text:
ATHENS, Greece - Protesting police officers in Greece, angry at a new austerity measures, have defied their own colleagues in the riot police and blocked the entrance of one of their own stations.
About 50 members of the Greek Police Officers' Association picketed police facilities at Zografou, northeast of central Athens, preventing buses used for transporting riot police from leaving the site. The buses are scheduled to go to the northern city of Thessaloniki, where weekend anti-austerity demonstrations are planned.
The police protesters oppose salary cuts to be included in a new €11.5 billion ($14.4 billion) austerity package for 2013-14.
Later Thursday, they are planning a protest rally in central Athens with officers in uniform joined by colleagues from the Coast Guard and Fire Service.


text:
To view our full takeaway menu for home delivery or pickup, click the button below
Order Italian ONLINE with no markup and instant confirmation! Cash or credit cards accepted.
Try Intersection Special - tomato, cheese, herbs, ham, mushroom, olives, pineapple, capsicum & (anchovies optional) or The Lot - tomato, cheese, ham, mushroom, olives, pineapple, capsicum, prawns, onions, salami or Pollocaldo Sauce - pan tossed chicken pieces, capsicum & onions spread with home made napoli sauce. All delivered straight to your door or pickup yourself from Intersection Cafe.
Intersection Cafe
Ph: (03) 9349 5046

subset: commoncrawl


text:
State AGs, Members of Congress Demand Regulation of E-Cigarettes
September 27, 2013
A growing chorus of elected officials at the state and federal level — 40 state attorneys general and a group of 10 U.S. senators and two U.S. House members — are demanding strong action to stop the marketing and sale of electronic cigarettes to kids.
The attorneys general wrote to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg Tuesday, urging the FDA to swiftly regulate the e-cigarette industry and warning that e-cigarette manufacturers are tempting kids with sweet flavors, cartoon images and television advertising portraying e-cigarette use as attractive — in much the same way cigarette companies targeted children for decades.
'Unlike traditional tobacco products, there are no federal age restrictions that would prevent children from obtaining e-cigarettes, nor are there any advertising restrictions,' the attorneys general wrote.
On Thursday, 12 influential members of Congress wrote to the CEOs of nine e-cigarette manufacturers, asking them to respond to questions about their sales and marketing practices.
'Despite claims from some e-cigarette makers that they do not market their products to youth and that kids should not have access to their products, e-cigarette manufacturers appear to be applying marketing tactics similar to those used by the tobacco industry to hook a new generation of children,' the letter states. 'In light of public health concerns regarding exposure to addictive nicotine in e-cigarettes and the sharp rise in e-cigarette use among teens, we want to better understand your company's policy and practices related to the sale, marketing, and distribution of e-cigarettes.'
Several members of Congress previously have called on the FDA to regulate e-cigarettes.
Last week, 16 public health organizations sent a letter to President Obama asking that the President urge the FDA to move quickly to assert authority over all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
These demands for FDA regulation come amidst an explosion of marketing for e-cigarettes and a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing a doubling in youth use of e-cigarettes from 2011 to 2012.


text:
Well, I saw this article on the Mises Institute site about the economic flaws of this movie (and "Miracle on 34th Street"), and thought I would share the relevant excerpt. It bears noting that the Mises Institute is not a specifically pro- or anti- Christian organization, but focuses on free market economics. By ignoring the essential element of religion and faith, it of course falls short of providing a really accurate economic philosophy-- a shortfall shared by all economic and political theories which fail to account for the truth of the Catholic faith.
So, don't take this excerpt as being in complete accord with my own views, but I do think it raises some pertinent points. After dissecting "Miracle on 34th Street", it continues:
["It's a Wonderful] Life" is a more ambitious film, with an intricate plot stretching from 1919 to 1947. George Bailey has spent what he regards as an unfulfilled life in the town of Bedford Falls running a "Building & Loan" association founded by his late father. A good man, he is less interested in profits than in helping people buy decent housing. He makes loans on the basis of character rather than demonstrated creditworthiness, with no indication given of the default rate.
Bailey is hated by Henry Potter, an angry cripple who "owns half the town," one of whose ventures is renting badly maintained tenements to the poor. To Potter, Bailey is "not a businessman" because he has "high ideals, so-called" and he contemptuously asks Bailey if he is "running a business or a charity ward."
What is not explained--what is never explained about the vindictive tycoons of fiction--is where Potter gets his money. (In the depths of the Depression, he is waited on by liveried servants.) He can't have made a fortune renting a few hovels, and none of the properties he owns will bring in a penny unless they offer something people want. So, although he is shown doing nothing but pushing other people around, Potter must be providing a valuable service or selling something in great demand.
Potter gets his first chance to break Bailey during the 1933 run on the banks, when Bailey's panicky stockholders want their investments back. Potter has already saved (and acquired) the remaining independent banks of Bedford Falls by guaranteeing their loans in exchange for control, and he tempts Bailey's stockholders by offering to guarantee the loans owed to the association if they sell him their shares at half price. But Bailey foils Potter's plan to capture his company by tiding his stockholders over with small loans from his own pocket until the banks re-open.
Let's stop the music here to ask why Potter would tender his offer. Presumably, Potter was willing to take over the banks because he believed there was money to be made from owning them. If he wants Bailey's B&L, he must likewise believe it is profitable, and that the loans outstanding will be repaid. But why would he think this if, as he says, "Bailey has never made a dime?" Why would he buy something worthless for any fraction of its original price, or guarantee loans he thinks he will end up paying?
It is suggested that Potter is driven by pure spite, but if so, if he is willing to take a loss just to hurt Bailey, he is acting directly contrary to profit-maximization. Perhaps Potter hopes that buying out Bailey will give him a housing monopoly, allowing him to raise rents as much as he pleases. But he must also realize that he is powerless to prevent other upstart lenders from invading his market by offering comparable services at lower costs.
Closely related issues are raised by Bailey's most idealistic venture, a development of attractive private homes meant for the likes of Potter's tenants. Bailey shows his essential goodness by personally helping the humble Mr. Martini, his umpteen children, and even his goat move in. Potter, of course, is further infuriated--when he should be asking how Mr. Martini can afford his new digs, or, equivalently, how Bailey could afford to build them.
However carefully Bailey controls costs (no more carefully than Potter, one assumes), his nice houses must be more expensive to construct than tenements. If the interest on the Martini mortgage comes to no more than the rent for a Potter-built hovel, Bailey will lose money or make very little, his stockholders will pull out, and Bailey will be left bankrupt. If on the other hand Bailey does charge more than Potter but Martini can and is willing to pay it, why did Martini live in squalor for so long when he could have moved elsewhere or, indeed, taken out a mortgage on a new house? In other words, if Potter's slums are overpriced, Bailey has filled a market niche attractive to any entrepreneur, occupation of which does not require moralistic huffing and puffing.
Potter finally gets his chance to ruin Bailey when Bailey's drunken uncle, loyally retained as financial officer (don't Bailey's stockholders care about personnel policy?), unwittingly leaves $8,000 of the firm's money on Potter's wheelchair. Potter of course keeps it, and, with the money missing, Bailey faces imprisonment. He is about to kill himself when an "angel, 2nd class" intervenes, showing Bailey that his life has been well-spent because of the good he has done. Bailey embraces life anew, and, in the final scene, everyone he has helped over the years chips in to lend him the missing money. There is not a dry eye in the house.
It seems to have eluded the creators of Life that two key elements of this denouement work against the profit-is-dubious, altruism-is-good message. First Potter's knowingly keeping the $8,000 is not a market transaction, since the money is someone else's property not acquired in a voluntary exchange. Potter's malefaction is just the sort of behavior the market forbids, and if discovered would lead to criminal penalties.
Second is the matter of the angel, Clarence, commissioned by Higher Powers to save Bailey from suicide. Now, Clarence is a bit of a bumbler who has spent several centuries in Heaven without getting his wings, and he is told at the outset that he will get his wings if he saves Bailey.
Of course, Clarence does not undertake the mission for the purely self-interested purpose of advancing himself. He is as kind as angels should be, and really wants to help. But the fact is that he does not save Bailey as an act of pure goodness, and the audience is expected to rejoice when, as a result of his efforts, he rises in the celestial hierarchy. Even in Heaven it is recognized that useful services should be rewarded.


text:
When you were young, you surely have some great ideas on how to be the perfect parent. However, it may not be entirely in your control. The very idea of motherhood can be a pretty frightening thing. Most women may want to become a mother, see themselves as a mother, and even act like a mother, but to actually bring a kid into this world is entirely different. You ask yourself: what kind of mom are you going to be? The AstroTwins probe into this topic and even listed ways on how to raise children of various zodiac signs in their book Momstrology: The AstroTwins' Guide to Parenting Your Little One by the Stars.
Here are some of their insights about what kind of mother that you are going to be based on your zodiac sign:
• STRENGTH: Assurance, self-awareness, strength, and courage.
• WEAKNESS: Competitiveness, tunnel vision, narcissism, fixation, and selfishness.
Hello, warrior mom! Being an Aries mom, you are certainly fierce and will charge ahead. Ruled by the war-monger Mars, Aries moms approach everything in their life as if they are going into war – alive and alert. They are definitely in it to win it. Motherhood is not for the weak-hearted; good thing you don't fit that sketch. There is a diva in every Aries mom, and your poise never leaves you for a long time – even if you have a milk blemish in your clothes.
One of the strangest things about motherhood, particularly on the early stages, is experiencing another person's reliance on you. Aries is definitely one of the most self-reliant signs, and you are very comfortable putting your own needs first before someone else's. However, putting another person's needs before your own surely takes a bit of adjustment. No matter how much you love your little one, one thing is certain; you are two distinct characters with different needs.
Honestly, this is a healthy approach for the most part. You may feel guilty of expecting too much self-sufficiency for your children, but that makes you a great character model for them. Aries moms never ask other people for permission for achieving goals or to be themselves. You are not a martyr mom! You are forever achieving and striving, and a powerful role model of eternal learning, and a one-woman achievement machine!
• STRENGTH: Consistency, good taste, common sense, hard-working.
• WEAKNESS: Materialism, indulgence, narcissism, and mood swings.
Taurus moms are considered to be the original "mullet moms" – business in the front and party in the back. There are days that you lead with a strict demeanor that puts the fear of God and everything else in your child. However, once you are sure that everything is alright, then you proceed to party. The Taurus mom is selectively faithful and very strict when it comes to some key issues at home. There is always an old-fashioned woman in every Taurus mom, and you certainly won't budge any of your standards. Behind your strict façade is a coarse nature goddess who's surprisingly down to earth. You may be the kind of mother who will force your children to attend Sunday school but also the kind of mom who will never allow them to witness home birth or even ride bicycles when they are twelve.
Taurus moms are wise spenders and budgeters. You strongly believe in good return of investment. So if you spend your life raising a kid, you expect a kind of return or acknowledgment for that. You will raise your children to respect authority, and even idolize you. You want to have a special place – a pedestal, if you may – in their lives. While you want to be close with your kids, you won't sacrifice respect in order to become their best friend. There is a manicured hand inside an Italian glove that you will raise if that discipline disappears. You believe that it's okay as long as your kids don't embarrass you in front of other people or violate your core values.
Your journey to motherhood will greatly benefit from your vast managerial qualities, which most Taurus moms have naturally. With your talent for practical details, you are definitely the CEO of your family! You love to manage other people – hell; you even do it with your girlfriends, and family members, right? The structured rhythm of parenting is very natural to you as compared with other zodiac signs. Even though Taurus moms run late for a meeting, they will never be late when it comes to applying for art camp, college scholarship, getting on a prestigious private school's waiting list, or planning the best birthday party for your child. You are as precise as a laser when it comes to parenting.
• STRENGTH: Open-mindedness, curiosity, flexibility, youthfulness, creativity, and originality.
• WEAKNESS: Lack of boundaries, inconsistency, tendency to contradict, lecturing instead of listening.
Gemini moms are moms of many personalities. Sure, they are complex and self-contradicting, but they are truly fun and unpredictable. Gemini moms are ruled by the Twins; they are diverse and flexible to the extent that you keep your family guessing your next move. There is never a dead air in your family, even though some of them won't mind it from time to time.
Your standards are never firm and can be subject to change without further notice. You will clean your kid thoroughly but will not hesitate to bring them to a smog-filled metropolis. Let's face it – you love to contradict yourself and you can't help it. If you were principled, you won't be an airy and unpredictable Gemini. You might wanna buckle your kid's rear-facing car seat into a Prius decorated with peace-symbol bumper stickers and drive him to an elite Mommy & Me group in the best part of the city. Or you just decide to spend your kid's first year cruising or living on an actual houseboat. With Gemini moms, we never know!
Geminis have a reputation for being hard to pin down and breezy. They can also be quite worried. This zodiac sign is ruled by Mercury – the planet of intellect and communication. This means that a Gemini mom's brain never shuts off. The result of this mental restlessness is becoming very opinionated and eccentric. This particular brand of maternal instinct is a unique blend for parenting.
• STRENGTH: Leadership, confidence, playfulness, and creativity.
• WEAKNESS: Excessive energy, drama, self-centeredness, and Pollyanna tendencies.
The creative but dramatic Leo mom always leave her signature stamp wherever life brings her. Parenting is considered to be the ultimate personal expression for Leo mothers, for this is a job that you can confidently throw yourself into. A Leo mom has a natural tendency to become hands-on in almost every aspect of their kids' lives. You take a great pride in raising successful and capable citizens who will do great things in the future.
While a Leo mom may not mean to be mean, they can be a bit strict about their standards. As a Leo mom, you may be a strong act to follow since you are an achiever yourself. One Leo mom has a successful brand – training teachers, giving classes, and making workout videos. She's doing all this while taking care of her toddler and infant twins.
You may hold yourself to very high standards because you achieve them easily, but you don't realize that you are pushing your children too hard. You believe that once your children become a successful lawyer, doctor, artist or businessman, your meanness will be worth it. Plus, your inherent sense of entitlement can be advantageous to your family. Nothing and no one can influence you when you're on a mission, even if your children turn out to be your complete opposite in beliefs, career, and lifestyle. You definitely have a strong influence on their upbringing.
Leo moms may be strict, but they also party hard. When she decides to celebrate, she definitely goes all out! You consider yourself as the perfect party planner. No party can match a Leo mom's unrestrained layout. When it comes to giving presents, you certainly shine in this particular area. Some people may think that you are spoiling your kids rotten but you don't care about their opinion.
Whether you shower your children with kisses and hugs or show your love by faithfully being there for every important time, there is no doubt that your kids are your source of pride and joy.
• STRENGTH: Organization, structure, intellect, common sense, and healthy habits.
• WEAKNESS: Anxiety, worry and neuroses, and judgmental tendencies.
The Virgo mom is a free-spirited or upright mom. This sign is an interesting mix of contrasts. Sometimes, the Virgo inside orders you to become organized, making plans, direct and even micromanage. There are times, though, that you want to let it loose and play naturally. While some Virgo moms play motherhood like fish to water, hanging it all loose may require some time to adjust, especially if they are introverts who love personal space and time. The children invading your personal space may be a huge loss rather than a reward. Shifting from Ph.D. to teaching kids ABC's can be hard especially for intellectual Virgos.
However, despite your obsessive nature, Virgo moms also have an easy side. You can easily get along with a Sagittarius, who rules over travel and adventure. This sign offsets any signs of anxiety that you feel; it helps you understand the bigger picture and be confident that your kids will be okay.
You might want to do some research as to how you can improve your mother's instinct. Donald Winnicott, a psychoanalyst, developed the theory that the way to become a good mother is that you need to be three-dimensional to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your kids. However, do not make them the center of your universe to the point that you are depleting yourself. This is particularly challenging for Virgo moms who like to make everything perfect. If there is one thing that motherhood can teach you, it's how you ease up on your self-critical tendencies and give yourself a well-deserved rest.
• STRENGTH: Willpower, strength, instinct, and resilience.
• WEAKNESS: Emotional unavailability, control, paranoia, intensity to a fault, and obsessiveness.
A Scorpio mom has a curious mixture of quirk, control, and inspiration. She can sometimes be intimidating. Your mood dictates your children's attitude towards you; they may love you or hate you for that. One strong stare from a willful Scorpio mom is enough to keep a child straight. Moms under this zodiac sign are fiercely protective; you defend your kids using your irrepressible strength and spirit. Nobody will ever dare to cross you because of your powerful presence.
Most Scorpio moms adapt to motherhood fast. Considered as an emotional water sign, your parenting qualities are automatic. Although you may be a bit slower to warm up to the people around you, there is no doubt that your child will capture you in a heartbeat. Years later and you will find that getting attached is not the problem; it's letting go.
Scorpio moms are also known to work hard to ensure their children's bright future. One fine example is Kris Jenner – the mother of the Kardashian kids. She worked very hard to guarantee that her family has a rock-solid future. Scorpio rules the sign's eighth house of wealth, long-term finance, and joint ventures. Financial security is very important to you, and your natural mother instinct tells you that you have to work hard for your children.
The life of a Scorpio mom may feel like a game of chess, but the "queen" always wins in the end. Your controlling, plotting, sidestepping, and maneuvering is all part of a grand plan between you and the whole universe, which whispers in your ear compared to all the other zodiac signs. Moreover, Scorpio is one of the most intuitive members, and you faithfully trust your own instinct more than anything else.
• STRENGTH: Comfort, sensibility, style, and devotion.
• WEAKNESS: Fearfulness, mood swings, jealousy, and overprotectiveness.
As the zodiac sign that governs all things matriarchal, you are considered as the mother superior of all the signs. Cancer mom's maternal instincts are hardwired intricately into their DNA. You have been a nurturer from a very young age to your siblings, friends, toys, pets, and to those who need motherly love. Some zodiac signs are ambivalent about kids; however, Cancer moms feel that they are born for the job.
Your fourth house of motherhood is governed by beauty-loving and balanced Libra – the sign of relationships. This gives you an uncompromising style to your family and a talent for making a comfortable and beautiful home. You are deeply invested in your relationship with your kids. This will make you their all-time confidante. You may be a hard-shelled and impenetrable most of the time, but you are definitely soft and sensitive on the inside.
Related: Heal from Mom Stress with the Help of Reiki
Motherhood can certainly bring healthy side effects on your social life. Most Cancer moms are shy and reserved on the surface but your kids will give the perfect excuse for you to connect with other parents. Your blooming social circle could be filled with moms of your kids' friends or those that you meet through PTA meetings. Talking about your kids' experiences provides you a good screening process that allows to you determine trustworthy people. Hearing about their unique views about schooling, diet, discipline and other things, you get a grasp of their values and instantly compare it with yours. Later on, you'll be able to open yourself and start a sincere friendship with them. A real sign of trust is when you invite them to your home.
As a Cancer mom, you can be a bit snob, but also become a true-blue friend whose bonds can be compared to a family. You don't allow other people into your life easily. However, once they're in, they become a part of you forever. You expect a high value of loyalty from them. The same thing with becoming your children's friend; you cherish them more than the friendship of other people.
• STRENGTH: Fairness, style, patience, and refinery.
• WEAKNESS: Vanity, inconsistency, and snobbery.
Parenthood can be a bit stressful, especially if you are trying to seek a balance between your kids and yourself. Being a mom always bring out the Libra in you, as you constantly try to find your center point in the midst of all the chaos in your home. You are born under a sign that is known for being easy-going, you suddenly become structured and vain once you have kids.
Libra is also the zodiac sign of relationships. Contrary to what other self-help books proclaim, you find happiness when you think you are living your life for another person. Your children are the perfect excuse to live your life that way. Like a mermaid to water, organizing your life and your children's come naturally to you.
Libra moms love all the conventional frills of childhood – from oversized dollhouses down to extravagant tea parties and intricate train tracks. Libras certainly don't like to be rushed, which is good when you are spending time with your kids. You can be in the moment without any problems whatsoever. Libra moms are easily amused by her kids' antics and love their quirks and silly questions. You are happy to spend countless hours explaining why the sky is blue or help them understand where people go when they die.
In that aspect, even though Libra moms already have children, they still don't want to look haggard. You still like to dress adorably and extend your style down to your children. Your own vanity can be a good point especially when you are helping your kids decide about certain things. However, they tend to lose their own personality because you overpower them. Remind yourself that they are not your show ambassadors. Let them explore and develop their own style and individuality. This way, they will be able to appreciate all the things around them using their own sound judgment.
• STRENGTH: Traditional values, planning, structure, patience, consistency, and thoughtfulness.
• WEAKNESS: Anxiety, worry, pessimism, overly cautious, and seriousness to a fault.
Capricorn is considered as the father of zodiac signs. This provides you an interesting twist to your parenting style. If you are a single mom, this trait is advantageous because you are able to see through a father's perspective, which is something that your children need. The zodiac signs ruling planet is Saturn – the strict commonly associated with structure and masculinity.
Motherhood is not all about being feminine at all times; it's also about being decisive and organized. You are always about setting limits to what your kids get. This effectively teaches them about life's important lessons. You may feel the need to be close to your children, but you don't necessarily see yourself becoming their best friends. The age-based hierarchy is fine with you, as long as they don't disrespect you. You always respect tradition and would go to any lengths to teach your kids to preserve them.
Capricorn moms are tough; you give hard lessons and firm hugs. You may not be the most touchy-feely person, but you love to show your love through your actions. How this manifests in your own family depends heavily on your own upbringing. Capricorn moms have a tendency to play dutiful soldiers, thus keeping their emotions checked. You may have experienced hardships during your childhood, but this will provide a solid background for success for your own family.
Notable Capricorn moms are Katie Couric and Michelle Obama. They exude a feminine beauty that glows over a layer of strength and independence. As a Capricorn mom, you are considered as the rock of your family, the force that keeps it together no matter what happens. Like the song "She Works Hard for the Money," you work very hard to provide for your children. You have a solid work ethic, and escape from obligations is definitely not a choice.
• STRENGTH: Originality, open-mindedness, youthfulness, and fairness.
• WEAKNESS: Turbulence, drama, boundaries, and detachment.
Aquarius moms have a unique character that is very impossible to put in a box. You are affectionate yet reserved, strict yet spontaneous. Aquarius moms are said to be the world's smoothest control freak. You may be a unicorn-riding Pollyanna who is about rainbows and butterflies but you are also the most cynic person on the block. You are all about organized chaos which reflects in your ever-changing parenting style. As an Aquarius mom, you may have experienced to from smooth-sailing adventure to roller coaster crazy, but it's definitely not boring. You see your motherhood as a journey and you want your kids to experience it as long as possible.
Your ruling planet is Uranus, which is connected to surprises, rebellion, and emotional detachment. Your motto could be "expect the unexpected". Aquarius moms are known to feel uncomfortable about intimacy because you are more relaxed about casual relationships. You might be emotional one moment and then be a fearsome monster on the other. Even though you give the appearance of being outgoing, hot and cold are just your settings. It may take a while before you find yourself as a mother.
Being in the moment with your kids is not always easy. Aquarius moms don't do well on balancing the past and the present, thus becoming sentimental at times. You like drama in your life, whether you accept it or not. However, you can always counteract it with your strong individual identity. Even though you have become a mother, it is always important to maintain your youthful and outgoing appearance. If you love going to sports games, music festivals, art exhibits, always find time to do so. If you try to become the perfect mother, you will find yourself regretting it and rebelling against everything you built. The right balance is the key to becoming the ideal mother for your children.
• STRENGTH: Humor, perspective, adventurous, and wisdom.
• WEAKNESS: Rudeness, impatience, lack of structure, and unnecessary spontaneity.
Considered as the zodiac signs freest sign, a Sagittarius mom live in the moment and always act on pure instinct and impulse. You love your freedom, that's why being a mother is a surreal feeling. Parenting is truly a huge challenge and lifestyle change for you. While you can be great with kids, they also need a huge chunk of your time and energy. Your free-styling days are finally over once you hear the echoes of your child's first cry. As a mom, you now need to focus not only on yourself but also on young lives that are now depending on you.
Becoming a parent will definitely take some time to adjust. Your sign is ruled by Jupiter, the planet associated with abundance and wealth. Sagittarius moms have a tendency to overcommit – work until exhausted – or the opposite – avoid responsibilities altogether. You are like a soldier – shoot first, then ask questions later. This kind of spontaneous spirit may work like a double-edged blade. Your freestyling can make your life fun; take your kids to the circus, go out of town for several days, and buy them presents even if it's not their birthday. However, you certainly need an improvement when it comes to structure and planning.
So how exactly do you transform into an ideal mom? The answer – you don't have to. Just always bear in mind that you can always be the same person you are even if you have kids already. Make sure your kids learn from you while you are doing household chores or having fun. Do you need to repaint your kitchen? Give your kids brush and let them paint a corner. Your garden needs watering? Simple! Let your kids grab a sprinkler and let them water the plants. Let them join you in one of your adventures. This way, you become a leader and your kids become a good follower. You instill good leadership traits on them. You'll be surprised to learn that you guys are bonding even on the smallest things in your life.
While "freedom" may be your middle name, you still need to deal with your kids one way or another. You just need to find a balance between fun and your responsibilities. After all, you are still a person who happens to be a mother and not a mother who happens to be a person. Just remember that you don't need to be a perfect mother at all times. Your inherent sense of humor will make sure that you bear the parenthood challenge with a smile.
• STRENGTH: Imagination, compassion, creativity, and nurture.
• WEAKNESS: Eccentricity, instability, manipulation, and guilt.
The Pisces mom is considered as a seductive siren and earth mother rolled into one! You like to hide your family in a comfy but luxurious bubble, and you have a matching wardrobe to show. Even if you are wearing sweatpants, you can still manage to look great and ready for a photo shoot. You exude a warm charm that is very inviting to other moms. You may be demanding when it comes to satisfying your tastes, but your doors are always open and ready to welcome guests. Similarly, you are empathic and eccentric, sensitive and spiritual, but you are also full of wisdom. You certainly know how to treat yourself like a goddess and inspire other moms to be the same.
The Pisces mom has plenty of quirks. You can say that your heart is in the right place even though your head is not. You have a natural tendency to make a simple family dinner into an Alice in Wonderland style Mad Hatter tea party. There are definitely no dull moments in your family because of you, and your kids will always wonder about your next party trick. You can easily come up with crazy ideas in your sleep such as your next family vacation and road trip. Albert Einstein, a fellow Pisces once said that "the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination."
The negative side of your unlimited imagination is instability or lack of boundaries. You can embarrass your kids as they grow older because of your lack of structure. Because you absolutely hate being told what to do next, this might have a great effect on the way you discipline your kids. This can be particularly true when you are telling them that they need to go to sleep or eat their vegetables. The struggle will always be an issue if you let your crazy antics rule your home over discipline. If you feel like you can't do it alone, the best way to deal with it is by having a partner (husband, babysitter, your own parents) to manage your home.
Your children know that they will always have your support and there is no sacrifice that you won't make for them. They will bask themselves in your motherly adoration, spoil them, and feel like they are elevated on a pedestal. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you make sure that they don't lose their respect to you. You have your own life but always make sure that you maintain your closeness with your children over the years. If managed to accomplish this, you will become their best friend, confidante, and social director.


text: Kohei Oda is a botanist. But not just any botanist. He runs a shop in Hiroshima called Qusamura (pronounced, kusamura), where he sells one-of-a-kind, slightly off-beat cacti with "nice faces." But not in the human sense. Many of his plants appear to be from another planet. Over on his blog he's even started pairing different plants with their own matching yokai – supernatural monsters that appear in Japanese folklore.


text:
Dear Sir
I refer to the recent PCC meeting, in which it was revealed that £74.22 was spent on cleaning and refurbishment of choir robes this May.
I have personally always saved the church money by carrying out repairs and laundering my own robes. However after 38 years in the choir I feel I can no longer carry the financial burden.
I therefore enclose an invoice for £92.89. It has been a hard month.
Yours etc
Norbert Dranesqueezer, Chester Street
Dear Sir
I hear the Fresh Expressions group have suggested we might have a C!own Service.
Clowns in the Church? Don't make me laugh.
Yours etc
Burlington O'Brien, Church Lane, Gt Tremlett
Dear Sir
I have played the song back repeatedly. And done extensive research. And there is no doubt about it.
The sea creatures mentioned in the B52s' "Rock Lobster" sound nothing like they do in the song.
What does the Archdeacon plan to do about this?
Yours etc
Ranulf Bling, Station Road, Great Tremlett
Dear Sir
The Cholmondley-Cholmonley family have owned Cholmondeley Manor for three hundred years, ever since Sir Charlton "Chummy" Cholmondley-Cholmonley won the old place in a game of cards from Sir Robin Lighteley-Mincing.
And yet I find I am not allowed to prevent the villagers from watching Channel Four. Truly Bin Laden has won.
Yours etc
Rt Hon Alicia Cholmondley-Cholmonley, Cholmondeley Manor, Woodby Chapel End.
Dear Sir
I noticed that, during the summer months, Reverend Joanna gave up wearing the chasuble due to the heat. As a result, in that rather well-cut cassock-alb, I think it is true to say her gracious movements lit up our ancient old building's time-honoured liturgies.
My wife says please could she not do that again.
Yours etc
Rob Runes, Church Lane, Gt Tremlett
Dear Sir
At this start of the Methodist year, when so many Methodist ministers are moving to new locations, let us spare a thought for these closest of our relatives in the Church family.
I mean. Imagine being a Methodist. Dreadful.
Yours etc
Felicity Broadstairs, Tremlett Road, Woodby
Dear Sir
Some have objected to the suspension of the Sunday Club during the vacation. But I needed a break after the previous 44 weeks of unbroken teaching.
44 weeks. Every week knowing that, whatever craft activity I devise, Liam will eat it. Removing glue from Chardonnay's hair every week. Aaron throwing glitter over Samanfa. Every week. For 44 weeks.
Sunday Club will restart on the second Sunday of September. I'm really looking forward to a new year of fun, games and activities!
Yours etc
Cassandra Chamois, Peanut Cottage, Lt Tremlett
Dear Sir
A flutter of excitement last month as a pigeon found itself trapped in St Audrey's. A charming little fellow. And such a to-do as the parishioners wondered how best to remove it! A net, luring it with corn? Just leaving the door open? We even made the local news!
Eventually I decided I should act for the community. I give no details. But people said they enjoyed that pie at the church bring n share picnic.
I'll say no more.
Yours etc
The "Masked Avenger"
Dear Sir
As Harvest comes round, people often wonder what to do with the surfeit of pumpkins that are donated to the Festival. We give away some of our food offerings to the food bank, of course, but most poor people could not eat a whole one.
And many find pumpkin a bland food! But fear not – here is the Dumpling family recipe, passed down through many generations.
Ingredients: 1 large pumpkin; 400g strong white flour; 2 red onions; 4 potatoes; 1 red chilli; 1 bottle Madeira wine; 1pt chicken stock; salt and pepper to taste.
Step 1: Drink the Madeira
Step 2: Wonder what you did with the other ingredients.
Yours etc
Major J Dumpling, "Rodney's Rest", Lt Tremlett
Dear Sir
I regret to announce that the autumn Bible Study course has been cancelled. It clashed with the Trim Valley Morris Men.
I don't mean the two groups were scheduled for the same time. I mean they literally clashed. Blood all over last year's Spring Harvest study notes. Terrible.
Yours etc
Romilly Randers, Cave Road, Little Tremlett
Dear Sir
Already the nights draw in and we think of the ingathering of first fruits, roads choked with combine harvesters and the gentle bubbling of homemade wine..
"A Victorian Harvest in the Trim Valley"
The setting sun o'er Chapel Wood
Sets the fields glowing in golden haze
The villagers still barley mow
In these so-shortening autumn days.
The apples, green and red, hang sweet
And soft, before first frosty breath,
Are chestnuts, brown as the labourers' arms
And bejewelled berries, black as death.
Death death death
Death death death death death
Death death death
Death death
Wishing you all a mellow and fruitful harvest tide.
Yours etc
Mellissa Sparrow (Mrs), The Hollow, Grilsby-on-the-Hill


text:
** Message To Our Customers**
Please know we are taking all steps of precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Summer Allure Collection
Regular price
** Cruelty-Free** Handmade Fullstrip Silk Eyelashes. When handled with care, our lashes can be worn upwards of 25 wears. Easily customizable to fit eyelashes perfectly to ensure no poking or discomfort. Our lashes are very natural looking as well as affordable. Guaranteed to gain admirers whenever worn.


text:
Test winner - not always the safest alternative.
The Swedish NTF(The national association for trafic security) has a article on their website on how to interpret testresults. It is important to read the car seats tests thourougly, the test winner seat doesn't necessary have to be the safest alternative.
The article says(amongst other things) something that is important to remember: No matter which place the rear facing car seat has got in the test it is still better than the forward facing car seats. The tests doesn't take into account that it is recommended to have the kids rear facing for as long as possible. The article, link HERE.
In May 2007 a test was published, that test have been much noted. The results could be read in VG(and other magazines) and there was a report on the tv-show God Morgen Norge on TV 2. There is a number of points of weakness in this test, one of many is that seats in different weightclassses was tested against each other.
Akta Graco's seat Duologic only got three points under the criteria userfriendliness, that counts for 50% of the overall total score, this contributed to the average score that this seat got on this test. Under the criteria safety Duologic got the highest acchivable score(5 points) in front collision. While the seat HTS BeSafe iZi Comfort X1 only got 3.5 points in front collision, still this seat ended up with a higher total score than the DuoLogic seat. It is important to know that a front collision is the most powerful collision that one can experience,that is why it is important to have a seat that is as secure at possible in a front collision. Akta's seat did beat HTS's seat on several categories under the safety criteria.
After this test was published Trygg Trafikk recommended the consumers to read the entire test and to look away from the eyes given on the dices in this test.
In Sweden the Säkerhetsbutiken also has an article consering this test.
A recommendation: Read the test thoroughly and think about which criteria that is of more importance. Is it more important that the seat should be easy as possible to install or is it more important that it is the seat that is safest for your child?


text:
IPL5: The Five Best and Worst Moments
We're pretty much half way through the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League, so it seems an opportune moment to take a look at the highs and lows of the Twenty20 cricket tournament so far. And who can resist top-five countdowns?
Top Five Moments in IPL5:
1. Sourav Ganguly Celebrates: Dada was a sight to behold after he took the wicket of Kevin Pietersen, one of the Delhi Daredevils' many danger men, at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on April 21. Pietersen swung at and missed the delivery, which was Ganguly's very first in IPL5, and the ball clattered the off-stump, prompting the former Indian captain to wheel away roaring in triumph, leaping like a demented, hirsute salmon, his right fist clenched and raised. It was literally a hair-raising celebration, as this clip shows.
After witnessing his Pune Warriors team-mate charging around the outfield, Yuvraj Singh decided it was time for a hairstyle intervention, writing on Twitter: "Dada running long on! Hair is going long off.'
2. Chris Gayle's Six Blitz: It's no surprise that the big Jamaican features in the IPL highlights, as he is a true giant of the T20 game. Gayle is yet to score a century in IPL5, but has still set off some batting fireworks with 68 runs against Chennai Super Kings, 81 against Pune Warriors, and 87 against Kings XI Punjab. The innings against Pune was his most ferocious, featuring a phenomenal five sixes in five deliveries. Spare a thought for Rahul Sharma, the bowler at the time, and also for the unfortunate spectator who wore one of the sixes on her face. Gayle later tweeted about visiting the girl in hospital: "Visit Tia who got hit by 1 of my 6s, broken nose :(..her 1st word to me is to Chill,She's fine!xxx"
3. Dougie Bollinger's Outrageous Over: The IPL, and T20 cricket in general, throws up some pretty amazing passages of play, and none more so than the final over by Chennai Super Kings' ever popular Dougie Bollinger's against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This is how it went: W-W-1-W-W-6. Admittedly one of those wickets was a run out, but any over that features four wickets and a six is something to behold. Shame about that single though, for which Daniel Vettori is to blame. The match as a whole, between last year's finalists, was a T20 classic that went down to the final delivery, as Chennai chased down Bangalore's fearsome target of 205 thanks to some spectacular late heroics from Albie Morkel, who scored 28 from just seven balls.
3(i). A Dougie Footnote: Dougie Bollinger's personal highlight might just be getting the opportunity to show U.S. pop star Katy Perry how to bat, at least that's what I think he was doing, during the IPL's opening ceremony. However, the less said about the tedious opening ceremony itself, the better.
4. A.B. de Villiers the Magnanimous: Royal Challengers Bangalore are getting a lot of airtime here, but A.B. de Villiers deserves to be recognized for generously giving his man of the match award to team-mate K.P. Appanna following their win over the Rajasthan Royals on April 23. "I had a good game, I enjoyed my batting," said de Villiers, who scored 59 off just 23 balls. He went on to say, "I'd like to hand over this award to the man who took four wickets, K.P. Appanna. I haven't done this before. It's a team game." Ahhh, bless. The South African has every right to be in a lovey-dovey mood given that he just got engaged to his fiancée on April 8, at the Taj Mahal no less.
5. Delhi Daredevils Finally Performing*: After coming last in IPL4 and hardly setting the tournament alight in previous editions, it seems the Delhi Daredevils have finally come good thanks to the smart recruiting of stars such as Kevin Pietersen, Ross Taylor and Mahela Jayawardene. Morne Morkel has also been outstanding as a strike bowler, taking 16 wickets so far, which has earned him the purple cap. Pietersen has been in fine form with the bat, scoring only one of the two centuries so far in this IPL. The other century-maker – and the tournament's leading run-scorer – is Ajinkya Rahane, who deserves a mention in the top five IPL highlights as he has been fantastic. Delhi Daredevils are top of the table with 10 points and a game in hand over most other teams.
*On a purely self-indulgent note, I'm happy to see this after predicting in March that Delhi would win the IPL this year. Back then, the team was ignored by pundits and "experts" who were backing the likes of Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.
And now IPL5's Lowlights:
1. Rain, Rain, Go Away: What is going on India?! Normally at this time of year we're in a soggy, sweaty mess, clawing to get closer to our malfunctioning air-conditioners. IPL batsmen, meanwhile, are typically seen unloading liters of sweat from their helmets every five minutes. But recent weeks have seen monsoon-like conditions in much of India, particularly in the past few days, causing matches to be abandoned. And we can't even blame the government for failing to push through much-needed weather reforms. Or can we…? On the plus side, Deccan Chargers finally got a point after their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was canceled last Sunday.
2. Preity Zinta's Ugly Intervention: The Bollywood actor and owner of Kings XI Punjab caused a stir after she ranted at match officials following the controversial dismissal of Shaun Marsh in a match against Kolkata Knight Riders. It's bad enough when players react angrily to the decision of umpires – indeed it's an increasingly common sight in cricket, despite heavy fines for dissent – but it takes things to a whole new unsavory level when owners and spectators get involved (seeing Preity Zinta so mad was pretty funny though.)
3. Shocker - Adam Gilchrist Misses Match: The great Australian captain of Kings XI Punjab had to sit out his team's match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (yes, them again) on April 20 after tearing his hamstring in the loss to Kolkata Knight Riders four days earlier. Incredibly it was the first time the 40-year-old had missed an IPL match. Even more incredible is the fact that in his dazzling career for Australia, he didn't miss a single international because of injury.
4. Deccan Chargers in Despair*: Nobody likes to see a team suffer, unless you are a rival supporter of course, but suffering is what the Deccan Chargers are doing this IPL, having failed to notch up a single victory so far. Kumar Sangakkara's men have come close, tantalizingly so against Mumbai Indians on April 9, until Rohit Sharma put them to the sword with a six off the last ball of the match.
*Update: Deccan finally won on Thursday evening, beating Pune Warriors by 18 runs. So the team now has three points and is sitting pretty on the IPL championship table. In last place.
5. Lalit Modi's Tweets: Ok, ok, nobody forces you to follow them on Twitter, but one feels duty bound to see what the IPL's founder-in-exile has to say as the tournament unfolds. Credit where credit's due, Modi is super quick on tweeting what is happening during a match, but there's not much enlightening about just saying "big wicket," even if it fits admirably within the 140 character limit. Worse are the mawkish retweets he fires out like a deranged machine gunner. For someone who describes himself on his website as the "most successful and visionary entrepreneur of India," it's hardly surprising that Lalit Modi isn't the most self-effacing sort, but following his Twitter timeline can be a nauseating endeavor, with retweets such as "it's coz of ur greatness. Million dollar ipl is ur's baby" and (hopefully tongue firmly in cheek) "you are like Moses, led followers to promised land (IPL), but banished from it."
You can follow Will and India Real Time on Twitter @WillMHDavies and @indiarealtime.
What have been your highs and lows of this year's IPL so far? Please share your thoughts in the Comments section.


text:
Many dog owners have to ask how to stop dogs from biting, at least once in their dog's lifetime and it can be very stressful trying to determine what it takes to control that behaviour. A dog that bites is obnoxious at first, but as they age, they become dangerous, both to strangers and to your family. If your dog bites, no matter how old they are, take action quickly to stop it.
How to Stop Dogs from Biting as Puppies
The easiest and most important time to pinpoint this behaviour and stop it is when the dog is still a puppy. A puppy under six months of age is very easy to retrain because it is still in the formative years of its life when dogs generally learn how to bite in the wild.
The big problem here is that many people assume their puppies are merely playing or teething and not really trying to hurt them. Unfortunately, what is really happening is that your puppy is learning how to assert its position in the pack, using its teeth to show who is in charge. If you want to know how to stop dogs from biting, it starts right here, when they are still very open to learning.
There are many ways to stop your puppy from biting. Most of them will mimic how the puppy would be treated with its litter mates and mother. A light nip on the neck, a whining noise when you are bitten, and replacement therapy where you hand the dog a toy instead of your hand are all good ways to teach the dog that biting other people is not acceptable. If you have trouble teaching your puppy to stop nipping, you should go to an obedience school or hire a trainer.
How to Stop Dogs from Biting at One Year
If a puppy is allowed to nip and bite and show that it is in charge of the household, it will move on to play biting when it is a teenager at around one year of age. Any number of factors can contribute to this behaviour. You should stop playing physical games with your dog right away. No wrestling, tug of war or other dominance related games.
Additionally, stop allowing your dog the run of the house. Give them boundaries, cut them down to a specific range of motion, even crate training them if necessary. A good obedience training program can be very helpful with a teenage dog that bites.
How to Stop Dogs from Biting as they Age
If your dog continues to get away with their biting behaviour, eventually it will evolve into a big problem as an adult. The dog might "turn on" their owner, but in reality, the dog always stays himself as the leader of the pack.
If your dog bites or nips at anyone after one year of age, you need to find a professional immediately because there is serious danger here and the dog might choose to assert its dominance at any time with an attack.
When learning how to stop dogs from biting, you need to start at as early an age as possible. With only a few exceptions for disease or mental disorder, dogs who bite as adults had issues as puppies that could have been resolved.


text:
Kalyani Group and Fabbrica D'armi Pietro Beretta SpA of Italy are in advance level of talks to forge...
Pune-based diversified Kalyani Group recently said it will invest Rs 600 crore for upgradation and o...
The Indian Air Force, in its flight trials evaluation report submitted before the Defence Ministry l..
An insight into the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition...
Sky enthusiasts can now spot the International Space Station (ISS) commanded by Indian-American astr..
Brahmand.com is a dedicated online Defence & Aerospace news portal. The website gives a complete, swift and day-to-day coverage of all latest happenings in the world of Defence and Aerospace in an accurate, objective, credible and comprehensive manner.
Our aim is to become an internationally renowned web portal providing timely and accurate information to our readers from around the world.
Business & Marketing Manager Praveen Pathak, Chief General Manager (Mkt. Prom. & Export) & Corporate IT HoD
Special Editorial Adviser Ruslan Pukhov ,Director, Centre for Analysis of Strategies & Technologies
Moscow, Russia
© Brahmand.com 2018.
Designed & Developed By Brahmand.com


text:
Whew looking back at 2017 was a another year of firsts; Farthest North in the Sea (Bahia Los Angeles), Sail plan for downwind sailing (Double headsails), Thanksgiving away from home (La Paz), Visit to the Southern mainland (Mazatlán and others), Teeth cleaned in a foreign country, and many more. We just keep finding more things that we love about Mexico. Initially the plan was to do a Pacific crossing in a few years but there is so much to see in Mexico this plan is on indefinite hold.
Year end summary…
|Miles sailed:
|Days spent sailing:
|Nights at anchor
|Nights at sea
|Nights on the hard
|Nights in marinas
|Nights on mooring balls
|Nights living aboard
|Number of crew (excluding Chris and Jean)
|Number of anchorages
|Number of marinas
|Number of haul outs
|Expenses (over $100):
|Anchor bridle:
|Rudder interconnect:
|Rudder bearings:
|Anchor guide:
|Saildrive transmission repair:
|Bottom paint, to gelcoat and built back up:
Here is the 2017 list of boat projects (minor items and maintenance not included):
|Replace Anchor bridle
|Replace water filters
|Replace Rudder bearings (both sides)
|Remove foil
|Install new anchor guide
|Remove through hull plugging
|Install 55 pound Mantus anchor
|Check batteries/BMS
|Dinghy oil change
|Install new anchor
|Install redesigned rudder interconnect
|Mark anchor chain lengths
|Repair SB saildrive shifter
|Install screecher blocks
|Hurricane season cleaning
|Test Propane values and system
|Engine, Oil and filter change
|Replace cabinet latches
|Remove sails and run messanger lines
|Temp repair on watermaker boost pump
|Remove Stackpack
|Clear port holding tank obstruction
|Foil exterior windows
|Unclog SB sink
|Foil blocks and winches
|Clean and remove corrosion on sail drive bolts
|Winterize Dinghy motor
|Clean and remove corrosion rivets on mast
|Dinghy change oil
|Reattach Velcro to ceiling panel
|Flush dinghy outboard motor with fresh water
|Reattach barameter
|Run-out fuel in carb
|Replace anchor lightbulb
|Install watermaker pickling valve and hose
|Wash topping lift line
|Install sails and running rigging
|Adjust hatch hinge tension
|Replace fuel filters
|Apply sailtape to jib
|Repair shower gluper pump
|Lube saloon window struts
|Replace engine zincs
|Clean head sea water screens
|Clean and inspect rigging
|Upgrade Iridium
|Strip to gelcoat, new barrier coat and bottom paint
|Replace watermaker boost pump housing
|New 65 pound Mantus anchor
|Replace stern shower hose
|Label anchor chain locker with lengths
|Replace triangle zincs
|4200 on sail drive seals
|Dinghy replace outboard impellor and shift adjust
|Install stack pack
The rhythm of living in Mexico is addictive and we are excited to see what new adventure await us in 2018. Bring on the good times!


text:
The Wilton Fire Department will be having a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, January 31st. Dinner will be 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. And line dancing will be 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Dinner includes Baked Ham, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls, Desserts and Beverages. The cost of the dinner is $8.00, $6.00 for seniors. Line Dancing is $5.00. And Dinner & Dance is $12.00.
Dinner and Dance will be at Wilton Fire- Station 1, 270 Ballard Rd.
Please come and enjoy!


text:
Cloudscaling is a really interesting company run by a guy who really knows cloud computing, Randy Bias. It shows in their announcement today announcement today about Open Cloud Infrastructure.
Sure, we'll see a slew of cloud announcements at this week's Cloud Connect conference in Santa Clara, but you should take the time to read Randy's announcement. Here's why:
Cloudscaling's CEO Really Knows His Cloud
Randy is the former CTO of GoGrid, and we first met about a decade ago when we were both on the technology advisory board of Panorama Capital. Randy is one of those guys who grokked the cloud before we even agreed that we would call it "the cloud." While we were advising them, Panorama backed the founding of Vyatta, the earliest open source networking startup (and the one in use in many clouds today.)
This is a really good strategy announcement
So here's why the CloudScaling Open Cloud announcement is worth a look. It actually, honestly and truthfully, spells out the difference between enterprise clouds and open clouds, without any marketing BS. It also makes the case – convincingly – that enterprises need both an "enterprise cloud" (a private cloud built to service legacy apps) and an "open cloud" (a private or public cloud built to run cloud-ready applications).
This is a very rational discussion that goes beyond the faded "public, private, hybrid" marketing messaging that will surely be plastered on booths at Cloud Connect this week. (I'm there on Wednesday by the way, walking the floor – stop me and say hi!)
Anyway, in my experience, too often enterprises spend time and money trying to make enterprise apps fit on public clouds, or trying to build high scalability cloud infrastructure using enterprise tools that were never meant to scale.
Randy's blog post that accompanied the release was even more direct. Check out his cloud litmus test, replicated here for discussion.
Enterprise Cloud Litmus Test
If more than half of these are true, you have an enterprise cloud:
- Does this cloud focus on migration of existing applications in enterprise datacenters? (features like hypervisor compatibility, live migration, high availability SAN storage, etc.)
- Is it expensive, complex, and labor-intensive to operate?
- Do you find name-brand hardware throughout, creating lock-in?
- Does it encourage very complex networking?
- Are users obligated to contracts and monthly invoices? (no variable pricing options)
- Does it provide arbitrary 'pools' of 'resources' the the end-user has to carve up manually? (i.e. clock cycles, RAM, storage)
- Are you still in vendor-lock-in land? Delivering F5-as-a-service or Netscaler-as-a-service rather than Load-Balancing-as-a-Service?
That last one – Netscaler-as-a-service – made me smile. I was Director of Product Management at NetScaler when Citrix bought them, and later I was VP of Tech & Marketing at Zeus Technologies (the first virtual appliance load balancer), now named after a sea creature as a part of Riverbed.
Open Cloud Litmus Test
If more than half of these are true, you have an open cloud:
- Can you spin up 1,000 virtual servers in < 5 minutes?
- Are your tenants focused on using cloud-ready management platforms like RightScale and enStratus?
- Can you run a big data or Hadoop job on 1,000+ VMs for an hour without the system falling over?
- Are the basic networking and networking services (e.g. load balancing) simple, straightforward, and end-user manageable?
- Is it using standards-based APIs, de facto or not? (AWS? OpenStack?)
- Is the underlying physical infrastructure and cloud operations team focused on: homogeneity, modularity, common denominator solutions, and automation?
- Can you compete successfully against Amazon Web Services on price and service levels combined?
As a technologist with a knack for correctly predicting where things will go, my take on this is that Randy has made a brilliant move here. Instead of duking it out with VCE and Citrix for VM-based enterprise clouds, he's focusing Cloudscaling on open clouds that enterprises can run with the same scale and economics as public cloud providers. For large enterprises, this is huge – it lets them escape paying a "cloud tax" to large cloud service providers to run tens or hundreds of thousands of servers.
But a word of caution belongs here. I'm good at picking where technology will go, but not necessarily when, as evidenced by my interview in Entrepreneur Magazine in 1995 when I stated that within 2 years, companies wouldn't need paper catalogs anymore…we're STILL not there. But Randy is dealing with shorter timelines than that, and he's making the right move.
It is inevitable that open clouds will overtake enterprise clouds, but that process will take more than a decade. Now is the right time to focus on open clouds. That said, there are other OpenStack startups out there.
But none of them has ever laid it out as simply as Randy did. Nice job.
If you enjoyed this, Cloudscaling is having a cocktail party from 6:00 until 8:00 pm in the Magnolia room at the Hyatt Santa Clara (attached to the Santa Clara Convention Center where Cloud Connect is taking place), with food, drinks, music, etc. Sadly, I'm double booked so I won't be attending, but it's certain to be one of the best parties this week at Cloud Connect.


text:
<< Previous
Click on the image to return to article
The new 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S finished in Nero Aldebaran over black Dione wheels and red calipers
Photo copyright Mark Smeyers
View original resolution at 1280x853px
LamboCLUB resolution : 2400x1600px
<< Previous
Note : All information and images found on this site are copyright protected by their respective owners and are used for review purpose only, nothing found on this site may be reproduced in any form without prior consent from the actual owner. Please feel free to take a look at the copyright information and the legal disclaimer for more details on these issues.
Added on Dec 21. 2016
FileSize : 179 Kb
Downloads : 2415


text:
A Network Connecting School Leaders From Around The Globe
The Lost Art of Teaching for Understanding
Learning knowledge and skill are basic to American education. We want students to be knowledgeable in all the subject areas. We want students to be skillful in math, the crafting of writing, and the effective use of foreign languages. So we provide lots of time and effort to teaching knowledge and skills. Understanding does not mean just knowing something. A student can recite endless facts and demonstrate routine skills with very little understanding. Understanding is more nuanced. So why do we pursue understanding?
Knowledge and skill do not guarantee understanding. Knowledge and skills can be acquired without understanding the underlying concepts of the topic or when to use them. Therefore, knowledge and skills that are not understood do little good. Rote knowledge defies active use, and routine skills (eg. invert and multiple; find the common denominator) are often of poor service because students do not understand when to use them. In short, we must teach for understanding in order to realize the long-term payoffs
A math teacher asks her students to design the floor plan of a dance club, including dance floors, a place for a DJ, and a bar area. What's the goal? The floor plan consists of several geometric shapes and a prescribed total area. The students must apply what they have studied about the topic of area to create a sensible plan.
Down the corridor, another teacher asks students to explain about a time in their lives when they had been treated unjustly and a time when they had treated someone else unjustly. These students are reading works of literature, including To Kill a Mockingbird, that deals with issues of social justice. Making connections with students' own lives and creating their own generalizations will be a theme throughout this literature study.
In a science classroom, a student, using his own drawings, explains to a group of peers how a beetle mimics ants in order to invade their nests and eat their eggs. In this classroom each student has an individual teaching responsibility for the group. Providing explanations to one another develops a deep understanding of their topics.
In an elementary school, students studying ancient Egypt produce an on-line National Enquirer style, four-slide power point called King Tut's Chronicle. Headlines announce "Cleo in Trouble, Again?" Why? The format motivates the students and leads them to represent the topic in a new way.
In each case students are asked to think through concepts and situations, rather than memorize and respond on a quiz. Teachers are teaching and assessing for understanding. They want more and demand more from their students than remembering the formula for the area of a triangle, or three kinds of camouflage, or the date of King Tut's reign, or the names of the main characters in To Kill a Mockingbird. They want students to understand what they are learning, not just to know about it.
Teaching for understanding is neither easy nor is it particularly welcomed. However, it is essential because of the necessity to prepare students for further learning and effectively functioning in their lives.
Critics say: "We are already doing it"; "It takes too long to do within a crowded curriculum"; or "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Research says differently. Studies of students' misunderstanding of concepts in math include, among a multitude examples: misunderstandings students have from over generalizing rules for one operation and carrying them over inappropriately to another; difficulties in the use of ratios and proportions; confusion about what algebraic equations really mean; and many more. We start teaching fractions in the third grade and we teach the same operations over and other again each year for the next seven years. What's with that? Another example in science is the denial or misunderstanding of evolution; or the denial of climate change. Studies of students' reading abilities reveal that, while they can read the words, they have difficulty interpreting and drawing inferences from what they have read. Studies of writing show that students experience little success with putting together logical viewpoints that are well supported by arguments. Students write essays by telling what they know about a topic rather than finding and expressing a viewpoint. Students' understanding of history reveals that they suffer from problems such as projecting themselves into another time period and/or a different place. They fail to consider what Truman knew at the time he ordered the dropping of the atomic bomb. Shifts of perspective are essential for understanding history and the understanding of other nations, cultures, and ethnic groups today.
Imagine a gun fight in space. A handful of astronauts fire their guns at one another. What will happen? If you understand Newton's theory of motion, you will predict that by firing the guns, they will be thrust in an equal and opposite direction. The astronauts would soon be hundreds of miles away from one another. Making predictions is a demonstration of understanding, in this case of Newton's theory. Briefly stated, teaching for understanding involves designing demanding ways that students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding though performances. These performances usually involve the student being able to: explain, provide evidence, make a prediction, find examples, generalize, apply concepts, and/or create an analogy or a metaphor, or represent the concept in a new way.
Understanding performances are varied, they must be cognitively demanding; and they must challenge students to reach beyond what they already know. Typically, most activities are routine. To be fair, routine activities have value in teaching and reinforcing newly learned concepts, but they are not performances of understanding. Therefore, they do little to build understanding. Teaching for understanding is a tried and tested approach to raising student achievement.
What follows is a summary of how to teach and assess understanding:
Demonstrations of student understanding include the student: explaining, applying skills and knowledge, providing evidence and examples, predicting, generalizing, and creating an analogy or a metaphor.
Views: 208
© 2020 Created by William Brennan and Michael Keany Powered by


text:
Dusk becuase 1024×768 looks ok.
I updated my desktop settings to 1024×768 from
800×600 .When i did this the opera web and other aps gave me fits a for two days as i searched for better font settins.
on where to look.
tool for changing gtk fonts a plain text editor any.
tools for qt3 : use qtconfig.
tools for opera : use opera built in config.
type opera:config into opera's url space.
look for font menu and change to find a font size you like.
i'm not using firefox3 but there is a update for new firefox2 build.
I updated my firefox2.
you have to look under alturnitive downloads at mozilas site but it's their and it works good.
I don't need no firefox3. firefox2 still works and is still updated.
# filed under linux is confussing me some times.
bump 2008 July 7TH post
bump 2008july 7th post
the aliens are out there
I haven't posted here in a while.
I'v been at http://wardcraft.blogspot.com
nothing new her.
no new comments just spam.
it's been a slow week because of the holliday.
still nothing new here.
But one thing google adsence is crap.
crap censorship and crap google adsence admins.
crap crap crap.
filed under crap.


text:
Will the Supreme Court Put the Brakes on False Claims Act Litigation?
By Jesse A. Witten and Christian E. Piccolo
Later this term, in Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, No. 15-7 (S.Ct.), the Supreme Court will consider the validity, and possibly the contours, of the "implied certification" theory of False Claims Act liability. The decision, expected by June, will likely have far-reaching consequences for health care providers, defense contractors, and others who submit claims to the government.
The False Claims Act (FCA) imposes liability on one who presents or causes to be presented "a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval." Many courts have held that a claim that itself contains no false representations may nonetheless be "false or fraudulent" on the theory that, just by submitting the claim, the claimant implicitly represents that he or she has complied with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements that are conditions of payment.1 Consequently, if the claimant has not complied with all such requirements, then it has violated the FCA just by submitting the claim. This is referred to as the "implied certification" theory of FCA liability. Essentially, this theory permits liability even when a claim does not contain an actual misstatement.
Courts that have adopted the implied certification theory of liability are divided as to whether the implied representation of compliance must concern a statute or regulation that recites that it is a precondition of payment. For example, in Mikes v. Straus, 274 F.3d 687, 700 (2d Cir. 2001), the Second Circuit recognized that the implied certification theory could be read too expansively and out of context, and therefore explained that "this theory only applies when the underlying statute or regulation upon which the plaintiff relies expressly states the provider must comply in order to be paid." On the other hand, in United States ex rel. Hutcheson v. Blackstone Med., Inc., 647 F.3d 377, 387 (1st Cir. 2011), the First Circuit rejected the argument that legal preconditions of payment must be expressly designated as such in order to trigger the implied certification theory.
The Supreme Court granted certiorari in Escobar to consider the validity of the implied certification theory. In Escobar, Relators brought a qui tam action against Universal Health Services, Inc. ("Petitioner") relating to mental health services that their daughter received at a mental health clinic owned and operated by Petitioner's indirect subsidiary. While receiving treatment at the clinic, the daughter suffered two seizures and died. Following her death, Relators filed a qui tam complaint alleging that Petitioner violated the FCA by seeking reimbursement for services even though the clinic was allegedly out of compliance with Massachusetts Medicaid regulations requiring supervision of certain clinic staff members and requiring the employment of a board-certified psychiatrist and licensed psychologist. Relators alleged that the clinic impliedly certified compliance with these regulations by submitting claims for reimbursement.
Although the district court acknowledged that, under First Circuit precedent, a FCA claim could proceed on the theory of implied certification, the district court dismissed the complaint because Relators failed to identify any regulatory precondition to reimbursement that Petitioner had violated. The First Circuit reversed, holding that Relators' complaint adequately alleged the clinic's noncompliance with regulations that it interpreted as preconditions to payment. According to the First Circuit, preconditions to payment "which may be found in sources such as statutes, regulations, and contracts, need not be 'expressly designated.'"
The Supreme Court granted certiorari as to two questions:
(1) "Whether the 'implied certification' theory of legal falsity under the False Claims Act. . . is viable"; and
(2) "If the 'implied certification' theory is viable, whether a government contractor's reimbursement claim can be legally false under that theory if the provider failed to comply with a statute, regulation, or contractual provision that does not state that it is a condition of payment; or whether liability for a legally false reimbursement claim requires that the statute, regulation, or contractual provision expressly state that it is a condition of payment."
In its opening brief in the Supreme Court, Petitioner argued that the implied certification theory "finds no purchase in the text or history of the FCA and is unsupported by considerations of statutory purpose." Brief of Petitioner Universal Health Services, Inc., Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar, No. 15-7 (S.Ct. Jan. 19, 2016) at 28-29. Petitioner first examined the plain language of the statute and the meaning of the terms "false" and "fraudulent," concluding that "[t]he essence of 'falsity' is whether a statement made is incorrect, not whether a statement that was not made would have been incorrect," id. at 30, and that when an allegation of fraud is based on non-disclosure, there can be no fraud absent a duty to speak, id. at 31. Next, Petitioner examined the FCA's legislative history and policy reasons supporting rejection of the implied certification theory. Petitioner further explained that the implied certification theory "has the effect of putting words—false ones, at that—into [a] defendant's mouth, and then penalizing the defendant for those alleged falsities." Id. at 39-40.
In the alternative, Petitioner argued that if the Court recognizes the implied-certification theory, "its application must be limited to situations in which a defendant requests payment in violation of an expressly designated precondition payment." Id. at 41. Without such a restriction, there would be no way to determine what legal requirements could be the basis for imposing FCA punitive sanctions.
The relators and the United States filed briefs arguing in favor of the implied certification theory and arguing that the relators' complaint stated a claim for relief under the FCA.
The Court's decision in Escobar will have great significance for companies that do business with the government. Currently, health care entities and other companies operating in highly regulated fields do not know when they will be deemed to have "impliedly" certified compliance with a regulation enforceable under the False Claims Act. The Court's opinion may bring clarity on this important question.
The Supreme Court will hold oral argument in Escobar on April 19, 2016.
1See, e.g., United States ex rel. Hutcheson v. Blackstone Med., Inc., 647 F.3d 377, 387 (1st Cir. 2011) (applying implied certification theory of FCA liability and stating that preconditions of payment do not need to be expressly designated as such to give rise to false or fraudulent claim under this theory of liability); Mikes v. Straus, 274 F.3d 687, 700 (2d Cir. 2001) (holding that implied false certification theory is appropriately applied only when the underlying statute or regulation upon which the plaintiff relies expressly states the provider must comply in order to be paid); United States ex rel. Wilkins v. United Health Grp., Inc., 659 F.3d 295, 307 (3d Cir. 2011) (adopting implied certification theory of liability, but noting that this "theory of liability should not be applied expansively, particularly when advanced on the basis of FCA allegations arising from the Government's payment of claims under federally funded health care programs"); United States v. Triple Canopy, 775 F.3d 628, 637 (4th Cir. 2015) (recognizing implied certification theory of liability and "appreciate[ing] that this theory 'is prone to abuse' by parties seeking 'to turn the violation of minor contractual provisions into an FCA action'"); United States ex rel. Augustine v. Century Health Servs., Inc., 289 F.3d 409, 415 (6th Cir. 2002) (adopting implied certification theory of liability); United States ex rel. Ebeid v. Lungwitz, 616 F.3d 993, 995 (9th Cir. 2010) (same); United States ex rel. Conner v. Salina Reg'l Health Ctr., Inc., 543 F.3d 1211, 1217-18 (10th Cir. 2008) (same); United States ex rel. McNutt v. Haleyville Med. Supplies, Inc., 423 F.3d 1256, 1259 (11th Cir. 2005) (same); United States v. Sci. Applications Int'l Corp., 626 F.3d 1257, 1269 (D.C. Cir. 2010) (applying implied certification theory of liability and holding that "express contractual language specifically linking compliance to eligibility for payment" is not required); but see United States v. Sanford-Brown, Ltd., 788 F.3d 696, 711 (7th Cir. 2015) ("Although a number of other circuits have adopted this so-called doctrine of implied false certification . . . we decline to join them.").


text:
Mileena would be an awful choice of DLC for KP1.
Where's Fujin?
Fujin I can't wait to see how they redesign you.
I can easily see Shang Tsung being the 4-in-1 Triborg character for MK11 after that tease of Twitter.
Each character in MK11 has 60 skins and 8 Brutalities, as well as custom variations in which you can swap out special moves.
Having the "missing" male ninjas in via Tsung transformations makes sense, especially since the salt would be off the charts if Chameleon made the cut but Ermac, Reptile, Rain and Smoke didn't.
I wish people would get over Mileena already. This is like Kitana not being in MKD and Jade not being in MKX all over again. People where upset when Kitana was not in Deception. I still remember the Midway boards like yesterday.
If Mileena and Reptile sitting out means that Geras, Kollector or Cetrion took their place, then I'm 100% fine with that.
I don't see why the roster has to be stuck on the entirety of the Trilogy roster, game after game.
Man, the wait is killing me. It's 1:22 PM for NRS and nothing has pop up yet.
The PR communication has been horrendous. An unexpected Gamespot stream appears twenty minutes before the reveal, then one hour, then it goes down, Tyler claims he had no idea, Gamespot said they just guessed a Kombat Kast would happen … still no word on a trailer today.
What the actual . The incompetence is staggering.
Damn they are NEVER on time with these things. Hell skip the Kombat kast and post the DLC trailer on YouTube and call it the day
Her, Jax and Frost got added into the PSP Deception game because you had fans that where upset that they where not in the main roster for the console versions.
MK2 was probably the sequel that had little to no complaints.
Until MK9 of course.
So the leaks are real.
Oh damn is the internet gonna explode. Lol.
Haha, I told you there'd be no Fujin! Man, am I glad I gave this game a swerve.
Shang even morphs into Rain for his roundhouse kick. NRS are such dicks.
Where's Fujin?
There are currently 2 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 2 guests)


text:
Anyone involved in the Colorado Springs Arts scene knows Kat Tudor.
She and her husband Bob have made numerous contributions to the arts locally, including their latest project, Marmalade at Smokebrush.
Kat Tudor took some to talk to the CSBJ about Marmalade and local arts in general.
What is Marmalade?
Marmalade is the newest incarnation of the Smokebrush Foundation. It is a place where the healing and the creative arts meet. We are a gallery, studio and workshop space, event facility, and catalyst for new ideas, productions and interactive bliss in the community. We offer classes in yoga, Tai Chi, Qui Gong, Zumba, dance and meditation as well as workshops in painting, drawing, jewelry-making, improvisation, drumming, voice, and many other creative pursuits. We moved into our new facility in December 2010 and had our grand opening as part of a three day festival from April 8-10. The festival included free yoga, a Japanese tea ceremony, a Lakota Peace Pipe ceremony, folding 1,000 Cranes for Peace, a World Dance Party, a poetry slam and a Yogic Spiral for Peace. We continue to participate in First Fridays with a monthly art opening with live music, and we have recently added the Storytelling Project to the line-up.
What's your connection to the Colorado Springs arts scene? How did you become involved?
I have a long, collaborative history with the Colorado Springs art scene. After graduating from Colorado College with a degree in Studio Art, I settled here and worked with many organizations including the Colorado Springs Symphony, Manitou Arts Academy, Theatreworks, Bemis and Imagination Celebration as a teacher (art, dance, drama, puppet-making, creative writing), choreographer, visual artist, and designer before founding the Smokebrush Foundation in 1992.
Smokebrush was originally located on Nevada Avenue in the building where The Independent is now located . For 10 years. Smokebrush produced world-class theater productions as well as a multi-purpose arts facility. In 2001, my husband, Bob Tudor and I created the Uncle Wilber Fountain, which the Smokebrush Foundation donated to the city of Colorado Springs. Smokebrush relocated to the Depot Arts district in 2003 where we ran a gallery/event space and continued to collaborate with local organizations including the BAC, Futureself, UCCS, Concrete Couch and many others. In 2008, Bob and I created the Quarters for Conservation Stations at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. For the last four years, I have been leading Yogic Spirals for Peace which have taken place in America the Beautiful Park, atop Pikes Peak, in the Cornerstone Arts Center, and in Estes Park at the Yoga Journal Conference. During all this time, I studied yoga around the world and began teaching yoga 8 years ago. I find that art and yoga are very compatible as both help people open up to their creativity and deepest selves.
How have you seen the Colorado Springs arts culture grow?
I have watched the arts scene ebb and flow over the years. Currently, it's wonderful to see the number of galleries, theater groups and talented artists that make Colorado Springs their home. It is wonderful to have Copper, the Gay and Lesbian Fund, the Bea Vradenburg Foundation and the Pikes Peak Arts Council as supporters and funders for the arts. They make a tremendous difference.
Why is a vibrant arts culture important to a city?
I'm not a very objective about this question because the arts are part of my lifeblood, but I suppose the best way for me to answer this is to compare the atmosphere of Acacia park pre-Uncle Wilber to it's incarnation post-Uncle Wilber. It was an unhappy, dangerous and depressed area, a place where no one in their right mind would have taken their families to visit. I invite you to head down there this summer and let me know what art has done for the park. Art adds joy and energy to the mix.
Should public money be used to fund the advancement of the arts?
Let's just say that I'm not going to hold my breath until there's public funding for the arts.


text:
No matter what the business enterprise, a typically harsh winter anywhere in the world can have devasting effects on virtually every aspect of the industrial, commercial, manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
That is unless the proper common-sense precautions are taken to deal with, manage and ultimately overcome climatic realities that confront us during the cold season. High atop the priority list for many is the acquisition of versatile, durable, long-lasting and high affordable fabric structures.
At Calhoun Super Structures since 1992 we have been tirelessly examining all aspects of this increasingly popular structural option. To those in the business-community-at-large it has become the ideal alternative to conventional post-frame or stud-frame buildings.
The wide range of usages during the winter months is a particularly interesting facet of the fabric structure story.
Previously we looked back to the last glacial period of the Ice Age, from which shelters 44,000-50,000-years-old have been unearthed. Remains found in the Siberian Steppe show they were likely made from animal skins draped between sticks, used as the first dwellings for humans.
The earliest and most successful type was the loosely woven black tent, associated with nomadic peoples. Centuries later, with industry and business enterprises rapidly expanding, economic needs increasing and the need for a secure habitat met by more than tents, fabric structures have become a fixture satisfying a multitude of year-round needs.
Three key factors in the ongoing tension-fabric structure success story are:
• Less expense
• Adaptability of fabric
• Durability and longevity of the material
Now fabric structures dot the landscape from the extreme heat in places like Saudi Arabia to the frigid cold of St. Paul, Minnesota and all points in between. Farmers have been using them since the 1950s for livestock, hay and equipment storage.
In recent years growing numbers of those working outside agriculture have been discovering what a viable, affordable and durable option a fabric structure is for the storage of sand and salt and, in many cases, equipment and machinery.
From equine/recreational centres to transfer sites for disposal and recycling operators and a host of other enterprises fabric structures have become an integral and highly sought-after multi-faceted tool of business on a global scale.
Salt, sand and more
Consider what a spokesperson for Iron Horse Structures, a dealer-customer of Calhoun Super Structures had to say about the value of fabric structures during the winter.
The company is an acknowledged and well-respected leader in the provision of such diverse edifices as equestrian arenas, municipal/commercial structures, agricultural barns and recreational buildings.
"We have 100 built in New England in all six states for cities and towns," he says. "They had had either no storage places for salt or their current structures were too old, no longer safe, too small or incapable of storing it properly in a dry space until it was needed.
"Our fabric structures served their needs and much more. All the customers are very happy with the products they now have. Competitors with metal or wooden buildings say fabric won't last long but they're wrong. Our buildings are extremely durable. Replacing a roof on a fabric structure is inexpensive and far less time-consuming."
As for salt storage the galvanized steel we use both inside and outside, concrete walls and durable covers result in no corrosion. He says buyers are delighted that costs are about one-half less than those of traditional steel and wooden structures. High clearances allow delivery truck drivers to unload the product inside the structure.
"Before they actually see fabric buildings, some are expecting tents," he added. "They are impressed to discover these are fully-engineered structures that are long-lasting, less-costly initially and over the building's life cycle and with virtually zero maintenance."
With fabric structures being built by companies like Iron Horse Structures along the East Coast all the way down to Georgia and in parts of the Midwest, interest is growing throughout both the United States and Canada.
Cost effectiveness also means snow removal companies, other private firms and municipalities can keep within their budgets by getting larger structures for less money. If the winter is particularly harsh and snowy, a demand for salt or alternatives is easily met. Purchases can be made early in the season and stored securely in bigger structures.
A perfect solution
The Town of Hermon, New York had a major problem. Its salt and sand was stored outside which meant waste as well as exposure to the wintry elements. Indoor storage space was needed for material storage and mixing in the winter and to house snow plows and equipment during the summer.
So the simple solution was a spacious and efficient 60X60 HT Series fabric structure salt storage building. In the first year more than 100 tonnes of salt and sand was preserved. As well as the savings anticipated to pay for the building in four years, Town representatives were "200 per cent happy" with customer service provided before, during and after the building construction by the Calhoun dealer Hybrid Building.
A recent Town of Hermon email summed it up concisely, "We love our Calhoun building and have nothing but good things to say about it."
Diversity to suit all needs
On The Forest Boarding in Stouffville, Ontario needed a riding arena for year-round activity. Ample space for lessons and jumping courses was essential so a 70×160 foot Calhoun structure was purchased.
After thorough investigation that included considering wood and steel buildings, it was evident fabric was the ideal choice, in large part because of the affordability factor. There were other reasons as well, all of which played into the decision.
"I've ridden in many different structures over the years and I would pick our fabric arena over every other building of the same size every time," said a company spokesperson. "It is seven-years-old now and still very solid, withstanding wind and weather on the edge of a big field where it is bombarded daily by whatever the northwest winds bring.
"Most impressive is the inside lighting, the feeling of great spaciousness due to the extra high ceiling and the white fabric. I don't need to turn on any lights in the day and it is always bright inside. It is so nice in the winter when the sun is shining and you see the beautiful lighting at sunset. People who visit us for the first time are so surprised by the brightness and great space."
Other benefits:
• Less noise compared to a tin roof
• Use in summer during rainy days
• Two large openings on either side for a good cross breeze
• In winter it closes up and can warm up on sunny days
On the recommendation of Brent Couch, Calhoun Super Structures was chosen because of favorable differences in the company's buildings including steel tresses 10 feet instead of 12 feet apart. This provides a more sturdy structure with greater durability to withstand strong damaging winds. The owners gave a big thumbs-up to Couch Construction for quality workmanship and overall expertise.
Meeting agriculture's winter needs
A report written by Harold House, an OMAFRA Agricultural Engineer entitled Fabric Covered Structures for the Cold Housing of Livestock, addressed a range of functions for the buildings during the cold season(s) including:
• An alternative for machinery and hay storage and livestock housing
• A low-cost well-ventilated cold housing alternative to conventional housing
• A bright and airy environment in which work can be done by the producer
There are many other benefits and advantages to fabric structures so if you have more questions we're here ready to answer any and all your inquiries.
As a pioneer in the fabric structure industry, we have spent more than 20 years creating the strongest, safest and most reliable series of structures on the market. We've thought of everything from the strength of your structure to the longevity of your investment and a warranty we stand behind.
Our strength is also in the structure of our company, our employees and our extensive dealer network. Get a quote for your next project here.


text:
City Pages
She was unwanted in 17 state
Chuck Prophet first came to semi-prominence in the mid-`80s when he joined countrified California rockers Green On Red, and has since pursued a varied career as a singer-songwriter, session man, and producer (Kelly Willis'sTranslated From Love, for instance). His ninth solo album, ¡Let Freedom Ring!, is bar-band rock of a high order: smart, loud, funny, simple, pissed off, but also sentimental in that last-call sort of way. It's also attuned to Great Recession anxiety and passionately pro-underdog (a typical line: "She was unwanted in 17 states"), most notably on the Randy Newman-meets-Tom Verlaine ballad "You and Me Baby (Holding On)," whose backing harmonies and soaring bridge get me every time. With the Mad Ripple. (Photo by Kelly Stoltz)
Fri., Oct. 15, 8 p.m., 2010
Dylan Hicks
October 18, 2010


text: 23 July 2007, Al Jazeera English will air an exclusive programme filmed inside the controversial Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) in the days leading up to the siege when Pakistani troops stormed the building, leaving around 100 dead. The Witness special, presented by Rageh Omaar, will be aired on 28 July 2007.*Rageh Omaar met face-to-face with Abdul Rashid Ghazi, one of the leaders of the mosque. Rageh asked him about his meeting with Osama Bin Laden and his religious and political awakening after the assassination of his father. Rashid Ghazi believes that "wherever Muslims are awakening … much has to do with the aggression, the tyranny being committed by America and its allied forces."In the exclusive interview, Rashid Ghazi describes the increasing tension between the mosque and the Pakistani authorities. He said he doesn't think of surrender.Rageh and his team were the last TV crew inside the mosque before the siege and filmed the last interview with Ghazi before his death.The film also gained unique access into the Jamia Hafsa madrasa, the religious seminary for women attached to the Red Mosque. "We work for what God wants," explains Umme Hassan, the woman who ran the madrasa, "The government hasn't fulfilled its duty and when it doesn't, according to the Prophet, the responsibility falls on the clerics."Rageh ventured to Pakistan before the siege to document the workings of The Red Mosque. Two days into the filming, clashes erupted at the mosque between students and security forces. A week later, and more than 100 were dead.Already, the storming of the mosque has led to violent attacks on government targets, and Pakistan's future is in the balance.*The Red Mosque, a Witness special will be aired at the following times:Saturday 28th July 2007: 1900 GMTSunday 29th July 2007: 0000 GMT, 0500 GMT and 1100 GMT -Ends- About Al Jazeera EnglishAl Jazeera English is the world's first English language news and current affairs channel to be headquartered in the Middle East. Broadcasting from within the Middle East, looking outwards, Al Jazeera English sets the news agenda and acts as a bridge between cultures. With unique access as the channel of reference for Middle East events, and broadcast centres strategically placed around the world in Doha, Kuala Lumpur, London and Washington DC, Al Jazeera English balances the information flow from South to North, providing accurate, impartial and objective news for a global audience from a grass roots level, giving voice to different perspectives from under-reported regions around the world.Al Jazeera English is building on the ground-breaking heritage of its sister Arab-language channel – Al Jazeera, which was responsible for changing the face of news within the Middle East, now extending that fresh perspective from regional to global.Visit www.aljazeera.net/english for more details. GET MORE FROM THE AL JAZEERA PRESS OFFICE Al Jazeera's Press Office is open for enquiries from members of the press and media. Journalists can contact us at the following address:The Press Office, Al Jazeera, PO Box 23127, Doha, Qatare-mail: email@example.com - Tel: +974 489 2320/1, +44 207 201 2819 or +1 212 486 7070 The Al Jazeera Press Office Inbox is regularly checked during office hours and inquiries will be answered as quickly as possible Arts & Culture


text:
This iconic photo of Andy Hampsten by Sergio Panazza is one of the few from the 1988 Giro d'Italia Passo Gavia stage, the key stage that led to Hampsten capturing the pink jersey and eventually winning that year's tour.
The poster is designed by our friends at House Industries and features the stage profile.
Autographed by Andy upon request at checkout.
Please follow and like us: