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Miami (AFP) - Fifth-seed Agnieszka Radwanska had her bid to repeat her 2012 success at the Miami Open ended by Croatian veteran Mirjana Lucic-Baroni at Crandon Park.
But second-seed Karolina Pliskova fought past Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 7-5 6-3 to move into the last 16 and Slovak Dominika Cibulkova also progressed with a comfortable two sets win over Belgium?s Kirsten Flipkens.
Lucic-Baroni is enjoying an unexpected upturn in her fortunes at the age of 35 and in January reached the semi-final of the Australian Open - 18 years after her previous appearance in the last four of a slam, in 1999 at Wimbledon.
The Croat was a teenage prodigy who appeared to have disappeared from the top tier of the sport but has fought her way back impressively in recent years and is now ranked 29th in the world.
The 6-0 6-3 scoreline emphasised her dominance over her Polish opponent on Saturday, as Radwanska acknowledged.
"She was playing unbelievable tennis today. She was very solid from the beginning, very aggressive, hitting everything with unbelievable speed. I couldn't do much," she said.
"The first set went so quickly, and in the second set I had chances, but I didn't come back and unfortunately I missed the chance to stay in the match. She was just too good today."
Spain's sixth seeded Garbine Muguruza is doing it the hard way in Florida this week.
After battling back to beat American Christina McHale in three, rain interrupted, sets on Friday, the Caracas born Muguruza had to pull out the stops again to deal with China?s Zhang Shuai 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in just over two hours.
"It's very tough, especially the first round with players that you don't maybe play a lot. They are very good players as well. The difference is not that big. They play very well and you are in danger all the time," said Muguruza.
"I'm just going through these situations with the best attitude possible, being humble, trying to accept it, and find my way," he said.
The Spaniard will face the winner of Saturday?s scheduled later game between Romanian Sorana Cirstea and Caroline Wozniacki.


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2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport 5-door CVT
Lithium Red Pearl
City 27/Hwy 35 Estimated By E.P.A. - Actual Mileage May Vary
Dealership Information
NW Automotive Group
7725 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45216
UP FOR SALE 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport CVT 5-Door!!! BACK UP CAMERA HELPFUL FOR NAVIGATION!!! AM/FM RADIO WITH CD PLAYER!!! POWER WINDOWS AND POWER DOORS!!! ALLOY WHEELS AND A NICE LEATHER STEERING WHEEL!!! VERY CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT RUNS AND DRIVES GREAT! ***Internet special. Price reflects discount for cash buyers. Traditional and special financing is available for qualified buyers. Please contact us first for availability as our cars go fast at near wholesale prices. Prices are subject to change. Sales Tax, Title, License Fee, Registration Fee, Dealer Documentary Fee, Finance Charges, Emission Testing Fees and Compliance Fees are additional to the advertised price. All options and conditions of the vehicles must be verified with the dealer, any descriptions or options that are listed maybe incorrect due to automatic data transfer.
Visit Nationwide Automotive Group, Vine online at www.nag-cars.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 513-761-1144 today to schedule your test drive.
Visit Nationwide Automotive Group, Vine online at www.nag-cars.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 513-761-1144 today to schedule your test drive.
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Foot Pedals
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Radio
- Cargo Area Tiedowns
- Child Safety Door Locks
- Cruise Control
- Daytime Running Lights
- Driver Airbag
- Front Heated Seat
- Front Side Airbag
- Interval Wipers
- Keyless Entry
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Passenger Airbag
- Power Door Locks
- Power Windows
- Rear Spoiler
- Side Head Curtain Airbag
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Tachometer
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Tilt Steering
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Traction Control
- Trip Computer
- Vehicle Anti-Theft
- Vehicle Stability Control System

subset: commoncrawl


text: 4,250Gino Boccasile To Arms for Honor Xth Fleet. Boccasile depicts the Lion of St. Mark growling above a handsome sailor in a powerful image. Men of the Xth Fleet were notorious die-hard Fascists that stuck with Mussolini relocating to his Republic of Salo, headquartered at Lake Garda in Northern Italy. Men of the Xth Fleet served as his personal guards until he was captured and executed. 40×28 near mint, conversation backed.


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Theobromine is an alkaloid found in chocolate. According to Wikepedia, the name comes from the genus of the cacao tree, theobroma, which means food of the gods. It is one of the reasons for chocolates mood elevating effects. It's also the reason chocolate is lethal to cockatiels - they can't metabolize it.
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Posts posted by jefa
hi, luvbn...
do the fingertip pads have vertical creases or wrinkles, as if the tissue under the skin has shrunk a bit, kind of like the surface of a raisin?
I didn't know what I had was Raynaud's for the longest time. At first I thought it was just the air conditioning in my office. I kept getting relocated to another desk and still had frozen fingers and toes. I built leg guards out of cardboard to surround my desk, kept a pair of warm slippers under my desk and wrapped a lap robe around my legs. I always wore long sleeves and made half mittens out of cut off crew sock tops, so I could have the ends of my fingers free for typing. I never saw any blueness, just white and the pepperoni red when the blood came back. The first time I saw blue was earlier this year when the wind was blowing empty wheelie bins around in the street. I went out in my shirtsleeves and sandals to get our bin, and when I came back in I had smurf hands and toes. I have since noticed that it is more likely to happen with a strong draft than an actual lowering of temperature - my fingers turn white in the freezer, but don't go blue, but when my whole body is in front of a fan, I will get blue toes, even though the room temperature is not particularly cold.
I too have been taking omeprazole (the British equivalent of Prilosec) for nearly two years, though I didn't really have much of a problem with reflux or heartburn at the time. I had previously been taking Celebrex, but the NHS is not prescribing it anymore as a rule. When they substituted NSAIDs for the Celebrex, they gave me the omeprazole to prevent damage. In the last year, I have developed problems with reflux in spite of the proton pump inhibitor. It has been something of a scavenger hunt researching and implementing various additional helps. I think the greatest effect came from eliminating caffeine and cutting way down on fatty foods. I have also eliminated chocolate (it has a triple whammy, apparently, with the caffeine, fat and theobromine which relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter). I discovered in my research that peppermint also has this effect - and I had been popping mints in the idea that they were helping. Alcohol taken with meals is a problem as it also relaxes the les and makes peristalsis erratic. I love spicy food and find that eating peppery things helps reduce my arthritis pains. Unwilling to give them up entirely, I have learned that more frequent small meals works well. I have given up citrus fruits and juices. I also don't eat anything at all in the evening and drink a lot of water. I have added blocks to the head of my bed, wear unconfining clothing, keep vertical for at least an hour after meals. I found a liquid indigestion remedy that has alginate in it and aniseed flavouring. If I wake up with that horrible regurgitation in the night, a slug of that will stop it in its tracks. It is nasty and slimy, but does the trick.
No, SDNYC, my ex didn't have scleroderma, rather some bone erosion in his jaw that made all his teeth loose. He didn't seem to have any problems getting them out. He could push out the bottom ones with his tongue. The link Janey gave you was quite interesting. It would be nice if they would translate some of these articles in readable English, though. The second link talked about a hinged plate for easier removal.
One thing I have learned about all of this is to take it one day at a time, not to worry too much about what the future holds. Work with the various medical experts on keeping you as healthy as possible and get creative when it comes to solving your mechanical difficulties as you have with your soft-handled things.
At my rheumatic clinic, there is a team of professionals who all work together. Besides the rheumatologists, there are occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, a wealth of medical people and a patient liaison officer who will step in for you when you get frustrated. In between rheumatologist appointments, you go to the rheumatology day ward where the others bend over backwards to see if they can help you. The occupational therapists have been very helpful providing advice on aids and often the aids themselves. Google and other search engines will provide a wealth of information as well. It's hard not to worry, but you have to keep a sense of humour and a positive aspect. I am finding this site very useful for both of these things.
Hi, SDNYC - Welcome to the forum. I am sorry your fingers give you so much difficulty. You present some really interesting questions, some that may face all of us over time. I previously had partial upper and lower plates which I have not been able to wear because of general shifting and loosening molars. It may be that others will be able to talk about practical techniques that might be helpful, but I just wanted to reassure you on at least one point - your concern that you will have no way to eat solid food because you can't care for your dentures. My first husband lost of all his teeth and had to have a full set of uppers and lowers made. He never got used to them, at first only wearing them when he went out. I doubt if he has worn them at all in the last ten years. Once his gums healed over, he was eventually able to eat things you wouldn't imagine - even steak. The only thing he really still has trouble with is hot dogs, which he has to eat with a knife and fork.
Hey, I just discovered something, too. If you go into My Controls and then to the board options section down at the lower left hand column, you can change your editing from standard to Rich Text.
With this turned on, you've got WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). In other words, you can see the colours and other formatting in your message before it is posted. It works with most of the later browsers.
Hi, folks. I am a 59 year old writer living in the UK (Scotland) since I married my Scottish husband, Jim in 1997. Before that I lived in California, still the home of my aging parents, a lovely son and daughter and their delightful spouses with 3 lovely grandchildren between them. In the US I was a production manager/engineer in electronics for many years but when I came to the UK I did temp work and finally settled into working as a legal secretary until I had to quit working in May of 2005. I have always been creative and productive, dabbling in countless new experiences, a multi-tasking, card-carrying Gemini. Since I was waylaid by this illness, I find it difficult to walk and chew gum at the same time--I get tired just thinking about doing something. Formerly a voracious reader, I find it very difficult to read more than a few pages at a time. A year ago last July 7th, I was watching the breaking news of the London subway bombing when a huge thwack hit the window behind me. I turned to see a huge magpie with spread wings which had just hit the glass head on. Shaken, I went to see what was happening and noticed a tiny shivering bundle on the window ledge. To make a long story short, I rescued what turned out to be a nine-year-old whitefaced cockatiel which had been injured in the chest by the beak of the magpie. I nursed it back to health and he has become a great help to keeping my sanity, something to focus on besides myself.
I am grateful for this forum and looking forward to getting to know you all a bit better.
jefa (aka Carrie)
Registering was a piece of cake. I never got around to posting on the other site, though I have read all the messages back for a couple of years. I have really appreciated everyone's stories and comments and hope to be able to post a bit once my visiting son returns to California (my original home).


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WACO ŌĆö BaylorŌĆÖs Zach Smith, the teamŌĆÖs lone scholarship quarterback, said Wednesday heŌĆÖll wait until after the Bears bowl game to decide his future with the team.
However, about an hour after he appeared at a Baylor press conference, he tweeted that he didnŌĆÖt intend to transfer.
Answer didn't quite come out like I wanted it to. Not to good at pressers, I'm 100% in with my brothers. I'm ready to get to work! #Sicem
ŌĆö Zach Smith (@thezach_smith) December 14, 2016
Smith was asked twice to clarify his comments during the interview.
Smith is a true freshman who enrolled at Baylor last January. He was forced into the starting lineup in mid-November after Seth Russell suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Oklahoma. Smith never intended to play his true freshman season, but moved up the depth chart when sophomore Jarrett Stidham announced his transfer in the summer after coach Art Briles was fired. Stidham since has committed to Auburn.
Smith will start for the Bears against Boise State in the Cactus Bowl, Dec. 27.
Baylor hired Matt Rhule last week. RhuleŌĆÖs teams at Temple primarily were known for tenacious defensive play. The Owls also liked to run the football, as opposed to BaylorŌĆÖs wide-open style.
Rhule has yet to say what kind of offense he intends to run with the Bears. He also hasnŌĆÖt hired an offensive coordinator, choosing to focus most on recruiting. Baylor has only one commitment, Stafford safety Jalen Pitre.
Who he hires will be the key to keeping Smith.
ŌĆ£IŌĆÖm not sure, it kind of depends on what kind of offensive coordinator he brings in and stuff like that,ŌĆØ Smith said. ŌĆ£IŌĆÖm not going to make a 100 percent decision, as of right now.ŌĆØ
Smith met with Rhule last week. The quarterback said Rhule told him heŌĆÖd run the offense that was best suited for what talent Baylor had on the team. Art Briles, who was terminated last May, was an offensive innovator who liked to utilize the pass and the run, but all at a frenetic pace.
Smith did say that he doesnŌĆÖt like the thought of transferring.
ŌĆ£Obviously, I wouldnŌĆÖt really want to transfer, because I donŌĆÖt like the hassle,ŌĆØ Smith said. ŌĆ£But IŌĆÖm going to wait til after the bowl game then maybe think through some things and see who the offensive coordinator is here.ŌĆØ
Smith is categorized as a pro-style quarterback and said he feels comfortable running most any offense, save for the veer. He committed to Baylor in June, 2014, and was recruited by offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, Art BrilesŌĆÖ son. In the 247sports recruiting composite, Smith was rated as the 16th best pro style quarterback in the country and among the top 400 overall prospects nationally.
Baylor began bowl practice Tuesday night. Acting head coach Jim Grobe still is in charge of the team and he said he expects the staff of assistants to stay through the game against Boise State.
Rhule will be at the Baylor game, with plans to watch it from a stadium suite. He didnŌĆÖt attend TuesdayŌĆÖs practice, but Grobe said he expects to see him.


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ELEMENTARY: 'The Latest Model' Photos
July 25, 2019 by Marisa Roffman
Filed under Elementary
Comments Off on ELEMENTARY: 'The Latest Model' Photos
Can Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) and Watson make friends with the enemy on the Thursday, July 25 episode of ELEMENTARY?
Check out photos from "The Latest Model"…
"The Latest Model" - Holmes and Watson receive a shocking request to collaborate from their foe, Odin Reichenbach, when the tech billionaire asks them to test his new crime prevention system. Tasked with investigating someone the program predicts will soon commit a crime, the duo worries Odin will take drastic action before they conclude their inquiry, on ELEMENTARY, Thursday, July 25 (10:00-11:00, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Pictured (L-R) Lucy Liu as Joan Watson, James Frain as Odin Reichenbach and Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes Photo: Best Possible Screen Grab/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved


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Frances Ha
Dir. Noah Baumbach, 2013
For all the talk about those durn kids with their unemployment and their black friends, cinematic treatment of millennials has been surprisingly mature, with a light heart and a serious mind. In contrast to the self-congratulatory boomers of The Big Chill and the adult children of Slacker, movies about millennials usually end with the main characters having to face the realities of change and adulthood, a change that is always portrayed as good. Even Superbad reaches this conclusion, and after a decade of arrested development, one gets the feeling that our generation wants nothing more than to grow up.
Enter Frances Ha, the newest film from acclaimed director Noah Baumbach. While Baumbach has been accused of ripping off his mentor Whit Stillman, Stillman was never able to escape the prism of his own young adulthood, while Baumbach managed to take the same character types and situations and adapt them to the present day. In Frances Ha, the titular character (Greta Gerwig), is a professional dancer in New York City who refuses to give up on her dream, even as she loses her job and her best friend moves to Tokyo with her new fiancé. Frances' stubbornness is painful to watch as she turns down various opportunities and her friends move on with their lives. But eventually she does get the hint.
Filmed in colour but screened in black-and-white, Frances Ha is a beautiful portrait of Brooklyn, the 2010s, and Greta Gerwig (her smile is gorgeous). Baumbach's reputation as a Brooklyn and New York icon is now clear. This was my favourite film of 2013. And I don't know if this says more about us or about Hollywood, but giving up on your dream has never been more life-affirming. A


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Aventurine Gemstone
Aventurine belongs to the Quartz family and has the reputation as the gemstone of luck and a calming stone. This stone is considered lucky while gambling and purchasing lotteries. This stone is also known as sunstone. This stone is found in shades of blue, red and green. .Aventurine is the birthstone of February and the Wedding Anniversary gemstone associated with the 8th and 17th year of marriage. This stone is most suited for those born under the zodiac sign Aries, Taurus, Pisces, Sagittarius, Capricorn and Libra.
Read More


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Urgent Appeal - Indonesia: Killings, torture, mass arrests and excessive use of force against Papuans commemorating 1 December
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 20 December 2015 08:56
Urgent Appeal
Indonesia: Killings, torture, mass arrests and excessive use of force against Papuans
commemorating 1 December
Download Urgent Appeal as PDF File
Filep Karma released from jail
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 19 November 2015 14:47
A high-profile Papuan separatist leader has been released from prison after more than a decade behind bars, in a fresh sign that Indonesia may be easing its tight grip on the restive eastern region.
ICP Releases New Human Rights Report 2015
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 11 November 2015 12:47
In its latest report, the ICP brings together the research of 25 organisations and experts from in- and outside West Papua on the situation of human rights, indigenous peoples' rights and the conflict situation there. It details in particular the demographic development and its causes as well as the ongoing violence by security forces that targets indigenous Papuans.
The development of the human rights situation in West Papua during 2013 and 2014 shows a deterioration compared to the period covered by the ICP's previous report. West Papua on the Guinea island bordering Asia and the Pacific and comprising the two east Indonesian provinces of Papua and Papua Barat continues to be one of the regions of Asia most seriously affected by human rights violations and an unresolved long standing political conflict. The living conditions of the indigenous Papuan peoples are in stark contrast to those of the trans-migrants from other parts of Indonesia.
Pacific Island Forum To Seek Fact-Finding Mission to West Papua
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 20 October 2015 11:43
The September Pacific Island Forum gathering of regional leaders agreed to send a fact-finding mission to West Papua. The decision reflects growing regional concern about the plight of Papuans who have suffered grievously since the annexation by Indonesia five decades ago.
West Papua MSG Observer - Indonesia's status elevated
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 30 June 2015 15:28
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has given the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) observer status as a "development partner representing the welfare of Melanesian people living outside."
Papua now on Pacific radar
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 01 October 2015 12:02
By Neles Tebay, published in The Jakarta Post on September 29th 2015
The conflict between the government and indigenous Papuans, particularly those Papuans involved with the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has long been considered an Indonesian domestic affair. The government has rejected the involvement of any foreign parties in the settlement of issues faced in Papua.
Haze crisis spreads with hot spots found in Papua
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 20 October 2015 13:26
Apriadi Gunawan and Nethy Darma Somba, The Jakarta Post, October 18th 2015
The intensity of smoke produced by peatland and forest fires has remained at alarming levels in many parts of the country, reaching as far as Papua, which usually does not suffer from forest fires.
Tell Obama to Support Human Rights in West Papua
- Details
- Published on Friday, 23 October 2015 13:13
Our friends from ETAN have created an online petition addressed to US president Barack Obama, who will meet with Indonesian president Joko Widodo on October 26th 2015.
In the petition, ETAN urges Obama to support an end to human rights violations in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.
More Articles...
- AI Urgent Action: Papuan activists detained and charged
- ICP Brussels Appeal 2015
- Open Letter: Promoting human rights, peace and democracy in Indonesia
- No new Regions in Papua for now
- "Tanah Mama" – The struggle of a mother in Papua
- Jokowi in Papua
- Launching of Filep Karma's book 'As if We're half Half Animals.'
- UN OHCHR: Papua killings press briefing
- Not a mere case of bad apples: Acts of state terrorism
- Joint Statement: Human Rights Abuses in Papua and West Papua


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These Halloween cupcakes are the perfect sweet to add to your Halloween party!
A box of 9 consists of assorted flavours including red velvet, chocolate and vanilla. Each is finished with an iced Halloween character. Stocks are limited so get your orders in fast!
Halloween cupcakes manufactured in sydney, Casa Del manufactures fresh desserts on a daily basis. Buy direct from the factory in Marrickville. Wholesale and retail customers welcome.
More in this category: Spring is finally here! » Father's Day Desserts » Novelty Desserts Sydney – Melbourne Cup Desserts » Best Birthday Cakes Sydney » Best Cupcakes in Sydney » Order Desserts Online » Design your own cake with Casa Del » Melbourne Cup Desserts » Special occasions are our forte! » Custom Birthday Cakes » Novelty Cakes Dressed To Impress! » Cupcakes – The Perfect Treat For Your Lunchbox! » Wholesale cakes in Sydney » Casa Del Best Cakes in Sydney! » Have a spooktacular Friday the 13th! » Don't forget your Mum! » Melbourne Cup »


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Tomorrow morning Steve Pestka joins Trevor Thomas in the race for the Third Congressional.
Pestka brings a solid record as a moderate, pro-life Democrat, a background that has attracted attacks by some, as well as spurred doubts by progressives in the community. To date, none have gone public with their misgivings.
Thomas has a local connection (Wyoming native, GVSU graduate) and comes off of a big win for the overturning of Dont Ask Don't Tell. This work has brought him to national attention, at least in the LGBT communities. And Thomas is also young, 28.
Both are driven by a combination of the redrawn lines of the Third, and by the staunchly conservative stands taken by the incumbent, Justin Amash. Add to this that the prospect that 2012 may in fact look like 2008 (so Ruy Teixiera), the candidacy becomes hot property. In 2008, the new district basically broke even in its vote for Obama (177,195 McCain, 180,021 Obama).
If the district looks like a possible win, how are the two Dems ready for the challenge? Read the rest of this entry »
Filed under: Elections, National, 3rd Congressional, Barry County, Calhoun County, Justin Amash, Kent County, LGBT, Republicans, Ron Paul, Steve Pestka, Trevor Thomas


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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an acquirer?
An acquiring bank, or acquirer, is a financial institution which accepts credit/debit card payment transactions, manages card settlements, mitigates risk and provides merchants with reporting functionality.
Acquiring banks are licensed as members of Visa and MasterCard to provide merchants with an account and therefore allow merchants to accept credit/debit cards.
acquiring.com is an acquirer with speed and simplicity at its core. Our paperless application process can approve merchants for boarding in as little as 48 hours.
An acquiring.com merchant account enables you to process MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards, payment methods that are convenient for you and your customers.
What are Scheme Fees?
What is IC++?
IC++ is a standard industry pricing framework that acquirers use to charge for payment processing services to merchants. It consists of the following fees:
IC stands for Interchange: This is a fee the acquirer (Acquiring) pays to the cardholder's issuing bank (i.e. the bank that issued the card used to make the payment). The interchange rates are set by the Visa and MasterCard Schemes. Acquiring does not retain any part of the interchange fees as the full amount is passed through to the cardholder's issuing bank.
First "+" stands for Card Scheme Fees: These are the fees Acquiring pay to the Visa and MasterCard Schemes. Visa and MasterCard set these fees at an industry wide level. As with Interchange Acquiring does not retain any part of scheme fees as the full amount is passed through to Visa and MasterCard. This Card Scheme Fee is the element which is changing and being highlighted in the letter sent to Acquiring merchants.
Second "+" stands for the acquirer fee: This is the fee Acquiring charges to cover its costs and margin for providing the merchant acquiring services. This fee is agreed between Acquiring and merchants and is detailed in the Pricing Schedule Acquiring entered with the merchant.
Is IC++ different from my Merchant Service Charge?
IC++ is the same as the Merchant Service Charge, different terminology referring to the same fees. Any fees and charges which a merchant must pay are set out in the Acquiring Merchant Acquiring Service T&Cs and accompanying Pricing Schedule.
What is changing in 2017 Scheme Fees?
Both Visa and MasterCard are changing some of the fees they charge, and in some cases adding new fees. The impact of the changes is reflected in the table provided in the letter being sent to merchants.
Are these changes mandatory? Why are Scheme Fees changing in 2017?
Scheme Fees are set by the Visa and MasterCard schemes and are reviewed periodically by the schemes, typically every year.
When are the changes taking place?
As per the communication being sent to merchants, the changes are taking effect from 1st January 2017.
Why have we not received notice about these Scheme Fee changes before?
Acquiring is not obliged to provide notice about such industry wide changes to scheme fees that Acquiring may pass directly through to merchants. However, Acquiring would like to provide greater transparency and are therefore communicating to merchants about this change.
What is the impact on a merchant's bill?
The impact will vary depending on each merchant's volume profile, for example the mix of sales a merchant receives from domestic* versus international** transactions and e-Commerce versus MOTO transactions. Further to this, as Scheme Fees make up only a part of a merchant's overall bill, the entire impact to each merchant will also depend on the level of each merchant's "other fees", for example wire fees and chargeback fees. Acquiring's customer service team/sales team can provide a merchant with a guide as to the amount of impact a merchant may experience. Please note that providing such is a guide and indicative only.
* Domestic = sales to cardholders with cards issued by banks in the same country as the merchant.
**International = sales to cardholders with cards issued by banks in countries other than that of the merchant i.e. intra-Europe and interregional transactions.
Is Acquiring the only acquirer changing the Scheme Fees?
No, these pricing changes are industry wide with all acquirers within the Visa and MasterCard Europe regions being affected and hence changing their scheme "+" charges within their IC++ merchant pricing framework.
Will the Scheme Fees change again?
The card schemes review their fees regularly and typically change their fees every 12-18 months, but it can be more or less often than that. Card Scheme pricing changes are a commercial decision for the Schemes. Acquiring has no control over the timing or magnitude of any such changes.
Will there be other changes to my IC++ fees, apart from Scheme Fees (e.g. Interchange, Merchant Service Charge, etc.)?
IC++ comprises Interchange, Scheme Fees and the Acquirer Fee.
The Acquiring Fee will remain as set out in the Pricing Schedule agreed between a merchant and Acquiring.
Interchange is an element of IC++ which is set by the Card Schemes with consumer interchange within the European Union being regulated by the European Commission (i.e. the Interchange Fee Regulation). Therefore, for there to be a change in Interchange, either the Card Schemes would have to impose a change, or the European Commission impose regulation, to change the interchange fee rates.
In May 2015, the European Commission regulated that consumer interchange fees were to be capped at 0.2% for debit card transactions and 0.3% for credit card transactions across all EU markets. The Schemes have already changed their consumer interchange fees rates to comply with this.
Will we receive a new contract or Pricing Schedule?
No, as this is an industry wide change. The change to your scheme fee "+" is permitted under the merchant's current terms and conditions and Pricing Schedule with Acquiring.
Why do I need a merchant account?
If you want to accept payment by credit or debit card, and therefore offer your customers a quick, easy and convenient way of paying for your goods and services, a merchant account is essential.
In this context, a merchant is a company or individual who has agreed a contract with an acquirer to accept credit and debit cards (Visa and MasterCard).
This arrangement provides the merchant with a line of credit. Under the agreement, the acquirer exchanges funds with issuing banks (those who have issued the customers' payment cards) on behalf of the merchant.
The acquirer pays the merchant its daily payment-card activity net balance (gross sales minus reversals, interchange fees and acquirer fees).
If you want to work with an acquirer built on efficient online processes, with a solid payments pedigree and connections with the best payment processing and cyber security expertise, Acquiring is the partner you've been looking for.
Benefits of a merchant account
- Allows you to accept card payments in a wide range of currencies
- Provides your customers with a secure online payment option
- Instant and seamless card payment processing without re-directing your customers away from your website
How do I get a merchant account?
The simplest way of getting a merchant account is to complete the Acquiring online application form. Our unique paperless process could have you approved for your account in as little as 48 hours!
You will also need a payment gateway, supplied by a payment services provider (PSP), which securely handles the processing between your shopping cart, the credit and debit card companies (Visa and MasterCard) and ultimately your merchant account, which receives your funds.
Our sister company, Secure Trading, provides the most secure and reliable payment gateway available. You can automatically be provided with a Secure Trading payment gateway when you complete our application form.
What is a payment gateway?
A payment gateway is a link between an ecommerce website and an online payment processor, or payment services provider (PSP). When the merchant's customer makes an online purchase, the information from the website is sent through the payment gateway to obtain an authorisation for a payment card transaction to be completed.
Payment gateways take the place of a card-swipe terminal machine in a physical shop. They capture the customer's card data from the merchant's website or internet browser and securely send it to the processor for payment processing.
There are multiple methods for integrating a payment gateway to an ecommerce website. Our sister company, Secure Trading, offers a variety of integration options and a fantastic 100% uptime record. When you complete your Secure Trading Financial Services application form you can ask to be provided with a Secure Trading payment gateway. We also partner with other payment gateways if you are already with a different provider.
What is a shopping cart?
A payment gateway collects the purchaser's information such as name, address, credit card number, and expiration date. The payment gateway securely sends this information and verifies that the purchaser has enough funds in their account at the time to pay for the products.
Both a shopping cart and a payment gateway are essential elements of an ecommerce website.
What is the step-by-step process for a card payment?
- Consumer purchases products from a merchant through any sales channel
- Merchant submits the order/transaction via their payment service (terminal, gateway, software, telephone)
- Payment service provider (PSP) securely forwards the authorisation request to the card issuing bank, to verify the consumer's credit card account and the availability of funds
- The authorisation (or decline) is sent via the payment system to the merchant
- Upon approval, the merchant settles the batch and the system sends the settlements request to the acquirer
- Acquirer deposits transaction funds into the merchant's account
What is an authorisation?
How do I receive funds from a sale?
What is a virtual terminal?
What are AVS, CVV, CCV and CVV2?
– Address Verification Service (AVS) – a system used to verify the address of a person claiming to own a credit card.
– Card Verification Value (CVV) – on the cardholder credit card or debit card is a 3 digit number (on Visa and MasterCard). The CVV number is located on the back of the card. When the customer provides the merchant with the CVV code, this is proof that the customer actually holds the physical credit or debit card. This helps to keep both the merchant and the customer safe by reducing fraud. CVV are also known as CSC numbers ("Card Security Code") as well as CVV2 numbers.
– Credit Card Verification (CCV) –
i) Visa: First digit must be a 4. Valid length: 13 or 16 digits.
ii) MasterCard: All account numbers of MasterCard start with 5. Valid length 16 digits.
– Card Verification Value 2 (CVV2) – same as CVV numbers, except that they have been generated by a second generation process that makes them hard to "guess".
What are chargebacks?
Chargebacks can be reduced by implementing bespoke fraud prevention systems. Secure Trading Financial Services offers a range of solutions.
What is PCI and who does it apply to?
PCI compliance applies to all organisations or merchants that process, store or transmit card information, regardless of size of number of transactions. Cardholder data is any personally identifiable data associated with a cardholder. This could be an account number, expiration date, name, address, etc. that is stored, processed, or transmitted.
Different levels information can be obtained via the PCI compliance guide.
Secure Trading Financial Services is a Level 1 Merchant Bank.


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Clariant polypropylene (PP) 3D printer filament is optimized with an additive to improve interlayer adhesion during printing. Clariant Hostanox® P-EPQ® and Hostavin® N 30 are added to the polypropylene to improve the heat stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation and yellowing during printing and usage.
- Semi-crystalline and non-polar thermoplastic polyolefin
- Tough (good impact resistance)
- Flexible
- Formulation optimized for excellent inter-layer adhesion
- Reduced thermo-oxidative degradation
- Minimized undesired yellowing due to ultraviolet light
- Functional packaging (e.g. bottles)
- Automotive and transportation parts
- Parts with living hinges
- Good material for general polymer applications
Data sheet
- Vitesse d'impression
- 10-20 mm/s
- Température impression
- Bed Temperature
- ideally 80°C
- Adhesion
- direct printing onto polypropylene based tape, market available adhesion sheets


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2 June 2018
by Isabelle Ohnemus
If you've left packing until the very last minute, our 10-piece edit is all you need right now.
Photo: Everest Isles Lookbook
We're all about packing light so it's great news that the boardshort crosses over from merely swimwear to casual wear this season onwards. Practical pockets are added with retro details you can rock in the pool and on the street.
Shop On EyeFitU: Beach Pool Party (GBP): Gucci, Versace, Adidas, Fila
Photo: Pitti Uomo, Fashion Streets Shanghai, April 2018
The pleated tapered look is in. Throw casual slacks and chinos into your suitcase (OK, fold them first please). Voluminous to the knees, then narrow at the ankles, they offer an outfit starting point after sundown.
Photo: Topman, Marks & Spencer
Wear retro stripes to match your deckchair! Two-tone options work for conservative dressers, while wide bands in youthful color picks are instant holiday hits.
Photo: F&F, Marks & Spencer
You can't go on vacation without a vacation shirt and tropical resort styles pair so well with casual trousers (see above). Surfer slick palm leaves and floral motifs reign on, with bright jungle foliage tapping into SS18's Midnight Resort trend.
Shop On EyeFitU: Bohemian Summer Shirts (USD): Topman
Photo: Boohoo SS18, Fashion Streets (Shanghai, London)
For cooler evenings, pack a slouchy trucker denim jacket. The power of streetwear has propelled this piece into a must-buy. Look out for relaxed sleeves and dropped shoulders.
Photo: @brownsmens, Opening Ceremony
Start your summer right in branded pool slides. All rubber styles are an obvious beach holiday favorite with contrast logos catching the eye. Style with socks to channel an arty vibe.
Second on the shoe list are chunky sole runners. Blissfully comfy on long plane rides, the 1990's inspired pairs feel new with angular soles and multi-platform sections.
Shop On EyeFitU: Summer Party (USD): Alexander McQueen, Gucci Eyewear, Versace
Photo: Viberg, Loro Piana
The modern espadrille ticks off your footwear checklist. Embodying 'smart casual', the basic shape gets sophisticated in peached suede, with low-heeled leather soles.
Photo: Palm Angels, GCDS SS18
Snap up an adaptable cross-body bag for your trip. Whether on a graffiti tour in Medellin or hitting the clubs in Ibiza, a two-in-one accessory is always a good idea.
Photo: Express, River Island
Backpack getting full? Finish with a logo trucker cap. An evolution from the core baseball cap, this accessory goes with just about everything… meanwhile, it will protect you from the sun too. Winning.
Shop On EyeFitU: Summer Holiday (EUR): Balenciaga, Nike, Versace


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Pride Park Stadium
Bet365 odds!
Check out our VIP Prediction for Derby vs Hull!
|About our PAID PICKS/VIP PREDICTIONS
|Unlock our VIP prediction for this game!
Derby vs Hull Prediction and Preview
Derby and Hull will be face to face this Saturday in English League Championship at 15:00 so try not to miss it.
Derby is ranked on the 9th place in the standings with 67 points, 54 goals scored and 50 goals received in the last 46 leagueevents. They have failed to win 15 of their last 46 matches in English League Championship.In their last match they draw against Rotherham. Derby lost 2 of their last 5 matches before this match with Hull.
The attacking skills of Derby are not good.
Hull are ranked on the th place in the standings with points this season in English League Championship.
On this page you can find our predictions & bettings tips for the match between Derby and Hull. Our predictions for Derby vs Hull are based on a large number of factors such as direct meetings, Derby last matches, Hull last matches, Derby lineup, Hull lineup, standings, insider informations and so on. By visiting our website daily you will increase your winning chances. All the predictions posted here have a huge rate of success!


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The short answer…..YES. Price does matter, A LOT! There were 1,172 price decreases for homes in our market in the last 72 hours because price matters….just like location matters, just like on line marketing materials and the overall condition of the property matters. The market is in the middle of its seasonal adjustment. Spring prices don't work in a fall market, so agents are making adjustments.
When it comes to selling a property, there is only so much we can control. Sometimes owners can't control the condition. No one can control the location. But the price can be tweaked and the marketing materials can be top quality. The important piece here is knowing how and why you might want to tweak your price.
What do third quarter numbers tell us? Between July 1 and September 30, 8,841 properties in the Charlotte have sold. Roughly 25% of those sales were of properties at $200,000-$300,000, which tells us what our average buyer can afford. Fourteen percent of sales were of properties between $300,000-$400,000.
What are buyers looking at? According to our area showing service, in the last 30 days, 555 showings were of properties priced between $100K—$199,999. The largest draw for showings, however, was for homes between $200,000—$299,999.
So when you are talking about pricing, think about who the ready buyers are. Ask your agent who you are competing with—what do their properties look like? What are the conditions? Remember, you can control condition and pricing. That's all. Be competitive! Be smart! Remember, what you paid for your property or what you need to net from your property doesn't determine the price. The buyer determines the value of your property. Know your buyers!


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WeFiFo User Guide: Home Page
The top section of the home page scrolls through four images:
In the top left corner you can see the WeFiFo icon – wherever you go on the site you can click on this icon to return to the home page:
In the lower right corner you'll see the instant chat icon – again you'll see this wherever you go on the site:
In the top right corner you can see these funtions:
If you need to create an account, click 'Sign Up'.
If you already have your account set up, click 'Log In'.
Once you're signed up and logged in then you'll see your profile picture appear in the top right corner, and you can click here to get the drop-down menu:
The search box on the home page is purely a location search, so type in your location and see what comes up:
Scroll all the way down, and the last section of the home page has lots of useful links:
Get started here: wefifo.com
December 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in December…
Spa Wars Tapas Night – 1st December
Patatas bravas
Fried aubergine
Stuffed peppers
Garlic chicken
Lamb meatballs
Moroccan hummous
Butter bean salad
Bulghar wheat salad
Iberico cheese
Serrano ham
Olives and fresh bread
Galician almond cake
'Table Talk' – 1st December
Tracey Saunders runs a food blog called Midlands Gourmet Girl:
She kindly included Kitchenorium in her weekly 'Table Talk' post, along with a picture of my Panang chicken curry & jasmine rice.
Christmas Get Together – 3rd December
Victoria Sponge
Raspberry & coconut slice
Mince pies
Toasted & buttered panettone
'Student Story: Cat in the Kitchen' – 8th December
Read the full article here
High Times – 12th December
Read the full newsletter here
Festive Vegetarian Supper – 12th December
Roast yam, lentil & coconut soup
Leek & cheddar tart with parsnip gratin, brussel sprouts and savoy cabbage
Winter fruits salad with greek yoghurt
Festive Lunch – 14th December
Parsnip, sage & white bean soup
Duck leg confit with boulangeres potatoes and green beans
Pears poached in mulled wine
Thare Machi Lunch – 18th December
Turkey, red onion & gorgonzola tartlets
Smoked mackerel pate
Stuffed portobello mushrooms
Tomato & mozzarella skewers
Waldorf salad
Jewelled cous cous salad
Sour cream & chive dip
Baked camembert
Olives and fresh bread
Hazelnut meringue
Small Biz Connect Up – 19th Decmeber
Breaded camembert with pickled prunes
Three-bird pie with roast potatoes, carrot & swede mash and buttered cabbage
Apple crumble with xmas pudding ice-cream
TEDxLeam Teaser Trailer – 22nd December
Watch it here:
Book now for February
Seasonal Sundae: 4th
Network & Nosh: 7th
Chocolate Pud Party: 10th
Shove Tuesday: 13th
Bistro Night: 16th
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
November 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in November…
Thai Tuesday – 7th November
- This event was filmed for ZDF, a German TV channel, for their show 'Heute in Europa'.
- Seni, Jon & Sophie from WeFiFo joined us for dinner and filming, along with 8 other guests.
Crab cakes with spicy dipping sauce
Panang chicken curry with jasmine rice
Pineapple, mango & coconut fool
Speaker at Small Business Connect Up – 14th November
Read all about it here: 5 Twitter Tips for Small Business
Meeting with Thare Machi – 15th November
Thare Machi Education is a local charity based in Leamington Spa and delivering educational DVDs on issues of health and wellbeing to communities all around the world and in the language spoken by the recipients.
We first met on Twitter during #leamingtonhour, we had a meeting at their offices, and now we'll be working together in a number of ways.
If you're interested you can find out more on their website, follow them on social media, and consider making a donation 😀
Piece by ZDF aired on German TV – 17th November
Watch it here (the narration is in German):
Speaker at TEDx Leamington Spa – 18th November
Read all about it in these two posts:-
Kitchenorium @ TEDxLeam: The Preparation
Kitchenorium @ TEDxLeam: The Event
Network & Nosh – 22nd November
Chilli con carne & ceviche
Nachos & quesadilla
Sweet potato wedges
Buttered corn cobs
Rice salad & bean salad
Dips & tortillas chips
Mississippi mud pie
Piece in Leamington Courier – 24th November
Private Event for 16 Guests – 25th November
Baked semolina gnocchi
Tuscan lamb stew with rosemary potatoes
Panna cotta
Book now for January
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
5 Twitter Tips for Small Business
This is based on a presentation I gave in November 2017 at the Small Business Connect-Up which is organised by AtKat Marketing and takes place at the Chase Meadow Community Centre in Warwick:
Tip 1: Do as you would be done by
- Be polite and respectful of others
- When someone follows you, look up their profile and consider following back
- When someone shows you their support, send them a thank you
- When someone messages you, send them a reply
Tip 2: Don't by shy
- Follow people you know
- Follow people you don't know
- If you see something interesting give it a like and/or a retweet
- Say hello and engage with people
Tip 3: Mix it up
- I read once that only 1 in 7 tweets on a business account should be 'buy my stuff' tweets so that leaves plenty of room for everything else
- Use photos, gifs and videos in your tweets to add diversity and encourage engagment
- Send replies, use both the retweet function and the quote function
- Post at different times of day, and on different days of the week
Tip 4: Cross-post carefully
- Having your posts from other social media automatically appear as tweets often makes for very unappealing tweets which are unlikely to get much engagement
- It is possible to have all or some of your tweets automatically appear on Facebook which will display any attached links, and can be edited if necessary
Tip 5: Use networking hours
- Look for industry specific and/or local networking hours
- Remember to use the hashtag on all your tweets
- Say hello and start a conversation
- Be there during the hour – don't schedule tweets if you aren't going to be there
- Don't necessarily try to engage with every tweet – it's not usually possible!
Find out more:-
- Follow Kitchenorium on Twitter
- Follow AtKat Marketing on Twitter
- Follow Chase Meadow Community Centre on Twitter
- Find out more about Small Business Connect-Up on Eventbrite
October 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in October…
Kitchenorium's First Birthday
Well here we are, Kitchenorium is now one year old, so it's true what they say, time really does fly by when you're having fun!
As a birthday celebration, and after some contemplation on the subject, we've finally created our official logo, which you can expect to see more of as we integrate it into our business identity:
TEDx Filming – Thursday 5th October
Chicken cacciatore with rosemary potatoes
Vanilla ricotta cake with butterscotch sauce
TEDx Speaker Mixer – Sunday 8th October
That's me holding the 'T' for TEDx!
Fancy photography by fellow TEDx Leamington Spa speaker Amrit Singh.
Tapas Tuesday – 10th October
Patatas bravas, fried aubergine & stuffed peppers
Garlic prawns & lamb meatballs
Moroccan hummous
Butter bean & bulghar wheat salads
Iberico cheese & Serrano ham
Olives and fresh bread
Galician almond cake
Lucky Dip Dinner – Friday 13th October
Smoked mackerel fishcakes
Tarragon chicken with rice
Pot au chocolat
Slate Art Gallery HOME Opening Night – Friday 20th October
In collaboration with TEDx Leamington Spa, Slate Art Gallery is holding an exhibition on the theme of HOME, and I attended the opening night with my friend Jess who has her jewellery on display.
Read more about the exhibition here.
See more from Meg Rose Jewellery here.
250 Facebook Supporters – Tuesday 24th October
Woohoo! We've reached 250 likes on our Facebook page.
We like to post lots of food photos, info about upcoming events, menus, booking links and general goings-on in the Kitchenorium.
If you haven't already, give us a look-see and a like, ta!
Book now for November & December
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
September 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in September…
Get Together – Sunday 3rd September
Chocolate brownies
Victoria sponge
Coffee & walnut cake
Raspberry pavlova
Lemon polenta cake (gluten-free)
Carrot & orange cake (vegan)
- Left-overs were donated to Helping Hands for their soup kitchen.
- A spontaneous collection raised £35, and this was donated to Shelter:
TEDxLeam Announcement – Monday 4th September
Network & Nosh – Wednesday 6th September
Red pepper & goat's cheese tart
Baked camembert
Potato wedges
Stuffed mushrooms
Smoked mackerel pate
Salad nicoise
Chunky coleslaw
Dips & crudites
Olives & fresh bread
Hazelnut meringue
Video Reviews:
Simon from ST-IT Limited
Fiona from FiMarketing and Katherine from AtKat Marketing
Japanese Curry Club – Friday 15th September
Tempura prawns
Katsu chicken curry
White chocolate & matcha tart
Muddy Stilettos Review – Monday 18th September
Catherine, the editor of Muddy Stilettos in Warwickshire, joined us at Kitchenorium for our inaugural Network & Nosh event.
She wrote a wonderful review of her experience, which you can read here on the Muddy Stilettos website.
Private Dining – Saturday 23rd September
Smoked mackerel pate with melba toast
Boeuf bourguignon with potatoes boulangeres
Book now for October
Midweek Meat-Free: 4th
Celebration Dinner: 7th
Tapas Tuesday: 10th
Lucky Dip Dinner: 13th
Day of the Dead Feast: 31st
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
August 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in August…
WeFiFo Host Ratings
On WeFiFo hosts are rated on four criteria: food, vibe, contact and value. Until recently only the first three were displayed on the host's profile, but this month it was updated to include the forth one – value.
My highest score is in the value rating at 4.9/5 and this can now be seen on my profile:
Tex-Mex Tuesday – 15th August
Chicken pozole soup
Halk rack of ribs with potato skins & refried beans
Margarita cheesecake
Pudding Party – Friday 18th August
Superfood salad
Peach & amaretti brulee
Lemon Posset
Raspberry ripple vacherin
Private Event – Wednesday 23rd August
Mozzarella & citrus fruit salad
Italian chicken with parmesan risotto
Build your own ice-cream sundae – a base of vanilla ice-cream with the choice of assorted toppings: meringue pieces, brownie pieces, caramelised hazelnuts, chocolate buttons, chocolate sauce, raspberry coulis, roast peaches & shot of espresso
Fully Booked
For the first time, one of our upcoming events is fully booked!
It's the free to attend Get Together this coming Sunday.
Well, who can say no to free tea & cake?
So, our next goal is a fully booked paid event…
Book now for September
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
July 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in July…
Midweek Meat-Free Wednesday 5th July
Tricolore salad
Potato gnocchi with fresh pesto
Hazelnut torta
Indian Feast Saturday 8th July
Onion bhaji with raita
Salmon tikka with tarka daal
Mango lassi sorbet
Tandoori chicken with potato, cauliflower & aubergine curries
Chocolate & earl grey torte
Tapas Tuesday 11th July
Patatas bravas, fried aubergine & stuffed peppers
Garlic prawns & lamb meatballs
Moroccan hummous
Butter bean & bulghar wheat salads
Iberico cheese & Serrano ham
Olives and fresh bread
Crema catalana
Brookhurst School Fair Friday 14th July
We donated two tickets to Kitchenorium as a raffle prize for the Brookhurst School Fair, and received this heart-warming letter of thanks:
Review No.64
We received the most epic review of our Italian Feast from last month:
Book now for August:
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
June 2017 at Kitchenorium
Hey there, here's what we've been up to at Kitchenorium in June…
Curry Club – Friday 2nd June
Bengali lentil soup
Rezala chicken curry with pulao rice
Bengali fish curry
Spiced semolina pudding
Italian Feast – Saturday 3rd June
Baked semolina gnocchi
Crab & dill risotto
Aperol granita
Tuscan lamb stew with rosemary potatoes
Panna cotta
Muddy Stilettos Awards
This month, we were one of five finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Awards for Best Restaurant in Warwickshire.
Having been nominated in the first round, I was surprised and delighted to be voted through to the final.
As a pop-up restaurant that's only nine months old, and competing against traditional restaurants, this is pretty amazing.
Great Get Together – Saturday 17th June
We held a free event offering tea and cake in celebration of the Great Get Together.
Victoria sponge cake, coconut macaroons and cinnamon buns were gobbled up by our guests.
We are considering making this a regular get together… stay tuned!
Kindled Spirit Charity Dinner
We donated two tickets to Kitchenorium as an auction prize for the Kindled Spirit charity dinner, and were invited to attend the function at the Stratford Manor Hotel with catering by Itihaas.
Kindled Spirit do a fantastic job helping people who have been victims of human trafficking.
At the event, we had the pleasure of meeting lovely Lisa from Leamington Therapy Centre and stylish Sarah from Public Marketing Communications.
Thank you to everyone for a wonderful evening!
Private Event – Thursday 29th June
Patatas bravas, fried aubergines & stuffed peppers
Garlic prawns & lamb meatballs
Moroccan hummous
Butter bean & bulghur wheat salads
Iberico cheese & Serrano ham
Olives & fresh bread
Crema catalana
Coming up in July:
Thanks for reading, stay in touch
Subscribe to our email newsletter: SIGN-UP
Send us a message: CONTACT
Follow us on social media:
Girls Night Supper
A light and wholesome supper incorporating many autumnal fruits and vegetables, complimented with flavours of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, earthy savoury spices and warming sweet spices.
Cocktail: Marmalade Mule
The combination of marmalade vodka, a squeeze of fresh lime and ginger beer offers comforting flavours of seville orange and ginger on arriving in from the cold.
Amuse Bouche: Cream of Cauliflower Soup
To warm the taste buds before sitting down to dinner – a small helping of cauliflower soup, drizzled with cream, and served in little cups for ease of sipping.
Starter: Mozzarella & Citrus Fruit Salad
Slices of mozzarella alternated with pink grapefruit and orange, garnished with fresh mint and rocket, and dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Fish: Smoked Mackerel Pate
The umph of flavour and texture from the smoked mackerel softened with a little cream cheese, lemon juice and parsley – delicious! Garnished with watercress and a twist of lemon, and accompanied by crusty homemade bread.
Veggie: Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Sliced portabello mushrooms sauted gently with garlic, parsley and cream, served with crusty homemade bread to soak up all that flavoursome sauce.
Refresher: Pear & Cardamom Granita
Subtle, delicate, delightful.
Main: Squash, Sage & Pancetta Risotto
Roasted red kabacha squash, along with fresh sage, pancetta and a generous scattering of parmesan transforms a simple risotto into a sumptuous main dish.
Veggie: Harlequin Pie
A layered filo pastry pie with a filling of harlequin squash, chestnuts and a little mascapone, served with watercress and pea shoots.
Dessert: Stewed Plums with Cinnamon Ice-cream
Deliciously sweet and fragrant stewed plums complimented by homemade cinnamon ice-cream which softens in the warm fruit and melts in the mouth.
Petit Fours: Honey & Pistachio Pastries
Served with a choice of fresh mint tea or filter coffee.


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Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about garden plants. You will find concise information on general gardening techniques as well as plant selection and care. For detailed information on specific plant pests and problems refer to our Common Garden Pests and Problems page.
Do you have additional gardening questions? Please contact us. Here's how.
Can I use wood preservatives in my garden?
Many gardeners ask if treated lumber can be used in gardens and landscapes. Since there is ongoing concern about the health risks associated with using treated wood in the garden, the best advice is not to use it. Pressured treated lumber should not be used in children's play areas.
Products using creosote and penta are still made for industrial use such as telephone poles, heavy timbers, and the like, but you are not likely to find them at a general lumber yard. One exception is salvaged railroad ties. Although treated with creosote, once they have weathered for many years, they produce very little vapor. Their use is widespread and seems to be acceptable for industrial use but they are not recommended for home landscaping and garden use.
You can purchase one of the new generation preserved wood products such as Natural Select (TM) wood. This may be satisfactory for above ground use, but even these naturally longer lasting woods will not last for more than a few years and periodic replacement can be quite expensive. Alternatives include stone, cinder block, brick, plastic lumber, and other building materials.
Select materials that complement your landscape design, but do not alter your soil's pH. Remember you can mask building materials with vines, groundcovers and creeping perennials and shrubs. Whatever your final choice, read and follow all label instructions on the products you use. Finally, always consider the cost and potential risk to you, your plants and the environment before you buy landscape and garden materials.
Thank You!
The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without our Members, Donors and Volunteers.
Info for
Main Navigation
Quick Links
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(314) 577-0888 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039(314) 577-9555 hours and admission


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Why Choose Future
Become Your Own Power Company
Thinking about getting solar for you home? Then you are at the right place.
Whether you are just looking for information or you are ready to get solar installed on your home, you will find everything you need on our website.
We are Future Energy Savers, and we are proud to be installing solar panels for families in Sacramento and the surrounding areas with over 30 years experience.
"We are very excited to share with you the savings we encountered with our new solar energy system. Our February 2013 SMUD bill was $105.29. Our March 2013 SMUD bill is $12.02. That was $93.27 less, giving us a savings we never experienced before. Thank you Future Energy for installing our new money saving solar energy system."
"I love to watch my meter go backwards!"
"We like our system. I enjoy being able to check online to see the energy produced. I like the monthly report sent directly to my e-mail. Thank you Future Energy Savers."
"I would recommend Future (Energy Savers) to anyone who is considering solar. Why lease when you can own your system. "
"We love our system! Great customer service, wonderful and polite crew and quick installation. The system works wonderfully and is saving us a nice amount of money on our utility bill. The install took only two days with zero interference with my home business. The crew was very punctual, polite and speedy. I definitely will recommend Future Energy Savers to my neighbors and more!"


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It is already known that we grow when we step outside of our comfort zones, but I also think it is important to take a moment and look back on that personal growth. When we reflect on where our journey has taken us thus far, we can better figure out what is working or where… Continue reading #ActiveLivingChallenge Recap
Month: August 2014
#ActiveLivingDaily Week 2
What a busy week! Two of my three kids started school this week plus I had many volunteer responsibilities that I had to fit in. The daily challenges were a perfect time to reflect on what motivates me, how I fit it all in, and what my ultimate goals are. Sometimes, I am so busy… Continue reading #ActiveLivingDaily Week 2
Recap of Week One #ActiveLivingChallenge
What a fun week!! One of my favorite things about a challenge is that it makes me more aware of all the amazing things I do to balance my life and take care of myself! It's not just eating right, it's not just exercising, but it is also taking time to enjoy the things that… Continue reading Recap of Week One #ActiveLivingChallenge


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Canon is the concept of keeping to known facts from a reference or in this case, JKR's published works of Harry Potter.
The Challenge is to write a story with no less than 10 and no more than 20 errors that are NOT canon. The trick is to write them so nobody can find them. They will be judged by how many canon errors can be found by any of our readers and posted in your reviews. The less canon errors found the better the score. They will also be judged on the normal grading standards like grammar, spelling, style, quality, etc.
Each author will submit two copies of the same story. One will be submitted to SIYE for all to read and find the canon errors. The second story will be a duplicate copy sent to firstname.lastname@example.com clearly showing all the canon errors. If a dispute arises, JKR's books and www.hp-lexicon.org and will be the ultimate authority.
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Jaden Smith & Girlfriend Sarah Snyder Share a Sweet Moment
Jaden Smith makes his way inside Erewhon grocery store on Monday afternoon (September 5) in Los Angeles.
The 18-year-old The Get Down actor was joined by some friends as well as his girlfriend Sarah Snyder, who shared a few sweet moments while packing the car with food.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Jaden Smith
The following day, Jaden released a music video for his new song "Like This" with Rich The Kid.
In addition to rapping on the song, Jaden also co-directed the video!
Check out the full music video below…
Posted to: Jaden Smith, Sarah Snyder


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The water temperature for your turtle should be kept around 72-75 degrees (78 for a hatchling). This can be achieved with a submersible heater that can be purchased at almost any pet store. The wattage per gallon varies by make and model. Some people swear by the Ebo Jager submersible heater, but I'm getting along just fine with my Tronic.
Water temperature is important for the health of your turtle. Water that is too cool can slow his metabolism and he will stop eating and be less active/ This is what we call the "kill zone" because it is too cool to be active and eat, but too warm to hibernate, and it can kill your turtle. Don't let your water drop below 70 for any length of time. Water that is too warm induces unnaturally fast growth, excessive shedding, and he may not want to bask.
The basking temperature can vary. It has to be at least 10 degrees warmer than the water temp, or your turtle won't be inclined to bask. They need to be able to thermoregulate (regulate their own body temp by moving to cooler/warmer spots in their enclosure). Every turtle is different, but my res prefer a basking temp around 90 degrees and their water is kept at 75.


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Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Book Review: 'Hidden in Harmony' by J.R. Thompson
Montana author JR Thompson was born and raised in West Virginia and worked with at-risk youth. After marrying he moved to a small ghost town in Montana, became a preacher and now serves as an assistant pastor and also serves as the director of Canaan's Land Boys Ranch. JR has published six books to date and is now focusing on his Harmony Series of which HIDDEN IN HARMONY: DANGER IS IMMINENT is the initial volume.
JR's background as a minister and a man who has worked with at risk youth prepares us for the mixture of mystery, suspense and overlay of Christian spirituality, and while he makes all these aspects come together well in this novel, it is his ability to create vivid impressions with his prose that makes this novel a very successful first installation in a series.
His ability to jumpstart the terror is evident in the opening pages – ''The dilapidated rags suddenly sprung to life, unveiling a helpless looking man who appeared to have been there for hours. Oh my, Alayna thought. What is going on here? Collin asked her to stay in the Jeep and not to wake Remington, while he stepped out and cautiously approached the stranger. "Can I help you with something, buddy?" he called out. A weak, exhausted voice barely managed to rasp, "Your assistance would be most beneficial. I'm drenched, cold, and ravenous." Attempting to rise, the man tumbled back to his space atop the wooden stairs. Grasping the door handle, Alayna started to get out. Then, she came to her senses. Apprehensively, she watched as her husband sprinted to the shivering, obviously homeless, middle-aged fellow. Collin knelt down next to the man, spoke a few words, and then motioned for his wife to join him. Wasting no time, Alayna rushed to the porch. The stranger's gentle, needy eyes demanded her attention. Looks can be deceiving, she cautioned herself. Stay strong. "Hon, this harmless guy is worn clean out. He's going to have to stay here tonight. Why don't you go inside and I'll get Remington?" Alayna wasn't keen on the idea of a drifter dozing on her porch, not even for one minute. We don't know this man from Adolph Hitler or Jeffrey Dahmer. This is definitely not the way I planned on spending my Friday night. Without a telephone, the Internet, or even a close neighbor for that matter, if the transient wound up being a sociopath, the Russells were on their own. Alayna took comfort in knowing Collin was strong and courageous, but he didn't even own a gun. Right or wrong, she feared for her family's safety. She had married an enormous hearted, yet incredibly obstinate salesman. Collin had already made a decision and it was set in concrete. It would be a waste of her sweet-smelling breath to try to dissuade him. Without uttering a word, she ascended the stairs — being sure to step as far away from the beggar as possible.'
JR provides a terse synopsis that opens the window to the story to come – 'Would you be willing to break the law in order to protect your family? Blinded by compassion, Collin Russell thrusts his entire family into jeopardy while dealing with a homeless man who collapses on his doorstep. Having no idea Brock has formerly been accused of cannibalism, he gives the stranger a sweet taste of northern hospitality – inadvertently enlisting his family in more intense spiritual warfare than he's ever known. When Brock's questionable past comes to light, Collin and his family plunge themselves into a bout of private detective work where they are forced to deal with physical assaults, threats, kidnappings, and murder. Unmasking the truth behind a decade worth of missing persons proves to be a more daunting task than the Russells bargained for with unexpected twists and turns around every corner. Devoted to discovering the truth, the Russell family refuses to be crippled by fear. Quitting is not an option.'
Strong writing and a biting concept of human trafficking, the ability of a family to overcome odds, and the solid introduction of Christian beliefs make this a novel that should appeal to a wide audience who dote on attempting to solve mysteries before book's end! This one is a challenge – in a very good way. Grady Harp, November 17
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Primitive Christianity Revived, Again
Views: 549
I can't speak to the question about songwriting, as I have little experience in that field (I did write one song, years ago-- or rather, I collaborated with a musician, writing the lyric).
Perhaps I can suggest that the topic is connected to a broader question I've long had about Christians , and/or Quakers and the aesthetic, or beauty... I sometimes wonder whether (some) Friends mistrust beauty, or are indifferent to it? Today during First Day School, someone talked about the idea that words are a distraction, a hindrance-- that the important thing was the spiritual meaning lying behind or beneath or beyond...
While I understand what was meant, I found myself resisting the idea somewhat. While it may be true that I am listening for the Spirit during another Friend's vocal ministry, I can't deny that a well-constructed message, a skillful use of language, an effective metaphor, and above all a strong sense of proportion and balance-- all of these qualities, when present, do give me pleasure. And the same applies to other modes of performance, namely the song.
Finally, I have to say: the most powerful vocal ministry I've experienced, at Illinois Yearly Meeting a few years ago, was sung-- and sung well.


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FIN-6.14 - Non-travel Meals, Light Refreshments and Related Miscellaneous Expenses
Binding City Policy
The purpose of this administrative rule is to establish minimum standards for the City payment or reimbursement of non-travel meals, light refreshment expenses and related miscellaneous expense.
Authority for this administrative rule is established in the City Charter and the City Code. This administrative rule has been approved by the City Council.
The Accounting Division of the Bureau of Financial Services of the Office of Management and Finance (Accounting Division) will periodically monitor bureaus to assess compliance with the minimum standards of this rule. As instances of non-compliance are identified, bureaus will be required to develop and implement a corrective action plan. The Accounting Division will provide assistance to bureaus, if requested, to develop this plan. The Controller will report all instances of non-compliance annually to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and City Council.
"Employee" means any represented and non-represented employee as well as the Mayor, Council Members, City Auditor, and their designated representative. The term employee may also refer to an individual in a temporary or contracted position.
"Light refreshment" means snacks and beverages consumed outside a regular meal. Light refreshments are occasionally served at citywide meetings or official bureau functions and may include pastries, cookies, fruit, vegetables, coffee and punch. Box lunches are not considered light refreshments.
"Non-travel meal" means a breakfast, lunch, or dinner that occurs on official City business but does not take place during out-of-town travel. Box lunches are considered non-travel meals.
"Out-of-town travel" means travel on City business away from the normal work place or residence that requires an overnight stay. Out-of-town travel expenses include transportation, meal and incidental per diem, lodging and special expenses.
"Related miscellaneous expense" means incidental non-travel expense incurred in conjunction with the conduct of official City business.
"Volunteer" means a member of a board, commission, advisory committee, and any other individual providing authorized services to the City of
without pay. Portland
General Guidelines
1. City employees shall follow the principles set forth in the Code of Ethics.
2. City resources shall be used for the benefit of the public rather than for the personal benefit of any City official or employee.
3. Elected City officials or their designees may be reimbursed for allowable expenses including those relating to international delegations or events.
4. City employees shall, in general, be expected to provide their own non-travel meals and refreshments while attending meetings, including offsite meetings and trainings, for which no out-of-town, overnight travel is required.
5. Citywide functions may, under certain circumstances, include light refreshments.
6. The City may, in recognition of volunteer services, pay or reimburse approved volunteer expenses as described in this rule.
7. Reimbursements for non-travel meals, light refreshments, and related miscellaneous expenses shall be for actual cost and shall be documented as described in this rule.
8. This administrative rule shall apply to non-travel meals, light refreshments, and related miscellaneous expenses regardless of funding source or method of payment.
9. The following items fall outside the scope of this administrative rule:
a. Non-travel meals, light refreshments, and miscellaneous expenses relating to lobbying activities.
b. Retirement awards and occasional motivational awards provided as recognition for valued employees (addressed in Human Resources Administrative Rule 4.07 Awards, Prizes and Promotional Items).
c. Clothing items provided to employees in accordance bargaining agreements (addressed in Administrative Rule FIN 6.05 Clothing and Equipment Allowances and Reimbursements).
Allowable Non-Travel Meals and Light Refreshments
1. Non-travel meals for elected officials or their designees relating to promotion of economic development, building community cooperation, or information gathering shall be allowable as long as such expenses can be clearly demonstrated to provide benefit to the public interest.
2. Non-travel meals may be allowed for limited occasions such as the following for which an elected official or employee:
a. Serves as the facilitator for a work group, commission, etc. which meets during a meal hour in order to accommodate the participants' schedules and for which no more than 50% of all participants are City employees;
b. Attends a meeting for which continuous availability is required for a period extending beyond four hours;
c. Attends a meeting or function at an offsite facility for which refreshments and/or meals are included as part of facility rental; and
d. Attends a meeting of a professional or civic organization for which meal is included as part of the cost of attendance and for which there is a direct and specific benefit to the City.
3. Non-travel meals provided in accordance with labor agreements shall follow guidelines set forth in those agreements.
4. Light refreshment may be allowable for citywide functions that include employees, volunteers, and/or non-City employees for the following:
a. Meetings of boards, commissions, or advisory committees created by City Charter or City Council,
b. Informal City Council meetings or work sessions,
c. Meetings or functions for purpose of recognizing valued contributions of City employees and/or volunteers, and
d. Official bureau-wide or citywide training sessions.
5. Light refreshments for employee retirement parties may be allowable within bureau-established limits. Refer to HR Administrative Rule 4.07.
Allowable Miscellaneous Expenses
1. Volunteer expenses – As appropriate and where budgeted funds are available, the City may pay or reimburse the following volunteer expenses:
a. Transit fares,
b. Parking fees,
c. Private vehicle mileage,
d. Occasional meals, and
e. Appreciation receptions.
2. Dues and subscriptions may be allowed for City employees at bureau discretion, as long as benefit to the City can be demonstrated and documented, as follows:
a. Dues for professional or trade organizations.
b. Dues for non-discriminatory civic or charitable organizations.
c. Dues only are allowable; other costs such as meeting meals, fines, or personal assessments are not allowable.
d. Business-related newspaper, magazine, and web-based subscriptions.
3. For elected officials and their designees, other items may be allowable as long as such expenses can be demonstrated to benefit public interest; for example, flowers or official gifts relating to promotion of economic development, building community cooperation, or information gathering.
4. Other appropriate items may be allowable at bureau discretion including:
a. First aid supplies,
b. Bottled water, and
c. Plants and plant care.
Prohibited Expenses
1. Prohibited expenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Alcoholic beverages,
b. Light refreshments for employee staff meetings, and
c. Meals and light refreshments that have not been pre-authorized.
2. Expenses and/or reimbursement shall not be authorized for:
parties and/or decorations, Holiday
b. Employee promotions and transfers,
c. Celebrations of a personal nature, and
d. Decorations, utensils, or serving containers for purposes listed above.
3. Personal work-space comfort items such as space heaters, fans, etc. shall not be authorized or purchased directly by the bureau but instead, requests for such items shall referred to Facilities Services for appropriate resolution.
1. Non-travel meals, light refreshments, and related miscellaneous expense shall require written pre-authorization by the elected official, Bureau director, or his/her designee.
2. Non-travel meals, light refreshments, and miscellaneous expense shall be recorded to appropriate account numbers assigned by the Accounting Division.
3. Request for payment or employee reimbursement must include
a. Original receipt or contemporaneous record with date,
b. Cost of meal, refreshments, or miscellaneous expense,
c. Location of meal or meeting,
d. Copy of agenda for meeting, training or other event (if applicable).
e. Business purpose of expense demonstrating benefit to City, and
f. Listing of names and business relationships of individuals for whom meals, refreshments, or other items are being provided at City expense. For events such as open houses where specific names cannot be obtained, an estimate of the number of attendees shall be provided.
4. The Accounting Division may establish a Citywide procedure for the processing, recording, documentation, and payment of such expenses and may require the use of a standardized form for this purpose.
Emergency Ordinance No. 181046, passed by City Council June 13, 2007 and effective July 1, 2007.


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I've been doing SEO for a little over 4 years. I've never used sites like Digg, Stumbleupon, Reddit, etc. either personally or on behalf of my clients. This past week I had a discussion with another SEO who asked what I'm doing for my clients with regard to social bookmarking. I responded that I'm really not doing anything and they were shocked. I took a pretty good verbal beating over it. She was borderline offended.
I have always been able to deliver solid results for my clients without any type of social bookmarking, so I struggle to see the need, but am surprised at how shocked this other SEO was that I don't do it. How beneficial is it and am I really missing out?
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Hiring a Cabaret
Learning about the world of cabaret is a really interesting experience for many and, because of that, there are a lot of things that you may be looking to do in order to get the most out of it. How can you know that you're learning whatever is out there for you to check out and consider? Are there things that you need to worry about as part of the process or are there options that you need to consider? How do you connect with a New York city cabaret that works for your needs?
There are plenty of professional singing groups out there and, as you work with what you need to do with them, you will find that there are many different considerations that you'll want to look at. Knowing where you want them to perform, how you want things to be done and who the show is for can be useful and will help you to work out everything necessary so that you aren't too stressed about the things that you need to be able to do with them. Having a game plan will be useful as you work out that information and how you want to take care of it all.
As you start this process, you will actually be able to talk to a lot of people to see what they feel about all that is going on. As a matter of fact, you may actually brush elbows with different people that are going to give you a lot of information about what's going on and how you may get closer to whatever you're looking to do. That's a lot to work with, but as you figure everything out, you're going to see that it really can be a great way to work things out and have fun as well.


text: Blake1519 0 Posted September 19, 2018 Hi guys, I've been looking at getting a S15 for a while now, and have now not long had my full license so am looking to buy one over the next few months. I found this one up for sale on carsales and was hoping to get a few thoughts and opinions from you guys who have a lot more experience with these cars than I do. https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Silvia-1999/SSE-AD-5649952/?Cr=3 Anything I should be weary of, anything that sounds sus about it. Cause it seems to be quite a good price for what it is - especially in my country (Australia). Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Forms of New Zealand sculpture mark multiple places in West Auckland and the Waitakere Ranges. These Maori designs, called pou whenua, are symbols of the relation between the land and the people.
Send an e-card from your travel...
Traditionally Maori people transmitted stories about their ancestors, origin and nature of the world in carvings. Object like wakas, the traditional canoes, and in posts that are used structurally in sacred places or in the marae, the meetinghouse carry parts of the tribe's history. Depending on location, the carving held the tribal story or personal story of an ancestor.
Wood is the material used for these carved objects. Sometimes paua shells serve to accentuate. Smaller items like family heirlooms are carved in pounamu, or bone.
The sculpture art or posts placed in West Auckland are out of wood and commemorate people or events related to the place they are positioned. At present twelve sites in the Auckland area display traditional Maori sculptures.
Visit the KiaOra New Zealand Store ... or find out how to use your digital photographs to create postcards.


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Kenyan secret service silencing fight for rights, says activist
The secret intelligence service in Kenya is trying to silence human rights activists investigating allegations of torture, according to a Briton who was deported after meeting alleged victims of President Kibaki's Administration.
Clara Gutteridge, a fellow at the Open Society Justice Initiative, based in New York, was accused of "subversive activities" and threatening national security after she spent almost three weeks meeting former detainees, lawyers and local activists last month.
"The Kenyan Government have decided that they don't want people monitoring the conduct of their security services," Ms Gutteridge told The Times.
"Those who do are being attacked and prevented from doing their work." One of the most high-profile cases she examined involves eight Kenyans who were "abducted by security forces, and forcibly transferred


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Continued Growth Planned
SHANGHAI, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Touchmedia today announced that they have completed their latest round of financing led by Founder and CEO Micky Fung and his affiliate companies, along with several new participants, and internal investors from previous rounds, Qi Ming Venture Partners, TLC Capital, Mustang Ventures.
Mr. Fung noted, "We have been pleased with our recent expansion. In the last 12 months we have nearly doubled our number of taxis. That will give us over 50 million viewers per month. We have also launched in Hangzhou, Hong Kong and in partnership with Play Taxi Media, 3 cities in Canada. With the new funds we will be strongly placed to aggressively build on this foundation of proven success."
Duen-Chian Cheng, President of TLC Capital commented, "We have been delighted by Touchmedia's progress and see our latest investment as being ideally in line with our strategy of supporting proven, high-growth, innovative companies led by exceptional management teams. It is a sign of our confidence that China will buck the global media weakness and continue to post strong growth, especially in the new media sector. Touchmedia is the strongest fresh business model in that area that we have seen in some time and we look forward to seeing their continued expansion and success."
When asked about the company's strategy for growth, Mr. Fung, elaborated, "We will continue to focus on development in China. There are three aspects we are concentrating on: increasing our depth of penetration to meet demand in existing cities; expanding our current number of cities to others requested by our clients; and introducing new innovative functions, in particular exploiting the convergence between new media and mobile phones."
Maggie Choi, Touchmedia's new MD for Hong Kong is also one of the new investors. "It was the success to date and the growth in prospect that really impressed me. The audience clearly enjoys the screens and finds them useful. The research that Touchmedia conducts every year shows consistent increases in the number of passengers liking the system. I also am enthusiastic about the new products such as the interactive TVCs and specially created content like the WOW Fitness Girl for Centrum, which was seen by 171 million viewers and in 1 month generated more than 1 million responses."
About Touchmedia
Touchmedia was founded by its CEO Micky Fung in 2003 to develop state-of-art touchscreen media technology in China and internationally. Today, Touchmedia is already the largest in-taxi media company in China, providing an innovative marketing platform which allows brands to engage consumers more effectively, building higher involvement for better awareness, recall and response.
For more about Touchmedia:www.touchmedia.cn


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The Challenge
Tristar Medical Group provides high quality, accessible and affordable medical services to regional, rural and metropolitan areas in Australia. Given that Tristar is the largest privately owned health services provider in Australia, the IT team has no small task. They need to centrally manage their hybrid cloud infrastructure while delivering support to clinics and users.
In the healthcare industry, providing continuity of care is crucial. This required Tristar to run servers which could be accessed at all hours by their medical centers. With multiple clinics, running across multiple time zones, and users accessing different servers, the operational expense of running AWS EC2 instances became substantial.
The Solution
"With the increasing OpEx costs, we knew we had to scale down on servers and instances," said Tristar CTO Dewald Botha. "This led us to two conclusions. Either spend a large amount of capital upfront to increase the efficiency of our VDI solution, or automate and fine-tune our AWS servers to maximize output."
Botha determined that an application that could schedule instances would be the easiest way to optimize their spending. That's when he found ParkMyCloud. The team started a free trial and found it easy to use, flexible, and best of all, able to provide the savings they needed.
The Result
Using ParkMyCloud, Tristar is saving 40-60% on their AWS bill, depending on operational needs.
Now that they're able to schedule their servers, Tristar has started to move a lot of their current traditional datacenter instances across to AWS. Once this migration is complete, they predict savings between $15,000 and $20,000 per month – that's up to $240,000 per year.
Being in the medical industry, privacy and security is also a big concern for Tristar. With the secure integration between ParkMyCloud to Amazon through IAM Policies, their IT team is confident that their data is safe and secure and that there is a secure division between what can be accessed and what cannot.
"Thus far our experience with ParkMyCloud rates a 10/10," said Botha. "In our journey we trialed and tested a couple of schedule-like services, but none as easy to use and flexible as ParkMyCloud. Everyone on my team finds it incredibly straightforward to use and the core functionality complements our organizational needs completely."
"All in all we are extremely happy with the product," Botha continued. "What has been exceptional, in an industry that is seemingly dominated by large corporates and interaction with nameless employees, is that every time I have been in contact with the ParkMyCloud team, they have been forthcoming and attentive to any suggestions – which is really great from a customer experience perspective."
Download this case study
About Tristar Medical Group
About Tristar Medical Group
Tristar Medical Group is a proactive and progressive management group which specialises in providing high quality, accessible, multidisciplinary, integrated health care to regional and rural communities. With 46 fully computerised bulk-billing practices currently operating throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, Tristar prides itself on offering traditional family medical services to all patients. Learn more at http://www.tristarmedicalgroup.com.au.


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As of 5am yesterday morning, the White Walls crew has temporarily relocated to Miami, Florida. The Aqua Wynwood art fair opens this Thursday, December 3rd, where you can find White Walls at Booth 50. Check out the official lineup:
White Walls in Booth 50:
AJ Fosik, Aaron Nagel, Becca, Casey Gray, Ernesto Yerena, Greg Gossel, Jesse Hazelip, Jessica Hess, Kevin Cyr, Mark Warren Jacques, Mike Shine, Morgan Slade, Nas Chompas, Ron English, Shawn Barber, Isabel Samaras, Timothy Karpinski, Kill Pixie, Lucas Soi, and Erik Foss
Scroll down to see the large scale installations that Mike Shine and AJ Fosik have been working on while we hang this three day exhibition.
Even in the tightest of quarters, Mike Shine has managed to construct his signature "Art Shack" with the help of his sons and friends. The structure is solidly in place, but we all know that's only half the battle. We anticipate long hours of painting the walls, inside and out, from Mr. Shine before the fair opens tomorrow.
Mike Shine isn't the only artist putting his best foot forward this December. Just outside of Booth 50 near the fair entrance, AJ Fosik has installed one of his most intricate works to date. The brightly colored, three snouted creature is one of his strongest pieces of the year, if you ask us.
We are also happy to have Morgan Slade, Casey Gray, Aaron Nagel, Ramblin Worker, and Jesse Hazelip in Miami with us. We appreciate their efforts to be here, showing devotion to their craft and support of the gallery. Stay tuned for updates and we hope to see you in Miami this week!


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This pre-designed 'Congratulations' stamp is an easy low-cost option to allowing you to personalise your own plain boxes or gift tags, giving a fantastic 'craft' look.
Please note this item does not come with an ink pad.
All prices subject to VAT and delivery charge. All prices are specific to the quantity shown and are subject to change without notice.
Dimensions (L x W x H):
69mm x 35mm
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Ad Astra uses the rating system established by FictionRatings. We're unable to utilize the rating system used for motion pictures in the United States, due to copyright and trademark status by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Let's walk through each of the ratings and see if they apply to a story you've written, or if you're looking for stories that match specific content.
- Rated K: General audiences, suitable for children. No profanity, violence, or adult situations.
- Rated K+: General audiences, suitable for pre-teens. Very mild coarse language only. No violence or adult situations.
- Rated T: Suitable for teenagers. Mild coarse language and violence. No adult situations.
- Rated M: Suitable for young adults (17+). Contains explicit profanity or violence, mild adult situations/themes.
- Rated MA: Mature audiences only. Will contain graphic/explicit profanity, violence, and/or adult situations.
Select the rating most suitable for your reading or writing pleasure. Please note that stories with the MA rating will feature a pop-up window to remind readers that they're about to read graphic/explicit content.