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Best Quality
Industry Leading Guarantee
Quickest Turnaround
We work fast to meet your project deadlines
Lowest Prices
Starting at just $38.99 / sqft Installed
Best Quality granite at the Lowest Prices - Call: 1.877.907.4717
Starting at just $38.99 installed!
Choosing Granite For Your Countertops in Markham
Call: +1 (877) 907-4717
Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock that exists in great quantities throughout many parts of the world. It is a hard, durable substance that is used quite extensively in a variety of construction techniques and uses. Because of its elegance and beauty, many homeowners are using granite as the material for their granite countertops in their Markham home. This material can be used in many areas of the house – not necessarily just the kitchen. Granite can be used to enhance the look of a kitchen, bathroom, or even stairways. Installing granite countertops in Markham is done rather easily by the professionals in the industry, such as Granite Countertops Markham (GraniteCountertopsMarkham.com), who take pride in their craftsmanship.
How Kitchen Granite Countertops in Markham Can Enhance the Look of Your Home
Deciding to remodel or renovate your kitchen requires many decisions and choices of materials and design. The countertops are one of the factors involved in revamping a kitchen, which can make a huge difference depending on the type of material used. Kitchen granite countertops in Markham can have a drastic effect on the look of a kitchen, which is why many homeowners choose to install granite in their kitchens with the help of an experienced granite countertops installer in Markham.
Many homeowners use granite on many areas and components of their homes, including granite kitchen islands, granite fireplaces and granite faucet tops. A credible granite countertops installer in the Markham area will be able to skillfully make these features stand out with the use of granite.
Installing granite slabs in your Markham home can not only create a drastic improvement in the look and esthetics of your kitchen, but it can also help to increase the real estate value of your home. Many potential home buyers look favourably on homes and kitchens with granite slabs from Markham , simply because of the sheer elegance and and brightness that granite can bring to a kitchen, or any other area in the house, such as granite kitchen islands, granite fireplaces and granite faucet tops. The little money you spend on the Markham granite countertops is well worth it when you factor in the added value it gives your home.
In addition to granite, quartz countertops in Markham are also a popular choice for homeowners as well. The presence of quartz countertops in a Markham home can also provide a house with beauty and richness.
Finding Markham Granite Countertops Services
Once you have decided that granite is your countertop of choice, you should visit a reputable dealer and installer of granite countertops fabricator in Markham. One such supplier is Granite Countertops Markham, who provide a plethora of choices in granite patterns and colours. These professionals will help you choose the granite that is right for your kitchen and bathroom, and will take the necessary steps to ensure a seamless and accurate installation of the countertop in your home. Call this granite countertops fabricator in Markham today and see how the presence of granite can add brightness to your home.
Granite Countertops Markham Specialists and Supplier
At GraniteCountertopsMarkham.com we pride our selves in being able to provide our clients with a great selection of granite slabs and a professional installation service. We hold the perfect balance of small shop installation pricing and big shop stone variety. We will help you create the perfect kitchen island and make your Markham kitchen the center of attention in your home.
Your kitchen is the busiest room in the house, wether you are just having late night milk and cookies with your kids or a late morning snack with your girlfriend, your kitchen island gets the most usage. Markham has some of the greatest family neighborhoods in GTA, trust us to supply, cut, seal and install the perfect granite countertop in Markham for you.
Shopping for a granite countertop may be challenging at the best of times. You have to make sure that you find the slab that you like, that your contractors know how to cut and seal granite properly and finally make a proper installation. Most commonly the reason for granite countertops notwithstanding heavy usage is due to an improper installation, only a handful of Markham installers are qualified. Installing the stone on a less then perfect surface is the most common cause for cracks. Let GraniteCountertopsMarkham.com supply, cut, seal and install your granite countertops for you in Markham.
Contact us today and take advantage of our limited time specials!
We not only supply granite countertops in Markham, but also marble quartz and other natural stones.
If you are looking for a Down Town location please see this Granite Countertops Toronto review


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DIANA MUTAKAFIMBO, Lusaka
CONFUSION erupted at the Dana Cup on Friday when German side Blau-Weiss 96 Scenefield used a goalkeeper who did not play in regulation time for penalties.
This was after the German side drew 1-1 with Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy (LYSA) in a quarter-final match.
The Dana Cup is an annual youth tournament held in Denmark and this year's competition is taking place in Hjorring.
According to the LYSA Facebook page, the referee allowed the German side to use a goalkeeper who was not on the pitch for penalty shootouts.
LYSA raised concern with the referee but the official decided to walk away and the matter has since been taken to the jury.
According to the tournament's rules, penalties are supposed to be taken under FIFA rules but the German side defied the rules.
LYSA qualified to the quarter-finals of the Dana Cup after beating Raufoss IL of Norway.
Lusaka academy in Dana Cup confusion
DIANA MUTAKAFIMBO, Lusaka

subset: commoncrawl


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The EPA's War on America: Draining our Nation's Lifeblood
November 15, 2011 Leave a comment
The EPA's War on America: Draining our Nation's Lifeblood
A Special Report for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow
By Paul Driessen
Abundant, reliable, affordable energy is America's lifeblood. Everything we make, ship, eat, drive, enjoy and do requires energy – 85% of which is still hydrocarbon-based. Nearly half of all our electricity is generated with coal; for 26 states, 48-98% of their electricity comes from coal. Another 25% of U.S. electricity is generated with natural gas. Cars, trucks, trains and airplanes would go nowhere without oil, nor would we have plastics, paints, synthetic fabrics or countless other products without hydrocarbons.
From the lights, televisions, streaming movies, heating and air conditioning, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, computers and Internet service in our homes; to the lights and equipment in our factories, schools, hospitals, offices and houses of worship; to our water purification and sewage treatment plants; and increasingly our vehicles – electricity brings America to life … 24/7/365.
Drive up the price of electricity, shackle its reliability, and the cost of goods and services will skyrocket. Millions of jobs will disappear. The American dream will be rudely interrupted, and economic, health, civil rights and environmental progress will be rolled back.
Download this explosive expose on the EPA's war on the American way of life!


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Channel 4's chillingly gripping drama Born to Kill continued to disturb viewers this week, as episode three saw Sam's psychopathic behaviour worsen following the discovery of his mum's lies about his father.
In no time at all, Sam managed to find out that his father Peter was jailed for murder – after his mother Jenny (Romola Garai) told him his dad had been dead all of his life...
And it's not long before he comes up with a plan to see his dad without caring if he hurts his mum in the process.
And even though Jenny has started to question Sam's recent behaviour, and is further traumatised by finding her friend Cathy dead in her bathtub after Sam's actions last week, she agrees to let Sam meet his dad.
Of course viewers were left just as disturbed by the latest instalment of Born to Kill as they were in previous weeks:
Some are even beginning to worry about Sam's girlfriend/kindred spirit Chrissy (Lara Peake), and the plan Sam has for her too:
But Chrissy's gran is the name most are picking out for Sam's hit list:
And every single one of us will be tuning in next week for the final part of the drama:
Born to Kill concludes next Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.


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Have you checked out mudah.com.my? I know most of you are Malaysian readers, and are badminton fanatics. Did you know that you can find many new or secondhand badminton goods online? Like when I search 'badminton', instantly I can select from a wide range of badminton products.
But thats not all folks, I can conveniently sort them by price, and read descriptions.
check out this product here:
I can contact the advertiser and then query about the product. The advertisers can be a private or a company advertiser, and they often respond to requests of more information. You can even request a testing of the equipment!
Often, these products are at least twice the time cheaper than the normal market price! The only reason the owners are getting rid of it is because they have lost interest in badminton, or have found a better racquet or equipment.
So if you want cheap stuff, and you to browse it from the convenience of your home, do log on to mudah.com.my , the and check it out!
If you are an advertiser, or have goods (old racquets, etc) that you want to dispose of, why don't you advertise it on mudah.com.my, and get rid of your unused goods for money!
This review is brought to you by Advertlets.com and Mudah.com.my!


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We are a small, artist led company, specialising in fine new decorative plasterwork. Our projects range in scale from a single, beautifully modelled signature piece to complete rooms. We work for architects, interior designers and private clients.
All our work is made by hand in our workshop in Devon. With the exception of a small collection of limited edition pieces, our work is designed and made to order, especially for the client and the building it will belong to. We think that good plasterwork adds depth, texture and vitality to a room. It can transform a plain room into an interior of sometimes subtle, sometimes dramatic beauty.


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Climatico's Jennifer Helgeson gives her impressions and conclusions from this week's Climate Congress
The science that will direct the UN Climate Change Conference to be hosted by the Danish Government in December 2009 was discussed by more than 2500 delegates from almost 80 countries from 10-12 March 2009 in at the Copenhagen Climate Congress. The 3 days were jam-packed with 58 parallel focused discussion sessions, hundreds of poster presentations, and a series of plenary meetings lead by some of the most well known players in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The Congress' Scientific Writing Team has identified six key messages, which were publicly presented to the Danish Prime Minister, Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The "Big 6" are presented in short below.
The output of the conference is now in preparation, and will be published by Cambridge University Press as a point of reference for the academic community. A report of the Congress is to be prepared by June 2009 and handed over to the key decision makers before the December COP meeting.
And here are the "Big 6" Key Messages of the Congress:
1. Climatic Trends: Things are not looking so good. The worst-case IPCC scenario trajectories (or even worse) are being realized. The risk of irreversible climatic shifts are increasing…
2. Social Disruption: Recent observational studies report that societies are vulnerable to even very modest levels of climatic change. Poor nations / communities are particularly at risk…
3. Long-term Strategy: we need stringent and binding targets now and long into the future. Due to the issue of stocks of carbon dioxide, delay in initiating effective mitigation significantly increases long-term social and economic costs for mitigation and adaptation.
4. Equity Dimensions: Effective, well-funded adaptation safety nets are required for those most vulnerable to climate change effects. A common, but differentiated mitigation strategy is needed to protect the poor and most vulnerable.
5. Inaction is Inexcusable: A wide range of benefits will flow from a concerted effort to alter our energy economy now, including sustainable energy job growth, reductions in the health and economic costs of climate change, and the restoration of ecosystems and revitalization of ecosystem services.
6. Meeting the Challenge: we have to seize critical opportunities and engage society in the transition to norms and practice that foster sustainability as a "way of life."
I was truly impressed by the consideration the Congress took for input from top researchers in the science of climate change (e.g. physics) but also the social sciences and even philosophy. For me there were three messages that harkened throughout discussions by all keynote speakers, who ranged from Dr. Rajendra Pachuri, Chairman of the IPCC to Lord Nicolas Stern, the lead author of the 2006 groundbreaking Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change. Firstly, the decisions at the COP 15 made by politicians must be guided completely by the science findings (this was hardly agreed to by PM Rasmussen). Secondly, there was a huge push for the fact that the current economic downturn is actually a golden opportunity to redefine our world in a low carbon manner. Finally, just about every speaker and session touched on the question of equity in addressing climate change, from discussions of new brands of climate change insurance to roles of forests and agriculture.
Though there were some negative reports, like the fact that we are indeed on the path to realizing the worst-case IPCC scenario trajectories, there was a true sense of hope and optimism about what December negotiations may bring.
After all, how couldn't we feel hopeful leaving the Bella Center, windmill generated energy right out front of the building? But then again, when it started to sleet, an awful lot of Congress contributors turned to taxis rather than reduced carbon public transport…
And with my hat as Climatico's France Analyst on: French researchers were well represented at the Congress, talking on how to synchronize world carbon markets to philosopher views of climate change and why the public may avoid realizing the real magnitude of danger.
Also on the docket for France: How may joining NATO affect climate issues, if at all? And how did the recent "International Standards to Promote Energy Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions" workshop held in the OECD Conference Centre, Paris go? More soon…


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In 2015, a new war film from the mind of Taylor Sheridan and Denis Villeneuve came storming into theaters. The film focused on the War on Drugs, and how remarkably similar the actions taken on the border feel to Vietnam or Korea. The intensity was palpable, and the action was violent. While the movie was popular, a sequel seemed like a longshot. Yet today, a sequel "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" open. Visual effects artist Alexandre Lafortune worked on the film, as well as the first film in the franchise. A few weeks ago, we sat down and talked about working on a film like "Sicario" and how invisible effects work to enhance the action.
AF: At what point did you begin the visual effects process on "Sicario: Day of the Soldado?"
AL: We were there quite early in the process, through the bidding and the shooting. We actually got the script and started working on getting the assets and thinking ahead about what we may need in the future for the film.
AF: Is that normal for your team to come in early into the process?
AL: Well there are different scenarios. It's probably the best way actually, to be aware of the process and what is going on. You can look at what might be tricky, or potentially look at different ways to fulfill the needs of the client. We don't always find ourselves in this situation, but it's one of the best ways for us to get a full sense for the project. It gave us more awareness and time to be more creative instead of just responding. We could think about things and do our best.
AF: How do you go about that process of making an effect look good, but keeping them budget conscious?
AL: The effects on "Sicario" are more reality-based. It's not about showing off but having more of the invisible effects that support the action. There's no robots or big things like that. It can help create more immersion for the moviegoers and audience that way. It's more about those kinds of effects. They should be really smooth if possible.
AF: What are some of the "invisible" effects you work on?
AL: Well there's a lot on this movie. We did muzzle flashes and bullet impacts. We also created some military assets, like choppers, Hummers, and drones. It's a wide variety but we fill the screen with them throughout the movie. One scene that required the most amount of work was the one at the Border. We had to create the buildings, we had to fill up space with CGI cars. Those places are busy, so we have to make it look like it. We're following a convoy coming up from Mexico across the border, and we have to make the camera stay with them. We also added a collection of mountains in the distance, which is an example of 3D effects that most people might not be aware of.
AF: How do you begin the research process for a film like "Sicario?"
AL: Well it was mostly about the military assets and the vehicles we had to create. It was based on a lot of pictures actually. There was also a guy who was down there with us. When we shoot the movie, we sometimes have an advisor to tell us what kind of vehicle we should create or not, so we would also consult him when creating the assets and muzzle flashes. It was a similar situation with the border stuff as well. We had to create our own border between the USA and Mexico, so we had to make it as authentic as possible.
AF: Alexandre, you worked on the first "Sicario" with Denis Villeneuve. What made you interested in coming back for "Sicario: Day of the Soldado?"
AL: Well I didn't actually work on "Sicario" for Rodeo FX. I was with another team at that time. When we got "Sicario: Day of the Soldado" it was a logical choice to put me on this one given my history and background with that movie. I think it was a no-brainer.
AF: How was working on "Day of the Soldado" different than working on the first film?
AL: There were some similarities in the effects. I kind of pushed a bit more on the military assets. It's really fun to work on. There are some long, continuous shots that were a bit different. Still, it's a lot of those invisible effects combined with the same type of action.
AF: When you're creating effects for a war film, what is the most important aspect for you to keep in place for your team?
AL: We need to enhance the reality of the movie. It's about creating effects that support the action, not oppose it. It's based on reality as a war movie. If it's something that's missing during the shoot, we'll make it more dangerous for the audience.
AF: How hands-on are you in the process of developing the visual effects?
AL: Well I have a 3D background, so it helps me to drive my artists when creating the assets. I'm not really doing that part myself. I'm also a 2D artist, so I'll usually be more hands on in that area. I do tests and try out things. I can count some of the shots for the movie myself actually. It's nice to be hands-on, which can give me some pressure, but for now its more about working on some of the 2D effects while driving the artists on the 3D. I can talk about the effects and shading with the artists easily.
AF: So what scene was the most difficult in the film for you to work on?
AL: Okay, well there is one scene called the Massive Mart shot. It's a continuous shot that is more than a minute long. In this shot, some bad guys come out of a car and go into a large store. They start blowing themselves up right inside the store, and we as the audience witness everything from outside. We had to grab some light effects, some items on the shelves of the stores and have them blow up. We had to take the people in the store and add some effects there. It's not a nice shot, and it's a long, hard shot to work on. There was up to 350 days of manpower to work on the shot. It's a massive shot.
AF: What scene do you think will make audiences the most excited?
AL: Well, I'm defintiely really excited to see how audiences respond to that Massive Mart scene. I'm not sure if it's going to be positive per se, but I'm sure we're going to hear about it.
AF: It sounds similar to the discovery of the bodies in the walls sequence in the first film.
AL: Yeah, I feel like it can relate to that. I think it adds to the tone of the film.
AF: What's next for you and your team?
AL: Usually it's the kind of question that we can't really answer. It's completely different than the work on "Sicario: Day of the Soldado." The movie I'm working on is from Eli Roth and it's called "The House with a Clock in Its Walls." It's a bit creepy, but I think it's a family movie that people will enjoy.
AF: Well it looks fun so far! Keep up the great work and thank you for your time!


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5 Ecig Attachments We May See Soon
The e-cigarette market is continuing to pour out products, but manufacturers are always in hopes for that next hit item. What if the idealists run out of ideas though? – We may end up seeing manufacturers create silly e-cig attachments in the future.
Here's 5 future silly e-cig attachments we may see:
1. Flashlight Attachment
Though we've already seen this attachment come to light, many may be unaware of it. Since there is such a huge market for flashlight enthusiasts (my grandpa collects them), it's very possible to see an e-cig flashlight attachment take off within our market. The attachment can also be very useful; having a hard time seeing the keyhole in your car one late night, unscrew your atomizer and shine the light with your flashlight attachment. Vapor Moon already sells the Saber Flashlight, which makes use of 9 LED's and a 510 threaded connection.
2. Vibrator Attachment
It may sound a bit silly to have a vibrating attachment for your e-cig, but surprisingly it has already been thought of and created, all within a standard cartomizer. I first seen the vibrator attachment a little while after I started vaping, back in the Elixir days (JD's show). No worries though, it was used as a gag gift… I think. Anyhow, there's obviously some weird interest in this type of attachment – I found a Reddit post with vapers ready to mod it up.
3. Toothbrush Attachment
Although a toothbrush e-cig attachment may sound a little far fetched, it's very possible. Just think of the possibilities; blow Reach out of the water with the latest tooth germ fighting powerhouse, the future of teeth cleaning, the e-cig toothbrush attachment!
4. USB Attachment
The Innokin MVP already does this, but you may see it become an attachment. The USB attachment will allow you to charge other devices, like your cell phone or mp3 player by the flip of a switch and connecting the device to your e-cig USB attachment.
5. Fan Attachment
Want to beat the heat? – Why not use an ecig fan attachment to cool off. We've all seen the hand fans, imagine a hand fan attachment for your e-cig. This one is very silly, but with the pace of our e-cig market, I wouldn't doubt that some e-cig manufacturer on Alibaba would create it.
These attachments are very silly indeed, but can never be ruled out within our market. We're seeing these devices used for many ways, such as the latest MP3 Player e-cig… so as the famous hair slinging superstar once said, never say never. (joke anyone?!)


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Football Season Tickets on Sale
Updated: Aug. 27, 2019
- Season tickets:www.pfisd.net/SeasonTickets
- Connally single game tickets: etix.com/Connally
- Hendrickson single game tickets: www.etix.com/Hendrickson
- Pflugerville single game tickets: www.etix.com/PflugervilleHS
- Weiss single game tickets: www.etix.com/Weiss
Pflugerville ISD has launched season ticket sales for the 2019 high school varsity football season.
New season ticket sales begin Aug. 19. Season ticket licenses consist of five home games and cost $45, with the exception of the Hendrickson package, which includes four home games and costs $36.
Single-game tickets for the 2019 varsity football season will be available both online and at the gate. Online ticket sales start at 8 a.m. the Monday before each game. Online ticket sales range from $3 (student) to $7 (adults), and end at 4 p.m. each game day.
Admission at the gate ranges from $8 (general admission) to $10 (reserved).
Season ticket holders from last year renewed their licenses online from July 29 to Aug. 9.
PfISD high school varsity teams will each play home games at The Pfield. Games typically begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of a 7:30 p.m. start for the Sept. 20 Pflugerville-La Vega game. See below for a full schedule of this year's games at The Pfield.


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Bio Desk
Bio Desk
The Bio Desk combines streamlined contours and attractive design.
The Bio Desk is available with two or three cabinets and can be freely customised in terms of doors and/or drawers. Just like the Bio Style & Bio Wash, the framework is available in black or high-gloss white.
Bio Mix
The Bio Mix is the finishing touch to the Bio Range. The Bio Mix allows you to effectively prepare for the colouring process. If you prefer complete transparency, a glass corner-screen around the wash basin will be ideal. If you prefer more privacy, then you can opt for the opaque version.


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We'll take care of it
Commercial Cleaning
Our company currently works in various commercial sectors including : Financial Beauty Corporate Educational Auctioneers Retail We strive constantly to ensure our clients get a quality service delivered to them by our professional and reliable staff. We provide area supervisorsRead more
Domestic Cleaning
We cater for all types of domestic cleans ranging from one off cleans to regular weekly cleans. As a family run company we know all to well that life can be hectic with trying to achieve the right work andRead more
Landlords / Letting Agents
Its our job at Macleans to make life easier for you as a landlord we step in for our clients and take all the hassle out of getting the property up to the highest standard to be put back on theRead more


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Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
What is SEO?
SEO stands for "search engine optimization ".It is the process of getting traffic from the free, organic, editorial or nature search result engine. SEO may target different kinds of search, including image search, video search, academic search etc. All major search engines are Google, Bing and Yahoo.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the procedure of optimizing a website for all that your business is accurate for in order to collect relevant, web traffic from whose searching for your products and services within search engines. SEO is essential if a website is predictable to rank well for certain search keywords within search results. Applying a SEO strategy certifies your website structure, content, and all on-site factors and off-site factors are optimized properly for search engines to show relevancy for every part of your business and the related search terms. In general, if a business needs to receive organic search traffic, and ultimately new business for relevant service and product searches, SEO is authoritative to be successful.
How does SEO helps your Business
- Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results.
- Search engine optimization or (SEO) in short, is a set of rules that can be followed by website (or blog) owners to optimize their websites for search engines and thus improve their search engine rankings.
- Search engine optimization (SEO) bolsters your "business reputation".
- SEO is probably the most efficient and affordable marketing strategy that exists today. Moreover, it will only in customers who are actively seeking to find your product or service.
Latest Technologies SEO for perfect Sites Optimization
The success of your online business will depend on how well you are using high standard and latest search engine optimization technology. The old traditional SEO techniques and adopted the latest SEO technologies. To please the search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing website owners are adopting newer technologies. Now-a-days almost all the online businesses are using search engine optimization techniques to get their website top position in search results page.
The Basic and Perfect SEO strategy:
- Write good content that attracts more visitors.
- Develop link building and SEO techniques.
- Keep in touch with customers with social networking sites
- Follow text variation methods.
Effective SEO Techniques
- Improve engagement to improve rankings
- Make your existing pages longer
- Focus on YouTube SEO
- Improve site speed
- Focus on topics instead of keywords
- Build back links
- Reporting and analytics
- Technical optimization
- Local SEO and Listings
- Guest posting
How important is SEO in 2018?
- Drives offline sales.
- Highly Measurable.
- Improved User Experience and Usability.
- Coast Effective Marketing.
- A Focus on a More Experience Centric Web.
- SEO Builds Trust & Credibility.


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YOUNG dancers were full of attitude when they attended a special assembly.
Pupils at Little Parndon Primary Academy, in Harlow, were encouraged to give their best hip hop face when they took part in a taster session with Hip Hop Pop.
Jenny Bater-Sinclair and Matt Mooney from the dance school, which runs after-school sessions, got everyone on their feet and following a routine.
Popularity: 1% [?]


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General Question
When is it not acceptable (if ever) to blame the other side these days?
OK, I know partisan politics is all about blaming the other side and both sides do it. I'm currenly however upset about the most recent attempts by Republicans to blame Democrats for things that seem to be wholly out of Democrat's control, and I'm wondering if you think this is fair or if it crosses the line?
First off House Minority leader John Boehner used his leadership position to instruct Republicans to vote for the Wall Street bailout if they could "in good conscience", which essentially gave them permission to vote against it. And they did, 2/3 of them, in fact. Before the vote, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gave a partisan speech blaming the whole fiasco on Bush and Republican leadership over the last 8 years, which true or not, is certainly the concensus of most Democrats. In her speech however, she did instruct Democrats to vote for the bill in spite of it being Bush's bill, for the good of the country, unlike Boehner who told Republicans to vote for it, only if they could do so in good conscience. In the end, only 33% of Republicans voted for it, while 60% of Democrats voted for it.
In the end, the bill failed. And John Boehner said it was Nancy Pelosi's fault for poisoning their conference. Republicans Boehner, Blunt and Cantor all stated that Pelosi's speech, because it was insulting to Republicans, caused 12 of them to vote against the bill who would have been for it….amazingly 12 was the exact number they would have needed to make the bill pass. Now, this is my opinion, but it seems to me that blaming a Democrat for how Republicans voted is like my seven year old blaming the table he walked into for hurting him. I'm just wondering if this is politics as usual, or if this is just really stretching things…and I'd like to hear from Democrats, Republicans AND Independents, because I know I'm biased, but this seems to defy logic to me, and I'm wondering, does this really defy logic or am I just biased?
I have a second example as well. When John McCain "suspended" his campaign last week, he claimed he was trying to do what was right for country, and not his campaign. He said he would not campaign because it wasn't the time to be political. But people spotted ads every single day his campaign was in supsense, field organizers made calls and knocked on doors every single day. He made a campaign appearance one day and did a TV interview another day while his campaign was in suspense. And he did not go to Washington until 24 hours after he said he was going to "rush" back. Barack Obama stated that for a Presidential candidate to interject himself in these meetings would draw undue media attention to what would go more smoothly behind closed doors, but McCain went anyway, and the cameras followed him. They spotted him listening for 40 minutes, but not making any suggestions or offering any input. Congressional leaders said his input was neither needed nor useful. McCain has stated he would keep his campaign in suspense until a deal was reached. The deal fell apart, and he resumed his campaign, which he had never really suspended in the first place. It was widely hailed as a wholly "political" move, and there seems to be no logical explanation other than "politics" as to why he would have done this kind of grandstanding.
It is nearly a week later, and the bill has failed twice, and when it imploded yesterday, he said that it was all Obama's fault for interjecting Presidential politics into the process, when it was Obama who stayed out of it, promising to vote when the time comes. Then McCain said "now is not the time to fix the blame" (right after he fixed the blame on Obama). Then he placed blame on Obama again (after saying now was not the time to place blame) by saying Obama was "not leading" on the issue. This in spite of the fact that Obama has urged calm, presented his own propasals and even called the President directly to discuss the issue.
First of all, in my opinion this seems a little spurious to blame Obama to begin with given McCain's record of deregulation. But to do something yourself (interject yourself, bringing Presidential politics along with it into a process where you're not welcome), then to accuse your opponent of doing the same thing, then to say it's not time to place the blame, THEN to say it's his fault for not interjecting himself ENOUGH?
Now, anyone is welcome to answer this question, which to reiterate, is when is it not acceptable (if ever) to blame the other side these days?
It seems to me that when blaming the other side requires a complete suspension of disbelief and a complete ignorance of the facts, it goes above and beyond poltics as usual. Now, I don't want anyone to be afraid to post their opinions, I'm welcoming of all points of view, but if I think you're wrong, I will tell you…I won't be disrepectful, I won't call you names, but if you're wrong, I'll do what I can to prove you wrong. This is not about starting a "political war", this is about exchanging ideas, whether you agree with me, have something to add to enhance my argument, or disagree with me and have examples to prove that this is to be expected, please feel free to post them.
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This is near Monrovia, Md.
This is near Monrovia, Md.
I've only been to Bombay Hook, National Wildlife Refuge, twice, Most of the waterways were ice covered, but a few had flowing water. Although the temperature was in the 40s, we had been having below freezing temperatures for quite a while.
Great Blue Heron
Hooded Merganser
Once upon a time Street Cars occupied the streets of Baltimore. They were retired in favour of busses in the late 1950s and early 1960s. There are now about a dozen old street cars, sometimes known as Trolley Cars, in the Baltimore Streetcar Museum. This is a close-up of the top end of the 'pole' and the wheel that made contact with the 'trolley wire' to supply power to the car.
Taken on January 9, 2010
Taken on January 08, 2010, but not posted till January 10, 2010
It's been many years since there has been an ice cover on the Bay,
Today it's an indoor still life taken in a Pottery Workshop. The lighting is a mix of Florescent and morning sunlight coming in through the windows on the other side of the room – white balance set to "cloudy". To the naked eye the wall is a dingy white, with the accumulation of years of clay dust.
Nothing great today, just my first (recent) attempt at a panorama. Back in the early 1970's I took a series of shots with a Nikormat FTN, then realized that they could be put together into a panorama. Printed on 11×14 paper it was about 8 feet long, and later was reduced to about 8″ long for inclusion in a pilot's magazine. One artifact was that there was a person walking along the flightline, this was of an airport, and he appeared three times in the final picture.


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So, Who Are the Competition?
Despite the fact that Marshie, myself and others never appear to be satisfied with the club's situation, I don't think any of us could NOT be delighted with the achievement last season. It is a great credit to the manager and the team how consistently they have punched above their weight so they must have something more than team spirit and good leadership. However, as we enter 2009-10 season, we need to be more aware than ever about the competition.
Taking them in order of finishing position below us last season:
Aston Villa: They have lost Barry and Laursen, quite significant IMO because Villa had a very leaky defence (48 goals against) with their style of play and only managed to score 54). I see them drawing a lot more this season and forecast a worse season for them.
Fulham: The surprise package with a manager who pulled as many rabbits out of the hat as Moysey. However, with an aging squad, I can't see them improving this season.
Spurs: After a relegation performance first half of the season, 'Appy 'Arry did very well to get them to 8th and run Fulham very close. Already splashing out in the market and looking to unload some of the squad who did not put enough in, I see them as a real threat this coming season (I know, it's been said before... but they did finish 5th 2 seasons ago).
West Ham: Another surprise package given their off-the-field problems and a relative novice manager. However, Zola seems to have the dressing room following and, while I don't see them threatening 4th or 5th, I do see them having a better season than their finances justify.
Man City: And so to the enigma of the coming season. The world's richest club. Some of the best players in Europe but IMO with a manager who is more bluster than finesse and I therefore ask the question: Is he the right man to coordinate the Richman's assault on the establishment? I am totally unsure on this one so only time will tell.
In the bottom half of the table, I see only Portsmouth, Blackburn and Sunderland having a better season but with no real threat to the top 6.
And so to the so-called Sky 4.
Liverpool: I think we all hope that they will collapse in a financial mess but I can't see it happening. The brand is too strong for even Hicks, Gillette and Benitez to go tits up and with Man Utd considerably weakened I see them or the other Richman's Plaything, Chelsea taking over their crown.
Arsenal: Like with City I, think they could go one way or the other. Wenger's reign is starting to be questioned, the dressing room shows no togetherness, and they are definitely vulnerable. Against that, you have good financial backing and the best new stadium in Britain (outside of Wembley). While they are struggling to sell their Highbury apartments, they still have plenty of financial muscle for players and a strong brand.
Even though Moyes desperately wants to break into the top 4 this season, I feel with the strengthening of City and Spurs and the political distraction of Kirkby, we will do well to finish in the top 6 again.
All that is certain is NOTHING is certain.
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1 Posted 04/07/2009 at 05:44:33
Man U: will chase Chelsea all the way; 2nd.
RS: despite being unable to beat the Blue boys — who now have their number — will accumulate sufficient points to finish 3rd.
Everton: Forget signing "big names" — it won't happen, but Moyes may well unearth another bargain basement gem. A Moyes team virtually guarantees 60 points, there will be no sluggish start this season, Arteta will be back, big Joey will prove a more than adequate stand-in for Jags and the Yak won't just be hungry, he'll be starving. Driven on by the pain of just missing glory last season we'll accumulate 70 points this time and finish 4th.
Arsenal: Wenger seems to have forgotten the "real" reason for playing football matches. He's becoming increasingly obsessed with playing the beautiful game. Art for art's sake; 5th.
Spurs: the twitchy one will get them out of the traps much earlier this season and as usual will be given funds to strengthen even further if need be in January; 6th.
Villa: May have lost their playmaker, but Heskey and Carew will ensure they'll still be a handful; 7th.
City: will delight at times, but they'll provide us all with plenty of chuckles too; 8th.
West Ham: Charming manager, has a good team and wants to play "the right way" but too many sick-notes; 9th.
Fulham: Have a manager who's been around the block, uncompromising defence; 10th.
2 Posted 04/07/2009 at 11:43:29
3 Posted 04/07/2009 at 13:07:42
4 Posted 04/07/2009 at 15:03:02
And so to the other 3 - Arsenal, Spurs and Shitty. Arsenal are a strange one - I think if we beat them on opening day, we have a very real chance of seriously challenging them for 4th. But if they get a good run going, they can prove difficult to beat. This new Belgian guy needs to be targetted - I can't believe they have paid £10m for an unproven centre half who has come from the 4th best team in Holland, and some think we should take £15m for an England international, but that's opinions for you.
Spurs will be slow off the blocks again — they always are. Lots of players to integrate, toughish start to the season, and I can only see them pushing for a European spot if it drops to 7th again.
And to Shitty. Some of the best players in Europe. Who? Gareth Barry would be around 15-30th on my list of best midfield players in Europe, and Santa Cruz wouldn't even get that high. They have no defenders of any real worth, which leaves Robinho, Wright-Phillips and Ireland as their three best players IMO. 3 of these would get in our first team for talent, but only 2 for attitude. I think they will struggle to achieve their target of top 6, and I especially agree with your assessment of their manager.
As for us, we need to play as well as we have done for the last 2 seasons to stay where we are. We need to have more luck with injuries, as well as a few additions to do any better.
Surprise package for the season — Wolves — maybe do a Reading from a few seasons ago, and just might sneak Europe.
5 Posted 04/07/2009 at 15:55:43
To be honest, although it may be realistic all this looking over our shoulders, 'I'd be happy to hang on to fifth', 'happy with somewhere between seventh and tenth', etc. really gets on my goat!
I won't be happy with fifth or anything below it this season - regardless of who we, or other teams, sign.
6 Posted 04/07/2009 at 16:01:44
Liverpool will be interesting, the expected loss of Alonso will be a huge miss for them. He was essential for Torres and Gerrard to play their best, and the rumoured loss of Mascherano too. However, with a fully fit Torres and Gerrard, plus the signing of 1 or 2 quality players, they'll be good for 2nd and a title push.
Chelsea — I think we will see a much weaker Chelsea team this season. Despite a lot of media talk, it doesn't seem that they'll have too much to spend. Abramovich is not as rich as he used to be. Also, Terry is at the end of his career. Drogba is flash-in-the-plan, Ballack is getting old as is Fat Frank. Essien is the only world-class player on their books who may improve further. They'll prob finish in top-4, but they are challengable.
Arsenal, either they will crumble or suprise everyone and have a strormer. A midfield of Nasri, Arshavin and Cesc is just magnificent, and could be so so effective. If Van Persie stays fit, and Walcott continues his development (and stays fit) then they have a lot to offer. A lot of pressure on the new Belgian defender; however, he won player of season in Holland and does look a beast. A team we will be battling with...
Man City, we all know our heart says they are doomed to fail. BUT, if they do sign Tevez and maybe Eto'o, then they will have a heck of team. Cruz, Tevez, Robinho and Eto'o guarantees goals and allows for one to be rested in the modern 4-3-3 formation. With Barry, Ireland and De Jong along with Wright-Phillips, Johnson, Fernandes, Elano, they have quality and balance in the middle. Their defence is a weak point, but expect signings to be made to rectify it. They will be up there, maybe the team will not gel and will be inconsistent. Or maybe they will be fantastic. They can finish anywhere between 7th and 1st.
Villa, were lucky last season, winning a lot of games without merit. They lack a goalscorer, and have lost Barry who was vital to the team. Young will improve further as will Agbonlahor. Defence is quite weak. Expect to fall, 8th or thereabouts next season.
Spurs, I don't see them improving much. Maybe finish 8th, 7th but nothing more. Defence is poor, and while they have a lot of talent in midfield, not much balance. Modric is a real talent, top-class, but they don't know where or how to play him. Defoe and Keane is an adequate strike force, but nothing special. Typical Spurs season expected.
West Ham, no money to invest in the team, a real lack in squad depth. A steady mid-table finish.
Fulham, a decent team, but others around will be better, a mid-table finish.
All others will be mid-table or lower.
Suprise of season... Wolves have some real talent, especially Kightly and Evans-Blake, mid-table finish,
Pompey to be relegated, along with Hull and Burnley.
EVERTON. I expect we will be in a battle for 4th place; however, it will be a battle between 3 clubs, City, us and Arsenal or Cheslea. With the Yak back, and Arteta, and hopefully 2-3 new signings, we can make a push for it. Fellaini could have a big big impact next season, with a pre-season and improved English. Also, Pienaar could have a massive season, if he can take his confidence from end of season and Confederations Cup and build on it. Arteta, Pienaar and Fellaini could provide one heck of a midfield. The Yak has something to prove, and the addition of a 20+ goal striker will make a big impact after last season top scorer had 10. Along with Saha and possibly Jo as well as the will-he-wont-he Vaughan, we have good depth up-front. Rodwell and Gosling will both develop further. My heart says 4th is in the bag, my head doesn't have a clue... all I know is it could be a very exciting season.
7 Posted 04/07/2009 at 16:36:28
Stewart - as for City having no defenders of real worth, I hope you don't come to eat those words with Joleon Lescott highly likely to end up there.
I personally see no reason why City can't do a Chelsea. What did Chelsea have? A load of dosh. What do City have? Just as much, if not more dosh... so why dismiss them out of hand? I don't understand that one. This game that we follow is not played on a level playing field. The rules are quite simple. Teams with the most money buy the best players. If you've got better players than the opposition then you are likely to win more games than the opposition, it's not rocket science. I know we have tended to buck the rule lately but everyone in football knows that we are punching above our weight. How long we can continue to do that without real investment is anyone's guess.
I have a feeling that Manchester City have only just begun their summer spending spree and nobody is out of their price range. The one problem they do have is getting players to come while they are not in the Champions League. That is the one thing that may hold them back. If my memory serves me right, Chelsea had qualified for the Champions League when the Russian took over.
8 Posted 04/07/2009 at 18:28:46
Talk of us challenging Chelsea/Arsenal has so far been based on the assumption that they're going to stand still. They're not. To assume we can overtake them without new signings, let alone at all, is very hopeful.
It could happen, but it'll because one of them drops a lot of points against mid table teams as opposed to us picking up +10 more over the course of the season.
9 Posted 04/07/2009 at 18:42:42
Nice to focus on something positive, or at least open to debate, than the droaning, moaning tedium that has strangled this site of late.
No real quibble with any of your team assessment. Looks insightful enough to me.
What's occupying my mind is that, with the sole exception of the Cup Final, we showed second half of last season that even without 2 or 3 or 4 of our best players, and even without a single forward on occasions, we can either hold our own or win at a canter. All things considered, we over-achieved last season.
This shows the power of what we have, not only in the oft quoted "team spirit", but also no small amount of skill and increasingly adventurous and positive thought. I've learned not to be too distracted by who Spurs or Man City or Newcastle or whoever are buying. Football is a team game and teams are moulded by coaches.
Having Arteta back in the middle, alongside Pienaar's re-discovered excellence, will be fabulous. Having young Rodwell in there with his control, power and calmness will be like a new signing. I expect Fellaini to be right in the zone this season. Fitter from our pre-season, more relaxed & confident. I've no doubt Screech will shine bright. Our midfield even without Arteta stepped up last season. With or without new faces, I confidently expect more next season.
If the rumours about Jo prove correct then I see nothing but good in a Jo-Yak partnership. I see JV easing back into full contention, although I'd still love to see this young man be loaned out to a French or Dutch club for a year to re-focus his energies and skills in a less hectic league.
Saha is a good impact player and there were signs last season that Victor had actually got the message. His derby performance was fantastic and he was starting to move, control and impose himself with increasing strength & confidence until he that excuse for a footballer (Nolan) almost ended his career.
Defence is the area that is now looking a threat. We've lost Jacobsen, we've lost Jags for a good while and we will lose Yobo for a month. if Lescott does take the City shilling (and I have yet to meet a single person who would refuse an extra £40,000 a week) then we could be in deep shit defensively. Man City's obnoxious public musings on Lescott would appear to be based on some indications from the player. It would be sad, but shit happens and we can't blame Lescott.
So, all of a sudden, what looked like our real strength has suddenly become a major potential weakness. If Lescott stays then it will be a big fillip to club & fans and we can build on that. So the Joleon Lescott situation might end up being the divining rod of our season... here's hoping.
But, many times in recent years, a settled team with few, even zero, signings have done well. In fact in 1986 a team from Liverpool bought nobody and sold the man who scored 41 times for them the season before. And they didn't just do well, they won the league. I recall Chelsea in Ranieri's final season buying nobody and finishing 2nd in the league and CL SF.
Of course I want some fresh blood, but I won't be throwing toys out of pram and hands up in the air if it doesn't happen. If the players we want aren't available at the price, and more importantly the terms, that we can afford, then we shouldn't risk stability to get them. As ever, it will be a fascinating season and I am looking forward to it more than I have for some years.
10 Posted 04/07/2009 at 19:26:03
11 Posted 04/07/2009 at 22:54:11
They aren't even in Europe and finished 10th last year and last won a trophy in 1976, and have aboslutely no history whatsoever.Any player who wants to sign for them, and I include Lescott, must be bonkers.
We will finish 5th again.
12 Posted 05/07/2009 at 14:33:54
Surely a man who went on to become arguably our most consistent player of the late 80s and early 90s would be considered a fairly important addition?
We also signed Wayne Clarke during the season and, although he had his limitations, he became an Alan Whittle-like figure as the season neared its end, scoring important goals at important times. Without those two, the championship would never have been won as we were crippled by injuries as the season went on.
Like you, I agree that we are better prepared than at this same time last year (let's face it, we were disgracefully under prepared for the start of last season) and with the improvement we can expect from the likes of Fellaini, Vaughan, Rodwell and Gosling, and surely we can't be as unlucky again with serious injuries as we were last year. I think I'll be less than impressed if we don't add at least two, if not three new players to what we already have. Without that I'm not optimistic we can even stand still let alone move forward.
Man City are the biggest threat to our fifth place position purely because of the money they have. I agree with Jay with regard to Hughes, and as with Benitez, I'm more than happy to see him in the job there because, with a top notch manager, they could really do some damage. But even with Hughes, with the proven Premier League players they've signed and are likely to sign before the season starts, I can't see them struggling like last year, and with a better manager they'd definitely be pushing the top four.
As for the rest, Cockney Harry can be relied upon to produce a much more competitive Spurs team than we've seen in years and anyone who doesn't think O'Neill will come up with quality replacements for Laursen and Barry at Villa is kidding themselves.
I don't consider Fulham, or anyone else for that matter to be a huge threat, but there is always one team who come from nowhere to challenge for a European place, as Fulham did last year and the likes of Wigan and Reading have done before, so I wouldn't necessarily write them off completely.
I'm not being negative for the sake of it, and I do expect us to have a decent season again, but we can't keep expecting Moyes and the players to produce near miracles when others around us are investing so much more year-in, year-out.
13 Posted 06/07/2009 at 10:09:01
Lol, I couldn't agree more about John Terry... Do you want to tell Man City or shall I?
14 Posted 07/07/2009 at 02:44:34
As for Shitty, you made the point yourself. Chelsea had just finished 4th and qualified for the CL when the Russian came. Shitty have been shit as long as I've been a football fan (25 years). They barely beat us last season with a full strength squad after we'd played 210 minutes against 2 of the best 3 teams in the country in the previous 6 days with key players missing.
I don't deny that they have the potential to go on and challenge in coming years, but I just don't think it will happen right now. As for the signings they've made, neither of them would get into a top 4 first 11, and the 'expected arrival' in the form of one of the ugliest players ever to play has just been replaced by Michael Owen. Nuff said.
15 Posted 07/07/2009 at 19:03:25
Never mind Everton, if I were an Arsenal supporter it would be squeaky bum time unless they start shelling out some money. I see them as being under serious threat this season of their Champions League place. Still its all about opinions and only time will tell. Oh and Peter Beardsley wasn't very pretty either.
16 Posted 10/07/2009 at 03:27:38
Agree with you on Arsenal and Beardsley!
17 Posted 16/07/2009 at 17:39:59
Formed in the 50s when Everton could field nearly 11 Irish players, the club was named after the ORIGINAL Irish club in Liverpool... so maybe in the future, Everton should stop ignoring its links to Ireland and bring over a team to play the Irish Everton, or maybe even accept its existence!!!
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I already knew (I am a Master Prophet) that there would be some miscommunication. That is due to the limited space, the "thoughts behind my comments" (as Q would say) and just the lack of being able to think of every angle or exception that would be raised.
In summary, what I was attempting to convey is this. We must always look back to the Cross as our only static and objective measure of our position in Christ Jesus. I want to ensure that I convey that. What I was not saying is that "there will be no evident fruit and works that proceed the work of grace in the life of the believer". I personally believe that there are two separate but 100% guaranteed works that Christ accomplishes. 1. Justification. 2. Regeneration. I will not get into the Order of Salvation in this post, but I will focus on the latter.
Regeneration promises us two things. It is the work of the Spirit that gives us the new nature and that new nature guarantees us that what God began in saving us He will continue in sanctifying us. What I mean is this. As a believer (with some minor exceptions such as premature death, or mental capacity) God promises us a work of grace that will conform us to the image of Christ Jesus. As someone used Ephesians 2:10 rightfully we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Not only that the Spirit that resides in us will bear fruit (how much, when, and which ones could be up for debate and makes examining them as an evidence of salvation is what I am arguing against).
Because I am convicted by the tenets of New Covenant Theology, I believe that in the Church the promise of the FULLNESS of the New Covenant including the promises of the New Heart is in operation in the Church today. The writer of Hebrews says this:
Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,
when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers
on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.
For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor
and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for they shall all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,
and I will remember their sins no more."
13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away
I hate to include all of the verses but we have to understand that the writer of the book of Hebrews (ultimately the Holy Spirit) was convinced that the Old Covenant was fully vanished (or obsolete) and the New Covenant is in full operation for those who have placed faith in Christ or better expressed the Church.
We have to understand that though the Old Covenant did have some graciousness in it, by the mere fact that God communicated with sinful man Paul calls it a "ministry of death" and earlier in Chapter 8 of Hebrews the writer says "it has better promises and is a better covenant". Whats the difference in the two? The first places the law outside of man with no power to obey it. It is a deathly ministry. Paul says in Romans 7 "the commandments came and I died". He goes on to say "I don't have the ability to carry it out".
However in the New Covenant the promises of the ability to carry it out becomes a reality. Paul says in Romans 6 "we have died to sin" and "been freed from the power of sin and death". This freedom is a reality and a new disposition against sin. Do I carry it out? The answer is no and that is why Paul commands us in Ephesians 4 to "put on the new man", and "don't grieve the Spirit" both of these imply that there are times when I will not put on the new man and that I will grieve the Spirit of God. However we can no longer say as Paul says as an Old Covenant believer "I don't have the ability".
So I say all of that to clarify this. The TRUE believer will bear fruit, will do good works and will grow and mature given some exceptions. Why? Paul gives us another promise and work of God in Romans 8:29:
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
So I am not advocating antinomianism nor am I advocating a faith the produces lip service. I am advocating a faith that is real genuine but however can only truly be measured by looking at face of God in Christ "the author and finisher of our faith". I am wanting to prevent a method today that seems to throw grenades in friendly populated areas in order to snuff out a couple of enemy soldiers. That would unwise in military tactics and that would be unwise in the body of Christ. We must be careful not to shake the faith, even if temporary, those little ones. We must be careful to safeguard their assurance not shake up the false professor. Christ will set the goats on one side and the sheep in the other. That is not our job. But again I believe in the fullness of the New Covenant one promise being that of a new heart pre-wired to love God and His commands and the ability to walk it out. Our God is faithful not only to save but also to sanctify and this promise every believer will see. God bless and sorry for any confusion.


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On the rich history (and promising future) of Seiko dive watches.
By Jack Baruth
Ku areba raku ari. This Japanese proverb is often equated to the English speaker's "Every cloud has a silver lining," but a more literal translation might be: "If you struggle through bitter effort, you will have ease." In 1953, as Blancpain was fusing high style and high function to produce the Fifty Fathoms for recreational diving, then a burgeoning leisure activity, Seiko was still wading through the bitterness. It was the first year in which the company would match its prewar annual production record of 2.3 million clocks and watches—more than half of Japan's entire output. This strong footing would leave Seiko free to reach for the stars. It did just that.
In short order, the brand developed an in-house standard for chronometer certification and, in 1960, a Grand Seiko luxury watch to meet that standard. When the Summer Olympics came to Tokyo, four years later, Seiko produced more than 1,000 precision timepieces for the event. It was, in many ways, a coming-out party for Japan in general and Seiko in particular—one in which all parties demonstrated not just a willingness, but an eagerness to compete on the global stage.
The "62MAS" 150m Diver of 1965 was Japan's first dive watch. Its bidirectional rotating bezel and non-screw-down crown, placed at the three o'clock position, serve as proof that there was not yet an agreed-upon feature set for this category. Yet it proved to be a commercially successful timepiece, rugged enough for use in Japan's 8th Antarctic Research Expedition. Early examples are, of course, must-have items for committed collectors of the brand. So, too, is the Model 6159 300m Diver, powered by the 36,000 vph "Hi-Beat" Grand Seiko movement, released in 1968.
Shortly thereafter, the company received a letter from a Hiroshima-area professional "saturation diver." Seiko watch crystals, he complained, were prone to cracking during ascent, due to accumulation of the helium gas used in SAT diving. (He also pointed out their inability to endure accidental strikes on rocks and other underwater objects.) Seiko's response was to devote seven years of research and development to one goal: Create a nearly indestructible diver's watch.
When the Professional 600m appeared, in 1975, it featured a variety of cost-is-no-object solutions to that lofty challenge. It was antimagnetic, shock-resistant, and highly luminous. The case was made of titanium, a material that at the time was sourced primarily from the Soviet Union and was far more expensive than it is today. And while Swiss competitors of the era used helium relief valves to address the problem of cracking crystals, Seiko chose the more difficult and elaborate route of preventing helium entry in the first place, scrutinizing everything from case design to gasket compound. More research. More development.
Soon, the dive watch became Seiko's showcase for technological advancements. Quartz movements arrived in 1978, followed by special ceramic coatings, a low-battery warning feature, and a 1000m rating for new variants of the Professional. When dive computers replaced wristwatches for most commercial and deep-water divers, Seiko responded by creating function-over-form quartz watches, which incorporated all the features of a dive computer (including depth sensors).
At the same time, the firm continued developing its everyday-use dive watches by fielding variants with Kinetic and, eventually, Spring Drive movements. Today, there are Seiko dive watches for nearly every taste and budget, including the SNZH55 and its sibling variants of the Seiko 5, which are often modified in the aftermarket to create "Fifty-Five Fathoms" tributes to the Blancpain original.
This year, Seiko is releasing a collection of six Prospex-branded divers' watches, an homage to—and developments of—its distinguished lineage in this area. The S23626 and S23627 are recreations of the landmark thousand-meter 1978 quartz Professional, with titanium cases and an optional Cermet ceramic/metal composite coating in violet gold.
The remaining four are derived from the 1968 300m Model 6159, which has maintained an evergreen popularity with collectors. The SLA025 is a highlight. Limited to 1,500 pieces, each priced at $5,400, this piece uses Hi-Beat 36,000 vph movement and, in terms of design language, is the most faithful to the original. (Note the monoblock case and excellent silicone strap.) Customers wanting a more modern interpretation can choose the SLA019, which features a green ceramic bezel, a metal bracelet, and the 28,000 vph Caliber 8L35 which is an undecorated and unregulated variant of a Grand Seiko movement. It retails for $3,250 and, appropriately, is limited to 1,968 pieces.
But most pertinent for the majority of American Seiko fanatics is the "1968 Automatic Diver's Modern Re-interpretation SPB077 and SPB079." These are modern watches, powered by the hacking and hand-wound 6R15 caliber, and scaled to current tastes at a 44 mm case diameter. The SPB077 features a metal bracelet and black bezel, but our eyes were drawn to the silicone-strap SPB079 and its steel-blue bezel. It pays honest tribute to the look of the Model 6159 while also providing a few contemporary changes, such as an arrow hour hand and slightly smaller luminous markers. It retails at $850—sound value for a Japanese-made diver's watch with ties to both past and present.
By providing everything from a by-the-numbers re-creation to a spirit-of-the-thing modern everyday watch, Seiko is displaying its ability to connect with customers and collectors on their own terms. They're attracted to the brand because of its endearing ability to be both serious and playful, all while maintaining (and growing) what has become an enviable legacy. It has always been a substantial effort. But, in creating these new Prospex pieces, Seiko has never seemed so unencumbered. Ku areba raku ari. If you struggle through bitter effort, you will have ease.


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March 23, 2020 @ 4:50 am Urban Daypop
=Travis Scott and Young Thug have shared a new music video for their JACKBOYS track "Out West." Making appearances in the video are 21 Savage and none other than the legendary Quincy Jones—who just wants to wash his hands and make a sandwich.
late rapper Pop Smoke, and more." data-reactid="13″ type="text">JACKBOYS arrived in 2019 on Scott's label Cactus Jack. The seven-song compilation features Rosalía, Quavo, Offset, the late rapper Pop Smoke, and more.
late rapper Pop Smoke, and more." data-reactid="13″ type="text">Check it out the video for Out West at the link here.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com


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Your Name*Subject*Your Email*PhoneMessage*
All of Johnson County is under Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order that requires face masks to be worn in Kansas beginning July 3. The order applies to both indoor and outdoor public spaces, especially where social distancing of 6 feet is difficult to maintain.
The Lenexa Rec Center is currently open regular hours, with restrictions. Visitors age 6 and older must wear face masks upon entry and in non-workout areas of the facility.
Try a variety of workouts from home at your own pace.
At-home workout videos
Lenexa Rec Center
John Forbis, Manager
Questions and comments
Lenexa Rec Center
17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Monday–Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pool area closes 30 minutes before building closes
Day pass rates:
$10: Regular rate
$8: Resident discount
Click to take a Virtual Tour of the Rec Center
Get ready for an exciting recreation experience in Lenexa! The 100,000-square-foot Lenexa Rec Center features cutting-edge fitness equipment, a fun-filled indoor pool, a jogging/walking track that encompasses a full-service fitness floor and two gyms for open play.
The Rec Center is located next to Lenexa City Hall and Public Market in Lenexa City Center, just west of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard. The campus is easily accessible from I-435 and offers free Wi-Fi and free parking for visitors.


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Transcat Canada, A Rich History
Transmation Canada was founded in 1977 as part of Transmation Inc, a Rochester, NY based manufacturer. In 1992, Transcat opened its first Canadian calibration lab in Mississauga, ON and was one of the first commercial labs to achieve ISO-9001 registration. As we grew our operations, we expanded and opened our second lab in Ottawa.
Transcat Canada has further expanded our presence in Canada through the acquisitions of other leading calibration companies in Canada.
Cal-Matrix, Ulrich Metrology, Nordcal and Dispersion Laboratory are now part of Transcat Canada. Transcat Canada is the largest provider of accredited calibration and dimensional inspection services in Canada. We also offer test and measurement instrument sales and equipment rental through our US parent company, Transcat. Transcat Canada combined with Transcat's network of labs across North America, offers unparalleled accredited calibration services and dimensional inspection services.
As well as weight certification and calibration services, we also offer complete calibration and maintenance services for instruments such as laboratory pipettes, analytical and top-loading balances, temperature measurement instruments and much more.
With the addition of Nordcal, Cal-Matrix and Ulrich Metrology, Transcat Canada now services all of Canada with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited calibration services from its four labs in Toronto, Pickering, Ottawa and Montreal. Contact us at 800-828-1470 to speak with a calibration representative to obtain a quote.
Instrument Distribution
Transcat offers a unique approach to our position as a leading distributor of test, measurement and controls instruments by supporting inventoried lines with the ability to calibrate and test instruments at the point of sale while offering repair and rental services for these products.
Our distribution channel encompasses leading manufacturers, such as:
- Agilent
- Altek
- Druck
- Emerson
- Extech
- Fluke
- Hart Scientific
- Megger
- Meriam
- Red Lion
- Starrett
- Transmation
- Yokogawa
Calibration Services
Transcat is a industry recognized leader in providing quality, Accredited calibration services, operating laboratory locations across North America. Transcat delivers accurate and consistent calibrations from any of our centers of excellence or at a client's locations.
Analytical & Validation Services
Transcat(US) Instrument Compliance experts help Life Science companies assess, develop and implement validation protocols for laboratory and storage equipment. We work with clients to develop tailored qualification and validation protocols. Transcat Analytical Qualification Services support a range of analytical instruments.
Consulting Services
Transcat Consulting Services restores compliance to manufacturing processes with a goal of optimizing instrumentation and selection, calibration intervals, service processes and procedures. Critical analysis includes Out-Of-Tolerance (OOT) non-conformances, risk/measurement assurance, instrument suitability and various elements relating to calibration's impact on the manufacturing process.
Rental Services
Why rent? Renting test & measurement equipment can reduce cost and maintenance. It can be a quick and convenient way to get a functional, tested and calibrated (when appropriate) unit with regards for capital requirements, inventory controls, maintenance expenses, and, frequently, at a lower cost for the project than buying a unit. Plus, work with our team of dedicated rental experts for the entirety of your rental process.


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Jennifer Dulos' family encourages 'gestures of kindness' to mark her 51st birthday
NEW CANAAN — The friends and family of Jennifer Dulos are encouraging acts of kindness as a way of marking her birthday.
Jennifer Dulos, who turneed 51 on Friday, disappeared after dropping off her five children at school in New Canaan the morning of May 24.
Her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, were arrested on tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution charges about a week after she disappeared.
"We miss her more than words can say," Carrie Luft, a close friend and family spokeswoman, wrote in a statement on Friday.
The family is encouraging others to show "gestures of kindness" in honor of her birthday, Luft said.
"Send a loving note to a friend, assist a person in need, tell a child they're special," Luft said. "Jennifer has now been missing for more than four months. The heartbreak goes on even as time moves forward."
Luft also said the family and friends of Jennifer Dulos are "deeply indebted" to New Canaan and Connecticut State Police for their "tireless and dedicated" efforts in the case.
New Canaan police said in arrest warrants that two people resembling Fotis Dulos and Troconis were caught on video in Hartford the night of the disappearance. Fotis Dulos was also seen dumping bags that were later found to contain his wife's blood and clothing, according to arrest warrants.
Police said Jennifer Dulos was the victim of a "serious physical assault" based on blood evidence found in the garage of her New Canaan home.
New arrest warrants released this month provided a detailed timeline tracing Fotis Dulos' movements the morning of the disappearance.
According to the warrants, police believe Fotis Dulos was "lying in wait" when Jennifer Dulos arrived home from dropping off their children at school around 8:05 a.m. on May 24.
Police said Fotis Dulos used a former employee's pickup truck to drive to and from New Canaan that day. Police said he then urged the employee to swap out the seats of the truck and had the vehicle washed and detailed several days after the disappearance.
The employee eventually removed the seats, but turned them over to investigators who found Jennifer Dulos' blood on one of them, the arrest warrants state.
Fotis Dulos is free after posting two $500,000 bonds, but he has been banned from contacting his children, who have been in the care of Farber since the disappearance. Farber, 84, has been granted the right to intervene in the Dulos divorce and is seeking permanent custody of the children.
The family asks anyone with information about the disappearance to email email@example.com or call the New Canaan Police Tip Line at 203-594-3544.


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- Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is associated with reduced recurrence and better survival in lymph node-positive gallbladder cancer.
- No benefit observed in node-negative patients.
Why this matters
- Previous studies have combined gallbladder and extra- and intrahepatic bile duct cancer and patients undergoing surgery with noncurative intent.
Study design
- Retrospective analysis of patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent resection with curative intent (n=151).
- Funding: National Cancer Center.
Key results
- 64.9% received adjuvant therapy (25.8% chemotherapy, 39.1% CRT) and 35.1% received no adjuvant therapy.
- In T2-3N0M0 stage disease, adjuvant therapy had no effect on 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), or OS.
- In patients with T2-3N1-2M0 disease, adjuvant CRT was associated with better outcomes than no adjuvant therapy or chemotherapy:
- Locoregional recurrence (11.4%, 78.1%, and 68.4%, respectively; P<.001>
- Distant recurrence (42.8%, 73.9%, and 66.7%, respectively; P=.044).
- LRFS (82.1%, 19.0%, and 26.8%; P<.05>
- RFS (53.3%, 11.6%, and 16.7%; P<.05>
- OS (64.0%, 4.3%, and 22.7%; P<.05>
- Retrospective analysis.
- Single institution.
- Korean population.
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- There is no MagicSpam extension available for installation in Plesk > Extensions.
- It is not possible to buy a MagicSpam license in Plesk online store.
MagicSpam in Plesk is not available for installation or license purchasing anymore since June 2018.
Those customers who have the extension already installed and licensed will be able to use it within the next two years.
Plesk Email Security may be used as a replacement for this extension.
If the support of MagicSpam extension is required, contact MagicSpam Support.


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This article is more for the home or SOHO user. Or even the small business with no email or databases in house. First, some insight to this article. EVERYONE NEEDS A BACKUP PLAN!! We cannot stress this enough. It doesn't matter if it is JUST your home computer as there are probably irreplacable pictures on your pc that if lost will not make for a happy person. It's not a question of will you lose your data – it's when!
Some Quick Facts
The average failure rate of disk and tape drives is 100% – ALL DRIVES WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL.
Only 34% of companies test their tape backups, and of those who do, 77% have found failures.
60% of companies that lose their data will go out of business within 6 months of the disaster.
Over 1/2 of critical corporate data resides on unprotected PC desktops and laptops.
Key causes for data loss are:
78% Hardware or system malfunction
11% Human error
7% Software corruption or program malfunction
2% Computer viruses
1% Natural disasters
1% Other
Only 25% of users frequently back up their files, yet 85% of those same users say they are very concerned about losing important digital data.
More than 22% said backing up their PCs was on their to-do list, but they seldom do it.
1 in 25 notebooks are stolen, broken or destroyed each year.
Today's hard drives store 500 times the data stored on the drives of a decade ago. This increased capacity amplifies the impact of data loss, making mechanical precision more critical.
You have a 30% chance of having a corrupted file within a one-year time frame.
*Source: VaultLogix
There you have it! GET A BACKUP SOLUTION NOW! Ok, you say you backup to a USB drive or stick. That's a good start. What if your house catches fire, or a flood, or tornado, etc? Are you grabbing your backups on the way out the door? Probably not the first thing on your mind. Online backups solve this problem by putting your data outside of your home/business automatically with no user intervention. You select the files or folders or the whole computer and it will backup at your schedule. They don't backup everything every time. Most software these days do "in-file delta" and incremental backups. What does this mean? When you make changes to files the software compares what you already have backed up and the changes and only backs up the changes. Which makes the backup run quicker. The incremental backup only changes files that have changed since the last backup. Again, making your backups more efficient.
The other feature that most companies have is "versioning". Versioning is the ability to store x number of changes to the backup. So, why is this important?
How about an example: You create a file called Z.txt. It gets backed up on Jan 3rd. You make some changes to Z.txt on Jan 15th. It gets backed up that nite. On Feb 1 you make a few more changes to Z.txt. It gets backed up that nite. Now technically you have 3 different versions of the file Z.txt backed up. On Feb 8 you realize you had the file all wrong and the one you created on Jan 3rd is actually the one you want. Well, it is gone from your computer because you have been making changes to it. All is not lost. You can actually go back to that first "version" of the file because your software allows up to 5 versions to be saved. Lucky for you!
"Ok, oK, I've got it. I need a backup, but they are expensive!" Not for basic file backup they aren't. There are several companies that do unlimited backup space for around $60 a year. It doesn't matter which one you use. Here are a couple recommendations but htere are more:
Carbonite.com, Backblaze.com, Mozy.com. All of these work with Windows and Mac. If you want a Linux solution try Jungledisk.com. JungleDisk.com is not unlimited but, at .15 per Gig, it is pretty cheap.
Now, a word about your external drives. Backblaze is the only one that will backup your external drive without using tricks that are beyond most home users. So if you have external drives you need backed up, you only have one choice.
How about my small business server? Unfortunately you will need to spend a little more money on this, but it is still cheap in comparison to losing your data. The above programs will not backup your SQL databases, or your Exchange email server accounts. But for less than $300 a year you should be able to get everything backed up safely. We use a product for our clients from MidwestBackup.net. Price is determined by how much data you store but it is still cheaper than a years worth of tape backups done correctly that, as stated above, have a 77% chance of not working.
So, go get started on backing up your data now! It's cheap, and you have a lot to lose!


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A lot of our clients have been asking about infographics recently, which is great because information design is an area we love.
Although the term infographic is quite recent, information graphics have been around for all of human history. Prehistoric moon calendars, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Victorian disease mapping – none of this is new.
The web, and in particular social media, have breathed new life into information graphics – they can be a great way of imparting and explaining data in an easily digestible visual form. A tweet can now replace a dry technical report.
Done thoughtfully, an infographic can tell a story. It can show a process, it can show a relationship, it can give meaning to data.
All this supposes that there is a story to be told though. Sometimes all we need is pictogram or icon. A symbol to denote something – a graphic placeholder. Or perhaps we just need a few little supporting graphics to help liven up a text-heavy page.
There's nothing wrong with any of these, we think they can all be very useful. They can all help a reader to navigate and understand a document, which is what we all want.
So how do we approach infographics? We ask some questions.
Really all these questions boil down to this – what story do we want to tell, and who do we want to tell it to? Understand that and we're winning.
(The picture at the top of this page – in case you're wondering – is Charles Minard's visualisation of Napoleon's disastrous Moscow campaign of 1812. A marvel of imaginative information visualisation – the thickness of the line denotes the size of his army, showing how it was decimated over the course of the campaign.)