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GPs continue to be offered 'questionable' incentives to reduce cancer referrals
Exclusive CCGs are continuing to financially incentivise GPs to reduce urgent cancer referrals despite being told not to by NHS bosses, Pulse can reveal.
Despite NHS England pledging to crack down on the practice, neither of the two CCGs unveiled by a Pulse investigation to be paying for lower cancer referrals have decided to amend schemes.
NHS Lambeth CCG has reviewed its incentives scheme, however upon finding that the number of two-week cancer referrals had increased in the first six months of 2015/16, it decided it would not make any mid-year changes.
NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG told Pulse that it has neither conducted a review nor changed its scheme.
The Lambeth referral scheme offers payments for practices moving towards the average 2014/15 CCG referral rate per 1,000 patients.
And the CCG told Pulse that urgent care and two-week cancer referrals 'cannot be separated' from the overall numbers.
An NHS Lambeth CCG spokesperson said: 'In light of recent publicity, it became apparent that the objectives of our work on referral practice may have been misinterpreted. Therefore the CCG took the decision to review the scheme.
'The outcome of this review showed that between April and September 2015, our two week pathway for cancer referrals had increased by 13% compared to the same period last year. Therefore we are not proposing any in-year changes to the scheme.'
The spokesperson added that the CCG 'wants to, and continues to, actively promote good referral practice'.
In North East Lincolnshire, an average practice currently receives an incentive of over £6,000 for reducing outpatient referrals to the same level as the 25% of practices with lowest rates in the previous financial year. It includes two-week wait and urgent referrals but excludes a GP referring directly for an emergency admission.
The CCG said the scheme 'has not changed the scheme however it has reviewed various concerns raised following the article by Pulse about the potential for unintended adverse impacts' and that 'concerns raised in and following the article would be taken into account when taking decisions on any future incentive schemes'.
Dr Peter Melton, CCG clinical lead, confirmed the scheme had been discussed thoroughly with clinical, lay colleagues and other stakeholders.
'The result of that review has been that we have been able to provide assurance that those concerns are not being seen in practice within North East Lincolnshire.'
An NHS England spokesperson declined to say whether they had investigated the schemes further, and repeated an earlier statement saying: 'NICE has set out evidence-based guidelines for when patients should be referred, and no CCG incentive scheme should in anyway cut across that.
'We have contacted each of the CCGs mentioned to ensure this has been clearly communicated to all practices and will continue to monitor the situation.'
Pulse's findings, published in September last year, included at least nine CCGs which were offering practices payments to cut referrals.
Although the GPC said many of the schemes could be 'ethically questionable', NHS England specifically said CCGs would be told to ensure that their incentives scheme did not affect cancer referrals.
It comes as Government policy is to actively encourage patients to access early investigation to improve cancer survival rates, as these are currently lagging behind other countries.
NICE has slashed referral thresholds this year hoping to boost early diagnosis and the Government's 'be clear on cancer' campaigns have been shown to significantly increase the number of patients seeking GP advice.
Readers' comments (7)
Are we really expected to believe that they cannot disagregate the number of standard referral numbers from 2 week wait referrals? It shows the state of IT training and support in South East London which is provided by the CSU. Any fool could have ensured that the different referrals were coded differently and built the correct searches.
As for the CCG assuming that a 13% increase in 2ww referrals suggests there is no problem is weak as we don't know what it would have been without the incentive. They should be addresssing this unethical priniciple and not just the apparent effect.
It shows a lack of discussion with the CCG and member practices.
Any incentive to reduce referral in terms of absolute numbers is potentially miselading for patietns.
The new cancer guidelines want us to refer more patients on a 2ww. Why take the risk of complaints (being struck off) and not referring someone!
There has been a downward pressure on all referrals by CCGs, it is no surprise that this unethical behaviour exists and is quite likely to be more widespread than those reported.
Finally a proper job for CQC, in association with the GMC to eradicate this practice, irrespective of excuses, or there is no place in society for all of these organisations.
I refer anything that vaguly fulfills any of the lower threshold of the new nice guidance.Refer refer refer. You will never have a patient complain or refer you to the GMC for referring or admitting you to hospital. Get it wrong and don't refer/admit and something goes wrong, then you are looking at complaint/gmc/cqc/ombudsmand/police/lawyers/jail. Why risk it. Refer away. save yourself. It costs you nothing and is now considered good patient care to refer rather than not. You sleep much easier as well. Always refer the 50:50 that you think about later in the day/night or when driving in, your gut tells you more than guidelines.
To Anonymous | GP Partner09 Jan 2016 11:42pm
You are bang on. Until we are covered by the same indemnity as other workers in the NHS, why should we take any risks at all? The more risks we take, the higher our indemnity fees become. And your point about complaints etc is also very pertinent. GPs are expected to support new pathways, limit access to referrals etc, but who supports the GP when the inevitable complaints come in? Nobody, thats who.
Ditch the contract comrades!


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ChartAttack Exclusive: Producer Bob Ezrin Hits Back At Deftones' Chino Moreno Friday August 19, 2005 @ 02:00 PM In an interview with Deftones and Team Sleep frontman Chino Moreno this week, the singer talked about problems with legendary Canadian producer , who was behind the knobs for the Deftones' upcoming LP. "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything, really," Moreno said in the article. "There were times when we really got along and I learned a lot of things from him but there were a lot of times when he's in his own world where he thinks he knows what's best and he doesn't know what's best, really. It just wasn't fun to do and it wasn't a fun record to make. The music turned out rad. It's just when you're making a record, especially when you're working on vocals, I've only worked with a couple of producers and most of the records I've done with Terry Date. The reason we chose Ezrin is because we wanted to do something different, but I learned that different isn't always good." This wasn't the first time the singer took shots at the production of the new Deftones record in the press, but this one hurt a little more from Ezrin's perspective. "The only reason I would respond was that it happened to be in Canada in a Canadian publication and that's my home turf and that pisses me off," the producer said over the phone on Thursday. "This didn't come out of the blue because he did it once before. When he was doing some press at the beginning of Team Sleep people said, 'Have you finished the album yet?' He came out and said 'No I haven't and the reason why is because first we tried going to Connecticut to make the record and it was just a fucking drag. It was a terrible place and finally we've come back [to Sacramento] and it's all going to be better.' "And I was furious with that because the reality is that everybody had a great time in Connecticut and stuff got done, except for Chino, who came unprepared, came late, missed days, didn't show up. So maybe from his point of view it was a shitty place to be, but that wasn't the fault of the venue, it was because he wasn't ready. I called him and I told him, 'Watch your mouth. Don't be saying stuff like that.'" Ezrin said that as far as he knows, the vocals for the Deftones record still aren't finished, since Moreno has been playing with Team Sleep since his main band finished laying down the tracks for their record. The producer suggests that there might be a rift between Moreno and the rest of the Deftones because of the singer's commitments to Team Sleep. "The other guys in the Deftones are patiently waiting for this album to get finished so they can get on with their lives and their careers," Ezrin said. "I think they're not happy about the fact that Chino went on the road with his side project before finishing his primary commitment. "I hope that the Team Sleep tour has inspired him and that he's ready to go back and finish the album — with whoever makes him comfortable. One way or the other, that album should be finished. It's great music and the fans of the band and the other members of the Deftones deserve it." Ezrin is a 2004 inductee to the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame and produced Pink Floyd's The Wall, as well as records by Alice Cooper, KISS, Nine Inch Nails, Lou Reed and Jane's Addiction. He said that his experience with Moreno during the Deftones sessions was, surprisingly, unlike anything he'd seen previously. "To tell you the truth, I've never been through something like this before in the many, many years that I've been making records — I've never encountered anyone like Chino Moreno before," Ezrin said with a laugh. "And to be clear, I really like him. I think he's a charming, talented, smart, well-intentioned and very artful guy, but he's got a problem with finishing things and he's a blamer. Basically, Chino's using me as an excuse for running out on his band and their album." —Noah Love
"Chartattack" – August 2005 // Bob Ezrin Interviewed
October 13, 2011 by

subset: commoncrawl


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Search Engine Optimization is a common phrase. Companies flood their web sites with it, hoping to entice users with promises of keywords, indexing and content distribution.
Most of these promises, however, are never kept. The services instead prove lacking.
One Big Broadcast and other top SEO companies seek to change this. They offer social media platforms that succeed, recognizing what users need to achieve total integration.
A web site is only as effective as its content. A SEO optimization company must, therefore, offer on-page techniques to redefine that content. This includes using relevant data to capture reader attention, as well as embedding carefully chosen keywords and HTML tags within every post. This increases search engine rankings and helps to secure traffic.
Off-Page Optimization
On-page techniques are vital. Extending organic SEO principles beyond each post, however, is just as important. Off-page principles include total social integration, bookmarking, link-building and media promotion. These SEO company services extend beyond individual sites. Instead they reach throughout the Internet and connect directly with readers.
The best SEO company is one that delivers results. One Big Broadcast and other organic search organizations understand this, which is why they promote a dynamic social strategy. On-page and off-page principles are utilized for every client. This ensures high rankings and captivated audiences.
Contact One Big Broadcast to learn more.
There was once an unfortunate trend with web sites. They were stuffed with awkward keywords and invisible text, with backdoor links deceiving readers with every click. They were aggressive with their spamming, securing high search engine rankings with paid advertisements and flooded indexes. Their information was weak, and their services were worse.
This is no longer the case.
Organic SEO instead dominates the web, ushering in a new era of social media and a new way for the top SEO companies BC to provide data.
Organic SEO, explained simply, is a form of online marketing that gains search engine rankings naturally. Pages become recognized for user-friendly information, specialized keywords and careful link building. The point is not to merely purchase a high placement on Google, Bing or Yahoo. It's instead to take advantage of automated SEO techniques and earn that placement. Content distribution is targeted and useful.
Readers are taking notice of this change, and now so are the top SEO companies. These social media platforms understand that black hat techniques are no longer warranted. Instead building sites with solid content and optimized keywords is essential. This gains search engine results and user trust.
An organic SEO company, like One Big Broadcast, provides businesses with ways to seamlessly weave their information into the Internet. Every post is defined by relevant data and is then integrated into networks, directories and more. This provides both local search engine optimization and worldwide results.
And this is vital.
Exceed online with organic options. Choose SEO company services that reflect natural placement and effortless information.
Contact One Big Broadcast to learn more.


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Minimum Wage Increases June 1, 2014
The Ontario Government has announced the minimum wage in Ontario will be increased effective June 1, 2014. The general minimum wage will increase from $10.25 to $11.00 per hour and the student minimum wage will increase from $9.60 to $10.30 per hour. The student minimum wage applies to students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours or less when school is in session, or work during a school break or summer holidays. All active Jobs in the Human Resources Information System that have an hourly rate less than the new minimum wage will be converted to the new rate by Human Resources.
If you have any questions concerning the new minimum wage, contact your Client Services Advisor.


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SEDONA is inspired by the landscapes of Arizona and the beauy of its canyons. A palette of strong mineral shades which are gradually diluted, like watercolours, to blend with the horizon.
1800 651 510
Showrooms | Sample Basket | Call 1800 651 510 | Email
All Rights Reserved © Zepel Fabrics 2020. Website built by 360South.


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NEW! APCO-Standard QA Templates: Eventide now offers a set of 6 Quality Assurance templates for Case Evaluation and Scoring, per the sample templates in the informative Appendix 2 of APCO/NENA ANS 220.127.116.115 "Standard for the Establishment of a Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Program for Public Safety Answering Points". The NexLog Quality Assurance form templates for Case Evaluation and Scoring are: Call Taking for Police Incidents, Dispatching for Police Incidents, Call Taking for Fire Incidents, Dispatching for Fire incidents, Call Taking for EMS Incidents, and Dispatching for EMS incidents.
Eventide has developed the NexLog Quality Assurance option (also known as "Quality Factor") to help you answer the following questions and more:
- How are your dispatchers and call takers performing?
- What training should you offer them?
- Who are your stars?
- Who needs to improve specific skills in order to get that raise or promotion?
Easy to Use Form Builder
Integrated Replay and Evaluation
NexLog Quality Assurance Reports
NexLog Quality Assurance software includes the following standard reports:
- Evaluation Score Trends Report: Provides graphical displays of evaluation scores over time for all agents, per agent, and per evaluator. Also displays flags per agent.
- Intragroup Score Trends Report: Provides graphical displays of evaluation scores over time for all agents in a single agent group, and per agent within the group.
- Interform Score Trends Report: Provides a graphical display of evaluation scores over time, between forms.
- Skill Trends Report: Provides a graphical comparison of evaluation scores by skill.
NexLog Quality Assurance (also known as "Quality Factor") is a software option for Eventide NexLog Communications Logging Recorders. Evaluations are performed via MediaWorks PLUS browser-based software.


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GotBoost South Wales #1 Milltek Exhaust Supplier
As South Wales premium Milltek Exhaust supplier we can call on over 20 years of continuous exhaust development and technical expertise to develop the ultimate Milltek Sport range of performance products.
Milltek Sport offer an ever expanding comprehensive selection of Performance exhausts which build on the successes of key marques like Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mini and BMW.
This has placed Milltek Sport at the forefront of tuning companies and owners 'must have' list. Milltek Sport have appointed key distributors and are currently exporting to over 70 countries around the world.
Milltek Sport exhausts are produced in high quality type 304 aircraft grade stainless steel. This material is anti-magnetic (other manufacturers stainless steel may not be) and is less susceptible to discolouration. This quality of stainless steel is used on all pipework and the total construction of the silencer. Mandrel bending ensures full flow bends for better gas flow and Milltek systems are increased in bore to ensure ultimate performance without the loss of mid range torque.
Why buy a Milltek Exhaust?
Milltek Sport exhausts have a genuine performance edge – noticeable power gains, sounds that are truly awesome, styled looks that are aggressive but discrete and a feeling of true exhilaration.
• Transforms performance and driveability
• Sharper throttle response
• Substantial weight saving over original equipment systems
• Precision, quality controlled manufacture to ISO 9001 standards
• Highest quality aircraft-grade stainless steel
• Low pressure systems for maximum performance – with no loss of low end torque
• Responsibly developed and engineered
• Designed and manufactured in the UK
Fill in the contact form for more details about your car.


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Wall Street investment banker-turned-Olympic cyclist Evelyn Stevens finished 24th in the women's cycling race in London Sunday, 27 seconds behind gold-medal winner Marianna Vos of the Netherlands.
Vos came in at 3:35:29, while Britan's Elizabeth Armitstead finished just a fraction of a second later for a silver medal, and Russia's Olga Zabelinskaya came in at 3:35:31 for bronze.
Stevens finished with a time of 3:35:56, and was the first American to cross the line. Kristin Armstrong of Boise, Idaho and Amber Neben of Irvine, Calif. placed 35th and 36th, respectively.
WATCH: Women's Road Race Highlights
PHOTOS: Women's Road Race
Stevens, who started riding in Central Park in 2008, told NBC 4 New York ahead of her trip to London she was thrilled simply to be representing the U.S.
"To live out your dream and your passion, for me, that's just enough as it is," she said.
WATCH: From Wall Street to London, Evelyn Stevens
The Dutch Vos powered through a driving rainstorm on The Mall on Sunday, sprinting clear of her two rivals and winning the women's road race.
Armitstead's silver was the home nation's first medal of the London Games.
"It was a hard race today with the weather conditions," Vos said, "but then I felt good. We made the race hard with the Dutch squad, early attacks, and that was the plan."
A former Olympic gold medalist in track cycling, Vos had grown accustomed in the past few years to finishing just off the top step in major races. She's been silver medalist five straight years at the world championships and had never stood on the podium in an Olympic road race.
Perhaps fittingly, the clouds broke and the sun shone for the medal ceremony.
"I knew this was another race," Vos said, "and you have all the chances, and you don't have to think about the years before. During the race I felt, well, maybe this might be the day."
"She is a machine," Zabelinskaya said.
Armitstead's silver medal should serve to buoy cycling fans in Britain. They came out Saturday expecting to see Mark Cavendish win the men's road race, but the powerhouse British team that includes Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins finished with a whimper.
"Marianne Vos was the one to watch and I knew that before the race," Armitstead said. "I played my tactics and thankfully it came off."
While the crowds Sunday didn't nearly reach the estimated 1 million fans who watched the men's race, they were still packed deep along the 87-mile route.
The riders started off from The Mall during one of the many showers that plagued the entire race, and passed Buckingham Palace before heading south of London.
Estonian rider Grete Treier was among several riders who crashed on the narrow, slick roads in the opening miles. There were also a number of flat tires, including one that slowed reigning time-trial silver medalist Emma Pooley of Britain.
Ellen van Dijk, the national time-trial champion from the Netherlands, spent the first half of the race trying to open up gaps on the field. Every time she bounced off the front, though, a handful of riders were positioned right behind with orders to bring her back.
Just as in the men's race, Box Hill was where the race took shape.
The first of two trips up the climb in the Surrey countryside broke the field into two groups. One of the riders dropped was Nicole Cooke, the defending gold medalist from Britain, who managed to race back to the peloton but was spent by the time the riders started the climb again.
That's where Vos made her first big move, and she was quickly joined by Armitstead. They went clear, along with Sweden's Emma Johansson and American rider Shelley Olds, the group of four reaching more than 40 mph on the quick descent.
Their gap was 18 seconds with about 25 miles remaining, and working together the group managed to extend their advantage as another round of rain pounded the course.
Olds dropped away after puncturing her tire at the most inopportune time, and the three riders remaining in the break carried on. Vos did most of the work at the front, pushing the gap to more than 30 seconds while a field led by the Italians and Americans frantically gave chase.
The wet roads didn't help their cause.
Every rider who moved to the front had to slow dramatically around the city's tight, narrow corners, and their lost momentum allowed the breakaway to build its lead.
It reached 53 seconds as crowds choked the run-in to Buckingham Palace, and by that point it was clear the race would be decided among the three. Vos began her sprint with the finish line in sight, and Armitstead didn't have enough left to chase her down.
"With three, you know you have to keep on pushing to the finish, because it was our biggest chance for gold, or for a medal," Vos said. "I knew Lizzie was fast on the line, so I was not dead-on confident, but I knew I had a chance, and I knew I had a big chance."
A chance to forget all those silvers and go for gold.
Get the top London 2012 Olympic news, including what to watch, results and features on our local athletes here.
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Tree Board Meeting September 28, 2017 at 12:00 pm
The meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay
1. Call to Order – Roll Call
2. Citizen Input / Public Comment – **Public comments limited to 10 minutes.
3. New Business –
Welcome our guest, Aaron Anderson, arborist with Wright Tree Service for PP&L
Tree Removal Requests:
- Gene Poore – 567 13th Court. Tree is on north side of 13th Avenue. Tree is dying. Staff's recommendation is to remove dead or dying cedar trees at abutting property owner's expense.
- Dennis Hanson – 655 S Cammann St. Old large alder is leaning towards house. Staff's recommendation: Trees have a heavy ivy growth & are starting to lean. Strong northerly winds could topple trees. Recommend City to remove 3 affected alders.
- City of Coos Bay – 1085 Lockhart (on S 11th frontage) Tree has been topped by utility also growing in to travel lane and blocking storm ditch. Staff recommendation it to remove tree and remove interference with the ROW.
- City of Coos Bay – Mingus Park across from 461 N 11th. Tree is dying and will become unsafe. Staff recommendation is to remove tree to eliminate danger to public.
- Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery – Cedar tree has died and will become a safety issue. Staff's recommendation is to remove tree.
- Peter Stys by Don Walden – 1308 Central (N13th ROW) between Central & Commercial. Property owner is worried the tree is losing branches and dropping debris and they want to reroof their home. An arborist, Patrick Myers, recommends girdling the ivy and removing branches. Staff's recommendation is to follow arborist's recommendations.
- 317 3rd Ct - Dead Maple that has branches hanging over the street and concerned for safety. Staff's site visit confirmed the tree was dead and needs to be removed by abutting property owner. There is also a Madrone covered in Ivy. It will eventually kill the tree, if not already.
- 361 E St has a dead a cedar that needs to be removed by abutting owner.
5. Board Member / STAFF Comments
6. Meeting will adjourn at 1 p.m.
** Jon will be meeting with Pacific Power re franchise agreement and city ordinance regarding tree topping. This was clearly done in the past and the group of trees need to be removed at their expense.
Pacific Power – Myrtle ROW between Juniper & Cottonwood. Trees are in the way of service trucks to replace utility pole. Improper trimming has destroyed trees. Staff's recommendation is to remove 2 alders and 1 spruce tree at Myrtle & Juniper.
Scott Knowles – 1993 Cottonwood Ave. Location of trees (6) in alley (undeveloped portion of Myrtle. Branches growing into yard. Previously topped trees under powerlines (PP&L not removing since old topping)


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Create Your Own Crossword Puzzle With These Tools
One never tires of word puzzles (I am assuming here that you love them in the first place). Crossword is the oldest of them all. It predates the other popular word game, Scrabble by nearly 40 years. 120 years later, the black and white square grids remain as engaging as the first published one in 1913. From the first diamond shaped puzzle to the many interactive variants we see today on iPhones and Androids; from Word-Cross to Cross-Word to Crossword, the game has been integral in making us lookup the dictionary and boost our vocabulary.
Creating your own crossword puzzles has its own uses beyond just playing for fun. And I am not talking about Reverend John Graham who used it to tell readers that he is dying of cancer. Word puzzles are the easiest party games and it is very easy to make and print word search puzzles 10 Websites to Make and Print Word Search Puzzles Read More . You can use it as a part of an interactive entry test to see if candidates have grasped the basics; revise key points of a lecture with a crossword puzzle; use crosswords as a team building exercise; build it into a promotional scheme; and okay…let's stop here – I am sure you got my point. If you did, let's turn to a few tools you can use to create crossword puzzles of your own.
1 Across: On The Electronic Highway
Online Crosswords
Online Crosswords is a large database of printable crosswords and also those you can print online. 8700+ crosswords should help you to pass a few more years playing the word game. The database is growing each day, and you also get to play seven crosswords daily – online or download their printable versions.
The site also has its own Crossword Puzzles' Word Directory that gives you a selection of 106,937 words to solve or create your own crossword puzzles with. 6,186 layouts give you plenty of choice to design your own. (Directory mention OnlineCrosswords: Free Printable Crossword Puzzles Read More )
Discovery Education – PuzzleMaker
The PuzzleMaker doesn't specifically say it is for crosswords. There are ten different types of puzzles you can create – Criss-Cross is the closest that comes to the nature of crosswords. Think of it as a simpler version of the popular game.
Creating your own Criss-Cross puzzle takes just four simple steps. The end result gives you a printable puzzle which you can use for classroom teaching or for leisure at home. The PuzzleMaker is a nice free teacher resource from Discovery Education.
Crossword Labs
It's always nice to come across a site that is simple, without ads, and has one core function that it performs well. Crossword Labs – as the site says – is the simplest way to build, print, share and solve crossword puzzles online. It's free, fast and easy. The puzzles can be downloaded as PDF or Word files and printed.
One of the nicer features is that you can also generate a password protected answer key for your clues. The crossword can be quickly shared with a flotilla of sites. Crossword Labs comes highly recommended if you are looking for a quick way to generate powerful crossword puzzles using the simplest method possible.
Educaplay [No Longer Available]
Educaplay is one of those sites tucked away in the recesses of the web that you might not discover unless you were searching for interactive educational tools. Crosswords are one of the multimedia learning activities you can do here. It is multimedia because a definition can be shown with a word, a sound, or an image. If you don't get the answer, you can use the letter clue and the word clue. To create your own free crosswords, you have to register and then start off with a new 'activity'.
Educaplay supports various European languages and you can create crosswords in any of them. The unique feature is that you can define a comprehension level and create multimedia crosswords with words, sounds, and images. The crosswords are created as embeddable Flash or HTML5 objects. You can even collect the Top 10 results from those who play the puzzle. A crossword gallery also allows you to use many of the created crosswords.
This is the home for The Free Online Crossword Compiler, a fancy name for an online tool that allows you to create crosswords quickly. Start with the Instant Crossword which is a list of clues and answers to generate a grid. For the clues, you can choose from Quick, Cryptic, or Themed. The Professional Compiler goes a few steps ahead and lets you define a template for the grid (e.g. Standard, American, or Freeform). The above screenshot shows a professional themed template.
The Free Online Crossword Compiler is a slick and usable crossword tool that gives you great deal of flexibility. The crossword data is saved in the database and also checked for obvious errors and only then it is made available online. You have your own crossword page where people can come and complete your crosswords.
2 Down: A Computer Program
Puzzle Workshop
Puzzle Workshop is a little (701 KB) downloadable crossword generator for Windows that allows you to create freeform crosswords. The paid version lets you create newspaper-standard crosswords. The free version features crosswords between 10×10 and 30×30 squares and comes with support for word lists. The software auto-generates a large number of different fills and also scores them for you using an algorithm. You can import word lists from an external source and also customize the clues.
Puzzle Workshop prints the generated file in Rich Text or HTML. A free demo version (that allows import of a maximum of 50 words from external sources) is available for download. To download the fully-functioning version that can import much longer word lists, you need to email the developer.
Across Lite (Windows & Mac)
Across Lite is a free crossword tool that enables you to create, publish, and solve crossword puzzles on your computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac. Across Lite has its own proprietary format (.puz) for publishing the puzzles. Publishers like New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, The Onion etc. make their puzzles available in this format.
We talked about the various facets of Across Lite including how you can create crosswords of your own when we went down & across to solve crossword puzzles with Across Lite Go Down & Across To Solve Crossword Puzzles With Across Lite Read More . Now, you can also upload your crosswords in the Across Lite format and publish them as interactive puzzles on blogs and websites for free.
For me Across Lite is the best tool for creating (and publishing) my own crossword puzzles. But EclipseCrossword also deserves a look. It is not so feature packed; but if you are looking for a simpler tool for the classroom, then this could be it. You just need to feed it a list of words (a word list) and the corresponding clues.
I did a very early review on how to use Eclipse Crossword to design your own crossword puzzles Design Your Own Crossword Puzzles (Windows) Read More . The review still holds true, so do check it out. EclipseCrossword is Windows only.
From all the signs out there on moving buses and subway trains, solving crosswords is more popular than creating them. But rest assured there are tools for both the jobs. Both take some creative enterprise. My favored tool as I mentioned before is Across Lite. No other crossword publishing tool comes close to it in terms of all-round capabilities. If your hunt doesn't end here, try out Ray Hamel's page for a listing. Do note that some software over there could be outdated and also not freeware. If you find the spade for the job, come back and tell us in the comments. We crossword buffs deserve to have a few words together.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Explore more about: Puzzle Games, Word Games.


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This is a sponsored post I wrote on behalf of Go Greater Reading. The Greater Reading Region of Pennsylvania is an easy destination for a daytrip or a weekend get-away for culture and outdoor enthusiasts living 2-3 hours away. Road trip! You don't have to ask me twice to go
Tips for Family Fun at the Everglades Holiday Park
So, summer is almost over — are you ready? Landon and I enjoyed the last overpriced frozen yogurt at King Kone a day before he headed back to school. We had such a wonderful summer that it was bittersweet to send him off. We went to Germany the first 10
Brunch at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Pennsylvania
If you read my Wordless Wednesday post, you already know that we spent one night in Pennsylvania to celebrated Landon's cousin's birthday — with a very creative Minecraft party. After that, we slept at their house for one night, and the next day we all went to a lovely brunch


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When it comes to the celebrities across the film industries it's not only their looks, talents and on screen, performance draws us towards them. I guess, most of the time we adore these celebs because of their adorable kids. Well, for example, take SRK who don't adore him a little more because of AbRam, who isn't in search for Taimur whenever have a glimpse of Saif and Kareena? Nowadays, we adore Salman a little more because of his lovable video with Ahil and Shahid's little princess is a full dose of cuteness.
But to let you know Bollywood is just a part of the picture, as across south industries there is a lot of other cuteness to gush about. Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam stars and their cuties are also there who can make your day. So today, let's just drive your attention towards those cuties.
Allu Arha daughter of Allu Arjun (Telugu) and Sneha Reddy
Allu Arjun became father for the second time to a baby girl on Nov 21st, 2016. The actor Tweeted, "Blessed with a Baby Girl ! Soooo Happppyyyyyy right now ! One boy & one girl. Couldn't ask for more. Thank you for all the wishes. Lucky me." Further, he shared her first pic and revealed her name on 25th Dec. Our newly arrived angel Ꭿllυ Ꭿrhα. Hindu meaning : Lord Shiva . Islamic meaning : Calm& Serene. "AR" jun & Sne "HA" together ARHA #AlluArha. This August he shared another adorable picture of Arha. We love this cute little star kid.
Maryam Ameerah Salmaan daughter of Dulquer Salmaan (Malayalam) and Amal Sufiya
While we all were looking forward to Dulquer Salmaan movie, Comrade in America, fans were given another reason for celebration on May 5th, 2017- the birth of Dulquer Salmaan's cute princess. "My life just changed forever. We've been blessed with a drop of heaven. At long last my biggest dream came true. I got my princess. Amu got a mini version of herself" the actor expressed his feelings in front of the media. The actor shared the first glimpse of his little princess Maryam Ameerah Salmaan on the eve of his birthday.
Abhay Ram son of N.T.Rama Rao Jr. (Telugu) and Lakshmi Pranathi
N.T.Rama Rao Jr. became a proud father of a son on July 22nd, 2015. Observing the pictures you can say that his life revolves around his son, Abhay Ram. This year, his son turns three, and he celebrated his third birthday on the set of Bigg Boss Telugu.
Sitara daughter of Mahesh Babu (Telugu) and Namrata Shirodhkar
It was on July 20th, 2012 when Mahesh Babu and Namrata Shirodhkar became a proud parent of a cute little daughter Sitara. Through these years, she has won many hearts and all the credits go to her dazzling smile. We must say that she is truly a SITARA.
Arjun son of Nani (Telugu) and Anjana Yelavarthy
Nani and Anjana Yelavarthy were blessed with a little son this year on March 29th, 2017 which was the occasion of Ugadi. Arjun is their first child and two months ago Nani introduced his son to the world with this cute message- "Say Hi to everyone Arjun ? #Nani2point0".
So if you are asked to choose your favorite among them, then who will be your choice? Tough decision isn't it?


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Working at CFB Edmonton, I get to find out about some pretty cool things that end up happening around the base. This past weekend was no exception to the cool things that happen, and it was all in celebration for the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI)'s 100th anniversary. What better way to celebrate a centennial years of service than with a parade?
Saturday 9 August 2014 @ 1100hrs
The troops dropped in, in style!
This was just the beginning, then the SkyHawks dropped in too!
And what is an Army Parade without the Canadian Flag hung proud… off of a HELICOPTER!!
The Parade continued on with distinguished members arriving in various vehicles and watching all the troops march along to the band.
The Parade ended with all the Veterans getting up to march with the Old Guard. At this moment they advised everyone to put in the provided ear plugs. As the veterans did their march, the tanks got fired for their grande finale.
The show continued over at the Military Heritage day grounds on the base after the parade, with a move that looked straight out of the movies. A low flying helicopter approaching a building ropes dropping down, THEN everyone dropping down and taking positions. It was quite the sight!!
At the end of the day, I am proud to be Canadian; as well as an ARMY BRAT!!


text: Another "This Is Forever" Update!!! Yes! I have updated "TIF" again and I certainly hope you all do enjoy it! Forgive me in advance for any typos and so forth, as I am posting this it is a little after 2am. I should be sleep, but I had to finish this before I went there. Any typos, mistakes, etc I will fix later on! In the meantime, happy reading and goodnight! Enjoy!!!


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The hospital where I am delivering requires a birth plan to be submitted for certain patients. I am opting to labor in water so I am included in the 'need a birth plan' population. So, I'm getting that started. I'll be using a fill in the blank form. There are a ton of templates you can find online to use. I seriously need to get cracking on mine and then run it by hubby so that we are all on the same page.
We aren't signing up for some of the traditional classes like childbirth, newborn care, or fit & healthy pregnancy because we've done this before, right?!
This time around we did the Sibling class for Buggy which I think will be cute. He's all excited about his new baby sister that's coming and this will further add to it. They are going to go over things like being gentle with baby and even have an arts and crafts project planned to give to baby when they are born! I honestly don't think he will have a problem with the new transition but anything we can do to prepare him, we're going to do!
I've been wanting to try my hand at yoga for quite some time. So, I figured now would be a good of time as any! Most yoga studios required you to be in your second trimester to begin. I was three weeks shy of third tri when I start and I really wish I would've done it sooner! It's never too late to start- so if yoga is (or could be) your thing I'd suggest you just go for it!
Since I've begun I noticed that my back pain has completely disappeared. I sit in a chair (probably improperly) all day at work and I know the ill effects that can have on you even when you aren't pregnant. We also do poses that is designed to prepare your body for childbirth. I'm not really sue how any of us manage to get into those poses with basketballs for bellies but we do it! Only time will tell if it actually eases the birthing process.
Boy oh boy (or should I say girl oh girl!) has this been a struggle. I kinda of knew it would be though. I've always known that no matter who my husband was if we were to have a boy there was a 99% chance that he would be named after his father. The only exception would be if I married a guy named Shitthead (pronounced sha-theed) or the likes there of. Someone actually named their child that. But imagine the first day of kindergarten with that name. Or heck- a job resume'! No way. Luckily I loved my husband's first and middle name so that was a no-brainer for me but it took some convincing to get him on board. My brother is named after our father, who is named after our grandfather, and there's a rumor that he is actually named after his father but was never a Jr. The validity of that will never be known because all pertinent parties in that matter is resting in heaven and took that bit of info with them. So, needless to say I felt it would only be right to name our son after his father. It did take a few months to convince him though. I too am named after my mo's sister and I love the fact that both my brother and I have family names. It's just so much more meaningful to me!
Since we never knew the gender of our baby until he was born we did have a girl name lined up. Problem is- we can't use that this time around. The name has become super duper popular and I'm just not that interested in her being a Jennifer S. (any 80's babies out there who had 4 Jennifer's in their class?? no... just me. ok then. FWIW we also had 2 Ashley's and 2 Crystal's too.) I was so in love with that name because it was my grandfather's name who was name after his mother. This sucks.
In this post (which seems eons ago and clearly needs updating) I did share my favorite names for both boys and girls- none of those made the cut. For one, most of them have been taken by someone else (and Disney princess are just too cliche') and the others just don't seems to fit. I think our daughter might leave the hospital unnamed.
Here they are again- just for pretty pictures and reference.


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Waaaay too many layers on this card, I know! But I love layers and dimension and it has been a while since I let loose and made something just the way I wanted. Some hand stitching, some glitter, some of my favourite border punch! I used a bit of Pink Paislee's London Market paper here, soon I will have their stamps too just bought some from SSS.
If you can see I coloured over the embossed paneling and it looks pretty cool in person.
That's it for me today, see you tomorrow with another card.


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Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Our Telemetry range includes low profile modular designs for a variety of applications; rack mounted for high-density applications and a site monitor series for communications monitoring and control. Telemetry systems provide affordable ways of remote control and status monitoring. These may eliminate time consuming staff visits to remote sites and equipment. Telemetry allows users to send status commands and interrogation of equipment or environments 24 hours a day. Changes in status can be remotely remedied to preset criteria. Telemetry systems can be used to send alarm messages via traditional wide area networks, in-house paging systems or mobile phones.
Telemetry equipment can be used to remotely turn on or off third party devices such as lighting, water and power. When used in conjunction with other paging systems and equipment, our telemetry systems can automatically switch on or off equipment such as alarms. You can even use email or SMS to activate/deactivate the paging devices.
Common uses of our telemetry solutions include remote access gates, control and status reporting for remote pumps, power control and many more applications where remoteness of location makes direct human control impractical. While GME provides the bulk of our telemetry products, we have many other suppliers of particular devices that we may use in specific projects. Usually these devices are chosen for their compatibility with existing equipment to be controlled.


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In the Senate: Obama needs support from 34 of 46 Democrats from the caucus to sustain a veto and 23 have already announced they are backing him.
In the House: Obama needs support from 146 of 188 Democrats to sustain a veto. More than 50 have expressed their support compared to 10 opposed
Democrat Sen. Menendez said in a powerful rebuke : that the deal the agreement "failed to achieve the one thing it is set out to achieve - to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state at a time of its choosing" it "authorizes and supports the very road map Iran will need to arrive at its target."
A Vote is on September 17th
Please make calls to these legislatures regarding the Iran Deal. We need to put pressure on them. Voice your opinion.
Names of individuals who are undecided or need support are below. Contact information can be found on the Resource Page (click to visit page)
- Jeff Merkly
- Sen McConnell is against Iran Nuclear Deal but could use (support)
- Rep Walden and John Boehner are from the House but both need support from us for their votes against the proposal please request that they share your concerns with our other 4 Representatives from Oregon: Bonamici, Blumenauer, DeFazio, Schrader
- White House


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resolving disputes
managing tensions
creating wellbeing
enhancing success
Overview of Services
MASTERCLASSES & Workshops
COACHING Leadership Teams
FACILITATING Transformations
CONSULTANCY & Mentoring
Examples & Clients
About Us
Contact Us
Masterclass Modules & Discussion Workshops
Masterclasses overview
We have drawn from the very best of our decades-long experience, professional education and personal insights in senior management, business psychology and philosophy, executive and team coaching, business consulting and mediation to produce an integrated suite of 15 masterclass modules, designed to help leadership teams navigate the difficulties of adapting to the turbulent new era, and thrive!
Each module is short, up to 2 hours, yet has time for some interaction, perfect for busy executives who need to top up their knowledge in bite-sized chunks. At this length, they can also be integrated into coaching programmes as appropriate. Breakthrough learning outcomes have been achieved when training programmes are coupled with coaching – this is a very powerful way to create successful change.
The modules can be mixed and matched as required, be turned into a well-rounded leadership training course, or be crafted into something else, tailor made for your particular requirements.
The masterclass modules
Leadership Transformations for the New Era
The 3Ps for Quality Leadership & Management
Finding Purpose for Your Team & Organisation
Influencing & Managing Change
Tapping the Power of Stories
Understand How People 'Tick'
Boosting Resilience & Wellbeing
Developing People-Leadership & Engagement
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Understand & Manage Conflict
Developing Strengths for Success
Innovation Through Creative & Lateral Thinking
Managing Problems & Decisions Effectively
Having 'Good' Difficult Conversations
Managing Performance Sustainably
Topic discussion workshops
For those who want to go deeper, you may prefer a facilitated 'round-table' discussion on any of the masterclass topics (or related variants you choose) to enable learning from each other and some application to 'live' situations faced by participants, with us as an expert guide to keep things on track.
This could be with a group of people from different parts of your organisation or from other related organisations where there may be a common problem or opportunity to work through.
It certainly was a very enlightening day for all of us. A number of the managers in particular made a point of telling me how much they enjoyed their time with you and how surprised they were to learn that whatever side of "the wall" they are working on they all share many of the same challenges.
Managing Director of an SME company
Julian has recently successfully helped us with some work which he has then followed up with developmental training to our internal management team. Not only did he assist in solving the problem but he then went on to provide ideas to stop it happening again. Julian is able to react to situations well, gain an understanding of the issues and then helped find a satisfactory resolution.
Eric Burrow, Consultant at Kingston Smith HR
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Consumer News
Funeral costs comparison
Funeral costs comparison
Death should not be a topic which we all avoid discussing – it is best to talk about death regardless of your age; remember it is a fact of life and your funeral service shouldn't leave your family in debt.
We would recommend that you visit each of the Funeral Directors in Jersey to view their premises
and meet the staff who would be caring for your family. Each business offers bespoke personalised services and your relationship with the Funeral Director is really important throughout the planning and service stages.
"Understandable lack of shopping around by consumers at their lowest ebb, and an industry where costs can be opaque; the reality is a huge range in pricing, which could potentially save consumers hundreds of pounds"
Simon Cox, Consumer Protection Proposition Lead, Royal London Group1 SunLife's annual 2016 report titled 'The Cost of Dying' is the fastest rising of any fixed cost in the UK – rising much faster than living costs, such as rent, food, utilities, insurance or clothing: 'the funeral – which makes up 44% of the cost of dying – has soared by 5.5% in a single year. The average funeral in the UK now costs £3,897 which is more than double what it was when SunLife first started tracking funeral prices in 2004'.
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ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The Douglas County Women's and Coed Slow-pitch Softball Association is looking to recruit a couple more teams and players to the league.
Registration remains open the Early Bird season-opening tournament on May 5-6.
The next coach's meeting will be held on April 18.
players age 14 and up can register to play.
There will be weekly season games, two tournaments and an end-of-season all-star event, BBQ and trophy presentations.
For more information, visit the DCWSSA Facebook group.
(posted 3/21/18)


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"I am leasing my car from this dealership and get it serviced there regularly. Everything is on time, the stuff is very service-oriented. What's most important - they won't make you do what your car doesn't need - just to make money on you. They will do only what's needed to be done. The mechanics know their job. It is one of the best car-service places I know in the LA-area."
"All the work that has been done for my car has been done excellently and fairly. The sales department did a great job in selling me my WRX and I would tell anyone interested in a Subaru to get it from Casa."
"I have been going to Subaru Sherman Oaks since 2007 and have not experienced anything but professionalism and honesty. I just recently purchased another Subaru and one of the deciding factors to stay with the Subaru family was because I have always received great service at Sherman Oaks Subaru. The mechanics will make sure they get to the root of the problem before you get your vehicle back."
"The team is First Class! Subaru is known for its great customer and technical service and the Sherman Oaks team is proof. They are very respectful of your time, give great attention to detail and treat each customer as a valuable part of their success. A better team could not be found."
"Peter Diaz is so helpful and professional. I'm always satisfied with the service and never feel like they are trying to get me to do service items that I don't need."
"I've been taking my 2008 Outback here for service for a couple of years now. The service team has always come through for me. My brakes went haywire a couple of months after my warranty expired. The service manager and service advisor contacted Subaru and took care of my problematic brakes with warranty! Other than that, my Outback is in top shape and I truly trust the advisors' advice here. I didnt feel that they are reccomending anything that I do not need. Trustworthy crew. Dog friendly facility.Great experience overall!"
"Subaru of Sherman Oaks is the very best place I've ever been to for servicing. Peter Diaz in the service department has helped me 100% with every single problem I've had with my 2003 Forester and when I'm ready to buy a new Subaru, I'll be buying it Subaru of Sherman Oaks, because I know I'll be treated fairly and honestly."
"Came to Subaru of Sherman Oaks as a first-time buyer and was treated very amiably by Francesca and the sales staff there. I never felt pressured and honestly got the impression that she and her associates were striving to get the best deal for me and went the extra mile to make sure I was taken care of. Definitely a good experience coming to this dealership and I look forward to seeing all of these people again as the miles add up on my newSubaru."
"I bought my Forester in 2008 from Subaru of Sherman Oaks (a no-hassle purchase) and have been returning ever since for regular service. Peter always greets me by name when I walk in and remembers previous discussions. If I'm up for optional work, he gives it to me straight on what I should wait on and what I should do sooner. My car is ready when they say it will be, and when something goes wrong, they do their best to make it right ASAP (a parking mishap resulted in damages that they admitted to, quickly repaired, and hooked me up with a loaner for the duration). I have zero complaints."
"We leased our Legacy from Subaru of Sherman Oaks in July 2009 and have always got our car serviced there as well. I can say without a doubt that this is the best dealership experience I have had (FYI, I have shopped around at Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Hyundai dealerships before). The people are excellent and extremely helpful. They geniunely try to help you make a decision and not try to just thurst a car down your throat. The staff recognizes us when we go there and has a very friendly attitude. Michael, especially, has been very helpful. And what else, we love the Subaruwe got ourselves. Plus, the service appointments are quick and easy (again, never had an issue with them trying to get me to do more things than my car needed). All in all, the best experience I have had in terms of anything to do with our car. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Subaru."
"I had been a regular service customer before I moved out of state 9 months ago and always was extremely impressed with the service I received here. When I came back for some unexpected business I realized that I was due for an oil change. I called the service department and explained my dilemma- they told me to be there at 2 p.m., no problem....(they had no idea I was a returning customer). When I walked in Peter called me by name and asked me how Tahoe was. After 9 months, he still knew my name!! He wrote up my service for an oil change and tire rotation and said it would be about 1 1/2 hours- no big deal for a 'drop in' as far as I was concerned! While I was waiting in the showroom, Michael, one of the salesmen also came up and called me by name and said "I thought that was you, but didn't you move?" You have to understand, I never bought a car from him, only 'talked' about Subaru's when I was in for service- yet he remembered my name, too! In about an hour I was notified that my car was ready, AND WASHED!! I always did like the fact that my car was washed after every service, no matter how small! (something I wish my dealer in Carson City did as part of their service) Not only have I always gotten fantastic service on my Subaru at this dealership, I have always been treated with friendly and respectful/honest service. (I feel like I'm at 'CHEERS' - where everyone knows your name!) Their prices are fair, the mechanics are awesome and the service department employees are fantastic...never felt pressure to buy from the sales department (Unfortunately, we weren't living in CA when we bought our 2011 Outback, otherwise Michael would have been our guy...) I really miss everything about Sherman Oaks Subaru. I have been to many dealers across the country (bought 2009 Forester new- put 33000+ miles on it in less than 2 years; 2011 Outback 14000+ miles in 6 months= lots of oil changes!) and this dealership is hands down THE BEST! I'll be back every time I'm in CA!"
"I bought my new 2011 WRX there a few days ago. Great experience. Sales guy was very nice and helpful. Gave me a fair price. Financing guy was great too. I definitely recommend this place to buy a new Subaru."
"Enjoyed my Experience at Subaru Sherman Oaks! I just finished helping my mom buy her new Cadillac and decided to do a little car shopping of my own. I haven't bought anything yet, but I'm thinking about a SubaruForester or an Outback. The people at Subaru are very nice. They showed me both cars and they didn't pressure me into buying anything right away. When I'm ready to buy my car, I will be buying it here!"
"I love my Impreza; Subaru of Sheman Oaks is great! Subaru of Sherman Oaks has great service for my Subaru Impreza I've been leasing for the last 2 years. It's an outstanding vehicle. The all wheel drive gives it the most solid feel of any small car I've ever experienced; especially in adverse driving conditions (like the heavy rains in December/January of last year). The dealership's service is always excellent. It always manages to slip me in an emergency (like a recent nail in a tire), without any delays. I'd highly recommend Subaru of Sherman Oaks to anyone that values excellent vehicles & service."
"Great service I have a leased 2009 Impreza, that started giving me some issues with the turn signal, going on and off. I came in with no appointment, the guy said give me about an hour, 25 minutes later my car was done, they would've washed it too, but i didn't have time. I service there, and will deff get my next car there. Thanks."
Show Room Hours
- Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Subaru Sherman Oaks
5747 Van Nuys Blvd
Directions Van Nuys, CA 91401
- Sales: 818-981-2000
- Service: 818-981-2000
- Parts: 818-981-2000
Subaru Sherman Oaks
5747 Van Nuys Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91401
- Sales: 818-981-2000
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Thanks to the pure 24 karati gold expertly mixed with pure hyaluronic acid and natural active ingredients, this precious massage cream helps to decisively contrast the formation of wrinkles smoothing the skin and redefining the oval acting with filler effect.
With its delightful vanilla-scented amber, the skin will immediately become brighter and more tense.
How to use: Apply a small amount and massage face, neck and décolleté until completely absorbed.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Polyglyceryl -3 Rice Branate,C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Octyl Palmitate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cetyl Alcohol,Glyceryl Caprylate,Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil,Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters,Esperidin,Sodium Hyaluronate,Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Extract, Phosphatidylcholine, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract,Carrageenan,Sodium Levulinate, Glycerin,Levulinic Acid,Sodium Hydroxide,Sclerotium Gum,Xanthan Gum,Lactic Acid,Epsilon-Polylysine,Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract,Ascorbyl Palmitate,Ampelopsis Grossedentata Leaves Extract,Triethyl Citrate, Beta-Tocopherol,Gamma-Tocopherol,Delta-Tocopherol,Alpha-Tocopherol,Gold 24K, Parfum.


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This would also be my last chance to play my army under the current list, latest news being that the new Ork list (and rather good looking models) is released in January 2008.
My force was centred round two large Slugga Boyz mobs and an 'Ard Boyz mob. Supported by Shoota Boyz, a small group of Kommandos, a group of Trukk Boyz and a scraping og Grots. Being me, their were lots of vehicles in support. A Battlewagon, Leman Russ, Tracked Trukk, three buggies and six bikers.
Chris surprised me by bringing Tau, and army great on shooting, but rotten in combat. This was typified by the unit of pathfinders in the centre, who were killed in melee by the Grots! However as long as they could keep me at arms reach they were a deadly enemy. My vehicles were selected to face Marines and high armour, which works here too, but 'Orks is never lucky wiv da shooties'; and so was often the case. My Battlewagon was blown up first hit having fired and failed to do damage only once with it's new ZZap gun.
The Leman Russ fared little better in real terms, failing to penetrate armour on it's one good hit.
Orks en-masse swarm the ruins. If I'd had the figures, the sensible route to victory would have been 2000 points worth of Slugga's and Grots, easily the best two units in my army...
The bikers tear through the dust towards the enemy. Chris is rightly afraid of these, their ability to move 12 inches, fire upto 18 strength 5 shots on rerolls, then assault another 6 inches and roll again, without morale to worry about and an autosave makes them a real threat to light forces. As Chris fought a fighting withdrawal throughout the game, he was just able to deal with these before they smashed into him, on the way they served to distract the enemy a great deal.
The Ork buggies on the opposite flank. The one in the centre did something remarkable, it hit a target! In maybe a dozen games it has to my knowledge never hit anything before. Armed with a Kustom Mega Blaster, it has a st7 attack with an armour penetration big enough to give most troops no save; unfortunately it backs that up with needing a 5 or 6 to hit, no rerolls. And being a buggy it tends to blow up first hit too.
This game it did me proud though, detonating a globe of pure energy in a recently arrived unit of Stealth suits, blowing all four to pieces!
In the foreground a destroyed Battlewagon, is left behind by its' Big Mek and some 'Ard Boyz. In the distance is the Ork Fortress; cunningly built of cardboard! Ork models are great, you can throw away the rulers when you are building them.
The most recent addition to my force is a modification of one of my models to allow it to field as a multi role vehicle. The base of this normally serves as an Ork tank (A 'Blitzwagen', built using the old vehicle design rules). Early on I'd found the chassis could lock sliding parts into itself above the engine deck. I exploited this by fitting different superstructures, so it can operate as a Trukk (as here) or an Artillery piece/Big Gun). Here Trukk Boyz await their opportunity. Trukk Boyz are often good value, a unit that can in effect do a 20 inch assault turn move (12" + 2" to dismount +6" assault) can usually get stuck in straight away; 40 attack dice on the charge is enough to give any enemy a headache too! These Boyz set to Chris' Kroot.
Yet with several positives, I wasn't able to pull a win from the game. The Tau kept pulling back and making good use of their superior firepower. In the end he had few ground troops left but an almost complete complement of vehicles, which on his last turn spat out devastating fire - destroying my Bikers, Trukk and Leman Russ. The few Ork Boyz left couldn't do enough.
An excellent game that hung in the balance all the way; but Chis won it by about 300 points in the end.


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Ankerside physiotherapy & Acupuncture clinic has been helping clients with private health services since 1986. Our clinic in Warwick provides a wide range of health services including acupuncture, physiotherapy, and chiropody.
Your first appointment with us could take between 30-45 minutes depending upon your health problem, and in this time, we will take a detailed medical history and carry out a thorough examination. We then discuss your health problems and plan and proceed with any needed treatment. You can expect to receive some manual therapy in the form of manipulation mobilisations and we may also recommend electrotherapy and acupuncture, subject to your agreement.
We may also recommend a home exercise program, which will include postural and ergonomic advice. Depending upon your consultation, we may also recommend lifestyle changes.
We take a complete holistic approach to healthcare and our priority is the well-being of our patients. So don't suffer in silence, contact us on 02476 641 214 or email us and we will get back to you.
Chase Meadow Health Centre
2 Alder Meadow Square
Warwick, CV34 6JY
Tel:02476 641 214


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Saturday, 27 April 2013
Pinterest Inspired
Time for a not-for-a-challenge, Pinterest-inspired, just 'cause I felt like it card.
Here's the inspiration:
I cut 1/4 inch wide strips, which should have fit equally across my 4 inch grey panel, but I ended up trimming about 1/16 inch off the two ends somehow. I love the fun bouncy feel of the brightly coloured strips against the grey. I think this will be perfect for my friend's 13 year old niece!
21 comments:
- Unknown said...
This is so fun! Sure to be a hit with your niece.
- 27 April 2013 at 01:02
- Unknown said...
Cool! Very modern art.
- 27 April 2013 at 01:29
- Gabby said...
Great-looking, brightly colored card! Like how you used the paper strips. I have similarly used printed papers but not solids. Solids look good! Nice way to add the BIG sentiment, too. :)
- 27 April 2013 at 01:56
- Marion said...
This is awesome Ardyth!
- 27 April 2013 at 02:28
- Jean said...
Love this one ~ what a fun card for a 3 year girl! (If there are any PTI products you could enter it at the "celebration" challenge at A Passion for Papertrey.)
- 27 April 2013 at 03:38
- Shylaashree said...
love this card
- 27 April 2013 at 03:59
- Lynn said...
Love this...the stripes of paper are awesome.
- 27 April 2013 at 06:35
- joy said...
Very nice card - I love the uneven strips with the big sentiment across the center.
- 27 April 2013 at 07:41
Oooh, yum, Ardyth ... vibrant colours, gorgeous font, beautifully graphic ... I love the different lengths of paper and the way you staggered them across the card ... just perfect! Anita :)
- 27 April 2013 at 08:06
- Bobby said...
I'm headed to my scrap bin to see what papers I have to CASE your card. It's so cheery and well put together.
- 27 April 2013 at 09:17
- Bobby said...
Now that I looked at the inspiration picture closer, I see that I made a quilt for my daughter with this same design, different colors. Why didn't I think it would be adaptable to a card?
- 27 April 2013 at 09:19
- Happy Dance said...
This looks like the perfect "grown-up" card for a 13 year old girl. She'll love it, I'm sure! I know I do. Love the gray background. And that's a killer font. This is sweetly happy. Love this!! Bev
- 27 April 2013 at 09:20
- Brandi said...
Wow! GORGEOUS!
- 27 April 2013 at 13:55
- Joyce said...
Such a fun and happy card. Brilliant idea.
- 27 April 2013 at 14:55
- Jen Camara Mitchell said...
This is brilliant!
- 27 April 2013 at 16:20
- donna mikasa said...
So very cool, Ardyth! Love those colors against the gray background.
- 28 April 2013 at 17:15
- Bonnie said...
I'm so glad you got to make a card just for fun! You are one busy lady! This is a wonderful way to use snippets!
- 28 April 2013 at 17:20
- Geri said...
This is so 13 year old girl funky -She is ABSOLUTELY going to love it! The colors are gorgeous :)
Isn't it relaxing to make a card 'just because'? No rules can be so much fun!
- 28 April 2013 at 18:11
- Jenny said...
.... and this is why I follow you on Pinterest, love to see how your pins turn into cards :0) This is so colourful and modern, just right for a youngster !!
Jenny x
- 29 April 2013 at 15:53
- Kelly Griglione said...
Wait, I just saw two rectangular cards in a row. Whose blog am I on?!
This was the other card that really jumped out at me from your gallery. Graphic goodness personified!!
- 2 May 2013 at 21:36
- Therese said...
Great card! Just love how clean and graphic it is. Something to inspire for...
- 4 May 2013 at 21:30


text: Blog Home Recent Springfield Posts in December, 2014 Can Your Car's AC System Stand Up to the Summer Heat? With summer on it's way, it's important to keep your car cool during every drive. With a broken or failing air conditioner, you could be facing a very long – and uncomfortable – summer. When the ... Posted By Christian Brothers Automotive Continue Reading Page of 1


text: As women we all have our special areas that we wish to smoothen or cover. At Bras NYC we have a full line of shapewear to fit your undergarment needs. Shop by collection type to find what you need to cover your trouble area. Our categories include: thigh slimmer, tank tops, full slip, boy short, all in one and many more. We carry top brands such as Maidenform, Control It!, Flexees, Rago, L'eggs and so many others. Whatever your shapewear needs we have something for you, shop now!


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I cannot believe that this happened. Even though I am starting my Event Planning Certification and have a lot to look forward to, I will definitely miss the place that has become another home to me. What made all of this even more special is that my little came home early from Scotland where she was studying abroad to surprise me!! I had no idea it was happening, and actually started crying when I opened the door of my apartment and saw her.
And then I made her take my graduation pictures because my roommates were taking too long.
I have been dying to wear this Lilly Pulitzer shift in First Impressions since I bought it months ago!!
And here's a close up of my Graduation Cap
And then… I graduated!
One of the best parts was that my whole sorority family was able to be there! I am a sandwich since we have Carley, Marissa, Kate, Carly, Marissa!
Above everything, I am so grateful for the education I received, and that it didn't rain!


text:
In honor of Shark Week, we here at The Escapist have decided to pay homage to the apex of pixel predators - Sharks in Video Games.
You can't have a list of sharks in video games without mentioning the one that started it all, from Jaws: Unleashed.
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Our lives begin to end
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Comments on Our lives begin to end
if he wants to live then let him fight if you decide not to fight in this enternal world of struggle then your lfe will begin to pastcommented Sat 15 Dec 2007, 06:29:55 AM :: link
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PAINESVILLE, Ohio-- The Lake Erie College women's lacrosse cruised to a 21-2 victory over Alderson-Broaddus College in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) contest on Monday (April 22) in Painesville.
Hana Abu-Kwiek (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy Orange) led the Storm (11-4, 5-1 GLIAC) in scoring with five goals while also collecting six draw controls. Julia Kudla (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton) led all players with nine points, coming on three goals and six assists and had four groundballs and four draw controls. Michaela Schock (Dover, Del./Caesar Rodney) was second on the team with four goals and added one assist. Samantha Gryba (Okotoks, Alberta/National Sport Academy) and Kim Dang (Canton, Ohio/Massillon Jackson) had two goals apiece. Ashriel West (Jamesville, N.Y./Jamesville Dewitt) scored one goal and assisted on three more. Meredith Howe (Fayetteville, N.Y./Jamesville Dewitt), Brittany Rabuano (Auburn, N.Y./Auburn) and Allison Trombetti (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy) had a goal and an assist apiece. Defenseman Alex Freeman (Syracuse, N.Y./Jamesville Dewitt) scored her first career goal in the game and also collected three groundballs and caused two turnovers.
The Storm had firm control of the game from start to beginning, allowing only one shot from Alderson-Broaddus (0-11, 0-6) in the first half as Lake Erie gained a 16-0 advantage.
Katie Holden (Whitby, Ontario/Anderson C.V.I.) picked up her tenth win of the season in net. The Storm defense allowed only two successful clear attempts from Alderson-Broaddus out 11 opportunities (18%).
The Lake Erie offense was efficient, putting 32-of-34 shots on net (94%) as they outshot the Battlers 34-4. The Storm had advantages in many statistical categories including groundballs (20-5), draw controls (22-3) and caused turnovers (9-1).
Cynthia Rice led the Battlers with one goal and one assist while Stephanie Gertsakis had one goal.
The Storm return to action Friday (April 26), hosting Walsh University in a GLIAC contest.


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Monthly Archives: December 2017
humor pic of the week
Humor – December 29
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat: "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced.
Then, he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike one!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed.
"Strike two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed.
"Strike three!"
"Wow!" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest PITCHER in the world!"
One Liner
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Thought for the day
Romans 13:6
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Ouch! I hate taxes. But I have to admit, I enjoy many of the privileges and blessings that those taxes afford. As a Christian, I do have a responsibility (I owe it, Paul says) to be a good citizen, a good financial manager, a nice respectful neighbor, and a person who willingly honors those who have merited it.
Humor – December 28
God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'
One LINER
Christians are like tea; their strength is drawn out by hot water.
Thought for the day
1 John 2:1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ the Righteous One.
Our goal should be not to commit even one sin.
Humor – December 27
"Young Patient"
A pediatrician in town always plays a game with some of his young patients to put them at ease and test their knowledge of body parts.
One day, while pointing to a little boy's ear, the doctor asked him, "Is this your nose?"
Immediately the little boy turned to his mother and said, "Mom, I think we'd better find a new doctor!"
One Liner
"It's okay to have nothing to say unless you're talking."
Thought for the day
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23:6 NLT).
When you understand God's grace and mercy, there's no need to fear the future.
Humor – December 26
One day a housework-challenged husband decided to wash his sweatshirt.
Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to his wife, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," she replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "DENVER BRONCOS."
One Liner
At my age, I've seen it all, done it all, heard it all. I just can't remember it all.
Thought for the day
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)
Paul's one resolution
Jesus the Christ is born!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.


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European scientists at CryoSat workshop look forward to answers from the ice
Around 150 researchers from 15 countries across Europe as well as Canada and the United States gathered near Rome to prepare for CryoSat, ESA's Earth Observation mission dedicated to the precise measurement of land and sea ice thickness.
While in some places dramatic changes are occurring in the polar regions, we still do not have a full picture of how the polar caps as a whole are responding to climate change. Due to launch at the end of July this year, CryoSat is designed to provide a clear answer to this leading scientific question.
CryoSat is the first of ESA's Earth Explorers, science missions focused on specific issues of our planetary environment. CryoSat's focus is polar ice. Using an innovative multi-mode radar altimeter it will measure fluctuations in land ice sheet height and sea-ice thickness to an unprecedented accuracy during a three-year period.
The first CryoSat User Workshop took place from 8 to 10 March at ESRIN, ESA's establishment in Italy, located in Frascati.
The three-day event was formally opened by Volker Liebig, Head of ESRIN and ESA Director of Earth Observation: "The main objective of this first workshop is to provide future users of CryoSat data with a better understanding of CryoSat measurements, the data products and their validation.
"It is also an opportunity for scientific users to present their own research programmes and discuss details with the ESA engineers."
Liebig added that existing ESA Earth Observation missions such as Envisat deal with ice, snow and water in a broad context but that CryoSat was a much more dedicated mission, and it was good to see such a high and broad scientific interest in it from across Europe.
CryoSat Lead Investigator Duncan Wingham, Professor of Climate Physics at University College London, recalled that it was more than seven years ago that the first 50-page paper proposing CryoSat had been written: "Having led that proposal, it is a pleasure to see so many people here as a consequence."
Wingham added that satellite data had already provided researchers with a wealth of data on polar ice – he singled out 11 years worth of results from ESA's ERS spacecraft – but that CryoSat remained as relevant as ever.
"Our use of previous spacecraft has been opportunistic in nature, using instruments optimised for studying the ocean geoid," said Wingham. "With CryoSat we have started from scratch with a clean piece of paper, achieving as close as possible to a true polar orbit and an increase in sensor accuracy and density of coverage."
CryoSat's main instrument is called the SAR/Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL). Using one of two antennas it sends out radar signals then both antennas detect signal echoes from the Earth's surface. By knowing the position of the spacecraft to a very high accuracy – achieved with an onboard ranging instrument called the Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS) supplemented by a laser retro-reflector system – the signal return time reveals the surface altitude. Correct antenna orientation is also vital and is maintained using a trio of Star Trackers.
Past radar altimeters can deliver data only over the sea and large-scale homogeneous ice surfaces, but SIRAL's new design can also provide detailed views of irregular sloping edges of land ice as well as non-homogenous ocean ice.
The instrument will work in standard Low Rate Mode (LRM) over ice sheet interiors but will switch to highly detailed SARIn Mode over ice edges, combining returns from both antennas using a technique called interferometry. And over sea ice it will switch to SAR Mode, improving its spatial resolution.
In this mode, based on the character of its echoes it can be determined whether they come from open water or ice masses. Differences in altitude between the two can be used to measure the 'freeboard' of floating sea ice from which its total thickness can be derived.
The end results is an instrument that allows quantifying ice thickness on land, sea and at the boundaries of the two – where fluctuations due to climate change are most likely to be found.
Any changes in global ice cover would affect climate, ocean currents and sea surface height. Wingham added that while current data indicates that Antarctica has a positive mass balance, the South Greenland ice sheet appears more at risk.
He added that there is evidence that inter-annual sea ice in the Atlantic part of the Arctic Ocean is starting to thin - possibly influencing regional ocean currents in turn because salinity changes from sea ice freezing and melting help drive currents. However any conclusions are premature because sea ice in particular suffers a particular paucity of data – what is available mostly comes from submarine sonar surveys - but that CryoSat should make a big contribution.
A large part of the Workshop discussed calibration and validation activities for the mission. Such 'ground-truthing' is important for any remote sensing satellite, but especially for CryoSat because its signal will be sensitive to seasonal changes in the properties of snow and ice, including changing snow cover and ice densities. These factors have to be understood and corrected for in order to better detect longer-term changes.
The Workshop heard that a five-year schedule of ESA-coordinated calibration and validation activities had been laid out from 2003 to 2008. The first full-scale Cryosat Validation Experiment – Cryovex – was carried out over Arctic sea ice in 2003, with a second over Arctic land the following year. Following launch another major combined land-sea activity is planned for next year.
Widespread airborne data collection using laser, radar or electromagnetic instruments is an important part of these activities, with flight lines to be coincident as much as is possible so results can be compared together. Ground-based operations are also required, to measure seasonal snow variation, drill ice cores and plant GPS trackers, electromagnetic sensors and underwater sonar devices.
The Workshop discussed a range of supplemental validation activity due to occur across both the Arctic and Antarctic regions to gather datasets both able to validate Cryosat results and also scientifically useful in their right.
"Many of our users spend a lot of time working in ice regions, and they are very willing to contribute to validation activities," said Guy Ratier, CryoSat Project Manager. "One of the most useful parts of an event like this is being able to coordinate individual efforts to maximise their value."
The contribution of other satellites will also be useful first in validating CryoSat results and later in carrying out science. In particular NASA's ICESat was highlighted. Because this mission uses a laser altimeter, it is sensitive to the snow-air boundary while CryoSat's radar signal peers through snow to detect the ice-snow boundary – so the two spacecraft should complement each other well.
Gravity-detection missions, such as NASA's current Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and ESA's planned Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) Earth Explorer mission should also prove complementary to CryoSat altimetry results, detecting how ice and sea surface heights deviate from the planetary geoid (or gravity level coinciding with average sea level).
"We are very grateful to the teams doing very nice work gathering data in very difficult conditions, sometimes at temperatures of minus 35º and wind speeds of 40 miles per hour," said Wingham, concluding what he said had been a very successful Workshop. "We hope to return the favour in due course by doing some very nice work with this satellite."