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Chapter 22
The Cell Master.
Tushar Mehta
from USA
interview date:20.Dec.2004
Please introduce your self. You may be as thorough as you wish. Feel free to include or omit any detail about yourself.
My name is Tushar Mehta and I currently have my own consulting business. I specialize in building technology solutions that are the most appropriate to business problems. The approach focuses on finding the best solution to benefit my client, not just shoehorning the problem so that it fits a preconceived notion of the correct solution. This philosophy also affects how I approach Excel, as I discuss below.
A bit of history: Not many will know that what evolved into the Microsoft Office suite got its start on the Macintosh. Excel was originally designed for the Mac and that is where I first used it -- one of my first software purchases. It was only with version 2 that Excel became available to the Intel platform.
When do you remember using Excel for the very first time? Can you remember any specific details from that first time?
As I mentioned above, it was on a Mac. Personal computers of that era did not have hard disks. The program came on one diskette -- that's right, one diskette! You inserted it into the computer, loaded the program, popped out the disk and inserted the data disk. If the program needed a code segment not already loaded in memory, out came the data disk and in went the program disk. As soon as an external disk drive became available, I got one. {grin}
When do you remember writing your first formula or VBA code for Excel?
That was so long ago...but, I am sure it was something simple like =A1 or =A1+B1.
VBA code? I would like to think that I kept alive a grand tradition with the one-liner MsgBox "Hello world!" But, more likely, it was an example from Microsoft's VBA reference manual.
On average, how many hours per day do you spend working with Excel formulas and/or VBA code?
That varies. There are times when I use Excel for hours at an end. Then, there are times that I don't touch it. As I mentioned in the introduction, my philosophy is that the customer's needs should dictate the tools we deploy. Consequently, if Excel is not the right tool, I don't use it. As an example, I am currently developing a simulation to teach students about the 'bullwhip effect' in a supply chain. The entire interactive simulation will be web-based, and my Excel use over the past few weeks has been limited to testing my suggestions in the newsgroups or mrexcel.com
Which do you find most rewarding to work with: Formulas or VBA in Excel? Please tell us why?
Both. Neither. At the expense of repeating myself, to me all this stuff -- programming, software, computers, whatever -- is not an end onto itself, but means to an end. When a formula is more appropriate, I use it. When a VBA approach is more appealing, I use it. When Excel is appropriate I use it. When something else makes more sense, I use it -- including investing the time to learn it, if necessary. And, if a computer-based solution is not ideal, I am happy to go low-tech.
If you were going to give a novice, just starting out with Excel, some advice, what would it be?
Be creative. Dare to be different. Take chances. Be prepared to be wrong. There are many people whose work is worth checking out but two, in my opinion, who really think outside the box are Stephen Bullen (
) and Andy Pope (
). If you want to see how to integrate into your software solutions methodologies from other disciplines such as Management, Computer Science, Operations Research, etc., check out my web site (
Keep in mind that the what and the why of the problem should drive the how, not the other way around. If it means spending a bit of time experimenting and learning something new, do so. It will be an investment that pays off handsomely. After all, there is no rule that requires your first approach to a problem be the last.
And, above all, keep it simple and think -- always -- about your customer. If you had to use your product on a regular basis, how would you rate it?
Please provide a sample of your first work (either as a formula or vba code) in Excel and tell us about it.
That's a tough request. {grin} The first "Wow, how did you do that?" solution was an analysis package. I had developed a mainframe system that provided detailed timing information about every transaction processed by a (mainframe) computer network. It also contained a module for some basic analysis of the data. Subsequently, I created a Excel-based system that complemented the tabular results with charts and some other neat transformation of data.
What is your mental attitude when you are preparing to write formulae or VBA code? And what is your working environment?
Almost always, I start with a loose high-level idea of the solution and work my way towards increasingly greater detail in a structured top-down fashion. The intent always is something that is amenable to rapid prototyping, exceeds the customer's expectations, easy to understand, and easy to maintain.
And, being prepared to be wrong. If it turns out that what I'm doing is not working out smoothly, I will back off and try again. For example, I recently completed an assignment for an air cargo company. It wanted me to convert its existing schedule from one layout to something that was visually more appealing. I discarded the first two approaches when it became obvious that they were overly complex. A few days later, while running (something I do in a futile attempt to lose weight), I stumbled across one that turned out to be easy to understand, easy to program, easy to audit, and easy to maintain. And, stumbled is apt since I nearly fell while thinking of the simplicity of what turned out to be the final design.
Work environment? Wherever I happen to be. Since I travel a fair bit for work and pleasure, I've learnt to work in what most would consider unfriendly environments such as airports, airplanes, and hotel rooms. Then, of course, there are clients' offices, and, finally, my home office. When all is said and done, the last is the one place where I *know* I have everything I will possibly need for a project.
If there special preparations that must be in place before you can begin, what are they?
You mean other than a computer with Excel? {grin} Almost always a good sense of the business issues involved and how the solution must interact with other aspects of the client's business. As the reader has probably guessed, by the time I start work with Excel, I have invested a fair amount of time understanding the what and the why of the problem and researched the best way to approach the solution. It is only after that that I focus on the Excel/VBA development.
Finally, please give us something to think about - a reminder of your words here; a phrase that has helped you; a link to your own website. Anything that you think is important for the readers to remember.
My website is
As far as something to think about goes, I'll let three giants from the worlds of Arts, Sciences, and the Humanities, speak for me.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo DaVinci
Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction - Albert Einstein
The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost, especially the end:
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Tushar Mehta, BTech, MPPM, PhD
Multi-disciplinary business expertise
+ Technology skills
= Optimal solution to your business problem Recipient Microsoft MVP award 2000-2005
Thank you very much for answering the questions.
This Black belt is yours...
click here to read next...
Copyright © cellmasters.net - colo's junk room All Right Reserved
Tips and Information about Microsoft Excel|Masaru Kaji aka Colo


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Now that phase one of Gutenberg has dropped the interest in #ClassicPress grows by the day. So many WordPress developers fear the loss of control they will face under the new regime of 5.0. Many just don't want to do the work of all that refactoring. #IndieWeb and #ClassicPress should join forces. w...
Tag: ClassicPress
👓 Bookmark: Migrate your WordPress site to ClassicPress – ClassicPress | Brad Enslen
Migrating your WordPress website to ClassicPress is easy and only takes a few minutes. Follow the simple steps below to get started: Bookmark: Migrate your WordPress site to ClassicPress – ClassicPress The folks at Classic Press have created an easy migration plugin that works with WordPress 5.0.?...
👓 Forking is a Feature | Gary Pendergast
There's a new WordPress fork called ClassicPress that's been making some waves recently, with various members of the Twitterati swinging between decrying it as an attempt to fracture the WordPress community, to it being an unnecessary over-reaction, to it being a death knell for WordPress. Pers...
Again, here, I'm reminded of some of the benefits that the BackDrop fork of Drupal is providing not only to itself, but to the larger Drupal community. Naturally there's a better way of doing these things, but it takes foresight and work–a lot of work.
👓 ClassicPress: Gutenberg Not Included | WordPress Tavern
Depending on how far and deep you look, there is not a lot of positive sentiment surrounding Gutenberg. For Scott Bowler, the notion of merging Gutenberg into WordPress 5.0 represents a shift so de…
👓 Our Mission Statement | ClassicPress
1. If it isn't broken, we won't fix it
2. Major decisions will be made by the community
3. We will facilitate democratic discussion and decision making
4. We will make people's lives better
5. We will invest in the future of ClassicPress
👓 Gary Pendergast Praises ClassicPress, Extends Invitation for Collaboration | WordPress Tavern
Gutenberg and WordPress core contributor Gary Pendergast has weighed in with this thoughts on ClassicPress, a fork of WordPress created by Scott Bowler. Pendergast praises the fork and extended an …
The potential forking of WordPress like this actually could present an interesting opportunity for the broader community and the platform. It reminds me a bit of the BackDrop fork of Drupal and how it has benefited both platforms going forward. BackDrop has about 100 solid contributors that are building and iterating much more rapidly on their platform than the bigger behemoth of Drupal. As a result, new plugins and cleaner UI have entered their core and improved more rapidly with active dogfooding while their security teams collaborate closely and pushes go back and forth between the two. In the end both platforms end up benefiting tremendously. Naturally the two need to have some collegiality and collaboration to help make sure this happens.

subset: commoncrawl


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—by Kate Wagner, HPC Member
The consumption of fish and seafood increases dramatically in February and March, as many Christians observe the season of Lent. This is a good time to educate ourselves about how to buy, store, prepare, and cook fish safely, as well as how much fish is safe to eat.
Buy the Best
Fish tastes "fishy" when it hasn't been handled properly. To avoid "fishy" fish, use your senses when making your purchase. Fish should have a fresh and mild odor. It should be firm to the touch and "spring back" into place after you remove your finger. If you can see your finger print after you touch it, or if it has a strong odor, it's not fresh.
Don't buy cooked seafood, such as shrimp, crab, or smoked fish, that is displayed in the same case as raw fish. Juices from the raw fish can transfer bacteria onto the cooked or ready-toeat fish. For frozen seafood, avoid frost or ice crystals. These are signs that the fish has been stored for a long time, or thawed and refrozen.
Because of its high protein content, fish spoils quickly. Spoilage begins as soon as the fish dies. Ice is the key to fresh-tasting fish. One pound of ice for each 2 pounds of fresh fish is a good rule of thumb.
Freeze fish at 0° F or lower. Fish stored at 15° F for as little as 2 weeks will show a significant loss of quality. Freeze for no more than 4-6 months. Never refreeze fish.
If refrigerating, store fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Allow air to circulate freely around the package. Store uncooked fish below ready-to-eat foods.
Guidelines for safe storage:
- If seafood will be used within two days after purchase, store it in the refrigerator.
- If seafood won't be used within two days after purchase, wrap it tightly in moisture-proof freezer paper or heavy-duty foil or freezer bags to protect it from air leaks, and store it in the freezer.
Thaw It Safely
Fish cooks more evenly if thawed before cooking. For best quality, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw fish quickly, place it in a sealable plastic bag and put it in cold water for about an hour. To thaw in a microwave,, use the "defrost" setting; remove the fish while it is still icy but pliable. Cook immediately.
Preparing and Cooking Fish
If you are baking or broiling fish, allow 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Flesh should be white and flaky (155° F on a food thermometer). Don't overcook it. Cooking fish for too long or at too high a temperature will toughen it, dry it out, and destroy the flavor. If you don't have a food thermometer, there are other ways to determine whether seafood is done.
- Fish: Slip the point of a sharp knife into the flesh and pull it aside. The flesh should be opaque and separate easily. If you cooked the fish in the microwave, check it in more than one spot.
- Shrimp and Lobster: The flesh becomes pearly-opaque.
- Scallops: The flesh turns milky white or opaque and firm.
- Clams, Mussels, and Oysters: When the shells open, they are done. Discard those that don't open.
Cooking also destroys harmful bacteria and parasites. Outbreaks of the broad fish tapeworm infections have occurred in Minnesota due to the consumption of uncooked pickled pike. Don't eat raw fish unless it has been frozen at 0° F for 48 hours to destroy parasites. After freezing, it is safe for pickling.
Prevent Cross-Contamination
When you're preparing fresh or thawed seafood, it's important to prevent bacteria from the raw seafood from spreading to ready-toeat food. Take these steps to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling any raw food.
- Wash the cutting board with soap and hot water to remove food particles and juices after using it for raw foods such as seafood, and before using the board for cooked or ready-to-eat foods or preparing another food item.
As an added precaution, sanitize cutting boards by rinsing them in a solution made of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Plastic boards can go through the wash cycle in your dishwasher. Or, consider using one cutting board only for raw foods and another only for ready-to-eat foods such as bread, fresh vegetables, and cooked fish.
As a rule of thumb, avoid using cutting boards that are made of soft, porous materials. Instead, choose those made of hard maple or plastic, and make sure they are free of cracks and crevices. Smooth surfaces can be cleaned more easily and thoroughly.
Cross-contamination can happen once your seafood is cooked, too. Here are simple ways to keep your seafood safe when serving:
- Place cooked seafood on a clean plate for serving. If cooked foods are placed on an unwashed plate that previously held raw seafood, bacteria from the raw food could contaminate the cooked seafood.
- Use clean utensils to serve food, not those used to prepare raw food.
University of Minnesota Extension Service Department of Food Safety Education and Research and the US Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
For information about safe amounts of fish to eat, see this article at the Minnesota Department of Health


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India is a popular country for tour and travel since ancient. It is a diverse country for culture and geography. There are lots of travel destination and tourist attractions in the nation. It offers something to each visitor and so a preferred destination for holidays, honeymoon, vacation etc. The prime travel destination of India are Delhi, Agra, Goa, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jaipur, Shimla, Manal, Uttaranchal, Nainital, Kerala, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Ahmadabad and much more.
Online car booking service in India is perfect option for the tourist in India for those destinations that are well connected by road. Tour by car is best option for day trip. Car rental is very cheap in India in all the cities. Some tourist prefers car hire for long hour travel from one destination to other.
We offer a lot of types cars for online car rental services. We have lots of cheap to luxury cars for car rentals. Some of them are Tavera, Qualis, Sumo, and Tempo Travelers. Some multi-utility and high capacity car for rent that are generally hired by tourists and travelers that offer are Benz, Accord, Ikon, Fiesta, Indica etc. In India you can select for Luxury Cars like BMW, Tata Safari, and Chevrolet at very cheap rentals. You need to tell you starting destination address and final destination address and call to us any time in 24*7 time format. You can also take only a car at rent if you can drive yourself. Rate of car rental vary from city to city, modal of car, cost of car and many other factors. We charge according to day, per kilometer,city and so on.
We also offer online cheap cab services for airport pickup and drops for tourists. You also book car online for the purpose of corporate meeting, party and wedding etc.
Copyright @ ABC India Tours Pvt. Ltd All Right Reserved


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Music video production for live DJ band
Video production company, DVPR, recently produced a series of music videos for a new product from wedding and event band The Distractions called DJ Live.
Shot on location in Manchester over two days, the DVPR team used two camera and full 4K DCI recording units, filming the high resolution footage in Log format (for maximum latitude in post production).
The band, ranging in numbers from two to six strong, were given blocking points on stage for each of the tracks. Each track involved the group playing off a timecode locked backing track to ensure consistency between takes.
For the final takes, a crowd were brought into the filming venue underneath Barton Arcade in Manchester, for the wide shots and crowd interaction.
Footage from the shoot was the edited in Adobe Premiere Pro into six separate medley tracks, and then further down into two short films for social media.
The edits were then imported into DaVinci Resolve for colour grading and finishing, before being output for the client as 4K master files.
Why not speak to DVPR today about filming your next music video.


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bass ackwards at 150 Nassau Street?? as lofts are sold low + bought high, with an agency twist
(doesn't work in my spell check, either)
When I observed that the buyer of the Manhattan loft #9E at 150 Nassau Street on November 3 has a notice address of #9A at 150 Nassau Street I began to wonder. First I wondered if the "A" line and "E" line could be combined, but they can't be (without buying other lofts). When I noticed that this #9E buyer on November 3 was the #9A seller on October 27 (note: 2 different links there) I really began to wonder (and not about where he slept during that week).
Why trade a "668 sq ft" loft at $585,000 for "606 sq ft" loft for $618,000? Who sells low to buy high??
same condition, same floor
This U-shaped former office building was converted to condos in 2003, and these two units look to be in their original as-converted condition. The Guy bought #9A in the conversion, paying about $370,000 in early 2003 (StreetEasy has the prior sale at $370,500 on March 31, 2003; Property Shark has it as $370,009 on May 6. 2003; why can't we all just get along??). The folks down the hall from whom The Guy just bought #9E also were original purchasers in the conversion, but they paid $486,720 on May 23, 2003 (Property Shark and StreetEasy agree!).
does The Guy suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder?
There are some small hints in the recent listing descriptions and photos, and that one very large hint in the 2003 sales. Seven years ago, The Market (and the sponsor) valued the smaller #9E at $803/ft and the larger #9A at $555/ft … a huge spread for two apparently similar units (45%).
Note the careful descriptions of light and view in the two recent listings: the smaller north-facing #9E claims "amazing light and open views over City Hall Park and beyond", while the larger #9A has "a west-facing living room and a private, east-facing bedroom", with a living room photo that clearly shows a beautiful building facade not too far away. Since the building faces City Hall Park to the west (i.e., there are no nearby neighbors to the west) that "beautiful building facade" in the #9A living room is the other side of the "U". A west-facing 9th floor unit in a 23-story building with a U-shaped light well is not going to get any direct sunlight, is it?
bright guy
The Guy would have gotten no direct sunlight in his old #9A, while he has moved to "amazing light and open views over City Hall Park and beyond" in his new #9E. The new views and light cost him $618,000 (with associated condo closing costs, with a mortgage, of about $15,000 – $20,000) compared to the $585,000 he got for selling #9A (with associated transfer taxes and a brokerage commission of about $45,000).
Yes, the transaction costs were likely as much as $65,000, and he paid $33,000 more than he sold for. But he ended up with a small loft (with "amazing light and open views over City Hall Park and beyond") that was worth $126,000 more in 2003 than the small loft he sold to get it.
agency disclosures to make your head spin (for agency aficionados only)
The two sales seem both to have been arm's length transactions, with both small lofts having been exposed to the market through the same agents before deals were struck. While one buyer is also one seller, the other sellers and the other buyer appear to be unrelated to him (or to each other).
The Guy brought his (old) #9A to market on May 22, before finding a contract by July 17. He signed a contract to buy #9E by July 7, after that unit had been offered for sale since May 7. He must have had a good idea on July 7 that he would soon sign a contract to sell on July 17.
Follow me into the rabbit hole of New York State agency disclosures for a while….
I am going to assume that the agents who represented both #9A and #9E for sale did everything right. Having secured the exclusive listing agreement to represent the #9E sale on May 7, these agents owed full fiduciary obligations to those sellers. Absent a written agreement to the contrary, they could not also "represent" a potential buyer of #9E. Yet they also formed a fiduciary relationship with The Guy as the seller of #9A by May 22, owing him (among other things) the duty of confidentiality, as they were likely to learn things about his financial condition, goals, and timing that no counter-party should have been entitled to know or to use against him.
Presumably there was some very fancy dancing here, in May, June and July. The agents were trying to get the best possible price from the most qualified buyer for both #9E and #9A, and at some point in June or July the #9A seller (a full fiduciary client) turned into a potential buyer of #9E, with a personal position as that potential buyer directly adverse to the personal position of the #9E sellers.
There must be a way to do this right, to fully disclose all potential problems and conflicts, to secure knowing waivers. Perhaps there is a way that has not occurred to me, but it seems that the #9E sellers had to have surrendered "client" (full fiduciary) status, as this entire scenario makes it unlikely that the #9E buyer used a different agent as a buyer than he used as the #9A seller. And the #9E buyer as buyer would have given up the opportunity to be represented in the #9E purchase by a full fiduciary agent.
Unless I am missing something, the agents in the #9E deal would have been mere messengers of offers and counters between the sellers and the eventual buyer. They should also have been following the instructions of the #9E sellers to continue to market #9E until a contract was fully signed.
They should not have been offering any advice to either the #9E sellers or the eventual #9E buyer about that negotiation, or interpreting what a proposal might mean about final positions, including specifically being prohibited form sharing with the #9E sellers anything about the potential buyer's progress in selling #9A unless the #9A owner specifically agreed that it was in his interest to do so.
Fancy dancing indeed!
(My major treatise on agency disclosures and a new law requiring certain paperwork in all sales was my September 1, new real estate agency law disclosures coming to Manhattan in 2011. That post will walk you through these general issues at great length.)
© Sandy Mattingly 2010
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Pure Escape
My name is Sadie and I am a fully qualified and insured Holistic Therapist with over 10 years experience. I am a practioner of both Reiki and Seichem healing.
The healing energy of Reiki increases over time. I have been using Reiki and Siechem now for a number of years. I have had some remarkable results from clients, which is amazing to be a part of.
I work from a tranquil room in the village of Glentworth. Not far from Caenby Corner and Hemswell Antique Centre. A few miles from either Gainsborough, Scunthorpe, Lincoln or Market Rasen areas.
If you have difficulty travelling, then I also offer a mobile service by arrangement.
As well as Reiki, I offer various other therapies; Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Thai Foot Massage, Holistic Facials and various packages. Reiki is often added in to my other treatments to really enhance the effects. Your own treatment plan can be devised to suit your personal needs and budget. Don't be afraid to ask if you would like a different timescale or extra therapies combined.
I run an event called "Holistic Sunday", which is held, on average, every 3 weeks. Holistic Sunday is a day of therapies where all of my treatment prices, including Reki, are reduced. It's an ideal way of relaxing on a Sunday, whilst taking advantage of paying less!
I have various testimonials on my website from True Clients, so please take a look. I am always happy to discuss things and answer any questions you may have.
Opening Times
Evenings and weekends, plus some mid week days.
Location Information
2 Reviews/Comments on "Pure Escape"
Sadie is a lovely professional therapist. I was very sceptical about reiki but I gave it a try anyway just to say that I had. I couldn't believe how relaxed and peaceful it made me, I could feel a lot of heat over the areas being worked on and once finished I felt very refreshed and balanced. I now have reiki every time, if you're sceptical as I was give it a try and I bet you will change your mind.


text: tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27500594922099666532020-02-28T18:03:08.410-08:00BrickWormLEGO fan blog.BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-21143336577378904772015-09-07T14:15:00.001-07:002015-09-07T14:15:40.603-07:00MOC: AmortugThis MOC courtesy Marco den Besten. Amazing detail and scale. (Source)BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-42936898004419875832015-09-05T12:52:00.001-07:002015-09-05T12:52:28.047-07:00LEGO Star Wars The Force Awakens C-3PO Minifigure Revealed This is what the C-3PO minifigure from The Force Awakens themed-LEGO looks like. (Source: BrickFanatics.) As you can see, our favorite bot has a red arm this time around. StarWars. The following from StarWars.com: Fans of the galaxy's greatest protocol droid have noticed that in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, C-3PO has a new red arm. In a special one-shot from Marvel, we'll learn just how BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-10973301525132531462015-09-04T19:40:00.000-07:002015-09-04T19:40:44.628-07:00List of 2015 LEGO Star Wars Buildable FiguresContinuing with the new Star Wars LEGO set releases, here's the complete list of buildable LEGO figures. For a complete list of the 2015 Star Wars sets (e.g. the Millennium Falcon, TIE Fighter, etc., visit this page.) Click the links or images to buy direct at Amazon. LEGO Star Wars 75107 Jango Fett Battle the Jedi with buildable & posable Jango Fett! Build super-durable Jango Fett with posable BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-32859973499187929222015-09-04T18:46:00.002-07:002015-09-04T18:47:05.999-07:00List of 2015 Star Wars The Force Awakens LEGO SetsHere is the complete list of the all new LEGO sets themed around the upcoming STAR WARS movie titled "The Force Awakens". The buildable figures will be covered in a separate post. Click the pictures to buy direct from Amazon. LEGO Star Wars Rey's Speeder 75099 This cool landspeeder has everything Rey needs for scouting the surface of a desert planet, including dual stud shooters, opening storageBrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-77462745473059388952015-09-04T17:17:00.000-07:002015-09-04T17:17:18.484-07:00Review: LEGO 75015 STAR WARS Millennium FalconThe set is based around the upcoming movie "The Force Awakens" releasing in December 2015. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-50822448465187053242015-08-30T15:14:00.002-07:002015-09-04T18:45:05.506-07:00LEGO Models in the Brick Fest Live Glow ZoneContinuing with some pictures I took at Brick Fest Live in Pasadena this year. These were lovely and one really had to be there to appreciate how well they were crafted. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-65171051227399536632015-08-30T14:28:00.001-07:002015-08-30T14:28:07.991-07:00MOC: 1930s Chevrolet Town SedanTim Inman at work. Enjoy! BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-73915422891809041772015-08-29T12:28:00.001-07:002015-08-30T14:32:31.660-07:00Life Size Woody (Toy Story) in LEGO How cool is this? From Brick Fest Live 2015 in Pasadena. BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-56141619474494721872015-08-29T11:29:00.000-07:002015-08-29T11:29:58.605-07:0024-Foot Long USS Missouri Battleship in LEGOIncredible scale. "For the past three years, the Scottish fisherman has been building the 1:40 scale replica of the iconic WWII vessel." More at this link. (also picture source). Jim McDonough's #LEGO build of the USS Missouri took 3 years. It stands 4ft 6 in. high, 3ft wide & 24ft 3 in. long. pic.twitter.com/Us8grr4auP — Battleship Missouri (@USSMissouri) April 7, 2015 BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-72679231964963432162015-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:002015-08-26T06:00:03.878-07:00LEGO MOC: Jurassic ParkThis is incredible. Check out more by clicking any of the pictures. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-77131588550471520672015-08-23T10:00:00.000-07:002015-08-23T10:00:02.491-07:00LEGO MOC: Grand Palace TheaterBy one of my favorite MOC artists Bill Volbrecht. Brilliant! BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-85223735716464590412015-08-22T20:56:00.001-07:002015-08-22T20:56:21.328-07:00Review: LEGO Minifigures Series 14 MonstersThe ever-dependable and, might I add, legendary minifigure series reviewer WhiteFang has reviewed the upcoming series at EuroBricks. Head on over to this EuroBricks page to read his extensive coverage of this fabulous series which releases in September. BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-58405177564248816082015-08-07T08:15:00.000-07:002015-08-07T08:15:00.616-07:00LEGO MOC: Winter Pub and CafeThis MOC comes to us courtesy Sandro Damiano on Flickr. Click the pictures to view more of this lovely creation directly at Sandro's Photostream. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-37998078635759946832015-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:002015-08-13T13:31:15.923-07:00LEGO MOC: The City of KatorenThis is something else. Created by jsnyder002 and soccersnyderi on Flickr. The city buildings include: windmill, tower, gatehouse, potter's shop, tailor's shop, city hall, noble's house, palace guesthouse, and palace. Click on the pictures to head over to their Flickr stream(s) for detailed images of each. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-64228423808706500422015-08-01T13:44:00.000-07:002015-08-03T08:16:08.118-07:00LEGO Scooby-Doo Complete Set, Minifigure, and Price ListingWe are getting closer to the Scooby Doo theme LEGO sets releasing August 1, and I thought this would be a good time to summarize what we know about the sets that are due out soon. So many of us have been excited about the release since it was first announced by LEGO in January 2015, and for good reason. Keep scrolling for the complete list. All links point to Amazon from where you can buy BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-21828767758503054742015-07-26T12:24:00.000-07:002015-07-26T12:24:17.109-07:00LEGO Sales and Deals: Mobile Police Unit 60044 This is a great addition to any LEGO city layout, and it's currently on sale (at almost 30% OFF!) over at Amazon. Check it out. Includes 3 minifigures with assorted accessories: 2 policemen and a crook Features a Mobile Police Unit with control room, 3 surveillance screens, jail, detachable trailer with support legs Also features road barrier storage compartment, folding antenna and BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-54557384822672573662015-07-25T07:13:00.000-07:002015-07-25T07:13:23.334-07:00A Million and One Pieces LEGO Exhibit by David Tracy The following are from the Million and One Pieces exhibit, which was stationed at Forest Lawn Museum here in Los Angeles in the summer of 2014. The lamps by David Tracy never cease to amaze me. Visit the artists's official site at: http://davidtrumantracy.com/ BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-1473231381003233852015-07-23T10:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T10:00:03.084-07:00LEGO Classic Space MOC: InfernoCourtesy Michał Kaźmierczak on Flickr. Just brilliant. BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-47255727694888945282015-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T06:00:01.133-07:00The Original Jurassic Park Film Reimagined in LEGOThe blockbuster hit Jurassic Park is brought to life in LEGO as a father, daughter, and all their friends combine over $100,000 worth of LEGO pieces to make this epic stop-motion production. BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-68575652650695199562015-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:002015-07-22T13:10:08.478-07:002015 LEGO Design Challenge at Columbus Museum of Art Announcing the 2015 LEGO Design Challenge with CMA @OhioHistory @COSI! http://t.co/d049gu1Tpn pic.twitter.com/GfFasMPNgh — columbusmuseum (@columbusmuseum) July 20, 2015 The 2015 LEGO DESIGN CHALLENGE is a partnership between the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), COSI, and Ohio History Connection (OHC). Open to builders of all ages and experience levels, the challenge promotes the creative BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-24354178186241820102015-07-22T10:30:00.000-07:002015-07-22T10:30:01.908-07:00First Look: LEGO Wall.E Set Coming in December 2015 This might well be it. Someone please tell me the Wall.E logo at the front/center/bottom is printed on the tiles as opposed to being printed on stickers. Please. (Picture Source) BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-20568759676988050472015-07-22T06:00:00.001-07:002015-07-22T06:00:02.102-07:00Four Upcoming LEGO Minecraft Sets Reviewed! EuroBricks has a treat for all fans of the LEGO Minecraft sets. Four pre-release reviews of sets coming later in 2015! Click the following links to go to respective reviews over at Eurobricks (also picture source): 21119 The Dungeon 21120 The Snow Hideout 21121 Desert outpost 21122 Nether Fortress BrickWormhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-41132071941743522602015-07-21T06:30:00.000-07:002015-07-21T18:48:34.228-07:00LEGO Americana Roadshow Schedule and Highlights The LEGO Americana Roadshow: Building Across America is a traveling display of LEGO builds celebrating some of America's most famous landmarks. Among the models on display: US Capitol Building, The White House, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, Old North Church. Here's the schedule (source): Mall Locations: Kenwood BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-88725992711988425522015-07-20T09:30:00.000-07:002015-07-20T09:30:02.366-07:00Review: LEGO Ninjago 70752 Jungle Trap The pilot film and TV show that spawned a successful, multi-year line of LEGO sets have delivered some ultra-cool sets over the years. I've been building a few and will hope to review them soon, starting with the Ninjago Jungle Trap. At 58 pieces and two minifigures, this is one of the smaller sets in the line. The signature pieces in the set comprise the double Jade Blade. The two BrickWormhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-2750059492209966653.post-75030027854387794342015-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:002015-07-20T06:00:04.815-07:00Coming Soon: LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 14Here are some cool shots of some of the next series in our beloved LEGO Collectible Minifigures line, coming this fall. For more, head over to this Idle Hands post. BrickWormhttp://email@example.com


text: 15 January 2019 BRIO WORLD BATTERY OPERATED ACTION TRAIN Hello lovelies, this post is super late! Apologies to the lovely team who always send my children lovely toys to try out especially these ones from Brio, we are very lucky to get to work with this brand a lot. Read more » Comments (0) Tags: batteryoperatedtoy, brio, toy, toyreview, toys, train


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The goal of 500,000 people employed in the renewable energy sector moves further out of reach every year. The trend is now embedding in wider reports of "environmental jobs," not reported separately. Craig Morris takes a look.
All posts tagged: Employment
UK Prime Minister backs offshore wind industry in wake of sector deal
The United Kingdom's embattled Prime Minister, Theresa May, promised on Friday that "Brexit will not be a race to the bottom" for the country as she spoke at Danish energy giant Orsted's offshore wind factory in Grimsby, heralding the importance of offshore wind to the future of the country a day after her government had launched its long-awaited Offshore Wind Sector Deal. Joshua Hill takes a look.
When coal dies, what of the coal workers?
In principle, South Africa's development agenda shows that the country understands the need for a just transition to a low carbon economy. But what will this mean for the people working in the coal industry whose livelihoods will slowly dwindle? asks science writer Leonie Joubert.
How Trump could undermine the US solar boom
The US solar industry has been booming, employing far more people than coal and helping cut American emissions. But President Trump's administration could end up slapping tariffs on imported solar cells and panels. Llewelyn Hughes describes how this will affect the industry.
Time to call for decency
Donald Trump will be the next US president. For too long, climate campaigners focused on policies and technical fixes. It's time to start listening to the people affected again, rather than talking past them. A view from Germany by Craig Morris.
Modern day Gauls lead 100% renewable energy quest
Brittany has had its fair share of heroes, not least the fearsome duo Asterix and Obelix and their fight against the imperial powers of Rome. Patrick Saultier would be the last person to compare himself to the indomitable pair, but he, with a group of strong-minded modern day Gauls, is leading a twenty-first century quest, not to defeat the Romans, but to defeat out-dated French legislation and to bring renewable energy to les Bretons. Philippa Nuttall Jones reports about the modern-day electricity rebels.
While critics debate Energiewende, Germany is gaining a global advantage
An often heard criticism of Germany's Energiewende is its high price tag for consumers. Peter Sopher argues that a focus on price alone is shortsighted – as the economic and societal benefits outweight the cost by far.
It's the costs, stupid. Therefore, opt for renewables!
In the coming months, the EU will decide on its future energy mix and the role of renewables. So far, the outlook is bleak. Silvia Brugger explains why the EU should opt for a much more ambitious program: Renewables are cheaper and reduce Europe's foreign energy dependence.
German exports of renewable technology
One of the reasons to be a first mover is technological leadership. Germany is recognized as such a first mover in wind power, biomass, and solar. New data reveal the extent to which Germany has succeeded, as Craig Morris explains.
How opposite energy policies turned the Fukushima disaster into a loss for Japan and a win for Germany
When the Fukushima accident happened, both Japan and Germany were highly dependent on nuclear power. Whereas Germany has sped up its Energiewende ever since, Japanese politics have remained captured by the interest of utilities. Amory Lovins compares the political effects of the nuclear accident on both countries and debunks some myths around the outcomes of Germany's energy transition along the way.


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American Weathermakers is your most reliable source for air conditioning system repairs and general HVAC services in Glenview, Illinois.
Folks in Glenview have relied on American Weathermakers to service their air cooling needs for more than 60 years. With about 45,000 residents, it takes a solid HVAC service team to call on such a populous area, but thousands of our neighbors in Glenview have us on speed dial and call us when their air conditioning fails or needs a check-up. Whether you're looking for repairs or a new air conditioning system, we'll be ready to help you with anything to get your home as comfortable as possible, within your budget. If any part of your HVAC system needs a look, count on American Weathermakers to send you a professional air conditioning repair technician who'll answer all your questions and provide you with the most knowledgeable advice for which cooling system will work best for your home.
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Glenview, Illinois Fact: Kraft Foods is based in Glenview and is the largest employer in the town.


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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
View All Calendars is the default. Choose Select a Calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me® button, and you will automatically be alerted about the latest events in our community.
November 22, 2019, 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM @ Starbucks Coffee
Please join Camas Police Dept. and Washougal Police Dept. for "Coffee With A Cop" at the Starbucks located at 291 C Street between 2nd Street and 3rd Street in Washougal. Officers from both departments will be on hand to meet and chat with community members – we'd love to see you.
November 22, 2019, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ Washougal Community Center
Free community meals every Friday made possible by Refuel Washougal, local churches, non-profit organizations, and individuals working to provide meals to community members in need.


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Crystal Ball: Eight For Omaha In 2018Analysis
The 2017 College World Series just ended two days ago, but it's never too early to take a peek ahead at next year, so Aaron Fitt and Kendall Rogers are here to offer their best guesses at what the 2018 CWS field could look like. Much will change between now and opening day — let alone between now and next June — but this exercise can still be fruitful. In this space a year ago, Fitt and Rogers both pegged five of the eight teams that would make the 2017 CWS field (Florida, LSU, Oregon State, TCU and Florida State).
So let's take a stab at the 2018 field.
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Tappers Cafe @ The Curve Shopping Mall
My friend take away Carbonara Spaghetti for me from Tappers Bangsar South for dinner months ago and it tasted super good therefore I wanted to drop by their outlet in The Curve to dine-in. Tappers is located at Ground Floor, The Curve (Nearby The Chicken Rice Shop). Tappers serve an extensive menu like Beverages, Eggs & Toasts, Soup & Salads, Sandwiches, Hainanese West, Tappers West, Tappers East, Pasta, Vegetarian and Desserts. The restaurant was filling up quickly for dinner and they have a limited number of tables. They do have indoor and outdoor seating area. They use White colour as their restaurant theme which I loved as white is my favourite colour. We ordered spaghetti Carbonara, Penne Olio Beef and Fish & Chips.
Penne Olio Beef was good but the flavour does not mix well so it tasted blend and lack of flavour. Mix the sauce together with the Pasta before eating it so that the sauce mixes well and spread evenly with the pasta. In addition, please request for more sauce.
Penne Olio Beef @ RM 13.90
As for carbonara we requested to have extra sauce (Recommended by my friend). The portion was big but the sauce was a bit watery instead of creamy and the lifesaver of the dish was black pepper that gave a kick to the food.
Fish & Chips was moist and perfectly cooked. It was golden brown on the outside while fresh & meaty inside.
Fish & Chips @ RM 12.60
It was nice dinner for us before our shopping in IKEA. The foods are okay as they needs some improvements, good service and free WIFI. The service was fast and it only took 15 minutes for us to get our foods, therefore it will be a good place to drop by for quick meals if they make some improvements.
Service Charge: 10%
Lot G38, Ground Floor,
The Curve
No 6, Jalan PJU 7/3,
Mutiara Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya


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Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Kean Miller has represented the Louisiana chemical industry since its earliest presence in the state. Many of the firm's national and international chemical and refining clients came to our predecessor firm in the 1920s for assistance in the acquisition of land for their first Louisiana sites. As these companies expanded in Louisiana, so did the variety and complexity of their legal needs. Today, petrochemical companies continue to rely on Kean Miller for their legal services based on our understanding of the complex needs of the industry, our knowledge of their business, and our Louisiana know-how.
Representative Industry Experience:
- Served as Trial Attorney/Counsel in defending high-profile, multiple-plaintiff lawsuits arising out of an explosion and fire at a major Louisiana chemical manufacturing facility. The Kean Miller emergency response and trial teams assisted our client in official notifications, evidence preservation, incident investigation, interaction with state and federal regulatory authorities, litigation management, and complex mass joinder and personal injury trial defense in multiple venues, including taking several cases to verdict.
- Representation of the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) in connection with development of the initial RECAP rules and proposed revisions to those rules. In addition, we have represented the LCA in rulemaking and litigation on the development of the Louisiana Ambient Water Quality Standards; development of an implementation policy for application of water quality standards; TMDLs; air issues; hazardous waste issues; agency administrative practice/procedure issues; and state environmental legislation development.
Admiralty and Maritime:
- Representation of a large French chemical, agri-chemcial and pharmaceutical producer seeking to recover damages from a commercial barge towing company involved in a collision with an acid loading dock on the Mississippi River.
- Representation of a major fertilizer producer in maritime tort litigation involving an accident aboard a barge on the Mississippi River and in a resulting personal injury claim.
- Defense of claims against petrochemical companies arising under general Maritime law and involving alleged exposure to benzene being transported by various vessels.
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in a 905(b) action involving an accident on loading facilities belonging to our client and involving the unloading of a barge. The case was tried to jury which returned a zero verdict in favor of our client.
Business, Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate:
- Lead outside counsel in the sale of a styrene-butadiene rubber business unit of an international chemical company to a private equity company. The transaction took the form of an asset transaction, and involved issues particular to the sale of an on-going industrial business, such as those relating to ERISA, unions, state and local taxes and environmental regulatory matters.
- Representation of numerous chemical refiners in the formation of numerous "in plant" ventures.
- Representation of a Fortune 10 energy and chemical company in the two-stage acquisition of a plastics plant.
- Representation of an industry service company and its shareholders in the sale of all stock to a global service provider. Negotiations focused heavily on the terms for escrowing of the purchase price to satisfy potential indemnity claims. Further adding to the complexity of the transaction were issues relating to foreign ownership of assets and filings under Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
- Representation of a chemical company in connection with a fabrication agreement for specialized vessels with a foreign fabricator.
Cogeneration and Utilities Regulation:
- Representation of the Louisiana Energy Users Group (LEUG) for over 15 years. LEUG is an unincorporated association of manufacturing, refining, and related business operations located in Louisiana. We represent the organization in all major energy dockets before the Louisiana Public Service Commission and in dockets before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. We have provided extensive representation and advice to industrial and generation developers on state and federal electric power issues impacting proposed power projects.
- Representation of the lenders in the financing of a cogeneration facility at a major chemical facility in Geismar, Louisiana.
- Representation of a client in the construction and financing of a cogeneration facility in Carville, Louisiana.
Commercial and Industrial Real Estate:
- Representation of an international chemical company in its $242 million acquisition of the owner of all of the stock of a major rubber and chemical company. We also provided legal services in connection with the resale of the stock. We examined title to the petrochemical facilities located in East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge parishes and submitted the title opinion which supported the closing of the purchase.
- Representation of global fertilizer company in connection with a lease for a plant-in-plant project and related services agreements.
- Representation of a purchaser in the multimillion dollar acquisition of salt domes for a waste disposal by a Canadian company.
- Representation of the former Mobil Oil Corporation as its sole outside counsel in the complete documentation of the formation of a joint venture for the Chalmette refinery and in the course of that work examined title and issued a title policy supporting the transaction.
- Representation of a global chemical company in the examination of title, rendering of title opinions and issuance of title policies for all company property in Louisiana.
- Representation of an international chemical refiner in its acquisition of certain facilities from an aluminum and chemical company in Baton Rouge, and its acquisition of other facilities.
- Louisiana counsel to a chemical client in all real estate aspects of its acquisition of a chemical refining facility in Shreveport, Louisiana.
- Representation of a global chemical company in the due diligence on real estate acquired in numerous acquisitions and other joint ventures in Louisiana.
- Representation of an international chemical company in the acquisition of property within a refinery for a specialty chemical plant.
- Representation of a chemical company in contract drafting and examination of title to the plants in Lake Charles, Louisiana which involved a price of $540,000,000.
- Representation of a Fortune 10 petrochemical company in the formation of a polymer company which involved the acquisition in two stages of a plastics plant in Baton Rouge.
- Defense of a chemical plant owner in industrial construction litigation involving construction of MDI-2 production unit.
- Representation of a global engineering firm regarding allegations of breach of representations and warranties related to a multi-million dollar expansion project at a chemical facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
- Representation of a chemical division of an energy company in actions adverse to a surety and construction company regarding issues related to construction of a multi-million dollar industrial facility in St. Bernard and Ascension Parishes.
- Representation of a Fortune 10 petrochemical corporation in a $20 million case before the Mississippi Supreme Court involving construction claims including overruns, cardinal changes, and quantum meruit issues. The case involved the dismantling of an ammonia plant in Pascagoula, Mississippi and its reassembly in Pakistan. The case was affirmed on appeal by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Environmental Regulation and Permitting:
- Successfully obtained air and water permits for a greenfield merchant power plant (co-generation) in Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
- Representation of a global energy refining company in litigation and regulatory proceedings involving an attempt by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to revoke our client's exemption from continuous chlorination of a chemical plant water system. If upheld, the revocation would have required a multimillion dollar reconfiguration of the water system. The Administrative Law Judge ruled, based on the strength of the Kean Miller team's hearing presentation and argument in post-hearing briefs, that the Department improperly revoked the exemption.
- Successfully obtained air permits for major paper mill expansion. After issuance of the permit, the permit was challenged in the 19th Judicial District Court. The permit was upheld by the district court after a hearing and rehearing.
- Successfully obtained air permit and water permit modification for the chemical division of an energy company for the addition of new polyolefins production unit to an existing facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The permits were subsequently upheld by the 19th Judicial District Court, the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Supreme Court.
- Successfully obtained temporary authorization under RCRA for an international chemical client to burn napalm shipped to Louisiana from a United States Navy site in California. A lawsuit was filed in United States District Court to enjoin DEQ from issuing the temporary permit. Kean Miller LLP represented facility in connection with the permit and were successful in obtaining dismissal of the lawsuit.
- Successfully obtained permit revisions for air and water permits to allow a chemical industry service provider to recycle hazardous waste.
- Representation of numerous chemical facilities with respect to hazardous waste (RCRA) permit issuance and modification.
- Representation of numerous facilities with respect to air permit and water permit issuance and modification.
Environmental, Toxic Tort and Class Action Litigation:
- Representation of a a major chemical company in class actions filed as a result of three releases within a four month period. Our representation included an eight-week trial of six representative claims. The jury awarded less than 5% of the plaintiffs requested amount. After the trial, the claims were settled for a fraction of the plaintiffs' initial demand.
- Representation of a pesticide manufacturer in a class action lawsuit involving the alleged contamination of crawfish farming facilities.
- Representation of global fertilizer company in six class action lawsuits that were filed following a release of ammonia from their Geismar, Louisiana facility. The plaintiffs claim they are entitled to recover damages for numerous injuries allegedly sustained from exposure to ammonia. The release resulted in a shelter in place being ordered by local authorities.
- Representation of seven chemical companies in the Combustion, Inc. litigation. In this action we represented the companies on a joint defense basis. This litigation was a class action suit involving over 9,900 plaintiffs in connection with alleged exposure from the Combustion, Inc. "Superfund" site.
- Representation of over 30 defendant companies in a class action involving alleged contamination of air, soil and groundwater from a Superfund site in Bayou Sorrel, Louisiana. We were successful in removing the pending litigation to federal court and defeating a motion to remand.
- Representation of a global petrochemical client in over 200 separate suits, involving over 30,000 plaintiffs, as a result of explosions and fires at the Baton Rouge refinery. The cases have involved claims for personal injury, property damage, fear of cancer, exposure to numerous chemicals and substances, including benzene.
- Representation of a major fertilizer company in a class action suit in connection with an explosion at a nitroparaffins plant in Sterlington, Louisiana. The explosion resulted in several deaths and hundreds of individual claims for personal injury and property damage.
- Representation of a chemical industry client with regard to a "Superfund nominated site" near Shreveport, Louisiana. Over 2,000 neighbors alleged property damage and personal injury exposure from ground water migration and air contamination.
- Representation of a chemical company in over 150 lawsuits filed in Louisiana and Mississippi as a result of a rupture of a nitrogen tetroxide railcar at a chemical facility in Bogalusa, Louisiana. The incident resulted in the evacuation of part of the city.
- Representation of a major chemical refiner in a class action involving over 6,000 claims arising out a leaking transport trailer containing boron trifluoride which resulted in an evacuation and shelter-in-place of a residential neighborhood near Interstate 12 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Representation of a major chemical company in a class action invoking over 8,000 claims arising out a valve malfunction at a chemical manufacturing facility located adjacent to a residential area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- Representation of a chemical company in a class action involving several thousand claims arising from an accidental release of antimony pentachloride at a chemical facility. The class action was denied.
Insurance Coverage:
- Representation of a global fertilizer company in coverage claims involving contractual indemnity for bodily injury.
- Representation of an international chemical company in the recovery of settlement monies paid for bodily injury and property damages and in environmental class action litigation.
- Successful representation of a chemical company in a multi-million dollar insurance coverage dispute arising out of mass tort claims in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
- Successful representation of a chemical plant in a complex insurance coverage and indemnity dispute with a large engineering firm while the engineering firm was in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Intellectual Property:
- Representation of chemical research corporation in a patent infringement lawsuit.
Labor and Employment:
- Representation of major chemical facilities as employer in jury trial in state court in which plaintiff alleged unlawful sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Judgment for employer.
- Representation of a global chemical company as employer in jury trial in federal court in which plaintiff alleged unlawful retaliation in denied promotion. Judgment for employer.
- Representation of a large chemical refiner as employer in jury trial in federal court in which plaintiff alleged disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Judgment for employer.
- Representation of a major chemical company as employer in jury trial in federal court in which plaintiff alleged race discrimination in denied promotion. Judgment for employer.
Occupational Exposure:
- Representation of major petrochemical companies in jury trials involving wrongful death and survival claims brought by plaintiffs who allegedly developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products at petrochemical and paper mill facilities.
- Successfully obtained numerous summary judgments exonerating major petrochemical clients in chemical exposure suits brought by contract workers.
- Representation of global chemical clients in asbestos-related claims and in negotiations with some of Louisiana's most prominent plaintiffs' law firms.
- Negotiation, litigation and settlement of hundreds of cases involving exposure to asbestos and asbestos-related products for some of Louisiana's most prominent petrochemical companies.
- Representation of chemical industry clients in a variety of claims alleging hearing loss as a result of working in petrochemical facilities.
Project Development:
- Project local counsel for a $10 billion Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) export terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The facility will process 1.7 billion cubic feet per day. Kean Miller represented the owner in the transaction as Louisiana real estate counsel, Louisiana energy regulatory counsel, and Louisiana and federal environmental counsel
- Successfully obtained Title V, PSD, and LPDES permits for a $4 billion ethylene cracking and derivatives complex and an adjacent gas-to liquids complex in Calcasieu Parish. Kean Miller represented the owner as Louisiana real estate counsel, Louisiana and federal environmental counsel, Louisiana tax and environmental incentives counsel, Louisiana energy regulatory counsel, and Louisiana construction law counsel. Kean Miller acted as Louisiana counsel representing the client in connection with financing of the ethylene/derivatives complex.
State and Local Tax:
- Representation of the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) as tax counsel. The LCA represents Louisiana's chemical industry at the Capitol and in connection with the activities of regulatory agencies.
White Collar Environmental Crime:
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in a three-year criminal investigation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency concerning allegations of criminal violations of air, water, solid waste, and hazardous waste laws and regulations.
- Representation of a pesticide manufacturer in Northeast Louisiana in a criminal investigation by the United States Environmental Protection Agency concerning allegations of an illegal disposal of hazardous wastes.
- Representation of a major chemical company in response to an investigation and audit by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Representation of a major chemical company in avoiding indictment and in a case involving the spill of EDC into a major waterway and in the negotiation of a civil remedy.
Workers' Compensation:
- Representation of an international plastics company in workers compensation claims involving insurance coverage and statutory employer issues.
- Representation of other major chemical industry employers in a wide variety of workers compensation claims.


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Supple and slightly buttery, this wine lingers on the palate with layers of toast and spice. Extremely versatile with foods, this is the 'red wine' of white wines, combining beautifully with grilled pork, chicken, fish, salads and cream-based pasta sauces.
Additional Information:
Complete wine kit; Includes complete instructions, wine yeast and all additives required. Winexpert's World Vineyard wine kits utilize top juice from the best vineyards from around the world and are matched with the appropriate yeast to complement the style.,. International content provides winemakers the opportunity to try famous varietals and styles from around the world, at an affordable price. Contains 100% pure varietal grape juice and concentrate. This 10 litre wine kit continues to set the standard in its category by yielding wines of excellent quality, flavour and aroma.
Yields 23 litres / 6 US Gallons. Ready to bottle in 4 weeks


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|By Ret Boney
When Barry Childs left Tanzania almost 50 years ago, HIV/AIDS had not yet ravaged the country and orphaned its children.
But after visiting his childhood home a few years ago and witnessing challenges facing Africa, Childs left his job at Abbott Laboratories and started Africa Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Africans, particularly its children.
In May, 46 orphans in the village of Idweli, Tanzania, moved into the children's center built by Childs' nonprofit, where they receive food, clothing, medical care and an education.
Childs spent the first 12 years of his life in Tanzania, where his father worked as an agricultural officer for the British government.
"As a child it was paradise," he says. "My father would go out on foot safari and I'd go to all these remote villages where they'd never seen a white child before."
Tanzania has changed since then, with the World Health Organization estimating that, in 2003, 1.6 million people in the country lived with AIDS, or about one in 10 adults. That same year, the country had 980,000 children who had been orphaned by the disease.
| Barry Childs
Job: President, Africa Bridge, West Linn, Ore.
Education: B.S., psychology, Natal University, South Africa
Born: 1944, Durban, South Africa; raised in Tanga, Tanzania
Family: Wife, Hazel, board member, African Bridge; three children
Hobbies: Running, biking, yoga, pilates
Just read: "The Miracles of Barefoot Capitalism," by Cornell Wilkes
Inspiration: Nelson Mandela; Desmond Tutu, who serves on board of advisors, Africa Bridge
|In the village of Idweli, Childs says, 208 of the 425 children are orphans.
Childs began his corporate career with Exxon in London, where he started in sales and marketing, then spent time in human resources, industrial relations and the computer department before ending up as the head of training for Exxon U.K.
He then joined Abbott Laboratories and moved his family to Germany to start the company's management development and training program for Europe, later moving to corporate headquarters in Chicago.
Childs attended a leadership conference 1998, where he met a young woman who was working with an American doctor in Tanzania who had set up a hospital there some 30 years ago.
He struck up friendship with the doctor, shipped over medical supplies donated by Abbott and visited later that year.
"It was an amazing experience," he says. "I hadn't been back in 37 years. I saw my elementary school and my name was still up in the cafeteria."
He was moved by the beauty of the country, but dismayed by the poverty and constant struggle, and longed to find a way to help.
After talking with his wife, they sold their home, moved into a rental and he quit his job in 2000 to start Africa Bridge, which he now runs out of his home in West Linn, Ore., as a way to help African leaders figure out what to do about the country's most pressing issues.
To do that, he went on a research mission later that year, interviewing some 80 politicians, journalists, business people, doctors and AIDS patients, and the problem of children orphaned by the disease rose to the surface.
"It was through those interviews that I started appreciating the devastation of AIDS," Childs says. "You put AIDS and poverty together and it's a terrible mix."
He also learned that much of the aid money flowing into Africa has a "western agenda," he says, and that Africans had not yet sat down together to decide what they should do.
So in 2002, Childs went to Tanzania again to conduct a needs analysis for the village of Idweli, where he held meetings with the villagers, including two days of meetings with children.
"It was the most exciting meeting I've ever run in my life," he says of the kids' meeting. "Children are just so transparent and there was no being polite or being political. The issues are so clear and so clearly stated."
As a result of those meetings, the village decided to build a children's center for orphans, which opened in May.
The majority of the funding for the project, about $35,000, came from Childs, who draws no salary from the nonprofit he started, and his family and friends, with another $25,000 from Newman's Own for the center's first-year operating expenses.
In an effort to make the center independent of charity, Childs is working with the Lutheran church in a nearby village to start a micro-loan program, where 10 families who have taken in orphans each get loans of $500 to start an Irish potato farming coop.
The families receive four months training in areas like soil conservation, tilling, banking and marketing, along with two years of follow-up, in exchange for a three-year loan-repayment plan in which the repaid principal goes back into the micro-loan pool and the interest goes to the children's center.
Africa Bridge and the Lutheran church are also sending one villager to a six-month program at an agricultural college to gain knowledge that can be shared with other farmers in the coop.
Childs is also on schedule to start a heifer program in October, where families of orphans will get cows and start dairy programs, giving some of the offspring of their animals to other needy families and to the children's center.
"Our concept is not building children's centers, but making families mini-children's centers," he says. "If we can increase the income of a family who is fostering orphans, then they have the capacity to feed them and send them to school."
Africa Bridge also plans to help families of orphans keep their children in school by paying for uniforms and supplies until the families can take over those expenses, an approach that has been shown to dramatically lower absentee rates.
There's a straight-line correlation between getting them some education and reducing HIV/AIDS," Childs says.
Moving from the corporate world of Abbott Labs, with its deep pockets behind him, to the nonprofit world, was a difficult but valuable transition, he says.
"I approached things with a corporate mindset and I had to unlearn my whole approach to solving problems," says Childs. "I had to figure out how to do things in a very grassroots, low-cost way."


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In the News
German Political Shifts Leave Merkel's Legacy Hanging in Balance
May 30, 2019
The poor fortunes of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party in last weekend's EU parliamentary elections present the latest challenge to her hard-earned legacy.
Where it stands: Although Merkel's coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD), are in free fall, her popularity has helped the political center hold in Germany much better than in other EU countries. But now the contagion of populist forces and smaller parties that has overrun establishment parties across Europe is also threatening Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU).
Details: The SPD's paltry 15.8 percent of the German vote in EU parliamentary elections on Sunday revealed it to be at an existential crossroads. But the CDU's decline in support offered its own wake-up call.
Related Content
In the News
Could NATO Be the Downfall of Angela Merkel's Government?
Apr 5, 2019 | By Sudha David-Wilp
In the News
Another Grand Coalition Takes Shape in Berlin
Jan 22, 2018 | By Sudha David-Wilp


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It's not easy to keep track with music news especially when you make yourself a busy bunny, so we check it all out regularly and make a selective list of the new stuff that you could most likely be into. That's the great stuff you missed!
HECK – BG and Rarities Vol. 1
Heck have released this collection of EPs and previously unreleased tracks, from that time they were still called Baby Godzilla. This collection is currently available for streaming or purchase. Chaos.
Gun Shy release 'The Long Dance'
Gun Shy's new EP 'The Long Dance' was released on May 12th, 2017, via Wrong Way Round Records. It sounds mysterious and somehow unique, with those guitar tones that come delicately tickle your ears. Landing somewhere around post-rock, 'The Long Dance' was recorded and mastered at the Ranch Production House and is available in both digital and cassette formats. You might have already crossed paths with Gun Shy if you've ever paid attention to Southampton's musical landscape, or if you're one of these (fouines) who have already watched Tested Like God (see above) and their other original motion pictures.
House Vs Hurricane announce return with new album Filth
They've been teasing for a little while now, but it is now official that Australia's finest post-hardcore act House Vs Hurricane is back. They will be releasing a new album, 'Filth' on June 2nd, via UNFD and you can check out the title track right here.
Hundredth release new singles ahead of new album
Hundredth have taken a clear shift in the way they want to make their music sound as the new tracks they've recently dropped are slightly different than anything they did before. We're expecting a more daring record, where the band will hopefully be showing even more confidence.
'RARE' is set to be released on June 16th, 2017, through Hopeless Records.
The One Hundred announce new album / release new single
The One Hundred's debut album will finally see the light next month. Here's yet another single taken off it and if you've been following the band in the past year, you'd probably have already watched it live. Anyway, 'Chaos+Bliss' is out on June 2nd, via Spinefarm Records.
Blood Youth – What I'm Running from (Music video)
Watch Blood Youth's new music video for What I'm Running From, taken from the band's debut album 'Beyond Repair'.
Eighteen Visions are back
Eighteen Visions have recently announced their return with first record in over 10 years. 'XVIII' is set to be released on June 2nd though Rise Records and Oath is the first track taken off it.
Of Mice & Men – Back To Me
This is the second track Of Mice & Men are releasing as a four piece and we're now even more interested in seeing how things turn out for them. The band will be making a summer run in Europe, so make sure you catch one of the shows.
Meat Wave perform at Audiotree Far Out
Audio tree are now expanding their sessions outside the studio in this series called Far Out and Meat Wave recently performed one of them. Watch it right now, because it's great. More of this can be found here : Meat Wave @ Audiotree Far Out.
Meat Wave have a new album out called 'The Incessant'.
Petrol Girls – Touch Me Again (music video)
Petrol Girls have released this brilliant video for a powerful and poignant track of theirs called Touch Me Again, in which they speak out against sexual violence : "This song grew out of my own experiences of sexual violence, both within and outside of the punk community and from our commitment as a band to speaking about consent whenever we get an opportunity. We hope that this video project has opened that platform up to more people that share the same or similar experiences and that this collective project has been in some way empowering!"
Petrol Girls – Talk Of Violence, out now via Bomber Music.
Slow Crush – Sway
Looking for something relaxing to listen to? Slow Crush's touching melancholy might be what you need. Sway is taken from the Belgians' newly released EP 'Ease'. Get into it!
Slow Crush – Ease (EP), out now via Flood Records.
Figures – Recoil
It seems like there's a constant steam or music coming from down under and we're not complaining!
Having just released a self-titled EP, Figures are already ready to share yet another EP with the world. 'Chronos' is out on June 16th, and in the meantime, you can check out this new track taken off it, called Recoil.
In Hearts Wake launch We Are Waterborne project on album release week
In Hearts Wake are one of those band's we do support, mainly because of their ethics as artists, performers and influencers. It's no secret that the Australians have always had a very special relationship with Earth and the environment we live in and in the occasion of the release of their new album 'Ark', this month, In Hearts Wake will be meeting and hanging out with their fans, at various Australian beaches, where they will be holding clean-up events and raising awareness around the issue in their country, which is a great initiative. Follow the project right here : We are Waterborne
In Hearts Wake – 'Ark' out now, via UNFD.
CKY return with new single Days of Self Destruction
After 8 years on hiatus, american rockers in CKY are finally putting out new music. The above single features Mastodon's Brent Hinds. And while CKY are already back on the road, the release of their new album is imminent. 'The Phoenix' is out on June 16th, 2017.
Bad Sign – Square One
The time has come! Bad Sign will be releasing their (much awaited) new album 'Live and Learn' On July 14th, through Basick Records. These hardworking rockers have managed to build the perfect balance between heaviness and power and we believe this album is going to be huge!


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Ildiko Neer: Contributor Interview
1- Tell us a little about yourself, and how you became interested in photography!
In my forties, and after more than twenty years working in an office, I got the idea to buy a DSLR and try to make some photos. I just wanted to try it for myself! I really enjoyed shooting flowers in a field, flowers in a vase, grass in the garden…
I then went to a photography school to learn the basics. I started to shoot forests – lot of forests!
Processing my tree images was an escape from reality and I found myself at home with them. I found my peace. But when I bought that first camera i never thought it would change my life!
2- What gives you ideas and inspires you to create such amazing imagery?
I always want to express feelings or create feelings with my images. The objects may change, but this is my main motivation.
3- Your work has evolved from amazing landscapes to detailed and curated shoots. What was the process of this evolution? Did anything in particular drive you to branch out?
With my forest shots, I created a dreamland for myself, and it turned out that this world was appreciated by others as well. After few years I had a lot of followers and fans, and I was asked by an agency to sell my forest shots for book covers.
That call inspired me to try myself out as a portrait photographer, but the evolution came after a lot of work. I am quite a determined person – I am not used to giving up on anything that I really believe in!
So I shot thousands of images, and over time they've been getting better and better.
4- What are your favourite sources of objects and costumes? Where do you usually find your locations?
My favorite themes are historical shoots. I love the time-travelling. I particularly admire the elegance and grace of the last century.
For historical shoots I have to find locations without cars, for example, or any sign of the present day. I used to look for my locations via Google Maps before shooting.
I used to cycle 100-200 km every weekend, and when i was on my bike there were a lots of occasions when I found beautiful lakes with piers, or just fields without any big electricity pylons or billboards.
5- Your historical shoots are absolutely gorgeous! What advice would you give photographers wanting to start shooting in this genre?
Historical shoots are never about the model. They are telling a story from the past. The model, when appearing on my historical images, is never a beauty – she is always an actress.
This is the first thing that I have to keep in mind when I look for models to shoot historical pictures with, and it's essential that the model understands this as well.
Beyond that, we have to be accurate with clothing, hair and makeup styles. It's not always easy, but photographers can check the internet for advice, or study original pictures from the relevant century.
6- Do you carefully pose your photos or do you take a more candid approach? How do you direct your models, if at all?
I like to make lots of moving shots, when models are walking, running, turning or dancing. The playfulness helps the models to relax and they can behave more naturally and easily.
I usually tell them – just be natural! I will also try to show them examples of the poses I need from them.
7- How important is Photoshop in creating your finished images?
It's a very important aspect. I often tell people that when a shoot ends, that's only half the work done – the other half is the digital processing with software and graphics tools.
The images I've created over the last year have all used digital elements alongside traditional photographic techniques.
8- What has been your funniest or most awkward moment on a shoot?
On photoshoots we always laugh a lot, because the costumes draw a lot of attention on the street! Passers-by always want to take selfies with the models…
Once, we were shooting around an old railway station to get some retro images of a couple. The carriages were closed, but there was an old man who had keys – when he saw the couple, he thought they were getting married and that I was there immortalizing them for the wedding album!
So he opened up the carriages for us, and gave his best wishes to the 'husband and wife'!
Another time there was a little girl who saw my model in costume, and thought she had found a real princess. I think we made her dream come true that day… It was a really heartwarming moment for all of us.
9- Personal projects can be so beneficial to a photographer's growth and creativity. Do you have any you're working on right now?
I think of all of my images as personal projects. I usually wait for an idea to come to me, but I think next time I will shoot some studio shots. Maybe some close-ups with beautiful details of an old costume, with a little scent of a woman…
10- What do you think the challenges are for the stock photography industry at the moment? What changes do you foresee over the next few years?
I think the best covers are the cleanest, the simplest ones. New digital solutions have had a big impact over the book cover industry in the last few years.
In the coming years, I think the freshest, newest ideas will rule the world of book covers! I'm excited to see more quirky cuts, more varied use of depth-of-field, astounding concepts with objects, and unexpected model poses.
Have a look at Ildiko Neer's entire portfolio.


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Tables, Chairs, Decor we've got it,
RV & Camping Onsite
We take pride in our customer service along with the extensive rentals. From tables & chairs to amazing farmhouse style decor or a more modern twist, we can make any event to match your style and needs.
Spool TableLarge Spool tables $10.00 ea. Great for cakes, food, presents, entries, or as tables for people to stand at.
Show More


text: It would be nice if we could tow the DPV or switch it like tanks and computers. I have problems trying stay at the same depth on some dive sites when using the scooter, due to bouncing off of rocks or the curves of the sand. Some times I would like to scooter, then swim a little bit, then scooter again, but cant because if I want better control over my diver I have to leave the scooter behind.


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As have other bloggers before me, I received a pitch from AGL for their 'Green Living' electricity deal which offers a no contracts, no extra charges 'green' electricity option.
While the deal sounds good, it is perhaps a little too good to be true. So who can tell me what's really going on?
GreenPower? GreenPower NSW? Since these are both government run, they are unlikely to give me a real opinion on the value of any given offer. Further searching yields an interesting site, Green Electricity Watch – run "by Australian environment groups to help consumers choose". That sounds like what we need to read.
The basic gist is this : buy electricity with the highest amount of accredited GreenPower as you can afford – that's the only source that will actually make a difference.
Going by that, the AGL 'Green Living' deal only sources 20% from accredited Green power. Not so good, but better than nothing I suppose – the only danger with this switch would be complacency. Are you going to remember to upgrade to a higher percentage accredited plan next year?


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Over the years we have heard it all, but some snow & ski questions we have heard more than others. Here are the most commonly asked ski questions and our well informed answers.
Over the years we have heard it all, but some snow & ski questions we have heard more than others. Here are the most commonly asked ski questions and our well informed answers.
Shaker will be either in the Saddle at Treble Cone or 'powdering his nose' care of Harris Mountains Heli-skiing. Charlie will be on the phone or/and sorting 'an amazing deal'.
Well, by asking in store you have already come up with half the answer yourself – Wanaka. The other part in a nutshell is: For the first ski holiday or great place to go with the family is Cardrona. Cardrona is famous for its amazing family facilities, open terrain and now, the best freestyle park around for those who have no respect for their metal edged skis, are equally at home riding both ways and those who want to hit some massive kickers and challenge their freestyle riding; Treble Cone for the more adventurous spirits who know how to finish a turn (Pffftt…) and for those who seek the most varied terrain and the deepest snow in NZ; The Snowfarm rounds it out nicely for a most amazing day of solitude, fun and that great aerobic workout the mountains can deliver.
All about 40 minutes drive from Racers Edge although Shaker and Diana and a Nissan Bluebird set the pace a few years ago at a cracking 21 minutes. Apparently…
It does happen. It can depend on your fitness, the shell fit and the snow conditions, but usually the Wanaka boot fitters at Racers Edge can find a simple solution. There are a myriad of minute adjustments that can be made to produce a comfortable boot fit. The first step is onto our custom footbed machine – a must.
Goggles for warmth and expanded vision on low light days and of course so much better if you bail. Glasses for the sun deck or the blue bird spring day. Kids – goggles every time.
Executive rental skis are usually new seasons skis chosen off the retail rack to enhance even the most tentative skier's performance. Skiers can choose to rent the best of the best or have one of our trained rental technicians make a recommendation. Performance rental skis are renewed every couple of years. They are generally rental specific and designed to offer a medium level of performance and be durable.
Get layered. We do. Dump the cotton skivvies and grab a Merino or two. Choose an Icebreaker or Mons Royale. Highly waterproof and windproof shell and insulated jackets and pants are a must, the more you spend the warmer you'll be in all mountain conditions and of course the better you'll look. Mittens keep kid's hands warmer than gloves, and women that suffer from the cold, there are mittens for you too without losing dexterity. Helmets are safe and warm. Neck-warmers do the business, and specific ski socks enhance warmth and comfort.
Welcome to Wanaka! If you're up the mountain but not on the mountain, you can get a great view of the skiers and riders at all Wanaka's ski resorts.
The cafés are legendary and at Treble Cone you can take a chairlift ride up the mountain. Off the mountain, Wanaka offers a plethora of fantastic cafés and shops to meander through. More active pursuits can include a magnificent jet boat ride up the Matukituki River, a free fall from 15,000ft courtesy of Skydive Wanaka, taste wines at Rippon Vineyard, go mountain biking and walking – the list is endless.
Shaker is the man to answer this one. "The best thing you can do in the mountains with your pants on!" Harris Mountains Heli-skiing, with it's office right in Racers Edge, has the experience and the terrain to give you a magical day in the mountains. This fully guided and catered service has operated since the 1980's. If you can make a reasonable turn on any ski resort, you can heli-ski. Maximise your day and guarantee yourself more fun with a wide profile ski from our Racers Edge ski rental.
Yes. As Wanaka has become known as the place to ski and board, we have become busier. It helps us to help you if you let us know your intentions. You can hire your ski gear online from Racers Edge.
subscribe to out newsletter to get latest news about our products, events and sales
Racers Edge is an iconic Wanaka store, selling and renting premium cycling and snow gear. Rent your Winter ski gear from Racers Edge in Wanaka, or come into the store to browse our wide selection.
Mon - Sat: 09:00 am - 18:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 17:00 pm
Mon - Sat: 09:00 am - 18:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am - 16:00 pm
SHOP: Mon - Sun: 07:30 - 19:30
BIKE: Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 17:30
BIKE: Sun: Closed


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Fear of the blank page.
It's why we buy notebooks and sketchbooks and never use them.
It's why we always think about what we could create, but we never actually do it.
It's why in Zentangle, we start with four pencil dots in the corner of a tile.
Before we start, our page, our project, is perfect. Once we put something down, we are committed. And what if it isn't the right thing? What if we wreck it? The only answer to that is to take the plunge. Just start.
I've been practicing the Zentangle method for over three years now. Over that time, a blank tile has much less significance for me; I usually see it as an adventure because I usually have no idea what I'm going to be drawing.
But I admit that I can still get frozen by a pre-coloured or pre-strung tile, or at the start of a ZIA project. That's because there's something already there, or in the case of a ZIA project, there's a predetermined outcome.
Recently I taught a class where we tangled on fans. I needed to create a prototype so I could show what they would look like. And I found myself hesitating before starting. What to do? Going back to our Zentangle tiles, the answer was to start with a pencil line – then create a string or series of strings. Once that was done, it was a matter of taking a few deep breaths, relaxing and just starting to tangle. The hardest part was taking that plunge, but as is the case with most things Zentangle, taking your time and enjoying the process makes it fun and satisfying. My resulting lines and tangles weren't symmetrical, weren't perfectly spaced and weren't always even, but I'm always surprised at how these imperfections disappear when you see the end result. I think my students felt the same way.
In the case of a tile with a watercolour wash, it often looks so pretty I'm not sure how I can add to it. The interesting thing is that once I put down that first line, I'm usually okay. I look at the tile, let my mind relax, take a couple of slow, deep breaths and let my mind relax. Before long, something comes to mind, and I've learned to just go with it.
The tile shown here was one of a set I did when I first got my Brusho Crystals (these are water-colour crystals).
I wanted to try out all the colours, so I wet a number of tiles, sprinkled different combinations of crystals over them, spritzed them with water and waited. This tile came out a lot darker than I anticipated (I don't know what I expected; the crystals included dark brown and black!). Too dark, I thought, to tangle on. So this tile went into my stash for months. From time to time I pulled it out, but it wasn't until recently, when I was thinking about going from black-to-white (and why couldn't you do both on one piece) that this tile came to mind.
The point here is that I still didn't know how the tile would turn out. While there was colour on the tile, it was still a 'blank canvas'. What should I do? Okay, let's keep it simple. Let's make it a monotangle. What's a favourite tangle I could use? Why not Flux?
Deep breath. Start somewhere. Black ink is familiar, so I'll start with that. Draw one Flux shape. Then another. Stop and take a look from time to time. Maybe I should move to white gelly roll now? Turn the tile from time to time. I just kept going. And then I stopped when I felt like stopping.
Dot, border, string? I didn't do that for this tile, but starting somewhere and letting the tangle grow was just as freeing. I didn't add shading because I liked the tile the way it was.
As with most things, if you look at the overall piece/project/task, it can seem overwhelming. But you know how to take the plunge. Start with just a pencil dot. And then another. And then a line. And then you pick up your pen…..


text: New Report Disputes CBO's Analysis of ACA Mandate Repeal November 20, 2017 S&P Estimates Lower Savings, Fewer Uninsured Than CBO for Mandate – Inside Health Policy Manatt's Joel Ario, a managing director with Manatt Health, was quoted by Inside Health Policy for an article on a new report by S&P Global that weighs the impact of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate repeal. According to the publication, S&P Global found that the federal government would save far less—and far fewer Americans would end up insured—than estimated by the Congressional Budget Office. The reason there's a slightly different view is that S&P believes that the mandate is weak, and so full removal would have less impact. The firm believes that it is not the mandate penalty, but the intrinsic financial incentives available to most eligible enrollees that drive enrollment in these two markets. Ario explained, however, that the report reads as if it were written by someone who doesn't understand insurance incentives. "If consumers can opt out of paying for health insurance and still get the same insurance deal after they get sick, the message to healthy consumers is to save your money until you get sick. Every state that had guaranteed issue without a mandate in pre-ACA days had the same result—escalating premiums and shrinking enrollment."


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Double Room with Matrimonial Bed 3 pax
It is the only one of our rooms located outside the main building, it has an independent staircase access located on the side of the main building. It is a different room from the rest because of its location but with similar characteristics. It has a large and comfortable double bed of 1.80m and has the possibility of adding an extra bed. The room has a simple decoration and has heating / air conditioning, TV, safe, telephone and a toilet with shower and hairdryer.
Breakfast is included in the price of the room and is served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the hotel restaurant.
- Air conditioning
- Housekeeping (daily)
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Internet access - free


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CategoriesBournemouth & District Chess League
Colin Wilson reports on LMS a very exciting finish to this opening encounter in which the Poole Captain Tarik kept especially cool. 2 very evenly matched teams.
Captains have been excellent reporting matches promptly, after minutes after the finish – and also adding interesting comments about the games. As Colin has done for this one. LMS can be accessed from this website by simply clicking on the red button at the top of the page.
There is quite a lot of information on LMS not immediately apparent.
For example, from the Home Page you can click on any club here:
and it will open up options to view all that club's:
Players and grades etc
Player performance stats to date


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Late Night Happy Hour is BACK !!!!!!
Late night Happy Hour is BACK! Great prices for the last hour open at both of our locations. The happy hour menu includes appetizers, soup, salad, beer, wine, sake, and cocktails.
Valentine's Day!
Get your loved one excited for a sultry night.
Here at Harney, we are known for romance.
We have all of the ingredients to make your evening a hit. Dark lighting, prominent music, sultry dishes. This is the perfect place to treat your beloved to a night they will melt over.
Let us take care of you on this very special celebration.
Reservations a must!
[button size="large" color="#508273″ link="https://harneysushi.com/reservations/" align="center"]Click Here to Reserve Your Table Today![/button]
Live Music!
Thursdays in Old Town
Fridays in Oceanside
Harney is bringing in some of the best San Diego musicians for our live music nights.
Thursday Evenings in Old Town
Friday Evenings in Oceanside
6:30- 9:30pm
Follow us on Facebook for info on artists.
Let's Get Fit!
With Victory Fitness
Harney Sushi Old Town would like to support all of your New Years resolutions. We have joined forces with VICTORY FITNESS to help you eat right, and get fit.
All Harney Royalty members get
This includes all of their exciting classes.
Roll Contests Winners
Roll Contest Winner – Oceanside
Welcome to the menu……the
Ana Roll
Created by our one and only.
Head Chef Miguel Castillo!
The Roll is named after his beloved wife Ana, who also works here at Harney Sushi.
The rolls is an explosion of the perfect blend of textures and tastes. A shrimp tempura based roll, topped with Salmon and Orange, Seared, and finished off with a Miguel's Super Sauce.
Come try it out!
Roll Contest Winner – Old Town
Old Town Roll Winner…..the
"I Dare You" Roll
Created by Chef Javier Flores
This one is unique and has some surprises.
Spicy Tuna, Shishito Peppers, Avocado, Yama Gobo.. Topped with Seared Tuna, Yuzu Habanero Sauce, Mirco-Cilantro, and Red Onion.
These rolls will be on the menu starting in February[button size="large" color="#508273″ link="https://harneysushi.com/reservations/" align="center"]Click Here to Reserve Your Table Today![/button]