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in NYC
Billings from architecture firms plummeted in March at a rate not seen in 25 years.
The Architecture Billings Index dropped 20.1 points in March to a score of 33.3. Any score below 50 represents a decline.
"This is by far the largest single month decline the index has seen in its nearly 25-year history, far surpassing the declines of 9.4 points seen at the start of the 2001 recession and 8.3 points seen at the start of the Great Recession," the American Institute of Architects said in a statement on its website.
Architects can work from home, but the projects they design cannot be built in many cases because of social-distancing rules in effect across the country. And new projects depend on financing, which has become much harder to get as the coronavirus has swept across the world.
The institute acknowledged that future work would also be affected, as uncertainty lingers about when non-essential workplaces, including construction and renovation sites, will be active again.
"Inquiries into new projects fell particularly low, and while the value of new design contracts signed for the month did not fall quite as far as some projects that were in the works continued to move forward, that score was also extremely low," the statement said.
Since the pandemic hit New York, data from different sectors of the real estate industry have shown severe effects from the pandemic — and the near future remains foggy at best.
Luxury residential contracts in Manhattan from the past month were down 90 percent on last year, and in the mortgage space, nearly 6 percent of loans are now in forbearance.
Unemployment figures have also illuminated the shocking human toll of the pandemic. In the last week alone, some 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment assistance, according to the New York Times. That brings the total number of applicants in the past five weeks to 26 million. [AIA] — Sylvia Varnham O'Regan


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WAPP Apache 2.4.51 PHP 7.4.26 Postgres 14.1.1 on Windows
Product Overview
What's Included
Note: Always ensure your operating system is current for your needs.
This product includes both of the software packages described below:
WAPP Apache 2.4.51 PHP 7.4.26 Postgres 14.1.1 on Windows
GlobalSolutions WAPP stack is built and configured with latest Apache Webserver, PostgreSQL and PHP. This combination helps customers to quicky onboard and test application which uses the backend as postgres and the front end using PHP,Html etc. The AMI is hardened for Enterprise consumption and tuned for production performance. In addition to this we also provide patch management solution which can be enabled on these instances as you take them to production using our PatchManagement solution. You can learn more
about our PatchManagement solution from https://patchawscloud.com/saasconsole
Amazon EC2 running Microsoft Windows Server is a fast and dependable environment for deploying applications using the Microsoft Web Platform. Amazon EC2 enables you to run any compatible Windows-based solution on AWS' high-performance, reliable, cost-effective, cloud computing platform. Common Windows use cases include Enterprise Windows-based application hosting, website and web-service hosting, data processing, media transcoding, distributed testing, ASP.NET application hosting, and any other application requiring Windows software.
Operating System
Windows, Windows Server 2012 R2
Delivery Methods

subset: commoncrawl


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
Paragould's cost of living is 26% below the national average.
The Cost of Living index is based on a U.S. average of 100. Any amount below 100 is less expensive than the national average; any amount above 100 is more expensive than the national average.
The total of all cost of living categories weighed subjectively as following:
State and Local taxes are not included in any category.
Source: Sperling's Best Places


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- 中文版
- English
Taiwan TIMES Model
The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) developed "Taiwan TIMES Model" under the support of the Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs. This Model have been applied to simulate potential energy scenarios during National Energy Conferences, taking consideration of the energy policy objectives and environmental limitations in Taiwan as research evidence to back up policy planning and conference discussion.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) established an Energy Technology Systems Analysis Program (ETSAP) collaborated by multiple countries in 1976 in response to the first energy crisis. The main purpose of the program aimed to build up the capacity of energy system analysis among member states. Over a period of almost two decades, the ETSAP developed a MARKAL model (MARKetALlocation) with success. 1
Green Energy & Environment Research Labs (GER), Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)" was commissioned by the Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs (former Energy Council)" to conduct "A Study of Energy Strategy Curbing Carbon Dioxide Emissions" between July 1993 and June 1995, with the development of the national energy engineering model- "Taiwan MARKAL Model" and coupled energy economic model- "Taiwan MARKAL-MACRO Model." After the establishment of Taiwan MARKAL Model, the model has been applied to explaining the possible pathway of energy supply, energy demand and fture trends of carbon dioxide emissions in Taiwan, which serves as the basic information of the energy issue for the authorities and the stakeholders. The model team have devoted to give insights about energy policy, including National Energy Conference, Nuclear-Free Homeland, etc.
TISMO (Taiwan Integrated Sustainability MOdel) is an integrated energy- economic-environmental framework, including Taiwan TIMES, TISMO-ENV and TISMO-CGE modules. TISMO-ENV module describes environmental impact from fossil fuel power plants on a regional basis. TISMO-CGE module presents the macroeconomic flows and market interactions using a computable general equilibrium model framework.
As time goes by, the MARKAL model in the rigid framework has difficulties to support the need of more and more complex energy issue in the real world. Hence the ESTAP developed a more flexible model generator, the TIMES model, during 1996-1998 and completed the calibration and application of this model during 1999-2001. TIMES model is the abbreviation for The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System while such a model is the integration of the two models, MARKAL (MARKetALlocation) and EFOM (Energy Flow Optimization Model). In particular, EFOM is also an energy engineering model mainly adopted in Europe.
Source: IEA-ETSAP
Note:IEA-ETSAP tool users are more than 60 countries, about 234 institutes.
TIMES retains the advantages of MARKAL engineering model and improves flexibility of time period setting, instead of a five-year interval of simulation period in MARKAL model, which not only conforms to the short-term demand for energy strategy analysis but also increases a variety of functions (e.g., time-slice function). In view of practical need, currently the TIMES framework is widely adopted by MARKAL users. In order to enhance the capacity of short-term energy policy analysis of Taiwan's energy engineering model and upgrade the context of Taiwan's energy supply and demand outlook, the ITRI decided to model a TIMES framework under the support of Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs. Based on the modeling experience of Taiwan MARKAL Model, ITRI successfully established "Taiwan TIMES Model" in 2010, which was then officially adopted as the evaluation tool for energy policy in 2012.
NEC: National Energy Conference; NSDC: National Sustainable Development Conference; NAMAs: Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions; EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment; INDCs: Intended Nationally Determined Contributions; EDP: Energy Development Policy; PRG: Periodic Regulatory Goals of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- See IEA-ETSAP website, https://iea-etsap.org/index.php/etsap-tools/model-generators/markal.


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The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is extending its week-to-date losses, as traders react to an unexpected drop in durable goods orders -- and overlook a cooling dollar and an early morning speech from Chicago Fed President Charles Evans, who cautioned against raising interest rates in a low-inflation environment. Meanwhile, M&A buzz is bouncing around the Street, thanks to new developments for Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT) and Lexmark International Inc (NYSE:LXK). Additionally, Wall Street continues to keep one eye trained overseas. Amid growing anxiety over Greece's debt issues, the European Central Bank (ECB) reportedly agreed to raise the emergency liquidity cap for the country's banks to around $78 billion.
Continue reading for more on today's market -- and don't miss:
Among the stocks with notable option activity is fast-food giant Sonic Corporation (NASDAQ:SONC), with volume running at 10 times what's typically seen at this point in the day. The stock is down 9% at $33.36, despite a strong earnings report and subsequent round of price-target hikes. As such, it appears a number of option bulls are jumping ship, with sell-to-close activity detected at SONC's April 35 and 40 calls.
For more midday statistics and stocks on the move, head to page 2.
Christopher & Banks Corporation (NYSE:CBK) is one of the leading laggards on the Big Board. The stock has shed 9.6% to churn near $5.30 -- and moved back into the red on a year-to-date basis -- after the retailer's fourth-quarter earnings report, as well as current-quarter and full-year revenue outlook, missed analysts' estimates.
Apollo Education Group Inc (NASDAQ:APOL) is among the biggest losers on the Nasdaq, off 23.8% at $21.34 -- after earlier hitting an annual low of $21.14. The for-profit education firm turned in a dismal earnings report and uninspiring revenue outlook, and year-to-date, the shares have now lost 37.4%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 1 point, or 7%, and on pace for its first daily close north of 14 since last Thursday.
Today's put/call volume ratio on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is 1.92, with puts nearly doubling calls. SPY was last seen 0.7 point, or 0.7%, lower at $207.32.
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Gig Report by Chris Martin (Writer/Contributor) Myglobalmind Webzine
Pardon me while I get a little personal here. If you want to get to the crux of the biscuit (the review this time and not the apostrophe) skip ahead to the next section, otherwise proceed as usual…OK, now that we're alone I've got to say I have the greatest girlfriend ever. Without getting too "into her bidness," suffice it to say she has some pretty severe issues with her back. Some days she can barely move, others the pain is tolerable. She has been an incredible help to me during my injury time (I've been hurt since May if you haven't been keeping track) and I'm not the easiest of patients to deal with, I think. I'm a hardhead (as well as a metalhead) and hate relying on others to do shit for me that I should be capable of doing for myself. Well, this past Thursday (and really back on Tuesday from the Down review if you read that) she was in such bad shape she simply wasn't able to do much. However she made it perfectly clear that I was going to go to the show. I've not driven since prior to September 5th when my surgery was. I told her I would do the best I could and she told me I wasn't ready and that she would just drive me and lay down in the backseat while I was in the show. I told her absolutely not, I just wouldn't go to the show. She said like hell you aren't! You're not only "working" this show but you want to go and I want you to be there so we're going and that's that. When I say "working" I mean that it's an assignment and typically entails some sort of freebie (ie. Guest listed.) So against what I knew was right, I did what I was told. I wanted to put that out there mostly to say thanks to her. After so many years of dealing with heartache and bullshit, it's kind of nice having someone sacrifice themselves for me. Everyone knows I would, and have done it, for anyone I consider friend or family, or even those that blur the line of the two.
So we arrive at Tremont about twenty minutes before the doors are to open. AJ is getting herself nestled into the backseat of the car and I crutch my big ass up to the line formed already at the door and wait…and wait…and wait. All of a sudden the doors burst open and there is the unmistakable sound of live music being performed. Local thrash band Necrobomb were on the bill as the opener for the Teutonic Terror Tour featuring Kreator, Accept, and Swallow the Sun. I had seen conflicting information about their set time; it was either 6:30 (prior to the doors opening) or 7:00 (when the doors were scheduled to open.) So without much of a crowd (the line was moving so slowly) Necrobomb put on their show. I wasn't there to see them, but I'm always open to checking out local bands. From what I could hear they sounded like they weren't bad. I thought this was pretty shitty though, having them start before anyone was even really allowed in beyond VIP ticket holders and guest list people for the band. AJ told me later she overheard them talking about how shitty it was (we were able to park inside the fence where the bands parked thanks to our handicap sticker AJ has for her back problems.) I'm not really sure what their thinking was in doing this in regards to Tremont. At any rate, I didn't get to see them at all, but what I heard, not bad. I finally got inside shortly after their set ended.
As I mentioned above, I was "working" this show, so I was to be on the guest list for Swallow the Sun, Finnish band that has been around since 2001, thanks to their PR people and My Global Mind for getting this worked out. Unlike the last time, this went much smoother as my name was actually on the list this time. I went straight to their merch table in hopes of meeting some of the band, but when I introduced myself I realized they were already getting themselves ready to play. The merch seller said they would be going on in about ten minutes so I made my way into the stage area and got a good spot up front. There weren't a whole lot of people there at this point. Apparently there were some technical difficulties in getting them set up so they were a little late. However, they took stage once it was resolved, and really blew me away. I was already impressed with their sound having heard and reviewed their latest CD Emerald Forest and The Blackbird, but they were even better live. They had such a clear, crisp sound, and musically were very tight as some of their passages are quite intricate.
They play an interesting mix of Doom/Gothic and Death metal, interplaying quiet pieces with their heavier stuff. When the band took the stage there was very little applause for them, which I thought sucked, but by the end of their 20 minutes the crowd was very receptive to them. There's just no way you couldn't get drawn in by their mesmerizing sound. I was hoping to be able to say some positive stuff about them, since that was "why" I was there (wouldn't have been good to get in free only to tell them they sucked.) My only concern prior to their show was that sometimes that doom type of style doesn't translate well live. I love doom metal, and there are some bands I loved on album, but once I saw them live was very disappointed by them. Not the case with Swallow the Sun. They made writing this review quite easy. I had wanted to try and catch up with some of the members, but beyond some thumb's ups from the guitarists as they were side stage post show and a quick hand shake and an extension of my appreciation to keyboardist Aleksi Munter, it was not to be.
Next up were the legendary German metal band Accept. I told AJ that between sets I would check on her and see if she was feeling better to come inside or if it had gotten worse and she needed to leave. She said it was about the same, but since it was a cooler day it wasn't too bad lying in the car. She did tell me she could hear the music outside just fine though so at least she got to listen to the bands. Accept is a band I have loved since I first heard the song "Up To the Limit" on the Hear 'N' Aid tape I had ages ago. I really loved it, but was hard pressed to find any of their albums were I was living at the time. I somehow came into possession of their live album Kaizoku-Ban, but that's the only one I had for a long time. I have managed to obtain all of their albums though, and have been a huge fan of theirs through the years. Yet they were never a band on my immediate list of bands I expected to see live so when Tremont had this show listed on their calendar I knew there would be very little keeping me from going. Despite the fact that original singer Udo Dirkscheinder is no longer with them, they have found a more than capable singer in ex-TT Quick vocalist Mark Tornillo.
The last two albums the band has recorded with him are some of their best music they have done in years. Though I was inside more or less alone I did strike up a conversation with some fellow Accept fans upfront (as well as running into a guy I've known for ages through our love of KISS Doug who posted on his Facebook status that if you were a metal fan and in or around this area and not at the show you were a Nickleback fan, so I'm extra glad AJ was able to get me to the show.) As soon as the band took the stage (the opening strains of "Hung, Drawn, and Quartered" started out through the PA, then the band picked it up without missing a beat,) I knew I was in for an outstanding performance. Sonically, this was one of the best sounding bands I have seen live. The mix was perfect, the performances were spot on, and the band looked great and appeared to be having an absolute blast playing for us. Though Tremont isn't what you would call a large venue, the band played like they were playing at Madison Square Garden, and sounded just as vibrant and energized like a new band with something to prove, yet were obviously consummate veterans of the world of metal. I had an absolute blast taking in their performance, and though I did have to sit out a few songs, I was still jamming out from my seat. Mark Tornillo handled the classic Accept tunes like "Restless and Wild," "Balls To the Wall," and "Up To the Limit" just as easily as the songs he recorded. His voice fit the tunes perfectly. Wolf Hoffman is such a monster guitarist as well. I knew he was brilliant, but his abilities truly shine live. It was also nice seeing him and other remaining original member bassist Peter Baltes having such a good time. Though this was the last night of the tour, if you ever see Accept listed at your local concert venue, you must see them!
Just a little bit into their set I got a text from my buddy Mike from Final Curse saying he was there. He came over to where I was for a little bit, but he disappeared again. We reconnected just before the show ended and he went out with me to check on AJ again. He didn't believe me when I told her she was there. She said she was feeling some better, but still not up for going inside. Since Kreator was the last band, and I had seen them before I told her if she needed to leave just text and I would leave even if they weren't done. She said she should be fine. Mike and I went back towards the club because one of the Tremont staff asked for us not to hang out back around the buses, which was fine. We caught up on things, ran into the Avalon Steel twins, a couple of other folks I see regularly at shows including John, then headed back inside. Since I didn't spend any money on tickets I bought a couple of shirts, then we made our way over to our spots again.
Kreator took the stage and destroyed the place with such ferocity. I saw them back in 2007 with Exodus and was very impressed with them (it was my first time,) but they were even better this time. There wasn't a single song in their list that wasn't exactly what I wanted to hear, and they kept the energy going that Accept started in me going strong (though again I had to sit out a few songs.) Tremont never really filled up like it had a few nights before for Down (and it wasn't as big a crowd that night as I had anticipated) the crowd was greatly reduced from Accept to Kreator. I guess since the bands are essentially totally removed from the other musically that would explain that, and as was discussed with my new-found Accept fans, it was shocking that Accept didn't end the show as it made more sense they would be more known in the area than Kreator. But even if the numbers had dwindled some, they still got a great reception, and had a pretty decent pit going. If you're a fan of this band and not seen them live, do yourself a favor and rectify that if and when they come to your area.
Much like at the Down show, the crowd gave me great respect and courtesy, and Jeff Clayton was working the door again, and I made a point to shake his hand this time. Despite the odd packaging of this tour musically speaking, in the end it worked out perfectly. I was satisfied with all three bands, and crutched away a happy, if tired, man having crossed off another favorite band of mine from the list of bands to see live, even if Accept wasn't even on that list. So glad they came to this area, and I hope that with the response they got they'll keep coming back. So until next time my peep's: Too many things happened today. Too many words I don't wanna say. I wanna be cool but the heat's coming up. I'm ready to kill 'cause enough is enough.


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A job post spotted on employment site Reed gives credence to the idea that Apple are gearing up for a big launch very soon, perhaps an iPhone 5 release date earlier than the September date loosely agreed by many as the most likely time of arrival.
An anonymous tipster alerted CNET to the post, asking for full-time iPhone sales staff for "key retail stores." With several postings covering different regions of the UK, any lucky candidates can expect a four-day training course in London, and a respectable £75 per day wage, we hope you might be able to keep the t-shirt too. Oddly enough, that isn't mentioned in the post…
The job looks to be a temporary one, running from 16th August until 29th Octobver 2011, from Tuesday to Saturday.
We'd go for it, but Recombu predicts it could get very busy for us around then – if-you-know-what-we-mean. We'd like to wish any hopeful candidates luck on their application – it could prove to be very competitive.
Source: CNET


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2018 BDS Conference, Swansea - Registration Closes in 20 Days!
Only 20 days left before registration for the 2018 BDS Conference in Swansea closes! It's lining up to be a diverse, thought-provoking and stimulating programme with technical sessions, workshops and site visits; not forgetting plenty of networking opportunities.
Delegate numbers have already passed 150 and we are currently looking at a record attendance at this year's conference. We are excited to announce that we have more exhibitors at Swansea than at any previous conference and there are more in the pipeline. Places are limited so if you are considering exhibition space then please register as soon as possible. There are also still some sponsorship opportunities available.
Full details of the event can be found on the BDS Conference Website: https://britishdams.org/meetings-and-events/bds-conferences/2018-conference
Please Note: Individual invoices and receipts are available from your BDS conference account (not members area). All conference registrations and payments must be received by 31st July 2018. The University of Swansea cannot accept bookings after this date. Don't miss out. Book now!


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O'Carroll's Cove +353 (0)66 9475151
Beach Bar/Restaurant - between here and Caherdaniel, now serving delicious gourmet meals as well as snacks all day - only 2 miles from
Westcove - catering for all ages…check their 5* reviews on 'trip advisor' !
Keatings Bar
On the right, just before Derrynane harbour. Open for lunch only
Bridie is an institution! Homemade soups ...and her crab - and roast lamb and mint - sandwiches... are legendary!
The Blind Piper +353 (0)66 9475126 (Caherdaniel)
Lunch and dinner - excellent pub food throughout the day from 12.30 (please note last orders are generally taken at about 8pm) …
Brilliant live music - to suit all tastes - on Thursday evenings, starting about 9pm
*The Smugglers Inn +353 (0)66 49474330 (by the sea, near the golf course) - a
lovely setting … known for its superb seafood (choose your own lobster!), open for both lunch and dinner - more expensive than some but well worth it
*Dooley's +353 (0)66 947 48766 opposite the Craft Centre, on the Caherciveen road -
serving excellent food at a reasonable price
The Riverside
Delicious homemade food from 10-5.30
D O'Sheas
Good pub grub all day - with lovely views over the Sneem Estuary
'No 35' +353 (0)64 664 1559 Main Street, Kenmare - quaint and full of character with fabulous,
reasonably priced food and very welcoming staff
*The Lime Tree +353 (0)64 66 41225
*Mulcahys award winning restaurant +353(0)64 6642383
Davitt's Fabulous lunch and dinner menus, locally sourced ingredients
+353(0) 6466 42741


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Happy new year to you all.
Hope we have a better year in 2010 thatn in 2009 .
In Iceland everybody can buy fireworks of every size.
And here is a little video clip of the fireworks in Reykjavik.
Also some photos i took last night around midnight.
Hope you like the video and photos.
The video was recorded on Ipod Nano


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Cart (
Contact us
We Like To Create !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About KOTYTOstyleLAB
KOTYTOstyleLAB is made up of four employees. The owners are Dimi and Lusy. Dimi is also our model, and Lusy is our photographer. Mari is our wonderful designer and cutter, and Kali handles all of the sewing. We love our team, and we hope you will, too.
After closing all 10 of our retail stores across the country during the economic crisis of 2009, we waited for a better time to open our business. During that long waiting period, we realized two things: Custom-made clothing had become a luxury item that not many people could afford, and clothing designs had become monotonous, with the same designs in the same sizes available in every retail store.
Since opening KOTYTOstyleLAB in 2014, our mission has been to provide custom, handmade clothing and unique, original designs at a price anyone can afford. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Our goal is to provide the clothes that will make you feel bold, adventurous, confident and comfortable.
Our products include kaftan and abaya, oversized hoodies and sweatshirts, leather handbags, loose jumpsuits and rompers with half-height inseams, hanging dresses, pants and capris with half-height inseams, maxi skirts, short tunics, long tops and tees, large coats and jackets, and oversized sweaters.
Since 2014, we've made over 7k sales. We continue to expand and grow, because of our dedication to quality and customer service.
Please ask if you are interested in wholesale,we'll be happy to serve you!
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Keep shopping! :)
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We improve millions of lives by providing functional and efficient solutions that set the standards for human movement therapy.
We improve millions of lives by providing functional and efficient solutions that set the standards for human movement therapy.
Hocoma AG has set itself the objective of developing and manufacturing high-quality products. Therefore our products provide benefits for patients and therapists and they stand for safety and user-friendliness. Our product development builds on the current results of medical research. Our products fulfill the requirements of international norms and legislation in the field of medicine.
We endeavor to clarify the requirements of our customers by working closely with our co-operation partners from research and sales. Thus we achieve to fulfill their wishes as far as possible and may guarantee the safety of our products at any time.
With our market partners, i.e. our customers, investors, co-operation partners and suppliers, we aim for long-term and constructive relationships. We wish to support close co-operation and communication in order to avoid errors as far as possible.
We offer our employees a modern and exciting working environment and contemporary working conditions. We support open communication, a lean hierarchy and employee participation. We demand willingness to work and independent thinking from all our employees.
We focus our management system on these objectives to optimize the satisfaction of our customers, partners and employees.


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LeBron James – who will probably be a captain – approved of televising the NBA All-Star draft. John Wall – likely headed for the selection pool – also supports televising it.
Carmelo Anthony dissents.
Fred Katz of The Norman Transcript:
I don't think you should televise that. I think that's something you should keep in-house. I don't think everybody in the outside world need to kind of be in the inside of that. The flip side of that, you'll have a lot of players that's kind of mad at whoever the captains are. You'll have guys are going to be mad. Guys are going to be upset. Friendships come into play.
Anthony is the first player I've seen to come out against televising the draft. He's surely not alone, or the NBA would be more aggressive about televising it. But for similar reasons players fear televised results, they don't want to look weak by openly opposing a public draft.
Hopefully, the NBA still televises draft. It's not too late, and a watched draft is the whole basis of the excitement for captain-picked teams. And if the league comes around, there'd be a silver lining for Anthony: He won't be an All-Star, anyway.


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Traveling with young kids can be exhausting, stressful and, let's face it, not always fun for the parent. Instead of cultural treats, day-time activities often involve excursions to the zoo, children's museums, nearby amusement parks or a trip to the nearest outdoor playground. And traveling light? Forget about it. Even if you are lucky enough to have ditched the diaper bag, chances are there are still drinks, snacks, extra clothes and strollers to contend with.
But not all kiddie-related travel is doom and gloom. In November I had the rare experience of going on a mommy-and-me vacation with my eldest child and I seized the opportunity to plan two amazing sight-seeing trips for my adventurous six year old. One was to London and the other to Paris.
Here are the key lessons I learned along the way:
#1: Get Some Wheels – the Razor Kind
In my experience, six year olds are a pretty independent bunch. They crave to be treated like big kids and that means no strollers. But the reality is your mini me only has little legs and these legs will get tired after a mile or so of walking. So, if you have a lot of ground that you want to cover, you may want to invest in a Razor kick scooter and carry bag. For $30 (or in my case £19.99) this gift is one that will keep on giving. On his first day in Paris my son easily handled a 3 mile scoot from our hotel to Notre Dame; followed by yet more scooting to dinner and between Metro stations afterward.
#2: Build in Play Time
If you are planning to do a lot of walking and/or sight-seeing, make sure you build in some play time to break up the day and allow your child to let off some steam. Online satellite map tools are an easy way to identify playgrounds close to your chosen point of interest. For instance we went to an amazing ecological park just down the road from the London Eye (you can actually see it when you are in the Ferris Wheel). In Paris, we enjoyed playgrounds along the river Seine, as well as the little play area at the back of Notre Dame itself.
#3: Factor in Refueling Pit Stops
It may cost a little extra but, instead of stuffing a packet of Pepperidge Farms goldfish into your handbag, why not try and soak up some local culinary treats for snack time. Not only is it a cultural experience in and of itself, but it will give your child some extra energy so that they can keep on seeing the sights. The many street cafés of Paris are perfect for hot chocolate pit stops (not to mention a welcome refuge from the chilly November air), and the local boulangeries offer treats galore.
#4: Research Ahead of Time
Sure, every 6 year old is going to enjoy an elevator ride up the Eiffel Tower. But what about Tower Bridge in London? Did you know that, while the Tower Bridge does a great job of including kids by offering them a passport book and encouraging them to seek out sticker stations, it does not provide the necessary foot stools needed for your child to see out of the walkway windows? This makes it very boring for younger visitors and, reciprocally, means you will have limited time to read the information exhibits along the way. (However it has to be said that the interactive science displays in the Engine Room were great).
Long story, short, it is important to do your research. Find out about the attraction before you buy your ticket. It maybe that your child will have more fun playing chase in the Tuileries gardens bordering Le Louvre than walking through the art galleries themselves.
#5: Use Multiple Forms of Transportation
Just like the refueling pit stops, how you get somewhere can also be a unique experience in and of itself. Catch a train, take a bus, hail a taxi, ride a cable car, or even climb aboard a boat. My two day trip to Paris included taking the London Underground and then the Eurostar. We also rode countless Metro trains, and even caught the Batobus on the Seine to get to and from a couple of attractions. For my six year old each experience was an adventure.
#6: Create a Big Moment
Build up anticipation before your visit. Find out what attractions most interest your child and talk about them before you even catch your plane. And, if there is another attraction that you want to see, schedule that visit first. It will encourage good behavior in the lead up to the main event.
Happy Travels!
Featured Image: Family Walking at Airport (Shutterstock.com)


text: We recommend professional installation. If you have any questions regarding installation, adjustment, or any other questions please call prior to installing or adjusting. Do not adjust the Boss coilovers spring preload more than 3" of thread showing below the black adjustment ring. If there is more than 3" of threads showing below the black adjustment ring, this will void any and all warranties. Our contact phone line is 303 518-2114. Please call if you need any info on our Boss Coilovers or other products.


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Start using SURF
We are so thrilled that you have joined our revolution! Setting up is easy just follow the below steps
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at email@example.com
Please also read the following warnings and instructions before use
SURF can be used on the floor, please take care when placing it so that it does not pose a risk for tripping
The product is not a toy, ensure that it is only used for it's purpose and that the child using the product is supervised whilst using the product.
The foam core becomes yellow with age and when subjected to light, this is normal and does not effect the functionality
Like any foam our foam core can be damaged by sharp objects, scratching etc, to protect it please ensure the product is only used when the fitted fabric cover provided by us is used.
Do not force any object larger than a standard tablet into the tablet pocket as it may tear the foam core
Ensure the zippers are neatly tucked away under the fabric as they otherwise may damage sensitive floors
Keep the product dry
WARNING: The fabric cover is removable please keep away from children to avoid risk of suffocation
WARNING: Keep product and all product parts away from electricity and any other heat sources that can cause the product to catch fire


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The extremely cold and way overstayed winter is finally over. This weekend I finished planting the spring garden and saving or removing all the plants damaged from the winter weather.
Last year I tried planting fava beans along with the garlic and carrots to see if it could survive over winter. Since this winter was much colder and longer than normal they did not. I do not know if they would have survived if we had a "normal" winter but from now on I will just plant the seeds in late February along with the spinach and arugula, which is what I did this year. The winter also knocked out some of the carrots, and the garlic is much shorter this year than years previous, so I will have to see how they do as things warm up.
The biggest loss over winter was half of my rosemary bush. At this point I am not sure if the rosemary plant will survive or not, but after some severe pruning I have some hope it will spring back. As a back up I planted a new one. I also lost an oregano and sage plant, which I have also replaced. Fingers crossed we do not have an overly hot, long and nasty summer to follow.


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Mobile telephone coverage for the whole of Cyprus is expected soon.
Last month, President of Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Fikri Toros said that the new system is in the last stages of preparation and will start to operate this month.
The mobile telephony grid in the south and north of the island is being linked as part of confidence-building measures.
Reliable mobile telecom connections between the two communities on the island remains difficult. Connections via land-line were established in 2003, but the call quality is often patchy.
Famagusta Gazette


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Illness can offer marriage its
share of challenges, but it also
gives us a chance to serve.
Laura shares.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us" (1 John 4:10-12).
She stood greeting the visitors, making them feel welcomed, like they were guests in her own home. She hugged each, used their names, asked about health; as if they were more important than the circumstances that brought them to her that cold, autumn afternoon.
If we did not know any better, we could imagine ourselves feeling similar to the thousands of children taught how to read more proficiently during her elementary school teaching career. She welcomed each child like they were her own, loved, educated, and made them feel like they were worthwhile–sometimes when no one else in their lives bothered.
And now on this particular Friday afternoon, she stood at the entrance-way as her husband was nearby. The love was palatable between them as she talked of their life together, how he was a good, good man, fought hard, but was tired. Tired of the cancer that had overtaken his body this last time and could not be overcome.
But as he laid in his beautiful coffin–adorned with plaques depicting his role as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather–one thing stood out in that funeral home: The love between these two people far reached death.
They had a bond that was not broken. Her eyes glistened while talking of his heart and spirit, his love for her and their family.
Illness entered their lives years earlier but they continued to live; holding on to their faith in God and loving one another.
It is a challenge for all of us to remember to live, despite our challenges. To love, to show kindness, despite our trials.
Life throws everyone of us trials we deal with; crosses to bear. This couple remembered to love each other regardless of what else occurred in their lives. That is a tremendous testimony to their love and their God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, life is fragile. Bless this beautiful family who is grieving. Help us all to appreciate and love the people in our lives and strengthen our relationships despite our challenges. In Your name. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She retired from her job as an elementary school counselor in 2012. She feels blessed to have witnessed the love she has written about in this devotional.
What can you do to keep your relationships strong?
This is a beautiful video about marriage from the movie Fireproof.


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** Price reduced for STS-134 Endeavour Shuttle Launch **
Do you want to see a rocket Launch in Florida? Launch Pad has all the information that you need: where to go for the best viewing, where the launch pads are, how far away you are, which direction to look. Not only that Launch Pad contains a wealth of data about space related sites, old launch pads, current launch pads, space attractions, its all here. Launch Pad even has a built in news feed and launch schedule, everything you need to know in one place.
All the sites have been painstakingly researched visiting both NASA and the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station rocket launch pads including the Space Shuttle and Kennedy Space Center facilities. All our GPS locations have been verified by onsite visits, which is when a lot of the supporting images were taken. Some of the historic launch pads we have recorded can be visited by the general public either on US Air Force or Kennedy Space Center tours. The Launch Pad app will provide some insight into the history of some of the locations as you pass them by, including the historic Launch Complex 34, the start of the Apollo missions.
The Launch Pad app is not all about history though (despite the fact that we visited every launch pad at Cape Canaveral) we also have details of the active launch pads, and where to go to get a good view of a rocket launch.
If you are visiting the Kennedy Space Center then this app is a good companion for your visit. Just select the "Near Me" function and the app will show you what is around you. This is ideal for identifying the launch pads on the Air Force Station from the LC-39 Viewing platform.
For more information visit http://www.wired4space.com/iphone-launch-pad