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The ESR iPad Pro Case Offers Great Design & Protection for $16
Apple has a reputation for not just producing high quality products, but for producing overpriced products despite their quality. While that reputation doesn't hold true in all circumstances, the current state of pricing for Apple's first party iPad cases is banana-pants crazy, even for Apple.
To address the pricing issue in specific terms, I picked up the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro when it launched in March but I used it without a case for the first several weeks. The reason? Forgetting the fancy keyboard cover, to simply obtain full protection of the iPad's front and back and still stay within the Apple product family I would need to purchase both the $69 Silicon Case and the $49 Smart Cover. That's $118 plus tax for a case design that isn't even that great, with a 2 out of 5-star rating from customers at Apple's website as of the date of this article. It's also $39 more expensive than the similar $79 iPad Air 2 Smart Case, which combines front and back protection into a single piece, because, well, screw you, that's why.
Not willing to shell out such an exorbitant price for an official Apple case, I turned to the familiar world of third party case makers. This industry can be difficult for consumers to navigate, as it is populated by a range of companies from familiar and trustworthy firms like Logitech to no-name brands sold direct from China and everything in between.
I spent some time browsing the market and picked up a few relatively cheap cases to test. As I expected, most of these cheap third party iPad cases had a design and quality that matched their bargain basement price, but I did finally stumble upon an iPad Pro case that is not only affordable, but actually quite nice: the ESR PU Leather Smart Cover Folio.
At just $16, the ESR Smart Cover Folio is definitely on the cheaper end of the price spectrum, but you get quite a nice product for that price. As the case's official name declares, the ESR case is made from "PU leather," also known as bicast leather, which is an artificial material with a split leather backing and polyurethane coating. The result won't fool anyone into thinking that they're holding a genuine leather-bound book, but you end up with a smooth, even texture that feels great to hold and has, thus far, held up quite well scuffs and scratches while in use.
The inside of the case is covered in a soft microfiber coating to protect the iPad's screen, while a plastic compartment on the right side of the case snaps around the edges of the iPad Pro to hold it in place.
Unlike some of the cheap cases I tested, the engineering of the ESR case is right on point, and the iPad fit perfectly once inserted, with no uneven, loose, or tight edges. The case is quite sturdy for its 7.8-ounce weight, with very little flex or shifting outside of the primary hinge point.
The ESR case is designed specifically for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, and so it features cut-outs in the appropriate locations for the device's four speakers, Lightning port, lock button, headphone jack, camera, and microphones. The front cover also has the requisite magnets to trigger the sleep and wake functions of the iPad's screen when closed and opened.
The only issue I found with the case's design concerns the volume buttons. There are indeed plastic pass through buttons for the iPad's physical buttons beneath, but the location of the buttons near the bottom edge of the case makes pressing them, with my fingers at least, difficult.
Simply resting my finger flat against the right edge of the case does not provide the correct angle to sufficiently press the buttons, as they curve inwards with the edge of the iPad and my finger naturally hits the bottom of the case before it can reach the volume buttons. I can still reach the volume buttons with some effort, but I have to reorient my finger into a position that is generally unnatural based on the way I typically hold the iPad while it is in its case and then force it into the gap between the buttons and the case. Perhaps someone with more slender fingers than I would have an easier time, but this is one rare area in which this ESR iPad Pro case does not excel.
When using the iPad Pro in the case, the front cover folds all the way back for easy reading, or to rest flat on a desk, and the front cover also features two indented lines which are meant to grip the bottom of the case when propped up in landscape mode.
These lines give you two basic angles at which to use the iPad in landscape mode, but I found that the microfiber coating on the inside of the case is grippy enough that you can adjust the iPad to almost any angle within the footprint of the front cover and it will stay put unless jostled.
The only inherent disadvantage to the ESR iPad Pro case is that it covers the iPad's Smart Connector, so you won't be able to use any accessories designed for this new technology unless you remove the iPad from the case first. But there aren't very many Smart Connector accessories on the market yet that aren't keyboard cases, so if you plan to use the iPad Pro in a "traditional" manner — reading, watching movies, and typing with a Bluetooth keyboard — you shouldn't find the inaccessibility of the Smart Connector an issue.
The case I purchased, and the one photographed for this article, is the "Knight" design, but ESR also offers four other color options with different designs, all currently priced at the same $16 and available via Amazon.
Overall, the ESR case is an incredible value for $16, and has thus far provided all of the protection and usability of Apple's first party cases for less than one-seventh the price. The cheap iDevice case market can certainly be a minefield to navigate but, for my needs at least, this ESR case is one safe path.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.


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Good Morning,
Apologies for being a day late on my newsletter, but we are very very busy this week.
Now you might cringe and think of 70's chic when I mention the word Formica but has been making a huge come back in a very cool and contemporary way. We are using Formica in a couple of projects that we are working on at the moment and the possibilities are endless with this fantastic material.
Here are some great ways that you can introduce Formica into your home…..
This beautiful kitchen island is a mixture of Formica and Plywood. We think that this is real statement piece, and your neighbour definitely won't have the same one.
This kitchen has a lovely mix of contemporary and rustic. The high gloss doors mix really well with the more rustic Formica and Plywood countertops.
Can you believe that this counter top (below) is Formica? This is a great way to introduce a cost effective marble look material but not compromise on the overall finish.
This one is not for the faint hearted, but any image can be printed onto the Formica. All you have to do is let your imagination run wild……
It can be quite difficult to get interesting and practical furniture that introduces colour. Formica is a great way to do this whether it is the entire unit or just on the doors. It is also a very robust material so you don't have to worry about that.
The only negative with any of these options is that they are not really available to buy off the shelf. So if you are considering a bespoke unit or you would like to introduce Formica into your home, then just give us a buzz on 01 4370933 and we can help to point you in the right direction.
Be Creative…..
The Think Contemporary Team.

subset: commoncrawl


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This is not a recycled post- it's a workout I personally do at least once a week and I encourage my athletes to do. If you did this workout last week then add 5 seconds on each movement.
I also challenge you to go straight from the handstand into the plank without letting the knees touch the ground, and transition from the regular plank straight into side plank without dropping.
The goal is to move through all four movements without resting.
Post your comments below on how you did!
5 rounds of:
20 Second Handstand Hold
20 Second Plank
20 Second Side Plank (20 seconds on both sides)
The handstand hold can be free standing or against the wall.


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Modus Operandi is serious and diligent about technology insertion which is an integral part of our R&D approach. We establish an early dialog with end users and stakeholders. We foster collaboration between the development team, the R&D sponsor, and the target insertion programs.
We plan for achievement of a technology readiness level that enables successful technology insertion into the mission.
Modus Operandi has a long history of successful Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) contract awards which have helped to develop and transition our technology to programs of record.
Information Fusion
- High-Speed Multi-source Data Ingest
- Large-scale Graph Generation
- Auto-extraction and Auto-classification
- Logical Redundant Conflations
- Common Referencing of Observational Sources
Semantic Modeling and Integration
- Model Creation
- Model Alignment and Mapping
- Concept Drift Detection and Dynamic Model Updating
- Inference-Driven On-Demand Query
- Domain and Subject Matter Expert Knowledge Elicitation
Semantic Reasoning
- Logical Approaches for Automated Reasoning
- Rule Generation
- Auto-classification Techniques
- Partial-pattern Recognition
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Text Analysis and Tagging
- Automated Co-referencing
- Part of Speech Tagging
- Lexical Construction
Graph Heuristics
- Graph Matching
- Graph Association
- Random Graph Generation / Manipulation
- Optimal Reasoning Over Large Graphs
- Graph Storage Approaches
- Named Graph Creation
Big Data Computing
- Cloud Database Creation and Manipulation
- Model-driven Indexing of Cloud Database Tables
- Large-scale Data Ingest
- Large-scale Graph Generation from Multi-modal Disparate Sources
Semantic Search
- Graph Traversal Using Search
- Workflow Capture
- Visualization of Search Results
User Interface Design & Usability
- Usability Assessment
- Model-driven Auto-generated User Interfaces
- Semantic Wiki
- Graph-based Visualizations
- U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory
- U.S. Army RDECOM
- Office of Naval Research (ONR)
- U.S. Navy SPAWAR


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Akili and Anaplan Announce Partnership in Enterprise Performance Management
Akili joins Anaplan's growing partner ecosystem as a Team Partner focused on implementing EPM business planning and execution for finance, sales and operations.
San Francisco, CA, July 28, 2014 --(
)-- Anaplan today announced a partnership with Akili, a niche information technology consulting firm focused on industry and line of business (LOB) solutions for Oil and Gas, Telecommunications, Finance, Hi-Tech and Retail. By joining forces with Anaplan, Akili will be able to offer clients a combination of industry-leading technology and deep expertise in enterprise performance management (EPM) for finance, sales and operations.
Akili, one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the Dallas, Texas area, joins Anaplan's partner ecosystem to help identify sales opportunities and implement Anaplan.
"Anaplan is a premier cloud-based planning solution, offering organizations the ability to rapidly deploy financial models linked to a continuous stream of operational data so that they can monitor and optimize critical drivers across the enterprise," said Sheik Shah, Akili CEO. "The power of the Anaplan platform combined with Akili's line of business (LOB) implementation delivery services for business transformation - including complex integration modules, data warehouses and business intelligence applications - enables our joint clients to compete like never before."
Anaplan's cloud-based platform is built on the patented, in-memory HyperBlock™ data engine delivering unparalleled immediacy, flexibility and scale. Anaplan unifies data from across the organization in a secure cloud/SaaS platform and interconnects plans to deliver unprecedented trust and visibility into the planning process.
"As our partner ecosystem rapidly grows, we welcome the addition of an organization such as Akili, which brings more than 20 years of successful LOB software delivery expertise to the table," said Fred Laluyaux, CEO, Anaplan. "Anaplan's core values closely align with Akili's and we look forward to working alongside them to offer a seamless experience that maximizes the power of our platform and ensures the success of our joint clients."
Akili plans to implement the Anaplan platform to accelerate cloud-based planning across finance, sales and operations functions, including:
For Finance:
· Balance sheet and cash planning
· Budgeting, forecasting and reporting
· Capital expenditures
· Financial consolidations
· Profitability analysis
· Strategic planning
· Workforce planning
For Sales:
· Commissions calculations
· Price and quote optimization
· Quota planning
· Sales capacity planning
· Sales forecasting
· Territory planning
For Operations:
· Demand planning
· Project planning
· Site/plot planning
· Trade and promotion planning
About Akili Inc.
Akili (pronounced (uh • kē' • lē) meaning "knowledge" in Swahili) is an information technology consulting firm founded in 1992. Akili is headquartered in the Dallas suburb of Irving, TX, with locations in Houston, TX and Denver, CO. Akili delivers solutions for Fortune 1000 companies in the areas of Enterprise Resource Planning, Enterprise Performance Management, and Business Analytics. Akili's 100% success rate spans 20+ years of precision of implementation design and trusted delivery of the best combination of technology and consulting. For more information on Akili's solutions and services, please visit www.akili.com or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
About Anaplan
Anaplan is disrupting the world of business planning and execution. We built our platform from the ground up to empower companies to plan, collaborate and act—in real time. Stay ahead of critical business events, rapidly model potential impacts and course correct on the fly. With Anaplan's cloud-based platform, you can continuously align your people, plans and spend to your market opportunities. Anaplan is a privately held company, headquartered in San Francisco, CA with global offices on four continents. To learn more, visit anaplan.com. Join us on twitter: @anaplan.
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Looking for some advice. I have a Flex 6700 that I'd like to sell or trade. I was considering holding out for the release of the K4HD but I've also enjoyed astronomy in the past and wonder if there's any amateur astronomers out there that could suggest an approach. My 6700 was purchased new in Feb 2019, has the GPSDO option and includes the Maestro B. I've paid for the 3.x upgrade but it is not installed.
Would Cloudy Nights or something like that be more appropriate for posting a trade like this?
Kev N4TT
Ham Radio and Astronomy - Swap Potential?
Let others help you to determine what a piece of equipment is worth, before you put it up for sale.
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


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I suppose you're all wondering why I called you here today . . .
That's right! Time once again to visit the auspicious chamber that houses the porcelain throne. My travels through the internet have brought me to this place, and I'm taking you down with me as we circle the bowl. Check out these interesting venues!
For when you're expecting company:
If you need just a tiny bit more privacy:
Thanks, but I'll just wait till I get home.
How to make things more competitive at work (Male bathroom edition):
For when you really, really need to see your therapist:
There is NO excuse for not changing the roll this time:
For those who like to live dangerously:
And finally - the best seat in the house!


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Joseph Goebbels
Personality Number 5
Joseph Goebbels was a male celebrity.
He was born on Friday October 29th 1897, in Rheydt, Prussia, Germany.
Joseph Goebbels is a stimulating person. He brighten social gatherings with his fresh and original ideas. His conversation tends to be sprinkled with novelty and wit. Joseph has a quick tongue and charisma. He is probably an excellent salesman. There is a lot of nervous energy within him looking for an outlet.
Goebbels loves his freedom and he sees this life as an ongoing adventure. He is upbeat and optimistic. This is infectious for those Joseph Goebbels meets. As a result, Joseph inspires others.
He has a strong and attractive body, with good muscle tone. Joseph's movements are supple, graceful, and athletic.
Goebbels' bane is that he loves to indulge his senses with food and drink and can easily gain weight. He has an appetite for anything that stimulates the senses - sex, food, alcohol, and drugs. Discipline is a necessity for him. The negative side of a 5 Personality Number can give rise to an addictive personality.
Joseph Goebbels likes to dress fashionably and can get away with more colorful clothes. However, he should be aware of the value of quality and the power of modesty.
He is a little irresponsible and quick in satisfying his sensual urges. Joseph is attractive and that, coupled with his innate ability to promote himself, makes it easy for him to satisfy his desire for new and exciting relationships.
Goebbels has a kind of swashbuckling personality. People see him as the adventurer that he is. They expect the unexpected from him, and when they do not - Joseph often surprises them.
Joseph Goebbels has a quick and eclectic mind. He attracts information from all directions, but he can be a bit superficial, skimming over the surface of a wide diversity of subjects. This may cause Joseph to be a bit of a dilettante. He can get away with it much of the time, but for his own success and happiness, Goebbels should try to ground knowledge and deepen his understanding.
Joseph Goebbels' versatility and adaptability make him capable of getting the most out of virtually every opportunity in life. He decides quickly on a course of action and his timing is usually good. Joseph radiates with the potential for success, which attracts others who can further him along his path.
You and Joseph
About Joseph's Personality number
Goebbels' Personality number often serves as a censoring device, both in terms of what Joseph sends out, as well as what he allows to approach.
It discriminates in the kinds of people and information Joseph Goebbels lets enter his heart and mind.
Read more about our numerological interpretation of Joseph Goebbels' personality


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Cursed Blessing
by Stephen Jordan
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Do you truly know what it is like to not be forgiven? And I do not mean forgiven by those who witnessed my ill deed. All witnesses have long since died. I am talking about not being forgiven by God. That is right. God has not forgiven me. Instead, God has punished me every single day of my life since I did the unspeakable. Prior to this, I really was not even certain Jesus was who he claimed to be. However, I do know for certain beyond any doubt now that God does exist, and that Jesus is the Son of God.
You see I struck Jesus down with my own hand. How could I have done this you may ask? Jesus walked the Earth some 2000 years ago. Well you see, so did I. Jesus and I both walked this Earth together. I was the Roman soldier assigned to guard Jesus in the days just before his Crucifixion. My name is Cartaphilus, and because I struck Jesus down, I have been cursed to live forever, or at least until the second coming of Christ. So now, I live here among you, never aging, and outliving everyone I know or will come to know. Only Christ returning will release me from my cursed life.
Over the centuries I have served in many armies, and fought in many wars, and so witnessed devastating carnage and destruction. Some say that I enjoyed it, but that is not true. Being a soldier in the Roman army, it is all I knew. Over the centuries I have married many times, and fathered many children, only to see them all die before me. So now I live alone. The pain is too great to love again, even though it is said I feel nothing of the such. So, now I walk this Earth alone waiting for my time to come.
The story goes I have yet to accept my destiny. It is said I am bent on doing what ever it takes to hasten Armagheddon, and that I am in league with the side of evil, but that is so wrong. After centuries of living I have come to accept the curse placed upon me, and therefore I full heartedly believe in the second coming of Christ as well. Upon the return of Jesus, I will be ascending to heaven with all of the other believers. This curse has made me a believer. So you see, when that day comes, my curse will no longer be a curse. It will be a blessing! Jesus and I will walk together again, only this time in heaven.
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NATIONAL TELEVISION ACADEMY CALLS FOR ENTRIES FOR THE 59th ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING EMMY AWARDS
Deadline for Submission is August 31
LAS VEGAS – May 7, 2007– The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences today issued a call for entries for its 59th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards for work distributed between May 1, 2006 and April 30, 2007. The Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards honor excellence in advances in the use, creativity and adaptation of technology that enhances or improves the consumer experience with media. All entries must be postmarked on or before August 31. The event will return to Las Vegas for the International Consumer Electronics Show, the world's largest consumer technology trade show, where winners will be presented with Emmy statuettes during a dinner gala on January 7, 2008.
"These awards recognize the converging of classic broadcast and cable TV across emerging media multiplatforms," said Peter Price, President/CEO of the National Television Academy. "We encourage professionals in the print media, advertising agencies and production companies, as well as our colleagues in Silicon Valley and all who are driving the future of digital media, to participate and enter their submissions. In this context, we have in the past honored the achievements of companies like Comcast, Time Warner, and others who have contributed so much to an ever-changing video world," he added.
This year the Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards will honor achievements in 11 areas:
1) Synchronous enhancement of original television content for interactive use (two-screen environment)
2) Non-synchronous enhancement of original television content (single screen environment)
3) Creation of non-traditional programs or platforms
4) Best use of personal media display and presentation technology
5) Creation and implementation of video games and platforms
6) Best use of "On Demand" technology over broadband networks for active "lean-forward" viewing (such as on a PC)
7) Best use of "On Demand" technology over broadband networks for passive "lean-backward" viewing (such as on a TV)
8) Best use of commercial advertising on stand-alone broadband devices
9) Best use of creation and distribution of interactive commercial advertising delivered through portable broadband devices
10) Best use of creation and distribution of interactive commercial advertising delivered through multi-channel broadband devices ( such as set top boxes)
11) Best use of broadband for the development and delivery of commercial advertising in video games
Rules, procedures and the official entry form can be found at www.emmyonline.tv
The National Television Academy Emmy Awards for Technology & Engineering are chaired by Charlie Jablonski. Dave Horowitz serves as co-chair. Shelly Palmer is the Chairman of the Advanced Media Committee, and Seth Haberman oversees the Gaming and Technology Committee.
The National Television Academy is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. It recognizes excellence in television with the coveted Emmy Award for News & Documentary, Sports, Daytime Entertainment, Daytime Creative Arts and Entertainment, Public & Community Service, Technology & Engineering, and Business & Financial Reporting. Beginning in 2006, The National Television Academy began recognizing programming produced for the Internet, cell phones, and portable media players with its new Broadband Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Content for Broadband and Portable Delivery. Excellence in primetime programming and international programming is recognized by its affiliate, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Regional Emmys are given in 19 regions across the United States. Beyond awards, the National Television Academy has extensive educational programs including National Student Television and its Student Award for Excellence for outstanding journalistic work by high school students, as well as scholarships, publications, and major activities for both industry professionals and the viewing public. For more information, please visit the website at www.emmyonline.tv.
For more information, please contact:
Cheryl Daly or James Park, Bob Gold & Associates
email@example.com email@example.com
212-484-9446 310-784-1040


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I am not a teacher, but rather more of a seeker. It is fun to look, watch, read, study and learn then to report back the findings. I, like you, am a fellow traveler. We exchange information, remind each other, and do whatever else it takes traveling down the old dirt road of life.
Feel free to comment or disagree on my blog. If you like the blog, sign up. Eventually, there may be a few surveys for input on subjects to explore.
It started by my reading lots of books and highlighting. I have lots of highlighted books now. Highlighting helps you remember. Writing things out helps to solidify what is learned and to pass it on to others in a simplified and usable form. Hopefully, others will give input and show me where I am incorrect, or at least give the other side of a subject or concept.
In 2015, I wrote an outline for a book. I followed all the rules and character and plot creation and was ready to fill in the blanks. Suddenly the interest was gone. It was all too pre-planned. Not only that, the book was nothing more than commercial rubbish, best not published in my real name.
The motivation was solely for any possible money it might yield. Chances are that earnings from working part time at a gas station would be more. The advice of doing what I loved sounded good, but that was reading. You cannot make a part-time job out of that, except for maybe writing on blogs or doing Youtube videos.
Everyone knows most bloggers make almost nothing. Still, a sixty-five cent month is quite a treat, much better than the three or four cent months. But hey, I would still read for free anyway, and would that low-brow commercial book earn much more?
This blog is not for everyone. It's for those who reflect and like to learn. It is for those who like reviewing or learning new things or those who don't have as much time to read. You will find a new post once every two weeks. This is partly because many people don't have much time. Also, have you ever noticed that when many bloggers try to post too often, they end up posting fluff or junk.
It is possible a book will come based on the concepts I have been writing but, but that is off in the future. For now, keep coming back. Hopefully, you wall get new ideas, new thoughts and new ways of looking at life.
Paul Nieto – Writer at the Old Dirt Road.
If you are interested in more you may want to read How and Why This Blog Started from May of 2016.


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If you follow this website, then you know my boyfriend recently moved to Gainesville, FL, where his company transferred him to a super job he could not pass up. His apartment is two blocks from the University of Florida campus, where I attended college, about one hundred years ago.
Yesterday, after I worked out at the YMCA, I made the 2-1/2 hour drive to Gainesville, to spend a few days here. This morning, after my boyfriend left for work, I took a one-hour walk through campus, passing so many spots where I have memories of events from my college days, most of them not particularly good memories.
I wasn't a happy guy when I went to school here. I struggled with my sexuality. Being gay was not socially acceptable here in the early 1970s, and I tried to fit into the straight, fraternity boy subculture. It didn't work, and I only made myself more miserable. None of that, of course, was the university's fault. But those four years were painful times for me, and for the longest time after I left here, I had no desire to come back for a visit. Frankly, I hated the place.
But I started re-visiting in the 1990s, when I'd take one of my sons to a football game, or when I'd take one of my European exchange students up here for a football weekend. And slowly, I began to appreciate the beauty of the campus, and the value of the education I had received here. I guess I've "made peace" with the university, now that I've "made peace" with myself. Does that make sense? They say you can't like much in this world until you like yourself. I struggled into my mid-twenties, before I came to like Martin for who he was. It's all okay, and I am glad to be in Gainesville today. I'm glad to be Martin, too.
Today at noon, the UF Gators play University of Kentucky, here at the stadium in Gainesville. The tailgaters are out in force with their blue and orange tents, barbeque grills, and ice coolers. A party atmosphere reigns on campus. The students all wear their Gator t-shirts, and I'm sure I'll encounter many a sexy undergraduate in a state of drunken excitement, as the day wears on. (How awful!)
I could attend the game if I wanted to, but it's too damned hot in the stadium at noon, in September. I'll watch the contest on my boyfriend's TV, in the coolness of his apartment. Oh, and you can't drink beer in the stadium, which tends to dampen one's spirits when watching football. The fridge here is stocked, so I'm good all around.
Students are already streaming toward the stadium in their Gator gear; the game begins in about ninety minutes. I think I'll sit a spell on the front porch, and soak up the beauty of this lovely day.
Have a nice Saturday, everyone.


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Take the private 10-minute shuttle bus from your door to USC each day, or admire your amazing LA surroundings every morning with a bike ride to the campus. From The Lorenzo, you can also drive downtown in just 10 minutes or hop on the bus and be in the Arts District in 20.
But you won't want to spend much time away from home when you live in a student community like this. After a busy day, plunge into the resort-style pools for a cooling dip, head to the spa, or let off steam in the fitness center. Get some work done in the library, or watch movies with friends in the on-site theater. Challenge housemates to a game in the video arcade, or relax with your favorite tunes in the music room.
Spend a quiet evening walking around the grounds of your secure community, admiring the palm trees, lawns and tropical gardens. On sunny days, you can unwind in an outdoor cabana on one of the sundecks and take in the stunning views of LA as you study. Walk past The Lorenzo's Spanish-style arches and columns on your way back to your apartment. You'll find a spacious open plan kitchen and lounge area, with dark wood cabinets, hardwood floors and sleek black dining furniture and couches.
Making meals is a breeze with the modern appliances and ample countertop space, but you can always eat in the dining hall with friends or barbecue on the grills if you feel like a change. Sit on your private balcony in your apartment and enjoy dining alfresco. There's a washer and dryer in your apartment and Wi-Fi throughout.
Discount is exclusively for international students!


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As Nancy Merrill said on her blog for a photo a week challenge,
"With so many photo editing programs out there, it's really easy to manipulate and change images on the a computer. One of the basic changes we can make is to change a photo from color to black and white."
Yea, editing a photo before posting it to blog is a must for me. I used to edit a photo at picmonkey.com, an online photo editor that very easy to use, with many effects, frames, text, and filters.
So, here's mine.
I took this picture at Sebuku Island, an island in Sunda Strait. This island is close to Krakatoa, the most famous volcano mountain in Indonesia.
And here's the photo after choosing Black and White Effect.
I also tried other effect that can change the color to B&W, and this effect is Holga.
How do you think about this last B&W. When I see it, I feel back to the past where it decades or maybe a hundred years ago. This is the result after combining B&W and HDR effects.
Come and join us on a photo a week challenge…check the link here.


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Windcatcher Airpad 2
Windcatcher Air Pad 2 is a new inflatable mattress that features a really awesome inflating system that will blow your mind away, its especially developed inflating valve allows you to use your whole breath power. Unlike conventional constrictive systems where you can only get a few gulfs of air at a time with great effort, Windcatcher amplifies your whole breath (ten times), keeping it inside, thus allowing you to inflate with just a few breaths, with almost no effort, in a few seconds. Its patented vale system is also much more hygienic because it´s never in contact with surrounding elements or your mouth. It also includes compressing straps so you can deflate it quickly, making it more portable and compact. Featuring a 4 inch thick quilted support system, you´re sure to get comfy wherever you set it on at home, the beach or camping. watch the impressive video


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Obesity is a significant danger aspect for cardiovascular illness (CVD), cancer, diabetes, and early death. They discovered that physical activity did not have a stronger impact than other programs on change in delinquent behavior. McKenzie TL, Alcaraz JE, Sallis JF. Assessing children's liking for activity units in an elementary school physical education curriculum. Besides enjoying the well being advantages of normal exercise, children who are physically fit sleep greater. Childhood obesity is not only predisposing children for health risks but mental and social complications as properly.
Students should engage in added vigorous or moderately intense physical activity throughout the college day by way of recess, devoted classroom activities, and other possibilities. Schools need to make certain that all kids and youth participate in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the course of the school day this involves time spent becoming active in PE classes.
Earlier studies have linked physical fitness with adjustments in other regions of the brain, such as a bigger hippocampus. The college atmosphere is key in encouraging and delivering possibilities for little ones to be active. For instance, 51 percent of districts with a school in want of improvement reported decreased time in social studies, compared with 31 % of districts with no college in need of improvement ( Center on Education Policy, 2007 ). The author Dr. Catrine Tudor-Locke translated various physical activity into steps-per-day equivalents. The calendar has entertaining, straightforward physical activities to do daily with preschoolers.
To obtain broader targets in education and development, sports programmes should focus on the development of the person and not only on the development of technical sports expertise. For well being rewards, children aged 5-12 years must accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity each day.
Assessment of children's physical progress and achievement is employed to individualize instruction, plan yearly curriculum and weekly lessons, recognize children with particular demands, communicate with parents, and evaluate the program's effectiveness. Traditionally, the function of schools in delivering and promoting physical activity has been in the course of the college day (eg, PE, recess) and/or on the school campus instantly after college (eg, interscholastic and intramural sports).


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Fernando Alonso has admitted he needs to start making up ground on runaway championship leader Sebastian Vettel.
Having won two grands prix so far in 2013 compared to reigning triple world champion Vettel's four, Spaniard Alonso said Ferrari is working "day and night" to recover lost time in the car development race.
"We must try to finish ahead of Vettel," Ferrari's Alonso told Italian television TG1 ahead of this weekend's Hungarian grand prix.
The last race before the summer break and factory shutdowns, Budapest marks the exact half-way point of the 2013 championship.
German Vettel, driving for Red Bull, has a 34-point lead over Alonso with ten races to go.
Alonso admitted: "The gap to Vettel is beginning to be a bit too much in terms of points. We have to reduce this gap as soon as possible."
Having recently watered down his anti-Vettel rhetoric, Alonso this week insisted that the 26-year-old German has a clear car advantage again in 2013.
"Any driver who goes into the Red Bull manages to go very strongly," he said.
"We saw that in the tests for young drivers (at Silverstone)," Alonso added, referring to tests last week for Antonio Felix da Costa, Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz jr.
"Whoever goes into the Red Bull is very fast — it is a fact that it is stronger than the others," said Alonso.


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A few years back Luke Maguire are working on the new social plugin for beast in 2016. After six years on the making his back to new upcoming launch InstaMate. This is a social software who make your content go viral even if you never have a instagram pages.
Luke Maguire not working only on provide the best value for your users, but, how monetize from you instagram pages, if it's your personal or it's your business page, whatever, he shows you exactly how monetize that, I have the certainty you're sick of BS and want something new.
A recent review from internet marketer Luan Henrique shows you the full product review before you purchase this. They go in-depth and offer you awesome bonuses as well if decided purchase.
Nothing more, him put a video out there showing you all the product, how this works and how you can profit very easily with this.
He put's this is not a "get rick quick scheme" but, it's the best way to make money online on these days. Requires some work, but once you have everything to move forward you can make fast money with that.
For more information about this, please visit: http://pigreviews.com/product-review/instamate-review/
Contact Info:
Name: Luan Henrique
Email: email@example.com
Organization: Pig Reviews
Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiCfl352D84
Distributed by HeadlinePlus Press Release Distribution
Media Contact
Company Name: Pig Reviews
Contact Person: Luan Henrique
Email: email@example.com
Country: United States
Website: http://pigreviews.com/product-review/instamate-review/


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What to do when the cork is presented to you in a restaurant. Do you smell it? Do you hand it back?
Our range
Mirabeau Classic Provence Rosé
Fruit-forward with aromas of strawberries, Classic pairs beautifully with aromatic dishes
Mirabeau Pure Provence Rosé
Perfect balance of citrus aromas, fresh acidity and gorgeous minerality, Pure pairs well with fine food too
Mirabeau Belle Année
Stunning pale pink in colour, with a gorgeous nose of red summer berries and a hint of spice
Mirabeau Rosé Gin
A beautiful herbaceous-style dry rosé gin, with floral elements and a burst of citrus
Mirabeau Etoile Provence Rosé
For moments of unadulterated enjoyment and a superb accompaniment to fine food
Mirabeau Azure Provence Rosé
Fine concentration, with wild strawberry and raspberry flavours taking centre stage
Mirabeau Forever Summer Rosé
Charming pale pink Rosé, aromas of red summer fruits, lower alcohol and vegan


text: Crime / chimpanzees Chimp Sues Over Living Conditions Next to file: dolphins, elephants By Matt Cantor, Newser User Posted Apr 26, 2014 5:34 PM CDT Copied A chimpanzee is taking legal action regarding his living conditions. (Shutterstock) (Newser) – A lawyer and his team are fighting for animal rights in an unusual way: by filing lawsuits on behalf of chimpanzees. The New York Times focuses on the case of Tommy, a chimp who is, as Charles Siebert writes, effectively suing for better living conditions. Despite protections under the law, Siebert notes, "the fundamental legal status of nonhumans ... as property, with no rights of their own, has remained unchanged." But legal expert Steven Wise, who is leading the effort, argues that one need not be a human being to be a legal person. story continues below He focuses on the animals' autonomy, pointing to extensive research that shows chimps' cognitive abilities. "Like humans," his team asserts in a legal memo, "chimpanzees have a concept of their personal past and future" and "they suffer the pain of not being able to fulfill their needs or move around as they wish." Wise's initial suits have been rebuffed by judges, though some have expressed their admiration. Now, he's working on appeals, and it's all part of what he calls a "25-year plan" to help the animals—beginning with chimps, but eventually moving to dolphins, parrots, elephants, and others. Click for the full piece. (Read more chimpanzees stories.)


text: TJ has been in and around the cabinet business since 1995. He started out as a delivery driver and then moved to making laminate counter tops. After a brief stint away from the field, TJ started working at Kitchen Concepts. TJ is a designer and a project manager, making sure that the installers have what they need to get your job done quickly and accurately.


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In March, 1784, the council petitioned Governor Cranfield to confer with the governor of New York, for the employment of Seneca and Mohawk Indians "who are best acquainted with the manner of these Indians' skulking fight,"because, as they state in a letter to the New York governor, on Cranfield 's acquiescescence, "By several advices we have received of a sudden rising intended by the Indians in these eastern parts, to fall upon the English, we judged it absolutely necessary"--etc.
Another letter, addressed to Captain Barefoot, by Captain Hooke, of Kittery, August 13, 1685, says: "This is to inform you that just now there came to me a post, wherein I am fully informed that there is just ground to fear that the heathen have a sudden design against us." [N.H. Hist. Soc. Coll.,VIII: 251-2, 255.]
On the 8th of September, articles of peace were concluded with the Eastern Indians; but the peace, if observed at all, was of short continuance, for scarcely four years elapsed, before the breaking out of "King William's War."
That danger was apprehended in Hampton is evident from the action of the town in April, 1687. After the election of selectmen, it was ordered by the town, that they should build a convenient watch-house, as required by law, and set it where the old one stood; and provide bullets, match, flints and whatever else the law directed, as a town stock for the soldiers. To meet the expenses, a tax not exceeding £10 was to be assessed upon the inhabitants.
In the summer of 1687, a regulation was made, that whenever, after that date, a legal town meeting should be called, if any freeholder should fail to attend, he should be fined 12d.,to be paid to the town in every case, unless "necessary hindered by God's hand of providence." A similar regulation, it may be recollected, had been made in 1639 and in 1641.


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Being local Los Angeles residents, we khow firsthand how critical it is in this area to have a flawlessly functioning air conditioning system - especially, in the summer and fall. But with local heat waves during winter and spring, it becomes increasingly important to make sure that your air conditioner is cooling at its best all year long.
At Circle of Help, we specialize in air conditioning repair services as well as regular air conditioning maintenance service.
If you're looking to repair or maintain your existing air conditioning unit, look no further. Give us a call now or book an appointment online.


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I have listed a new property at 11450 123 ST in Edmonton.
READY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME? This lot is already fully serviced ($25,000 in value) and 100% ready to build your DREAM HOME on. The lot price includes demolition and removal of house, leveled and cleared land and utilities installed. The beautiful design of a skinny house (2 storey, 1,983 sf) has been completed and the new construction can start anytime now. Seller is also a reputable builder and can help you take your plans and dreams to the next level! Easy access to one of the hottest infill areas in the city, don't miss your chance to be part of the redevelopment of this great community! Located close to schools, shopping, parks, downtown and walking distance to the trendy 124th street area. DON'T DELAY!


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Spa Services
As luxurious as the spa experience will be, Advanced Skin Care Day Spa offers a service much more than supreme pampering. Both founders, Anna Antal and Isabel Anton, share a mission to provide the best and most unique skin care services available today throughout the world. The founders at Advanced Skin Care Day Spa truly care about your skin. With their wealth of experience, they will be determined to provide a solution for skin that is flawless and healthy.


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The SMSNA Foundation is the official Foundation of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA). The purposes of the SMSNA Foundation are to partner with physicians, researchers, health care professionals, patients and the public to support treatment of sexual dysfunctions in men and women through research, education and position statements.
More specifically, the Foundation's aims:
- 1.
To advance research in sexual function and health;
To support basic science in sexual dysfunctions;
To support clinical care in sexual health;
To promote best practices in sexual health through medical and surgical guidelines;
To promote outcomes research in sexual health;
- 2.
To mentor the next generation of scientists, physicians, surgeons and health providers in sexual medicine and reconstructive surgery for sexual function;
To support guidelines for advanced training in sexual medicine and surgery;
To support fellowship training in men's and women's sexual health;
To support prosthetic fellowship training in men's sexual health;
- 3.
To support reliable sexual health information to patients and consumers through online resource www.sexhealthmatters.org;
- 4.
To support (access to) education for researchers and clinicians through state-of-the-art scientific and educational activities;
- 5.
To support and develop disease state specific awareness through white papers and position statement.


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|Every 500MB of UK data will allow you to (approx):
|Send 500,000 emails, without attachments
|or send 1,000 emails, with photos attached
|or visit 5,000 simple sites, like Twitter or your favourite blog
|or visit 1,500 rich content sites, like bbc.co.uk, guardian.co.uk or yahoo.co.uk
|or download 50 (low quality) or 12 (high quality) music tracks
|or watch 60 YouTube videos, about 4.5 minutes long
If you're using lots of data and getting close to your network data limit, we'll let you know with a text message. And if you find that you're using a lot more 3G data, you can choose to add an optional Data Bolt On.
Don't forget, if you choose a Web Bolt On with unlimited wifi, you get access to BT Openzone at thousands of hotspots in the UK. And when you use wifi, it doesn't count towards your 3G data allowance. Use as much as you like, no extra charge.


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Man sought in KCK homicide case injured in police shooting
Police say they expect injured man to recover
Police said an officer shot and wounded an armed suspect late Saturday after a chase in Kansas City, Kansas.
Investigators said the officer spotted a man wanted in connection with a recent homicide case near 14th Street and Kansas Avenue. They chased the man until he crashed his vehicle in an alley in the 100 block of James Street.
Police said the man got out of the car with a gun in his hand. The officer shot him.
The man who was injured is expected to recover.
Police have not released his name but described him as a white man in his 30s who was wanted in connection with a homicide last weekend. They said he is also the subject of a federal arrest warrant.
"I am not extremely surprised, but (it's) unnerving that stuff is going on right next door to us," said Chip Anderson, who works near the scene of the shooting. "It was literally right here? I had no idea, I feel like I'm in St. Louis right now."


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In Brief: At age 80, I live with my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in Massachusetts. I say this is my "assisted living". I am a poet, a djembe drummer, an all-round crafty person (in all senses of that word). Arthritis limits what I can do physically, and I really miss ballroom dancing.
More than you ever want to know: In my life BC (before the ten years of taking care of my mother who had severe dementia) I was a Special Assistant to the New York State Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education. Much of what I did involved writing, and I wrote the grant that brought in $10 million from the NSF for a statewide project in Math, Science, and Technology. I have both a B.A. and M.A. in English and Education. I was married in the 60s, divorced in the 80s and was never inclined to marry again.
I have always written poetry, and I've had some published over the years, the most notable in 1998. Together with another local poet, I published a chapbook, Eating Disorders and other Mastications. Twice I was accepted by and participated in competitive poetry workshops offered by the Writers-in-Residence Program of the New York State Writers Institute — one led by John Montague and the other by Eamon Grennan. The Berkshire Review published one of my poems developed in Montague's workshop. For several years, I served on the Board of Directors of the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and was a co-editor of Gates to the City, the literary anthology for the Albany, New York Tricentennial celebration. Over the past several years, I have had poetry published in Ballard Street Poetry Journal, Berkshire Review, Naugatuk River Review, Common Ground Review, Peregrine, and Dark Ink Magazine. In 2018, a contest sponsored by The Orchard Street Press selected one of my poems as a finalist, and the other for honorable mention.
I've been a feminist all my life, even before I knew what the word meant. My friends have always included both men and women. My significant others have only been male, and I used to be a pretty good ballroom dance partner for some of the best of them. I miss ballroom dancing terribly, since it was where I got my exercise and did my socializing. Bad knees and the lack of venues to dance have forced me to let that part of my life go.
I am a media fan of any work that features smart, sassy, kick-ass females. They're usually written by women, but one of my favorite male writers is Terry Pratchett and I aspire to be as good at practicing Headology as Granny Weatherwax,
You can contact me at ekalilily at gmail dot com
KALILILY: I chose the alias "kalilily" when emailing was in its infancy and women were warned to keep their actual identities secret. The "kali" part is for Kali, the formidable Indian goddess of death and destruction (so necessary for rebirth). The "lily" is for Lilith (another formidable archetype) and for Elaine the fair, Elaine the pure, Elaine the Lily Maid of Astalot, from Tennyson's Idylls of the King. Those archetypes suited me well at the time.
We are all both light and dark, and our shadow side is often even more powerful in our psyches than our sunny sides. It is up to each of us to get to know our shadows and learn how to dance them into a positively channeled personal power. Kalilily Time is my place to do just that and to express my personal objections to the attitudes and actions of neocons and the overly right/eous, most of whom seem to have forgotten how to live by the Golden Rule and by the spirit of our American democratic history. It's my place to take delight, not only in my right to dissent, but also in the pleasures of my constantly changing Croney life.
And, when the dark spirit moves me, to BITCH about the things that drive me personally crazy as I do, for example in the following:
Usually a Woman
Most women will spend 17 years caring for children and 18 years helping an elderly parent.
It's usually a woman, you know,
who opens a hand, lends a heart.
Usually a woman, you know,
who makes a full plate,
sends a silly card,
welcomes someone else's child
into softly tireless arms.
It's usually a woman,you know,
who gives in, gives up, gives.
Usually a woman, you know,
who knits her brow over fevered ones,
endlessly stitching raveled sleeves.
It's usually a woman, you know,
who nurses, nods, kneels.
Usually a woman, you know,
who comforts, cares — not just, you know,
for moments, but, you know,
for life.
Oh, I know. There are men
who do that too. But how many do
you know?
copyright Elaine Frankonis 2004
An Old Lady Raps Back
you don't see me
not really
with my edges
grown soft and my
curves gone
to middle thick.
I see that your eyes
don't stick on my face
laced with time's
weary tricks.
I'm invisible in your world
of constant noise and sullen bluster,
all the anger you an muster.
I know you got it tough
rough — never enough.
You think that's new?
I grew my thick skin
long before your tiny hide
slid into snide and sin.
Oh, I know your words —
I was talking hard
long before your sorry ass
passed its first gas.
But I make a choice of voice
to mold a tighter tone
to pose a clearer tune
And then I stand, and I roar
more than you even think
to know.
copyright Elaine Frankonis 2004


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European stock markets closed slightly higher Wednesday, following a lackluster session in Asia.
London's FTSE-100 , the Frankfurt DAX and the Paris CAC-40 all rose, but volume was light throughout the trading day.
Investors had two big reasons to stay on the sidelines, with U.S. markets shut for a holiday and interest-rate decisions from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England arriving Thursday.
But while the U.S. stock and bond markets were closed for Independence Day, U.S. private equity firms decided to provide some fireworks for investors.
Instead of taking a vacation, Blackstone Group decided to snap up the preferred destination of many travelers, buying Hilton Hotels for $20 billion in cash, or $26 billion including debt. Blackstone will pay $47.50 a share for the hotel operator, a 32% premium above Tuesday's closing price.
It's the first major deal for Blackstone as a public company and it's clear the idea of tapping public capital appeals to the private-equity arena, with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, known as KKR, filing to raise up to $1.25 billion with an initial public offering.
Not to miss out on the private-equity surge, Apollo Managementtrumped an accepted bid for Huntsman from its Dutch rival Basell by offing $6 billion for the U.S. chemical company.
In European corporate news, French caterer Sodexho Alliance closed 1.2% higher after reporting a 2.6% rise in nine-month sales, with comparable sales for the same period up 7.8%. Sodexho also affirmed its guidance for full-year sales growth of 7% and comparable sales growth of 12%.
Deutsche Telekom shares gained 0.7% after the Rheinische Post reported that its T-Mobile wireless division won the exclusive rights to distribute Apple's hot-selling iPhone in Germany.
But Deutsche Telekom told CNBC Europe Wednesday there is no decision on the exclusive rights of the iPhone and that negotiations are ongoing.
And Spain's energy regulator approved the $58 billion takeover of Spanish utility Endesa by Spanish construction company Acciona and Italian utility Enel, according to Spanish newspapers. Acciona gained 1.3%, while Enel slipped slightly.
European hotel companies soared following the Hilton purchase, with Britain's InterContinental gaining 3.9%.
On the economic front, euro zone retail sales unexpectedly dropped 0.5% in May, confounding economists' expectations for them to remain flat. And the purchasing manager's index for U.K. services rose to 57.7 in June, up from 57.2 in May.
Asian Markets Mixed
Asian markets failed to gain much traction, although Japan and South Korea made gains. Korean stocks finished at a record high, but the prospect of tighter credit weakened Chinese shares.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 Average inched to its fifth straight gain as Mitsumi Electric and other technology stocks followed gains by similar U.S. firms. Gains were limited by slow trade, though, as volume on the first exchange hit a new low for the year. Market participants said investors were likely holding back due to concern about the outcome of an upper house election later this month.
South Korea's Kospi Index rose to a record close as Hynix Semiconductor surged on a report predicting a gain in DRAM contract prices, while lenders such as Woori rallied after
ratings agency Moody's said it may upgrade their debt ratings.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 Index finished barely changed, well capped by profit taking in recent gainers such as Woolworths, though BHP Billiton rose after it approved the development of a major oil project.
Hong Kong stocks finished little changed. Bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing eclipsed its previous high on surging turnover, while energy stocks chased advancing crude prices. The debut by China High Speed Transmission Equipment, the country's largest wind-power transmission equipment maker, blew away expectations by more than doubling as the morning's most traded stock.
Chinese shares ended down 2%, pulled down by financials on thin turnover as the prospects of credit tightening and an increased supply of new shares to the market kept investors cautious. Singapore shares were also trading lower.


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In related news, will someone pay off my car loan because I think there's a yeti in the trunk?
A New Jersey couple and a prominent orthodontist in Toms River, NJ, are locked in a legal battle after the former says that a house rented from the latter prompted the couple and their two kids to flee… because it is allegedly haunted. The lawsuit alleges that ghosts or other paranormal entities (none of which have ever left conclusive evidence they exist in the whole of human history) made the lives of Josue Chinchilla and Michele Callan hell for the week during which they resided in the house, forcing the family to flee to a one-room hotel accommodation in horror.
Among the accusations Chinchilla and Callan make in court are that some entity is stalking the basement, clothes were flung from their drawers, disembodied voices were recorded whispering threatening things like "let it burn," and that the family felt they would be in mortal danger should they stay in the house. (Sorry, it was me. I was listening to Usher.) Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking here? I think you are: reality show!
A lawyer for Dr. Richard Lopez, the home's owner and probably some sort of secret warlock, pointed fingers at Callan and Chinchilla, saying they are probably having difficulty affording the $1,500 in rent each month:
"Frankly, there is something else going on… She is a single mom, she has this fiancé living with her. I think she is in over her head and she can't afford the rent. She needed to show her ex, the father of her kids, that she has a good place for them to live."
Callan points out that for all the money she spent moving into the den of Satan, she could have just gone straight to the hotel:
"I would not have given anyone $4,000 (deposit and rent) to stay somewhere, just to pick up and leave seven days later. I would not have hired a moving truck, packed and unpacked, had my mother take off time from work to watch the kids. The whole idea was to get a nice, big home for the kids… But there's no way I'm going back there."
Paranormal investigators who later examined the house corroborated a haunting of some sort.


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If there is any problem with a motor home, it is that once you have found a good pitch and established all the camping parafinalia around it, you need to be fairly close to shops, places of interest, etc, in order to be able to get to them easily.
Before we became the happy companions of our rescued Staffie (cross) there was never a problem as we had our trusty Brompton folding bikes. However, bikes, dog leads and arthritic OAPs do not make for a safe mix, so an alternative solution was called for.
We found it in the small ads in MMM magazine…. a tiny car fitted with an A-Frame to tow behind the motor home. Fortunately, it was not too far from home, and as subscribers, we had early warning of the offer of sale. By mid morning we had viewed it and provisionally reserved it.
Several phone calls later, (to our insurance company, to verify that they would insure the car itself on the road and the car as a trailer on the A-Frame on the existing 'van insurance policy, and to Eurotunnel too, just to make sure they would accept it as a legit. trailer), we bought it.
To say that we never looked back would be a nonesense as we constantly monitored it on the screen of the reversing camera!
However, it certainly proved to be a good investment. To date this year we have towed it over 2800 miles, and driven it independantly for over 6oo miles whilst camping. Places of interest are so often at the top of a mountain or down a tiny cul-de-sac.
An added unexpected bonus was that the mpg improved substantially because we drove slightly slower when towing
We had no problems in Europe, only admiration and interest from locals and police alike.


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RHONDA MONTGOMERY REAL ESTATE, Del Rio, TX
Ron is beyond wonderful! - Professionalism comes first with Ron, then of course amazing photos. The phrase "time is of the essence" is in my business as a Real Estate Broker/Owner - Ron understands completely. Photos come back fast and beautiful. Impressing my clients and customers over and over again - Drone's are making the Real Estate world! Ron can do it all including videos. Rhonda Montgomery Real Estate Rhonda Montgomery, Broker/Owner
GEOFFREY MYANE, San Antonio, TX
Ron has worked on multiple properties for me and is the only photographer I trust for ranch listings. Recently he shot my property for the cover of Texas Farm and Ranch Magazine Winter 2017 and we were all blown away by how beautiful and clever the images were. He captured the spirit and personality of the property and went beyond what I had hoped for! I am so proud to show the cover and article to friends and clients! He is an essential asset to my marketing and I commend his professionalism, prompt communication, and extreme dedication to his craft. "
JEFF KROEZE, Irvine, CA
Ron Castle is a talented and reliable photographer whom I highly recommend for any marketing or portfolio project. He consistently delivers fantastic work, going above and beyond in the quality and scope of his coverage. Always thankful for his fast turnarounds as well! I truly appreciate Ron's rare work ethic, integrity, and professionalism. Commercial or residential, he can handle it all! Thanks Ron! Jeff Kroeze Sr. Manager, Photography Ten-X Corporaton
BOX RANCH SALES, Carrizo Springs, TX
Ron is professional, reliable, great to work with, and we have always been extremely pleased with his work. He is talented and you can tell he loves what he does. We would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Over the last two years there has only been one job we did not use him for and it was because he was already booked. We are looking forward to working with Ron in the future. Jon & Marla Box Box Ranch Sales
THOMAS COMPANY BROKERS,Seattle WA
Ron was exceptionally easy to work with and quickly understood exactly what we needed. His communication throughout the process was excellent. Most importantly, the images were absolutely beautiful and were perfect for our marketing materials. We would not hesitate to work with Ron again.


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Pre-Algebra is recommended for students ages 12 and up and covers –
- Graphing on a Coordinate Plane
- Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Integers
- Solving Equations and Inequalities Containing Integers
- Exponents and Square Roots
- Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Rational Numbers
- Collecting, Displaying, and Analyzing Data
- Plane Geometry
- Perimeter, Area, and Volume
- Ratios and Similarity
- Relating, Decimals, Fractions, and Percents
- The Fundamental Counting Principle
Prerequisite: Skills covered in Math Course 1
A diagnostic assessment is required to ensure students are ready to begin this class. Please contact me to set up your free diagnostic evaluation.
Private tutoring (TBD): $50 per session
Group tutoring is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at The Rickett Domain: $40 per student
Class is held on Wednesdays at First Baptist Church (Aug-May): $25 Jackson Tutorial Fee. This fee is non-refundable. 10 payments of $50 each are due on the first Wednesday of each month (Jul-Apr). No refunds after July 1. All tuition of due regardless of attendance.
*If a class does not meet the minimum number of students, it will be canceled and your registration amount will be refunded.


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Do you love hummingbirds? Maybe a better question would be, who doesn't?
|Hummingbird feeding from an ocotillo flower.
|Female Anna's hummingbird at my feeder.
– Place containers in areas where you can view the visiting hummingbirds such as an entry, near a window or a back patio.
– Make sure that the containers are visible and allow easy access for hummingbirds to fly in and out.
– Select colorful pots for a welcome splash of color (optional).
– Larger pots will stay moister longer, therefore needing to be water less frequently.
A hummingbird's favorite color is red, although they will visit flowers of all colors as long as they are rich in nectar.
To this, we will need to visit our friend, the color wheel.
– To achieve a soft blending of colors, select plants with flower colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
– For a striking contrast, pair flowers with colors that occur on opposite ends of the color wheel.
|Salvia coccinea
– Hummingbirds are drawn to flowers that have a tubular shape.
|Hummingbird feeding from the yellow flower of aloe vera.
– The color red is their favorite, but as stated earlier, they will visit flowers of all colors.
|Young hummingbird feeding from a lantana flower.
– They tend to prefer flowers with little to no fragrance since their sense of smell is poor.
– Plants belonging to the Salvia genus are all very popular with hummingbirds and are a safe choice when creating a hummingbird container garden.
|Soap aloe flowers.
– Flowering succulents are also often visited by hummingbirds as well.
|Rufous hummingbird feeding from the flower of a red hot poker plant.
– There are helpful online resources with lists of plants that attract hummingbirds. Here are two helpful ones:
The Hummingbird Society's Favorite Hummingbird Flowers
Top 10 Hummingbird Flowers and Plants from Birds & Blooms Magazine
– Other helpful resources are your local botanical garden, master gardener or nursery professional.
Another bonus to planting hummingbird attracting plants is that many of the same flowers attract butterflies too.
The key to maintaining healthy container plants lies in proper watering and fertilizing.
Let's look at watering first:
– Water containers when the top 2 inches of soil are barely moist. You can stick your finger into the soil to determine how dry the soil is.
– Water until the water flows out the bottom of the container.
– The frequency of watering will vary seasonally.
Fertilizing is important for container plants – even plants that don't normally require fertilizer when planted in the ground will need it if in a container.
– Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer, which lasts 3 months.
– Supplement, if desired, with a liquid fertilizer monthly.
– For succulents, use a liquid fertilizer at 1/2 strength every other month spring through early fall.
Don't be afraid to look outside the box when it comes to what can be used as a container.
Add a water feature in a container that will surely attract nearby hummingbirds.
Add places for hummingbirds to perch nearby or within the container itself.
This little black-chinned hummingbird was perfectly at home perching on a lady's slipper (Pedilanthus macrocarpus) stem that was growing in a container.
You can always add a small, dead tree branch within the container itself for a convenient perching spot.
As you can see, the amount (or lack of) garden space doesn't need to limit your ability to attract hummingbirds using beautiful, flowering plants.
I spoke about small space gardening at the Hummingbird Festival 2015, and it was an unforgettable experience, filled with educational talks, beautiful gardens and observing hummingbirds up close – I even got to hold one! To read more about my adventures with hummingbirds, click here.
I hope that you are inspired to create your own mini-hummingbird habitat in a container.
**Do you have a favorite plant that attracts lots of hummingbirds? Please share them in the comments section.


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6 Ways To Keep A Conversation Going With A Russian Woman
On a date, maintaining a good conversation can be a struggle. Some people are blessed with conversation skills, but others arent so lucky. Being a good conversationalist will help you warm up to people whether its for business or relationship building. Having this skill will help you show your self-esteem, help you make new friends, and help you avoid awkward silences when you are talking to someone new. If you arent blessed with these skills, mastering the art of conversation will take some time. Practicing conversation, like anything else, will help you build confidence when speaking with strangers and new-found friends. In this article, we will give you ways to keep a conversation going when you are on a date.
Ask open-ended questions
Questions that dont require the other person to answer yes or no are the kinds of questions you need to ask. Ask them about the sports they like or the things they enjoy when they have free time. Ask them about their student days and what major pursued. Ask them about certain things theyd be interested in like reading or traveling. There are so many things to talk about, you just have to know the right questions to ask.
Find a common interest and talk about it
Determine what the other person likes. Then youll probably have something in common to talk about. Is she a music lover? Sports? Art? Travel? Find a topic that you both enjoy talking about, and from there youll open up more topics to talk about to keep the conversation going.
Listen to the person intently
Listening is important. When you pay attention, you give the other person who is talking the impression that you are interested in what she is saying. Listening is vital to keep a conversation going. It gives you more perspective on that person, and youll be able to ask follow-up questions if you have any. Avoid interrupting while the other person is talking. Wait for her to finish before you speak.
Dont be afraid to ask serious questions
Serious questions are good conversation topics. Questions like What was your happiest day? or What quality do you like most about yourself? are a couple of examples you can ask your date. These kinds of questions will need an elaborate answer and you can go back and forth until youve covered up everything in the question. Here are some more serious but fun questions you can ask:
- If you could change your name, what name would you choose and why?
- If a genie was going to grant you three wishes, what would you wish for?
- Who has the most influence in your life?
- If you were given super powers, what powers would you choose and how would you use them?
A sense of humor never fails
Being funny has two sides. One is overdone; it becomes annoying. The second one is the right amount, and the other person will think you are fun to be with. In dates, its important to keep your funny side at the right amount to keep the conversation from being drab. Making your date laugh will wash away the awkwardness if there is any between you two. Having humor will help your date to become memorable and enjoyable for both people. A little bit of sarcasm here and a few witty comebacks there will make your conversations colorful.
Talk with your date while facing her and making eye contact
A genuine conversation will involve a lot of eye contact and interaction between both people. This will help establish the connection that will help keep the conversation going. This connection will not come to life if the people dating dont face each other while talking and dont make eye contact. Body language is an important factor in having conversations.
Its important to gain and build up confidence when speaking with other people. Practicing with people you are already comfortable with can help build this confidence. When communicating with others, you should also be mindful of the topics you are going to talk about. A good conversation will let you go a long way with your date. Keep the tips listed above in mind and enjoy your time with the beautiful Russian woman you are dating.
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"Puella Magi Madoka Magica" is one of my favorite animes. At some point in the future I will review the films tied to the series, even though the series feels done and it doesn't really need anymore stories told. It is this complete arc that is one of the things I loved about this series, the others being the message of empowerment of girls, the subversion of shonin anime and that the characters and actions that have consequences.
The story is really strong. In it we see that this is a world that is fully fleshed off. Kyubey's people make deals with girls to give them powers so that they can collect the energy to trade in the Galaxy and keep Entropy from destroying the Universe. They aren't human so they don't understand emotions and they don't even have individuality so they don't understand sacrificing for another, Kyubeys seem to be one being that is a species. Within that the Magical Girls are used by the Kyubeys until the cycle is finally broken by Homura and Madoka whose wishes literally change everything. Homura creates a "Groundhog Day" situation where she creates many timelines to try and save Madoka. This wish gives Madoka the the magical potential to wish away wishes and change the Universe completely in ways that Homura's wish never could. It's a fascinating story and a great sci. fi.
The other message is the empowerment of girls and women. All the main characters are girls. There is Kyoko who is the rebel who actually cares, Homura who is the shy girl who becomes the stoic action hero, Mami who is the mentor to all of them in the first timeline and Sayaka who is the tragic lover and paladin. All of them move on and grow though through sacrafice or Madoka's changing of the world. Sayaka moves on and is happy for her friend and the boy she had a crush on and before that she had changed Sayaka who had only cared about herself until Sayaka's self sacrifice taught her that people are worth fighting for, especially Sayaka. All of them are empowered with Madoka and Homura's arc being the most complete with Madoka literally becoming God and becoming greater than the self and Homura becoming the guardian of humanity and caring about more than just Madoka because of Madoka's sacrifice. Through these arcs all of them become more than who they were before.
There are men like Madoka's father and Sayaka's crush but they are side characters who are there to show us the perspectives of the women. It's a nice subversion of what I usually find in Shonin anime where it is all about the men and their relationships. Women serve the role of helping them grow, in "Madoka Magica" it is the reverse and I hope we can see more stories grow out of this.
I loved the characters in this! Even Kyubey was enjoyable as It showed it wasn't primarily selfish when it lived in Madoka's world and found another way to collect Energy and didn't even think that the prior universes existed (showing the limitedness of the species). Kyoko was my favorite though, she went from antagonist to the greatest ally of Homura and Madoka and truly loved Sayaka. The main characters are neither good nor bad, they are complex. Madoka is the idealist but she also loses sight of individuals just like she can see friends but lose sight of the bigger picture. All the characters are complicated and flawed and it is what makes it such a great anime.
The final part of the series that made it truly remarkable was that actions had consequences. A Magical Girl will eventually become a wish because every wish and hope has despair as the reaction. This lead to Magical Girls throughout history become Witches and to Homura's "Groundhog Day" to save her friends but most of all Madoka. She isn't able to change things though, but her constant trying makes Madoka have the greatest Magic Potential of any Magical Girl which allows her to change the Universe and become more than she ever was before. The consequence of this is she is wiped from history. The consequence of Homura tryin to save Madoka is she becomes hardened and appears uncaring because she has lost Madoka and the other so many times and we see it on the smaller level with Sayaka losing any chance of a relationship when she realizes the nature of what she is and that her soul is no longer a part of her because she was turned into a Magical Girl. It's sad and powerful. This is a story of consequences and it makes the story matter. There are no happy endings, there is always loss of some sort and every universe has humans despair…within Madoka's new world, Wraiths now haunt the Earth as that symbol.
If you like anime you should check out this series. It isn't large, which is what I was looking for when I was seeking requests for the anime series I'd be reviewing…and I'll be reviewing another series soon as well. I'll leave it a surprise for now but it also will not be too long either and hopefully it will become a favorite too. It is the powerful stories that have the chance to inspire people and to at the very least give people the chance to learn something about themselves and about the world. This is one of those types of animes and is well worth your time.
Final Score: 9.8 / 10.


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The New York police department's hate crime task force is investigating an incident in which teens yelling "ISIS" attacked a Muslim man in the Bronx.
Police say that on Shabbos, Mujibur Rahman, a 43-year-old Bangladeshi man, was wearing traditional South Asian clothing when two teenagers approached him and punched him in the head until he collapsed. They then kicked him. His injuries are not life-threatening. Read more at the New York Daily News.
{CB Frommer-Matzav.com Newscenter}


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As a realtor, I meet tons of people throughout my week and many have the same questions. Some are quite funny like "what time do the whales come out?" Yes, I have actually gotten that question. One I get quite frequently though is: "when is the best time to travel to maui?"
First, let me say that Maui is genuinely nice all year round. It's why so many people live here and if they don't, they keep coming back year after year. Maui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, whales during the "winter" time, and sunshine days that seem to go on forever. That being said, it is very difficult for me to answer this question.
What I will say though, is…it depends on what kind of person you are. Do you like to cozy up to a warm fire with a sweater on, listen to the rain drops, and watch rainbows cascade over the clouds? If so, Kula in the winter is the place and time for you. "Winter" here is from December through the end of February. It's typically our most rainy season, however Kihei and Wailea area get the least amount of rain of any part of the island all year around. If you're a surfer and you love big wave action, then December and January is definitely your target time to come to Maui. For folks that like lazy, sunny beach days where the beach is hot and the drinks are cold, July and August is the best time for you to come. If you are an avid whale watcher, then January and February is your time here on Maui.
Like I said, Maui is so special in that it has so many seasons with different activities available for all types of people with different hobbies. Fall on Maui is my favorite time here. That's when the weather starts to cool off a bit from the hot summer months, pumpkin patches are in full bloom up-country, fall festivals and fairs are happening all over the island, and people are starting to gear up for Christmas. I don't know what it is about that time, but the air seems to feel a little more crisp and clean, the lines at Starbucks anxiously await pumpkin spiced everything, and I end up baking a lot more in my kitchen.
Others love the spring break action right around March and April when Maui is a little less crowded but still fun. And then there's the daredevil wind surfers who travel to Maui during our windiest months; June, July and August.
So, did I answer your question? The answer really is, you'll have to spend some time on Maui throughout multiple times of the year and really get a feel for the region and time of year that you love. The general answer though is…Maui is beautiful everyday of the year and we are grateful and lucky to live here! #luckywelivemaui


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As a mother, we worry. We worry about bumps and bruises, we worry about what they eat, when they sleep, how they sleep, we even worry about the people looking after them. I suppose you could say, worrying is really just part of the job description. But one thing that no parent should have to worry about is the safety of what their child is breathing, ensuring that you select the safest crib made out of non-toxic materials aswell as a natural and organic crib mattress whilst your baby sleeps less than two feet away from you.
But the truth is if you are not worrying about it yet, you should be.
Because – your child's safety is at risk.
Now, you can sit there and call me paranoid, but there is basis to why I am writing about why I believe organic crib mattresses are what you need to buy for your baby. As I have mentioned on the this site before, one of my babies passed away from SIDS, hence why I feel this way. I often find myself lecturing my friends and colleagues about baby safety until I realize, 'Geez, Heather, not everyone is concerned about buying a non-toxic organic crib mattress'. That's fine, I can accept your decision, but I just can't help that through my own personal experience of losing my own child, I spent sleepless nights in a dark room with the only white light shining from my computer screen showing 'Google, Type to Search', searching for ways for me to ensure babies are sleeping safely and with safe baby products, hence why I am now writing about why you should buy an organic crib mattress over a ordinary crib mattress.
It has lead me here today with a ton of knowledge on toxic crib mattress chemicals which I never thought I could pronounce properly and now I can say them from the top of my head without thinking. Looking into buying a non-toxic, natural and organic cot or crib mattresses is intriguing and even if you don't have the money to buy an organic mattress, be informed and research what you are buying and at least, buy the best crib mattress your money can buy.
Ensure you are buying the safest crib mattress that you can afford for your baby.It doesn't necessarily need to the most top of the range organic baby mattress but looking out for some alternatives such as these below will ensure you are minimizing any health concerns:
If you are interested in going organic when it comes to your crib mattress, there is many alternatives out there by crib brand manufactures, look out for these:
- Organic cotton crib mattress
- Organic wool crib mattress
- Eco-crib mattress
- Green crib mattress
- Eco-Baby
- Bamboo crib mattress
- Natural crib mattress
- Organic baby mattress
- Non-toxic infant mattress
- Organic latex baby mattress
- Non-Allergic baby mattress
Hopefully, I can introduce you to some information for you to take into account to buy the safest crib mattress for your little bundle of joy.
14 Hours a Day
Children, especially newborns can sleep for up to ten to fourteen hours a day, which means that every day for ten to fourteen hours they are breathing in any fumes your crib, cot or crib mattress is letting off. Generally, it's easier to air out a crib to avoid fumes, but infant crib mattresses are quite different, most of the time you don't even understand how many chemical components your child's cot mattress has!
While most mattresses contain PVC, and Polyurethane foam, as long as you are conscious enough about what you are buying these specific toxins are easy to avoid, the difficulty arises in the more unavoidable ones.
Laws & Regulations
Currently, all standard baby crib mattresses, are required by law to be fire-resistant, which sounds like a great way to keep your baby safe from harm's way. Until of course you realize that in order to be manufactured to those standards baby mattresses now contain chemicals that are letting off fumes that your child is breathing in and absorbing through their very skin.
Even boric acid which is one of the safer methods of flame-retarding a crib mattress, is used a principal component in roach killers! Are you really alright with letting your child breathe in poison for over half the day, every day, as they grow up?
A lot of us may shrug off concerns like these, on the basis that Federal Standard checks would prevent any actual harm. But think of this – studies show that four of the most commonly used chemicals in flame retardation, the flame retardants we found include the following: Firemaster 550, TCPP, TDCPP (chlorinated Tris) and Butylated Triphenyl Phosphate. Each of these chemicals has side-effects that will give you nightmares.
The Firemaster 550, for example isn't even one chemical, it's a toxic cocktail of five chemicals, which have been linked to obesity and hormone disruption. TCPP which is basically Tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, is has been showing not only abnormal menstrual cycles in laboratory tests but even genetic damage. TDCPP (chlorinated Tris) has been actually identified as a cancer causing chemical by the U.S. National Research Council in addition to its already prevalent tendency to affect changes in hormone levels and genetic damage.
And Butylated Triphenyl Phosphate? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – has quite succinctly summarized all the toxin reports on this particular chemical to one soul shaking fact – decreased fertility. The mattress you are making your child sleep on could possibly be the reason why they can't have kids when they grow up.
Convinced yet?
I thought so.
Now, Flame-retardation is required as a Federal criterion in all children's and infant mattresses in recent days, unless you have a doctors note in which case you would have to go find someone willing to make you a baby mattress without the flame retardation layer, which even if you did manage to do, would not discount the already prevalent chemicals in the mattress, coming from the foam or plastic surface.
My advice?
Go green.
Organic mattresses are made generally of 100% cotton, wool or latex. Personally I'm not much a fan of the last one, since latex even where naturally obtained can tend to be chemically treated.
Cotton and Wool on the other hand where organically grown and selected, are great infant mattress fillers, since not only are both of these naturally fire resistant (Unlike PVC Foams which are extremely flammable and one of the main reasons flammable restrictions are required) but can also easily help avoid allergenic issues where not chemically treated. If you go for a 100% cotton mattress you are ensuring your baby is sleeping on a mattress which is made 100% of natural materials. My personal favorite, which I have myself and so does Emma is the Naturepedic No Compromise Crib Mattress which is made from 100% organic cotton and is the top rated and best selling organic, natural baby crib mattress made from 100% natural materials. I highly recommend it. Going organic is more affordable than you may be lead to believe.
In short chemical treatments and chemically formulated substance use can have dangerous affects on a child, perhaps most crucially when this is in their developmental stages, which is why organic mattresses act not only as an alternative but as the only real choice a mother has.


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The events listed below are only highlights of what is available, go to our current events list to see all the events that are listed.
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Save the Children - Laugh Til it Hurts - 13 April 2015
The Aid Fundraiser presents Laugh Til it Hurts at the Comedy Store in aid of Save the Children. With MC Michael Legge, Jarred Christmas, John Moloney, Andrew Bird, Alistair McGowan, Ian Moore, Joe Lycett. Tickets £13.
Womankind - Women on the Verge - 22 April 2015
On Wednesday 22nd April the Playhouse Theatre presents Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (staring Tamsin Greig) – a hilarious and heartfelt musical based on Pedro Almodovar's award-winning iconic film which celebrates women centre stage. This night will support Womankind with a proportion of ticket sales and donations collected on the night. All donations raised will be matched by the UK government £ for £ helping more women to challenge violence and discrimination worldwide. Tickets from £24.50.
Depression Alliance - Comedy for Depression - 23 April 2015
The Depression Alliance, England's only charity working exclusively to support people with depression, presents an amazing night of comedy at the Union Chapel. The event is headlined by the phenomenal Reginald D. Hunter, supported by Hal Cruttenden, Angela Barnes, David Morgan, Matt Richardson and Darius Davies. Tickets £18.
Cancer Research - Laugh til it Hurts - 20 May 2015
The Aid Fundraiser presents Laugh Til it Hurts in aid of Cancer Research at the Bloomsbury Theatre with John Robins (MC), Paul Foot, Tony Law, James Acaster, Robin Ince, Two Johns (Terry Alderton & John Spurling) & Sara Pascoe. Tickets £17.50.
Benefit Gala for P.O.R.T. - Sean Lock - 15 November 2015
Join Sean Lock and Friends for this benefit show at Leceister Square Theatre in aid of P.O.R.T.. a charity that funds research and raises awareness of the serious and sometimes fatal disease Chronic Intestinal Psuedo –obstruction. Tickets £25


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On this Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 I want to be more focused on those who have served, are serving, and who paid the ultimate price for Freedom than politics or political figures. However, having viewed the video of Michelle Obama's comments at a 9/11 celebration more than a dozen times and reviewing the comments of "lip reading experts" I have concluded that she said what is reported – "All this for a d***** flag." The facial expressions and body language of both Michelle and Barack Obama belie their attitude toward the celebration and the flag or the honoring of the flag and what it represents.
I submit the following as partial support for my view:
Obama and his wife were attending the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and watched as the Color Guard folded the flag into a triangular shape, according to custom. A video camera caught the two from the sidelines. Obama's wife leaned over and said to him, "All this for a damn flag?" Obama turned to her, smiled smugly and nodded his head in agreement. How do we know what was said? The video was presented for translation to a lip reading instructor at The River School, a Washington D.C. school for the deaf.
I hold a deep respect for the American Flag, not just because it is the flag of the United States but for what it represents, has represented, and hopefully will represent. I hold deep respect for the American Flag because of the many men and women who have served and paid a very high price to obtain and maintain freedom not only in this country but other parts of the world. For this Vietnam veteran, American citizen (naturally born), Christian, and Texan the American Flag is something that stirs my heart every time I see it and any time the National Anthem is played I immediately rise to my feet in respect and place my hand over my heart facing the flag. Why do I do that? Because this flag is more than just a piece of cloth it is a symbol of Freedom and Liberty which are precious to me.
This Flag was the ensign under which our forefathers fought in initially winning Freedom from the Tyrannical Rule of the British Crown. I'm thankful that over the years Britain has become one of our closest friends and allies in good times and bad but at that time they were seeking to oppress and enslave the colonist. Those new Americans had tasted freedom and believed that death would be better than the slavery and tyranny that was being pressed upon them so they rallied around the flag which represented a cause that embodied Freedom and Liberty as God-given rights. They committed their property, time, energy, intellect, and persons to prosecuting a war that would end in our establishment as a nation called "The United States of America."
That Flag has been the ensign under which our men and women have fought against oppression and despotism over the last two centuries. We stood in WWI and most thought that was the war to end all wars. Sadly it was not long until evil that had not been stamped out and properly dealt with raised its ugly head and we were plunged into WWII where the men and women in uniform, as well as the citizenry rallied around the American Flag and stood against the tide of oppression and evil securing Freedom for our homeland as well as many throughout the world. It has a special place in the hearts of those who have served and are serving and I say thank you to each one.
There are those in political power in America today that do not see desecrating the flag as a problem but any offense to Islam is, in their view, criminal. That alone speaks volumes about the condition of our nation and the problems we face. This Flag that Frances Scott Key wrote about as the British invaded Washington in 1814 and became our national anthem, is a treasure to most of us. Mr. Key with the aid of President James Madison sought to free his friend from British imprisonment and was taken captive himself. The British feared that he would reveal their plans so they put him on the British Frigate "Surprise". The British commenced an intense bombardment of Fort McHenry and when the smoke cleared Mr. Key and the others saw that tattered American Flag still flying over the fort and that inspired him to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
On this Memorial Day I pause to honor the memory of each one who has served in any capacity to gain, maintain, or reclaim our Freedom. Words will never be sufficient expressions of our gratitude. I conclude with some words from our Founding Fathers regarding Liberty:
"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety." – – Benjamin Franklin
"Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." – – George Washington
"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it." – – John Adams
Yes, Michelle "All this for a d***** flag", the American Flag which is a symbol of Freedom for all to see! May God help us to NEVER FORGET and ever be thankful for what this flag represents and symbolizes.
May God guard, guide, and protect you and may God bless America!