Rumor has it Barneys New York will be all about peace and love this holiday season, but not in the traditional sense. It's the 50 anniversary of the peace sign, so what better way than to celebrate it by decorating your entire stores windows with the iconic symbol? But they aren't the only ones getting on the trend band wagon. Come September, expect to see the peace sign EVERYWHERE from shirts to spring sweaters as well as patterns. That boho chic look has been sort of in for a while, but now it's going to get REALLY hippie for Spring 2009. Ya heard it here first!
I get dizzy and sick every time I look at dresses like this one. Color fade is SUCH a fad, it really makes me cringe whenever I see it. This dress is by Alice and Olivia and usually love Stacey's stuff but wow this dress is not cool. Notice how it is a maxi dress AND paired with gladiator sandals!! No no nooooo!!!
EW. These are hideous and an other example of how something that was cool a couple seasons ago (Imitation of Christ Spring 2007) are now an official "summer trend." Definitely do not wear them with short shorts, skirts, skinny jeans, halter dresses, mini dresses OR maxi dresses!
I just saw an article in the the Myrtle Beach newspaper about how skulls are a new fashion trend. A "new" fashion trend?? Most of us were wearing skulls three years ago AND have totally moved on from it. But I did think this piece was interesting purely from a social perspective. If Myrtle Beach is just now recognizing skull icons are cool, I wonder when the skull trend is going to hit a place like Albuquerque, New Mexico??
Fortune magazine lists scarves, fashion sneakers (this means Lacoste and Michael Kors branded kicks), see-through clothes, industrial fabrics, and retail based spots to "hang out" as 5 hot fashion trends for 2008. Is this writer kidding? Clearly she didn't do her research! Last fall I spoke to several trend forecasters from the Doneger group as well as looking at research done by market and trend forecaster, Faith Popcorn for a piece I did in Forbes.com. This is what I came up with:
1) Menswear goes neon: That's right kids (ehem, men) you are going to see neon dominate everything from suits to over coats and shoes. If wearing a bright pink jacket is too much to handle, try rockin' a pair of green neon socks with a navy or grey suit.
2) Channel your inner Sid Vicious: If you work in an investment bank, then you definitely can't go too extreme with this trend either but wearing grommets on your shoes (like the Mad Mary Louboutin heel) is perfectly acceptible.
3) Stealth wealth is in: David Wolfe, creative director of the Doneger Group as well as [Faith] Popcorn agree lifestyles of the rich and famous are going to be embraced even more in 2008. What happens if you don't have $20,000 to drop on a fur coat? Fake it 'till you make it by purchasing faux.
4) It's not "industrial fabrics" silly, it's eco-friendly fabrics!!: Designers have been using fabrics made of plastic, rubber or recycled aluminum for decades. What's really hot right now are environmentally friendly fabrics made of organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or recycled polyester.
5) It's all about Beijing, baby: News flash- Beijing will be hosting the 2008 Olympics. Since this is a major global event, fashion will of course reflect it.


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JOY - Trauma (P&P)
Silkscreen on 300 gsm on Conqueror Connoisseur 100% cotton
Size: 40x50 cm
Edition: 70 each color (Red and blue)
Signed and numbered
5% art fee added at checkout
** PICKUP **
Use code 'Pickup' in the field "Discount" if you want to pick it up at the gallery and avoid shipping fees.

domain: artistic


text:
I’ve somehow bought into this Instagram life, this alternate version of reality, but I just don’t have the energy for it. I’ve never kept up with fads and trends like that. I’ve never had any interest in it. But somehow we buy into this ideal whether we live it or not and have a tendency to beat ourselves up if we’re not living according to some predetermined standard. We’re told who we’re supposed to be, before we ever have a chance to figure it out.
When is life ever what we’ve thought it would be? My guess is, fairly rarely. Nothing turns out the way we hoped it would. Some things fall flat on their face, other things work out far better than we could have imagined. So why do we buy into this ideal? Why do we live to impress others, when we lose ourselves in the process?
Isn’t that what it means to be real? To be whole, to be genuine, to be ourselves. To be in tune with the world and the people around us. To be present in that moment. There are children starving. People sold as slaves, beaten and poverty stricken. And we escape into our idyllic world pretending that our pretty things are all that exist. We turn away to a fabricated world and convince ourselves that it is real. Because what’s in front of us hurts too much to see.
I don’t want to buy into the world’s version of reality. It looks enticing and draws us it, but underneath it’s hollow; a flimsy paper mask that melts in the rain as we desperately try to hold it together.
I choose a different real. I am not a picture or a stereotype. I’m a human. And being human has value. All humans have value. My life is not just about me. It’s about everyone around me, every person I can impact for good. It’s looking into that homeless person’s eyes and seeing someone just as real and valuable as yourself. That moment. That connection. It’s not how our lives look online, but the things we do and who we are while we’re actually living. That is what makes us real.


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Art of Cooking
WE MAKE GREAT FOOD
FINE FOOD & DINING SINCE 1984
A PASSION FOR THE PERFECT TASTE
WE DON'T JUST COOK,
WE TREAT YOU TO DELICACIES
Welcome to La Panetteria
TRADITION & QUALITY
Sitting in the beautifully sunlit indoor atrium with its gracefully hanging baskets and period paintings makes one think of relaxing in an open foyer of a well-established restaurant in old Italy.
Welcomed directly by the owners & wonderful staff, combined with the rich aromas from the kitchen, your taste buds spring to life in anticipation of the bounty to come.
La Panetteria is a resident fixture in Bethesda, serving the finest southern and northern Italian specialty foods. Chef Ettore combined the best of Italy in one single Menu with a taste of classic Argentine dishes.


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Toronto police are investigating a spate of car fires that took place near Bayview and Moore avenues on Friday morning. Det.-Sgt. Daniel Sabadics said approximately 10 vehicles have suffered arson damage. No injuries were reported.
Eastern Commerce closing doors, ending storied basketball program
CityNews reporter Stella Acquisto looks back at some of the big stars that graced the hardcourt at Eastern Commerce over the years.

domain: news


text:
Electronic Emissary Project's WebCenter
Prototyped in 1992,The Electronic Emissary is the longest-running telementoring and research effort serving K-12 students and teachers. Connections are available to resources realted to Teachers; Mentors; Teamwork; and Research.
This resource is cataloged under:
More like this one
HOME | BROWSE THE SHELVES | SEARCH THE CATALOG | MY COLLECTION | CONTRIBUTE | HELP
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education Technology Innovations Challenge Grant Program
and the U.S. Department of Education PT3 Digital Equity Task Force
© 2022 National Institute for Community Innovations.
All Rights Reserved.

domain: library


1 Type- C USB, 1 Type-A USB charging ports
Input Voltage: 100V-250V, 50/60Hz
Power rating: 2500W
USB output: 5VDC/2.4A (Total)
Material: Fireproof material
Product Dimension: 2.8*2.3*2.6 in
Note: This adapter does NOT Convert Voltage.
Make sure your device with input voltage range 100-250V before using the adapter to avoid possible damage to your device.
Not work in the UK / Ireland / Iceland / S.Africa
TESSAN Travel Adapter(Type C) with Dual USB Charging Port
This compact adapter is very suitable for overseas business or travel.
A standard North American 2 or 3-prong flat pin and 2 USB ports support charging electronics such as cell phone, Camera, Tablet, MP3, Bluetooth Speaker and other device.
Universal 3-prong plug. Max Capacity Up to 2500 Watt
Type C plug adapter is used in over 80 countries around the world. Compatible in most European countries.
Compatible Countries:Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cameroon, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, the Republic of Guinea, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madeira, Mozambique, Niger, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Senegal, Turkey, Aruba, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Saba, Suriname, Uruguay Bangladesh, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, etc.
Travel Plug Adapter x 1
User Manual x 1
- European Adapter Type C Plug - Compatible in most European countries such as Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany,Greece, Hungary,Portugal, Poland, Netherlands,Spain, Turkey, Iceland, Italy. More country list can be checked in description. ( NOTE: NOT WORK in UK/Ireland/Scotland, if need please choose our Type G adapter)
- 3 in 1 inputs Wall Outlet Adapter- This small European plug accepts the standard N American 2 or 3 prong flat pin Plug, Max Capacity Up to 2500 Watt (max 250 Volt, 10 A) and equip with 2USB Ports( 1 USB-C & 1 USB-A), ideal for Cell phone, Tablet, Power Bank ect; You can charge 3 device at a time, no need to carry extra adapter and power strip for your traveling, saving your suitcase space
- 2 Different USB Charging Ports - TESSAN adapters for european outlet is equip with 1 Type-C port to charge your USB-C devices including Pixel/ Pixel XL, Note 10 /9 / 8, S10/ S9/ S8 Plus ect. And 1 USB-A to charge normal USB device
- Compact Size and Indicator - This international power adapter is mini and good for Travel or cruise ship; Led indicator can let you know the europe power adapter is on/off, Certified by CE to ensure the safety, high quality Internal metal interfaces offer good conductivity and this adapters for Europe have 18-month After-Customer Service
- Note - This is NOT A VOLTAGE CONVERTER. This adapters for Europe are only compatible for 110V-240V wide voltage device, especially your hair dryer, straightener, electric toothbrush or razor MUST to support 110V-240V Dual Voltage, otherwise you may need a voltage converter


In the fog-drenched hours of Saturday morning, several blocks of downtown San Francisco became the scene of a massive terrorist invasion of the Bay Area’s financial epicenter. At least, that’s the way it felt. Nearly five blocks surrounding California and Montgomery streets were closed to traffic for much of the day as part of a massive terrorist drill costing $250,000 in Homeland Security grants. Hundreds of police, fire and military personnel responded to the incident, helping to defuse a bomb, track down suspects and rescue victims played by student volunteers. The drill included three separate attacks — the first two in the Bank of America building at 555 California St. and the third at 1 Post St. Nearly 20 agencies responded to the incidents and were evaluated on their performance in defusing the crises.


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Visiting Researchers are a valuable part of the Georgetown Law community. Our current visitors include:
Daniel Almeida is visiting from Brazil where he is Director of International Relations, Full Professor of Law and International Relations and Post-Doctoral Researcher at Universidade do Sagrado Coracao, Sao Paulo. His research focuses on the diplomatic relations between Brazil and the U.S. in the Digital Age - Juridical Challenges and Opportunities. His visit continues through July 1, 2017.
Felix Vega Borrego is visiting from Spain where he is an Associate Professor of Tax Law at Autonomous University of Madrid. His research consists of analyzing the limitation on benefits clauses (LOB) rule in tax treaties in light of the US Model Tax Convention, US tax treaties and Action 6 of the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Plan. His visit continues through December 31, 2016.
Mete Erdem is a visitor who is originally from Turkey where he is also an assistant professor at Inonu University. His research focuses on environmental protection in times of armed conflict. His visit continues through February 27, 2017.
Afiya France is visiting from Trinidad where she is pursuing her PhD and working as a Lecturer and Course Director at The University of the West Indies. Her research and doctoral thesis is focused on the legal dimensions of the mentally ill in the Caribbean region, having special regard to their autonomy and equality before the law. Her visit continues through August 30, 2016.
Christian Helmrich is visiting from Germany where he is the Chair of Public Law and Policy at the University of Regensburg. He will be conducting postdoc research on the interface of strategic litigation and systemic justice. He will visit from August 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016.
Su Jin Jung is a visitor from South Korea where she is a Judge at the Seoul Southern District Court and a professor at the Judicial Research and Training Institute. Her research is in the area of bankruptcy law and trustees avoidance powers. Her visit continues through February 28, 2017.
Judge Ken Kaiami is a Visiting Judicial Researcher from Japan where he is a Judge of Sapporo District and Family Courts. His main interest is in researching the civil trial system of the U.S. and establishing new practices in his court under the newly revised Japanese Code of Civil Procedure. His visit continues through July of 2017.
Chong Kun Kim is a visitor from South Korea where he is a Judge in the Suwon District Court. His research focuses on international trade law, specifically in the US and South Korea. His visit continues through December 18, 2016.
Kyunghee Kim is a visitor from South Korea where she is Vice President, Secretariat of Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative, Ministry of Finance. Her research focuses on the legal frame for start-ups and venture incubation policy. Her visit continues through June 30, 2017.
Hakjin Lee is a visitor from Korea where he is a Senior Associate at Kim & Chang. His research will focus on a comparative study of US and Korean laws on baking, securities and capital market participation. His visit continues through July 31, 2017.
Mosi Li is a visitor from China where she is an associate professor at the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. Her research is in the area of international trade regulation. Her visit continues through January 14, 2017.
Nicolas Luco is a visitor from Chile where he is a professor of Civil Procedure and Legal Ethics at Universidad Catolica de Chile. His research focuses on the different strategies and techniques for teaching legal ethics and professional responsibility and their relative effectiveness at a theoretical and practical level. His visit continues through July 12, 2017.
Maria Sokolova is visitor from Russia who is a PhD candidate at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. Her research is in the area of international law and economics, particularly international currency choice and monetary shock transmission. Her visit continues through August 31, 2016.
Yuju Su is a visitor from China where she is an associate professor at Hainan Medical University and a PhD candidate at Tsinghua University Law School. Her research focuses on the regulation of public private partnerships in the area of public health. Her visit continues through August 31, 2016.
Qing Zhang is a visitor from China where he is a Professor of Law, Center of Law and Economics, for China University of Political Science and Law. His research focuses on the use of the regulatory licensing regime in the U.S Health System and its implications for China's law. His visit continues through June 30, 2017.
Qingfeng Zhou is visiting from China where she is an associate professor at the China University of Political Science and Law. Her research is in the area of constitutional law and compares religious education in the US and China. Her visit continues through August 14, 2016.

domain: law


text:
being the confessions of a recovering hillwalker
Good luck with, OM."Tape". Nice. When are you in? I shall keep my fingers crossed.
If I'm understanding properly, then you're certainly entitled to put stuff you like on that particular tape.Are you going to throw one in that you're sure nobody else will like? I would.;0)
Eh,well yes. Alan. Just remember the smoker you drink the player you get.That would be hard for you Scott - surely everyone loves Warren Zevon ?
True, but I'm a big Gilbert & Sullivan fan as well.:0)
Coming back to your comment, OM - the great Joe Walsh! Takes me back....You are still commenting. This is a Good Thing.
Ere! This tape? I might have picked up the wrong end of the stick, earlier on....Are things alright?
No, things are not alright. The bad news is I am dying. The really bad news is - so are you. It's all a matter of timing. The local bookie tells me that the GP has been in and put a grand on me for < 18 months at evens. But then he also had England for the Rugby World Cup and Misha B for the X factor, so we live in hope.
Right then. This timing thing seems a bit of a bugger, not to put too fine a point on it.Always best to try and beat the bookies, though.Come up with any good tunes to hum along to?

domain: hobby


2 lots auctioned
Correction to my previous post: When I said speedometer was replaced, I meant speedometer fascia was replaced: the part that shows the speed in mph and kmh. See the photo I uploaded to confirm that only the fascia was replaced. The 85mph fascia that was replaced is included in the sale.
@riverflyer: We have not priced replacement headlamps, although I see what you mean about your Z8–the one in the background in photo #6 has the same issue, but it doesn’t bother the owner in either car. As @Speedraser correctly pointed out, this car is of the 2+0 configuration, meaning there is a storage compartment under the rear floor, and straps to secure any luggage placed on top of the storage compartment (see photo #81). As Speedraser also pointed out, the sound system is a Linn, and the large, trunk-mounted amplifier is shown in photo #40. If you look closely towards the bottom of the amplifier housing, you can see the name Linn moulded into the cover.
Happy to answer any/all questions.
@riverflyer: based on the photos (I’m not currently by the car), I count 13 chips in the grille paint. The grille isn’t broken, but just chipped.
Headlight condensation is always there.
The stereo is the stock tape deck/radio head unit in the center stack, with CD changer box on the RH side of the trunk, visible in photo #40. This is the section of the build sheet that covers electronics/center stack/console:
Centre Console Stowage: Console Storage Box
Delete External Aerial: Delete External Aerial
Fascia Console: Facia Console – Exterior Body Colour
Roof Pod: Homelink
Telephone: Motorola V60s
Re. trans fluid leak, see below from work performed by Lake Forest Sports Cars, Lake Forest, IL, dated 11/1/16 to 1/6/17:
USING RESISTORS, VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO REACH OPERATING TEMP AND COMPLETE MONITORS. VEHICLE PASSED EMISSIONS. DURING TIME WHEN VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING TESTING A LEAK OCCURED FROM TRANS COOLER LINES. REPLACED CLAMPS ON TRANS COOLER LINES AND TOPPED. REPLACED CLAMP ON TRANS COOLER LINES AND TOPPED OFF FLUID. TEST DROVE, NO MORE ISSUES AT THIS TIME.
I would still monitor the area shown in photo #115 for fluid, to be on the safe side, but, as mentioned below in the comments, the leak, if it is indeed an active leak, is minuscule.
Re. interior color, I would say it is on the lighter, tan spectrum. Also bear in mind it is an “Out of Range” shade, meaning it isn’t an exact match with any of the standard colors offered in the catalogs.
Let me know if there’s anything else bothering you & I’ll address it.
@V12CAT: speedo update:
Speedometer was replaced by Mo-Ma Manufacturing in Albuquerque, NM, a firm that specializes in gauge and instrument repair and restoration. Because NOS 160 mph fascias are not available, the lettering was hand painted, and the head recalibrated to ensure an accurate reading. The mileage at the time (in the 50Ks) was left unaltered and the assembly was reinstalled with the identical reading as when it was removed from the car. Feel free to contact Norbert or Keith at Northshore Sportscars in Lake Bluff, IL, to confirm this. They are the only garage to have worked on the car since January 2015.
@V12CAT: the speedo fascia was indeed swapped out for a 160 mph fascia. The owner’s father had an identical car except in Euro spec with a 240 km/h speedo. See book excerpt uploaded yesterday about speedo production changes. The 85 mph speedo fascia comes with the car. I will upload a photo of both fascias shortly.
@BMCB: there is an even 2mm drop in the left door’s front and rear edges in relation to the fender and quarter panel. Note that it’s not a sag. Off the top of my head I would say raising the the hinges on the A pillar by the same amount and adjusting the latch/striker alignment accordingly would cure it, but, honestly, the door fits the opening and engages the latch beautifully. You might be opening a can of worms by attempting to adjust the 2mm out. You hear the stereotypical solid thud when you slam it shut.
@Peter_69: unfortunately not. The seller to the current owner, a corporate car collection in LA, stated that they had purchased the car from the original owner. Unfortunately there is no documentation of that, but the two people who have inspected the car in Chicago this week expressed amazement at how original the car appears, and I think the photos bear that out. The only maintenance record is for the work that the current owner had done post-purchase. It’s available here https://drive.google.com/open?id=1t-m84heh-aFZNCPuFD3taAVevZQui3lI. The Euro conversion was done at this time.
@Panzer82: coating thickness range is 4.24-8.79 mils on the readings we took across the whole car. When I first inspected the paint visually it seemed too good and shiny to be original, but the more I looked, the more convinced I became that it might be factory paint. Even color and metal flake distribution, no tape lines anywhere, including under the rubber seals, no bridging, good underhood-exterior paint match…
Exterior paint seems to have been buffed but not color sanded. Some minor texture and imperfections remain (photo 11 above rear glass), but a good detailer knows when to quit, specially when dealing with original paint.
That said, owner states that the air filter housing was refinished at some point.
Open to answering any questions you all might still have.
@Bkdamkr: When we put the car on the lift to take pictures a couple of months ago, I noticed a drop of oil on one of the banjo fittings you see in photo 115 and wiped it off before the photos were taken. A potential BaT buyer came for a drive last Friday and the car was moved out of the spot where it had spent the last two months. The area where the car had been parked was absolutely dry. That tells you how insignificant and slow the leak is. Hope this helped.
@W108109: photos 80 and 81 show the firewall insulation, which I believe is a kind of soft mastic. It is painted body color and my guess is that it expands and contracts with temperature changes to the point where the paint on its surface cracks because it isn’t as elastic as the mastic itself. That’s my theory based on observation of other cars.
Correction re. interior colors:
Trim Upper Colour: Light Tan
Trim Upper Stitching: Colour Match to Leather
Trim Lower Colour: Light Tan
Trim Lower Stitching: Colour Match to Leather
Seat Outer Colour: Light Tan (Out of Range)
Seat Inner Colour: Light Tan (Out of Range)
Seat Inner Stitching: Colour Match to Leather
Headlining Inner: Tan Alcantara (Out of Range)
Carpet Colour: Tan (Out of Range)
Carpet Binding: Colour Match to Carpet
Re. splitter: this car did not have one when the owner purchased it. We know that early Ss did not come with it. It did come standard on last six of VIN 501506 and later, which indicates this car should have come with it (501741).
Updates based on questions received here and through PMs:
@Pancake2017 see sunroof in action at link below. It’s fast and smooth.
@Rahtok not sure if a conversion kit was used, but we do know that the bumpers are OEM and that a lot of the bracketry was adapted and reused.
I have uploaded closeups of the paint defects mentioned in the description to the gallery.
Please click below for videos of cold start views of the tailpipe and instruments and sunroof in operation.
Thank you all, and keep the questions coming.
@FXRcR1m @AMfan: just uploaded swatches for available interior colors for 2005 model year. https://www.carsdirect.com/2005/aston-martin/vanquish/colors also shows Vanquish colors for 2005. The car FXRcR1m posted as comparison is from the following model year, colors might have changed, and, even if it was meant to be the same color, since these were hand-built cars, I expect there would be some variation in the coloration of the hides. This 2005 DB9 https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-aston-martin-db9-8/ sold on BaT has Moonshadow interior, and although similar, it is lighter. I also uploaded two pics of the car including part of the interior with an Xrite Colorchecker in the shot for comparison (photogs will know what I’m talking about).
@mcrosson: Car is part of a private collection in Chicago. This and the rest of the cars in the collection are either correctly and painstakingly restored, or excellent original cars. All cars in the collection (including the two currently for sale, see also 1980 MB 450SLC now live on BaT) have been maintained religiously and in some cases tastefully and professionally upgraded (car here had chin spoiler added, 450SLC Euro conversion).
@SlowNRusty: open roads are a hoot, what will all those horses busting to break free. City driving is remarkably civilized. My only complaint is that the steering gets heavy at lower speeds, but I’m splitting hairs here. Parts can be expensive ($2k rear rotors, $1k fronts), but this car has been babied: 30k-mile service done way ahead of time, with a bunch of other consumables addressed at the same time (including aforementioned rotors). That bill: $30k. Money the next owner won’t have to spend.
Suffered connectivity problems in a far away land in the last 24 hours, but I’m available for questions till close of auction and beyond. Keep ’em coming!


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Where Are You From?
Written by Yamile Saied Méndez
This resonant picture book tells the story of one girl who constantly gets asked a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom—a book to share, in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo.
When a girl is asked where she’s from—where she’s really from—none of her answers seems to be the right one.
Unsure about how to reply, she turns to her loving abuelo for help. He doesn’t give her the response she expects. She gets an even better one.
Where am I from?
You’re from hurricanes and dark storms, and a tiny singing frog that calls the island people home when the sun goes to sleep....
With themes of self-acceptance, identity, and home, this powerful, lyrical picture book will resonate with readers young and old, from all backgrounds and of all colors—especially anyone who ever felt that they don’t belong.
An ideal vehicle for readers to ponder and discuss their own identities.
Kirkus - Starred Review
(Kirkus 2019 Best Picture Book the Year)
An enchanted, hand-in-hand odyssey...[and] opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the many, many backgrounds, roots, histories, of those who live in these United States.
This touching book addresses a ubiquitous question for children of color, and in the end, the closeness between the girl and Abuelo shows that no matter the questions, she knows exactly where she’s from.
A great read-aloud with simple yet evocative language, this picture book will validate many young children’s experience, and for others will lend itself well to starting conversations around race and racial aggressions.
School Library Journal


3 considerations for rooftop solar panel installation
When installing solar panels, Lumen takes into account the shade cast by a building’s structures, electrical or mechanical interaction points that need to be easily accessible, and walkways that need to be traversed freely.
Solar panels make the most energy when they’re in direct sunlight, so we avoid putting them in areas that are routinely shaded. It’s important to note the sun’s interaction with a building when deciding the best locations for installation and how this tango evolves throughout the day or year.
From the top down, it’s often difficult to see vertical shade-casting structures. For example, consider the oblong structure in the center of this roof:
The image above was taken from space when the sun was directly overhead. The structure is casting shade only from its northernmost edge, so most of the roof appears unshaded and solar-panel friendly. However, the sun is directly overhead for only part of the day and hangs low in the sky during winter months.
From this angle, one can see how tall the structure is relative to the length of the roof deck where solar would go:
The structure is going to cast lots of shade in mornings and afternoons. Here’s how the shade looks during that time, along with our simulated recommendation for solar panel placement:
Here’s what the simulation looks like from an angle:
Solar simulation software accounts for shading that happens intra-day and throughout the year as we travel around the sun (the shadows are longer when the sun is lower in the sky, here in the northern hemisphere). We avoid putting panels where they’re going to be so shaded that they drag down the system’s energy productivity, thus financial productivity.
Systems with strong economics have a higher tolerance for shading. For example, in San Diego, where utility rates are very high, even a sub-optimally productive solar panel still yields commercially beneficial savings. For systems with less strong economics, we’d remove such sub-optimal panels to keep the economics looking good.
HVAC equipment, walls, roof edges, window washing fasteners — we need to leave some distance between them and the solar array. We call these distances setbacks. Sometimes they’re required by building code, other times we simply want to leave room to allow humans to move about the roof safely and without threat of physical harm or damage to equipment.
We don’t put solar panels on walkways because walkways are for humans. There are two kinds of walkways. Here’s a rooftop with lots of walkways, clearly marked…
…which looks like this when there’s solar on it:
The other kind of walkway is to give fire fighters a clear path to move quickly across a rooftop:
Smart solar panel placement is the difference between saving pennies and harnessing the power of the sun for profit. With Lumen’s data-backed installation recommendations, a building owner can access thousands of dollars of untapped earnings. Lumen uses advanced software and industry expertise to determine the optimal locations for solar panel installation, taking into account shading, setbacks and walkways so building owners can reach their full potential.


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- The cryptocurrency market remains resilient despite a wave of bad news in 2022
- Bitcoin trades above $30k, up 80% YTD
- HODL seems to be the secret of Bitcoin’s success as Bitcoin hoarding in personal wallets rises
2022 has been a terrible bear market for cryptocurrency investors since November 2021. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, dropped from $69k to $15.5k in a matter of months.
Other cryptocurrencies followed.
Over the last year, the industry was hit by a wave of negative news. Just think of the FTX collapse, which turns out to be the largest fraud in recent history.
Also, the $2 trillion bear market was the largest in the (relatively short) cryptocurrency market’s history. Moreover, multiple crypto lender bankruptcies have been announced.
Finally, over 300 lawsuits and regulation cases scared investors away.
Yet, the market bounced. It is incredibly resilient, rewarding investors believing in it. For instance, Bitcoin trades above $30k, up +80% YTD.
Bitcoin hoarding in personal wallets is a positive sign
Recent research from the Bank of America shows positive developments for the cryptocurrency industry. HODL seems to be the secret of Bitcoin’s success. According to the research, hoarding in personal digital asset wallets increased after Bitcoin’s price jumped above $30k.
This is nothing short of impressive, considering that Bitcoin was released less than two decades ago. To put it into context, one Bitcoin was priced at 5 cents in 2010.
It tells much about the cryptocurrency market’s volatility and that booms, busts, mania, and despair are the norm.
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Here are a few stories I enjoyed reading this morning:
From The Post Game, the story of wrestler Bob McPhee, appropriately headlined, “A Comeback Story for All Time“:
Surgeons drill six holes in McPhee’s skull to relieve the swelling. He remains in a coma for 17 days. He wakes up to the sight of the silhouettes of his parents, asking if he can move his arms. He can’t. He tries to speak. He can’t. He has suffered a brain stem injury. For the rest of his life, people will think he’s paralyzed. But Bob can feel everything. And everything hurts.
From the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger, the life of the Mets’ No. 1 draft choice, a rising star from an unlikely place — Cheyenne, Wyo.:
The myth is that Nimmo rode a bronco down the Rocky Mountains with a Stetson on his head and a bat over his shoulder, a five-tool outfielder with a homegrown left-handed swing developed in his father’s barn because there was no high school baseball available in the state.
“Almost like comic-book stuff,” his Legion coach says. Adds Alderson, the Mets GM: “It wasn’t as if he just appeared out of a cornfield.”
From Sports Illustrated, how a Houston AAU coach scammed NCAA coaches out of millions before taking his own life:
The scam that bilked nearly $8 million from at least 13 NCAA basketball coaches—as well as $47 million more from many other investors, including a former New Mexico athletic director and a southeast Texas church whose bond holdings were valued at $13.1 million—was surprisingly crude. Everyone involved had invested in what they believed to be a conservative portfolio of U.S. corporate bonds—General Electric, Xerox, Walmart, IBM, J.P. Morgan. But according to several sources close to the investigations being conducted by the SEC, the Justice Department and the Secret Service, those bonds never existed.


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Photo Gallery (11)
ALD (Aldama), MX
|UN/LOCODE:||ALD - United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations|
|Population and Rank:||
? people lives in this city.
#? of highest population cities in the world.
|Latitude and Longitude:||22°55'N 098°04'W - Latitude and longitude coordinates of this city.|
List of airports in the country.
Mexico - Country or territory where this city is located.
MX - ISO2 code of the country.
|Currency:||$ - MXN (Mexican Peso) - Currency used in this country.|
|Telephone Code:||+52 - Telephone dialing in code for this country.|
2021-05-25, 487👍, 0💬
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia -
Federal Republic of Nigeria -
Want to know which city has the most population? See our top 30 largest city in the world by populat...
Cayman Islands -
Where to find commonly used coins, bank notes/bills of different currencies? Here is a collection of...

domain: geography


text:
MedX Pharmacy Offers Skin Care Tips – PR Web (press release)
MedX Pharmacy Offers Skin Care TipsPR Web (press release)Healthy, radiant skin can be as simple as a trip to MedX Pharmacy. The staff of pharmacists is specially trained and skilled in dermatology compounding to treat skin care issues like acne, eczema and other conditions. Most people are unaware that the …
Woman covered in severe eczema which caused 'snowstorm' when she walked cured by PORRIDGE
An eczema sufferer whose painful condition covered her entire body causing a "snowstorm" of flaky skin when she walked has found a surprise cure in the cereal aisle.

domain: medical


text:
- How is CGI used in movies?
- Is CGI difficult?
- Was CGI used in Titanic?
- What makes CGI so expensive?
- What are considered the 10 best movies of all time?
- What is the #1 movie of all time?
- Who is the best director of all time?
- How much does CGI cost in movies?
- What was the first CGI?
- What’s more expensive CGI or practical effects?
- How hard is it to make CGI?
- What is a CGI movie?
- Did the original Star Wars use CGI?
- What movie has the most special effects?
- When did CGI become popular?
How is CGI used in movies?
CGI most commonly refers to the 3D computer graphics used to create characters, scenes and special effects in films, television and games.
Where CGI starts to get really exciting is when computer-generated imagery is layered into digital film footage using a technique known as compositing..
Is CGI difficult?
CGI stands for Computer Generated Imagery. That’s a pretty broad term. … CGI is very easy to get into, but because it encompasses many, many different types of effects, it can be both very expensive and very time consuming to get good at.
Was CGI used in Titanic?
From what is assuredly some of the most elaborate model work ever done for a movie to the extensive work in digital 3D CGI (computer generated imaging), Titanic is replete with cutting edge visual effects.
What makes CGI so expensive?
The main reason why Visual Effects and CGI, in general, is so expensive is labor and time. Creating the highest quality visuals requires highly trained artists who work hundreds of hours on a single shot.
What are considered the 10 best movies of all time?
John Lynch contributed to a previous version of this post.”Citizen Kane” (1941) Warner Bros screengrab. Critic score: 100/100.2. ” The Godfather” (1972) … 3. ” Rear Window” (1954) … “Casablanca” (1943) Warner Bros. … 5. ” Boyhood” (2014) … 6. ” Three Colors: Red” (1994) … 7. ” Vertigo” (1958) … 8. ” Notorious” (1946) … More items…•
What is the #1 movie of all time?
Gone with the WindHighest-grossing films adjusted for inflationRankTitleYear1Gone with the Wind19392Avatar20093Titanic19974Star Wars19776 more rows
Who is the best director of all time?
Top 25 Greatest Directors of All Time (The Ultimate List)Steven Spielberg. Producer | Schindler’s List. … Martin Scorsese. Director | Taxi Driver. … Alfred Hitchcock. Director | Psycho. … Stanley Kubrick. Director | 2001: A Space Odyssey. … Francis Ford Coppola. Producer | Apocalypse Now. … Woody Allen. Writer | Manhattan. … Billy Wilder. Writer | The Apartment. … John Huston.More items…•
How much does CGI cost in movies?
According to RenderThat, the average cost of CGI (computer-generated imagery), animation and 3D effects amounted to 33.7 million U.S. dollars per movie in 2018.
What was the first CGI?
WestworldNumerous movies have made use of groundbreaking visual effects. The first use of CGI in a movie came in 1973 during a scene in “Westworld.”
What’s more expensive CGI or practical effects?
CGI by itself is very expensive, but is used now way more often than practicals. … If you do something with CGI, you can continue to iterate and make changes to it well after the movie is finished shooting. With practical effects, once the shot is taken, there’s no going back.
How hard is it to make CGI?
Learning CGI animation is a difficult, laborious process that on average takes up to three or four years. Avoid becoming discouraged, as many beginners find learning CGI animation overwhelming at first.
What is a CGI movie?
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the application of the field of computer graphics (or more specifically, 3D computer graphics) to special effects. CGI is used in films, television programs and commercials, and in printed media.
Did the original Star Wars use CGI?
Although invented in 1976, CGI was not commonly used by production companies until the mid-90s, and did not became a widespread default technology method for movies until in the 2000s. For the original Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) used matte paintings to create the Rebel Hangar.
What movie has the most special effects?
Special effects in movies: 10 stunning examplesAvatar. Avatar was, and still is, a VFX masterpiece.Jurassic Park. Number 1 for many people, Jurassic Park just misses out on the top spot. … Terminator 2: Judgement Day. “More groundbreaking than Jurassic Park,” says Dennis Muren. … Inception. … Interstellar. … The Matrix. … Avengers: Age of Ultron. … Gravity. … More items…•
When did CGI become popular?
Until the late 1990s CGI was used sparingly, but in 1995 Toy Story became the first full-length CG feature. With only a small team of animators, our favourite characters, from Woody to Buzz Lightyear, came to life.

domain: entertainment


Are Nuaire Drimasters expensive to run?
NO. A PIV is up to 10 times cheaper than a dehumidifier to run - and THEY DRY THE WHOLE HOUSE. A standard Drimaster (DRI-ECO-HC
) costs pence a week to run and you get free heat from the sun as a bonus. Heat coming up from the house is also recycled. The 'Heat' version (DRI-ECO-HEAT-HC
) averages about £1 a week. The Drimaster is designed for a long life at only 12v. 7yr Manufacturers guarantee
.How long does it take to work?
The machines have an immediate effect. Allow 2-5 days to balance the humidity then longer to dry the whole house out completely.
Tip: For best results start by setting the machine on low (depends on the severity of the damp and the size of the home) Average 3 bedroom house/average problem initially set speed 3 . Gradually increase the fan speed till the condensation on the windows stops on all but exceptional days. Will a Drimaster dry the whole house?
Yes providing all rooms lead off a central stairwell or hall. Remote rooms will also be affected as long as you keep the doors ajar to allow the 'dry' air to circulate.Is PIV just unproven and novel technology?
Emphatically not. We have been buying Nuaire Drimasters for 30 years and have 1000s of happy customers.
Positive input ventilation was developed in the 1980's in Glasgow to clear gas logged flats - it worked and also eliminated condensation by reducing humidity.
PIV is installed in over 1 million homes in the UK but it is still widely unknown by the general public who continue to buy dehumidifiers, sponges, insulation, double glazing, anti-fungal paint, mould sprays and magic crystals....Are Drimasters and fans quiet?
YES. The latest designs are whisper quiet and the Drimaster is also suspended in the roof to reduce vibrationWhat happens if the power is switched off?
The damp comes back if left off for a long time …. but after a power cut the machine will self start.Is my roof is suitable for a PIV?
Is there any daylight?. If not check outside for sofit vents or roof vents - essential to keep the roof aired. Check no one has covered the sofit vents with insulation. The machine relies on small but constant supply of air into the roof. What happens if I go on holiday?
Nothing – all our products are automatic - you come home to a fresh house. This is wonderful if you install the unit in a holiday home where use is intermittent. TIP: Make sure there is always power especially if the electricity is metered.
Note: if you buy the DRI-ECO-HEAT-HC you can stop the heat element working using a 4S switch
to switch it off....but otherwise it keeps running normally
Dryhomes is dedicated to solving condensation problems! What about Dehumidifiers ?
Good for controlling condensation in one are - not whole house unless you buy an enormous one. Beware that some are noisy,cost a lot to run
Dessicant dehumidifiers work in cool rooms and are quiet and lighter weight. Spare bedrooms
Compressor dehumidifiers are more noisy, cheaper to run but prefer 10-20C temperatures to be efficient. Lounge.Are Nuaire Drimasters automatic?
YES. PIV’s are electronically controlled. On hot summer days they switch off.Once installed they need no attention except changing filters every 4-5 years. Where does the damp air go?
The damp/stale air escapes via cracks and crevices such as keyholes and letterboxesHow easy is it to control a drimaster?
Once set you just leave the unit alone. If you buy a wi-fi 4S switch you can override the automatic controls at willHow can I tell if it stops working?
The windows will mist up again and the mould returns – people get used to drier homes very quickly and take the PIV unit for granted. Why not open a window instead of installing PIV?
Cold draughts will make the home uncomfortable
The insulation quality of double glazing will be nullified
It does not work - try itCan I still dry clothes on the radiators?
Clothes drying, fish tanks and indoor plants add water and create condensation. Any self inflicted problems must be matched by an increase in the air movement through the Drimaster controls. Dry clothes out of doors whenever possible – it is very eco-friendly and effective.What is solar gain?
The air in the roof is warmer than air in the house on most days from March to September. In winter there is little or no solar gain except on sunny days. But two things are worth noting when the air is cool -
Heating air costs about 20% of your total heating bill ( 80% heats walls, floors and roof)
A dry house “feels” warmer at a lower temperature so you can turn down the heat slightly in winter and feel just as warmWhat power is needed for a PIV?
The unit is protected by a fuse and any convenient, permanent light circuit in the roof
can be used. the fan runs at 12 volts and the transformer is includedIs there any maintenance?
NO. Once installed there is no need to do anything apart for keeping the electric supply on. The machines have a no quibble guarantee for 7 years from the manufacturers. After 3 - 5 years the filters need changing – phone dryhomes.Will the black mould go away?
No the black mould will have to be cleaned one last time. Wash down and kill it with dilute bleach. Wipe down leather if mouldy The mould will not return when the condensation is under control.How can I tell if the machine is running?
Has the damp come back? The easy way to tell if the machine is running is to hold a bit of cotton or wool near the diffuser on a broom handle. If it the ceiling is low you can feel the incoming dry air with your hand. NOTE. A Drimaster will switch itself off when the roof is hot!Where is the best site for the Drimaster diffuser?
In a normal house the top of the stairwell is best. In bungalows fit one in the hall near the front door so the air has time to temper and mix.Do I have to open windows?
No – but do keep internal doors ajar whenever possible.... especially when leaving the house.Are some roofs better than others for Drimasters?
Yes. The bigger the roof the better supply of fresh air is available to your home. Also south facing slopes give more solar gain and this should be considered a bonus. Small roof sloping the wrong way will work if the ventilation is goodWill the machine work in my en-suite beyond the bedroom?
It is highly likely that this room will be improved by the unit but is unlikely to resolve major problems. Showers and bathrooms must be vented. We always specify humidity controlled fans or timed/overrun fansCan anyone fit a Drimaster?
A competent DIYer can fit a Drimaster in a morning. We recommend that the final connection be done and checked by a competent professionalWhat will I need to fit a PIV one?
Plasterboard saw to cut a circular hole in the ceiling. Tape to measure the diffuser site. Pencil. Screwdriver. Drill to fit diffuser screws. Ladder or steps to loft. Light. Electrical screwdriver. Connection box (the fused spur and transformer are included)... 1.5 cable from the transformer to the lighting circuit. Cable clipsDoes it comply with Building Regs Part F1?
YESHow can I return a product I do not want?
If you don't want what you ordered or you decided on different model? No problem....
Your purchase must be :-
Returned within 15 days
Returned In their original packaging
Returned in a perfect resalable condition
RETURN PROCESS Contact us using the Contact Page and ask for a RETURN REFERENCE NUMBER to be affixed the outside of the box before sending it back. We cannot accept responsibility for any goods lost in transit so make sure you use recorded delivery or special delivery.
RETURN LABEL:- Dryhomes, The Store, Burton St, Brixham, TQ5 9JA + Return Number on outside of package
REFUND ON EXCHANGE PRODUCT. If you replaced the item for another PIV model in our shop let us know using the Contact Page. You will receive a full refunded using the original payment method as soon as your returned parcel arrives at our store and has been checked.
REFUND ON RETURNS. I hope you will understand that a full refund is not possible as that would mean Dryhomes suffering a loss without being at fault. The refund will be the full amount you paid less a £20 restocking/ carriage/admin fee. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method as soon as your returned parcel arrives at our store and has been checked.
USED GOODS Used goods are not accepted for return without special arrangements. Use our Contact Page
What do I do if there is a fault?
It is very unlikely that these products will have a fault.
Please call first to discuss any problems.
Note that the machines have sensors and in summer can switch themselves off in warm conditions........this is not a fault!
Replacing Nuaire faulty goods directly with Nuaire - the FAST/CHEAP option
Please contact Dryhomes to obtain the Nuaire PO Ref. No. CONTACT US
We will send you a free replacement unit under our warranty agreement with you. We will also arrange collection of the faulty unit free of charge. We allow 30 days for you to replace the unit and confirm the faulty unit is ready for collection. Upon return we will test and diagnose cause of failure.
To process your warranty claim we will require a purchase order number/reference from you which needs to reflect the value of the free replacement unit. Your order will be filed away with your claim.
If the returned part is tested and proven to have a mechanical or electrical component fault your claim will be accepted and we will not issue an invoice.
Our invoice will only be issued if:-
It is diagnosed working with no mechanical or electrical component faults.
The part has failed as a result of a site induced issue or is received damaged.
The part is not returned within 30 days from you receiving the free replacement.
You will not receive our invoice without prior notice and will receive our test engineers report detailing the reason for warranty rejection. We will also return the rejected part to you
Replacing faulty goods through Dryhomes. This will cost you the return carriage to Dryhomes.
Please contact Dryhomes to obtain a Returns Note Ref. No. CONTACT US
Send the product to The Store, Burton St, Brixham, TQ5 9JA.
If faulty we will send you a new replacement. FREE OF CHARGE
If there is no fault you will be invoiced for the cost of returning the unit to you


text:
Louis asked for my phone and i gave it him. He played around with it and then lifted the phone to his ear. The ID caller said Niall. Oh great. I went to grab my phone. but he pushed me away. " LOUIS" I shouted. He lifted his finger to his lips and went 'Shhhhh'. " Niall its Louis. Bring your friends be here for 5. Bye" Louis hung up and gave me my phone back. " You're not allowed to be with Niall you know? i won't allow it" Louis explained. i just . He cuddles me to his side. "You're a good sister" He chuckled. " I know i am". I smiled at him. He laughed. "Funny" he commented. " I know i am" I said while giving him a cheesy grin. I walked off and got a shower got changed sorted out my hair and headed downstairs.
"They're going to be here in 10 minutes and we haven't cooked anything Bailey help Ashton in the kitchen" Louis ordered rushing about i don't know why he hates Niall and his 'group' I walked into the kitchen Ashton didn't have a clue. He stood looking in the fridge a look of 'wtf' on his face.
"Ashton should we order and pretend we cooked it?" I asked him. He nodded smiling thankful of my genius. We rang them up and ordered pizza and chips.
Then the doorbell rang. I ran for the door to be pulled back by Harry and Liam. They put me a little behind them but in the middle of them. Ashton ran in with Michael ,and we all stood in a line. Louis opened the door and their stood the four boys. Niall, Luke, Calum and Zayn. I felt the tension it was like it was dripping from the walls. Louis invited them in and they walked in cautiously. I caught a glance with niall and smiled. I looked down to hide the blushing forming red circles on my cheeks. They walked towards us. Harry and Liam pushed me backwards. I stood there in my rolling stones vest top and my black skinny jeans with red vans on my feet. They shook hands with the other lad and gave me a long glance. They weren't allowed to touch me, probably another rule of stupid Louis. I ran into the kitchen on Ashton's back. There were two sides at the dinner table the 'Tomlinson's' on one side which id be sat on and the 'Horan's' on the other side. Well this is Awkward we sat there in silence, me and Ashton waiting for the pizza. Ashton tapped me. I got up and walked to the door. Getting confused faces off the lads. Opening it before the delivery man knocked. I paid for the food and got the 4 pizza's and the chips. "Ashton" I whispered. He came running in. Now that's going to look weird i walked out then a few minutes later Ashton did. "Distract them while i take the food in" I Whispered. He nodded. We got to the entrance of the room .Ashton made a pointless joke as i ran into the kitchen. We put the food on plates. "Dinner's ready" I shouted. Me and Ashton took the plates with food on into the dining room and set them down in the middle of the table and sat down.
We started to eat, the tension is really annoying me. "So you guys eat human food?" i asked. Trying to break the unwanted awkward silence and the death glares being sent to each other. "Yep just not as much especially when we can drink warm blood." Zayn stated. "Zayn" Louis warned. "What you going to do she asked" Zayn threatened. "We can kick you out of our house " Louis argued back, "You're the one that invited us here" Luke Niall's friend argued. "Only so i can sought out the stuff between each other because of my sister" Louis shouted. "Oh really and you just fantastic at least try to be friends" I shouted at Louis. Zayn started laughing. " Oh you think it's funny" Louis exclaimed towards Zayn. Zayn and Louis stood up the chairs flying backwards and as they did Liam and Harry did, Then Luke and Niall, And Michael and Ashton, Louis went to punch Zayn, But Niall caught his arm. He pushed Niall into the wall and punched Zayn. I pushed my chair backwards standing up. "Will you just get along" I shouted walking out of the room clear face of I'm pissed off. " Your Pathetic" I shouted grabbing my black leather jacket. I was tucking my shoelaces in to walk out when Louis ran in. "Bailey please I'm sorry come on stay" He begged. " No. I'm sick of it I'm nearly eighteen sought it out while I'm not here" I said angrily. "Bailey please." he begged. " No. I'm going out" I said slamming the door in his face. I walked down the street slamming the houses gate behind me and walking down the street.

domain: literature


(The following was released by the rating agency)
SEOUL/BEIJING/SINGAPORE, March 06 (Fitch) China’s plan to reform energy use and resource pricing has positive implications for the country’s centrally owned electricity grid and nuclear power companies. But the reforms are likely to leave thermal generators out in the cold.
In his formal report to the National People’s Congress (NPC), Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao outlined the government’s plan to optimise the country’s energy structure, promote the clean and efficient use of traditional energy sources, safely and effectively develop nuclear power, and increase the share of new energy in the country’s total energy consumption. The NPC speeches and documents underline our view that there is strong government support for China’s energy sector. Moreover, the way in which support is allocated among the centrally owned energy companies will continue to distinguish the haves - the oil, grid, nuclear and city gas companies - from the have-nots, the thermals.
The plans confirm the gradual implementation of market pricing for oil products, city gas and some electricity tariffs over 2012-2015, but leave room for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to direct the market by ad hoc adjustments, and freedom to gradually introduce market mechanisms. This means the government will continue to favour the centrally owned grid and nuclear power companies over the more fragmented thermal generators such as Huaneng International (‘BB+’/Stable), Datang International (‘BB’/Stable), China Power International Development (‘BB’/Stable), and Huadian International (‘BB-‘/Stable).
The NPC documents confirm China’s commitment to “safely and effectively” developing nuclear power. We believe this is a clear vote of confidence for nuclear to be the main plank of China’s non-carbon energy drive and gain further momentum after total nuclear generation grew by 13.3% in 2011. Favourable adjustments to nuclear on-grid pricing will ensure the cash flows of the nuclear generators remain healthy, and provide support for overseas uranium acquisitions.
For thermal generators, tighter emission controls not only imply a higher capex burden, but also emphasise that coal will remain out of policy favour. Moreover, a relatively low 4% CPI target nationally will not translate into on-grid electricity tariff rises in provinces where the thermal generators produce at a loss. Nevertheless, coal will remain the backbone of China’s power generation for the foreseeable future, and the NDRC’s NPC documents make specific mention of a clean thermal power programme estimated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection to require CNY260bn of additional capex across the industry by 2015.
The pricing reforms will hold good news for oil companies over 2012-2015, even though the government will not immediately lift controls on product prices that affect the oil companies’ low refinery margins. However, as China’s refiners are fully integrated, the margin lost in the refinery can be partially made good both upstream and downstream.
Pricing reform aims to lift China’s gas tariffs to international LNG pricing levels by 2015, and so raise the margins of upstream suppliers PetroChina (‘A+’/Stable) and Sinopec (‘A’/Stable) without taking away from the healthy downstream margins of city gas companies such as China Resources Gas (‘BBB+’/Stable) and ENN Energy (‘BBB’/Negative). The NPC’s tighter emissions controls on coal underline the importance of oil and gas for China’s energy security, and therefore the likelihood of on-going overseas acquisitions.


Square cartridges from Envirox are designed for use in gas turbine air inlet housings. These specialised cartridges have a low pressure drop and provide superior turbine protection.
Available in two diameter sizes, 325 and 408 mm, square cartridges from Envirox can be individually boxed or bulk packed on a pallet for easy delivery.
Its top cap, inner and outer mesh, and closed-bottom cap are all made of galvanised stainless steel for long-lasting performance.
The gasket is available in either EPDM or silicone, and the top cap is also available with a stainless steel construction.
All Envirox square filter cartridges are installed vertically.


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Driving and flying are the two most common ways of crossing the border between the US and Canada. However, most people don’t stop to consider cruising. Cruise lines offer amazing vacations from port to port, and this allows travellers to see several destinations in a single trip. That said, just like a road trip or flight, cruising can be made difficult if you have a criminal record. It’s not just about the main destination but also other ports where you stop along the way, and all of these factors need to be considered before booking your trip. This is where Canadian pardons and US entry waivers come in.
Different countries have different regulations with regard to how far their territory extends. Canadian territory includes 12 miles of ocean from its shore, and all Canadian laws apply when you enter this water space. Serious offences and those that carry a sentence longer than 10 years will prevent entry into Canada. There are, however, some cases that allow you to work around these laws. Remember, even if you do manage to board the cruise ship, you could be forced to make an early return home should your paperwork not be in order. This trip home will also be at your expense which is why it’s so important to ensure that you are not faced with this expensive inconvenience.
If you are trying to enter Canada from the United States, you can apply for a temporary resident permit. In order to qualify, you will either need to be deemed rehabilitated or apply for a record suspension. Suspensions are similar to pardons and US entry waivers. A suspension will remain in place as long as you keep your record clean.
For those travelling with a Canadian record, it’s important to obtain an itinerary from the cruise line company. Find out which countries you will be visiting and then establish the details regarding their entry regulations. Different countries have different regulations which are why it is so important to make sure that you plan your trip in advance.
Cruising to the US with a Canadian record will mean that you will need a US entry waiver. Without one, you will not be able to enter the country, and you may not be able to even book your trip. Since pardons and US entry waivers tend to take time, it’s important to submit your application early. You should also wait until you have the official US entry waiver in your hands. If you book your trip only to have your application delayed or denied, you could spend all that money for nothing. Remember, pardons issued in other countries may not be recognized by the Canadian government. So, before making any definite plans, you should check with the appropriate officials to ensure that you will be allowed entry. If not, you might need to apply for pardons and waivers from the country you wish to visit.
Another important tip to remember is to always have professionals assist you with pardons and waivers. The process can be complex and confusing without proper expert assistance. Fortunately, our team specializes in these services, and we are always happy to help and offer the advice you need to make the difference that can change your life. Remember, pardons and US entry waiver are not just about enjoying a holiday from time to time, it’s also about giving yourself another chance to make the most of your life. Contact us on 1 (800) 543-2137 for reputable Canadian pardon and waiver services.Social tagging: canada pardons and cruising


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Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at the Jetty Foreshore with The Observatory Apartments manager Lydia Crossingham (left) and Project Steering Advisory Committee member Cath Fowler
The draft masterplan for the revitalisation of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore is being refined with even greater focus on open space, support for local businesses, and tourism opportunities following extensive community consultation.
Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the government has updated the draft masterplan in line with community feedback to create more public benefits now and into the future.
“We’re moving forward with a 20-year vision to create a vibrant foreshore precinct, boosting tourism and ensuring Coffs Harbour remains a must-see North Coast destination for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Singh said.
“Following consultation, of the total site area, 39% is enhanced existing vegetation, 35% is dedicated to open space and public domain, 20% is for parking and roads, and 6% is being developed (3% for tourism uses, 1.5% for residential and 1.5% for commercial and community uses).
“Open space is a key focus of the refined draft plan, which will increase the Foreshore Parklands with more than 15% of additional green open space – equivalent to 2.5 football fields – including multi-purpose courts for community use.
“A greater proportion of the currently fenced off rail lands are also proposed to be dedicated to public open space, and a portion of Jordan Esplanade will be realigned to allow for a new landscaped amphitheatre, providing space for community use, events and displays.”
The next step will be undertaking further technical studies to develop a final masterplan before lodging the rezoning proposal with the Department of Planning and Environment.
For more information about the refinements to the draft masterplan please visit: www.coffsjettyrevitalisation.com.au

domain: politics


text:
Found these awesome mini guitar replicas on eBay thinking they would be great tap handles. They're perfect size for the job but I would like to coat them in resin with a threaded insert attached to the back. These models are too delicate as is. The tuning pegs, strings, and even the guitar neck are very delicate but I think a strong layer of clear resin will do the trick. I've been searching around and learning about the resin process which seems fairly straight forward.
I would like the guitars to be dipped in thick clear-coat resin so that it will have a heavy plastic coat. It seems that resin pours very thinly and I haven't found a resource that may suggest a dip would work. Or that a thick resin pour would be possible. OR perhaps I can dip multiple thin coats. Any suggestions? Links?
This may take some more research and trial runs but they'll be awesome tap handles when done. Rock on!


rape minor in park
Ludhiana, April 11
Two policemen allegedly raped a minor
girl in the Rakh Bagh while two others caught hold of her friend when
both of them were sitting near the swimming pool of the park. The
15-year-old victim of Shahi Mohalla, who originally hails from Uttar
Pradesh, had come to the Rakh Bagh along with her friend Sunny Verma
around 8:30 pm.
Cong has no trust in Punjabis: Mann
Chandigarh, April 11
The Congress prefers expatriates to genuine Punjabis. It is why all representatives of the state in the union Council of Ministers, including Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, are expatriates, says SAD (A) chief Simranjit Singh Mann.
Probe ordered into farmer’s suicide
Sangrur, April 11
In a case of suicide allegedly committed by farmer Pargat Singh (22) of Janal village, 4 km from Dirba, by consuming some poisonous substance on April 2, Sangrur SSP Arun Pal Singh today entrusted the investigations to DSP (Special Branch) Hardevinder Singh.
Sikh devotees, leaving for Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Pakistan for Baisakhi, wave through the Samjhauta Express windows at the Attari railway station on Friday.
Photo by Vishal Kumar
Keep Delhi off Olympic torch route: US Sikhs
Amritsar, April 11
Thirtyfour US-based Sikh gurdwaras and organisations have appealed to China to keep the journey of the Olympic torch away from New
Delhi “as the city’s streets were stained with the blood of Sikhs’ massacre in 1984”.
Pak jatha to perform at PM’s house
Amritsar, April 11
A 10-member jatha from Pakistan, led by Bhai Lal, a descendant of Bhai Mardana (companion of Guru Nanak Dev), today crossed over to India from Attari border. They are likely to perform kirtan at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Gharinda police station gheraoed
Attari, April 11
Several hundred people today gheraoed the Gharinda police station near Attari on the Amritsar-Attari G.T. Road to protest against the police, who had allegedly registered false cases against Dalit families of villages in the area.


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Rat Pack Las vegas Neon LED Poster 8 ball pool room table billiards lamp light
Rat Pack pool room Lighted Art Neon and LED Poster new in the box. Huge Neon poster of the Rat Pack Playing Pool. The size is 36"w 24" h 1d. Hand blown glass real Green neon bulb and very bright white LED LIGHTS highlights the pool room. Hand blown Neon art, fully enclosed in black frame and ready to hang and plug in. The item "Rat Pack Las vegas Neon LED Poster 8 ball pool room table billiards lamp light" is in sale since Thursday, June 23, 2011.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Lamps, Lighting\Other Collectible Lighting". The seller is "neonstyles" and is located in Hampstead, Maryland. This item can be shipped to United States.

domain: design


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For the everyday care of your new purchase, yours is a deceptively hardy material which is a bit tougher than it looks! To get the most out of your product, make sure you stick to these simple wash and care instructions and it should stay soft, colourful and happy.
How To Add Your Photos On Cushions Using Our Online Design Platform
Just upload your picture into our online design system by clicking the green button above. It is simple to use and full of tips and free enhancements for your cushion design that we can make and send same day with next day delivery. We make every sumptuous cushion here in our facility and watch over the quality every step of the way, which, we believe, shows in the finished article. We print the textile, cut it out, sew the case and add the personalised heart zipped closure to ensure photo pillow gifts of the highest quality.
You can choose from 5 backing colours, if you would rather have one plain side. Choose from cream, soft pink, baby blue, grey and white, to ensure your personalised velvet cushion goes perfectly with your decor.
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Printing on cushions is our speciality. We print and make them ourselves by hand. Every one of our printed cushion covers is printed on the highest quality Soft Velvet, which is so wonderful to touch. We then cut and sew each cushion to order in many sizes including extra large cushion. They are colour-fast, wear-resistant and generously proportioned. What’s more, your custom made double sided photo cushion can be delivered the next day.
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Our unique photo cushions are handmade in London at the Bags of Love studio. We use our own beautiful Soft Velvet fabric, to ensure that your Photo Cushion is the softest, most opulent personalised cushion around. When you stroke this cushion, you will be amazed at just how velvety soft it is - even softer than a baby's bottom, and that is saying something!
Not only are our Photo Cushions lush on the outside, they equally match on the inside. We fill our luxury cushion covers with soft, cushy and plump pads, filled with your choice of real duck feathers, or, for those with a feather allergy, a gorgeous polyester version, which does not compromise in the slightest on quality, comfort or style.
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TV: Live on SkySports Arena HD, Highlights on NRL Try Time (SkySports)
St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos
The St George Illawarra Dragons welcome the Brisbane Broncos to Kogarah for this opening round game from the New NRL season and the great news for Rugby fans is that you can watch this game, and matches from every round of the NRL season, live online via our NRL live streaming partners.
St George go into this season with a new-found optimism and with added expectation after some strong recruitment, but it has been consistency that the Dragons have struggled with over the past decade or so.
One thing you can always say about the Broncos is that they are consistent going into every season and keep it going throughout.
That makes them one of the clubs who will always been in the mix come the end of the season, so this match should give us a good look into how strong the Dragons will be this season.
There is lots of interest in this game for English Rugby League fans with the Dragons featuring Gareth Widdop and James Graham whilst the Broncos are under the stewardship of Wayne Bennett, the England head coach.
As the first round of the new season, neither team have any form going into the game but in their recent head to head form, the Broncos have won each of the last 4 matches between the 2 sides.
St George made headlines with the signing of Ben Hunt from Brisbane with their star signing getting his first start against his former team. Gareth Widdop returns to the halves after impressing at full back for England, with his international team mate James Graham also getting a starting berth after joining from the Doggies.
Tarig Sims replaces Joel Thompson at 12 with Kurt Mann on the bench.
The Broncos name a settled squad from last season with Jack Bird not ready for first team action yet. Jordan Kahu starts in the centres with Jamayne Issako on the wing.
As with all opening round matches, this is a difficult match to predict. At this stage of the season it can often be the teams that make the fewest changes that prevail as they go into the game with out the clunkiness of bedding in new players.
Whilst St George have recruited well, they have signed new players in all of their key roles and that could prove a problem in this game against the Broncos who have made limited changes and that is why we are going to give the edge to Brisbane in what should be a tight game.
Score Prediction Brisbane Broncos by 6

domain: sports


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is it illegal to buy nolvadex rating
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I also recommend that my patients have psychotherapy inaddition to the drugs. The patient also noticed bluish discoloration of skin, finger nail, toes and lips for the last… months, which is more marked during exercise and less by taking squatting position
The patient also noticed bluish discoloration of skin, finger nail, toes and lips for the last… months, which is more marked during exercise and less by taking squatting position.
Brown and Funk (1986) traced how the evidence about tardive dyskinesia was avail-able to psychiatrists in the late 1960s. Multiplestudies have shown that PAD overlaps with disease inother vascular beds. Paternal grandmother with rheumatoid arthritis.Maternal grandfather deceased age 35 due to motor vehi-cle accident. However is it illegal to buy nolvadex in this case,it seems likely that using a masculine-gendered approach with Ms. Di J is it illegal to buy nolvadex Zhang Y, Zheng J (2011) Reactivation of p53 by inhibiting Mdm2 E3 ligase: a novelantitumor approach. The ?rst pilot trial randomized 49 preterminfants who had respiratory distress syndrome toa target PaCO2 of 35–45 mmHg or 45–55 mmHgfor the ?rst 4 postnatal days (Mariani et al. Ninety-five percent of swallows analyzed (N = 414) fell in the indicated grayshaded region. Brief induction of mild hypocapnia (above 4.5 kPa or 34 mmHg)is safer than induction of hypercapnia (Figure 7.2; 16)
Brief induction of mild hypocapnia (above 4.5 kPa or 34 mmHg)is safer than induction of hypercapnia (Figure 7.2; 16). Maintenance therapy witharipiprazole prevents mania, but not depressiveepisodes. Anincision on the antimesenteric border will form a rectangular strip. The metabolic syndrome, diabetes, andsubclinical atherosclerosis assessed by coronary cal-cium. (b) Areasof correlated FDG PETbinding representing glucosehypometabolism associatedwith MMSE scores. Prins (1993) discusses models for treatment efficacy in stuttering research withadults and considers a number of important research design issues. The mostcommon causes of bloody diarrhea are Campylobacter, amoeba (E. It is a time of school activities, hobbies, sports, and for develop-ing friendships with members of the same sex.
Similarly, digi-tal subtraction angiography can be used to get a closer look at the vessels. Cardiac diseases with obstructive dysfunctionhave reduced CO and limited cardiac reserve. The mean disease duration is lon-ger, about 14.5 months, versus about 7 months for sCJD.Early psychiatric symptoms are more characteristic invCJD as compared to sCJD (Wall et al., 2005; Rabinovici etal., 2006) and might occur several months before obviousneurologic symptoms begin. Theirlocation, however, can be estimated as being near the presumptive label(MM??), inasmuch as the muscularis mucosae is ordinarily adjacentto the base of the intestinal glands (GI). At birth is it illegal to buy nolvadex the aorta is almost de-void oflamellae; in the adult, the aorta has 40 to 70 lamel-lae. In this case, the investigator repeatsthe research with the same subjects or a new group of subjects to confirm the reliability ofthe original results and test their generality within the limits of type of subjects, settings,and measurements.
Increased visceralfat is independently associated with all-cause mortality,insulin resistance and diabetes, cardiovascular disease,cerebrovascular disease, AD, and disability in the elderly(Florido et al., 2011). Client’s anal opening is hairlessand closed tightly. Anintragenic deletion may cause the loss of several introns andexons from a single gene. Another strat-egy that could be used to decrease Rrs is helium-oxygen gas mixture for ventilation.


PAOLO Nutini and Rita Ora have been announced as the first acts for this year's Radio 1 Big Weekend in Glasgow.
The event will take place on May 24 and 25 in the Glasgow Green.
Loading article content
The news was announced as Radio1 presenter Nick Grimshaw broadcasted his show live from BBC Scotland in the Pacific Quay, Glasgow.
Radio 1 say they will make more announcements about artists taking part in the event in the coming months.
Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro and Bruno Mars were the headliners at last year's event which was held in Londonderry.
More than 60,000 tickets are expected to be available to music fans.


Mercedes could face big challenges in the upcoming Grand Prix of Canada and Azerbaijan, if not solve the problem, which appeared in Monaco.
Last weekend, Mercedes are unable to adapt to the super-soft tyres Pirelli, which Lewis Hamilton not passed the third qualifying segment.
His teammate Valtteri Bottas took third place, but the race was lost as the pilots of Ferrari and Daniel ricciardo of Red Bull Racing, and the Hamilton arrived to finish only the seventh. Now the Briton behind Sebastian Vettel 25 points in the overall championship.
“We work to achieve the desired balance of the car, especially in slow corners – explained Bottas. – When the back is not quite stable, the car feels a slight understeer, which increases the temperature of the front tyres.
At high speed cornering the temperature is noticeably higher. It seems Ferrari both axes work without problems, unlike us.”
The problem is compounded by the fact that Mercedes already has such a speed advantage as before.
Solving problems is still missing, so in the upcoming stages in Baku and Montreal, which requires much less downforce, the situation for the “Silver arrow” may be repeated.
“We need to understand how the rubber behaves when you reduce the downforce of the car, – said the technical Director of Force India Andrew green. – We have not yet experimented with such settings.
Traditionally, the stage in Montreal are quite complex, and Baku, I think, would not be easier. There is smooth asphalt and a long straight, which transfer energy to tires will not be easy. For all this weekend will be another test.”
Hamilton has won five times in Canada but, despite this, the predicted difficulties with his team.
“We will finally be able to attack only when you understand exactly how to work with Ultrasoft rubber”, – summed up the British.
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It is the day before the conference, and I’m in Columbus, Ohio, to get some research done at the Ohio History Center where the Ohio state archives are housed, along with county genealogical materials. I have been noticeably absent recently as I was preparing for this research day in earnest.
The Ohio History Center was very easy to find and get to. The staff at the front desk were very helpful and friendly. It was a cinch to find the Archives/Library. You store your belongings in a locker. You can only taken in pencils, notebooks, and phone/nonflash camera/computer. Since I was researching a multitude of surnames, I decided to check county history books for any indices to help me locate documents on microfilm, on the ‘net, or in person at a later date. Of note, it’s on the third floor and there are solar panels in the ceiling, and, while we were there, a heavy thunderstorm rolled through…awesome!
The names I researched included Hickman/Heckman, Eby, Hanby, Fowler, Ford, Hill from my own family and Church and Mantle/Mantel from a friend’s family. Whew! I did have some luck…hopefully! This is the resulting stack of books I searched through:
There are even books hidden behind the major stack!
Once finished at the History Center, we cruised to downtown Columbus to the Sheraton to pick up my conference registration information. And there was this:
Already on my 2016 calendar!!


Biometric ID cards for immigrants?
US President George W Bush sits in the Oval Office of the White House after addressing the nation on television May 15.
KAI RYSSDAL: Just as the president asked, the Senate moved forward on immigration reform today. And in a left-handed kind of way they did exactly what he wanted. Conservatives were trying to delay a guest worker program until border security was taken care of. The Senate voted down that amendment. Which you can chalk up as a win for the White House. The president has said many times he really wants that guest worker program. But now, somebody's got to figure out the hard parts, as Marketplace's John Dimsdale reports from Washington.
JOHN DIMSDALE: In his Oval Office speech last night, President Bush said employer accountability is a necessary part of any immigration reform. He called for a government system to help businesses verify that prospective workers are who they say they are.
PRESIDENT BUSH: A key part of that system should be a new identification card for every legal foreign worker. This card should use biometric technology, such as digital fingerprints, to make it tamper-proof. A tamper-proof card would help us enforce the law and leave employers with no excuse for violating it.
The immigration bills in Congress call on the government to establish a comprehensive electronic database of eligible workers within five years. The Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration are already experimenting with a pilot program to cross-check employee numbers online. But there's a flaw: most of the illegal immigrants in the country have fraudulent Social Security cards.
Deborah Meyers at the Migration Policy Institute says some sort of tamper-proof card is a minimum requirement before employers can be held accountable for who they hire.
DEBORAH MEYERS: There's no doubt that in a number of fronts we're moving toward an increasing use of biometrics. They're going to be required in drivers licenses, in cards for airplane travel, etc.
Meyers says the biometric employee card should only be used for employment verification, to keep it from becoming a kind of national identification card.
In Washington, I'm John Dimsdale for Marketplace.


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Read former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch's testimony in Trump impeachment inquiry
WASHINGTON – The testimony of Marie Yovanovitch – the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine – was made public Monday as congressional Democrats began to release the transcripts from their interviews, which had been conducted in closed session, with witnesses in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.
Yovanovitch said she was recalled as the ambassador amid criticism from Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, who was leading the president's alleged effort to pressure Ukraine into opening investigations against his political rivals.
She also pointed to a tweet from the president's son, Donald Trump Jr., which said the country should have less "jokers" like her serving as ambassadors.
“Well, if you have the president’s son saying, you know, we need to pull these clowns, or however he referred to me, it makes it hard to be a credible ambassador in a country,” Yovanovitch said.
Read the full text of her testimony:


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Known for its presence in many feature films and tv shows including Star Trek and The Power Rangers, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is an iconic southern California landmark located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs. The park has a few different trails you can explore that are all easy to moderate, but for those who want to spend a few hours to capture some great photo spots, the Pacific Loop Trail is the way to go. It's a perfect trail for all hiking levels and fun for groups!
Length: 5.9 mile Pacific Crest Trail Loop with tunnel extension | Level: Easy-Moderate | Duration: 2-3 hours Elevation: 325 | Dogs: Yes on leash Parking fee: FREE | Permits: No | Open sunrise to sunset
The best time of year to do this hike is in the winter California months, November- April. After that, unless you do a sunset hike, it's just too hot as there are little to no shaded areas. This famous shot above can be taken right from the parking lot, but if you decide to continue on the trail, allow a few hours as there are multiple views where you'll want to stop and take photos which I'll point out below!
After turning into the park, stop in the visitor center if you'd like detailed trail maps and other information about the park's history. You can either stay parked there, or drive in a little bit and park toward the left of the main road right in front of the angled rocks. Look for the sign that says Pacific Crest Trail, and begin your journey east/southbound around past the rocks.
Not too far after you work your way down around the rocks, you'll come to an open clearing area where there are picnic tables. Stop and take a quick break here, or make your way to the right heading west to stay on the trail. It gets a little bit confusing here, but you'll eventually see another Pacific Crest Trail sign. To stay on the loop, continue to your right and walk along a low elevated 4x4 vehicle ridge type trail.
Continuing along the ridge, the area here becomes open and flat giving you a full view of your progress. Eventually, the trail slopes down a bit (upper left photo) and you hit another T-junction with another trail sign. Take a right here to continue along the loop trail. If you are feeling up for an extension, take a left for an .85 mile trail that leads to a tunnel that goes right underneath RT 14. The trail down to the tunnel is quite pretty as it's lined with a few cottonwood trees, and the walls of the canyon hang over the trail in strange shapes offering some fun photo spots!
The park boundary is the tunnel, so when you reach it you're done with the extension --though the Pacific Crest Trail does go all the way to Mexico! Unless you're headed on a long trek, this is where you'll turn around and go back up through the canyon to the T-Junction to get back on the loop trail and finish the second half of your hike.
As you make your way up out of the canyon extension, you'll begin a slow ascent that takes you to these really beautiful viewpoint areas where you can see the entire park. There are a couple of paths that connect here - the Horse Trail, and the Foot Trail and both eventually take you to back to the main rocks and visitor center area. Follow the signs for the Foot Trail as this is where you'll get some interesting sandstone rock formations, and panoramic views!
After soaking in all the view shots, the Foot Trail will work its way around and bring you back to the parking lot. But you definitely won't want to leave the park without exploring the main rock landmarks up close. This trail saves the best for last, and as you can see below you can climb right up to the top and have some fun!
There are plenty of people up there to take your photo on this spot, and it's another one that seems a bit scarier than it is- but if you have shoes with good traction, climb up to where you feel comfortable! Most of the crowds linger around the bottom of the main formations and do the smaller trails near there. There is no official trail to the top, but you will notice a few well marked places where it's fairly easy climb right up into the main angles of the rocks so spend some time here and enjoy!
Even if you don't get to the top of the famous rocks, there are plenty of lower ledges and turnoffs to get a fun group shot, or to just sit and enjoy the surroundings!
For more detailed information on this park and all the trails that can be found there, visit Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
Click here for a specific turn-by-turn writeup with map.
Trailhead address: 10700 West Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, CA 91350
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Ciara has had her fair share of up and downs since releasing her first album back in 2004. She first came in very strong with her first two albums going platinum and having multiple hits but her last two albums haven’t garnered nearly as much success. She has also had major problems with her previous record label, LaFace Records, that released her first four albums and now she has signed on to Epic Records where she will be releasing her new self titled album Ciara on July 9th.
So far Ciara has had some success with her first single “Body Party” a slow jam R&B song which is what Ciara is known for. It really hits right where she left off with her hit song “Promise” back in 2006. There aren’t many female singers that can consistently release a sultry baby making song like Ciara does and “Body Party” does it perfectly.
There are two sides to Ciara and one side is slow R&B jams while the other side is more of a dance hard track which is what her second single “I’m Out” is set to accomplish. With the help of Nicki Minaj who surprisingly kills her verse to begin the song, this song is one of the brightest spots of this album. It’s a perfect summer song that many females will automatically sing along to. It wasn’t until their performance at the recent BET awards that this song really began to get much well deserved attention which could cause it to become a big hit for Ciara.
Another great song off the album that has a perfect radio sound and that I believe should be the third single is “Overdose”. It is completely different from most of the songs this album has to offer and it works perfectly. It has a pop sound to it but Ciara keeps her R&B sounds in it as well. I think this song would bring the most success and continue Ciara’s big comeback onto the radio.
Besides those singles this album has a lot to offer.”Livin It Up” also featuring Nicki Minaj. I don’t understand why it was necessary to have another Minaj feature as it didn’t add too much to the track but other than that its another catchy pop/R&B sounding song. Other top songs are “Read My Lips” a futuristic sounding R&B song, “DUI” a straight-up slow jam that fits in perfectly with the flow of the album and “Where You Go” featuring her boyfriend Future.
Overall this album is a very good album that has many different pieces to it that work and blend perfectly together. There are only a few songs that do nothing for me but the majority of songs are good if not very good. There are certain songs with questionable sounds but it all works well together as a whole and that’s what an album should be. Could this be the comeback Ciara has been looking for? With the material on this album it very well in fact could be.
Check out her newest music video for “I’m Out” featuring Nicki Minaj
Check out the FULL album


Jobcentre closure plans 'make no sense and will be felt by most vunerable'
Shadow work and pensions minister Margaret Greenwood said the proposals make no sense, as the Government prepares to expand its flagship Universal Credit benefit.
Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke rejected the claims, saying most benefits are now claimed online and the move makes sense financially.
Asking an urgent question on the issue in the Commons, Ms Greenwood said: "The impact of the closures will undoubtedly be felt by the poorest and most vulnerable in our society.
"By closing such a large proportion of the DWP estate, the Government will be forcing claimants to travel further to access the vital services that they need, so impacting on the lives of sick, disabled people, carers and parents with young children."
Ms Greenwood challenged Mr Gauke to publish an equality analysis for each site to assess the impact of its closure.
She added: "The Government plans to subject an additional one million claimants to in-work conditionality, a process under Universal Credit by which people in work may be required to attend jobcentres.
"What assessment has the minister made of the impact on demand for jobcentre services as a result of increased in-work conditionality?
"The decision to close jobcentres on this scale at the same time as accelerating the rollout of universal credit full digital service makes no sense."
Mr Gauke said the changes would save £140 million a year for the next 10 years.
"Eight out of 10 claims for Jobseeker's Allowance and 99% of applications for Universal Credit full service are now made online," said Mr Gauke.
"This means that DWP buildings are used much less, with 20% of the estate currently underutilised.
"Our estate plans must reflect the way customers interact with DWP now and in the future - not how they behaved in the past."
While around 750 jobs have been put at risk by the closures, Mr Gauke said "these changes will not lead to a reduction to the number of frontline jobcentre staff".
He added: "This is taxpayers' money that we are talking about and what we can do is we can find savings in DWP's estate budget and at the same time provide modern, up-to-date jobcentres that provide the service that is needed.
"I think it is right and I am disappointed that if the party opposite are going to be standing against the careful and sensible use of public money, which is exactly what we are delivering."
A PFI contract for the DWP estate is due to expire in March, Mr Gauke said.