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I never thought I wrote well. This is not false modesty. Nor am I looking for complements. I never thought I wrote well because, to be perfectly honest, I did not.
In the time capsule that doubles as my office closet, I recently unearthed 40-something year old correspondence from my college days. In addition to ideas of which no one would be proud are some grammatical constructions that strain the sensitive ear. Term papers in those days received a "Gentleman's C," professors having been instructed not to flunk anyone who gave writing the "good old college try." Whereas my personal letters wouldn't even earn a passing grade.
In my defense, I was writing on topics about which I knew little and cared less. Tristam Shandy remains an obscure and difficult work. I had no insights then or now. Today I get to pontificate about parenting, kids who learn differently, college admissions, substance abuse, even running. I haven't so much found my voice as stumbled across my topic.
This blog receives several thoughtful responses each week. People ask permission to repost, reprint, and otherwise pass along my remarks. I will therefore presume to proffer this advice for college admissions essays specifically and written communication in general. I would be happy if aspiring writers picked up an idea or two. I would be especially pleased if students struggling with college admissions essays--five days to deadline!--were to benefit.
1. The Muse are fickle. Do not tell them you'll be right back. Keep a notebook, analog or digital, with you at all times. No thought is too small. Joy it down. Your insight will be gone in the morning even when your bladder is empty. The time to write down that incipient thought is now.
2. My buddy Bruce taught me that "a page a day is a book a year." Applying to a dozen competitive colleges can require 20 or 30 immaculate paragraphs. No time like the present.
3. The brain may not be a muscle exactly like triceps or biceps, but there is only so much you can do in a day. You can write five decent essays in five days. Each draft might take 90 minutes. You do not want to write five essays in one day. Seven and a half hours of forcing words onto a page is misery. And your last essay will be worse than your first.
4. It took me three years to write the first of these blog posts. That was seven years ago. Now it takes three hours to churn one out. (You are reading Number 383.) Stop thinking; start writing!
5. You can't simultaneously hit a softball and run to first base. Hitting and running are separate activities. Writing and editing must be distinct as well. Just get your thoughts down on paper to start; there will be time to edit later.
6. Perfect is the enemy of good.
7. Start in the middle. Of course you don't know what you're going to say. You haven't said it yet. "Planning" your essay is a synonym for not starting it. Just write something. We will talk later about whether or not this is your final draft.
8. Organization is a value in corporate America and military campaigns. You are a high school senior; you are not invading Normandy. The best personal statements are more anecdotal and less linear anyway.
9. Read some of the 20th century's best writers. Orwell was bestial in his ability. Acknowledge, as I do, that nothing we ever write will be anywhere near that good. Then write anyway.
10. There is no such thing as good writing. There is such a thing as good re-writing.
11. Not to put any more pressure on a process that is already riddled with threats to self-esteem, but your grandchildren might be fascinated in what their ancestor was thinking about way back in 2017. Pour out your soul. Progeny--like admissions officers--are more accepting of honesty than you might believe.
12. Write about what you know: yourself. Ignore the temptation to address trigger topics including abortion, immigration, politics, gun control, or other issues of the day. Opinions are like digestive systems. Everyone has one; but no one wants to hear about yours.
How can loving parents help? As with sobriety, diligence, and every good quality, modeling seems to be a big piece of the puzzle. Rather than yelling at your kid about unceasing application deadlines, why not sit down with a pen and notebook yourself? What should you write about--given that as the parent of a 17-year-old you are not applying to college yourself? How about a journal entry regarding your feelings about having a child heading off to college? Talk about a gift for your kid 30 years from now when she is going through the same emotional bloodbath with children of her own.
I have the same wish for both generations: "don't get it right, just get it written." Now get to it. Stop reading this essay and start writing your own. The time capsule in your office closet is waiting.
This entry was posted in College Admissions, Parenting on December 12, 2017 by David.
Good stuff; but remember, compliment, the way you mean it, is spelled with an ‘i’.
Speaking of compliments, I hope your ears were burning yesterday, David. But it was confidential and I cannot divulge.
Wonderful blog post today, young man.
Inspirational! I also like the idea of “Joy it down” –not sure if that was a typo or intentional. I need to just sit down and do it!!
Kinda ironic dontcha think that a blog about writing contained two typos! Another good friend pointed out that complement and compliment are different words. Big oops!
Thank you for keeping me honest. And please keep these comments coming. I love hearing from everyone!
Ross beat me to it!
Your advice are excellent. And so is your recommendations on writing College essays.
Tristram Shandy is a very funny book, or at least it tries to be.
Frightening but (so I hear) true: Flaubert wrote Madame Bovary a page a day over a year.
But then he didn’t have a day job, and his mother, who lived downstairs, brought him soup.
And coffee with cake, too (I made that part up).
Good writing is hard work (says Snoopy).
having just gone thru the college app process with both my kids, must say this is quite true!
shared this with the woman who guided both kids through the process and their essays.
Writing is the most important skill a person can acquire. I love teaching students (and sometimes their parents!) how to write.


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Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) David Clapp and Dave Nicholas recently appointed Cara Leepson as the arts director for Palette 22, which is opening this January within the heart of The Village at Shirlington at 4053 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA, 22206.
A native of Middleburg, Virginia, Leepson graduated in 2009 with a BA in Studio Art with an emphasis in photography, and minor in museum studies from Lynchburg College. She earned her MA in Art History & Museum Studies with a focus on public programming and contemporary art from Georgetown in 2011. Her art education and career path has taken her to Charleston, SC, Washington, DC, Florence, Italy and New York City to study and to work in museums, galleries and in non-profit art centers. Leepson has garnered experience working with esteemed art institutions, Smithsonian Institution’s Hirshhorn Museum and Hillyer Art Space. She also worked at the art management firm, ArtSee as Washington’s creative program director, and at Potomac, Maryland’s Glenstone as a collections assistant and docent, before accepting the new director position at Palette 22.
One of Leepson’s first initiatives is to spearhead both art programs that will play an integral role in launching Palette 22, which is opening in January 2016.
All the programs will offer unique opportunities for local artists to showcase their work in a public setting. Artists within a 90-mile radius of the restaurant, which is located in the heart of The Village at Shirlington at 4053 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA, 22206, are eligible to submit their artwork to be considered for one of two programs: Artist in Residence Program and Merchandising Program.
Artists are asked to submit a sample portfolio of their work and specific the category, to Palette 22’s Arts Director, Cara Leepson, via email at: cara@palette22.com.
Additional information about Palette 22 can be found here.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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Gutters and downspouts are a key element in protecting your home during heavy rains. They also protect the underneath side of your roof from getting water in there and doing more damage. Downspouts prevent water from pooling beside your foundation and seeping into your basement. If the gutters are clogged the rainwater is backed and overflows. Gutters are designed to keep rainwater off the foundation. Improper roof drainage may lead to many costly damages.
We remove all leaves, pine needles and debris by hand and put them to the buckets.
When we notice that any downspout is clogged we flush it with water - we make sure that the roof drainage is working properly.
Your satisfaction is guarranteed, gutter cleaning is covered by a 30 day warranty!

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Product categories of Betaine Hcl, we are specialized manufacturers from China, Betaine Hcl, Betaine Supplement suppliers/factory, wholesale high-quality products of Betaine Hcl Tablets R & D and manufacturing, we have the perfect after-sales service and technical support. Look forward to your cooperation!
Betaine Hydrochloride is an efficient, superior quality, economical nutrution additive; It is extensively used to help animals to eat more.
Such as Bird, Livestock and aquatic.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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Lots of good info on here and easy to use.
Service is pretty quick and to the point.
takes about 2-3 weeks but everything recieved in good condition.
Havn't cycled yet but everything looks legit. Product selection could be better, out of stock on quite a bit.

industry_corpus2: Others


text: Here's a great deal on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. With just over 40,000 miles on the odometer, this 4 door sedan prioritizes comfort, safety and convenience. Under the hood you'll find a 4 cylinder engine with more than 200 horsepower, and for added security, dynamic Stability Control supplements the drivetrain. A turbocharger further enhances performance, while also preserving fuel economy. All of the premium features expected of a Mercedes-Benz are offered, including: front and rear reading lights, 1-touch window functionality, variably intermittent wipers, a built-in garage door transmitter, automatic dimming door mirrors, automatic temperature control, and a split folding rear seat. Take assurance in side curtain airbags, providing head protection in the event of a severe collision. Our aim is to provide our customers with the best prices and service at all times. Please don't hesitate to give us a call.

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


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Ahhh, the Work at Home Mother. People are eager to tell you that being a WAHM is the “best of both worlds,” and at face value, it is. You are earning income for your family, maintaining your career trajectory, and pursuing interests outside of the home. All without having to figure out childcare options! People picture you playing with your babies all morning, tucking them in for their naps, and completing eight hours worth of work in a two hour period, before greeting your little ones when they wake and heading to the park.
Because it’s all fun and games until someone misses a deadline. Or a child is screaming in the background during a work call. Or your kids are too sick to head to their normal childcare locations.
So if you’re a Work At Home Mama- whether you’re a blogger, a freelancer, or if you work remotely- we’re right there with you. It’s not always easy, but when it works- MAN does it work. Over the last couple of years, we’ve come up with some VERY creative childcare solutions to get our missions accomplished, even with five kids five and under in tow.
If you can afford it, this solution is the simplest, cleanest, and easiest all around. Your child will have a stable place to go on set days and times. You will have long periods of time to field phone calls and get solid stretches of work accomplished. This will bring stability and routine to your days, and will likely be worth every penny. If you’re not comfortable starting your child full time, there are many locations that offer part time childcare, or drop-in options. But we would never recommend that you spend money you don’t have, so if the money’s not there for this yet, don’t despair. There are creative work arounds to the problem, and before you know it, you may be making enough to enroll your kiddos part time.
If you DON’T have the budget for preschool or daycare, you’re going to have to get creative. For example, our YMCA memberships come with two hours of high-quality drop in childcare for each child each day. So if we’re on a tight deadline, we can drop in, set up shop in the lobby, and knock out a solid two hours of work before picking up our kiddos. Our friend Ashley from avodkakindofmom.com has FOUR hours of part time childcare included in her membership. Ask around and find a gym that will allow you to squeeze in some work (and maybe the occasional workout) during the day.
There is a fabulous little coffee shop in Long Beach called Cassidy’s Corner. There is hot coffee, free WiFi, and-most importantly- a play area for kids. There’s a little TV, shelves of books, and baskets of toys where your little one can play while you work. There are likely to be interruptions, but the change of scenery may be good for both of you, and you might be able to get more accomplished than you would at home. A quick Google search should show you where you can find a kid-friendly coffee shop, or ask your local moms’ network if they can point you in the right direction.
As an added benefit, these make for great in-person meeting locations. Let the person you are meeting know that you will have a little tag-along, and then decide on a date and time that works for both of you. You’ll get that coffee-shop meeting vibe, but in a setting that is MUCH friendlier for your kids to join in on.
Many big cities (and even some smaller ones) are starting to offer more flexible child care options. For a short time, Long Beach housed an amazing little play space called GIGIL, where parents could take their kids for supervised play and then head to a parents’ lounge boasting free coffee and lightning-fast internet (the DREAM, am I right?? The picture below is from their drop-off art class). There is also a center that allows drop-in child care on a first come, first serve basis. Look around your area and make a list of what is available ahead of time so that you can scout out locations and find centers where you and your child feel comfortable. When you’re in a pinch, give your pre-approved locations a call and see if they’ve got space for your cuties while you work.
We HIGHLY recommend this for our mamas on a budget. If you are lucky enough to have a close friend in a similar position, make arrangements to switch off childcare responsibilities. Christine and I take turns watching each other’s toddler each Friday, so we each get two kid free mornings a month to get things done (or get a pedicure, if we’re being totally honest). In other years, we’ve done swaps with friends that are weekly- think “I’ll take yours Mondays if you’ll take mine on Wednesdays.” It’s a great way to help your child gain valuable social skills, and get you some much-needed time.
If you don’t have a friend who is in a position to help you out, consider scouting out a like-minded mama online. Our area has a childcare Facebook group where mamas will post their childcare needs. Some are looking for nanny shares, some are looking for occasional sitters, and others are looking for someone to swap care with. Clearly, you’re going to need to be a little more vigilant if you don’t know the person already, but the point is that there are TONS of childcare options out there if you are willing to think outside the box.
When our big kids were little, we had a Co-Op Preschool Program. 8 of our closest friends and their toddlers would meet up twice a week and sing, learn, and play together. Once we got the hang of things, we started to make drop-offs optional, and then gradually shifted to set days off for each mama. So on Tuesdays, Jaymi would stay with three other mamas to lead the class, while the other four went about their days. On Thursdays, it was her day off and other moms were on duty. The kids LOVED it, and learned SO much. And frankly? It was really nice to have some time to get some work done without little ones tugging at our leggings.
If you don’t have a crew in place (or if the other kids are all heading to preschool), check with your local Parks and Recreation department, libraries, and community centers. Many areas have parent participation or Co-Op preschool programs already in place that you can just join in for a small fee and some volunteer hours.
This one is a little unconventional, but have you taken a look at the IKEA kids’ play areas lately? They are AMAZING! And your potty-trained kids are allowed to hang out in there WITHOUT YOU. IKEA stores also have free WiFi as well as restaurant spaces, so you can grab a drink or snack while you work furiously on your computer. With any luck, your kid won’t even realize you’ll be working, and your kids might think of you as the cool mom who takes her kids places.
If finding childcare solutions- even super creative ones!- isn’t cutting it, you may need to start cutting into your (already limited, we know!) sleep time. I find that I am most productive at the beginning of the day. I am a huge fan and occasional follower of the Miracle Morning, and when I am on, I am on FIRE. I pour myself a cup of coffee, hurry through the routine, and spend the time I have left before the kids wake up working furiously. The day will go smoother, and you are likely to have more patience, if you don’t have a huge work load hanging over your head all day long.
If you JUST CAN’T with the mornings, of course this can happen in the evening as well. Just make sure that you take time out of the day to plan your goals for the evening and prioritize what you’ll work on. You never quite know where the day will lead, and you don’t want to leave really important items for the end of the day.
We’re going to say it- bribe the kids if you have to. Your career, and the income it brings in, are important. It is okay for you to need to prioritize your work sometimes. There is nothing wrong with finding whatever means necessary to keep your kids on board. Give in to a little extra TV time, or tell them that they can have a special snack while you make an important call. I always prep my kids ahead of time for these “Special Treats,” and get them excited about it. When the time comes for them to settle in with a movie and marshmallow-sprinkled-popcorn, they are usually only too happy to comply.
If you’re not down for treats, consider “paying” your kids upfront with your time. Parenting expert Patty McCready suggests that giving your kids as little of ten minutes of focused, undivided attention three times a day is enough to build strong, positive relationships with your children. (Have you checked out her Positive Parenting system yet? Our friends are raving fans, and we love everything we’ve heard about it!) When you know you’ll need a larger chunk of time to get some work done, let your kids know that they’ll get ten minutes (or 15, or 20. Whatever you can manage!) and that at the end of that period, mommy will head into her office to get some work done. Set a timer, and then help transition them into another, more independent activity. If needed, you can set another timer for yourself, and return to play with your kiddos again when it goes off. You’ll get more done (and probably feel a lot less guilty!) if you know that you’re covering all of your bases in predetermined intervals.
You’ll get more done- and honestly, they’ll probably have more fun!- by implementing these work at home mom hacks for childcare. You might have to get creative, but there are TONS of ways that you can come a little closer to “having it all” by arranging creative childcare solutions for your kids.
And if someone ever tells you that you have “the best of both worlds” again, you have our permission to laugh in their face.
It’s what The Salty Mamas would do, anyways.
haha! These tips are fantastic! I can not get a thing done with my god daughter around and when she leaves, I just face plant onto the kitchen floor until my energy returns!


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Since 2000, Western Wildlife has been a specialised fauna consultancy based in Perth, Western Australia.
We primarily undertake fauna surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for mining, urban development, and other developments where a fauna survey is required.
Email the details of your proposal for a free quote.


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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The Toronto Sun sat down with Ali Curtis at training camp this week and fired a number of questions at the new Toronto FC general manager as the club prepared for the 2019 MLS season.
Q: You arrived in Toronto at a very volatile time, having to deal with, among other things, superstar forward Sebastian Giovinco, who ultimately was sold to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal FC last week. How tough was it to have to jump into the fire so quickly?
Q: Did those negotiations with the Giovinco camp, his subsequent departure and his Instagram post, which essentially blamed the club for the breakup, leave a sour taste in your mouth?
Q: Head coach Greg Vanney said that without Giovinco and Victor Vazquez around, the team will have to play differently. Given that, what kind of impact player are you going to try to get?
Q: So, as far as a DP replacing Giovinco and TAM players, what are you looking at?
Q: What can you say about the rumours that you’re looking seriously at bringing in Argentine forward Jonathan Menendez?
Q: Last year TFC missed qualifying for the MLS playoffs. What are your thought on this club that you inherited?
Q: Is your team going to make the (MLS) playoffs this season?
You’re inheriting a head coach. What are your thoughts on Vanney?

industry_corpus2: Sports


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I do not know about most of you parents, but the kind of education most of us received was the very basic "here's the book and learn" (the old style of education); many times these materials lacked colours and creativity and the kids considered them straight out boring.
When the parent/ teacher got frustrated - the kid(s) will also get some kind of corporal punishment.
The parents used to be frustrated that their kid(s) are "bad learners", but when it comes to kids' cartoons, games or play etc. - they know all those rhymes by heart!!! How can it be then?
The reality is that the vast majority of kids are very capable of learning easily, but the methods used are inefficient.
Every child has the ability to learn, it is only the parent/ educator who needs to see what teaching style fits the child's learning best. Most children like variety in learning, and some of the following points are just some ideas of methods you could switch among while teaching your kids.
NOT ALL KIDS LEARN THE SAME WAY!!!


text: Attach this to any standard changeable belt strap to achieve maximum fashion points. Pssst did you notice that the beak doubles as a bottle opener? Dual purpose baby.


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I felt like updating since it’s been awhile, but I have difficulty typing right now. Not a big deal, just a cut on my pinky and the band-aid coupled with the slight pain when pressure is applied makes it hard not to make frustrating typos.
Nothing seems to be working in regards to days we need to be certain places.
Activity started the week before I was promised it would start which made it very difficult to work with our vacation.
Other activity started a week early, also clashed with vacation and was then missed.
Had concert tickets- no sitters available.


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At my Albuquerque vein clinic – Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute – I see a number of patients that have been suffering with vein disease for years. They delayed treatment thinking their varicose veins would resolve by wearing compression stockings or by elevating their legs when, in fact, varicose veins never get better on their own. Unfortunately, there are other medical consequences to varicose veins.
Over time, varicose veins enlarge and blood tends to pool in large bulging veins. In some cases, blood clots can form in these superficial veins yielding firm, tender veins that are slow to resolve.
Varicose vein disease will never improve, go away, or cure itself. It will only get worse, increasing in size, number and extent on the legs. The result is worsening symptoms of heaviness, aching, swelling, etc. Also, untreated vein disease can contribute to an increased number of spider veins in your legs.
As time goes by, your legs will become increasingly heavy and tired.
In your ankles and legs which can also lead to permanent change in your skin texture.
Of the ankles and legs, known as stasis dermatitis, which is likely to be permanent.
Of the legs due to chronic high pressures in varicose veins which results in damage to the skin.
Vein disease is easily diagnosed and simply treated through laser procedures, sclerotherapy, micro-incisional phlebectomy, or any combination thereof. All treatment is performed right in the comfort and convenience of my Albuquerque vein treatment office. Call today to schedule your free vein screening! 505-848-VEIN.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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This article is about the skin unlocked in the wardrobe. For the consumable item, see Equinox Hammer Skin.
Equinox Hammer is a skin that is part of the Equinox weapons set.


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The project comprised the construction of three new retail pods totalling 4,600 sq ft within the car park of a busy retail park on the west of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Approximately 4,600 sq ft GFA.
Overclad works to two existing and trading units.
All works carried out within a busy trading retail park.
Demolition of office block and creation of new 100 space car park adjacent to the site.


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Replacement hard drives and cd drives for laptop computers. Compatibility page listing major laptop models.
Empower CRM - The easy to use and highly configurable Web Based CRM / Wireless CRM available via a Web Browser, BlackBerry, Windows mobile and iPhone.
Professional satellite systems for RV's, offices, buses, ships, trailers and more. MobilSat is dedicated to bringing broadband satellite connections wherever you need it.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


text: Select Belt Length: Two standard 2” wide belts are included with each post. Belts are available in the standard 7.5’ length or you may choose to upgrade your belts to the maximum length of 13’ for an additional charge. You must select a belt length option.


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Want another reason to learn Photoshop? One click later and this photo went from normal to fun.
It's also of a photo taken nearly 14 years ago. Back in the days when we all used film cameras.
~In his brand new outfit.
~His brother had an identical outfit.
~The same brother that helped fling mud.
~The outfits that were purchased for Grandpa's big retirement shin-dig that was yet to be when this shot was snapped.
With a large creek bordering our property, not to mention all the new construction happening in our subdivision with access to all kinds of building materials, piles of builder's dirt, half-full paint cans, and dumpsters filled with treasures, every day was full of surprises back in those days!
What I am also finding as I scan in old photos is the ability to improve the images in PSE. Sometimes just converting them to black and white or sepia tones also seems to give them a little boost in the quality department. Adding a subtle texture can also step them up a notch. As well as playing with the levels, etc.
I just noticed that Kim Klassen has another section of her online class Photoshop-The Essentials beginning June 21st. Kim is such a great teacher! Come on...you know you've been wanting to learn Photoshop.
Oh, and by the way, just in case you wondered, after a few days of soaking the shirt in Biz, I did manage to win against the flung mud disaster! The little outfit was worn at Grandpa's retirement party!


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Only 4 months into 2015 and I have already found my work changing immensely. After 5 years in Miami I fell in love with color to a point that it over saturated my work and I got lost in its vibrancy. Now that I have been in New York for a little over a year I have come to realize that color is interpreted very differently here and I've been learning how to find my voice within it.
It all started with The Anatomy of Emotions where I began to strictly limit my composition to white backgrounds with strange objects placed in deliberate positions as a way to express certain emotions. From there I branched off into the nail art series, Behold the Hands where color found its place solely on finger nails and the surreal objects that coincided with them. For my most recent exploration of how to control color I wanted to create a series of still life's that reflected Dutch and Flemish still life paintings as well as the still life's that I was forced to painting in my Painting 101 classes back in art school. Color was introduced in the images by slicing a piece of fruit open and having that be the only source of color in the image. To juxtapose the antique delicacy of the images I made a video that showed a more humorous side to the project.
Many more color exploration projects to come so be on the lookout this April for more silly short films.

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


text: ASP.NET is its coding language environment. ns2.123-reg.co.uk, and ns.123-reg.co.uk are its DNS Nameservers. Atls-lb (England, Leeds) is the location of the Microsoft-IIS/7 server.


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Authors: Barrette-Ng, I.H., Ng, K.K.-S., Mark, B.L., van Aken, D., Cherney, M.M., Garen, C., Kolodenko, Y., Gorbalenya, A.E., Snijder, E.J., James, M.N.G.
Authors: Piotrowski, Y., Hansen, G., Hilgenfeld, R.
Cite: Crystal structures of the X-domains of a Group-1 and a Group-3 coronavirus reveal that ADP-ribose-binding may not be a conserved property.
Authors: Costenaro, L., Sola, M., Coutard, B., Norder, H., Canard, B., Coll, M.
Cite: Structural Basis for Antiviral Inhibition of the Main Protease, 3C, from Human Enterovirus 93.
Authors: Costenaro, L., Kaczmarska, Z., Arnan, C., Sola, M., Coutard, B., Norder, H., Canard, B., Coll, M.
Authors: Kaczmarska, Z., Janowski, R., Costenaro, L., Coutard, B., Norder, H., Canard, B., Coll, M.
Authors: Deng, Z., Chen, Z.
Cite: Structural basis for the regulatory function of a complex zinc-binding domain in a replicative arterivirus helicase resembling a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay helicase.

industry_corpus2: Biopharmaceuticals


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Library staff love recommending books for children and teens. Browse the lists below to find ideas for yourself or your children.
The books on this list were chosen by Read to Me with assistance from a group of Nova Scotia children’s librarians. The selected books contain strong rhythm and rhyme to help build vocabulary, feature bright colours and bold images for visual stimulation and help nurture bonding and attachment by encouraging playful interaction between parent and child.
The following is a list of Pinterest boards from the CBRL Pinterest page which feature books for children and teens. This list is in alphabetical order. Follow the links to see the boards. Pinterest works best when logged in with your own free Pinterest account.
African Canadians : Books dealing with African Canadians, particularly those pertaining to Nova Scotia. A mix of fiction and non-fiction, for both children and adults.
Back to School…for all ages! : Teachers and parents may find useful titles on this board!
Bookflix: Kids : Watch the movie, read the book. These books for children and teens that have been adapted into films. We have both in our catalog.
Canada 150: YA : In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, here are 150 teen books written by 150 Canadian authors. Click through the pin to go to the library catalogue and place a hold.
Clare’s Picks for Teens : Looking for a great young adult novel? Check out these books.
Cultural Diversity for Kids : Broaden your horizons by reading about children who are different race, culture, or religion than you. These books are aimed at the middle grades (ages 9-12).
Cultural Diversity for Teens : Broaden your horizons: check out a book where the main character is a different race, culture, or religion than you. These books are all aimed at youth ages 12 to 18.
Culturally Diverse Picture Books : Broaden your child’s horizons by reading together about children who belong to different races, cultures, and religions. These books are aimed at children from Preschool – age 8.
Disabilities: A Mile in My Shoes : Whether you have a disability or you’re just wondering what it’s like, you’ll relate to these junior and teen protagonists dealing with disabilities.
Don’t Call me Princess : Tired of magic, fairies, and rescuing the princess? Then check out these books starring feisty elementary-aged girls.
Dyslexia-Friendly Kids’ Books : These books feature fonts, page layouts, and paper that make it easier for those kids with dyslexia to read them, and stories that make them want to keep on reading.
Expanding Family : Books about new babies for new siblings! Some books focus on pregnancy and waiting for baby, others focus on what it is like to be a new big brother or sister. All are available at Cape Breton Regional Library.
Fault in our Stars Read-Alikes : You’ve heard great things about The Fault in our Stars by John Green. You’re excited about the movie. You want to read the book but all our copies are checked out! Here’s what to read instead.
Fun Crafts, Activities, and More for Kids of All Ages – From Two to Teen!
Free To Be Me : If it annoys you when people say boys, girls, and families have to look or act a certain way, you may find these picture books refreshing.
French/English Childrens Books to Enjoy in Both Languages. Childrens Books with both English and French versions in the CBRL collection. The French book is usually shown, the English (or French, as needed) title of the book is listed. Most books are for Preschool-Gr.2. Those for older children have the note “(Gr.3+)”.
French Series Fiction: Many popular children’s and teen series are available in French at our library branches.
Great Series for Teen Boys : Thrilling book series that teen boys won’t be able to put down!
Halloween Books for Children : Looking for your next “spooktacular” read? Check out these titles for a guaranteed scare!
Harry Potter Read-Alikes : Did you finish the Harry Potter series and wish there was more? These middle grade and young adult fantasy books may be able to slake your craving for magical learning.
Hot Series for Teens : Something for every teen!
Kat’s Picks for Middle Graders : If you’re a 9-12 year old who loves to read by yourself or a caregiver looking for a story you and a child will both enjoy reading aloud, check out these books!
Kat’s Picks for Teens : Looking for a great YA novel you can get at your local branch? Check these out.
QUILTBAG Books for Teens : Are you Queer/Questioning? Undecided? Intersex? Lesbian? Transgender/Transsexual? Bisexual? Allied/Asexual? Gay/Genderqueer? Just curious? Then check out some of these books!
Wimpy Kid Read-Alikes : Can’t get enough of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid books? Here are some more kids’ novels that combine diary entries and doodles.
Wise and Wonderful Childrens’ Books : You’re never too old to appreciate these books. Philosophical, metaphorical, and timeless classics.


text: Hyundai Tucson Starter Motors to fit a variety of models. We sell mostly brand new and some reconditioned Hyundai Tucson Starter Motors at competitive prices. Shop online today for a quality replacement Hyundai Tucson Starter Motor. Call +44 (0)1752 339871 to order your Hyundai Tucson Starter Motor by phone, or purchase online using our secure online payment system.


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The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office and Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney's Office released a joint statement on Feb. 25 saying the state's A.G. office will review the open investigation, WWMT-TV reports.
“The Office of the Attorney General is doing a very preliminary review of the Erik Cross cold case homicide, but have not made any determination regarding the next steps," said Kelly Rossman McKinney, communications director, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Brent Spaulding, a person of interest in an unsolved murder from more than 30 years ago in Kalamazoo County, has been charged with drunk and disorderly conduct and trespassing in an unrelated case, WWMT reports.
Spaulding was sentenced on Nov. 7, 2016, to serve five months in jail on a domestic violence charge stemming from a June incident, MLive.com Michigan reported.
Vicksburg, Michigan, is a quiet village about 130 miles west of Detroit. Erik Cross, 16, was found lying dead on the side of the road outside his home by his father early on the morning of June 26, 1983.
When police can't find the murderer, townsfolk start whispering among themselves and pointing fingers at those suspected of being involved in his death. Those rumors and stories keep coming in for 32 long years. But all the tips and tales lead nowhere.
After all this time, police say an unexpected break in this tragic cold case is about to finally lead to the arrest of Erik's killer.
Erik Cross's family believes he made a fatal decision the night of his death by going to a party thrown by one of his good friends. His last night alive began at a lake house where one of his buddies was throwing a drinking party, a "kegger." Police say he drank beer there for hours.
Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas and Detective Sergeant Rich Mattison say Erik was seen leaving the party around 1 a.m. and stumbling down a road toward home, which was less than a mile from the party house.
A witness told police they saw him walk past a gas station and general store just several hundred yards from his home around 1:30 a.m. Two cars, one yellow, the other a dark color, had also been seen parked there.
Erik's parents say they heard a car with a loud muffler turning around in their driveway at 5 a.m. At 5:30 a.m., Erik's father Ted came out to get his newspaper. Ted Cross saw Erik's body lying on the side of the road.
Initially it was believed that it was a hit-and-run, but Erik's family knew something else had happened, and they pressured the police to keep digging.
Cops believe a group of teenagers in one of those two cars -- the dark-colored one -- parked at the gas station drove past the front of Erik's house and saw him.
One theory was that they had taken Erik "hood-surfing" -- that is, he'd been tied to the hood of their car while it swerved sharply down the road -- and that he fell off and was run over.
But while cops didn't know if hood-surfing was involved, they became certain of something else within weeks of Erik's death: It was not a hit-and-run as they had first believed.
"As we investigated a little bit further, it was determined this was no accident," said Undersheriff Matyas. "This was more of a deliberate act -- hence, murder."
"Erik was badly injured," said Detective Sergeant Mattison. "Contusions, deep abrasions. He had rope burns that were visible, twists or striations on his skin. He had leg fractures. He had a large gaping laceration in the middle of his lower back."
So the rope burns on his body make you think that someone tied him up and pulled him by the back of the car?
"In conjunction with the abrasions, the deep abrasions that he had, yes," said Mattison.
Do you think that's when his body was dumped?
"He was run over at that point to make it look possibly like it was a hit-and-run traffic fatality," Mattison said.
Many of the more than 100 people police interviewed confirmed their theory that a car full of teenagers had dragged Erik by a rope along the road for hundreds of yards, run him over, and dumped his body outside his home.
Are there several prime suspects?
"There is a core group, if you will, of young people who through the rumors, their own admissions since, were together that late night and early morning hours," said Mattison.
Cops say many pointed the finger at a reputed town bully named Brent Spaulding as the ringleader and driver of the car.
So Brent Spaulding is your prime suspect?
Then there was Brent's girlfriend at the time, Amber Thomas.
"She is a person of interest," said Matyas. "She has very clear firsthand knowledge of what went on that particular time."
"[She] may have been in the car or at least present and knowledgeable of the circumstances," said Mattison.
Police claim Amber was also at that lake house drinking party and was said to have been flirting with Erik, leading police to wonder if Brent's jealousy may have been a motive for the murder.
Brent Spaulding already had a bad rap around town, and a witness told police there was a rumor Brent was seen pushing Erik at the party.
Police reports show one witness saying Brent thought he was the devil, called himself "Lucifer" and was sent to a mental institution after the death of Erik Cross.
Brent's car had mysteriously vanished, and police never located it.
Brent had reason to be concerned that he might be arrested. At least one witness told police he had actually confessed to them that he killed Erik Cross, but police couldn't prove it. And, they say, all the other teenagers in the car with him that night insisted neither he, nor they, had anything to do with Erik's killing.
"They absolutely know something they have not told us," said Matyas. "We are certain of that."
They have now remained silent for 32 years.
Police now say they do have something more, and that they are about to bring it on.
"I'm coming at them," said Matyas. "In no uncertain terms."
And now it seems they might finally be about to get it thanks to a candlelight vigil several months earlier to mark what would have been Erik's 49th birthday.
"There was a lot of media attention to that and from that media attention, we got that phone call that we've probably waited 32 years for," said Matyas. "And it put the whole case into perspective and it hit information that we had always kept quiet, dead center. So we knew we were back on the road again.
"It means we're going to go forward with this and we're going to be presenting it to the prosecutor," said Matyas. "And the prosecutor is very excited about this case, very interested in this case.
"The information we got was fabulous," said Matyas. "It made the difference. This particular source of the information was just dead-on. It solidified a lot of the information we had then and made that crystal ball a lot more clear now, and moved us closer to our target."
The target remains that group of teenagers in a car police believe dragged Erik hundreds of yards along the road, ran over him and dumped his body in front of his home.
"The persons of interest we have today are the same persons of interest we had 32 years ago," said Matyas.
And their prime suspect, the one they believe drove the car, also remains Brent Spaulding.
"Since the incident he's had numerous issues, some substance abuse issues," said Matyas. "He's managed to find his way in and out of the county jail. Recently he was here just a couple of months ago serving a sentence."
Another main person of interest is still Amber Thomas, Brent's high school girlfriend, who cops say was also among the carful of kids that fateful night.
"She has very clear firsthand knowledge of what went on that particular time," said Matyas. "It would be nice to hear from her to get her side of the story before we proceed on our assumptions."
Amber is now married with children. Crime Watch Daily tried to speak with her but she refused an interview.
"There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we're certain it's not a train coming at us," said Matyas.
But cops won't say reveal new information they have that makes them so confident of an imminent arrest.
"It's something we need to keep close to the vest until we go public with the whole event," said Matyas.
"Anyone who was there and who has spent 32 years refusing to give my mom peace, and refusing to give my dad peace before he died, should be arrested and go to jail for obstructing justice, for conspiracy to commit murder," said Jackie Mitchell, Erik's sister.
"I would like it to be settled and to be over with, so that we can all go back and just live our life peacefully, without revenge and without bitterness," said Marylou Cross, Erik's mother.
If you have any information related to this case, you can submit a tip to Crime Watch Daily, or call or text our toll-free tip line at (844) 800-CRIME.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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Why was only one Palestinian publishing house at Cairo book fair?
The Cairo International Book Fair, the most prominent in the Arab world, saw the attendance of only one Palestinian publishing house, among dozens of other Arab and international publishers.
The Cairo International Book Fair in Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 9, 2017.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Only one Palestinian publishing house, Dar al-Jundi Publishing and Distribution House of Jerusalem, exhibited its wares at the Cairo International Book Fair this year.
The 48th edition of the book fair took place under the theme “Youth and Future Culture” with the participation of 670 publishers from 35 countries, including 22 Arab and African countries. It began Jan. 26 and ended Feb. 10.
Most Palestinian publishing houses did not take part in the fair due to the high prices they would have to charge for books in Cairo as a result of the rise of the US dollar against the Egyptian pound. Samir al-Jundi, the owner of Dar al-Jundi, said publishers feared they would not be able to sell their books at the fair due to the drop in the pound. It hovered around 19 to the dollar during the fair, although the pound has strengthened to around 16 to the dollar now.
Jundi told Al-Monitor that the drop in the pound made it hard to market books at the fair. He said the prices of some books reached around 400 pounds during the fair, beyond what many Egyptian customers were willing or able to pay.
Jundi said the drop in the pound's value did not discourage him from participating in the fair because he wanted to get the cultural message of the publishing house through.
He said he rented a 9-square-meter (97-square-feet) space at the fair, which was held at an exhibition venue in Nasr City in Cairo. He paid $1,300 for the space in order to display Palestinian books.
“Dar al-Jundi participates in all international fairs because it holds its Palestinian publishing message sacred. We are the only publishing house in Jerusalem,” he said, noting that the message is to make Dar al-Jundi more popular through the books it publishes.
He said the publishing sector in Palestine faces many challenges, such as high printing costs and the difficulty involved in commuting, especially in Jerusalem.
Dar al-Jundi won the Best Arab Publisher Award at the 2015 International Book Fair in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Abdul Salam al-Attari, the director of the Literature and Publishing Department at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture in the West Bank, said participation in international book fairs is up to the publisher. He also said there are only 28 Palestinian publishing houses in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Attari told Al-Monitor that the ministry does not force publishing houses to participate in book fairs, but that it tries to provide spaces for them in exhibitions and to obtain special facilitations from the fairs’ managements.
Mohamed Sherif, the general director of libraries at the Palestinian Ministry of Culture in Gaza, said there are 25 publishing houses in the West Bank and three in the Gaza Strip.
Sherif told Al-Monitor that Israel’s tight noose on Palestinians might be one factor behind Palestinian publishing houses' decisions not to participate in the Cairo fair.
Sherif said, “When the crossings are open, Palestine can get its message through clearly.” He noted that the Ministry of Culture is supporting publishing houses, promoting their products, protecting their intellectual property and preserving Palestinian cultural heritage by raising Palestinians’ awareness of their heritage and setting the stage for creativity.
In a related context, Palestinian novelist Yousri al-Ghoul, a member of the Palestinian Authors Union, said that Palestinian publishing houses did not participate in the Cairo International Book Fair due to Egypt’s bad economic situation and fears that the drop in the Egyptian pound could result in financial losses for the Palestinian publishers.
The Cairo International Book Fair, first held in 1969, is one of the most renowned book fairs in the Middle East. In its previous edition, the fair welcomed more than 3 million visitors over 15 days, thus making it the most alluring of Arab book fairs.


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The future of former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba continues to lurch from one crisis to another with the Ivorian's club admitting that he and Nicolas Anelka could still be forced out over a boardroom battle.
Drogba only moved to Shanghai Shenhua in the summer but his time has been blighted by a financial row among shareholders.
Whowin having been his backing by manager Sergio Batista who insisted things had been resolved.
However, the billionaire businessman behind the vast investment refuted the claims of a deal and local media reported the tycoon had threatened to withhold the salaries of foreign players.
It is claimed that following his initial purchase and investment for 28.5 per cent stake in the club, Zhu was due a rise to 70 per cent based on continued funds being able.
Shanghai Youth Daily newspaper carried a quote on from an unnamed source, saying: 'If this issue is not resolved satisfactorily, from October Zhu Jun might take action.
Shenhua are ninth in Chinese Super League.


text: The Nourmak 9'10" x 13'10" Red Rectangle Rug by Nourison at Baer's Furniture in the Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Orlando, Naples, Miami, Florida area. Product availability may vary. Contact us for the most current availability on this product.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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In depth mechanical knowledge with over 15 years in the business and enviable industry reputation.
Log book servicing, minor and major repairs, air conditioning, auto-electrical and diagnostic services, and more.
Highly competitive pricing without voiding dealer warranty or compromising on quality.
Trade Workshop is your friendly mechanical and auto electrical repair specialist in Port Melbourne. We service and repair all vehicle makes and models using the latest tools, equipment and training.
All repairs are completed to the highest standards, using only the best quality components along with expert knowledge and skills. We keep you updated throughout the repair process and ensure your safety on the road is our priority.
To find out more about our extensive range of services or to book in your vehicle for repairs or service, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may call us directly on (03) 8590 7835 or use our online enquiry form to send us a message and we will respond as soon as possible. We’re always happy to answer any queries you may have.
Whether you are a new or returning customer we are happy to welcome you to our workshop.


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Talking about women like this is considered normal. Talking about another man’s wife like this is considered a compliment – to the man. Talking about a woman as though she is an object there to please a man is normal conversation.
This is Malta – and I can’t even say we’re stuck in the 19th century, because back then if you had said in public or anywhere else that another man’s wife is worth a f**k, you would find yourself at the wrong end of a gun. And if you said it about a senior figure’s wife, you would probably find yourself behind bars.
As for the rest, we’re stuck firmly in the 19th century.


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What is a Star Walker?
Star Walkers are AIDS Walk Los Angeles' fundraising elite: those who set a goal to raise $1,000 or more.
Invitation to special receptions honoring your unique contribution to AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
Star Walker Fundraising Kit with additional Sponsor Forms, Star Walkers Club note cards, and more to help you reach your goal.
VIP Star Walker Access Pass granting you access to the exclusive Star Walker Breakfast on the morning of AIDS Walk Los Angeles.
All official AIDS Walk Los Angeles Fundraising Awards.
AIDS Walk Los Angeles Commemorative Walker Pin and Star Walker Lapel Pin.
Our Platinum Star Walkers are AIDS Walk royalty on the day of the Walk and throughout the year! On AIDS Walk day, they receive each of the Fundraising Awards, a specialty "Platinum" Star Walker Crown, and two guest passes to the Star Walker Breakfast. They also gain special access to APLA Health events throughout the year and are invited to take personal tours of APLA Health!
Check in with our very own Star Walker Fundraising Specialists, David Meraz and Ana Valle! They can answer your questions about the Star Walker Club, help you get registered as a Star Walker, and assist you with your fundraising efforts.


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Waffle Square, located on Harding Blvd. in Roseville, is a breakfast icon, and this fine diner has been serving delicious "Americana style" breakfasts and lunch for many years, long before I came to town. This fine restaurant opens daily at 7 in the morning, and serves the kind of cuisine that makes a breakfast lover like me fall in love! If you make your visit on a weekday morning, you'll be treated to a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs for only $6.99!
Photo: It's just past 7 in the morning, Tuesday, April 09, 2019, and I've arrived at Waffle Square to enjoy breakfast. It's been nearly five years since I've had the chance to visit this fine restaurant, and I'm definitely looking forward to a fine meal.
Photo: When you enter the restaurant, just after passing the small souvenir cubicle, you're greeted with a "Please wait to be seated" sign. I was planning to sit at the counter, just around the corner, so I sat myself. Today's friendly server/meeter, Leanne, is busy opening the restaurant, on this early Tuesday morning.
Photo: I was the first customer of the day, and for the first half hour, I had the dining room all to myself. The dining room is squeaky clean, spacious and comfortable. There appears to have been some renovation since my last visit. The decor matches the cuisine the restaurant serves, as both are pure "Americana."
Photo: Waffle Square is open for breakfast and lunch, and the restaurant is serious about breakfast, as it's available any time the restaurant is open. The breakfast menu is extensive, and covers all of your breakfast desires. This is only one of several pages. The weekday special of steak and eggs isn't on the menu.
Photo: If you sit at the counter, you can get a peek into the kitchen, and watch the chef at work. Yes, that's an order wheel, where orders are relayed to the kitchen, right out of the 1960's. When I arrived, the griddle was yet heated, but after placing my order, my breakfast took less than 15 minutes to arrive.
Photo: You enjoy a great selection of condiments when you dine at Waffle Square. I definitely love to enhance my eggs with a few shots of "Tapatio" salsa picante.
Photo: My super friendly server, Leanne, brings my breakfast to me with a smile. Thanks for the great photo!
Photo: I prepare to enjoy a fine breakfast of steak, hash brown potatoes and eggs, at Waffle Square. Thanks, Leanne, for snapping my photo.
Photo: My $6.99 weekday special breakfast of steak, eggs and potatoes. The only "oddity" is that toast isn't included, but is available for on additional dollar, which isn't a bad deal. I decided to "pass" on toast, and just enjoy the breakfast, as advertised.
The main attraction is a small steak, I guess about 4-ounces, cooked any way you choose. You also get your choice of hash browns, or country potatoes, and two eggs, cooked any style. It's definitely a "basic" breakfast, but so is the price.
My steak arrived medium, just the way I ordered it, and it was tender, juicy and flavorful. I'm always tempted to add a little sauce on my steak, only at breakfast, but this steak didn't need any enhancements, as it was great just by itself.
I agonized between country or hash brown potatoes, and hash browns won. They were cooked golden crispy on the outside, and chewy tender inside, just the way I like them. The hash browns were neither salty or greasy, which is a HUGE bonus.
As per my de facto standard, I ordered my eggs fried over easy, and they arrived, perfectly cooked the way I ordered them. I always judge the skill of a breakfast chef by the "eggs over easy method," as too many chefs haven't mastered the art of cooking eggs in this style. The chef at Waffle Square "nailed" the eggs!
My breakfast was delicious, and perfectly cooked, and tasted even better, thanks to Leanne's friendly service.
First, you have to love a restaurant that is only open for breakfast and lunch, as you just KNOW they are breakfast lovers, and will put out a quality breakfast. Second, if the restaurant is open at the crack of dawn, say six in the morning, that's a BIG plus. So if you're an "early bird," like I am, and a lover of breakfast, you'll just LOVE Waffle Square, located on Harding Blvd. in Roseville, as they serve a delicious breakfast, and they're open early, REALLY early in the morning.
Photo: During my morning walks, I occasionally pass by Waffle Square, and the $4.99 Ham & Eggs breakfast always looks interesting. On Thursday, September 25, 2014, my good intentions got the better of me, and I paid a visit to this charming restaurant, to enjoy a delicious breakfast, at a great price.
Photo: As you walk in the restaurant, there is a small souvenir area, complete with a machine with a claw that will allow you to grab a stuffed animal, as you feed the beast with quarters. That's not my "thing," as I prefer to eat, rather than to play. As I walked through the souvenir area, I was greeted by Leanne, who would be my hostess, on this early Thursday morning.
Photo: The main dining room, as you look back toward the breakfast counter. It's 0700 on a rainy Thursday morning, and currently, I'm the only customer in the restaurant.
Photo: Back in June, 2010, the now-defunct Sacramento Breakfast Club paid a visit to Waffle Square, and management was so impressed with the article we published, they printed it, and posted a laminated copy of it in the restaurant! As of today's visit, it is still on the wall. To read the complete article, click on this link.
Photo: Leanne delivers my breakfast with a smile. She didn't really want her photo taken, as she said it was "too early in the morning," but I managed to snap her photo anyway. The window to the kitchen is at the rear of the photo. Leanne and a chef were the only employees who were working during the time of my visit, so it gave me ample time to chit-chat with Leanne. She said mornings are usually slow until around 0800, which the regulars start coming in.
Photo: When I dine alone, I prefer to sit at the counter, as it's easier to mingle with the staff, and observe them in action. Friendly Leanne snapped my photo, after she delivered my breakfast. Service was lightning fast, as from the time I ordered my breakfast until the time it was delivered to me was only about five minutes.
Photo: I ordered the "Ham & Eggs Special," for $4.99, as noted by the sign in front of the restaurant. By the time coffee and tax was added, the price came to $7.50, exactly, which is still a good price for a full breakfast, especially considering the quality and quantity of the delicious breakfast I enjoyed today at Waffle Square. As usual, I ordered my eggs over easy, and I was offered hash browns or country potatoes - I chose hash browns - several varieties of toast - sourdough for me - and a slab of ham. Unlike some of the reviews of this restaurant that I've read on Yelp, my meal was delicious, and perfectly cooked, and surpassed my expectations of a wonderful breakfast.
You can't beat the price of the "Ham and Eggs Special," nor can you beat the quality of the breakfast. Add to the value the friendly service, the comfortable surroundings, and you'll find that Waffle Square is a must-to destination in Roseville, to enjoy a quality breakfast.

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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This E-update has the presentations attached from the summit on 24 March and also the Q&As from the end.
A petitioning guide kit has now been published at http://www.parliament.uk/documents/Lords-HS2/House-of-Lords-HS2-petitioning-kit-guide.pdf along with frequently asked questions on the Hybrid bill at http://www.parliament.uk/business/bills-and-legislation/current-bills/hybrid-bills/hybrid-bills-faqs/.
The Third Reading of the Bill took place on 23 March where MPs voted by 399 to 42 in favour of the project proceeding.
The Third Reading in the House of Commons was followed by the First Reading in the House of Lords; the Second Reading will be held on 14 April. The period for petitioning has now begun and petitioning closes at 5pm on 18 April.
For those residents living in the vicinity of HOAC, HS2 Ltd and the Centre are holding information consultation days to explain their plans for a potential relocation to New Denham Quarry. The first meeting was held on the 19 March, and the second event is on 9 April at Denham Community Centre, from 11am-3pm. Local newspaper article is at http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/hillingdon-outdoor-activity-centre-given-11005400.
HS2 Ltd has arranged an event as an opportunity for local residents to find out more about the project and what it means for their local area. You will be able to talk to their experts about engineering, construction, property, the environment and more, see maps and plans of the project near you and ask questions and explore the proposals in more detail.
Village Road, Denham, Bucks, UB9 5BN. All details are at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hs2-information-event-16-april-2016-denham.
The Councils have organised dates for four events in April to share our House of Lords petitioning matters with the public and to update on the HS2 process as a whole. This is also an opportunity to reflect on the House of Commons petition period and assurances received by the Councils.
significantly oversubscribed we will try to arrange a further meeting.
submitted our petition by then.
The County Council held an HS2 Summit on 24 March 2016 from (9.30 to 12.30) at Green Park, Aston Clinton, HP22 5NE. The meeting was well attended by over 100 people. The presentations can be found at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/media/3936089/20160324-FULL-PRESENTATIONS2.pdfand the question and answers can be found at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/media/3936094/Summit-Q-As-240316.pdf.
volunteer who shares daily information on HS2 matters.

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


text: Hello everyone. This issue has tortured me for a few hours too long and I am still left with no idea how to fix it. There is excess space at the right side of the table that I simply cannot get rid off, causing a very obnoxious misalignment. I have tried copying it into a new note with a new table but the problem persists as I create the new table. Copying it into Microsoft Word and back has proved to be fruitless as well It still does everything a table should for me but is very visually distracting. How does one resolve this?


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1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser Full Bodied Express Cruiser, one of the few Diesel Powered 39EC's on the market today. 375hp Caterpillar 3208's (Turbo's replaced, coolers cleaned, impellers replaced Fall of 2018). New Bimini top, new Eisenglass, Cockpit Bimini top (Spring of 2018). Valuable updates (tile and Vinyl Plank flooring, Flat screen TV's, Garmin color touchscreen GPS, etc) and a clean overall appearance compliment this nicely equipped boat. Located offsite, please feel free to call with questions.
She has been cleaned, waxed, and buffed. Per the seller: Everything outside of the onboard vacuum is known to be in functioning order. The seller has regularly had the engine maintenance completed. Stock #174351 Offshore Power with plenty of room and amenities. If you are in the market for an express cruiser, look no further than this 1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser, just reduced to $42,275 (offers encouraged). This vessel is located in Bellevue, Washington and is in great condition. She is also equipped with twin Mercruiser engines that have 2,000 hours.
The boat is currently in the water with ceramic heaters in the cabin and Ice eaters in the water. The exterior will get further wash down once the winter wrap is off completely. Rebuilt CAT 3208TAs are barely broken in. Hours on the rebuilds are 425 Both engines were disassembled and all assemblies and sub assembly checked for tolerances and wear. The following parts were replaced and or rebuilt. New Pistons and piston rings. Cylinder heads were rebuilt with new exhaust and intake valves. Valve guides were bushed with bronze bushings. Connecting rods were rebushed and honed. Crank shaft and rod bearings were replaced as were front and rear oil seals. Injection pumps were rebuilt and new fuel injectors installed. Fresh and raw water pumps were rebuilt. Commercial Diesel,Amityville, NY was in business for forty years specializing in engine rebuilding and marine engine repairs. Cost of the engine rebuild was 30K not including removing and reinstalling the engines. SELLER WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS. Stock #171818 '87 Sea Ray 390 powered by Rebuilt (TOH) CATERPILLAR 3208TAs 375HP Each If you are in the market for an express cruiser, look no further than this 1987 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser - Rebuilt CAT Diesels, just reduced to $49,500 (offers encouraged). This vessel is located in Oceanside, New York and is in great condition. She is also equipped with twin Caterpillar engines that have 425 hours. Reason for selling is downsizing toys.
This vessel is in exceptional condition for its age. The seller is the 3rd owner and the owner before him was a mechanic. The engine compartment is very clean and tidy. A new 16,000 BTU AC/Heat unit was installed in 2016 along with a digital controller. The canvas and Isinglass are only one year old and look great. The seller also added LED light inside and out along with underwater LEDs. Also completed in 2016: riser/Manifolds, generator renewed, water tank replaced, complete tune-up with new raw water pumps and hoses, trans serviced, batteries replaced, isolator replaced and the hot water tank was replaced. Stock #135839 Turn key 1988 Sea Ray 390 EC! Excellent condition and ready to go! If you are in the market for an express cruiser, look no further than this 1988 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser, just reduced to $32,000 (offers encouraged). This vessel is located in Edgewater, New Jersey and is in great condition. She is also equipped with twin Mercruiser engines that have 530 hours. Reason for selling is looking to downsize to a 28' express cruiser (trades possible).
This vessel is in the water but has not been de-winterized. The seller does not want to have the boat readied for season this year as she will not be using the boat. Any costs associated with preparing the boat for a water test will be at the expense of the buyer. Bring all offers accordingly. ** *REPOWERED IN 2006 WITH APPROXIMATELY 500 HOURS ON THE MOTORS* New seals around all port holes and windows recently. This is a nice project to have out of the way. Check out the archived spec sheet from Sea Ray. Great resources are always available for Sea Ray owners through many owners clubs and online forums. http://www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company1729/1C1_27_74DERNK53501.pdf Let's get you on the water now! POP Yachts has not yet been on this particular vessel. All information in this listing is believed to be accurate and correct but at present time has not been personally verified. We encourage all inquiries and questions relating to the boat, it's present condition, accuracy of details including but not limited to it's location, engine hours, service history, listing status and features. Stock #027851 BIG & SPACIOUS Express Cruiser. ONLY 500 HOURS, If you are in the market for an express cruiser, look no further than this 1986 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser, just reduced to $29,995 (offers encouraged). This vessel is located in Joppatowne, Maryland and is in good condition. She is also equipped with twin Mercruiser engines that have 500 hours.
1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser This Sea Ray is an absolute GEM! Must See to fully appreciate! 1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser powered by CAT 3208 Diesel straight shaft inboard engines with only 1450 original hours. Diesel generator with only 575 Original Hours! Original owners since new. Spared no expense to maintain her. Always kept under cover, in a wet slip at Cozy Cove Marina in Fort Lauderdale since the day these owners took delivery of Shazam. Away from the sun and always running the AC. The Paint shows extremely well, the interior shows extremely well too. The head liner is original and you would think its brand new. When you hop on board Shazam, you will honestly think you went through a time machine. She is in absolutely amazing condition inside and out. Everything works like it should, well cared for with love and shows. Owners are ready to move on and let her go to someone else ready to love Shazam like they always have. Call anytime for additional information or to schedule an appointment. LOA: 41'10" - Beam: 13'11" - Dry Weight: 16,400lbs. - Dead Rise: 19 Degree - Draft: 28" - Water Cap: 100 Gallons - Fuel Cap: 300 Gallons - Bridge Clearance: 9'6" Best Cruise is at 20 knots burning 20 Gallons an hour (both engines). Fresh new Bottom paint done in April of 2017. Ice Maker in Cockpit. Two AC Units inside Cabin. Two Newer TV Sets (one in Galley and one in Master Stateroom). Electric Stove. Microwave. Full sized Refrigerator and Freezer. New Carpet in Cabin. Two single sized berth. Couch has filler fusion for a double sized berth. Master statement has a King Sized bed.
1988 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser 1988 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser Twin 7.4 mercruiser inboards Westerbeke Generator 15 Foot Beam Full Kitchen Kitchenette Air Conditioner Queen Bed Two Bunk Beds Bath with Toilet, Sink and Shower Sea Rays most popular express cruiserMore Photos available!
1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser Preliminary listing--- more photos and details to follow. Extremely clean and well maintained by a knowledgeable owner. Priced based on condition and care.
1985 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser With a long list of recent up-grades, this older yacht shows like a much newer vessel! New engines (2015) New Elbows and risers (Feb 2017) New A/C unit forward (2015) New hot water tank (2015) New fresh water tank (2015) Custom aluminum Bimini arch (2012) Auto pilot replaced 2012 New VacuFlush head (2014) Genset recently serviced and tuned Full cockpit enclosure And the list goes on and on! She's a popular design, a roomy lay-out and in nice shape. She's the perfect family boat with everything you'd want for a weekend getaway or extended cruise to the Bahamas or to do the Great Loop!
1988 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser Sundancer If you are looking for a well maintained cruiser with 2 private staterooms, head with separate shower stall, huge salon and galley, camper canvas, bimini top, forward sun pad, etc. Many updates have been made: TV's, Fridge, Swim platform, etc. The cockpit on this boat is huge. Recently added cockpit carpet, New bottom paint. - Gen, A/C, Canvas, 2 staterooms, head w/ separate shower, Twin 340HP inboards, huge extended swim platform! - Generator, A/C and Heat, many updates. HUGE COCKPIT, 2 Separate Staterooms, separate shower stall in head, forward sun pad, camper canvas, bimini, etc..
1989 Sea Ray 390 Express Cruiser (CURRENT OWNER OF 15-YEARS) 1989 SEA RAY 390 EXPRESS CRUISERS -- PLEASE SEE FULL SPECS FOR COMPLETE LISTING DETAILS. Freshwater / Great Lakes boat since new this vessel features Twin MerCruiser 454-cid 340-hp Gas Inboard Engine's with 698 original hours. Notable features include but are not limited to the following: Air-Conditioning & Heat (2-Units), Head (Vacuflush) w/Vanity/Sink/Stall-Shower, Central Vacuum, 7.5kw Quicksilver Generator, Windlass Anchor, Camper-Top Canvas Package w/Screens, AM/FM Stereo System, Swim Platform w/Boarding Ladder, and MUCH more! Broker Notes: Sale includes owners manuals. The PowerBoat Guide had this to say: The 390 Express Cruiser turned out to be one of the most popular boats ever built by Sea Ray. First of the big production express boats when she came out in 1984, her sleek lines and European styling--tame by today's design standards--made a lasting impression on the mid-1980's sport boat market. Below, her expansive two-stateroom interior is arranged with a queen berth forward and a combined galley-and-breakfast bar facing the curved settee in the salon. The guest stateroom is unique: it's separated from the salon by a retractable mirrored bulkhead. Slide it away, convert the bunk berths into a sofa, and the area actually becomes part of the main cabin. The 390's interior was updated twice over the years changing from the original wood grain mica to teak in 1986, and to a white-mica/teak-trim decor in 1988. Topside, the single-level cockpit is huge with seating for as many as eight passengers.


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This ignores the cost of a reactor, as I think for right now I'll just pipe it into my aquamaster filter. Might come up with something a bit more efficient, but I don't want to sacrifice the aesthetics of the tank.
Now, all of that said, I haven't put it all together yet. That will probably be a Thursday night project. I'm hoping I won't need any more pieces.

industry_corpus2: Water Resources & Marine


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Beautifully re-mastered by Norman Blake at the mysterious Studio 3 in Glasgow!
A must for all fans of West Coast psychedelia, rock, pop and jazz sounds!
Their first album, produced by the great Dave Hassinger, established them as a force to be reckoned with, and landed them tours with The Doors and Eric Burdon & The Animals, and in time the coveted opening slot on the Woodstock festival (though they ended up going on later thanks to backstage shenanigans).
There was even a 1999 TV movie telling their story, concentrating on their tragedy…here instead we go back to their 1968 debut, when the world was at their feet! A record that could only have been made in LA in 1968…yet which has echoes of so much else…you’ll love it!

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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2 trains, 100 m and 120 m long are running in the same direction with speeds of 72 km/hr and 54 km/hr. In how much time will the first train cross the second?
A 150 m long train crosses a bridge of length 250 m in 30 sec. Find the time the train takes to cross a platform 130 m long.
A train 150 m long, running at a speed of 120 km/hr, will cross a pole on the way in how many seconds?
A train running at a speed of 90 km/hr crosses a tree in 6 sec. What is its length?

industry_corpus2: Transportation


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Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM as if has been abbreviated is the name given for the wide range of medicine now being practiced throughout the world. CAM uses pretty much all the types of medicine that are practiced world-wide. These include Conventional Medicine, Internal Medicine, and complementary medicine. CAM has been used by many different types of patients from children to adults to treat illnesses or injuries. It can also be used as a form of preventive medicine taking care of the individuals health needs before they become sick. The treatments used in CAM can include the following stem cell injection therapy to help with healing conditions such as joint injuries. As for preventive treatment these can include high dose vitamin c therapy and many have hailed the benefits of ozone therapy.
CAM can be a beneficial process for someone to want to use but there are things to consider first. One thing is not all the practices that are outlined in CAM are covered by the FDA. This includes Holistic treatments and dietary supplements. Because of this reason odds are the treatments won’t be covered by health plans. This would mean out of pocket cost for the individual. Also, if the the person is currently seeing a physician due to a health problem it would be highly advisable to consult with them before considering CAM.
The reason natural isn’t always safe, and sometimes herbal treatments can interact with other medications the person is currently taking. Also, keep in mind that in holistic treatments different compounds can be used. So, it’s always a good idea to ask questions and to get as many answers as possible. Also, do your research about CAM, it can be a great alternative form of medicine but it does have its drawbacks. It’s best to know beforehand what the pros and cons of the treatment are going to be before deciding to venture into this course of treatment.


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Birmingham Royal Ballet is committed to protecting your privacy. We will use the personal information that we collect about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, and, from 25 May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation.
This privacy notice sets out how Birmingham Royal Ballet (we) collect, use and share your personal information.
We collect your name and contact details (including home address, email address and telephone number) when you buy memberships, book events, make other purchases or donations on our website, over the phone or as part of one of our appeals. We maintain a record of your transaction history, but we never store your credit card number.
We keep your details when you sign up to receive emails from us.
We keep a record of the emails we send you, and we may track whether you receive or open them (if your email software provides this information). If you click on a link in an email, we will log this.
Sometimes we may ask you to provide sensitive personal information (such as details about a disability), when you book for certain events or participate in some activities, or when you apply for a job. As with all the personal information we hold, sensitive personal information is held securely and restricted to those who need to use it. We will delete sensitive personal information when we no longer need it.
Your personal information may be held and processed on Birmingham Royal Ballet systems or systems managed by suppliers on behalf of Birmingham Royal Ballet, on secure servers based within the UK or European Economic Area. We maintain a customer relationship management (CRM) system to hold contact details and a record of your interactions with Birmingham Royal Ballet such as donations, memberships, queries, complaints and attendance at special events. Where possible we aim to keep a single record for each customer. This is prsently supported by our use of Mailchimp as a means of both sending marketing communications to you but also allowing you an effective way to update your contact details before being exported back to our CRM system.
Your personal information is always held securely. Access to customer information is strictly controlled. The CRM system can only be accessed by people who need it to do their job. Certain personal information, for example some sensitive personal information (as described above), is additionally restricted and is only made visible to members of staff who have a reason to work with it.
We will only process data for children under the age of 16 with the express consent of a parent or guardian.
We use your personal information (including your name, contact details and transaction history) to fulfil your orders, process memberships, purchases and donations and book events,provide customer services and for analysis (please see the fundraising section below). We may share your personal information with other organisations for these purposes - for example with Eventbrite or Morepay, third party organisations which processes online payments. We require such organisations to meet our standards for handling personal information, and to confirm that the personal information is only used for the agreed purpose. We will not otherwise share your personal information with third party organisations except as described below.
We will only contact you for marketing and fundraising purposes if you have opted in to receive such communications. To opt out of such communications see below.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is a charity, and we actively fundraise to support a broad range of projects and our ongoing work. We keep a record in our database of your donations to Birmingham Royal Ballet, including payments in relation to memberships.
We use some of the personal information we collect about you, such as the record of the events you have attended, and what you’ve told us you’re interested in, to tailor the marketing and fundraising communications we send to you so you are more likely to receive fundraising communications or invitations to support us which are relevant to you.
Segmentation – this is where we analyse personal information such as postcodes of donors, age of supporters, previous donations, transaction history and demographics and whether donations have been given regularly. This helps us to provide you with the most relevant information about our fundraising activities, to help you identify appropriate additional opportunities to get involved with and support Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Database - we may also note other relevant personal information about you in our database. This could be information that you have given us yourself (when you book tickets or make a donation), information from publicly available sources (as part of profiling - see below), or (with your consent), information shared with us by other organisations.
Profiling – we occasionally undertake research and analysis to identify donors who provide substantial support to Birmingham Royal Ballet on a regular basis and who may be able to offer greater financial support. We will obtain consent of those concerned before undertaking such individual profiling. Provided we have consent, we use publicly available records such as the electoral roll, land records, ‘rich lists’, Who’s Who publications and Companies House records. We use this personal information to build a more accurate picture of our core supporters and invite them to events which may be of interest.
When you register for communications via our website you can choose whether you would like to receive marketing and fundraising communications from Birmingham Royal Ballet by email, post or telephone. You can manage your preferences at any time by clicking on the preferences link in emails sent from bulletin@brb.org.uk, contacting us directly by replying to emails from bulletin@brb.org.uk or calling us on 0121 245 3525. We will not contact you for marketing and fundraising purposes unless one of these boxes is ticked. We will include information on how to opt-out and unsubscribe from our communications in any marketing or fundraising communications you receive from us.
Birmingham Royal Ballet works in partnership with other arts and cultural organisations such as our home theatre Birmingham Hippodrome and other venues across the United Kingdom. On occasions we may ask, in respect of specific events, programmes or schemes whether we may share your name and address with a named third party for particular purposes. We will ask you to opt in to any such sharing for both the named organisation and the purposes stated.
If you would like us to stop sending your personal information to our partners, you can change your preferences by emailing bulletin@brb.org.uk. If we have already given your personal information to another company, we can’t remove you from their mailing list. To opt in or out of marketing or other communications from another company, please get in touch with them directly. They should always provide instructions for opting out in any marketing or other communications you receive from them.
If you have opted out of marketing communications, we may still get in touch with you for other reasons. For example we may email you to give you important information about the events you’ve booked or to tell you about any changes to those events.
You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information.
If the personal information we hold about you is incorrect you can ask us to correct it.
You have the right to ask us to delete the personal information that we hold about you.
You have a right to ask us to restrict how we use your personal information.
If we change the way that we use your personal information at any point, we will amend this privacy notice and send the updated version to you no less than four weeks before we make the change.
You also have a right to know what personal information we are holding about you (including in a format which is compatible with your computer system).
If you would like to know what personal information we are holding about you, please submit a request via yourdata@brb.org.uk. We may require you to verify your identity before we provide you with the requested personal information.
We will keep your personal information for only as long as we need to in accordance with our legal and regulatory requirements. In practice this means that we keep your personal information for 7 years in most cases.
This section contains information about the legal basis for us handling your personal information.
We will need to use your personal information in order to perform our obligations under our contracts with you. For example, we need your name, address and contact details so that we can process your bookings or administer your donations.
This means that the processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (except where the processing is unfair to you). Birmingham Royal Ballet relies on this right to hold and use personal information to pursue its legitimate interests in relation to a number of the ways.
Promoting the objects and interests Birmingham Royal Ballet (which includes fundraising).
Ensuring that all relevant legal obligations of Birmingham Royal Ballet are complied with.
We may ask for your consent to use your personal information in certain ways. If we ask for your consent to use your personal information you can withdraw this consent at any time. Any use of your personal information before you withdraw your consent remains valid and lawful. Please contact bulletin@brb.org.uk if you would like to withdraw any consent given.
We will not ordinarily share your personal information with any third parties (save as set out in this privacy notice). Occasionally, we may need to share your personal information with others, for example, we may need to share your personal information with our legal advisors if you make a complaint about us.
We will not subject your personal information to automated decisions.
Birmingham Royal Ballet is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, with company number 03320538, charity number 1061012 and registered office at Thorp Street Birmingham B5 4AU.


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Enter for your chance to win a closet makeover, a Nexus 7, or one of 10 Gift Cards to the Storage.com store!
Grand Prize: A closet makeover may be a $1,000 certificate towards a closet system.
First Prize: A Nexus 7.
(10) Second Prizes: Gift Cards.


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ECOBAT Technologies is the world leading lead recycler and producer, providing excellent products and services to the global markets. Reaching our leading role in the industry would have been impossible without thousands of talented and dedicated people, enjoying working with ECOBAT Technologies.
Our group consists of dedicated research and development facilities which includes state-of-the-art equipment. We serve a variety of industrial segments such as automotive, construction and engineering.
We regularly seek talented people who are ready to work in an international environment and who can share our values of continuous improvement and innovation combined with the dedication to sustainable industrial production.
Demonstrate your interest and apply to ECOBAT today!
Should no vacancies be posted hereunder, we would still be interested to receive your application. Please send your details, employment interest and your CV to career@ecobatgroup.com.


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Need to work on your core strength, wanting to improve your flexibility, looking to get stronger higher leaps?
Our Level 1 coaches also hold degrees in Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor in Health Science majoring in Exercise Science and Nutrition and Bachelor of Health and Physical Education with a major in Contemporary Dance.
This allows them to combine there calisthenics experience with their education to provide a unique 6 week program.
Use the form below to secure your spot.


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Welcome to Michelberger, where quality luxury hotel accommodation is offered for tourists and travelers alike in the city of Berlin. The hotel is located in the district of Friedrichshain, a lively neighborhood that is known for the excitement it offers visitors in the city. The hotel is located close to some important places; the O2 World Arena is located just 500 m away from the hotel while the popularly renowned East Side Gallery is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel premises. The hotel is located in a major transportation hub where it offers guests easy navigation within the city.
The rooms in the Michelberger are furnished with modern elegant décor and wooden finishes providing the perfect accommodation option for guests. The rooms are fitted with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and full air conditioning. Most rooms have king-size beds and a bathroom that has a bathtub and rain shower. Some rooms come with a video projector.
The on-site restaurant offers guests a plethora of dining options such as local cuisines and vegan options. The food served are made from organic ingredients making sure guests are very healthy.
The café-bar is often used by guests as the perfect relaxation hotspot where they can enjoy a drink or even read a book. The hotel on-site spa has a sauna while provisions have been made for parking at the hotel. The hotel offers accommodation options such as cozy single room, cozy double room, luxury room and band room – all to make sure you get exactly what you need.


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Labor Day marks the end of routine free mornings transcending into wishy washy afternoons meandering into evenings that stir well beyond bed time.
As if in utter protest to the packed fall and strict schedules ahead, Graham joined us for the final two weeks of summer in which we stuck strictly to leisure.
We took to the road, rolling past vineyard after vineyard down south to Santa Ynez valley for a family vacation. Here we joined Graham’s parents, sister, brother-in-law and their two kids for five days of “ranching it”.
Mornings did come sooner than they should have with Grace waking before the sun rose. However her parents were in action protestation and so we stuck to the bed for morning family cuddles and coos. Once the sun began to rise through the misty morning we got up to a feast of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and piping hot corned beef hash.
With full bellies our little family meandered through the wheat colored grasslands of the valley; Graham and I watching as our girls interacted with the wonders of nature.
We returned to a better rested Belchers crew where we would discuss our options for the day – be it horse back riding, tennis playing or a light swim. All was done in a lackadaisical manner, thus fulfilling our motto of slow and easy does it.
Evenings were meant for freshening up into classy frocks to sip cocktails while watching the horses feed and the sun retire.
The trip was a glorious rotation of adventures all with proper respites in between.
We returned home for a few days to be spent in the comfort of our own cocoons. The girls embraced the familiarity of their room and rewarded us with sleeping in mighty late (7:30). Graham and I snuck away for a day date, took to hiking in the hills near the Pachetti Winery and then went wine tasting, of course. We hosted my mom before she jetted off to Europe with a carefree backyard dinner.
After four days at home, the pull of adventure got us up and moving again…albeit, slowly. We returned to the car for another trip this time way up north to Mount Shasta.
Some believe there are lemurians in Mount Shasta. After five days of complete bliss up there, I can’t help but wonder that they’re right. Or perhaps all the collective crystal shops pulled on my inner chakras. Whatever nonsense the hippies believe, they may just be onto something; Shasta begs for complete and total exhales.
We were quickly known by name at the local coffee shop, welcoming us in with sweet warm mochas. Once charged by caffeine, we’d take to the mountain where we’d either find new paths to follow or recommit to the old faithful hikes that have nurtured our entire relationship.
That may read a hyperbole – hikes nurturing our relationship. But there is one spot Graham and I have hiked since the beginning. We came just as wee ones dating and sharing our separate dreams of the future that were beginning to collide into one. We hiked there desperate for a child, discussing, praying and debating our options. We hiked there with Josie as a beautiful nine month old, passing her from one doting parent to the other. We hiked again this year as a family of four. Grace strapped to my chest with Graham following behind my footsteps, Josie strapped to his back. When we arrived to the top of our hike, there was a native american shaman singing. The girls sat and listened, intuitively quiet. It was a moving moment where I took the time to be thankful for all I have; my precious girls; my supportive husband.
The after hike glow lead to food comas and then leisurely naps. The house would fall silent and still as can be from 2:00 to 4:00. Restful peace. Then it was time for one last outing, usually blackberry picking and rock skipping on the sacramento river. Evenings brought on dinner out at easy restaurants in town then a walk home. Baths for the girls, followed by peaceful reading of books which lent to shut eye much sooner than at home.
The past 14 days have splendidly collided into one another and drifted us along to today. Schedules, work, school, business, volunteering, cleaning, decorating all calls louder than we can ignore. So, I say farewell to you dog days of summer. Thanks for being so damn rad.
What a lovely post of a wonderful fortnight. Thank you.
Hi Anne! I assure you that I have my tough days. And actually some of the two weeks included breakdowns, tantrums and sleepless nights (grace woke up a bunch throughout the night on a portion of our trip). However, I read the book, “Happiest Toddler on the Block” and I felt like it helped me a lot in terms of the concepts of “time ins” Time Ins being the opposite of time outs, where you devote chunks of time doing what the kids enjoy and interacting with their activities. Like today, I went on a two mile walk with the girls. I would’ve preferred to have them in the stroller the entire time but they wanted out so I got them out and we walked VERY slowly but they got to touch rocks and pick up grass, etc. I felt like it made them much happier. I don’t know. I’m just learning as I go. But, for sure, motherhood is tough and exhausting! You are an amazing mom! I have so much that I could learn from you!!

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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How Many Electoral Votes Have You Earned Travelling?
While I have an absolute electoral votes without them, I have included Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia as “undecided.” Like every other American I have spent time in Atlanta’s airport, I drove through Tennessee on my recent interesting adventure, and was previously in a bus in Mississippi.
I think rolling through the state on a bus should count as “being there”. You’ve gotten to see what really goes on there, even if you didn’t get to interact. You DID get to observe and orient around the local culture.
You really do need to get out to the western states. There’s so much you can’t see east of the Rockies!
Thanks for the kind words! I’m afraid I got to observe a little too much of the culture of Greyhound lines, but… already possessing 279 electoral votes worth of states visited… I’m not too worried.
I definitely want to see things farther west. Seattle has long been on the list of things I must see, and after I discovered my farmer grandfather once spent a summer in Los Angeles, I’ve been anxious to see that, too.
Thanks to a grandfather with a travel trailer and 5 weeks of vacation annuallly, by Dave’s rules I got most of the lower 48 states and all Canadian provinces west of Montreal by the time I was 16. I’m now missing only Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii. If you go to Seattle, leave time for visiting Vancouver and Olympic National Park. And if you ever wander out to the Valley of the Sun, let me know!


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Motor: 240v Single Phase rated at 6 amps.
Pump Speed: Standard 35 Litres Per Minute.
Standard Equipment: ½ ” Auto – Cut Off Nozzle.