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Home to the Biggest Snowtubing Park in the USA, 39 trails, skiing and snowboarding schools, a rental center, 2 terrain parks, a variety of tasty meals and treats, daily entertainment, events and Pennsylvania's only year-round Mountain Coaster, Camelback Resort is your destination for snow-tastic thrills for the entire family. To facilitate the ease and comfort of your trip, we provide detailed maps and directions to our tubing park. Free parking is available upon your arrival, and friendly ambassadors can answer any questions you may have about the weather, Snowtubing Park and the resort. Check out our mountain conditions online and make today a tubing day! With over 42 lanes of fantastic family thrills, it's snow-wonder that Camelback Resort is the best snowtubing spot in the Pocono Mountains.
Resort Information
Daily Conditions
Hours Of Operation
Maps & Directions
Dining At Camelback
Mountain Coaster & Zipline
Camelback Mountain Resort is a haven within the Pocono Mountains, and one of the only ski resorts in Pennsylvania to offer year-round mountain adventures for the entire family. Our ski resort exists for the sole purpose of allowing you, your family and friends to enjoy winter fun to its fullest.
Quench the thirst of your inner monkey! Get out to CBK and zip away on over 100 aerial obstacles at the Biggest TreeTop Adventure Park in PA or try the states only Mountain Coaster, Mountain Segway tours and the Longest Tandem Zip-Flyer in North America.
The Biggest Waterpark In PA is your home for splashtastic summer fun! With over 37 rides, slides and attractions, private cabanas and the all-new Adventure Zone, there's something for everyone. Camelbeach - All Waterpark, All The Time!
Make your getaway feel like the vacation of a lifetime! Camelback represents the finest townhouses bordering the slopes and each have all the comforts of home in mind. There's no better way to spend a weekend than a Ski & Stay Vacation at Camelback.


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Jeez, I think the NBA is gonna bring the hammer down on Donald Sterling. There's a presser tomorrow probably banning him from attending any more games this year but beyond that it's hard to imagine him surviving as owner of the Clippers after those comments. Maybe a forceout kinda like what MLB did with Marge Schott.
The racist comments previously made by Jimmy The Greek and Al Campanis caught on tape didn't contain the level of hate or disdain toward blacks that Sterling's clearly do.
The NAACP has cancelled Sterling's upcoming lifetime achievement award ceremony.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tal Eryr, meaning Tall Eagle, was once a large, country farm house. It has been modernised and has a large, walled garden which is mainly lawn. The house can accommodate a maximum of 14 people at one time. It is equipped with oil-fired central heating for the colder months.The house has internet access and WIFI.Bedding and towels are also available at £10 per bed.Electric is changed on a pound meter.
Electric kettle, toaster, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, fridge-freezer, double electric oven and a TV.
Washing machine, tumble dryer and iron.
Colour smart TV, DVD player and easy chairs with sea views across to Anglesey. All TVs have freeview.Tal Eryr is available for bookings all year round for families and supervised parties.Click here for our price list
Tal Eryr, Clynnogfawr,Caernarfon, Gwynedd,LL54 5PS
+44 (0) 01286 660168 firstname.lastname@example.com


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Hey Yall! Clip in extensions have been a fav of mine for years. I used to wear them 24/7, I am natural now and haven't them for a long time now! I'll include some pics to show you how natural clip ins can look! I'll be uploading more videos on these amazing extensions!
You wouldn't know its not my hair if I didnt tell you right? Thought so!


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Library slates special event for families
Burnham Library in Bridgewater will participate in the sixth annual Take Your Child to the Library Day event Feb. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
The international initiative encourages families to take their children to their local library.
Launched in 2011 in Connecticut by librarians Nadine Lipman and Cailtin Augusta, the day raises community awareness about the importance of the library in the life of a child, and promotes library services and programs for children and families
The local library will celebrate with an open house featuring snacks, an opportunity to try Makerspace, book reading, dancing with special guest Edward Leonard and his Silly Song Sing-A-Long (at 10:30 a.m.).
The program is designed mostly for children 10 and under.
For more information, call the 62 Main St. South library at 860-354-6937.


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i just formatted my pc with xp3 evrything went fine, except that is asking me for a password i did not put any password there is no * after password i leave it blank but it does not let me acces anything, please help!!!
"Formatted" means you completely erased the drive & setup the file system (FAT32 or NTFS) in preparartion for the installation of the OS.
If you sucessfully installed XP & are being asked for a password to login to Windows, you must have inadverently entered one during the install process. Your best bet is to reformat & reinstall XP...this time, pay attention!
Windows XP Professional reinstall step by step on a used hard drive
Thank you for replying.... i did not enter any password and i already tried to reformat again but it does not read the cd, now what should i do????
Did you click on the link I supplied? Those are the steps that you MUST go thru to install XP. The 1st screen is very important. When you see, "Press any key to boot from CD.....", you MUST press a key, if you do not, the system will not read the disc.
Did it!!! Thank you very much for your help and all the info that you gave me, i really appreciated you responding so quickly...really...THANK YOU!!!


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Give…Lead…Lift…Serve…Support…Endure. It's you, your destiny.
Nice, really nice. 💕
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Unchained Emporium and commented:
There is so much truth in this! If not me, then who? If not now, then when? Be sure to click the link and check out "SwittersB and Exploring" blog!
Melody thank you so much for sharing. Very kind.
You are most welcome! 🙂
What's all the hub bub about! It the road we hoe-ho-whoa! I can't figure it how to spell hoe-Ho oh god there I go again! OY
Some lead, serve and guide….some follow, hold on or just attack the wagon. 🙂
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Posts filed under: 'Houston'
SOME PASTORS…IVY HILLARD… Richy Rich…
I don't know maybe it is just me. No, it is not just me. But this kind of thing makes me mad. And not that I did not know that this was what Ivy Hillard's ministry was all about. Because I did… since I knew he was clearly into prosperity.
The reason why so many people are pulling away from the church or any kind of real Biblical teaching is because you have a lot of people who are frauds. These people usually have mega-churches… wheel around in expensive lavish cars… eat in the best restaurants… and live in exclusive places or gated communities. While serving over congregations of people who are barely making it… and wondering why?
Now, I know in whom I believe. But some people sit in mega-churches following these big time preachers believing that 1 day they too will catch a hold of the wind, and end up living large on some secluded beach front property. But it never happens. Least ways not to them.
First of all they are following the wrong thing. Have you not heard, 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God?'
But they seek money… riches of this worlds… and the things these big time preachers flaunt in front of them telling them, 'You can have it too.'
Yeah, right…
Well, they can. But not by using tons of people to get it. Because using people to get over is not how God works.
So, when Bishop Ivy Hillard went to his congregation… or texted them… or sent out his eblast or whatever… about giving him $50,000 so he could fix his helicopter, more than half of his church congregation should have finally seen the light. A bright beacon should have suddenly shined into their life if it had not already done so regarding who they were really following. And I'm talking about the 'real' light.
Maybe even lightening should have struck them. But however it happened or however… it should have hit them and knocked them flat on the ground.
What audacity.
Truthfully, they all should be getting up out of there, and leaving that church and that man with all his bills. And we would see how long it would take for the auctioneers to start pulling up.
With his fancy suits and bright ties… he is just living too large. And it has all been on them… his parishioners.
And he has not been ashamed to flaunt it.
Now, I do not get off on seeing people live well. I like nice things myself. And as quietly as it kept… I feel I live pretty nicely myself.
But I do not do it on the back of others.
I recall listening to hHillard's wife speak at a T.D. Jake's 'Woman Thou Art Loose Conference,' a few years ago. She lead off by telling us about her and her husband's airplane, how they each have their own helicopters, or something like that…and I forget whatever else said about their 'things.' But I found it all to be less than interesting. It did not faze me in the least.
I understood what she was trying to do. She was trying to get all the 'ooooh's' and 'ahhhh's' persons caught up in what she was saying. And I guess she did… because the following week she began having her own conference. And I imagine some of those 'ooooh' and 'ahhhh' people were right there.
But I think it is shameful for a preacher or anyone to milk their people… or try to con or milk people out of money. Or anything else. And I really think it is horrible when people of the cloth, in the name of Jesus or God, go about attempting to pollute the good reputation of God and/or Jesus by holding up His or their names in order to con those not smart enough to see through them.
I think I have expressed my feelings now…
Well, God bless…and thank you very much those of you who have ventured out and purchased my book… which can be ordered on-line at any number of websites… just google THE BISHOP'S WIFE by Bernadine Smith… and see for yourself. And you can also read excerpts from my book on-line as well at Barnes&Nobles Nook, amazon.com etc…
Got to get going promised a friend that I would do something for him. So, take care and enjoy your evening….
Just 1 more thing before closing… Let me just say get into the Bible for yourself and learn the Word of the Lord for yourself. This is not to say 'do not go to church.' Because I would never tell you that… and that would be foolish. But find yourself a good church that truly loves and believes in the Lord. And whose faith is not founded upon filthy lucre… meaning 'money.'
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2013
Add a comment June 19, 2013
GOT A TESTIMONY….AIM 2011… Houston
Recently I went on a trip to Houston, TX, to a church convention. A few days prior to the last day of my trip in Houston I realized that I was running low on money.
The day before leaving for my trip I had been out buying things here and there … you know another blouse, another light and airy dress, another pair of earrings etc… just stuff that I figured I might need on my trip.
So, prior to leaving I had already begun to tap into my hotel money.
Then while sitting in the various convention meetings and church services… I was… Well, I was giving a little here and a little there… again tapping even more into my already dwindling funds.
Realizing that my funds were way low I decided that I better call my son, and ask him to lend me the money for my hotel… because when I had finally got around to checking what was in my bank on a computer … it was further down than I had thought. I was left with only a hundred and some odd dollars.
I had gotten my hotel at a discount rate… but even at my discount I was way short of what I was going to have to pay when I was to finally check out of it.
My son answered the phone and I told him what I needed. He got so mad at me. And he said-
"Why did you go off somewhere knowing you could not afford it?"
It was a legitimate question… I guess. But too late for me to sit around thinking about that now, after I had spent 5 days and 6 nights in these people's hotel.
Beside before I started dipping into my hotel money I could afford my trip… and the whole thing. But that was before I starting spending…and then started giving in those offerings that I gave in during the convention.
So, as my trip drew closer to the end I began worrying more and more about my finances. As my son had slammed down the phone on me, and said he was not going to give me anything.
Now, I was really in bind.
How was I going to pay for my hotel bill?
So, my final night at the hotel I broke down and decided that I better try calling my son again. But this time he did not answer.
So, that night, needless to say, I hardly slept at all. I tried to… but all I could do think about was my hotel bill.
Finally at about 3 o'clock in the morning I got up…and went downstairs to the lobby to look on the computer to see just how much money I was actually short. All I had was $133….annd my hotel bill was $494, which included the taxes and everything else they threw in. Right then and there I sighed and made up in my mind that coming to Houston had been worth it.
I also decided right then and there… that whether my son gave me the money or not… I was not going to leave the hotel without paying my bill. Even if it meant I had to go to jail.
Afterall, my hotel had been so great to me. All the people were nice… and service had been 5 star. Besides they served hot breakfast free everyday…and after 5 offer free complimentary food… which included the largest and most delicious chocolate chip cookies baked fresh and still warm. And you could eat or take as much of whatever you wanted.
No, no way was I going to stick them with the bill… or leave without paying. Not that I would ever consider such a thing. It might have been embarrassing and might have taken me a while to go downstairs and tell them. But I would have rather said that I didn't have they money… and would have hoped that they would have worked something out with me.
However, about 8:30 AM I broke down again and tried calling my son again….and this time he answered. Finally, I got him to agreed that he was going to give me some money. But the amount he told me was only $250…AND THAT WAS ALL!
Now I forced to call 1 of my other sisters and beg her for the rest…telling her that I would pay her $200 if she lent me $175. And she did.
As soon as that money hit my account… which was about 9:10 AM… I paid off my hotel bill. I did not want to risk anything coming up against that money.
At 12 noon my courtesy driver for the convention picked me up at my hotel and drove me to the airport. It had been a beautiful trip… my trip to Houston as I glanced out at the beautiful sky with its puffy white clouds… looking as if someone had painted them there.
I had heard some wonderful preaching and teaching at AIM. And now I was my way back home… and I didn't end up having to spend the night in jail.
Upon reaching the airport, while waiting on my flight to be called, they made an announcement over the intercom system saying that my flight had been overbooked. They said that they needed 2 people who would be willing to take the next flight. And for doing so they offered a $400 ticket in return.
They did not have to ask me twice. I was already standing near the counter so I was the first person to the counter… not that many people rushed to get there. Just me and another woman.
And guess what?
By the time I flew out of Houston I had earned over $1,200… and it had never even dawned on me until my flight was nearing my home airport. It was $1,200 more than I had when I flew into Houston.
During the convention 1 of my brothers got me an $800 editing job for some Bishop.. .and I had also gotten that $400 certificate from the airline, good for a whole year that I could use on any of their flights, or sell it, or give to whoever I wanted.
Just think of that…at 3 AM on that morning I had woke up restless…because I hadn't had enough. But by 3 PM I had gained a mighty surplus.
And this is a true story… and the next flight out was only 1 hour later than my original flight.
And between my spending…I was giving until I knew I could no longer afford to put another dime into 1 more offering. But all the while I sat wanting to.
And also…another twist to this story just prior to my leaving I had run out of checks. Tried to get some but didn't make the bank on time. So, I had no checks. If so, I would have wrote some. But God knew….
He truly does know our hearts.
God truly is good.
Looking for some rain. It has been soooooo hot here. And very humid.
Enjoy the rest of your evening.
And let me finish by saying AIM 2011 was off the hook!
Well, God bless…
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2011
Add a comment July 21, 2011


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Newcastle Jets have announced the signing of Kaine Sheppard on a one-year deal from NPL Victoria club Avondale FC.
The talented 24-year-old striker joins the Jets after hitting 20 goals in 26 appearances this season.
Sheppard also guided Avondale to the FFA Cup 2018 Quarter Finals, finding the back of the net in 4-1 victories over Marconi Stallions and Devonport City respectively.
FFA CUP QUARTER FINAL WRAP: Sydney survive Avondale scare
RE-CAP: Watch all the goals and highlights in the LIVE BLOG
The English-born forward said he was excited to be heading north and linking up with Ernie Merrick's Jets.
"I'm really happy to be given the chance to test myself again in a professional set-up," Sheppard said.
"I've had some experience in a similar environment in Finland last year, and being able to dedicate myself to football will help me get the best out of myself as a player.
"Joining the Jets is something which really excites me and I think I'll benefit from playing under Ernie and the freedom he allows players in the final third."
Sheppard was offered a trial by Merrick and performed strongly against the Young Socceroos up front, scoring from a set piece in the team's 4-1 win on the Central Coast.
The Jets boss said that Sheppard would provide further depth to the club's attacking stocks.
"We brought him in on trial and he's done exceptionally well," Merrick said.
"Kaine performed strongly in two FFA Cup appearances this year and has been consistently good all season down in Victoria.
"He's a clever player that reads the game well, makes great runs and has a strong physical presence – a really coachable player that I'm looking forward to working with this season."


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SET 002 contains two pendants on the Shami Signature Chain.
Pendants: Varsity Medal Pendant and Cherry Pendant.
Length options: 16" + 2" EXTENSION or 22" + 2" EXTENSION
Available in gold vermeil with Varsity Medal Pendant options of Dark Blue Enamel or Red Enamel.
16mm Varsity Medal Pendant.
10mm Cherry Pendant.
Personalized items are final sale.


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PARIS — In an era when even kitchen appliances connect to the Internet, and cellphones have more memory and data processing power than a 10-year-old PC, artists are engaging ever more creatively with computers — or maybe vice versa.
As with video art in the 1960s and early digital work in the '80s and '90s, technological progress is providing not only an array of new tools for artistic creation, but also new sources of reflection and new subjects for social commentary. Out of it is emerging a new aesthetic inspired by YouTube and Google.
A global movement is hacking, subverting and critiquing the hardware, software, content, visuals — even the philosophy of the wired world.
Take Beige. A four-member U.S. computer programming art collective, Beige has built a reputation in the past few years by breaking into the code of old Nintendo game cartridges, and transforming them into animation artworks. Hijacked from its original purpose the famous, now-retro game platform becomes an abstract space where fluorescent squares float and bounce to the rhythms of electronic music.
Since 2000, when it first elaborated its basic technique, the collective has shown more durability than some of the technology it uses. Members have shown at prestigious events and galleries, including the Whitney Biennial for contemporary art in New York, the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London and the Guggenheim, New York.
Among Beige's innovations is the exploitation of programming faults that cause a lapse in data transfer, leaving a pixellated effect known as a "residue" on the screen; this fault is used, and intentionally replicated, in several works.
"This is known as 'glitch art,"' said Paul Pieroni, co-curator of SEVENTEEN, a gallery in east London that has been a pioneer in showing technology-driven work in Britain. "It is essentially the aesthetization of a computer fault."
In 2007, the gallery gave Paul B. Davis, one of Beige's members, his first solo show. It has since held several shows for Mr. Davis as well as for other technology artists, including the New York duo John Michael Boling and Javier Morales and the Californian Eric Fensler.
"There is a new regime of aesthetics emerging out of technological practice," Mr. Pieroni said. Datamoshing, also know as compression aesthetics, is an example: a recently developed form of glitch art, it manipulates compression frames, giving an overly pixellated appearance, he said.
Datamoshing was pioneered by Mr. Davis and two other artists, Sven Koenig and Takeshi Murata, in collaboration with Paper Rad, another influential new media collective. It has since been adopted by video directors including Nabil Elderkin, who used it in "Welcome To Heartbreak" by the rapper Kanye West.
The ubiquity of the Internet has radically changed the way we do the most basic things, Mr. Pieroni said: "Call it the 'googlification' of everything — YouTube is the perfect example: the sort of cultural content now readily available is simply mind-blowing and without precedent."
Aleksansdra Domanovic, a Berlin artist, uses the Web to create on-line picture frames: On each site that she builds, she displays a single piece of conceptual art; her fellow Berliner Oliver Laric constructs pastiches of YouTube videos, mixing collages of YouTube footage that he then posts back to the site, as well as to his own. Mr. Boling and Mr. Morales, the New Yorkers, have brought the stretch-limo concept to Google, with a tongue-in-cheek pastiche — http://www.gooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ogle.com/.
"It's comforting — in addition to seeing them provide a rigorous critique of the Internet age — to see artists catching on to these regimes in order to engage with the Internet on a purely visual level," Mr. Pieroni said.
Technology-driven work often aims at social commentary as much as it aims at aesthetic effect, said Ceci Moss, senior editor of Rhizome, a nonprofit arts organization focused on information technology and affiliated with the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York: "For some artists, their interest stems from an engagement with social or cultural questions linked to new technologies."
One example is a Danish collective, Superflex, that has taken many of its ideas from the Open Source movement, Ms. Moss said. Open Source relies on programmers around the world who work collectively to improve and share software code like the Linux operating system.
Superflex's 2005 project, "Copyshop," designed like a real copy shop, allowed the free duplication and also the modification of texts and images in what the artists described as a calculated challenge to the idea of intellectual property.
"By encouraging the distribution of information in physical form, the artists hope to bring to light intellectual property issues that have become a major topic due to new technologies," Ms. Moss said.
Collectif 1.0.3., a French artists' group, explores the conservation of art works and knowledge through digital technology. Its computer system "Misma" — a French acronym meaning "intervention module for saving artistic methodologies" — generates digital maps.
The result is an abstract image that resembles Futuristic word art and that represents a coded record of its subject, which may be anything from a painting or a song to an entire library.
"The type of artwork being produced through technology can't be compared to anything else, because, in many cases, it acts as a paradigm shift," said Nils Aziosmanoff, director of Cube, a new media exhibition space in south-west Paris: "Some new piece of equipment comes by and it presents an entire new way of 'telling a story."'


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AMMAN — Jordan has vowed to make every effort to save a pilot captured by the Islamic State group in Syria as Washington denied claims the jihadists had shot down his warplane.
Maaz al-Kassasbeh, a 26-year-old first lieutenant in the Jordanian air force, was captured by IS on Wednesday after his F-16 jet crashed while on a mission against the jihadists over northern Syria.
It was the first warplane lost and the first capture of a serviceman since the coalition launched strikes against IS in Syria in September.
It was also a major propaganda victory for the Sunni extremist group, which released photographs parading the captured pilot.
"The Jordanian government... is making all efforts with several crisis cells to free (the pilot)," government daily Al-Rai said on Thursday .
"We are confident that our brave one will be released... He has not been forgotten."
The pilot's father, Safi al-Kassasbeh, urged IS to show "mercy" and treat his son a "guest."
"We consider Maaz a guest in the keep of brothers," Kassasbeh said, adding that he was praying for his release.
Jordan, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, has joined the US-led coalition carrying out air strikes against IS after it seized control of large parts of Syria and Iraq.
Kassasbeh's plane went down near the city of Raqa, which IS has used as its de facto capital and where coalition warplanes have carried out regular strikes.
The jihadists and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the plane was downed by an anti-aircraft missile, raising concerns for other coalition aircraft.
But the US military said "evidence clearly suggests that ISIL did not down the aircraft," using another name for IS, without giving a cause for the "crash".
"We strongly condemn the actions of ISIL, which has taken captive the downed pilot," said Central Command chief General Lloyd Austin.
"We will support efforts to ensure his safe recovery, and will not tolerate ISIL's attempts to misrepresent or exploit this unfortunate aircraft crash for their own purposes."
Jordan's parliament said it would hold IS "responsible for safeguarding the life" of Kassasbeh, describing him as a "hero."
Online support
IS posted pictures online showing its fighters holding the pilot.
One showed a man being carried from a body of water by gunmen. Another showed the same man on land, surrounded by almost a dozen militants.
Messages of support for the pilot flooded Facebook and Twitter under the hashtag "We are all Maaz al-Kassasbeh."
Analyst Mohamed Abu Rummaneh, from the University of Jordan, said he did not expect Amman to reconsider its role in the anti-IS coalition.
"A large majority of Jordanians – nearly 90 per cent according to polls – consider Daesh (another name for IS) to be an enemy," he said.
But political commentator Labib al-Kamhawi said the government would come under pressure to pull out of the coalition "if, God forbid, anything adverse happened to the pilot."
An activist in Raqa said IS militants were divided over the pilot's fate, with more extremist foreign fighters wanting him executed and others wanting him kept alive.
Jordanian Salafist leader Mohammed Shalabi denounced Amman's participation in the coalition, and warned the war on IS would lead to "deaths and injuries."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed for the pilot's captors to treat him "in accordance with international humanitarian laws."
Strikes continue
Despite the loss of the plane, the coalition carried out more strikes against IS targets, said the Observatory, which relies on a network of sources for its reports on Syria.
On Wednesday, the coalition launched eight strikes against IS positions in Kobane, a town on the border with Turkey which is known as Ain al-Arab in Arabic.
Other strikes hit Bukamal near the Iraqi frontier.
The Observatory said at least 44 IS fighters were killed in clashes with Kurdish militia in the northeastern province of Hasakeh and in Kobane.
Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt against President Bashar al-Assad but evolved into a multi-front civil war that saw IS grab large swathes of land. AFP


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'Will delight anyone interested in cutting-edge design and green living … an inspiration for those thinking seriously about building their own' – The Sunday Times
'A useful research companion for anybody looking to build green, as much as a lovely selection of great new houses all over the globe' – Wallpaper*
'A sumptuous piece of work that puts some style into sustainability … Whether you're thinking about a new-build, an extension or reinvention, there is a section that will address your queries. A great read' – Select Interiors
How can we achieve harmony between stylish homes and nature?
For anyone thinking of designing, building, remodelling or furnishing a modern home, this book provides practical inspiration for living stylishly, sensibly and sustainably.
Successful projects from many parts of the globe are specially photographed here, providing the inspiration to build and live in a balanced, natural, sustainable way whether in the city, suburbs or country,


text: I have compiled a book of Nine Circular Walks around Williton, all starting and ending in the village and varying in length between 2½ and 6½ miles. It is for sale in Williton Post Office. If you have any problems obtaining a copy, please email email@example.com or phone me on 01984 634899. The book costs £2.50 and all proceeds from the tcurrent edition are going to the WASPS Williton and Surrounding Area Parkinson's Support. Jenny Gibson


text:
The Blot was blown away when I learned my friends at Dark Hall Mansion were teaming up with acclaimed artist David Flores on a new series of officially licensed Peanuts giclee fine art prints!!! I'm a huge fan of Flores' signature stain glass art style, and it's so cool to see it applied to Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. The series has been entitled "Peanuts Attitude" and features prints of Charlie Brown, Joe Cool, Snoopy on a doghouse, and Charlie Brown and Linus reflecting on life's moments and challenges.
All four Peanuts Attitude prints by David Flores will be released individually in Standard and Variant Editions as 18"x24" prints, or as sets of four 9"x12" prints in the same Standard and Variant Editions. Each individual Standard Edition 18"x24" giclee print is limited to 125 pieces and will retail for $55, while each individual Variant Edition 18"x24" giclee print is limited to 75 pieces and will retail for $65. The Standard and Variant Edition 9"x12" sets are limited to 100 pieces each and will retail for $75. All of these killer Peanuts prints by David Flores will go on sale at 12:30pm PST tomorrow, Thursday, December 14th, at the Dark Hall Mansion online store.


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Carnivorous plants have developed a variety of unique mechanisms to trap their prey, and researchers have another to add to the list: a pitcher plant that uses the impact of rain drops to flick insects into the trap. The full report is published June 13 in the open access journal PLoS ONE.
The Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plant, found in southeast Asia, has a unique, semi-slippery wax crystal surface on the underside of the pitcher lid. The researchers, led by Ulrike Bauer of the University of Cambridge, found that ants could cling to this surface under normal conditions, but a rain drop falling on the lid is enough to dislodge the insects, catapulting them into the pitcher where they are digested. This behavior can be seen in videos accompanying the published article.
|Contact: Lindsay Morton
Public Library of Science


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It was reported by the Wall Street Journal last year that the US billionaire, boss of the team Miami Dolphins , Stephen Ross has invested the Drone Racing League. He invested $1million through his investment company RSE Ventures. The industries of UAV have raised a question when the news came out: Is UAV contest a real sport? Nick Horbacezewski, CEO of the Drone Racing League said: "I think the game has the ability to let people resonate together because it has been not only a traditional racing game but also a game with new technology.
Recently it has been reported that the drone competition is expected to become the next emerging sporting events. Unlike most racing sports such as car racing, horse racing or dog sledding there is no driver inside the drone. Drivers need to wear goggles, and they control it according to the video camera embedded in the front of the drone. Such manipulation is known as FPV (first person video). By combining FPV and UAV that participants and spectators could experience the speeds up to 90 miles / hour and give participants an immersive, high-speed flight experience of competition.
In the United States, the two-day U.S. National Drone Racing Championships held in California State Fair in 2005. It attracted 120 participants to participated in and the prize money is reaching a high of $ 25,000. It was reported that the game was expected to attract only 60 spectators, but the videos of UAVs hit on YouTube more than a million. Moreover in France, Australia and the United Kingdom the similar evevnts have been also organized.
In China in November 2015 the International Air Robot Contest (IARC) was held at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the two play-offs multi-rotor UAV "Shepherd of Action" and "remote through" were added. And the competition rules was setting based on FPV model. Both playoffs game directly push the game to a climax and the applause, screams constantly which made the entire event completely a success.
With the growing popularity of the UAVs and virtual reality goggles equipment, consumer goods of science and technology are increasingly becoming affordable. Related associations, Unions strongly promote and integrate into the modern new technology with God's perspective of the world, the industry of UAV is bond to boil up and FPV drone competition will be growing as a high-energy movement.
Competition of UAVs is on the rise and development. it is a new industry and event planning and preparation will require a lot of time and manpower. The real development of drone competition takes time and it also faces many problems.such as the FPV battery flight time.
Currently, the UAVs on market mainly target lithium polymer battery as the main power. Endurance ability is typically between 20-30 minutes. There are some differences because of different technology but most of their flight time is less than 45 minutes while their charging time is more than one hour. The UAVs can not carry heavy battery with large capacity due to the need to minimize the weight of UAV. Most of the UAV just can maintain ten to twenty minutes in flight then it must be replaced by another battery or plug in the charging cable. So pilots often go out with three to four batteries which is regarded as a primary limits to the development of the UAV industry. To promote the development of the UAV marketing we should putting the problem how to prolong the flying time of UAV into the first place.
In September 2015 Tesla, a leader in the field of electric vehicles, announced a specific application of aerial UAV prototype. Company Tesla showed their scientificalness in rechargeable batteries. It was reported that the UAV was equipped with a 10000mAh battery and a single charge could promise a sustainable flight for 60 minutes and the charging time is only about 20 minutes. Tesla with unique skills has entered the UAV market and it is bound to have a tremendous impact on the domestic UAV battery. Everyone hope to have a kind of battery which charging time is shorter and flying time is longer. But this long-awaited product is still in the phase of conceptual designing.
The research on UAV battery has emerged in endlessly. Currently most of the new products are on the phase of research, and development of the UAVs battery can not be predicted. We hope these UAV battery can live up the expectations.


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The Uniform Code of Military Justice is the guide by which such disobedience should be judged ... not the newspaper. Watada wanted the prestige but not the responsibility of his rank.
I think a term in federal prison until our troops are withdrawn from Iraq would be appropriate.
Everyone naturally trusts their government to tell the truth, especially in matters of war and peace. The lieutenant also had faith in his government, but as the war has developed and the facts emerged, he had a change of heart.
The list of deceptions and disinformation disseminated by the government is long. Have we forgotten the constantly changing rationale for the war until the president hit on "Iraqi Freedom," which resonated in the American heart while parroted by the media like a propaganda machine?
The lieutenant, in the best American tradition, questioned authority, concluding that the war, despite government assertions and power, was unjustified and illegal.
I salute him for his courage and integrity as he declares: "Here I stand. I can do no other."
It's a real difficult pill to swallow to read that his father, Bob Watada, attested to his son's great courage and that he is choosing to do the right thing.
Terrorist acts are going to occur again and again on the soil of our great country. These forthcoming upheavals can be primarily attributed to activist organizations that are encouraged and supported by the Watadas' actions. This type of activity portrays only weakness to our enemies.
Our men and women in uniform are strong patriots. They want loyal officers who will look out for them and watch their backs. They don't want an officer around them who is a disgrace to the uniform.
I strongly support the maximum punishment allowable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for Lt. Watada.
A decisive majority of Americans oppose this unlawful, illegal, uncalled-for war. Our president proudly asserts that regardless of the circumstances, once he makes a decision he will hold firm. It sure must be nice to live in a black-and-white world.
Our military doesn't make the decision to wage war. Civilians make that decision. The military abides by those decisions, though individual members may disagree with the call to arms.
According to the Department of Defense, 2,478 American service members have died since the start of the Iraq war. Sadly, this war is not about defending our country.
So, dear writers of vitriol, give it a rest. Watada is a brave young man. He is a patriot. He speaks for many. He is to be congratulated. And President Bush, if you're listening, stop this madness! Enough already!
Why is it, then, that we islanders can go to the beach to watch the sunset, only to leave behind our empty juice cans, plastic bags and paper cups? Our beaches are equipped with trash cans to prevent this exact sort of thing.
My friends and I were at Kahala beach recently, and decided to clean up a bit. It was disgusting how many cigarettes people had left on the ground. Apparently, too, some kids had had a water balloon fight. Fun, yes, but we were there to trash the rubber remains.
Please, islanders, Hawaii has given us a lovely place to call home. The least we can do is clean up after ourselves.
To alleviate the situation, HECO has plans to add a new 100-megawatt plant that would burn either naphtha or ethanol. However, if demand does not decrease, the addition of this new plant would still fall short of "ideal reserve margins." Result: more blackouts.
What I would like to know is, what will happen if we construct an electricity-driven mass transit system? Where will the extra electricity for this system come from, if we are already facing power shortages, with no viable remedy in sight?
Letter form: Online form, click here
E-mail: email@example.com
Fax: (808) 529-4750
Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite 210, Honolulu, HI 96813


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In fine voice and with high energy, Morrissey treated MSG to
a smattering of his solo work with a few Smiths tunes thrown in.
His ridiculously tight band was in full force, fine form and packed a wallop.
Morrissey took a moment to note how special it was to be performing in
the U.S. (and notably in NYC) during Gay Pride Weekend amid the landmark
marriage equality ruling that occurred on Friday (as opening act Blondie did).
Great set. Great energy... And I even got a hand slap from Moz... POW!


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Indianapolis, IN – UrgentCare Indy Receives Certified Urgent Care Designation from the Urgent Care Association of America
UrgentCare Indy, with its clinic located in Northwest Indianapolis, has received the Certified Urgent Care designation from the UCAA – distinguishing it as a certified urgent care center. The clinic provides patients with walk-in, extended-hour medical attention with licensed providers for a large scope of medical conditions and has met all of the Urgent Care Association of America's established criteria.
The health care environment is changing, and so it is becoming more and more important for patients to understand their treatment options. Urgent care is a convenient and viable option for medical conditions that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment with a primary care physician. UrgentCare Indy accepts unscheduled, walk-in patients during all hours of operation seven days a week.
When a medical condition cannot be handled by a patient's regular doctor – such as unexpected cuts, burns, sprains or fractures that do not require a visit to the emergency department, UrgentCare Indy is equipped with x-ray, laboratory services and a licensed provider is always available to perform minor procedures like suturing.
Urgent care fills the gap between primary care and hospital emergency rooms, offering increased convenience and cost savings.
With its certification, UrgentCare Indy and the Urgent Care Association of America demonstrate their commitment toward providing patients with access to appropriate levels of care.
About UrgentCare Indy
At UrgentCare Indy, we offer quality medical care that is convenient and affordable – so that our Indianapolis neighbors can save money and stay healthy. We are located on the Northwest side of Indianapolis at 7911 North Michigan Road Indianapolis, IN 46268. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to closing to be seen.
UrgentCare Indy is a division of Pike Medical Consultants, a privately-owned medical practice established in 2007 by Dr. James D. Pike to provide perioperative, hospitalist, and pulmonary medicine care to Indianapolis. Over the years, Pike Medical Consultants has expanded by providing urgent care services (UrgentCare Indy), medical weight loss programs (WeightCare Indy), nursing home hospitalist care (GeriCare Indy), occupational health, primary care, bone health and counseling services in addition to pulmonary care.
UrgentCare Indy accepts most major insurances. For more information please visit our website: http://urgentcareindy.com
Miranda Allen


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Sleeping Money Machine
Sleeping Money Machine App is a Scam; Detailed Review
The Sleeping Money Machine by Robert Benjamin is a new SCAM trading app that has recently been launched the binary options industry. The Sleeping Money Machine App claims that this software has the potential to generate for you none less than $2396 every day while you're sleeping. In this sleeping scam review, we will be exposing the Sleeping Money Machine and will provide you with much better alternatives to trade with instead of this piece of junk that will drain your account as soon as you deposit while you're sleeping.
Benjamin claims that he found a secret binary options system that made him between 4 to 5 million dollars every year. Our team found that Sleepingmoneymachine.com domain was registered on March 16th, 2016, exactly two weeks ago as it's currently March 31st, 2016. The whole of the story behind the Sleeping Money Machine offer is about the NONEXISTENT Robert Benjamin who is actually a voice narrator and an invented person. Well, what if we don't want to go to sleep? Then what? Is the Sleeping Money Machine not going to work? Honestly, the group behind this production truly believes that newcomers and existing day traders are going to believe in such thing?
Evidence The Sleeping Money Machine is nothing but a Scam
- Robert Benjamin, is completely unknown person! We have looked at Google, Social Medium Forums and Linked inn Profiles and could not find any evidence of this fake CEO. Not only that, his name is completely unknown if we speak for financial industry and Robert Benjamin, the only posts appearing are associated with sleepingmoneymachine.com.
- "The main actor is using sleeping money software for over 6 years now!?" However our research shows that this trading application was registered on the 16.03.2016! Something doesn't quite fit here.
- The actual video contains no information regarding how the software depicts its trades or shows us a live demonstration that the software works.
- Since we don't see the face of the promoter but we do see some familiar faces on with regards to the testimonials provided. Remember Bradley Jenkins the guy who already withdraw $7500 from sleeping money software? Well think again because this nicely looking black person is just a stock model. The rest of the testimonial crew are no different, as you can already imagine by yourself.
Sleeping Money Machine Scam seems to be the only verdict we can stipulate considering all the evidence laid out above. Services like the Sleeping Money Machine are not at all genuine and poses great risks to your investments.
The whole story is fictitious and endorsed by scammers. If you really want to make money through binary options, there are useful software that you can use to make money. Do not buy any program because the sales page promises you that you would make millions. In the first place, you should know that you would never make millions overnight through any program. Secondly, you should know that any program that promises you millions free is not real.
Copy Buffett is an example of a reliable automated software that has received positive testimonials and receiving good reviews across various authoritative sites. For more information, visit our Copy Buffett Review or alternatively you can check the free video by clicking on the banner below. We cant promise you that this app will make you millions but it is profitable with the right money management techniques used.
Join the Trusted Auto trader for Best Profits
Alternatively please visit our Top Trusted Brokers In case you are working with a lower budget and can't afford to trade with an auto-trader, which normally requires you to deposit at least $250, you can start this journey with a legitimate broker that can offer you a free demo and a low deposit minimum / trade minimum such as TradeThunder.com. You can deposit as low as $20 and execute $1 trades. For beginners it may be a great way to give it time and see if on line trading is for you. New Comer To binary options industry? Don't forget to check our scam list, it can prevent you from signing with similar to star wars binary bot other scams! For decent alternatives we invite you to check out our trusted binary options signals.


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Despite all of the hype and excitement currently around Nintendo and the upcoming launch of Wii U, in addition to its efforts to improve its download platforms and more, the company's been working against a backdrop of difficult financial results. Earlier this year Nintendo had to report its first annual loss in 30 years, putting the setback at 43 billion Yen ($529m or £327m). In the first quarter of this year Nintendo made more losses, just over 17 billion Yen, but was optimistic of a turnaround with Wii U on the way and the 3DS hardware being sold at a profit for the first time.
Today the company has confirmed its results for the first six months of this financial year, up to 30th September. The overall results show a loss of 28 billion Yen (£220m/$350.7m/€270.2m), which is higher than the 20 billion Yen loss that had been projected. It must be said that Nintendo is still successfully cutting back its deficit, with the figure for the same period last year actually being a loss of 70.2 billion Yen, which shows how much the situation has been salvaged. The bottom line in terms of Nintendo's outlook for the year is that it's dropped projected profits of 20 billion Yen to just six billion Yen.
So why has Nintendo missed its targets this time around? One big reason out-with Nintendo's control is exchange rates unfavourable to the Yen, with an eye-watering 23.2bn Yen (£182m/$290m/€224m) lost as a result. Beyond that some blame rests, once again, on below-par 3DS sales outside of Japan. While the system has been doing exceptionally well in Japan, results elsewhere have failed to match that success, even with the bump in sales with the release of the XL model. In the three months since the last update at the end of June, 3DS sales increased by almost 3.2 million units, with 2.1 million of those being the newer model. Those aren't bad results at all — taking lifetime sales to 22.19 million — but are still below the figures that Nintendo wants to see.
With Wii U on the horizon and losses slowly decreasing, Nintendo will no doubt be hoping to share happier news at the end of the year. This new update shows that progress is bring made, but that a lot of hard work and big sales are still needed.
[source nintendo.co.jp]


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Can We Get Over Scientific Management, Please?
Filed under: Agility, Leadership, People, Process, Project management, Uncategorized
One of the primary products of the second Industrial revolution around the beginning of the 20th century came from Frederick Winslow Taylor. We need to move on. Read more
Back to Basics
Filed under: Uncategorized
There is an ongoing search for the latest, the greatest, the top-10 list, the hot new thing that will turn our lives around. This search has been going on for a long, long time, and will continue for years to come. Nothing is going to change that for the masses. Read more
Wearing Masks
Filed under: Uncategorized
It can be interesting to watch people when you are grabbing a bite at a food fair, visiting a farmer's market on Saturday morning, or wandering through a park in the evening. There's a huge difference between these settings and what you see in many business environments. At the food fair, the farmer's market and the park, nobody's wearing a mask. Read more
One of Those Days
Filed under: Uncategorized
Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like your best strategy for getting through the day is to abandon anything you might have intended to get done and just wait for the fires to start flaring up? Read more
Software Release Practices – Survey Results
Filed under: Uncategorized
Over the past few weeks, we've gathered some interesting information about how software teams release their product, and a review of the results of these current practices. This has been done as part of a research project in conjunction with Mitacs and BCIC, along with a student that is currently pursuing a Masters degree at UBC.
The sample size spans 18 respondents across a range of different companies. While low from a strict research perspective, we believe it still gives us an interesting range of responses from the questions that were asked, and if nothing else, raises awareness and generates interesting discussion.
We tried to target individuals that had a clear understanding of the release process in their organizations, and in several cases the original person contacted passed the survey along to the ones that were better equipped to answer the questions.
The first question asked the participants to describe the drivers that affected the decision to release software.
As expected from our experience in the industry over the years, releasing product because the promised date has arrived came out as the strongest driver on average.
Looking at the data in more detail, though, reveals that all of these drivers (except 'loss of bonuses') was the strongest for at least one of the organizations, and every single respondent indicated that the decision to release software is driven by a wide range of factors, it is a far more complex decision than the cynical view of "the date has arrived, so we have to ship".
From here, we asked respondents to identify the evidence they gather and use as a means of determining if the product is ready to ship.
As before, all groups used a variety of evidence to determine the state of readiness of the product, primarily functional and code testing, but a few things stood out for us. A number of groups indicated 'team competence' was the primary source of evidence, while there was no group that leaned heavily on complexity metrics, or static code analysis as evidence for release. Very few were driven by process compliance or standards adherence.
Again, thus far we are seeing confirmation that both the decision to release and the evidence used to decide suggest that 'when to release software' is a complex, multi-faceted problem, which was one of the things we were looking for.
Now to the core of the survey: how well are we doing with this complex decision?
We asked about the frequency of issues that people have with releases, and found the following on average:
What this is saying that across the board, almost half of the releases result in modest problems (or worse), and almost 25% of the releases result in significant or very ugly issues.
Clearly, there is room for improvement in how we manage this difficult decision!
We asked a few more questions about the nature of these release issues, and this is where the data started to be, well, a bit less crisp. First, we asked about the impact of these different severities of release issues, and got this:
While the averages expressed here follow the trend that we expected, there were a few data sets that bucked this trend. Whether or not we ignore the muddiness of the data, we think it is tough to argue that if the issue is 'very ugly', the impact in terms of cost, morale, product quality and credibility is going to go up.
In a manner similar to the responses to the question of the relative impact release issues, the responses to the question 'What preventive investment would be appropriate to avoid the post-release experiences?' showed an increasing trend based on severity:
(Note that this is where the data was the most puzzling, as several respondents suggested a greater investment to prevent minor release problems.)
We looked at the data from several different angles. There was no clear correlation between the size of the organization and the type of pains they were experiencing, for example
One interesting note comes when we combine the frequency and impact in these different categories, to find an overall exposure to the organization in each category:
What this tells us is that while we all fear 'the big one', those significant or very ugly problems that can ruin our day, the cumulative cost of the minor or modest issues we run into with our releases can be of the same magnitude over time. While we should certainly take action to prevent the big spills, anything we can do to reduce the smaller ones will help, too.
Overall, the informal, small slice of data here tells us that software release problems are real and frequent. What this data doesn't really tell us is the true costs we are dealing with, in all its forms beyond the almighty dollar – delays, reduced product quality, lost credibility and disruption are all real and affect all of us.
We're taking this to the next step to try to put a better measure on the cost of these release issues. What we are looking for is participation in a small focus group to better understand these challenges.
Though you need not have completed the above survey, it might help put you in the same mindset as the other focus group participants. Contact us if you are interested in doing so.
If you are well acquainted with your organization's release process and have an interest in discussing these issues with a possibility of contributing to improvements for your own organization and the industry in general, we would welcome your participation in a small, focussed session in the next few weeks to discuss the release decision in more detail.
If you don't fit the above criteria but know someone who does, please feel free to pass this note along to them…
We are planning on a 90 minute session somewhere around June 10 (depending on availability) at a location likely to be on the UBC Campus. We'll cover parking and refreshments for the session, and would like to better understand:
- the real costs of poorly planned releases
- your preferences for the shape of potential solutions to help mitigate these challenges
If you are interested in participating, please contact us to this message, and we'll use Doodle to find the best time and date for people to attend.
Looking Back, Looking Forward – the First Ten Years at Clarrus
Filed under: Uncategorized
It's been over 10 years since I started Clarrus. Here's a summary of what I see as some of the important things I've learned in that time, and a few of the upcoming things on the horizon. Read more


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T he coastal seaport city of Vancouver is always worth a visit. It is not only the most popular city within British Columbia, but is also consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life. And it is pretty easy to see why. With its natural charms, dramatic vistas, sunset-framed beaches, culinary highlights and a modern and vivid city centre Vancouver offers almost endless possibilities to enjoy yourself. On top the city is the perfect starting point to head out on an epic road trip towards the Canadian Rockies or to hop on a ferry and explore beautiful Vancouver Island.
How to get there?
If you are arriving by air, you will most likely be flying into Vancouver International Airport (just 25 minutes from downtown). If you are flying to Vancouver from a domestic destination, you might also be able to take scheduled floatplane or helicopter services. By land you can easily cross borders from the USA by car or ship. Good train and bus connections are also available.
For us Vancouver itself was already a highlight. We absolutely love cities that have lots of water surrounding it. No matter if it is a river, a harbour, a lake or access to the sea – being able to relax close to the water is such a privilege. On top Vancouver is also surrounded by green forests and nice mountain scenery. So what do you need more? For us there were a couple of places and activites that made the whole experience complete. Let us start with famous Granville Island. This peninsula, located close to Downtown Vancouver, once was an industrial manufacturing area, but today it is more a hotspot for tourism and entertainment. Here you will not only find an extensive marina, a boutique hotel, lots of art galleries, but also theatres, shops and (our favorite!) a large public market. The choices of fresh produces and delicious meals or snacks on this market are amazing. So make sure to arrive hungry! Next on the list is Stanley Park, a real oasis in the urban landscape of Vancouver. Stanley Park can keep you busy for quite a while, so make sure to check out this list of what to do in the park to pick your favorites. We decided to skip renting bikes and explore part of the 400 hectares by foot. A good choice to do so is the so-called Seawall Walk. It is a 10 km loop around the park, which always leaves you the choice to take a turn and explore the "inside" of the park. It is also a good loop for some good excercise. Make sure to not miss the beaches, especially Third Beach for watching amazing sunsets.
How long to stay?
We actually stayed in Vancouver twice, for a total of 7 nights. In between we left the city to visit nearby Victoria on Vancouver Island. Having a week to explore the buzzing, modern and diverse city of Vancouver was awesome. There is just so much to see and do, and activities are not limited to the city itself, but you will also find amazing fun stuff in the surrounding areas. So renting a car to explore more definitely is an option. And staying longer of course too. We would recommend to have at least a solid 3 nights stay in Vancouver so you can see the most important sights and places.
Where to stay?
The Vancouver region has more than 25,000 guest rooms, with about 13,000 alone downtown, so from economical to boutique, Vancouver accommodations are sure to suit any traveller's budget and tastes. As we were traveling on a budget we decided to skip fancy hotels and book an Airbnb instead. There are plenty available, and as always: The earlier you book, the more and better choice you have. As mentioned we stayed in Vancouver twice and both times we ended up in a clean and reasonable, but rather unpersonal accommodation. We were used to stay in someone's home, to meet locals and get some advice, but we actually never got to see the owners at all. But we can still highly recommend our second Airbnb close to Nanaimo Skytrain station on the Expo Line in East Vancouver.
Our recommendations
Ride the train Why not make the journey part of the adventure? Taking the train to or from Vancouver offers sightseeing at its finest, allowing you to watch the beauty of British Columbia from the comfort of the observation lounge or dining car. VIA Rail offers transcontinental services running from Vancouver to Toronto, via Jasper, several times per week, year-round. Or choose to take in the best of British Columbia and Alberta with a Rocky Mountaineer two-day rail tour, offered from April through October. And just in case you want to travel to Vancouver from the U.S., consider the Amtrak Cascades route between Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, via Portland and Seattle. Vancouver Island The Vancouver Island region is a large, sparsely populated area, encompassing Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, as well as a portion of the mainland. It has one of the world's most diverse ecosystems: Rainforests, marshes, meadows, beaches, mountains, oceans, rivers and lakes create habitats for multitudes of wildlife species. In fact, the region is one of the world's premier locations for whale watching, birding, as well as salmon and trout fishing. And even surfing. Much of the island is protected parkland. When in Vancouver, you should not miss the beauty and tranquility of this region. It is pretty easy to get to Vancouver Island by public transportation. Just take a bus to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and then take a ferry to Swartz Bay. You can check the ferry schedule online at www.bcferries.com. We really enjoyed the ferry ride and if you are lucky you might even get the chance to spot some whales. Just in case you are short on time, you can also fly to Victoria International Airport on Vancouver Island. Gastown Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and once grew from a single tavern founded by John 'Gassy Jack' Deighton back in 1867. Today, the district retains its historic charm and independent spirit. Victorian architecture houses a thriving fashion scene, impeccably curated décor boutiques, one-of-a-kind galleries and some of the best culinary fare in Vancouver. It is a gathering place for stylish locals and an ideal neighbourhood to explore on foot. Gastown lies along the north of the downtown Vancouver peninsula, from Richards east to Main Street, and south to Hastings Street. Grouse Mountain Rising 1,250 metres above Vancouver and just 15 minutes from the city's downtown core, is the vast alpine year-round outdoor playground of Grouse Mountain. The Skyride will whisk you high above the city to a mountaintop of adventure including hiking trails, ziplining, helicopter tours, paragliding, live entertainment, lumberjack shows, a wildlife refuge, The Eye of the Wind – Vancouver's iconic wind turbine and much more. And the adventure is not only limited to summer season, in winter you can enjoy snowshoeing, outdoor mountaintop ice skating, sleigh rides and probably some of the best in local skiing and snowboarding. Ideally situated overlooking the city, Grouse Mountain's restaurants showcase some of the best of Bristish Columbia, from fine dining at The Observatory to flavourful après in Altitudes Bistro. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver. Within the park you can appreciate nature from three breathtaking perspectives by exploring the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure and the exciting Cliffwalk. For most visitors the highlight definitely is the 137m long, 70m high Capilano Suspension Bridge. While the wobbly bridge and stunning location can be considered a Vancouver landmark, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an all-encompassing British Columbia experience. History, culture and nature are presented in unique and thrilling ways with knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage providing as much, or as little, information as guests want. Lynn Canyon Park If you are traveling on a budget and a trip to Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is too expensive, make sure to check out Lynn Canyon Park. This park, located in North Vancouver, is home to several beautiful hiking trails that are suitable for any hiking level. No matter if you are looking for a leisurely stroll through the forest, a brisk climb up hill, a nice spot for a picnic or a place to relax, Lynn Canyon has lots to choose from. Maps are available at the Ecology Centre or can be downloaded here. And do not forget to traverse the free Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for a stunning view of the canyon below. Sounds of the city It is easy to be enchanted by the city's sights but be sure to also listen for its iconic urban time signals: Wait for the signature whistles (and steam) of Gastown's celebrated Steam Clock (every 15 minutes). At noon you can hear the airhorns atop Canada Place sound the first four bars of "O Canada". And at 9 pm you can listen to the boom (and see the blast) of the Nine O'clock Gun on the Stanley Park seawall. Craft Beer With dozens of new craft and microbreweries popping up in recent years, Vancouver's craft beer scene has lots to offer. Most of the breweries have a tasting room that seem more like comfy neighborhood bars, which we found quite comfy. For a map off all Vancouver craft breweries click here. Short on time? No worries, you can still experience a wealth of Vancouver's icons on foot. Start with a stroll downtown to Canada Place's iconic five sails with cruise ships anchored in front. Look for the Olympic Cauldron on the plaza outside the Vancouver Convention Centre and spot the circular observation deck of Vancouver Lookout perched above Harbour Centre, which offers sweeping views of city, mountains and sea. And just in case you have some time left, maybe stop for a bite at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant and take in the 360-degree panorama.


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Flight Training Adelaide is an outstanding airline training institution for those looking to commence a career in aviation. A high standard of training was provided by exceptional instructors who guided me through all stages of my course, both in the air and in the classroom. The instructors, management and support staff were all able to help me realise my potential and achieve the goals I had set. After only 12 months, I went from having only a few hours flight training to passing all ground theory including CPL, ATPL with passes first time in every subject, as well as the MECIR and CPL flight tests.
Rhys Nix – VET 2
Upon being accepted into FTA I was elated with the opportunity to train along side cadets from major airlines. My eyes were wide and my hopes were high! Coming from a small flying school in Bankstown with 6 aircraft I was amazed at the facilities and professionalism of FTA's instructors. Moving onto the aircraft – of which all are modern and have hundreds of hours on them not thousands. Most IFR equipped aircraft are equipped with a Garmin G-1000 suite to make an instrument rating seem easier than it is and excellent sims available for use at any time of the day to hone those skills.
In terms of a training environment I can't fault both flying and ground school instructors. At times the ground school can drift further than what the syllabus requires however knowledge is never a burden in aviation. It is a very controlled environment with monthly safety meetings and a culture of reporting incidents. Instructors and training managers are always open and the open door policy made me feel comfortable talking to my TM/Instructor or even finance issues with VETSL.
The pool, sports fields and table tennis table make for good recreation and allow for some down time. The bar open most Friday's made for some interesting nights…
Overall my experience at FTA lasted 8 months and I completed my MECIR and CPL with passes first time in every CPL exam & IREX. I finished on time and can't thank FTA enough for the experience. Provided you posses the right attitude FTA will foster your potential.
Andrew Norris – VET 2
It is with privilege and absolute gratitude that I am able to say I have achieved personal and professional success through Flight Training Adelaide, of which the VETSL scheme was integral. This institution has provided me with second to none quality education and training alongside esteemed major airlines. The ability to learn from exceedingly qualified and passionate ground and flight instructors, all of whom adhere to an exceptionally high standard of practice, provided me with invaluable skills-based training in a timely manner. These sentiments are reflected by the wider aviation community as a result of Flight Training Adelaide's dedication and commitment to achieving its 'world class training' status.
Flight training at any institution is no easy feat; the hours are long, the training is demanding but with the a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, anything is truly possible – even your wildest dreams. Flight Training Adelaide has left me with the fondest of memories, the hardest life lessons learnt, and above all, a new found passion for the world of aviation.
Lea Vesic – VET 5


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Try This With A Partner
Get with your partner and agree on a time to do some emotional dialogue. Usually it is good to limit this to about thrity minutes, although whatever feels right is the best guide.
First you do the ten minute exercise and then switch roles and let your partner do ten minutes.
Your partner acts as a facilitator and you decide on the question you would like him or her to ask you, such as "what's bothering you today?" or "what is coming up for you today?" Its best to express your feelings using 'juice' words, or words relating to exactly how you feel, instead of an intellectual detached description of how you feel ( mentalising).
An example of mentalizing would be, "The finances are in terrible shape and Junior is staying out too late." An example of using 'juice' words, which is more conducive to expressing feelings, [as in, "where's the feeling energy?"], would be, "I feel very anxious and worried about the finances. In fact, I am feeling overwhelmed and scared." "I am feeling a little anxious about Junior staying out too late."
In any situation, there are usually a mixture of feelings, some positive and some negative. A good idea: Do a negative/positive question. Your partner asks you, "What negative and positive feelings are up for you now?" First you say what it is that is negative that you are feeling and then you express any positive emotions. The partner says "Thank you for sharing" or "thanks" and keeps asking the question over again and you answer with first a negative and then a positive expression of your feelings using 'juice words' and staying with the feelings as they come up.
The positive/negative exercise is especially balancing, opening up whatever you may be in denial about in both areas of what is troublesome in your life as well as what good is going on.
Remember that feelings are just feelings, they do not have to be rational.
The facilitator does not offer advice, interrupt, or try to "fix it" in any way. He/she just listens and then asks the question again when you are finished. It is a way of "peeling" the onion of your feelings. Emotional healing must come from inside, and the advice of another person, no matter how wise and well-intentioned, cannot substitute for your own inner revelations and healing. If you are the one asking the question, do not interrupt the person answering if he or she goes silent, with a far away look in the eye....this is the most pregnant time for inner change and insights. These long silent pauses are the most important time for deep inner work.
As you continue this process you eventually arrive at the core feelings. Usually, just doing this much clears the air and brings you back to yourself. If it doesn't, even after repeating it a few times, you may need to do a trauma clearing.
If you need to do emotional processing and do not have a partner, follow the directions exactly as if you did have one, carefully doing each step and perhaps writing them down.
Reminder: Use Rapid Eye Movement [REM] while surfing the feelings. This is the eye movement that the body does automatically in dreaming. Emotional pr ocessing uses many of the same neurological states as dreaming, and could be termed "a waking dream". REM is moving the eyes back and forth, right to left and back again, over and over, at any speed that is comfortable, while reliving the memories or just feeling any feelings. This shifts the emotional-thought energy back and forth from one brain hemisphere to the other and allows it to process naturally.


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Located in Hannacroix, NY our shop prides itself on our low prices and expertise in the fields of semi-trailers, box trucks and utility trailers. It doesn't matter if you're looking for function, convenience or trying to add some flair, we're able to complete almost any job.
We perform a variety of truck and trailer services, if you have any inquiries, give us a call and ask about your particular job!
Our mission is to make sure we're your first choice for all of your truck repair needs, and we hope this is achieved by our:
- Dedication to our customers, by making sure they have a quick and seamless experience.
- The most competitive prices in the Tri County area.
- Providing a punctual service while maintaining quality.


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5 Top Yoga Channels On YouTube That Help You Beat Stress
After a stressful day, a few minutes of yoga can mean the difference between anxiety and rest. To clarify, I'm talking about yoga only as a physical activity. If you don't buy into the philosophical, religious, or meditative aspects, that's fine. You can still enjoy the benefits of stress release without any of those strings attached.
The great thing about yoga is its flexibility (no pun intended). Beginners and veterans alike can modify their routines to best suit their own physique. If you're in a rush, you can squeeze in a 5-minute routine; if you have an open hour, you can take it slow and enjoy it on a deeper level. Yoga is for everyone.
And you can learn it all right from your bedroom. Load up these YouTube channels and don't be surprised when your stress melts away. It's one way to combat the aches and dangers of computer fatigue Log Into Life: Top 9 Tips To Fight Computer Fatigue & Protect Your Health Did you know that your sedentary lifestyle could be killing you from the inside out? Ryan has already presented a case on potential health risks from sitting too long, and for those of us who... Read More .
Tara Stiles
This model-turned-yoga-instructor has a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to fitness that's quite refreshing. If you're sick of yoga videos that try to soothe you with soft voices What Is ASMR? 10 YouTube Videos That Will Give You Shivers ASMR is defined as a pleasurable feeling triggered by certain kinds of unique stimuli. Use these YouTube videos to see if you have ASMR! Read More and pseudoscience, then Tara Stiles is the teacher for you. In each video, she wastes no time and gets right down to it without resorting to gimmicks.
Her personal channel, which is regularly but infrequently updated, consists of homemade yoga routines that range anywhere from 5- to 15-minutes long. For more of her videos, you can check out the Livestrong Woman channel, which includes a whole bunch of videos that focus on fitness for women.
Tara does not associate with any particular style or school of yoga, instead choosing to focus purely on the physical aspects and making it more accessible to people who might normally be repelled by the idea.
Kino Yoga
Kino MacGregor maintains an active YouTube channel that's dedicated to teaching yoga to beginners. In particular, she teaches Ashtanga Yoga, which can be thought of as a modernized form of classical Indian yoga. It places heavy emphasis on breathing patterns and sequences of holding positions.
To a yoga newbie, that probably sounds a bit intimidating. Rest assured, however, because Kino breaks it all down into individual videos that are easy to follow in her "Yoga For Beginners" playlist. As you progress, you can move onto the "Primary Series", "Intermediate Series", and more.
There's even a "Yoga For Children" playlist if you want to get the kids involved.
Yoga With Adriene
Adriene Mishler recently hit the 2-year birthday mark for her yoga-centric YouTube channel. She teaches a Kundalini-inspired style of yoga that emphasizes self-awareness, inner potential, and awakening one's spiritual energy. While this kind of thinking sits at the foundation of her routines, none of it is ever made explicit or mandatory.
What's great about this channel is its commitment to producing full workouts and releasing them for free on a regular basis. While other channels tend to go with routines in the 5- to 15-minute range, Adriene's routines range anywhere from 20- to 60-minutes.
There's a lot of value to be found in her channel, especially if you browse her video archives.
Ekhart Yoga
Unlike the previous channels, Ekhart Yoga is home to a variety of yoga instructors who each have their own style to teach, but all of them are geared towards beginners with a few advanced videos here and there.
Learn everything from starting poses and easy stretches to specific exercises that target different body areas. The playlist library contains a wealth of series that will expand your yoga knowledge in no time. There are some niche playlists too, such as "Restorative Yoga", "Yoga For Pregnant Women", and "Yoga For Seniors".
Yoga Journal
This last channel, Yoga Journal, also known as YJ Mag, is no longer actively updated but still incredibly useful for those who want to learn yoga.
Browse through the video history to find dozens of videos that teach individual yoga poses that you can incorporate into your own routines if you so wish. The later videos begin to focus more on full 20- to 30-minute routines that you can follow.
Learning Yoga By Yourself
Learning yoga on your own from online videos has its own pros and cons. It is self-directed and online videos may not teach you much about proper alignment and breathing techniques. On the plus, online videos are free and a great way to begin learning something new before you join a community class or learn from a professional instructor. The variety of exercises available through these yoga YouTube channels should save you from boring routines.
With all five channels combined, it'll be a long while before you run out of YouTube yoga content to consume. Just give it a few weeks and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel, both physically and mentally. You won't have to be bogged down by stress anymore.
Looking for more fitness resources? Check out these home workout YouTube channels 7 Best YouTube Workout Channels To Exercise at Home Home gyms and personal trainers help the moneyed get up straight from their beds and hit the gym. We lesser mortals have to call on our powers of self-motivation and discipline to trudge the few... Read More and the Web's best fitness experts 8 Fitness Experts On The Web With The Best Health Advice For You The last thing you want to do is take fitness advice from someone who doesn't know what they're talking about. These experts are the ones to follow for tested veteran advice. Read More .
Which YouTube yoga channels are your favorite? Share them with us in the comments below!
Related topics: Health, YouTube.
Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the site alive. Read more.


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Reposition the Academic Core
On Main Campus, the primary academic mission of the University is focused around Centennial Mall. This plan concentrates investments in classroom technology and layout in the academic core, making our teaching spaces more flexible and effective.
University Hall, Main Campus' iconic building, will remain a mix of academic and administrative offices. With greater classroom utilization in the academic core, we will refurbish the vacant and underutilized spaces in University Hall into administrative offices and move our Human Resources and Finance departments from Scott Park Campus to Main Campus for greater efficiency.
How students study and gather has changed, and the academic core buildings need to respond. The floor-by-floor transformation of Carlson Library that is providing less book storage and more group study space will continue. A similar renovation approach in Lancelot Thompson Student Union will result in more student organization and gathering space and more convenient student support services.
Centennial Mall's beauty is renowned. Improvements to other core open spaces will complement that distinctive space. We will redevelop the open space south of Memorial Field House to create a signature space that differs from Centennial Mall. Goddard Field north of Bancroft Street will become a shared community amenity, with two informal recreational fields. With a completed river walk, Main Campus' identity will be more closely tied to the natural beauty of Ottawa River.
A view of a new signature open space south of Memorial Field House, looking from the Center for Performing Arts toward University Hall.


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It's been a little while, so here are some news and notes to catch me up:
— I recently took the train to Westchester County to visit my brother and his family. I always enjoy the ride along the Hudson River, one of the mightiest waterways in the world. My train had to swap engines in Rensselaer, so I had time to wander in the train station. It was my first time in the station since its renovation in 2006. What a marvelous space it is, with beautiful architectural details along with visitor-friendly coffee shops and newsstands inside.
I returned to the Utica station, a beautiful space in its own right that is just waiting for a shot of revitalization, and immediately went in search of lunch. It was a Monday afternoon and I had Italian on my mind. I had heard from Mike, who operates Oliveri's Pizzeria in Hamilton, about Tony Sparagna's restaurant on Lenox Avenue, on Utica's west side.
I was the first customer, as it was just before noon, and sat at the bar. Jets football gear adorns the back of the bar, along with some specials of the day. I ordered baked ziti, which came with a nice salad and warm bread. It was a wonderful pasta dish, complete with the extra mozzarella I ordered. The sauce was robust and lively, you can tell it was homemade and created with care.
While I was sitting there a gentleman came out from the kitchen, and we chatted about Amtrak and the Utica station. It turns out it was Nick Sparagna, 82, one of the family members who has been running the restaurant in that location since the early 1970s. My friendly waitress told me that Nick comes in at 6:30 each day and stays until closing, doing whatever is needed whenever it is needed. It was great to have a chance to chat with him.
Sparagna's has a few tables in the bar area, and a nicer seating area in the back. It started to slowly fill up as the lunchtime crowd worked its way in. While I have to say the neighborhood around the restaurant is not ideal, this neighborhood restaurant is one to be supported and enjoyed. I would highly recommend Sparagna's for its solid Italian cuisine, big portions, and reasonable prices. And, to be certain, its staying power.
— I read an interesting item in the Post-Standard about this year's competition for Best New York Burger sponsored by the New York Beef Council. A nominee this time around is the Power Play Burger offered at the Ale 'n' Angus pub on Harrison Street in Syracuse, which is the unofficial bar of the Syracuse Crunch hockey team.
As I read on I learned that last year's winner was a burger served at the South Trenton Pub in Barneveld. Who knew? And who has been there? And where the heck is that? Turns out it is on Park Street, not far off Route 12. This place is now red-lighted for me and beeping away on my radar.


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Administrators can configure users by going to Avatar Menu -> Users. They can move a user between these four types, configure their settings and set their project, wiki and discussion group permissions (through the use of Groups).
Looking for Kiln users? Check the article here.
If you are using FogBugz and you do not see any of the menus detailed below, please contact us about switching to our current pricing tiers.
Types of Users
A normal FogBugz user. Normal users have access to cases, wikis, discussion groups, and reports as determined by permissions.
There must be at least one Administrator user on a FogBugz account at any given time. Any user can be promoted by one of the existing Administrators to become an Administrators themselves, and an Administrator can demote any other Administrator to one of the other types of user accounts (but they cannot demote themselves).
An administrator has permission to do anything in FogBugz:
- Access the Admin menu and Admin Dashboard
- Configure and add users, and change their passwords
- Set up projects, areas, shared filters and snippets, and groups
- Create new planners and milestones
- Configure all site settings and site working schedule
- Customize each project's workflow
In addition to these site-wide administrators, FogBugz also lets you designate any user as an administrator over a project. See Permissions.
A virtual user can't log on and doesn't use up a license, but it is a free user. Its purpose is to allow assigning of cases to a group of people instead of an individual. For example, you could create an "Up For Grabs" virtual user that serves as a sort of work queue and owns a case until someone assigns it to themselves. Give it all of the email addresses (comma separated) of the users you want to be notified when a case is assigned to create a notification list.
We like Virtual Users for work queues so much, all FogBugz accounts come with an "Unassigned" Virtual User already configured! To enable email notifications from this user, give it the desired email address(es) and notification preferences.
Community users:
- Are free user accounts that allow you to partially (e.g. limited access) open up your FogBugz to the outside
- Can log on to FogBugz and requires email verification
- Once logged on, they:
- can see a list of their cases including case number, case title, status, and date opened
- can click into each case to see all of the email correspondence only (they cannot see internal edits)
- can also see the ticket url and ticket ID
- Once logged on, they:
- Can be individual or part a group to submit cases on a project-by-project basis. This is not very different from submitting cases via email.
- Must be enabled or disabled (functionality)
- Receive only an auto-reply email and explicit email replies from you and not any other notifications
- See a list of all cases in specified projects if the Community Case List feature is enabled
When Community users are added to groups, you can restrict the visibility of a wiki to a subset of users. Only wikis and discussion groups can be fully opened to community users through a community wiki.
When a community user logs on to FogBugz and opens a case, the first event on that case will say "case posted to website".
See also:
- How to Use FogBugz as a Community User
- Allow Customers and Other Non-FogBugz Users to Submit Cases
- Access For Clients/Non-Developers in FogBugz
- Working With External Customers
This user is free. If you'd like to open wikis or creation of cases up to the public at large, then you can choose to give access to anonymous users. For wikis and discussion groups, these users can read and/or edit depending on the permissions you have configured.
When an anonymous user opens a case, then you will see the first event on the case saying "case posted to website".
Managing Users
Creating a New User
- Go to the Avatar Menu -> Users
- At the Manage Users page, click the button Add New
NOTE: If you're looking to create a community user, click the link "Community Management Page" and then click Add New User.
- Enter the Name and Email Address of the user
- If you have Kiln enabled in addition to FogBugz, then within Active On, choose the products this user should have access to by checking the checkbox(es).
- From the Role drop-down, choose the type of user.
- Click button Add User
- FogBugz will send an email to the new user so they can set a password.
- If you would like to set your own password for the user account, then see Manually Changing or Resetting a User's Password below.
Changing the Type of User
- Go to your avatar on the top right, under Site Administration, click Users
- For the user in question in the users list, click the corresponding "Edit" link.
- In the section Type, click the corresponding tab to choose the type of user
- Click the button OK to save your changes
Granting, Revoking, and Managing Access
- Go to your avatar on the top right, under Site Administration, click Users
- For the user in question in the users list:
- Check the Kiln checkbox to allow access
- Uncheck the Kiln checkbox to disallow access
Manually Changing or Resetting a User's Password
- Go to your avatar on the top right, under Site Administration, click Users
- For the user in question in the users list, click the corresponding "Edit" link.
- In the section Password, check the checkbox "Check to set the password now"
- Enter the new password twice
- Click the button OK to save your changes


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Gas, water and electricity
My electricity, gas or water has been disconnected or they are planning to disconnect or restrict me soon
Call the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) on 1800 500 509 and tell them about the disconnection.
- EWOV is a free and independent body that resolves disputes between people and their energy and water companies. They will make sure that energy and water companies are being fair to you.
- EWOV will arrange for you to be reconnected (often this will happen on the same day) or they will let the company know not to disconnect you.
- No one should have their electricity, gas or water disconnected or restricted because they cannot pay. We all need to have these services at home to stay healthy and participate in community.
I haven't heard anything about disconnection yet, but I can't pay my electricity, gas or water bill
Step 1. Tell the electricity, gas or water company
- Request to speak to their hardship team.
- At this point they should help you work out if you can get concessions and a Utility Relief Grant to help you pay the bill. They can't disconnect or restrict you if you are applying for the grant.
Step 2. Ask the company for a payment plan that you can afford
- The company must offer a payment plan (pay the bill in smaller payments).
- You have the right to a plan that you can afford to pay each week or fortnight, not just what the company wants you to pay.
What happens if I can't keep up with a payment plan?
Speak to the company's hardship team
- Tell your company as soon as possible that the plan is not affordable and it needs to be adjusted.
What if a company is not helping me to stay connected or not providing me enough help or a payment arrangement?
You can make a complaint to the Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV).
- EWOV is a free and independent dispute resolution body. They will make sure that energy and water companies are being fair to you.


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To the Editor:
Re "Games People Play; Solitaire: Me vs. Me," by Francine Prose (Sunday Review, Feb. 24):
Computer solitaire is my game. Yes, it is an addiction but not a waste of time because it's a tranquilizer that is not harmful to my health.
At 90, I find it a pleasant way to delay dementia because it stimulates the brain. You compete against yourself and never have to find an opponent of equal or higher level.
Little Neck, Queens, Feb. 24, 2013


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This past weekend I took some time to browse through past blog entries. I noticed certain seasonal rituals and appreciations repeat themselves year after year. Every fall, right about now, I renew my love of the forest and trees.
As an adult on an elementary school calendar, September is always a month full of new beginnings, logistics to sort out, and rhythms to establish. This is often hard work! By October, my students have settled in and are ready for exploration further from home base, bigger projects, and the chance to enjoy the last sunny warm afternoons before winter sets in. The forest is a perfect place for all of this. For me, spending time in the forest is calming and rejuvenating – it reminds me of things to be grateful for, puts recent stressors in context, and stimulates my senses.
Here are some past forest-themed blog posts for you to browse. Enjoy!
Children and Nature: The Forest ~ Why spending time outside, especially in forests, is crucial for children… "Upon entering the woods, the temperature drops noticeably. The sounds change – whispering leaves and the occasional bird chirp blocks any outside noises from coming in. Our foot steps are quiet on the soft needle-carpeted forest floor. The smell of moist leaves, moss, and bark filters into our noses…" (read more)
Forts and Fairy Houses ~ Discoveries and lessons learned from forest play… "We've discovered things that would never be possible (or allowed) in a classroom. Different thicknesses of sticks make different sounds when banged against the trunk of a mature tree. Pine needles make for a soft landing after tripping over a raised root. TONS of different mushrooms and fungi grow on the forest floor after a few days of rain, and most of them are really slimy. Pine sap is the perfect glue, but it's better to keep it off our clothes…" (read more)
Foliage Games and Activities ~ Fun ideas for educators looking for active hands-on ways to teach students about leaves, trees, foliage, and the changing of seasons. (read more)
Zooming In: Fairy and Snail Houses ~ Fun photos and observations after several fairy and snail house building sessions with children… "Outdoor educators take note! Fairy, gnome, and snail house building ties right into lessons on observation, habitat, ecosystems, community, and respect for nature. Building miniature things will lead students to observe the intricate details of pinecones, the barbs of burdocks, the veining of leaves, and much much more…" (read more)
Welcome to the Woodlands Clubhouse ~ How the creation of a fort in the woods engaged a challenging mixed-age group of students for months after school. (read more)
A Woodlands Playground ~ Great photos and ideas for adding natural forest elements to play spaces for children of all ages. (read more)
Ticks and Poison Ivy Season ~ Adults are increasingly fearful of the dangers of being in nature… "There are many possible dangers associated with all the activities we do every day, including playing and working outside. I strongly believe, however, that the benefits of time spent outside far outweigh the risks…" (read more)