S/C only):
Body Slam: Breed a male Poliwag/Poliwhirl or Lapras with a female Wooper/Quagsire, then mate the resulting male Wooper with Body Slam to a female Growlithe/Arcanine. OR, Breed a male Chikorita/Bayleef/Meganium, Lapras or Snorlax with a female Mareep/Flaaffy/Ampharos, then mate the resulting male Mareep with Body Slam to a female Growlithe/Arcanine.
Crunch: Breed with a male Girafarig or Houndour/Houndoom.
Fire Spin: Breed with a male Flareon, Ponyta/Rapidash or Vulpix/Ninetales.
Safeguard: Breed with a male Seel/Dewgong or Vulpix/Ninetales.
Thrash: Breed with a male Mankey/Primeape, Nidoking, Tauros or Teddiursa/Ursaring.
Flamethrower: Growlithe can also learn Flamethrower via the Move Tutor in Goldenrod City (Crystal only).
If this set looks at all familiar, it's probably because this is one of the most common standard Ninetales sets. Now, don't think that just because I like Ninetales a little better means I would try and turn Growlithe into one! I just noticed that Growlithe here can learn all same required moves as his foxy counterpart, and since he is as of yet unable to learn Extremespeed (which most standard Arcanine sets are based around) I figured I'd take him in a bit of a different direction. Besides, being an unevolved Pokemon Growlithe is better suited to use attacks that don't depend purely on offensive stats, and I seem to be in a Toxic-trapper mood this week anyway.
Safeguard is a great move for Growlithe considering his low survivability and present status as a trapper. If you're fighting something that is capable of taking Growlithe out relatively early, you can set up a Safeguard which the rest of your team will benefit from even after Growlithe leaves the match. On the other hand, if you're facing something that doesn't typically attack outright and depends more on status-altering moves like Jumpluff or Umbreon, Safeguard will certainly throw a monkey (Mankey?) wrench into their plans. If you happen to meet up with a fellow Toxic-trapper (there are more of them out there than you may realize) and you have a Safeguard in place, Growlithe will likely have the upper paw regardless of the fact that he's unevolved.
Fire Spin...guh. As I mentioned in a previous article, Fire Spin is a really, REALLY crummy trapping move if you're actually depending on it to trap (as opposed to an offensive attack, though not many people would use the underpowered Fire Spin solely as an attack when there are better moves like Flamethrower and Fire Blast out there). The 70% accuracy is just plain awful, and even if you DO manage to land a Fire Spin it is only guaranteed to pin an opponent in place for two turns. It can of course last up to five turns but will usually break after three or four, which generally won't be enough if you're relying solely on Toxic to kill an opponent. The nominal damage it adds at the end of each round is appreciated, but Fire Spin still pales in comparison to Mean Look. Oh well...seeing as how Growlithe can't learn Mean Look, Fire Spin is better than nothing.
Toxic is naturally to be used in conjunction with Fire Spin. Heck, even if you don't have time to trap the opponent before poisoning them, Toxic is a nice move because it will more often than not prompt an opponent to switch out. This can be useful if you're going up against something like Scizor that is known to heavily alter its own stats before attacking (don't expect any trainer to leave Scizor specifically in against a Fire type, though; that was just an example). And of course, if your opponent happens to be the last remaining member of its party you won't need to use Fire Spin at all. A great strategy is to Toxic any Pokemon that uses Recover (particularly legendaries) when that Pokemon has been saved for the end of a match, since they can't switch out and Toxic will eventually gain enough power to finish them off regardless of Recover.
Dig is an exceedingly risky move on any Fire type, given a Fire type's weakness to Ground type moves and the fact that Earthquake and Magnitude's powers are doubled when used against any Pokemon using Dig (except a Flying type, which makes absolutely no sense...you'd think they'd be stripped of their immunity if they were actually UNDERGROUND, but whatever). Well, I'm assuming you wouldn't bring Growlithe in against an Earthquaker in the first place, or that you would at least refrain from using Dig if you had no choice. Dig is a particularly weak move that Growlithe doesn't receive STAB on; its only real purpose is to get you out of the way of an attack for a turn (say, a Surf).
Ninetales usually pulls this off better than Growlithe because she has Confuse Ray and thus has a chance to miss absorbing an attack even upon emerging from the ground, but the move can work for Growlithe if it's late in the game and your Toxic needs but a single turn more to finish an opponent off. Besides, Growlithe and Arcanine have a better Attack stat than most comparable Fire types, so if you find yourself going up against a fellow flamer you just might be able to Dig them to death before they can figure out exactly how to knock Growlithe out.
I prefer Bright Powder on this particular Growlithe because it gives him a chance to dodge an attack while setting up his Toxic combo or using Dig, much as Ninetales' Confuse Ray affords her. You might also consider Quick Claw, since Growlithe is pretty slow for a Fire type. As for other move options, you can set Growlithe up essentially as a miniature Arcanine if you desire though, as I said, you won't be able to get Extremespeed yet. Crunch and Flamethrower are preferred offensive attacks for Arcanine, and Body Slam is great for the paralysis chance (though if you do opt for Body Slam you won't be able to breed for Crunch or Safeguard).
Attract is fun on Growlithe, but I prefer a party-benefiting move like Safeguard in its place since Growlithe typically won't be around long enough to benefit greatly from "selfish" stat-afflicting moves. Reflect and Substitute will both do a great deal to promote Growlithe's longevity but, again, if you want any of the RBY TMs on your Growlithe you'll have to forgo the GSC-exclusive hereditary moves (which I feel in Growlithe's case are generally more useful). Finally, you can keep the Roar that Growlithe knows right from the get-go if you wish to use him as a pseudo-hazer. Growlithe really does have a great variety of move options (for a pure Fire type, anyway), but until it evolves you'll probably want to steer clear of the flat-out attack moves due to his undeveloped offensive stats.
Perhaps I'm just getting nicer (or senile) in my old age, but I really can't think of anything downright unattractive about Growlithe as a Pokemon prospect. Sure, his stats might reek slightly because of his youth, but unlike a lot of unevolved Pokemon he can be employed effectively as an annoyer in spite of this fact.
Upon evolving Arcanine will find at his disposable incredible stats in addition to the awesome Extremespeed (Quick Attack on steroids), so this puppy is one Pokemon you will definitely want to get to know if you're looking for the most powerful non-legendary Pokemon for use later in the game. Though not a personal favorite of mine, I will say that just about anybody could benefit from giving the spunky pyro pup a good once-over.
Enjoy your time spent with this fuzzy flaming fighter, and tune in tomorrow for another original installment of Pokemon of the Day!
Please email any questions or comments to firstname.lastname@example.com, or drop me a line if you just wanna say hello! I'm always up for a rousing Pokémon chat. And, as always, feel free to visit us on IGN's dedicated Pokémon Board. See you there!


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The "Blogging at Middlebury" blog has been renamed "The Middlebury Blog Network" and is now using the Translucence theme. As well, it has been reconfigured to aggregate selected posts from the Midd blogosphere. Blog owners interested in having their blogs listed on this site currently need to contact Joe Antonioli.
6 thoughts on "The Middlebury Blog Network"
Mike Roy
I think we should create a tag called 'midd blog network' and use that tag for those posts that we think make sense to be aggregated. That would take all the guess work out of it.
— mike↓
We could create a tag specifically for the Middlebury Blog Network aggregation site. Alternatively, we could have the aggregator just pick up all posts tagged with "Library Spotlight"↓


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Last week, I asked you to imagine looking in a mirror. We saw that we are far from perfect as we look at ourselves in light of God's Word, but God accepts us because of His grace. This morning, I invite you to get out that imaginary mirror once again and ask yourself another question: "Do I like the person in the mirror?" You have gotten to know that person over a long period of time; do you like him or her? Or is the person looking back at you someone that you really don't like at all? But here is what is crucial: it is not what you think of that person in the mirror that is most important. It is what God thinks of that person that is most basic and most important. This morning, we look at how Christians should view themselves in light of God's view of us. Let's read Ephesians 4:17-24.
I. First, we need to understand that we are created in God's image.
In Genesis 1:26-27, God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." God deliberately planned and created us so that we would be in his image. People are no accident that developed from evolution. But what does it mean to be in God's image. Ephesians 4:24 describes people in the image of God as being righteous and holy. There is a part of us that is just like God who is righteous and holy. Now that is true, but that is not an easy thing to fully understand either. The image of God is best seen and understood in Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:15 calls Jesus the image of the invisible God. If we want a picture of what people created in the image of God are like, all we have to do is look at Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus was in fact born as a man, but also perfectly righteous and holy.
Thus, when we think of us being created in the image of God, we may legitimately look at the picture of Christ as found in the New Testament. On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in Texas is a portrait with the following inscription: "James Butler Bonham –no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom." We don't have a literal portrait of Jesus either, but the likeness of the Son can be seen in the lives of us, his true followers.
The result is that Adam and Eve as first created by God were good and perfect. They were a beautiful and important part of God's creation. Question Six asks: "Did God create people so wicked and perverse?" The Heidelberg Catechism's answer is: "No. God created them good and in his own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that they might truly know God their creator, love him with all their heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, to praise and glorify him." But as the question infers, something has gone terribly wrong with God's image-bearers.
II. What happened to cause a problem with our image?
Shortly after God created Adam and Eve in his image, sin entered the picture. Adam challenged God's authority over him and separated himself from God. He was not content to be what God created him to be. He rebelled against God and sin entered the world. And the Bible teaches that through Adam's sin, all of us became sinful. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned." 1 Corinthians 15:21 says, "death came through a man; for in Adam all die." Question 7 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks: "Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?" The answer: "The fall and disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, in Paradise. This fall has so poisoned our nature that we are all conceived and born in a sinful condition." The result of Adam's sin is that all of humanity is caught in a spiral of sin and death.
We are lost in this condition unless we are born again by the Spirit of God. Question 8 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks: "But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?" The answer: "Yes, unless we are born again by the Spirit of God." That is what Paul is getting at in the larger context in Ephesians 4:20-32. Paul is saying that by believing that Jesus' death and resurrection are for you, you become a brand new person who is born again. In this process, God is restoring us to what we used to be when first created. That is the goal that God has in mind for each one of us. And now Paul says that we must live as the new people that we really are. And so we ask: Who are we? Sinners or saints? How does God view us?
III. What does God think of us?
Are we in fact saints or sinners? The answers vary considerably. Some Christians would say that we are very close to being perfect. But this attitude makes us very vulnerable to sin and temptation. This can also lead to an arrogant and holier-than-thou attitude. Other Christians would say that we are still most awful terrible persons. Even if we do believe in Jesus, we are still mired down in our sins. But if we are convinced that we are horrible sinners we may well begin acting like horrible sinners. Robert was a little boy in a church we once worked in for a summer. Everyone expected Robert to be bad; they had certain expectations of him and he often lived up to them because people expected him to be so bad. If we are convinced that we are going to be bad, we may well act badly.
We need to have a balanced view of ourselves spiritually. We are indeed sinners, but we are saved or redeemed sinners. Sin is still very powerful and still is part of our nature. We are still lured by motives of selfish pride and self-centeredness. But we must remember that the Holy Spirit is stronger. And the Spirit is making us more and more as God originally created us: perfect and in God's image. We are sinners saved by God's grace. And this means that God views us in a very special way.
IV. And so how should we view ourselves?
This is an issue that is very important and basic in many people's lives. Many people today are not happy at all with who they are for many different reasons. They are convinced that they aren't smart, pretty or handsome. They believe that they are either too fat or too thin. They think they can't do anything right. Soon we end up believing that we are worth very little. But what we must remember is that when we look in the mirror, it is not our view of ourselves that is most important. In fact, imagine that when you are looking at yourself, God is also there looking at you over your shoulder at you. Only He doesn't point out all the bad stuff, even though he is very much aware that the bad is there. If we believe in Christ, the bad stuff does not really matter to God.
We must change our perspective from the way we view ourselves to the way God views us. We were created good and perfect; created in God's image. God created us with His own hands and with loving and deliberate care. That in itself means that you are very special. And even after we fell into sin, God claimed us again by sending Jesus to die for us. God claimed us not because of what we can or cannot do. God claimed us because we are very special to Him and He loves us. And not only did God claim us again in Christ, He loves us so much that He is now restoring us to what he intended us to be in the first place.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to view ourselves and others as God sees us. We are worth a great deal to God; we are not junk! Are we going to tell God that He is mistaken in His estimation of us? Or will we take Him at His word and accept His estimation of our worth? And let's also view others around us in the same way God sees them. When we see a person who is hurting, let's see a person who is in God's image. Let's treat that person, even if they seem to be despicable, with the respect that he or she deserves as an image-bearer of God.
Each Christian we meet a person in whom Christ actually dwells. But how often we sit next to other believers, eat with them, sing with them and yet fail to see we've been in the presence of Christ himself. Let's treat each other as we would treat Christ himself. We have been created in God's image. That means that each one of us is very special in God's eyes. That also means that we should be very special in each other's eyes as well. Let's pray that we may see each other, and our own selves, more and more as image bearers of God.


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It was a burdened and hurried sound from a close friend. And it was followed by more frantic calls from my children, peers, former staff, colleagues in the organization, neighbors, associates and even acquaintances. There were even hushed and soft whispers that have reached me.
The mere mention of one's name in the Congressional hearing on drug trade, at a time when government is in the midst of war against illegal drugs, is like being shoved into a lion's den; or, receiving an instant conviction from the bar of public opinion. Worst, just a mere mention of one's name notwithstanding the context, whether positive or negative, is almost like being lumped into the heap of garbage no matter how fresh your integrity looks from a distance.
That (October 10, 2013)was the fourth (and final) hearing at the Committee of Justice in the House of Representatives featuring scandalous issues that border on drug trade and its titillating considerations and criminal backdrop. The entire episode of the hearing was virtually wrapped in thrill and suspense, revelation and exciting eye openers, comic relief and stubborn repartees, intelligent exchanges and to a lesser degree, moronic discussions. The whole nation was gripped with apprehension, expecting the best and the worst. In a culture that delights in humor mongering, the congressional probe has all the elements of a blockbuster teleserye of sort. For once, those who are fixated or have a penchant for humiliations and shame finally found an HD channel to indulge in.
And right at the middle of the legislative scuffle was the Bureau of Corrections—-my former organization. And the probe featured an almost all inmate cast as its main protagonists with a sprinkling of government officers among their collaborating voices. While the intention was to craft a legislative response to the unacceptable situation obtaining in the national penitentiary, the constant view however was more along the lurid details of how a former Secretary of Justice was linked to drug trade by benefiting directly from its criminal produce.
Momentarily, inmates were lined up and from their sworn affidavits and congressional immunity came a deluge of information, allegations and revelations, which prior to the congressional probe were merely amusing anecdotes and sad yet comic commentary on certain personalities. The allegations were not textbook averments. It is something unheard of in the corridor of democratic countries. Government functionaries in other countries were hailed in court for playing footsie with captains of industry, dancing indecently with power brokers, staking with high rollers in commerce but never, if at all it is possible, personally hobnobbing with high security risks prisoners, of all places, inside their prison cell!
In a country that delights on its self-inflicted records as one of its kind (sabi nga Onli in da Pilipins) hobnobbing can be forgotten as plain braggadocio. But if it entails benefiting from the act as in being provided with funds to oil one's political ambition, then that is something the citizens would scowl. Teka! Pangit yan. Kinukuhanan mo ng pera ang bilanggo. Nakulong nga yan dahil kapos ang pera tapos tatanggap kayo ng milyon sa kanila. Hindi na maganda yan! Whether truthfully disclosed or pathologically a lie passed on as fact, it was never a good highlight. Even assuming that the visit had no financial attribute, everything smacks of suspicion. That explains the horrid response of taong bayan while watching the congressional proceedings unfold and divulge secrets from the depths of the prison community.
Names were mentioned and recorded. Those who figured into the dark alleys of drug trade in the penitentiary were slowly unveiled. DOJ officials, Bucor officials were repeatedly cited virtually sealing a truthful air into the assertions. Who cares if one is innocent as long as the picture is completed and a profile formulated so that Congress can craft another legislative piece and for law enforcement agencies to complete its groceries of charges for prosecution of those involved in the shenanigans.
Moving towards the final stretch while a witness a certain inmate Sebastian, a person whose persona was previously bashed and demonized with numerous charges, stood to make his own dissertation and take in the brewing controversy. His declarations were conducted effortlessly and unrehearsed, candid and offered without even batting an eyelash. He must be telling the truth! The problem however was that his affirmations were completely different from earlier testimonies which were noted and confirmed by the committee as gospel truth. Now where lies the truth given what has been disclosed? The marathon was conducted for 13 grueling hours without noon break and those at the end of the goggle-box promised and swore to hear more.
I have dutifully watched the proceedings from Days 1, 2, 3 well except that I was traveling and I could not monitor Day 4, the final reckoning so to speak. I was intent on every statement, the depositions and testimonies. I was one of the prison officials during those tumultuous period of prison history when all the shenanigans began to explode. I know that I will be called up to render my own perception as reference. But it seems like it was an inmate all-star production and the likes of me was already unwanted, tainted as it were by the stereotype that Bucor and all its elements could no longer be relied upon. Unfortunately, I was typecasted along with the whole shebang.
Unless, of course if the inmate-witnesses themselves would drag one's name into the fray.
The last inmate witness did just that when he mentioned me in reference to a query if the inmate knew me. "Yes, your honor" said inmate Sebastian, "Kilala ko po si Super Tesoro, tinex nga niyan ako."
"Ano naman ang text sayo?" a legislator asked.
"Ang sabi balang araw kikinang ka na parang ginto at titibay ka sa bakal na parang riles. Hindi ko nga maintindihan kung ano ibig sabihin niya your honor."
A minute of lull came and another question was lodged. The interpellation went on for more hours, the grilling session seemed to be relished by representatives while Sebastian was having a splendid time enjoying his grand full day media exposure. People in his provincial hometown may have feasted on seeing their fair haired boy on prime television and on that day, Sebastian was a celebrity.
I remember those words. I have called for a security conference of all senior inmate helpers thrice inside the maximum wing of NBP and on each occasion; my opening statement was along that line which Sebastian narrated. I would heed the prison community that Imprisonment is a make or break affair. You commit another offense, you perish. You make good, you are made. Those who are made will survive and not only that. They will be like forged iron and eventually will glisten more like gold and their strength more than the railway steel.
Sebastian may have received information on what my instructions were. Inmates, like ordinary students, would merely take note on opening statements of their teachers and would forget everything. The attention span of people nowadays were not as expansive like those of their elders. Actually, the text message was nothing. He was baiting the Congressmen that I am aware that he has a cellphone. He may have intentionally said that so that it would appear that I allowed him to keep a contraband, his cellphone. Nice try.
As a matter of fact, it was during my short lived administration, only 6 months—July, 2013 to December, 2013 (I asked to be relieved because I could not get the nod to declare money as contraband and abolish gangs) that Sebastian's free wheeling influence through his personally built television program in prison was suspended. I ordered him to fold up the program. No more TV shows. If the program is institutional and supervised by prison officers and inmates were its crews, then I would have allowed it. But it was one activity which is founded, funded and operated by an inmate without any permission from the agency. So no way for a colorum media. Ayun, nagtampo na yung bilanggo.
My children called me up and so are my friends. They asked like a chorus if I was watching the congressional probe because my name was cited thrice. I asked if my name was mentioned in relation to any corrupt activity like obliging prisoners to produce money for me, or getting into the loop of drug trade and benefiting from its produce. My callers said that my name was never eluded to directly except that my administration was too lax (maluwag) during those times.
My response to my children was, "tama sila, ang pamamahala ko nga noon ay maluwag or very considerate. Isipin mo na lang anak, siniksik na sila ng gobyerno, eh di paluwagin ko naman. Ang accommodation level ng Bilibid ay pang 5k katao lang pero ngayon naglalaman yun ng 15k. Ang sabi ng batas ay parusahan sila sa pangungulungan ng ilang taon para baguhin. Take note ha. Para baguhin, hindi para GAGUHIN. Kaya naman pilit kong ina-ayos ang bilangguan para lagyan ng mga makataong programa gaya ng handicraft workshop, barbershop, therapeutic center, reading, counseling, etc. Yun, sinasabing kubol ay slowly being transformed into activity centers.
"Eh teka pare," a neighbor interrupted. "Pasensiya na ha. Pero masarap ang buhay daw ang ilang bilanggo, parang nasa 5 star hotel. Pinayagan daw ninyo yun?"
"Dinatnan ko na yung ganung kalagayan nila. Hindi ko nakuhang magalit nga, natawa na lang ako. Sinabihan ko lang na alisin ang karangyaan o gamitin bilang activity center ng pangkaramihan ang mga kubol. Alam mo pare kung naranasan mo mag hotel, siguro naman kung hindi ka palabasin sa kwarto ng hotel sa loob ng isang buwan, hindi mo sasabihin na masarap kundi para kang nakakulong din. Eh yun mga tao sa bilibid taon na nakakulong. Sabi nga ni Ninoy Aquino nung nakakulong pa siya, miski daw kumain siya gamit gintong kubyertos, ang reality ay nakakulong pa rin pakiramdam niya. Ang nangangamba sa panganib noong mga preso na gusto magbuhay masarap ay yun pamilya nila mismo kasi alam nila na katabi ng mahal nila sa buhay ay puro magnanakaw at mamamatay na kada minuto pinaplano kung paano yun kanilang kapamilya ay taluhin. O di kaya subukin mo kaya maglakad sa palengke na suot ang mamahalin mong kwintas, singsing at relos.
I have administered NBP before, three times at different intervals, but the NBP that 2013 was completely different. Gangs were virtually running the show of the penitentiary. Gang leaders are in complete control of the prison community. The facility was awashed with cash. Gambling of any form could be seen and felt in every corner. There was a state of lawlessness, so to speak. Not only because the prisoners are numerically stronger than the prison personnel, but the gangs dictate the round the clock activity more than the prison authorities.
From my perspective, I will not allow gang influenced activities to happen. I initiated programs for the prisoners to lure them away from gang imposed drug trade. Although admittedly there was money in drug commerce, inmates who are peddling or required to circulate it had little percentage to claim. Worst, if they cannot remit on time they are goners. And so inmates began to populate my activity centers as alternative. After I have gained quite a following from the prison community, I proposed to declare money as contraband and the complete abolition of gangs. Failing to get the nod from my superiors, I begged to be relieved. And so, after 6 months I was outside the loop of NBP already.
The activity centers which I organized no longer receive a warm support. Siempre naman kasi ibang namamahala na. Iba naman ang gusto. When the centers were slowly reverting back into kubols, some affected inmates sent complaints to the Bucor and DOJ leadership. That was the time when Bucor and DOJ officials began to plan for a raid. A year later after I left NBP, a composite team from DOJ, NBI, PNP and Bucor raided NBP maximum wing complete with media coverage. As they say, the rest is history.
Corrective service is very crucial. It is in handling prisoners that makes the difference. If their humanity is ignored while they were serving time, you have produced future terrors in the free community. There were regular shakedowns conducted and were done with caution. This is to respect the privacy of the incarcerated humanity. This is also to approach and define for the prisoners what is fair, considerate and just. From this simple administrative action, an offensive mind or one given to predation begins to absorb such values as being nondiscriminatory, objective and neutral.
I can proudly claim that those prisoners who underwent my administration and who were eventually released are the most law abiding, constructive and conscientious and reliable citizens. This is so because I respect their privacy and their quest for seclusion. Furthermore, they had no quarrel or stress from my end since ni minsan hindi ako humingi o tumanggap sa kanila ng kahit anong mahalagang bagay. If there was anything I asked from prisoners, it is only their voluntary belief in my leadership. Ask Nilo Tayag (Supreme Bishop, Philippine Independent Church) , Jaime Tadeo (Chairman, Free Farmers Federation of the Philippines), Bingbong Crisologo (Congressman, House of Representative), Robin Padilla (Actor), Romeo Jalosjos (Former Congressman), Junior de Guzman (Former Congressman), Ambet Antonio (Former Chair, PAGCOR), etc.
From my retirement sofa, I could only witness that indeed changes are taking shape in the country beginning with corrections.
Posted on October 14, 2016, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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At our December meet-up, we looked at ways to stay safe and supported at home. We were joined by White Watch at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who wanted to know more about how they can best serve disabled residents, and gave out information on what we need to stay safe at home this winter. Also joining us were BHESCO (Brighton and Hove Energy Services Cooperative) speaking about energy saving initiatives and how to save money on your energy bills, along with lots of information on community services that can support you at home this winter.
Minutes – available here soon!


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I wouldn't mind waking up on the Disney Dream this morning and escaping this crazy winter weather for a little bit.
THIS is my backyard right now. It's gorgeous, but it's also backbreaking to shovel.
On the Disney Dream you don't have to think about getting up early to shovel. Although you should get up early to see the sunrise...
Mornings are possibly THE loveliest time to be on a Disney Cruise ship.
In the first place, a sunrise over the sea is something that should NOT be missed!
In the second place, the Disney Dream is a pretty large ship, and the public spaces can feel pretty darn crowded during the day. But when the sun is rising and the sky is just waking up, you have it all to yourself...
The Aquaduck isn't even open yet - there's no water running through it!
And look at those CLOUDS.
It was fun watching the cast members getting ready for the day - placing out the deck chairs just so and swabbing the decks! (That's the nautical term for mopping, right?) It was also fun to see the pools empty - during most of the day they were JAMMED.
Those Mickey funnels look so pretty in the morning light!
I strolled from the family area over to the "adults only" part of the upper decks, and that was deserted as well.
If only the ship had been like this for more of the cruise! ;)
Oh that magical golden-pink sunrise light...waking up early is worth it just for that light in the sky...
Doing some exploring...
More of the adults area at the very front of the ship...it was SO windy up at the bow!
The concierge level area on the Disney Dream was also up here. We were not staying concierge, but I did peek in through the window at their private lounge!
Deck chairs lying at the ready for lazy sun bathers!
Gazing out over Castaway Cay!
Oh yes, waking up and having a morning stroll on the Disney Dream is extra nice.
And when I started to feel hungry for some breakfast, I just headed downstairs...
....but breakfast is a Disney cruise story that will have to wait for another day!


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Overload PolicyEffective Spring 2010
Students who wish to attempt more than 18 credits a term must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students may not register for more than 22 credits per term. The overload approval form must be signed by his/her advisor, department/division chair and must also contain the division/department stamp. Return the completed form to the Registrar's Office for processing.


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Updated On: January 29, 2017
Effective Date: January 29, 2017
At Julia Computing, we respect your need for online privacy and protect any Personal Information that you may share with us in an appropriate manner. Our practice with respect to use of your Personal Information is as set forth below in this Privacy Policy Statement. As a condition to use of Julia Computing Services, you consent to the terms of the Privacy Policy Statement as it is or as updated from time to time.
Julia Computing does not knowingly collect Personal Information from users who are under 13 years of age.
During the Registration Process for creating a user account, or subsequenly, we request for your name, email address and organization. You may also be asked to choose a unique username and a password, which will be used solely for the purpose of providing access to your user account. Your name and email address will be used to inform you regarding new services, releases, upcoming events and changes in this Privacy Policy Statement. We do not share this personal information with anyone for any purposes, nor do we utilize it for any purposes not expressly consented to by you.
Your usage details such as time, frequency, duration and pattern of use, features used and the amount of storage consumed will be recorded by us in order to enhance your experience of the Julia Computing Services and to help us provide you the best possible service.
We store and maintain files, documents and other data stored in your user account on servers in the United States. In order to prevent loss of data due to errors or system failures, we also keep backup copies of data including the contents of your user account. Hence your files and data may remain on our servers even after deletion or termination of your user account. We may retain and use your Personal Information and data as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our rights. We assure you that the contents of your user account will not be disclosed to anyone and will not be accessible even to employees of Julia Computing except in circumstances specifically mentioned in this Privacy Policy Statement and Terms of Services. We also do not scan the contents of your user account for serving targeted advertisements or sending promotion promotion materials or for selling to others.
Payment Information : In case of services requiring payment, we request credit card or other payment account information, which will be used solely for processing payments. Your financial information will not be stored by us except for the name and address of the card holder, the expiry date and the last four digits of the Credit Card number. Where necessary for processing future payments, your financial information will be stored in encrypted form on secure servers of our reputed Payment Gateway Service Provider (currently Stripe) who is beholden to treating your Personal Information in accordance with their Privacy Policy Statement.
Visitor Details: We may use the Internet Protocol address, browser type, browser language, referring URL, files accessed, errors generated, time zone, operating system and other visitor details collected in our log files to analyze the trends, administer the website, track visitor's movements and to improve our website. We may link this automatically collected data to other information we collect about you.
We use temporary and permanent cookies to enhance your experience of our Services. Temporary cookies will be removed from your computer each time you close your browser. By selecting 'keep me signed-in' option, a permanent cookie will be stored in your computer and you will not be required to sign-in by providing complete login information each time you return to our website. If you have turned cookies off, you may not be able to use registered areas of the website. We tie cookie information to your email address when you elect to remain logged in so as to maintain and recall your preferences within the website.
Technologies such as cookies, beacons, tags and scripts may be used by Julia Computing. These technologies are used in analyzing trends, administering the site, tracking users' movements around around site and to gather demographic information about our user base as a whole. We may create and use reports based on the use of these technologies by these companies on an individual as well as aggregated basis.
We use Google Analytics to measure the usage of our website. Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google. We utilizes the data collected to track and examine the use of www.juliacomputing.com and shop.juliacomputing.com, to prepare reports on its activities. Google has its own privacy policy.
Some pages of our website may contain external links. You are advised to verify the privacy practices of such other websites. We are not responsible for the manner of use or misuse of information made available by you at such other websites. We encourage you not to provide Personal Information, without assuring yourselves of the Privacy Policy Statement of other websites.
You can log in to our site using federated authentication providers such as Google. These services will authenticate your identity and provide you the option to share certain Personal Information with us such as your name and email address to pre-populate our sign up form.
We may need to share your Personal Information and your data to our affiliates, service providers and business partners solely for the purpose of providing Services to you. The purposes for which we may disclose your Personal Information or data to our service providers may include, but are not limited to, payment processing. These service providers are authorized to use your Personal Information or data only as necessary to provide these services to us. In such cases Julia Computing will also ensure that such affiliates, resellers, service providers and business partners comply with this Privacy Policy Statement and adopt appropriate confidentiality and security measures. We will obtain your prior specific consent before we share your Personal Information or data to any person outside Julia Computing for any purpose that is not directly connected with providing Services to you. We will share your Personal Information with third parties only in the ways that are described in this Privacy Policy Statement. We do not sell your Personal Information to third parties.
Please be aware that laws in various jurisdictions in which we operate may obligate us to disclose user information and the contents of your user account to the local law enforcement authorities under a legal process or an enforceable government request. In addition, we may also disclose Personal Information and contents of your user account to law enforcement authorities if such disclosure is determined to be necessary by Julia Computing in our sole and absolute discretion for protecting the safety of our users, employees, or the general public. If Julia Computing is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of its business or assets, you will be notified via email and/or a prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your Personal Information, as well as any choices you may have regarding your Personal Information.
We adopt industry appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures, as well as physical security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your Personal Information, username, password, transaction information and data stored in your user account. Access to your name and email address is restricted to our employees who need to know such information in connection with providing our Services to you and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
In the event we decide to use your Personal Information for any purpose other than as stated in this Privacy Policy Statement, we will offer you an effective way to opt out of the use of your Personal Information for those other purposes. From time to time, we may send emails to you regarding new services, releases and upcoming events. You may opt out of receiving newsletters and other secondary messages from Julia Computing by selecting the 'unsubscribe' function present in every email we send. However, you will continue to receive essential transactional emails.
Users who wish to correct, update or remove any Personal Information may do so either by accessing their user account or by contacting Julia Computing Customer Support Services at [email protected]computing.com. Such changes may take up to 48 hours to take effect. We respond to all enquiries within 30 days.
We may modify the Privacy Policy Statement upon notice to you at any time through a service announcement or by sending email to your primary email address. If we make significant changes in the Privacy Policy Statement that affect your rights, you will be provided with at least 30 days advance notice of the changes by email to your primary email address. You may terminate your use of Services by providing Julia Computing notice by email within 30 days of being notified of the availability of the modified Privacy Policy Statement if the Privacy Policy Statement is modified in a manner that substantially affects your rights in connection with use of Services. Your continued use of our Services after the effective date of any change to the Privacy Policy Statement will be deemed to be your agreement to the modified Privacy Policy Statement. You will not receive email notification of minor changes to the Privacy Policy Statement. If you are concerned about how your Personal Information is used, you should check back at https://www.juliacomputing.com/privacy/ periodically.


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As President Barack Obama reflects on his seven years in office, he has a way of acknowledging his waning time in the position: A joke about his graying hair.
"The first thing I want from young people is to stop calling me old," Obama said earlier this year. "When I came into office, I had no gray hair, and now I have a lot. I don't dye my hair, and a lot of my fellow leaders do. I won't say who, but their barbers know, their hairdressers."
Indeed, despite his close-cut hairstyle, it's impossible not to notice the trademark presidential graying, as the president's short black hair has become more of a salt-and-pepper color.
And though some dermatologists maintain that Obama is the latest victim of the expedited presidential aging process, appearing to age faster due to the stress of the office, others say that it's more attributable to natural aging than stress.
Other studies, including a comprehensive analysis of elections dating back to the 1700s, have found that heading a nation can take years off a leader's life. The December analysis, from the Harvard Medical School, found that elected heads of government, on average, have lives almost three years shorter than the candidates they defeat.
But not everyone is bothered by the aging process. At least one top candidate to succeed Obama says she's ready for it.
"All our presidents come into office looking so vigorous," Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said. "Think about what they look like on Inauguration Day. And then we watch them — they grow grayer and grayer. And by the time they leave, they are as white as the building they live in."
"Now let me tell you, I'm aware I might not be the youngest candidate in this race, but I have one big advantage: I've been coloring my hair for years," she quipped.


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Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer Screening
At VC Dental your health is our number one priority, and as part of our comprehensive examinations we perform oral cancer screening. Throughout your ongoing care, any soft tissue changes are reviewed on a regular basis. Oral cancer examinations are necessary, routine and potentially lifesaving.
Did you know?
- Early detection of Oral Cancer gives you a 90% chance of survival.
- The early stages of Oral Cancer can look similar to a mouth ulcer.
- Over 25% of Oral Cancer sufferers are non-smokers.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the cells in the body. It occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrollable way. These abnormal cells can invade or cause damage to the surrounding tissue, or spread to other parts of the body, causing more damage.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is also called mouth cancer. It is a cancer that can develop in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, cheeks, palate (roof of the mouth), under the tongue, lips, sinuses and pharynx (throat).
What causes oral cancer?
The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is still unknown. It is thought that something alters or damages certain genes in the cell, causing it to become abnormal and start multiplying.
Some people develop oral cancer for no apparent reason – it can affect anyone and there is no set list as to what will or won't cause it. There are, however, certain risk factors that increase the chance of oral cancer developing. These include:
- Smoking. There is a much higher incidence of oral cancer in smokers than in non-smokers.
- Excessive or frequent consumption of alcohol.
- Chewing tobacco.
- The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
- Extended sun exposure to the area around your mouth, including your lips, without the use of a broad spectrum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
The most common symptoms of oral cancer are an ulcer or sore in the mouth that does not heal, and pain in the mouth that does not go away.
In many cases, changes in the mouth are seen before the cancer develops. This means that early treatment of these changes can help prevent a cancer developing.
Symptoms can include:
- A sore or ulcer that does not heal and/or bleeds easily.
- A blood blister that does not heal
- White or red patches anywhere in the mouth (leukoplakia and erythroplakia).
- A thick or hard lump on the lip, tongue or in the mouth or throat, what may or may not be painful.
- Unusual bleeding or numbness anywhere in the mouth.
- Pain when chewing or swallowing.
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
All of these symptoms can be due to other conditions so if you are displaying any it does not necessarily mean you have oral cancer. If you are concerned please contact us, or an alternative healthcare professional, so that proper tests can be performed to confirm a diagnosis.
Remember, early diagnosis leads to early treatment which can prevent a cancer developing; so be proactive.
For more information you can view the Oral Cancer Fact sheets below, provided by the Australian Dental Association:
• Factsheet: What's in your mouth?
• Factsheet: What are the symptoms of oral cancers?
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Hola Amigos!
Mariachi mascot in 12 high quality poses. Will surely brought life to your website, blog and business. All available for you in layered files AI, Exported PSD, PDF and EPS plus Transparent PNG and JPG formats.
If you have questions or clarification please feel free to drop me a message I am more than willing to help you out. Also don't yah forget to rate!
Disfrutar! (Enjoy)


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B.o.B Talks Rap Blogs, Lupe Fiasco & Becoming A 'Pop Star'
B.o.B is laughing. And who could blame him? The quirky MC and instrumentalist is marveling over his own improbable success. Just how did a former Decatur, Georgia underground mixtape standout evolve into a pop chart-topping artist whose big label debut B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray's has produced two of 2010's most omnipresent hits, "Nothing On You" and "Airplanes?" Bobby Ray dissects his momentous run; answers his critics who label him a pop rapper; explains why he identifies with Eminem and unleashes his otherworldly knowledge of the "astral realm." —Keith Murphy
VIBE: You have been unavoidable as of late following the enormous Billboard pop chart success of your first two singles "Nothing On You" and "Airplanes." Are you trying to rub it in with your high profile feature in the latest Adidas commercial?
B.o.B: [Laughs] It's just crazy to me. They are spoiling me too much by giving me these looks. I'm just humbled. By me saying "Kick it like Adidas" [in my new single "Magic"], which is the line in the commercial that they used, I guess that's what sparked the initial interest in including me. Dr. Luke produced the song, but originally it wasn't the track we planned on releasing. But after "Magic" became a fan favorite during my live shows, the song took on a life of its own.
Given your start as an underground artist, are you shocked that your songs have dominated the pop music charts?
Yes, I'm shocked. I didn't think "Nothing On You" or "Airplanes" would be as pop as they would become. But pop music isn't just pop music anymore.
How do you explain such success to the longtime B.o.B fans that know you from your mixtape days when you were dropping songs like "Haterz Everywhere" and "I'll Be In the Sky?"
For the true fans who knew me before the mass fame; who knew me as an aspiring artist; who knew me as the underground mixtape guy that just loved making music and performing—I want all those fans to know that the changes that have happened in my career are the equivalent of a college football player going pro. When you are on the playing field, a lot more things matter—such as what type of shoes you have on or scoring a Gatorade commercial. But you still have to be true to yourself, and that's what I've been. I'm the same artist I was before all of this.
Does it bother you that some rap blogs have labeled you as a pop rapper?
No [Laughs]. It's kind of funny. I guess some fans are kind of frustrated and some fans want the old B.o.B, and then some fans are cool with the new B.o.B and some fans really don't care. But that sort of talk is inevitable when you look at the type of growth that my career has taken. I actually had to let go for this to happen. I let go of a lot of my worries and let myself just make music. I actually feel like I'm in more of a solid space than I was in when I was doing the mixtapes.
You no longer feel artistic constraints…
Right! Because when I was making the mixtapes I was really lost…but I wanted to be lost. I wanted to run away from reality and get lost. I was kind of like going on a vision quest. You know the Native American vision quest when you go out to the woods and you get lost in nature while under the effects of some form of hallucinogenic? That was the state I was in during those mixtapes from "Cloud 9" all the way to 'May 25." But the main thing is deconstructing your previous beliefs and exploring yourself and really understanding who you are.
Your label mate Lupe Fiasco has been going through a power struggle with Atlantic Records. Do you identify with his issues?


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Limo Hire Stockport
Travelling around Stockport in your luxury stretch limousine is an experience in itself, For your knowledge we have provided some usefull information about the area you are traveling in.
Stockport is a large town in Greater Manchester, England. Situated 7 miles (11.3 km) south east of the city of Manchester, it is the largest settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, and has a population of 136,083 (2001 Census), with the borough as a whole having 281,000. This makes the borough 23rd most populous district in England. There have been several bids by the council for city status.
Historically a part of Cheshire, in the 16th century Stockport was known for the cultivation of hemp and rope manufacture and in the 18th century the town had one of the first mechanised silk factories
in the United Kingdom. However, Stockport's predominant industries of the 19th century were the cotton and allied industries. Stockport was also at the centre of the country's hatting industry which by 1884 was exporting more than six million hats a year. In December 1997 the last Stockport hat works closed. The town's hatting heritage is preserved at 'Hat Works - the Museum of Hatting'.
Dominating the western approaches to the town is the Stockport Viaduct. Built in 1840, the viaduct's 27 brick arches over the River Mersey carry the mainline railways from Manchester to Birmingham and London. This structure featured as the background in many paintings by L.S. Lowry. The River Mersey begins in Stockport, at the confluence of the Rivers Goyt and Tame.
Limousine and Limo Transport: Style Limousines is a renowned Manchester Limo Hire Company offering the UK's biggest and best limousines from Hummer limos, Chrysler 300 limos ,Audi Q7 Limo, Range rover Sport Limo, Ferrari Limo, For all occasions weddings, proms, parties, nights out corporate transport in the new Bentley.
When it comes to limo hire Manchester, nobody beats Style Limousines. With the highest spec limousines available as well as many custom made vehicles, we offer something different to the lancashire limousine hire scene. Our reputation for quality limo hire in Manchester is not only down to fantastic choice of luxurious limos for hire, but also our unrivalled customer service and attention to detail. We apply the same attention to detail when we commission a new limousine for our fleet. Afterall, someone wanting to hire a limousine in Manchester or hire a limousine in Manchester needs to be able to set themselves apart with a night to remember, and that's exactly what hiring a limo from Style Limousines is all about. If you're looking to hire a limousine in Manchester to see the sights, take in the nightlife or arrive in style, our custom limousines are perfect.
Stockport was first recorded as "Stokeport" in 1170. The currently accepted etymology is Old English stoc, a market place, with port, a hamlet (but more accurately a minor settlement within an estate); hence, a market place at a hamlet.
Older derivations include stock, a stockaded place or castle, with port, a wood, hence a castle in a wood. The castle part of the name probably refers to Stockport Castle, a 12th century motte-and-bailey first mentioned in 1173. Other derivations have been formed, based on early variants of the name such as Stopford and Stockford. There is evidence that a ford across the Mersey existed at the foot of the town centre street now known as Bridge Street Brow. Stopford retains a use in the adjectival form, Stopfordian, used for Stockport-related items, and pupils at Stockport Grammar School style themselves as Stopfordians. By contrast, former pupils of nearby Stockport School are known as Old Stoconians, perhaps from the Old English name for the town.
Stockport has never been a sea or river port. The Mersey is not navigable to anything much above canoe size, and in the centre of Stockport has been culverted and the main shopping street, Merseyway, is built above it.
Early history
There is sufficient evidence that a fortified stronghold existed in the vicinity in the time of the Ancient Britons, and that Agricola in AD 79 recognised its strategical advantages and fortified Stockport to guard the passage of the Mersey.
After the Norman Conquest, it was ruled by a hereditary Baron of Stockport. The town was connected to the national canal network by the 5 miles of the Stockport branch of the Ashton Canal opened in 1797 which continued in use until the 1930s. Much of it is now filled in, but there is an active campaign to re-open it for leisure uses.
The first borough charter was granted in about 1220 and was the only basis for local government for six hundred years.
From the 17th century Stockport became a centre for the hatting industry and later the silk industry. Stockport expanded rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, helped particularly by the growth of the cotton manufacturing industries. However, economic growth took its toll, and 19th century philosopher Friedrich Engels wrote in 1844 that Stockport was "renowned as one of the duskiest, smokiest holes in the whole of the industrial area".
Recent history
Since the start of the 20th century Stockport has moved away from being a town dependent on cotton and its allied industries to one with a varied base. In 1967 the Stockport air disaster occurred, when a British Midland Airways C-4 Argonaut aeroplane crashed in the Hopes Carr area of the town, resulting in the deaths of 72 passengers. In recent years, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council has embarked on an ambitious regeneration scheme, known as Future Stockport. The plan is to bring over 3,000 residents into the centre of the town, and revitalise its residential property and retail markets, in a similar fashion to the nearby city of Manchester. Many ex-industrial areas around the town's core will be brought back into productive use as mixed-use residential and commercial developments. Most of the town is within the historic county boundaries of Cheshire (south of the Mersey), although Reddish and the Four Heatons lay within the historic boundaries of Lancashire (north of the Mersey).
Civic history
The 1835 Municipal Corporations Act made Stockport a municipal borough divided into six wards with a council consisting of 14 Aldermen and 42 Councillors. In 1888, its status was raised to County Borough, becoming the County Borough of Stockport. In 1974, under the Local Government Act 1972 Stockport amalgamated with neighbouring districts to form the Unitary Authority of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport in the now ceremonial metropolitan county of Greater Manchester.
Parliamentary representation
There are four parliamentary constituencies in the Stockport Metropolitan Borough: Stockport, Cheadle, Hazel Grove, and Denton and Reddish.
Stockport has been represented by Labour MP Ann Coffey since 1992.
Mark Hunter has been the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle since a 2005 by-election.
Andrew Stunell has been the Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove since 1997.
The constituency of Denton and Reddish bridges Stockport and Tameside; the current member is Andrew Gwynne.]
The town had a population of 136,082 according to the 2001 Census, with the wider borough having a population of 284,528. Although suburbs such as Woodford, Greater Manchester, Bramhall and Hazel Grove rank amongst the wealthiest areas of the United Kingdom and 45% of the borough is green space, districts such as Adswood and Brinnington suffer from widespread poverty and post-industrial decay. In the north-west of the borough are the relatively prosperous areas of Heaton Moor and Heaton Mersey, which together with Heaton Chapel and Heaton Norris comprise the so-called Four Heatons.
Opinions on the general quality of life in Stockport greatly differ. In its favour, some highlight its proximity to Manchester, and its abundance of amenities; but its perceived grittiness and loutish youth culture earned it 12th place in the internet-based 2004 guide Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places To Live In The UK (however, given that its fellows on this list were places such as Oxford, Winchester, Liverpool (European Capital of Culture 2008), and tiny London commuter belt villages, the relevance of the list is disputed).
Stockport's principal commercial district is located in the town centre, with branches of most high-street stores to be found in the Merseyway Shopping Centre or The Peel Centre. Grand Central Leisure boasts an Olympic sized swimming pool, a ten-screen cinema, bars, a bowling alley, health complex, and several restaurants. Stockport is located seven miles (10 km) from Manchester city centre, making it convenient for commuters and shoppers.
The Market, Stockport
Bramall Hall is a superb example of a "Cheshire Black and White" timber framed manor house, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The property presents the visitor with a historic record spanning six centuries.
Stockport boasts the UK's only hat museum, the "Hat Works" based in Wellington Mill - a thriving hat factory in Victorian times
One of the western Europe's biggest brick structures, the 111 feet (34 m) high, four-track railway viaduct over the River Mersey on the line to Manchester which represents a major feat of Victorian engineering, built in 21 months at a cost of £70,000. Eleven million bricks were used in its construction, opening in 1842. The foundation stone was laid on March 10, 1839. Staircase House is a Grade II* listed medieval townhouse in the Market Place. The building has been modified several times, but is probably the oldest secular building in Stockport. Stockport Story Museum, detailing over 10,000 years of Stockport's history. This museum has free admission and is housed within Staircase House.
Stockport Town Hall, with its ballroom, described by Poet Laureate, John Betjeman as 'magnificent' containing the largest Wurlitzer theatre organ in Britain designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas. Stockport College with sites in the town centre and Heaton Moor
Underbank Hall in the centre of Stockport is a late 16th century timber framed building, built as the townhouse of the Arderne family from nearby Bredbury. It remained in the family until 1823, and since 1824 has been used as a bank. The current main banking hall lies behind the 16th century part and dates from 1915. The building is listed Grade II*.
Stockport Air Raid Shelters is a museum based around the underground tunnels dug during World War II to protect local inhabitants during air raids
Vernon Park. This is the main municipal park, located a short distance to the east towards Bredbury. It was opened on September 20th, 1858 on the anniversary of the Battle of Alma in the Crimean War. Named after Lord Vernon who presented the land for the park to the town. St. Elisabeth's church, Reddish, and model village. Mill community designed in the main by Alfred Waterhouse for the workers from Houldsworth Mill, at the time the largest cotton mill in the world.
The Manchester orbital M60 motorway and A6 road to London cross at Stockport. Stockport railway station is a mainline station on the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line. Manchester Airport (Ringway), the busiest in the UK outside London, is located five miles (8 km) southwest of the town.
Stockport is home to two professional sports teams, both of which play at Edgeley Park stadium. Stockport County FC play in Coca-Cola Football League Two; their claim to fame is that they currently hold the record for the most consecutive Football League wins without conceding a goal with nine, achieved in 2007.
Sale Sharks Rugby Union Club share use of the stadium; they won the Guinness Premiership title in 2006 and boast current England internationals Mark Cueto, Charlie Hodgson, Andrew Sheridan and Andy Titterrell; Scotland's Jason White as well as capped overseas stars including Sébastien Chabal, Sébastien Bruno, Ignacio Fernández Lobbe.
Stockport Metro Swimming Club, based at Grand Central Pools is the most successful British swimming club, through the last 3 Olympic Games, Stockport Metro swimmers have claimed 50% of British swimming's medal haul. In the 1996 Atlanta games Graeme Smith won bronze in the 1500m freestyle and in the 2004 Athens games Stephen Parry won bronze in 200m butterfly.
Stockport has three Athletics Clubs, which are Manchester Harriers & AC, Stockport Harriers & AC, and DASH Athletics Club. Manchester Harriers train at William Scholes' Playing Fields in Gatley, and they organise highly-regarded schools cross country races throughout the winter. Stockport Harriers are based at Woodbank Park in Offerton, and have several International middle-distance and endurance athletes including Steve Vernon. DASH Athletics Club are the newest Club in Stockport based at both Hazel Grove Recreation Centre,and the Regional Athletics Arena at Sportcity in Manchester. In 2006 DASH AC Coach Geoff Barratt was UK Athletics' Development Coach of the Year, and in 2007 the club won England Athletics North West Junior Club and North West Overall Club of The Year accolades.


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I know this is a dumb question and it might not be "conceptual" but, as a self-starter I really want to know how to get connected to some sort of "commercial database"?
I'm designing a local gas station utility app for iphone and ipad. I have absolutely no clue how to find a relevant database. For example, if I want to make an app for pizza ordering in the great Chicago area. How do I get info (price, menu, location, etc.) of those pizza stores scattered all over Chicago?
Can any one shed some light on this for me?