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Ultra king size bed – Your room should be a sanctuary, a place where you can relax and recover from the stress of the day. Some individuals, however, to completely relax, require the largest bed size to extend or to fit their sleep needs. According to the better sleep council, those who buy beds often make the mistake of choosing a size too small. Fortunately, there are many great bedding options so that all people can have a good night's sleep. King size beds are the best option for couples who want to maximize their sleeping space without spending a fortune in a much less common size, according to better sleep council. King size beds, which measure 76 by 80 inches equals the amount of space two people would have if each were sleeping alone in a twin bed.
California king beds are a great choice for tall people. While these beds are 2 inches narrower than the king-size beds on each side, they are 4 inches longer than these. These beds originated for the first time in California and are still found mainly on the US west coast. Super king beds are sold more frequently in the UK. They are 6 feet (1.83 m) wide and 6 and 1/2 (1.98 m) long. The king size beds are a new size sold by Select Comfort, a company that provides air mattresses. The king-size beds measure about 6 and 1/2 feet wide by 8 feet (2.44 m) long.
Ultra king size bed are 7 feet wide and 8 feet long, according to ultra king bed and linen company. There are actually three types of ultra king beds: the standard, which has the measures mentioned above; the super ultra, which measures 10 feet wide and 9 feet long (yes, it's wider than long); and ultra extreme, which is also wider than it is long with 12 feet wide and 10 feet long. The latter could well cost you tens of thousands of dollars to buy it.


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Mexican moneyman had two wives
Figure in political scandal married in U.S. with wife in Mexico
Years before Mexican moneyman Jose Susumo Azano Matsura burst onto the San Diego political landscape with allegations that $500,000 of his money poured illegally into local elections, he courted a slender brown-eyed college student from South County.
Azano married Nancy Vazquez in 1995 but never told his bride that he already had a wife, court records say.
Vazquez, then 21, discovered the bigamy weeks later, when her mother dug up a marriage license issued in Baja California years before.
Her new husband had married a 15-year-old girl named Maria Margarita Hester Martinez in 1989, the document said. And there was no evidence the marriage had ended.
"Immediately upon learning this I confronted the Respondent about the fact that he had a valid marriage to another woman," Vazquez wrote in a 1999 court filing requesting the marriage be annulled.
Azano told her he filed for dissolution but it had not been finalized at the time they married, Vazquez wrote in the declaration.
Complete coverage: Foreign money probe
"However, immediately after I confronted the respondent with this information about his fraud, he disappeared and I have not heard from him since that time," she added.
Vazquez, 39, did not return calls or email seeking comment about her former husband. Her former lawyer, San Diego attorney Glen M. Birch, said Friday that he does not even remember the case.
Azano, now 48 and the subject of federal investigations in the United States and Mexico, has not been charged with any crime.
Reportedly a billionaire, Azano is the son of a Mexican industrialist whose family interests include construction, telecommunications, security and other businesses.
Last week U.S. agents searched both of his Coronado homes, and three people have been arrested for funneling Azano's money into the San Diego mayor's race and a congressional election in 2012 and 2013.
The case has riveted the San Diego political community for nearly two weeks and prompted numerous politicians to rebate campaign donations made by those who have been arrested.
Azano's whereabouts are unknown, although the 15-year-old girl he married in 1989 remains his wife and appears to be living at one of the two waterfront houses in Coronado Cays. The couple's son, known as "Susu," lives in the other home.
The idea of maintaining a second family is not unheard of in the Mexican culture.
In Mexico, the lives of wealthy and powerful men were once commonly accompanied by "la casa chica," a colloquial reference to a second family — the outgrowth of a love affair.
Typically, the first wife was unaware of the alternate wife or family.
In the best-selling 2012 nonfiction book "La Casa Chica," Mexican author Mónica Levin delved into the cultural institution in recounting the duplicitous lives of mid-20th century presidents, artists and celebrities.
The practice has faded amid shifting social sensibilities and modern methods of communication.
According to her declaration, which was not filed until 1999 and approved within months, Vazquez had no idea her husband was from a wealthy Mexican family. She also said she never met his family or friends.
Vazquez filed court papers estimating Azano's monthly income at $2,000, indicating she may not have known he was the scion of a wealthy industrialist family in Mexico. She described herself as an unemployed student in her first semester of college who had no way of even contacting Azano.
She told the court she assumed her marriage was automatically voided by the earlier wedding but only learned through a paralegal class in late 1998 that she needed to formally annul the marriage.
Vazquez told the court she only knew one person who knew Azano, a woman named Stella Barba.
"Since he is a Mexican citizen, he and his family were from Guadalajara," she wrote. "I never meet his family. The only friend we both had here was Stella. He just was/kept to himself."
In January 1999, the court directed Vazquez to attempt to reach her husband to notify him of the annulment request. According to Vazquez, only one person she knew actually knew Azano, and where he might be contacted.
Barba mailed a copy of the summons to a home on Crystal Down Drive in Chula Vista, Azano's last known address. She also posted the document in the lobby of the South County courthouse.
"That summons was posted for a period of 28 days and was removed by Ms. Barba on March 2, 1999," the filing states.
Azano never owned the Crystal Down Drive home referenced in the file, county property records show.
Barba, also 39, is now director of aesthetic services at the Barba Skin Clinic, a
Vazquez told the court her relationship with Azano was never fully developed.
"During the brief time that we were married, we acquired no property, real or personal, incurred no debts and there were no children born or conceived of this marriage," the declaration states.
Staff writer Morgan Lee contributed to this report.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pet Memorials
When a beloved pet dies it can be very traumatic, and for many people the loss of a treasured family pet is almost as difficult to deal with as losing a friend or relative. Often when this sad day comes, people will choose to have their pet cremated and memorialized in a one of a kind custom made cremation urn.
Choosing to have your pet cremated and the remains contained inside a hand made funeral urn is a great way to honor the loyalty and friendship that a pet showed to you during its life. Family pets are just that important and make our lives that much richer and more meaningful. They stick with us through thick and thin and show us loyalty and friendship that is unconditional. A beautiful cremation memorial can be created indoors or outdoors depending on what type of urn you should choose to go with.
There are many options for creating a memorial to your pet. Creating a cremation memorial with a one of a kind urn as the centerpiece is a truly wonderful way to keep the memories of that beloved pet alive for all time. Hand made art urns are a great addition to any memorial display and can be kept on a mantle or in a special place to constantly remind you of the special time you shared with you wonderful family pet.
Glass cremation urns, metal funeral urns, ceramic art urns and pet urns are all available to keep the cremated remains of that special animal close to you. Decorative urns made especially for that wonderful family pet will be perfect for showing the world how much your sweet animal meant to you. Dog urns or cat urns can be a custom made cremation urn that reflects the personality of that special dog or cat that brought so much joy and love to your life.
If you want to create a memorial shrine outdoors, it is best to use a durable material for the one of kind hand made funeral urn. Selecting a metal cremation urn or a stone funeral urn is ideal for the outdoors, because it provides a durable material that is strong and will hold up against the elements and the weather. Indoor cremation memorials offer a little more flexibility in what type of material you choose to go with.
Having a custom made funeral urn crafted by a truly expert artisan is the best way to go about this process. This way, you can have the art urn created to your specifications and ensure that the vessel that holds your special family dog or beloved family cat will be a true memorial to that special friend. Finding an artisan who specializes in these types of hand made urns can be a challenge, but these days it is not as hard as it once was.
There are now companies that specialize in creating unique urns for any occasion. Cremation urns are available in many places, but finding some folks who truly care about honoring the memory of your pet as much as you do is rare. Look closely and choose wisely to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable dealer who understands the importance of what they are creating and the honor it is to do this sacred duty.
The Cape Point Route
Take the Cape Point Route and explore both coastlines on either side of a national park, visit up to 18 beaches, see a wide variety of wildlife including whale watching, penguins, seals, exotic birds and baboons among others. Situated at the southern end of Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, you will find rural Noordhoek. Browse shops at Noordhoek Farm Village, stop off for a bike ride or walk along the trails of the Silvermine Reserve, experience the Noordhoek Art Route which boasts working artists and tours one Sunday each month, and visit the Red Herring Trading Post set amongst the ancient and majestic milkwood trees. Art galleries, pottery studios and a plant nursery are just a few of the attractions awaiting you at the Red Herring.
Following the Cape Point Route will take you to many other beautiful and exotic locations such as Kommetjie, known for its incredible surfing, Slangkop Lighthouse, which is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in South Africa, Solole Game Reserve offering close encounters with buffalo and antelope in their native habitat, and the peaceful and quaint settlement of Masiphumelele, home to a mostly Xhosa speaking community offering walking tours and visits to some community projects.
Scarborough and Cape Point is a seaside conservation village known for its natural splendor and creative indigenous gardens and is a great place to see whales and other native marine animals. Scarborough beach is an ideal location for bird watching, walking the beach, sea kayaking and surfing, and is home to Cape Clawless Otters. The Good Hope Nature Reserve is within Table Mountain National Park and is one of the most frequently visited attractions in South Africa. Offering angling, surfing and diving spots and protecting over 1200 species of fynbos, 250 species of birds and a wide variety of other mammals including buck and baboons, The Good Hope Nature Preserve is not to be missed.
The boulders, beaches and museums of Simon's Town and Glencairn are just a few of the attractions to see on this stop along the Cape Point Route. Historical sites such as The Church of St. Francis, the oldest existing Anglican Church in South Africa and The Roman Rock Lighthouse are in Simon's Town and boat trips for harbor tours, whale watching and Seal Island and Cape Point depart from here.
Fish Hoek and Clovelly lies on the Cape Point Route and boasts one of the safest swimming beaches in South Africa, surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains and white sands. A Stone Age cave site known as Peers Cave was where a 12000 year old man was discovered as well as a collection of Stone Age tools. The Fish Hoek Valley Museum houses interpretive displays of the Peers Cave excavations and many collections of interest. A walk along Jager Walk will take you along the rugged and rocky coastline to Sunny Cove where you can learn about the life of the playful local dolphins and humpback whales native to this area. Finish off your stay in Fish Hoek with 18 holes of golf at the Clovelly Country Club, a gorgeous course offering native sand dunes, flora and fauna and lovely water features.
Intermingling arts, crafts and natural splendor is Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg and Lakeside. Kalk Bay is one of the hippest seaside villages found on the cape offering a cosmopolitan experience of fine art, delicious gourmet cuisine and beautiful architecture. Enjoy the community based project known as Adventure Kalk Bay and take a fishing trip out with some of the local fisherman, or visit the harbour at noon when the fishing boats are returning with their catches. The 125 year old Holy Trinity Church is one of the many historic sites to be found in Kalk Bay. 36 kilometers of white sand and safe beaches are to be found in Muizenberg, as well as swimming pools, waterslide and putt-putt courses intermingled with lovely cafes and shops. The well known Historical Mile is home to the South Afrcian Police Museum, Het Posthuys which is a historical diorama of the 1795 Battle of Muizenberg and the Rhodes Cottage, where Cecil John Rhodes spent his final days. The Lindbergh Arts Foundation is a block of four houses designed by Sir Herbert Baker and is home to an incredible collection of Africana and is frequently used for musical performances and art shows. At the foot of the Muizenberg Mountains you will find beautiful Lakeside, with views of Zandvlei Lake and False Bay, and the incredible Rondevlei Nature Reserve which is a wetland reserve and home to 230 bird species, small mammals and hippopotamuses. The Imvubu Nature Tours offers activities within the Rondevlei Reserve.
The Cape Winelands Region is a must see area on any trip to southern Africa. Steeped in a diverse history and culture, this area offers many wonderful opportunities to experience the fascinating and beautiful culture of the Rainbow Nation. Preserved architecture, museums, art galleries and craft markets will allow the past and present to blend seamlessly in a truly amazing experience. A region known for its innovation and creativity, Cape Winelands is home to some of the world's greatest master potters, beadworkers and weavers. Spring in this region offers a variety of seasonally specific events and attractions including The Bonnievale Enduro Bike Race, Ceres Squash Festival, Pick 'n Play Robertson Half Marathon, Woord Literature Festival, National Cheese Festival, Nederburg Auction, JC le Roux Devon Valley Run, Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival, Michelle's Pass Half Marathon, Shark Rally, Safari Half Marathon and many others. Regular attractions and things to do in the Cape Winelands region includes miles of 4x4 trails and hiking trails, animal watching caravan and camping experiences, environmental adventures for backpackers and day trippers, and a host of adventures geared toward family and children.
This wonderful route offers many exciting adventures from sea kayaking to African safari, and is sure to make any African holiday an adventure to remember. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the Cape Point Route when you take your next vacation in Africa. Enjoying this drive is luxury African travel at its finest.
Buying Aerobic Shoes
Many people, both men and women are getting into one of the most fun and healthiest forms of exercise. Aerobics has gained in popularity over the past few decades, and still continues to dominate the workout and fitness club calendars, and choosing the right aerobic shoes is important. Alongside newer trends such as yoga and kickboxing, aerobics still remains the top way to get a full body workout and have fun all at the same time.
Combining elements of dance, calisthenics and other sports, aerobics is both fun and challenging. Naturally exciting and done to upbeat music, aerobics is a great way to put a smile on your face as you burn calories, strengthen muscles, gain flexibility and sweat dangerous toxins out of the body while increasing your cardiovascular health. However, like any sport or athletic activity, it is imperative that you carefully select the appropriate type of athletic footwear to make sure you are having a safe and injury free experience while getting the most out of your workout.
Choosing an aerobic shoe is relatively easy once you know what to look for. Aerobic shoes will combine elements of several other shoes such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes and others. The lateral support of a tennis shoe, the ankle support of basketball shoe, the cushioning of a running shoe will all be familiar elements to aerobic shoes. Aerobics involves a lot of repeated up and down motion, so the lighter the over all weight of the shoe the better.
Most shoes specifically designed for aerobics will be women's aerobic shoes, so if you are looking for a men's shoe to engage in aerobic dance or other form of aerobics, the style you will be going for is a men's cross training shoe. Cross trainers and aerobic shoes will have a lot in common. I would recommend a mid-top men's cross trainer to give more ankle support.
The basic elements of the shoe you are looking for will be common to both cross trainers and aerobic shoes. You will want good ankle support, and a mid top is appropriate for this. Because of the wide variety of motions involved in aerobics, ankle support is crucial to avoid rolling or twisting ankles. Lateral support is a key as well for many of the same reasons. Like tennis or basketball, you may find yourself jumping from side to side doing aerobics and twisting ankles is a danger here as well. Unlike a running who's main cushioning is in the heel of the shoes, an aerobic shoe should have its primary cushioning under the balls of the feet, because a lot of aerobics will involve jumping and landing on this part of the foot. Heel cushioning is helpful but not nearly as important as the ball of the foot.
Fitting a cross trainer for aerobics or an aerobic shoe is much like fitting any other men's athletic shoe or women's athletic shoe. Make sure the shoe fits snug, but not tight across the toes and arch. Be sure that your heel does not slide, but also that your toes are not crushed into the toe box. Lace up both shoes wearing the type of socks you would normally wear and walk and jump a bit to ensure a comfortable fit. Different brands will run slightly different from each other, so pay less attention to the number of the size of the box, and focus more on the fit and feel. A 9 in one brand may be a 9 ½ in another.
Solar Energy
Using solar power to heat and power a home or business is just good sense. After the initial investment is made, solar energy becomes one of the most sustainable and renewable forms of energy available to us anywhere. Alternative energy and green power are fast becoming more than desirable, they are becoming necessary. As we move into the mew millennium, it has become obvious that our archaic and outmoded methods of powering modern life can not continue, and solar energy is at the forefront of the revolution and evolution of modern power systems.
Solar hot water, solar electricity and solar heat are all technologies that bring the incredible power of our life-giving star into the homes and offices of many, many people all over the world today. Solar power has many advantages over conventional methods of powering our lives such as coal, petroleum and nuclear. For one thing it is incredibly clean technology, with no harmful chemicals or toxic byproducts to worry about. For another thing, it is very inexpensive after the system is in place, and many people who are grid tied can attest to the fact that solar power reduces energy bills dramatically when properly installed, maintained and used.
With this growing field and greatly increasing demand, there are many people who have become experts in this cutting edge energy technology. Finding a reputable and knowledgeable company to consult and install a solar power system is not as difficult as it once was. Years of research and development in this field are at the disposal of these pioneers in the new field of green energy, and they are not only able to help, they are genuinely exciting and thrilled with the notion of helping you become more energy independent and lessen your impact on the environment.
Harnessing this incredibly valuable resource has become one of the hottest (pun intended) and most exciting categories of modern technology, and there are many companies making use of this growing market to bring solar power to consumers everywhere. Years of practice have shown us that once a technology becomes available to the general public, finding companies that specialize in that technology becomes easier and easier.
Photovoltaic cells, solar heated hot water systems, radiant floor heat and other aspects of solar technology are very exciting and promise to usher in a brand new age in our modern world. With so many devices reliant on electricity, is stands to reason that we cannot keep burning fossil fuels such as coal and petrochemicals anymore, and the ongoing dilemma of what to do with toxic nuclear waste is making solar power and other alternative energy systems more and more attractive. One day, these so called energy "alternatives" will cease to be the alternative and will be the standard and the norm.
Asheville Winter Vacation
Imagine being nestled beside a warm fire, with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate clutched in your hand watching a light snowfall out the window. The mountains in the background create an idyllic backdrop for the amazing view out of your big window. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day of shopping at quaint boutiques in the beautiful downtown area, or walking wooded paths in serene and tranquil Appalachian mountain trails. This is your private retreat, a cottage rental in the ancient and magical mountains of Western North Carolina.
A mountain cottage rental in the Asheville, North Carolina area is the ideal way to spend a winter time retreat. Whether you are on a special personal retreat to get away from the workaday world, enjoying a business trip or spending quality time with your family, renting a personal cabin in the mountains or indulging in a country cottage rental is unbeatable.
The peace and serenity of the mountains is yours, with wildlife scurrying through thickets and birds chirping in the tranquil forest. Enjoy the authentic experience of living in your own rustic sanctuary while having the convenience of being just minutes away from the bustling yet friendly downtown environment of lovely Asheville, North Carolina.
There is always a multitude of things to do in this beautiful mountain oasis, but one of the things that make wintertime vacations in this celebrated part of the country is the ability to find peace and quiet outside of the typical tourist season. Milder weather than other winter vacation destinations make this a great place to get away while ensuring that you will be able to complete everything on your personal or business agenda.
Thousands of acres of national forest land cris-crossed by thousands of miles of hiking trails offer the outdoor enthusiast every opportunity to explore the natural surroundings, while a steadily growing population of wonderful restaurants, shops and nightspots offer the ideal metropolitan experience.
Asheville has become famous for its widely acclaimed arts and crafts community, and there is no shortage of galleries, shops and boutiques specializing in local hand crafts and arts. Gourmet restaurants that feature the very best of local culinary talent and an amazing variety of locally obtained ingredients make this an even more special place to experience true local flavor.
Taking a vacation in Asheville, North Carolina during the wintertime is an experience you will not soon forget, and many options for places to stay make it a different experience every time you visit. Select a wonderful private mountain cottage rental or rustic cabin in the woods, or stay at one of the areas many bed and breakfast retreats. The Asheville options for bed and breakfasts is nothing short of amazing, and there is no better way to experience the true meaning of southern hospitality and mountain lifestyle than to stay at one of these magical spots.
Try a vacation in Asheville to really get a battery recharge and find a little tranquility in a busy world. Whether you are here for a weekend get-away, on a week long trip or on an extended stay, spending time in this beautiful mountain wonderland will help you understand why so many people from all over the world are making Asheville, North Carolina their favorite vacation and travel destination.


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Creating a custom blend is not a new thing for Starbucks, but recently, since the launch of my Bainbridge Blend, more and more custom blends are popping up. Using social media, I have become a resource for partners all over the country in creating their own blend. I love connecting with partners over coffee, but it is even more special when it is over a blend they have created. The Bozeman team reached out to me, and I was so excited to finally taste this blend. Bozeman blend was created by store partner Sonja, who was inspired by tasting another city blend (Breckenridge Blend). She created this blend as part of her coffee master certification, and it is now sold in half pound bags, brewed on the clover as well as shots of espresso!
Introducing the Bozeman Blend; balancing a sturdy backbone with bright acidity and complex citrus and cocoa notes.
Bozeman Montana is known for it's rugged beauty, rich personality and outdoor adventures. This bright and smooth blend aims to recreate the experience. Sonja used three single origin coffeess to create this blend; Guatemala Antigua, Sumatra and Kenya. I was so inspired when I tasted this coffee, that I wanted to pair it with something that gave a nod to each of the three regions. Walnuts to enhance the nuttiness of the Guatemala, blackberries to really bring out the Kenya, and a huge chunk of melted brie to balance it all out.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- i cup blackberries cut in half
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp buttermilk (plus extra for brushing tops)
- 130g brie cheese, rind removed and cut into ½ inch cubes
- Put brie in the freezer for 10 minutes
- Pre-heat oven to 450 F.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture, and mix with a pastry tool until butter is small and crumbly.
- Gently fold in the blackberries and walnuts.
- Add the ¾ cup + 2 tbsp buttermilk and mix until just combined
- Pat dough into 2 or 3-inch rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheets. Brush tops with a little extra buttermilk.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- While scones are baking, remove brie from freezer, cut rinds off, and cut into ½ inch pieces.
- Remove scones from oven and form a depression in the tops using the back of a wooden spoon. Press a few squares of brie into each depression.
- Return to oven and bake for 2-3 more minutes until brie is melted, and scones are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool a few minutes on baking sheet until transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


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One of the informational talks at a historical site described how the revolution began, arising slowly from mounting discontent with the degree of control imposed by King George and the British Parliament over the day-to-day lives of the colonists.
One of the best known of those is the issue of taxation without representation, and the colonists' impatience with the various taxes imposed on them, which eventually prompted the civil disobedience at Boston Harbor in December of 1773 when colonists dressed as Indians dumped cases of tea overboard to protest the Tea Act.
But as most everyone knows the Boston Tea Party was not the actual start of the revolution; it did not fully materialize for more than two years, with the adoption of Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress. In the intervening period the relationship between Mother England and the Colonies continued to deteriorate until the night of April 18, 1775, when about 700 British Army regulars were given secret orders to capture and destroy military supplies that were reportedly stored by the Massachusetts militia at Concord. Armed conflict broke out the following day at Lexington and Concord.
The colonists knew that their cause was lost if they could not resist the British with arms, and were not about to be put in that position. When the King's men attempted to steal their munitions, they fought back. The following day, Virginians at Williamsburg reacted similarly when the Brits robbed their magazine, though no shots were fired in Virginia.
As the fighting escalated into full-scale war, the colonists were not of one mind. There were three distinct factions: those opposed to British rule; those loyal to Britain, and those who were neutral. Estimates range from only one-third to as many as forty percent of the colonists actually opposed the Crown.
Today, we see similarities to the mid-eighteenth century. The federal government has been growing slowly but steadily for most of its existence, and especially since the 1930s. With the shocking expansion accompanying the Obama administration's assumption of the White House, the federal government will spend nearly one of every four dollars in the economy, up from just less than one in every five last year.
And people are taking notice. Finally.
A rather spirited opposition is rising against the mounting encroachments of the federal government into the lives of the people. In response to various stimuli the government, among other things, has:
~ taken charge of banks and auto manufacturing,Many people see what is happening as returning to the state of things in 1775, watching as their freedoms are being taken away and they resent that they don't have anything to say about it.
~ created trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see,
~ stated its intention to implement a massive overhaul of the healthcare system that most certainly will nationalize healthcare,
~ passed legislation that will impose dire restrictions on the conventional sources of energy and dramatically raise costs to business thus increasing the costs of nearly everything to the people.
As in the 1770s the people are not of one mind. And like in that time, a small minority can effect great change.
We have already had Tea Parties to protest the injustices we see. Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General addressed the East Texas Tea Party on July 4 on just this subject:
"That's the spirit that is under assault right now, today, in Washington. When government takes over everything, the people who lose are the people. Our freedoms are what are lost when everything is drawn into Washington, DC.
"I'm absolutely convinced the greatest legacy Barack Obama is going to leave in the Presidency is a new generation of leaders rising up, throughout the country, to stand up and defend our liberty. The men and women here will fight for our freedom. We will stand up. We will turn this around.
"I will end with the words of Thomas Jefferson: 'If citizens fear their government, there is tyranny. But if government fears their citizens, there is liberty.'"
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Technorati Tags: Freedom, Politics, Government, Statists


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Cultivation Field – 2012
8th – 22nd June 2012
The Exhibition was staged across two venues in Reading: 42 Market Place and The Keep, at 571 Oxford Road. Artists included were: Robyn Appleton, Tom Baskeyfield, Shameela Beeloo, Rebecca Beinart, Camilla Berner, brook & black, Rob Carter, Rachael Champion, Andrew Dodds, Adi Gelbart, Fritz Haeg, Maria Hofstadler, Tom Ingate, Ulrika Jansson, Pil & Galia Kollectiv, Rosalie Kim, Gayle Chong Kwan, Sarah Lewison, Alexandra McGlynn, Stéphanie Nava, Raquel Estrada-Nora, Philip Newcombe, Caitlin Parker, Julian Perry, Minna Pöllänen, Janette Porter, Sneha Solanki, Stih & Schnock, Jo Thomas, Carly Troncale, Charlie Tweed, Jane Cradock-Watson, Elizabeth Wewiora
3rd Floor, 42 Market Place, Reading, RG1 2DE and The Keep, 571 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1HL
7th June 2012 17.00 – 19.00 at 42 Market Place and 19:00 – 21:00 at The Keep
Exhibition hours:
8th June 12:00 – 16:00; 9th to 22nd June 12:00 – 18:00 (42 Market Place is closed on Tuesdays)
Cultivation Field Third Thursday:
Event on 21st June 18:00-21:30 at The Keep, presentations by Sarah Lewison, Alexandra MyGlynn, Charlie Tweed, Sophie Payne-Gifford and Maria Deegan
Presentations by:
Sarah Lewison: "Soil Defense!" work with AND AND AND (featured at Documenta 13 Kassel, Germany), on Monsanto hearings and other cultural practices in defense of soil and diversity. Some experiments and speculative exercises that challenge the hubris of new agricultural technologies that presume humans are able to understand and therefore control life's complexity.
Alexandra MyGlynn: 'The lie of the land: we can't sit around making cups of tea', which considers the history of agrarianism, self determination and gardening projects. (Time duration: 10 minutes)
Charlie Tweed: The Isles of Grain, Kent. (Time duration: 7 minutes)
Maria Deegan: Bombus Accessio (performance)
Sophie Payne-Gifford:The Global Challenges to Agriculture: Is it all doom and gloom? Climate change, water security, population stress: Global agriculture has a number of challenges it must meet over the next decades. Sophie will discuss these challenges by reviewing the academic and grey literatures. Sophie is a PhD student focusing on innovation and the regulation of pesticides and is based in the University of Reading's School of Agriculture.
This Cultivation Field exhibition was supported by Arts Council England, Earley Charity, the Art Department at University of Reading, Jelly, Open Hand Open Space, Office for Contemporary Art Norway, Sutton Seeds and Laura's Organics, with special thanks to Suzanne Stallard and Ingrid Jensen.
Cultivation Field Catalogue
If you would like a printed copy of the Cultivation Field 2012 Exhibition catalogue, then please request using the form on our contact page. The catalogue is printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks and costs £10 which includes postage.


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Bien-Mis {adj} – well dressed (people)
How beautiful are these Chanel dresses from the Chanel Resort 2011 Collection? Looks like the maxi is here to stay
Written by makebakeandsew
June 11, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Posted in 2011, Fashion, Trends
Tagged with Chanel, chanel dress, chanel resort 2011, Fashion, floral dress, karl largerfield, maxi dress, pastel dress, st tropez, style
'All the girls walk by dressed up for each other': Wild Night by Van Morrison.
Fashion and Style blog by Claire Fleetwood
email me at: email@example.com
Error: Twitter did not respond. Please wait a few minutes and refresh this page.


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- This event has passed.
Ceremony & Celebration Module Jun 6/7 & 20 Final invoice
June 6 @ 9:30 am - June 20 @ 4:30 pm| $540
Module Navigation
Foundation Course
This module establishes an understanding of the nature of ceremony and ritual and provides a framework for all the subsequent training modules at The Celebrant School. It includes an in depth introduction to the role and skills of the Celebrant and Ritual Maker, and the practical process for design and development of ceremonies. Participants learn to lead a small ritual, make a brief class presentation, and give and receive feedback to affirm and improve their professional practice.
Please note: this module includes weekdays


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To kick off our celebratory month, we're showing the AXS TV original, Elvis Lives! Watch one of the most infamous conspiracy theories come to life and ask the question, "What if Elvis never really left the building?" Plagued by a heavy drug addiction and his failing voice, The King is desperate to make things right with himself, his deceased brother, and God. His attempts to get back on track are thwarted, however, after he helps the cops bring down a powerful crime syndicate—putting his family in danger and sending him on a journey that will change his life forever. See it all this THURSDAY 9/8c ONLY on AXS TV!
|January 4th
|Elvis Lives!
|January 11th
|Fun in Acapulco
|January 18th
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|January 25th
|Love Me Tender
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Tags: AXS TV, AXS TV Concerts, Elvis Presley
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Booger Rush 2
Your mission in this weird game is to fling and hurl your booger to your fellow nerds for no reason. Lets just say, you are doing this for fun because you can not really perform this kinda of stuff in real life. So, what are you waiting for? Stretch that mucus and make that sticky projectile reach your target!


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There is simply no way to determine or predict how long a case will take. Unlike other programs (such as the Department of Social Services, for example), the federal Social Security disability program, unfortunately, does not have deadlines to issue decisions on applications or appeals. Although there are no time limit deadlines to issue decisions, the following attempts to give some estimates of how long each stage of the disability process typically takes:
The Initial Claim
Social Security advises that it may take up to 180 days to issue a decision on a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) or SSI claim. That being said, the average length of time it typically takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is from three to five months. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on:
- The nature of your disability;
- The number of medical providers you identified in your application;
- How quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source;
- Whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim; and
- If your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision.
The first appeal after an initial denial is a Request for Reconsideration. A "Recon" Request typically takes between three weeks and three months to be decided. The length of time at this stage is typically determined by the amount of new records that must be obtained, and whether a consultative examination has been ordered.
The Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge
If the Request for Reconsideration is denied, the claimant must file a Request for Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). There is "good news" and "bad news" about this stage of the process. The good news is that this is the claimant's best chance of winning (statistically). The bad news is that it can take a horrendously long time to get to a hearing. In fact, it can take as long as two years for a hearing before and ALJ can take place and for benefits to be awarded.
An appeal to an ALJ usually takes much longer because a hearing has to be scheduled and heard. In the Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida area, the wait averages 13 months. [Note: this does not run from the initial application; this is the wait from the time the Request for Hearing is filed after Reconsideration.]
In many parts of the United States, the Social Security initial application and appeals process is taking longer and longer. Why is this happening? Part of the reason is a steep rise in disability claims, which may be due to the changing economy. The rise in claims may also be due to the fact that the population is aging.
What Can You Do?
At the Ortiz Law Firm, we understand that it can be difficult not knowing when you'll receive an answer to your claim when you are out of work and short on income while you wait for your disability case to be decided.
Fortunately, if you have a very severe medical condition with a clear diagnosis, you may be eligible for an expedited decision through one of Social Security's expedited disability benefit programs:
- The Quick Disability Determination program identifies straight-forward and easily-determined disability cases through a sophisticated software program;
- The Compassionate Allowances program is available for many cancers and other severe illnesses that are easily diagnosed and documented with objective medical findings;
- The Terminal Illness program (TERI) is available for those with terminal illnesses or who are in hospice;
- The Presumptive Disability program (for SSI claimants only) gives applicants with certain conditions monthly SSI benefits even before their disability claim is approved or denied.


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Because its winter now and we're all freezing cold, I want everyone to think back to summertime. What is your favourite thing to do in the summer time? Is there a specific story about this? Tell about all the good times you have in the summer and what makes them so great.
A Family Day Treat – posts must be online by Tuesday February 16th by midnight.
43.547982 -80.250765


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Markets End Slow Week on a High Note
People Just Love Chipotle. Chipotle (CMG) has turned burritos into big business, and they have developed a cult following doing it. Share prices for the restaurant were up 5%, gaining 31.30 points to close at $683.02.
Symantec Up On News It Might Be Selling Off Its Enterprise Backup Software. Enterprise software solutions provider Symantec (SYMC), once known only for their Norton brand of antivirus software, might be getting out of the data backup game. Some news has recently leaked that Symantec is hoping to be able to sell off its Veritas backup software line in order to slim down and concentrate on a slightly different core business model. Symantec was up nearly 6% on the news, gaining 1.35 points to close at $25.58 per share.
Netflix Making The Most Of Citigroup Upgrade. Online movie and television streaming provider Netflix (NFLX) got a stock upgrade to Buy this week from Citigroup (C). Share prices of Netflix rose 15.07 points today, and are up 10% on the week. The upgrade was no surprise, since Netflix announced that their user base has been growing steadily.
Fidelity Information Services Lowers Expectations, Share Prices Follow. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) an offshoot of massive banking, finance and investment corporation Fidelity Holding Corp (FDHC) has lowered expectations for profits this quarter. Predictably, investors began lowering their expectations for holding on to the stock until the end of the quarter as well. The selloff sent Fidelity Information Services falling -2.58 per share to close at $65.50.
Euro Up Slightly In Trading Today, But Be Ready For Another Drop. There's no doubt that the Eurozone is recovering slowly, in fact outside of Russia it's hard to think of a region that is under-performing on its potential more than continental Europe. The Euro made some small gains versus the US Dollar in trading today, gaining 1.14%.
The real problem in store for the Euro, at least compared to American currency, is the Fed's willingness to keep rates low. They signaled today that the anticipated June rate hike could be delayed until September in order to give American bond yields some space to grow. The Fed is also looking at unemployment numbers, which are recovering but still lackluster, before pulling the trigger on a rate increase. And when it does, and American bonds become an even more appealing place to put long-term assets, the bottom could fall out on the Euro all over again.
Published on Apr 10, 2015By Aaron Phillips
Posted in ...Market Commentary Daily Market Commentary


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Interoute London Hosting Center Attains PCI DSS Accreditation
May 10, 2011 by FindMyHost News · Comments Off on Interoute London Hosting Center Attains PCI DSS Accreditation
Webmaster Toolbox – London, UK – Interoute, owner operator of Europe's largest advanced next-generation network, today announced that it has achieved Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification for its London data center. PCI DSS is a security standard for online credit card transactions set out by the PCI Security Standard Council, founded by leading credit card organisations including American Express, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa.
Interoute attained compliance through an independent Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) for its managed hosting solution. Read more
Q9 Opens New Kamloops Data Center
April 5, 2011 by FindMyHost News · Comments Off on Q9 Opens New Kamloops Data Center
Hosting Reviews – Kamloops, BC – Less than two months after opening the first phase of its new 240,000 square foot data centre in Brampton, Ontario, Q9 Networks Inc. has expanded again, opening the first two phases of a six megawatt data centre site in Kamloops, British Columbia. Initiated as part of the previously announced agreement with HP Advanced Solutions Inc. to provide data centre services to the British Columbia government, the new facility opened at 9:00am on April 1, 2011 as originally scheduled two years ago. It will serve private sector as well as public sector customers in Western Canada.
"To my knowledge, we are the only data centre company in Canada to have ever completed back-to-back builds of this scale," says Q9 Chief Executive Officer, Osama Arafat. "The fact that they were both completed on time is a testament to our unique in-house design and build team; a team that allows us to deliver critical customer capacity in very aggressive timeframes. With the Kamloops opening, we have delivered on our commitment to HP Advanced Solutions. We are also excited about the opportunity to serve new and existing business customers in Vancouver and across Western Canada from the new Kamloops location." Read more


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Daniel Franco of Rancho Cucamonga sustained a serious brain injury during a knockout loss to Jose Haro in June 2017 in Iowa and nearly died, and now the retired featherweight boxer is suing his former promoter, Roc Nation Sports, for damages, according to ESPN.com.
Roc Nation was founded by rap music mogul Jay-Z and he, too, is named in the suit, which claims negligence.
According to the suit, which was filed Tuesday at Los Angeles Superior Court, Roc Nation was negligent in giving Franco three fights in a span of 79 days, even though he wasn't healthy enough for that kind of schedule. The suit seeks unspecified damages.
ESPN.com obtained a copy of the suit. In part, it read, "The actions of Defendants were an extreme departure from what a reasonably careful person or corporation would do in the same situation to prevent harm to its boxers. Roc Nation and other Defendants recklessly disregarded the health and safety of Franco."
The first of those three fights that were contested from March 23, 2017 to June 10, 2017, came against Christopher Martin. According to the story on ESPN.com, Franco was sick with the flu before that fight and had not trained for three weeks. He was stopped in the third round.
The suit alleges Franco and his father/trainer Al Franco tried to bow out of that fight but went ahead with the bout after Roc Nation let it be known Daniel Franco would have trouble getting future fights.
Less than two months later, Franco knocked out Francisco Agustin Suarez in the first round, but Suarez was strictly a novice with only one pro bout to his name.
Then came the fight with Haro just 29 days later.
The suit also claims Roc Nation and Jay-Z have done nothing to assist with medical bills, and that the company has ignored Franco since the injury.
Furthermore, the suit states Franco likely already had a brain injury before the bout with Haro and that the defendants did not make sure Franco had proper medical clearance before that fight.
A year after his near-death experience, Franco and his father/trainer Al Franco spoke in great depth about the two live-saving surgeries he required that left him without part of his skull.
"My head's still like … I try to run every now and then, but it hurts my head still when I run from my brain bouncing around and stuff," Franco, 27, said in a June 9, 2018 story in this newspaper.
"So I think just from all the procedures I've been through that it has loosened some things up."
Roc Nation declined to comment, the story on ESPN.com said.


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Monday, May 9, 2011
For The Love of Polvoron & YBR
25 comments:
- Jenny (VintageSugarcube) said...
Maya- Wishing you a belated happy mother's day!! I've been gone all day, so sorry this message is late. And those Polvorans are out of this world girlie. Love the flavors you chose and that wrap. You're the most creative baker out there. Bon Appetit? Saveur? Are you listening?? xoxo
- May 9, 2011 at 1:32 PM
- SKIP TO MALOU said...
this is definitely a gourmet kind of polvoron. I love it... just love it. Among the flavors that you fused in the dragonfruit flavor intrigues me most. I love the packaging too.
I hope you had a great mother's day!
- May 9, 2011 at 1:55 PM
- Unknown said...
Hahaha, thank you, sweetie! Mother's Day was celebrated by me not having to do any cooking yesterday... It was faboosh!
- May 9, 2011 at 1:58 PM
- Unknown said...
Malou, I think I looked through your cooking group for Filipino dishes and was inspired by the polvoron recipes featured! I just thought I'd give it my own twist ;-). Thanks for the Mother's Day greetings, hope you had a lovely Sunday too!
- May 9, 2011 at 2:02 PM
- Raji said...
These polvoron's looks amazingly beautiful..love your mould and the presentation is superb.
- May 9, 2011 at 8:37 PM
These look really tasty! I like the colors you picked out!
- May 9, 2011 at 8:54 PM
- Roxan said...
Maya, I LOVE LOVE LOVE polvoron. So glad to see that you made it! Once I had a bunch of polvoron that I couldn't finish, so I crumbled it up and made ice cream out of it. It was so good - tasted like butterfinger ice cream!
PS this is Roxan from kitchen meditation. I have a new blog!
- May 9, 2011 at 11:42 PM
- adorasbox said...
As always, you apply your diva touch in your food. This is a Philippine favourite, too. The dragon fruit one looks so exotic. They are so beautifully presented.
- May 10, 2011 at 12:54 AM
- Evelyne CulturEatz said...
Those polvoron are too cool, I want a press! Looks so easy yet sooo beautiful!
- May 10, 2011 at 1:16 AM
- the [sugar] apothecary said...
That press is awesome! Perfect flavor choices too :)
- May 10, 2011 at 9:28 AM
- Unknown said...
Roxan, that's such a great idea to crumble polvoron up into ice cream topping! Not that you'd require much effort because they're so crumbly, anyway ;-). Checked out your new site, it's cool!
- May 10, 2011 at 9:31 AM
- Unknown said...
Thank you, Adora. I had an empty chocolate tin and these polvorons fit in perfectly, like I was meant to make them!
- May 10, 2011 at 9:38 AM
- art is in the kitchen said...
I recognize your polvorones in any disguise! They look perfect in all the colors! They must taste as great! I will actually make some in different forms with a Chinese twist i'm sure you'll recognize. Love the way you package them. They look like the ones they sell in the Philippines. Cheers!
- May 10, 2011 at 12:00 PM
- Unknown said...
Heya Arthur, glad to see you back here again! I can't wait to see your version with that Chinese twist...now you've got me all curious!
- May 10, 2011 at 9:28 PM
- Sandra said...
:)) Love what you wrote about Nancy..isn't she just wonderful?
These look soo tasty and beautiful, Maya...you should totally submit it to YBR..
Have a great day!!!
- May 10, 2011 at 10:33 PM
- Tiffany said...
I've never had polvoron... thanks for sharing! I absolutely love learning about new dishes!
- May 11, 2011 at 2:10 AM
- Nancy said...
Polvorones!!! Ok Maya you just never cease to amaze me. You always have plenty of "tricks up your sleeve" Your truly are a kitchen goddess, so talented and creative. That's why I love your blog so much. I grew up with polovones but never made them, I'm making your Matcha ones soon. BTW thank you for your sweet words, it's a great way to end my night :)
- May 11, 2011 at 7:13 AM
- spcookiequeen said...
Never had Polvorones, but want some now. I've never seen that cute press, well have to keep my peepers open. Hope you kiddies showered you with kindness and treats on Mother's Day. YBR is always amazing isn't it.
- May 11, 2011 at 8:55 AM
- Christina Kim said...
These are Spanish shortbreads???? They looked so colorful and I am sure, flavorful, with all the exotic flavors that you are using as well :)
They just look so unique and delicious!!~
- May 11, 2011 at 9:17 AM
- Unknown said...
That looks great! I never thought of using dragon fruit in polvoron.
- May 11, 2011 at 11:17 AM
- Magic of Spice said...
These look and sound amazing! I have never tried polvoron, but now I want to :)
- May 12, 2011 at 7:05 AM
- Manu said...
I just saw these over at YBR! They look so pretty and they must taste divine! I LOVE the presentation: so classy!
- June 1, 2011 at 10:23 AM
- Unknown said...
Hey Manu, thanks so much. Talking about classy, I think your chocolate macarons are the bomb! So beautiful... :-)
- June 1, 2011 at 12:10 PM
- Katherine said...
Wow! Just saw this at YBR and these are so cool! I've never heard of polvoron but now I want to try them. Love your step-by-step photos.
- June 2, 2011 at 2:30 AM
- Priscilla - She's Cookin' said...
I've never had polvoron, but I love shortbread and the match and dragon fruit add a unique flavor! Beautiful colors, too. Would love to try them :)
- June 2, 2011 at 2:34 PM


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If you can't find what you are looking for at Cumbrian Cottages, click here to visit Cottages.com and browse over 19,000 properties from all of our collections, all of which are inspected and graded to ensure you find the perfect cottage.
Book your short break or week away with 0% credit card fees.
Located in the pretty village of Harmby just 1 mile from the market town of Leyburn in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Grange Cottage is all on ground floor level set around a quiet courtyard with far reaching views across Cover Valley to Pen Hill, with the ancient ruins of Richard III's castle at Middleham in the distance. The cottage is well presented to offer welcoming, very comfortable accommodation after a day exploring this wonderful, scenic area. Lovely walks and cycle trails to suit all abilities can be enjoyed through some of Yorkshire's finest countryside. The village pub is within walking distance of the cottage, with several good pubs in the neighbouring villages. Leyburn has a good choice of individual shops, teashops, pubs and a weekly market. Aysgarth Falls and Bolton Castle are close by while Middleham, Hawes, Richmond, Reeth and the whole of the Dales are easily accessible. This property can be booked together with Corner Cottage (DC1665) to accommodate up to 4 guests.
Read more about Grange Cottage
It's given its name to one of Britain's finest cheeses, but Wensleydale has so much more to offer. This is the valley of the River Ure, part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a popular destination for walkers and hikers.
As well as the rolling landscape of the valley itself, Wensleydale is overlooked by the distinctive flat- topped hill of Addlebrough, above the village of Bainbridge and Penhill, which stands guard over Leyburn. Wensleydale's dramatic scenery is dotted with ancient towns and villages, offering a great range of shops, pubs and tea rooms.
Hawes, at the head of the valley, is the centre of the famous cheese-making industry as well as rope- making, while Hardraw is home to Hardraw Force, one of the highest waterfalls in England.
At Aysgarth, the River Ure tumbles down a limestone staircase at the beauty spot known as Aysgarth Falls.
There are many other fascinating towns and villages in the valley; hidden treasures abound as the Ure flows eastwards. Middleham, with its castle, was the childhood home of Richard III while at West Burton, you can visit the famous Cat Pottery.
Although a walker's paradise, tired feet can let the train take the strain with a trip on the Wensleydale Railway. Heritage steam and diesel trains run along 17 miles of line between Redmire and Leeming Bar at the eastern end of the dale.
Don't forget the famous Buttertubs Pass, a great walk that leads from Hawes and Hardraw, over a high moorland pass and down to neighbouring Swaledale.
Along the Upper Wharfe Valley the characteristic drystone walls and barns of the Dales, important flower-rich hay meadows, beautiful riverside and valleyside woodland combine to create a wonderful place to relax and explore the great outdoors.
Receiving over 270,000 visitors each year, the Wensleydale Creamery Visitors Centre incorporates a museum, viewing gallery, specialist cheese shop and fully licensed restaurant.
The Pennine Bridleway is a new 350 mile long National Trail in the North of England.
Reeth, in the heart of Swaledale is a honey pot for locals and tourists. It lies where two of North Yorkshire's finest dales meet.
A small riding centre just outside the dales village of Reeth.
Completed in 1399, Bolton Castle has a rich past including connections with Richard III and Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here in 1568 under orders from Elizabeth I. Open all year round.
Some great fishing venues including Burnsall, Ilkley and Grassington. Day tickets available.
Bainbridge is the only place that you can get day tickets for the River Bain with it being such a short river - the shortest in England at about two miles!
The thriving market town of Hawes located in the heart of Wensleydale is a typical Yorkshire Dales town full of character and charm.
The Swaledale Museum is run by volunteers where displays of local heritage from Swaledale and Arkengarthdale can be viewed.
A unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created in a four acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Great fishing venues include Bainbridge, Hawes and Aysgarth. Day tickets available


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3 Best Tools to Make Free Animated GIFs on Windows
GIFs are the unofficial language of the internet GIFs, The Language Of The Web: Their History, Culture, and Future Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of GIFs, how they've evolved, and their cultural impact and significance. Read More . From social media to sites like MakeUseOf, they're high among the preferred forms of online communication — but, unless you're able to create your own GIFs, you might find that you're unable to source the perfect animation to express your innermost thoughts.
Luckily, it's easier than ever before to create GIFs from scratch. These three utilities will get you up and running before you can say "GIF is pronounced with a soft G." GIF - The Final Word On How To Pronounce It With the resurgence of the Graphics Interchange Format in its animated incarnation, the HOT debate about how to pronounce that gem of an acronym has also come to the front again. There are two fighters... Read More
1. LICEcap
LICEcap is about as barebones as it gets when it comes to GIF recorders. When you open the utility up, you'll only see a few bits of extra information accompanying the area that you're going to record; the max FPS of the resulting GIF, its length and width in pixels, and the all-important record button.
You can use the size fields to make precise adjustments to the portion of your screen being recorded 3 Free Screen Recorders to Capture Your Windows Desktop You can use a screen recorder to create tutorials, document bugs for troubleshooting, or track unsolicited activity on your desktop in your absence. Choose from one of our recommended tools. Read More — alternatively, dragging the edges of the window works too. When you have things set up as required, press Record to start capturing your GIF.
While LICEcap is recording, you can either click Stop to end your GIF and save it to a specified folder, or click Pause and then Insert to add text frames.
It's worth experimenting with how long your text appears for by tweaking the Duration field. There's no sense to add text that disappears before anyone can read it, so test out your timing before making a GIF for public consumption.
LICEcap is a great minimalist GIF recorder. It doesn't offer much beyond the most basic GIF creation functionality, but its straightforward function and uncluttered UI are perfect for anyone in search of simplicity.
2. GifCam
When you're ready to graduate onto something with a bit more complexity than LICEcap, GifCam is the obvious choice GifCam - The Easiest Way To Make Animated GIFs Ever [Windows] Quickly make an animated GIF of anything. GifCam is a free, portable app for Windows that provides you with a simple frame. Resize and position it, then hit record - everything that happens within that... Read More . Its basic functionality will be very easy to grasp, if you have already used LICEcap.
Press Rec to start capturing your GIF, then press Stop if you want to pause or bring your recording to an end. Once your work is done, click Save and you can select where you want to store your animation.
However, this is just GifCam at its simplest. Using the dropdown options present on the Rec and Save buttons gives you much more control over your GIFs. Click on Rec to tweak the framerate to your specifications and alter settings like cursor visibility.
The Save dropdown allows you to preview your file and select between varying levels of image quality. During a preview, the animation's file size will be presented next to the current quality setting.
The Edit button opens your recording in a frame-by-frame view where you can adjust finer details. You can add text, tinker with its green screening How To Broadcast Live With A Green Screen Wouldn't it be cool if we could use this green screen effect for a live broadcast - like on Google Hangouts, or Skype? "Yes indeed it would be, James" is the answer you're looking for... Read More to help smooth out the animation, and even add mirrored frames to allow your animation to play back and forth. The Edit interface is a great help if you're attempting to make GIFs that loop.
Here's a handy tip to avoid frustration when you're working with GifCam; if you need to create more than one GIF, make sure you use the New command from the Rec dropdown after every capture. Otherwise, you'll end up with one unwieldy animation that compiles all the footage you recorded, rather than separate files.
3. ScreenToGif
Unlike LICEcap and GifCam, ScreenToGif doesn't initialize straight into a capture window.
Instead, you'll be given four choices. Recorder will be the most familiar, as it operates in much the same way as the other utilities we've looked at, but even it offers up a few more customization options.
The framerate and window size tools are fairly self-explanatory, but the crop symbol to the left of the settings icon is the really useful gadget. By clicking on it and dragging your cursor to another window, you can force ScreenToGif to snap its capture window to that size.
The Webcam mode works much the same way, but using the video feed from your webcam as its source. The Board option allows you to draw freely, capturing frames automatically as you go — this means that you don't have to worry about starting and stopping the recording, you can focus on your content. Board mode is excellent for serious stuff like diagrams Create Professional Diagrams & Charts with These 6 Free Tools Diagrams and charts are not solely the domain of office workers and people in the business world. These six free online tools give you the power of instant visualization. Read More , but it's also a lot of fun to mess around with.
However, it's the Editor mode that gives ScreenToGif the biggest edge over its rivals. This section of the utility goes far beyond the editing capabilities of GifCam, providing unparalleled control over your finished product from within the tool itself.
You can scribble over individual frames, add a watermark, and even take advantage of built-in transition effects. If you're set on creating the GIF from start to finish with one tool, ScreenToGif is definitely the correct choice — although you would of course have even more control by using a program like GIMP GIMP vs. Photoshop: Which One Is Right for You? Adobe Photoshop is the most popular image editing app. GIMP is the best free alternative to Photoshop. Which should you use? Read More to make edits on a frame-by-frame basis.
Do you have tips for other readers on how to capture the most effective GIFs? Or are you looking to get some help with your own project? Either way, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
Related topics: Computer Animation, GIF.
Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the site alive. Read more.


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Amazon phone supposedly getting official today
Update: The event is over now and the Amazon Fire Phone is official. Check out our full scoop.
In just a few short hours, Amazon will hold an event during which it's widely believed to be presenting its first smartphone. The image below is apparently a true to life rendering of it.
This device has basically been rumored ever since the first Kindle Fire tablet became official. After all, it does seem pretty logical for Amazon to want to go into smartphones now that it has a pretty strong foothold in the tablet space.
The Amazon phone will reportedly come with a unique 3D-like interface, that won't require glasses for viewing. This will be enabled by four cameras mounted on the front corners of the handset. They will be used to track your eyes and continuously adapt the image you see based on your position in relation to the screen.
And that may be exactly what the following teaser video from Amazon is about.
This system will make certain tilt gestures possible, and those may be used to control some aspects of Amazon's built-in apps.
The OS will be similar to what's inside Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets, unsurprisingly, so expect a forked version of Android in this case too.
Obviously, Amazon's services are going to be front and center. And given what it's done with its tablets, the retailer's first smartphone may be sold at an extremely low price - at cost almost. That's because Amazon wants to make money by selling you stuff after you buy one of its devices.
As for specs, a 4.7-inch 720p touchscreen could be in there, while a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset with a quad-core CPU along with 2GB of RAM should handle the heavy lifting.
According to the latest leak on the matter, the Amazon phone will be an AT&T exclusive. It's unclear whether that will help the new device or hurt it, especially nowadays when people are used to having the best smartphones available on all carriers. Then again, this may be a limited time exclusivity deal.
Stick around and we'll bring you all the news regarding Amazon's first smartphone as it happens.
The Amazon event is set to start in 6.30pm UK time.
Reader comments
- AnonD-205659
There's live coverage on the verge. Disappointed that gsm arena isn't taken advantage of that.
- 18 Jun 2014
- q{d
- AnonD-275150
The phone looks kinda plain from the Geoff Bezos demo. Let us see what it can actually do when it is reviewed by GSM Arena eventually.
- 18 Jun 2014
- AnonD-210248
phone is already out at amazons event
- 18 Jun 2014
- wdK