New Jersey’s Senate has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation to pay state workers for the days they were furloughed during the recent three-day government shutdown.
Chanting ‘It’s time of give us back our pay” unionized state employees rallied outside the Statehouse in Trenton in support of the measure they say will prevent them from losing money they depend on.
Senator Linda Greenstein said it’s a moral obligation to get the measure to the governor’s desk as quickly as possible.
“These workers will be short at least a day’s pay because of the lag time associated with bookkeeping. We have many, many civil servants like too many Americans overall who are living paycheck to paycheck and a day’s pay will be sorely missed.”
Senate President Steve Sweeney said it’s up to the Assembly to act on the bill that Governor Christie intends to sign as soon the legislature sends it to him.
“I hope that the Speaker calls a voting session soon because they got to get in here. He can’t sign a bill that’s not on his desk.”
Assembly Speaker Vinnie Prieto is working to get the Assembly back for a vote.
“It’s Mondays and Thursdays from now until end of the month. So we’ll figure out which of those days is the one that works, but it’ll be before August 1st.”
Lawmakers and the Governor agree the workers shouldn’t be penalized for the budget dispute that led to the shutdown.


To keep our staff, volunteers and customers safe and healthy we’ve taken the decision to close our physical sites in Devon from the end of Friday 20th March, and suspend our public events. Our Home Library Service will be suspended from the end of Thursday 19th March and during this service closure we are encouraging our volunteers to phone our readers regularly to have a social chat and to check in. Read more >
Our Home Library Service - is a partnership between Devon Libraries and the Royal Voluntary Service.
The Home Library Service delivers library books and audio books to people who through ill health, injury or disability cannot visit a library, or who are too frail to carry heavy books. There is no charge for this service.
Specially trained and security checked Royal Voluntary Service volunteers discuss with the client the sort of books they would like to read. There is a wide range of fiction to choose from – romance, thrillers, adventure; and information books on many popular subjects. Particular authors and titles can be requested free of charge.
Large print books and audio books are available for people with a visual impairment.
The volunteer will choose books from a local library and arrange to deliver the books to the client’s home every few weeks at a mutually convenient time.
The volunteers always wear RVS identity cards when visiting.
For those people who love reading or just browsing through books, but are often confined to their home, this free service offers a chance to have access to the library service as well as a visit from a friendly face on a regular basis.
If you would like to join this much valued and immensely rewarding service as a volunteer, or if you would like to receive the service, please contact the RVS Service Manager on 0778 663 5163, or email CornwallDevonHub@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk


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Top Image Systems Ltd. (TISA) PT Set at $3.00 by HC Wainwright
Top Image Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:TISA) received a $3.00 target price from research analysts at HC Wainwright in a research report issued on Friday. The firm presently has a “buy” rating on the software maker’s stock. HC Wainwright’s price objective suggests a potential upside of 175.23% from the stock’s previous close.
TISA has been the topic of a number of other reports. ValuEngine upgraded Top Image Systems from a “strong sell” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Friday, September 1st. Zacks Investment Research lowered Top Image Systems from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $2.50.
Shares of Top Image Systems (NASDAQ:TISA) traded down $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $1.09. The stock had a trading volume of 53,100 shares, compared to its average volume of 231,619. Top Image Systems has a 12-month low of $1.05 and a 12-month high of $1.75.
Top Image Systems (NASDAQ:TISA) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 16th. The software maker reported ($0.10) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the Zacks’ consensus estimate of ($0.08) by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $7.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.36 million. Top Image Systems had a negative return on equity of 37.62% and a negative net margin of 21.43%. equities research analysts anticipate that Top Image Systems will post -0.29 earnings per share for the current year.
An institutional investor recently raised its position in Top Image Systems stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in shares of Top Image Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:TISA) by 0.7% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 164,600 shares of the software maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned about 0.92% of Top Image Systems worth $219,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.26% of the company’s stock.
Top Image Systems Company Profile
Top Image Systems Ltd. (TIS) is a developer and marketer of intelligent content capture and workflow automation solutions for managing and validating incoming content in any format from any source. The Company’s solutions deliver digital content to the people and applications that drive an enterprise by using advanced network, mobile and cloud technologies.
Receive News & Stock Ratings for Top Image Systems Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Top Image Systems Ltd. and related stocks with our FREE daily email newsletter.

domain: news


In an unpublished decision in March, the Ninth Circuit (the federal circuit court governing California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) permitted arbitration of a worker's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claim, holding that an individual employee contract can bind government parties. The California Supreme Court's Iskanian v. CLS Transportation Los Angeles decision "does not require that a PAGA claim be pursued in a judicial forum," the court said, and "clearly contemplate[d] that an individual employee can pursue a PAGA claim in arbitration, and thus that individual employees can bind the state to an arbitral forum."
Dealerships are taking another look at their commission pay plans in light of the recent California Court of Appeal case of Vaquero v. Stoneledge Furniture, LLC., which we featured in our March 1, 2017 Alert article. The Vaquero Court held that commission pay plans providing base pay covering time spent on rest breaks that could be “clawed-back” subject to future earnings was invalid under California law. Specifically, the Court held that employees who earn only commissions must be paid separately for rest breaks (since the commissions do not cover time spent resting), and that employers who pay employees both hourly wages and some form of incentive pay, including commissions, violate the rest period pay requirement if they claw back any part of the employees’ base hourly pay as a draw or advance against commissions.
Dealers continue to have questions on implementation
Published on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 10:57pm
As you have probably read, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s new version of the Buyers Guide took effect on January 27, 2017. We recommend upgrading to the new version and here are a few main issues to consider regarding its use.
On March 15, 2017, the California New Motor Vehicle Board unanimously adopted a proposed decision sustaining the consolidated protests by Dependable Dodge to notices of termination of its franchises. The administrative law judge found, among other findings, that FCA’s use of a generic Minimum Sales Responsibility was not “tailored and nuanced enough to measure how well a dealer is performing given those unique aspects of the environment and market that are outside its control.” (Proposed Decision ¶ 142.) This is the second of two recent cases challenging OEM’s reliance on statewide standards to terminate California franchises, and part of what could be a bigger trend nationally.
On April 25, 2017 the Department of Motor Vehicles will hold a public hearing in Sacramento for comments on its new proposed regulations for testing and deployment of highly autonomous vehicles (“HAV”) on California roadways. The hearing will happen just one month before the National Highway Safety Administration holds its workshop on June 28, 2017, in Washington D.C., to examine the consumer privacy and security issues posed by automated and “connected” vehicles. The DMV’s new proposed regulations include a requirement that HAVs without a driver be monitored remotely by a person able to take control of the car in case of an emergency. NHTSA’s June workshop should provide insight on the extent to which California’s proposal for “remote” control capabilities of HAV test vehicles lines up with the NHTSA’s vision for the driverless car future.
When you become aware of a potential violation of law or Company policy, as a conscientious Human Resources professional or Company manager you want to promptly and appropriately address the situation and more forward. However, managers often jump to focus on the corrective measures they think will appropriately address the situation before stopping to consider that there may be other sides to the story of which they are not aware. Moreover, should your corrective action result in some adverse employment action, such as discipline, demotion or termination, your process of determining the appropriate corrective action will be subject to second-guessing and scrutiny should the employee later challenge the action. While your corrective process may be correct and may have been the fair and appropriate response, you can save your employer the time and expense of proving that point in court or before an arbitrator if you focus on conducting a fair and effective investigation instead of worrying about the result.
A recent court case serves as a warning to employers
Published on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 9:57pm
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) employers who use background checks (such as criminal history or credit reports) of applicants or employees are required to provide clear and conspicuous written disclosure of the applicant/employee’s rights under the FCRA. The written disclosure must be provided in a document that consists solely of the disclosure. The third-parties doing the background checks often provide employers their own disclosure forms to give to applicants, and the employers might assume that these forms are legally compliant.
As many of you have read, last month The Sage Automotive Group, a California dealer group, reached a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission for charges that the dealership group used deceptive and unfair sales and financing practices, deceptive advertising, and deceptive online reviews. The FTC described the charges as the first in the nation brought by the FTC for so-called “yo-yo financing.” Now that the dust has settled, this brief article looks at the allegations and discusses some best practices to avoid suffering a similar fate.
The Scali Law Firm is a proud sponsor of the UCP Humanitarian of the Year Award Dinner at which Rick Niello, President of firm client, The Niello Company, will be awarded the prestigious and well-deserved award of 2017 Humanitarian of the Year. The event is at The Hyatt Regency, Sacramento, CA, on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM.


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Early development of Jiangling Youhuai
The sky and the river are indistinguishable.
Since then, the boat has gone, and gulls have become a flock.
In the future, I will be really appreciative, and my middle age will be full of customs.
It's suitable for you to come here, but it's very polite.
When I think about the book of the golden boudoir, how can it be like a dream cloud?
Our bank is more than successful in sending, and HAOSI is unique.
The Original Poetry:

domain: artistic


Measuring and Monitoring Systems
Hand-Held LED Stroboscope
Using our stroboscope all adjustments can be made by actuating the pushbuttons with your thumb (one-handed operation) and the exact frequency of your mechanical equipment will be shown on the multi-line display with the respective units.
Contactless measurements of frequencies are measureable, through the generation of still images. This can be used for quality-control and observation of high-frequency processes. Vibrations of components can be made visible at various rotational speeds.
Hand-held LED Stroboscope is a must in your workshop. Contact our sales manager for more information!
- Effortless measuring or checking of rotating and vibrating objects
- Frequency range 30 up to 300,000 flashes per minute (FPM)
- Accuracy: 0.02 % (± 1 Digit)
- Especially light-strong (1,500 Lux at 6,000 FPM)
- For installation, monitoring and diagnosis in running systems
- Testing and controlling of resonance and vibration characteristics
- Controlling synchronous running of two vibrators
- Checking constructions for flexion vibration
- Measuring speed of rotation or frequency of vibrators


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100g dark chocolate 70%, melted
375g desiccated coconut
375g sweetened condensed milk
1 tbs almond extract
375g butter, at room temperature
500g icing sugar
125g Dutch cocoa
Pinch of salt
SOUR CHERRIES IN SYRUP
500g frozen cherries
Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
55g caster sugar
1 star anise
1 stick cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp citric acid
WHIPPED CHERRY YOGHURT
500ml Greek yoghurt
150ml thickened cream
50ml cherry syrup (as above)
pinches of salt
To make whipped cherry yoghurt, whisk all ingredients in an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Refrigerate until required.
To make chocolate buttercream, using an electric mixer, beat butter until pale and creamy. Add combined sifted icing sugar, cocoa and salt. Mix on low speed to combine. Increase speed until very smooth and sugar and cocoa have dissolved. Transfer to a piping bag.
Preheat oven to 180C. Lightly grease 24 holes of a mini muffin pan.
To make macaroons, place all ingredients in an electric mixer fitted with a K beater or paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until combined, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.
Divide mixture among prepared pan holes. Using a wet finger, make an indentation in top of each macaroon (this is where the cherry will sit).
Bake for 20 minutes. Invert macaroons onto a rack to cool.
Meanwhile, to prepare sour cherries in syrup, stir all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until cherries are soft. Strain and reserve cherries and syrup. Set aside 50ml of the syrup for the whipped yoghurt and remaining syrup for drizzling.
Drizzle cooled macaroons with melted chocolate and insert a cherry into centre. Drizzle with a little of the cherry syrup then pipe on chocolate buttercream. Decorate with chocolate sprinkles. Serve with whipped cherry yoghurt.

domain: food


According to a recent survey, more than half of all workers said they were behind on their retirement savings, while only 21% said they were on track. Older workers were particularly concerned they were not adequately prepared -- an especially concerning trend given how the pandemic drove more people to early retirement.
More than one-third of U.S. workers have never had a retirement account. A 2021 report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers found that a quarter of adults have no retirement savings, and only 36% feel their retirement savings are on track to meet their goals. The median amount of retirement savings among those 55-64 years old is only about $120,000. That means a person who earns $60,000 annually can count on that level of savings to last for about two to three years in retirement.
So it's clear millions could face a financial crisis during their retirement years. We can and should do something about this, but partisan politics have stood in the way of real progress.
Congress can help head off this avoidable emergency and give individuals, families, and businesses more tools to boost their retirement nest eggs. In fact, last May, the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021, legislation filled with new incentives to help improve the retirement financial landscape for everyone.
Unfortunately, this bipartisan effort has since stalled in Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has so far refused to bring it to the full House for a vote. Instead, Democrats in Congress have pursued a completely partisan agenda to placate their party's far left.
This bipartisan retirement savings bill seeks to build on the momentum from legislation that passed last Congress. It would double the existing tax credit for businesses with 50 or fewer employees that start a company retirement plan. That means a small business can get a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement for the costs associated with starting such a plan for its workers. It also provides these employers an additional credit for up to $1,000 of matching contributions they provide to their employees.
For employers who start new retirement plans, the bill also expands auto-enrollment (with an easy opt-out alternative for those that do not want to participate), a proven way to boost participation in retirement savings plans, with protections for those who don't want to enroll.
The legislation also reforms rules regarding when retirees are required to begin withdrawing money from their accounts. Current law requires distribution at 72 years of age. This bill would push back that requirement to 75 -- another easy way to make retirees' savings last longer as life expectancy increases. For those nearing retirement who need to increase their savings, the bill allows workers to double their catch-up contributions, from $5,000 to $10,000 per year.
Contributing to retirement accounts is also difficult for those who live paycheck to paycheck. For those paying off college loans, finding enough money to save for retirement can be particularly challenging. This is where employers can help. This bipartisan bill authorizes employer contributions to the retirement accounts of employees paying down student debt, making it easier to build their retirement savings.
We can also provide additional help and incentives to our veterans. The legislation authorizes new tax credits for small employers that make military spouses eligible for company-sponsored retirement plans.
Another common-sense step Congress should take immediately is to pass another bill I have proposed: the "Know Your Social Security Act." My bipartisan bill helps Americans plan for retirement by making it easier to access critical information about an individual's Social Security earnings, contributions, and future benefits.
My district in Southwest Florida is home to nearly 240,000 seniors, many of whom rely on Social Security as their primary source of income during retirement. The AARP has endorsed my bill and called these statements "vital" documents that will help adults "more effectively plan for retirement."
Retirement doesn't have to turn into another U.S. financial crisis. With responsible incentives and smart planning, we can give more people the peace of mind they deserve as they grow older. Now is the time for Congress to put aside the games and come together to enact bipartisan solutions and strengthen America's retirement security.
Vern Buchanan represents Florida's 16th District in the U.S. House and is the co-chairman of the bipartisan state delegation. He is also the second-most senior Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee.


Robert is a UK registered Specialist in Dental Public Health (DPH) working as a Consultant for the national public health agency, Public Health England, in the southwest of England. He is passionate about preventing oral disease and promoting oral health in the UK and internationally, and about the FDI’s aim of making quality oral healthcare affordable, accessible and available for all. Rob is also a Professor at the University of Plymouth, where he is Head of Department in Community Dentistry and Public Health. In this role, he leads an award winning not-for-profit dental organisation, which delivers clinical services and oral health programmes to underserved communities. This involves educating the next generation of dental professionals in population wide prevention of oral disease by working through community engagement with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. He has developed several successful oral health programmes for children, people experiencing homelessness, people with learning disabilities, and for asylum seekers and refugees.


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Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Indonesia
Stay in style in Indonesia
Book your next stay in Indonesia and enjoy the advantage of our partnerships with the country's foremost accommodations - personalized VIP service, complimentary upgrades, and the very best rates.
Indonesia is a Rorschach test of islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, a nation of roughly 230 million sliced in two by the equator. There are dozens of resorts peppered across its shores, but the real action is in the south, and, more specifically, on the island of Bali. Here, a virtually limitless number of infinity-edge pools, white sand beaches, and luxury villas await the savvy traveler, with more water sports than you can shake a paddle at (scuba-diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing are just the beginning).
Equally worth mentioning is Bali's unique and artistic culture, a short resort-arranged bus ride from most of the island's accommodations. Painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, music, and costume are all hallmarks of this majority Hindu culture.
locations in Indonesia
Wow PicksHotels that made us say WOW!

domain: geography


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Budget brings the moment of truth uncomfortably closer for life insurers2 min read . Updated: 05 Feb 2020, 11:33 PM IST
- Not just new business but persistency ratios could also take a hit as existing customers rethink their decision to hold on to policies
- By making dividends taxable in the hands of the investor, the government has taken a chunk of the earnings of insurance companies
Selling life insurance in India will not be the same again. Hence, the way investors look at listed life insurers is also set to change.
The Union budget has given a choice to Indians wherein individuals can shift to a lower tax rate if they give up the benefits of exemptions, and life insurance policies are one such exemption. Granted, for a large swath of Indians, there is no real benefit in migrating to the new tax rates when exemptions allow for a sharply lower tax liability in the old regime. But one can expect some migration, especially those in the taxable income bracket of ₹5-7.5 lakh. Millennials willing to borrow rather than save and looking for more disposable income won’t think twice before chucking their decision to buy an insurance product.
Not just new business but persistency ratios could also get hit as existing customers rethink their decision to hold on to policies. Analysts recognize this threat to growth.
“Most of the industry premium enjoy tax advantage currently, but risk of uncertainty lies in the part that is largely motivated by tax-benefit—lower ticket size ULIPs & par-savings products primarily," said a note by Jefferies India Pvt. Ltd.
Private sector life insurers will have to up their game in selling insurance products. To be fair, they have been doing so recently. Most advertisements of insurance policies promote life protection and the tax exemption benefit is added as an afterthought. However, the strong distribution network of insurance agents, which forms the backbone of sales, still peddle insurance as a tax-saving product.
If investors thought this was worse, insurers got hit by another decision—the abolition of dividend distribution tax (DDT). By making dividends taxable in the hands of the investor, the government has taken a chunk off the earnings of insurance companies. “With dividend income no longer tax-exempt, margins and embedded value will be affected," said analysts at Jefferies India.
Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Pvt. Ltd estimates the removal of DDT will have a 5-10% hit on value of new business if companies don’t change their pricing. But life insurers will benefit too as the dividend they pay to shareholders won’t be taxed with DDT being abolished. Perhaps this would encourage insurers to distribute more dividends to shareholders but the jury is still out on this one.
Life insurers need not despair. As the chart shows, insurances sales have been shedding their tax-saving label of late. Analysts at ICICI Securities Ltd argue that while there could be a short-term impact on purchase behaviour post the removal of tax incentives, life insurers will adjust the pricing curve accordingly to keep cost of insurance unchanged for marginal consumers.

domain: economics


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Bunnings bringing mental health to the forefront
The health and wellbeing of its more than 48,000 team members is Bunnings’ first and foremost priority, focusing on ensuring the team can be the best they can be, both physically and mentally.
During the year, Bunnings rolled out a number of initiatives, including launching the Be Well, Live Better page on its internal social media platform, Workplace. This provided the team with resources to help them build resilience, cope with loneliness, isolation and anxiety, as well as providing simple guidance on lifestyle choices that can help maintain good mental health, like exercise and sleep.
A number of mental health campaigns were run throughout the year with the aim of enhancing and maintaining good mental health as well as breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. These included Dry July, Stress Down Day, RUOK Day, and Mental Health Week in New Zealand. In addition, leaders were trained on how to identify and care for team members needing mental health support.
For World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2019, the Bunnings Fairfield Waters team in Townsville hosted a Guinness World Record attempt to shine the light on mental health. With the help of 2,499 attendees and Mental Health Australia, the record was broken for the most people wearing a high-vis vest in a single place.
Mental health support was increased during COVID-19 with a Stronger Together Workplace page set up to provide mental health resources during the pandemic. This included launching a series of videos with Hugh van Cuylenburg fromThe Resilience Project. Bunnings also collaborated with health partner BUPA to develop videos for the team on mental health and introduced a 24-hour COVID-19 counselling hotline to support team members during this challenging time.
Mental health will remain a primary focus for the business in the coming year, especially given the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.

domain: sociology


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Gluten-Free Banana & Macadamia Bread
Any overripe bananas are great for making banana bread; the sweetness is a natural treat without all the added refined sugars. Bananas are one of those super fruits containing an array of health benefits, but for the purposes of this recipe, you just need to enjoy their deliciousness!
This bread is very easy to make. It's gluten-free, it's soft and moist, and it's a great healthy treat.
Gluten-Free Banana and Macadamia Bread
- 1 cup young coconut meat (alternatively use shredded coconut)
- 3 ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/3 cup apple sauce
- 6 Medjool dates
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla essence
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. Celtic sea salt
- 3/4 cup macadamia nuts
Preheat oven to 300˚F
Mix all bread ingredient together except for the flour and macadamia on a med setting in a food processor or blender (I wanted the bread to be a bit 'grainy' so I chose a lower setting).
Add the coconut flour (note that this is denser than normal flour so you won't need as much of it when you're substituting) and mix until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
Fold in the macadamia nuts.
Put into the oven for about 40 minutes.
Leave to cool, then serve with jam or fresh bananas and coconut cream!


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Roy Edward Dodds
Roy Edward Dodds
July 19, 1893|
Buffalo, New York, USA
|Died||April 2, 1965
Detroit, Michigan, USA
||Royal Air Force (United Kingdom)|
|Years of service||1916–1918|
|Unit||Royal Air Force|
|Battles/wars||World War I|
|Awards||British Distinguished Flying Cross|
Born in Buffalo, New York, Dodds went to Canada in 1916 to enlist in the Royal Flying Corps. Trained in the Toronto area, he was deployed to France and assigned to 103 Squadron on 26 May 1918. In combat, he downed 7 enemy aircraft flying a Dehavilland DH-9. He was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war, Dodds returned to the United States and sold automobiles in Detroit, Michigan. He served as a pilot instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. Plagued by ill health, with no family and little income, Dodds died alone in a boarding house room in Detroit, Michigan. He was 72. When no one claimed his body at the local morgue, the Canadian Legion of Detroit stepped forward and had arranged for his burial.
Honors and awards
- Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 February 1919
- An officer who possesses high courage combined with great power of leadership. He has taken part in sixty bombing raids far over enemy territory, a large number of which he has led. In addition, he has carried out a number of successful photographic reconnaissances, frequently meeting and overcoming strong hostile aerial resistance. In the course of these nights he has destroyed four enemy machines, and his observer has accounted for three others. A fine achievement, for the machine he flies is designed for heavy bombing and long reconnaissance rather than for aerial combats.

domain: history


In a pair of split decisions with lengthy dissents, the California Supreme Court Monday voted 4-3 to decline hearing appeals of lawsuits that challenged teacher protection laws and the state’s level of funding for K-12 education.
The decision in Vergara v. California gives a big victory to the state’s teachers unions — the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers — which sought to preserve the existing tenure, layoff and dismissal laws. It spelled defeat for Students Matter, a small nonprofit organization that sponsored the lawsuit and argued that the laws harmed poor and minority students who were disproportionately saddled with 1 to 3 percent of the state’s worst-performing teachers.
The decision in the other case, Campaign for Quality Education v. California and Robles-Wong v. California, two lawsuits that were combined, upholds lower court rulings that found no constitutional basis for challenging the Legislature’s authority to determine what it considers sufficient school funding.
That decision was a major defeat for a coalition of state education groups, including the CTA, the state PTA and the California School Boards Association, along with advocates for minority students, led by the nonprofit law firm Public Advocates, which brought the related lawsuits six years ago. They had argued that governors and the Legislature set rigorous academic mandates but then didn’t provide enough funding. Low-income kids and English learners especially were harmed by insufficient resources, they argued.
A majority of the seven Supreme Court justices must agree to review an appeals court decision. Two of the three dissenting justices in both decisions, Goodwin Liu and Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, were ardent advocates for the rights of minority children as law professors before Gov. Jerry Brown nominated them to the court. Liu co-authored what later became the state’s current funding system, the Local Control Funding Formula. The third dissenter, Ming Chin, was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson. Ruling with Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye in the majority were Justices Carol Corrigan, Kathryn Werdegar and the newest Brown appointee, Leondra Kruger.
The Vergara lawsuit in particular drew national attention and spurred similar lawsuits challenging teacher protection laws in Minnesota and New York.
The majority of justices didn’t say why they chose not to review rulings by the courts of appeal. Lawsuits involving state education issues generally cannot be appealed to federal courts. However, Theodore Boutrous, lead attorney for Students Matter, said that attorneys were exploring that option or pursuing another lawsuit in state courts.
The nine student plaintiffs in Vergara, represented by Students Matter, won a momentous, though fleeting, decision two years ago when Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu ruled that evidence of “the effect of grossly ineffective teachers on students is compelling. Indeed, it shocks the conscience.”
He concluded that the law providing teachers due-process rights after less than two years, known as tenure, laying off teachers based on seniority and making it difficult and expensive to fire teachers combined to create a small set of terrible teachers who were disproportionately assigned to schools with the state’s highest-needs students.
The process, he wrote, “affects the stability of the learning process to the detriment of high-poverty and minority students.”
In overturning the ruling last year, a three-judge panel of the Second District Court of Appeal, based in Los Angeles, didn’t dispute the worrisome impact on students of lowest-performing teachers but disagreed with Treu that the statutes were to blame.
“The evidence also revealed deplorable staffing decisions being made by some local administrators that have a deleterious impact on poor and minority students in California’s public schools,” they wrote. “The evidence did not show that the challenged statutes inevitably cause this impact.”
Local administrators make decisions on tenure, dismissal and exceptions to seniority-based layoffs, and the plaintiffs could have sued over how districts administered the laws but chose not to, they wrote.
In their dissents, Liu and Cuéllar wrote that the appeals court set too high a threshold in concluding that an identifiable group of student, with common characteristics, had to be harmed – the basis for bringing a challenge involving a fundamental right to an education under the state Constitution.
“Difficult as it is to embrace the logic of the appellate court on this issue, it is even more difficult to allow that court’s decision to stay on the books without review in a case of enormous statewide importance,”Cuéllar wrote.
Liu found the same faulty reasoning in his colleagues’ decisions not to hear both Vergara and the funding adequacy cases. Both, he wrote, “ultimately present the same basic issue: whether the education clauses of our state Constitution guarantee a minimum level of quality below which our public schools cannot be permitted to fall. This issue is surely one of the most consequential to the future of California.” And they deserved a decision by the Supreme Court, he wrote.
In a joint statement from the state teacher unions, CTA President Eric Heins called the decision “a good day for students and educators,” adding, “it’s time to get back to the real issues facing our public schools and work together to improve student learning and support the art of teaching.”
“Eliminating teachers’ ability to stand up for their students and robbing school districts of the tools they need to make sound employment decisions was a well-funded but wrong-headed scheme developed by people with no education expertise,” he said.
David Welch, founder and funder of Students Matter, said that while disappointed in the decision, the three dissents “speak volumes” about the need to change the disputed laws. He vowed to take the fight to the Legislature so that all students, “regardless of income and zip code,” are taught by effective teachers.
Since Vergara was filed, the Legislature defeated several bills, most of them introduced by Republicans, to lengthen tenure and write dismissal and layoff statutes. In June, the Senate Education Committee defeated a bill by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, to raise a teacher’s probationary period to three years before granting tenure. It was a diluted version of a sweeping bill that she had earlier proposed.
Liu’s dissent in funding case
The plaintiffs in the K-12 funding litigation lost in both Superior Court and the San Francisco-based 1st District Court of Appeal. But there was a split decision by the three-judge court of appeal, and Liu refers to the dissent by Associate Justice Stuart Pollak in his own lengthy dissent.
After citing the evidence of large gaps in achievement by low-income students and English learners, Liu wrote, “The schoolchildren who brought these actions (Robles-Wong and Campaign for Quality Education) do not claim they are entitled to a world-class education. They ask only whether the California Constitution protects them from being deprived of a minimally adequate education. They are asking the judiciary, as the ultimate guarantor of constitutional rights, to define and safeguard their fundamental right to education.”
As with the Vergara ruling, the four-justice majority didn’t say why they decided to let the appeals court ruling stand. In that ruling, Associate Justice Martin Jenkins acknowledged children’s fundamental right to an education, but, he wrote, the Constitution doesn’t include a requirement for a minimum level of education for schoolchildren or a minimum level of school expenditures. And he indicated that judges shouldn’t presume to have the expertise to set appropriate funding levels.
In a concurring opinion, Associate Justice Peter Siggins wrote, “As much as I can appreciate the plaintiffs’ frustration and dissatisfaction with the overall adequacy of California’s public schools, and recognize our Legislature’s challenges in adequately funding schools to meet the standards it sets, I cannot agree” that the Constitution provides a right to “command the state to fund schools at some qualitative level.”
Much has happened since the plaintiffs filed their lawsuits six years ago during an economic recession that led to substantial cuts in school funding. For most districts, funding has been restored to pre-recession levels, and the Legislature adopted the Local Control Funding Formula, based on a paper that Liu co-wrote as a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, which provides extra money for low-income students and English learners.
But, Liu wrote, student achievement remains low. In the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress, California students ranked between 41st and 48th among states in 4th and 8th grade math and reading tests. And, he wrote, the state’s new funding formula redistributes, not increases overall funding. None of the finance and governance reforms “directly addresses the fundamental question of adequacy at the heart of plaintiffs’ complaints,” he noted.
“Whether education funding will continue its current upward trajectory remains to be seen,” he wrote.
Saying he was “somewhat heartened” by Liu’s admonitions that the court’s inaction only forestalls the likelihood of another lawsuit in the future, John Affeldt, managing attorney for Public Advocates, said in a statement, “Should the state’s education system continue to stagnate or worsen — as is likely the case given the state’s paltry investment in its education system, we will continue to press this issue.”
To get more reports like this one, click here to sign up for EdSource’s no-cost daily email on latest developments in education.


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In this design challenge, you must prepare for the battle of your life. To enter, you must design 3D printable Airsoft spare parts or accessories. Which part would you want to see in your own replica? Or which part have you previously lost or broken, unable to enjoy the fun again.
Design a suitable Airsoft 3D printable part before August 20th to be in with a chance to win $250!
The 3D designs with the highest number of likes will win this competition, so make sure you share your creation online with #Airsoft3D to encourage your friends to support you.
The part should be adapted for 3D printing. It must work on your device and not already exist on MyMiniFactory! As always, this 3D design competition has unlimited entries, so upload as many designs as you like, but remember, the highest number of likes wins.
Submissions close on August 20th 2018.


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I think thats a real cool cat.
Teeheehee my kitty guy is always on the lookout for the softest cushiest squishiest spots to sleep, I know if he could have, hed have taken that spot too, LOL
She is a princess. Thanks for your kind words.
Cats seem to know where the best napping spots are!
I LOVE it!Otis does the same thing, except on the back of the sofa cushion. We always know that he has been there (white fur, duh), when the whole cushion has fallen to the floor!Btw, have I told you lately how COOL I think you are??Yep!:)
Morgan sleeps like that a lot ... on the weirdest things!
Silver Surfer - Actually she is the most skittish cat I have - but - she's cool when she runs from people! :)Lavender - sqishiest - yeah - sounds comfy!ThotLady - Yes, at least she thinks she is. Hope you're getting on okay.Pearl - Cats specialize in finding the good nap spots. Unfortunately most of us humans won't fit in those spots!Susannah - Yeah - this one likes to sleep on the back of the couch too. But they always leave their furry mark, don't they? Thanks so much - you are simply the sweetest!Teena - Oughta do a pictutorial of all the places your cat sleeps!!
One of my favorite message magnets states "If you want the best seat in the house, move the cat"

domain: pet


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I haven't been creating much lately, but I've been working with the book The Artist's Way to get unblocked. I think I'm going to work on my blog again. I tried today, but every sentence I typed seemed terrible - still blocked, I guess. :(
Such an age old question, with so many different answers. I create, I think, to lie, to heal, and to bask in the joy of making something out of the muck that is life.***Interesting, that "to lie" was supposed to be "to live" and yet, I think that both are probably true. Typos are apparently very Freudian these days. :)
Not to get too philisophical but, I believe that we are all 'here' to create (make something from nothing). Look around at all the people you know: some create joy, some create food, some create a mood, some create art, etc. With art, it is more literal. What we create is less abstract (even if we are an abstract artist, ha!) because we present it as art/a creation. Creating is what gives us our essence. It connects us to the universe. There is such an intrinsic payoff to be creative that it creates passion in ourselves which drives us to create even more. So, enough of my perspective on the subject. Would love to see what everyone else has to say on the subject......
Here is one of my favorite quotes by Abraham Maslow: A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. Pablo Picasso said this: Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.And this: Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.Scott Adams: Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.Albert Einstein: The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.I saw an angel in the block of marble and I just chiseled 'til I set him free. MichelangeloIf you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. Raymond InmanCreativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous. Bill MoyersCreativity takes courage. Henri Matisse I saw as a teacher how, if you take that spark of learning that those children have, and you ignite it, you can take a child from any background to a lifetime of creativity and accomplishment. Paul Wellstone Please add your thoughts...
i create because my body just isn't big enough to contain my soul.
I create to get all the stuff that is stuck inside me out - it could be in the form of food or words or sometimes when Im really brave pictures, its calming to follow the lines of colors in a photo or painting.
Hello Judyactually I don't know... it's an urge I have to put my own personality in something, no matter what it is...I've been busy for years renovating my house and make it really me, making clothes for my children so they look one of a kind, now I make books and cards with stamps... Without having to tell something about me, my creations tell for a big part who I am.intriguing question...greetings from BelgiumInge
I'm enjoying this conversation, I hope you are too... A few years ago, I was a part part time art teacher at a little school by my house. I was teaching a class on the earliest artwork in Lascaux France. It dawned on me that one reason for these early cave paintings might have been just to let others know the artists existed. I remember saying to the students "think about what these early artists were thinking when they left an arrow or a handprint or a drawing of their daily activities, they might have been saying "I WAS HERE!" I've wondered about my own artwork lately, and now a little poetry, maybe its MY way of saying to the world, not LOOK AT ME, but I WAS HERE! I made a difference! I can draw/write! I matter! Leaving a little piece of myself behind for my family and future generations to enjoy.I've enjoyed your comments, please feel free to continue the conversation. Whether you write, or draw, or paint, or stamp, or have a creative system to pay the bills, I want to know more about YOU!
Creation is a remnant of God, the fragile winding of threads that connect us to the Devine.It is a path to things greater than ourselves, a glimmer of things unseen, a chance to peer beyond the veil.The colors of the world blind us, but we can still sense that spark/soul/essence that lies beneath the surface. It is here that inspiration begins, in that place beyond the world, in that realm of genesis where everything is possible.We each find this place in our own way. Sometimes it is just a glimmer in the distance and sometimes the gates of Heaven open wide to flood us with insights so powerful that we cannot contain them. Try as we might to capture the word to paper, the image to canvas, the sounds to song... they are but a shadow of the infinite glory. Still... our muse beckons, and we must follow.
bravo, david! well said!
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If you are a fan of Asian football, you might want to watch the AFC Champions League match between Ahal vs Al Fayha on September 19, 2023. This is a crucial game for both teams, as they are fighting for a place in the knockout stage of the prestigious continental tournament. In this blog post, we will provide you with live score updates, highlights, and analysis of the match, as well as some background information on the teams and players involved. Read on to find out more about this exciting clash between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia.
Ahal vs Al Fayha Live AFC Champions League
The AFC Champions League (ACL) is the top-level club competition in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It features 40 teams from 20 countries, divided into 10 groups of four. The group stage is played from September to November, with each team playing six matches against their group opponents. The top team from each group, along with the three best runners-up from each region (West and East), advance to the knockout stage, which is played from February to May. The knockout stage consists of single-elimination matches, with the final being held over two legs. The winner of the ACL qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they face the champions of other continents.
Who are Ahal FC and Al Fayha FC?
Ahal FC is a professional football club based in Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. They have 11 league titles and seven domestic cups, making them Turkmenistan’s most successful club. They also won the 2010 AFC President’s Cup for lower-ranked Asian nations. This is their third ACL appearance, after 2015 and 2019. Their best result was reaching the round of 16 in 2019, where they lost to eventual champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.
Al Fayha FC is a professional football club based in Al Majma’ah, a city in central Saudi Arabia. The 1954-founded team plays at King Salman Sport City Stadium. One of Saudi Arabia’s oldest clubs, they’ve never won a major trophy. They made their ACL debut in 2023 after placing fourth in the Saudi Pro League in 2022. They have renowned players like Neymar Jr., who moved from Paris Saint-Germain in a 2023 shock transfer.
How did they perform in their previous ACL matches?
Ahal FC and Al Fayha FC are both in Group A of the ACL, along with Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan and Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates. Here are their results so far:
- Ahal FC 1-0 Al Ain (Sep 14): Ahal FC started their campaign with a narrow win over Al Ain at home, thanks to a late goal by midfielder Serdar Geldiyev.
- Pakhtakor 2-0 Ahal FC (Sep 17): Ahal FC suffered their first defeat at the hands of Pakhtakor away, conceding two goals in the second half by striker Igor Sergeev and midfielder Jaloliddin Masharipov.
- Al Fayha FC 1-1 Al Ain (Sep 14): Al Fayha FC drew their opening match against Al Ain away, with Neymar scoring a penalty for them in the first half, but Al Ain equalised through midfielder Caio Canedo in the second half.
- Al Fayha FC 2-0 Pakhtakor (Sep 17): Al Fayha FC bounced back with a convincing win over Pakhtakor at home, with Neymar scoring again from the spot and midfielder Abdulrahman Ghareeb adding another goal.
What are their current standings and prospects?
After two matches each, here are the current standings of Group A:
|Al Fayha FC||2||1||1||0||3||1||+2||4|
What are the key players and factors to watch out for?
The match between Ahal FC and Al Fayha FC will feature some interesting players and factors that could influence the outcome. Here are some of them:
- Neymar, the Brazilian superstar, is the match’s main attraction. With two goals in two games for Al Fayha FC, he’s a formidable threat to Ahal FC’s defense. He’s eager to impress fans, teammates, and former club PSG, who face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on the same day.
- Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese legend, is a key player for Ahal FC, on loan from Al Hilal. He joined in August 2023 after disagreements with Al Hilal’s coach. Ronaldo has one goal in two matches for Ahal FC and aims to score more against Al Fayha FC, showcasing his talent alongside Neymar, often seen as his contemporary.
- Ashgabat Stadium: The venue of the match is also a factor to consider, as it is the home ground of Ahal FC and has a capacity of 20,000 spectators. The stadium was built in 2011 and hosted some matches of the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. It has an artificial turf surface, which could affect the performance of both teams. Ahal FC will have the advantage of playing in front of their home fans, who will support them with passion and noise. Al Fayha FC will have to cope with the pressure and atmosphere of playing away from home.
- Group dynamics will play a crucial role. Ahal FC aims to stay in contention, while Al Fayha FC seeks to extend their lead. Both teams are mindful of the Pakhtakor vs. Al Ain match, which could impact their standings. The game may hinge on small margins, moments of brilliance, or errors.
How can you watch the match live?
If you want to watch the match live, you have several options depending on your location and preference. Here are some of them:
- Catch the match live on YouTube, an official AFC Champions League platform. Find the live stream link on the AFC’s YouTube channel or website before kickoff.
- Watch the live match on Shahid, a video-on-demand service accessible via its website or app.
- Watch the match live on SSC, a Saudi sports channel available on its website or app.
- Check local listings or online guides for more options with AFC Champions League rights in your region.
Ahal vs Al Fayha predictions for the match
The match between Ahal FC and Al Fayha FC is expected to be exciting and competitive, as both teams have quality players and strong motivations. However, we think that Al Fayha FC has an edge over Ahal FC in terms of talent, form, and experience. We predict that Al Fayha FC will win the match by a score of 2-0, with Neymar scoring both goals.
- How did the match unfold? The match between Ahal FC and Al Fayha FC was played in Ashgabat Stadium on September 19, 2023, at 16:00 UTC. The weather was sunny and warm, with a temperature of 28°C. The stadium was filled with enthusiastic fans, who cheered for their teams with flags and banners. The match started with a high tempo, as both teams tried to impose their style and create chances.
- Ahal FC had chances to score, particularly Ronaldo, who displayed his skill with a 25th-minute dribble past two defenders. However, Al Fayha FC’s goalkeeper Abdullah Al Oaisher blocked his shot.
- The first half ended goalless but with plenty of action and excitement. The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams looking for a breakthrough.
- It was a stunning goal that left Annayev helpless and sent Al Fayha FC fans into ecstasy. Ahal FC tried to retaliate, but Al Fayha FC’s strong defense thwarted them. A few long-range shots missed the target. Neymar scored his second goal of the match in the 89th minute, sealing Al Fayha FC’s victory. The final whistle blew, and Al Fayha FC celebrated their win, securing first place in Group A with six points. Ahal FC remained in third place with three points.
As for the reactions, here’s Neymar’s quote:
- As for the reactions, here’s Neymar’s quote:
- Neymar (Al Fayha FC): “I’m very happy to score two goals and help my team win this crucial match. We showcased our quality and character as a team.”
- Serdar Geldiyev (Ahal FC): “Disappointed with the loss, but we’re not out yet. Two matches to go, and we’ll fight for positive results.”
- Jorge Jesus (Al Fayha FC): “Thrilled with our performance and result today. Talented, united squad with a clear goal to win the tournament.”
- Hojageldi Amanov (Ahal FC): “Congrats to Al Fayha FC. Strong team with Neymar. We’ll prepare for the next matches, still hopeful.”
Ahal vs Al Fayha here are some of them:
- As the Group A leaders, Al Fayha FC secured a spot in the round of 16 with six points from two matches. Their next match against Al Ain is on September 22, 2023, as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak.
- Ahal FC, in third place in Group A with three points from two games, faces Pakhtakor on September 22, 2023. To qualify, they must win and hope Al Ain doesn’t outscore them by a larger margin against Al Fayha FC.
- With three points from two matches, Pakhtakor moved up to second in Group A.
- They must win by a large margin and hope Pakhtakor and Ahal FC tie or lose by less. On September 22, 2023, their last group match against Ahal FC could secure their spot in the round of 16.
- They must win their match and pray Al Ain doesn’t beat Al Fayha FC by more.
- Al Ain plummeted to fourth in Group A with one point from two matches. They can qualify for the round of 16 with a turnaround against Al Fayha FC on September 22, 2023.


Pitch Perfect: A cappella finds its moment
Newsweek - 05/09/2015
This year, the team to beat was the SoCal VoCals, the University of Southern California’s camera-ready co-ed group that has won four times since 2008. Northeastern University’s Nor’easters were another draw, partly because they took first place in 2013, just five days after the Boston Marathon bombing, and partly because they are starring in a new reality docu-series called Sing It On, which follows five collegiate a cappella groups on the road to the ICCA Finals. Its debut is May 13 on Pop TV.


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Looking to overcome challenges throughout the foodservice industry, US Foods Holding Corp. is rolling out a new service. The distributor revealed that it has begun the national rollout of its new MOXē (Making Operator Xperiences Easy) solution to find more efficient ways for its partners to operate. This all-in-one e-commerce application provides the convenience of usability across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, all at the touch of a button.
“US Foods has been a pioneer and leader in foodservice technology solutions for more than a decade,” said Gene Carbonara, Vice President of E-Commerce and Digital. “With MOXē, we’ve taken a major step forward in the evolution of the customer e-commerce experience from a performance and ease-of-use perspective. Our new technology offering will continue to set US Foods apart from the competition for many years to come as we deliver on our promise to help our customers Make It.”
The easy-to-use application allows operators to find the right products from a selection of more than 400,000 items, manage orders, and track deliveries in one application. MOXē was developed with a strategic focus on providing enhanced speed, confidence, and control for the operator in one intuitive solution, a press release explained.
Some key attributes of the solution draw on familiar consumer e-commerce user functionalities, guiding the operator from product discovery to delivery with:
MOXē will continue to expand to additional customers in 2023.
Deli Market News will keep an eye on the radar for the latest developments.


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Khatron Ke Khiladi 11: Rahul Vaidya, Nikki Tamboli, Abhinav Shukla spotted at airport as they leave for Cape Town
- Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 will be shot in Cape Town, South Africa. Contestants including Nikki Tamboli, Abhinav Shukla, Rahul Vaidya among others were seen at the Mumbai airport, leaving for their destination.
Action-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, hosted by Rohit Shetty, is geared up for its season 11. It will be shot in Cape Town, South Africa.
The contestants, including Nikki Tamboli, Abhinav Shukla, Rahul Vaidya, Divyanka Tripathi, Arjun Bijlani among others, were seen at the Mumbai airport leaving for their destination.
Rahul Vaidya: Bigg Boss 14 runner-up Rahul Vaidya was seen at the airport. His girlfriend Disha Parmar came to drop him off. The couple was seen hugging and kissing each other before Rahul got off the car.
He was also heard asking the paparazzi what they fear the most. Rahul later quoted actor Sonakshi Sinha's dialogue, 'Thappad se darr nahin lagta saahab, pyar se lagta hai (not scared of a slap but scared of love)' from Dabangg. Earlier, he had confessed he doesn't know what he will do in the show as he has a fear of snakes and water.
Abhinav Shukla: The Bigg Boss 14 contestant posed for the paparazzi before entering the airport. His wife and Bigg Boss 14 winner Rubina Dilaik is recovering from Covid-19.
Speaking about her health and him taking part in the show he had told a leading daily, "Yes I am getting ready for that. I just want Rubina to be totally fine. I have made a flow chart for her which includes the things to do in certain situations based on a person's symptoms. Once she gets better, I will be relieved and can comfortably go for the show."
Nikki Tamboli: The Bigg Boss 14 finalist was also seen at the airport. Her departure comes a few days after the death of her brother, Jatin. The 29-year-old died on Tuesday morning due to Covid-19 complications.
Divyanka Tripathi: She will also be a part of the show and was seen at the airport. Her husband Vivek Dahiya came to see her off.
Varun Sood: His girlfriend Divya Agarwal also came to see off Varun Sood. The duo wore red and black as they posed for paparazzi. Before his check-in, Divya gave him a tight hug and the couple kissed each other with their masks on.
Arjun Bijlani: Arjun Bijlani was also seen at the airport. Earlier, he had expressed his hope of winning the season. "Yes, I’m going to do Khatron Ke Khiladi and it’s going to be a tough thing, but I’m really excited. I’m also doing it because I’ll be again connecting with my audience who’ve been wanting me to do KKK for a long time. But because of other work commitments, this never fell into place," he had told Indian Express.
Shweta Tiwari: She was also seen at the airport. The actor has been in news for her physical transformation. She had recently posted pictures showing off her toned abs. Her separation from her husband Abhinav Kohli, and the subsequent public spat they've been engaged in, over their son, Reyansh, also made headlines.
Also Read: Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor ancestral homes: Pak govt begins process to take formal custody, to convert them into museums
Several other contestants were also seen at the Mumbai airport including Saurabh Raj Jain, Vishal Aditya Singh, and Sana Makbul.


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domain: finance


BedVoyage Bamboo Towels are the utmost in velvety softness! With a blend of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, the towels are incredibly durable, absorbent and amazingly soft to the touch. You will feel so pampered when you wrap this wonderful towel around your body.
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WALL OR PORTABLE AC UNIT MAINTENANCE
Is it important to conduct maintenance on portable air conditioners?
Portable AC units require maintenance to operate at their best, so if you own one, it's essential to keep it clean and replace filters as needed. Normal upkeep is something homeowners can handle on their own most of the time, but professional services are recommended every year for HVAC systems in general. Preferably, inspections should be performed before the warmest months so that you can count on it to operate when you need it most. A trained and experienced technician can do a complete evaluation to look for any problems. They'll make sure that damage that need fixing or cleaning is taken care of with the right tools. Having your unit assessed by a professional will help extend its lifespan and keep your home comfortable and cool.
What is the suggested size for your portable AC unit?
The size of a wall-mounted air conditioner unit will be proportionate to the room's square footage. As a rule of thumb, you require about 20 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot to cool a room effectively. This measurement basically tells you how much heat is removed from a room an hour, so the more the tonnage, the more efficient it is. With an average room of approximately 250 square feet, you should look for an AC unit with a cooling capacity of at least 5,000 BTU. An experienced HVAC contractor can help you measure the space and consider other factors like how high your ceilings are and which zones in your home are the warmest.
What is the recommended frequency for cleaning a wall-mounted air conditioner unit?
Every year, your wall-mounted air conditioner unit should be inspected to make sure that all parts are working correctly. It's a good idea because it'll allow an HVAC specialist to catch problems early and maintain your system completely. Routinely scheduled upkeep for your AC will avoid more costly repairs and prevent it from wearing out when you need it most. Inspections are especially advantageous when a system is under warranty because parts may be repaired at no additional cost to you. In between visits, you can maintain an air conditioner system by replacing the filter, dusting, and dumping out the water collection tray.
Does a portable air conditioner unit present an advantageous alternative?
For people trying to cut back on costs, a portable air conditioner may be a good option. The AC itself is less expensive than a central AC system; however, it's not as effective at cooling bigger spaces or entire buildings. If someone lives in an area with mild weather, you may not need to put so much money toward an air conditioning system. Portable air conditioners are a functional and cost-effective option when all you require is to cool a particular section of a residence. Some of its features make it worthwhile for some, like its thermostat, timer, remote control, and dehumidifier option. When you're not using it, just roll your wheel-mounted system into storage until the next heat wave comes along.
Hire an Expert in Galloway, OH to Service Your Wall AC Unit
A portable air conditioner with strong cooling capabilities will make your home a more comfortable area to be. It's a budget-friendly alternative that provides easy temperature control timer for people living in places with mild summers. Use the remote control to set the timer for when it turns on and off, and take advantage of the dehumidifier option on certain models. Some air conditioner units are put on the wall to make the most of the area, while the portable kind, on wheels, can be rolled away and stored for later use. While they're better suited for a single room, more than one unit can work together in different areas of the home to effectively cool the area.
As with any HVAC system, it's essential to keep your portable AC unit in good condition with regular maintenance. Some maintenance can be completed on your own by replacing or cleaning the filter, dumping the water-collection container, or removing dust. Even then, professional maintenance is sometimes recommended yearly before or right after the warmest part of the year. A specialist will have the experience and tools to execute a comprehensive inspection and take care of the upkeep required, like evaluating the condensate line and cleaning the evaporator coils.
Schedule maintenance from a top-rated contractor near Galloway, OH. Look through professional profiles and read customer testimonials on Thumbtack, an all-in-one home management platform that connects you to all the most trusted local candidates for the job. See how long they've been in the HVAC field, and how many employees they have, or request a quote all on one platform. Use the Thumbtack platform now to search for and hire the best specialist.


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Two wheels in North Wales are at an all time boom and its bringing the industry along with it. Trail centres, shops, brands and riders are all starting to make an appearance. It was no better time to really start making a push for cycling in Wales and all the hard work has paid off. Already defined trail centres like Oneplanet Adventure, Llandegla are seeing new trails built, but its also paving the way for new developments like Antur Stiniog and Revolution Bike Park, three major facilities all within an hours drive of each other, and that’s only 3 of about 20+ places to ride your bicycle!
There are places in the world that you always want to visit and tick off that “ride” bucket list, but is there a need to travel half way around the world when we can look at the great riding on our doorsteps. Its not until you spend time away from somewhere that you realise what you are missing, you being to appreciate what it has to offer. After investing some time in university study, recently returned Duane Walker was keen to get out on bike and rediscover old stomping grounds but also take a glimpse at what Wales really now has to offer!
The chapter strong “Stories” from Laurence Crossman-Emms goes motion with this piloting episode of Stories:inMotion which follows Duane Walker as he takes you to some of North Wales newest and most looked upon riding spots.

domain: travel


Once you have an individual circuit it is time to test it. This machine is set up to apply voltage using a power source to your circuit. It holds the wafer and has a microscope attached to a computer for visual inspection during testing.
A Mechanical probe station is used to physically acquire signals from the internal nodes of a semiconductor device. The probe station utilizes manipulators which allow the precise positioning of thin needles on the surface of a semiconductor device. If the device is being electrically stimulated, the signal is acquired by the mechanical probe and is displayed on an oscilloscope. The mechanical probe station is often used in the failure analysis of semiconductor devices.


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Strawberry and rhubarb pie recipe
Strawberry and Rhubarb Pie recipe
This article was published by: MatthewShare this content!
⚠ Note: for metric to imperial (or vice-versa) conversion please refer to our article on Cooking Measurements 101.
♼ Featured image may be generic and may not represent the (final) appearance of a dish.
This delicious strawberry and rhubarb pie recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb to create a perfect balance of flavors. The buttery, flaky crust pairs perfectly with the juicy and vibrant filling, making it an irresistible dessert option. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a homemade treat, this strawberry and rhubarb pie is sure to impress.Keywords: strawberry, rhubarb, pie, recipe, dessert
strawberry and rhubarb pie recipe details
unbaked pastry for two pie crusts, top and bottom|
fresh strawberries, sliced|
Preheat oven to 200°C.Stir together sugar and flour. Place one of the pie crusts pastries in a pie plate for the bottom crust, and place the rhubarb on top. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture.
Repeat with strawberries and remaining sugar mixture so that you get layers of fruit and sugar. Place little dots of butter on top and close the pie with the pie crust.
Cut small slits in the top of the crust and bake for 40-50 minutes.
ca. 15 min
Grade of difficulty:
Calories per portion:
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Empowered Birth and Fourth Trimester
Where intention goes, energy flows. Learn to radiate light and love as you prepare yourself to surrender and trust the birth process for both you and your baby. Integrate body and mind in your birth preparations through movement, sound, and meditation. These sessions with Dr. Wren include an energetic assessment and a customized qigong movement practice. These sessions can be helpful in the management of pregnancy-related symptoms as well.
Birth energy is incredibly powerful and learning the felt-experience of energy moving through your body can help you remain embodied and empowered through your birth experience. In the early days following your birth experience, the energetic shifts occurring to allow you to heal are incredible and potentially overwhelming. Prepare yourself for breastfeeding, disrupted sleep patterns, and the hormonal shifts postpartum through Qigong, meditation, and self-reflection. Receive support embodying your birth experience and learn how to harness life force energy and nourish yourself when you feel depleted.

domain: health


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Confocal fluorescence microscope for clinical dermatologic applications
Although skin is easily accessible to optical methodologies, biopsies are at present a widely used procedure in dermatologic diagnostics. However fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy (F-LSM) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows depth resolved investigations of inflammatory and neoplastic skin disorders in vivo and at high resolution. By applying substances onto or into the epidermis F-LSM is well suited to obtain information regarding the morphological structures of the skin down to a hundred micrometers below the skin surface. Compared to conventional light microscopy of histological sections this optical method has a clear advantage in the case of kinetic measurements. To this end, we have designed a portable confocal fluorescent microscope for future dermatologic studies, offering a field of view of 600?m x 600?m. Based on a dual-axis MEMS mirror (Fraunhofer IPMS, Germany) the confocal character of the system resides in the use of the same path for illumination and detection with spatial filtering of the signal collected from the subsurface analysis plane. Illumination is provided by a 488nm laser and the backscattered fluorescence light is separated from the illumination light by a filter, before being detected behind the pinhole. To reconstruct the image the measured intensity and position information is correlated. The ability to perform crosssectional imaging in the skin will be given by an integrated z-shifter.

domain: medical


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ATLANTA — Delta Apparel Inc. moved decisively into the wholesaling arena Tuesday by agreeing to acquire branded activewear company M.J. Soffe Co. for about $72 million.
In a deal scheduled to close in September, Delta Apparel is expected to pay $52 million in cash including the retirement of debt, $8 million in promissory notes and up to $12 million in contingent payments.
Hermès is launching a Laundromat pop-up shop in NYC - dubbed Hermèsmatic - where customers can bring their old scarves to be dip-dyed by an expert. Get all the details on WWD.com. #wwdnews (📷: @donstahl)


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New Snack Line Creates Fruit Flavored Cheese, and Here's Why We're Not Sold On It
Wisconsin-based Cow Candy has released a line of string cheese snacks with added flavors like Green Apple, Orange, Fruit Punch, Grape, and Strawberry. Colors range from hot pink My Little Pony-branded sticks to Transformers red. The idea is to reel kids in with a healthy snack disguised as more familiar, less healthy munchies, but we're not sure that is really the best strategy.
String cheese is already an inherently kid-friendly food. It’s individually packaged for snacks and lunches. It’s easy for little hands to handle. Like any great snack food—we’re looking at you, Oreo—there’s a fun method to eating one, peeling into long strands and dangling into one’s mouth is preferred. So does it really still need the mascot and artificial color/flavor treatment?
Cheese should be the color of, well, cheese. Introducing a different coloring and a sweet profile to yet another savory snack can be trouble. Even though the snacks are low sugar compared to fruit-flavored milk or yogurt, cheese shouldn’t be sweet at all. Young palates need variety; sweetening even mild snacks like string cheese could sensitize them to other flavors, and not in a good way.
If your kid still needs to be convinced to eat less processed snacks, start them out with a mild string cheese like mozzarella. If they're a bit more open-minded, then Colby Jack or sharp cheddar also make a tasty lunchbox inclusion.


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Title: Taking Turns
Summary: Monkeys are curious creatures, and Sanzo's monkey is no different.
Disclaimers: This is just to satisfy our pr0n cravings - no profit made whatsoever.
Notes: Happy 9/3 Day! 3,300 words.
Sanzo shifted in his seat and stared at the unchanging scenery as Jeep took them down a perfectly straight, perfectly flat, fucking boring stretch of road. Hakkai was pleased, since with this kind of road he was content to let Jeep handle most of the driving. They would make good time, and there was the promise of a town by nightfall.
But there was pretty much nothing to look at, unless you were into fields of undulating prairie grass that stretched as far as the eye could see. Sanzo was not particularly interested in that kind of field, but it beat looking anywhere else. Not being much of a conversationalist, he mostly kept to his thoughts, and grunted appropriately when Hakkai would address him. Most days he could occupy himself this way for hours, but today the monotony was sending his mind in directions it normally did not travel.
Boring thoughts. Idle thoughts.
Dangerous, absurd thoughts. Like the one that had been niggling at the back of his caffeine-deprived mind for the last couple of weeks. The one that whispered to Sanzo that maybe, just maybe, he was missing out by not letting the monkey fuck him.
It was an absurd thought, to be sure, but sometimes absurd thoughts managed to wriggle around and turn into perfectly reasonable thoughts.
Like the whole idea of being intimate with Goku - or anyone - in the first place. Five years ago, if anyone had suggested to Sanzo that sex was an eminently worthwhile pastime, he would have shot them - he had, in fact, shot several people who had made that unfortunate suggestion. Then the monkey turned eighteen, and started maturing in both mind and body. Sanzo then found himself thinking about sex and trying not to think about sex with the monkey - that had to be right up there at the very pinnacle of Absurd.
Sanzo had managed to cling to that absurdity for a good two years. Right up until six months ago, when Goku came to a conclusion that sex seemed to be something worth checking out, and wanted to check it out with Sanzo. A hot, hungry mouth and equally hungry hands had snapped his self-control, and Sanzo had taken Goku that night with a passion he hadn't thought himself capable of, and neither one of them had cared that they didn't have a clue what they were doing.
So now, regularly fucking the monkey into the mattress - or sleeping bag, or whatever horizontal surface happened to be handy - wasn't an absurd thought at all. It was perfectly reasonable, pleasurable and something he looked forward to doing at every opportunity.
His mind, needing a new absurd thought, had recently proffered this new lunacy. And it was lunacy - hadn't he killed a man for attempting to violate him? Hadn't he shot at countless others who had made their desires known? It was ridiculous. But every now and then - especially when Goku would practically lift himself off the bed and loudly moan, "Oh, YES! Don'tstopdon'tstopdon'tstopohrightTHERE!
Sanzo frowned and dug in his sleeve for his cigarettes. He lit one and inhaled deeply, ignoring Hakkai's disapproving sniff, and returned to his disinterested survey of his surroundings.
It was all the monkey's fault, making him think these stupid things.
And what was just too fucking ironic was that Sanzo was now thinking these stupid things after Goku had made his one and only attempt to be the one doing the fucking. A spectacularly unsuccessful attempt.
It wasn't like Sanzo had established any "who's fucking who" rules. It probably hadn't happened earlier because Goku was simply enjoying himself too much. That, and getting used to their transition from being guardian/ward/keeper/monkey/whatever the fuck they were to being lovers. But it was a known fact that monkeys are curious creatures, and his monkey was no different. Sanzo's unfortunate reaction to that curiosity had landed him in his present situation - where he now actually wanted to be fucked (at least once, anyway), but Goku was now too intimidated to do so. And Sanzo couldn't blame him, really.
Not after the Ankle Incident.
Goku ducked under the covers, his mouth seeking out every sensitive spot on Sanzo's body, all the way down to a surprisingly erogenous area on the arches of Sanzo's feet. "Mmmm, Sanzo, let's do it again," he murmured as he started kissing his way back up, lingering at the inside of Sanzo's knee.
"Give me a minute, monkey," Sanzo closed his eyes at the feel of Goku's tongue swiping along his thigh. "I don't recharge as quickly as you, you horny little shit."
Goku poked his head out from under the sheets and grinned. "That's okay, we can just make it my turn," he laughed. "I wanna find out what it feels like to be inside ya - an' I wanna make ya feel as good as ya make me feel." Goku ran his hand down Sanzo's leg and gave a playful tug on Sanzo's ankle.
Sanzo's mind suddenly flashed back to a rougher hand grabbing his thirteen-year-old ankle, and his world went red.
"Sanzo?!" A frightened squeak stopped his finger on the trigger. The red haze dissipated, and Sanzo was horrified to see that he had his gun cocked and digging into Goku's forehead. The monkey's eyes were impossibly wide, and there was hurt and fear in their golden depths.
Fear. Goku had never been afraid of him. Sanzo had pointed that gun at him countless times, had threatened him countless times, but not like this. He put the gun on the nightstand and held his hand out to Goku. The monkey ignored his hand and backed off, scrambling over to the other bed.
He'd had to explain then, had to tell Goku about that day on the mountain, four days out of Kinzan temple. He'd never told anyone about the attempted rape before, and while understanding had replaced the hurt in Goku's eyes, the monkey wouldn't come near him for the rest of the night. Or the rest of the week.
Even after he'd returned to Sanzo's bed it had taken two more weeks before Goku would initiate an intimate encounter between them again, and Sanzo found himself missing the monkey's earlier abandon. Goku's new reticence was annoying as hell - he rather liked having Goku start things, liked to feel Goku's mouth and hands explore his body and slowly rouse him to a state of hot, aching want. Now Goku was careful when he touched Sanzo, and it was pissing him off.
Sanzo didn't want careful. He wanted those eager, hungry hands back.
The whole situation was a pain in the ass. And of course now he couldn't stop thinking about it.
Jeep hit a bump, and as they were jostled a loud snore arose from the source of Sanzo's dangerous, absurd, lunatic thoughts. Sanzo huffed quietly and glanced in the rear-view mirror, where he saw Goku sprawled in the back seat, napping. His gaze was drawn to a section of taut golden-tan stomach that was exposed where Goku's shirt had ridden up, and he felt a stirring of arousal as he watched lean muscles stretch and and contract with Goku's steady breathing. The heat in Sanzo's groin increased as he imagined watching those same muscles flex while Goku's naked body moved above Sanzo's, driving into him with a slow, relentless rhythm. He wondered what would it feel like, to have the monkey's hard, thick-
"-Sanzo? What do you think?"
Sanzo started, and tore his gaze from the mirror to blink at Hakkai. "What?"
Hakkai raised an eyebrow. "I was asking you if you wanted to stop at the next town for the night. I know it's only late afternoon, but we wouldn't reach the town after that for another day. I know you're not fond of camping out, especially since we had to sleep outdoors last night." Hakkai flicked a quick glance at Sanzo's face. "Are you all right, Sanzo? You look a bit flushed."
Yeah, he was flushed, all right. He was hard, too. Sanzo scowled at Hakkai. "I'm fine," he replied tersely. "We'll stop at the next town."
He returned his attention back to the rear-view mirror, but Goku had shifted in his seat and was now curled up on his side, still sleeping.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
They reached the town without incident, and booked the usual set of two rooms in a usual-looking inn. Sanzo went through his usual routine, assigning Goku to bunk with Gojyo, and the monkey did what he was supposed to do - complain loudly and obnoxiously until Hakkai volunteered to switch. Sanzo made a mental note to give Goku new material for his bit, since he was starting to sound like he had the lines memorized - which he did, actually, even though he did a decent job of ad-libbing. But Sanzo noticed that Hakkai had a "didn't-I-hear-that-somewhere-before"
Of course, it was entirely possible that Hakkai was playing them and wanted to bunk with the pervert kappa, he was a sneaky bastard that way.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Man, that was really good! I mean, Hakkai's a good cook an' all, but that old lady in the kitchen is awesome! Sanzo, can we have her pack us stuff ta take with us tomorrow?" Goku bounced into their room and flung himself onto the nearest bed, where he started untying his boots.
Sanzo grunted in response. He got toiletries out of his duffel and as he headed toward the bathroom he stopped and handed Goku a slip of paper. "Here. You need to have newer excuses for not wanting to share a room with the kappa, you're repeating yourself."
Goku took the paper, nodding. "Yeah, Hakkai gave me a funny look. I had a really good idea, though."
Sanzo raised an eyebrow.
"Nightmares," Goku said, leaning back on his elbows. He grinned. "I'll have nightmares an' they won't wanna share with me."
Sanzo shook his head. "Tch. Just keep it simple, moron." He headed into the bathroom to take his shower.
When he came out, Goku went in for his shower. Sanzo grimaced at the monkey's off-key singing while he dried his hair and settled into bed. He managed to get one section of his newspaper read by the time Goku emerged from his shower, towel slung low around his hips while he dried his hair with another towel. Sanzo glanced over the edge of the paper, watching the way Goku's muscles shifted under the expanse of bronzed, naked skin as he dried himself. Sanzo's mind flashed back to earlier in the afternoon when he had watched Goku, and that hot, tight knot of arousal returned with a vengeance. The thoughts came back too. The dangerous ones. Sanzo set the newspaper and his reading glasses on the nightstand. "Get your ass over here," he growled.
Goku grinned and finished drying his hair, then he draped the towel on the back of one of the chairs. He still wore the other towel, and when he walked over to the bed Sanzo noticed the beginnings of a generous erection outlined beneath the plush white fabric. Goku dropped the towel to the floor and slid under the sheets, scooting up close to Sanzo and pressing up against him.
"Sanzo," he breathed, and Sanzo groaned as Goku's hands landed on his body and began to slowly roam.
Now that's more like it. Sanzo slid a hand behind the nape of Goku's neck and pulled him close for a deep kiss.
Goku hummed appreciatively. "Mmmm, yeah," he murmured, and he lifted his chin to nip at Sanzo's jaw. Sanzo tilted his head back to allow Goku better access to his throat.
What the hell, Sanzo thought. Now's as good a time as any.
"Fuck me," he murmured into Goku's ear, giving the lobe a nip.
Goku pulled his head back and stared at him. "Wha-?"
"You heard me."
A hungry spark ignited in Goku's eyes, but his gaze was wary. "Yeah, but the one time I tried ta touch ya like that ya almost shot me! For real!"
Sanzo rolled his eyes. "I explained that. Just don't grab my ankle, moron." He bent his head to lick along Goku's collarbone.
Goku shivered at the touch. "I dunno, Sanzo..."
Damn it. The monkey wanted to, Sanzo could see it in his eyes, could see the way Goku's hands almost reached out to him before that goddamn fear pulled them back. Sanzo sighed, and then he reached under his pillow and retrieved his gun. Taking Goku's hand, he placed the weapon in it.
Gold eyes went wide, staring at the gun, then at Sanzo, and Sanzo watched with satisfaction as those eyes began to darken. Goku reached over and put the gun in the nightstand drawer, and at the same time he grabbed the tube of lubricant that Sanzo had put there. When his eyes met Sanzo's again there was a gleam in their dark depths that was almost... predatory.
The monkey was still nervous, though, and his trembling hands dropped the small tube three times while he attempted to unscrew the cap.
Sanzo's hand closed over Goku's shaking fingers. "Goku. It's not a test. Just do what I've done to you."
It was a known fact that monkeys are excellent mimics, and his monkey was no different. Goku's mouth was hot and hungry on his body, running a trail of kisses along Sanzo's collarbone, dipping into the notches of his sternum before gliding over to lap at a nipple. Sanzo hissed as Goku's teeth teased the sensitive nub, and when Goku's mouth moved lower and closed over his dick Sanzo hardly noticed that fingers had slipped inside him, stretching him, finding that spot inside him that brought his hips up off the bed.
Then Goku was slowly pushing into him, and while it burned at first the discomfort was forgotten while Sanzo watched the monkey's face, watched his eyelids flutter shut at the pleasure Sanzo knew he was feeling. Pleasure that, surprisingly, he was soon feeling too.
Goku's hips were now against his, stilled as Goku panted and struggled for control of himself. "Oh, wow... S-Sanzo, wow..."
Sanzo smirked. He knew just how that felt, and it was a rush to know that if he moved right now it would knock Goku right over the edge. Not that he wanted the monkey to finish that quickly. Sanzo gave him a few more moments then growled, "Move, goddammit."
Oh, yeah, definitely worth checking out. Sanzo groaned while his afternoon fantasy become reality - Goku's muscles flexed under glistening, sweaty skin while Goku moved inside him with a steady, forceful rhythm. Goku made almost the same noises he did when he was getting fucked, little gasps and moans that spilled out of his mouth with each thrust of his hips. The monkey's eyes were squeezed tightly shut, concentrating on getting everything right.
And he did get it right. Sanzo felt no pain - only pleasure, and he forgot about feeling vulnerable, almost forgot how awkward it was to be bent almost in half. He fixed that by wrapping his legs around Goku's slender frame, and the change in his position suddenly introduced him to his prostate.
Holy fuck. A moan escaped him then, and Sanzo's back arched up off the bed. fuckfuckfuckfuckRIGHTTHERE!
"Monkey, if you stop now I will fucking kill you," he panted into the mouth that hovered above his.
"Nngh- no way... f-feels too good," Goku replied shakily, and their mouths met in a messy tangle of lips, tongues and teeth.
Sanzo couldn't agree more. Each thrust sent jolts running through his body, almost like an electrical current, and Sanzo found himself bucking his hips in response, bringing Goku deeper inside him. He urged Goku on, harder, faster.
Goku's hand slipped between their bodies to grasp his aching erection. Sanzo's eyes flew open - that was a flagrant breach of his "the monkey always comes first" rule, but before he could protest Goku's hand was stroking and pulling and Sanzo was drawn relentlessly toward his climax. He groaned as his orgasm rose and thundered through his body, and his release spurted over Goku's fingers and made their thrusting bodies suddenly slick.
Goku made a strangled noise, then gave a final thrust and shuddered against Sanzo. Through the haze of his pleasure Sanzo felt a bloom of warmth deep in his belly while the monkey moaned and babbled Sanzo's name. Goku collapsed against him, and for a few moments they were still, no sounds around them except for their ragged breathing.
"Get off, you're fucking heavy." Sanzo gave a halfhearted shove against Goku's shoulder. Goku carefully eased out of Sanzo and flopped onto his back.
"That," Goku declared, "was awesome." He rolled onto his side and propped himself up on an elbow, looking at Sanzo worriedly. "It was okay? Did it feel good?"
Fuck yeah, it felt good, Sanzo reflected. Definitely worth doing again. "It was all right." He reached over to the nightstand for his cigarettes, wincing a little as his muscles complained. He snagged the towel off the floor and wiped himself down before returning to lie on his back.
Goku snorted. "'All right', he says. You made noise. I think ya liked it." He dipped his head down to capture Sanzo's mouth in a slow kiss.
He had made noise, more than he had intended.
Sanzo decided not to offer a denial. He returned the kiss, lazily exploring Goku's mouth until they needed air.
"I liked it," Goku said when they could breathe again. "I liked it a lot, almost as much as when you fuck me."
"'Almost'?" Sanzo lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. He raised an eyebrow at Goku.
"Well," Goku admitted with a blush, "I really, really like the way you do it. But this felt really good too - can we maybe do it this way sometimes?"
Fuck, yeah. "I suppose so," Sanzo agreed casually.
Goku's face lit up. "Cool!" He lay back down next to Sanzo, tucking his head under Sanzo's chin. "It'll be fun ta take turns once in a while."
Sanzo could feel the idiot's grin against his skin. It was perfectly reasonable idea. Not absurd at all. An idea that opened up all kinds of new, pleasurable opportunities. For it was a known fact that monkeys are adventurous creatures, and his monkey was no different.
He threaded his fingers through soft, spiky brown hair. "Just watch the ankles, monkey

domain: literature


text:
a little more about me...
I was assistant editor of International Arts Manager magazine, before becoming an editor at the Society of London Theatre, where I spent six years reviewing West End shows, interviewing actors and directors and learning where to stand at the after-show party in order to get first dibs on the canapés.
In 2012 I turned freelance and veered my writing towards travel and food, taking on commissions for titles including The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, FRANCE magazine, Adventure Travel, Living France and BBC Travel.
After moving to Switzerland in 2013 I started to specialise in writing about my new home. As a result I've ridden a wooden bike-sledge in Grindelwald, explored the absinthe trail in the Jura, visited a Scottish festival in St Gallen, hiked hut to hut in Ticino, discovered the story of an infamous counterfeiter in Valais and attempted fat biking in Gstaad.
I began writing for anglophone Swiss news site TheLocal.ch and was editor from 2016-18, covering everything from the Swiss reaction to Brexit and Trump to rows over EU immigration, cowbells and washing rotas.
I've also contributed to travel guidebooks including the 2019 edition of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Switzerland, and the 2024 edition of Lonely Planet Switzerland.
I'd always loved reading and had written my own stories from a young age. But I didn't attempt to write a novel until my late twenties. After a couple of abandoned half-manuscripts, I managed to finish my first full-length novel, written mostly in the early hours before going to my day job. It was never published and remains on a memory stick at the back of a drawer. But it taught me a lot. Several years later, now living in Switzerland and working freelance, I was inspired to have another go. The result was my debut novel, The Other Daughter, published in 2021.


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This is Ashley’s personal story. We first spoke to Ashley back in June 2018 following her diagnosis with breast cancer. Her life was put on hold after her diagnosis and then the news did not get any better when further tests showed that her cancer had spread.
A cancer diagnosis can be both frightening and overwhelming. Living with the disease can be an extremely lonely place. Having the HSC care team at her side through these difficult times has been invaluable to Ashley. As soon as she was in touch with us her HSC nurse specialist was immediately on hand to offer support and understand how HSC and the care team could best help.
The importance of emotional support is always a key part of living with cancer and to this end joining a local breast cancer support group was recommended as one of the first steps. The HSC care team located a local group for Ashley, she quickly bonded with a lovely supportive group. Regular events mean that there is always someone there for Ashley to talk to and now she often tells her HSC support team that she sits on the “top table” for coffee and cake with a group of ladies she now calls her friends.
In addition to emotional support, HSC’s service offers valuable contact and care. A weekly call has been made ever since Ashley’s diagnosis to ensure she is supported and sometimes to simply ‘chat through’ how her week has been.
“I am full of praise for your services and regularly tell my employer especially the HR department how I appreciate this employee benefit, and how much HSC have helped me.” – Ashley, 61
She often starts the phone call with concerns but, her nurse is there for her and will listen for as long as she needs her to. The conversations are often a mix of clinical, practical and emotional support, but they are often also the chance for a social catch up and the opportunity for a few shared jokes.
Ashley is an avid walker and keeps fit by walking to and from all her appointments. With all this exercise and her treatment, it’s important to keep the right levels of nutrition and eat healthily, Ashley’s HSC nurse has been there to help her find the right diet. Various treatments have been discussed and Acupuncture has been recommended to reduce symptoms similar to the menopause, another thing you simply don’t need to worry about when having treatment! The HSC team arrange appointments and take any administrative strain so Ashley can focus on keeping well.
And Ashley is doing well, she is working and keeping up with her hobbies. Enjoying walking, going to the theatre and very admirably playing the bongo drums.