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Copyright 2006 Colleen Kettenhofen
Miracles happen. This is a miracle story about what happens when we look for the lesson in every situation. After all, business and personal success is about attitude, overcoming adversity, and successfully managing change as well.
It was Easter, March 31, 2002 and I was on a hiking vacation with my husband in a California desert near where we lived. Our baby daughter, Caroline, was supposed to have been born on this date, but there were complications with the pregnancy and we lost her five months earlier on October 30. Three weeks later in November, we had put my 18 ½-year-old cat, Baby, to sleep. Needless to say, with all this adversity we needed a vacation.
It was now late October, 2002, and we were living in Atlanta, Georgia. Wed been contemplating adopting a dog, yet it didnt seem right with our travel schedules. My husband was an airline pilot, and I was an international speaker. Still, I walked into an animal shelter having convinced myself I would just look. In the shelter was a calm, sweet-faced puppy, eight or nine weeks old, who caught my attention. Sensing our chemistry and trust, I did what youre never supposed to do. I put my hand into her cage. While looking up at me with her big brown eyes, she licked my hand over and over. This innocent puppy was also highly intelligent and obviously knew how to sell herself. After many minutes, I pulled away and forced myself to walk towards the door. Already in love with her, I turned around, and there she was still looking at me with those eyes.
A new puppy sounded wonderful, except that it didnt seem to fit into the lifestyle of an airline pilot and international speaker who traveled. And my husband kept telling me how much attention puppies require. Still, my gut feeling was that it was fate. We were supposed to have her. I couldnt stop thinking about her. I was going back to the Peachtree City animal shelter later the next morning to visit.
The next day at a garage sale, two smiling women walked up to me holding a puppy. As I looked more closely, I realized this was the puppy. The same one Id been thinking of adopting. They placed her in my arms and said, Would you like to adopt her? Shes from the Peachtree City animal shelter. We cant have anymore pets, but she had only two hours to live. And weve named her Joy because shes already brought such joy to our lives.
Joy fit perfectly in my arms as she gazed up at me with those puppy-dog eyes. There was an inexplicable connection and incredible bond. I wanted to talk to my husband first, even though I had a feeling hed say yes about her this time. They even offered to pet sit her for free.
Later that day, lunching with a friend, she said, My gosh, Colleen, its fate. Youre supposed to have that puppy! Lets go see Joy tonight. We drove to their home and as we pulled in the driveway, my friend shrieked, Oh Colleen, its fate, its fate! I had no idea what she was talking about. She pointed to the car in front of us in the driveway, and in huge letters was a bumper sticker that simply read, FATE. How many more signs did I need?! The family explained to us that night that their son had died unexpectedly a year earlier, that this was his car, his bumper sticker, and that hed always believed in fate. They believed it was fate that I was supposed to have Joy. This was a miracle story about overcoming adversity, following fate and literally finding joy.
After playing with this happy puppy named Joy, I went home empty-handed that night. I needed to read some inspirational literature, and really think this over. After all, I wanted to make certain this puppy would be with us forever. As I pulled out this little book with its daily word message, I gasped. In big letters, the word of the day was JOY. It was fate! The next day my husband and I brought our bundle of Joy home. On Carolines anniversary, October 30, 2002, there I was with Joy sitting in my lap riding in the car. And it was the only place she would sit. She refused to be anywhere but my lap.
My ex-husband and I are no longer together. Joy is a healthy 47 lbs, happily living in Portland, Oregon with me and her big cat brother. Pacific Northwest scenery is gorgeous. Theres lots of family history here and many large fenced dog parks. My mothers cousins love to pet sit Joy since I still travel as a motivational speaker and author. They have a spacious backyard and a wonderful dog of their own.
Miracles happen. The lesson of this miracle story is that eventually, even through adversity, everything has a way of working out. Especially if we will roll with the punches, trust our gut, and follow our fate. Often, we get what we need, not necessarily what we think we want. Joy has literally given me pure joy. She is a miracle of love. A miracle story.


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September 21, 2015
NORTHBROOK, Ill., Sept. 21, 2015 — UL, a safety science organization, announced during the 9thInternational Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference that its newest offering of an advanced investigations course will more effectively combat criminal activity.
UL, INTERPOL and the Ministry of Security, Argentina organized the 2015 International Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference, from Sept. 22 – 24 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This year's theme, Future Threats 2020 — Tools for Mitigating the Risk, emphasizes the growing danger of intellectual property theft exacerbated by the Internet of Things. The conference will outline emerging crime trends and enforcement strategies.
The course, offered through the International Intellectual Property Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC), will help law enforcement officials better understand consequences of digital piracy, how to commence an online criminal investigation and how online channels may be exploited by criminals. The training was launched Sept. 16, 2015.
Keith Williams, president and CEO of UL, will open the conference focusing on the seriousness of intellectual property theft. UL believes counterfeiting is a serious international crime that has arguably reached epidemic proportions, yet continues to grow each year. Through education, like the Online Investigation Course, law enforcement officials and private sector organizations will be better equipped to meet this challenge and help protect consumers, economies and businesses.
"Intellectual property theft is an intricate, complex crime and a direct threat to world economies," said Williams. "Education is the first and most important tool in protecting our clients and consumers against the dangers of intellectual property crimes."
The Conference is a unique forum where delegates have the opportunity to learn about and discuss operational best practices, case studies and methodologies that can be utilized to combat transnational organized IP crime. It provides a unique forum for delegates to share and develop best practices to combat counterfeiting and piracy crimes. Private sector organizations, in addition to law enforcement personnel, both benefit from the workshops, discussions and networking opportunities provided at the conference.
Counterfeit goods stifle innovation, create unfair competition, economically harm business and governments and may pose serious health and safety threats. As a global symbol of trust, UL aggressively pursues counterfeiters and those who aid IP crimes. Each year, UL makes significant investments to protect consumers, the integrity of the UL Mark and the brands of UL's customers by working in conjunction with law enforcement authorities around the globe.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its more than 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit http://www.UL.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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After reading Mai Pham's Chef Chat series with Executive Chef Junnajet "Jett" Hurapan of Blu Restaurant in Sugar Land, I knew a trip of my own to Towne Square was in store. I was lucky enough to attend a media tasting at Blu, where I tried delicious and innovative food and fancy cocktails in a trendy and beautiful space.
They've kept the open-space concept of the former tenant, Club Loggia, and it is ideal for what the owners want -- a chef-driven restaurant, lounge and club in one. The space is trendy but not too fussy, and of course a welcoming blue color is prominent. On the evening I was there, the cool breeze from the outside created a lovely dining experience. How the openness will play into the dog days of summer remains to be seen.
Before the tasting began, we had the opportunity to meet with Chef Jett, and he warned us we would be feasting that night. He wasn't kidding. We also tried cocktails including the Orient a L'Orange, a concoction of mandarin vodka and ginger liqueur with citrus orange blossom and Thai basil. This is a refreshing drink that would complement any of the dishes on the menu well. The Lower 9th Iced Tea is wild tea vodka with rum, lemon, mint and absinthe, which gives it a bright-green color.
As for the food, each dish that came out was better than the next. The first appetizers were the shrimp and edamame dumplings. They were as good as any har gow I've had at my favorite dim sum places -- they're something everyone who comes to Blu must try. The tapioca wrapper was soft and thin with just enough chewiness, and they were drizzled with just enough truffle oil. Each bite was creamy and buttery-smooth.
The lamb samosas were lightly fried, the shell crispy but not greasy. The meatball lollipops were addicting, the sweet and sour chili glaze caramelized to the surface of the meatballs. The Kaya beef was something I wanted all to myself; although it's jerky, the meat was extremely tender.
As for the entrees, the Massaman Short Ribs were perfection. The braised ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, and the peanut-and-coconut-based curry was just slightly sweet. I would've loved a bowl of steamed rice to drown the sauce in.
The piece de resistance was the crispy fried whole fish in tamarind sauce. It's a dish that elicits ooohs and aaaaahs as it hits the table and even more as you take the first bite.
The real surprise here are the desserts. Chef Jett's pastry chef is someone he wholly trusts -- his own wife, Jiraporn. The desserts are a delight to the eyes as well, each well constructed. We were instructed to eat the Chocolate- Cappuccino Martini by getting all the way to the bottom so that we could get the cookie crumble with the mousse. The Yin and Yang is a duo of vanilla and chocolate creme brulees. The hand-rolled truffles had a flavor for everyone -- dark chocolate, champagne, almond and pistachio.
There are a lot of exciting things happening at Blu. They already have a great three-course prix-fixe lunch for $12 Tuesdays through Fridays. They offer an exceptional happy hour menu when featured appetizers are only $4. They are offering brunch on Sundays with your typical brunch fare but are slowly adding dim sum, carts and all. Chef Jett is grilling his global street food late nights on the weekend, and there is even a food truck coming in the near future.
Follow Eating Our Words on Facebook and on Twitter @EatingOurWords


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"Believe that you can make it! I feel that the first step is achieving your goals, whatever it might be is to believe that you can do it!"
I am an academic Biomedical Engineer and an emerging leader in the field of novel bedside technologies for newborn babies at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI). I graduated with first class Honours from Monash University with degrees in Bachelor of Science and Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering. In October 2013, I was awarded a PhD by Monash University where I successfully demonstrated a new platform for "inhaled DNA vaccines".
My contributions to the field of biotechnology have been recognised both nationally and internationally, and I was named 2010 Young Biomedical Engineer of the Year (Engineers Australia). I joined MCRI in 2012 and in 2015, my research featured in the Channel 10 News, syndicated nationally and the SBS World News. I was recently featured the MCRI 2016 Brilliant Minds handbook and acknowledged as having the "potential to change the face of child health" (one of 30 faces to celebrate MCRI's 30 years anniversary).
I currently lead the activities within the biofluidics facility at MCRI, which I have established for novel engineering research. This cutting-edge laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art engineering tools to make discoveries that will transform child health. The biofludics facility is under the broader pneumococcal research group, led by my mentors Professor Kim Mulholland and Associate Professor Paul Licciardi. As a senior research officer, I am team leader on two distinct projects involving the application of cutting edge engineering solutions for clinically relevant problems effecting newborn infants:
(1) Team leader for the Jaundice Point-of-care (POC) technology research program.
(2) Team leader for large animal respiratory vaccine program.
My research skills in both as an engineer and a molecular scientist makes me unique as an early career post-doctoral researcher. I have been recognised throughout my career for delivering high-quality results as evidenced from the production of two international patents (three confirmed licencing deals) and 14 publications in three research active years. I am responsible for the management of five research staff, laboratory and environmental safety, management of financial research budgets (>AUD$1million) and reporting and external stakeholders (industry and academic collaborators).
In 2017 I was a Victorian Public Sector and Academia Award Finalist in the Telstra Business Women's Awards.
What would you say is your most valuable personal attribute that has helped you succeed?
It is a combination of "going-for-it" coupled with a deep commitment an inner mission, in my case bettering lives of others. In a funding scare environment, I always take the view of "let's just go do things", and "the funding will come", and fostered ideas that require very little funding for execution. So far this has worked for me.
How can we change the scientific work culture to improve work/life balance?
Firstly, "Lead by example". Create a flexible work culture that works hard but importantly plays hard. Make ample time for family and friends, especially taking weekends off such that you can refresh. Think of it like, "it is my job to make sure I do a good job so allow yourself to reset".
What advice would you give early career researchers – especially women – in science today?
Believe that you can make it! I feel that the first step is achieving your goals, whatever it might be is to believe that you can do it! Infest the time to find out what is it that you are really good at and fill your environment and team to complement those skills.
What is the most important advice you have ever been given?
My mentor who is a renewed woman professor and a passionate gardener once said to me "Weed but don't over-weed, as you may kill the 'good' seedlings". This has stuck with me since. You want to invest time to develop a good research team (like the fine garden) but if you over-do it, you might just cripple the independence. Be hands-on but know when to be hands-off.
How can we foster a culture of STEMM innovation?
Foster "child-like imagination" and "consider the impossible". The greatest advancements of today have come from pushing the mindset. Create culturally diverse teams that are not afraid to "doubt their own thinking". True innovation begins when you are ready to push your own thinking.
Twitter: @DrRajapaksa
LinkedIn: Anushi Rajapaksa


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This week LindaGHill of Life in Progress has given us the prompt of Language this week for our Stream of Consciousness Saturday.
Rules and Pingback here
Image found here
Body Language.
We each have a language
To express, love, shock or even rage
Mother given or possibly learned
We use it daily a right we feel earned.
There is another language, that's never heard.
Never needs loud voices or a single word.
It's made up of body movement and within the eyes
It's called body language and it's impossible to disguise.
So you need more than your ears
To really understand your peers
You need your body and your eyes
Does that come as a surprise.
So when someone says they love you
It's not their voice that makes it true
The truth is their eyes and their body stance
So listen with your eyes when you get a chance.


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Advanced Spinal Surgery Technologies
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Endoscopic disc surgery is evolving rapidly due to improvements in surgical technique, endoscope design, and instrumentation. These third generation systems with excellent optics give the endoscopic spine surgeon the ability to probe spinal anatomy in a conscious patient and evaluate the pathologic process causing the patient's pain. Now that spinal endoscopy can be performed, conditions previously not even considered for surgery may be evaluated and managed.
Patients previously not candidates for traditional surgery may find relief with endoscopic spine surgery directed toward the pain generator. Our understanding of discogenic back is enhanced by diagnostic and surgical endoscopy of the lumbar spine, as endoscopic visualization of pathologic lesions not previously seen with traditional techniques are increasing our understanding of the pain generators in the lumbar spine.


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Our 15th anniversary concert
Pieces of Flame,
a newly commissioned work by Christine Donkin
Saturday 9 May 2020 at 7 p.m.
Glebe-St. James United Church
650 Lyon St. S., Ottawa
Adults $25 ($20 in advance) | Students: $10 | Children 12 and under: FREE
Group pricing and discounts available ONLINE AND IN ADVANCE ONLY
Our next concert:
Dear Supporters of the Canterbury Trebles,
We hope this note finds you well and that you have found your way in this challenging time of COVID.
For our part, we have just recently started coming together (virtually!) as an ensemble for the Fall term. It is definitely different and the biggest challenge for all of us is the lack of the social aspect of choral singing. All the same, we find some comfort in seeing each other's faces and having some beautiful music on which to focus.
Please stay tuned to this space and to our Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. We plan to come to you virtually and bring a little music into your lives.
As always, we thank you for your support - take care and stay safe!
The Canterbury Trebles Women's Ensemble


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Video | Photos | Road Test | Full Technical Analysis | Spec Chart | Structural Composites in Cars
With the upcoming 787 Dreamliner, Boeing is bringing the same lightweight technology to passenger aircraft, with 50 percent of the plane—mostly the fuselage—made of carbon fiber. We had a chance to visit Boeing with the McLaren MP4-12C, uniting two vehicles sharing similar structural DNA.
What are the main structural and performance advantages of using carbon fiber in your aircraft?
Carbon fiber offers a number of advantages. Because is has great strength-to-weight capability compared to traditional aerospace materials, it allows us to create more efficient designs—structurally and aerodynamically. One look at the 787's wings will demonstrate this point. Additionally, with advanced carbon-fiber composite design, we get more fatigue capability when sizing designs for static strength. This has allowed us to be more fatigue-tolerant in our designs, resulting in bigger passenger windows and a lower cabin altitude [more comfortable cabin pressure] in cruise than traditional jetliners.
Carbon fiber has been around for a while; what are the challenges that delayed its use in the Dreamliner?
Boeing has used composites in our airplane designs for more than 40 years. We began using advanced carbon-fiber composites in the primary structure of the 777 in 1995, so we have a lot of experience with it. The difficulty has been in making sure we have the manufacturing processes and capabilities that allow us to take full advantage of carbon fiber's capabilities, and to do this in an economical fashion.
What recent advances have made it possible to use greater quantities of carbon fiber?
The advances that have served us well have been in the technologies that allow automated layup of the one-piece fuselage barrels and the large wing structures. These have helped provide economical approaches that bring significant advances in quality and weight.
What are the limits that prevent you from using carbon fiber for your entire aircraft?
For each component in an airplane design, we carefully balance a number of requirements in the selection of the materials—weight, stiffness, manufacturability, cost, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, to name a few. In each case, the material selected provides the best balance of a multitude of requirements. In some cases, the result is carbon-fiber composite materials, in some cases it is one of a variety of metals, in some cases it is a different type of material such as fiberglass or acrylics. It all depends on the application. By weight, carbon fiber makes up about half of the 787.
What other materials can be used in the future that are even better than carbon fiber?
That's a tough question to answer. I'm still looking for a material system that has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than carbon fiber or metal, weighs less than air, conducts electricity, is available in large quantities, and is provided free of charge!
Up first: Structural Composites in Cars >>


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Liz, a 53-year-old grandmother with greying shoulder-length blonde hair and a matter-of-fact demeanor, recently took a job in Bend to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren in La Pine. But her coworkers don't know that the new hire, who shows up to work on time and doesn't believe in taking days off, is homeless and had been sleeping in her car in the company's 5 acre parking lot before she found the Bethlehem Inn, a decade-old program in North Bend that serves 1,000 people each year with housing, food and other services.
"I'm probably not your typical homeless person, if there is a 'typical' homeless person. It's not typical for me," she clarifies. "I've never been homeless." When Liz—who declined to give her last name—decided to leave her job in the Eugene/Springfield area, she never imagined she'd end up in a homeless shelter. She works full-time and says she has a clean rental history, without evictions or late payments. She does not struggle with mental illness or addiction, and she is not fleeing an abusive relationship. But, like a growing number of individuals and families in Bend, Liz quickly found that having a job, savings, and a spotless history does not guarantee housing in a rental market with a mere one percent vacancy. Moreover, because her daughter lives in subsidized housing which doen't allow overnight guests more than 14 days per year, turning to family members for housing hasn't been an option. "Right now I know several individuals and families that have the resources to move into housing, but they cannot find rentals which they can afford and that will accept them," says Bethlehem Inn Managing Director Chris Clouart.
Clouart explains that he recently got a call from a woman whose 72-year-old mother is in a similar predicament. The older woman, who receives Section 8 assistance, was forced to move when her landlord decided to sell the house. "They assumed it would be fairly simple to find the mother housing," Clouart says, "but with just days before she is to leave [her housing], the daughter called me to see if the Inn was an option." He continues, "because of the mother's health, it is not, and the daughter's subsidized housing will not allow the mother to move in with her. Other than some phone numbers I had no solutions to offer."
Advocates at the Oct. 4 Homelessness Leadership Council meeting echoed this concern. Kenny LaPoint, director of housing and resident services for Housing Works, says he's in the process of giving out 50 rent vouchers, but worries his clients won't be able to find a landlord to accept them.
"The need, as well as the demographics of those experiencing homelessness, have increased and changed," Clouart says. "When I first started at the Bethlehem Inn [in 2007] the economy had yet to implode. It was still possible to get fairly steady day labor if you were able bodied. Of course, the housing market was tight and expensive but there were ways around that. Our population was a known quantity. That has changed."
With beds for 126 singles and 5 families, Bethlehem Inn is the only emergency shelter in Central and Eastern Oregon. Currently, it houses 76 adults and 17 children, though staff expect the empty beds to fill up as winter approaches. For the first time, Bethlehem Inn hit capacity last winter and, say administrators, now even seasons like the warm summer months are now experiencing an increased need.
"We got full this summer for the first time," Weekend Manager Tara Feurtado recalls. "That was really scary."
The Perfect Pair
Benefit Dinner
On Friday, Oct. 18, Deschutes Brewery hosts its ninth annual Bethlehem Inn benefit event, The Perfect Pair—Deschutes Brewery beers coupled with culinary dishes prepared by local chefs. 5-8 pm, Deschutes Brewery Public House, 1044 NW Bond. $45/person. Tickets at bethleheminn.org/news-events.
For more information call 541.322.8768 ext. 21.
We are committed to providing the Central Oregon community with well-researched news and impactful stories on local events. Your financial contribution ensures our work stays free for all. Contribute today!
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Change in our communities can only happen through many hands and many minds. For 33 years, United Way of Becker County has been working on behalf of our donors and partner programs and many other community-minded individuals and corporations to help people and to make a difference. In 2015, United Way invested over $220,000 back into our county - changing the lives of children, youth, families, men and women and seniors - sometimes at the most desperate and vulnerable times of their lives.
Our volunteers make what we do possible. We are very fortunate to have a small army of volunteers reaching out to others to make life better for all of us.
Our donors create the possibility. They give us the opportunity to identify and affect the need in our communities, creating a light in the lives of people right here in Becker County.
Our 32 partner agencies, initiatives, and community programs currently provide services and programs to nearly one of every two LOCAL community members. This past year we have filled over 6,600 backpacks with food for hungry kids. Over 200 seniors were given security to stay in their own homes via Lifeline. And the food pantry distributed over 230 tons of food to those in need.
The heart of United Way is helping people. It always has been and always will continue to be our main goal. Thank you for the continued support we receive from our generous communities. Your support and efforts have BEEN THE LIGHT in the lives of many!
LuAnn Porter
Executive Director
2016-2017 Partners
A Place to Belong
Audubon Rescue
Back to School Supply Drive
Becker County Senior Coordinator
Becker County Food Pantry
Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes
Boys & Girls Club of White Earth
Caregivers Support Group
Day of Caring
Detroit Lakes Adult Basic Education
DLALC Leadership Training
Ecumen Community Caregivers
Essentia St. Mary's Assistive Technologies
Food 4 Thought Backpack Program
Frazee Neighbor to Neighbor
Frazee Rescue
Healthy Alternatives
Hospice of the Red River Valley
Imagination Library Lakes Area
Lake Park ALERT
Lakes Crisis & Resource Center
Lakes Homes Respite Care
Partners in Parenting
Patriot Assistance Dogs
Reach Out For Warmth Fuel Assistance
Retired Senior Volunteer Program
RMCEP The Hireable
Salvation Army
Senior Companions
Transitional Shelter & Family Services


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As an installer, you are looking for solutions to help with managing your inventories and optimising your time on call-outs. You are looking for a lock capable of replacing all Euro profile single point rim locks. In short, you are looking for a "miracle product": simultaneously adaptable, versatile and universal! Our offer to you – the ND 10 lock: for use without constraints.
The ND 10 is a Euro profile rim lock with adjustable backset and follower distance. It stands out for having adjustable backset, deadbolt and latch, making it compatible with all Euro profile rim locks. That serves as your guarantee of reduced inventories, a vital advantage for your business.
Manufactured in France, this is the smartest rim lock on the market, because it allows you to resolve any configuration encountered on call-outs. There is a reminder of the calibration options on the back of the lock case. This will help you to easily select the right calibration distance between the forend and the cylinder. Moreover, the mortise of the ND 10 has universal deadbolt position. It allows you to retain existing strike plates, making installation quicker and making it easier to position the lock. Additional benefits?
The full range of benefits detailed above makes this lock the ideal replacement product for fast, efficient and high-quality installations. The ND 10 can also serve as a temporary, yet secure, solution in the event of a failure in a multipoint lock where no immediate replacement is available. It is also highly adaptable for use on gates thanks to its adjustable deadbolt and latch, making it suitable for all projects on new-builds or in refurbishment.
47 bis Rue Jeanne d'Arc
F-52115 Saint-Dizier cedex
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No. You are required to place your order 3 working days in advance, order cut off time: 15:00 (HKT). When you place an order, our system will generate an email to the email address registered by customer to confirm that we have received your order. Please note that we may not have buffer stock for some of the items - they may need 2 to 3 months' order lead time.
No. When you place an order, you cannot cancel an order once it has been submitted, even if our acceptance or rejection of your order is still pending, including without limitation:
(i) no sufficient stock to deliver the products you have ordered;
(ii) no delivery can be arranged for your area; or
(iii) one or more of the products you ordered was listed at an incorrect price due to a human or computer error or an error in the pricing information provided by the supplier.
We accept the following payment methods, orders will be charged in Hong Kong dollars.
• Advance Payment (Bank transfer 1 day before delivery)
• C.O.D. (Cheque on Delivery)
• Credit Card
• Credit Application: $5000 Purchase deposit for 30 days credit.
Details of bank account designated by our company:
|Beneficiary Name:
|New Ascent Corporation Limited
|Beneficiary Bank Name:
|Hang Seng Bank Ltd
|Beneficiary Bank Address:
|83 Des Voeux Central, Hong Kong
|Beneficiary Account No.:
|Beneficiary Bank Code:
|Swift Code:
|FPS Identifier (FPS ID):
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The minimum purchase amount is HK$10 to cover associated administrative charges. We will try our best to safeguard your personal information from leakage and misuse during payments. Please refer to "Privacy Policy".
For delivery address without elevators, we offer service up to 5th floor with surcharge and delivery surcharge will be collected by delivery staff when you receive the goods. You must indicate when check-out if delivery address is not supported with elevator. Green Common reserves the right to collect surcharge without prior notice.
We offer FREE delivery (single location only) for purchases over HK$1,000 (non-remote areas) and over HK$2,000 for remote areas. For orders under HK$1,000 for non-remote areas or under HK$2000 for remote areas after using promotion code, a delivery charge of HK$200 per each order shall apply. Each order can only be delivered to one location.
We currently provide delivery service on Monday to Friday (except public holidays) from 10:30 to 18:00 by areas:
(i) Hong Kong Island: Monday and Wednesday;
(ii) Kowloon and New Territories: Tuesday and Thursday;
(iii) Some Outlying Islands: Friday.
Our service covers Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories and some outlying islands which include Airport, Tung Chung, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, and Disneyland. Delivery service is currently unavailable for the following areas: Lung Kwu Tan, Lok Ma Chau, Lau Fau Shan, Mai Po, Sha Tau Kok, Lo Wu, Fanling Ping Che (including Ta Kwu Ling), Man Kam To, Tai Po – Plover Cove (Including Luk Keng), Tai Po Lin Au, Sai Kung – Pak Tam Chung (including Hoi Ha Wan), Sai Kung – Yung Shue O, Clear Water Bay – Po Toi O, Clear Water Bay – Tai Miu, Shatin - Sheung Wo Che/Ha Wo Che, Shatin - Fa Sam Hang, Temple Hill, Lei Yue Mun Praya Road, Outlying Islands (except Airport, Tung Chung, Ma Wan, Discovery Bay, and Disneyland).
We currently do not make deliveries to the following areas:
(1) Outlying islands, (2) Restricted districts and areas that vans cannot access or require parking.
We currently allow warehouse self-pick up option, please specify your requirement in the "Special Requirement", our warehouse address is Flat A, 1/F, Ajisen Group Tower, 24-26 Sze Shan Street, Yau Tong, Kowloon Tel: +852 2126 7228.
Delivery services shall delay when typhoon signal, a red or black rainstorm warning is hoisted; or such other weather conditions whereby delivery is considered unsafe. In this event, you will be contacted to reschedule delivery time.
If you find your product(s) in breakage, incomplete product package, quality issue, or short-shipment or wrong delivery, you can request replacement of specific product(s) within 3 working days after delivery:
You are required to provide proof for approval of any request as below:
(i) provide valid proof of purchase from wholesale.greencommon.com; and
(ii) send photos of the concerned item(s) to us via email / instant messaging software.
We do not accept returns of fresh and frozen goods due to their perishable nature. If your order is returned to us because of an incorrect address provided or refusal of delivery when shipped according to our terms and conditions, we cannot guarantee the condition of the returned goods, must dispose of the contents. In the event an order is delivered late due to an incorrect address or if you are unable to retrieve on the delivery date without prior notification and thawing/damage occurs, you will not be replaced.


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"Four days ago, retired naval Rear Adm. William L. Schachte Jr. seconded accusations made by the group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth seeking to discredit Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry's record in Vietnam. But since then, Democrats have discovered that Schachte is also a long-standing supporter of President Bush and a lobbyist whose client FastShip Inc. recently won a $40 million grant from the federal government." [emphasis added]
And, of course, the so-called "journalist" that the Bush campaign arranged for Schachte to talk to? Who else?
They just lie! Sometimes they lie for money.


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JonPaul and I went to Italy in September to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. 10 years. I know, right? Kind of crazy. I have no idea how in the world we have four kids and have been married for 10 years, but yet here we are. I feel like most days we have no idea what we're doing, so the fact that we're happily (for the most part 😉 married after 10 years is cause to celebrate. And what better place than Italy.
Our trip was incredible. Magical even. The best way to describe it would be that I felt like I was living in a movie. You know that romantic comedy where the couple is laughing, strolling along the perfectly lit street and they just happen to stumble across a romantic cafe, who happens to have the best corner table available, all while the sun is setting. That was us (even the laughing part). And that is never our life – so let me just say that the magic of the trip was not lost on me. I soaked it up. Every. last. drop.
One of the best parts of the trip was by far the food. Honestly Italians just do everything better. So of course it was no surprise that everything we ate was spectacular. But the one that caught me off gaurd, was a simple rustic dish I had our first night in Rome, cacio e peppe (even the name is good, am I right?!)
The first day of our trip we flew into Rome, and headed to dinner at Pierluigi. It was the perfect way to set the tone for the next 12 days. We walked down a dark cobble stone street that magically opened up to this little piazza lined white tablecloth tables, flickering candles and a scent that drew you in. I was in heaven.
That evening at Pierluigi was the first time I had ever tasted, or even heard of, this simple dish. And by simple I mean it's literally only three ingredients, pecorino cheese, black pepper and pasta. It's as humble of a dish as they come. Yet the texture is creamy and decedent. I couldn't wait to try and recreate it in my own kitchen.
Since our trip, I have made this dish more times than I can count. Traditionally, the recipe only calls for cheese, pepper and pasta. But I love playing around and adding different things I have on hand. So far I've added fava beans, peas and then today arugula (I know JPs waiting for me to add bacon). You can really play around with whatever you like. Pretty much everything goes with pecorino cheese, so if you have a favorite bean or vegetable, add it in.
There are a couple of things that make or break this dish. First, you have to start with the best quality ingredients you can find. With only three ingredients, they each matter. So start with the best ingredients you can get your hands on.
The second factor is the sauce. It's really simple, but you have to do it right. The sauce is made by quickly whisking together reserved pasta water with freshly grated cheese (couldn't be simpler, right?!). You have to really whisk vigorously and quickly so that the cheese doesn't clump. When it's done right you get a smooth creamy texture that you can't believe came from a pot of boiling water.
I love this dish for so many reasons, but I think it's simplicity is what makes it so special. It's elegant enough for weekend entertaining, but humble enough that I serve it to my kids for a quick weeknight dinner. In either case, everyone is always asking for seconds.
I don't know the next time I'm going to get back to Pierluigi, but until then, I have a little slice of Rome right here in Connecticut.
- 1 Lb of bucatini pasta (or spaghetti will work too)
- 2 cups of finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously season with salt (should taste like the sea). Add pasta and begin to cook according to package
- Meanwhile, add 1½ cups of freshly grated pecorino, along with the black pepper, to a serving dish of your choice. Working quickly, being to ladle in about a cup of the boiling pasta water on top of the cheese/pepper. Use a whisk, or the back of a wooden spoon, to vigorously whisk together the boiling water and cheese to create a smooth creamy sauce. (if the sauce is too thick, add more cooking liquid, about a tablespoon at a time).
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve an extra cup of the cooking water before draining pasta.
- Add cooked pasta to the serving dish and gently toss together with the creamy sauce and a cup of arugula
- Top with additional pecorino and black pepper before serving.
- Enjoy!


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All work and no play is no fun at all, so we decided it was high time we took a break from the daily grind which was beginning to feel like it was grinding us up into lifeless pulp. We needed time to unplug and refresh our outlooks with some sunshine and fresh air.
We considered camping and hiking in the desert canyon BLM lands southwest of Moab, Utah, but since we've been there and done that many times, Clay and I agreed on riding our bikes through a portion of southwest New Mexico where we'd never been before. We invested in a couple of New Mexico maps and planned a 507-mile circular route beginning in Truth or Consequences (known also as T or C). The name of our starting point should have been a clue of things to come.
Day 1 – T or C to Hillsboro via Hwy. 152. Not 15 miles out of the gate, I had mechanical issues. My chain got sucked up into the front derailleur twice. I was really disappointed as I had my bike tuned up at my preferred Fort Collins bike shop before leaving. I may rethink my preference.
Hwy. 152 happens to be part of the route cyclists ride when traveling cross country from California to Florida and we met our first through riders on this leg. We shared a bottle of wine at Hillsboro's Black Range Vineyards with a 60-something couple from Switzerland who were traversing the U.S. from Florida to California. Really impressive! I will note that by the time we arrived in Hillsboro, the winery was the only establishment "sort of" open where we could get some food; we ate all they had. We enjoyed cheese, crackers (they even had a gluten-free rice variety), some amazing homemade chutney, and chips and salsa. We also enjoyed the company of Brian O'Dell, the owner, and his newly rescued dog, Cali. After our feast we walked around town up to the old court house and jail site. While doing so, we met a young man from North Carolina making a solo west-to-east bike trek. He rode a Surly bike like Clay and towed a really cool trailer complete with a full-sized tire pump and Crazy Creek folding chair. He was going to camp in the town's park that night with only peanut butter and bread for dinner. Since Clay and I provisioned in T or C, we gave him some of our food so he could enjoy a tastier meal (which you'll soon read didn't serve us well, but we're so accustomed to feeding hungry kids that it seemed the natural thing to do). That night we stayed in Hillsboro's only motel which was right next door to the winery. It was decorated in a 50s-something sort of way (the TV had a rabbit ears antenna), but was clean which made it great in our book. Note: Hillsboro's community park is open to public tent camping and the locals are used to bicyclists staying there, but we didn't learn this till after paying for our motel room.
Day 2 – Hillsboro to San Lorenzo (still on Hwy. 152). We fueled up with breakfast at the Hillsboro General Store Cafe. It's a very clean establishment with tasty fare. The first town we came to outside of Hillsboro was Kingston…if you can call it a town. Regardless, it was the beginning of our nine-mile ascent of Emory Pass. Between Hillsboro and the summit, we gained about 3,000 feet of elevation, from 5,250 to 8,230 feet. The ride reminded me very much of grinding up our local Rist Canyon (Colorado). Even though I downed two granola bars and a bag of peanut M&M's up the hill plus plenty of water, I arrived at the summit depleted and feeling queasy as I do after strenuous activities like running marathons. Clay arrived a few minutes later and said his legs were "spent." We both thought the downhill would offer a break, but were sorely disappointed when we encountered 30-35 mph head winds on the back side of the pass. I also encountered more derailleur troubles and had to manually shift gears on my front chain ring. Clay and I tried making a few adjustments, but failed to get it right.
So, remember the young man we fed? We thought of him here because we would have found a camp site on the west side of the pass if we hadn't given him our food suitable for a dinnertime meal. Rather, we pushed on through the gales to San Lorenzo.
By the time we arrived in San Lorenzo, we both felt wind battered and I was really disgusted with my bike's performance. Thankfully, we found a restaurant/gas station/general store combo run by a friendly German couple. Their restaurant had fresh food and booth seats which made for a perfect respite from the wind. We considered pitching our tent in the town's Methodist church yard that night rather than riding to Silver City (our planned destination). After all, the church's sign read, "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." What would they do? Kick us out? But we accepted a ride for the remaining 24 miles to Silver City from the nice couple sitting in the booth behind us who were going that way. They dropped us off at a Rodeway Inn, which was NOT up to my standards, but seemed our only option without riding further west into the relentless wind.
Day 3 – Silver City to Buckhorn. First thing in the morning, we pedaled into town to find what seemed like THE bike shop where I could have Thelma (my bike) looked at–Gila Hike & Bike. Bill, the mechanic, expertly adjusted her derailleur, which made a big improvement. It still wasn't perfect, but much better. Then it was off to breakfast at Nancy's Silver Cafe (so-so) and re-provisioning at the Silver City Food Co-op, conveniently located right next door. We exited Silver City via the appropriately locally named "Snake Hill." It was a good warm up for the day's 40-mile, headwind-riddled ride. This day's miles were scenic and uneventful except for the one inconsiderate driver who buzzed us both with a diesel fog and barking dog in his truck bed. It amazes me that anyone would think giving cyclists only one to two feet of space at 60 mph is a good idea. If either of us needed to make one little swerve to avoid a rock, crack or glass in the road while he was passing by, we could have been killed.
We crossed the Continental Divide at 6,230 feet and proceeded on to camp in the RV park behind Buckhorn's post office for only $10/person. We had the tent-site area to ourselves, including the site's bathroom, shower and laundry house. There is a general store about 1/2 mile to the west of the post office. We made our way there for a bottle of merlot. The store also sells pizza and subs, but we preferred to make our Annies' gluten-free white cheddar mac and cheese with fresh spinach and salsa added for fiber and a kick. We were thanking our sons, Kyle, for letting us borrow his MSR propane stove (vs. our white gas MSR) and Blake, for giving us a kick-butt titanium cook set, perfect for just two of us.
Day 4 – Buckhorn to about eight miles west of Alma. It was another head windy day. We ate lunch at the Glenwood Trading Post. The owner, Wendy, insisted we use her microwave to make quesadillas and gave us some locally made lip balm and 30 spf salve to soothe our wind-burned parts. A Bible and Tibetan prayer flags adorned the store's cash register area which made it a very spiritual feeling stopover. We pedaled on into BLM desert land just above Alma and the San Francisco River. We felt right at home making camp in there. Clay added some comic relief by packing his "Sam's good-deal, 24-to-a-box" Greek yogurt covered General Mills granola bars everywhere, including the tent bag and his spares shoes. While lying prostrate in the tent, he also told me "there are easier ways to kill me" and "I just know tomorrow will be a Gold Bond day." I laughed so hard I cried.
Day 5 – We traveled from our high-desert campsite just above the San Francisco River through Reserve to the Apache Creek Campground. Feeling the need to ration water, we decided not to use any for morning coffee, so breakfast was a Kind bar washed down with cold water. We went over Saliz Pass first thing in the morning and predictably worked up a good appetite. I was happy to see a sign advertising "cafe, bakery, espresso…6 miles" but then was totally frustrated when Thelma's rear tire went flat not two miles later slowly my progress to the promised noshery. We stopped and pumped up the tire hoping that would allow me to make it the remaining four miles; I made it about 400 feet. We stopped again and patched the tube, but couldn't get the tire to seat correctly on the wheel. This is what happens when tires aren't well matched with wheels. So I thump-bumped to the "cafe" to find it closed for the season. Not even the garden spigot worked. Between feeling "hangry" and like I was riding an old jalopy, I almost cried, knowing I had to ride to the next town of Reserve, the county seat of Canton County, population about 400 give or take a few. Thankfully, Reserve had not one, but two restaurants from which to choose for our mid-day feast. We ate at Ella's and I was grateful to find many gluten-free options. Who knew? After stuffing ourselves to the gills, we moseyed down the main street to Jesse's Tire Shop in search of an air compressor so we could properly inflate Thelma's rear tube. It took Chris, who works with Jesse, Clay and I about 30 minutes to get the tire seated mostly right. So off Clay and I went back down the street to the little grocery store to stock up on water and food. Clay was able to make space for some of the groceries we purchased by giving away those nasty granola bars he'd been carrying to some unsuspecting passerby. Poor sucker. So he was rid of the disgusting bars, but we had another issue. My tire was flat again. So it was back to Jesse's to completely change the tube and then re-seat the tire. It took at least another 30 minutes to get it right so I wouldn't be riding on a lopsided tire. We finally made our way out of town waving to all the friends we made who were probably beginning to think we'd take up residence there. Our slow progress brought to mind the sentiment printed on a card given to me by my friend Ruth Lytle-Barnaby; it reads "Slow the pace. Enjoy the journey." This became my mantra to ward off impatience.
In another 12 miles along Hwy. 12, we arrived at Apache Creek Campground in the Gila National Forest. It didn't offer water so we were glad we'd stocked up. This campsite was the coldest we encountered. We were down in a frost pocket and learned that when the temps drop to below freezing, our Big Agnus zero-degree bags which zip together work best as solo mummy bags. If you camp here, choose a site as far to the west as possible to take advantage of the morning sun.
Day 6 – Apache Creek to Datil. This was a 54-mile day with a very welcome tail wind and a lot of downhill. We crossed the Continental Divide again about midway. Once in Datil, we found that the Eagle Ranch Resort had it all–a store, restaurant, bar, motel and RV park. We decided to get a room for the night and were really pleased to find it was meticulously clean with tiled floors and simple, but adequate furnishings. Dinner that night included a T-bone steak for Clay, cheese enchiladas for me and fresh margs. We enjoyed it so much we decided to lay over another day in this little hamlet.
Day 7 – Rest day in Datil allowed Clay to sleep a bit and rest his sore bum. I did a load of laundry in the motel's laundry room, thanks to the hospitality of Ellen its housekeeper. She saved me from doing laundry in the bathroom sink and hanging it outdoors on a line I would have strung up between two trees. I was very appreciative. We took advantage of the restaurant, Wi-Fi and warm showers.
Day 8 – Sunday in Datil means the restaurant is closed and the store doesn't open till 9am. Since we had 60+miles to travel to Socorro, we wanted to get an early start. Rather then unpack our MSR stove and heat up water for our Starbucks instant coffee (the motel room didn't have a coffee maker), we used hot tap water and the cellophane-wrapped plastic cups that the room did contain. At that point we knew it was going to be an interesting day. Our hunch proved right as Hwy. 60 is one of the straightest ribbon of road we've ever seen and this particular morning there was a layer of haze with the sun rising up through it that gave the horizon a mystical look. Riding east, we came upon the VLA (Very Large Array), or "…the world's premier astronomical radio observatories, consist[ing] of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro," according to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The super-sized satellite dishes made the area look like a set out of a sci-fi movie. It was a little eerie.
A consistent cross wind kept our pace rather slow despite that it was supposed to be "all down hill" to Socorro. I've decided that people who only travel by motor vehicle have a whole different perspective of what a hill is.
By lunch we made it to Magdalena which, according to the rack card we picked up at a visitor's center, had "it all!" I think the card was printed prior to the drought and hard times which basically made Magdalena not too unlike the rest of the nearly ghost towns we encountered all along our journey. Thankfully, one restaurant was open, the Bear Mountain Coffee House and Gallery. We enjoyed a good meal and friendly chat with its owner before continuing down the road.
About five miles outside of Socorro we found the hill everyone must have been telling us about! They also told us we'd encounter a speed trap there. As we sailed down into town we did pass a couple of police cars, but the officers clearly weren't handing out speeding tickets (not that we'd get one). Rather they had a guy in a straight jacket! This should have been our first clue. The further we rode into town, the more we felt like we were in the heart of the realities of city life we went on vacation to escape.
We weighed our options: stay at a motel that looked like it might rent rooms by the hour or pay to "camp" in the back lot of another less-than-safe-looking establishment. Either way we'd be in for another two days and 80 or so miles of riding on a road that parallels I-25 and we weren't sure whether we'd be able to find legal camping along the way. To Socorro's defense, a left turn in the wrong direction would have yielded more choices for lodging and eateries. Considering the possibilities of 80 plus miles along frontage roads with no services, we decided that we should hitch a ride back to T or C.
We rode into one gas station and surveyed the patrons with large trucks that could accommodate our bikes and looked like they might be heading south. There were only a couple possibilities and when Clay said, "both those guys look like they could kill and eat us both" we moved on to the next gas station where we observed an older couple pull in driving a new Toyota Tundra hauling an empty low-sided, flat-bed trailer. Clay poured on his most charming smile when he asked them if they happened to be going toward T or C. They were going exactly there. Perfect! Now to convince them we were harmless. They reluctantly agreed to let us ride in the bed of the truck and put our bikes on the trailer. We were saved.
By the time we checked into the Pelican Spa motel in T or C and enjoyed a soothing hot springs bath in one of their private tubs fed by mineral water, we knew we'd made the right decision to skip the last 80 miles. Our room, complete with a kitchenette and living room, reminded us of the places where we stayed while in Santorini, Greece, a few years back. It had the same cozy, earthy feel to it, but was decorated in a much more eclectic style. At $50/night, which included all the mineral baths we could soak up, we ended up staying two nights. One of those nights, we ate at Cafe BellaLuca which specializes in Italian and seafood entrees. The second night we shopped at Bullock's grocery store for dinner and dined in our room on a lavish spread of veggies, cheese, hummus, grapes, wine and beer.
Day 9 – Our adventures continued. We drove south to Las Cruces to have lunch at Andele's Dog House with Stewart Brenegar, one of our oldest sons' former college roommates. The food and company were both great. From there we drove east past the Organ Moutains to the White Sands National Monument, because Stewie thought we'd like it; he was right. What an amazing landscape of miles of land-locked beach. It felt great to walk barefoot in the warm sand. What felt weird was knowing we were in the valley where the U.S. Government detonated the first atomic bomb in 1945. Both were a bit surreal.
Day 10 – We traveled north to Santa Fe and stumbled upon a historic bed and breakfast. Pueblo Bonito, built in the classic Santa Fe adobe style, had been the home of a circuit judge at the turn of the century. We walked about three or four blocks to the Old Town Plaza and window shopped. We found ate dinner at The Shed, a Santa Fe favorite and a second dinner at the Pink Adobe (we actually were looking for dessert, but the entrees looked so good, we shared one rather than some sweets.)
Day 11 – We meandered our way back north to Colorado reflecting on our trip and day dreaming about our future exploits on Sundown and the bike tours that she will bring us to in other lands.


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With thousands of English expats living in this part of France, I've often thought that it would be a good idea to set up a chippy. So it was both pleasing and galling to see one yesterday as I drove through Confolens. I stopped the car and gazed blankly at it like I was a young boy watching the school bully take all the glory in a conker tournament with my prize-winning conker. That should be me I thought.
Its name was lazy though. The Chip Shop. As though the owners had put the words Chip, Shop and The into a hat in order to come up with a name. Either that or they wanted to avoid any possible confusion as to their culinary intentions. Despite a large FISH & CHIPS in the shape of a fish hand painted onto the front window.
To be fair though the shop did look the part and could have been lifted by a giant crane from Barnsley and onto a barge for France. Blue mosaic tiles, pickled eggs, HP, Pukka pies, wooden forks, barrels of dripping, mushy peas, sacks of spuds, vase of plastic flowers, filthy salt and vinegar shakers. It looked great and I was hungry. Only it was closed. Everything here is closed in winter.
But that's a side story to the main event. The reason I was thinking about chippies was that I'd been scanning the AngloInfo site for a new computer, having thrown mine across the room after seeing the Leeds Utd score last weekend (Sheffield Wed 6 – Leeds Utd 0). And it dawned on me that there's a whole network of expats out here bypassing the French way of life. Lines of communication and commerce running from one English household to the next without the slightest thought that they are actually living in a foreign country. A whole sub-species cocooned in a wine-soaked SkyDigiBox paradise, cut off from the rest of the world by arrogance and alcoholism.
Saying that, it's amazing what you can buy on AngloInfo: chickens, heating oil, tractors, opera books, Hornby railway kits, pigs, tax advice, fingernail deep carpets, sets of knitting needles, clogs, wooden soldiers, 20kg bags of walnuts, potted trees, Welsh dressers. Even houses. We saw a four-bedroomed semi with a sizable garden, all renovated and ready to go for 48 grand. Cue expats. The wine is cheap. The houses are cheap. Bonne voyage and au revoir.
So I was driving through Confolens on my way to pick up a computer from a guy called Roy who was selling his daughter's on the grounds that she needed a quicker machine for school. He must have heard that story every year, but still caved in at the slightest hint of teenage angst, leaving old Oggers here to pick up the pieces and a shiny new laptop for a mere forty Euros. A bargain. Not that Roy would know, given the brandy blowtorch breath he flambéed me with when I walked through his door. His iPhone plugged-in daughter probably watching the transaction from a hole in the wall with a mischievous grin plastered over her patisserie encrusted face planning her next money fleecing move. 'Daddy, I need forty euros for a new brain. Mine's expired.'
Driving back I fancied fish and chips. But do they travel, I asked myself? I'd had a pint of Youngs Bitter supposedly from the cask a few months ago and it was like drinking glue. The fish and chips would be alright I was sure – if it was open. But where would I eat them if it was? In the car. On a park bench in one of the dreariest towns in Western Europe. Munching on soggy chips and underfried fish in freezing rain when I could be at home preparing Odessan Goulash in the warmth. Perhaps the lure of fast-food diminishes with age, even fish and chips.
I got back home and realised I'd forgotten to stop off at the butcher in L'Isle Jourdain. We were Goulashless. But luckily I remembered that there were some fish in the freezer and some spuds in the cupboard. I don't need to tell you the rest. Except, yes, they do travel. Formidable in any language.


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Preparing for the Unpredictable: Accident Management in Great Power Competition
By: David P. Bull, Jr.
Read Time: 17 minutes
Excerpt: Great Power Competition between China, Russia, and the United States will result in many instances of competing forces operating in close proximity with one another. As the United States and its competitors further integrate capabilities and operations across domains, accidents in such complex environments are inevitable. This article implores planners and decision makers to imagine the potential nature of international accidents across those domains and identifies factors that decision makers will have to consider before and after an accident.
The United States (US) has responded to Russian and Chinese bids for control of the international order in multiple ways. One such approach uses American military forces to confront declared limitations on the freedom of navigation and demonstrating international resolve to resist aggression. In the Pacific, American ships have sailed in freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS) while bomber and ISR aircraft have flown through Chinese-claimed (but not internationally-recognized) territorial waters and airspace in the East and South China Seas. In Europe, B-52s and other bombers of the Bomber Task Force conduct training with European allies and build "strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges," ostensibly to ward against Russian interference in the region. American ships navigate the Black and Baltic Seas to counter Russian harassment and expansion in both bodies of water. In addition to using these operations to confront illegitimate claims and interference, American observers can gather valuable intelligence about their strategic competitors during such demonstrations. Both China and Russia have responded to these operations by deploying air and maritime forces to meet and confront the Americans in an aerial or naval intercept. When planning and executing such operations, American decision-makers must be clear-eyed about the risks and ramifications should an outcome unexpected by either the US or its competitors occur during the operation.
Competing with Chinese and Russian strategic goals will no doubt result in many instances of American and competitor forces operating in close proximity. The 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS) identifies that long-term strategic competition with a resurgent Russia and an ascending China are the Department of Defense's top priorities. This return to great power competition seeks to contest Chinese and Russian attempts to expand their influence and presence around the globe. Russia has challenged the existing international order by seizing the Crimean Peninsula and provided support for separatists in Ukraine's Donbas region. In the Baltic, they have also deployed advanced ballistic missile systems, ground maneuver forces, and non-kinetic, electronic warfare systems such as the R-330Zh "Zhitel" and the "Borisoglebsk-2". China's ascendance has been realized by their militarization of islands in the South and East China Seas as well as increased investment in ports around the world. Chinese expansion is perhaps best demonstrated by the Belt and Road Initiative which displays China's aspiration to secure its economic prosperity by establishing sea and land trade routes. Given the friction and potential for confrontation between American and competitor interests, these are the settings for potential accidents.
Both military and civilian decision makers must take several factors into consideration, which become more complex as both America and its competitors further integrate capabilities and operations across domains. Senior American leaders seek to overwhelm or exploit an adversary's vulnerabilities by better synchronizing operations across multiple domains. Accidents in such complex environments will require faster assessment and decision making on both sides of the conflict. This article implores planners and decision makers to imagine the potential nature of international accidents across those domains as well as identifies factors that decision makers will have to consider before and after an accident.
I scoped my consideration in this analysis to situations where confrontational encounters between US and Russia or China may result in accidents, events that may occur unexpectedly and unintentionally and result in damage, injury, or loss of life. The application of hybrid, gray-zone, or other unconventional warfare means that a potential competitor is not limited to the uniformed forces of that country's military. Russian hackers-for-hire and Chinese commercial entities that are subservient to the same central party as the military can confuse the competitor's identity. Additionally, US policy often includes the objective to build partner capacity, which means that partner or ally nations' forces may be involved in a given operation. Namely, bomber presence and training missions in the Pacific often involve the participation of one or more regional allies. Ally involvement in an accident can further complicate an accident – this factor will be addressed later.
An example of an accident occurred on April 1, 2001, when a US Navy EP-3 and Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) J-8 collided 70 miles off the coast of China's Hainan Island. The J-8 launched to intercept the EP-3, which China suspected of conducting an intelligence-gathering mission over Chinese territorial waters. An American investigation found that on the fighter's third close pass of the EP-3 (the first coming within 5 feet), the fighter struck the larger aircraft sending metal shards into the EP-3's fuselage while the J-8 pilot ejected into the sea, and was presumed dead. The EP-3 made an emergency landing on Hainan Island where Chinese authorities detained the crew for 11 days and the aircraft for over a month before careful diplomacy secured their release. The American investigation concluded that the most probable cause for the incident was an error the Chinese pilot's judgement about aerodynamics during unsafe intercept behavior. In the aftermath, American leaders presented a pattern of unsafe behavior by Chinese pilots. In 44 intercepts between December 2000 and the incident date, eight had come within 30 feet, and two of those were within 10 feet of American aircraft. There is no doubt the J-8 pilot did not intend to crash into the EP-3; however, this incident demonstrated the unintentionality, unpredictability, and the strategic ramifications of an accident between two strategic competitors. The probability for accidents such as these will continue to increase as American operations challenge Russian and Chinese bids to expand their influence and by increasing their global presence.
Decision makers and planners must consider the potential for and impacts of accidents in and across the domains. While the air, land, and maritime domains are more readily understood, the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) and space domains are less so – unless they are not available to users expecting to use their effects. However, this does not relieve the need to expand one's imagination as to what accidents in these domains could look like. Just as the Hainan J-8 pilot's incomplete understanding of aerodynamics resulted in a catastrophic blind spot, so too can an incomplete understanding of operational concepts result in a blind spot with catastrophic results. This article cannot comprehensively consider all probable causes or descriptions of accidents, but can be a starting point to consider accident causes and types.
Time and speed elements apply to each domain differently, whether it is in decision making or maneuvering combat forces. In the air domain, aircraft are subject to gravity as well as aerodynamic forces. While aerodynamic forces free the aircraft from the ground, they also require the aircraft to travel at great speeds and altitudes which force rapid decision making and can result in significant kinetic effects upon collision; accidents in the air often result in loss of the aircraft and life. In terms of combat, air- and ground-fired munitions are designed to subdue an adversary by destruction or disablement, not by pushing them out of a given airspace or altitude. As such, accidents could look like the Hainan incident, where two aircraft unintentionally collide. There are multiple examples of unprofessional, dangerous behavior by Russian and Chinese pilots in intercepting American aircraft. Also, given the speed of decision required by shooters, the potential for mistaken identity comes into play for both air and ground shooters.
Maritime forces encounter the element of speed differently than forces maneuvering in the air domain. While an aircraft cannot force another aircraft to maneuver by making contact without nearly guaranteeing a crash, seacraft can "bump" each other to enforce sovereign maritime borders and survive. The Black Sea has been the venue for multiple intended collisions between maritime vessels in 1988 between Soviet and US ships and recently in the Kerch Strait between Russian and Ukrainian boats. Neither of these resulted from unintended collisions, however there is a potential for the push to result in unintentional damage, loss of life, or one or both vessels sinking. Even when collisions are not intended, potential for accidents can increase, particularly in the South China Sea, where Chinese vessels have navigated within 45 yards of American ships. As with the Hainan incident, these maneuvers may not always turn out as intended, and an accident may result from unforeseen sea conditions or poor seamanship. Or, given China's rhetoric about ramming American ships in the contested Pacific, American vessels may suffer the same fate as Vietnamese fishing vessels.
The need to quickly identify and determine a land force's intent complicates decision-making in the land domain, often as one land force may see another about to take action to kill them. Land forces aim to remain unidentified to their adversary and identified to their allies; however, sometimes these distinctions are not upheld and can result in fratricide. Similar to maritime forces, land forces can use non-lethal physical force to deny access to the physical domain – such as a line of troops pushing back rioters in an urban setting. In this scenario, an armed force must make potentially life or death choices in a tense environment; an incorrect understanding of the threat posed by rioters and unclear communication may result in the unintended injury or death of a rioter. Additionally, considering a scenario where a supposed "civilian" demonstration may seek to elicit an accidental escalation that can be exploited, similar to the Boston Massacre.
In the space and EMS domains, understanding the nature and implications of an accident are a greater challenge because they are not easily observed. Also, unlike the terrestrial domains, spacecraft are not only subject to gravity, but also Kepler's laws of planetary motion. More countries and companies gain access to space, deploy numerous microsatellite platforms, and aspire to employ rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) to sustain space operations. Such advances could cause space to become more crowded with potential actors and victims of a space accident. Spacecraft may move at seemingly slow speeds relative to the Earth's surface, but they are moving at incredible speeds to maintain their orbits, and increase the stakes for an accidental collision. Each collision has potential to damage or destroy the victim vehicle, but also will most likely create more space debris to threaten other space vehicles. While space agencies catalog space debris and vehicles, the potential for collision cannot currently be mitigated besides maneuvering the victim spacecraft – a decision that could use valuable limited fuel resources. In 2009, two Russian satellites collided on accident, while in 2013 two Chinese satellites "bumped" as a potential RPO demonstration. Additionally, even defunct Russian satellites have threatened US satellites. Threat assessments of Russian and Chinese space programs assess that both have or can deploy offensive weapons in space as well as non-offensive systems such as communications satellites. Given the principles of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), that "States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities; [and] shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects," the implications of irresponsible management of space vehicles could have significant strategic ramifications. The OST was written prior to the idea of cross-linked satellite constellations and on-orbit jammers; how would the OST treat damage that resulted from accidental electromagnetic interference (EMI) by another country's transmitter?
In the EMS, accidents can occur without any apparent cause, and can occur without any indication that an accident is about to occur. As the EMS is an enabler to the other domains, EMI may result in an accident in another domain, such as the space EMI previous mentioned. A demonstration of competition in the EMS is reported Russian interference with GPS reception in the Baltics. During NATO's Trident Juncture 2018 exercise, NATO assessed that GPS interference originated from Russian-controlled territory adjacent to the exercise operating area, which had also been observed during Russia's ZAPAD exercise in 2017. This resulted in the Norwegian Aviation Authority to issue warnings to civil aviators about potential interference with critical navigation systems. One aspect of accidents in the EMS is that some effects may be targeted while others, such as GPS jamming, are agnostic to the victim. That is, the signal does not discriminate between a military or civilian target. While a military aircraft crash caused by GPS jamming during combat may not be unexpected, a collateral civilian naval vessel that runs aground during peacetime may result in more significant strategic response.
Though it is part of the EMS domain, cyber accidents may be different than those resulting from EMI. Similar to other EMS accidents, they can manifest outside of the cyber system they originate in. A cyber effect designed to gather data may interfere with a power grid's ability to distribute power during extreme weather. Blackouts during heat and cold have been known to cause deaths, such as the 2003 New York City blackout. However, accidents in cyber may also be contained to only cyber systems. If that same effect accidentally prevented customers from paying their bills, it could cause issues with the ability for the power company to operate financially, but its mechanical and electrical capabilities would be largely unaffected. More development of the nature of cyber accidents is worthwhile as cyberspace is a significant vehicle for Chinese and Russian competition.
The last domain analysis further extends from the EMS and space domains. Accidents may not be restricted to just one domain, but can span across two or more domains. A vehicle, person, or effect may originate in one domain, and may cause an accident whose victim is in another domain. For instance, Russian aircraft tactics in intercepting the American destroyer, USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea, opened the possibility of an aggressive maneuver going awry and the aircraft crashing into the American ship. Furthermore, an aircraft may accidentally fire upon ground or maritime forces, a space collision may interrupt key infrastructure on Earth, or an EMS effect may prevent an aircraft from making an emergency landing because of GPS jamming. Planners should examine potential impacts across domains when considering risk and ramifications of accidents.
Now that we have considered the nature of accidents across domains, we can focus on the factors that decision makers can consider in their risk acceptance and post-accident assessment. First, and most vexingly, is the accident actor's intent. While an accident may appear to be a result of innocent action, it may also be a convenient cover to incite popular discontent as well as influence information operations. Analyzing intent following an accident requires analysis of the tactical details of the accident to determine motivation or negligence, as well as public statements by the state's public officials. This still may not be fruitful as there may be disconnect between a decision maker and an accident actor. Determining intent requires the assessor to confront significant uncertainty as public statements or obvious evidence may hide the truth.
Second, reactions to accidents may vary depending on whether the accident involved the death of a person. In a study of military responses to an aircraft lost in combat, Erik Lin-Greenberg examined the difference in responses to the loss of a manned platform (crewed ISR aircraft) as compared to the same scenario involving an unmanned platform instead (ISR RPA conducting a similar mission). While this study looked at an attributable, overt action in combat, the results of the wargame are nevertheless relevant. When faced with a situation involving an unmanned platform, subjects were less likely to retaliate with significant military power and cause further escalation. Conversely, though teams faced with the loss of American lives sought to tie their response to military and political objectives, they were more likely to recommend direct military action to settle the score. In applying this concept to accident responses involving manned or unmanned platforms, decision makers must consider their potential bias in an accident scenario. Furthermore, accidents in space and EMS may result in the loss of life indirectly by disrupting key resource distribution systems. Assuming that the actors in the accident can be determined, the response must consider how their bias plays out with the indirect impacts of the accident.
While the presence and potential for loss of human life weigh heavily in decision makers' minds, so too does the identity of the accident participants with regard to military status. Military members are expected to behave in certain ways according to standards while understanding the international law that applies to their behavior. Because military members potentially take violent action resulting in the loss of life, members have the requirement to apply the Geneva Conventions on War as they relate to taking another human life. Civilian actors are not exempt from their relevant expectations; however, an individual's knowledge of legal rights and expectations may vary. This factor is not inherently easy to understand when considered in the context of an accident. The blurring of civilian and military distinctions by Russian operations challenges the core assumptions that an actor will be able to identify the role of individuals involved in an accident.
Another key factor to a decision maker's risk evaluation is the probability of unprofessional, unsafe behavior by their competitor through the analysis of safety in the operation. Two key subfactors that are not mutually exclusive play into this consideration are discipline and training. An actor known for recklessly assuming high risk in their interaction with a competitor may take unnecessary risks that do not support a military or political end state. Likewise, an actor that is known for having limited resources for training could suffer from a lack of understanding or skill that would be necessary to avoid a given accident. These factors should inform both the risk evaluation as well as determining an appropriate response by bounding the decision maker's expectations of their competitor's behavior.
Decision makers should also consider three aspects of publicly acknowledging an accident. First, the first party to release information dominates the narrative early; regaining dominance over a narrative of misinformation requires more work to overcome a lie because it must be disproven before correct information can be presented. Second, assuming that an actor wants to publish factual, objective information, they must consider how confident they are in the information. If objective, truthful conclusions cannot be presented due to lack of evidence, the victim state will have a hard time proving that all of the particular aspects of an accident occurred in a way that supports a favorable narrative. Finally, decision makers should consider the sensitivity of the information as well as the sources and methods used to gather the information. Acknowledging and confirming an accident may expose sensitive sources and methods used to analyze facts. As such, it may not be valuable for an actor to acknowledge that an accident even occurred.
Finally, decision makers should consider the implications of coalition or partner involvement in an accident. In many bomber presence missions, partner countries such as Japan or South Korea have integrated into aerial formations. A Chinese aircraft could be involved in an accident with a US partner while they are flying with the US bomber conducting training. In this situation, the response to the accident is complicated by the relationship between the competitor and the US as well as the China and the partner. Blind involvement in the partner's response could involve the US in a situation that is outside of specified US political or military objectives. Failure to act could result in a loss of confidence in that partner as well as others in the US for failing to come to the aid of a partner.
In summary, as the NSS drives the US to confront Russian and Chinese aims through competition, there will be an increased potential for accidents as military and civilian assets encounter each other in the global commons. It is imperative that military planners and decision makers include the potential for accidents in their risk calculus prior to a mission as well as develop contingency plans in response to the potential accident. This should not singlehandedly deter the US from conducting FONOPs or ADIZ penetrations; however, ignoring the potential for unintended outcomes is not a responsible assumption of risk.
David "Gomer" Bull is a student in the Multi-Domain Operational Strategist concentration at the USAF Air Command and Staff College. He is a senior Nuclear and Missile Operations officer with previous Minuteman III ICBM qualifications on the ground- and air-based command and control systems. He is a graduate of the USAF Weapons School.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force or the US Government.


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Over the years, preparing my EVE accounts to go on a real life trip has changed. Back in the early days of playing the game (2010-2011), my only worry involved selecting a long skill to train until I got back home. Considering I spent two, and even three weeks, in Bulgaria on business, that sometimes wasn't easy. In the following years, I became involved in planetary interaction and during my first few trips to Reykjavik I also worried about keeping my colonies operating.
For my return to EVE Vegas, my preparations are pretty minimal, both in and out of game. I have to include out-of-game prep because the meta never shuts down. This year, I picked up a portable charger for my phone. One day at Fanfest this year my phone almost ran out of power. I figure I'd forestall that possibility this week. Twitter is a pretty valuable means of communications. I also picked up a couple of things to drop off with The Open Comms show crew broadcasting the night before the convention begins.
In game, the extended skill queue introduced in Phoebe means I don't have to worry about picking out a long skill. I still, however, have to worry about my training time. The Crimson Harvest event gives out cerebral accelerators and I spent part of the weekend collecting them for my three characters currently training. With Biology V, the accelerators give a +10 bonus to all learning attributes for 48 hours. I gathered enough to keep the bonus going until Friday evening Las Vegas time. Unless my laptop magically can run EVE now, I can't use the accelerators while at Planet Hollywood. But I can use them until 2 November, which means I should try to get three more accelerators to use immediately once I get home Monday night.
Finally, doing all the things to prepare for EVE Vegas put a crimp into my quest to build a Nestor. I managed to meet the nocxium requirement, so all I have to do is mine enough ore to refine 8,500 units of zydrine and 3,600 units of megacyte. The zydrine I get from mining hedbergite in low sec and the megacyte from arkonor in null. Yes, I know just taking my Prowler to a trade hub and buying off the market is faster and easier, but I set up some rules for my quest for the great white battleship and this close to the goal I'm not about to abandon them.
I have a couple more days of work before I land in Vegas on Thursday morning. The event should prove interesting if nothing else, especially since I know where the Starbucks is now. I hope I can use my stars for free coffee. I think I'll need it.


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Things Don't Always Go as Planned
This was my summary following my stay at Ngorika Children's Home in spring of 2011. It was my first trip to Africa. I was following the Lord's leading to assist there as needed, using the skills I had, that of bookkeeping and of a practical nurse. I helped around the home with various tasks… cooking, laundry, shucking and spreading corn to dry.
In Peninah's absence, after the birth of her third child, I helped as I was able at her medical clinic. I also enjoyed spending time with the boys, playing games for fun and to encourage the use of their English.
With David being so busy, I prepared a simple spreadsheet that he could enter the needed information into, thereby enabling a bookkeeper to easily transfer the information into an accounting program. The challenge with computers at Ngorika is the unreliability of the internet connection, as internet is via satellite. I had to continue to remind myself that this was Africa … things don't always go as planned and life moves slowly.
I enjoyed my time getting to know the boys. They appeared shy but loved to have fun! Though the boys have a variety of different mother tongues, Swahili is the language spoken at the home and at school. They did not use English a lot unless I directed a question/comment at them individually. All teaching at school is done in English, and playing games with them encouraged them to use their English as the extent of my Swahili was only a few common words.
I arrived as the school term was ending, thus having more time with the boys as they were soon on holiday. I assisted one boy with his reading and soon realized how well he was doing for having been in school for such a short time. Another boy, too, needed some help with his math, which is a subject I enjoy. Being that they were on break, playing games was the best way to engage them and have fun doing it. Many of the games I played with them were educational.
Among the many chores around the home, the one I found most difficult was the laundry. Washing clothes by hand while bent over tubs filled with cold water can become VERY uncomfortable for the back if you are not used to it. The clothes are washed in a first soap bucket, then again in a second, then rinsed in one bucket and finally again in a second bucket. If the clothes are really dirty, a scrub brush is used while the clothing is laid out on an upturned bucket. They are then hung to dry in the open air. All in all, quite a process!
An opportunity arose for me to visit Nakuru Lake Game Park with Mark and Catherine Buhler, the FEB and AIM missionaries who were some of the original founders of Ngorika Children's Home. It was beautiful to watch the sun rise and to see the wild animals in the morning light. I found it a bit like stepping out into the back country rather than an enclosed park. I marveled at the beauty of God's creation!
I found from my time at Ngorika that I could definitely be of aid. However, I think that it was I who gained so much more from my time there!