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EDFL: Men of Oak make their mark
STRATHMORE might have emerged unbeaten, but Oak Park’s fighting spirit in Essendon District Football League on Saturday was a reminder that the Roos still belong in premiership calculations.
The Mores kicked away to the biggest lead of the match midway through the final term before Oak Park pegged the deficit back to a 10-point defeat at Lebanon Reserve.
The 11.9 (75) to 9.11 (65) win keeps Strathmore on pace with unbeaten Greenvale (7-0) in premier division, while Oak Park (4-3) had its gap from fourth to fifth place cut to a game by Maribyrnong Park (3-4).
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big game.
However, Oak Park’s long control of territory and general play at times was a sign that it could aspire to pushing up the ladder to chase third-placed Aberfeldie (6-1) rather than worry about what is coming from underneath.
The problem was scoreboard reward, with Oak Park failing to capitalise and giving up some costly goals through low percentage play.
Strathmore won the tactical battle in its forward 50m, isolating a number of one-on-one contests in open space and making the most of its entries into attack.
The Mores opened an 18-point lead when rain set in early in second quarter, with Oak Park turning the contest and keeping the Mores off the scoreboard for 20 minutes.
But kicking 2.3 during the dominant spell failed to get the Kangaroos in front, while Andrew Horne’s goal seconds before half-time had the home team head in up by nine points
Oak Park pegged the margin back eight points in the final term before quick thinking from Jordan Doering broke the game open one last time.
He did his best to ensure the umpire saw a jumper hold 30m out from goal, then played on to advantage when the whistle went, catching out opponent Andrew Smith who had turned away from the ball to protest the free kick.
Doering ran into an open goal and two minutes later a 50m penalty walked Karl Staudt to the goal line to make the margin 21 points.
Oak Park kicked the last two goals of the game through influential big man Adrian Mastropasqua and Jack Pascu to make the margin 10 points.
But the siren sounded seconds later to end any thoughts of a close finish.
“We need to find that four or five goals,” Oak Park coach Glenn Dawson said.
“We walked off today and discussed after the game that we can achieve it by getting those KPIs and one-percenters right.
“We didn’t mention (the grand final) too much. A few of the boys spoke about it but it wasn’t a big hit for us. The big hit was to gauge where are we, because we rate Strathmore and today says we’re not far off the mark.”

domain: sports


Hutan Bandar Putra
Part of a 20-acre development by IOI in conjunction with the Kulaijaya Municipal Council, the Hutan Bandar Putra recreational park is located near Senai Airport.It houses facilities such as a cycling track, jogging tracks, a playground, walker’s area, plaza, amphitheater, lake, a mini exhibition site for the local authority, pavilion and children’s playground that provide great outdoor fun within the confines of nature, for the entire family.
|ADDRESS/LOCATION||Hutan Bandar Putra, 81000 Kulai,Johor Darul Ta’zim.|
|CONTACT NO||+607-661 2288|
|OPERATION HOURS||Always Open|
|GPS COORDINATE||Latitude: 1.672327 Longitude: 103.654410|
A mini exhibition site for the local authority


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Finite element (FE) analysis has become an increasingly popular technique in the study of human joint biomechanics, as it allows for detailed analysis of the joint/tissue behavior under complex, clinically relevant loading conditions. A wide variety of modeling techniques have been utilized to model knee joint ligaments. However, the effect of a selected constitutive model to simulate the ligaments on knee kinematics remains unclear. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of two most common techniques utilized to model knee ligaments on joint kinematics under functional loading conditions. We hypothesized that anatomic representations of the knee ligaments with anisotropic hyperelastic properties will result in more realistic kinematics. A previously developed, extensively validated anatomic FE model of the knee developed from a healthy, young female athlete was used. FE models with 3D anatomic and simplified uniaxial representations of main knee ligaments were used to simulate four functional loading conditions. Model predictions of tibiofemoral joint kinematics were compared to experimental measures. Results demonstrated the ability of the anatomic representation of the knee ligaments (3D geometry along with anisotropic hyperelastic material) in more physiologic prediction of the human knee motion with strong correlation (r ≥ 0.9 for all comparisons) and minimum deviation (0.9° ≤ RMSE ≤ 2.29°) from experimental findings. In contrast, non-physiologic uniaxial elastic representation of the ligaments resulted in lower correlations (r ≤ 0.6 for all comparisons) and substantially higher deviation (2.6°≤ RMSE
Aim: In this study, the relationship between the change in the joint line and lateral knee pain was evaluated after primary total knee arthroplasty. Material and method: Between 2005 and 2012, patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were included in the study. Patients having “cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty” and with a change of the joint line ≥8 mm and patients having “posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty” and with a change of the joint line ≥5 mm were selected as the study group (group 1, n = 32). A total of 47 patients having similar demographic characteristics with the study group and the joint line changing below the predetermined level or remaining unchanged were included as the control group (group 2). The 2 groups were compared according to the presence of knee pain, the localization and spread of the pain, iliotibial band, tension and pain in the patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon, front knee pain during squatting, VAS pain score, OBER test positivity, Knee Society knee and function score, and general patient satisfaction. Results: There were statistically significant more lateral knee pain (p < 0.001), OBER test positivity (p < 0.001) and iliotibial band tension (p < 0.001) in group 1 compared to group 2. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding rest pain (p = 0.855), pain during squatting (p = 0.761), exertional pain (p = 0.322), pain in the patellar tendon (p = 0.643) and quadriceps tendon (p = 0.873), Knee Society knee (p = 0.954) and function (p = 0.955) scores, and general satisfaction (p = 0.968). Conclusion: In total knee prosthesis operations, distal displacement of the joint line can result in lateral knee pain and iliotibial band tension. However, considering the results of total knee arthroplasty our findings have showed that this condition has no effect on knee functions and patient satisfaction.

domain: medical


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It can absorb seven to eight times its weight in water but dries 3 times faster than a cotton towel. It is machine washable producing less waste than traditional cleaning materials. Microfiber is so effective at picking up Moisture & dirt, and without using cleaners or soap. Because the tiny fibers are solid asterisk shaped strands, leaving no residue or streaks behind. Ecofriendly: by using microfiber in place of traditional cleaning methods, wet or dry, individuals can save water, you can wipe up surfaces with less water, eliminate waste and reduce the use of chemical cleaners.
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Should you have any questions about the product or after-sale service, please do not hesitate to contact us. Tackle versatile cleaning jobs -these premium microfiber towels are also perfect dish rags which don't smell, pots or pans effortlessly. We are here for support and advice! Mr. Siga's mission: make your housework easier, and make the world cleaner.
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Posted: 21 months ago, last updated 2 weeks ago.
The main part of the game is the running, jumping and climbing levels inside each of the signs. However, each scene includes multiple signs that can be connected to each other and moved around. You also have to consider how the signs interact with other elements in the world to add a third and final layer to the conundrum.
As a mental challenge, The Pedestrian is engaging and enjoyable. For younger players, it can teach them about logic, strategic thinking and planning. And, like any good game, they won't even realise they are learning.
Our experts have hand-picked the following similar games for you. These offer a similar way to play to The Pedestrian or are games with a similar theme or topic. These are good alternative games to The Pedestrian.

domain: entertainment


My challenge is to create the proper mates between the exterior conical faces of the wedges and the conical interior of the barrel. The goal is to get all six wendges to seat in the barrel sliding down the interior of the cone and thereby moving closer to each other...in other words creating a smaller diameter between them. Imagine a steel cable sliding through the assembley and suddenly getting caught by the six wedges. That's the basic concept of the part. Thanx, Alex
ps. you'll notice the existing concentric mate in the assembly that I used to simply position the parts. I realize this mate will not work towards my goal.


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Messino Black Balsamic Pearls
Pearls created from 8-month aged balsamic vinegar, exclusively made from Greek varieties of concentrated grape must. Balsamic vinegar is transformed back to the shape reminiscent of its origins, the rounded shape grapes, bursting with flavor. Black balsamic pearls are an essential element of molecular gastronomy, a high-end, gourmet product made for demanding customers. Highly recommended on special dishes of meat, exceptional salads and gourmet appetizers.
• Made in Greece
• Weight: 5.6 oz (158.76 g)
• Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 3 in (5.1 x 5.1 x 7.6 cm)

domain: food


It's awards night.
The nib Newcastle Knights sign off on season 2018 with the Danny Buderus medal.
Players, coaches, staff and partners will turn out to Wests City for the big occasion and you can enjoy the night too by tuning in via our live stream on the NRLKnights Facebook page.
There are a number of awards set to be given across all three grades, with the prestigious Danny Buderus medal to conclude the evening.
Check @NRLKnights on Twitter for live updates from the Danny Buderus medal or head to our Facebook page and watch the awards night live from 7pm.


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We are extremely delighted that you took the time to explore the experience of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). This website presents the CDC in its current evolution as a significant transformative force in post-war Liberia. We hope the information gained will spur your membership or support.
If you would like to pay your membership fees, donate to the CDC, or contribute to the CDC's "2014 Victory Drive", please click on the Donate button below and contribute through Paypal. As an alternative, please deposit your funds to our National Accounts:
Wells Fargo Bank Account (opened in Minnesotta): # 347-122-5833.
Bank of America Account (opened in Laurel, Maryland): #446-027-154-182
Please write your name and the purpose of your deposit on the deposit slip. Also, please call our financial officer(s) below to confirm your deposit and ensure you get the appropriate credit.
Peter Garley - National Treasurer - (718) 909-1299

domain: finance


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Geneva, Apr 2.- Cuba reiterated its strong and categorical condemnation of all forms of terrorism wherever they take place and whoever practices them, delegate Pablo Berti said.
We condemn all actions aimed at encouraging, supporting, financing or covering any terrorist act, method or practice, he said in a special session of the Human Rights Council on attacks, abuse and violations of human rights committed by the the extremist Islamic group Boko Haram.
In that context, Berti said that Cuba continues paying attention to the scene created for the countries affected by that situation and firmly disapproves the loss of the lives of innocent people and other damage of different naturtes caused by such acts.
No doubt it is a complex situation. There are several African countries that have been affected and we are expressing our solidarity with them, he said.
Berti remarked that the role of the international community is to support all efforts by the affected nations that contribute to safeguard peace and stability ion the region, according to what those territories request and in line with their priorities and national policies.(Prensa Latina)
Radio Cadena Agramonte, April 2, 2015

domain: politics


Major Impact Road Works starting 29 August: Manchester and Salford Inner Relief Route (MSIRR) improvement scheme15th Aug 2018
Major road improvement works on one of the busiest routes in and out of Manchester and Salford on and around Regent Road will start on Wednesday 29 August.
Once complete, the £15 million Manchester and Salford Inner Relief Route improvement (MSIRR) scheme will help to ease congestion on one of the busiest routes into and out of Manchester city centre from Salford – increasing capacity by up to 20%.
The six junctions set to be affected include:
- The junction of Dawson Street, Regent Road, Trinity Way and Water Street.
- The junction of Regent Road and Ordsall Lane (Salford).
- The junction of Regent Road and Oldfield Road (Salford).
- The Mancunian Way, A56, A5067 roundabout.
- The junction of Trinity Way and Hampson Street.
- The junction of Hampson Street, East Ordsall Lane and Middlewood Street
The work will last for 12 months and will have a major impact on journey times.
TfGM are therefore advising people to plan ahead to Re-Route, Re-Time, Re-Mode and Reduce journeys, especially during morning and evening peaks.
Businesses are encouraged to promote flexible working, walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing to employees where possible.
Regular analysis of how the works are impacting travel and businesses will be undertaken weekly by TfGM to alter specific messaging and travel advice.
The work to Regent Road is expected to cause delays on other nearby routes including the M602 and Mancunian Way, while surrounding routes – such as Chester Road, Princess Road, A580 East Lancs Road, Trinity Way, Hyde Road, Stockport Road and Ashton Old Road – will likely be much busier than usual.
The advice for motorists is to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, use public transport where possible and use alternative routes during the morning and evening peaks. Road users should avoid using the M602 to travel into the city centre if possible and use alternative city centre exits from the M60.
Journey times for motorists will significantly increase, for example:
- During the morning peak, travel into the city centre via the M602, Regent Road and on to the Mancunian Way is expected to increase from around 15-20mins to at least 25-30mins
- During the evening peak, journeys out of the city centre along the Mancunian Way, Regent Road and on to the M602 are expected to increase from around 20-25mins to at least 40-45mins
Drivers should consider using public transport where it is an option, or consider cycling or walking if they are able to do so.
As a Business how can you help?
To help people get around the city-region, it’s important that information about the project is distributed far and wide.
For that reason Manchester City Council and TfGM would be grateful if city businesses could communicate details about the work to your staff, visitors and customers.
If you need any other marketing materials, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Becoming familiar with your spending habits, debt ratio, and understanding how lenders view your financial snapshot may very well be your best defense against future bankruptcy or foreclosure action. It all begins with fiscal responsibility, supported by a sound credit report, but how many Americans actually request and review their credit report on an annual basis?
Bankruptcy, as defined by LendingTree, LLC, the nation’s leading online lender exchange, is a complicated situation that can open the door to a personal or business “do-over” without the burden of insurmountable debt but not without possible financial consequences.
It may be easy to briefly define bankruptcy but for those facing the reality, the situation can raise numerous questions, especially when it involves your Roth IRA.
There are several myths and old wive’s tales floating around about bankruptcy. Many people accept them as truth, and that scares them off from finding the relief that comes from filing bankruptcy. Here are some of the most common myths about bankruptcy, and the truths behind them.
The number of Illinois bankruptcies has been consistently increasing for the last several years. According to the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), in 2007 there were just over 41,000 bankruptcies in Illinois, and by 2010 there were over 82,000 Illinois bankruptcy filings.


Appliqué and Transfer Services
Branding Processes for all fabrics that can give your promotional wear an added appeal
Looking for a unique touch or a small run? Applique with Artech could be the solution to putting your business image out front.
Appliqué and transfer processes can produce diverse results. Using a heat seal press it’s an effective method for a fast turn around and is inexpensive. On the other hand if you are looking for superior quality garments to set you apart from others, then embroidery flocking will put your branding in another class.
Appliqué methods in the promotional and uniform branding industry is a popular choice for large logos and graphics to be applied to garments and material products. It is also great for printing industrial workwear and sportswear, or for specialty one off t-shirt designs.
Appliqué refers to the technique of attaching smaller pieces of fabric or vinyl (transfer) cut-out designs to larger items with contrasting colour or texture.
In the promotional industry it can be embroidered or heat-sealed (sometimes both) on to almost any fabric product. Artwork is cut using computer aided design technology following vector paths. Design is almost only limited to your ideas, and the cutting process is controlled by computer to ensure that the print looks exactly as it does on screen.
The combination of embroidery and appliqué help to create something distinct and special in apparel so that logo wear is attractive, stylish, and affordable.
Types of Appliqué to Promote Your Brand
Excellent for one-offs to eliminate silk screen set-up costs you can have single colour designs cut from a selection of colours and transferred directly to a huge range of products from bags to jackets.
Flock Prints use velvety material to add a whole new dimension to your promotional wear adding a 3d textured feel.
Digital Heat Transfers
This process can put full colour prints directly on your chosen Product. We print to a film material, cut it out using CAD software and heat-seal the design to the fabric. Great for small runs, multiple colours and large images.
High Visibility / Reflective Transfers
If you are an industrial worker in a trade or have staff that require High Visibility reflective bands on their workgear then think about branding your workman’s clothes with your logo. Keep it simple or make your company name the reflective element, a unique touch to safety.
Looking for our Product Range? Fill out the form below and we will contact you with all of the available options and help find the solution to your branding apparel requirements.


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Our primary role as parents is to teach our children about Jesus. This section gives information and ideas on how to invite Jesus into our everyday lives.
Discipleship at Home – Article by Christine Embree of Refocus Ministry
How to Build a Christian Home – Quick guide by Roger Wolgemuth, Author
10 Things Every Parent Needs to Do – Article by Joe McGee about using God’s word to raise our kids
Lunchbox Notes – prewritten notes you can include in your child’s lunchbox or school bag to encourage them during the day
Bibles and Apps
Reading the bible with our kids is very important. Below are some recommended bibles and apps. Apps should never replace reading together but if you want to read from a device or promote some independence, try some of these suggestions.
The Big Little Bible
The Big Little Bible by New Zealand Bible Society. Available on Apple and Android or in hardback version. You can also borrow this from our CV library.
The Storybook Bible for Kids
The Storybook Bible for Kids is great for preschoolers and early readers. Includes some animations to bring the story to life.
Engage by Scripture Union. An app for intermediates/youth. The text is read to you in either English or Maori. Also includes some discussion questions.
Parenting Children for a Life of Faith
Written by Rachel Turner of Parenting for Faith, this is a great resource of practical ways to bring God into the everyday life of your child. Available on Kindle or at The Book Depository.

domain: library


text:
Full name: Louise Eleanor Elson
Film: Mamma Mia, Love Actually, Grease LES MIS
Body Part: Hands
Album: Up all Night, One Direction, all showtune soundtracks
Friend: i love everyone :)
Celeb Male: Danisnotonfire AmazingPhil? RAMIN KARIMLOO AND HADLEY FRASER
Shop: Pineapple dance studios
Drink: Anything really
TV Show: Glee, casualty, holby city, the inbetweeners
Perfume: Candy by Prada
Way to spend a sunday: Doing nothing apart from a short run first thing in the morning
Date Venue: Cinema
Night Out: THEATRE!!!!
Relationship status: In a relationship with an amazing person <333
Dance is for life, drama rules and Musical theatre just FTW!
One Direction are just... WOW!!!!!!!!! supermegaawesomefoxyhot
DARREN CRISS AVPM AVPS!!!!!!
Sophie Evans is Beautiful
OTR Nutter :) Love ma nutters
Dreaming of the west end!!!
Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Latin, contemporary student :)
KMPAS PT GIRL!!
Don't be afraid to chat with me, I'll only bite if I don't like you... :)

domain: artistic


2013 Ford FlexThe family fun box. 2013 Ford Flex gets substantial updates
With its low-slung boxy styling, the Ford Flex is hard to pin down. Is it a car, a crossover, a minivan, or an overgrown MINI Cooper? We'll call it a crossover, but that brings up another question. The Flex is a midsize crossover like Ford's own Explorer. So why would you choose it over its more popular sibling? To answer these questions, we traveled to Portland, Oregon to drive the updated 2013 Ford Flex. We found that the Flex is better than ever, and a handy vehicle for the family.
The 2013 Ford Flex gets a substantial update, though not a complete redesign. The look is different, especially the front end. Gone is the razor like grille, replaced by a blockier look, with a single bar across the grille and large "FLEX" letters instead of the Ford blue oval. The headlights are also revised, as are the taillights, which add LEDs. An available Appearance Package for Limited and SEL models comes with a black roof and mirrors, 20-inch wheels with painted pockets, leather seats, and unique door trim panels.
On the inside, the new Ford Flex gets more refined and more technologically advanced. The MyFord Touch entertainment and communication system makes its debut, here as the simpler second-generation version. A power tilt/telescoping steering wheel is now available, as are inflatable rear seatbelts. Improved or additional insulation under the hood, on the shock towers, and dashboard help block more noise.
Mechanically, engines in the 2013 Ford Flex get more power, the power steering on all models is electrically boosted, the brakes get larger and more efficient, the six-speed automatic transmission adds SelectShift manual shift capability, and Ford adds Curve Control to its electronic stability control.
Ford Flex Models, Features, and Pricing
The 2013 Ford Flex is offered in three models, SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE offers only front-wheel drive, while the other come with front- or all-wheel drive. Even the base model is well equipped. Standard features on the $30,885 SE include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six-way power driver's seat, four-way adjustable front headrests, 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, 50/50 split-folding third-row seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, tilt/telescoping steering column, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, auxiliary input jack, Sync communications and entertainment system, rear park assist, automatic headlights, and P235/60R17 tires on alloy wheels.
The $33,225 Ford Flex SEL ($35,175 with AWD) adds dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, Sirius satellite radio, MyFord Touch communications and entertainment system with eight-inch center screen, two USB ports, SD card reader, audio/video input jacks, universal garage door opener, rear cargo net, fog lights, and P235/60R18 tires.
The $39,230 Ford Flex Limited ($41,180 with AWD) gets 110-volt outlet, adjustable pedals with memory, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, keyless starting, power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, rearview camera, remote engine starting, 12-speaker Sony audio system, HD radio, navigation system with six-months of Sirius Travel Link, HID headlights, power exterior mirrors, LED taillights, rearview camera, Blind Spot Monitoring System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and P235/55R19 tires.
Ford's EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 is a $2,700 option on the 2013 Ford Flex Limited. It comes only with AWD, and also adds steering wheel shift paddles and dual exhaust with chrome tips. Other notable options include rear DVD entertainment, inflatable rear seat belts, a panoramic sunroof, a trailer-towing package, Active Park Assist automatic parking, radar cruise control, Collision Warning with Brake Support, heated and cooled front seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
Standard safety equipment on all Ford Flex models includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags with rollover deployment, traction control, electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, Torque Vectoring Control, tire-pressure monitor, and SOS Post-Crash Alert system.
On the road, the 2013 Ford Flex feels like a cross between a large car and a shoebox. The driver sits low with a lot of vehicle rising up rather high around him/her. The ride height is higher than a sedan but lower than a crossover, enhancing the car-like ride quality. Those two factors limit the body lean and passenger head toss you get with most crossovers. The tradeoff is a lower seating position that offers a less commanding view of the road.
Even with the optional 20-inch wheels, the updated Ford Flex does an admirable job of ironing out road imperfections and delivering a smooth ride. Handling won't inspire you to seek out twisty roads, but you won't mind hustling the Flex vehicles through tight turns.
The 3.5-liter V6 base engine adds twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) for 2013, upping Ford Flex horsepower from 262 to 287 and improving fuel economy slightly to 18 mpg city/25 highway. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 gains 10 horsepower to 365 and fuel economy comes in at 16/23.
The base engine is plenty powerful. It feels strong from a stop and has enough in reserve for confident passing at highway speeds thanks in part to the responsive six-speed automatic transmission. We think the base V6 will fit the bill for the majority of Ford Flex owners. The EcoBoost engine, however, just offers more of everything. It is most noticeably stronger in the midrange, making passing that much easier. It also comes with steering wheel shift paddles instead of a button on the shifter so it is easier to shift manually. While we don't think you'll need the EcoBoost, you'll certainly like it. Towing capacity is a middling 4500 pounds with either engine.
Stopping power in the 2013 Ford Flex is much improved. The brake pedal doesn't travel as far as it did in the first generation and the braking is linear and strong. The front brakes are now larger, thicker, and vented. They dissipate heat better and have much more swept area, so they will perform much better in heavy braking situations like canyon switchbacks.
Versatile, Roomy Interior
Inside, the 2013 Ford Flex makes excellent use of space. It accommodates six or seven passengers, with three different six-passenger configurations. For the second row, buyers can opt for a three-passenger benchseat, or three two-passenger bucket seat layouts: a walkthrough, a center console with storage or a center console with a refrigerator/freezer. Ford says the fridge can hold eight soda cans but it's rather small for the $795 investment.
Ford Flex passenger space is plentiful up front, and there is enough headroom to wear a 15-gallon hat. The seats are comfortable though not thickly bolstered for best lateral support through turns. The second-row has a spacious 44.3 inches of legroom, making it quite comfortable for even taller adults. The third-row is tight on legroom and the low seat bottoms make for uncomfortable long trips. A pair of adults will fit back there, but they won't like it. Access to the third row is quite easy, as the second-row seats fold down and flip forward, and a one-touch button performs both moves for all but the larger side of the 60/40 split-folding bench.
The third-row isn't so easy to fold down, involving four straps that flip the rear seats forward and rotates them to stow as a flat load floor. Power rear seats are available as well. They are much easier to use, but they are only available as part of two packages on Flex Limited models, one that costs $2500 and the other that runs $3295.
With all the seats folded, the 2013 Ford Flex has a nicely flat load floor and a generous 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the seats up, however, the there is very little space behind the third row, making it too tight for a week's worth of groceries. There is also an odd space below the third-row seats that groceries can slide into and remain out of sight.
Quality Environment with High-Tech Features
The Flex's interior offers quality materials with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard, door tops and armrests. The center stack features touch sensitive controls for the radio and climate controls. Two versions are offered. One is branded Sony and it comes with the Sony audio system. The touch controls are unique and they work fairly well, but we find them to be harder to use than the traditional knobs and buttons.
The 2013 Ford Flex gets the next generation of the controversial MyFord Touch system. It features two 4.2-inch LCD screens in the instrument cluster, two five-way controllers on the steering wheel, an eight-inch LCD screen in the center stack, and a media hub with two USB ports, an SD card slot, and an RCA jack for hooking up a video game system.
The touchscreen on the center stack handles phone, entertainment, climate and navigation functions. The screen is a bit less complicated than the first-gen configuration, with larger icons to press. New software controls the system and hopefully it won't lock up as often as it did in the first generation. The screen is divided into color-coded quadrants, and it can be customized to display commonly used controls. It can be controlled by voice commands as well.
2013 Ford Flex instrument cluster screens are well sorted, and Ford didn't have to make any changes to them. The left screen shows trip computer and vehicle data. It is controlled by the five-way controller on the left side of the steering wheel. The right-side instrument screen, handled by the right-side five-way controller, can display one of the areas from the center screen, allowing drivers to view two types of info at once.
MyFordTouch is at the forefront of connected technology, but it can be complicated to use and the too-frequent lockups of the first generation earned it a poor reputation. The second generation is easier to use, and we were impressed that we could program a navigation destination on the fly using voice commands.
So, why would you choose the Flex over other midsize crossover competitors, including the Ford Explorer? Well, compared to the Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse and Dodge Durango, the Flex has a more carlike ride, greater access to connectivity, and a very unique look. It also offers more passenger configurations and better second-row legroom. The good news is all of these competitors are good vehicles, so the choice to buy a 2013 Ford Flex is more a matter of taste than any particular advantage it holds over a fine group of midsize crossovers. www.ford.com
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Find your purpose in writing and explore the endless possibilities you have to tell your story and express yourself with The Write Voice workshop that takes place at The Writing Studio in Cape Town Saturday, February 28 and March 7, 14 and 28 from 2pm until 5pm.
The Write Voice inspires storytellers to get in touch with who they are and is ideal for anyone who needs a jump start and take that step forward in writing creatively.
If you find it difficult to start writing, not sure what medium to write for, or what to write, this motivational and inspirational introspective odyssey will empower you with the write skills.
The Write Voice explores the writing process and deconstructs writing fiction, non-fiction and journalism.
It is ideal for first-time writers who would like to define their writing skills, and also recommended for seasoned writers who are trapped in the web of re-writes and unfinished projects, or lost in the maze of the daunting writing process.
During the workshop you will have the opportunity to write a short story and get positive feedback through practical and motivational exercises.
Graduates of previous workshops include award-winning novelists Lauren Beukes (Zoo City, The Shining Girl) Gary Hirson (The Magic That is Ours and Calm in Storm) and Consuelo Roland (who received acclaim for her Lady Limbo Novel, and was Shortlisted for the Sunday Times Fiction Award and received an Honorary mention for the Olive Schreiner Prize for her novel The Good Cemetery Guide).
The interactive workshop is presented by Daniel Dercksen, the driving force behind the successful independent training initiative The Writing Studio. A published film and theatre journalist for 30 years, and playwright, Dercksen has been teaching workshops in creative writing, playwriting and screenwriting throughout South Africa the past 19 years and received the number one spot for most popular lifestyle contributor for 2012 and 2014 on Biz Community.
Due to the interactive and intimate nature of the workshop, it can only accommodate 5 writers.


About this item
Turn your bathroom into a luxurious retreat with this deluxe 10-piece towel set. Made from durable 100% cotton, this lavish towel set includes enough bath sheets, bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths for a family of four. You'll enjoy unparalleled softness and absorbency, as the fibers are tightly woven to quickly wick moisture from your body. The plush look of these towels will perfectly complement a variety of bathroom accessory sets and lend an elegant look to your decor.
Diavtex 10-Piece Deluxe Towel Set:
- Soft, absorbent and luxurious, this deluxe 10-piece towel set is made of durable 100% cotton
- This 10-piece towel set is machine washable and can be tumbled dry
- Towel set becomes softer and fluffier with each wash and dry
- Easy to clean
- Towel set fibers are tightly woven to quickly wick moisture from your body
- 2 bath sheets: 30'' x 60''
- 2 bath towels: 27'' x 54''
- 2 hand towels: 16'' x 28''
- 4 wash cloths: 12'' x 12''
|Gift By Recipient:||For Her , For Him , For the Family|
|Multi Pack Indicator:||No|
|Shipping Weight (in pounds):||6.0|
|Product in Inches (L x W x H):||60.0 x 30.0 x 0.25|
|Assembled in Country of Origin:||USA or Imported|
|Origin of Components:||USA or Imported|
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The Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer (ICT) route of the Points Based System is for multi-national company employees who are transferred to the UK based branch of their organisation. If you are an employee you may either be transferred on a long-term basis or be frequently sent to the UK on short-term visits. The company sponsoring you will need to issue you with a certificate of sponsorship and will need to ensure that the salary on offer and your qualifications will enable you to satisfy the immigration rules.
How we can help with a Tier 2 ICT visa application?
If you wish to apply for a Tier 2 ICT visa, we can help you with your application and queries. Our expert team of lawyers can assist you with the preparation of your Tier 2 ICT visa application and ensure that you meet with all the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rules. We will ensure that all key points are substantiated with documentary evidence, thereby leading to a successful application and avoiding the unnecessary expense of resubmitting your Tier 2 intra company transfer visa application to the Home Office.
Categories for tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Visas:
This Tier 2 ICT visa category is further sub-categorised into the following four areas and will require you to have a Certificate of Sponsorship in order to make the intra company visa application:
- Short-term staff ICT visa – established employees who are being transferred to the UK for 12 months or less in respect of a skilled job that could not be carried out by a new recruit from the resident workforce
- Long-term staff ICT visa – established employees who are being transferred to the UK for 12 months or more in respect of a skilled job that could not be carried out by a new recruit from the resident workforce
- Graduate trainee ICT visa – new graduates who need to come to the UK as part of a structured training programme which clearly defines progression towards a managerial or specialist role
- Skills transfer ICT visa – overseas employees who are being transferred to the UK branch in a graduate occupation to learn the skills and knowledge they will need to perform their job overseas or to impart their skills to the UK workforce.
Documents you must provide for your intra company visa application
When you apply for tier 2 intra company transfer visa you’ll need to provide:
- your certificate of sponsorship reference number
- a bank or building society statement or letter that shows you have enough personal savings (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you)
- a current passport or travel document to prove you can travel – you need a page in your passport that’s blank on both sides for your visa
- expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances for tier2 ICT visa.
Benefits of Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Visa
With Tier 2 ICT visa one can enjoy following benefits:
- A potential route for settlement in the UK;
- Applicants can bring dependents;
- Applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or for permanent residence after living in the UK for 5 years; and
- Candidates may be able to naturalize as a UK citizen.
Why we provide the best legal advice for Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer Visas
We are a UK Solicitors law firm and are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority(link is external) (SRA) and as a professional law firm are completely exempt from requiring authorisation by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner(link is external) (OISC). Many businesses offering immigration services are only OISC regulated and as such are not professional legal organisations such as Solicitors firms or Barristers’ chambers. OISC businesses are not allowed to do legal work before the Courts such as Judicial Review or statutory challenges of Home Office decisions. Also, as a professional organisation, our policy is not to employ sales staff to give you “advice”. Instead, every telephone consultation is conducted by a lawyer; offering you accurate and informed legal guidance. Under your instruction, our qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers will guide you through your case from the outset; ensuring that neither time nor money is wasted and that no mistakes are made when it matters the most.
As a law firm with a track record of success, you can be assured your immigration matter is in safe hands and that the best strategy for your case will be adopted. It is crucial that you seek specialist legal advice at the outset and prior to making any type of immigration application. We can assist you with your applications for any type of Visa including tier 2 intra company transfer visa or permit and any form of leave to remain (or for entry clearance) under the points-based system. We ensure our clients comply with the Immigration Rules and the strict requirements of the UKBA prior to making an application, thereby eliminating much of the stress of the tier 2 ICT visa application process.
Contact us for successful Tier 2 ICT Visa applications
Our experienced team of professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will guide you through the process of tier 2 intra company transfer visa step by step, complying with the strict letter of the law and limiting the possibility of failure. Consider HS Legal as your Tier 2 ICT Visa adviser; call us for a telephone consultation today.
Our Immigration Experts are able to give specialist legal information and advice in this area of law. To contact one of our Immigration Solicitors or Immigration Barristers please complete our online Enquiry form and we will get in touch or call us now on 01206500181

domain: law


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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s documentary, is on hold for now. The death of Elizabeth II and the premiere of ‘The Crown’ have compromised the release of the long-awaited audiovisual of the Sussexes.
After months of intense filming and post-production, Netflix was determined to release the most anticipated documentary of the year at the end of 2022, but several events caused the audiovisual to remain in the air.
Netflix’s deal with Meghan and Harry was canceled?
Neither the documentary, nor the million-dollar deal with Netflix has been canceled, it has only been paralyzed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Now, there is a possibility that the project could be postponed due to the premiere of the new season of ‘The Crown’.
As revealed by ‘Deadline’ the premiere of the documentary, which focuses on the Invictus Games, has been delayed to “next year”. According to the web portal, the premiere of ‘The Crown’ next November 9, have led the platform to postpone the documentary.
However, this is not the only problem, according to the portal ‘Page Six‘ the couple was “at odds” with the production staff and wanted to make “significant cuts”, which would have caused the producers were considering “shelving indefinitely” the project.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed a contract worth around $100 million with the popular platform months after their departure from the British royal family.

domain: celebrity


text:
Watching scenes from Kabul airport recently felt like déjà vu for me. The Vietnam War ended in eerily similar scenes. I’ve been astonished to read more than one article that has described the events in Afghanistan as an unprecedented military defeat for the USA, or as a sign that the era of neoliberal intervention in foreign countries was over. If the USA did not learn anything from Vietnam, why would we assume it will this time when facts and evidence are even less valued than in the past. Several commentators have noted the intersection of the US war on terror and the war on drugs in Afghanistan. I have been engaged for nearly 20 years now in work to update global estimates of conflict deaths and global estimates of deaths attributable to drug use. I was curious to look a little more closely at relevant statistics.Continue reading
A recent paper by demographers Sam Preston and Yana Vierboom showed that there are an additional 400,000 deaths in the USA in 2017 that would not have occurred it the USA experienced European death rates. That is about 12% of all American deaths and higher than the COVID-19 death toll of around 380,000 in 2020. In a Guardian article earlier this month they identified major factors contributing to this US “mortality penalty” including overweight and obesity, drug overdose, lack of health insurance, suicide, lack of gun control and racism. These deaths tend to occur at younger ages than Covid deaths on average, so that total potential years of life lost are three times greater for the excess deaths than for Covid in 2020 (13 million versus 4.4 million).
Preston and Vierboom used data from the Human Mortality Database (HMD) for their analysis. They calculated death rates based on the five largest European countries, whose combined population size is very similar to that of the United States: Germany, England and Wales, France, Italy, and Spain. They also argued that using these larger European countries to provide a mortality standard would avoid unrealistic expectations that might result from comparisons including small countries with possibly exceptional combinations of factors affecting mortality (e.g., climate, diet, social history, and healthcare delivery).
A few days ago, I downloaded updated data from the HMD and replicated and extended their analysis to include years up to and including 2020, drawing on recent data from Eurostat and national health statistics agencies (see here for details of data, sources and methods).Continue reading
Over the last two days, I’ve been assessing the coronavirus situation across the world. I’ve posted a regional analysis of trends in new cases on my professional site (an-out-of-control-pandemic-in-most-world-regions).
I reproduce a graph of regional trends below. The dramatic difference in trajectories for Western Europe and the Americas is obvious. While levels are lower in most developing regions, this is mostly due to much lower levels of testing. But confirmed new cases in all regions apart from Europe and East Asia and Pacific are rising.
North America has the most out-of-control epidemic, and that is all due to the USA. I plotted trends for blue and red states in the USA. There is a dramatic difference, with most of the recent rise in new cases occurring in red states (that voted for Republican presidents in most of the recent presidential elections). In the week ending July 5, there were an average 226 new cases per 1 million population in red states compared to 88 per million in blue states.
In a second post which-countries-are-succeeding-and-not-succeeding, I have shown country-specific plots for selected examples of three groups of countries: (1) those that are beating Covid-19, (2) those that are nearly there, and (3) those that need to take action. The experiences of the first two groups of countries show that (a) it is important to act early, not wait till there a hundreds of deaths in the country, (b) it only takes about 5-7 weeks of strong interventions to get rid of the majority of cases and (c) half measures don’t work.

domain: sociology


text:
Everest South: Iranians SUMMIT!|
May 30, 2005 07: 36 EST
IranMountainzone has just emailed a newsflash to ExplorersWeb:
“Few minutes ago, Iranian Mountaineering federation announced that 8 members of
Iranian men and women expedition has summitted Everest from south, this
morning at 10:45 local time. No other details containing name of summitters has been released up to moment.”
Most probably there will be some female climbers among those who have summited, and they will be the first muslim women to reach the top of Everest ever.
The Iran Mountaineering Federation organized its first all female Everest expedition this year. Sixty nine women accepted the challenge and attended various test climbs around Iran since December. The all dwindled down to seven chosen expedition members.
The Iranian ‘delegation’ on Everest it’s not exclusively feminine though: The National team of Iranian Men’s mountaineers were accompanying this expedition and also attempting the summit themselves. The last successful climbs by an Iranian team on Everest was in May 1998, when four members summited the mountain.
The Iranian 2005 Everest Expedition members are:
1- Sadegh Aghajani (Leader)
2- Eghbal Aflaki (Leading Assistant)
3- Jalal Cheshmeh Ghasabani
4- Ms. Farkhondeh Sadegh
5- Ms. Rezvan Salmasi
6- Ms. Laleh Keshavarz
7- Ms. Roya Sadat-Ghazanfari
8- Ms. Leila Bahrami
9- Ms. Nasrin Nemati
10- Ms. Parvin Rezaei
11- Reza Zarei
12- Shahab Raeisi
13- Azim Gheychisaz
14- Reza Bahadorani
15- Mehdi Sharifi
16- Farhad AziziMoghadam
17- Javad GheeahShenas
18- Mahmoud Shoaei
19- Mahmoud Goudarzi (MD)
20- Khalil Abdnekouie (Photographer)
21- Mehrdad Goudarzppour (Cameraman)
Image courtesy of IranMountainzone.

domain: geography


Today was the big day - the City of Ottawa's final 2018 budget was presented to council. It's the last one before the election next fall, and a lot was riding on it. We were watching closely for commitments on climate change, sustainable transportation, and protection of the trees, water and greenspace that make up our urban fabric.
Right at the start, the Mayor surprised us all with the announcement of an additional $10 million found by the City Treasurer. We hoped this meant the City could deliver on key environmental commitments in a meaningful way. More specifically, after months of wrangling and debate, we hoped the City would finally breathe some life into its underfunded clean energy strategy.
But our hopes were quickly dashed. Despite some councillors voicing concerns about the lack of dedicated funding for the city's clean energy plan, the Mayor forged ahead with a motion to direct all new funds to general infrastructure. Later, Council even refused to put an estimated additional $100,000 towards the renewable energy plan. That leaves us with only $500,000 in guaranteed new funding and no permanent staff towards the necessary energy transition to fight climate change.
So where does this leave us? It's a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the City is forging ahead with substantial investments in light rail, and is working hard to ensure that more and better cycling and pedestrian connections are built. We are hitting our annual target in terms of tree planting, we're protecting patches of sensitive land, and we're using the principle of complete streets to change how we design our communities now and in the future. The City deserves to be commended for its efforts in these areas.
On the other hand, the City is falling dangerously behind on the defining environmental crisis of our time: climate change. Even as severe weather punches a hole in our annual budgets, we're under-investing in the solutions needed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Thousands of residents from across the city have signed petitions, written letters to their representatives, voiced their concerns at town halls and even knocked on the door of the Mayor's office to demand action on climate change. Today, despite the valiant efforts of several councillors, these appeals have been ignored by the Mayor and a majority on council.
What's next? When the going gets tough, the tough get organized. The 2018 election is just over 10 months away. We'll be knocking on doors and talking to all municipal candidates about the urgency of climate action and the steps they can take in the next term of council to move forward at the pace that's required. We hope you'll join us. Our efforts also depend on contributions from supporters like you. Please consider making a donation to support our work today.


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Finally, this hour, we remember the man behind a famous bicycle design. Now, if you spent your childhood riding a bike with big handlebars and a banana seat, then you owe Al Fritz your thanks. The former executive for the bike company Schwinn died last week. In 1963, Fritz introduced the model known as the Sting-Ray, and it got a boost with ads on the TV show "Captain Kangaroo."
(SOUNDBITE OF TV COMMERCIAL)
UNIDENTIFIED ANNOUNCER #1: Captain will be back after these messages.
Parents often dread talking to tweens and teens about alcohol. So the government is here to help. Really.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration launched a campaign today that aims to get parents talking with their children about alcohol as early as age 9.
Age 9? Eek!
That early start is important because children start to look at alcohol more positively between ages 9 and 13, researchers say. About 10 percent of 12-year-olds have tried alcohol. That number goes up to 50 percent by age 15.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the NHL by the family of hockey enforcer Derek Boogaard, who was 28 when he died from an accidental overdose of alcohol and oxycodone in May of 2011. The suit accuses the NHL of being negligent and with supplying the painkiller to Boogaard.
A jury in Philadelphia has found Dr. Kermit Gosnell guilty of first-degree murder in three illegally performed late-term abortions.
The jury also found Gosnell, 72, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a woman who was overdosed on anesthesia while undergoing a second-trimester abortion. He was found not guilty of one other murder charge in the death of an infant. Three other similar counts were thrown out by the judge last month.
The first-degree murder convictions carry a possible death sentence.
This year marks the centenary of the birth of Albert Camus, the great novelist of existentialism. It's a movement that many Americans think of as quintessentially Parisian, born of cafe-table philosophizing and fueled by packs of Gauloises. But Camus wasn't a native of metropolitan France. He was born and raised in Algeria into a pied-noir family ("black foot," the phrase used to describe descendants of French settlers), grew up in working-class Algiers, and pined for north Africa long after he moved to the French capital in 1942.
A San Francisco judge will decide this month whether to approve a settlement in a class-action lawsuit that could affect more than 70 million Facebook users. The $20 million deal would mark the end of a years-long battle over the social network's "Sponsored Stories" advertising.
But Facebook users' images could still appear in ads if they don't change their settings. And many users say the deal before the judge doesn't go far enough to protect their privacy.
Five years after the massive Wenchuan quake in China's Sichuan province left about 90,000 dead and missing, allegations are surfacing that corruption and official wrongdoing have plagued the five-year-long quake reconstruction effort.
The official press is full of praise for how "all Chinese have a reason to be proud of what the concerted efforts of the entire nation achieved in creating a new life for the survivors."
In our wired and rapidly shrinking world, there is no distant war, no isolated economic crisis and no social trend that observes national borders.
When a building collapses in Bangladesh, photos of the dead and grieving appear instantly. When a battle takes place in Syria, YouTube videos surface in real time. You can even get tweets from North Korea.
North Korea's hard-line army general, who is believed to have been responsible for attacks on South Korea in 2010 that killed 50 people, has been replaced by a relative unknown.
The move has analysts reading the tea leaves. The consensus is that the reshuffle at the top of the People's Armed Forces is part of a larger effort by leader Kim Jong Un to consolidate power over the military.

domain: news


text:
Dr Anthony French speaks at Heather Hill Pathways Seminar on Diabetic Management in the Elderly.
On Wednesday 11 December 2013 Heather Hill was proud to present Dr Anthony French as guest speaker at Heather Hill Pathways’ most recent aged care seminar entitled, ‘Can you have your cake and eat it? A look at new trends in diabetic management in the elderly’.
Dr French is a leading Brisbane based consultant physician and geriatrician who specialises in the management of conditions such as diabetes, orthogeriatrics and polypharmacy in the frail elderly. He is a fiercely passionate, entertaining and educational speaker who strongly advocates for quality of life when assisting his patients to make decisions regarding their treatment options.
The seminar was well attended by nursing staff from aged care facilities across the greater Brisbane region and the feedback from all attendees was extremely positive.
We would also like to thank the management team at the Prescare Vela aged care facility for the generous use of their auditorium and the complimentary afternoon tea that was provided to all attendees.


text: It made seem ridiculous, or ‘riddikulus’ for die-hard fans, to recommend Harry Potter. However, this is a special invitation for kids (or adults) who have read the entire series. This summer, find a spot in the shade of a willow tree, or in the hot sun of an old playground, or overlooking a lake that (with some imagination) could contain mermaids, and re-read the first book. Take time to wonder at all of the hints that were given to this epic tale’s ultimate conclusions from the very start of this wizarding journey. It’s also the perfect book to read to younger kids during summer babysitting jobs.


text:
Louisa County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire and other law enforcement officials held a press conference Tuesday to oppose a list of criminal justice reform legislation, including a bill to abolish mandatory minimum sentences.
The virtual conference focused on three bills currently under debate in the state General Assembly aimed at abolishing mandatory minimum sentences, reinstituting parole, and repealing code sections authorizing civil confinement — a process by which people convicted of certain sexual offenses can be subject involuntary commitment at a treatment center upon release from prison.
McGuire and other Louisa County law enforcement officials argued that the bills pose a threat to the community by potentially allowing for the release of violent criminals.
According to McGuire, he decided to call the press conference after SB 1443 — which would eliminate mandatory minimums — passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday.
Much of the press conference revolved around the crimes of Raymond W. Harry Jr., who in December 2019 was sentenced to five life sentences plus 100 years in prison for a slew of convictions related to raping a child. Harry was convicted after Louisa County authorities uncovered what they described as a “den of hell.”
“I will just suffice it to say is it was horrific, it will turn your stomach, it will turn anyone’s stomach of anyone who ever hears about it,” McGuire said “I’ve been prosecuting sexual predators for over 20 years and it is by far the worst I have ever seen, and I don’t say that lightly. It is horrible, there’s just no way around it.”
Harry’s victim, who was 11 when she was found and rescued, was kept inside a wire cage, fed narcotics, and was repeatedly raped and emotionally abused, a detective with the Louisa County Police Department said. To this day she has not emotionally recovered and deals with trauma from her time being abused by Harry.
Harry’s sister, Jacky Harry, also spoke at the press conference, urging viewers not to support the legislation, which she said could allow for people like her brother to be released from prison on parole.
“He shouldn’t be able to have a chance at parole because he hurt not only children, but the rest of his family and we all have to deal with it every day,” she said.
Noodle Neunam, a relative of the victim, made a similar request, occasionally choking back tears as he recounted the difficulty the child victim had recovering.
“He stole her innocence and lied to her, telling her that this is what love looks like,” Neuman said. “As a child, she wanted to please him and make him happy. These are the things he taught her.”
Later in the press conference, McGuire played a portion of a 2019 jail phone call from Harry in which he said he was glad Democrats had taken over the majority because it made his chances of parole more likely.
Virginia abolished parole in 1995, but parole is still available to inmates who were sentenced before the law went into effect; were sentenced under the Youthful Offenders Act; or are eligible for geriatric release.
According to a 2019 report from Capital News Service, the percentage of parole requests has jumped from around 3% in 2014-16 to around 13.5% in 2017.
When an offender requests parole, the Parole Board evaluates the case based on several factors, including compatibility with public safety and the offender’s criminal history and conduct in prison. Candidates for parole are routinely denied for reasons related to the serious natures of their crimes, their potential risk to the community, and their criminal history.


text:
Monroe Symphony Showcases The Clarinet
Who knew a clarinet could be glorious?
Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m., the Monroe Symphony Orchestra will be holding its Glorious Clarinet concert in the Brown Auditorium on campus at the University of Louisiana Monroe.
The concert includes four works of music with German and Italian influences. Before the concert, at 6:15 p.m., the Conductor's Chat features a panel discussion featuring Conductor Clay Couturiaux, Soloist Scot Humes, and Monroe Symphony Chorus Director Deborah Chandler.
The Glorious Clarinet is be a collaboration of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
"This concert was picked to help people see the talent that's right here in Monroe," shares Couturiaux. "This talent will be shown through all of the musicians, including ULM professor Scot Humes, the principal Clarinetist for the concert."


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As the saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about oranges? Are they just as beneficial for our furry friends?
Dogs, our trusty companions, have different dietary needs than humans. While oranges offer us many health benefits, canines have unique digestive systems that require careful consideration when introducing new foods.
So, the question lingers: are oranges healthy for dogs? Prepare to sink your teeth into this citrusy debate as we unveil the juicy truth about whether oranges are a safe and nutritious treat for our four-legged companions.
Are oranges healthy for dogs?
Oranges are healthy for dogs. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients such as potassium and fiber, making them a beneficial snack for dogs.
Oranges contain vitamin C, which can boost a dog’s immune system. However, when feeding oranges to dogs, starting slowly and monitoring their reaction is essential.
Oranges should be peeled and all seeds removed before feeding them to dogs. While the fruit is not toxic, the peels can cause obstruction in the digestive tract and may require surgery.
Limiting treat intake, including oranges, is recommended to no more than 10% of daily calories to prevent digestive upset and weight gain. Additionally, orange juice is not recommended due to its high sugar and acidity.
Oranges should be avoided for overweight or diabetic dogs because of their high sugar content. Puppies may be more prone to upset stomachs from oranges.
When feeding dogs oranges, it is essential to remove the peel and seeds, and the amount given should depend on the size and breed of the dog. It is also recommended to thoroughly wash, peel, and cut oranges into small pieces before serving.
Oranges can be given as a snack, mixed into dog food, or frozen into a toy. It’s important to note that while other citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits, are edible, they can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
For more information on harmful foods for dogs, visit AKC.org. Overall, oranges can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when given in moderation and prepared correctly.
- Oranges are healthy for dogs and contain vitamins and nutrients such as potassium and fiber
- Start slowly and monitor a dog’s reaction when feeding them oranges
- Peel and remove all seeds before feeding oranges to dogs to prevent digestive obstruction
- Limit treatment intake, including oranges, to no more than 10% of daily calories to prevent upset stomach and weight gain
- Oranges should be avoided for overweight or diabetic dogs due to their high sugar content
- Thoroughly wash, peel, and cut oranges into small pieces before serving to dogs, and remove the peel and seeds
1. Always remove the peel and seeds from oranges before feeding them to dogs.
2. Avoid giving oranges to overweight or diabetic dogs due to the high sugar content.
3. Puppies may be more sensitive to the acidity of oranges, so start with small amounts.
4. Thoroughly wash, peel, and cut oranges into small pieces before serving to dogs.
5. While oranges are safe for dogs in moderation, it’s best to consult a veterinarian to determine the appropriate serving size for your dog’s breed and size.
Oranges Are Rich In Vitamins And Nutrients For Dogs.
Oranges are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can provide several health benefits for dogs. Packed with essential vitamins and nutrients like potassium and fiber, oranges can be a healthy addition to your furry friend’s diet.
These nutrients help support various bodily functions and contribute to overall well-being.
Potassium is essential for maintaining proper nerve and muscle function in dogs. It aids in transmitting nerve impulses and supports muscular contractions, making it crucial for their mobility and overall physical health.
Oranges are an excellent source of this vital mineral, making them a great dog treat option.
In addition to potassium, oranges are also rich in fiber. Fiber aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of obesity in dogs by providing a feeling of fullness.
Benefits Of Vitamin C For A Dog’s Immune System.
One of the standout benefits of oranges for dogs is their high vitamin C content. Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting a dog’s immune system.
It acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and protect cells from damage. A robust immune system is essential for dogs to fight illnesses and infections and maintain optimal health.
Although dogs can produce their own vitamin C, supplementation through dietary sources like oranges can be beneficial, particularly in certain situations. For example, a dog’s vitamin C requirements may increase during stress or illness.
Oranges can help meet these increased needs and support their immune system during times of higher vulnerability.
Slow Introduction And Monitoring When Feeding Oranges To Dogs.
When introducing new food into your dog’s diet, including oranges, it’s essential to start slowly and monitor their reaction. Some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain fruits, so observing any adverse effects is crucial.
You can start by offering a small piece of peeled orange and watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or skin irritations.
If your dog shows any adverse symptoms, please go ahead and discontinue feeding oranges and consult your veterinarian.
Also, could you consider the size and breed of your dog when deciding the appropriate amount of oranges to feed? Smaller dogs may only require a few small pieces, while larger species can safely consume slightly larger quantities.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian to ensure the right portion size for your individual dog.
Remove Peels And Seeds Before Feeding Dogs Oranges.
While oranges are not toxic to dogs, removing the peels and seeds before feeding them to your furry friend is crucial. Orange peels can be challenging to digest and may lead to gastrointestinal blockages if ingested in large amounts.
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the obstruction.
Additionally, orange seeds can pose a choking hazard and should be removed entirely before feeding your dog any orange slices. Taking the time to peel and deseed the oranges ensures your dog’s safety and minimizes the risk of any digestive complications.
Risk Of Obstruction From Orange Peels In The Digestive Tract.
As mentioned earlier, while the flesh of oranges is generally safe for dogs to consume, the peels can pose a digestive tract obstruction risk. Dogs have a different digestive system than humans and may struggle to break down tough fibers like orange peels.
If a dog ingests a significant amount of orange peels, it can lead to a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, causing discomfort and potentially requiring surgical intervention. To avoid this risk, always peel and discard the orange peels before feeding any oranges to your furry friend.
- Important Note: If you suspect your dog has ingested many orange peels and is showing signs of distress (e.g., vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite), seek immediate veterinary attention. Early intervention can prevent more severe complications.
Limit Treat Intake To Prevent Digestive Upset And Weight Gain.
While oranges can provide numerous health benefits for dogs, it’s important to remember that treats, including oranges, should be given in moderation. The 10% rule is often recommended, where treats should not exceed 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
This limit helps prevent digestive upset, excessive weight gain, and an unbalanced diet.
Feeding too many oranges or other treat foods can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, or even nutrient imbalances. Always consider your dog’s overall diet and consult your veterinarian for guidance on treat quantities and appropriate calorie intake for your pet’s age, weight, and activity level.
Visit Akc.Org For Information On Harmful Foods For Dogs.
While oranges are generally safe for dogs, it’s essential to be aware of other foods that can be harmful or toxic to our furry friends. The American Kennel Club (AKC) website, AKC.org, provides a plethora of information on foods that pose risks to dogs.
You can familiarize yourself with this resource to ensure you offer your dog a safe and healthy diet.
Please remember that not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for canine consumption. Educating yourself about potential hazards can help you make informed decisions about what foods to include or avoid in your dog’s diet.
AKC.org is an excellent starting point for understanding the do’s and don’ts when feeding your four-legged companion.
Caution For Overweight Or Diabetic Dogs Due To High Sugar Content.
While oranges offer various health benefits, it’s essential to exercise caution when feeding them to overweight or diabetic dogs. Oranges contain natural sugars, and excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain and negatively impact blood sugar levels in diabetic pets.
If your dog is overweight or has diabetes, consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations. They can help you determine whether oranges or other high-sugar fruits are appropriate for your dog’s needs.
In some cases, alternative low-sugar fruits or veggies may be recommended to provide similar nutritional benefits without the risk of elevated blood sugar.
In conclusion, oranges can provide various health benefits for dogs when fed in appropriate quantities and prepared correctly. Their rich vitamin and nutrient content, including potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, make them a nutritious snack for our canine companions.
However, removing the peels and seeds and introducing oranges slowly while monitoring your dog’s reaction is crucial. Remember to limit treatment intake, especially for overweight or diabetic dogs, and always seek guidance from your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations.


One of my local authority clients based in the West Midlands are currently on the lookout for a Senior Environmental Protection Officer to join their Environmental Protection team on an interim basis.
You will be expected to assist with work related to Industrial (Environmental) Permitting (IPPC), statutory noise and nuisances and other complaints such as: air quality, contaminated land acoustics etc.
Successful candidates will have a wealth of experience doing the above within a local authority setting as there will be an expectation to hit the ground running. You do not necessarily need to be a registered Environmental Health Officer although that would be beneficial.
The preference for the council is to get somebody in on full time working hours but please do not be deterred from reaching out if you do only have part-time availability as this could also be a potential outcome.
Senior Environmental Protection Officer
Contract: 3 Months + (very likely to extend)
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: 37 p/w (preferable)
If you are interested in this role, please send your CV to or call me on 0115 666 6399.
g2 Recruitment are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships or any other characteristic protected by law.


text:
Little people are far more creative than adults. Whereas adults see an object and immediately visualize the object being used as it is intended, little people see an object and visualize possibility. They are not bound by actualities and instead focus on the "what ifs". They are filled with the desire to explore, engage, learn. They play. And through their play with the "what ifs" they discover their world and they discover their own potential and capabilities.
Wouldn't it be great if as adults we kept that curiosity and wonder and allowed ourselves to explore the "what ifs" rather than cling to the actualities?
Think of the joy and confidence that would thrive in the world.

domain: psychology


text:
The coronavirus pandemic has driven unprecedented innovation when it comes to vaccines.
Previous efforts to bring vaccines to market took years, if they were successful at all - but in less than a year after the SARS-CoV-2 virus was first brought to the World Health Organization's attention, several vaccines against it were developed.
"There's never been this level of global collaboration amongst scientists and governments in vaccine development," the New Zealand Ministry of Health website says. "This has improved the speed of its development and the launch of clinical trials around the world."
And even more surprisingly, both trial and real-world data suggests many of them might work even better than the vaccines we have for diseases that have been around for a long time.
So which are Kiwis getting? How do they work? And what's the evidence for and against each of them?
The first to get approval from Medsafe in New Zealand is Cominarty - also known BNT162b2 or simply the Pfizer vaccine.
Developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, Cominarty is an mRNA vaccine - the first of its kind to ever get approval for use in humans outside of trials.
mRNA vaccines work by teaching the body's cells how to make the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which it uses to infect our cells. On seeing the spike protein, our immune system knows it shouldn't be there - so destroys it, but remembers what it looks like for next time. (An in-depth, yet easily understandable explanation of how it works written by microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles was published by The Spinoff in February - check it out here.)
The vaccine contains no trace of the original virus at all - the mRNA it contains, short for messenger RNA, is synthetic. The mRNA never enters the cell's nucleus, where our DNA resides; the instructions it contains are read and carried out in the cytoplasm, which surrounds the nucleus.
Cominarty had spectacular results in its clinical trials late last year, stunning the world with 95 percent efficacy - a performance that's been replicated in the real world, based on analysis done in Israel and the UK, where it's among the first vaccines being rolled out.
This vaccine is the one our border force and frontline health professionals have been receiving. We've ordered 1.5 million doses so far, according to the Ministry of Health website - enough for 750,000 people. While a single dose does appear to offer some protection, it was designed to be a two-dose vaccine.
mRNA vaccines, manufactured chemically rather than biologically like traditional vaccines, can be updated quickly if variants emerge that reduce the existing formula's efficacy. The jury is still out on whether the first version of Cominarty is as effective against mutations picked up in South Africa and the UK, for example, as the original strain - but the evidence to date is promising.
The difficulty with mRNA vaccines like this one is they need to be kept at extremely low temperatures or they lose their effectiveness.
The most common minor side effects are pain, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, fever, joint pain and nausea - but serious reactions are "very rare", according to the Ministry of Health.
So what are the other vaccines we're getting?
New Zealand has signed an agreement in principle to buy 5 million doses of Janssen Pharmaceutica's single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, known as JNJ-78436735, Ad26.COV2.S or simply the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, named after Janssen's better-known parent company.
The agreement was signed in November before the effectiveness of the vaccine was proven. Its initial trial data suggested 85 percent efficacy against severe disease, which although lower than that of Pfizer's, was still 100 percent effective at preventing death four weeks after being delivered. Its trial also was done after the emergence of more virulent and deadly strains of the virus, unlike Pfizer's vaccine, which only had to contend with the original strain of COVID-19.
The Johnson & Johnson shot is a human adenovirus viral vector vaccine. This type of shot uses an actual virus to deliver instructions on how to make the coronavirus spike protein - but it's been modified so it can't replicate itself or cause illness.
Adenovirus viral vector vaccines have been researched for decades, and Johnson & Johnson recently used the technology to make an Ebola vaccine.
The adenovirus latches itself onto our cells, which pull it in. It finds the nucleus and puts its DNA in. The nucleus reads the DNA and produces mRNA, which exits the nucleus. The cell then reads the mRNA and produces the coronavirus spike proteins, some of which end up on the outside of the cell - triggering the body's immune system.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine doesn't need the kinds of low temperatures the Pfizer one relies on, making it easier to store and transport. It can spend three months in a normal fridge and still be used.
Since New Zealand signed its agreement, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been approved for use in the US - the third behind Pfizer and rival mRNA vaccine manufacturer Moderna.
According to US regulators, side effects include "pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea", which lasted one to two days.
The third vaccine New Zealand has bought is 10.7 million doses of NVX-CoV2373, produced by American company Novavax.
Like the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, NVX-CoV2373 can be stored in a refrigerator and takes two doses to reach its full effectiveness.
Novavax calls it a "recombinant nanoparticle vaccine". Unlike the others discussed above, it doesn't trick the body into making the coronavirus spike protein - instead it's "made up with proteins from the virus already attached to a carrier, and these trigger the immune system directly", according to University of East Anglia professor in medicine Paul Hunter.
The spike proteins are grown in moth cells using a modified baculovirus, harvested and placed onto nanoparticles which have been designed to mimic SARS-CoV-2, but don't cause COVID-19. From there, the immune system learns to recognise the spike protein.
Early data from the vaccine's phase III trial suggested it had 89 percent efficacy, though not quite as much against the mutant South African strain. It's yet to be approved by any country's health authorities yet, still in trials; but is expected to be ready for emergency use in the US by May.
Side effects include headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue.
AstraZeneca/University of Oxford
The fourth vaccine we've shelled out for is AZD1222 (also known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19), developed by the University of Oxford in the UK and British-Swedish biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
We've ordered 7.6 million doses - like the Novavax and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, a full course requires two doses.
Scientists modified a chimpanzee adenovirus to include the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. It works in a similar way to Janssen Pharmaceutica's vaccine - putting DNA into the nucleus of a cell, which creates mRNA instructing the body to produce its own spike proteins. It can't replicate itself.
AZD1222 is relatively inexpensive to make and can be transported and stored at fridge temperatures, making it a favourite of the charitable COVAX scheme, which is acquiring vaccines for low-income countries.
But it's proved controversial in wealthier nations, with many rejecting it in favour of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines - its case not helped when French President Emmanuel Macron claimed it didn't work in people over 65 (he later backtracked).
AZD1222 had a troubled beginning too, with mistakes made in the phase III trials overshadowing results that showed it was otherwise effective.
There have been concerns raised however it doesn't work as well against the South African variant.
Since being approved for use in a few countries, evidence is growing it's safe and effective for over-65s as the other vaccines - prompting hard-hit European nations desperate for any vaccines to start approving it for use in the elderly.
And recent data suggests even a single shot gives 80 percent protection against severe disease.
Side effects include tenderness, headache, muscle fatigue, tiredness, swelling of the glands and fever, according to the UK National Health Service.
Which vaccine should I get?
Scientists have sought to play down comparing each vaccine's effectiveness, as they were all trialled at different times, amongst different populations, against different strains of the virus.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins in February said Kiwis would not have a choice in which vaccines they were offered.
"It's based on science, it's based on us looking at each vaccine, working out which population group is this vaccine most effective with, and that's how we decide who gets what vaccine. It's not that you get to just rock on up and take your pick," he said at the 1pm briefing on February 4.
"We will actually make some decisions of which population groups we're going to use the supplies of vaccines we get for. And of course as the science begins to tell us more, then we have the ability to fine-tune and refine that programme as we go along."
The chief medical advisor to US President Joe Biden, Anthony Fauci, has said people should accept whichever approved vaccine they're offered.
"People should take the one that's most available to them," he said last week, talking about the Janssen Pharmaceutica, Pfizer/BionTech and Moderna vaccines (New Zealand has not signed a deal to get the latter). "People need to get vaccinated as quickly and as expeditiously as possible."


text: This short, integrated text offers a fresh approach to a familar field. Instead of considering resources one by one and paying special attention to federal lands, Freyfogle steps back from nature and considers the functions that natural resources law performs whenever nature is divided into private use rights. He mixes cases involving a wide range of resources, from ice and seaweed to caves and subterranian formations, on private as well as public lands. Students gain a clear sense about the elements of private use rights while exploring the many ways law can promote collective decision-making among resource users. The book should be particularly appealing to law schools in regions with few federal lands and with instructors that want to focus on basic policy issues. A 3-hour course can cover the entire book.


text:
Report Detail Page
Delivery of Biological Control Agents for Paterson's Curse
The profitability of the grazing industries of Australia through lost productivity, control costs, stock management and collateral damage such as stock poisoning and fleece contamination. Similarly horehound and blue heliotrope have a detrimental effect on pasture but on a smaller scale. This project has delivered a suite of biological control agents and evaluated its performance empirically and qualitatively. The grazing industries of Australia are already deriving significant benefits as a result of this project and will continue to do so at an increasing rate as the agents spread and establish naturally and continue to be distributed by farmers. Senator Troeth, the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in November 1999 described the project as “an excellent example of government and industry working together for the national good."
The project was a great success with over 4,000 releases of biological control agents against the target weeds across Australia. In addition, the thistle component of the project was cited in an audit of research conducted by CSIRO as an example of a difficult project that, although inherently protracted, had been successfully applied and was having measurable benefits to the grazing industries.
Due to the direct involvement of landholders in the release of agents and the quality of extension materials and presentations, the project also had a high grass-roots profile and approval by wool and meat producers.
This page was last updated on 24/07/2017
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domain: agronomy


text:
This paper examines the relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag. Accounting outsourcing may reduce misstatement risk, reducing the amount of audit effort necessary and thereby decrease audit lag. Alternatively, outsourcing may increase the amount of coordination necessary between the auditor, client management and the outside accounting service provider and thereby increase audit lag.
The accounting outsourcing/audit lag relationship is examined among closed-end mutual funds. These funds often outsource their accounting functions and disclose the names and services provided by any company providing services to the fund. These disclosures permit a consistent measurement of whether the fund outsources their accounting functions or performs them in-house.
This paper finds a positive relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag; outsourcing funds have audit lags that are two to three days longer than those not outsourcing their accounting. The results are robust to different specifications, controls for the distinctive characteristics of closed-end funds and consideration of endogeneity.
Closed-end funds could consider the increased time necessary to complete the audit when deciding whether to outsource their accounting functions.
By identifying a unique setting in which outsourcing data can be consistently obtained and analyzed (i.e. closed-end funds), this is the first study to empirically evaluate the relationship between accounting outsourcing and audit lag.
The authors gratefully acknowledge helpful comments received from participants at the AAA Auditing section mid-year meeting and the AAA annual meeting, especially John Abernathy, the discussant.
CitationDownload as .RIS
Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

domain: literature