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Greetings from a very cool Germany! Autumn has really and truly set in and the tree colours are stunning.
Luxembourg was smaller than we imagined but prettier. Sean took us on a great guided tour of the “must see” things. First the largest American military grave site outside of America. We were blown away by the serenity and immaculate keeping of the site. Not a blade of grass out of place.
It also had some very good explanations of the war and how land occupation changed over time.
General Paton is buried there. He actually died Germany but wanted to be buried with his men.
The town of Luxembourg was very pretty and lots of “chocolate box” scenes.
We had to have a couple of pub stops to warm up as we meandered through the town on a cold Sunday. You see, Peter was very happy it was a Sunday as all the shops are shut, so we couldn’t “shelter” in the warm retail shops! We went to the casements and tunnels cut in the rock for fortress reasons. So many and such amazing work for being so old. Also, great views from there.
That night we went to the local pub in the village where Sean lives – and even I held my own in the pool games!!!!!!! They still smoke indoors in pubs and restaurants in Luxembourg and some of Germany – we are so not used to that now. We left Luxembourg for Frankfurt. It was great staying with Sean and catching up. Thanks Sean!!!!!
We stayed for three nights in Frankfurt. It is much more modern than other places we have seen in Germany and has high rise glass buildings. But these are set alongside old buildings too. Msot of teh city was bombed during the war which explains the new buildings.
The Old Opera house - rebuilt in the 1980's!!
We met our friend Heike’s brother and sister in law for dinner here and had a great night. We tried the local “green sauce” which I really liked. Made with a yogurt base and with garlic and 7 green herbs, e.g. parsley, chives, etc. Similar to the Italian Sauce Verde but with the yogurt base instead of just oil.
Night scene Frankfurt - a bit blurry sorry!!
Went to the local indoor market. It was wonderful and saw the wonderful mushrooms, the huge pumpkin and lots of other treats.
The pumpkin was 42 euros to buy it was so large!
By now the weather is cold and it was also raining. But there was a heated pool at the hotel we were at and we enjoyed the warm exercising!
This entry was posted on October 30, 2010 at 3:21 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.	You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
I’ve just caught up on all the blogs you’ve been sending. I’ve had a very busy October so haven’t had a chance to read them until now. I’ve just spent about an hour browsing through them all and reading all about your adventures. Boy, you’ve been to some great places haven’t you. You’ll have some wonderful memories to bring home with you now. I’ve saved all the blogs for Sheila to read when she comes back from Denmark. She’s doing very well over there and her accommodation has cost nothing because she’s been staying with friends she’s made over there. Good eh!
I think Sheila will be coming up to Auckland at some stage, don’t know when yet so she’ll be able to catch up with you both then. I probably won’t be up because she’ll be working when she does get there.
We’ll look forward to your blog from England and your adventures there.
Have fun guys and thank you so much for the entertaining write-ups.


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"Achieving peace, balance and harmony in your life is something you have the power to create."
Licened And Owners Barbara & Elizabeth Mother And Daughter Psychic Team.
"It is Our destiny to offer our psychic advice and spiritual guidance to serve others. Life is a journey and each one of us deserves to enjoy the ride. Yes there will be highs and lows on this journey. We can help you overcome your heartache and teach you how to feel and grow and to experience love. Let us help you with your worries and problems and understand what you need to do to achieve the future you desire. We can feel the thoughts and feelings of others. We can use our God gifted powers to see the feelings of your loved one. When We do this you will get clarity into your relationship. This is a powerful tool to be used with extreme care.
If you want truth and accuracy, You will not be disappointed. We are gifted spiritual advisors helping people around the world find real answers."

industry_corpus2: Health & Medicine


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Every experience happens for personal growth! Do you believe this statement? Well I do. Sunday morning I ended my regular morning routine with putting on my Mala and wedding band, however, my wedding band was missing. I did not pay to much attention as I headed out to teach for the day, there are many times I have misplaced it. As the day went on I found myself thinking about where it could be. The day turned into the evening and the evening turned into a full bedroom clean, bathroom clean and car clean. My heart was growing heavier as the evening went on. By Monday morning I was a mess, I new it was gone. I met my husband for coffee when I noticed a small bruise on his face. When I asked what had happened he said “that’s been there all week.” There is was! My heart sank and tears began to fill my eyes. I sat there and cried. I cried for the lost ring, for the bruise on Simon’s face and for the fact that I had been so busy multi tasking that I was missing the small things. I had stopped paying attention.
Thank you Universe for reminding me to slow down. Lesson noted.

industry_corpus2: Others


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On March 28, the delegation of All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations left for the Netherlands to participate in several events. In particular, the schedule includes the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of parliament, a press conference, a reception at the Embassy of Ukraine.
The AUCCRO delegation members are Patriarch Filaret (Denisenko), Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church Peter Malchuk, Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine Yakov Dov Bleich, Mufti of the RAMU Sheikh Akhmed Tamim, Head of the Ukrainian Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Stanislav Nosov, pastor of the All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Christian Baptists (AUC ECB) and Deputy General Secretary of the Ukrainian Biblical Association Anatoliy Raichynets.
On March 30 the delegation is scheduled to return back to Ukraine.
В Донецьк і Луганськ їдте, "делегати".


text: Industry professionals will appreciate this new device from Bergeon. This effective and practical tool optimises the perforation of all kinds of straps in leather, fabric and even rubber. Its aluminium structure and its ergonomic shape make it perfectly easy to use for fast and efficient work.

industry_corpus2: Manufacturing


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Fairly small terrestrial birds with compact body, strong legs, and short wings.
Tropical, subtropical and temperate forests, forest edge, savanna and agricultural land, from sea-level to 3300 m.
10 genera, 35 species, 134 taxa.
Like most of the other galliforms, the New World quails have a long history of association with man. This association has been both beneficial and detrimental at times, depending on the perceived value of the particular species and the land use practices.
List of species of the New World Quails (Odontophoridae) family. Each species provides information on taxonomy, descriptive notes, voice, habitat, food and feeding, breeding, movements, status and conservation and bibliography.
The family map should include parts of Africa now that Stone Partridge & Nathan's Partridge are placed in this family.
Carroll, J.P. (2019). New World Quails (Odontophoridae). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. & de Juana, E. (eds.). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from https://www.hbw.com/node/52220 on 23 April 2019).


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We cannot understand the easiest programming skills unless we are able to manipulate them. Parallel computing first seemed to be hard, but once we could write even several lines of codes, it became so easy.
I started 15 engines, more than the times that the function would be called.
We could expect there should be latency.
Each time, the function was called one second later due to the time.sleep(1).
Module importing was included in defining function, because each engine started was a “blank” engine before the codes came in. These engines were different from the “local” one.
If we use map_async, the process will not wait until the full execution is finished. In this case, the program will go on and we can let the program do other things. Later, we can use ready() and get() functions to see if the computing is finished and get the results.
If we use map_sync, the vice versa is true. This case is useful if we need the results as prerequisite for further analysis. Otherwise, use map_async.
We can wrap our programs in functions and call.

industry_corpus2: Programming


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The handmade Boys Bow Tie comes in Cerise Pink colour with a smooth satin finish. The boys Bow tie is 9cm at its widest point. Our boys ties are ideal for a special occasion such as weddings, christenings. Check out our Childrens Tie collection here at TiesRus.
*estimated due to weight of average parcel. If your parcel is extremely heavy we will email you for correct price.
Refunds and Exchanges for all items can only be given within 30 days of receipt.
© 2019 Ties R Us. All Rights Reserved.


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With an average of 60 to 100 deliveries per day, Idaho Springs Water needs efficient routing for its drivers as well as dependable and timely maintenance to keep delivery trucks on the road.
Idaho Youth Ranch has improved fleet efficiency through initiatives such as mobile technicians and electronic routing, as well as by adding new Kenworth T270 leased trucks to its fleet.
This health technology company shares the most desired features in its fleet vehicles — from both the fleet manager’s and driver’s perspectives — particularly the Mazda CX-5, a first-time choice for the company.
There are many ways to lease trucks, many types of lease providers, and a multitude of truck configurations. Here's a primer to help you navigate the decision.

industry_corpus2: Transportation


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Hi all, we’ve had a busy few months and the events are still coming in November/December, see below for details.
Who: Any member who will be 12 or 13 as of Feb 22, 2018.
When/Where: November 19, 2017. Peachland Community Hall. 9:30am.
Eligible Students: Alexander B, Ayden C, Ayun C, Brock L, Cameron G, Hayden K, Isaac W, Josh W, Kaylub H, Sean M.
When/Where: RHKA, Wednesday November 29th, 2017. 5pm-6pm.
Deadline to register: November 22nd, 2017.
Deadline to register: November 28th, 2017.

industry_corpus2: Subject Education


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This animated horror-comedy series follows one Mark Lilly, social worker at the Department of Integration, as he helps new citizens both human and "other" adapt to hectic life in the Big Apple. Between his stressful job, a zombie roommate, and a demon ex-girlfriend, Mark's lucky if he can sneak in a few minutes of sleep. But who can sleep when there's a drop-dead gorgeous Mermaid sitting at the bar?
This animated horror-comedy series premieres on COMEDY CENTRAL.

industry_corpus2: Film & Entertainment


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Audience/Genre: New Adult, Dark Romance.
Publication: February 2nd 2015 by Lakehouse Press, Inc.
The truth shall set you free.
My name is Calla Price and I’m drowning.
My new world is a dark, dark ocean and I’m being pulled under by secrets.
Can I trust anyone? I don’t know anymore.
The lies are spirals. They twist and turn, binding me with their thorns and serpentine tongues. And just when I think I have it figured out, everything is pulled out from under me.
I’m entangled in the darkness.
But the truth will set me free.
It’s just ahead of me, so close I can touch it. But even though it shines and glimmers, it has glistening fangs and I know it will shred me.
You loved Courtney Cole's NOCTE in all it's dark, twisted, spellbinding, messed-up awesomeness. You can't wait until VERUM (Nocte Trilogy Book 2) releases in February 2015. And now Courtney Cole is going to release an exclusive VERUM excerpt...but only if we can get it to the top 1000 on Amazon!
All you have to do is go to Amazon and pre-order VERUM right now.Go, pre-order, and get all your NOCTE-obsessed friends to pre-order, too. If enough people do it, VERUM will climb up the ranks, and we'll get a sneak peek at the follow-up to what's being called "a haunting psychological suspense" and "the rare kind of story that leaves permanent marks on your heart and your soul."
Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could.
She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds.
Courtney was born and raised in rural Kansas, but has since migrated south. She now lives in Florida and writes beneath palm trees.

industry_corpus2: Literature & Emotions


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Will the Lakers Ever See The Big W?
Nash is out for the season and that’s a fact for the Lakers, now they have to place their full trust in Jeremy Lin who either way was going to be the starter for this team at point. Many people have given guard Kobe Bryant the cold back that he is too old, not good enough or just plan past his time, I will not accept that, and this is coming from a Celtics fan. Yes, I believe in Kobe, he has done so much that he is owed the benefit of the doubt. The Warriors are younger, faster and have a better all around team, no one doubts that, but how much heart do they have knowing it could all be over tomorrow, that’s what the Lakers have.
Will the Pelicans Live Up To The Hype?

industry_corpus2: Sports


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There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, significant cuts to funding for post 16 education are worse than any cuts to secondary education. The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has stated that funding will fall to the same level as in 1989, nearly three decades ago. The National Union of Teachers NUT has reported that post 16 education has seen a 13% cut in spending since 2013 with funding for students already aged 18 cut by 17.5% in 2014 alone. It is to no surprise that this year A-level pass grades have hit an 8-year low.
All these cuts mean the student’s choices are limited, many of the more creative subjects like the Arts, Dance and Drama as well more academic subjects like Politics and Economics will no longer be heard off as it’s unaffordable for sixth forms to run. Many Colleges and sixth forms are now having to narrow down the subjects they offer to just the core subjects like the Sciences, English and Maths. This narrowing of the curriculum excludes many teenagers’ interests.
The second reason why local sixth forms are under threat is the rise of county hubs for post 16 education, which has appealed to many students as they are able to offer more subjects due to the larger number of students on roll. In Cornwall, the private provider Callywith College in Bodmin has recently been constructed as a hub for 16-19-year olds despite the concern of many local sixth forms in the area. As a result, the number of students in sixth forms in Cornwall, like the one I attend, has fallen sharply. This means that they will soon become unviable to run and face closure, forcing students to travel for hours each day from all over the county to receive their education.
With the current government’s austerity, cuts have become the norm. Recently I was informed that the 16-19 Bursary fund was under threat. This fund provides up to £1,200 a year to some of the most vulnerable students from poorer backgrounds and often pays for their transport to and from their place of education, which can be well in excess of £500 a year. Without this bursary, post 16 education would be unaffordable for many students. This means that some students will be excluded from an education and the chance of heading off to university purely based on wealth, something that should be unimaginable in a country like ours.
The Labour party have plans to stop this. Labour are proposing to create a National Education Service (NES) which will ensure that everyone has a right to education at all levels. It will also include an education for post 16 education making sure funding is fairly distributed, as well as reintroducing the Education maintenance allowance for low and middle-income households giving students form a level playing field with their much wealthier counterparts.
How did you vote in the 2016 referendum?


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This is a small parrot with a long, square tail and a large beak and head. This parrot has the ability to raise rich maroon-edged and electric blue head feathers when excited or defensive. The face color is sable brown flecked with dull white. The wings, back, and tail are emerald green.
This species gets its common name from the distinctive dark red-blue feathers covering its head and neck. When angry or alarmed, it raises these feathers, framing the face like a headdress.
In the wild, hawk-heads travel in pairs or small groups and roost singly in trees. Because they are more solitary, they are harder to capture and therefore there are few hawk-heads in the pet trade today.
The parrot plays an important role in its habitat by helping to propagate the forest. Because not all of the seeds consumed are digested, many are passed in the bird's guano over new areas of the forest.
Some species eat nectar and are important in the pollination of many species of plants in the tropical forests.
The U.S. Wild Bird Act forbids the commercial import of any bird listed by CITES which includes most parrots, endangered or threatened.

industry_corpus2: Agriculture & Fisheries


text: Relax in newly renovated Polynesian-style bungalows and enjoy a private beach resort with all the amenities and activities expected at a world-class hotel. All-inclusive rates mean that First Club members enjoy unlimited meals, snacks and beverages including a full open bar, supervised kids activities, sports, SCUBA classes, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and more - all included in the price of your stay. Enjoy a virtual tour of the Allegro Cozumel to experience the best all-inclusive resort in Mexico.

industry_corpus2: Travel & Geography


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Rusty surfaces, burred components, surface scales and aging, machine wear and tear are some inevitable problems that Sand Blasting Guys in Bath, IL industry's encounter. This is where sandblasting equipment plays its vital role to prolong the machinery and equipment life. Sandblasting allows easy removal of rust and preparation of surfaces to apply coatings and paint.
Without paint, lustre and perfect finishing, products do not appeal to the customer in a highly competitive market. Prior to applying the paint layer, Sand Blasting Guys in Bath, IL sandblasting effectively knocks out surface imperfections thus giving a smooth appearance. Rusty components affect the performance of machinery and if rust is not removed timely, the machine or a part of it can be damaged permanently. Furthermore, sandblasting is used on plastic components that have developed mould. Sandblasting equipment is also employed for cleansing of stones, bricks and concrete work. In addition, the high velocity propulsion of grit allows efficient cleaning of boat hulls too.


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St. Bartholomew's Church ("us", "we", or "our") operates the http://stbarts.org/ website (hereinafter referred to as the "Service").
Your information, including Personal Data, may be transferred to – and maintained on - computers located outside of your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ from those of your jurisdiction.
Under certain circumstances, St. Bartholomew's Church may be required to disclose your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).
Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with another Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.
the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance in Europe or opt-out using your mobile device settings.


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A polyalphaolefin (PAO) food grade hydraulic, gear, reciprocating air compressor oil.
CAMCO FMO-8-5/15 Series is a custom-blended polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic hydrocarbon oil giving improved lubrication at high and low temperatures, reduced volatility and compatibility with mineral oils and equipment designed for use with mineral oils.
Authorized by USDA for use in Federally inspected meat and poultry plants. Complies with FDA 21CFR 178.3570 – Lubricants with Incidental Food Contact.
A polyalphaolefin (PAO) food grade hydraulic, gear, reciprocating air compressor oil. CAMCO FMO-8-150/220 Series is a custom-blended polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic hydrocarbon oil giving improved lubrication at high and low temperatures, reduced volatility and compatibility with mineral oils. Authorized by USDA for use in Federally inspected meat and poultry plants. Complies with FDA 21CFR 178.3570 – Lubricants with Incidental Food Contact.


text: Put my pictures on your back. That way I can put some clothes on mine. Stores around the world, fast and easy ordering and delivery. If you like my stuff, buy it for a friend. If you hate it, buy it for an enemy. Unlimited stock.


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A lot of women are told they must take folic acid if they are considering having a baby or if they’re pregnant however, I’m here to tell you to STAY AWAY from folic acid. Huh? What? Are you insane Tara?! Let me clarify: I want you to take folate not synthetic folic acid. Let me explain.
“Folic acid” is manmade. It’s a synthetic vitamin that is not found in nature. It has to be transformed via a complicated process in the body in order for your body to be able to use it.
Folic acid is found a lot in processed foods because these foods are devoid of their nutrition, (think white bread – stripped of the bran) and hence manufacturers have to add back in some vitamins. They do this by way of synthetic vitamins. So if the package says “enriched” you want to stay away from that food as it’s likely enriched with synthetic folic acid. Don’t be fooled by “enriched” foods. These aren’t healthy foods, and the synthetic folic acid is potentially doing you harm (more on that in a moment).
Synthetic folic acid looks very similar to active folate, but synthetic folic acid is missing a key component; a methyl group. That methyl group supports 200+ enzymes in the body, so suffice to say it’s kinda important.
Folate however, is natural. It’s the active form of B9 in your body and it’s found in food sources such as leafy greens, which are the best source. There are actually over 200 different types of folate in leafy greens and the word folate actually comes from the word foliage.
You can also find folate in beans, but it’s sometimes hard to absorb the folate from these. And it’s important to know that cooking can dramatically reduce the folate content in these healthy foods, that’s why eating raw dark leafy greens every day is important. Even just rinsing your beans can dramatically reduce folate content.
Folate is also what’s found in your own body, and the pathway in your body that makes folate is called the methylation pathway. More on this in a moment.
Genes make enzymes and then enzymes work to make “something” in the body. But enzymes only work if the correct co-factors, (vitamins and minerals) are available to them. Mold, pesticides, glyphostate, arsenic, heavy metals, stress and more can also impact how your enzymes work.
If you’re lacking in co-factors then your enzymes cannot work efficiently. This is an even bigger problem if you have MTHFR, a very common genetic variant that occurs in up to about 50% of the population, (myself included).
So remember, I said that enzymes work to make something in the body. Well the MTHFR enzyme works to make methyl-folate in the body. MTHFR is the last step in a long process that makes methyl-folate.
Recall: methyl-folate is the active form of folate that our body can use.
So if you’re supplementing with synthetic folic acid instead of methyl-folate issues can arise because the body finds it very difficult to put that methyl group, (“methyl-folate”) onto synthetic folic acid.
The body has to convert synthetic folic acid into methyl-folate by adding a methyl group and it does this primarily via the enzyme: MTHFR.
Folic acid has to go through many enzymes that require many co-factors before it even gets to this last MTHFR step.
Folic acid can only be incorporated into the cell, (remember: transformed into methyl-folate – the active form of folate) if it’s reduced by another enzyme first. And this enzyme is called dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR).
If it doesn’t go through this enzyme, and therefore isn’t reduced, then that folic acid does little for you because it’s not active.
And here’s the rub: the DHFR enzyme, (the enzyme synthetic folic acid has to go through in order to “turn into” the active form of folate: methyl-folate) is a very slow enzyme in humans. This is where some of the confusion lies.
Much of the research that was done on folic acid enriched in food was done in rats. And the DHFR enzyme is a lot faster in rats than it is in humans. Furthermore, the DHFR enzyme speed varies greatly in humans. There’s up to a five-fold difference in how quickly it works amongst us humans.
So the reason why doctors are still suggesting folic acid is because initially the studies that showed synthetic folic acid was beneficial for humans were done in rats, and rats convert folic acid to the active form of methyl-folate a lot more quickly than humans do.
But what’s worse is that DHFR is a potent inhibitor of MTHFR. Remember, that last step in the process that’s crucial for applying a methyl group to the synthetic folic acid in order to make it into the active form that our body can use? So, that’s a problem, too.
High folic acid consumption has been shown to lead to pseudo MTHFR deficiency.
And to add insult to injury: synthetic folic acid has been shown to be more bioavailable in the body; meaning; it has more of an affinity to bind to folate receptors than folate does, essentially taking up space on these receptors where the otherwise helpful active folate would reside. This can prevent active folate getting into the brain, which is a problem because folate plays a crucial role in the development of our neurotransmitters. Only methyl-folate can get into the brain through the blood brain barrier by way of the folate receptor alpha [FRa] receptors.
Then we have a little thing called unmetabolized folic acid.
When folic acid can’t make it’s way through the enzyme DHFR it turns into unmetabolized folic acid. Unmetabolized folic acid has been found in the blood of 96% of people not taking folic acid supplements. Why? Because they’re eating foods enriched with folic acid such as cereal, bread, orange juice, energy bars, vitamin water, etc.
Why do we care about unmetabolized folic acid? Because it’s been associated with decreased natural killer cytotoxicity. Natural killer cells play a role in tumour cell destruction, hence why researchers have been warning about excess folic acid and it’s association with increased cancer risk.
When synthetic folic acid is given in 220mcg or more this has been shown to lead to unmetabolized folic acid in the majority of people.
In fact, folic acid has been implemented as a big culprit in colon cancer. Some studies have shown it’s a hyperproliferator of cancer – meaning it can make cancer grow quicker.
So whilst it’s true that incidents of neural tube defects have dramatically reduced since fortification of folic acid into processed foods, concerns of chronic exposure have emerged.
It is estimated that this practice of synthetic folic acid fortification has resulted in 15,000 additional cancers per year in the US alone because excess folic acid may stimulate the growth of established neoplasms (growths), which can eventually lead to cancer.
Unmetabolized folic acid can also get to baby via mama’s breast milk. Remember, folate plays a vital role in blood cell development, cell production, neurotransmitter production etc – it’s a crucial vitamin for baby’s development. We don’t want baby drinking folic acid or worse, unmetabolized folic acid.
Avoid orange juice and energy bars, “vitamin” water, etc – anything that is processed or says “enriched”.
Check your vitamins, most contain synthetic folic acid as it’s cheaper than active folate. If you’re unsure then check with the supplement company by way of a quick phone call or email.
Consume folate-rich foods including: lentils, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, asparagus, spinach, navy beans, black beans, kidney beans, turnip greens, broccoli, calf’s liver and chicken liver. However, know that folate is water-soluble and much will get lost in the cooking process. Especially if you boil your food. Instead, steam and always use fresh, not canned beans or vegetables as canned goods contain less folate. Far and away your best bet is to consume raw dark leafy greens every, single day.
Potentially avoid dairy. If a dairy antibody attaches to the folate receptor alpha [FRa] on the blood brain barrier then the [FRa] receptor site gets blocked and methyl-folate cannot get into the brain. Not all people make these antibodies against the FRa receptor but those who do need to avoid dairy products.
I work with mamas who have the MTHFR variant so that we can optimize their methylation before, during and after pregnancy. Please get in touch if you’re looking for a practitioner who’s able to help you on your journey to optimal health.
You’re missing the point of the blog post. I’m NOT saying you shouldn’t take “folic acid” – I’m saying you SHOULD, but in the correct FORM. Not only that, government health agencies aren’t to be trusted when it comes to health advice. If you’re looking to the government to improve your health then you’re headed down the wrong path.
You just have to start being aware of what contains folic acid and get rid of it from your diet. And don’t take synthetic folic acid supplements. Check the labels on your OJ.


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The contemporary Geo Keep Left Traffic Sign is a customisable signage solution for modern city landscapes and urban infrastructures in the public realm. Presenting an attractive aesthetic, this signage option is ideal for projects requiring continuity in design and exceptional material quality.
The hooped sign embodies the Geo design ethos, enhancing the sense of place and identity, coordinating with the rest of the Geo street furniture range for a cohesive visual application.
Manufactured from 316 stainless steel brushed 60mm tubing, the bold hooped design comprises a robust framework. The options 'No Entry' and 'Keep Left' are standard, but the sign can be customised to suit individual project needs.
The Geo Keep Left Traffic Sign is available in illuminated or non-illuminated variants, with single or dual-sided options.

industry_corpus2: Real Estate & Construction


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Lewis Hamilton will try to lay down a marker in this week’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix as he sets his sights on beating fierce rival Sebastian Vettel to a fifth F1 world title.
Mercedes’s reigning world champion and Ferrari’s Vettel can both join the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio as five-time world title-holders this year, second only to Michael Schumacher’s seven.
Vettel swept home in last year’s opening race against Hamilton in Melbourne before the British ace went on to land the championship with two races to spare from the German.
Ferrari once again has sizzled in pre-season testing along with Red Bull, pointing to a potential three-team assault on this season’s constructors’ title.
But Hamilton, who is reportedly about to sign a new contract with Mercedes which could earn him up to 40 million ($55 million) per year, says at 33 he’s motivated to blaze on.
“It doesn’t feel like the start of the final chapter, and I don’t feel as though I am about to embark on my last contract,” Hamilton told reporters.
We know what we need to do,” Vettel said.
“There are lessons that were obvious, some were a bit more hidden, but I’m sure we’ll dig deep enough and try to find all of them.
Hamilton also expects the Red Bulls of Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo and Dutchman Max Verstappen to close the gap during the 21-stop season, based on winter testing.
“I think Red Bull are the fastest at the moment, potentially,” he said.
Starting the new campaign in a home GP places Ricciardo under extra pressure as he bids to become the race’s first Australian winner since Alan Jones in 1980.
“Starting the F1 season in Australia means there is so much hype and so much build-up, with me being the only Australian on the grid there is extra attention, extra questioning and expectation,” Ricciardo said.
The new season also marks the introduction of governing body FIA’s new mandatory safety halo head protection device, which has drawn ire from some teams.
“I’m not impressed with the whole thing and if you give me a chainsaw I would take it off,” bristled Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
FIA chief Jean Todt hit back, saying the measure had been introduced to save lives and at the request of drivers’ body the GPDA.
“I am amazed to hear some people say: ‘OK, motor racing is dangerous, if it happens, it happens,’” Todt said.
Although a majority of drivers are in favor of the device, some have said they are opposed to it.
Others have raised objections about the difficulty of getting in and out of the car and identifying drivers on the track.


text: Cloud computing is gradually maturing all over the world. In Nigeria the awareness has increased but adoption is yet to follow the level of awareness. The key de-motivation towards full adoption include proper understanding of the concepts, initial costs and the fear of compromised data integrity when strategic information is trusted in the hand of a third party. Apart from integrity of data comprose, the other key factors inhibiting adoption is the cost of monthly subscription mostly in US dollars. This paper has considered the cost of establishing a local cloud service to serve surrounding organizations. The paper contends that indigenous ICT firms should develop the capacity to incubate cloud services as this will go a long way to encourage adopters and save organizations from excessive ICT budget.

industry_corpus2: Computing & Telecommunications


text:
The missing door (2013) was the first collaboration between Gabriela Carrizo and the dancers of NDTI. It premiered on December 6th, 2013 in Koninklijk Theater Carré in Amsterdam (NL). The piece was followed in 2015 by The lost room (Franck Chartier) and in 2017 by The hidden floor (Franck Chartier).
By intertwining fantasy and reality, Gabriela Carrizo shows two parallel dimensions in this creation. We are witnessing the last minutes of life, which take place in the twilight zone between life and death. The dying man anxiously tries to find a way through the intricate maze of his thoughts. While soundscapes of everyday sounds turn into lost rhythms, the man performs a lonely battle with time, space and those who are absent.
In 2015, The missing door toured The Netherlands and Belgium with The lost room and Stop-Motion (Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon) in the frame of Start-Again. The Belgian première took place on November 28th, 2015 at deSingel, Antwerp. In 2017, The missing door - along with Stop-Motion and Shoot the Moon (Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon) - received a Herald Angel at the 70th Edinburgh International Festival. The Herald Angels recognise excellence in Edinburgh's festivals.
Furthermore, The missing door, The lost room and The hidden floor toured together in a programme entitled Side B: Adrift. This triptych premiered on 5th October 2017 in The Hague (NL) and went on tour throughout The Netherlands.
"Gabriela Carrizo packs the thriller as a comedy, underlining the slapstick with black humor. One wished Berlin had more such highlights."
"Very strange and yet so human. Between black series and a therapy session."
"Wonderful how Gabriela Carrizo combines black humor with an exuberant scenic fantasy."
""The missing door […] is a surreal fantasy of the world between slapstick and horror."
"Carrizo’s choreographic language is agile and sharply imaginative"
"Some remarkable moves are shared among the seven players: a shimmering strobe walk, a fabulous floor bounce and most incredible of all, a repeated back bend that sends shivers up your spine."
"[The missing door] is like a good Netflix series; the highly disturbing, ad-hoc relationships and events leave you wanting more."
"I have not seen any piece like it to date. [ ] I am not surprised NDT takes on an idea like this, and I doubt that any other group of dancers could have co-created the incredible spectacle we watched."
"Carrizo doesn't just make dance theater, she makes a unique theater experience."


text:
If you’ve followed Silke Kitchens since our inception, you know that we are proud of a number of things. We’re proud that we offer some of the highest quality, German style kitchens at very competitive prices; we’re proud of the fact that we work so closely with a number of top-of-the-line companies; one of the things we’re most proud of, however, is the fact that creating and designing your dream kitchen with us is so phenomenally easy. One of the things that makes that process so easy is that we’re registered as a Siemens iQ Design Studio.
We’ve touched on our partnership with Siemens before, but as a brief reminder: Siemens are a German company with a finger in almost every kind of manufacturing field you can imagine, from fire safety equipment to medical equipment, although naturally it’s their kitchen appliance division we’re most interested in. Our partnership extends not only to providing a number of their ultra modern kitchen appliances in our kitchen packages, but also by adopting their iQ Design Studio model.
So, what exactly IS a Siemens iQ Design Studio, some of you might be asking yourselves? It’s fairly simple, really; a Siemens iQ Design Studio is a kitchen provider marked for it’s excellence by Siemens personally, staffed by design experts with full training in the companies wide range of appliances, and are more then willing to work closely with their clientele during the design brief stage. Many retailers that are assigned iQ Design Studio status also have live cooking appliance demonstrations within their showrooms! In essence, a Siemens iQ Design Studio-certified kitchen company offers it’s customers a personal, easy, but no less professional service that is practically unrivalled in both customer satisfaction, and the quality of the end result.
What, exactly, does being a Siemens iQ Design Studio mean for Silke, and by proxy your experience with us? Well, for starters, it allows us unparalleled access to a number of Siemens incredible appliances, and a number of our kitchen packages include Siemens-branded Ovens, Fridges, and Dishwashers to name just a few of. Secondly, as briefly touched upon in the previous paragraph, our designers are fully trained in the operation and installation of the Siemens appliances we offer- and that’s on top of the fact that our designers are experts in the field of kitchen design, too. In addition, our dedication to supplying only the most cutting edge appliances (going hand in hand with our ultramodern design philosophy) puts us in similar standing with Siemens, who themselves offer some of the most cutting edge appliances on the market. You can not only trust that the design experience will be easy, friendly, and readily understandable, but you can also trust that the end result of all the work will be both stylish and functional, no matter the amount of space or budget you’re working with.
And finally, one of the features of our design phase is the use of an ultra realistic, top-of-the-line 3D modelling program that ensures the plans we make for your kitchen are as close to the end result as is physically possible. Pairing that with the benefits that come with being a Siemens iQ Design Studio, and it’s a no-brainer as to why so many people choose to work with us over other kitchen providers.
As stated in the initial paragraph, we are proud of many things and rightly so, we believe. But perhaps what we’re most proud of above anything else is that with us, the sum of our parts; the design, the range of appliances and worktops, and the services we offer, are not only fantastic on their own, but combine to create something truly phenomenal.


text: (Educational Piano). Festive design program templates for use in student recitals. Available in a variety of designs.


text: Catarina was born in Portugal but spent her childhood in South Africa and Botswana. She was in her early teens when her family returned to Portugal, where she went on to major in Philosophy, becoming a trained high school teacher. After getting married and having her daughter she traded teaching for freelance translating and coaching, and joined her husband for a two year adventure in the Netherlands. She is now back in Portugal, enjoying reverse cultural shock yet again and happily working as an Expat Partner Consultant for Global Connection. In her free time she loves reading and travelling.


text:
New Delhi: Fancied A.Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra crashed out while G. Sathiyan was the lone Indian to progress to the preliminary round of the ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup Table Tennis on the opening day at Yokohama on Friday.
As per the information received here, Sathiyan, the world No. 28 who had reached the semi-finals at the Challenge Plus Oman Open in Muscat recently, overpowered the most experienced player in the tournament, Chuang Chih-Yuan of Chinese Taipei 11-5, 11-4, 11-8 to finish third in Group C.
This enabled him to qualify for the playoff tomorrow for one of the two slots in the quarterfinals.
Earlier, Sharath, ranked No. 37 in the world and placed in group B , lost all three matches as he opened with a defeat to second-seeded Ma Long 5-11, 5-11, 5-11, then Taipei’s Yun-Ju Lin 12-10, 6-11, 9-11, 8-11 before finally losing to Tamokazu Harimoto of Japan 6-11, 12-14, 11-9, 11-5, 7-11.


text:
Examining the chemical modification of biological polymers and the emerging applications of this technology, Chemical Modification of Biological Polymers reflects the change in emphasis in this subsection of biotechnology from the study of protein structure and function toward applications in therapeutics and diagnostics.
This book covers the basics on the organic chemistry underlying the chemical modification of biopolymers, including updates on the use of various chemical reagents. It describes the current status of chemical modification of biological polymers and emerging applications of this technology in biotechnology. These technologies are important for the manufacture of conjugate proteins used in drug delivery, for the preparation of nucleic acid microarrays, and for the preparation of hydrogels and other materials used in tissue engineering.

industry_corpus2: Biopharmaceuticals


text:
Socrates Online is a public high school of the Socrates School District located in North Mankato, MN. It has 0 students in grades 1st through 12th.
You can also use the form below to search for alumni info and Socrates Online students.


text:
Brandy was born and raised in San Antonio TX, where she graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Education.
She recently relocated from Houston, TX where she spent the last 3.5 years in property management as an Assistant Community Director.
She loves traveling with her husband Miguel, eating gourmet food and spending quality time cuddling with their English bulldog, Peyton.
We were planning a relocation to Austin and the Papasan Team was very highly recommended to us.
We worked with Mary, Brandy and Jemme and they were very instrumental in not only helping us find the perfect home, but also helping us fall in love with Austin!
They maintained a warm and friendly professionalism at all times and were very knowledgeable about the home buying process and Austin itself - everything from where to enjoy the best outdoor live music to where to find the best food trucks.


text: WallpaperCraze is your source for the best Dragon Ball Wallpapers. From Dragon Ball desktop wallpapers to Dragon Ball iPhone and Andriod wallpapers; we have it all! If you're looking for Dragon Ball iPhone Wallpapers, all of our hd wallpapers can easily be cropped upon selection to fit your phone; this also applies users searching for Dragon Ball Android Wallpapers. See a Dragon Ball wallpaper/background that you like, but want to keep browsing the rest of our wallpapers selection? Click the heart to save it! You can access your saved wallpapers at any time by clicking "My Saved Wallpapers" in top left navigation. If you've found any Dragon Ball wallpapers that you've ended up using for your desktop, laptop, iPhone, or Android device, please share us with your friends on Facebook or Twitter!


text:
The data-structures behind Lucene, which Elasticsearch relies on in order to index and store data, work best with dense data, ie. when all documents have the same fields. This is especially true for fields that have norms enabled (which is the case for text fields by default) or doc values enabled (which is the case for numerics, date, ip and keyword by default).
The reason is that Lucene internally identifies documents with so-called doc ids, which are integers between 0 and the total number of documents in the index. These doc ids are used for communication between the internal APIs of Lucene: for instance searching on a term with a matchquery produces an iterator of doc ids, and these doc ids are then used to retrieve the value of the norm in order to compute a score for these documents. The way this norm lookup is implemented currently is by reserving one byte for each document. The norm value for a given doc id can then be retrieved by reading the byte at index doc_id. While this is very efficient and helps Lucene quickly have access to the norm values of every document, this has the drawback that documents that do not have a value will also require one byte of storage.
In practice, this means that if an index has M documents, norms will require M bytes of storage per field, even for fields that only appear in a small fraction of the documents of the index. Although slightly more complex with doc values due to the fact that doc values have multiple ways that they can be encoded depending on the type of field and on the actual data that the field stores, the problem is very similar. In case you wonder: fielddata, which was used in Elasticsearch pre-2.0 before being replaced with doc values, also suffered from this issue, except that the impact was only on the memory footprint since fielddata was not explicitly materialized on disk.
Note that even though the most notable impact of sparsity is on storage requirements, it also has an impact on indexing speed and search speed since these bytes for documents that do not have a field still need to be written at index time and skipped over at search time.
It is totally fine to have a minority of sparse fields in an index. But beware that if sparsity becomes the rule rather than the exception, then the index will not be as efficient as it could be.
This section mostly focused on norms and doc values because those are the two features that are most affected by sparsity. Sparsity also affect the efficiency of the inverted index (used to index text/keyword fields) and dimensional points (used to index geo_point and numerics) but to a lesser extent.


text:
how can u tell a spoofed ip?
Thread: how can u tell a spoofed ip?
hi, i'm a forum moderator and am a little suspicious of a recently joined member..
would it be quite easy to spoof this stuff using some kind of proxy or any other means?
and is there any tell tale signs that i could look for if there is ?
*NetVision Synchronicity for windows NT.
PIX is Cisco's premier internet Bxsecurity product and is a full fledged firewall with built in anti-spoofing capabilities.
+ just wondering when you use proxies say on a webpage with a form mail you can forge your ip right? but if your using an app then it uses the logged on ip ?
Re: how can u tell a spoofed ip?
trivial to get the ip if he found an open proxy. the email addy would be a little harder, but not that bad if he could find a free email provider over there.
not unless you talked to the ISP and asked them to check for open proxies on their servers, but that would be kinda impracticle considering the language barrier. even if he is lying, i fail to see the problem with it. what's the big deal if he is? if he's a big enough loser to have nothing better to do than find an open proxy in isreal, then get an email address there JUST so he can go to a forum and clame to be from there, i say let him go. its probably the only thrill he has in his non-existant life. if there is some good reason, please enlighten me, but i cant seem to find one right now.
thanks a lot for your easy to understand comments, after spending a bit of time checking things out and talking to him i now belive him to be genuine..
its quite important that i know this though as it is a forum for a group of us that play an online flight sim kind of thing and we go into battle against other squads, we take it quite serious though and i have even known players enroll into another team under alias just to steal tactics from their forum..LOL, hence my post in here..
If you take it seriously @ all, assume that you are the only person in your 'team' that is authentic. Require all team members download and run PGP. Learn PGP and give only members you are convinced are authentic your keys.


text:
Ingredients such as Skinless boneless chicken breast and Dempster’s® Healthy Way® bread make this sandwich a nutritious and tasty lunch option.
2 Slices Dempster’s® Healthy Way® Double My Fibre!
SPREAD one slice of bread with caramelized onion jam and Dijon mustard.
TOP with mixed greens, pear, Brie cheese, chicken and remaining bread slice to form sandwich.

industry_corpus2: Hospitality & Catering


text:
This location was archived on 17 December 2018.
We inspected this service on 16 March 2015. The inspection was announced and undertaken by two inspectors.
For the inspection we visited the provider’s main office and spoke with the registered manager and care manager about the service provided. We looked at five people’s care records to see if their records were accurate and up to date. We reviewed staff recruitment files and further records relating to the management of the service.
Following our inspection we telephoned three people who used the service, one relative and five members of staff. We also contacted a number of health and social care professionals who knew the service well, including a social worker and two nurses.


text:
Call today, 424-296-2046, Roper repair to schedule a same day or next day appointment for a small diagnostic fee, cheaper than the industry average (Appliance Blue Book pricing) which goes toward the repair price. Have an experienced Roper technician service your appliance today 424-296-2046. All Roper appliance technicians have extensive experience servicing all types of appliances including Roper Refrigerator, Roper Oven, Roper Stove, Roper Washer, Roper Dryer, Brand Dishwasher, Roper Microwave, Roper Cooktop, Roper Freezer and Brand Ice Maker. Roper commercial appliance repair service as well. Same day appliance repair, Roper appliance installation, ac repair, offering best pricing, affordable pricing, emergency appliance repair and weekend repair. Call now 424-296-2046.
Call today, 424-296-2046, Roper repair to schedule a same day or next day appointment for a small diagnostic fee.


text: The World Conference Entrepreneurship in High-Potential Economies in the Digital Era (WCEHPEDE-19). It will be held on 22nd - 23rd-Jun-2019 at Jakarta Raya, Indonesia. (WCEHPEDE-19) and is being organized by ITAR-India to provide an opportunity to research scholars, delegates and students to interact and share their experience and knowledge in technology application. (WCEHPEDE-19) will provide an excellent international forum for sharing knowledge and results in Radiology. The aim of the Conference is to provide a platform to the researchers and practitioners from both academia as well as industry to meet the share cutting-edge development in the field.

industry_corpus2: Technology & Research


text:
Does a small business need digital marketing in Crystal Lake, Florida?
Include your “one thing” in the site title, domain name, description, tagline, keywords, blog categories, page titles, and page content. Other than creating excellent content, the only thing you can do is ask (which occasionally works). This organization is helpful not only for people in skimming blog-post articles, it’s helpful in showing Google exactly what your blog post is about. With so many SEO techniques in Crystal Lake, Florida 33084, it’s become almost impossible to determine which ones to stick to and which you can safely ignore. This means that if your pages are slow, you’re fighting a losing battle for top organic listings, regardless of the quality of your content or your professional website design.
How much does Digital Marketing Agency For Small Businesses in Crystal Lake, Florida cost?
Anchor text is a great way to boost your SEO in Crystal Lake, Florida, but keep in mind that excessive linking or anchors that don’t really help your readers can raise red flags with Google. Find out what you can and cannot change — if you can alter the meta data, optimize those fields for your name. If you’re not spending 2.5 percent, you’re not being serious about marketing, and you’re not going to get any results. After you have traffic, use the built-in analytics to see which pages and topics are the most popular on your site, and create video scripts around that content.
How to hire the best digital marketing agency in Crystal Lake, Florida?


text:
95% of customers receive their orders within 48 hours!
Top Brand Spare Parts The Sortiment of QP24.de offers you a huge Selection of high-quality spare parts for your vehicle. With our label products in quality as good as of the OEM‘s you are Safe and Sound on the Road if you search targeted for special brand Auto parts you are in the right place.
The data shown here, especially the complete database, may not be copied. It is strictly prohibited to duplicate the data and database and distribute the same, and/or instruct third parties to engage in such activities, without prior consent from TecAlliance. Any use of content in a manner not expressly authorized constitutes copyright infringement and violators will be prosecuted.
Copyright © 2007- 2018 Q-Parts24.

industry_corpus2: Automobiles


text:
Are you considering moving to NSW? Has your business transferred you and your family from a major city to a coastal town in New South Wales? Are you downsizing? Are you relocating to be closer to your family?
There are these, and many other moving scenarios that you might be facing. No matter what your reason for moving is, Top Move provides an exceptional country removals service in order to help you move without the expected stress and hassle when relocating to a new area.
Because we are a family-owned and family-oriented business, we understand that people living small country towns and villages would like to have a similar trustworthy experience as provided to people who live in the large cities.
With Top Move NSW removalist services, no matter what your destination is, you will still receive our guaranteed red carpet treatment. Even though you might be moving to a far-flung area, we still provide the same high-quality service at a cost-effective rate as we provide to our city clients.
Many furniture removal businesses find it more profitable to only provide removal services between any of the major cities in Australia; thereby, ignoring the country areas. At Top Move removalists in NSW, no move is too small or too much effort for us. We provide the same high-calibre removal services whether you live in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne or whether you live in the smaller surrounding districts.
If you live anywhere in New South Wales, we will provide you with our first-class turnkey removal service from any location to any destination. It does not matter how big or how small the town is that you are locating to and from.
All the people in our employ, including the admin staff, consultants, movers, and truck drivers, are all full-time staff. We do not employ part-time staff; hence, all our staff are held accountable for their actions. This plays a major role in allowing Top Move to provide a superior-quality, white-glove service.
Our expert movers will disassemble and reassemble large furniture items for you. They are expert packers and unpackers; thus, ensuring that your treasured possessions arrive at their destination in the same pristine condition they left in. When packing up your home/office, they use industrial strength bubble wrap, plastic cling wrap, felt blankets, or any combination to protect your possessions before packing them in sturdy boxes.
At Top Move removals in NSW, we run our own fleet of different-sized trucks, allowing us to supply you with the correct sized truck; consequently, you will only pay for the space that your furniture takes up. Contrary to other country removalists in NSW, we will not charge you for a truck that is too large for your possessions; thus, containing space that your furniture does not utilize.
Our modern trucks are specially fitted to load large and irregularly shaped items. Our movers are also experienced in packing the truck with all your furniture and household/office goods so that everything fits snugly without rubbing against anything else. Our movers also ensure that nothing will fall or knock against anything else while the truck is in transit.
We employ an open and honest pricing policy. Our quote for a country move might not be the cheapest on the market; however, you cannot place a premium on quality. We guarantee the same quality removalist service to our country clients as we do to our city clients. It goes without saying that it will cost more to transport your household/office goods to smaller, out of the way towns; nonetheless, we pride ourselves in moving you as cost-effectively and as efficiently as possible.
Even though you are moving to a small town, we have not changed our double-loading policy. We still do not double-load your possessions in order to save costs. We have rather increased our efficiencies as well as streamlining our business processes in order to keep our prices down.
If you looking for a moving company that offers to a stress-free, hassle-free move to a small country area, contact Top Move for a quote to move your possessions anywhere in New South Wales. We are the premium removalist in NSW.
We have moved more than 2,312 Australian’s to their new homes.


text:
Popularity - 505 views, 0.3 views per day, 1,653 days on eBay. Super high amount of views. 0 sold, 1 available.
505 views, 0.3 views per day, 1,653 days on eBay. Super high amount of views. 0 sold, 1 available.
1930-P 5C Buffalo Nickel, 18oct1204-3 "Only 50 Cents for Shipping"


text:
Visiting lake Maggiore and the famous islands: isola Bella and Fishermen's Island with a tour guide.
You will admire the the Borromean islands and the Stresa Gulf by the boat, with the romantic landscape of the mountains that frame the lake.It 's a unique view from the boat!
Make the most of your time at Lake Maggiore with this 3-hour private tour. Visit Isola Bella -- 'Beautiful Island,' and the name does not lie -- and go to Isola dei Pescatori, Fishermen's Island, and stroll around the oldest part of the village, learning about the history and culture of the area from your private guide.
A customized guided tour of lake Maggiore's islands by private charter boat to explore beautiful isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromeo islands, and Fishermen's island (Pescatori) from Pallanza, Baveno or Stresa, accompanied by a personal English-speaking tour guide. Discover an incredible island - isola Bella - where art, history, architecture and exotic and mediterranean species make this place at the foot of the Alps something unique in the world. Stroll through the quaint fishermen's village on isola Pescatori to discover the old island's activities. Enjoy a private water tour around lake Maggiore's isola Madre to admire it from the lake or make the most of your trip and upgrade this private tour to include also a stop and guided visit to the charming and special isola Madre to explore its lovely botanical gardens with orange trees, agaves, palms, a beautiful Kashmir cypress and the island's 16th-century villa which houses a lovely puppet theatre collection.


text:
The night sky glittered with a vast blanket of stars but the balcony outshone them all. It shimmered with a warm golden glow cast by a constellation of twinkling candles. Inside, past the balcony doors, more tapers flickered in the shadows and in the fireplace a cheerful blaze radiated comforting warmth and wrapped the room in a cozy closeness. Catherine was lighting the last few candles, when a soft smile graced her lips. Tonight, we will move toward love.
Catherine had taken special care to prepare the intimate atmosphere for the evening. She had also spent a great deal of time perfecting her appearance. Her honey colored hair was simply styled, falling to softly caress her shoulders. Her makeup, though understated, enhanced her natural beauty. The dress she had finally chosen to wear was both elegant and enticing. Completely modest in the front, the back was cut deep to the waistline. Slipping it on earlier, she had shivered at the thought of Vincent’s gentle touch on her warm bare skin.
As she blew out the long slender taper used to light the countless wax pillars, she felt a faint stirring deep within her soul. Vincent. Catherine turned toward the open balcony doors and there, just where she knew he would be, stood Vincent.
Her face reflected all the wonder and love she felt for this extraordinary being. She wanted to fly across the unbearable distance that separated them and fling herself into his waiting arms. Instead she cloaked herself in calmness, walked across the room and stepped out onto the balcony.
Standing face to face, no words were necessary. Their eyes spoke of their love, their need, their hopes, and their dreams.
“Two years ago…tonight,” she said, gently breaking the silence. Those four little words released a flood of memories. It was the night that changed their lives forever, the night they celebrated this evening.
Vincent had felt Catherine’s joy and anticipation all day. He had also been aware of an underlying hesitancy, a slight nervousness. Now, glancing past her shoulder and seeing the carefully decorated and candlelit rooms, he understood her feelings of trepidation.
This time it was Vincent who felt the need to lower his eyes. He knew beneath that simple wish there were more complicated desires. A light rocking of his shoulders from side to side mirrored his indecision. He looked up and encountered her serene countenance.
“It’s warm,” she gently pressed him, sending all of her love flowing along the bond.
Shifting his weight, Vincent gathered all of Catherine’s love close to his pounding heart. The decision made, he looked directly into her hope-filled eyes and took a small step forward.
Suddenly, Catherine's phone began to ring.
Catherine started, and Vincent stopped - darn! That's what she'd forgotten to do… unplug the phone. And she had had it in mind, just before he'd arrived. Another ring, and her recorded voice started to recite the message.
No, not tonight. Tonight is ours. World, please stay away. With a small apologetic smile, she backed inside the apartment and reached the small table where the answering machine babbled. She bent, and, unceremoniously cutting off her own voice, she unplugged the device. Aware of Vincent's gaze upon her, she slowly and deliberately put the wire and plug on top the phone, and lifted her head, to look at him. Then, unhurriedly, she returned to him.
“As I was saying, it's warm… and now, it's also quiet,” she said with a little, hopeful smile.
He couldn't help smiling in return, dropping his eyes for a moment, and when he looked at her again, it was clear that he had not changed his mind.
The relief he felt in her was surprising and flattering, but he had no time to ponder it, as with a smile of pure delight she turned and preceded him into the apartment, and the sight of her bare back for a moment swept off any other thoughts.
Catherine stopped just below the two steps leading to her living room, to welcome him with a radiant smile, and at last, as she had so often imagined, in so many different scenarios during her unbridled daydreaming, he took that step and entered her apartment. Not to rescue her. Just to stay with her.
He was in her world. He had crossed that threshold, and stopped, uncertain, looking around. The room was dark, and the warm glow of the flickering candles and of the flames in the fireplace had transformed this corner of her universe into something welcoming, comfortably resembling his own world. He turned to look at her.
The door bell rang, harsh and loud.
“No, no, NO!” she growled, actually growled, as her forehead fell against his chest and her hands became two fists.
“NO! This night is ours!” she snapped, the whirl of her distressed emotions engulfing him.
“Miss Chandler?” the female, piercing voice came through the door, while an insistent knocking accompanied the calling.
“Shhh! She's my neighbor….” Catherine whispered, turning her head toward the door.
They both looked, fascinated, while a piece of paper was slipped beneath the door, and then silence fell again. Vincent's hearing could perceive the steps of the woman going away. The relief he felt was overwhelming. And surprising.
“I hardly believe we would have a quieter celebration, but I love those two words,” he replied with a little smile.
But Catherine was not willing to let the precious moment fade away for anything on earth - let alone yet another of the countless petitions for or against her neighbor's likes or dislikes. “Everything important to me is here…” and disengaging her hands from his, she put her arms around him and laid her head on his chest, looking up at him.
His hand slipped into the silky mass of her hair, and he cradled her nape, while his other arm encircled her shoulders. And then, while his unfastened cloak at last slipped from his own shoulders and fell at their feet, he released his mouth to follow its will.
Even more than the exquisite feeling of her full, soft lips, it was the explosion of joy he felt in her that shocked him. As his lips tenderly brushed hers, caressing and loving that so much dreamt of mouth, he savored that joy, the joy he was giving her. It was overwhelming, incredible.
He had to pull back to look into her face. It was the face of ecstasy, mirroring the ecstatic feelings he could feel in her. The eyes almost closed, the lips slightly open, waiting for more, for more, please. And he had waited two years to give her this joy?
Again, his mouth took hers, more deeply, more tender and more passionate, following the safe beacon of her joy which taught him what to do, how to kiss her, how to move his lips and tongue, pleasing her as much as he could, until her knees gave away. He quickly scooped her in his arms, and with a few steps he reached a couch and sat, laying her across his thighs, her head in the crook of his elbow, and hurriedly bent to kiss her again and again, the urge to feel her joy at his touch too imperious.
She had buried her fingers in his mane, and he caressed her arm, still not daring to allow his hands to slip beneath and caress that bare back, which he felt was waiting just for his touch. No. Not yet. And their mouths spoke with abandon the tender language of love, which needs no words.
But some words did need to be said.
“I love you,” he whispered at last against her mouth, each word a caress on her lips.
The joy in her erupted anew.
“Aga--” but their mouths needed one other, they had their own language: the words, the tender words, were cut short.
The bliss was dizzying. Catherine never thought she could be so happy. Vincent was there, he was in her, with her, for her. His mouth, his warmth, his love, his arms, his scent, his hair… she was buried in him. His kisses gave her a pleasure she could never have dreamt of, and she drowned in the deep, unbelievable feeling of his love, of his unequivocal surrender to the evidence of their love.
It was Vincent's turn to smile.
His tender smile, which she could feel rather than see, became even more tender.
He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, the look on his face was one Catherine had never seen before. And then, slowly releasing the sigh, again he closed his eyes, and she was inundated by a tidal wave of love, gratitude, happiness, wonder, an exhilarating ocean she drowned in. Vincent had opened his heart.
Catherine was ecstatic. Trembling, she hid her face between his neck and shoulder, holding him tight, and absorbed the flood of Vincent's inebriating emotions, discovering at last the wonderful side of his love he always was careful to keep secret.
With tears in her eyes, she finally pulled back, to look into his face, almost shy now. “Vincent...” she managed to murmur, with a shaking voice.
“Yes… yes.” he replied to her unasked question. Yes, I love you so.
His mouth took hers again, and again, and again… her entire self was focused there, welcoming him, his exquisite tongue, his soul, his heart, and acutely feeling his ardent need, his desire to please her, nothing else but this burning urgency.
But in the rapture of delight, something was missing. Something important. No. This was not right.
She closed her eyes at those words, a fresh flood of exultation invading her. But she had to say it anyway.
“Yes… I can feel it. It's… inebriating.” The new, low, enamored tone of his whispering voice was another wondrous surprise.
He pulled back a little. The tender little kisses exchanged amidst these words stopped. He looked at her, a wondering look in his eyes.
“You know what I mean, Vincent, don't you?” she asked, caressing his chin with a finger, but also preventing him from diverting his head, his eyes… as he wanted to do.
Vincent released a heavy sigh, and leaned back against the couch back.
He lifted his head to look at her again. She touched his mouth with her fingers.
They held the look for a long time. The emotions raging in both of them filled the void left by the unspoken words.
And again, he bent to kiss her. He took her mouth and his tongue again filled it, and suddenly, a dark, sensuous stream licked the border of her soul. A sensation that made her feel woman, female like never before. Mesmerized, she basked in that unbelievable feeling. He stopped, released her mouth and took a deep breath, and another, and another, without leaving her lips. And then, changing angle, imperiously he entered again, mastering her mouth, tasting her tongue with slow, deliberate sensuality.
She was almost beyond thought. This was the side of Vincent she knew was there, which she wanted to get to know, to bring to light and worship. She was weak with bliss, completely lost in him, and if before the joy was overwhelming and all encompassing, now she slowly, delightfully began to feel the heady stir of arousal. The dark, velveteen stream of his pleasure engulfed her, and he again left her mouth to breathe heavily, while she drank in his burning breath and offered him her open mouth, begging him to… Suddenly, he raised his head, and a low, roaring sound escaped from his throat.
It ended with a strangled noise as he abruptly took her shoulders, moved her off his lap and stood, taking several quick steps from the couch.
“F-- forgive me”, he said, panting and leaning against the mantelpiece, his hands gripping the stone, his head dropped between his arms.
Disoriented at the brusque interruption, still dizzy with the wonderful feelings he had given her in those few precious moments, Catherine felt almost painfully the lack of his arms around her, of his mouth against hers, of his soul caressing her soul. She stood as well, a little unstable.
He could not bear to look at her. He turned again, once again leaning to look at the embers dying in the fireplace.
“Tell me, Vincent… please,” she said, standing behind him, wishing to hug him and not daring.
“Exciting.” Again, he dropped his head. “What if next time I do something you won't find… exciting?” he added, in a tense, low tone.
He turned, mane flying around his head in the rapid movement. “Yes… yes, you are my woman. It's incredible, it's beyond my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd come to say these words, but I cannot deny what I see in your eyes, what I feel in your heart, what I taste in your mouth. You want to be my woman. But…” and again, he closed his eyes and turned to escape her gaze.
“How can you say… that I am… your man? Are you so sure that I am a man?” he said slowly.
No exaggeration, they both knew it. He stood in front of her, a begging, burning, vulnerable look in his eyes.
She released a long sigh, closing her eyes. Thank you. Thank you for saying this, at last. “Please Vincent... please, hold me.” He took a step, and engulfed her in his arms, laying his head on hers, and both let their emotions flow freely between them. No, they would not allow their love to go back. They were moving ahead: they wanted to.
“Why did you wear this dress tonight?” he asked softly, stopping to struggle against his strong-willed hands. He had chastely laid them on the sides of her back, but he had been unable to stay completely away from her warm, smooth, soft skin, and the feeling was heaven.
She lifted both her arms, and encircled his neck. No way to avoid her back now, and his arms crossed to hug her, his hands lightly resting on the edge of her dress, very still, very aware of the warm smoothness a few inches away. She kissed him. She caressed those unusual lips with her tongue, tracking the contour of his mouth and savoring every sensation she felt in herself and in him, secretly smiling at his struggle to maintain control of himself and his feelings. But he had no time to survey and restrain them -- it was a veritable attack, to which she felt he wanted both to resist and to succumb. She teased his tongue with hers, in a delightful moist duel which she pretended to lose, only to invite him into her mouth to explore the shrine of the treasure he had won. He could not help softly roaring his victory, and had no time to wonder if she… because she was already sucking his full, luscious lower lip, and slipping her tongue into the mysterious cleft of the upper one.
Abruptly, with a sudden, exhaled “Aahhh…”, Vincent raised his head, subtracting his mouth from the sweet aggression. But not letting her go.
There. The surge of keen pleasure she had felt in him was deliciously telling. She inwardly exulted. Gotcha! The cleft, mm? Let's see now who gives pleasure to whom… Believe it or not, I think we’re going to love your differences….
Smiling - no, grinning - she waited for him to again lower his head, which he did, with a defeated, expectant, almost humble look on his face. She looked at him through half closed eyelids, and graciously accepted his surrender, when he again offered her his slightly open mouth, begging without words for her tongue's ministrations.
His reply was the warm, deliberate touch of his hands placed wide open on her back and slipping slightly down inside it, to caress her waist, to pull her fully against him, and it was her turn to take a sharp breath.


text:
After the collapse of the New Deal and before the 1970s, it appeared for a brief time that norms supporting property rights had returned to the fore within American culture. The public culture was anti-Communist until the 1960s ran their course. The FBI under J. Edgar Hoover suppressed domestic left-wing factions until completely collapsing in the late 1960s. By the 1970s and Nixon’s resignation, the organized subversive left had achieved complete control over American institutions of cultural influence.
Asians and Europeans don’t drink the same kinds of alcohol and have wildly differing tolerance levels. They do not have the same mannerisms even after a generation of Westernization. Indians have a complex set of relations to one another that are completely opaque to Europeans who aren’t steeped in their culture. A competent manager at handling Indian teams is going to struggle in leading Europeans, even if he’s de-racinated.
Originally published at Henry Dampier/Quick Reactions.

industry_corpus2: Politics & Administration


text:
Award Wieners is one of the original quintessential quick service restaurants on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney California Adventure. Even with the cheesy name, the food is very good. There are multiple types of hot dogs with homemade fries on the side.
The biggest turn-off for us not to want to try this restaurant was its quite punny name leftover from the beginnings of the opening of DCA when everything had weird names. However, when we finally ate there, it was fun. You can eat your food at the many tables just on the other side of the wall to the northeast, or you can ask for it to go and take your meal with you. When we ate there, the line was quite long and the food took a while.
There are other places at Disneyland that serve hot dogs that are quite generic and boring. However, the hot dogs at Award Wieners are very specialized and amazing tasting! From an all-beef dog to sausage, from barbecue to chili dog, from a spicy dog to even a mushroom vegetarian option, the food is very flavorful. You also get homemade spiral-cut fries on the side which are a nice touch.
The prices for a meal are about $9 a piece, not including a drink. They have a wide variety of drinks you can add on. The hot dog was a fair size and the potato bun makes it feel more gourmet than a boring generic hot dog, so I think it was well worth the price. They aren't really big enough to share unlike some other quick service restaurants, so the total price for a family may add up quick. Still, check out this tasty quick service restaurant if you're in Hollywood Land.


text:
By Doing Life With Others.
The St. Ignatius Church started in 1994 as a prayer unit which then went on to become a full fledged church. All sacraments are on offer to the faithful when needed and the church has house prayer meetings, house visits, family get together, special presentations on health, spirituality, current affairs, social issues and national and international events and spiritual retreats on a regular basis.
Two priests are available for ministering to the congregation and its needs. The upcoming St. Ignatius Church is only 700 meters from the K.R. Puram Railway Station. Services are in Malayalam.
Do come and be a part of this congregation.
H.G. Pathros Mor Osthatheos was born in the priestly family of Pulikottil in Pengamuck, Kunnamkulam on 12 November 1963 to late P C Chacko and Salome Chacko. Many eminent prelates and scholarly Priests have been in the family in the past. Late lamented Joseph Mor Dionysius V (1865-1909), who led the Church as Malankara Metropolitan during one of its most difficult period belonged to the Pulikottil family. The particular branch of the family to which His Grace belonged to were members of the St. Paul’s Jacobite Syrian Church in Pengamuck, Kunnamkulam before his parents shifted residence to Coimbatore. There they took membership in the St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian church. His Grace's schooling and college education were at Coimbatore. In 1990 he joined with late Mor Theophilos Thomas, the former Metropolitan of Outside Kerala diocese and the resident bishop of Malankara seminary, as his personal aide and secretary. The same year he enrolled as a student in theology at the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Seminary, Udayagiri and completed the course in 1993.
Members of St.Ignatius JSO Church, Krishnarajapuram,Bangalore comprises the Committee members, Youth association, Vanitha Samajam and Sunday School children under the leadership of the vicar Rev.Fr.Siby Baby actively participated in various activities including the collection of charity fund/clothes, preparation of chicken biriyani, packing it in individual packets, distributing it to the needy people located at different locations in Bangalore.


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Two police associations may soon raise funds internally for policemen whose families are in need of financial support owing to the ongoing street occupation by protesters.
Commissioner of Police Tsang Wai-hung on Thursday approved the fund-raising plans of the Junior Police Officers Association (JPOA) and Hong Kong Police Inspectors’ Association (HKPIA), Singtao Daily reported Friday.
Details of the fund-raising campaign will be discussed today and will be unveiled on Monday at the latest, according to HKPIA vice chairman Ben Tsang.
JPOA chairman Joe Chan said two bank accounts have been opened to accept internal and public donations separately, but whether the two associations are allowed to raise funds from the public still needs a decision by the Civil Service Bureau.
In fact, police squads have raised funds through social networking websites for their colleagues before getting official approval. According to police rules, donations by policemen cannot exceed 3 percent of their monthly pay.
An unnamed source said part of the funds raised could go to the seven policemen who had been suspended for beating a protester last week.
There is concern in the police force that the seven might get an unfair trial. A supposedly confidential notice regarding their suspension was leaked, showing that the seven, including one chief inspector, one senior inspector, one sergeant and four police constables, have been suspended since October 16.
Meanwhile, Ryoden Development Charitable Trust recently donated HK$1 million (US$128,913) to the Police Education and Welfare Trust, Ming Pao Daily reported.
A Ryoden Development spokesman said the move is to show its appreciation for the police who have been under great pressure in dealing with protesters. Efforts by the police cannot be demolished by the acts of a small group of people in society, the spokesman said.

industry_corpus2: Law & Justice


text:
Heating With Forced Hot Water in Neosho, Missouri?
Barone's Heat & Air, LLC has been helping Neosho residents heat their homes and offices with forced hot water heating systems since 2009. Our technicians have the knowledge and skills to install, upgrade or maintain your boiler system. Barone's Heat & Air, LLC remains the leading choice for those thinking about heating with hot water in Neosho, Missouri.
Our qualified experts are familiar with the Neosho climate and have experience with the various challenges Missouri homeowners and businesses face when heating their property. Forced hot water heating systems installed and serviced by Barone's Heat & Air, LLC’s trained technicians deliver dependable, economical warmth to countless Neosho residents, whether gas-fired or oil-fired boilers for residential properties or zoned systems for commercial properties.
Barone's Heat & Air, LLC provides advice on hot water heating and all other options, helping Neosho residents to create sensible heating systems that suit their needs. Boilers need to be properly sized, and the zones, valves, and piping need to be well designed and properly installed for optimum efficiency. Trust the advice of Barone's Heat & Air, LLC to ensure an efficient, reliable hot water heating system.
Our Neosho customers rely on prompt, dedicated service for inspections or repairs to Neosho, Missouri hot water heating systems. Barone's Heat & Air, LLC works with builders, renovators, general contractors, property managers and homeowners on all types of projects, always striving to keep on schedule and provide clear communication.
Barone's Heat & Air, LLC has the experience, advice and service that customers need when considering heating with forced hot water in Neosho, Missouri. Call our office at (417) 232-0017 for an estimate.

industry_corpus2: Power & Energy


text:
I answered a question on egoism and harm to others on 15 May 2014. You can listen to or download the podcast of just this question below – or check out the whole episode of Philosophy in Action Radio.
Should an egoist be willing to torture millions to benefit himself? In your discussion of explaining egoistic benevolence on December 22, 2013, you indicated that you regarded such a scenario as absurd. Could you explain why that is? Why wouldn't such torture be not merely permitted but rather obligatory under an egoistic ethics? Why should an egoist even care about what happens to strangers?
My Answer, In Brief: To benefit himself most, the egoist must value other people, trading with them to mutual benefit. Harming other people doesn't produce any genuine or lasting benefits but risks destroying everything of value in life.


text:
Bunny Harvey, photo by Scott Lapham.
Born in 1946, Bunny Harvey came to the Rhode Island School of Design where she obtained a BFA, MFA and MAT. In 1974, she won the Rome Prize in Painting from the American Academy in Rome. She soon launched herself on a series of career successes, including many solo exhibitions, thirty years of exclusive gallery representation in New York City, and a long teaching career at Wellesley College. Today, Harvey’s work has evolved from concerns with “the archaeology of lost civilizations and the fragile and durable surfaces of the past” to the multi-layered, changing aspects of landscape around her Vermont studio. Harvey recently had a solo exhibition at the Newport Art Museum.
Oil on canvas, 54 x 66 x 2.5 in.


text:
Job change has become much more common today than it was a few years back. For professionals, there is more to a job than a decent salary and health benefits. It is only with experience and time that a person gets a clear idea of ‘what he wants’ and ‘what he does not want’. A lot of people are ready to take the risk of quitting their job and search for a new one if it fails to meet their expectations.
So what does a person expect from his employers? An interesting job profile, appreciative boss, cooperative co workers, incentives, rewards and much more! Leaving a job and searching for a new one is stressful and risky but in some cases, it is much better than being stuck in the wrong job. Here are some common reasons for job change.
The world we live in today is full of new opportunities. There are certain careers which were absolutely unheard of a few decades ago. Although this has made it tough for the youngsters to choose a career path, there is also a bright side to it! With so many options available, your chances of finding your ‘dream job’ (or something close to it) are higher than ever. Many young professionals prefer trying out a few jobs before they finally settle for the most fulfilling one. Even professionals who have been working for a number of years may develop interest in evolving fields which were not there when they first stepped into the professional world.
If an employee feels that the company he is working for is losing money, customers and most probably heading towards a closure, he prefers to change his present job for a more stable one rather than sailing on a sinking ship. It won’t be long before you will have to face the ill effects of the downward spiral your company is experiencing. Everybody likes a stable job but when that sense of security and stability is lost, it is time to look for something new and start fresh!
Does the mere of thought of going to work every day makes you want to tear your hair out? Is your work way too dull, monotonous and boring? If this exactly how you feel, maybe you should start thinking about a job change! A number of people who do not find their jobs fulfilling prefer looking for new and more exciting jobs. For example, if a creative person has a mechanical job profile, soon he will feel lose interest in work. Lack of interest is one of the main reasons why many professional go for a job change.
People may also think about changing their job if they realize that their job profile is entirely different from what they thought it will be. This is especially seen among people who have just finished their studies and entered the professional world. Once they have finally worked for some time, these young professionals soon realize that the career they envisioned is completely different from reality. In such a situation these professional prefer looking for a new job instead of wasting their time and energy on the wrong one.
There is hardly any job in the world which does not bring in atleast a certain level o stress. If the level of stress is not too high, it can be managed. But what if the work stress is too much for you to handle? What if your troubles at work have started effecting your person life and health? A number of people caught in such a situation prefer changing their jobs before the high stress level causes them any more damage.
People often go for a job change in order to escape a ‘dead-end’ job where there is no chance for them to progress. A person feels rewarded on receiving incentives, promotions or a salary increase. If you are stuck in the same position and with the same salary for a long time you will certainly lose interest in work. If a person feels his employers are not appreciating his efforts, he is not getting to learn anything new or he is not getting the chance to handle any interesting projects, a job change might be the only way out.
You spend a major part of your day in the office and so it is very important that you have a healthy relationship your co workers. Sometimes people have to face a lot of problems at work due to uncooperative co workers, especially when your work requires you to work as a team! These problems, if not taken care of at the right time, not only make your job a nightmare, they may also affect your physical and mental health. In some cases, the best way to get rid of your unhealthy working environment is to change your job. In such a situation, going for a fresh start instead of bearing your unbearable boss and colleagues is a great idea.
Sometimes, professionals are forced to quit their jobs and look for a new one because of unhealthy relationships with their employers. Maybe your boss is finding it hard to forgive you for your previous mistakes (irresponsibility, lethargy etc) or maybe you are being discriminated against no matter how hard you work. If this is exactly what you are going through, maybe it is time for you to look for a new job.
Change in needs or priorities may also cause a job change. Suppose you have got married recently and your busy schedule does not allow you to spend time with your spouse, you may want to take up a less hectic job. If your job keeps you too busy and you are facing a work-life imbalance, a job change might be the only solution! Job Arrival of a kid may also call for a job change. Parents, especially mothers may want to take up a job which allows them to spend time with her child or maybe the increase in responsibilities may force the parents to look for a higher paying job. Serious illness can force you to take up a less stressful job which does not keep you busy all day. Change in financial conditions is another reason you may look for another job in case the present one does not pay you enough.
Money is perhaps one of the main (and sometimes the only) reason why you take up a job in the first place! A job change seems to be a very logical step if the new employers are offering you more money for the same amount of work and time. If a person feels his current employers are underpaying him, he may become dissatisfied and disinterested and this will affect his work performance. Sometimes, the only way to make sure that you are being paid what you are worth is to quit your present job and look for better opportunities.

industry_corpus2: Others


text: The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri is asking for your help in earning a grant from Wal-mart. The Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign is sponsored by Walmart, and you vote for your local food bank by visiting walmart.com/fighthunger. You can vote daily, and Food Bank coordinator Mike DeSantis asks for your help in spreading the word to your Facebook friends and family, so they can cast votes also. At stake is a 60-thousand dollar grant that would give the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri a head start into one of its highest-demand times of the year.


text:
Mineral commodity prices are ticking up once more, and the cash-strapped Congolese government is increasingly betting on rising mining revenues to come to its fiscal rescue. Because of the budget deficit and a shortage of foreign exchange, the central bank has been putting pressure on mining companies to repatriate 40% of their export earnings pursuant to a 2007 government decision. That, and a proposed reform to the mining code, have caused tensions between the Kinshasa government and the country’s mining companies.
On the production and price fronts, things are looking up now. Copper prices currently hover around $7,000/tn, sharply up from $4,500 just a year ago. And, improving matters further, the country’s recorded copper exports were 15% higher during the first half of 2017 than during the same period of 2016.
The cobalt price is rising too, buoyed by recent announcements by governments around the world, including the UK and China, of their plans to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars. The London Metal Exchange cobalt price was $27/lb in October 2017, up from $13/lb a year earlier. Cobalt is an important component of vehicle batteries, with each battery containing an estimated 5-15kg of the metal. By 2030, global cobalt demand is anticipated to be nearly 50 times higher than what it currently is, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to more than 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves.
As a result, Congolese miners have been busy. The central bank reported that copper production jumped 9.3% in the first nine months of the year, hitting 831,000tn. Cobalt and gold production rose, 18% and 5.7%, respectively. The net effect was a hefty 60% increase in commodity export receipts from the DRC during the first half of 2017 compared to the first half of 2016, to more than $6bn.
And the tax take is rising, too. The government raked in just under $200m in mineral export taxes in the first half of 2017, 29% higher than during the first half of 2017, and the figure edged to just over $200m during the second half of 2017. But with the rest of the economy in the doldrums, the overall tax take for the first eight months of 2017 was $1.9bn, 23% lower than during the same period of 2016. Figures for the fourth quarter of 2017 should be healthier though, and the government is betting that 2018 will be better still.
That will help it to weather yet another year of near absent donor funding. The country’s traditional donors are continuing to sit on their hands, hoping to push the Congolese government to proceed more swiftly towards a political transition after President Joseph Kabila failed to hold elections in 2016.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) conducted its first formal mission to the DRC in two years in November, but is still a long way from agreeing any new loans. One of the main conditions of any fresh lending from the IMF is a clear indication that the government is committed to elections, but despite the publication of an electoral calendar just ahead of the IMF visit, promising a presidential poll in December 2018, there remains considerable scepticism that this will be respected.
Nicholas Staines, the IMF resident representative in the DRC, explains: “It is true that there has been a big improvement in export receipts and this is already translating into higher tax revenues. It is also true that there will be big increases in both next year.” But he cautions that the government cannot fix its fiscal problems with mineral export receipts alone. The government should not bank too much on that because non-mining tax revenues look set to remain depressed, so the overall picture will probably be much less impressive.
Shortly before the beginning of the national assembly’s final session of the year, President Joseph Kabila urged deputies to approve a revised mining code, something the assembly has been trying – and failing – to do since 2015. The revised code envisages higher mining royalties for the state and a change in the stability clause – meaning the period after which contracts can be amended by the state – from the current 10 years to between three and five years.
Discussion of the revised mining code will shine the spotlight once again on mining companies’ payments to the state’s revenue authorities. Yet just as important, if not more so, are the massive payments that Katanga-based copper and cobalt miners continue to make to state-owned mining companies, and particularly the parastatal Gécamines. In early November, The Carter Center, a US-based non-profit human rights group founded by former US president Jimmy Carter, released a detailed report based on five years of research entitled ‘A State Affair: Privatising Congo’s Copper Sector’.
The report concludes that joint ventures between state-owned mining company Gécamines and international mining houses entitle Gécamines to $262m in payments annually. Yet 75% of the $1bn Gécamines was contractually entitled to between 2011 and 2014 “cannot be reliably tracked to Gécamines’ accounts,” the report explains. It does not say where the money has gone, but Gécamines insiders claim that most of the money never reached the company.

industry_corpus2: Mining