text:
Agriculture and Food Feed Certification
Animal feed certification from SGS helps feed producers to meet increasing demand, improve market access and demonstrate a commitment to feed safety.
Animal feeds are the building blocks of our food supply chains. Feeding those animals used for food production high quality, nutritious product will help farmers to breed high-quality, high yield animals that contribute to the economic and nutritional wellbeing of people.
The challenge for the feed industry is to not only increase capacity, yields and production, but to also safeguard product safety and quality.
Why choose feed certification services from SGS?
Supporting the drive towards better quality, and increasing access to feed markets, we are accredited against ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/TS 22003 to deliver certification against the FAMI-QS and EFISC schemes, and a certification body for GMP+ feed certification.
Building on our existing range of services, these accreditations demonstrate that we operate to the highest standards. We offer a broad range of feed certification schemes, as well as access to our global network of qualified feed certification auditors.
FAMI-QS – the Quality and Safety System for Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures. Addressing the safety, quality and regulatory compliance of specialty feed ingredients and their mixtures, FAMI-QS was the first code aimed at this sector – and remains as its only certifiable code. FAMI-QS:
- Minimizes the risk of unsafe specialty feed ingredients and their mixtures entering the feed and food chain
- Enables operators to implement the Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/2005/EC)
- Provides measures that help meet other feed safety regulatory requirements
EFISC – the European code of good practice for the industrial manufacturing of safe feed materials. This code aims to provide a harmonized, voluntary feed safety assurance scheme for the feed materials industry within the EU internal market. It guides manufacturers on how to establish and implement their own feed safety management system in accordance with EU and national legislation, including requirements for a management system, risk control, documentation, withdrawal and traceability.
GMP+ – integrates ISO quality management requirements, HACCP and other elements. It defines conditions relating to feed production facilities, storage, transport, trading, etc. GMP+ also defines clear conditions, so that feed safety and sustainability are guaranteed and certification bodies can conduct independent audits. A GMP+ certificate provides additional guarantee for all stakeholders in the international feed industry.
Global leader, local expertise
We can meet the certification requirements for local markets too. Our global network of animal feed certification experts are also fully conversant with local market needs, regulations and certification standards. We are happy to advise and audit as needed.
Contact us for more information.


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In an American Research Group poll conducted from December 26 through 29, 2009, Paul Hodes loses to both Kelly Ayotte (43-36) and Ovide Lamontagne (37-31) in the NH Senate race. While Hodes would lose to either Repub candidate, the undecideds increase by 11% (32-21) when the R challenger is Lamontange.
On another note, every sheriff in NH, endorsed Kelly Ayotte.
SHERIFFS FOR KELLY. Ayotte yesterday was endorsed by all nine of the state's county sheriffs.
Given her law enforcement background, it was no surprise, but it's always a plus to have the sheriffs, with their extensive grassroots networks, in one's corner.
They called the former attorney general tough on crime and a proven leader. The Ayotte campaign said she had worked with the sheriffs to "keep New Hampshire safe, and each of the last two years, New Hampshire was rated the safest state in the nation" by CQ Press.
Hopefully NH is coming back to its senses.

subset: commoncrawl


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Employee Pictures
I am trying to find information on my grandfather Edward Aloysious Dormady who was a Fireman on the geneva – Ithaca NY run for Lehigh Valley Railroad in the 30s-50s. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I am trying to find any info on my grandfather who I believe was a engineer with the LVRR in the late 1800 or early 1900 as he died in 1938. I would appreciate anyone who has heard of him, his name was Corea Albert Sands. Thank You
Page #3 Image 59. Dubby Herman was my maternal grandfather.I never met him as he died was I was a few months old. Not too many pics of him that I have seen. He resided most of his life in Manchester NY. Some of my family still reside in the area.
I love this website and all of the comments. I'm trying to learn anything I can about the LVRR police. There's not just a lot of information out there on them. If anybody can tell me any type of information then I would greatly appreciate it. Even any LVRR police stories from any family members. I'm just a big LVRR police fan trying to learn as much as I can about them. I feel that they are not recognized enough in the police realm and there's not enough stories out there to prove their importance in the LVRR history.
i was glad to see a picture of my father Julius Funk, you have his name as Jules everyone called him Jake, he worked for lehigh valley for many years and retired in the 70s due to health reasons, he was also forman for Lehigh valley r.r. for many years,great site.
Thank you so much for the time and effort that went into developing this site. My father, Arthur Van Reed, worked for the LVRR from (I believe)the 1920's up until his retirement in the early 1960's. He retired as the Supt. of Police — proud right up to the end — of the railroad, its employees and the esteemed place the LV held in writing America's history.
Glad to hear your dad was a lvrr police officer. I commend him for his duty. As a police officer myself and a lvrr police fan I would have loved to have meet him. Thank you for your post. Daniel Granato
I would like to know if there are any photos or employee records for Robert McCormick who was a conduction 1890-1920 or his son Howard Elmer McCormick who worked for LV RR in Bethlehem, PA in the 1920's.
Looking for photos of rymell ancestors who worked on railroad
seeking info,pictures owen mclane engineer l.v. r.r. 1940-1960.
Wow, I found my grandfather in the Sayre employee picture(third row, middle picture)he's standing in the second row down, second person in on the left. Any idea what year this was taken?
I see you have posted a inside picture of the Sayre roundhouse. Any idea what year that was taken? My grandfather Otto Gauss worked in the Sayre roundhouse for the Buffalo division.
I see that my Grandfather William Slattery is still available. I wonder what happened to the picture of my Father and Sister.
Daniel E. Boyle JR
A photo on flickr.com led me to this site. Here is a link to the photo.
Photo #55 includes, from left-to-right, Earl Fredette, Warren Edwards (sitting on motorcycle), Don Bennett, John Crane, and unknown person. The motorcycle was Art Farrel's; the car, a Buick LaSabre was Don Bennett's (who was often called "Bend-on-it"). The location is the western terminus of the Lehigh Valley, Tifft Street Yard.


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OverviewGoa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 16th-century churches and the area's tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. L ...More Info
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From HaskellWiki
Revision as of 21:05, 22 January 2009 by Henk-Jan van Tuyl (talk | contribs) (Added a link to the Yampa package at Hackage; added remarks about bit rotten software)
Yampa is a domain-specific embedded language for the programming of hybrid systems using the concepts of Functional Reactive Programming (FRP). Yampa is structured using Arrows, which greatly reduce the chance of introducing space- and time-leaks into reactive, time-varying systems.
Yampa was originally developed by the Yale Haskell Group.
Yale Haskell Group
- Robotics Simulator Bundle v0.9.1 (dated 2002-10-17)
- AFRP Release 0.4 (will not compile with recent GHC):
George Giorgidze
- YampaSynth - is a software synthesizer implemented in Haskell using Yampa. It contains a framework of sound generating and sound shaping modules (e.g. oscillator, amplifier, mixer, envelope generator, filter, etc.) and example applications.
External Links
- Yampa Home Page
- Yampa-Users mailing list - Yampa-related comments, questions, discussions, and announcements. You can also send bug reports to email@example.com.
- George Giorgidze is working on a modular music synthesizer written in Haskell and using Yampa.


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CLOSING BELL: Stocks steady at beginning of jam-packed week
NEW YORK — Stocks held steady in a calm day of trading Monday, but the storm may be coming.
This upcoming week is full of events that could swing markets: The Federal Reserve may raise interest rates, more countries around the world may move to shake up the economic status quo and several high-profile updates on the U.S. economy are due.
That's all in the near future, though. Monday's calendar was decidedly light, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index flipped between modest gains and losses before closing at 2,373.47, up just 0.87 points, just 0.04 percent. It remains within 1 percent of its record, which was set earlier this month.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 21.50 points, or 0.1 percent, to 20,881.48. The Nasdaq rose 14.06 points, or 0.2 percent, to 5,875.78. Three stocks rose for every two that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.
In such a hectic week, one event still stands out from the rest: the Federal Reserve's meeting on interest rates, which begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday. Most investors expect the Fed to raise rates for only the third time since they went to nearly zero during the financial crisis in 2008.
Usually, rising interest rates are bad news for stocks because they make borrowing more expensive and can be a drag on economic growth. But many analysts say this time may be different. As long as the pace is gradual, these increases will only be getting rates back to normal rather than slamming the brakes on the economy.
It was only a few weeks ago that many investors were expecting the Fed to stand pat at its March meeting and then raise rates later in the spring. But expectations have swung following a series of strong reports on the economy. The headliner was Friday's jobs report, which showed healthy levels of hiring.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.61 percent from 2.58 percent late Friday and is approaching its highest level since 2014. The two-year yield rose to 1.37 percent from 1.35 percent, while the 30-year yield climbed to 3.21 percent from 3.16 percent.
The Fed isn't the only central bank meeting on interest rates this week. So are the Bank of England, Bank of Japan and others around the world.
The dollar largely held steady against its rivals. It dipped to 114.77 Japanese yen from 114.78 yen late Friday. The euro fell to $1.0660 from $1.0692, and the British pound rose to $1.2231 from $1.2177.
The price of a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude oil fell 9 cents to close at $48.40 a barrel. Brent crude, which is used to price international oils, slipped 2 cents to close at $51.35 a barrel in London. In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline fell 2 cents to $1.58 a gallon, heating oil was little changed at $1.50 a gallon and natural gas rose 3.5 cents to $3.043 per 1,000 cubic feet.
Gold rose $1.70 to settle at $1,203.10 an ounce, silver rose 5 cents to $16.97 an ounce and copper rose 3 cents to $2.63 a pound.


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NOTE: This post was originally published on my previous blog, Recovering Shopaholic.
I'm a big fan of the singing competition television show, "The Voice." Last week, right on the heels of my "Who Are You Dressing For?" post (that was hard for me to write and helped me to turn a powerful corner), one of the competitors on the show sang a song that cut right through to my soul. I knew the moment I heard it that I needed to write a blog post about the thoughts and emotions it evoked in me. The sentiments expressed in the song not only affect me personally, I know they also impact thousands – and likely millions – of other women worldwide.
The song is called "Try" and it's by Colbie Caillat. The cover version was sung by the youngest competitor on "The Voice," Reagan James, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday (watch her performance here). As she sang the song, I could tell that she felt the words deeply. Yet I –at age 48, three times her age – felt them equally as strongly, if not to a larger degree.
Trying So Hard to Fit in and Belong
The song is about the lengths to which we go to fit in and belong, especially in regards to the way we look. Here are a few excerpts of the lyrics (you can read them all here and watch the very poignant video here):
Put your make up on
Get your nails done
Curl your hair
Run the extra mile
Keep it slim
So they like you. Do they like you?
Get your shopping on,
At the mall,
Max your credit cards
You don't have to choose,
Buy it all
So they like you. Do they like you?
Those words – and all of the other words of the song – resonate deeply with me. I have struggled with my confidence, particularly around my appearance, for as long as I can remember. I was a shy, introspective child and reached my full height of 5'10" at age 13. I've always stood out as a result, but I often wanted to retreat into the woodwork. Shame over adolescent weight gain and just feeling "wrong" led me to develop an eating disorder that would last over two decades.
Obsession, Pain, and Anguish
Obsession about the way I looked, as well as about my weight, has caused me immeasurable pain and anguish over the years. For my entire life, I've been a total perfectionist about my hair, make-up, and clothing. Even when I was in the hospital for anorexia and dangerously thin, I insisted on putting my make-up on and fixing my hair. I didn't want anyone to see me looking less than my best. Deep down, I felt unacceptable "as is" and that I needed to go to great lengths to improve upon my image.
Around the same time that my battle with anorexia and bulimia started, my issues with compulsive shopping began. I kept thinking that if I could somehow get thin enough, wear the right clothes, and look sufficiently pretty, I would be able to fit in and feel good about myself. But no amount of weight loss or new outfits could quell the deep feelings of inadequacy that tormented me each and every day. Of course, I didn't realize that at the time, so I kept dieting, shopping, and primping, all to very little avail.
I am so very tired of trying so hard to fit in and be liked. I'm weary of feeling like I'm not good enough, like I have to look a certain way or do certain things in order to be accepted by others – and by myself. I'm more than ready to lay down my sword and stop fighting this unwinnable battle.
You Don't Have to Change a Single Thing
While the verses of "Try" that speak to the struggle are so familiar to me and my journey through life, what touched me the most about the song were some of the other words, like the following:
You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing
Wait a second,
Why should you care, what they think of you
When you're all alone, by yourself
Do you like you? Do you like you?
I am not exaggerating at all when I tell you that I cannot hear or read those words without tears welling up in my eyes. I am exasperated at trying so hard to be something I'm not, at feeling like who I am is somehow bad or wrong. Over the years, I have gradually gained increasing self-respect and confidence and have been able to see value in myself beyond my appearance. Deep down, I know that I have worth that goes much deeper than my exterior. And though I may not be able to say that I unequivocally love myself, I do like myself now and believe that I am a good and worthy person.
On Aging, Hair, and Identity
Yet I still struggle with my appearance and the aging process has been difficult for me. I lament that I no longer have the smooth, taut, lineless face of my twenties. And no matter how hard I work out, my muscles are not as firm as they used to be and I now have a bit of extra padding around my middle. These things are not at all easy for me to deal with, but the main area in which I still try too hard is with my hair.
For most of my life, my hair was truly my "crowning glory." It was long, thick, lustrous, and a lovely shade of auburn. Although I've flat-ironed it for close to twenty years, it remained strong and healthy, until about five years ago. An ill-advised straightening treatment ruined my hair and adversely affected my health. I experienced serious breathing difficulties and an unbearably sore throat, and my hair started falling out in clumps. I had to cut half of it off, as the fumes from the formaldehyde (that I didn't know was in the treatment and which I'm apparently extremely sensitive to) were outgassing and making me sick.
Fortunately, the health issues gradually improved (although I wonder if there are lingering effects), but my hair has never been the same. It's now much more brittle and breaks easily. It's also almost completely grey. I get it colored every four weeks and it needs it much sooner than that. I still flat-iron it, as it's a frizzy, bushy mess without it, but it no longer withstands the heat like it once did. Many other women would have cut it off by now, but I'm very afraid to do so.
I cling to my long hair (which really isn't that long anymore) as if it's my identity and like I'd be lost without it. I fear that if I let go of my hair, I won't be attractive anymore and I'll just look old and past my prime. Although I see beautiful women with short hair (and wrinkles, too) all the time, I somehow don't believe the same could possibly be true for me. So I continue to hold on to something that once was great but isn't any longer. I continue to try too hard to make something be what it is not.
From Tightly Wound to Peace and Freedom?
These are the types of worries that plague me. They may seem ridiculous to you, and even I know that they are "first-world problems." I also know that I'm very fortunate in many, many ways. I am grateful for my blessings in life, but I cannot seem to let go of my stupid hair and appearance worries. No wonder I've suffered from migraines for thirty years; I'm just so tightly wound that I can't relax and let go. But I really need to do so… My full recovery depends upon it.
Towards the end of the Colbie Caillat video, she and other women take off their make-up and one woman even removes her wig to reveal a bald head. Each of them looked relaxed, confident, and beautiful as they did those things. I found myself longing to capture those feelings and to finally be free of my self-imposed bondage.
I wonder how many of you can relate to what I'm writing here. I know I'm not alone. The fact that "Try" was such a big hit is a testament to the resonance of the lyrics among women in the United States and around the world. Many of us are tired of trying so hard and feel encouraged at the thought of not having to do so anymore. What if we really didn't need to change a single thing? What would be possible for us as women and as people?
What if Things Could Be Different?
What if we didn't need to keep shopping and shopping to try to measure up to society's expectations of us? What if we didn't need to spend an hour or more getting ready each day? What if we could relax, at least some of the time? What if we could stop caring so much about whether other people like us and just focus on liking ourselves?
I'm sure some of you have already moved past the types of concerns I wrote about above, or perhaps you were lucky enough to never have had them in the first place. I hope to be able to cross over the bridge into true freedom soon. Even the fact that I could write this post and air more of my "dirty laundry" for all to see is a testament to my willingness and readiness to change.
I've thought about writing these things many times before, but it took a brave 15 year-old on "The Voice" to give me the courage to take this next step. Thank you, Reagan James, and thank you, Colbie Caillat, for writing such a beautiful and inspiring song. And thanks to all of you for your support and for being witness to my growth and recovery.
If you're reading this and find that you're still trying too hard, perhaps my words will give you some courage to break free from that bondage. I don't know you personally, but I do know one thing. You are good enough, and so am I. With that, I'll close with the final words of "Try":
Take your make up off
Let your hair down
Take a breath
Look into the mirror, at yourself
Don't you like you?
Cause I like you
With love and wishes for strength, Debbie


text:
Man Frequently Seen Posing With Teddy Bears Accused of Rape
An employee of Steiff, the company that makes all those ridiculously expensive teddy bears, has accused company CEO Martin Frechen of sexually harassing and raping her. All those photos of him with cuddly stuffed animals can't help his reputation now:
Jane Collins became Frechen's assistant in 2002. Now she's suing him for $80 million:
While they were away at a conference in Plymouth, Mass., Frechen asked Collins to stop at his hotel room to help him with a speech, the suit says, and he tried to force himself on her.
The flustered Collins fled — but the undeterred Frechen asked her later that night if she'd meet him behind a gas station, an offer she declined, the suit says.
A week later, he asked Collins to help him get his wife's car into a storage unit for the trip back to Germany — and when she did, he closed the warehouse door and forced himself on her, the suit says.
He denies the charges. The teddy bears remain silent thus far.
[NYP. Pics via and via]


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Adopt a pet: She wants to be your valentine
Editor's note: Please contact area shelters before visiting. Some shelters may be closed, have adjusted hours of operation or only available by appointment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bethany Animal Control Shelter: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month, 5100 N College, 789-3431.
Central Oklahoma Humane Society Center: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, 7500 N Western Ave., 286-1229.
Edmond Animal Welfare Shelter: 10 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays. 2424 Old Timbers Drive, 405-216-7615.
El Reno Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 2400 Spur Lane, 262-8883.
Free to Live: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Four miles north of Waterloo Road on Western Avenue, 282-8617, or www.freetoliveok.org.
Midwest City Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 7221 NE 36, 427-6640, or www.midwestcityok.org.
Misfits, Mutts and Meows: Call 471-3922 or go to petfinder.com/shelters/OK305.html.
Moore Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 4000 S Interstate 35 Service Road, 793-5190.
Mustang Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 520 SW 59, 376-4474.
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare: The shelter is open from noon to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week at 2811 SE 29. For more information, go to www.okc.petfinder.com and www.okc.gov. Visitors to the shelter are no longer required to make an appointment to adopt a pet. The number of people entering the building will be monitored to ensure that social distancing guidelines can be met.
Pets and People Humane Society: noon to 5:30 p.m. daily for adoptions, 701 Inla Ave., Yukon, 350-7387, www.petsandpeople.com.
The Village Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 1701 NW 115. Call 751-0493 before visiting shelter.
Warr Acres Animal Shelter: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 789-9025.
Yukon Animal Shelter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, 501 Ash Ave., 354-6312.


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PARIS – Jack-of-all-trade Karl Lagerfeld strikes again. In case the direction of three fashion houses, incessant shooting, video directing, and Coca-Cola bottle designing wasn't enough, he's about to open a solo photography exhibition.
Tomorrow, Paris' Maison Européenne de la Photographie will reveal several decades of Karl's furious clicking passion gathering a mix of personal pictures, experimental prints and commercial work for various brands and magazines.
More From ELLE
"Photography is a part of my life. I look at the world and fashion through a camera lens," he said recently. "This helps me give the basis of my work a critical detachment."
It's a chance to see his exclusive photos of Freja Beja Erichsen alongside personal holiday snaps of New York, and pictures taken during Chanel campaign shoots &mash; a welcome moment for both fashion and photography fans.
Mr. Lagerfeld, who has been taking photos since 1987, has been interested in the art form for decades, he revealed, "I especially like late 19th century and early 20th century photography. I have a passion for Stieglitz, Steichen, Clarence White," but he's also moved by "German photography of the 1920s, and all those who were influenced by it later on such as Helmut Newton, Peter Lindberg or Ellen Von Unwerth."
Germany too is a fan of his work, he was awarded the `Cultural Prize' by the German Photographic society in 1996. When asked what he'd do if he had to choose between fashion and photography, he once said, "I would rather commit suicide than have to choose between them. What can force me to be one? I like to be all. The different aspects make the one man."
Maison Europeenne de la photographie: http://www.mep-fr.org/#


text:
Prior to Marlon Sandro's fight at Thursday's Bellator 92 event, MMAjunkie.com's Christian Stein headed to Brazil for a trip to the featherweight tournament participant's home gym.
He captured images from inside Academia Upper Flamengo (formal name: Sport Site Club Upper) in Rio de Janeiro's Flamengo neighborhood. The star-studded camp is home to the dominant Nova Uniao team.
The visit came in December 2012, just prior to early-year title wins by UFC champs Jose Aldo and Renan Barao, as well Bellator titleholder Eduardo Dantas. Invicta FC contender Claudia Gadelha also was in the gym, and Andre Pederneiras, Ronys Torres and Sandro oversaw the "shark tank" sessions.
Check out all the photos below.
And for the latest on Bellator 92, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.
* * * *


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Diesel Price had declined across the country after over a month on Wednesday. However, the petrol prices have remained unchanged for
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29-Jul-2022 01:00 PM
LONDON/PARIS : While millions are fretting whether they can afford another $1,000 on energy this year, others are still splashing out on $10,000 Hermes handbags as soaring prices leave wealthier people relatively unscathed.\r\rA string of consumer companies, from spirits group Diageo to Birkin bag maker Hermes, have this week reported they're making money from their most expensive products and expect to continue to do so, despite a cost of living crisis that shows no signs of abating.\r\rSharply higher interest rates, surging inflation and a prolonged energy crisis are leading to the conclusion that the global economy is headed towards recession.\r\rBut millions of wealthier consumers are still sitting on a cushion of savings built up during the COVID-19 pandemic and keen to treat themselves after two years of restrictions.\r\rHermes reported a record quarterly profit margin on Friday, as sales rose sharply amid strong growth in Europe and the United States, and a rebound in China in June.\r\rChairman Axel Dumas said he saw no sign of a slowdown in any region, even though the company has raised prices 4 per cent this year.\r\rCarmaker Renault also said its turnaround strategy of focusing on selling fewer but more profitable cars was paying off, and upgraded its forecast for full-year margins. The most expensive Renault cars can cost over $100,000.\r\r"The surprising resilience of European consumers can also be seen in the strong results of luxury brands owner, Louis Vuitton, particularly in their fashion and leather goods, such as Fendi and Christian Dior," Rebecca Chesworth, senior equities strategist at investor State Street SPDR ETFs, said.\r\r"Consumers enjoying travel reopening have been boosting sales of wines and spirits."\rSource: CNA
09-Sep-2022 10:13 AM
Congratulations to:sparkles: Neeraj chopra:bouquet:\r for scripting history yet again by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Diamond League Trophy :heart:\r\r#neerajchopra #diamondleague #gold
Rohit Bajirao Deore
29-Nov-2022 02:03 PM
Sanjay Meena
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02-Dec-2022 02:44 AM
Check out Neuralink's new show about what the future holds. https://youtu.be/YreDYmXTYi4
24-Dec-2022 11:39 AM
For the first time in five years, since we began tracking Indian original content from streaming services, there were fewer originals in 2022 than what we had last year.\rMovies that were sold to the likes of Netflix, Zee5, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video went back to theatres in 2022.\rStill, there were a few big names — legacy and new-age — who made their streaming debut in 2022, in Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit, Ranveer Singh, and Diljit Dosanjh.\rI wonder how that will impact their combined slate once that happens.)\rWe tried to scan their (confusing) websites, but it was impossible to figure out what launched and when.\rLastly, the original output for Watcho and Lionsgate Play grew to 300 percent of what it was in 2021, though it's worth noting they are operating in single-digits even now.\r\rSource - Gadget360\r#ott #orignals
Sonal Shridhar Shinde
06-Jun-2022 07:48 AM
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India's economic growth likely remained stuck around a near four-year low in the March quarter, compounding the government's woes as it heads into a busy election period weighed down by graft scandals and a record of poor economic management.
A Reuters poll of 37 economists showed gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 4.8 percent year-on-year, only slightly better than the 4.5 percent growth in the previous three months, which was the lowest in fifteen quarters. India's statistics office will release the data at 11 a.m. on Friday.
If the forecast materialises, it means India's full-year economic growth for 2012/13 (April/March) was about 5 percent, its worst in a decade, and a far cry from the 9 percent annual expansion recorded until two years back.
Years of fiscal profligacy, a long struggle with high inflation, high interest rates, persistent political gridlock and fragile global economy have put India back in a rut.
"It is imperative that both the government and the RBI get their acts together," said Jyotinder Kaur, an economist with HDFC Bank, who believes the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should take action to get money flowing into the real economy.
"The room for policy response is limited but it is not completely absent."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh leads a minority, coalition government that has been weakened by a series of high profile graft cases, and there is little sign of the fast economic rebound that could shore up its prospects in state elections this year and a national vote due by May 2014.
Opposition parties have used the scandals linked to allocation of resources including coal and telecoms to paralyze parliament, delaying legislation aimed at attracting funds to lift capital investment growth from an eight-year low.
The deep economic slowdown has tarnished the image of octogenarian Singh, a venerated economist whose far-reaching reforms two decades ago laid the ground for boom years that followed.
His poor record of delivering on promises, coupled with myriad regulatory hurdles - including high-profile tax battles with foreign companies - has driven investors away. Foreign direct investment into the country has fallen, while outbound corporate investment is on the rise.
To arrest the growth slide, Singh and Finance Minister P. Chidambaram launched a slew of steps from last September to encourage investment and control a high fiscal deficit. They expect those measures to help push up the economic growth to at least 6 percent this financial year.
The government is due to publish full year fiscal deficit data later on Friday, as well as infrastructure output data for April, a more up-to-date reading of the economy.
There are some signs that global firms are betting on India's prospects as one of the world's largest emerging consumer markets, with several large investments announced in recent months.
A recovery in annual industrial production and exports along with slowing inflation is also holding out some hope for Asia's third largest economy. But economists caution against reading too much into it.
"Based on the current trends, it is far too premature to say that we are in the middle of an economic recovery," said Kaur, citing anemic corporate investments and consumer demand.
Weak public finances has constrained the option of pump-priming the economy out of the slowdown. On the contrary, Singh has been forced to slam the brakes on public spending to retain India's investment-grade sovereign rating.
The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) 75 basis points interest rate cuts since January should have given some help, but a persistent liquidity shortage and locked-in high cost deposits mean Indian banks are reluctant to pass on the lower rates.
H.R. Khan, one of the deputy governors at the RBI, this week said the central bank is likely to take steps to address the tight liquidity situation. Kaur expects the bank to make more bond purchases from the market and auction the government's idle cash balance parked with it.
Enthused by slowing inflation, financial markets are hopeful of more monetary easing even though the central bank has warned of limited room for further easing.
Finance ministry officials say lower interest rates along with benign inflation will help bolster consumer demand that is growing at its slowest pace in at least 8 years.
Normal rains this summer, they argue, should also boost economic growth by lifting farm output and income.
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The Government of Israel and the OECD co-organised an international conference on "Joining Forces to Develop Smart, Cost-Effective Urban Water Utilities: Policy, Economics, Environment, Regulation and Technologies" on 23 October 2013, in Tel Aviv.
An optional tour was organised on 24 October to visit water sites, including plants of Mekorot - The National Water Company.
Anthony Cox, OECD Environment Directorate, made a keynote presentation on the Urban Water Challenges: Present and Future – The role of government in the development of smart and successful urban water solutions and participated in a panel on the Future of Urban Water Facilities – the link between technology and policy.
The conference took place in the context of Water Technology and Environment Control Exhibition & Conference (WATEC Israel 2013), which began on 22 October. The previous WATEC Exhibition attracted 27,000 visitors from 104 countries, including 40 ministers of water and 150 official delegations. 1,300 delegates participated in the Conference.
The conference was a unique opportunity to understand the policies that have supported the development of a dynamic water industry in Israel, hear about the lessons for water policies in other countries, and to get exposed to state of the art in water-related technologies. Amongst other things, the discussions will feed into the OECD project on "Water policies for future cities".
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Getting Creative with My Travel Photos: a Review of Photobox
I received my first digital camera aged 16, from my mother as a Christmas present. It was a large clunky Canon which required 4x AA batteries, can you believe it, but I adored it at the time and as a student doing my Art AS-Level it was invaluable. Aged 18 in Chile during my Gap Year it was stolen, so I then bought a Nikon which survived my gap year travels and up until my 2nd year of university, aged 20. After dropping it one too many times on university nights out, the camera was laid to rest and I reverted back to a Canon. A couple of Canon's later (I can't speak more highly of Instant Replacement camera insurance, it has saved me many a time!) and I finally got hold of my current Panasonic Lumix G5, which is a mini DSLR and I took a step towards 'proper' photography.
Anyone who has been on holiday with me at some point in the intervening nine years (gulp) will complain about my addiction to taking photos. Who knows why I can't stop taking photos, but I honestly love it and I have amassed thousands upon thousands of photos over the last nine years. My photos bring back memories and inspire me to plan future travels. I'm a very visual person so, as well as surrounding myself with postcards, I also have a great deal of photos that remind me of moments that I forget when I'm caught up in the busy day-to-day of London life. Given how utterly addicted I am to taking photos, I jumped at the chance to choose and review a couple of items from Photobox, a company that prints your photos onto pretty much anything you can imagine: classic prints, clothes, accessories, presents, calendars, cards, canvases, you name it…
iPhone 5 Cover
I opted for two items: firstly this iPhone 5 cover above which I designed on the Photobox website using my own Instagram photos from recent travels. They have a variety of layouts and photo size options and the website is really simple to use, giving you a 3D preview of your iPhone case too before you hit 'Purchase'.
I stuck to a blue and white theme to avoid clashing colours, so lots of the photos feature the sea or the sky. I chose a Matte finish (the other option is a Gloss finish) and the total came to £26.97 including postage. I've received so many compliments on it and it's fun to point out to friends which photos are from the trips we've taken together. The only critique I'd have is that the photos wrap around the sides of the case too, but they are a tiny bit stretched and distorted. Only an examining eye would ever notice it, as it looks fine at first glance. Otherwise, the quality of the printing on the main part is very good.
Collage Canvas
The second item that I ordered from Photobox was a 60x40cm Collage Canvas. Having just moved into a new flat in Parson's Green, back in London, I'm trying to spruce up my flat with paintings and artwork, and a collage of some of my favourite travel photos seemed the perfect way to decorate and personalise the new flat. Having chosen from a selection of 25 different layouts, I set about choosing photos in warmer tones, such as yellows, oranges, corals and reds, to populate the 15 spots available.
Keen to make the collage that much more meaningful to me, I decided to add in three of my favourite travel- and life-related quotes, from Michael Palin, Mahatma Gandhi and Marcel Proust. I really like how the canvas has turned out and I'm impressed by the quality of it, especially after such a lot of effort and indecisiveness went into its creation (to my detriment in this case, I'm not a very impulsive decision-maker!).
The canvas now hangs in pride of place in our drawing room and has already attracted lots of compliments! I'd recommend you check the pixel resolution of your photos against Photobox's Resolution Guide, which came in very handy for me. There is currently a sale on, so the canvas along with Classic thickness and postage came to £50.49.
Overall, I'm thrilled with both of the items from Photobox. The quality of the photos is really good and I do love being surrounded by my own photos, ones that inspire memories of past trips that enchanted me. Printing a canvas or an iPhone cover seem slightly more grown up ways of displaying my photos than the 'blue tack approach' I adopted at university. As I grow up a bit I realise there are classier ways to display photos, and that is it still important to print them out. Don't leave your photos to gather dust in a long-forgotten Facebook Album you never look at nowadays. Print off a selection of your best photos and display with pride the places you have travelled to, and importantly the lessons you learnt in those places. I am often guilty of thinking too much about the future, and not being grateful for everything I have already experienced, so looking back at the past through my photos is excellent food for the soul.


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WELCOME TO MOMENTUM, a quarterly publication from Partners for Success, a collaborative of organizations with the common objective of celebrating the stories that make us proud of Pottstown. We salute the residents, business owners, and other stakeholders making Pottstown better every day. In Momentum, you'll discover stories about business development; recreation and healthy lifestyles; education; and arts and culture.
Founding Partners
- Borough of Pottstown
- Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation
- Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority
- Pottstown School District
- TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce
- Montgomery County Community College
- Pottstown Area Industrial Development
- Pottstown Memorial Medical Center
- The Hill School
To read the first edition, click here: http://www.paidinc.org/momentum.php
Scroll down to Latest Edition: Spring 2014 – Download (PDF file)
To visit PAID's website, click here: http://www.paidinc.org/
We give two Roy's Rants thumbs up for the collaboration between stakeholders and for getting serious about marketing Pottstown to potential businesses and investors. This is a welcome step forward!


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We want our relationship with our people to last a lifetime. This is certainly the case for Rebecca Burton. Rebecca started to feel part of EY from her first day, and now she's returned as EY Oceania Brand, Marketing and Communications Director.
"What I really love about EY, returning this time, is how the culture has grown to embrace greater diversity of thought and perspective. And also to great a working environment of greater agility and flexibility," says Burton.
The EY experience also extends to our people's careers outside of EY, supported by our extensive Alumni network. Burton says, "My connections with former EY employees have been crucial throughout my career. Both in terms of coaching and guidance […] and when I've worked with other firms [to] help me make connections."
A career at EY will help you build a network and the skills to shape your future.
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EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
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A wide variety of functions are performed by City Boards and Commissions. The City Council is elected by the people to be in overall charge of the government of the City. Boards and Commissions are appointed to serve in a particular area of City government. These bodies are referred to as "citizen" Boards and Commissions since they are not elected and the people who serve on them are volunteers.
The Boards and Commissions of the City deal with a wide variety of subject areas that extend from Airport to Zoning. The roles of the Boards and Commissions are varied but each Board and Commission has a definite role prescribed for it by the City Charter, City Code of Ordinances, Council Resolution or some other legislative measure. The authority of City Council is limited by the City Charter; likewise, the authority of the various Boards and Commissions is limited by law. The actions of each citizen Board and Commission are important to the proper functioning of City government and, in some cases, have a substantial impact on individual citizens.
If you are interested in receiving more information in regards to serving on an advisory board or commission, please contact the Mayor's Office at 734-384-9144.
List of Full Boards, Commissions and Committees
Link to Meeting Schedule
Member Handbook
Board Application
The Board of Ethics administers and enforces the ordinances governing the standards of conduct.
Pursuant to Civil Service Act 78, the Civil Service Commission runs a civil service system based upon examination and investigation to determine merit, efficiency, and fitness for appointment, employment, and promotion of all full-time paid members appointed in the fire and police department.
The Historic District Commission advises the City Council on historic preservation issues including the establishment of historic districts and landmarks.
Historic District Commission
The Board of Review is tasked with hearing and deciding property assessment appeals and hardship requests.
Board of Review
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority guides economic development activities and fulfills duties prescribed by the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act of the State of Michigan.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
This Board is the governing body established under state enabling law to halt deterioration and to foster development of the downtown business area.
Monroe Downtown Development Authority
The mission of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is to undertake district-wide improvements that have the greatest impact in strengthening the downtown areas and attracting new business.
The Monroe Housing Commission provides affordable housing opportunities to moderate and low-income families and individuals in the City of Monroe.
The Mayor's Traffic Committee is an advisory committee composed of interested citizens, our Police Department, and elected officials that reviews requests for changes in traffic control and other traffic safety matters. The committee meets monthly when there are agenda items, and reports its findings to the full City Council for ultimate approval. Staff support for the committee is provided by the Engineering and Public Services Department.
The Authority was established under Act 234 of the Public Acts of 1925. The Authority operates within the Port District. The regulation of the internal affairs of the Authority is placed entirely with the Commission.
Port of Monroe
The Commission shall provide advice and make recommendations to the City Council and City Manager in regard to stewardship of the land and water resources within, or contiguous to the City of Monroe.
River Raisin Legacy Project
A special purpose body established pursuant to state law that meets every two years to set the compensation for elected City officials.
The Corporation is established to provide for the operation, management, financing, and planning of local and specialized transit services. The Commission is empowered to act under Articles of Incorporation filed with the Michigan Department of Commerce. Transit Services are administered by a management company overseen by the Commission.
Lake Erie Transit
The Board manages the investment of the pension systems assets and other matters relating to general administration of the System including the employment of appropriate professional services. The Board has duties in determining eligibility for pensions in certain cases.
INACTIVE - The Commission is an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council on library programs, and as an advisory body to the Monroe County Library system on levels of service to the City.
Monroe Public Libraries
The Citizen Planning Commission administers compliance with the City Zoning Ordinance and reviews requests for rezoning, special use permits, street or alley vacations, capital improvements, planned unit developments, and site plans.
Citizen Planning Commission
The Zoning Board of Appeals interprets the City Zoning Ordinance and the official zoning map.
Zoning Board of Appeals


text: Karl Lagerfeld works on so many one off collaborations that it's hard to keep track of his consistent projects. Aside from the recent re-launch of his eponymous masstige project, there's Chanel, Fendi and, for the past four years, Hogan. The Italian brand, which is owned by Tod's, celebrated its fall collection with a cocktail party on the left bank yesterday afternoon, followed by a dinner—the latter of which was attended by a blue haired Katy Perry. The collection, mostly black and white with lots of sparkle and a few studs, is supposed to strike a balance between "the haute couture sketches and balanced proportions of Karl Lagerfeld [and] the urban-chic lifestyle and contemporary luxury of Hogan." Click through for an exclusive look at the Lagerfeld-shot lookbook.\n\n\n\nbacknext\n\n\n\n\nPhoto: Karl Lagerfeld\n\n 1 of 5\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n


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About Wickham Hardwood Flooring
All our products carry the seal of excellence and our sales force is totally dedicated to provide excellent service to our customers in North-America, Europe and in Asia.
- All our coating products are manufactured subject to Iso9002 rules and performance criteria. We apply 8 coats of U.V. cured Aluminum Oxide finish for a total of 3.2 mils thickness.
- Abrasion result show 30% to 110% better than the competition using ASTM D 4060-95 technique. Adherence to the substrate is 100% compare to 95% for the competition's samples.
- All our pre-finished products don't show any "ribbing" of the varnish or "orange peel effect" of the sealer.
New varnish OXYLUST+: a mix of 3 ultra efficient components
By the addition of aluminium oxide to the polymer in the varnish, Wickham Hardwood Flooring offers more hardness & durability and a wear resistance higher than the concurrence. This is the new varnish OXYLUST+.
Knowing that bacteria are a major cause of the odours and moisture problems, Wickham Hardwood Flooring protects all their products with the Ultra-Fresh* treatment. This is the best defence against bacteria and fungi built right into the product. A combination of Ultra-Fresh* with appropriate maintenance of your floor is a solution to a hygienic environment and the guarantee of longevity for your floor.
OXYLUST+ offers superior protection against premature wood discoloration and yellowing. An antioxidant formula is added to the finish and makes a protective screen against the residual UVA wavelengths that can discolour your floor. You will enjoy your floor with the appearance 'recently installed' for a very long time.
Unequalled transparency and a remarkable quality of OXYLUST+ coating come from the precedent process and is a judicious choice for an optimal protection.


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Kia Niro concept to be unveiled at Frankfurt
Kia has confirmed that its dramatic new European concept, to be unveiled at the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show, will be called the Kia Niro.
The Kia Niro hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity, and will preview an innovative new powertrain when it is revealed on 10 September. The car was designed at Kia's Frankfurt design studio – less than a kilometre away from the IAA – under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.
Accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it, Niro combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials – including stainless steel elements – in compact, purposeful dimensions.
Born out of Kia's determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, Niro features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.
Niro's unveiling in Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.


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T.S. Eliot
The Eagle soars in the summit of Heaven,
The Hunter with his dogs pursues his circuit.
O perpetual revolution of configured stars,
O perpetual recurrence of determined seasons,
O world of spring and autumn, birth and dying!
The endless cycle of idea and action,
Endless invention, endless experiment,
Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;
Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;
Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.
All our knowledge brings us nearer to death,
But nearness to death no nearer to God.
Where is the Life we have lost in living?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries
Brings us farther from God and nearer to the Dust.
The lot of man is ceaseless labor,
Or ceaseless idleness, which is still harder,
Or irregular labour, which is not pleasant.
I have trodden the winepress alone, and I know
That it is hard to be really useful, resigning
The things that men count for happiness, seeking
The good deeds that lead to obscurity, accepting
With equal face those that bring ignominy,
The applause of all or the love of none.
All men are ready to invest their money
But most expect dividends.
I say to you: Make perfect your will.
I say: take no thought of the harvest,
But only of proper sowing.
The world turns and the world changes,
But one thing does not change.
In all of my years, one thing does not change,
However you disguise it, this thing does not change:
The perpetual struggle of Good and Evil.
Forgetful, you neglect your shrines and churches;
The men you are in these times deride
What has been done of good, you find explanations
To satisfy the rational and enlightened mind.
Second, you neglect and belittle the desert.
The desert is not remote in southern tropics
The desert is not only around the corner,
The desert is squeezed in the tube-train next to you,
The desert is in the heart of your brother.
The good man is the builder, if he build what is good.
I will show you the things that are not being done,
And some of the things that were long ago done,
That you may take heart, Make perfect your will.
Let me show you the work of the humble. Listen.
In the vacant places
We will build with new bricks
There are hands and machines
And clay for new brick
And lime for new mortar
Where the bricks are fallen
We will build with new stone
Where the beams are rotten
We will build with new timbers
Where the word is unspoken
We will build with new speech
There is work together
A Church for all
And a job for each
Every man to his work.
What life have you, if you have not life together?
There is not life that is not in community,
And no community not lived in praise of GOD.
Even the anchorite who meditates alone,
For whom the days and nights repeat the praise of GOD,
Prays for the Church, the Body of Christ incarnate.
And now you live dispersed on ribbon roads,
And no man knows or cares who is his neighbor
Unless his neighbor makes too much disturbance,
But all dash to and fro in motor cars,
Familiar with the roads and settled nowhere.
Nor does the family even move about together,
But every son would have his motor cycle,
And daughters ride away on casual pillions.
Much to cast down, much to build, much to restore;
Let the work not delay, time and the arm not waste;
Let the clay be dug from the pit, let the saw cut the stone,
Let the fire not be quenched in the forge.
The Word of the LORD came unto me, saying:
O miserable cities of designing men,
O wretched generation of enlightened men,
Betrayed in the mazes of your ingenuities,
Sold by the proceeds of your proper inventions:
I have given you hands which you turn from worship,
I have given you speech, for endless palaver,
I have given you my Law, and you set up commissions,
I have given you lips, to express friendly sentiments,
I have given you hearts, for reciprocal distrust.
I have given you the power of choice, and you only alternate
Between futile speculation and unconsidered action.
Many are engaged in writing books and printing them,
Many desire to see their names in print,
Many read nothing but the race reports.
Much is your reading, but not the Word of GOD,
Much is your building, but not the House of GOD,
Will you build me a house of plaster, with corrugated roofing,
To be filled with a litter of Sunday newspapers?
And the wind shall say: "Here were decent godless people:
Their only monument the asphalt road
And a thousand lost golf balls."
When the Stranger says: "What is the meaning of this city ?
Do you huddle close together because you love each other?"
What will you answer? "We all dwell together
To make money from each other"? or "This is a community"?
Oh my soul, be prepared for the coming of the Stranger.
Be prepared for him who knows how to ask questions.
There is one who remembers the way to your door:
Life you may evade, but Death you shall not.
You shall not deny the Stranger.
They constantly try to escape
From the darkness outside and within
By dreaming of systems so perfect that no one will need to be good.
But the man that is shall shadow
The man that pretends to be.
Then it seemed as if men must proceed from light to light, in the light of
the Word,
Through the Passion and Sacrifice saved in spite of their negative being;
Bestial as always before, carnal, self seeking as always before, selfish and
purblind as ever before,
Yet always struggling, always reaffirming, always resuming their march on
the way that was lit by the light;
Often halting, loitering, straying, delaying, returning, yet following no other
But it seems that something has happened that has never happened
before: though we know not just when, or why, or how, or where.
Men have left GOD not for other gods, they say, but for no God; and this has
never happened before
That men both deny gods and worship gods, professing first Reason,
And then Money, and Power, and what they call Life, or Race, or Dialectic.
The Church disowned, the tower overthrown, the bells upturned, what have we to do
But stand with empty hands and palms turned upwards
In an age which advances progressively backwards?
There came one who spoke of the shame of Jerusalem
And the holy places defiled;
Peter the Hermit, scourging with words.
And among his hearers were a few good men,
Many who were evil,
And most who were neither,
Like all men in all places.
In spite of all the dishonour,
the broken standards, the broken lives,
The broken faith in one place or another,
There was something left that was more than the tales
Of old men on winter evenings.
Our age is an age of moderate virtue
And moderate vice
The soul of Man must quicken to creation.
Out of the meaningless practical shapes of all that is living or
Joined with the artist's eye, new life, new form, new colour.
Out of the sea of sound the life of music,
Out of the slimy mud of words, out of the sleet and hail of verbal
Approximate thoughts and feelings, words that have taken the
place of thoughts and feelings,
There spring the perfect order of speech, and the beauty of incantation.
LORD, shall we not bring these gifts to Your service?
Shall we not bring to Your service all our powers
For life, for dignity, grace and order,
And intellectual pleasures of the senses?
The LORD who created must wish us to create
And employ our creation again in His service
Which is already His service in creating.
For Man is joined in spirit and body,
And therefore must serve as spirit and body.
Visible and invisible, two wolds meet in Man;
Visible and invisible must meet in His Temple;
You must not deny the body.
Now you shall see the Temple completed:
After much striving, after many obstacles;
The work of creation is never without travail;
The formed stone, the visible crucifix,
The dressed altar, the lifting light,
The visible reminder of Invisible Light.
Be not too curious of Good and Evil;
Seek not to count the future waves of Time;
But be ye satisfied that you have light
Enough to take your step and find your foothold.
O Light Invisible, we praise Thee!
Too bright for mortal vision.
O Greater Light, we praise Thee for the less;
The eastern light our spires touch at morning,
The light that slants upon our western doors at evening,
The twilight over stagnant pools at batflight,
Moon light and star light, owl and moth light,
Glow-worm glowlight on a grassblade.
O Light Invisible, we worship Thee!
We thank Thee for the light that we have kindled,
The light of altar and of sanctuary;
Small lights of those who meditate at midnight
And lights directed through the coloured panes of windows
And light reflected from the polished stone,
The gilded carven wood, the coloured fresco.
Our gaze is submarine, our eyes look upward
And see the light that fractures through unquiet water.
We see the light but see not whence it comes.
O Light Invisible, we glorify Thee!
In our rhythm of earthly life we tire of light. We are glad when the day ends, when the play ends; and ecstasy is too much pain.
We are children quickly tired: children who are up in the night and fall asleep as the rocket is fired; and the day is long for work or play.
We tire of distraction or concentration, we sleep and are glad to sleep,
Controlled by the rhythm of blood and the day and the night and the seasons.
And we must extinguish the candle, put out the light and relight it;
Forever must quench, forever relight the flame.
Therefore we thank Thee for our little light, that is dappled with shadow.
We thank Thee who hast moved us to building, to finding, to forming at the ends of our fingers and beams of our eyes.
And when we have built an altar to the Invisible Light, we may set thereon the little lights for which our bodily vision is made.
And we thank Thee that darkness reminds us of light.
O Light Invisible, we give Thee thanks for Thy great glory!


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At first glance, you see no weakness in the UFC's Krzysztof Soszynski (26-11-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC). With an imposing figure of chiseled muscle, he looks like a guy who could snap you in two if duly provoked. And he could, technically.
But looks can be deceiving. Soszynski is one of the nicer guys you could run across in the fight business – a guy who's truly grateful for the opportunities he's had and the attention bestowed upon him.
He's a guy who frequently smiles in mid-fight and gives the thumbs up to opponents that thwack him. He's a guy for whom a mean mug is an effort.
But supporting that hulking light-heavyweight frame are the knees of a 60-year-old, according to a doctor who recently performed the seventh corrective surgery on them.
In his mind, Soszynski is returning to the cage in December. He's told the UFC as much, and he'll likely get a booking. He's itching to get back into the cage just like any fighter who loves this job. He's sure that with three weeks of rehab, he'll be ready to jump into camp.
His body just isn't, at least yet.
For the past 17 months, things haven't felt right. Ever since he slugged it out with Stephan Bonnar at UFC 110, his knees have pained him, to the point where he's been forced to stop grappling altogether in preparation for fights. Out of necessity, he's turned into a sprawl-and-brawl artist. And he's been relatively successful doing so; he enjoys a two-fight win streak, even though it's come at the price of another procedure following his most recent appearance, a unanimous decision win over Mike Massenzio at UFC 131.
"I was sprawling and brawling the whole time and landed on my knees so many times," Soszynski told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "I tore another meniscus and a cyst grew as well, so I had to get that fixed."
But the 33-year-old Soszynski knows he can't just keep getting patched up. The meniscus, a piece of cartilage that acts as a buffer between the ligaments and bones in the leg, is not a renewable resource.
"Once it's gone, it's gone," he said. "I'm at a point right now where I barely have any meniscus left in my knees, and arthritis is building up big time because of that."
So, like any athlete suffering from an injury that keeps him from doing his job, he's sought out the best treatment possible, which in this case is a specialist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It's a three-hour flight from his adopted hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba (he moved from Poland to Canada at age 11). He's due there this week for another round of treatments, which will hopefully allow him to return full-bore to training.
Although he once had free health care as a Canadian citizen, he gave it up when he came to the U.S. in 2008 on a work visa. He's now petitioning for a green card.
Soszynski said he hasn't utilized the UFC's accident-insurance policy as he has yet to find out the full costs of his treatment.
When he gets back into the gym, though, he'll adapt his training to the health of his knee, just as he's been doing since his first knee surgery at age 15, courtesy of some hard years as a soccer goalie. He hopes to rebuild his neglected jiu-jitsu and wrestling game, for one.
On the type of opponent he meets upon his return, Soszynski doesn't care whether it's a striker or a grappler. He just wants someone who moves him up the ladder.
"I feel like I have a short window right now, speaking with the doctors that I've been speaking to," he said. "I feel I have maybe two or three years left as an MMA fighter. I need to fight somebody near the top-10. If I do well in that fight, I want a top-10 opponent.
"I have a 6-2 record (in the UFC). I've fought some tough guys. Now, it's time for me to prove myself to see if I belong in that upper bracket. I personally believe I do."
If he doesn't realize his dream of being a champion, though, he's got an in for another job. He booked a role in an MMA-themed comedy starring Kevin James, which recently completed filming, and one day after his UFC 131 fight, he caught a plane to Montreal, where he worked on the upcoming action flick "The Immortals." There, he snagged a role as Mickey Rourke's stunt double.
"Once he found out I was a fighter, we started talking a lot more about UFC – he's a huge fan – and about him being a boxer and his story," Soszynski said. "It was pretty cool."
Fighting, though, is still his first love. He's not ready to that up yet, no matter how shaky his foundation.
"I'm very proud of how far I've gotten, but I want to go further," Soszynski said.


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The year of the inoshishi
You may think it's 2007, but in Japan, it's now officially the year of the boar. And as it turns out, there's no better place to celebrate it than on the Izu Peninsula -- specifically, at Inoshishi-Mura, which translates roughly to "Boar Village." Yes, it's an entire theme park devoted to wild boars! You can visit a rather comprehensive museum that covers the life of the boar from cradle to stewpot, watch the boar races, eat Boar Jerky (inoshishi is actually pretty tasty), or -- my favorite -- take in some of the antics of the boars-in-residence. For those of you not planning to travel to Izu
ever anytime soon, here are six videos I took of what amounted to an inoshishi circus:
They play soccer!
They jump through hoops!
They outsmart people who want them to jump through hoops!
They walk the plank!
They climb stairs and go down slides!
They refuse to do anything of the sort!
And have I mentioned how cute the babies are? (Needless to say, this is not my video -- but it may just be the best game show ever.)


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The NHLPA has ratified the new CBA, now the NHL and NHLPA will sign off on the pre-CBA document known as a Memorandum of Understanding. Two hours after the ink is dry on the MOU, player signings and trades can begin in preparation for the new season.
For the Leafs' part, they are expected to announce the signing of defenceman Cody Franson to a one-year deal for a shade over a $1 million: A cheap one-year re-up to bring the right-hander back from Sweden in time for camp and have him compete for the spot vacated by Luke Schenn. Failing Franson's ability to crack the lineup, this is still a win as the Leafs retain possession of a tradable asset.
It is also a cap-friendly figure for any cap-strapped teams looking to off-load a goalie with a big contract and wouldn't mind a right-handed depth defenceman included in the deal. If there happened to be a team out there into that sort of thing.
Teasing, of course. Or am I?


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HUDSON COUNTY – There's plenty to read in this week's editions of the Hudson Reporter this weekend. You can pick up your print edition around town, or come back to this website starting Sunday and scroll down your town's page to read the stories.
In Hoboken, both sides of the rent control referendum question debated their positions at a public forum, and four members of the City Council have filed a lawsuit claiming the appointment of new Councilman James Doyle is invalid.
In Jersey City's dueling pay-to-play ordinances, it looks like Mayor Jerramiah Healy's version has the advantage, but Councilman Steven Fulop has vowed to bring his more-restrictive version back for a vote next month.
School busing of children in the Riverside Court neighborhood in Secaucus has the Town Council and Board of Education trading charges.
North Bergen critics of Mayor Nicholas Sacco were out in force at the last commissioner's meeting. The Appleview condominium project saga will drag on at least until December before a Planning Board decision.
In West New York and Union City, aspiring filmmakers got to show their work and collect awards at the fifth annual North Hudson Film Festival came to a close.
All this, plus Jim Hague's sports reporting and the always-provocative Al Sullivan's 'Between The Lines.'
So pick up a copy of your town's edition of the Hudson Reporter newspapers this weekend, ort revisit this website on Sunday, and read more about what's happening in your town than you'll find anywhere else.


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What's the best way to use an essential oil diffuser?
Essential oil diffusers are a popular aromatherapy tool that works by agitating the molecules in essential oils to create breathable particles which float in the air. The aromas of essential oil diffusers mist into the air and then are inhaled. The benefits of inhaling the mist vary according to the properties of the oil you're diffusing.
Diffusing essential oils is an excellent addition to your self-care rituals and can also become an integral healthy part of your daily routine. You might choose to diffuse calming lavender when reading or taking a bath before bed. Try some energizing frankincense while washing your face and brewing your coffee in the morning. By stacking essential oil aromatherapy onto the good habits you already have, you can add balance and relaxation to your life and bring soothing aromas into your home.
What is an essential oil diffuser?
Essential oil diffusers release pleasant-smelling, relaxing or invigorating aromas into the air by breaking essential oils into small, breathable molecules.
The most commonly used type of essential oil diffuser is an ultrasonic diffuser.
Ultrasonic diffusers contain a tank holding water and oil. The diffuser sends ultrasonic vibrations into the reservoir at a frequency undetectable to humans, agitating the water and releasing a fine mist of essential oils and humidity into the air.
Other types of essential oil diffusers
We recommend that you avoid evaporative diffusers, heat diffusers and nebulizing diffusers. Evaporative diffusers turn the aroma of essential oils into a gas, which degrades the oil's potency. Likewise, heat diffusers use electricity to heat and disperse oils. In doing so, they denature oils and strip them of their therapeutic properties.
Nebulizing diffusers use pressurized air to burst a mist of oil into the air without any humidity. Nebulizers aren't as budget-friendly as ultrasonic diffusers and are also a bit louder. They use more oil because the oil isn't diluted with water, and therefore they also don't offer any of the lung and breathing benefits that ultrasonic diffusers do.
How to select which essential oils to diffuse
Different essential oils have various uses in aromatherapy, so you should familiarize yourself with the therapeutic properties of the most commonly used essential oils when deciding which oils to diffuse.
Select blends indicate to use only therapeutic-grade, high-quality essential oils. You can select a peace or sleep essential oil blend to relax and get ready for bed or an awake or happy blend to energize in the morning and start your day off in a great mood.
You can also choose individual essential oils to create your own blends or diffuse them individually to create your own ambiance and energy. Popular choices include lavender essential oil for relaxation and peppermint for energy and focus. You'll want to invest in a collection of essential oils, which you can buy individually or in a starter kit.
How to use an essential oil diffuser
Essential oil diffusers require minimal knowledge and setup. Always refer to the specific instructions from your essential oil diffuser's manufacturer. Here's a general guide that will work with most models.
- Set up your diffuser by selecting a surface in your home like a shelf, nightstand or table with proximity to an electrical outlet. You might wish to place the diffuser in your living room or office to help you relax throughout the day or in your bedroom to unwind before bed.
- Fill up the diffuser's tank with water. Be sure not to fill above the fill line indicated inside the tank.
- Add the essential oils. Add between five and 10 drops of essential oil, depending on the size of the diffuser and the room.
- Experiment with the settings on your diffuser. Some diffusers include multiple options for mist intensity and various illuminating LED light colors and patterns. You might try green light for concentration and blues and purples for relaxation.
How to clean your diffuser
You don't need to clean your essential oil diffuser after every use. Even if some oil residue in the tank, this will simply blend with the scent of the blend you add next, which can create a pleasant, balanced aroma.
Clean your diffuser about once every six uses. To start, unplug your diffuser. Pour any leftover water into the sink and wipe the tank clean with a damp cloth.
You can use a natural cleaner if you feel inclined to, but you don't need to use anything. Be sure not to use any harsh chemical cleaners, which can be bad for your diffuser and you.
Rinse your diffuser and discard the water in the sink. Allow the tank to dry completely before its next use.
What you need to buy for diffusing essential oils
Breathe Essential Oil Diffuser
A heatless ultrasonic diffuser with an automatic shut-off feature and a chic imitation wood design. This diffuser's settings offer two brightness options and 16 colors to choose from.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Mabua 18 Essential Oil Set with 20 Holes Case
This is a great choice for getting started with essential oils. Includes peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree, sweet orange, lemon grass, bergamot and more, so you can create your own blends to set whatever mood you want.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
TJ Moree Bamboo Diffuser Holder Carousel from TJ Moree
Store and display your essential oil collection in style with this essential oil carousel holder. The base of the bamboo storage carousel has slots for your essential oils, and the top will hold your essential oil diffuser.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Washington (CNN) – House Speaker John Boehner turned down a request from Russian diplomats who hope to directly lobby the U.S. Congress and undercut President Barack Obama on Syria.
"The Speaker has declined the Russian embassy's request that he meet with a delegation," said Boehner spokesman Michael Steel.
A spokesman for the Russian embassy in Washington told CNN Wednesday that diplomats sent an official request to congressional leaders to meet with them on Capitol Hill.
"We're planning the visit," an embassy spokesman told CNN. "We can't tell you the exact time, but it will be next week."
Still under discussion in Moscow: exactly who will be in the delegation.
The embassy spokesman said only wide parameters are firm right now, that it will be members of both the upper and lower chambers of the Russian parliament and that they intend to meet with senators and House members of both political parties.
Russia, a Syrian ally and major trading partner, is closely tied with the Assad government and leaders in Moscow have vocally opposed U.S. military intervention in the conflict.
It's not clear how other congressional leaders besides Boehner will respond to the request, but the delegation could face a cool reception if they arrive on Capitol Hill.
"At this particular point, my understanding has been that relations between members of Congress and the Russian parliament have been very sour," said Dick Lugar, former head of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and known for his work with Russian officials.
"I don't think a delegation from Russia will make any difference in terms of congressional votes," he added. "But at the same time there may be the possibility that dialogue could lead to other positive things."
When told about the request, one House leadership aide was less embracing, sarcastically replying, "Good luck to 'em!"
Did I just read that right?? Boehner didn't go against President Obama??? Can someone please check the temperature in H&LL? They must be having a snowball fight down there.
Wow. Congratulations Boehner!
Way to go, Mr. Speaker! No fan of the President, but he IS the President, and NO foreign government should attempt to undercut the Chief Executive. Proud of you, John!!
I think the saddest part of this story is the fact that the Russians actually thought that a member of the U.S. Congress would actually go along with them. This proves they are watching us closely and see all of the anti-Obama rhetoric.
A house divided cannot stand. It's time the GOP starting working with the POTUS instead of against him. Bravo Speaker Boehner, bravo.
House Speaker John Boehner turned down a request from Russian diplomats who hope to directly lobby the U.S. Congress and undercut President Barack Obama on Syria
------------------------------------------------- Paul and Mary mother of God! Hell has frozen over!!
I'm going to overlook that fact that 2014 is right around the corner and your team is in DIRE need of doing something to redeem your boorish status amongst the voters, and as such I will say again "Well done!".
One good disrespectful put down by the Russians deserves another, and if there is anything the Republicans have excelled at is being disrespectful.
So I thank you Speaker Boehner for FINALLY acting like an American and standing up for your President.
And to the poster that said that "pride goes before the fall" just call me Trippy! Lol!
It's appaling to me that a foreign government knows the political dissension in the US so well that it understands that it can go behind the presidents back, undermine his authority and directly appeal to the traitors in our own government who don't understand the importance of presenting a united front to our enemies.
Bizarroworld: I'm cheering John Boehner this morning.
It's called "Divide and Conquer" The rift between this dysfunctional congress and the President is so bad that other countries are now trying to use this to their advantage. This just may be the best decision Boehner ever made... It's about time he woke up. Now if he could get the rest of the obstrucionists in line; we could actually move forward. But I won't hold my breath on that
Add to that the FACT that Congress has the lowest approval rating it has EVER enjoyed and you can see why "respect" for our CIC from the Republicans has reared it's head....if only just this once.
An unenviable corner the Republicans have allowed themselves to be painted into with 2014 right around the corner. They are under a very tight deadline to change the nation's extremely negative perception of anything associated with the letters GOP.
Appearing to support a trusted and respected President is as smart a place for them to start as any.
"House Speaker John Boehner turned down a request from Russian diplomats who hope to directly lobby the U.S. Congress and undercut President Barack Obama on Syria."
Every now and again John Boehner surprises. This would be one of those times. Never should a foreign government be allowed to "lobby" the United States Congress. There are too many lobbyists as it is within America vying (and one might argue bribing) for Congressional votes.


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She's accused of murdering dozens of babies, but was convicted of killing just one. Genene Jones was supposed to spend the rest of her life behind bars. But a Texas law meant to alleviate overcrowding could allow her to walk free,just a few years from now. That law was taken off the books 1987. The news is a shocking blow to those who say Jones killed their children. Some of them are preparing to fight. 360's Randi Kaye has the story.
Post by: Anderson Cooper
Filed under: Crime & Punishment • Randi Kaye
She's been in jail for 32 years. She is 63, what can she do now? Stop trying to get people riled up. Are you willing to pay to care for her for the rest of her life?
Maybe she can get a job babysitting your kids or grandchildren. How do you think she is going to support herself? taxpayers will be paying for her housing, food, and medical and she'll be free to do as she please. Since babies can't defend their self, then yea, I do get riled up that a child killer does not spend the rest of their live behind bars.
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The Washington Redskins have called FedExField home since the 1997 season. But the wheels have started turning to find some new digs to replace the 17-year-old stadium.
In an interview with CSN Washington that aired Wednesday, owner Dan Snyder said the organization has "started the process" of designing a new stadium.
"Whether it's Washington, D.C., whether it's another stadium in Maryland, whether it's a stadium in Virginia, we've started the process," Snyder said.
While there's no official timeline, per Snyder, they've already "started meeting with architectural firms" and the owner says he'd like to "see it sooner than later."
A longtime Redskins fan before buying the team, Snyder asserts the plan for the new park is that it's "gonna feel like RFK (Stadium)," the team's home before FedExField. "It's gonna move like RFK. I love that, I actually asked architectural firms to do it and they said that they can do it."
Though FedExField is nowhere near the oldest stadium in the league, Snyder thinks a shiny, brand new stadium would help the District's case to host a Super Bowl.
"I think this region, not only this town, this region deserves a Super Bowl. It ought to be here, it would be a fantastic accomplishment. It's the biggest sporting event in the globe. It's the nation's capital, it's a no-brainer."


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Last month I joined my Boca Hawaii teammates on a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii to train for the Ironman 70.3 Honu triathlon, scheduled for May 31. We all stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, a sprawling, multiple-towered beachfront resort that could accommodate more than 60 of us with family members, support crews and bicycles — while making sure the rest of their guests had a great time and didn't have to dodge too many bikes in the elevators. The group rate made this trip reasonably affordable, and Boca Hawaii owner Raul Torres had us all pack and ship our bikes via Aloha Air Cargo. He picked them up at the airport and brought them to the hotel. When we were done, he and the coaches loaded them back into the truck, shipped them in reverse, and we paid the ransom the next morning to spring our bikes. Easy, peasy.
My husband and I had a fabulous ocean-view room with a king-sized bed and a giant flat-screen TV to match. I put snacks, coconut water and wine in the fridge. The bathroom was bigger than our bedroom! I could get used to resort living! He always tells me: "Get that novel published!" I didn't get much of a chance to relax in the fancy robe and hang out on the lanai and take in the view because we were so busy!
Fortunately, we were able to enjoy dinner at Cafe Pesto, where a lot of us decided to eat on Friday. After our Saturday seminar and swim, we also had a nice dinner together on one of the lawns, and it was fun to get to know the other teammates better. We pried and found out how some couples met, including Raul and Hina. There are still some stories that need to be told!
This May 31 will be my second Honu. I am seeking to improve on my first effort of finishing in 08:12 last year. No, that's not eight minutes and twelve seconds. It's eight hours and twelve minutes! Thanks to my training with Boca Hawaii, I'm optimistic that I'll be a bit faster despite being a year older.
My husband and I arrived Friday afternoon in time for me to join the scheduled run. That morning, those who had arrived on Thursday rode their bikes north to Hawi, as per the bicycle route of this event, and encountered winds that gusted beyond 50 mph. In fact, one of our stronger triathletes fell, busted up his bike and separated his shoulder (for the third time in his triathlon career). My teammates were humbled by the conditions, worried about our teammate, and were very tired from the effort, the first of eight or nine workouts schedule for the weekend. I wasn't disappointed that I had missed the ride!
The winds didn't die down, so Raul and the rest of our coaches decided to shelve Saturday's ride up to Hawi and beyond. They swapped the Sunday and Saturday workouts, so we started Saturday morning, which was still quite windy, with a swim in Hapuna Bay. This bay is my absolute favorite to swim in. It is crystal clear, you can watch sand swish in the currents below, and there are lots of fish and turtles to watch. We had several swims scheduled, and I wish I could have just jumped in one more time on Sunday after our big bike ride and run.
Following the swim we had our long run. Hills and heat, beach sand and coral, through the woods and along the resorts, the conditions were varied and tested us. I nearly fell a few times, the toe of my running shoes got caught on a tree root or I'd misstep on coral or lava rocks. It was all an education on how to cope, how to overcome, how to do our best. I got to use my new Nathan hydration belt and I have to admit it was flawless. Snug enough not to slosh on me, I could forget I was wearing it. That's a ringing endorsement!
Running is my weakest triathlon leg, so I really need to get better at it. Last night we were running the hills at Kakaako Waterfront Park, and it's such a test for me. But I know that each day I get better and stronger. During Honu, the run is at the hottest time of the day. I'll need to hydrate and eat while on the bike to deter bonking during the run. I've got a month of practice to improve on this part, and my coaches have really been helpful about my form and pace.
We did get to ride up to Hawi on Sunday. Some of the more seasoned and fit triathletes rode their bikes to the end of the road, which included a lot of hills and the reward of a gorgeous view. Knowing that I'd have to run, I turned around at Hawi after having a mocha and a hard boiled egg at the cafe. The wind did die down, but not completely. There are embankments into which the road is carved, and when we first exit their shelter the wind whipped us sideways. My new bike, a 2014 Cervelo P2, caught the wind more than my old Scattanti did. I was glad for the exercise in maintaining balance as the wind toyed with me on both my climb and descent. I was also glad I didn't refamiliarize myself with the wind and hills on the new bike on wind-swept Friday!
Despite the busy Sunday schedule, we managed to check out on time and got to do a little bit more sightseeing. I am crazy about the Big Island. I'd love to live there if I could swim at Hapuna Beach everyday! I guess I should really finish that novel!


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Kevin Frisch: There's more to the 26th Congressional District win than Medicare
I know, I know. The professional pundits, national party leaders, even the candidate — everyone says it was Medicare that propelled the election of a Democrat last week in New York's fire engine-red 26th Congressional District.
Conventional wisdom holds that the race was a referendum on Republican Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal to cut billions of dollars over the next decade from Medicare and turn it into a voucher-like program.
Steve Israel, Democratic congressional campaign committee chairman, repeated the assertion to anyone with a pen or a microphone on election night: "The three reasons a Democrat was elected to Congress in the (26th) district were Medicare, Medicare and …" — any guesses? That's right! — "… Medicare."
Maybe that's true. But I'm not so sure. For one thing, Democrat Kathy Hochul ran a pretty good race. She was energetic, on-message and up on the issues — many of them. Not just Medicare, though she was certainly wise enough to exploit her opponent's support of the controversial Ryan proposal.
And as Erie County Clerk, Hochul could point to run-ins with past Democratic governors as proof of her political independence: Eliot Spitzer and his ill-fated plan to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens in New York; David Paterson and his ill-fated plan to force us all New Yorkers to buy new license plates.
For another thing, the Republican candidate, New York Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, did not run a strong campaign. It's true her embrace of the Ryan plan while even GOP stalwarts like Newt Gingrich were backing away from it didn't help. But neither did a bizarre videotape her campaign staff released, which they said showed a third candidate attacking one of Corwin's volunteers.
Her assertion that she was elected to the Assembly in 2008 with 36 years professional business experience didn't help, either. She was 44 at the time. She grew up working for her family business, the Talking Phone Book.
Also, there was that third candidate: Jack Davis, who ran with tea party support. Davis was a lifelong Republican who became miffed with his party and ran for Congress as a Democrat in 2004, 2006 and 2008. He rejoined the GOP in 2010 and backed former Republican Rep. Chris Lee. Davis ended up with about 9 percent of the vote. It's a safe assumption he polled more Republicans in the heavily Republican district.
For a final thing, there was the Lee residue. The married congressman abruptly resigned in February when a shirtless photo he allegedly sent to a would-be date on the website Craigslist became public. It made for an unseemly public departure — and that's a far cry from allowing Corwin to run with the backing of her district's (and party's) esteemed predecessor, as former Rep. Tom Reynolds did when he succeeded Bill Paxon, or as Paxon did as the district's heir-apparent to Jack Kemp.
So it wasn't just Medicare. In fact, the key observation about the race comes not from political watchers or paid pundits but from a semi-retired project manager interviewed by the Associated Press the day after the election.
"I would expect to make sacrifices in Medicare — I don't think the fact that I'm so close to 65 should exclude me," 63-year-old Michele Weaver said at a restaurant in Monroe County. "But the most important thing is fairness. Part of what we're all feeling is it keeps coming down and coming down on the middle class."
That's the key: The race may not have been a referendum on the GOP Medicare plan, but the GOP Medicare plan can be seen as a referendum on fairness.
That's the lesson both parties should take away from last week's special election.
Kevin Frisch's column, Funny Thing ..., appears each Sunday in the Canandaigua Daily Messenger in New York. Contact him at (585) 394-0770, ext. 257, or via e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I call myself Dan America because, my name is Dan and I am from America.
I am a realistic patriotic American, I like to root for the underdog. I am a Detroit Lions fan. My sense of humor is often too stupid or too gross, but your the weird one. Being stupid and gross is normal for an American.