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Giving back to humanity in Nicaragua
I recently had the great pleasure of traveling with IHS Clinic group to Malpaisillo, Nicaragua to assist this dedicated group of professionals and selfless humanitarians in opening a medical clinic. Angie Hoover and her husband founded www.inhisstepsclinic.org driven by the conviction that people living in desperate conditions deserve to live a healthy life.
While my purpose was to document the clinic's grand opening, assist with the final touches (painting, etc) and donate my time to aiding the locals, I was overtaken by the lack of basic resources available. Please consider contacting Angie to see how you may contribute whether that be time, resources or money. Below you'll find photos documenting this incredible journey.
The team was comprised of doctors and medical staff from different disciplines. A medical background isn't required. Several volunteers, like me, helped with finishing touches of the clinic.
Angie Hoover, showing the children of Nueva Vida their portrait.
One hut of many situated on the outskirts of a landfill in Nueva Vida. Nueva Vida is a settlement where living conditions are below standard. Some say this is one of the poorest and densely populated areas in Nicaragua.
Our goal in Nueva Vida was to build a makeshift clinic to conduct medical assessment and provide care. We also drove inside the landfill where we handed out candy, snack and water.
Children and adults sift through a massive landfill looking for anything they can sell, recycle or eat.
The little ones were excited to see us and some even climbed up the ladder while the vehicle was in motion. Our driver had to frequently ask them to get down as this was not safe.
A young man looking for anything useful while a fire burns right behind him.
Candy is a universal ice-breaker! I carried some in my pocket to give them out while walking in the streets. This girl was a bit hesitant at first when she saw me with a camera.
Even though the children did not have much when it came to possessions, they seemed to enjoy themselves with whatever they had.
The inviting and comforting smell of fresh pastry brought me to this bakery in the center of Malpaisillo.
Visiting a local market is certainly a great way to witness firsthand what the land and its people can produce. I was in awe at the vibrant color of the fruit and vegetables displayed in this market in the city of Leon.
I had the great opportunity to travel to a volcano called Cerro Negro (Black Hill). The surrounding black terrain around the caldera created a striking contrast with the green vegetation in the distance.
The plan was to slide down the side of the volcano once we reached the top. We each were given a wooden plank before the ascent and that is what we sat on to slide down the side. It took about an hour to reach the top and two minutes to slide down to the bottom. It was truly an exhilarating experience.
Visited some geological thermal vents a short distance from Malpaisillo. The children there were eager to show us this unique site. They collect mud that forms around the opening of these vents and make objects and ornaments to sell to visitors.
The venting steam was quite hot for me but these kids did not seem to be bothered by it.
Before we left Nicaragua, we visited the city of Granada which is located at the south east of Managua. The streets here were bustling with life and activity. People sat outside enjoying a late afternoon lunch and sipping coffee. Some set up table displays to sell leather goods and other things.
This young girl was standing across the street and I really liked the soft late afternoon light falling on her.
Nicaragua was truly an amazing and eyeopening experience for me. It has given me a new perspective on my own life and made me realize that nothing should even be taken for granted.
The people are genuinely warm and friendly. I hope to have another opportunity in the future to revisit.
Paul Gallagheron September 26, 2017
Great photos Mike....heart wrenching scenes...as well as heart warming.
Angie Hooveron September 23, 2017
You have captured the experience beautifully. Amazing pictures!!
Aggy AGon September 22, 2017
This is amazing . Im glad you got to go and witness all of that. Amazing pictures


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Safari Ex-display Package
RRP: £14,165 | Discounted to: £9,490
The Safari was designed specifically with al fresco dining in mind. A spacious building, it can accommodate a large 152cm table and circular bench seating, utilising the interior space to maximum effect.
Package Includes:
- Safari Breeze House
(Timber with cape reed thatch tiles)
- Hi-Lite Roof finish
- Canvas panels in green
(Including straps and bungees)
- Circular 152cm table
- Freestanding curved bench seating sections
- Luxury curved bench base seating cushions in claret
- Luxury curved bench back cushions in claret
Price includes delivery, installation and VAT – Mainland UK only.

subset: commoncrawl


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I experienced my first major hangover in November 2011. It was also the night I got my "Freedom" tattoo, soon after I'd left my ex-husband when I found out he was having another affair. Ironically, neither event was actually about him; I'd wanted to try drinking and I also loved tattoos and realized I didn't have… Read More
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DEDHAM - Becker, Mary Elizabeth (Dorr) of Dedham, age 94. Born April 27, 1923 and died peacefully August 7, 2017 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of the late Edward A. Becker Jr. Daughter of the late Sydney P. and Mary Elizabeth Dorr. Devoted Mother of Paul and his wife Mary of Marston Mills, MA, Sally of Dedham, Elizabeth and her husband Michael of Canton, Edward and his wife Karen of Cleveland, Ohio, James and his wife Donna of Westerly, RI,, William and his wife Eileen of Westerly, RI, Gerald Becker and Carolyn Mitchell and the late Mary Becker-Saunders and her husband Dustin Saunders of Hilton Head, S.C.
Loving grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren and one on the way. Sister-in-law of Irene Becker. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St. DEDHAM on Friday August 11 at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary Church, Dedham at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Thursday August 10 from 4-8pm. Interment in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dedham Animal Rescue League Adoption Center, 55 Anna's Place, Dedham, MA 02026 or House of Possibilities, 350 Washington St, , Easton, MA 02356. For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com. Funeral arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Dedham.


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Mango Cakes For Mango Lovers - Order Now
If you are looking for a delectable tropical treat for your summer celebrations then bring a luscious mango flavour cake and enjoy every slice of it with your loved ones. It will definitely infuse a vibe of togetherness and happiness in your celebration and make your dear ones come closer to you.
You are here
Mango Vegan Cake
How can one live without some cakey bites? So, to make veganism easier for you, we have this tangy delight for you all.
Mango Cake
Why relish your favourite fruit just in summers when you can have it anytime of the year in this Ultimate Desert!
Mango Cheese Cake
Satiate your summertime desires with this delicious mango cake that'll leave you with a sweet craving.


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The Faculty of Sport is providing education for sport specialists in the field of competitive sports and training of sportspeople male and female of all age groups in 54 sports disciplines: acrobatics, badminton, basketball, baseball, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, volleyball, rowing, track and field athletics, judo, canoe-kayak, karate-do, kick-boxing, cycling, riding, bodybuilding, curling, swimming, rugby, sambo, triathlon, skiing, snowboard, sports gymnastics, sports shooting, sports dances, sumo, taekuon-do, tennis, table tennis, tourism and mountain climbing, tourism with orientation activities, fencing, football, handball, ice hockey, grass hockey, artistic gymnastics, chess, auto-moto, figure skating, short track etc.
The Faculty of Pedagogy has been the core of the National Sports Academy since its establishing in 1942 (then Higher Institute for Physical Culture). During all this long period of time the Faculty of Pedagogy (Physical Education) proves its important role in the system of the higher education in Bulgaria.
Following its academic scope with its traditional and modern programs the Faculty plays the role of a national scientific center in the field of physical education, sport and recreation. So, logical is its highest evaluation received in the program accreditation held by the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency.
Graduation from the Faculty of Pedagogy provides professional qualification "Teacher in physical education". Using modules of general preparation, students have the opportunity to obtain an additional qualification along with their major – "Coach in sport" or "Sport manager". During their studies the graduates of the Faculty can also specialize their initial qualification in post-graduate programs.
After graduation the students of the Faculty of Pedagogy at the National Sports Academy can find employment as:
- Teachers in physical education in all levels of the system of secondary education
- Teachers in higher schools and university colleges
- Teachers and instructors at sport clubs, school sport clubs, fitness centers
- Promoters and organizers of out-of-class sport activities for children and youths
- Experts in state and non-governmental institutions
- Expert in the system of the Ministry of Interior and Bulgarian army
The Faculty is a Member of the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education and a partner of respected European universities different European projects.
The 4-year BSc university degree program in Physiotherapy (240 ECTS credits) is designed in five blocks of subjects/courses/modules:
- BEHAVIOURAL and PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUBJECTS provide the necessary background to understand human behavior (in health and disease); physical exercise and sport activities as a locomotory and psychosocial behavior and related pedagogical and psychological problems (in healthy people, patients, disabled); organization and evaluation of scientific research & medical statistics.
- BASIC BIOLOGICAL and MEDICAL SUBJECTS provide the necessary background for understanding the human body structure and function, also related to movements, physical exercise and sports, their benefits and jeopardy.
- SPECIAL SUBJECTS integrate knowledge on pathological processes and the impairment of function with the total holistic approach and in particular with the physiotherapy.
- OPTIONAL SUBJECTS provide possibilities for the student to satisfy his/her personal interests in the area of basic and special subjects.
- SPECIALIZED PRACTICE provides the student with the opportunity to integrate theoretical studies with supervised clinical practice (over 1500h part-time and full-time), also for clinical research required for course works and graduation thesis.


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Have you ever experienced a "Blessing in disguise" moment?
A "Happy Coincidence?"
No matter what you call it, I'm SOOOOO happy I had car problems over the weekend!
When I started my Mini on Saturday, the rear spoiler went UP and stayed stuck in the UP position. This wouldn't have been a big deal if my car wasn't BEEP BEEP…BEEPING every second with warning lights flashing on my dash. It was DANGEROUSLY distracting to drive that way.
I pulled over. After a quick GOOGLE with NO applicable results for my situation, I started to imagine what could be wrong and felt ill thinking about the potential cost. (If you've ever owned a quirky car, you KNOW how little things could be costly.)
I called Seattle Mini, who set me up with a Monday appointment at Northwest Mini in Tacoma. I received exceptional customer service, which I always do. It's why I go there…But the "blessings" or "happy coincidences" started after they called to let me know that my spoiler issue was an inexpensive fix.
The Water Pump: was failing. The dealer ONLY caught it because they'd run a diagnostic. Normally it would be an $800 fix, but Mini had EXTENDED their factory warranties on this issue. AND…I had 2 months left on that warranty. If I hadn't needed the inexpensive fix NOW, I would have experienced a costly fix LATER.
While I was finishing up the paperwork, my service advisor asked about my "animal rescue" license plate covers. I started telling him about how Seattle Mini supports Bulldog Haven NW and asked if they partnered with any charities in the Tacoma area…His eyes lit up. "Really, there's a specific Bull Dog Rescue nearby? I've been thinking of getting one and had no idea!"
On my drive back to the Bellevue, I was so HAPPY! Saving money and catching the water pump issue was amazing. But, knowing that one more person has an awareness of Bulldog Haven NW makes all the stress of my car BEEP BEEP BEEPING exponentially worth it.
Speaking of my Mini and Rescue…Did you watch Rover Roadster Roadtrip?


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The Program on Terrorism and Security Studies will be held July 7 to Aug. 4 at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. (Marshall Center graphic by U.S. Army Spec. Christopher Green)
Course Director: Professor Joe Vann
Scheduled Guest Speakers:
- Michael Bullota from the U.S. Department of Justice
- Dr. Riikka Puttonen from United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime
- Steven Johnston from The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Lisa Holtryn from U.S. Department of Justice
- Director Jorg Beyser from Bayern Landeskriminalamt
- Joseph Wheatley, Assistant U.S. Attorney from U.S. Department of Justice
- Caryn Hollis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counter-Narcotics and Global Threats.
Class Composition/demographics: 84 participants from 58 countries; 34 are from the military from Brigadier General to Second Lieutenant; 50 are civilian; 69 males and 15 females; 12 alumni.
Combatant Commands represented: 13 from U.S. Africa Command; seven from U.S. Central Command; 28 from U.S. European Command; 10 from U.S. Northern Command; 13 from U.S. Pacific Command; and, 13 from U.S. Southern Command.
Organizations: 31 from the Ministry of Defense; two from the Government of Finance; four from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; 15 from Ministry of Interior; one from Legislative Branch; 11 from cabinet-level ministries; and, 7 from police organizations.
Origins: Part of the Marshall Center's transnational curriculum, this will be the fourth iteration of the CTOC program, the second under this name. The program was previously titled Countering Narcotics and Illicit Trafficking.
Last Time Held: April 6 to 21
Next Time Held: Nov. 30 to Dec. 15.
Tip: Click on chart to resize it
Follow this event on Marshall Center Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag: #CTOC
Photos from this workshop can be found on the Marshall Center Photo Gallery.