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Everything in nature including ourselves, is made up of these five basic elements which form the foundation of all Yoga practice and Ayurveda.
Surrounded by the elements of Crete, explore in detail each of these 5 elements during your daily yoga practice of asana, pranayama and meditation and learn to honour the intrinsic onnection between nature and your body, mind and soul.
Join us for this enchanting jounrey of Yoga and travel in Paleochora, a small town located 77 km south of Chania, at the southwest coastline of Crete, surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and beaches.
- Excursion to Samaria Gorge including transfer from hotel to Gorge, entry cost, return transport with boat t from Agia Roumeli to Paleochora.
PLEASE NOTE: This Retreat is limited to a maximum of 8 participants so please book early if you would like to attend.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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Effective from August 5th gasworld.com Ltd has secured a deal to purchase CryoGas International - the leading magazine and information source on the industrial gases business in North America.
Raquet continued, “With this acquisition, we have the opportunity of merging the resources of Specialty Gas Report and CryoGas International to develop both magazines and provide an even more valuable news and information service for the North American industrial gases market, which is enjoying exciting times.” CryoGas International and Specialty Gas Report will continue to serve and focus on the US and North American markets, with offices in Lexington, Massachusetts.
(cturley@cryogas.com) or Jane Roderick at gasworld.com (jane.roderick@gasworld.com).
J R Campbell & Associates: The company has been consulting on the industrial gases business for over 30 years. In more recent years, the company has focused on M&A business activity, especially within the gas distributors business in the US and also with equipment manufacturers, through its associations with Leaders LLC (www.leaders-llc.com). For more information contact Buzz Campbell at JRCampbel2@gmail.com.
CryoGas International: The business publishes 11 magazines a year on the industrial, medical, and specialty gases markets. It has been the leading publication for these markets in the US since 1988 and the magazine is provided in both hard copy and digital form. More details can be found on www.cryogas.com.
gasworld Publishing LLC: The company is a US registered company, which currently publishes the Specialty Gas Report magazine and the Master Sourcing Guide (specialtygasreport.com). The company, which is acquiring the CryoGas International business, is a majority owned entity of gasworld.com Ltd – the UK based global industrial gas focused publishing, media and events company. gasworld publishes magazines, a directory, organises conferences, and has recently begun a Business Information service. More details can be found at www.gasworld.com.

industry_corpus2: Petrochemicals


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The United Nations Population Fund is still assessing the full impact of the United States cutting $32.5 million in core funding earlier this month. But the effects are already clear at almost all of the country offices and programs that rely on the U.S., the agency’s second largest donor, Arthur Erken, the agency’s head of communications and partnerships, told Devex.
While no single program is facing an imminent risk of termination, all work will be scaled back across the more than 150 countries UNFPA operates in, he added. Fourteen countries received “non-core” UNFPA funding from the U.S. in 2016, but the U.S. funding has backed the UNFPA’s work in all of its countries, except China and a few “rogue” states, such as North Korea.
Countries not facing humanitarian crises and already working with small overall budgets — such as many in Latin America and Eastern Europe — are likely to greatly feel the impact of these cuts, which will also extend to an additional $37 million, approximately, that the U.S. gave last year for non-core, or unearmarked, work, Erken said. Middle Eastern countries responding to the Syrian refugee crisis will also take a serious hit.
In the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, for example, the UNFPA office now has a $1.5 million budget cut, as 80 percent of its budget came from U.S. funding. Working only with European Union funding now, the UNFPA team in the camp anticipates it will not be able to reach 12,000 gender-based violence survivors, or help carry out approximately 5,000 newborn deliveries there this year.
The U.S. step back from the UNFPA comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader retreat from funding for some high profile women’s health initiatives and humanitarian work overseas. President Donald Trump has signed an expanded version of the ”global gag rule,” which withholds all global health assistance to foreign NGOs who provide any abortion-related service. He has also threatened to dramatically reduce overall funding to the U.N.
The UNFPA began to plan for U.S. cuts as soon as Trump was unexpectedly elected in November 2016, explained Erken. The agency notified individual country offices, and told them they will have less money to carry out their programs.
“We start to think: ‘Let’s assume we won’t have funding from the U.S. for our core parts,’” Erken said.
Trump’s action followed the example of a long line of U.S. Republican presidents who, since 1985, have defunded the UNFPA because of claims that it supports or participates in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. A foreign operations funding provision called the “Kemp-Kasten amendment” gives the president leeway to determine whether an aid recipient has engaged in this type of work — and if so, to discontinue funding.
Previous Republican presidents have sent missions to the UNFPA’s China office to investigate its work affiliated with the Chinese government’s now-defunct “One Child” policy. All of the missions, in the past, have turned up no evidence of the UNFPA engaging in coercive abortions or sterilizations.
What came as a surprise this time around was that Trump never sent a mission to meet with the expectant UNFPA office in China, which operates on a shoestring budget of $1.5 million — none of which actually comes from the U.S.
Multiple international health policy, research and advocacy groups have also refuted the claims that UNFPA has provided coercive abortions or forced sterilizations in China.
The UNFPA has reported that U.S. funding last year helped them prevent 947,000 pregnancies and save the lives of 2,340 women dying from pregnancy and childbirth. This partnership also helped UNFPA, which does not promote abortions, prevent 295,000 unsafe abortions.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is said to be appealing to donors to increase their support to the UNFPA, U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said recently.
The loss of approximately $30 million accounts for approximately 10 percent of the UNFPA’s core funding, which goes toward the management and execution of its various programs and technical offices on reproductive and sexual health, as well as gender-based violence. Supplementing lost U.S. funding for its non-core funding, which often goes toward humanitarian work, might prove an easier task, Erken suggested.
The UNFPA was also working with $24 million in carry-over U.S. funds from the past two years, but that money has been used.
When former President George W. Bush canceled UNFPA funding, the U.S. was not as big of a donor to the agency, lessening the blow — and the relatively strong global economic climate also made it easier for other countries to quickly step forward and offer to fill the gap. That hasn’t happened this year.
Some European fundraising initiatives, such as the She Decides fund, which has raised about $190 million, may help the UNFPA offset its budget gap of more than $700 million until 2020, as the Guardian reports.
But the UNFPA, moving forward, will likely begin to look beyond the U.S. as a steady, significant donor.
“We do expect there will be a realignment of the U.S. position and also the U.S. aligning itself with more conservative forces. That, of course, is a concern and a big concern that goes beyond the money. It cannot happen every four or eight years we are sitting here and all of a sudden the U.S., because of internal politics, changes its foreign development assistance,” Erken said.

industry_corpus2: Others


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Kirloskar Generator Manual And Drawing is good choice for you that looking for nice reading experience. We hope you glad to visit our website. Please read our description and our privacy and policy page.
Finally I get this ebook, thanks for all these Kirloskar Generator Manual And Drawing can get now!


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yesterday was so bizarre. me and my husband are separated. he called me earlier in the day speaking real nice to me. then I get home from work and he has someone climbing into the kitchen window of our house (he doesn't have keys anymore). he seemed real agitated and angry, a complete change from earlier in the day. he kept saying this is my house too. it's so hard to understand. I can't hardly sleep lately because I never know what he'll do next, it scares me.
Well, I've been divorced 3x so this is "normal". He's upset you got the house. He's upset about the whole situation. I think anything they do at this point is "normal". Just dont' fall for it and don't let him "terrorize" you. If he does, get a restriction thing, whatever it's called. Don't talk to him if you don't have to. Tell him to talk to your lawyer, that's what they're there for.
Good lord, no wonder you can't sleep! I agree with krystindiane, CALL THE COPS!
Do what Dobie says, get a restraining order started today. Make sure your windows are all locked. Call the police if this happens again. If he calls don't talk to him. Cut him off completely. If you have a friend who can stay with you or you can stay with them for a few days that might be a good idea too. Sorry this is happening to you.


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Annette Hayton , co-developer of the NERUPI framework, manages the Network on behalf of the University of Bath which provides office space, employment and financial services.
Kate Holmes, the NERUPI Development Officer, coordinates activities, supports new members in applying and using the framework and keeps the website up to date.
NERUPI is advised and supported by an Academic Advisory Board.
Dr Andrew Bengry, Bath Spa University, co-developer of the NERUPI framework, sits on the board permanently as Academic Adviser.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


text: AR-500 super stretch-fit frame. Removable Vault™ CE-approved shoulder, elbow and spine protectors. Speed Zip™ controlled ventilation. Molded Strong Arm™ sleeve adjuster.

industry_corpus2: Aerospace


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Are You Looking for an Extraordinary Newborn Photographer?
I truly pamper my families and make sure that they get remarkable customer service, accepting only 6 newborns each month. This ensures that each family gets creativity that is unique to your session and most importantly, an extraordinary experience.
Like what you see here? Then you can either. . .
Check out my About Me page to see if we click and my Frequently Asked Questions page to find out a little more about the whole process.
And if you still aren't sure exactly what you are looking for, I have a great article that will make your decision so much easier! Just read My Tips on how to decide who is the best photographer for your new baby (it's short and to the point, I promise) and you will feel so much better.
You can contact me at Amber@OneBigHappyPhoto.com today, so you can get this "ToDo" item off of your plate and go back to focusing on your beautiful baby that is about to arrive!


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This post is brought to my readers from Warner Bros. & Partners Hub. They supplied all information and prize giveaway.
About Jack the Giant Slayer: Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing Jack (Nicholas Hoult), into the battle of this life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom and its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend... and gets the chance to become a legend himself! Directed by Brian Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns) Starring: Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy), Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Moulin Rouge!), and Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones). Jack the Giant Slayer released on DVD & Blu-ray on June 18.
Jack The Giant Slayer Blog App! You have the power!
Thanks to PatnersHub Family, Warner Bros. for your chance to win! One USA or Canada blog winner will win a Jack the Giant Slayer Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet) contest ends 7-9-2013! The prize will be sent via FedEx or UPS. No P.O. Boxes please.
Disclosure: All materials, prize and information supplied from Warner Bros. & Partners Hub. No other compensation was received. a Rafflecopter giveaway .
I like the sound board.
I'm a Courageous Warrior! Surprised myself with that one!
I am an incredibly brave Courageous Warrior. :-) Thank you.
This movie was a lot better than I first expected!

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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Cambridge Art Salon was born in Romsey Town, Cambridge, in April 2011 when a group of artists moved into an old motorbike shop to save their studio from closure. A DIY artist-led space, from September 2011 – June 2014, the Art Salon community gallery was home to multiple exhibitions, workshops, talks, network events and other community happenings. We also gave studios to up to 20 different artists and makers from all backgrounds at any one time.
It was this high impact activity and inclusive ethos over three years that has shaped the arts organisation we are today. In 2015 we moved our studios to a warehouse in East Cambridge, UNIT 13. In 2016, we opened Chesterton based art space, 1 Thrifts Walk.
Each year, we also programme arts projects with an inclusive focus, loosely themed around a particular theme. We pride ourselves on catalysing both artistic and community development, encouraging risk and accessibility.


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On Monday, Kitware taught two courses, “Open Source Applications for Medical Imaging Research” and “Introduction to Open-Source Software Libraries for Medical Imaging”. These courses had sold-out audiences with over 100 attendees and received high acclaim.
In the open-source applications course, Rick Avila, Wes Turner, Julien Finet, and Patrick Reynolds presented. Topics presented included VolView, Midas, KiwiViewer/VES, and Slicer. For the VoView tutorial attendees viewed and analyzed medical images donated from the “Give-A-Scan” project for lung cancer research. The tutorial covered basic image viewing functionality, and introduced the idea of using and developing VolView extensions for additional analysis capabilities. For the KiwiViewer tutorial, attendees saw how VTK is being extended (via VES) to support mobile and web-based applications. The power of Midas was demonstrated for collecting, processing, and sharing data in a manner that fits with medical imaging research workflows. The course also featured the recent 4.0 release of Slicer and illustrated its new Qt-based user interface, improved speed, and increased ease of use.
For the open-source libraries course, Patrick, Julien, and Rick presented several open-source software libraries used in medical imaging, including the Visualization Toolkit (VTK), the Insight Segmentation and Registration Toolkit (ITK), Midas, and VES. The course addressed managers, clinicians, researchers and scientists who direct and conduct the development of new medical image analysis and display applications. Highlighting the value of these open-source toolkits in medical imaging, we discussed the rigorous software processes used to ensure stability in the toolkits and specific applications of the toolkits to medical imaging. Participants were engaged with live demonstrations of coding of SimpleITK and new features of VES.
The second exhibit, “Understanding and Improving CT Image Quality With Automated Pocket Phantom Technology,” presented research on our 2nd generation CT pocket phantom. CT volumetric performance is highly influenced by fundamental acquisition properties, such as resolution. By combining this small form factor, accurate artifact with automated detection and measurement algorithms, we were able to demonstrate the ability to accurately measure, and continuously monitor CT acquisition quality. Future algorithms will build on this research to automatically characterize and correct for image acquisition variability.
RSNA 2011 was an exciting event, notably because of the connections we made or cultivated while in Chicago, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all there again next year!
ITK 4.0 is Now Available and Ready for Download!

industry_corpus2: Biopharmaceuticals


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ANTHONY KNOCKAERT paid tribute to his late father Patrick by holding up a photograph of him after completing the victory that moved Brighton two points clear at the top of the Championship.
The French winger’s 69th minute goal capped a convincing victory over a desperately out of form Queens Park Rangers who were reduced to 10 men early in the second half following the dismissal of Nedum Onuoha and sank to a sixth successive defeat.
Knockaert marked his strike by running to the technical area to collect the framed photo of his father who died early in November, before celebrating the goal with teammates.
His strike came after Sam Baldock’s stunning first half opener and Glenn Murray’s 52nd minute penalty.
Knockaert admits his form initially suffered when he returned to the Amex Stadium from France.
He has vowed, though, to use his loss as a motivation and the winger’s display in a win that extended Brighton’s unbeaten league run to 17 games confirmed his importance to Chris Hughton’s side.
“Anthony has gone through a really tough period but he is back to his best,” said Murray.
Brighton manager Hughton said: “We are very close with Anthony. The club has a good relationship with him and I think you can see he was very, very close to his father.
“Everybody deals with things differently. We are doing a lot for him and we are certainly getting a lot back from him."
Knockaert’s contribution was just one of a number of fine individual performances that ensured Hughton’s side added to the pressure already growing on Rangers’ manager Ian Holloway.
Rangers’ cause was not helped by the harsh decision of referee Keith Stroud to send off Onuoha after the centre-back tangled with Baldock as the Albion striker attempted to break through on goal.
That came just moments after Massimo Luongo’s rash challenge had upended Dale Stephens, allowing Murray to put the home side two up with his 15th goal of the season.
The visitors had chances to get back into the game but Murray should have put Albion two up when he somehow missed a close range header just before the half hour.
But while Hughton’s side had been forced to work to hold on to their lead in the first half, they were rarely troubled in the second and were sure of the points when Knockaert cut in from the right before finishing with a low left foot shot.
Hughton – whose side missed out on automatic promotion on the final day last season - said: “There is a new determination this time which is not to avoid that scenario again, but to finish near the top of the table and get promoted.
Brighton (4-4-2): Stockdale; Saltor, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; Knockaert, Stephens, Norwood, March (Murphy 68); Murray (Hemed 69), Baldock (Skalak 77). Goals: Baldock 10, Murray pen 52, Knockaert 69.

industry_corpus2: Sports


text:
Описание: There are many haematological complications associated with obstetrics, pregnancy and gynaecology, and unfortunately, they often lead to significant morbidity or mortality for both mother and child. As the first comprehensive reference on all aspects of haematological complications of obstetrics, pregnancy and gynaecology this book will be a valuable resource to haematologists, obstetricians, gynaecologists, reproductive medicine specialists, internists, anaesthesiologists and others. The chapters are written by acknowledged experts in the field, and for each condition covered the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical and laboratory diagnosis and management are discussed where appropriate.
Описание: As homoeopathic prescribers know, Kent's Repertory has obvious flaws in certain areas. One such area concerns pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, which are very much under-presented.Dr. Soler-Medina's small, but important repertory is based on Kent's Final Repertory, the Synthetic Repertory and additional works. The footnote notation of many of the rubrics to the 22 plus authors listed in the bibliography testifies to his extensive research. Delusions and dreams related to pregnancy and parturition (pseudo-pregnancies) are also included. The book contains an introduction by the late Tomas Paschero.This handy pocket-size repertory should be especially welcomed by those homoeopaths intimately involved with the pregnant patient who desires a naturally effective approach to the experience of giving birth.
Описание: Reproductive Immunology is a growing area in both immunology and reproductive sciences and is helping us to better understand several complications of pregnancy. Immunology of Pregnancy is the first book to give a complete and up to date review of our knowledge related to the role of the immune system during pregnancy and the interactions between the placenta and the maternal immune system.This new title covers in detail all the different hypotheses and studies related to the immunology of implantation and provide a practical approach for the application of basic reproductive immunology research to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, pre-term labor and IUGR.
Описание: This is the 3rd edition of a classic text which still represents the only multi-disciplinary approach to the evaluation and management of a high-risk pregnancy. Since most chapters are written by a 2-author team (an anesthesiologist and an obstetrician or fetologist), information will be efficiently formated, practical, and complete. Coverage will include causes of the health risk, pathophysiology, obstetric treatment written by an obstetrician, and anesthetic management written by an obstetric anesthesiologist. Chapters will include the latest procedures and most advanced technology. They will cover the parameters used to observe fetal well-being and deal with abnormal findings, regardless of the stage of development. Topics will extend through the delivery and post delivery periods.

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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In June, FlightWorks president Dan Lucey was appointed as the Georgia Business Aviation Association’s Board Chairman. His passion for business aviation has been a driving factor in his career and overflows into his service to the community. He began his business aviation career nearly 30 years ago as a pilot and has been the president of FlightWorks for the past nine years.
Dan closely follows government issues that affect business aviation and leads conversations on important industry topics. Just as past Board Chairmen, Dan will continue with GBAA’s mission of promoting business aviation in Georgia and giving back to the industry. Congratulations on the appointment.


text:
1/4 mile time for Supercharged M3?
1/4 mile time for turbocharged M3?
U R a GONER...Watch out!!!
Given a choice...Well done, medium, or rare?
Why so many stickers & decals..I'll tell you why!
what to use to clean and condition leather seats?
how many times has the V1 saved you?
Tune Up...what do you guys usually do?
Any sites for MP3's since Napster is no more?
For all the computer hackers- read.
NE1 at Laguna Seca this weekend w/ Green Flag?
Pirelli P7000 Super Sport Tires any good?
OT: music sharing sites for Mac? Thx.
Jimmy Yu....I can't reach you!!!!
Door handle isn't opening door, how much to fix?
airbag light is on, what's the problem?
BMP perf. differential 3.46 vs. 3.73,,,,Opinions??
Who has H&R race springs and Bilstiens?
BIG THANKS to all the "driving school" comments.
@home screwed me...I hate them.
Ferrari Challenge at TWS confirmed this w/end?
WTB:Turbo/Supercharged E36 M3/trade for Z06 vette?
Extended Warranties -- "Rock Solid" or "risky?"
pic of ACS type III wheels on black M3 anyone?
Is there an M3 mailing list?
I miss my ///M. Can't believe I crashed it.
ANYONE EVER DEAL WITH CENO ILLUSIONS IN PA?
where to get UUC spoiler installed in O.C. please?
Any of u guys have M3 Steering wheel to sell?
List BMW or M3 clubs in Va., D.C. or Md., please.
WTB 2 OEM Ltw forged alloys - 8.5" Good cond only.
WTB: carbon fiber LTW splitter "tray"
What brand of Alarm should i get?
Turbo is finished! Get the car back tomorrow morn.
BEST DEAL ON A REPLACEMENT MOTOR (95) ?
RMS SUPERCHARGER 4 SALE! 1000 MILES ON IT!
My dim rado light covered via cpo warrenty?
O2 sensor, Part & Labor = $150. Good price ?
Is there a FAQ on buying a used M3?
How to access left panels for RCA cables??
Anybody know Eisenmann exhaust good?Sound also?
what's sharp/aggressive cutoff in ellipsoid?
RD DTM Splitter NE problem with installation?
Hye Don in Va........Want to sell ur Ferrari??
So...Don in Va.what are you giving away today??
POLL: Who misses AlexK posts?
ne1 know about rogue engineering exhaust?
Anybody here play Ice or Roller Hockey?
POLL:Why U get so attached to your M???
Anyone dealt with Zionsville Autosport?
Anyone just replace the speakers in their ///M?
If anyone ever needs logos designed, let me know.
Who has best prices on Redline fluids? thanks.
Goner - A out and about...Careful everyone.
Will 235/45/17 tires fit on my '95 w/ stock rims?
BMW coolant important or can I use any coolant?
Does coolant have a shelf life?
POLL. Do you like dakar II color?
Front track wider than rear on E36 M3?
NE1 have a 225/45/17 AVS Sport for sale?
Any URLs for BMW clubs in Va., D.C. or Md.?
Is there alot of M3 wrecks on this board recently?
Poll: Curb rash on any of your rims?
Where to get Grill Badges? NE1 know of a place?
Poll:Who wants to join A.H.C.A.
Anyone got two rear Kumho's for sale?
POLL: Chinese or mexican take out?
Ne 1 drink coffee on the way to work?
what ever happened to Boris?
NE1 get lower back pain from Vaders???
Nice weather...PA drive this weekend?
'95 M3 injectors same as M50?
San Diego autoX on Saturday...who's goin?
OT: Article in AW on the Jeep Liberty roll over.
Mel was it U that got your car up on 2 wheels?
Sounds (and feels) like a demon on wheels!
NE1 here play cards, TX Hold'em? Best place?
I love Gils kind hearted nature, tis the season!!!
E36 M3 stock camshafts for sale CHEAP!
What non-HID bulbs do you use in your Ellipsoids??
Who's in So. Cal. O.C. area?
Do we have a mount for rear shock tower braces?
anyone ship your car cross country ?
WTB: Used Aftermarket exhaust in NJ/NY/PA(more)..
any difference between 4dr and 2dr rear bumpers?
Factory replica wheels-good or bad idea?
Got a 95 mint w/64k for $18,800!

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


text:
This week’s episode of The Expanse, the season’s third-last, was all about the aftermath. On the Roci, the Thomas Prince, and the Behemoth, the extreme slowdown (an apparent Ring defence mechanism) has left hundreds of crew members dead or on the verge of death. Fun fact: internal bleeding needs gravity to be stopped—without it, wounds swell and everyone dies. That’s a problem, because none of the ships currently have the ability to produce a gravitational force. Not yet, anyway.
As the med bays fill up with the injured and dying, Anna busies herself helping Melba/Clarissa with her broken arm until she’s called away by a message from Tilly. We know what state Tilly is in, but Anna doesn’t. She gets to her just in time for Tilly to fill Anna in on Clarissa’s plan to take out her daddy issues on Holden. But there’s no time to stop Clarissa from strapping herself into a space suit and taking off for the Rocinante (where she thinks Holden is).
Holden, however, is passed out on an MCRN ship where Bobbie is the only thing standing between him and a Martian Marine bullet. Naomi has also made her way back to the Roci, only to find Holden gone and Alex and Amos out cold. After strapping them into med bay stations she’s treated to a surprise visit from Melba, who’s in total fight mode. She’s about to crush Naomi’s throat when a massive jolt of electricity takes her out—the big surprise comes when it’s revealed that it’s Anna wielding the zapper.
On the Behemoth, Drummer and Ashford find themselves in an incredibly ironic situation: their tug of war power struggle has landed them in a real fix, as both are pinned by the same piece of Mormon farming equipment. If it rolls forward, it crushes Drummer. If it rolls backward, it crushes Ashford. When Drummer realizes that a) help isn’t coming; and b) their crew has probably suffered similar fates, she makes the ultimate call and frees Ashford—at the expense of her own torso. Drummer is such a badass.
Following her sacrifice, Ashford is inspired to attempt to set the Behemoth’s drums spinning in an effort to produce some gravity aboard the ship—a move that could save Drummer and hundreds of others. It works and he broadcasts a message across the Ring offering help to Martians and Earthers alike. Belters will make space for their injured aboard The Behemoth. Aw, turns out Ashford is a real peach. Probably. Maybe.
1. At the end of the episode, Holden finally wakes up—but is he still Holden? What has the the Ring done to his brain?
2. Also: he tells Bobbie that when he was in the Room, he saw a vision of ‘the end of everything.’ Is he talking about humanity or all of existence or what?
3. Did Anna kill Clarissa or just stun her? What are they going to do with her if she’s still alive?
4. Is everyone headed for The Behemoth now? Will we get a big end-of-season reunion?
5. The Ring is slowly drawing all the ships inside it towards its centre. Why?


text:
Now that the House and Senate have approved their versions of the 2015-17 budget, legislative budget negotiators are hard at work trying to come to an agreement.
Whether or not the Senate proposal is allowed under the 2002 state collective bargaining law, the larger question is if that law’s policy of restricting the Legislature’s ability to make budget decisions is constitutional in the first place.
A compelling 2006 article in the University of Washington’s Law Review makes the case that the 2002 law is an unconstitutional infringement on the Legislature’s constitutional authority to determine appropriations. The author argues the 2002 law is a violation of separation of powers because it gives the governor too much power over the Legislature on this budget question.
Even if the 2002 law is constitutional, the secrecy of collective bargaining negotiations should be reformed. State and local public union employment contracts should not be negotiated in secret. The public provides the money for these agreements. Taxpayers should be able to follow the process and hold government officials accountable for the spending decisions they make on the public’s behalf. Greater accountability in this area of public spending would serve the public interest.
It is also a good time to revisit the decision made in 2002 that limited the authority of lawmakers to make prioritizations within the budget when it comes to state employee compensation. This is especially true with the constitutional questions raised by the University of Washington’s Law Review.

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


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Madurai is a glorious temple town is the most famous tourist destination of India. It houses population of mixture of different cultures and religions are situated in the southern region of Indian country. The city is known for its unity and diversity. The city is situated on astounding banks of Vaigai River. The region was under reign of Pandya kings in ancient era. The place has a strong mythological history along with a glorious past. The city is 2500 years old and its commercial center had noticed a development in 550 AD. Madurai is also known as ‘Lotus city’ because it was constructed in the shape of a lotus.
This city was constructed by Pandya kings. This city is known to be a worshipping place of lord Shiva. The prestigious nectar was believed to shower at this place that is why the city is surrounded by blooming and blossoming jasmine flowers. The region was also ruled by Nayal Emperors and the place was cultivated by Christianity as well. After them, the reign of Tamil dynasty made the development in Christianity in this place. The center of attraction of this place is the splendor and famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. There are many masterpieces of temple within Madurai that are covered by concentric circles which gives essence to cosmos and that is why the city is also called as Cosmos city. The huge gathering of temples in this city represents its cultural heritage and that is why the city is also known as ‘Temple city’.
The most important Railway Station in Tamil Nadu and south India is Madurai Junction Railway Station which is situated in Madurai and is A1 graded railway junction.
An airport that serves a connection between Madurai and other cities situated in Tamil Nadu is Madurai Airport. It is located at about 12 km away from Madurai Railway Station. The establishment of this airport was done in 1957.
i.	Madurai offers government local buses.
ii.	They cover the entire city.
iii.	They are punctual and budgeted.
iv.	Local buses only cost between Rs. 3 to Rs. 8.
v.	They are comfortable and less crowded.
vi.	They do not include extra night fares.
vii.	You can also opt. deluxe buses as well.
1)	They never run on meters.
3)	They charge extra night fares.
4)	It will cost about Rs. 10 for daytime and Rs. 15 for night travel per kilometer.
Madurai has usually a hot and dry climate with heavy monsoons and pleasing winters. Thus, the correct time to visit this city is between Octobers to March.
During summers season, the city becomes extremely dry and hot which is so scorching that it will make your mood off. The maximum temperature in Madurai is about 41°C and minimum is 26°C. The hottest months of Madurai are May and June. Do not opt. this season for travelling as they are really torturing.
During monsoons season, Madurai faces thunderstorms and heavy rain falls. The climate becomes moderate but it is the right time to move out of your homes and travel within the city. It’s the perfect time for outings. Do not forget to bring raincoats or an umbrella. Sometimes the weather becomes so astonishing that you will love to visit this city again and again during monsoons.
During winters season, the city becomes mesmerizing with its soothing temperature and weather. The maximum temperature is about 32°C and minimum is 18°C. It’s also a correct time to visit in various places to Madurai and exploration of city.
Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is a temple of two main gods namely lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple is the most famous temples of Madurai which was founded in 2500 AD. It is believed that lord Shiva visited Madurai to marry goddess Parvati and that is why this city is renowned and this temple is known. The temple is adorned with pillars and walls with beauteous architecture and it comes in category of world’s seven wonders.
Vaigai dam in Madurai is situated on Vaigai River close to Andipatti. It is a huge dam that catches the eye of visitors easily. The nearby agricultural lands are grown beautifully because of this land. The dam serves the clean and pure water supply for Andipatti and entire Madurai. The crops like cereals and pulses can be seen near this dam which looks smashing. The major and superb visiting site of Madurai should be surely seen.
This temple in Madurai is situated within the city Azhaghar was made in memorization of lord Vishnu. A splendor monument of lord Vishnu can be seen in front of this temple. Madurai is also known as Koodal and that is why it is known as Koodal Azhagar Temple. The temple is situated close to bus stand. The temple will provide you the facilities of boarding and lodging as well.
Tirupparankundram Murugan temple in Madurai is a populous pilgrimage center. It was made in devotion to mother Earth. This temple is situated on a hilly region and also called by the name of India’s southern Himalayas. This fabulous place is very astonishing as sun and moon are seen together during instances. Temple is a marvelous place which conducts marriages. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Subhramanya was conducted within this holy temple.
This spot in Madurai is a popular temple which is dedicated to lord Vigneshwara situated at about the distance of 5 km away from Meenakshi Temple. The temple houses a giant tank in its compound. Its specialty is that the idol of this temple was developed from the tank of temple and the tank is filled with water throughout the year. People celebrate different types of festivals in this temple which creates a wonderful time of enjoyement.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal in Madurai was built by the kings of Muslim dynasty in 17th centuary is a beautiful Mahal. This splendor Mahal has a marvelous structure with a creative art work and sculptures. The entire palace was made in Madurai architectural style. The ausom surroundings of this palace along with beauteous interiors will take your breath away. This is an ideal place of Madurai where you can explore many things and observe glitzy features of this palace.
Alagar Kovil in Madurai is another marvelous temple which is situated in northern side of this city at Alagar Hills. The temple was dedicated to lord Vishnu. The great statue of lord Vishnu within the temple was made from Kallalgar and stones. You can see many different statues of lord Vishnu within the temple. People belong to nearby regions of this temple believe that lord Vishnu was a great king of Earth in ancient era. The temple also houses a hall where Puja and rituals are performed.
Pazhamudhir Solai in Madurai is a spectacular temple which was made in memory of lord Subramaniya. It is situated on Azahar koil hills near Madurai falls. The temple houses many sculptures of lord Vishnu which are made by wood and marbles. You have to follow the big steps which are situated in front of this temple. This temple is renowned for its fulfillment of dreams of people. People with a great belief visit this temple and offer their prayers to God with a true heart.
Astoria Hotel In Madurai: It is in west Velli Street.
GRT Regency Hotel In Madurai: It is located in Madakulam main road.
Heritage Hotel In Madurai: It is placed in Madakulam main road.
Annamalai International Hotel In Madurai: It is situated close to bus terminal.
Chentoor Hotel In Madurai: It can be find close to Meenakshi Temple.
•	Madurai tour packages: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.
•	Madurai holiday packages: Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000.
•	Madurai hotels packages: Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 12,000.
Madurai has a great importance in India because of its temples and historical significance. The name of this city has been mentioned in many documents, books and literatures. Its history starts from the period of Megasthenese who mentioned the name of this city in his document in 3rd centuary BC. At that time the city was known to be as Methora. Arthshasta of Kautilya also mentioned the name of this city. In Sangam literature, the name of this city is clearly noticeable under the reign of Pandyan dynasty. The Roman historians also have the name of this city as the main part. The great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata also had a mention of Madurai. This city was under the rule of Kalabhra rulers till 6thg centuary CE. After them, Pandyan rulers, Chola dynasty, Tughlaks, Delhi Sultanate, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Nayaks and East India Company also gained their power over the city. Later in 1947, India got Independence and Madurai got its original place in Tamil Nadu and now the city is famous for its ancient temples.
•	Madurai is usually hot and humid during summers so it will make your mood bad during travelling so you are advised not to visit this city during summers.
•	You should only visit during inters and monsoons.
•	Monsoons are scenic and are a relaxing time to travel.
•	If confusion then ask people of Madurai about a location.
•	All the modes of transports in Madurai are budgeted.
•	Carry first aid kit.


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Went to The Town Crier Pub tonight and had a good time. Their beer selection from Belgium, Germany, and the UK was impressive. They have over 50 beers on tap and that is the truth. Really cool space with seating in basement level and first floor. Bartender was extremely helpful in trying to match beers to your taste.
I have the Blueberry Glazed Duck which was great. Portion size was a little small, but the quality was really good and totally worth it. I thought this place was great for a beer and I'll be back. Worth the time to check it out.

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


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Anand’s has the capacity to perform repairs and cleaning on all types of jewellery. We have a Certified Bench Jeweller from the American School of Jewellery who train all our repair personnel to the highest standards. He also oversees and inspects all jewellery repairs in our company.
At Anand’s you can let your imagination create your jewellery. Visit our trained jewellers to see how they can bring your designs to life. Bring your gold and we will transform it into something new.
All our diamonds can be fully graded by our in-house Graduate Gemologist from G.I.A. Our Accredited Jewellery Professional also from G.I.A. can give appraisals on all our jewellery. G.I.A. is the most recognised authority in the jewellery industry worldwide. Anand’s can boast of having three G.I.A. qualified personnel on staff.
We offer the option of a payment plan. Our sales representative will give you more information on the plans available for different pieces of jewellery.
Most watches can be serviced and repaired by our company. Our sales representative will give you more information when you visit our stores.
Anand’s is a jewellery store like no other. We have certified professional photographers on staff that can capture the magic of the moment at Anand’s. Our photographers are also available for photo-shoots, weddings, graduations, etc. Special discounts apply when you purchase your bridal jewellery from Anand’s.
Anand’s offers a wide range of additional services. Feel free to visit our stores or call to make an appointment with our certified professionals who can answer all your jewellery questions.


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Charlie: Prince Charles Edward Stuart, second Jacobite pretender to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland, instigator of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, fugitive with a price of £30,000 on his head following the disaster of Culloden, romantic figure of heroic failure.
Meg: My faithful, four-legged companion, carrier of supplies, listener of my woes, possessor of my only towel.
Me: An ordinary guy from Falkirk only just on the right side of 40, the only man in a houseful of women, with a thirst for a big adventure, craving an escape from everyday life.
For the first time, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s arduous escape of 1746 has been recreated in a single journey. The author, along with his faithful border collie Meg, retraces Charlie’s epic 530 mile walk through remote wilderness, hidden glens, modern day roads and uninhabited islands.

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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"SPSNet: subpopulation-sensitive network-based analysis of heterogeneou" by Abha Belorkar, Rajanikanth Vadigepalli et al.
SPSNet: subpopulation-sensitive network-based analysis of heterogeneous gene expression data.
This article has been peer reviewed. It is the author’s final published version in BMC Systems Biology, Volume 12, March 2018, Article number 28.
The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12918-018-0538-1 . Copyright © Belokar et al.
BACKGROUND: Transcriptomic datasets often contain undeclared heterogeneity arising from biological variation such as diversity of disease subtypes, treatment subgroups, time-series gene expression, nested experimental conditions, as well as technical variation due to batch effects, platform differences in integrated meta-analyses, etc. However, current analysis approaches are primarily designed to handle comparisons between experimental conditions represented by homogeneous samples, thus precluding the discovery of underlying subphenotypes. Unsupervised methods for subtype identification are typically based on individual gene level analysis, which often result in irreproducible gene signatures for potential subtypes. Emerging methods to study heterogeneity have been largely developed in the context of single-cell datasets containing hundreds to thousands of samples, limiting their use to select contexts.
RESULTS: We present a novel analysis method, SPSNet, which identifies subtype-specific gene expression signatures based on the activity of subnetworks in biological pathways. SPSNet identifies the gene subnetworks capturing the diversity of underlying biological mechanisms, indicating potential sample subphenotypes. In the presence of extrinsic or non-biological heterogeneity (e.g. batch effects), SPSNet identifies subnetworks that are particularly affected by such variation, thus helping eliminate factors irrelevant to the biology of the phenotypes under study.
CONCLUSION: Using multiple publicly available datasets, we illustrate that SPSNet is able to consistently uncover patterns within gene expression data that correspond to meaningful heterogeneity of various origins. We also demonstrate the performance of SPSNet as a sensitive and reliable tool for understanding the structure and nature of such heterogeneity.
Belorkar, Abha; Vadigepalli, Rajanikanth; and Wong, Limsoon, "SPSNet: subpopulation-sensitive network-based analysis of heterogeneous gene expression data." (2018). Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers. Paper 232.


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Payments made online will be recorded the next business day. A convenience fee will be applied to the payment total.
*If DOB is not entered, results returned will be for Civil cases only.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


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USMC Dog Tags Marines Dog Tags Products Licensed.
Keep your young Marine safe with engravable dog tags phone numbers, address, medical information. Bulk orders are welcome.


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K-PURE CDR-3316 | King Industries, Inc.
K-PURE CDR-3316 is a low viscosity, 100% active, linear, saturated, aliphatic polyester diol with primary hydroxyl groups. This product was designed to enhance flexibility and improve flow without hurting the hardness of the system. Typical formulations include cationic cured epoxies, aminoplast, siloxane and urethane based systems.
Weight per gallon, 25°C 9.2 lb.
Soluble in alcohols, esters, ketones, xylene, Aromatic 100 and Aromatic 150. Insoluble in water.
CDR-3316 should be stored in a cool dry location at temperatures of 15 - 35ºC. For additional information, refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet.


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Plans have changed so many times during the past few days as we plan how SIFAT is getting involved with the Haiti relief effort. We told you our first plan on Monday. We always tell mission teams to remember to be flexible – and flexibility has been key this week. However, God is opening doors for SIFAT to take water purifiers that will give clean water for up to 10,000 people per system per day.
Ten water purifiers are on a plane. They were supposed to get into the country yesterday, but didn’t. We hope they make it today. Tomorrow, our executive director Tom Corson and SIFAT graduate Trey Reed will fly commercially to the Dominican Republic and travel into Haiti.
SIFAT is partnering with several organizations to make this happen. To get an idea of some of what Tom and Trey will see and people with whom they may work, visit this blog.


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AWS re:Invent has just completed. It was a huge event with 50,000+ attendees across 7 of the biggest hotels in Vegas, and many new service announcements.
One of the big announcements at AWS re:Invent this week was the AWS App Mesh.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


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Will Activist Investor Push EMC To Spin Off VMware?
Hedge fund holding company Elliot Management has taken a $1 billion stake in storage giant EMC, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal last week. The activist investor with an estimated $25 billion under management is reportedly looking for the company to spin off VMware and Pivotal.
EMC has long opposed spinning off VMware, which is a potential move often floated. It most recently came up in late May when two Wells Fargo analysts advocated the spin off of VMware. Elliot is among those impatient with EMC's stock performance, which has risen only 163% over the past decade, compared with the Dow Jones U.S. Computer Hardware Index's 309% gain.
There's no reason to believe EMC CEO Joe Tucci would now welcome such a move, according to the report, noting his planned retirement is set for next year. Having VMware and Pivotal operate as separate companies, which EMC has a majority stake in, lets it operate under its "federation strategy." This would allow EMC, VMware, Pivitol and RSA to work together or individually with fewer competitive conflicts. An EMC spokesman told The Journal the company always welcomes discussions with shareholders but had no further comment. Elliot Management did not respond to an inquiry.
Freeing EMC of those companies could make it a potential takeover target for the likes of Cisco, Hewlett Packard or Oracle, though, the report noted, due to EMC's 31 percent decline in market share in the external storage market. EMC's stake in VMware is approximately 80 percent.
Elliot Management has taken many stakes in companies including BMC, Juniper and EMC rival NetApp. The company also made a $2 billion bid to acquire Novell in 2010, which the company rejected. Novell was later acquired by Attachmate.


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Colorfill with PMS $6.00 each.
This precious award is sure to be displayed prominently in any recipients office or home. The clear base holds the blue and clear crystal award as it waves prestige and power. Crystal is deep etched with your logo and message for eye catching beauty. Arrives packaged in a two piece presentation box.
Wave Award is available to ship 10 business days after proof approval.


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@khrystjian_f87 yes we do. Its so beautiful!
@horse_tea sweet! It’s between Oslo and Bergen. May have to check it out!


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Ayah said, "Mommy, I think you'd better speak to Hilman and pujuk him to go to toilet... I have tried, but he still refuses to go...". And I said, "Okay, I'll try..."
Me : What's the matter, sayang? Ayah told me that you didn't want to go to toilet and brush your teeth?
Hilman : Because I saw a big spider in there this morning.
Me : Hmmmm...how big was the spider, sayang?
Hilman : This big... (I can just imagine him trying to describe the size to me with his cute little chubby fingers).
Me : How big? You have to TELL me, sayang, because I cannot see you.
Hilman : (5 second pause. I think he was trying to estimate the size of the spider....Then it came -) One inch.
Me : One inch?! Hmmmm.... That's not big, is it?
Hilman : (He quickly quipped) I mean - TWO inch.
Me : Ok, Hilman...Can Mommy ask you something?
Me : How big are you?
Hilman : Mmmmmmm....... (trying really had to find the right figure to describe his size) Errrr.... six thousand inch.
Me : Ok, now.... who is bigger? The two-inch spider, or the 6000-inch you?
Me : Ok... You're bigger than the spider, right?
Me : Are you still scared of the incy wincy little spider?
Me : (Hmmmm...this is not going anywhere is it?! How am I going to convince him that the spider was probably more scared of him than he, of the spider?! Anyway....) Don't worry, Hilman... The spider will not harm you, ok?
Hilman : Mommy, what is "harm"?
Me : It means "kacau" (that's the only word that I could think of to use to make an innocent 6 year old understand, I guess). The spider will not kacau you, okay?


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Live music and legendary performers? Say no more! On Wednesday February 13th, Ottawa Life Magazine will host its first event of the new year in collaboration with Ottawa’s hottest new live music and entertainment venue, Overflow Brewery. From local music celebrities and state-of-the-art concert venues to a myriad of outdoor music festivals, Ottawa is the epicentre of music in Canada.
In continuation of our support for local music and in celebration of Ottawa’s ever-growing music scene, we would like to invite everyone and anyone who is a part of this spectacular industry to attend including bands, musicians, festival organizers, producers, radio personalities and music lovers alike!
This event will feature performances by rock band Better Living Through Chemistry, the legendary Town Cryers and CoverMe! Contest winners, The Tackies. Guests can look forward to live music, food and drinks, and a surprise (or two)! There will also be door prizes including a free recording session, two guitars and more.
Admission is $10 and all ticket proceeds will be evenly split between both bands, with a portion being donated to Maison Libère Elle, a local women’s shelter.
Once a staple in the city’s live music scene, The Town Cryers reached the number one spot on seven radio stations in Canada with their first release in 1987 called "All's Well.” Together, Jeff Tanguay, John Allaire, Rick Dixon and Kevin Smith toured across the country while at the same time releasing their 1989 CD, “Surprise Surprise”. The song included a supporting video which became the Top Independent Video in the country that year. Before parting ways in 1992, the band released their famous 18-track CD “Stanley’s Cup”. Don’t miss a special performance from these four veteran rockers as they bring their frontal guitar assaults and witty stage banter to Overflow Brewery on February 13th.
Wherever The Tackies go, the party is sure to follow! They have been described as an Indie rock band with hints of alternative and punk. The four member band has performed alongside The Lazys, Pack A.D and Lights, and has entertained at several popular Ottawa venues including The Rainbow, LIVE! on Elgin, and The 27 Club. In just three short years, the band has completed their first tour, released a second EP and won Ottawa Life Magazine’s CoverMe! Contest. The Tackies have been experimenting with fun new sounds and are prepared to be propelled faster and farther. Don’t miss Vivian-Wenzel, Galen Cussion, Mathieu Malette and Jamie Orser as they headline the first annual Musiclude 2019!
Better Living Through Chemistry is a straight up rock band, with clever lyrics, catchy hooks, and damn good songs. The five-member rock and roll collaboration has united, bringing together ex-members of Ottawa bands like The Setbacks, Boywonder, Crown Vic, and California Harvey. covers a wide range of everyday themes through their sound such as relationships, love, loss, determination and truth-- emotions we can all relate to.
Music has always been a love of mine. She began writing songs in the mid-2000's and when she felt she had enough material she put a recording together. With elements of country, folk and bluegrass, her music will have any audience mesmorized. She's released two full length albums with some of the city's finest players including Juniper Weekends (2011) and Down the Road (2013). Bon believes that music has an incredible power to move and to heal those who come close it. Amanda Bon is going to bring a clean, refreshing performance to the Musiclude stage!
Once a staple of the city's live music scene, the Cryers were known for their frontal guitar assaults and witty stage banter.
The Digi 60 Festival takes place this weekend as it enters its 15th season We sat down with Emily Ramsay, the Co-Executive Director of the festival.
With a second EP, the competition win and now a cover story, The Tackies are prepared to be propelled faster and farther.


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What is the Emerald Necklace?
The Emerald Necklace is an interconnected loop of parks and greenways along our urban waterways. Nestled in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley and extending from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Angeles National Forest down to the Pacific Ocean, providing desperately needed recreational areas.
An important part of our mission is working with other organizations to make the Los Angeles region into a recognized leader in park and green space creation opportunities working to offset the effects of climate change.
In 2005, Amigos de los Rios introduced the initial Emerald Necklace Vision Plan that outlined a detailed strategy for the development of a 17-mile loop of beautiful multi-benefit parks and green-ways connecting 10 cities and nearly 500,000 residents along the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel rivers watershed areas of East Los Angeles County.
Over the past 15 years, we have been working as a liaison between the community and public agencies to facilitate the collaborative effort known as the Emerald Necklace Expanded Vision Plan.
In 2008 the vision was Expanded..
The expanded plan outlines eight regional goals including promoting active transportation such as walking and biking; designing and building communities that are resilient to the current and projected impacts of climate change, and fostering a strong green economy.
The Emerald Necklace Expanded Vision plan was completed in 2014 with the assistance of The Conservation Fund.
The Emerald Necklace Regional Park Network in Southern California has the potential to become a world-class park network on the scale of Central Park in New York and will be a significant piece of the vision for an urban Los Angeles connected by river green-ways.
Our vision plan was inspired by a portable “Emerald Necklace” park design by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and the 1929 Olmsted Bartholomew Plan.
Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. was a pioneer in the field of landscape architecture and is best known for designing New York’s Central Park.
Our vision for a system of parks alongside the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel Rivers is also linked by trails and parkways and truly resembles a necklace inspired the title of Emerald Necklace Vision Plan.
Olmsted’s park design can be seen in cities around the United States: Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Washington D.C. and many others.
The Emerald Necklace Vision Plan was inspired by 1929 Olmsted Bartholomew Plan, designed for the Los Angeles area by the Olmsted Brothers – John Charles and Frederick Law Jr., sons of Frederick Law Olmsted.
Like their father’s Emerald Necklace design, the plan set out a system of parks and parkways, children’s playgrounds, and public beaches, which incorporated the Los Angeles, Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River watershed areas. The plan was a model of ambitious, intelligent, sensitive planning commissioned at a time when land was available but sadly, due to changing government priorities during the 1930’s depression the plan were never realized.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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The South of France is made of romance. Whether you’re driving winding roads over scenic mountain passes, savoring local cuisine by the sea, or strolling cobbled streets at dusk, your senses are always being seduced.
My life in Toulon began seven years ago when I moved with my husband, Nicolas. I immediately fell in love with the place. The Mediterranean lifestyle has to be one of the best in the world.
We live with the seasons, eat what’s fresh and readily available, and have plenty of time for leisure. And since Toulon sits directly on the sea, this means lazy afternoons at the beach, long port-side lunches, and weekend trips to any one of the charming Provençal towns that line the coast.
Living in Toulon has many benefits. First, since it’s a “working town,” it doesn’t shut down on the off-season—like many of the resort cities along the Côte d’Azur—and retains a lively, social scene all year long. You can find concerts, festival along the beach (most are free), and a thriving arts scene. The center of town is always abuzz with café-goers, locals shopping at the outdoor market on Cours Lafayette, and diners enjoy lunchtime under the famous South of France sunshine. Toulon was even awarded the distinction of being the “sunniest city in France” last year.
When I’m not off enjoying the many delights this region has to offer, I’m managing an English-language school in the center of town.
Salaries in the South of France are lower than Paris, but my monthly wage of $2,700 can go a long way. On my salary, I could easily afford to rent a comfortable one-bedroom for $650 in the center of Toulon. And if you increase your budget a bit—or rent as a couple—things get really interesting. When we first arrived, we rented a two-bedroom apartment, with a sea view, and just a two-minute walk from the beach for $1,090.
We live very well for a lot less than I spent during my days in California. I shop at the open-air markets and not only are the products fresh and seasonal, they’re also very cheap. You can find a kilo of tomatoes for as low as $2.30, and the same price for apples and other seasonal fruits like nectarines. A big bushel of herbs—basil, parsley, and thyme—will run you only $1.20.
You can get good quality cheese from $3.60 to $4.80, and meats start at about $4.80 a kilo. Perhaps most importantly, good wine is surprisingly inexpensive. Our favorite organic rosé, Les Embruns, was on sale recently for $5.40 a bottle.
The major perk, working in the South of France, is the relaxed attitude compared to the States. The French prioritize leisure and family time over climbing the career ladder. Hence, the five weeks of paid vacation and the many job protections you’re guaranteed under the law. Of course, this leisurely attitude means that things don’t always run in an orderly fashion. But it allows me to enjoy my personal life more, so it’s well worth it. I almost feel like I’ve been on a permanent vacation since moving here—such is the difference between working in France and the fast-paced, career-orientated lifestyle I lived in the U.S.
In France, life is lived at a slower pace, and we can enjoy all of the social benefits and protections that the French are famous for. Beyond being an incredibly stunning country, which we’ve discovered on our summer travels, living in France allows me the freedom to make a good income and still have an extremely enriching personal life.
My advice to anyone who wants to move here…bon appetit.


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Describes an MBean attribute exposed for management. Instances of this class are immutable. Subclasses may be mutable but this is not recommended.
This constructor takes the name of a simple attribute, and Method objects for reading and writing the attribute.
Compare this MBeanAttributeInfo to another.
Returns the class name of the attribute.
Indicates if this attribute has an "is" getter.
Whether the value of the attribute can be read.
Whether new values can be written to the attribute.
isIs - True if this attribute has an "is" getter, false otherwise.
descriptor - The descriptor for the attribute. This may be null which is equivalent to an empty descriptor.
This constructor takes the name of a simple attribute, and Method objects for reading and writing the attribute. The Descriptor of the constructed object will include fields contributed by any annotations on the Method objects that contain the DescriptorKey meta-annotation.
name - The programmatic name of the attribute.
True if the attribute can be read, false otherwise.
True if the attribute can be written to, false otherwise.
true if this attribute has an "is" getter.
true if and only if o is an MBeanAttributeInfo such that its MBeanFeatureInfo.getName(), getType(), MBeanFeatureInfo.getDescription(), isReadable(), isWritable(), and isIs() values are equal (not necessarily identical) to those of this MBeanAttributeInfo.

industry_corpus2: Programming


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Whether a previous or potential, leisure or business guest, making plans for a relaxing break near the Cotswolds or looking for conference facilities in Swindon, our eclectic range of services offers something for everyone.
Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon is a unique four star family owned hotel in Wiltshire situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, close to the M4, M5 and easily accessible by rail from London and Bristol. There are 108 comfortable bedrooms, 1 restaurant, 3 bars, 11 meeting rooms and Leisure Club with gym, indoor pool and spa making Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon a popular choice of hotel with people traveling on business, families or couples wanting a short break.
Here at Blunsdon House Hotel, we have 108 comfortable bedrooms, to suit all budgets and requirements. Our House bedrooms in the main building feature bathrooms with Aqua Lisa showers, flat screen TV’s, subtle lighting, stylish furniture and ample work space.
Discover some of our comfortable bedrooms below and plan your next stay with us.
Our House Bedrooms are located in our main building featuring King or Queen Size Beds and En-suite Bathrooms with an Aqua Lisa shower.
Our Pavilion Bedrooms have independent seasonal air conditioning and heating. They feature balconies or patios with pleasant views of the Wiltshire Countryside.
Choose from either a House Family Bedroom or a Pavilion Executive Family Bedroom for extra space. All of our family rooms include a King or Queen size bed and bunk beds or a sofa bed.
Our Spacious Suites are situated in the Pavilion building and feature all the same features and facilities of the Pavilion Executive Bedrooms, but with an additional living room area featuring sofas and a flat screen TV.
Our Four Poster Bedrooms are perfect for if you’re celebrating a special occasion or if you’d simply like to add a little luxury to your trip.
Here at Blunsdon House Hotel, we offer 3 different enchanting Honeymoon Suites for you to stay in after your big day. All 3 Honeymoon Suites feature a deluxe four poster bed with a balcony or terrace.
Come and taste some of the 100 variants of malt whisky we serve in our bar area. We are sure to have a whisky that you’ll fall in love with.
Blunsdon House Hotel offers many attractive offers for our customers, such as offers for dining, your business meetings and your overnight stay with us, there is always a great deal around the corner. We also offer short leisure breaks for all of the family, to a shopping trip at the Designer Village Outlet. Discover some of our latest offers below.
With unrivalled facilities and classes you can join today and start enjoying the best all-round gym membership in Swindon here at Blunsdon House.
Let us do the hard work, whilst you relax! In our Flame Restaurant we offer a mouth-watering lunchtime carvery that comes will all the trimmings.
Book your stay with us for your next UK break and you’re guaranteed not only a great stay, but at the best price on the market here at Blunsdon.


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Have you noticed that I recently changed the blog header?
Thinking of buying a nice blog theme but is it worth? I've found a few pretty blog themes which really my cup of tea but oh so sayang to spend my money for it. I mean, is it worth to invest on this blog when I barely have other people reading my blog beside my Husband?
Might as well recycle the old header & do some editings here & there kan?


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Asking you to take action, Wilding of America starts out exploring the out-of-control individualism spreading across the United States before offering inspiring ideas of how you can fight the wilding crisis at home, in school, and in our everyday life. Offering a hopeful vision of how we can all make our world a better place, the book covers the most current instances of wilding by universities, athletes, and the entertainment industry, global sweat shops, the Obama administration, the Occupy movement and much more.
Charles Derber is professor of sociology at Boston College and former director of its graduate program on social economy and social justice. He is a prolific scholar in the field of politics, economy, international relations, and U.S. culture. He has written 17 internationally acclaimed books and several major research grants, as well as hundreds of scholarly articles, magazine essays, and newspaper columns.
Derber’s books include Capitalism: Should You Buy It? (With Yale Magrass; Paradigm Publishers, 2014); Sociopathic Society (Paradigm Publishers, 2013); Hidden Power: What You Need to Know to Save Our Democracy (Berrett-Koehler, 2005, translated into Korean), a bestseller in South Korea and nominated by the Independent Bookstores of the United States as one of the three best current affairs books in 2005; People Before Profit: The New Globalization in an Age of Terror, Big Money, and Economic Crisis (Picador, 2003, translated into Chinese, German, and British English); Corporation Nation (St. Martin’s Press, 2000, translated into Chinese); The Pursuit of Attention (Oxford, 2000, translated into Polish); Power in the Highest Degree (with William Schwartz and Yale Magrass, Oxford, 1990); Greed to Green (Paradigm Publishers, 2010; translated into Korean); and Marx’s Ghost, (Paradigm Publishers, 2011, translated into Chinese, Korean, and Tamil).
Derber espouses a public sociology that brings sociological perspectives to a general audience. Derber lectures widely at universities, companies, and community groups, and appears on numerous media outlets. His op-eds and essays appear in The New York Times, Newsday, The Boston Globe, International Herald Tribune, China’s People’s Daily , Truthout, and Tikkun, as well as other newspapers and online media, and he has been interviewed by Newsweek, Business Week, Time, and other news magazines. He speaks frequently on National Public Radio, on talk radio, and on television. His work has been reviewed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Washington Monthly, and numerous other magazines and newspapers.
Derber is also a life-long activist for social justice. In the spirit of the great sociologist C. Wright Mills, he believes in the responsibility of intellectuals to speak truth to power and to match words with action.
Derber is married and lives in Dedham, Massachusetts. He has a beautiful wheaten terrier named Mojo, who lives up to his name.


text: In the 1940s, the Chongqing Beibei Nature Museum exhibited a Giant Panda. The Latin printed on the label meant Bear-like cat, with a Chinese translation of Mao Xiong (literally Cat Bear); yet Chinese was commonly read from right to left at that time so people took Mao Xiong as Xiong Mao. Due to its popularity it was then formally known as Da Xiong Mao, the Giant Panda, or Xiong Mao panda.


text:
The Cup spoiler is an essential addition for any 197 or 200 owner looking to give their car a racier edge. Many cars were specified with it as a dealer fit option, but if like me yours didn't come with one, you can easily add it aftermarket. This guide shows, with photos, exactly what is involved in fitting the spoiler.
2007 marks the first full year of the new 197 based Clio Cup race car, replacing the older 172/182 model. These 205bhp hatches ensure close racing and fierce competition by removing any mechanical superiority advantage.
The UK's only all french car show brings you a massive variety of standard, performance & modified cars, two 0-60 & 1/4 sprint track, a ' 2.1 mile run what you brung' circuit, a Pro-kart circuit, over 45 french car clubs, 80+ traders and over 10,000 true enthusiasts.
cliomods.com was created to address the lack of well produced Clio information resources.
The site combines informative content with the latest in design and web technology. Would you like to know more?
© Copyright 2005 - 2019 Cliomods. All rights reserved.


text: Yuzu & Co Where Brunswick Street meets Barker and Annie Streets is fast becoming a hotbed of Fortitude Valley dining, with a plethora of small bars and varied dinner spots open throughout the week. Yuzu & Co is a small but lively eatery that specializes in contemporary Japanese eats as well as some more inventive fare. Chef Kuldeep Singh has worked in many top-flight Japanese restaurants and has drawn on his experience when crafting the menu. Fans of Japanese cuisine will have plenty to gorge on at any given time, with classics such as sushi rolls, gyoza, and sashimi available for snacking.


text:
Award-winning, critically acclaimed UK/Australian cult sensation makes Off-Broadway debut.
He has headlined with Neil Patrick Harris in Montreal, won Outstanding Show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, starred on his own Netflix show in the UK, and been nominated (controversially) for an ACCTA Award, the Australian equivalent of an Emmy. Now felt-faced performance sensation RANDY sets his sights on conquering the US with the Off-Broadway premiere of RANDY WRITES A NOVEL. Written, performed and directed by Randy, previews begin April 18 at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre with opening night slated for Monday, April 23.
After being married, divorced, arrested, kidnapped and thrown from a moving hovercraft, occasionally sober entertainer Randy has just written his first novel and he wants to share a staged reading of it with you. Cursed with stagefright, he begins rambling and ends up sharing a memorable – and very funny, not to mention very adult – discourse on everything from Buddhist thought to the wisdom of McDonald’s home delivery service to whether Hemingway’s artistic genius was enough to compensates for him being a terrible human being. Randy may share the complexion of Barney the Dinosaur, RANDY WRITES A NOVEL promises to leave you questioning the meaning of life.
“I should add a disclaimer,” notes Randy. “This show is not some f****** life-changing, huge philosophical insight into the world and everything in it. It's just a few ideas. I'm not solving any of the world's problems."
RANDY WRITES A NOVEL is produced by Emerging Artists Theater and Red Spear Production. It features lighting by Roger Cooper and Sound by Adam Weinstock.
In the past thirteen years RANDY has given birth to half a dozen critically acclaimed solo shows. He has appeared at Fringe and Comedy festivals from Edinburgh to Hong Kong, Galway to Montreal, Singapore to Sydney and almost everywhere in between. He has hosted galas, recorded specials, performed a few times at The Sydney Opera House, released an album and a couple of DVDs, been nominated for two ARIAs (Australian Grammys) and featured on the Neil Patrick Harris Gala at the 2015 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. In 2010 Randy joined forces with comedian Sammy J to create Ricketts Lane, which won Best Show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and went on to become a television series of the same name, airing on ABC TV in Australia, Seeso in the US and Netflix in the UK. Randy's role in Sammy J & Randy in Ricketts Lane earned him an ACTAA (Australian Emmys) nomination for best performer in a comedy series in 2015. In 2016 Randy Writes a Novel was nominated for best comedy at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and went on to a season at the Soho Theatre in London as well as the 2017 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, where Randy also appeared on the Jane Krakowski Television Gala.
RANDY WRITES A NOVEL runs April 18 – June 9 at Theatre Row's Clurman Theatre (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). Performances are Tuesday - Thursday at 7pm, Friday & Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm. Running time is 80 minutes. Tickets are $81.25, available at 212-239-6200 or visit www.telecharge.com.


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The past few months, we’ve been taste testing our way through pantry staples to see which brand we like best. We found our favorite canned chickpeas for hummus emergencies. Our favorite natural peanut butter for afternoon snacks. And today, we’re finding our favorite whole-wheat pasta for dinner tonight.
Whole-wheat pasta—from spaghetti to fusilli—is my go-to at home. But as I chatted with more and more co-workers about this, something became clear: Not everyone is a fan. Why ruin pasta? they wondered. Eat pasta as it was intended to be eaten! they said.
But there’s no denying the demand. When I was growing up—I’m in my mid-20s, BTW—whole-wheat pasta wasn’t even a thing. Now, I can pick between shapes and brands and, it seems, more shapes and brands are available all the time. So which company makes the best? And could any convert the naysayers?
I boiled many pots of salty water to find out. We tried six brands of whole-wheat penne. Each pasta was dressed with a splash of olive oil, to sidestep any sticking, and all were tasted blind. They’re listed below from least to most favorite.
Sort of. The biggest surprise here wasn’t the loser or the winner. It was the lack of clarity. Last and first place were clear, but the middle four earned neck-and-neck scores. Two theories why: 1) Because the pastas aren’t that different. 2) Because the taste testers are in two different camps. Some of us loved the nutty, grainy qualities. Others, hated ’em. Which means the same pasta was both liked and disliked for the exact same reason.
This brand boasts: “Our superior taste begins with #1 USDA premium wheat. 100% all natural. 100% made in America. High in fiber. Tastes great, too.” Some people agreed: “In that this has flavor, I think it’s my favorite,” wrote one. Others described its flavor as “whole-wheaty” and “very wheaty” and “earthy.” One person seemed surprised: “I actually like the taste.” Meanwhile, most were not impressed: “Most cardboard-y in flavor. No thanks.” The texture, too, proved problematic, from the thickness (“Maybe too thick?” and “Very, very chewy”) to the graininess (“Too grainy” and “like eating sand”).
Like DeCecco, this was applauded for not tasting like whole-wheat pasta: “Tastes like normal pasta,” said one. “Not the most nutty flavor,” said another. “Subtle wheatiness,” said another. At the same time, others still found it too whole wheaty: “heartier, grainier.” Two people described it as “chalky” and another two as “chewy.” One was torn between two comparisons: “Tastes like nothing OR a graham cracker.” Hm.
Congrats to TJ’s whole-wheat penne for not tasting like whole-wheat penne. Hooray? “Light flavor, not super whole-wheaty,” said one. “Least chalky,” wrote another. We even got one, “Tasty!” And the ultimate compliments: “Can be used in place of white pasta” and “Close to normal pasta.” Which sums it up well. If you’re looking to eat more whole grains, but don’t like the taste and texture of them, this taste test is just for you. Or, if you’re like me—into the whole grains and all their grainy, nutty qualities—maybe flip this list on its head.
What are your feelings on whole-wheat pasta? Love it? Hate it? Tell us why in the comments!
I have cooked several brands but the only one I like, actually love, is not listed — primarily because it is a small company owned by a restaurateur in Oakland, CA. Bob Klein made it his quest to collaborate with No CA owners of small wheat farms to create a company of ancient wheat grain — wheat grown from premier seeds. Non GMO of course. He sells the flours, makes breads and has a flour company, Community Grains, from which the pastas and breads are made. It is the only pasta I have had that does not taste gummy; has flavor that doesn’t overwhelm sauces but adds richness to the palate. Bob’s restaurant is Oliveto and he sources all ingredients carefully. His pastas and flours can be ordered through Market Hall Foods (google it) in Oakland. I feel fortunate to have this resource in town.
Count me with the people who find Barilla whole wheat pasta fishy.
When I taste-test my WW pasta of whatever brand when the instructions on the box say it should be done, it's generally pretty horrible. So I commit the sin of cooking another few minutes, then I'm almost certain to get it to a point of being able to enjoy it.
Before I started reading, I wondered if Trader Joe's would be part of the test. Not at all surprised it was so roundly praised - we loooove their ww pasta! Makes me wonder who their private label resource is.
Ohhh! I wish you’d tried Bionaturae. It’s my favorite ww pasta!
Put me down for Bionaturae, too.
It would have been more practical to prepare the pastas the way they would normally be eaten. Would you normally sit down to a plate/bowl of penne dressed only in olive oil? Yummm??? They're not medicine. They're just pasta and meant to be eaten the way you would normally eat pasta. So, why not serve them all with the same Bolognese or whatever? And, whole wheat pasta has been around forever. We could (and did) get it in San Francisco when I was a kid, ahem. Just take my word for it that it was a long time ago. It was made by Golden Grain, IIRC, which also made several varieties of spinach pasta. It's harder to find either of those now than it was then. Of course, SF with its huge Italian community probably had more call for more varieties, but whole wheat pasta is nothing new, just a current foodie darling so people are more aware of it.
Sadly, you did not include Garofalo Whole Wheat pasta.
Not a fan of whole wheat pasta. I have issue with the texture of most WW products. I don't mind the flavor of whole wheat which, at its best, I find nutty and sweet. Get that texture to be like regular pasta, you'll have an enthusiastic convert to WW pasta.
Disappointed you tested Barilla - I know they're ubiquitous but in light of the CEO's incredibly homophobic views I would've left them off this list.
Thank you for this - I still won't buy their product (Thanks TJ's) but I can see how others would feel they've made amends.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


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On the same day as Google Earth relaunched with a bunch of new features, Google’s virtual reality (VR) version of the service has also been given some notable updates.
Google Earth VR was first unveiled for the HTC Vive headset back in November, but now it’s also available for Facebook’s Oculus Rift, with support for the Oculus Touch controllers.
This isn’t the first time Google has introduced support for Facebook’s VR platform — the internet giant rolled out a version of its futuristic VR paint app Tilt Brush for Oculus a couple of months ago.
But arguably more important than its arrival on Oculus, Google Earth VR now also lets you manually search for places through the app.
Until now, users could navigate by flying over landscapes and conurbations, but they couldn’t actually search for a place using keywords, as you can on Google Maps or Google Earth.
Google said that it has also added 27 new locations, including South Africa’s Table Mountain and Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier.


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You choose which direction you would like to go.
Arrive in Christchurch. There will be a courtesy bus pick up at the airport. You will be taken to your hotel that you booked prior to arriving in NZ. This will enable you to catch up on some well needed sleep.
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning of (Day 2) and taken to your bike, then its off to the New Zealand vehicle testing station (VTNZ) for a temporary registration and WOF (warrant of fitness inspection). Then you will be on your way. Ride 112 miles/181 km to Kaikoura (2 hours 30 minutes). Go whale watching. Book in advance for this if you can. Cruising time on the water is 2.5 - 3.5 hours. Booking times 12.45 pm, 1.15 pm and 3.30 pm.
See www.whalewatch.co.nz Stay the night.
(1 hours 40 minutes) to Nelson via Queen Charlotte Sound and stop for lunch. Then ride 34 miles/60 km to Motueka via Tahuna Beach and don't forget to check out Rabbit Island on your way. Stay the night when you get to Motueka.
Ride back to Motueka 16 miles/20 km (30 minutes) via Marahau hill.
Ride 51 miles/83 km (1 hour 15 minutes) to Collingwood via the marble mountain (Takaka Hill). Take a Farewell Spit lighthouse tour. See www.farewellspit.com then ride back to Motueka. Stay the night.
Have dinner by the lake front. Either stay the night or ride over the Crown range 42 miles/68 km (1 hour) to Queenstown and stay the night there instead. You decide.
Take a ride on a jet boat or try a bungy jump or take your pick of exciting things to do.
Stay another night in Queenstown or Wanaka.
Ride 106 miles/172 km (2 hours 10 minutes) to Te Anau.
Then back to Te Anau. Stay the night.
Ride 13 miles/22 km (30 minutes) to Manapouri. Take a boat ride to the underground power station (3-4 hour tour).
Then ride 89 miles/143 km (2 hours) to Invercargill.
Ride 19 miles/31 km (30 minutes) to Bluff. This is at the bottom tip of the South Island. Closest to the South Pole. Then ride 51 miles/82 km (1 hour 15 minutes) to Waipapa Beach lighthouse. Then ride 16 miles/26 km (45 minutes) to Curio Bay while riding through the Catlands for more spectacular scenery. Stay the night. Book before you get there if you can.
Ride 126 miles/203 km (2 hours 30 minutes) to Mount Cook.
at the church on the lake edge. Stay the night.
Ride 82 miles/133 km (1 hour 45 minutes) to Christchurch passing through Waipara. Put your bike into storage ready for the return March shipment back to the UK and then relax for another nights sleep in Christchurch.
Or take a 3-4 days excursion to Melbourne/Phillip Island for the 2019 World Superbike rounds during your New Zealand trip. Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th February 2019.
Do some shopping in Melbourne for the day.
Transalpine train ride/return for a relaxing day from Christchurch.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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The CEO of China’s second-largest dairy company describes how data and artificial intelligence are shaking up how he does business.
Twenty kilometers outside of central Beijing sits the sprawling headquarters of China Mengniu Dairy, China’s second-largest dairy company. It might not boast the same glossy exterior as China’s colossal technology companies’ campuses, and CEO Jeffrey, Minfang Lu admits that the dairy industry suffers from a less-than-innovative image, but behind modest doors lies a rapidly modernizing business.
Armed with more data than its people can currently compute, Mengniu Dairy is embarking on an effort to bring the centuries-old industry up to date through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in China and beyond. As it does, the company hopes to innovate across everything from manufacturing and supply chains to product development and marketing.
As with everything in China, the scale of the ambition is huge. Each year, the company sells 12 billion packets of product, chiefly milk and yogurt products, which are produced across 58 manufacturing sites and more than 1,000 manufacturing lines in China. In addition to the impressive scale of production, the company has access to 20 million “active” consumers who share information about their product preferences and lifestyle habits through e-commerce and social channels. Mengniu Dairy’s product-development, forecasting, manufacturing, and marketing teams interpret these data, albeit not fast enough.
By tapping into consumer trends that extend beyond the immediate product, Mengniu Dairy hopes to make milk and yogurt more appealing among a younger, savvier Chinese consumer. A recent, and notable, example saw milk products featured in a kung fu film alongside Alibaba CEO Jack Ma and kung fu star Jet Li. China is in the midst of a transition from a country of people who do not drink much milk and have perceptions of lactose intolerance to one where consumption catches up with the research showing that 80 percent of Chinese people can drink 200 milliliters of milk at a meal without adverse reaction. Plans are afoot to expand Mengniu Dairy’s physical footprint, too, beyond China’s borders and into Southeast Asia to capitalize on the government’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In December 2017, Mr. Lu sat down with McKinsey Quarterly to share more about the company’s digital-transformation plan and how he hopes technology can help its leaders better understand ever-changing Chinese consumption habits.
The Quarterly: How are some of the well-documented changing consumer habits shaping your business?
Mr. Lu: One of the big changes is that consumers are more mobile than before. People are on the move, they are traveling, and they have a mobile phone wherever they go. We need to really take this seriously and see how it will impact our model, and our route to market, and the way we communicate with customers. In the past, you will see consumers go to a supermarket, buy enough stock for one month, and go back each month, and your job is done. This is no longer going to happen. Consumers have more choice. They can go to a small convenience store; they can use their mobile apps and have a product delivered to their home.
The Quarterly: How are you using digital technology to tap into the changing consumer behavior?
Mr. Lu: The new environment is all about data. If you look at our industry, you will see a very long supply chain all the way from grass to glass. You can collect data from farms and even from individual cows. When you go into the supply-chain side and into manufacturing, you have much more data. When you look at our logistics, we have a huge amount of milk, which is transported across the nation. And then, on the consumer side, you see consumers buying our products online, communicating with us online—and so there is a lot of consumer transactional and interaction data.
Across our entire chain of our business, data is available for us to translate into knowledge about our business. But it’s all about how to use this data to empower our decision making across our business activities.
More and more, this is about using AI to help us to improve our ability to do further analysis. Our capability to calculate and to analyze this data relies on us using the newest knowledge.
Just for example, at Mengniu, we collect four million tons of milk each year. We sell 12 billion packs of product to our consumer, and we have 58 manufacturing sites, more than 1,000 manufacturing lines, more than 2,000 SKUs. If you put everything together, honestly, humans cannot do this analysis anymore.
So today, we have kicked off some big projects—with Alibaba, for example—to use AI to analyze our supply chain, to tell us where we should manufacture products, to tell us where we should collect the milk, and to tell us how we can transport these products to our customers so that we get the maximum efficiency out of all this data.
The Quarterly: That is a great example of how data are helping you tackle productivity challenges internally. Can you talk about any other initiatives that will help you better understand your customers?
Mr. Lu: On the consumer side, we built an internal capability to get the consumer data out of a huge database. We have 20 million consumers who are actively talking to us in our data bank monthly. We know exactly who they are, how they behave, and how they interact with us, and we use this to adjust our product and adjust our formulation in order to meet their needs.
At the same time, consumers are also able to get access to more of the services and products that we are offering, either through an online channel or through membership interaction or through a microcommunity.
So again, this gives a lot more transparency over how we run our business. We can forecast for the next day instead of a month later. And we can read consumer trends—whether they like more sugar, less sugar. They may also tell us where they go in terms of what entertainment programs, dramas, and movies they are watching. This provides a lot of possibility for us to get the access to our consumer but also to give our consumer the ability to access us.
The Quarterly: How do you see the changes you have been describing playing out over the next few years?
Mr. Lu: We need to see how we can use these changes in the market to actively engage with our consumers, to provide personalized, individualized products for the young and old, because they all have different needs.
For example, we are working on how to get our product to be more interesting and to have a different taste profile that appeals to a younger audience. How can we give consumers much more than nutrition? We need to give them enjoyment. We need to give them excitement.
We also want to work on the image of Mengniu, to become younger looking and more fashionable. We cannot blame consumers for not liking milk or our packaging. If we do these two things right, then I think we will be part of a consumer’s healthy enjoyment of life rather than just a pack of milk sitting in the fridge.
The Quarterly: If China’s bold Belt and Road Initiative does indeed open the borders to increased outbound and inbound trade, what is the opportunity for Mengniu Dairy to become a global brand?
Mr. Lu: Now, honestly, Mengniu is still very much a Chinese company. But whereas in the past, the Chinese government or Chinese companies were very good in terms of exporting machine equipment and infrastructure capabilities, today we find, given the One Belt, One Road strategy, there is opportunity for a consumer-goods company like us. We are expanding into markets like Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh; we find huge opportunity in these markets.
For example, I was in Indonesia recently. It’s amazing because in Jakarta, an area of 15 million people, we know the consumers and they like our product. If we take our product there, we will find out that there are a lot of similar products and that they have the same preference [as Chinese consumers]. We have tested two products in this market and got very, very good feedback.
It also gives us opportunities to expand our products. In Southeast Asia, ice cream is a very important category because, unlike China, you have no seasonality. You can eat ice cream every day. And the same thing for the fresh dairy products. Some of these markets are like China 20 years ago, like in Myanmar and Bangladesh. We understand the consumer and the category trends as well as the country trends.
With One Belt, One Road, there is support from the local countries that are more open to a Chinese company running business there. Alibaba is there. We can see Jingdong is there. We can see also Xiaomi and Vivo—they are all there. This is a different ecosystem today than in the past.
The Quarterly: Can you explain the motivation behind your recent film collaboration with Alibaba and Jack Ma?
Mr. Lu: It was interesting because the motivation for the film came from Alibaba—and from Jack Ma, who wanted to change the impression of kung fu to make it fun, interesting, and part of modern Chinese culture and bring it to the front of the consumer mind. This was the purpose of the film, and that also resonates with what we at Mengniu want to do as well. We are not just a milk manufacturer telling you what we can do; we want to be part of your life.
Jeffrey, Minfang Lu is the CEO and executive director of China Mengniu Dairy. This interview was conducted by Lois Bennett, a member of McKinsey Publishing who is based in McKinsey’s Shanghai office; Daniel Hui, an associate partner in the Hong Kong office; Udo Kopka, a senior partner in the Hamburg office; and Daniel Zipser, a senior partner in the Shanghai office.