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TV Authority Santa Monica Audio/Video, an independent specialty A/V dealer and custom installer, marked the official opening of its 8,500-square-foot showroom here last month.
The space has been both a work-in-progress and a labor of love for the six-year-old business, which was born as an Internet-only dealer for premium home theater products.
Under construction since January, the showroom does triple-duty as an A/V storefront, an art gallery and, within an adjoining "Loft" area, a forum for community events including independent film festivals and charity benefits.
"Our notion was to stand out among consumer electronics retailers by the blending of elements to create an ambiance of comfort", said Jason Palmer, co-founder of TV Authority. "The showroom has also become a gathering place for artists, welcoming filmmakers, directors, animators and video artists to share their dreams," he said.
Indeed, the showroom is home to the Film Gallery, a year-round venue where independent filmmakers can screen their projects through a series of festivals and invitation-only and open house events. The historic Santa Monica building also houses the ArtHouse Gallery, TV Authority's own in-store gallery featuring original, contemporary art that's open to the public six days a week.
In addition, TV Authority is a sponsoring partner of Teen Impact, a program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles that supports teens with cancer and blood diseases. To help raise money for the program, the dealer developed a popular "Meet the Composer" fundraiser Q&A series in which award-winning composers field audience questions.
"As a retailer we aspire to exceed our clients' expectations with the magic of music, movies and art and that includes being an active part of our neighbors' cultural lives," Palmer said.
Of course, the focus of the enterprise remains high-end home theater, which is represented by an assortment that includes such premium brands as BenQ, Control4, Denon, Jones, KEF, Pioneer, Pinnacle and Revel. "Our discriminating customers demand both quality performance and exquisite craftsmanship from our product selections," said Aaron Gutin, sales and marketing national director. "We select products as much for their performance quality as for their design."
The showroom is also set up as a permanent resource for affiliated interior designers, architects and homebuilders who can rendezvous with clients anytime by appointment under TV Authority's referral partners program. The company also continues its original online operation at www.tvasantamonica.com.
- 2019 TWICE Top 100: Watch List - May 23, 2019
- 2019 TWICE Top 100: Consumer-Direct Sales Dominate The Charts - May 22, 2019
- 2019 TWICE Top 100: Best Buy Keeps The CE Crown, But Barely - May 21, 2019


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Lotus begins their fall tour tonight in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club with Mux Mool and Lendaku opening the show. The band is rolling into NYC this Friday night and we're definitely going to have a presence there. Get in touch if you're coming out!
09/22/2011 | Boston, MA, Paradise Rock Club w/ Mux Mool, Lenkadu
09/23/2011 | Portland, ME, State Theatre w/ Mux Mool, Cyborg Trio
09/24/2011 | New York, NY, Terminal 5 w/ Nit Grit, Mux Mool
10/20/2011 | New Haven, CT, Toad's Place w/ Dirty Bunny
10/21/2011 | Northampton, MA, Calvin Theater w/ Keys N Krates
10/22/2011 | So. Burlington, VT, Higher Ground w/ Keys N Krates
10/23/2011 | So. Burlington, VT, Higher Ground w/ Keys N Krates
10/26/2011 | Syracuse, NY, Westcott Theater w/ Keys N Krates
10/27/2011 | Buffalo, NY, Town Ballroom w/ Keys N Krates
10/28/2011 | Pittsburgh, PA, Stage AE w/ Keys N Krates
10/29/2011 | Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak Theatre w/ Keys N Krates
10/30/2011 | Columbus, OH, Newport Music Hall w/ Keys N Krates
10/31/2011 | Knoxville, TN, The Valarium w/ Keys N Krates, EP3
11/02/2011 | Louisville, KY, Headliners Music Hall w/ Keys N Krates, Secret Beats
11/03/2011 | Indianapolis, IN, The Vogue w/ Keys N Krates, DJ Embyonic
11/04/2011 | Madison, WI, Majestic Live w/ Keys N Krates
11/05/2011 | Madison, WI, Majestic Live w/ Keys N Krates
11/06/2011 | Minneapolis, MN, First Avenue w/ Keys N Krates
11/08/2011 | Bozeman, MT, Emerson Theater w/ Keys N Krates
11/09/2011 | Missoula, MT, The Top Hat w/ Keys N Krates
11/10/2011 | Seattle, WA, The Neptune Theatre w/ Keys N Krates
11/11/2011 | Portland, OR, Crystal Ballroom w/ Keys N Krates
11/12/2011 | San Francisco, CA, The Independent w/ Keys N Krates
11/13/2011 | San Francisco, CA, The Independent w/ Keys N Krates
11/16/2011 | Santa Cruz, CA, The Catalyst w/ Keys N Krates
11/17/2011 | Los Angeles, CA, El Rey Theatre w/ Keys N Krates
11/18/2011 | Solana Beach, CA, Belly Up Tavern w/ Keys N Krates
11/19/2011 | Phoenix, AZ, The Compound Grill w/ Keys N Krates
11/25/2011 | Baltimore, MD, Rams Head Live! w/ Damn Right!
11/26/2011 | Baltimore, MD, Rams Head Live!
03/14-16/2012 | Amsterdam, NET, Jam in the Dam VI with moe., Mike Gordon (of Phish), Dark Star Orchestra and Keller Williams [all artists play all three nights]

subset: commoncrawl


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At the beginning of the 1930s, the watch was born of a challenge, that of designing a model that could withstand the polo matches of the British Army officers in India. Its dial smoothly concealed by reversing the case, to reveal a back that fully protects the face from possible mallet strokes. It's worth thinking about... Timeless in its face surrounded by its three emblematic gadroons, the Reverso has been enchanting both men and women with an eye for beauty since its creation.
Origin: Switzerland
Model #: Q3548490
Functions: Hour, Minute, 24 hour dial at 6 o'clock
Movement: Automatic
Case Diameter: 46.8 mm x 27.4 mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Back: Solid
Dial Color: Silver, Clous de Paris, Arabic numerals.
Bracelet Material: Alligator leather
Condition: New
Documents: Papers + Booklet/Manual
Box Type: Original
Warranty: 2 Year JLC Manufacture


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Make sure you pack survival gear along with food and water. Remember that it gets dark early this time of year, and storms can hit in a hurry. Check the forecast before leaving. You don't want to get caught in the mountains during a blizzard. Also, cold weather reduces the output of your battery. Replace it if it's more than five years old. Consider installing a dual battery system as well. That way you'll have a back up, as well as a source of power in case you need to use the winch.
Pack your vehicle accordingly. The basics include a snow shovel, air jack and tire chains, if you have them. Brightly colored equipment is really useful in a snowy environment. An ice scraper/window brush and recovery equipment are a must, also. You'll want some communications equipment, as well. Pack ham radio gear if you have it. If not, consider getting licensed. The exam isn't that difficult and gear is reasonably priced. If you don't care to go that route, look into a satellite phone. Cell phones rarely work in the outback, so don't count on one.
Make sure your headlights, tail lights, fog lamps, and license plate are clear of snow. As the old saying goes, you want to see and be seen.
Upon arriving, spend a few moments surveying the trail and surrounding terrain. One of the biggest problems with snow is that it covers ruts, ditches, and rocks. If you've driven the trail before, try to recall where the rough spots are, and avoid them. Don't try to drive over them, as you risk getting stuck or damaging your vehicle.
Chains are great for driving in snow. They give you better traction and braking all around, and better steering up front. If you have just one set, place them on the back. Chains up front allow you to chew through deep snow, but the added braking capability could cause fish tailing. This happens a lot while going downhill on a slippery slope.
Air down your tires to a standard off-road level. For a 31-in. tire, that would be in the 18 to 15 psi range. Start off in single file as you normally do. The lead vehicle will blaze the trail, but often becomes stuck. Plus, the underbody usually gets packed with snow, so the vehicle doesn't run well. Be prepared to pull out that vehicle, but also rotate the vehicles to keep a "fresh" vehicle in the lead at all times.
If you get stuck, try rocking the vehicle. You can usually gain a few inches each time, which often is enough to get you onto better ground. Avoid spinning the tires if possible. That just melts the snow underneath, which quickly freezes. Then you're in worse shape than when you started.
If you're still unable to drive out, use a recovery strap to pull your vehicle out. But be careful: The strap is under tremendous stress. Make sure no one is standing between either vehicle. If that strap breaks, it'll crack the person in the head, and your trip is over. A Pull Pal® also works well in these situations.
Remember to drive slowly. As mentioned above, snow covers all blemishes in the trail. If the snow is firm enough you may actually drive on top. But more likely, you'll cut through, and expose your vehicle to rocks and other hazards below.
Even with chains, your vehicle behaves quite differently in snow. Stopping and cornering are more difficult and braking distances are greater. Drive slower than normal and keep a safe distance between the vehicles. 4WD doesn't offer any better braking than 2WD, despite what you may think. If you find yourself sliding one way, turn with it, but also apply some power and stay off the brakes. The 4WD traction will help pull you out of it.
Use gentle acceleration whenever climbing a hill. Quick acceleration can cause the tires to spin, which results in an icy trail. Speaking of hills, assess the trail before descending, and make sure it's safe to drive. Can you get back up if you had to? If not, and that's the only way out, take a different route.
Here's hoping your next romp through the snow is a safe and enjoyable one.
Tread Lightly Tip:
As we approach spring, many trails will become muddy. Avoid any that are sloppy so you don't chew them up.
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to use their vehicles safely and confidently over difficult terrain in adverse conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
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When it comes to flat roof options, nothing is more time tested than built-up roofing. Built-up roofing is a durable, proven option for your commercial building, and the experts at Marcor Construction Roofing & More can give you the highest quality installation and repair services.
For a low maintenance, easy-to-repair, and reliably built-up roofing system, call us today at 1-855-243-7846. We offer free estimates for all your roofing needs throughout the West Babylon, West Islip, Lindenhurst area in Long Island.
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PROVO — Provo police responded to a reported stabbing Friday morning only to arrest the alleged stabbing victim in an early morning burglary.
Police responded to an alarm at Rock Canyon Pharmacy, 3179 N. Canyon Road, just before 5:30 a.m. and found someone had broken into the pharmacy by breaking a window with a hammer, Provo Police Lt. Mathew Siufanua said. It looked as though someone had tried to steal medication but had left it at the scene.
Police were able to pull the surveillance video and see the intruder, Siufanua said. Around 6:30 a.m., police then got a call from the nursing staff at an Orem hospital reporting that they had a patient who said he had been stabbed while he'd been running on a trail in Provo.
Detectives then responded to the hospital.
"Putting two and two together, they believe the suspect entered the business and while coming or going in, he cut himself with the glass," Siufanua said. "So he went home and, of course, they took him to the hospital."
Detectives arrested Leroy Murphy, 23, for investigation of burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest and providing false information to police officers.


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Mahesh Joshi, Ted Pedersen, Richard Maclin, Serguei Pakhomov
The scarcity of manually labeled data for supervised machine learning methods presents a significant limitation on their ability to acquire knowledge. The use of kernels in Support Vector Machines (SVMs) provides an excellent mechanism to introduce prior knowledge into the SVM learners, such as by using unlabeled text or existing ontologies as additional knowledge sources. Our aim is to develop three kernels ñ one that makes use of knowledge derived from unlabeled text, the second using semantic knowledge from ontologies, and finally a third, additive kernel consisting of the first two kernels ñ and study their effect on the tasks of word sense disambiguation and automatic expansion of ambiguous acronyms.
Subjects: 13. Natural Language Processing; 10. Knowledge Acquisition
This page is copyrighted by AAAI. All rights reserved. Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of all of AAAI's terms and conditions and privacy policy.


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Best Spots For A Picnic In DFW
Big city eating should never be limited to the four walls of a restaurant. Picnicking in Dallas enhances the flavor of any meal that can be packed into a basket. With everything from airplanes to lake shores to flowers and skyscrapers, these Dallas Fort Worth picnics come with a style all their own.
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Rd.
Dallas, Texas 75218
(214) 515-6500
Price: $15 for each adult/$12 for senior citizens 65 and older/$9 for children 3 to 12/$10 per car parking/free members children 3 and younger
The arboretum opens its doors to anyone seeking to eat alfresco amongst the blooms throughout the year. Numerous gardens allow for new scenery and a fresh visual experience each time, including the sweet smell of 2,000 azaleas and the regal feel of the gazebo near the Boswell Family Garden. Don't forget to take a few minutes to contemplate while chewing near the reflecting pool of A Woman's Garden. For a special treat plan a picnic around one of the concerts at the arboretum and listen from the grass while you snack.
Farmers Branch Historical Park
2540 Farmers Branch Ln.
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
(972) 406-0184
Price: free/donations welcome
For a change of pace pack a picnic from the past. At the Farmers Branch Historical Park, dining scenery can include the lawn of the Gilbert House from 1856, 1885 Queen Anne Victorian Cottage, 1900s schoolhouse and even a group of log cabins. The rose garden will add a special elegant hint to the air while lovers, families or friends snack under the same skies that illuminated Farmers Branch long ago.
Lynn Creek Park
5700 Lake Ridge Pkwy.
Grand Prairie, TX
(817) 467-2104
Price: $10 per car up to six people/free for Grand Prairie residents
Dozens of picnic tables adorn the shore of Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake. While munching on cool and juicy summer favorites, wave at the boaters, water skiers and jet skiers as they bring the waves and the breezes your way. Tender waves splashing nearby provide an audile ambience that is both soothing and invigorating.
Founders Plaza Observation Area (DFW Airport)
Texan Trail and N. Airfield Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051
(248) 246-3725
Price: free
At the north end of the DFW airport lies a picnic spot with a unique twist for those who enjoy some excitement with their checkered blanket. At Founders Plaza Observation Area, picnickers may watch planes take off and land, and listen to the air traffic controllers direct and guide pilots, all while enjoying the open air. Families with young children who can handle the noise fare well at this picnic area with it's exciting takeoffs flying overhead.
Related: Scenic Drives Within 60 Miles of DFW
White Rock Lake
8300 E. Lawther Dr.
Dallas, TX 75214
(214) 670-8740
Price: free
White Rock Lake facilities were built with picnics in mind. Stone tables and comfy nooks in the shade of pecan and cottonwood trees keep the summer sun at bay. With a nearby playground, kids can run off their energy and those yummy picnic meals as parents enjoy the sparkling waters of the lake, the slew of the runners passing by, and one of Dallas' most popular and refreshing lakes.
Main Street Garden
1902 Main St.
Dallas, TX 75201
Price: free
Downtown Dallas may be an unconventional choice for a picnic, but Main Street Garden might change that. Its water fountains, enviably green lawn, digital art, and play and tot lot compliment the cityscape surrounding the garden. Tall buildings line the area providing texture to the view. Perfect for a picnic lunch date on a workday, the fresh air will rejuvenate and prepare its patrons to return to their day.
Related: Best Parks in Dallas
Kena Sosa is a freelance writer in Dallas. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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Whether you're shopping for your home or business, practical storage is a big priority. You want a combination of convenient display, plenty of space, easy access, and of course sturdy support to securely hold your belongings and equipment. Our metal storage shelves from the catering equipment experts at Royal Catering are our most popular choice when it comes to shelving, not only for restaurant owners but for homes, shops, garages, offices and more. Discover our range of sizes below.
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JCC Association's JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, the only government accredited agency that serves the religious and social needs of Jewish military personnel, has received lots of mail during these past few months from chaplains and servicemen serving all over the world, and many from Iraq. War and distance seem to encourage introspection. We wanted to share these extraordinary messages—exhilarating, moving, and poignant–with you.
Originally featured in the summer 2003 issue of JCC Circle.
Living conditions are pretty harsh. Water and hot food are not common occurrences, but oddly enough, we have e-mail…sometimes. The weird thing is that, other than missing my family terribly, I am having a wonderful time. The work here is incredibly meaningful as a rabbi and as a chaplain. It is true that there are no atheists in foxholes. I have been traveling throughout the desert to different units to do services and, for the most part, attendance has been very good. There aren't enough days in the week to hit all the units. This last Shabbat, I went with 7th Marines and had an awesome field service. 7th Marines are literally in the tip of the spear. We could see the lights of Iraq from our "synagogue." Every prayer seems to have extra meaning out here, in particular prayers such Sim Shalom and Hashkiveinu.
My Shabbat started Friday morning with a service and lunch at Al Jabr Marine/Air Force Forward Air Base. We had two Jews, one the son of the owner of Jerusalem II Pizza in New York! Then back to Camp Commando for a quick turn around and to pick up our tactical gear, (helmet, flak jacket, pack, etc.) and up to Camp Coyote for the night. I love doing services up there. It is way up north, freezing, but VERY spiritual. It was a beautiful night, full of stars and a full moon. We had about a dozen kids. Afterwards, Chaplain Bill Devine, regimental chaplain for 7th Marines, and I stayed up late just talking. We spent the night up there and after an MRE breakfast; we headed to 5th Marines, even farther north, for a shaharit service. Only two people since most of the battalions were out on patrol. These kids are frightened, even though they won't admit to it. When I asked them what they were thankful for this week (before Mizmor Shir), most of them said, "I'm just thankful to be still alive." It cracked me up! As soon as that was over, we returned to Commando, dropped off the tactical gear, and off to Ali Al Salim Air Base. Again, only one Jew, but a very happy Jew. We sat and spoke for about two hours. Back to Commando, shower, changed and then an AMAZING Havdallah service with four marines. One of them started to cry (and me, too, almost) when I put my hands on their shoulders and prayed for them, "Be strong and of courage and trust in the Lord," from the Book of Joshua. I have started to do this for everyone in the congregation; it has become the highlight of the service.
We are all waiting for the war to begin. Most people just want to do it, get it over with and come home. In the meantime, I feel like I am taking care of our people. I don't smell very good right now, and would kill for some kosher food, but I know that this is where I need to be.
Hi, my name is CPT Jason Lefton. I am a member of the New York National Guard. I am serving in Bosnia. I am not the most religious person, but I am quite proud to be Jewish, and I am also proud to serve. I really appreciate the calendar and other support of the JCC Association. I have never met Chaplain Goldstein, but I have walked past his office many times on my way to my unit offices in Latham. As a leader in NYARNG, and a growing personality in the NY community I wanted to offer my support. Thank you for yours,
Jason Lefton
Captain, U.S. Army
I am currently assigned as the US Sixth Fleet Deputy Fleet Chaplain. We are homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and I am currently deployed in the Mediterranean on our ships in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have been in the Navy for over 13 years. My feelings on war in general, including this war, are always bittersweet. War is never something to be viewed with joy. There is always death and destruction. Our tradition teaches that even during the Exodus, God shed tears over the Egyptians who died in the Red Sea. Even in this war, which to my mind is essential, we must always be cognizant of the death, suffering, and destruction that live in war's wake. As I stood on the deck watching Tomahawk missiles leave en route to Iraq, there were tears in my eyes. Yes, this war was certainly necessary to stop a modern-day Haman, who was set on producing weapons of mass destruction to use or give to others to use against America, Israel, and other Western countries. He was a mass murderer who killed his own people. He was a supporter of terrorism. He and his cronies needed to be destroyed. At the same time, innocent people suffer and die–even though every effort is made to avoid those occurrences. I am often asked to bless bombs or missiles. My prayer is always, "May this device hit and impact upon its intended target–and ONLY upon its intended target."
My role is often to bring a sense of reality to the crew regarding current world events. I have provided much training on the historical roots of conflict as they relate to the global war on terror and the just war concept as it applies to what we are doing.
I often get questions about Judaism. Whenever possible, I conduct sessions entitled "Ask the Rabbi" where people can learn about our faith. At times, I have young men and women who seek me out, saying they are married to a Jewish partner and are interested in Judaism. I vividly remember several years ago, a young man came up to me while I was aboard a small ship. He recognized me from my days on staff at Navy boot camp and told me that when he first came to services during those emotional days of recruit training, he had not been in a synagogue since his bar mitzvah, seven years before. He went on to tell me he still had the siddur I gave him–and he reads from it every night. Believe me, that makes it all worthwhile. That is the real impact we have on young Jews searching for meaning in a troubled world and searching for meaning in their faith.
Kol tuv,
Rabbi Moe Kaprow
Baghdad, Liberated Iraq
April 2003
For the first 42 years of my life I have been celebrating Passover as a Jew who had been liberated from Egypt, but this year I had the privilege of observing this festival not only as one who had been liberated but as a liberator. This year I spent this Festival of Freedom with the men and women of the First Marine Expeditionary Force in Baghdad.
My Passover journey began the Monday before Pesach. Four days prior, I had returned from Iraq to Camp Commando Kuwait, long enough to take a shower, eat some hot food, and most important, pick up supplies for Passover before returning to Iraq. Through the generosity of the Jewish Chaplains Council, family and friends, and countless other Jewish organizations, I found myself transporting 12 boxes of matzah, grape juice, gefilte fish, and the famous solo-Seder kits. The mission was clear; to celebrate as many Passover Sederim as possible with the marines, and to deliver matzah and Seder kits to those marines who would not be able to attend a Seder. To understand the scope of this mission, you have to realize that the sailors, marines, soldiers, and airman in Iraq are literally scattered throughout the country, some in areas that are hours away by vehicle through sectors not 100 percent secured. The logistics of getting myself, my RP (chaplain's assistant) and the supplies up to Baghdad were quite mind-boggling. The G-4 (Logistics) and G-3 (Operations) of the MEF had been instrumental, lining up C-130 transports, helos, and HUMVEEs to get to our destination. The 1st Marine Division chaplain and the various regimental chaplains also would play a key role in getting us to where we needed to be, and getting the supplies to locations not on our schedule so that marines could do their own Sederim.
The first step of our amazing journey began late Monday afternoon. We took a HUMVEE to an expeditionary airfield north of Kuwait City. From this field, a piece of desert where our C-130s can land, we took a "Herc" C-130 cargo plane to another field, actually a road turn airfield on the outskirts of Baghdad. Since we did not arrive until 2:00 a.m., we pulled out our sleeping bags and spent what was left of the night on the side of the road. At 6:00 a.m. the next morning, we were promptly awakened by the noise of two CH-46 helos coming to get us and take us to Baghdad.
After a short ride, we found ourselves in the field by a huge, bombed-out compound. We were met by the 1st MarDiv Division chaplain who welcomed us to the former Special Republican Guard Headquarters, now home of the 1st Marine Division in Baghdad. The division chaplain told us of the busy schedule he had set up for us, doing what turned out to be a total of four Sederim, two on each of the first nights of Pesach.
Regimental chaplains from around the division brought their marines and sailors to the different Sederim. Each was held in a different location around Baghdad. One was held in the lobby of one of the buildings in the compound, the headquarters of the Iraqi Secret Police. The other in the Republican Guards Headquarters, while the other two were held in the Iraqi Military Academy and in the official residence of the Ministry of Information, the infamous "Baghdad Bob,"
This last Seder was particularly meaningful to me. Held in the area held by 7th Marines, it was the largest Seder I lead. As we pulled into their compound, one of the Jewish marines reminded me, "Hey Rabbi, you promised us you would be with us in Baghdad for Pesach, and here you are!" Indeed, G-d had made it possible to keep my promise. There were several challenges to meet in setting up the Seder. First, the residence had no water or power. Promptly, the regimental chaplain, Father Bill Devine, pulled out a box of sacramental candles. "Use these," he said, with a smile! Our Seder table looked like a combination of Pesach and Hanukkah, all wrapped up into one. The second challenge involved security. The windows were covered, in fear of snipers. And finally, the Shulchan Orech, the main Passover meal. Since all we had to eat was MREs, we pulled whatever kosher goodies I could find from care packages from home. In addition to wine, grape juice, matzah, and marror, our meal consisted of a few cans of gefilte fish, some Pesach candy, and a can of pickled vegetables someone had sent me from Israel.
The wonderful thing was that we didn't care. We were all together, we were all healthy, and we were celebrating the Feast of Freedom, surrounded by a people who were just beginning to taste the sweetness of being no longer oppressed. Our Seder progressed amidst the darkness and the sound of machine gun and sniper rifle fire. It was truly an amazing couple of nights. I went to sleep that second night, looking at stars and affirming the words of Jacob in the Torah, "Surely, God was in the place, and I did not know it!"
Our return to Kuwait and Camp Commando was also quite providential. I was not looking forward to a long return trip via helo, C-130, and HUMVEE. But as luck would have it, we stumbled upon a helo returning directly to Kuwait. We did not mind the five hour flight back and the three fuel stops. As we flew over the Iraqi countryside at 50 feet, I reflected on what our marines, sailors, soldiers, and airmen had accomplished. We had been partners with the Almighty in doing for the Iraqi people what He had done for us in Egypt. This, indeed, was a season of freedom and redemption.
This morning started with a cold rain. This was a blessing, as it padded the loose sand and made for a clear, crisp day. The wonderful duo of Chaplain Yacovac, 3rd Infantry Division, and Chaplain Waynick, 24th Support Command, gathered me and two other Jewish soldiers, the necessary six security personnel, and four vehicles, to convoy us 40 minutes from our classified base at Logistics Support Area Dogwood to Objective Grady for a Passover Seder in the desert.
When we arrived, ten other Jewish soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and Chaplain (Rabbi) Carlos Huerta warmly greeted us. Together, a motley group of infantrymen, pilots, medics, and truck drivers formed a minyan, and then a family. Our table was meager but festive. Dispel all rumors of Army soldiers having Seders in palaces. That was not us. Our tent was small and nondescript from the outside. We used mess-hall-provided paper plates, flatware, and cups. There was no meat or main course. The simple Passover supplies of matzah, gefilte fish, and grape juice from the Jewish Welfare Board, combined with generous packages of cookies, dried fruit, and candy mailed by Lynne from Arizona and my cousin Stephen Hirsch of Long Island, New York constituted our meal. We even used Army issued Louisiana hot sauce for the bitter herbs.
Rabbi Huerta motivated us all to a higher plane. Despite our harsh living conditions–sleeping outside on the ground, without showers or toilets–there are always people who have it harsher. We were slaves once. The Iraqi people were oppressed for over a generation by Saddam Hussein. And now we are both free. The ten plagues the Lord cast upon Pharaoh we've cast upon Saddam Hussein with embargoes, restrictions, war, and perhaps death. Now, like the Jews who crossed the Red Sea, the Iraqi people must rebuild their lives and teach their children about freedom.
During the meal, soldiers talked about missing family and friends back in Pasadena, California, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, Brooklyn, New York, Orlando, Florida, and other hometowns across the USA. Each participant was glad to get a few moments away from his military post and remember previous Seders with wives, children, parents, and friends. First LT Abraham Falkowitz remarked, "I was surprised to see this much Judaism in the middle of a war zone." Others agreed. We laughed, cried, and had fun. The service concluded with songs and Psalms. Rabbi Huerta read from Psalm 118, "The Lord is on [sic] my side, I have no fear."
Together, our unit made that tent a house, and that house a home. A piece of Judaism, a piece of America.
Chag Sameach.
MAJ Jonas Vogelhut
Objective Grady, Central Iraq
Somewhere in Baghdad
I cannot thank you enough for the Passover food you sent. Without it, there would have been no Seder, no matzah, no nothing. The Army supply promises everything, but delivers nothing. Because of you I was able to observe Passover. May Hashem bless a thousand fold the work you do.
Will be leaving tomorrow to go to Mosul. The division will be securing the north to get rid of Saddam's people and to keep out the Turks. G-d willing we'll be there for Rosh Hashanah!
Chaplain Carlos Huerta, Major, U.S. Army


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Mahé, Seychelles – : The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, a tropical island resort in Seychelles, is offering hotel guests and local school children a new interactive learning experience with the new 'Creepy Crawly' lab, a field and laboratory-based discovery programme aimed at showcasing the island's invertebrates.
In partnership with the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS), the programme is part of the H Resort's Kids' Club and introduces children to the importance of wetland ecosystems, the species that can be found there, as well as the dynamics and inter/intra-species relations that can take place within the habitat.
The activity runs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at the hotel grounds by MCSS staff members. Children are free to explore the hotel grounds, take soil and water samples from the surrounding wetland and lagoon and discover the microscopic world of Creepy Crawlies using a range of microscopes at the Kids' Club.
"Our partnership with MCSS is an important aspect of our sustainability and conservation programmes and it is very much aligned with our commitment to the development of the youth in the Seychelles," says Johannes Steyn, General Manager, H Resort Beau Vallon Beach.
The Creepy Crawly lab educates children on several scientific methods and techniques, including sample collection (i.e. collecting insects and plants from the wetland), sample preparation as well as sample analysis (i.e. how to correctly use a microscope, magnifying glass and other lab equipment).
To date, the MCSS team has delivered the activity more than 10 times at the resort, including the Green Generation Holiday Club visit. MCSS partnered with the H Resort in March of this year and since then have introduced a number of conservation and educational programmes, including wetland tours around the resort's wetland and grounds, guided snorkeling tours and a coral reef restoration programme.
"Our partnership with the H Resort is a very dynamic one. The H Resort has a very strong conservation and sustainability ethic, which they are keen to put in to practice and which we are happy to assist them with," says Dr. David Rowat, Chairman of MCSS.
The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach hosts a series of environmental initiatives that enable guests to experience nature while enjoying valuable time together. Recognised as Seychelles' Leading Green Resort in 2018 and 2019, the conservation and education programmes in place allow guests of the resort to experience luxurious hospitality while contributing to environmental protection and conservation.


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Category: Refugees
Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Musarrat Kazepis, our Special Programs Manager, Maha Ghatasheh from The Institute for Family Health in Jordan, and I are in Lebanon to explore possibilities for working with local organizations to meet the needs of Lebanon's one million war-traumatized Syrian refugees. On our first day, we met with representatives of The American University of Beirut and …
Drawing pictures of hope
On the fourth day, we do our second set of drawings and compare them with the first. In his hoped for future, the Syrian refugee draws himself back in his home, taking his rightful place, rebuilding. The Palestinian has "stopped the clock." No longer trapped by the past or worrying about the future, he draws …
In the home of Syrian refugees
As part of CMBM's trip to Jordan, James Gordon, MD stopped by the home of a refugee family. The experience was profound.
Strength from family – past and present
On the third day, we do genograms, family trees, and share them. We're looking not only for patterns of disease and distress, as mental health professionals usually do, but also for strengths that can sustain us, for ancestors and contemporaries who can inspire us to deal with present challenges. The Syrian refugee sees himself getting …
Meditating and finding solutions
Meditation is the focus of this third installment in James Gordon, MD's six part narrative of our work in Jordan for Syrian refugees.
From grief and stress to laughter
Part two in James Gordon, MD's narrative of our work with Syrian refugee aid workers and refugee leaders in Jordan.
Working with Syrian refugee leaders and caregivers in Jordan
The first installment in a six-part summary of our trip to Jordan to work with Syrian refugee leaders and those who provide care, James Gordon, MD relays his experience with this special group of individuals.


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If you ever feel the need to make some sort of change in or around the house, consider starting small before doing something drastic like painting the walls a new color or flipping the furniture around. Sometimes making a little change in one room will make you see said room in a whole new light. Besides, it's typically easier to make more changes than to undo them.
So, if you're now feeling inspired to make some adjustments in your home, consider upgrading your light switch covers. This is a great place to start because the covers are easy to remove and are easy to decorate. Keep reading to find out 10 different design ideas. Be sure to check out the video tutorial at the bottom to get the detailed step-by-step:
1. For example, you could cover them with scrapbook paper, as seen below.
2. Alternatively, you could add a frame around your light switch to give it a sleek look.
3. For those of you with worldly aspirations, consider covering your light switch with a map of your choosing. It can be the map of your hometown or a map of the place you'd most like to visit.
4. Here's an elegant frame that would look great in any room of the house.
5. If you're looking to get fancy, why not bust out the glitter? First, remove the cover and apply Mod Podge. Then grab the glitter of your choosing and add liberally.
6. Are you constantly forgetting things on your to-do list? Cover your light switch with sticky notes and you'll never forget to pick up milk from the grocery store again.
7. A rustic gold frame will add some class to your basic, colorless light switch cover.
8. Need a good place to keep your keys? Unscrew the light switch cover and place a magnet in the wall.
9. This brass plated cover not only adds a little pizzazz to the room, but also has a spot for keys and keychains.
10. Are you curious how to actually put these light switches together? Check out the video below:
Full written tutorial: How to use Mod Podge to upgrade light switches


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Snow is on the ground and winter is in full swing in the Nutmeg State. Extreme cold is expected to return to the state Friday night, with wind chill values that could drop as low as 15 below zero.
Rather than escape that frigid air, embrace it. Or, at least, find a safe place to hunker down, enjoy a roaring fire and admire the snow from inside a cozy house.


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Contact STL Fence Painting Co.
At STL Fence Painting Co. our number one goal is customer satisfaction. Our fence painters are highly experienced and know how to get the job done right and within your budget. We paint any type of fence. From chain link to wooden fencing, we will make your fence look better than you ever dreamed it could look. We have a large selection of colors and stains, and will paint your fence any way you like. Our fence painters and stainers are ready to rock! Fill out the form on the right or give us a call today to set up a FREE consultation. Need some spot work done? We do that too. There is no job too big or small when it comes to the expert fence painters and stainers and STL Fence Painting Co.
We provide fence painting and staining services in Saint Louis city, Saint Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson County, Franklin County, and the Metro East. We can often come to your house the same day you call us to give you a FREE estimate and consultation.
STL Fence Painting Co.
8764 Rosalie Ave Unit 440333
Saint Louis, MO 63144


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We partied in the streets.
Castro was a tyrant who ruled through oppression and propaganda.
So as soon as my dad and I learned that Castro had really died this time (he "died" so many times since 2006), we went straight to the unofficial headquarters of the Cuban exile community: Versailles Restaurant. Never mind that it was 2 am-- the mayor had already asked the police to close off that section of Calle Ocho so that people could gather. The city apparently had a "Castro is dead" plan for years, and it was finally happening. We stayed until 3:30 am, and the next day we went back for more.
|Cuban Hipster-- check out that 'stache.
|There were several Venezuelans celebrating in solidarity.
|Me and Saavedra, a figure known to many in the Cuban exile community here in Miami. He's extremely vocal at Versailles and is often interviewed by the press anytime something happens with Cuba.
|Speaking of the press, my dad was interviewed by a Japanese reporter. It was an international reporting event at good ol' Versailles.
Cuba was in official mourning for 9 days, culminating in the burial of Castro's supposed ashes yesterday. There are many videos showcasing the grief and devastation of his commie supporters. But behind those mourning his loss in front of the cameras are people who had to show face at these events or they'd risk outing themselves as opposers, which could lead to trouble with el comité (watchdog type neighborhood groups with eyes and ears everywhere), their workplace, the government.
Yes we were celebrating Castro's death, but we were also celebrating in hopes of a new Cuba, one that is free to pursue economic, religious, and political freedoms it has been denied for 6 decades. Let's see what happens for my motherland now. Opening up the island to American tourism and business, plus this guy's death-- let's hope Cuba can make a new name for itself beyond the legacy of this communist mafioso who oppressed and murdered his people, reaped in all the benefits (he was reportedly worth $900 million-- talk about a humble communist), and conned the world.
My only regret is that mi viejito lindo and so many others died too early to see this day.
And hey, thanks for reading. Because this is a style blog... Here are my outfit details.
TOP: Tommy Hilfiger // JEANS: Denim & Supply // BAG: The Sak // AVIATORS: Francesca's Collections // FLATS: Target // LIPS: Sephora lip stain in Always Red
Linked up: Weekend Wear


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Principle of Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV)
Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) is an optical technique used in fluid mechanics for local and instantaneous measurements of the flow velocity. Its principle is based on the crossing of an interference pattern – generated by a couple of coherent laser beams – by fine particles seeded in the flow and the collection and processing of Mie scattering emitted by these particles during this crossing.
Figure 1 presents a diagram of the optical setup for LDV measurements. Two coherent laser beams generated by a CW laser are first collimated and then focused by means of a converging lens, to form an interference pattern in the flow. A fine particle seeded in the flow and crossing that pattern is then successively illuminated in the bright fringe and not illuminated in a dark fringe. The resulting burst of Mie scattering signal is modulated by a frequency which is proportional to the instantaneous speed of the particle, i.e. the component of the flow velocity perpendicular to the interference pattern. A Bragg cell is used to determine the velocity direction. In the most usual configuration, two perpendicular interference patterns are generated at two different wavelengths. This enables to measure instantaneously two components of the velocity. The use of fibre optics for laser and signal detection in backscattering geometry minimizes the size of LDV probe and simplifies its use in complex environments.
The measurement volume in the flow corresponds to the interference pattern and has an ellipsoid shape. The spatial resolution is very good in the direction perpendicular to the fringes (see the x-axis in Figure 1). However it can be relatively poor in the direction parallel to the fringes (z-axis) for a long focal length of the converging lens and small distance between the two incident laser beams. At each measurement location, a large number of LDV bursts are recorded in order to obtain statistics on aerodynamic features of the turbulent flow: the mean, root-mean-square, cross-correlations, kinetic energy. To move the measurement volume in the facility the LDV probe is usually set on multi-axis motorized rails.
Principle of Chemiluminescence Imaging
Figure 2 presents a spontaneous emission spectrum of a hydrocarbon gaseous bluish flame. High intensity peaks corresponding to band-heads of rovibronic transitions of the excited radicals OH (around 308 mm), CH (around 430 mm) and C2 (around 516 mm) can be observed. These emission bands are often superimposed on a continuum in the spectral range [300 mm ; 500 mm] corresponding to CO2 spontaneous emission.
All these species are chemically formed in the flame directly in an excited state. The radiative part of their quasi instantaneous de-excitation is called chemiluminescence. In literature, the main chemical reaction suggested for their formations are:


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With draft night roughly 24 hours away, Stephen Newman and Robby Fletcher have each unveiled their second mock drafts of the season. It's taken a lot of time and effort — including ranking our top 10 quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, as well as additional film study on players at other positions — but we think we're as prepared as ever for the big night.
While we've reached a near-consensus within the top 10 selections, we still have some differences in opinion — some minor and some significant — later in the round.
Our Selections
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Newman: QB Joe Burrow (LSU)
Fletcher: QB Joe Burrow (LSU)
2. Washington Redskins
Newman: EDGE Chase Young (Ohio State)
Fletcher: EDGE Chase Young (Ohio State)
3. Detroit Lions
Newman: CB Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
Fletcher: CB Jeffrey Okudah (Ohio State)
4. New York Giants
Newman: OL Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)
Fletcher: OL Tristan Wirfs (Iowa)
5. Miami Dolphins
Newman: QB Justin Herbert (Oregon)
Fletcher: QB Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Newman: QB Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
Fletcher: QB Justin Herbert (Oregon)
7. Carolina Panthers
Newman: DT Derrick Brown (Auburn)
Fletcher: LB/S Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
8. Arizona Cardinals
Newman: OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)
Fletcher: OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama)
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Newman: LB/S Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
Fletcher: DT Derrick Brown (Auburn)
10. Cleveland Browns
Newman: OT Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
Fletcher: OT Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
11. New York Jets
Newman: WR CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
Fletcher: OT Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Newman: WR Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
Fletcher: WR CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
13. San Francisco 49ers
Newman: WR Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)
Fletcher: WR Jerry Jeudy (Alabama)
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Newman: OT Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
Fletcher: DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
15. Denver Broncos
Newman: CB CJ Henderson (Florida)
Fletcher: WR Henry Ruggs III (Alabama)
16. Atlanta Falcons
Newman: DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
Fletcher: CB CJ Henderson (Florida)
17. Dallas Cowboys
Newman: EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson (LSU)
Fletcher: S Xavier McKinney (Alabama)
18. Miami Dolphins
Newman: OT Joshua Jones (Houston)
Fletcher: OT Joshua Jones (Houston)
19. Las Vegas Raiders
Newman: CB A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
Fletcher: CB Kristian Fulton (LSU)
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Newman: DE A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)
Fletcher: RB Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Newman: WR Justin Jefferson (LSU)
Fletcher: WR Justin Jefferson (LSU)
22. Minnesota Vikings
Newman: WR Jalen Reagor (TCU)
Fletcher: CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama)
23. New England Patriots
Newman: LB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)
Fletcher: LB Patrick Queen (LSU)
24. New Orleans Saints
Newman: LB Patrick Queen (LSU)
Fletcher: EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson (LSU)
25. Minnesota Vikings
Newman: CB Kristian Fulton (LSU)
Fletcher: WR Denzel Mims (Baylor)
26. Miami Dolphins
Newman: RB D'Andre Swift (Georgia)
Fletcher: RB D'Andre Swift (Georgia)
27. Seattle Seahawks
Newman: EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)
Fletcher: LB Zack Baun (Wisconsin)
28. Baltimore Ravens
Newman: LB Zack Baun (Wisconsin)
Fletcher: EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State)
29. Tennessee Titans
Newman: DT Ross Blacklock (TCU)
Fletcher: CB A.J. Terrell (Clemson)
30. Green Bay Packers
Newman: WR Denzel Mims (Baylor)
Fletcher: WR Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State)
31. San Francisco 49ers
Newman: CB Trevon Diggs (Alabama)
Fletcher: DT Ross Blacklock (TCU)
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Newman: CB Jeff Gladney (TCU)
Fletcher: LB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)
Where We Differ
Unlike our initial mock drafts, we have reached a consensus on both the rankings at offensive tackle and how many will be selected in the first round. We also agree for the most part at quarterback, defensive line, linebacker, and cornerback — although we have some of our top players going to different teams.
Top 10
The most eye-catching disagreements in this round of mocks are likely the second quarterback off the board and the first front-seven defender. We agree on which teams take the two competing players for each of those distinctions, but have flipped the order. Newman has Justin Herbert at No. 5, Tua Tagovailoa at No. 6, Derrick Brown at No. 7, and Isaiah Simmons at No. 9. Fletcher flips Tua and Herbert, as well as Simmons and Brown.
Newman — reluctantly — lists A.J. Terrell as his third cornerback of the board (No. 19) while Fletcher has Kristian Fulton in that slot, with Trevon Diggs (No. 22) also ahead of Terrell (No. 29). Newman has Fulton at No. 25 and Diggs at No. 31 based on reported interest by the teams involved, although he favors both over Terrell. Newman also sneaks Jeff Gladney into the last selection of the round.
Running Back
Unsurprisingly, we still disagree on who the top running back in this class is, although Fletcher has decided to move D'Andre Swift into the first round — No. 26, the same selection Newman has him at — for the first time.
Wide Receiver
Wide receivers late in the round have also become a point of contention. Newman places Jalen Reagor at No. 22 and Denzel Mims at No. 30, but Fletcher opts for Mims at No. 25 and Brandon Aiyuk at No. 30. This is partially due to how we think the players fit on specific teams, but it's also safe to say we don't entirely agree on how each of them project going forward.
The Biggest Disagreements
There are a few players that each of us include in the first round that the other person did not. In addition to Reagor and Gladney, Newman places A.J. Epenesa at No. 20. Fletcher, on the other hand, lists Xavier McKinney at No. 17 and Jonathan Taylor at No. 20, in addition to Aiyuk.
All things considered, we only have four significant differences of opinion — McKinney, Epenesa, Taylor, and Reagor — and even those are all in the second half of the round.
Closing Remarks
We hope you've all enjoyed our draft coverage up to this point, and hopefully we've helped spark some thoughts and excitement surrounding the event. And who knows? Maybe we've even inspired some of you to make your own mock drafts.
As a reminder, the NFL Draft is slated to begin on Thursday, April 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET, resume on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, and return on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. ET. It will undoubtedly be a much different experience than we're all used to, but it shouldn't be any less thrilling.
Make sure to follow along with us on Twitter during the draft, as well. Newman has already published his initial predictions for the second round, but those are subject to change based on what happens in the first 32 picks. Fletcher has also committed to posting second-round predictions on Twitter at the conclusion of Day 1.


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Eleven years ago, Charles Mysak snagged a primo parking spot on the corner of Columbus Avenue and 68th Street — and he hasn't budged since.
The sidewalk bookseller keeps his inventory piled up in the beat up green '94 Civic, held partially together with duct tape, and feeds the meter $36 a day — in quarters — to hold on to the spot.
Traffic agents paper him with parking tickets for overstaying his welcome, and he's even been towed once or twice, but the defiant Mysak, 60, continues to hold on to the spot he first claimed during the Clinton administration.
Earning roughly $100 a day after paying the meter, it's worth it, he said.
"I've been here for 11 years," he said. "Barnes & Noble is now closed. I'm the last resource for books. I'm here from 7 to 7 every day."
His wife drives him to the Upper West Side each morning a 7:00 am from their Wayne, NJ, home.
They arrive just in time to temporarily move the parked car — the only time it's moved at all — to make way for the street sweeper.
Formerly a lawyer, the Shakespeare-quoting, stogey-smoking vendor began selling used books on his folding table at the corner after getting convicted of stealing from his clients and disbarred.
By feeding the meter all day, he knows he's violating section 4-08(h) of the traffic rules, but says those laws are an "infringement of his freedom" and that the city's enforcement is "Draconian."
"In the old days, you could tie your horse to this, and no one would get a ticket," he told The Post. "It's an outrage so much time is being dedicated to taking money from taxpayers — they're acting as predators. We are taxed, bullied and harassed."
When told that city records indicate he has $470 in current tickets, Mysak shrugged.
All parking-enforcement "is a conspiracy against the laity, going back to, you know, medieval times," he told the blog Jalopnik.
Even the traffic cops seem frustrated by Mysak's unwillingness to take a hint, with one noting, "Spoke to him last week regarding this," on a $65 ticket issued May 31.


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In Doors, Windows and Curtains
Folding Door Design Detail
A big entrance got 4 doors, where in center 2 doors can be fold on…
In Plumbing
Typical Drain Channel R.C.C. Detail
Typical reinforcement and structure detail of Drain Channel,…
In Plumbing
Drain Detail
Typical Waste Water Drain Detail showing Plan and Section.
In Structure
Foundation Plan and Details
Foundation plan and sectional details.
Steam Room Bench Detail
Detail of fixing the bench with MS Channel in steam room.
In Tables
Console Table
Classic console table suitable for Hotel Lobby, Drawing and Dining…
In TV Unit
Minibar cum TV Unit
Minibar cum TV Unit suitable for Hotel Guest Room, showing complete…
In Bed
Simple Bed Design
Simple bed design furniture design detail.
In Bed
Corner Bed Detail
Corner Bed Detail showing Plan, Elevation and required Sections.
In Seating
Arm Chair Working Drawing
Furniture detail of upholstered Arm Chair, showing Plan, Elevation,…
In Seating
Outdoor Two Seater Sofa Loveseat
Two seater Sofa chair/Loveseat for outdoor purposes designed in PVC…
In Seating
Upholstered Armchair
Upholstered Arm Chair with wooden legs, showing its fabrication…


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Some of the iPhone users on T-Mobile network have reported frequent restart, Blue Death Screen cashes, and Freezing (getting hang) problem on Apple community forum and Reddit.
Till yet the root cause of the problem have not been identified and neither Apple team have commented anything on this issue. But According to the reports, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus devices running iOS 8.1 or 8.3 on the T-Mobile network are affected.
Some of the users have suggested several possible fixes, which are
- Disable Wi-Fi Calling.
- Hard reset the iPhone (simultaneously hold down the Home and Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo startup screen appears).
- Delete old text messages from the past few days.
- Factory restore the iPhone using iTunes.


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Yesterday the US Supreme Court issued a ruling that severely weakened an important right contained in the Constitution. The Sixth Amendment contains The Confrontation Clause: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right…to be confronted with the witnesses against him." While much of the Constitution is derived from English law this basic right was begun by the Romans at the height of their power. In noting the right's long history, the United States Supreme Court has previously cited the New Testament (Acts 25:16), which includes a statement by a Roman governor, discussing the proper treatment of his prisoner the future St. Paul: "It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man up to die before the accused has met his accusers face-to-face, and has been given a chance to defend himself against the charges." This critical right was strengthened in 2004 by the Supremes in a case called Crawford v. Washington. Before Crawford, a statement made by a witness out of court (lets say to a police officer: "John and me drove away in a red truck after we robbed the bank") could be testified to by the police officer if the statement appeared "reliable." Having to argue lack of "reliability" was difficult for defendants and the Court recognized this standard weakened the strong language of the Confrontation Clause. Jurors and courts are very likely to routinely find that an officer's testimony renders the statement "reliable" so that an accused could often lose the right to confront the witness who made the statement. Writing for the court Judge Scalia stated:
Dispensing with confrontation because testimony is obviously reliable is akin to dispensing with a jury trial because the defendant is obviously guilty .
Exactly, its the whole point of the Clause to prevent an accused from facing evidence that he cannot contest, reliable or otherwise. So the Court in Crawford said all that matters is whether the statement given is one which is just part of an emergency that is happening (Cop on the scene of a crime: Which way did he go? Witness: "He went that way and he was wearing a red shirt!") or whether it was more in the manner of testimony (Cop on the scene: So tell me what you saw. W: I saw a man running down Main Street Cop: Did you happen to see what he was wearing? W: Yes, he was wearing a red shirt). The first one can be told to a juror but the second can't be because it was testimonial in nature.
Well now in Michigan v. Bryant the Supremes essentially reversed or at least severely wounded Crawford . In Bryant a shooting victim told a police officer that he was shot by "Richard Bryant" during a series of questions posed to the victim. The witness died several hours later from the wounds he suffered in the shooting. Writing for the Court Judge Sotomayor leaned back on "reliability" and found that the even though the statement was produced by a standard Q and A and not just uttered in an emergency to a police officer, it was admissible against the defendant because it was still addressing an "ongoing" emergency since the shooter was still at large. But that opens the door to ALWAYS being able to use an out of court statement as long as it was made before the crime was solved.
But more importantly, we need some consistency from these people. In 2004, they said it was the manner in which the information was given that made it "testimonial." Now they are back saying it is the circumstances under which it was given. Continually going against clear language in precedent undermines the reliability and integrity of the Court. We can't keep changing Constitutional jurisprudence just because we get some new Justices on the bench.
Most surprising is that the case was decided 6-2, (Justice Kagan recused herself since she worked on the US Attorney's brief when she was Solicitor General) with Judge Scalia writing a scathing dissent which was joined by Judge Ginsburg. So the courts most conservative and most liberal justices were on the same page! Scalia (who wrote the opinion in Crawford) let it fly as only he can:
[The majority's account of the case] is so transparently false that professing to believe it demeans this institution. Today's opinion distorts our Confrontational Clause jurisprudence and leaves it in a shambles"
In the world of the Supreme Court that's the equivalent of saying "I slept with your Mom last night." Its serious trash talk. But I have to agree with Justice Scalia on this (OMG did I just say that?) The Court twisted and churned its reasoning to make it sound like it was fitting it into Crawford when in fact the Crawford case made the decision in this case "absurdly easy" as Scalia also stated.
Scalia also took great pains to remind everyone of the importance of this right to the innocent and the importance of playing by consistent rules even when it is clear that the defendant is guilty. Allowing police officers to come in and tell juries about what people said out of court without having the prosecutor call the actual witness to the stand is very dangerous. He eloquently addresses this in his conclusion:
For all I know, Bryant has received his just desserts. But he surely has not received them pursuant to the procedures that our Constitution requires. And what has been taken away from him has been taken away from all of us"
I couldn't have it said it better myself Judge, thanks.


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What is Psi Chi?
Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology.
Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Psychological Society (APS).
Psi Chi functions as a federation of chapters located at 1,000 senior colleges and universities in the USA.
Psi Chi serves two major goals. The first of these is the Society's obligation to provide academic recognition to its inductees by the mere fact of membership. The second goal is the obligation of each of the Society's local chapters to nurture the spark of that accomplishment by offering a climate congenial to its creative development.
Purpose Statement
Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.
Mission Statement
The mission of Psi Chi is to produce a well-educated, ethical, and socially responsible member committed to contributing to the science and profession of psychology and to society in general.


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[Previous] | [Session 46] | [Next]
B.J. Butler, C.J. Chandler, M.J. Claussen (NRAO), L.J. Greenhill (CfA)
Following recent reports of the detection of water maser mission from a number of extra-solar planetary systems [1] we have used the Very Large Array [2] to perform a sensitive search for 22 GHz water line emission toward Epsilon Eridani, Upsilon Andromedae, and 47 Ursa Majoris. The observations were made on 2002 September 24 (Eps Eri) and 29 (Ups And), and October 8 (Ups And), 10 (Eps Eri), and 11 (47 UMa). The September observations had spectral resolution of 98 kHz (1.3 km/s) over a total width of 6.25 MHz (84 km/s). In the October observations, in order to cover a wider total velocity range, the channel width was increased by a factor of 2 to 196 kHz (2.6 km/s) over a total width of 12.5 MHz (168 km/s). Our results are uniformly negative -- no H2O emission was detected from any of the three stars, with 3-\sigma upper limits of 5.7 & 2.6, 10.2 & 2.5, and 2.9 mJy/beam/channel for Eps Eri, Ups And, and 47 UMa respectively. This is consistent with other recent observations which detected no water line emission from these systems [3]. Our sensitivity is such that we should have easily been able to detect the lines previously reported [4]. We therefore conclude either that water maser emission is time variable, or that the previous measurements were in error. Future coordinated observations between observatories and groups should be undertaken to address this issue.
[1] C. Cosmovici et al., First detection of water in extra-solar planets: A new step in astrobiology, presented at: Second European Workshop on Exo/Astrobiology, Graz, Austria, September 2002
[2] The Very Large Array is operated by National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
[3] Greenhill et al., IAU Circular 7985
[4] C. Cosmovici, personal communication.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: email@example.com
[Previous] | [Session 46] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.


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Shoulder and Neck Exercises: Simple Exercises for the busy hard worker.
You stare at the clock. You've had a long day. "Is it over yet? Uggghhh! Just get me out of here! My neck, my back! Owww!!!"
If you're like me, I am sure you feel like this at the end of a work day. Even mid day! My job as a physical therapist keeps me on my feet almost all day. I clocked in on a pedometer how many miles I completed in one work day at one time: 9 miles. This is no joke!
Some of you might have an easier time being at a desk all day in staring at your monitor. However, without giving yourself a break in between, you feel like you have a 100 pound load on your back, not to mention, numbness and tingling on your legs with prolonged sitting.
As in my previous blog, I shared a few tips to help your busy work day. Here, also due to some of my patient's request on tips on simple exercises to help them get through their day, I created a video (my first attempt ever, hah!) of a very simple routine. I do get tired of making match sticks drawings that even I could not decipher! I now have a deep and profound respect for people on You Tube who create these awesome videos and they make it look so simple!
Well, after one sleepless night of researching and trying hard to make one, here it is. No fancy system, just plain Windows Movie Maker or whatever-you-may-call-it.
Allow me to share this with you:
I have recommended this routine to patients I work with, from those who are too busy to do exercises, to the ones who do not want to do exercises at all!
This sequence is made easy to ensure that you are able to move muscles and joints who interact directly with your neck and shoulders. Patients who come to me complain of necks so stiff, they can hardly look back while driving, cramping that is present oftentimes causing severe and intense headaches.
For the neck to be relaxed, posture is very important. Any deviation away from your center of gravity of your spine either forward, or backward, will create extra strain on your neck muscles and tendons.
Imagine these little structures having to hold the weight of your head reportedly estimated at 10 to 11 pounds (4.5 to 5 kgs.). Imagine these things below that your neck muscles have to hold and support in 8 work hours:
Imagine a 10 pound baby, a sack of potatoes, a laundry basket, a small microwave oven, medium sized bowling ball, a large watermelon, a holiday ham or turkey! This is according to one of the blogs of the University of Michigan Health System organization.
Good posture and good spine alignment is a must, for the body to tolerate and endure a work day. These exercises on this video allow movement of the shoulder joint, the shoulder blade and the rest of the muscles supporting the neck to have freedom of movement and keep to keep them loose.
It is when your muscles tense up from excessive effort or load, that they begin to revert into a guarding, protective mode. Then this is why you get muscle spasms and cramping which also tend to crowd your neck bones and restrict blood and oxygen supply to the brain.
Heaven knows we need our brain's full function to be alert at work and have good reflexes! Good circulation also allows us to have a less stressful day and be able to come home to our loved ones with much energy left to have quality family time, and not be the cranky trainwreck that your day's work has created.
So, take care of your neck and your body in general. You are your own best health advocate.
As always, thank you and it is a joy to be able to share with you!
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Archive for May 22, 2010
ReportTroller update: Bayside Marine
The Bayside Marine fishing report has been updated!
May 22, 2010 at 4:40 pm Posted in: Fishing Reports 2 Comments
Capitola: Lutefisk anyone?
The wind and temperatures have combined to create an excellent environment for the preservation of fish. The day started out "ok" and kinda single mindedly strode toward "nasty" all day long as the wind and waves made their way around the point.
We did have some boats out though, and most caught at least one rock fish – some caught two. Nearly all stayed close to home and fished the reef using a variety of baits and lures.
On the wharf we've already had our first striper of the day. It was caught using a sardine under a bobber in the surf line (it was filleted before we could get a picture though). There are lots of sardines to be had at the end of the wharf right now, and with some luck we'll again see an evening bite.
May 22, 2010 at 3:57 pm Posted in: Fishing Reports Comments Closed
Santa Cruz: Not to much to report
Well today started out really nice water was flat, sun was out,and the wind was calm. then out of nowhere it got windy and choppy. what little went out today came back with a few rockcod but not much to write home about. most of them started out late. best to get here first thing in the morning, get a jump on the weather. still have boats available for tomorrow so feel free to come out and do some fishing. if you would rather fish off the wharf the sardines have been in the last two days. report also is there was another halibut 28in. caught off the wharf today. don't forget to take pictures so we can post them. it makes the report a lot better. thanks, till next time.
May 22, 2010 at 12:57 pm Posted in: Fishing Reports Comments Closed


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ProSling Hygiene Sling
The ProSling Hygiene is an easy fitting sling specifically designed for toilet transfer with open area from mid back to mid thigh. Suitable for users up to 205 kilograms (small and medium) or 300 kilograms (large).
Features Include:
- open area from mid back to mid thigh for hygiene access
- buckle waist strap for added security
- generous padding under arms
- 3 loop support strap system controls positioning of head and leg supports
- suits majority of lifters on the market
- brightly coloured handles and adjusters, secured to sling for easy access and visibility
- quick drying mesh fabric; machine washable up to 85°C for microbiological control


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Becoming a parent is pretty awesome...but let's not pretend it's always easy! In fact, it can be pretty stressful and leave you feeling quite anxious at times. The Positive Planner is a 12 week planner and journal dedicated to self-care. Featuring originally designed artwork and illustrations, inspirational quotes, art therapy and mindfulness activities.
As well as being packed with useful tools to manage your wellbeing in pregnancy, The Positive Planner features everyday organisational extras that will help you in those early days with your newborn too. Including, meal planners, shopping lists, monthly diary spreads and a mood tracker. It is designed to be a one-stop-shop for organising yourself and most importantly enhancing your positivity.
The Positive Planner isn't just for pregnancy and parenting wellbeing! It makes a perfect gift for anyone who needs more positivity in their life (don't we all!) the stationery lover, or anyone wanting to improve their general wellbeing and daily organisation skills.
The Positive Planner also makes a fantastic gift for yourself, we all deserve self nourishment and care.
made from:
A luxurious hardback book covered in beautiful bright yellow fabric.dimensions:
W15cm x H22cm x D3cm


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Top 4 Landscaping Ideas to Make Your Home More Valuable
Despite the fact that nowadays we tend to spend a great percentage of our day indoors, the importance of outdoor activities has its own perks. There are various outdoor experiences that can never be replaced with any in-house activity, such as, walking bare foot in a lush green lawn; breathing aromatic morning air in the garden surrounded by the flowers; hearing melodious sounds of birds in the open air. You can get to explore all these experiences by properly investing in the landscaping of your residential property, which would in turn increase its value in the real estate market. This way, you would have no more barriers to enjoying unlimited soaking sessions in the morning sun, and witness the miracles of nature in an extraordinary way. You can add thousands of dollars to the real estate value of your house by carefully spending your money on various aspects of the landscaping.
#1 Keeping The Outdoor Space Weed-Free
Weeds aren't highly unsightly, but they also deprive the flowers and plantation in your garden from growing according to their full potential. The root zones and shrubs can get greatly damaged during a weed infestation, and things can get out of control if you don't address the issue in a timely manner. Make sure to pluck out these unwanted plants from your vegetation where they don't belong, because this way you would be able to increase the lifespan of your landscaping. You also need to ensure that your lawn and trees are getting adequate amount of water and sunlight, because it can directly impact their growth potential.
#2 Add Trees to Your Backyard
Trees play integral part in any backyard or garden, because not do they provide spring flowers but you also get to enjoy seasonal fruits throughout the year. Due to their visibility, they are highly eye-catching, and it becomes very easy to get the attention of anyone that visits your property. They also provide much-needed shade to the outdoor space – where you can relax during the daytime with your loved ones. This beautiful contribution to your garden would surely increase its monetary value for you in the long run.
#3 Add Shrubs And Flowers For Beautiful Summer Color
Flowers and shrubs act as the backbone of any backyard, and without them it would be very difficult for you to beautify the outdoor space based on a natural theme. There is nothing like seeing blooming bushes all over your garden in the summer season – which not only enhance the appearance of the lawn but also add privacy for the residents of the house. You would also be able to attract pollinating insects during the warm season, and this would help you to keep your garden thriving according to its full potential. This would also add magnificent scents throughout the property, which would easily enhance the mood of everyone in the house.
#4 Convert to Xeriscaping
You should consider converting to xeriscaping your landscaping, if you live in an area that is susceptible to drought – which can have devastating effects to your entire plantation and plants in the garden. Planting native plants allow you to save up a great percentage of water, because they have drought-resistant properties – which are gifted to them by the nature. We all know that no one has the time to do frequent watering and de-weeding the garden, and this approach allows you to invest your time and money on other aspects of your landscaping. You would be able to minimize your environmental footprints, which would in turn be beneficial for the surroundings in the long run.


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In our cul-de-sac live some kind and caring kids and amongst them are two special boys. They are Cameron and Jackson. Our home is sandwiched in between these two families and because of them I am certain that our cul-de-sac is one of the best in the land. They remind me so much of Will in so many ways. Both are a little younger than Will but they love the same things – skateboards, scooters, bikes, ramps, trampolines, and now I found out– graffiti too! Just the other day they showed me what they had created and all were little tributes to Will! I asked if I could post them here and they said I could. So, take a look and beware… One day you may see their work out there (though I will make them promise that we won't see it on the side of a train or on a mailbox!). Thanks Cameron and Jackson!
Graffiti Artists in the Making!
June 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Cool Grafitti!
March 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Alex Urquhart and his WillPower skis!
February 17, 2013 by 1 Comment


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Staying under the credit limit you have been offered is a really credit card good strategy, since going over that figure can lead to extra fees and a higher interest rate. It can also affect your credit score, so you will want to watch your account balance carefully.
Extra Fees for Going Over Your Limit
If you happen to go over your credit limit by even a couple of dollars, the credit card company may hit you with a hefty fee. This can be as much as $30 added to your bill. If you are unable to bring your account balance down to below the credit limit in the next month, you will be charged the same amount each month until you do so. If you have gone over your limit, you may want to contact the credit card issuer to see if they will agree to increase your credit limit. You can save yourself the over limit fees if you are able to make this arrangement.
Check out the DISCOVER MORE credit card by clicking here! You can earn 5% cash back!
Higher Interest Rates
Another consequence of going over your credit limit is that the credit card company may charge you a higher rate of interest going forward. Depending on the company in question, being over the limit once may be enough to trigger an adjustment in the interest rate you are being charged.
When you got the credit card, the company's policy regarding interest rate terms was listed in the cardholder agreement that came with it. Most people don't bother to read what is written there or if they do they only skim it briefly. If you open your statement and find that the interest rate on your card has increased, go back to the cardholder agreement to make sure that the company is acting according to its provisions.
Cardholder agreements are updated from time to time and your credit card company will send you the new one at that point. By keeping the account open and continuing to use the card, you are agreeing to the new terms, whether you actually took the time to read them or not.
Going Over the Limit and Your Credit Score
When you go over your limit on your credit card, over limit fees and higher interest rates aren't the only thing you need to be concerned with. Your credit score will also take a hit when you do so. The extra fees and the interest rate you are being charged on your credit cards doesn't appear on your credit report, which is a piece of good news.
However, the amount that you owe on your credit card and the credit limit does appear on your credit report. Anyone who pulls it can see that you have exceeded your credit limit and by how much. This fact may make it harder for you to obtain credit in the future. If you are able to get credit, you may be charged a higher interest rate than someone who doesn't have the same kinds of things on their record.
If you have charged your credit cards close to your account limit, the best thing that you can do is to stop using them until you are able to pay them down. Some credit card companies will allow customers to charge small purchases that put them over their credit limit but will decline larger ones. Before heading out to make a larger purchase, you may want to call the credit card company to find out how much room you have so that you don't have to find out that your credit is no longer good once you get to the cashier.
As you pay down your credit card balance, you will save on over limit fees. If you have been able to stay under your limit for several months and the company had increased your interest, you may want to contact them to ask whether you qualify for a lower rate since you have shown that you can stay within the limit they have set for you.
If going over your limit was an isolated incident and not a monthly occurrence, the company may be willing to be flexible and offer you the lower interest rate you have asked for. A long-term customer is what they want, and you always have the option of considering switching your balance to a credit card offering a lower interest rate than the one you already have. To find out about the best low interest credit cards and all of the other options available to you, check out our free credit card "chaser" tool today!
APPLY TODAY for the Discover More card by clicking here!
Similar Articles:
- How can I get a lower credit card interest rate?
- Watermark Credit Union Visa Gold Credit Card
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- United Bank Gold MasterCard
- How do I ask for a higher limit on my credit card?
- First Interstate Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card
- Fort Worth Community Credit Union Classic MasterCard Credit Card


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This is a food blog, not a life blog. I try very hard to keep this a positive space and to maintain some separation between my life and what I post here. Although I will use a personal story or anecdote to lead into a recipe sometimes, this is not a space where I air my private feelings. And while I don't plan to start now, I will say that I'm aware of the idea that food bloggers' lives are perfect and we all live in a storybook land of sun-filled kitchens and dreamy apple pie aromas. Not so. I'm a real person with feelings, and I hit rough patches like everyone else. I was recently on the receiving end of some very hurtful remarks and while I'm trying to bounce back, it's not easy.
I've never been a "comfort food" person. In fact, if you were to ask me what my personal "comfort food" is… well, I don't actually know. I'm not one to drown my sorrows in a bowl of mac 'n cheese or a pint of ice cream. If I'm upset you're far more likely to find me at the mall (holla back, DSW!). But I do know that in times of trouble, it's especially important to take care of yourself. My Chickpea Soup for the Soul is a great way to start the healing process. It's full of nutrients and fiber, with a great protein hit from the chickpeas. Because when we're at our lowest points, that's when we're most in need of good nutrition. After all, we need to be strong so we can stand up for ourselves.
Food is just food. It's not a hug or a friend. Fortunately for me, I have hugs and friends aplenty, and I'll be fine in the end. In the meantime, I'm being kind to myself by giving myself chickpeas and leafy greens. Not because they're comforting, but because they're giving me fuel while I try to shake it off, smile, and get back to the business of being my best self.
Chickpea Soup for the Soul
4 stalks celery
3 carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced shallot (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Better Than Boullion vegetable base*
1 cup vegetable stock
4 cups water
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 cups chopped kale
salt and pepper to taste
- Prep celery and carrots: thinly slice celery, peel and dice carrots.
- Heat olive oil in large stockpot until shimmering. Add celery and carrots and shallots (if using), stir to coat, and saute briefly until veggies are beginning to soften. Sprinkle with thyme and stir well.
- Add broth, water and vegetable base. Simmer all together for 15 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and kale. Stir to wilt kale and simmer soup together for 15 more minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary (you probably won't need salt because the vegetable base is salty, but you may want some pepper).
*If you don't have Better Than Boullion vegetable base, you can substitute 5 cups of vegetable broth instead of 1 cup of vegetable broth, 4 cups of water and the vegetable base. I just did it this way because I only had 1 cup of vegetable broth in the house! But you can feel free to sub some or all of the water.
Source: Covered In Flour


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Better off with a private agreement
March 25, 2013
Hi all, it seems to be the same ole story regarding the dreaded CSA. I worked at ford motor company for 17 years up until i was made redundant in march 2009. I paid CSA for my two children out of my wages from around 2003 when me and the ex separated and i paid her well as I was on very good money then.
Yes I agree absent parents should pay and support their kids and at the time I was pissed off with the amount I had to pay and the CSA dont take your living costs into account like the courts did many years ago, my dad paid my mum 10p a year for two kids cos he had debts and bills etc yes that was right 10p a year for two kids. When I lost my job in 2009 i found further employment with a wage less than half it was at ford and me and ex decided to do a private arrangement so when I got paid I would tell her the monthly amount she worked it out on the CSA calculator I would show her a payslip, pay her and she gave me a reciept we both signed and she would state I was up to date.
The CSA would contact us every now and then asking if all was working out and I would always ask if any arrears were outstanding and that my ex was giving me reciepts, they always told me I was up to date. My ex and I were fine with this and had a decent relationship until I lost my job again in august 2012, my ex wife wanted more money and went to the csa and told them all my details and that i was going to be starting a new job but as a bank worker (this means a zero hours contract and work as and when needed) The csa phoned me to tell me that i had to pay them in future and that I was 577 in arrears and was calculated from when I worked at fords over 4 years ago when they were deducting the money from my wages.
They even said that if we keep a private arrangement the arrears do not exsist but through the csa I owe this amount so I argued it then argued with the ex and why she did this and we were at war for weeks and now I have not spoken to her or my kids since sept. I dont pay for daughter now cos she is 20 just pay for son who is 17. Any way my first months money was £738 and I sent payslip to csa they said they wanted 2 payslips to assess me but I sent that slip in and a cheque for 15%, they come back to me and said I owe based on the infomation I gave them £192 per month plus £43 a month arrears £235 a month, I phoned and argued this and they said it was standered, so I argued I was on zero hours contract not guaranteed work it was impossible for them to work out a schedule the amount they were asking was way to high on what I was earning and what are the arrears about?
I got my MP involved who wrote to the csa, my next pay was £900 so i sent that to the csa and a cheque for 15% so as you can see i am not refusing to pay but they put arrears higher to over 700 and payment of £243 per month plus £55 arrears so now they want nearly 300 out of an un guaranteed £900. My MP got into this and the csa wrote back saying over the years I have over paid and I now only owe £19 a week or £116 a month, when I was at school 19×4=76. on top of that even though they said i had paid too much they still wanted £33 a month arrears.
How can arrears keep changing? if you over paid your mortgage, bank load etc would the bank write to you and say you have overpaid and now your in arrears? no they wont but the csa does. From 18th march my pay goes weekly so i informed the csa of this change and my first weekly payslip will be 29 march. I now get a letter from the csa asking for me to give them 5 weekly payslips by the 29th march or they will take an action against me. WTF?
It proves the csa cant add up, make up arrears, and cant work out if you are paid weekly you wont possible have 5 payslips in 2 weeks. They say if im on a zero hours contract they will default my payments to £30 a week which is law, but if i only work one day that week and i cant pay 30 they will add it to my arrears and if i work 7 days one week they will take my arrears plus put payment up to match that weeks money and if i work 1 day the following week my arrears go up again based on the work i did the week before, so its a no win situation.
I was better off having a private agreement with ex but she chose to use the agency for some reason and iv been stuffed and stressed. the agency does breach the human rights act and everybody on here needs to bombard the prime minister every week with the same letters and dont stop until we are heard.
CSA robbing selfish scum who only take the word of the mother need to be brought down…
Well bloody said. To many problems with this shower of shite
Everybody should boycott the place, they would soon buck there ideas up then, private agreements has got to be the way forward, getting rid of the csa is the only way to go, nobody wants them in there lives, the kids lose there father and the mum ends up hating him because of the lies the csa tell her,
Private agreements are great until one of the mother's 'friends' tell her she can get more money by using the CSA……
I have a feeling nobody is going to want to use the CSA as soon as the new system comes in and both parties get charged,
Dealing with children, after marriage/relationships ends is a very emotive issue. There are financial and contact issues, and most genuine parents want to support their children financially.
The problem arises when the CSA get involved and treat parents worse than the low life scum i.e. murderers, rapist etc that are in our prisons.
I also would like to see this 'not fit for purpose', debacle shut, and staff and executives held to account, and criminalised, as they are attempting to criminalise parents.
I have been informed that if my 'child' (19 a child is a joke, I was working 6am-2pm at 16) stays in education, I will be expected to pay until 20, and having all ready been stitiched up with £6400 arrears a few years ago, I know what is coming next! More made up arrears, to pay for some other buggers Universal credits.
All on here, please remember the words 'restorative justice', because eventually, when there is a breakthrough and ths CSA are investigated and held to account, thats what we will all be seeking through a 'class action'. Plus a political apology and financial compensation for prolonged maladministartion and stress, caused by this incompetent shower!
Anyone out there received an official letter from the CSA, saying child maintenance is now payable until 20 years ? Thought not.
They're too busy going after the decent NRP's, already in the corrupt system hounding them for more and more money.
The CSA belongs in the bottom of the sewage with the rats and other vermin down there.
With regards to the above if you visit the CSA website the amount calculated is still based on the CSA2 method (Net wages) Rather than CSA3 (Gross wages). Some NRP are in for a shock as the new calculation is based on your gross wage – before tax/NI taken off.. So calculated on a gross wage you do not see..
With regards to calculation errors the CSA are an incompetent, Dishonest waste of skin. They do no have any academic qualifications to assess your arrears prepare statements etc. I have had three statements/ breakdown of payments within a period of a month all stating different amounts of arrears. Always arrears… I had spoken to a helpful lady within the CSA who helped me with my arrears and worked out I had infact overpaid. She told me to reduce my payment for one week to recoup the overpayment. I asked then for an up to date new statement. This arrived again showing me in arrears. What they had done was listed all my payments they had received, minus the latest weekly payment (which takes a few days to get onto their system??) and listed as payments due the following week AFTER the statement had been prepared.. Showing me in arrears for an amount adding up to two weeks maintenance.. Apparently this is how the system works it out..
Ask them to send you an account breakdown of money owed and money paid. Advise them if it is incorrect you will take the matter to the Police as they are trying to unlawfully gain money by deception.
Ensure you have all your proof ie receipts for monies paid. All that b*llocks about direct payment is twoddle. When the CSA started dealing with me they told me in letters how much to pay. In their letters they made it very clear that if I did not pay I I could face a £1000.00 fine or imprisonment.. I paid direct to the PWC (and had for a year previously but that's another story.. lying bitch etc..) I was made redundant and notified the csa.. they told me I still had to pay.. With What?? Citizens advise told me I did not have to pay. In subsequent statements the period I was out of work have become direct pay. The months before & after are listed as through the CSA. As they have this listed as direct pay they say I cannot claim back.. I have an appeal hearing next week.. Seven years later.. Watch this space.
Luckily I had saved all my documentation and had found a letter saying I had to pay a certain amount and it included the period I was out of work. I also had a letter which had not been sent to me.. Which stated a nil calculation had been done for the period I was out of work..
I think it costs approx. £10.00 but write to the CSA data protection officer and request your case notes.. You may find some info in here which helps you ie phone logs, internal paperwork etc. They have a certain period of time to get this info back to you 40 days I believe.. not 40 working days though..
More info below
Good luck my friend.. Keep up the good fight..