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If cockroaches coming out of an electrical outlet sounds like something from a horror movie, think again. While virtually everyone will deal with a pest infestation from time to time, nothing compares to these homeowners who almost had to burn their house down to get rid of the pests.
For Loretta Yates of Ontario, Canada, the yellow, sticky substance that was dripping from the ceiling of the first floor in their house wasn’t sap, but honey that had accumulated from nearly 80,000 bees that had coalesced in between their boards. Her husband had noted how they had seen a lot of bees around lately, but didn’t fully understand the extent of the infestation until a lightbulb exploded and bees began to swarm around a pantry door. All in all, 220 pounds of honeycomb were removed from the house over a 6-hour process that cost nearly $15,000. The most amazing part? Neither Loretta nor her husband were ever stung!
Apartments are normally havens for bugs to roam freely, as they can share air conditioning ducts and common roof space, but nothing is like the great bed bug disaster of 2016 in Augusta, Maine. According to the building code enforcer, there were so many bugs in the apartment complex that the rooms were almost gray from the skins that bed bugs had shed behind as they traveled. Eventually professionals were called in to spray the entire building with chemicals, top to bottom, and a restriction was placed on the landlord to maintain higher standards of pest prevention, including replacing any belongings that were lost from further bed bug infestations.
I hope you have a strong stomach, because this one will test your resolve. A routine noise complaint to the Schenectady, New York, police department in 1979 turned disgusting in a hurry when the officers that responded realized that the dog that had been barking for a few hours was not barking at another dog, but an entire floor of cockroaches. In some places, the police noted, the cockroaches were “ankle-deep.” The 68-year-old resident at the time was covered in bites and the ambulance that took her to the hospital had to be fumigated, along with all the gear. You might want to sit down for this next part: what’s even worse than that is that the animals inside the apartment had been so malnourished that they were beginning to eat each other, as had the cockroaches. This is the stuff of nightmares.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Home / Jon's Blog / Are we having fun yet?
In 1979, Cartoonist Bill Griffith coined the now-famous catch phrase: “Are we having fun yet?” One month into 2017 and that phrase fits oh-so-well. Wow! As Americans from coast to coast grab pitch forks and prepare to storm the U.S. Capitol steps, perhaps we can use this President’s Day as a sort of touchstone.
We exercise our right to vote. Outside of presidential elections, voter turnout in Seattle, Honolulu and Anchorage is typically 30% or less. If you are among the 70+% that doesn’t vote on a regular basis, you don’t have a lot of room to complain when your taxes are too high, your city council makes poor decisions, or the folks in D.C. are doing whatever it is they do which is usually questionable. Your vote makes a difference. Cast it.
We all become informed on issues and don’t simply believe the latest Facebook post from a long lost cousin. It has become much harder to find accurate reporting but it’s out there. Do your homework, make your own judgments and figure out what you believe. Then advocate for it.
Use that electronic device in your hand as a telephone. Stop texting, emailing and reading social media. Engage in real conversation with real people. You’ll learn a lot and solve problems quicker. The other night, I was reading a fairly thoughtful post from a former co-worker about current affairs. I haven’t seen or talked to him in three years. I was about to reply but instead used the Telephone App. We’re having lunch next week and I can’t to see him because he’s a fun and really smart guy. Our electronic toys don’t give us that kind of result.
This President’s Day, take a deep breath, look in the mirror and think about what is really important. Then, let’s make it happen, together; hopefully with calm and thoughtful discourse. As for our NACM world, you’ll find in our February newsletter, a legislative update from Olympia, information about Credit Congress, and the usual calendar updates. You will also find a Special Section about the end of sugar cane in Hawaii. The close of this 145 year-old industry is an important event for our 50th state and worthy of attention by our entire nation. Although inevitable, it is hard to watch an entire industry go away forever.
As always, thank you for your involvement in NACM. We appreciate your business and friendship. And, we welcome your telephone calls anytime!

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


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When Grant and I met, we dated long distance for several years. He lived in Kentucky, and I was here in NYC. I would visit his hometown in Kentucky on the weekends. One day, as he drove me around, I noticed a sign that said Versailles. “Hey, you brought me to France,” I teased. Little did I realize, that there’s a Versailles in Kentucky too. I was caught in a daydream, as we drove. Wouldn’t it be oh-so-lovely to visit Versailles in France together one day? It would be quite the dream.
Ya know the days when you tear your closet apart and come out empty handed? It’s the most frusterating feeling, isn’t it? You search and search but can’t quite come up with options. This often happens to me, because I choose to buy statement pieces, instead of separates. Bad habit.
Headed to fancy fall festivities this season, and can’t decide on the perfect ensemble? We’ve got you covered. We’re currently crushing on a few shimmery pieces for the season. The best part about these looks, is that they are festive, edgy, and they’ll take you right into the holiday season, acting as your layering pieces. So, hit the scroll away, and find a few of your own favorites. Happy shopping!
It was the height of New York Fashion Week, and we attended one party after another, reviewing the collections of several clothing brands. The very best part about these fancy soirées, is being dressed for events. Ah, yes…one step into the Lafayette 148 showroom, and my little heart skipped a beat. A million beautiful outfits, and I couldn’t wait to pick one. With just one glance, I spied spectacular prints, stunning silhouettes, and a color palette that made me swoon.
A million Thanksgivings and I remember each one for different reasons. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and a special family tradition. It allows me to stop for a few days, breathe and remember why I’m grateful for the moments and the people in my life. My greatest challenge is to live in the present. I’ve written about this many times, and I think I’m learning to do that. It is important to be grateful for what you have and appreciate each second that you’re living. Take time to thank the people who make your life better just by being a part of it. I have many of those people in my life, and I hope you do too.
All black everything. I can only take it for so long. I begin the Fall season embracing the color, and by February, I want to cry. Sure, there are days when I feel amazing in a little black dress, or leather skirt, however after awhile it can feel like a uniform. If you’re like me, and you crave color, I’ve come up with a few great ensembles to lighten and brighten your fall wardrobe, while still looking appropriate for the season.
We just closed out a beautiful Fall weekend in NYC. The air feels crisp, the leaves are beginning to turn, and I can’t go anywhere without a warm cup of hazelnut coffee; mainly to keep my hands warm. We strolled through Central Park this weekend per usual, and as I looked up, the leaves fell from the trees and gracefully floated to the ground in an array of fall colors.

industry_corpus2: Others


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This debut YA novel is the first in a series about the escapades of teenage best friends Kay and Anna.
Kay’s father has just accepted a job in New Jersey, and his 13-year-old daughter is miserable about the move. Not only does she feel lonely without her Florida friends, but as far as she’s concerned, Jersey “[s]ucks.” A visit with her mother to the state’s Washington Crossing State Park, where Gen. George Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War, does nothing to improve Kay’s mood. Her verdict on American history is an unequivocal “[b]or-ring.” But all that changes when she meets Anna and her brother Buddy, whose father is the park’s superintendent. While biking through the park, the three come upon the Johnson Ferry House and discover, hidden in its old fireplace, a letter addressed to a Col. Johann Rall and dated Dec. 22, 1776. Soon after, Kay is nearly forced off her bike by a suspicious van, both girls’ houses are burgled, and Kay and her friends find themselves smack in the middle of an FBI sting operation. The pacing of this slim volume is lively enough, and readers who missed the history lesson on the Delaware crossing will benefit from the quick overview here. However, the ease with which such perfectly ordinary, not to say bland, suburban kids manage to get themselves into and out of trouble may seem simplistic to more sophisticated teens. As a result, this book will likely not appeal to fans of The Hunger Games, or even The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
A simple YA tale but not a bad choice for a quick summer read.

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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Jorge Gomez Sanchez left the Owls’ 1-0 loss to South Florida Saturday at Villanova’s Higgins Sports Complex in the 22nd minute with an injury.
03 October 2015 Stephen Godwin Jr.
Senior defenseman Jason Lombardi’s game-wining goal in overtime capped the Owls 6-5 comeback win against Pittsburgh Friday night.
The Owls continued their tradition of Hawaiian night Friday during Temple’s 3-0 win against Memphis at McGonigle Hall.
Temple defeated Charlotte 37-3 Friday at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
The Owls defeated Memphis 3-0 Friday at McGonigle Hall.
Temple Association of University Professionals could double in size if adjuncts vote to join.

industry_corpus2: Sports


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The key purpose of the Federal Reserve System is to see that nothing like that ever happens again.
Their primary responsibility is to conduct the nation’s monetary policy by influencing money and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of full employment and stable prices. The FED will pump up a slumping economy by lowering interest rates or slow down a booming economy by spiking the interest rates. They also supervise and regulate banking institutes to ensure the safety and soundness of the nation’s banking and financial system and protect the credit rights of consumers. The FED is an independent central bank because its decisions do not have to be ratified by the President of the United States or anyone in the executive branch of government. They are, however, subject to oversight by the U.S. Congress.
The Federal Reserve must work within the framework of the overall objectives of economic and financial policies established by the government.
A recession is a decline in total output (real GDP) for two or more consecutive quarters. There have been 14 recessions since 1929. The most severe recession occurred immediately after World War II. This was due to sudden cut backs in defense production that caused a sharp decline in output.
The recession of 2007-2009 (sometimes referred to as the Great Recession) pushed the unemployment rate above 10 percent. This recession was a severe global economic problem that began in December 2007 and took a nose dive in September 2008. The recession has affected the entire world economy, although some countries were hit harder than others. According to the United States National Bureau of Economic Research (the official arbiter of the United States recession) this recession is linked to reckless lending practices by financial institutions and the growing trend of securitization of real estate mortgages. The mortgage backed securities, which had risks that were hard to assess, were marketed around the world. A more broad-based credit boom fed a global speculative bubble in real estate and equities, which served to reinforce the risky lending practices. The dangerous financial situation was made worse by a sharp increase in oil and food prices. The emergence of Sub-Prime loan losses in 2007 began the crisis, and exposed other risky loans and overinflated asset prices. With loan losses mounting and the fall of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc (Investment Bank) on September 15, 2008, a significant panic broke out on the interbank loan market. As share and housing prices declined, many large and well established investment and commercial banks in the United States suffered massive losses and even faced bankruptcy, resulting in a massive public financial assistance. This recession resulted in a sharp drop in international trade, rising unemployment, and slumping commodity prices.

industry_corpus2: Finance & Economics


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Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. For a variation, add 2 wheels of cucumber to the shaker and you have an Eastside, or serve tall in an ice-filled hiball topped with soda for an Eastside or Southside Rickey.
Sorry my over sized fingers bumped the send while typing on this small screen. Should say G&T...plus another notch up for these try Segram's new Gin with Lime Liquor...yum!
Great! Next time I'll make it with Bombay Sapphire. I like mine icy cold -- over ice.
Topped with a little sparkling wine, this becomes a Southside Royale, which is delightful, too.
Me gusta mucho el detalle de la menta, que refrescante!!!
This is now one of our favorites. Thanks for the delicious recipe!!

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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A beautiful wine that showcases the Arinto grape. The wine is crisp and refreshing, perfect for a hot summer’s day. A great wine for those curious about the flavours of some of the Portuguese native grape varieties.
Fiuza Touriga Nacional and Merlot red wine is a smooth, soft and delicious red wine from Portugal’s Tejo region. The wine is great value and versatile with food.
This is a great blend of 4 classic grape varieties, two Portuguese and two internationals. The wine has beautiful structure and body with rounded tannins. A real pleasure when enjoyed with cheese!
Fiuza Touriga Nacional is a great way to get to know this special Portuguese grape. A full flavour and easy on the palate, this a wine to please and to share.
A beautiful Touriga Nacional that exemplifies the qualities of the classic grape variety.
A beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon that reaffirms the beauty of the Portuguese terroir. Not a native grape but this wine is good!
This is a fantastic Syrah wine. Full of body with a smooth and powerful taste.
This is a really light dessert wine that is beautifully balanced. The flavours are gentle but persistent and elegant. A great wine to enjoy with light cheeses such as Cheshire and Lancashire. Also complements fruity desserts such as rhubarb crumble and Queen of puddings.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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Paul and Michelle | Our life, love, and words.
As spring break is coming to a close, I would like to “rethink the week.” This week was such a fun week to spend at home with my munchkins. It started with Easter and the joy of Jesus’ resurrection! Monday and Tuesday were spent at home potty training, cleaning, baking, cooking, and doing laundry. It was nice to get caught up on the chores and once again have a clean house. Wednesday and Thursday we had playdates with friends. THat was fun and gave me some much needed girl talk and time with adults. On Friday, Paul had off of work and it was a beautiful day. We had family time at the gymnastics center and a picnic in the park. Saturday and Sunday was windy but beautiful. We spent the weekend having more family time. Now, I’m grading papers and getting things ready for school.
Kaylee is officially potty trained. It took just two days of having two accidents (Friday and Saturday) and on Easter she had one accident (but she almost made it). After that there were no more accidents and she is doing great! We’ll see how this week at the babysitter’s goes. My big girl is growing up!!
It was also nice to get some homemade gifts done for birthdays and baptisms as well as keep working on Kaylee’s quilt and the scrapbooks that I have started. I feel revitalized and refreshed and ready to put forth 110% to finish the school year!
Right now my life revolves around my kids. With Kaylee at 2 years old and Owen at 6 months old, time is flying by.
Since we are updating our website I thought I would update about Owen being born. It was fun to look back and see when Kaylee came into the world and when I would have been induced. Owen was due on November 5, 2010 and decided to enter the world on October 31, 2011. He weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. This labor was considerably shorter than the labor I had with Kaylee. It was amazing how quickly everything went since Kaylee was 10 days late and I labored for 33 hours. My water broke at 5:30pm and Owen was born at 8:30am the next morning. Some similarities are neat to think about. With both kids, my water broke on a Saturday evening around 4-5pm.
Kaylee is one month old!
Kaylee is one month old and we added pictures from her entire first month plus this picture that her Grandpa Lemke took of her that is gorgeous! In Kaylee’s first month she is very alert and is learning to hold up her head.


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MARSEILLE believe they are leading the race to sign Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.
Everton, West Ham and Lyon are all keen to sign the Frenchman, who will be allowed to leave after Alexandre Lacazette's club-record move.
But Marseille are confident of securing a deal worth around £25million, according to The Telegraph.
Giroud spoke earlier this week to emphasise his commitment to the Gunners after growing frustrated last season.
The French international struggled for game time last season but excelled from the bench - grabbing several key goals.
And with Lacazette's arrival from Lyon in a £52m swoop, the 30-year-old will fall further down the pecking order.
But Marseille are in pole position after Giroud admitted he would be open to joining the "historic" club last month.
He said: “I am not insensitive to the approaches of the French clubs and especially that of a historic club like Marseille."
Lacazette, 26, has won just 11 caps for France to Giroud's 64 but boats goalscoring pedigree in Ligue 1.
The lethal frontman has bagged 129 goals in 275 games for Lyon after graduating from their academy in 2009.
His strike rate has increased considerably over the last three seasons as Lacazette found the net 76 times in Ligue 1.


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Whether you are living at home or renting in one of the student apartments near ucf, simple actions such as reduce, reuse and recycling can have an enormous impact on environmental protection. It is getting increasingly important to be environmentally friendly. However, most college students tend to forget to do their part or get too busy with studying and socializing to see the importance of sustainable living.
These easy green living tips are perfect for every busy student. Follow these tips and you too can make a difference in our environment.
Recycle when you can whether paper products, plastics, or even upcycle old items. There are many video tutorials on the internet on how to recycle or upcycle your old stuff like – using cereal box as an organizer, tin can as a pen holder and more. Many college campuses have facilities for recycling, so be sure to find out where they are. Otherwise, you may be able to use other local recycling facilities near by.
Think about how much paper you're using during the school semester with taking your class notes, assignments and tests. Try and use technology whenever possible; bring your laptop, tablet and even your phone to your classes. One of the easiest ways to conserve paper is taking your notes digitally. You can also save paper by simply using double-sided printing. Use scrap paper for notes and memos instead of fresh paper. In addition, get and pay your bills online. Most student apartments even have a resident portal on their website to easily make payments.
For dishware, cutlery, shopping bags, mugs and water bottles, select reusable over disposable. Show earth some love by carrying your own reusable tumbler or water bottle each time you go out, instead of buying bottled water or beverages. The last thing most busy college students like to think about is washing dishes, but it can be one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do. Luckily, if you are not a fan of cooking, cleaning and washing dishes, there are all inclusive apartments near ucf that offers a variety of meal options in their cafeteria. They even do the dishes for you too!
Besides helping you to live a healthier lifestyle, attempting to reduce driving can also help the environment and save you a lot of money on gas. Many students believe they need a car at college, but there are great alternatives such as buses, carpools, bicycles, or you can look for apartments near ucf with a shuttle.
Use natural light to save energy and boost your productivity throughout the day. Do your part to preserve with shorter showers, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and use less water when washing dishes. You can save time, energy and water by doing your laundry once a week or just doing one full load. Even when not in use, your chargers and small appliances absorb standby power. To reduce waste of electricity, keep these items in a power strip and switch to "off" when you leave your room.
Help promote these green living tips with your classmates, schoolmates, friends and family. There are numerous benefits in living a sustainable lifestyle. Not just for our planet and environment, but also for our health, happiness and future. College is a great time to begin implementing these green living habits and get passionate about it.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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The Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades of WA (AVBFB) has welcomed a $26m investment announced yesterday by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator Linda Reynolds.
AVBFB President Dave Gossage said the association that represents Western Australia’s largest and most diverse emergency service was very pleased to see the Federal Government working on emergency services policies.
“We are always happy when governments show interest in Australia’s fire and emergency services. And more money is definitely required, so we thank the federal government for yesterday’s commitment of $26m,” Mr Gossage said.
“The AVBFB welcomes government interest in the essential work of our emergency services and is very appreciative when extra investment is carefully and efficiently provided. As a result of this statement, we have been in touch with the Prime Minister’s office and that of Senator Linda Reynolds to thank them for their support and remind them that in WA, more than 90% of our firefighting personnel are volunteers who aren’t directly managed by the State Government,” Mr Gossage concluded.

industry_corpus2: Safety Management


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Together with my fellow ambassador CopMike I'm running this survey to find out which new parts and/or new colors you would like LEGO to produce. We guarantee your feedback will be delivered to LEGO via our various channels, so here's your chance to be heard!
Only make one post in this thread per member. If needed you can later edit your post and add more part requests and/or color requests.
- Part description: --> use any means you think necessary to explain us what you have in mind like drawings, pictures from the Internet, words, etc. If we don't clearly understand what you mean we can't present your suggested part to LEGO, so do your best!
- Part usage: --> explain why you believe LEGO should produce this part. Why is it important to you and potentially others?
- Color usage: --> explain why you believe LEGO should introduce this new color. Why is it important to you and potentially others?
- Part description: A head similar in shape to the elephant head. It will use he same connection to the body and body as the elephant from the adventurers line. In the front there will be 2 holes for the horns, in the one in te front the 'Barb Large (Claw, Horn)' part, in the back hole the 'Barb Small (Helmet horn)' part.
- Part description: A head similar in shape to the elephant head. It will use he same connection to the body and body as the elephant from the adventurers line. It woul have a hinge(maybe) and two holes in the mouth for the teeth. The teeth would be the 'Barb Small (Helmet Horn)' part.
- Part description: This would be a great way to introduce a new horse mold. It would be a horse with a zebra pattern. It would also include a striped 2x2 brick and tile to put where the sattle would usually go in the new mold.
- Part description: A large cat mold. The legs would be unmovable and the male would include a mane, while the female would not. This part couls also be used for a tiger or other big cats.
- Part description: A edit of the pig mold to add holes in the front where the 'Barb Small (Helmet Horn)' part could be placed.
- Part description: A small lizard part that's about as big as a snake with a stud on the stomach.
- Part description: An eagle mold, bigger than an owl mold, with printed details like the new HP owls.
- Part usage: Could be used in a zoo, city, aviary, safari, or any other set with birds. It could even be made in gold with no printed details for a statue.
- Part description: A mold that looks like a seal. It would have printed details like the new HP owls.
- Part usage: Could be used at a zoo, aquarium, beach, underwater, or ocean set. It could even be made in gold with no printed details for a statue.
- Part description: Similar to the seal mold, but bigger and bulkier. It would have 2 holes in the front so that there can be bothe male and female walruses.
- Part usage: Could be used at a zoo, arctic, aquarium, beach, underwater, or ocean set. It could even be made in gold with no printed details for a statue.
- Part description: A seagull mold. About the size of a parrot mold with printed details.
- Part description: Around the size of the current dog mold, although much wider. It would also have printed details.
- Part usage: Could be used at a zoo, farm, hunting, historic, or a Thanksgiving set. It could even be made in gold with no printed details for a statue.
- Part description: A baby version of all of the animals listed above.
- Part usage: Any usage that has been listed above aswell as a nursery.
- Part description: A mold for a Bothan head.
- Part usage: As a Bothan or any other alien.
- Part description: A 1x1x1 and 1/2 head.
- Part usage: In any set with Ki-Adi Mundi or as a generic alien.
- Part description: A multitude of Naboo fishes. Link to pics can be found at the bottom of the SW section.
- Part usage: As alien fish or as alien food.
- Part description: A head mold for Boss Nass.
- Part usage: As a generic alien or as Boss Nass himself.
- Part description: A Naboo creature that was used to pull battle wagons.
- Part usage: An alien zoo or a Naboo set.
- Part description: An Eopie mold. It would have parts that bags could connect to.
- Part description: A Clone Wars Clone helmet without a fin.
- Part usage: Your clone army.
- Part description: A Bith head. It would be wider on the top and 1x1x1 and 1/4.
- Part usage: For a MOs Eisly Cantina or any set with a Bith. Could also be used by a generic alien.
- Part description: A helmet for Nemodian Pilots.
- Part usage: A Nemodian Pilot and anything else with a tall helmet.
- Part description: A cone with droid printing.
- Part usage: A multitude of droids.
- Part description: A Rebel Helmet without the hole for the visor and a shorter back.
- Part usage: Can be used for a Jedi Temple set.
- Part description: A torso with an extra long neck. The arms and legs are recolored Toy Story arms and legs.
- Part usage: For any alien with an extra long neck.
- Part description: A head that looks like an Aqualish from SW.
- Part usage: Any alien or an Aqualish.
- Part description: A head that looks like the Quarren from SW.
- Part usage: Could be used as a generic alien or a Quarren.
- Part description: A head that resembles the head of the Ithorian from SW.
- Part usage: Can be used for a generic alien or an Ithorian. Could especially be used in a Mos Eisly Cantina set.
- Part description: A mold to resemble a Kybuck. It would have a hole in the back for a saddle.
- Part usage: Could be used for an alien zoo, a Kashyyyk set, or a Attack on Coruscant set.
- Part description: A mold that resembles a Gelegrub from Felucia. A 2x2 are with studs would be located on the back so that minifigs could ride it.
- Part usage: Could be used for an alien zoo or a Felucia set.
- Part description: The headset that Lobot wears. It would be able to fit on a normal minifigure head and it would snap into posistion.
- Part usage: Could be used for any cuborg minifig.
- Part description: A medical droid from Star Wars episode 3 and 5. It would have clips to connectt robot arms to on the side.
- Part usage: For any medical droid or a Hoth Diorama.
- Part description: A head mold to look like Max Rebo.
- Part usage: This would be great for a Jabba's Palace set or any other set that could feature an Ortuloan.
- Part description: A helmet that resembles Boushes.
- Part usage: It could be used for a Jabba's Place set.
- Part description: A torso with an extra set of holes for the arms.
- Part usage: Could be used for a Dex Minifig or any other alien that has 4 arms.
- Part description: The Aqua droids from the Clone Wars season 3 premier.
- Part usage: Could be used as any type of droid.
- Part description: The helmet that ARC troopers wear in Season 3 of the Clone Wars.
I know what you're thinking, LEGO will never make Halo sets. But if they were smart they would. The Halo franchise has so many possibilities, and with Reach there are so many more sets that could be made. It would most likely even be popular with kids even if they havn't played the game.
- Part description: A helmet with an open spot in the front for a visor, would include a visor.
- Part usage: A helmet on any armored army minifig.
- Part description: Armor that goes on the minifigures body.
- Part usage: Armor for any minifigure.
- Part description: A mold for the Grunt, would include arms, legs, head, and body that can detach and reattach.
- Part usage: A generic alien or as a Grunt.
- Part description: A mold for the Elite, would include arms, legs, head, and body that can detach and reattach.
- Part usage: A generic alien or an Elite.
- Part description: A mold for the Hunter, would include arms, legs, head, and body that can detach and reattach.
- Part usage: A generic alien or a monster or a Hunter.
- Part description: A mold for the Jackal, would include arms, legs, head, and body that can detach and reattach.
- Part usage: A generic alien or a Jackal.
- Part description: A mold for the Brute, would include arms, legs, head, and body that can detach and reattach.
- Part usage: A generic alien/monster or a Brute.
- Part description: A rocket launcher mold, the barrels would be detachable to reaload.
- Part usage: A rocket launcher.
- Part description: A battle rifle mold.
- Part usage: A gun that can be used by anything.
- Part description: An assault rifle mold.
- Part usage: A gun that can be used for anything.
- Part description: A magnum pistol mold.
- Part usage: A pistol that can be used in any situation where a pistol is necessary.
- Part description: A flamethrower mold, the canister would detach for reloading.
- Part usage: Any situation where a flamethrower is necessary.
- Part description: A sniper rifle mold, would include a detachable stand.
- Part usage: Any situation where a sniper is necessary.
- Part description: A Plasma Pistol Mold.
- Part usage: An alien gun.
- Part description: A Plasma Rifle Mold.
- Part description: A Needler Mold.
- Part description: A Mauler mold.
- Part description: A Needler Rifle mold.
- Part description: A Fuel Rod Cannon mold.
- Part usage: A heavy alien gun.
- Part description: A Covenant Carbine mold.
Parts with no particular theme.
- Part description: A minifig torso that slowly curves down to where the legs would normally connect to the ground.
- Part usage: Anything that uses a dress.
- Part usage: Just about everything.
- Part description: An inside cornered cheese.
- Part usage: Anything where you would need a cheese slope in a corner.
- Part description: An outward cornered cheese.
That's al I have for now. I'll probably come back to post more later.
Here's few ideas i've been tossing around.
- Part description: --> a 1x1 cheese slope with a stud on the sloped part of the element.
- Part usage: --> Anywhere from mecha legs and arms to mounting plates on a slope like one would do with a roof.
- Part description: --> Pair of headphone that will fit around a minifigs head and hair.
- Part usage: --> Minifig customizing, music nut.
- Part description: --> Two sizes, on that would fit a 1x2 tile, and one that would fit a 2x2 tile. the element would have a slot where a lite would be able to slide in.
- Part usage: --> Could be placed in a house, or be hanging on the wall.
- Part description: A part similar in size to the current pig (or slightly smaller) but of a sheep.
- Part usage: Would complete the farm theme by adding a classic farm animal.
- Part description: Like this windscreen only 6 studs wide.
- Part description: Like the 2 x 2 techinc plate above but with no studs.
- Part description: --> Moped like this using the wheels and tires used in the old motorcycle design. Wheels attached, it should be 1 or 2 studs off of the ground, with a space at the bottom for a 1x1 brick. Behind the where the minifig sits, a single stud. At the front and back, a stud sideways to attach plates for headlights.
- Part usage: --> Any city set involving a street.
- Part description: A window like this but 1 brick taller.
Edited August 19, 2010 by FixBayonets!
- Part description: This hat is exactly one-half as tall as the standard minifig top hat, and exactly the same in all other dimensions. It should be produced in tan, dark tan, and white.
- Part usage: This hairstyle would make lego female minifigures look real pretty. Many lego fans would love it, it would be a nice addition to the hairstyles.
- Part description: Well, a stud without a stud.
- Part usage: For finishing off round structures. Detailing - imagine a printed version for ventilations.
- Part usage: For more advanced building - easily changing the direction of the studs.
- Part usage: Anywhere 1x8 is too long and 1x2 is too short.
- Part usage: Anywhere 1x2 is too wide. Would be great for greebling as well.
- Part usage: For finishing off corners on small buildings or details. Would also be great for greebling.
I also second the inverted cheese slope above.
- Part description: A cone 2 x 2 x 2 that has been sliced in half, with one stud on top, the rest of the top surface is smooth. A bit difficult to get it right, fitting in with the system, but the fez works as "Cone 1.17 x 1.17 x 2/3"... Perhaps the fez piece could fit on top of this?
- Part usage: Head piece for R5 Astromechs, but also for architectural use.
Part Description: IR Receiver with Red / Yellow or Interchangable housing (on the upper portion) so that it can be better hidden in small MOC's.
Part Description: Small PF Motor like the old Micromotors. It would come in handy in many technic models / situations, and powering LA's directly. However it was not done for the new motorised excavator so might not be feasible.
Part Description: A Small servo mechanism which is operates over a limited range (but with high torque).
C0 = 0, C1 = 0. Servo is off (or returns to neutral).
C0 = 1, C1 = 0. Servo goes to max counter clockwise position (e.g. -90 degrees over 2 seconds).
C0 = 0, C1 = 1. Servo goes to max clockwise position (e.g. 90 degrees over 2 seconds).
Part Usage: Easily modified to work with train points, provide steering mechanisms in cars, trucks etc. Can also be worked into smaller mechanical systems. When combined with the Pneumatics system could also provide remote control of pistons.
Part Description: A normal 1x2 brick but with the hole running through the long axis (not in the front face). Could be considered as 2 1x1 technic bricks with holes aligned.
Part Usage: A lot of MOC's and Creator designs make use of axles through brick elements, e.g. for holding wheels / gears etc. However putting two 1x1 bricks with holes side by side can lead to problems if the bricks are not perfectly aligned; binding upon the axles and causing added friction. Such a brick would reduce this and enable interesting Lego designs. E.g. using technic elements to build digger constructions.
Part Description: Similar to BBB Medium wheels, and the current train wheels with technic axles, but with the added advantage of a technic connector point to add rods etc.
Part Usage: Improved train designs for smaller steam / electric locomotives. Can also be used in conjunction with Lego Pulley Wheels to provide alternative driving mechanisms. Note in BBB wheels the offset between axle and hole is less than 1 stud, unlike the pulley.
uses : water details\ ice \ car lights \ clear sculptures and more..
and would not create tube arches and pneumatics will also can be put in small models because the main problem of movement is the hoses that are bent.
4.a double universal joint : approximately 3 studs wide double u-joint : in order to make full suspension in smaller vehicles and allowing to move height to gears more easily OR a small CV joint that can be connected with a special axle that can go trough a stud hole : that way building will be much more challenging and many options will be revealed.
- Part description: A torso with four holes for four arms.
- Part usage: Lots! You could use it for a lego dexter jettster minifigure, A spider mutant, anything! I'm sure every lego fan will buy the set this is included in.
- Part Description: The head similar to chewbacca, wookiee warrior, watto, and the Dexter Jettster head used in LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Star Wars The Complete Saga.
- Part Usage: A lego Dexter's Diner, or another great peice for an alien.
-Part Usage: Everyone loves the simpsons! Even children. Even without a contract with Fox or Matt Groening, releasing something like that will make everyone want that set!
-Part Description: A head similar to standard spiky hair, but instead of spiky it should be rounded. It should also be trans-green.
-Part Usage: Wat Tambor is almost Everybody's favorite member of the Separatists. Like my other ideas, these are in high demand by me, my friends, and a huge percent of lego.
This is just an idea for part 4. The face mask should be attached to the chest plate. The head should be a standard plain trans-green minifigure head.
- Color Usage: Well, people love to make a large variety of minifigures. Also, people make minifigures of themselves, an those with this hair in black (like me) yould be very happy.
-Color Usage: This can be used as a Quarren, an alien species from star wars. This could be used in a Dexter's Diner set (wink wink). Kids could use the head to make a new jedi, or maybe he could be a victim when a bounty hunter is searching for his bounty.
a full four sided building with removable top.
In the medieval market village item #10193 there are a couple of smaller animals you have to build.
- Part usage: --> these animals could be used in with a farm set, zoo set, or any type of castle set.
- Part usage: -->these animals could be used in with a farm set, zoo set, or any type of castle set.
I also like the post on sheep, lizards, Warthog, Lion, Rhino, Hippo, and any other animals..
I think Lego should come out with a bigger farm set that includes more animals and plants, rather than machines and a few cows and pigs. Cows and pigs are a plus. But if there is no crops like corn or sun flowers to harvest, what are you supposed to do with the harvester? does it just sit there and you pretend it is broken because there are no crops? or do you roll play global warming and there are no crops after the drought or wild fires?
Take a look at this play mobil set..
we need a set with more animals plus crops..
The point I am trying to make is that most kids usually play with PLAY MOBIL because Lego doesn't have it all like Play Mobil.. Most kids start off with Play Mobil and then go to Lego, or they have both... If Lego made more sets that PLAYMOBIL has, people would stop buying playmobil as much and buy more legos..Lego needs to look at what playmobil is doing and do it too..
Supply and Demand.. Lego won't Supply.. But we Demand it.. PLay mobil has it... It is the basics of economics..
- Part usage: Anywhere from mecha legs and arms to mounting plates on a slope like one would do with a roof.
- Part usage: Perfect for any alien, mutant, etc. Would be very popular.
- Part description: Imagine a 1x1 plate, with studs on both sides!
- Part usage: It would be revolutionary! I can imagine dozens of new techniques that will be invented that revolve all around this one piece.
- Part usage: For finishing off round structures. Detailing. Many uses.
- Part description: This PF receiver is just a brick (could be 4x2x6 + IR dome) but would not have a 'L' shape. In addition, more technic connections (holes instead of studs).
- Part usage: the L shape makes difficult the integration into small (compact) mocs.
- Part name : 2 upsidedown studs.
- Part description: --> A regular 2x4 plate, but in a much-needed color; dark green.
- Part usage: --> Just hear me out. Currently, a plate does not exist in dark green that is smaller that 4x8. Having a 2x4 plate would greatly help matters in this department.
My suggestion is simple and easy.
Description: One of the smallest elements produced, basically just a stud.
Useage: caps on fire hydrants, flowers, plants, landscapes and scenery. Why aren't they made in this colour anymore?
Oh, and inverted cheese slopes would be really useful!
However, I also agree with superkalle in that we don't need that many new parts and filling colour gaps would be better.
Part usage: Excellent in making sloped roofs for vehicles.
Part Description: Same as the one used in the Grand Carousel and some other Creator sets, but uses 3 types of Siren sounds used by emergency vehicles.
but then without the plate (maybe a square one with studs on both sides would even be better). So that one could even make better use of SNOT.
If one doesn't understand it, click here but then a 1 x 1 version.
Uses are many and varied for a colour such as cream.
- Part description: Imagine two of these adjacent to each other.
- Part usage: A useful brick to add more detail to an MOC. I would personally use it to create even smaller scale houses and other features.
- Part description: Similar to this but with 180 degree rotation instead of 90.
- Part usage: For items such as see-saws, or anything that requires rotation on the spot.
- Part description: A slope brick with studs on the actual slope.
- Part usage: For creating non-perpendicular walls and other surfaces.
- Part description: Literally a cube-shaped brick (width, height and depth of one stud) with holes on each side. Think the reverse of this piece. I'm thinking of a 1 x 1 brick, but it could also be a 2 x 2.
- Part usage: Would be very useful for SNOT building. Although Technic pieces can be used instead of this, there's the issue of the height of a standard brick to contend with.
- Part description: The reverse of the last idea: a cube-shaped brick with studs on each side.
- Part usage: Would also be very useful for SNOT building.
- Part description: A 1 x 1 version of the 2 x 2 round tile.
- Part description: One of these with grooves on the sides, similar to the handles on this.
- Part usage: For decorative purposes, I suppose.
- Part description: This, but with stop rings on both sides.
- Part usage: For placing bars between objects, without having to worry about adjusting them.
- Part description: Imagine a one- or two-stud wide version of this, coupled with a thin door like this. It would work a lot like the garage door parts.
- Part usage: For easily creating sliding doors for buildings. This is something I've seen quite a few people try to emulate using existing parts, and something I'd really like to use.
- Colours: white, light/dark bluish grey, dark green, red, dark red.
- Part description: A windscreen piece to fit this cockpit, in the style of this existing windscreen.
- Part usage: For anyone who doesn't want to be stuck using this rollcage piece. Imagine what kind of spacecraft or vehicles could be built with a windscreen for this part.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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do you have a pixiv?
AAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH I HAVE YOUR BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOOOOOOVE YOUR ART SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my goodness! i found you from my Shojo Manga Pop and Romance Book!


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Research has shown that long hours in the sun without adequate eye protection can increase the chances of developing eye disease. UV-absorbent sunglasses and sungoggles can help protect your eyes and the eyes of your pet from sun damage.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has set standards for UVA and UVB protection in sungoggles. ANSI requires at least 50 percent of UV rays to be blocked to qualify.
Check the label! The ideal sungoggles do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Our labels read "UV absorption up to 400 nm," which is for dogs with an increasingly common eye disease, Pannus, Doggles are proving themselves very useful. It is well known that dogs with Pannus should stay out of direct sun and get protection from UV light. Doggles are a great alternative for those dogs that can't stay inside during the day.
Doggles also provide protection from wind and debris. Whether your dog rides in a sidecar, a motorcycle, or in the back of a pickup, he or she needs eye protection.
1) Don't put the goggles on your dog while indoors. Imagine yourself wearing dark tinted glasses inside. You cannot see, and neither can your dog.
2) When you first put the goggles on them, don't let your dog paw at the glasses or roll to get them off. Reassure your dog that its okay. Then, immediately take them to bright sunlight and let them realize that they can see with them on. Walking around will get their mind off the goggles.
3) Try to go through this routine as often as possible. The number of training sessions required depends on your dog.
Doggles come in many styles and sizes to fit any breed of dog from 3 pounds up to 250 pounds. Many different colors of frames and lenses are available.
Doggles ensures a perfect fit by using two adjustable head straps - one behind the head and one under the chin. The chin strap simply wraps under your dog's chin. They are very simple to use.
We care about your dog's comfort. The straps are made of comfortable, plush elastic. The inside of the frames are lined with foam padding. The frames are completely flexible and will bend to wrap around your dog's face, regardless of the shape of the face.
We pride ourselves in our customer service. If you are not completely satisfied with your Doggles, send them back for an exchange or full refund of purchase price within 30 days of the original purchase date.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


text: Measurements of DC electric conductivities of four types of silicone rubber-based polymers for use in high voltage insulation systems of power components are reported. The field dependences of the conductivities obtained by two different techniques, namely by utilizing steady-state currents through materials’ samples placed between metallic electrodes and by employing surface potential decay characteristics in an open circuit configuration, are compared and discussed. It is shown that the surface potential decay technique allows for a wider range of electric field strength and reduces the time span of the measurements.

industry_corpus2: Power & Energy


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Our official Facebook page is up and running! Become a fan today to stay up to date with 1882 Wines.
Excitement is brewing as our Premium tier “1882″ hits the production line with official launch not far away.
Our mid tier "The Old Road" is bottled and launched in time for the Old Ignatians Football Club promotion.


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Do you live in Manduria, Italy? Help us verify the data and let us know if you see any information that needs to be changed or updated.
The current time and date in Manduria is 4:15 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2019.


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Stradbroke is perhaps the least well-known of Suffolk's small towns. But it has a busy, independent air, with its shops, school, library and leisure centre. It reminds me of places of a similar size in France. The church is in the centre of town, a large, imposing building. The 15th century tower, with its raised stair turret, is visible from miles away. Niches flank the west window, other windows build via a bell window to high battlements. It is one of Suffolk's biggest towers, probably because this was the parish of the De La Poles, now sleeping peacefully at Wingfield. Simon Cotton found a bequest for a new bell in 1428, which usually followed hot on the heels of a new tower, so is probably a good date.
All Saints is open every day, and you get the impression that people wandering around are just as likely to be locals availing themselves of a spot of spiritual refreshment as visiting pilgrims and strangers, which is nice. It is a most welcoming interior.
The vicar in the second half of the 19th century was the formidable J.C. Ryle, the famous protestant evangelical. He had an enthusiasm for plastering any available space with quotations from the Bible. His are the near- Soviet era banner slogans at Helmingham, designed to keep any Tractarian tendency of the Tollemaches in its place. Here, his work is rather more subtle and aesthetically quiet, on the chancel arch and roofbeams. They were painted as part of a major restoration of the 1870s. The architect was R.M. Phipson, fresh from his complete rebuilding of Ipswich St Mary le Tower; this church is on a similar scale, although the exterior is pretty much intact, apart from a thorough refurbishment.
Below the tower, there is a dramatic picture of the interior during this restoration, a reminder of just how drastic some of these makeovers were. Ryle and Phipson reduced All Saints to a gaping shell. Consequently, not much survives of the medieval liturgical integrity, except the font, which was considerably recut but still retains its dedicatory inscription, and an amazing niche in the sanctuary. Mortlock feels it was probably an Easter sepulchre, but I don't see why it can't just have been a niche.
Another medieval survival is a pair of rood screen panels in the chancel. They may not have come from this church originally: they depict two Old Testament Kings, of whom Ryle would approved, and may have been purchased and installed here as part of the restoration. They are, not inappropriately, very heavily restored themselves. The Clayton & Bell glass in the east window was installed at Ryle's behest, depicting a pulpit and a lectern alongside a font as a reminder to the Stradbroke faithful that the Word was at least as important as the sacraments, if not more so. The glass at the west end is better, I think, including a memorial window to Queen Victoria and some beautiful depictions of roses, lilies, wheat and grapes by the O'Connor Brothers beneath the tower.
Other points of interest include a large number of ledger stones at the west end of the nave. One is to two parents, who both died at the age of 25, leaving two infants too young to be sensible of their loss. The altar frontal and hangings in the south aisle chapel, beautiful designs of wild flowers apparently worked by a one-armed curate, are a delightful contrast with the stern puritanism of J.C. Ryle's chancel. Stradbroke is one of a handful of churches in East Anglia to have a royal arms to the current monarch.
Stradbroke's most famous son was the ruthless opportunist Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln in the 13th century. He was lionised after the Reformation for, supposedly, standing up to the Pope; in fact, he aligned his diocese with the Barons rather than the King, and thus creamed off money that would have gone to Rome via the Crown. He became fabulously rich, as did his crony Simon De Montford, who led the landed nobles against Henry III in the Barons' War. Barmy old Arthur Mee, in his The King's England, treats Grosseteste as some sort of all-round Great Englishman and proto-Protestant hero.
The church that Grosseteste knew, and was baptised in, was not this one, but was probably on the same site. In the 1880s, J. C. Ryle left here to become first Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, but the mark of his Muscular sleeves-rolled-up Christianity survives here. Also does his name on a brass plaque beneath the tower, noting him as one of the benefactors of the restoration.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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Lorelei has been making pottery for more than forty years. She attended Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an outstanding achievement award in Ceramics.
The study of pottery has taken her on a long journey thru kiln building, clay making, glaze formulations and many forms of pottery, including raku style, airbrushed, sculpted, slab, etc.


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Change is hard especially when it comes to trying to “update” your holiday traditions.
As I feared my family took the “big news” like huge, whining babies. When I hit send on my proclamation that Thanksgiving would be “a-changing” there was a communal freak out. I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t have included my four-point plan for a Thanksgiving refresh with bullet points in the text, but I was proud of all the work I had put into it. Not to brag, but it was PowerPoint worthy.
The problem, of course, isn’t me. It’s my family. They are very averse to any change regarding the holidays. Good Lord, they still bring up, at least a couple of times a year, the horror of the Thanksgiving of 2005. The heinous act that was committed 13 years ago was that we went out to eat for Thanksgiving (first and last time) and it was – brace yourself for this unspeakable act – a buffet – deep breath – at a casino.
In my defense, we had just moved to Reno, Nevada and all the best restaurants were in the casinos and they advertised really scrumptious Thanksgiving menus. How was I, a recent transplant to the gambling state, to know that we would be seated in the overflow dining area situated amongst a valley of hundreds of slot machines.
This resulted in us being serenaded with the nonstop ping, ping, ping of the one arm bandits while being basted in cigarette smoke from the ardent casino patrons. The smoking was so ferocious that a nicotine cloud seemed to be lingering over the dessert section. The pumpkin pie tasted like it has been infused with tobacco juice.
I will confess it wasn’t very Martha Stewart-esque. It was more like how I would imagine Thanksgiving would be in hell, but I’m guessing there wouldn’t be a Thanksgiving in hell because, you know, it’s hell. What would you even be thankful for?
This one-time misstep has resulted in my family being very anti any changes in their holiday ritual. A couple of years ago I wanted to eat Thanksgiving at 6 pm instead of our customary 2 p.m. and you would have thought I told my kids I didn’t love them anymore. The angst was real.
This year, though, I thought things might be different. After all, everyone is a whole lot older and should be able to roll with change better. I was, of course, wrong. And here’s the kicker; all I wanted to do was elevate our dining ritual. It was just a couple of tweaks like replacing the sweet potato casserole that’s more mini marshmallows than actual vegetable with a yam soufflé, and RIP’ing the canned cranberry because nothing says gracious entertaining like a burgundy tube of goo tatted with rings from the can it was birthed out of.
I also wanted to buy the pies. This was the one that really elicited a protest. Apparently I’m living with such devout food connoisseurs that a store-bought pie is verboten. It’s hard to explain that level of devotion to “everything should be homemade” when you know your daughter is on a first name basis with the Taco Bell drive thru employees and got “depressed” when the nacho fries were no longer on the menu.


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Unfortunately, “someday” is not a day of the week. No matter how healthy you may be, there is always room for improve-ment—starting now.
This fascinating journey of a healthy lifestyle has been filled with unexpected detours that no one could navigate but me. It’s a personal journey that only I can take. To be honest with you, pain was my inspiration and motivator for taking the road less traveled of natural health.
Change starts today—right now! What we pour into our cups and place on our plates has a direct impact on our future: 1) How long will we live? and 2) What quality of life will we have? We can learn from the past and look to the future.
The knowledge I’ve gained came through desperation, trial, and error. I was so sick I didn’t know if I needed an urologist, gynecologist, or cardiologist. At a young age, grim news left me stressed out and standing waist-deep in self-pity.
Our health suffers from lifestyles full of packaged, refined, highly processed “dead” food—vitamin enriched with chemicals and synthetic vitamins. Make sure your food is grown on a plant, not made in a plant.
I hope to provide information so you are able to make educated and informed decisions. I offer simple, sensible, focused advice about sound nutrition. Are you overwhelmed by books, articles, and experts each having something different to say? The maze of information will confuse even the so-called “experts.” I follow a health plan from the Bible. This ancient manuscript has been proven through history and confirmed by science. The Levitical bar is my balancing stick, plain and simple.
The Word basically instructs us to eat whole, high quality foods and to cut sugar and starch, to consume green, live foods and veggies, enjoy fresh fruits and nuts, eat clean meats in small portions, drink pure water, move, and be merry! Once you begin to enjoy all the benefits fresh veggies, fruit, grains, and herbs provide, the next step is to make the most of your newfound knowledge. These foods are cheaper and safer, and you feel better and live longer. It’s a life investment.
The most wonderful thing about eating well is that it is easy. It really is just as simple to reach for an apple as it is to open a bag of Oreos or Lay’s potato chips (fast foods). Eating fresh foods helps maintain a strong immune system.
God never made anybody perfect so that qualifies me: I’m perfectly imperfect! I had felt bad for so long that when I started breaking bad habits and changing my lifestyle, I could not believe how good I could (and was supposed to) feel! When we look and feel our very best while getting the most out of life, God can get the most out of our lives.
No matter how grim your situation, no matter how bad the doctor’s report sounds or how bad you feel right now, there is hope. Don’t give up. If you’re sick, don’t own that label: “my diabetes,” “my cancer,” “my high blood pressure.” Don’t claim it! It doesn’t belong to you. Small measures make big differences. Look to God’s Word and discover health for body, soul, and spirit. Shed the past to free the future. Eating right is not a restriction; it liberates. No, we can’t live forever, but with a healthy lifestyle every minute we live can be more enjoyable.
The above article, “Let’s Do This!” is written by Gayla Foster. The article was excerpted from Reflections Magazine.


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It's been great working with landscape architects Gustafson Porter Bowman and environmentalist Gary Grant to provide wildlife support on an enormous 300m long retaining wall to the rail lands of the Stratford International Quarter, adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park.
The wall will have indigenous climbing plants trained up it with various holes, voids and crevices to act as roosting, nesting or overwintering sites for a range of species including snails, spiders, beetles, bees, birds and bats. habi-sabi bat boxes, bird boxes and bee/bug hotels supplements these opportunities and provide additional support in the early years as the plants establish. Probably the most valuable type of wall for biodiversity is a dry stone wall as the open joints and voids provide refuges for wildlife. Although it is not feasible to create a dry stone wall at the required scale, the chosen formwork provides some of the crevices and voids typically found in a dry stone wall. As the plants cover the wall they will create secluded spaces with a more stable microclimate. Exposed spots, without vegetation, will receive the warmth of the sun, which may provide conditions suitable for mining bees and roosting bats.
The habi-sabi design with customized split battens gave the whole team confidence that secure fixings could be made wherever needed along the wall, despite its organic irregularity. The Reckli moulds were cast from an existing drystone wall in Yorkshire in 9m non repeating sections. The first habi-sabi were fitted early December 2016 with a rolling programme for the duration of the construction programme through spring 2017 to take advantage of in situ scaffolding.


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Step 1 : Select the ``Chart`` tab at the top of the page in the live trading room.
Step 2 : Pick your currency pair and do your analysis!
Step 3 : Type in your signal details and description!


text: The gentle art of fragrance is perfectly captured by the Manuel Canovas collection. An outstanding range of nine highly distinctive perfumes inspired by a variety of in uences including owers, fruits, herbs, spices and wood. Delicately scented candles to enhance and enliven the atmosphere of any surroundings, hand-crafted and environmentally-friendly, are produced by one of France’s leading candle-makers. All fragrances are presented in a fine opaque glass holder, the Manuel Canovas emblem prominent, complete with an elegant shagreen style gift box. the richness and depth of sensory life.


text: The Estanplaza Ibirapuera is located in the Moema District one of São Paulo's most sophisticated neighborhoods, and is ideal for both business travelers and vacationers. The hotel has 154 rooms all featuring high speed internet access, cable TV, air conditioning, mini-bars, and desks. The hotel includes a complimentary buffet breakfast served each day in the hotel's Paillard restaurant which is also open for lunch and dinner serving Brazilian and International cuisine. For guest's enjoyment and relaxation, the hotel provides a swimming pool, massage services, saunas, and fitness equipment. Travelling professionals also may take advantage of the hotel's convention rooms and business center, both of which are supported by the latest audio-visual technology.


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I’m a sucker for anything homemade, homestyled or home cooked just because I hardly cook anymore lol. My trigger-finger coupled with carpal tunnel syndrome has prevented me from washing hands nor doing the laundry and cooking has taken the backseat too.
Anyway, the branch we visited was in Molito Alabang. Place is very spacious and can accommodate groups, even parties plus you’ll get that authentic traditional Thai ambiance and experience.
It’s actually a first time for me at Just Thai… but after those sumptuous dishes consumed, I’m sure I’d be back with the fambam. Oh, don’t worry, there’s something for kids too!
This Thai Chicken Coconut Soup is a perfect starter because it will perk up your senses, getting your palate ready for the next course. First taste I was kinda taken aback coz there was a mild hint of chili but as I scooped for more, became bearable and I actually enjoyed it! It’s creamy, full of flavor, perfect if you are suffering from colds.
I stay away from Fried Calamare simply because it’s hard to chew, feels like you’re chewing on rubber lol. Waited for this serving to grow cold because that’s when you’ll see if you’ve got a good deal here. Surprisingly, it was soft and easy to chew plus you can taste flavor on the squid itself! I was expecting the usual result, but this time, got to eat a few pieces more.
Crunchy Pork Belly, one of my all time fave especially with a bottle of cold beer! Yep, it’s crunchy alright, had fun eating the skin but stopped after I think 3 pieces, not that I have high cholesterol nor hypertension, lol. Just wanna control my (diet cheating) consumption hahaha.
‘Twas good meeting you, Crab Meat Fried Rice lol.. I actually just ate a spoonful and with all the previous flavorful appetizers, I had to beg off. Don’t wanna be full when there are plenty more dishes to try.
Known as Seafood in Basil, the very first dish that really sold me to going Thai again the next time and it was truly delectable! Gosh, soon as I put that very first mussel in my mouth, my taste buds whirled in excitement coz it was so soft, melt in your mouth “tahong”! Didn’t notice if it’s chili, mild only or not coz different flavors suddenly invaded my sense of taste and smell, gone haywire perhaps! Skipped the other seafood though coz there’s another seafood dish up next.
Name of the dish is quite hard to pronounce but it’s actually Squid with Garlic & Pepper. A bit hot for my taste but quite tolerable thus I was able to eat at least a few pieces. I think there’s a hint of lime in the sauce which would’ve taken the “lansa” out and blended well with all the herbs and spices.
Thai Fried Chicken that became my next fave of all the dishes I’ve tried! My boys can tolerate the spices added on this dish so I’d definitely order 1 for each kid or they’ll go berserk if sharing just one piece, lol. Crunchy skin, and the marinade seeped into its meat thus more flavorful every single bite!
Sweet and spicy noodles sprinkled with peanuts, why not? The lemon was the balancing factor and made it through smoothly down my throat hahaha.. Hubby will definitely love this version of one of the most famous street food in Thailand.
Fresh Mango Over Sticky Rice will definitely remove all the hot feel in your tongue, throat and tummy, lol. It’s sweet, really sweet with the natural sweetness of the ripe mango plus the sticky coconut rice. Would love to eat some more but it’s a kinda heavy dessert so I just contented myself with the mangoes. Besides, there’s one more dessert to try.
Coconut Pudding is one dessert that you also shouldn’t miss when you dine at Just Thai. Not as sweet as the sticky rice but what sets it apart is that it melts in your mouth. Just an advice, don’t order both desserts at the same time coz the base ingredient for the two is coconut. Or if it can’t be helped and you wanna try both, eat the pudding first so as not to overwhelm you once you try the sticky rice.
I ordered Lemon Grass Juice but would you believe that I forgot to take a photo of it? Hahahaha.. I think I mostly drank water to “extinguish” the fire building up inside me lol and for fear that it would only make my tummy rumble with all the chili and coconut fusion.
Well, it was just my first time with an all Thai food served in front of me. Bet the next time, me and my tummy will be more prepared hahahaha.
Overall, greatly enjoyed this new Thai experience! The food, the staff, the character and atmosphere, food preparation, waiting time, price – all deserve a thumbs up!


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DJed a Destination Wedding at Highland Dell Lodge in Monte Rio, California for my childhood friend's wedding!
On August 26, 2017, I had a great opportunity to DJ one of my childhood friend's wedding up in Monte Rio, California. We knew each other since we were kids and glad we reconnected when she asked me to be a part of her wedding.
Since this was my second destination wedding, I already had an idea what to expect and what I would need to perform at the wedding. I connected with the venue manager at Highland Dell Lodge and communicated what DJs have done in the past and the equipment that they already provide and set up. Fortunately, the venue already provided the sound system, cables, and stage area where I'll be performing. On my travels, I just had to bring my controller, laptop, headphones, laptop stand, wireless microphone, and lights. On the day of the event, Herb, the venue manager, made sure I was up and running well to perform. He was great to work with in making all of this happen.
Sonia and Matt's wedding took place at a beautiful lodge up in Monte Rio, California. This was a destination wedding for most of her friends and family. Their ceremony was held at Riverfront Meadow which was located across the river. It was an outdoor ceremony and Sonia's friends handled the speaker, microphone, and music setup. It was great to attend the ceremony as a guest. After the ceremony, I was able to reconnect with Sonia's family and make new friends with some of the guests along the way.
After the ceremony, we moved the 100 wedding guests to Highland Dell Lodge where the cocktail and reception took place. I played some Italian standards music as guests enjoy catching up with one another over drinks and appetizers. Then I hyped up their guests for the grand entrance. Then we enjoyed a nice dinner with a mix of Bossanova and some Thievery Corporation (album "Saudade") music in the background (Amazing music by the way). Afterwards, we enjoyed some toasts from both fathers of the bride and groom, maid of honor and best man. Then we continued with the first dance, father & daughter dance, mother & son dance, and opened up the dance floor for dancing.
I had an amazing dance set comprising of 70s, 80s, disco, merengue, salsa, 90s, 00s, and hip hop. In this video, you'll hear a sample of songs that I played that night. We had people dancing and singing their hearts out the entire night and everybody had a great time. At the end of the video, our bride, Sonia, gave a quick testimonial of my services which I'm so glad that she and Matt and had an amazing time at the wedding. Thank you, Sonia and Matt, for having me as your DJ!

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


text: The fledgling film department of the University of California, Berkeley has problems in gaining recognition, and film professor Mr. Davis has an idea how to overcome them… He and his students organize an all-night horror film festival to be held at Dreamland, an abandoned movie theater. Dr. Mnesyne, owner of film memorabilia, provides them with appropriate gimmicks for the films chosen for the festival. As the festival begins, a homicidal maniac stalks the theater, blurring the lines between film and terrifying reality.


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With just two weeks to go until the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, Dustin Johnson is the leader in the odds clubhouse at 6/1. Assuming that he doesn’t slip on another set of stairs, this might be the time to take advantage of a Sky Vegas Promo Code and put some of your hard earned money down. Erin Hills is a long, rolling course that seems to me to be perfect for the big bomber. You can read my Erin Hills review here. I’ve also got a video tour of Erin Hills.
Johnson has had an impressive year. Currently ranked #1 in FedEx Cup and OWGR standings, he has wins at the WGC-Dell Match Play, the WGC-Mexico and the Genesis Open.
Another long hitter, Rory McIlroy is the bettor’s second pick, coming in at 9/1. McIlroy has no PGA TOUR wins this year, but finished T4 at the HSBC Championships and at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. At the year’s first Major, The Masters, McIlroy finished T7. Unfortunately, McIlroy is recovering right now from a rib injury.
Jordan Spieth is in third at 10/1. In 2017, Jordan has a win at Pebble Beach, a T2 at the Dean & Deluca and a solo third at the Sony Open. His game has been off his 2015 standard, though. He finished just out of the top 10 in the Masters this year.
The fourteenth at Erin Hills is a 609 yard par 5. From the middle tees, it measures 505.
Another PGA TOUR stalwart, Jason Day, is in at 11/1. Day has had a difficult year with the illness of his mother, but has managed a second at the Byron Nelson, a T5 at Pebble Beach, and a T12 at the SBS Tournament of Champions.
On his first full year on the PGA TOUR, Rahm has managed to excite golf fans to the point where he is the fifth most favored at 16/1 for the 2017 US Open. Rahm has a win at the Farmers Insurance, a second at the WGC-Dell Match Play and a T2 at the Dean & Deluca. He currently is ranked 4th in the Fedex Cup and 9 in the OWGR.


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When We Were Kings won an Oscar for Best Documentary in 1997. It feels as fresh as ever.
Foreman was viewed as indestructable at the time of this match. Ali, at 32 and coming off a narrow questionable decision over Ken Norton was considered past it. Hard to believe nowadays but in 1974, 32 years of age was considered old for a fighter, even heavyweights. Just as much of a shock, if not more so, than Ali’s highly suspect victories over Sonny Liston, a decade earlier.
Right in round 1 at the start, that right hurt George .It was great fight for boxing. As far as Klits go doesn’t appear any serious challenge. But along comes someone out of nowhere. Wilder appears raw maybe he will develop.
Ali was in great shape…..Foreman was his ugly self…..
with the cut Foreman took prior to the match….


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The Avelli gas fire suite is small in size but big in style.
The Avelli gas fire suite is small in size but big in style. This beautiful fireplace comes in a choice of limestone or travertine surround and features a large, high efficiency gas fire with extremely realistic log effect fuel bed and a heat output of 4.2kW. The fire comes in a choice of black ribbed, cream ribbed or brick effect interior and is operated by a fully automatic remote control system.This fire is suitable for installation in to a standard brick chimney or prefabricated flue. A balanced flueversion is also available for homes without a built in chimney or flue.


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Recently, nChain CSO Dr. Craig S. Wright was talking about the innovation they were doing. The problem is that innovation is not code, it is patents, not even open-source whitepapers. And this is a problem and a huge one. While he claims that people can freely use these patents on Bitcoin Cash chain, this creates a fatal issue – imagine it would happen before the fork and Bitcoin Core software was using algorithms that were patented. There would be no fork possible, there would be no Bitcoin Cash. So this is even against his own philosophy.
I believe forks are essential, because they allow open innovation and dissent. Let’s say down the road, the Bitcoin Cash community splits and someone would want to create a fork. While I don’t think that there is a market for many forks and I personally am very skeptical about all the forks that are happening, it is a way to implement different set of consensus rules when consensus is hard to reach and it uses market mechanisms (price) to decide which forks are viable and useful.
Enforcing intellectual property through state mechanisms is not something I would support ever. Innovation is not whitepapers or patents, it is working code that users can use. Feel free to monetize that, Dr. Wright. Transaction fees, hosted service, I am not against earning money.
Patent is simply using the coercive monopoly aggression of the state to enforce “intellectual property”. It is not welcome in open-source and it is not welcome in cryptocurrencies, where it is essential for people to be able to use the innovations, fork when they disagree (Bitcoin->Bitcoin Cash for example). And it is definitely not welcome in libertarian world, at least in most part. There is much dispute if patents and intellectual property should be part of working market mechanism, but with patents, the case is simple – could you enforce it without the state? No, you couldn’t. That means it is a domain of pure statism.
Patents are not innovation, it is actually stopping innovation and patents could actually put a full-stop to cryptocurrency development.
So what to do about it? No one needs to run to a patent office with their innovation, because you cannot patent something that has a “prior use”. You can just prove you invented it first. Publishing a whitepaper online is usually enough to prove you invented something before someone else. And thanks to blockchains, we can reliably timestamp it too (actually with Opentimestamps, you can do it for free with one command).
The reason that Dr. Wright gave is that there should be only one crypto-monetary system. I think that the crypto space will converge to one cryptocurrency, but imagine that the patents would cover only btc chain without hard forks and you could not use it on bch. I am not saying we should fork anything, but one central entity holding key patents and controlling forks is very dangerous. Very non-open-source and very anti-business at the same time.
The other problem is patent trolls. They patent some algorithms, like simple compression, signing, etc. They are domiciled in some rural area of a big state, like on a farm-village in Texas, with cowboys that don’t even use Facebook.
The company sues the company. The jury comes from the farm and the company’s attorney says something like: “East European/Asian company stole our innovation!”. The defendant tries to say that the algorithm is public knowledge, describes how it works. The cowboys cannot relate to that, they have never seen a compression algorithm during their farming practice.
The story is – this is expensive (lawyers, travel to rural Texas, …) and wasteful. You cannot effectively protect yourself, you need to go there. For most companies, it is actually cheaper to settle and pay the troll some money than to go through and win.
First of all – don’t accept patents as innovation. If someone is claiming that they are innovating because they patented something, the right reaction is the same as if someone farted loudly in front of you: “Duh, what are you talking about? What innovation? That smells!”.
Second – if you actually do innovation, timestamp all whitepapers and code. Make sure you can prove that you invented it first. Show your ideas early and often. No one will steal your idea, the implementation is what matters. How many users use it is what matters.
And third – have a culture of encouragement even if people use the ideas and technologies on different blockchains. Because you could be the one that needs an idea that was first developed for some other blockchain. It does not matter if an innovation happened on BTC, Ethereum or any other chain. Encourage cooperation and “idea stealing”, because next time, you might be the one who needs to use the idea from other blockchain. That is how innovation happens – out there, in the open. One day, someone steals an idea from you, the other day, you implement someone else’s idea.
And it does not affect what will be used as “money” at all. User-experience, transaction costs (including fees), acceptance and network effect is what matters. So don’t worry, there will soon be less and less crypto with enough “money-ness”. This is just what happens.


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Janie Treeborne lives on an orchard at the edge of Elberta, Alabama, and in time, she has become its keeper. A place where conquistadors once walked, and where the peaches they left behind now grow, Elberta has seen fierce battles, violent storms, and frantic change―and when the town is once again threatened from without, Janie realizes it won’t withstand much more. So she tells the story of its people: of Hugh, her granddaddy, determined to preserve Elberta’s legacy at any cost; of his wife, Maybelle, the postmaster, whose sudden death throws the town into chaos; of her lover, Lee Malone, a black orchardist harvesting from a land where he is less than welcome; of the time when Janie kidnapped her own Hollywood-obsessed aunt and tore the wrong people apart. As the world closes in on Elberta, Caleb Johnson’s debut novel lifts the veil and offers one last glimpse. Treeborne is a celebration and a reminder: of how the past gets mixed up in thoughts of the future; of how home is a story as much as a place.
Caleb Johnson grew up in the rural community of Arley, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He was awarded a Jentel Writing Residency after he received his MFA from the University of Wyoming. Caleb has worked as a newspaper reporter, a janitor, a butcher, and an arts administrator, among other jobs. Currently, he lives in Philadelphia, where he teaches while working on his next novel. Caleb is the author of Treeborne.


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Yet another person President Obama wants to place in a top government office is having tax troubles. Ron Kirk, Obama’s choice to be the U.S. trade representative, owes some ten-thousand dollars in back taxes. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s not going to pass judgment on Kirk until he goes before the Senate Finance Committee.
Grassley says, "I think we have to look at how this could happen with a president that bragged about a vetting process that was going to be faster and better and bring about a more ethical administration than any other president." Grassley, a Republican, says the means by which Obama administration officials are screening potential nominees clearly still needs tweaking.
"I’m not talking about the good intentions of my president on that point," Grassley says, "because I think it was well-intentioned but it sure wasn’t administered the way it was intended." Kirk, a lawyer and the former mayor of Dallas, Texas, has agreed to pay the back taxes he owes. This marks the fourth high-profile candidate Obama has named to an upper-tier post who’s been found owing a significant amount of money to the I-R-S. Grassley says he hopes the administration does a better job of screening its next round of candidates.
"They ought to be very, very careful on prospects that they leave by the statements they make and if they make statements, to make sure that they perform according to those statements," Grassley says, laughing. "I do believe that they’re probably going to be very, very careful with future nominees." One of the tax-troubled earlier nominees, Tim Geithner, was confirmed as U-S Treasury Secretary, though he had to pay some $34,000 in taxes and interest.
Two other administration candidates bowed out — Nancy Killefer and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. Grassley says the vetting process, which was much-touted by Obama, evidently needs to probe deeper. Grassley says, "Quite frankly, there’s no reason for my committee and my staff to have to point this stuff out to the administration because we’ve found things that they haven’t found." Kirk is scheduled to testify next Monday.


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Ann Pazzi, R.N. is an associate of the Michigan Institute of Urology. Ann has practiced nursing and specialized in urology since 1976 and is trained in all treatments of Male Erectile Dysfunction and Male Urinary Incontinence.
Ann Pazzi is a graduate from the Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit and has served as the head of Urology Services at William Beaumont Hospital in Troy.
Ann is certified in the use of vacuum erectile devices, penile injection therapy, MUSE therapy, and hormone replacement therapy as well as Rigiscan, penile doppler diagnostic evaluations and peyronies disease treatments. She is also trained in urodynamics and biofeedback therapy in the treatment of incontinence.
Ann is a member of the American Urological Association.


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All online transactions in our store are handled with industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. When you enter your credit card number and personal information into the order form, it is transmitted across the Internet in an encrypted (scrambled) form and decoded again when it gets to us. This provides a secure online shopping environment for all our valued customers. You may also call in an order by dialing our toll free number 1-888-438-1942 (M-F 9-5 PT).
It's time to test your home drinking water.
Do you know someone who might be at risk? Send them a WaterSafe test kit and help them stay healthy.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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35 year-old french nanny with 10 years experience looking for a full-time (monday to friday) sole charge position to start in March in a family willing someone to speak in French to their child / children.
I speak intermediate english and have very good references.
Fun, caring, firm when necessary and flexible, I'd be be happy to send you my resume and references by email.
Please, feel free to contact me if interested or have any questions.


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This week hasn’t been too bad. My assignment has been to create my own feelings chart to use with my mood tracker – which I had hoped would be ready for next week’s tracker but it’s proving to be more complicated than I expected.
I can also see that I need to go back to using the pill box again. An hour after med time and I can’t remember if I’ve taken my meds or not. I have to assume I didn’t, but I don’t dare take them just in case I had. Using the pill box will solve that issue.
One would expect that a writer could easily come up with a list of words to describe core emotions to use with a mood tracker easily. I suspect I’m over thinking this.
‹ PreviousIt’s Time for the Summer Special Olympics for Us!


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Is it problematic to find time in your schedule for health clubs in Mission Viejo?
As we all know, getting stronger takes time. Excluding you dont want to waste the remainder of the day on the gym after a long days worth of work and if you feel like you dont have time to get in shape thats okay. Checking health risks now is more time efficient than dealing with bind down the road. Diabetes, High blood pressure, cancer and other ailments obtain from having higher body fat which can be avertible with health clubs. Subsequently instead of paying the price of wretchedness down the road we have a Resolution, health clubs Mission Viejo. health clubs are only an hour long and burn the best expanse of calories in the shortest total of time. health clubs in Mission Viejo focus on breaking down all the muscles tissues in your body so that way you burn fat and build muscle!
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Working out does involve energy to be used. After a long days work and all the stress it brings the last things you want to do is cause even beyond stress by exercising. Your body will modify to anything you give it. Accordingly if you sit at work all day, then you sit in your car, then you sit at the dinner table, afterward you sit on the couch and go to sleep, your body requires little to no momentum to do that. But if you feature health clubs in Mission Viejo into your routine, it forces your body to create even extra energy therefore after the workout you feel revitalized through the week!
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Isnt it irritating no matter how hard you workout, no matter what diet you are on, you still have unnecessary extra inches and weight? Your spending so much time trying to figure out what works and doesnt work in your exercise usual that it becomes a bore. Afterward as you dont see results, you get even more irritated! health clubs in Mission Viejo give you the tools and facts to guarantee results or your money back! View our testimonials too realize how we can change your life! Amongst health clubs in Mission Viejo youll recieve a proper nutrition, flexibility also strength training program, which will positively transform your body effortlessly, and effectively.


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rinsing the area well with cool water.
Soak well with Sulfodene ( available in pet stores) applied with a cotton ball.
Dry the area with a hair dryer on set cool or very low.
Repeat twice a day - and use bitter apple on the coat if needed. The hot spot should clear up in a couple of days.


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Though the final isn’t until Sunday, we do know one thing for sure about the team that will host the World Cup: The winning country will hail from Europe. With the last remaining South American teams, Uruguay and Brazil, ousted in the quarterfinals we’re left with an all-Europe final four. While each team has a unique story of making it this far and its own collection of stars who led the way, we’re making our picks based on what the semifinalist countries have to offer for travelers.
It’s matchup of haute cuisine vs. comfort foods. Cassoulet and escargot vs. waffles and chocolate. Those French fries we’re all so fond of? The origin is highly in dispute. Ask a Belgian, and he’ll say that Belgium invented the delicious potato everyone knows and loves and that the term “French fries” comes from a French gastronomic hegemony that subsumed neighboring cuisine under the French umbrella. One thing’s for certain, the Belgians do fries best. Dip in some garlic mayo and enjoy. Both countries know their way around chocolate very well, with pain au chocolat being one of France’s many contributions to breakfast delights and Brussels being home to an excellent chocolate museum. Actually, Belgium is basically one big chocolate museum.
When it comes to washing down all that food, France and Belgium are locked in the eternal struggle of fine wine pitted against craft beer. Is a Trappist Dubbel or a witbier any match for a nice Bordeaux or Champagne? It’s all a matter of taste. Each nation’s drink of choice pairs well with its food.
When it comes to cities, France, of course, has Paris, the City of Light. A mecca of culture, architecture, and history, Paris is one of the grand cities of the world. Lyon is a gastronomic capital. Provence and the Cote d’Azur are renowned the world over for their beauty. As for Belgium, Brussels has the Grand Place, perhaps the most alluring square in Europe. Bruges is locked in time, a fairy tale town that’s all canals and gabled roofs. Belgium is a blend of French-speaking Walloons and Dutch-speaking Flemings, with a few German speakers sprinkled in.
Overall, Belgium punches well above its weight and deserves to be included in your next trip built around Paris or Amsterdam, but our pick is France.
While France and Belgium are next-door neighbors, England and Croatia have vastly different landscapes. Both have been part of unique political-geographical unions, with England joined with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to form the United Kingdom and Croatia being part of Yugoslavia with what are now Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Macedonia. But England and Croatia have vastly different histories. While England was the head of the mighty British Empire, Croatia became independent only in the 1990s after centuries of outside rule.
England has London, one of the world’s best — but most expensive — cities. It’s a wealth of culture, literature, and history, with the West End, the Tower of London and countless other sites that attract millions of visitors each year. The countryside is strewn with castles, while world-famous universities dominate the towns of Oxford and Cambridge. Ancient civilizations have left the landmarks of Bath and Stonehenge, while Liverpool gave us the Beatles. The charm of the Cotswolds and the Lake District provide a tranquil respite that’s great to combine with bustling London, while the coastal areas offer a surprising number of good beaches.
Beaches, meanwhile, are a particular strong suit of Croatia, which has more than 1,000 islands to choose from. Hvar is famous for its lavender and red wine in addition to simply being a sun-soaked paradise. Korcula is covered in virgin pine forest. The Pakleni Islands offer secluded harbors where visitors can get away from it all.
On the mainland, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything more beautiful than the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, where waterfalls cascade into the emerald water for miles around. Dubrovnik is a spectacular seaside city famed for its red-tiled roofs and medieval walls. It doubles as King’s Landing on “Game of Thrones.” As they did in Bath, the Romans left their mark in Split, where you can find the ruins of the Emperor Diocletian’s palace.
England is a great place to visit, of course, but while we’re sure plenty of Croatians visit there, the English flock in droves to the sunny isles of Croatia. If even the English pick Croatia, we will too.
You’ve undoubtedly heard talk of building a wall along the southern border of the U.S. While the effectiveness of a wall is debatable in the context of the 21st century, the topic calls to mind some famous walls built throughout human history. One of the best things about travel is it gives us the chance to reflect on where we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Though the walls listed below are no longer used for their original purposes, they still hold great significance as symbols of heritage and a past that should not be forgotten. They remind us that boundaries divide, while travel unites.
The Roman emperor Hadrian spent his reign traveling around the empire, and the construction of a wall on the island of Great Britain was a result of Hadrian’s policy of consolidation. It marked a physical limit to the Roman empire as well as a reminder to those north of the wall how formidable Rome’s power was. Today, Hadrian’s Wall is a great place to take a walking tour to get a glimpse of what life was like for soldiers stationed far from home in the unfamiliar territory of what is now Northern England. Among the more interesting archaeological finds have been a pair of boxing gloves and letters requesting more beer to pacify bored and rowdy troops.
Serving as a physical and philosophical boundary from 1961-1989, the Berlin Wall encircled West Berlin, isolating it as an enclave of Western ideals in the midst of East Germany and cut off from East Berlin. The wall is one of the most enduring symbols of the Cold War and the ideological divide that marked the second half of the 20th century. It is almost impossible to describe the psychological effect the wall had on Berliners. The East Side Gallery remains as a 4,300-foot mural capturing the feelings of euphoria and hope that came with the fall of the wall.
Begun by the pre-Incan Killke culture but expanded and perfected by the Incas, Sacsayhuaman is a massive feat of masonry using huge stones carved to fit together without mortar. The construction required hundreds of workers and was so precisely done that the walls have survived devastating earthquakes in Cusco, Peru, which served as the Inca capital. Invading Spaniards tore down most of the citadel for use in constructing homes, so now almost all that remains are the stones too heavy to lift, an indelible symbol of a once-mighty empire.
Part of the expansion of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the wall is what remains after the destruction of the temple complex by the Romans in 70 C.E. The wall is the holiest place Jews are allowed to pray, as they are prohibited from the Holy of Holies, which is thought to be under the Muslim holy place the Dome of the Rock. The wall is also sacred to Christians and to those Muslims who consider the spot to be where Muhammad tied the horse Buraq before ascending to heaven. In short, the wall and Temple Mount are a physical manifestation of the religious conflict that has pervaded throughout the history of the Middle East and Jerusalem in particular.