Ichigo looked up with a glare as the door opened. He said nothing as one of his captors, Ulquiorra, walked in. They stared at each other across the room silently for several long minutes. Ulquiorra seemed content to hold still and Ichigo had no choice. This was not a new arrangement for Ichigo. Aside from Aizen, Ulquiorra was Ichigo's only visitor. Sometimes the black haired arrancar would merely watch him silently for hours. Other times he would speak quietly, telling Ichigo of the way of the arrancar and vague hints of Aizen's plan.
"Have you considered our offer?" Ulquiorra asked slowly. Apparently this visit would not be one of the silent ones.
Ichigo was tempted to say yes, just to end his confinement. He couldn't.
Ulquiorra nodded. They were going from rote at this point. Nothing changed in this white prison.
Ulquiorra took a step closer and Ichigo's eyebrows quirked in surprise. He'd almost come to believe there was some sort of invisible barrier cutting off half the room by the way both Aizen and Ulquiorra had hovered on the far side of the room.


text:
Telecoms Vendors & OEMs
The ultimate battery. Lithium-air? Zinc-air? Hot air?
By Martyn Warwick
via Flickr © AndyArmstrong (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Search for the better battery technology has lasted 250 years
But the 'ultimate' battery remains elusive as the Loch Ness Monster
Improvements to lithium-ion batteries have reached a plateau
Interchangeable hydrogen fuel cells could be one answer
Back in the 19th century, the Victorians, brilliant innovators that they were, tried to store electrical energy by capturing lightning in jars. They eventually found out that it wasn't possible, well, not then anyway and not yet now either come to that, but for 250 years and more now the search has been on for methodologies and technologies that will enable the storage and controlled discharge of electrical power. Until now the main solutions, or partial solutions, have been batteries and capacitors.
We have Benjamin Franklin, US Founding Father and he of the kite, the key and the electrical storm, to thank for much of the early work in the field (literally and metaphorically). He experimented with an early form of capacitor and, in 1748, coined the word "battery" to describe a group of linked Leyden Jars.
Originally the term "battery" referred specifically to a device composed of multiple cells but the word has evolved to include single cell devices. Basically, an electric battery, consisting of one or more electrochemical cells converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Primary cells or "batteries" produce current as soon as they are assembled but drain it quickly while secondary cells/batteries are rechargeable.
Meanwhile, capacitors can retain a charge for a long time after power is removed from a circuit. Because of that capability the retained charge can be dangerous and cause a severe or even lethal shock when it is discharged as many a TV engineer can testify. Even something as common as a disposable-camera flash unit, powered by a humble 1.5 volt AA battery, has a capacitor which retain 15 joules of energy and can be charged to over 300 volts. It can deliver a nasty shock even when the throw-away camera has not been used for some time.
Today much of the research into improved or even revolutionary battery technology is the direct result of the global proliferation of smartphones. Thanks to the continuing sustainability of Moore's Law the number of transistors that can be fitted onto a silicon chip doubles every year or so and so does processing power. Unfortunately, progress in the search for a better battery is proving to be much more difficult. However, the age of the smartphone has exposed major shortcomings where battery technology is concerned. The reality is that the lithium-ion batteries used to power mobile handsets and laptops hasn't changed in any significant way since Sony began to use them back in 1991 - and 25 years is prehistory where smartphones are concerned.
Think back to the early 2000s when a mobile phone would go days without the battery having to be recharged. Actually, you can still get a few handsets with a battery life of a week or so but they are very basic models and people want all-singing, all-dancing, bells whistles handsets with all sorts of apps, services and go-faster stripes that munch through batteries in a matter of a few hours. Consider this; the latest iteration of the iPhone is 16 times more powerful than the original device of nine years ago but its battery still lasts for less than a day.
Hit me with your Brinkley stick. Hit me, hit me
There have been incremental but largely marginal improvements in extending the life of batteries but that has been down to the use of more efficient processors rather than any battery technology breakthrough. That's because the lithium-ion batteries used in mobile devices are relatively simple and have reached the ultimate plateau in their development. The manufacturer's response to this stasis have as been to improve battery life by less than three per cent year-on-year by the remarkable expedient of actually making the batteries bigger! That's no long-term solution, hence the emphasis on developing something to replace lithium-ion technology.
Last year, researchers at the UK's prestigious University of Cambridge announced that they are working on a "lithium-air" battery. They say it may be the "ultimate battery" with 10 times the capacity of lithium-ion technology. Lithium-air battery technology is not new, it has been around since the early 1970s, but its major drawback was that the batteries could not be recharged more than a few times before they stopped working. The University of Cambridge team say they have solved the problem by using lithium hydroxide rather than the usual lithium peroxide.
Meanwhile, in the US, researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois have demonstrated a lithium-superoxide battery that is superior to lithium-air technology. Elsewhere the US Department of Energy stumping up the cash to support 75 different 75 electricity storage projects being undertaken at Harvard, MIT, Stanford, as well as the Lawrence Livermore and Oak Ridge laboratories.
Another avenue of research is examining better ways of powering batteries. Intelligent Energy, a UK company, is looking at the use of hydrogen fuel cells, Company CEO Henri Winand, claims prototypes can power a smartphone for a week and points out that fuel cells can be swapped in and out of phones and other mobile devices as and when needed."
In case you are wondering, a 'Brinkley stick' is a safety device used to discharge high voltage capacitors and high voltage circuits. It's a simple thing, just a metal on the end of an insulated stick. the hook is connected to earth by an insulated wire. It is named after Charles Brinkley, an ferry boatman who was short of his his right hand but equipped with a fearsome steel hook to replace it. He ferried top secret radar development staff across the River Deben in Suffolk to RAF Bawdsey England. It does have another name but it is rather too rude to print here. Not too many people know that. As the late, great Ian Dury nearly wrote, "Hit me with your Brinkley stick, hit me, hit me, hit me, Das ist gut, c'est fantastique. hit me, hit me, hit me. A great song. It's actually called "Hit me with your rhythm stick" Have a listen. It will make you smile.
Analysis & Opinion,
Open Networking
The TelecomTV Snapshot: The Great Telco Debate 2020 - CSP Highlights
What's up with… Xiaomi, Bouygues Telecom, Qualcomm
Deutsche Telekom switches on its disaggregated broadband network

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Tired of lost socks? Make it easier for them to find their sole mates by building this lost and found sock holder!
Baby socks are my nemesis. I mean, how can something so cute be so evil? I swear, two socks go into the washing machine . . . but only one comes out!
Daily I'm left with just one baby sock. I usually end up finding the other within a day or two. So I made this cute lost and found sock holder to help me keep track of the socks that are single and looking for their sole mate.
HA. See what I did there?
Carefully peel back the transfer tape—your letters should peel away from the vinyl's backing paper and adhere to the transfer tape. Place the transfer tape on your reclaimed wood, burnish, and peel back the transfer tape.
I was actually pretty surprised at how well the vinyl stuck to the wood—its a fairly rough surface, but it stuck like it was glass. Impressive!
Take your clothespins apart and paint the wood parts teal. Once the paint is dry, reassemble the clothespins. This was the hardest part of the project for me (those springs are tight!), but once I got the knack of it, it wasn't too difficult.
I used regular craft glue to adhere my clothespins to the board, but once it dried I realized that the tension of the clothespins required something stronger. Super glue to the rescue! It was strong enough to hold the clothespin when I opened it to put a sock in there.
For now, I have this just sitting in my laundry room. The laundry room is a disaster and in desperate need of a makeover, It's on my 2016 list! I'll end up screwing this directly into a stud once we do the makeover.
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Hey there! What is that fun font you are using?


text:
Farewell to the Partners
By Jigar Desai
Due to the coronavirus, we are living in difficult times, and for many businesses, dissolution may be the best option right now. Dissolution of a business is one of the last steps of liquidation where the assets and property of the business are sold. We have provided a guide on how to dissolve a partnership. Why would a business owner decide to dissolve a partnership? Common reasons for dissolution are: low cash flow, partnership disagreements, business mismanagement, etc. Chron lists out the many reasons for dissolution. Once dissolution has completed, a partner's liability and debt with the business has ended.
A general partnership is a business organization where each partner has unlimited liability and equity authority. It is a common type of business where there are multiple owners who share the profits, for example, two owners of a local ice cream shop. Under the Uniform Partnership Act, a partnership ends when one partner ends their association with the business. A common way that partner would dissociate with a business would be by voluntarily walking away from the business. However, dissociation does not officially dissolve the business. Dissociation leaves the option for the remaining partners to buy out the dissociated partners share of the business. The buyout leaves the business intact and able to move forward. The buyout amount would be the partner's capital account if all the assets are sold and distributed to each partner.
To dissolve a partnership, an owner should first look to their partnership agreement. A majority of partnership agreements require a vote and a majority of voters to dissolve a partnership. It is recommended to record the votes and voting process for future need, such as evidence in a court or for tax purposes. There is no specific guideline on how to conduct this, so during the pandemic, partners may choose to conduct the voting through a video conference. Often, the partnership agreement will list out specific steps on how to dissolve the partnerships. For example, a dissolution clause in a partnership agreement may state that the business will operate for 20 years and then automatically terminate leaving all debts and profits to be divided equally. Even if a business does not have a written partnership agreement, it is not too late to create one. The US Chamber of Commerce lays out an easy way to create one. If there is no formal dissolution clause or partnership agreement, then the partners should get together to create and add the terms. A third-party, such as lawyers, may be needed if the owners cannot agree on terms of dissolution. A dissolution agreement with a termination provision should include ways to settle matters, such as obligations and debts.
When considering clauses to add to a partnership agreement to avoid possible difficulty when dissolving the business, add withdrawal, valuation and winding-up clauses. A withdrawal clause allows a partner to disassociate any time after a set time period into the partnership. A valuation clause sets out the process of how the business's property will be evaluated for a partner's buyout. Lastly, the wind-up clause sets out a third-party in the agreement to conduct the wind-up process for the business. For example, the clause can state that, rather than selling the property and giving cash to the partners, the third-party allocates the property in kind to each partner.
Once the vote or decision has been made to dissolve the business, the winding-up process begins. The winding-up steps include: 1) completing any works in progress, 2) selling assets, 3) paying off debts, and 4) distributing remaining assets to partners. Both creditors and partners can petition for a claim during the winding-up process. When creditors can petition during a winding- up process, they are seeking to collect a debt that the partners owed them. If the partners cannot fulfill their debts owed to creditors, they can negotiate a long-term payment plan or debt relief. On the other hand, a partner's petition for winding up can only be done when there is no bankruptcy pending. Only partners that currently remain with the partnership have the right to the assets. This means that partners who have left before have no claim during the winding-up process.
Property of a partnership is usually held equally between partners, meaning that partners would have an equal share of the profit coming from its sale. As the property is restricted only to property that belongs to the partnership purposes only, this can cause some dispute between partners as to what will be considered property of the partnership. A partnership agreement would clearly define what is partnership property. Again, a third-party may be required if there is no written partnership agreement. After the sale of the partnership property, the profit from the sale will be paid off to creditors first. The surplus cash will then be given to partners, then to partners for capital, and then to partners for profits. Most commonly, partners who have contributed capital into the business will receive their initial capital input back.
The remaining steps of the winding-up process is to close out the business' bank account and pay the remaining taxes owed. A state will not allow a business to officially dissolve without paying all the taxes paid. Partners should save any tax documents as proof for the state tax department. Partners should cancel registrations, permits, and licenses associated with the business. These are typically state and local business licenses. Some licenses are acquired under a trade name and also need to be canceled. Intellectual property is similar to property in this sense. Although intellectual property can be freely surrendered like licenses, they are often sold like property and split up by partners. Intellectual property can be assigned to specific partners based on the partnership agreement as well.
The next step is to file a dissolution document with a state agency and the requirements will vary between states. These documents are commonly referred to as the articles of dissolution. A partner will have to fill out a form online to notify the Secretary of State, which will depend on the state the business is located in. An example is the California's Secretary of State's website where a partner can download their dissolution documents here. Each state has its own procedure for filing the articles of dissolution. Remember that the location of your business will determine which state's procedure will apply.
Once these steps are completed, then the business will be terminated and partners will be protected from future liability due to the dissolution.
Judicial dissolution
As mentioned above, the dissolution of a partnership requires a majority or all of the partners to vote in favor of one. When partners cannot agree on voluntarily closing the business or buying out a partner, judicial dissolution is involved. A partner must show a court that: 1) the purpose of the partnership is likely to be unreasonably frustrated, (2) another partner has engaged in conduct making it not reasonably practicable to carry on the business of the partnership, or (3) it is otherwise not reasonably practicable to carry on the business in conformity with the partnership agreement. Samuel Goldman & Associates describes this showing here.
In addition to proving one of the grounds for dissolution, the partner seeking dissolution must also show that the partnership was harmed or in danger of being harmed economically. It is very helpful to have a partnership agreement to compare the difference between expectations and actual results to show why dissolution is necessary. The right to a judicial dissolution cannot be eliminated by partnership agreement. A few examples that call for a judicial dissolution are: a partner is taking part in illegal activities, a partner is not fulfilling their agreement in the business, or the partner is not adequately funded to invest in the business. This may be a wise decision for a business to make, as partners share liability with each other. This could be a scenario where a partner is engaging in illegal activity through the business. The remaining partners can seek judicial dissolution out of fear of the business being forced to closed down. The wrongful actions of a partner can bring liability and can close down the business. Partners who are seeking judicial dissolution are essentially forcing the wrongful partner out and continuing a business amongst themselves. An example is a group partner, who operated an apartment complex, but one of the partners used the apartment for illicit activity. The partner who sought out judicial dissolution can still operate together, but without the liability of the wrongful partner.
A limited partnership is another type of relationship, in which one partner is not involved in the day-to-day management of the business. The limited partner serves like an investor to the business, bringing in capital without management control. The lack of control over the business gives the limited liability to the limited partner. This means that the limited partner's personal assets cannot be reached by creditors to pay off debts. The limited partner cannot conduct any activities with regard to the business without partnership approval, such as withdrawing their capital. Harvard Business Services, Inc. describes the difference between a general and limited partnership here.
The dissociation process for a limited partner is similar to that of a general partner. A key difference between the general and limited partnership is that the limited partner cannot dissociate until after the wind-up process. In comparison, the first step in dissolving a general partnership is for the partner to disassociate from the business before winding up. For a limited partner, the dissociation is the last step. However, a limited partner requires a majority vote of all partners and the general partner's approval to disassociate. A limited partner also cannot bring a suit to dissolve a partnership because of a general partner's actions.
Another form of creating a business is through a limited liability partnership. Under a general partnership, two or more people come together to create a business but do not create a separate business entity. LLPs experience the most protection against liability from the actions of other partners and employees. Since an LLP is only formed only by a partnership agreement, there will most likely be a defined procedure on how to dissolve the LLP. A key difference to an LLP is that only general partners can vote on dissolution, but not limited partners. For more information on LLPs, click here.
Dissolution of a business can be seen as a failure, which can cause additional grief during these trying times. However, a dissolution allows a partner to sever ties from a business venture that may be failing, and start clean with another future opportunity. When a dissolution is done properly, it can save a partner money and future liability. As one door closes today, another one opens tomorrow.
Are you interested in launching or sustaining a pandemic proof small business? Spot issues, take action, stay safe, and thrive in a post Covid-19 world with Legalucy. Learn more at thelucyreport.com


text:
Q: How to change row-'value' every time i try to position a label using grid? I am trying to create a terminal GUI using python tkinter module and I already managed to access the tk.Label from TextFrame class.
class TextFrame(tk.Frame):
    def __init__(self, container):
        super().__init__()
        self.container = container
        self['bg']='black'
        self.pack(fill='both', expand=True)
        self.label = tk.Label(self)

Now the problem is that, I can't change the row everytime I call show() function inside Instances class.
class Instances(Window):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        self.string = tk.StringVar()

        self.index_row = 0

        self.text_frame = TextFrame(self)
        self.text_frame.pack()
        self.entry_frame = EntryFrame(self)
        self.entry_frame.pack(side='bottom',fill='both')

    def show(self, e):
        textvar = self.string.get()
        self.entry_frame.entry.delete(0, 'end')
        self.text_frame.label.config(text=textvar)
        self.text_frame.label.grid(column=0, row=self.index_row, sticky="w")
        self.index_row += 1

Here is the full code of my problem:
import tkinter as tk

class Window(tk.Tk):
    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
        super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
        self.geometry('800x600')
        self.title('Terminal')

class Instances(Window):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        self.string = tk.StringVar()

        self.index_row = 0

        self.text_frame = TextFrame(self)
        self.text_frame.pack()
        self.entry_frame = EntryFrame(self)
        self.entry_frame.pack(side='bottom',fill='both')

    def show(self, e):
        textvar = self.string.get()
        self.entry_frame.entry.delete(0, 'end')
        self.text_frame.label.config(text=textvar)
        self.text_frame.label.grid(column=0, row=self.index_row, sticky="w")
        self.index_row += 1

class TextFrame(tk.Frame):
    def __init__(self, container):
        super().__init__()
        self.container = container
        self['bg']='black'
        self.pack(fill='both', expand=True)
        self.label = tk.Label(self)

class EntryFrame(tk.Frame):
    def __init__(self, container):
        super().__init__()
        self.entry = tk.Entry(self,  textvariable=container.string)
        self.entry.pack(fill='both')
        self.entry.bind('<Return>', container.show)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    window = Instances()
    window.mainloop()

Any help would be appreciated.
Problem Solved
I added 1 line of code on show() function
def show(self, e):
        textvar = self.string.get()
        self.entry_frame.entry.delete(0, 'end')
        self.text_frame.label = tk.Label(self.text_frame, fg='green', bg='black')
        self.text_frame.label.config(text=textvar)
        if len(textvar) > 0 :
            self.text_frame.label.grid(column=0, row=self.index_row, sticky="w")
            self.index_row += 1

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Welcome. We are Montana (PF), a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other upland bird populations in North America.
Pheasants Forever is the only national organization with a model of chapters keeping 100% of the funds they raise. While belonging to a larger national organization that has a voice on federal and state conservation policies, chapters are tasked with finding projects for their funds. Montana takes full advantage of this model using funds raised for projects locally as well as other areas in the state of Montana.
The national Pheasants Forever organization was formed in 1982 and our Gallatin Valley Chapter followed in 1998.
The Gallatin Chapter has led the way in Montana with significant donor dollars going toward the purchase of key wildlife habitat and public access and awareness – over 22,500 acres of land near Malta, Denton and Miles City which are now open for public hunting and recreation, habitat improvement projects, and public education campaigns. Habitat improvement projects on public lands in southwestern Montana have included shelter belt and food plot development that enhance pheasant habitat available for public hunting opportunities. Most of these projects have involved Federal and State wildlife agencies and several habitat organizations as funding partners. Current financial activities are focused to pay off the Wolf Creek/Moylan acquisition near Denton and Tongue River Ranch southeast of Miles City.
We utilize a simple, and yet, revolutionary concept, unique among conservation organizations. Pheasants Forever created a system of local chapters whereby 100% of the net funds raised by chapters remains at the local level. This provides tremendous incentive to raise money because people can see the direct results of their contributions on the ground. Each of the 18 Pheasants Forever chapters in Montana manages its own funds and establishes its own wildlife habitat and education programs, customized to meet the needs of and to benefit the local area.
Pheasants Forever now has over 125,000 members in over 600 chapters in the US and Canada. Habitat projects have resulted in the average annual completion of over 27,200 projects. Pheasants Forever's wildlife habitat projects have benefited more than 4 million acres across the continent. PF has participated in nearly 1,000 different land acquisitions totaling well over 100,000 acres. Those land acquisition projects have been completed in conjunction with local, state and federal natural resource agencies, and all of these projects are today open to public hunting.


Each and every Pokemon has a special Ability attached to them. You can see this ability along with a small summary in each Pokemon's Summary Menu. These abilities can grant various powers, such as a Type boost when the Pokemon's HP is low, or automatic Rain.
Along with regular abilities found on Wild Pokemon, there are Hidden Abilities that can only be found on Event Pokemon or select Pokemon in SOS Battles.


underground crusher definition - nhf.org.in. Impact ; Meaning Of Crusher Machine - alphamri definition of an underground crusher manufacturer in Shanghai, Meaning Of Crusher Machine-related information, including: Quotes,Price,Manufacturers,Parts : definition of an underground crusher definition of impact crusher.
Definition Of Secondary Crusher - arabicinstitute. jaw crusher,jaw crusher price,jaw crusher for sale,jaw . Jaw Crusher The Jaw Crusher is widely used in mining, building materials, chemical industry, metallurgy and so on.
Dec 23, 2017· Above 725 tonnes/hour, jaw crushers cannot compete with gyratory crushers at normal settings (6 -10 inches). Source: Lewis, Cobourn and Bhappu For an underground hard rock mine, a gyratory crusher may be more economical in the case where it's required daily production exceeds 8,000 tonnes of ore.
Apr 11, 2015· About 47% of these are crusher, 28% are mine mill, and 13% are grinding equipment. A wide variety . Custom used stone pulverizer for sale simple structure pulverizer definition high crushing ratio stone pulverizer . Quartz stone pulverizer.


text:
Dog meat wars: 5 stories that shocked Vietnam
Over the last year, Vietnam has been rocked by reports of unprecedented levels of violence and criminality associated with the dog meat trade.
Here are just a handful that saw the criminal dog meat trade hit the headlines and provoked further opposition to a cruel and unnecessary practice.
1/ Three teenagers dead after knife and stun gun motorbike chase
In June 2014, three teenagers were tragically killed by fleeing dog thieves during a horrific knife versus stun gun motorbike chase.
Three teenage vigilantes pursued a group of dog thieves by motorbike - slashing at them with knives. The thieves retaliated by shooting back with their homemade stun-gun, hitting one of the passengers and causing them to crash into an electricity pylon. All three of the teenagers died from their injuries.
2/ Dog thief arrested after stealing 200 dogs
In October this year, Ho Chi Minh City police arrest a 23-year-old man for stealing 200 dogs over a seven-month period with the help of a home-made stun gun.
3/ Dog thief mob murder creates unprecedented legal case
In August 2012, a club-wielding mob in Quang Tri province beat two suspected dog thieves to death after a spate of thefts in the local area.
This year, 10 people aged from 19 to 60 were charged with the killing. Their sentences prompted outrage and protest in the town as nearly 100 villagers refused to leave the courthouse. Following sentencing, 68 other people confessed to the same crime, creating an unprecedented legal wrangle for the authorities which remains on-going.
4/ Police chief brutally attacked by dog thieves
In June 2014, a commune police chief was seriously injured in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa after being attacked by two dog thieves. The man was hospitalised after being beaten about the head, face and arms with metal bars.
5/ Mob beats dog thief unconscious in southern Vietnam
Hundreds of people in Dong Nai province beat a suspected dog thief unconscious in July 2014 after he was seen poisoning local dogs. The man was taken to hospital after police saved him from the mob's vengeance.


If you live in the South, particularly Louisiana, then you know that January 6th starts what we call Mardi Gras season or Carnival season, whichever you prefer. And no Mardi Gras season is complete without kicking it off with King Cake! Most locals will head to their favorite bakery or grocery store and pick themselves up a king cake. If you're a baking enthusiast, you might whip you up one; but if you're crunched for time and you want to make one up at home, we've got the perfect easy and simple recipe to make some at home, as long as you have 30 minutes to spare!
You will need to separate your dough into "strips". Place two strips next to each other and braid the two together, press both ends together. Once braided, form a circle and pinch together the two ends to keep the circle held together.
Place mini king cakes onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and pop in a preheated oven (375 degrees) for approximately 11 minutes (times will vary depending on your oven).
When they are done, place the cakes on a cooling rack.
While cooling, we'll mix the icing! Scrape out the contents of icing from the cinnamon rolls into a small mixing bowl. Combine with the powdered sugar, milk, and cream cheese. Stir until mixed and make sure there are no lumps, because no one likes lumpy icing!
Spoon your icing mixture onto the mini king cakes, make sure they are cooled, because otherwise your icing will melt off.
As soon as you spoon the icing, sprinkle with all 3 colored sugars.
Preheat oven to 375F, spray baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
Take the cinnamon rolls out of the can and separate them.
Separate your dough into "strips". Place two strips next to each other and braid the two together, press both ends sealing them.
Once braided, form a circle and pinch the two ends to keep the circle held together. Repeat with the remaining 6 strips to form 4 mini king cakes (2 strips per mini king cake).
Place mini king cakes onto baking sheet and pop in the for approximately 11 minutes (times will vary depending on your oven).
According to historians, Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether.As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.Along withChristianity, Mardi Gras spread from Rome to other European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and England.
Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the meat, eggs, milk and cheese that remained in their homes, preparing for several weeks ofeating only fish and fasting. In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday." The word "carnival," another common name for the pre-Lenten festivities, may also derive from this vegetarian-unfriendly custom: in Medieval Latin, carnelevarium means to take away or remove meat.


State-run oil marketing companies kept the retail petrol and diesel prices unchanged across major cities of the country on Monday (April 8).
Petrol is being sold at Rs. 72.85 per litre in Delhi while diesel retailed at Rs 66.11 a litre, no change compared with yesterday's price.
People in Chennai have to shell out Rs 75.61 for a litre of petrol while diesel retailed at Rs 69.80 per litre.
In Mumbai, the petrol price costs Rs 78.42 per litre and and diesel costs Rs. 69.19 a litre according to Indian Oil Corp website.
Petrol price in Kolkata remained unchanged with Rs 74.87 per litre, while diesel is sold at Rs. 67.85 per litre.
Next article The Chennai player did not have a smartphone, fellow players donated a 50-50 dollar donation!


We don't travel much at the holidays anymore. When I was a little girl we always stayed at my grandmother's farm with our extended family, but that was just a 2 hour drive from home not the 19 hours we face now. When our children were small we gladly made the 20 hour trek across the Atlantic to hang out with my parents for the holidays, and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything, but since my father's passing it just isn't the same.
These days we feel like we have put in our time on the highway and up in the air and prefer hanging out together baking cookies, taking in movies, playing games and waking up in our own beds. Mr. H and I relish every moment because we know it won't be long and our children will have their own families and our house may not be their primary holiday destination. I guess when that happens we'll hit the road again, but for now our home fires are burning.
When it comes to our holiday menu, I have it made this year. Since one of my dear friends had the good taste of giving me a gift certificate for a Honey Baked ham, I have decided to pretty much take the day off. I'm planning on making some easy side dishes and drinking too many glasses of sparkling wine and calling it close enough.
Even if I hadn't been blessed with this wonderful gift, I find that the main event is never really hard to plan; it is all the other meals surrounding it that usually pose the problem. I bet you could ask 100 people on the street what they are having for Christmas dinner and they could tell you down to the last detail, but ask the same people what's for dinner tonight and you would get the old deer in the headlights stare.
Last night my daughter's boyfriend came over for supper and to exchange gifts with her. Since they are college students and will pretty much eat anything that won't eat them first, feeding them is not a difficult assignment. I love having them hang out with us, so I wanted to do something really fun. I decided to make a new (or new to me) recipe from my old favorite Holy Cross Lutheran Church Cookbook.
I had been meaning to try this recipe for years and finally jumped off and made it a few weeks ago. The results were so simple and good that I knew I had to share it with you. I'm just sorry that I didn't post it sooner so you'd have an easy option for the meals leading up to the big one on Christmas Day, but there's always New Year's Day and Super Bowl Sunday.
No doubt this recipe was probably originally made by the Bruins family (who are credited with the recipe) to feed a hungry youth group assembly and I don't blame them because it would be just perfect for that. It is simple, economical and can be easily adjusted to feed an army of adolescents or a house full of hungry relatives staying at your house at Christmas.
Place ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, bouillon, pepper and egg in a large bowl; set aside.
Slice bread in half lengthwise with a serrated knife. Separate halves and scoop out insides to hollow out. This should give you about a cup to a cup and a half of breadcrumbs.
Add bread crumbs to the meat mixture. Without overworking the meat, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. Fill the hollowed out bread halves with equal amounts of the meat mixture, packing meat slightly into the bread.
Wrap bread in foil covering only the bottom and the sides leaving the meat exposed. Place into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 – 40 minutes or until desired doneness is reached. About 5 – 10 minutes before the end of the baking time, top with an even layer of cheese and return to the oven to melt.
Remove from the oven, cut into 3 - 4" wide slices and serve with toppings.
Mix ingredients well before serving.
"making some easy side dishes and drinking too many glasses of sparkling wine and calling it close enough" - love this line! I'm nestled snug in my home with my three adult kids home knowing it's not too many years away when it will be hard to get them all here for the holidays. But for today, for this weekend, I'm relishing every moment of it! All the best to you and yours!
I hope you had a GREAT holiday with your family. And, OMG I love this idea :) I can't wait to try these; our family is doing a "burger bar" on new years with lots of sliders. I want to add these to the menu! How fun!
Shut the front door! I love this idea!


text:
require 'rspec/rails/view_assigns'
require 'rspec/rails/view_spec_methods'
require 'rspec/rails/view_path_builder'

module RSpec
  module Rails
    # @api public
    # Container class for view spec functionality.
    module ViewExampleGroup
      extend ActiveSupport::Concern
      include RSpec::Rails::RailsExampleGroup
      include ActionView::TestCase::Behavior
      include RSpec::Rails::ViewAssigns
      include RSpec::Rails::Matchers::RenderTemplate

      # @private
      module StubResolverCache
        def self.resolver_for(hash)
          @resolvers ||= {}
          @resolvers[hash] ||= ActionView::FixtureResolver.new(hash)
        end
      end

      # @private
      module ClassMethods
        def _default_helper
          base = metadata[:description].split('/')[0..-2].join('/')
          (base.camelize + 'Helper').constantize unless base.to_s.empty?
        rescue NameError
          nil
        end

        def _default_helpers
          helpers = [_default_helper].compact
          helpers << ApplicationHelper if Object.const_defined?('ApplicationHelper')
          helpers
        end
      end

      # DSL exposed to view specs.
      module ExampleMethods
        extend ActiveSupport::Concern

        included do
          include ::Rails.application.routes.url_helpers
          include ::Rails.application.routes.mounted_helpers
        end

        # @overload render
        # @overload render({partial: path_to_file})
        # @overload render({partial: path_to_file}, {... locals ...})
        # @overload render({partial: path_to_file}, {... locals ...}) do ... end
        #
        # Delegates to ActionView::Base#render, so see documentation on that
        # for more info.
        #
        # The only addition is that you can call render with no arguments, and
        # RSpec will pass the top level description to render:
        #
        #     describe "widgets/new.html.erb" do
        #       it "shows all the widgets" do
        #         render # => view.render(file: "widgets/new.html.erb")
        #         # ...
        #       end
        #     end
        def render(options = {}, local_assigns = {}, &block)
          options = _default_render_options if Hash === options && options.empty?
          super(options, local_assigns, &block)
        end

        # The instance of `ActionView::Base` that is used to render the template.
        # Use this to stub methods _before_ calling `render`.
        #
        #     describe "widgets/new.html.erb" do
        #       it "shows all the widgets" do
        #         view.stub(:foo) { "foo" }
        #         render
        #         # ...
        #       end
        #     end
        def view
          _view
        end

        # Simulates the presence of a template on the file system by adding a
        # Rails' FixtureResolver to the front of the view_paths list. Designed to
        # help isolate view examples from partials rendered by the view template
        # that is the subject of the example.
        #
        #     stub_template("widgets/_widget.html.erb" => "This content.")
        def stub_template(hash)
          view.view_paths.unshift(StubResolverCache.resolver_for(hash))
        end

        # Provides access to the params hash that will be available within the
        # view.
        #
        #     params[:foo] = 'bar'
        def params
          controller.params
        end

        # @deprecated Use `view` instead.
        def template
          RSpec.deprecate("template", replacement: "view")
          view
        end

        # @deprecated Use `rendered` instead.
        def response
          # `assert_template` expects `response` to implement a #body method
          # like an `ActionDispatch::Response` does to force the view to
          # render. For backwards compatibility, we use #response as an alias
          # for #rendered, but it needs to implement #body to avoid
          # `assert_template` raising a `NoMethodError`.
          unless rendered.respond_to?(:body)
            def rendered.body
              self
            end
          end

          rendered
        end

      private

        def _default_render_options
          formats = if ActionView::Template::Types.respond_to?(:symbols)
                      ActionView::Template::Types.symbols
                    else
                      [:html, :text, :js, :css, :xml, :json].map(&:to_s)
                    end.map { |x| Regexp.escape(x) }.join("|")

          handlers = ActionView::Template::Handlers.extensions.map { |x| Regexp.escape(x) }.join("|")
          locales = "[a-z]{2}(?:-[A-Z]{2})?"
          variants = "[^.]*"
          path_regex = %r{
          \A
          (?<template>.*?)
          (?:\.(?<locale>#{locales}))??
            (?:\.(?<format>#{formats}))??
            (?:\+(?<variant>#{variants}))??
            (?:\.(?<handler>#{handlers}))?
            \z
          }x

          # This regex should always find a match.
          # Worst case, everything will be nil, and :template will just be
          # the original string.
          match = path_regex.match(_default_file_to_render)

          render_options = { template: match[:template] }
          render_options[:handlers] = [match[:handler].to_sym] if match[:handler]
          render_options[:formats] = [match[:format].to_sym] if match[:format]
          render_options[:locales] = [match[:locale].to_sym] if match[:locale]
          render_options[:variants] = [match[:variant].to_sym] if match[:variant]

          render_options
        end

        def _path_parts
          _default_file_to_render.split("/")
        end

        def _controller_path
          _path_parts[0..-2].join("/")
        end

        def _inferred_action
          _path_parts.last.split(".").first
        end

        def _include_controller_helpers
          helpers = controller._helpers
          view.singleton_class.class_exec do
            include helpers unless included_modules.include?(helpers)
          end
        end
      end

      included do
        include ExampleMethods

        helper(*_default_helpers)

        before do
          _include_controller_helpers
          view.lookup_context.prefixes << _controller_path

          controller.controller_path = _controller_path

          path_params_to_merge = {}
          path_params_to_merge[:controller] = _controller_path
          path_params_to_merge[:action] = _inferred_action unless _inferred_action =~ /^_/

          path_params = controller.request.path_parameters

          controller.request.path_parameters = path_params.reverse_merge(path_params_to_merge)
          controller.request.path = ViewPathBuilder.new(::Rails.application.routes).path_for(controller.request.path_parameters)
          ViewSpecMethods.add_to(::ActionView::TestCase::TestController)
        end

        after do
          ViewSpecMethods.remove_from(::ActionView::TestCase::TestController)
        end

        let(:_default_file_to_render) do |example|
          example.example_group.top_level_description
        end
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Sustainable Seafood Made Easy
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Spiny Lobster (Caribbean)
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1-5 lbs.
Spiny lobsters are sold fresh live and frozen in raw tails and meat, as well as whole (either blanched or fully cooked). Spiny lobsters are typically graded by the ounce and fresh supply is mostly available before the new year. These warmwater lobster tails will be smooth and have a spotted, greenish shell. Spiny lobsters have a soft texture, delicate flavor, and are frequently marketed as warmwater tails. The quality and texture of warmwater lobster tails varies considerably depending on handling. Unlike American lobster, spiny lobsters have a spiny hard shell for protection and lack large front claws. Buyer Beware: Avoid diver-caught tails that are mushy and textured from sitting too long on a boat. Some buyers recommend finding trusted brands and sticking with them since some producers add weight with excessive glaze or a tripoly solution soak.
Pot/Trap
Diver-Caught
Tails (raw)
Fresh Seasonal Availability
Culinary Composition
Serving size: 100 Grams
Recommended Servings per Month
Kids 6-12
Advisory Concern
Caribbean spiny lobsters are covered with forward-pointing spines to protect themselves from predators. Long, horn-like antennae above their eyes are used to scare off predators by rubbing them together to make a screeching noise, known as the "stick and slip" mechanism. Smaller "antennules" are used to sense movement and detect pheromones or chemicals in the waters, such as when eggs are ready to hatch. The antennules fold alongside their body when not in use. Unlike the American lobster, they lack large front claws. Caribbean spiny lobsters can also detect magnetic fields, which they use for migration. They have large compound eyes, and are able to sense light, color, and movement.
Spiny lobsters are thought to live 15 years or more, but scientists are unsure. They can grow up to 15 pounds and longer than three feet (one meter). Lobsters grow by molting. They shed their old shells while simultaneously absorbing water, thus expanding their body size. Within the first five to seven years of their life, they will molt about 25 times. Once they are older, they molt once per year. It takes them about two years to grow to legal harvesting size.
Females begin reproducing when they've reached between 2.5 to four inches (six to ten cm) in length. They spawn throughout the year in the Caribbean, and from April through September in the Florida Keys. The male spiny lobster deposits sperm packets on the underside of the female, who scratches them to release the sperm as she releases her eggs. The female can produce between 500,000 and 1.7 million eggs at each spawning period. She carries the fertilized eggs beneath her tail, and is considered "berried." The eggs hatch in four weeks and the larvae float with the current, moving into shallow waters with sea grass. It takes about six months for the larvae to molt and metamorphose into juvenile lobsters.
Young spiny lobsters feed on soft-bodied plankton. Juveniles and adults are carnivores. Spiny lobsters eat at night, preying on snails, crabs, and clams. The lobster's coloring is determined by the foods they eat; green algae is more common in shallow waters and red algae is more likely to be found in deeper waters. Caribbean lobsters range from red to brown and blue in color. Many predators feed on spiny lobster, including groupers, snappers, sharks, skates, turtles, and octopuses.
Species Habitat
Caribbean spiny lobsters are found along the continental shelf of the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida as well as the Gulf of Mexico. They can also be found throughout the Caribbean Sea and along the coast of South America to Brazil. They inhabit depths ranging from just below the water surface to 1,650 feet (489 meters), though they are typically found at depths from 0 to 295 feet (90 meters). Larval spiny lobsters float in the water column and as they grow, will eventually swim to and settle in nearshore habitats. Juveniles will live in areas with dense vegetation such as surf grass and macroalgae until they reach about 0.6 to 0.8 inches, after which they move to and find shelter in crevices provided by sponges, soft coral, and other bottom substrates. After reaching 2 to 3.15 inches, spiny lobsters will leave their nearshore nursery grounds and will move offshore – settling in areas with rocky substrates and coral reefs where they can find adequate protection and shelter. Adults conduct seasonal nearshore and offshore migrations, moving offshore and into deeper waters during the winter.
Science & Management:
The Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary launched a long-term monitoring program with scientists from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to track spiny lobster populations within and outside three highly protected zones. From 1997 to 2006, size, sex, molt stage, reproductive state of females, den number, and depth were recorded for each lobster encountered. This data provided information on lobster size, abundance, and population structure within the three areas. More research is needed on growth and longevity of the Caribbean spiny lobster.
Studies in 2007 and 2013 have indicated that Caribbean spiny lobsters have the most potential for growth in aquaculture operations when compared to other lobster species. Their rapid growth rate, high demand, and ability to grow in a variety of culture systems make the tropical lobster an ideal candidate. More research is needed to develop economically viable, land-based and open ocean cage systems. Research in improving technology for capture of wild larvae, design and testing of various culture systems, determinations of optimal management practices, and development of acceptable formulated feeds is also needed. Small scale testing is necessary before Caribbean spiny lobster aquaculture can be verified commercially.
Because lobsters spend a majority of their larval stage floating with the currents, scientists believe that young lobsters that survive to adulthood in the United States come from other areas, namely the Caribbean. Recent genetic studies have shown that almost all the developed lobster in US waters come from the Caribbean, meaning the spawning biomass there is more relevant to population status than the spawning biomass in Florida.
NOAA Fisheries, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), the governments of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils manage the US Caribbean spiny lobster fishery. Caribbean spiny lobsters are managed in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico federal exclusive economic zones (EEZ) under the Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and are managed in Florida state waters under the FFWCC Commercial Regulations for Spiny Lobsters. Although the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council encompasses the EEZs along states throughout the southeastern US, the only direct commercial fishery for Caribbean spiny lobster in the continental US is in Florida. As such, management measures between the FFWCC and the federal management councils are often streamlined – with regulations in Florida state waters extending into federal waters. Among management measures in place are:
Annual catch limits as well as bag limits for both commercial and recreational fishers
Seasonal closures (from April 1 through August 5) to protect spawning lobsters
Prohibiting the harvest and imports of egg-bearing females or females that have been stripped of eggs
Minimum size limits (3" carapace length)
Gear restrictions prohibiting the use of spears, hooks, piercing devices, explosives, or poison
Gear modifications (all non-wooden traps must have biodegradable escape panels) to prevent ghost fishing
Permanent closed areas off-limits to fishing
A permit system to participate in the fishery and a Lobster Trap Certificate Program to reduce the number of traps in the fishery
Prohibiting the import of spiny lobster tail meat that is not in whole-tail form with the exoskeleton still attached
Regulations for the use of undersized lobsters as trap attractants
There is one Caribbean spiny lobster stock in the South Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico. According to a 2010 stock assessment, the population status of the South Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico stock is unknown. Based on 2013 catch data, the South Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico stock is not subject to overfishing.
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean spiny lobsters are managed under the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Under the FMP, an annual catch limit is allocated amongst the three different stocks in the region – Puerto Rico, St. John/St. Thomas, and St. Croix. The FMP shares many similarities with management measures outlined in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico FMP such as: minimum size limits, gear restrictions prohibiting the use of spears, hooks, piercing devices, explosives, and poisons, and gear modifications to prevent ghost fishing. Among other measures the FMP includes are:
Prohibiting fishers from bringing egg-bearing females aboard a vessel (they can be kept in traps/pots until the eggs are shed)
Requirements that lobsters be whole when brought to port
The population status of the Puerto Rico, St. John/St. Thomas, and St. Croix stocks is unknown because these three stocks have not been formally assessed. Based on 2013 catch data the three stocks are not subject to overfishing.
In Mexico, the primary agency in charge of fisheries regulation is the Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación (SAGARPA). There are two agencies under SAGARPA:
The National Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) – which is in charge of fisheries regulation and enforcement
The National Institute of Fisheries (INAPESCA) – which provides the science necessary for management recommendations
CONAPESCA, as well as local fishery cooperatives, regulate the spiny lobster fishery in the Mexican Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Baja California through a decree in the Mexican Official Norm. Among regulations covered in the law are: minimum size limits, a regulated fishing season, gear restrictions, restrictions on landing egg-bearing females, and a permit entry system – limiting the number of boats, traps, and areas where spiny lobster fishing is allowed. Management and enforcement measures in Mexico have been considered effective at maintaining a stable spiny lobster fishery in the region.
In the Bahamas, fisheries are regulated through the Department of Marine Resources. The Department of Marine Resources establishes management measures such as minimum size requirements, closed seasons, and gear restrictions. While the spiny lobster population is considered stable in the Bahamas and commercial fishing is limited to nationals, the Department of Marine Resources needs to improve regulation enforcement and catch monitoring.
Management of spiny lobsters in Belize, Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua has not been considered effective and there is a lack of current stock and fishing mortality assessments in those regions. These countries also have difficulty enforcing fishing regulations and there is a high incident of illegal, unregulated, unreported (IUU) fishing.
Impact on Stock
Caribbean spiny lobsters, sometimes called Florida lobster or rock lobster, is a highly fecund species that can be long-lived, depending on the level of fishing pressure. Migration routes do make them easy to capture in large numbers. Caribbean spiny lobsters are found in the warm waters off the southeastern United States, in the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean to Brazil. Overall data about the species' abundance remains uncertain although scientific stock assessments have been done in Florida, where the lobsters are not considered overfished. However, most Caribbean spiny lobster is imported from Latin America, where they are overfished.
Habitat Impacts
These spiny lobsters are commonly caught using pots and traps made from wood, plastic or metal that are weighted to the seafloor. Lobster traps may have a moderate to severe effect on the ocean habitats such as rocky reefs and coral as well as sandier areas, according to a 2013 Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch report. Some spiny lobsters are also caught by divers. In Florida, ecological reserves have been created where lobster fishing is prohibited.
Bycatch
Bycatch in the U.S. fishery is limited but can include undersized lobster as well as finfish such as groupers, snappers, grunts and ornamental fish. Fishermen with certain permits are allowed to keep and sell incidental grouper and snapper catch, however. Lobster traps in the U.S. must have biodegradable escape panels to prevent ghost fishing. While sea turtles have had some interactions with spiny lobster traps in the Florida fishery, the number of entanglements is low. Regulations are not enforced in Nicaragua, Honduras, Brazil, and the Bahamas so bycatch there often includes undersized lobsters. In addition, finfish and crab are the most common non-targeted species caught in those regions but exact data is unknown.
The management of Caribbean spiny lobsters differs dramatically depending on the region. Measures in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico include minimum size limits, seasonal restrictions, gear restrictions and annual catch limits. Management is considered effective in Mexico, where area restrictions, gear limits and scientific monitoring are in place. In Florida, population assessments have been expanded in recent years to include scientific research and observer data, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Regulations in the Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua are not commonly enforced, resulting in widespread illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. In addition, scientific data is extremely limited. A Monterey Bay Aquarium report from 2013 called management effectiveness a high concern in Belize and the Bahamas and a critical concern in Brazil, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Farmed
Harvest Method
FIP Source
Bahamas (MSC) Diving
Bahamas (MSC) Pot/Trap
Belize Diving
Belize Pot/Trap
Belize (FIP) Diving
Belize (FIP) Casitas
Belize (FIP) Pot/Trap
Brazil Pot/Trap
Brazil (FIP) Pot/Trap
Honduras Diving
Honduras Pot/Trap
Honduras (FIP) Pot/Trap
Mexico - Quintana Roo (North) Diving
Mexico - Quintana Roo (South) Diving
Mexico - Quintana Roo (South) (FIP) Casitas
Mexico - Yucatan Traps
Nicaragua Diving
Nicaragua Pot/Trap
Nicaragua (FIP) Pot/Trap
Puerto Rico Wild-caught
Unassessed Origin Unassessed Fishing Methods
USA - Florida Pot/Trap
USA - Virgin Islands Wild-caught
A&H Seafood Market Partners United States Maryland
Altamar Foods Corporation United States Florida
Bionic Zoo and Aquarium
Boysie Destin Seafood Antigua and Barbuda
Brutus Seafood United States Florida
Cape Canaveral Shrimp Co. United States Florida
Codfathers Seafood Market Canada British Columbia
Euclid Fish Company United States Ohio
IncredibleFish, Inc. United States Florida
Intercity Packers Meat & Seafood Canada British Columbia
Lusamerica Foods, Inc. United States California
Mark Foods, Inc. United States New York
MiCal Seafood, Inc. United States Florida
Netuno USA United States Florida
Pacific Harvest Seafoods United States California
Pike Place Fish Market United States Washington
Profish Ltd. United States District of Columbia
Sammy's Seafood Inc United States Florida
Samuels & Son Seafood Company, Inc. United States Pennsylvania
Star Fisheries Inc. United States California
Triar Seafood Company United States Florida
Seafood Watch Program
SeafoodSource
About FishChoice
FishChoice, Inc. (FCI) is a registered 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded in 2008 that envisions a thriving and sustainable global seafood industry. FishChoice is dedicated to powering progress on seafood sustainability by giving thousands of businesses the information they need to turn commitments into action. Learn more.
FishChoice Inc.


text:
Guest Post and Giveaway: Say Yes by J.R. Gray
Today I am so pleased to welcome J.R. Gray to Joyfully Jay. Gray has come to talk to us about his latest release, Say Yes. He has also brought along a tour wide giveaway. Please join me in giving Gray a big welcome!
One of my favorite parts about writing kinky books is exploring the dynamic between two people. Every relationship is different, people experience kink like food, they don't just love it or hate it, there is a wide variety of in-between. My little brother told me he was dipping chips in yogurt the other day, and they tasted great. I wanted to gag, but he seemed to be enjoying this. Kink is similar. What gets one person going may squick someone else out. Exploring the early days of two different people with a different set of wants and needs getting together, even in a fictional space is exciting. Sometimes it even surprises me.
One of my favorite things to explore in D/s relationships are ones between two strong personalities. I have always had a love for writing and playing with switches and brats. There is something about someone who is dominant with others who then turns around and gets on their knees for someone they trust. Along the same lines I love playing around with a submissive who fights before giving it. I've never wanted it easy.
With Charles and James' dynamic, I wanted to show the constant seducing and play between two new partners. Charles doesn't just want to sleep with James, he wants to see if James would submit to him. When submission is earned I find it so much sexier than if its given over without any thought. Both partners start the relationship on equal footing, and everything given over is earned, not taken, making the submission a gift and a strength. Tying someone up is easy, Charles wants James to Say Yes.
James failed.
He tried to be what they wanted.
He tried to deny it.
He tried to be a good Catholic boy…but it's become too much.
He craves pain, submission.
He's denied himself far too long, and it's eating him alive.
Charles thrives off the exchange of power. He knows the world revolves around control. It's given and taken like currency, in business and in pleasure. He won't get attached, though, or so he tells himself, until James turns his world upside down. He's defiant and snarky, but Charles can taste the submission on him.
Charles holds the key to his salvation but James has to Say Yes.
When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.
Connect with J.R. Gray: Website | Twitter – Personal | Twitter – Books | Facebook | Facebook Group | Tumblr | Mailing List | Amazon Author Page
Gray has brought three copies of Say Yes to give away along his tour. Just follow the Rafflecopter below to enter.
By entering the giveaway, you're confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
By entering you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions set out by Rafflecopter for entries.
Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
Void where prohibited by law.
Guest Post and Giveaway: Forsaken by J.R. Gray
Review: The Happy List by Briar Prescott
Excerpt and Giveaway: Burn That Bridge by J.R. Gray
Guest Post and Giveaway: May the Best Man Win by Kate…
TAGGED: J.R. Gray


text:
Arsenal 2 Southampton 0: A stroll in the sun for Gunners as they chase top four spot
February 24, 2019 by blogonyougunners, posted in Arsenal, Football, premier-league
It was a pretty professional display that saw Arsenal cruise to a comfortable win over Southampton on Sunday.
The Gunners have so often made a hash of dealing with the plucky scrappers toward the bottom of the Premier League but they exacted a measure of revenge against the Saints on Sunday by scoring victory.
In truth, they might have had a hatful of goals to show for their efforts but, in the end, two goals and clean sheet was enough, with the strikes coming from Alexandre Lacazette and Henrikh Mhkitaryan.
For most of the opening half we had things all our own way. It was fun in the sun. But I say only 'most' because there were a few typically comedic moments in defence early on that really might have altered the course of proceedings.
With Arsenal at the moment, there are always going to be chances for opposition teams. It's almost become part of our makeup now.
It would be irrational to think we could get through every game without conceding chances – no team is capable of that – but, boy, we offer up some real whoppers.
Against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City et al, those chances are gobbled up and we find ourselves on the end of a hiding. Against teams like Southampton, though, we ride our luck and come out the other end smiling. On this occasion, thanks largely to Bernd Leno, we found a way through it, but it was far from ideal and was a real microcosm of our season.
That's not to take anything away from the overall performance in the first half, however. The Gunners put together one of the most cohesive displays I have seen in the Unai Emery era. The passing was short, sharp, precise and purposeful. The running beyond the ball was intelligent and progressive, with those sitting deeper having the accuracy to pick the right balls at the right times.
Emery often talks about his team imposing themselves and playing their way in his press conferences, if that first half showing was an example of what he means by that, I'm all for it.
It had bags of attacking intensity, it had efficiency, it had control. The defending was done from the front and it was done with the ferocity and desire necessary to really nullify the visitors.
Their two early opportunities aside, they really did struggle to make any inroads in our half. Even Stefan Lichsteiner – a player who has looked a few years past his best for most of the season – was transformed. He was incisive in attack and controlled in defence.
With the match more or less decided before the break, there was a noticeable drop in intensity from the hosts in the second period and, in truth, it was all a bit scrappy and lacklustre.
We struggled to find the space, time, and runs that we had in the first half and seemed content to invite Southampton on to us.
There were a few hair-raising moments that might have been avoided (Granit Xhaka, im looking at you) but no period in which I felt we might concede.
Emery looked to freshen a few things up by introducing Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the pair combined well on a few occasions in the last quarter as the visitors began to commit more bodies to the attack.
Aubameyang should probably have had a goal to his name, or at the last an assist, but he didn't really get the rub of the green as he might have liked.
All told, it was a match won by half-time that consequently fizzled out but it would be churlish to take too much away from the Gunners, who have responded well to the setback in Belarus by notching up five goals and two clean sheets since then.
The Frenchman makes himself a real nuisance at the top end of the pitch, hassling and harrying in such a way that disconcerts defenders and gives us a dimension we haven't really had as a team.
In fact, it was his tireless efforts that yielded the second goal for Mhkitaryan. If Emery can ensure he doesn't burn out, while giving him enough minutes to keep him hungry and happy, he could be a big player between now and the end of the season.
Tagged Alexandre Lacazette, Opinion, Southampton
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The upcoming release of Ubuntu 10.10 promises a variety of new features for Ubuntu's desktop and server editions. But it will also bring significant changes for Ubuntu's lightweight cousin, Xubuntu. Here's a look at some of the most important updates for the Xfce-based Ubuntu variant, including several that will increase its independence from standard Ubuntu.
Admittedly, until I downloaded the Xubuntu alpha 3 release, it had been a while since I tried the distribution. I used to run it on some lower-end machines, but I gave it up a couple years ago because the performance improvement over Gnome-based Ubuntu was not drastic enough to justify the features missing in Xfce, at least for me.
For a truly lightweight system, something like Lubuntu seemed more appropriate than Xubuntu. After all, at its core, Xubuntu has traditionally retained a high level of dependence on Gnome, making it hard to distinguish in many respects from standard Ubuntu.
I might have to change my view of the distribution after testing the Xubuntu 10.10 release, however. While it's still not the most resource-efficient system available, it has increased its independence not only from Gnome but also from the standard Ubuntu application stack, replacing many of Ubuntu's stock programs with lightweight alternatives.
For the most part, Parole looks and acts pretty similarly to Totem. But it's designed for Xfce, and thus helps Xubuntu stand out as a distribution of its own.
A task manager is a task manager, and there's only so much that can be done to make it unique. But as with Parole, the fact that this is an Xfce-specific application helps Xubuntu carve a niche for itself distinct from the one that Ubuntu already fills.
Other notable applications that distinguish Xubuntu from Ubuntu include the Exaile music manager, Pidgin instant messenger and Orage calendar client, as well as Abiword for word processing. In addition, Xubuntu's crisp dark-blue artwork is a clear departure from Ubuntu's purple theme.
Of course, despite efforts to distinguish it from Ubuntu, Xubuntu still retains some Gnome dependencies. It ships with the Gnome games package and File Roller, for example, and uses Gnome VFS. Nonetheless, it's encouraging to see more uniqueness in the distribution, especially given the uncertain future of the Gnome-Ubuntu relationship as the release of Gnome 3.0 approaches.
I'm not sure whether I personally consider change for the sake of change a good thing, but the actual reasoning behind some of the application changes (which are only being tried out up till now) is a lot more solid, IMHO.
What's up with two different speaker incons in notofication area?
Grappa: I'm not sure what's up with that. However, the screenshots were taken from a system that was originally Ubuntu and onto which I installed xubuntu-desktop…so this issue may not exist on a pure Xubuntu system.
I still think Xubuntu does rely on pulse audio. Perhaps, it could do without it (in the name of lightness). I think of Xfce as more mature DE over Lxde. (Using article language) Xubuntu reminds me of Ubuntu's cousin that went on a diet to be light, but decided to quit halfway through the diet.
"Ubuntu's cousin that went on a diet to be light, but decided to quit halfway through the diet." Great metaphor–I'd have said the same thing if I could have articulated it as well.
Xubutu is obese piece of crap. Wanna see proper light Xfce based distro – check Zenwalk.
The single thing which makes XFCE stand out is that its Panel Launcher icon can have its properties adjusted and within that capability anyone can add a large number of commands to each Launcher Icon.
I have found this to be one of the most amazing things on any desktop.
I use xubuntu because I prefer the interface over gnome. It feels like a more traditional desktop and behaves the way I like. I always replace most of the default applications with my own choices so that is a no brainer too. Sadly, 10.04 was poisoned with Pulse but I got rid of that crap easily enough.
@spc – I tried zenwalk twice and neither time would it even boot for me. Then it appeared that their live version doesn't install so you end up downloading a desktop edition as well. Finally, a HUGE convenience of xubuntu is that the ubuntu repos. That alone makes the decision to stick with xubuntu worthwhile.
I prefer XFCE over GNOME as well. I wish they would not imitate gnome in having a panel at both the top and bottom of the screen. It is also possible to have classic dock apps with XFCE.
One of the reasons for sticking with Ubuntu is the size and depth of their repositories and ppa's. Things that I like having around include finch, radiotray, minitube, recorditnow, wmbutton, wmmsg, wmauda, wmcalc, wmix, wmcube, gringotts, zim, exaile, and hnb. There are more, but that is what I can think of off the top of my head. Back when I was a slacker I would loose 2 or 3 days compiling software. To move to ZenWalk I will have stuff to custom compile PLUS the learning curve of doing things the ZenWalk way.
It is Xubuntu's Ubuntu underpinnings that slow it down. For comparison, compare the current stable Debian release with XFCE against Xubuntu. The performance difference is noticeable. As much as I like Ubuntu, if my home workstation were not a dual-core monster (when I bought it) with 8GB of RAM, I would in all likelihood run straight Debian. I'm sorry to say this, but Ubuntu is clearly the Vista of the Linux world – pretty, convenient, smart about hardware but *bloated* and nowhere near the speed champion in responsiveness.
Ubuntu is the Vista of Linux? Not quite. I switched from Vista to Linus about 18 months ago, have used Ubuntu and Xubuntu and have toyed with Mint, Debian and Fedora. On its worst days, Ubuntu/Xubuntu don't even come close to Vista. I have been able to run Xubuntu on a 512 machine without any sluggishness at all.
I choose Xubuntu for the desktop, speed, and apps, not necessarily for less RAM usage. My recommendations for Xubuntu Developers (feel free to pass this along): Make XFCE two-panel layout similar to the way Zenwalk does it with dock-like Zenpanel. Add Facebook plug-in to Pidgin like Mint. Replace slow Firefox with speedy Chromium-stable. Add lightweight Pino social client. It is more stable than Gwibber and not Gnome dependent. Replace Ristretto with lightweight Gpicview. Ristretto renders images too small. Gpicview works great in XFCE. Add a decent menu editor, as Gnome's menu editor does not work in Xubuntu! Replace bloated Thunderbird with Sylpheed. Less of a priority, but could add Cheese webcam, firewall gui gufw, and OpenJDK. Exhaile, Xfburn, Xchat, GIMP (or mtpaint??), and Parole are all good choices that should still be included. I would replace Gnome office with OpenOffice like Mint XFCE does. OO seems to be running faster these days in XFCE. Abiword does not save ODT files that can be opened in OO correctly either. To save Xubuntu from slow death, some of these suggestions need to take place. I like that Xubuntu has access to the Software Store, but without all of the unnecessary stuff Ubuntu sometimes has. Lubuntu may be lighter, but it is less customizable and is still a buggy Beta.
Marie: you make a lot of good points. I'd especially like to see AbiWord replaced by OpenOffice Writer. AbiWord is nice but it unfortunately just doesn't enjoy the attention that OO gets.
Describing Xubuntu as a lightweight alternative to Ubuntu is being a bit generous. Also, as much as I think Parole is promising, it's also painfully incomplete. And the new Xfce task manager is frustrating at a basic level, due to the fact that it's got a completely inconsistent UI. The top pane is neither a menubar, nor a toolbar and it contains completely passive informational widgets (the graphs), which belong at the bottom of the window. Gnome-system-monitor may get a little laggy with it's ciaro graphs but it's a far easier and more useful application, which doesn't eschew UI conventions for no discernible reason.
I use Xubuntu on my 8year old Gateway because the Ubuntu or Kubuntu since Lucid are completely unusable with my video chip. Xubuntu works marvelously on my computer and is fast. Thanks Xubuntu team and Mighty Mouse XFCE team!


Bookings totalling under £200.00 will require payment in full at the time of booking.
Payment for bookings totalling over £200.00 where arrival date is within 4 weeks will require payment in full at the time of booking.
Payment for bookings totalling over £200.00 where arrival date is more than 4 weeks away can pay a deposit at the time of booking, and balance 2 weeks before arrival.
Some Hosts are willing to accept the balance in cash on arrival.
If your stay is more than 2 months ahead and total cost of stay is more than £200.00 (Two Hundred Pounds), you can use this option. Once you selected your ideal property and availability is confirmed with the Host family, we will take a deposit/part payment which usually corresponds to about 20% of total cost. You need to pay the remaining amount two weeks before the arrival date. You can use either secure Sage Pay or secure WorldPay to do this. There is one single additional £10 administration/booking fee charge added to each booking whichever payment option selected.
Make your choices: click on a home, select your room, the number of nights and ADD TO LIST. If you need to book more than one bedroom in the same home you also need to add that bedroom to list.
We aim to confirm your booking within 24 hours of receipt of your credit card or bank transfer payment. Please note there is one single £10 administration/booking fee charge for each booking. Your card is only debited when we have arranged your stay in a home of your choice.
We work very quickly. Please contact us if you have not had a reply to your booking request or enquiry within 24 hours – very occasionally an email does not arrive through no fault of ours.
Whichever method you select to pay, In order to proceed with your booking we require part payment/ deposit or full payment where applicable, only when a host family of your choice accepts your booking. We will email you all the confirmation details within 24 hours and will let you know that payment has been taken. If the homes of your choice are not available we will not take payment from your card. Instead we will let you know and email you with other suggestions.
There is one single additional £10 administration/booking fee charge added to each booking.
You can also select the option to pay by a secure link payment from WorldPay. In this case you will receive a secure payment request from WorldPay to your e-mail address, and you can pay it directly to them. Once we receive the payment confirmation from WorldPay, we will complete the booking process for you and send you a Final Booking Confirmation.
Remember that we are here to help and advise you if you need any assistance. Please do not hesitate to e-mail us at stay@londonbb.com or even call us on ++ 44 (0) 1474 708 701 if you prefer.
Visitors requesting a last minute booking are advised that payment is non-refundable if the booking is cancelled or visitors fail to arrive.
We are unable to make any refund for unused accommodation but we will always do our best to re-let the accommodation and therefore offer a refund.
LBB Agents Ltd acts as agents only. Our service is to provide information to assist you in choosing suitable accommodation. Whilst we have taken every care to ensure the quality of the accommodation, LBB Agents Ltd cannot accept responsibility for guest dissatisfaction which is the responsibility of your accommodation provider with whom you have booked. However in the unlikely event of any dissatisfaction we would request that you advise us during the period of your stay so that we can investigate this further.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that when necessary your passport and visa are valid to allow you entry into the UK. If you are refused entry, our cancellation charges as above will apply.
FOR THE ABOVE REASONS YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE OUT APPROPRIATE COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE to cover you in the event of cancellation through illness or other valid reasons and also in the event of loss of personal belongings. Please speak to your Travel Agent about this.
Please also note that if your trip is cancelled because of adverse weather conditions, volcanic ash, any other kind of world events or your own personal reasons, however unfortunate, then our booking conditions will still apply. We will always do our best to re-let your accommodation and arrange a refund.
We do hope this information will help you to complete the booking form which we look forward to receiving.
One night stays can be arranged with a few of our Hosts in our private homes with supplementary charge. Two consecutive night stays are welcome.
If you are bringing children under the age of 5 years, please advise us at time of enquiry. Also provide the ages of the children as not all Hosts are able to accept young children due to health and safety reasons.
Early check-in: If your bedroom is not ready you will be able to leave your luggage and come back later. If it is ready you are welcome to use it. Please reconfirm your arrival time with your host.
Late arrival: If you are arriving later than 10.00 pm on the first night of your stay please let us know at the time of booking as it may not be possible to arrange your stay for that night in certain homes.
Check-out: You are generally expected to vacate your bedroom by around 10.30 am on the day of departure. You can leave your luggage to collect later by arrangement with your host family.
A generous continental breakfast is included in the price. Some of our families offer a cooked breakfast with an additional charge and this is mentioned on the accommodation details. Our hosts will always do their best to fulfil your dietary requirements.
You will find that having a car in London, especially in or close to the centre, is difficult and frustrating because of the many parking restrictions and charges. There is a daily £11.50 Congestion Charge (payable from 7am – 6pm Monday-Friday) for drivers travelling into certain central areas of London. Please check with the official TFL Website for full details of Congestion Charges and T Charges for Diesel Vehicles . You can find homes offering parking under Amenities on the navigation bar. If you are coming by car please mention this at the time of booking so that we can advise you accordingly.
A travelcard (paper ticket) is useful if you plan to spend the whole day travelling around London on the tube, bus or rail, as you can hop on and off. An oyster card is better if you plan on making short single journeys on the bus or tube and saves you money on a cash fare. Please also note that many attractions may be within walking distance of each other which can often be a better way of exploring London, especially in the sunshine.
London Bed and Breakfast is part of Avanti Apartments Ltd. This policy explains how London Bed and Breakfast protects and processes your personal information. This policy is effective from 23rd of May 2018.
'Your personal information' means any information about you that you provide to us, or we produce in relation to our services offered or provided to you.
London Bed and Breakfast is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of your information.
We will ensure that your information is securely disposed of at the end of the appropriate retention period required by law.
Our staffs are trained on their privacy obligations.
To respond to enquiries about our company or services from you.
London Bed and Breakfast uses a web and database hosting service in the United Kingdom for all personal information we collect, whether on our file network, websites or apps.
How long we keep information we collect about you depends on the type of information and the type of interaction you have had with London Bed and Breakfast, as specified by the retention periods below. Prior to or at the point of the retention period being met, we will either delete or anonymise your information as applicable. Where more than one of the below categories applies to a piece of data, the longest retention period shall be enforced.
Billing – If you have been billed by London Bed and Breakfast for any products or services, we will retain your information for no longer than 7 years from the point of billing of your last invoice.
London Bed and Breakfast does not currently share personal data outside the UK.
London Bed and Breakfast is committed to compliance with Data Processing Laws and respecting your privacy. "Data Processing Laws" means (a) the Data Protection Act 1998 and any laws or regulations implementing Directive 95/46/EC; and/or (b) the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); and/or any corresponding or equivalent national laws or regulations; and /or any corresponding or equivalent national laws or regulations; and any applicable laws replacing, amending, extending, re-enacting or consolidating any of the above DP Laws from time to time; For the purposes of the Data Processing Laws London Bed and Breakfast is the data controller.


All prices are in New Zealand Dollars and inclusive of 15% GST (Goods and Service Tax). Your card issuer may apply charges for converting currency. These charges are applied by your card issuer, we accept no responsibility for these.
As all flights are totally weather dependent, no payment is taken until the time of your flight. Our preferred method of payment is Cash/Eftpos. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, WeChat and China UnionPay.
Your credit card details are required at the time of booking to secure a place on a flight. Just select the card type and fill in your card details; Card Number, Card Expiry Date, and Card Holders Full Name on the booking form.
By giving us your Credit Card details you agree for us to take full payment from your credit card in the event you do not show up for your flight and you have not contacted us prior to this time.
We use Stripe to encrypt your personal information and Credit Card details. Stripe holds your details within a secure system that fully complies with international Payment Card Security Standards (PCSS). Stripe will verify the card details by charging 50c on your Statement as an 'uncaptured payment'. This is not an actual charge – but purely for verification purposes that the card details supplied are in fact correct.
More than 48 hours notice is given, no payment will be taken from your card.
Less than 48 hours notice is given, a 50% payment will be taken from your card.
If no notice is given and you do not show up for your flight, 100% payment will be taken from your card.
Exclusive charter/group bookings – we require a 20% deposit to confirm. If bookings are cancelled within 7 days of departure the full fare will be billed. All deposits are deducted from final payments and are not an additional charge. All deposits are NON REFUNDABLE from the time of payment unless a flight is cancelled due to weather conditions on the day.
All flights are subject to weather conditions on the day. If we cannot undertake the flight at the time you booked due to our often unpredictable weather conditions, we will make our best efforts to re-schedule your flight.
All prices listed in our website are 'share with others' (SWO) rates. Please understand we may consolidate your flight with other guests if we see fit.
Any personal information supplied to us will only be used to process your booking/order. We do not share your information with any third parties, and protect it through secure systems.


Couple of months ago, a long time friend told me about a book that I should read because it was about writing and running, two things that seemed to get most of my attention in the past year. He texted me the title and it took some time and places till Gaudeamus bookfair in November when I finally found it.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is Haruki Murakami's memoir about his four-month preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon, his 2006 triathlon, but mostly about the influence the sport has had on his life and - even more important - on his writing. When he was in school, he hated the sport classes - this was an aha moment for me, who was suffering from the same reluctance. He hated the sport classes because they were mandatory. And he never coped with the obligation to do things that he didn't want to, when he didn't want to. If left alone on his whims, he confessed, he would give his best to do that particular something better than anybody else.
Muramaki is a famous writer and nevertheless a great runner. He has done approximately 25 marathons, around 5 triathlons and an ultramarathon. An ultramarathon is 100 kilometers and he did that in 11 hours and 42 minutes. Can you recall anything that you have been doing for almost 12 hours with few stops? Office desk tasks, presentations, meeting?
Muramaki talks about the difficulty of getting himself up for daily running of at least 10 kilometers, a self-imposed standard for marathon preparation. There are just a few reasons to keep on running and plenty of not to, he admits. But it is also him, who immediately pulls his sneakers and tights his laces when he fancies the busy metro wagons and the long business meeting hours. Suddenly he feels motivated to run, cause by comparison, he thinks running for an hour is a piece of cake. He though admits that some people might find the opposite true: easier to spend hours in long meetings and busy wagons than to run for an hour.
While his book about running is not labeled as a best of his thirteen published novels, it is mirroring a great human being, who opens up by turns playful and philosophical, funny and sobering.
What lessons can we learn from this great author and runner?
1. Always cross the finish line smiling. It is like you acknowledge yourself the effort and the movement.
3. Balance your inspiration and energy. When he feels he could write more, he puts down the pen, so the next day he could start it over again more easily. Ernest Hemingway said something similar. Keep your persistence, do not loose your rhythm, this is the most important thing to look for in the long run. Once you have a rhytm, wheels are moving constantly, but before reaching this point, you need determination.
4. Sense the momentum. Murakami remembers precisely when he decided to be a writer. He managed his jazz bar for almost ten years, even if he considered not having any business flair, but just being hard working, energetic and patient. On April 1st, 1978, by 1:30 pm he decided he would be a writter. Can you be as precise as that with your momentum?
5. One of out ten customers business theory. When he managed his bar, he developed an interesting customer loyalty principle. If 9 out of 10 potential customers did not like his place, it was fine. But if there was one who enjoyed it, it was his duty to make that customer really really enjoy the place. In order to achieve that, the owner has to adopt a certain firm, authentic, individualized position that he needs to stick by no matter what. This is more productive and less stressing than trying to accomodate more customers.
6. Learn to be your body's companion. It may sound ridiculous, but it takes some effort to feel your body and work it towards your goals not against them. Your body is a very practical system. You just need to provoke it with constant pain for a long period of time in order for it to get the message. Muscles are like an easily trained beast of burden. If you take care and add the burden in steps, the muscles will naturally adapt. If you invest time in doing so, they will get more powerful, more patient, more obedient. But if you let them more than two days without the regular training, they tend to forget: aha, there is no need for us to bother, what a relief! And to get back on track you need to start it over again.This is valid for any activity!
7. Talent, focus and resistence is what a writter (and not only) needs. Say you have talent, but you can not control neither its quality, nor its quantity. Talent comes when it comes. Therefore, you need to have focus in order to direct your talent. With a good focus, you can compensate heavily for the lack or volatility of your talent. After focus, resistence comes in place. Focus and resistence can be improved through constant practice, just like running.
8. Enjoy the ride. "Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I believe running helps you to do that." Murakami's 3 goals for every running competition are: not to walk, to cross the finish line and to enjoy it.
10. A beautiful girl, a trigger to remember. By the end of the book, Murakami recalls a beautiful girl that he was meeting every day when he started running in the 80s. He never talked to her, but "without such little delights I do not know how on Earth I could have keept on running".
Have you ever thought that your mind is influenced by your body's features? Or maybe viceversa, that your mind is the one who actually builds your body? Think of your daily "beautiful girl/handsome boy" motivation to start. And read Murakami's great novels. Coaching lessons are sometimes best taken from literature.