text:
Mantia, Bergsma sweep races at US Championship
KEARNS, Utah (AP) — Joey Mantia won the 1,000 meters and the mass start race Sunday on the final day of the U.S. Speed Skating Championships, and Heather Bergsma swept the women's events.
For the second consecutive day, Mantia posted the world's fastest time this season, finishing the 1,000 in 1 minute, 7.52 seconds. He also posted the top time in the 1,500 on Saturday.
His 1,000 time was 0.05 seconds better than Vincent De Haitre's winning time at the Canadian Single Distances Championships in Calgary, Alberta, on Thursday. Mantina finished 0.31 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Shani Davis.
Bergsma built on her wins in the women's 500 races on Friday by taking the 1,000 and mass start race.
Bergsma had the world's fastest 1,000 time this season, finishing in 1:14.13. Jerica Tandiman was second in 1:16.62. Then, Bergsma followed up with by taking the mass start with a total time of 9:18.970. Mia Mangenello was second in 9:20.460.
Mantia looks at his speedy times mostly as a personal measuring stick to push himself in future races. Beyond bragging rights, they have little bearing on how the World Cup season will play out.
"There's no award at the end of the year for fastest time or anything," Mantia said. "You got to work and try to win. It's kind of funny to say even though it is a time trial based sport. But every ice surface is different. You don't know until racing the guys that are there that day."
He didn't miss a beat in the 16-lap mass start race, overtaking K.C. Boutiette on the final lap to edge him for first place. Mantia finished with a total time of 8:43.496 after entering the race as the overall points leader. Boutiette was second in 8:43.596.
Mantia put in a ton of miles on the bike over the summer to boost his endurance. It helped build a strong base that allowed him to recover quickly between races and move from the 1,500 to the 1,000 to the mass start without losing a ton of stamina.
"The training program that I'm on right now is pretty aggressive," Mantia said. "It allows for me to be able to put together a pretty good effort and then within an hour or two hours be able to do it again, which is kind of rare on the ice. Long track is all about time trials. You do one effort and you're done. At the most, you do two short races and you're done."
The altitude wreaked havoc on Bergsma as her second race progressed. She could feel it in her lungs while pushing to stay a step ahead of Mangenello over the final few laps.
"I just have to stick to what my strategy is in the mass start," Bergsma said. "I'm a sprinter, so I can't do so much work. I try to save (energy) and just sprint that last lap."
John-Henry Kruger won the men's 1,000 short-track final, finishing in 1:25.725. Casey Mullarkey claimed a win in the men's 3,000 short-track race with a time of 4:59.508. J.R. Celski placed second in both races.
Jessica Kooreman finished first in the women's 1,000 short-track final in 1:36.587. Katherine Reutter won the women's 3,000 short-track race, finishing in 5:43.275. Kooreman is the women's overall points leader with 1,600 points. Celski tops the men with 1,600 points.


text:
How to Restore a Dell Inspiron 2200
By: Jeff Grundy
How to Revive a Dead Character on Torchlight
How to Restore Dell Dimension E520 to Factory Settings
How to Enter BIOS on Tecra A9
How to Reset the Acer Aspire One to Factory Settings
How to install windows photo gallery
virus alert image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
If your Dell Inspiron 2200 laptop is experiencing a lot of errors or problems caused by viruses, malware or spyware, the Windows program might be beyond repair with even the best antivirus or anti-spyware software. In this case, the only solution is a complete restoration and reinstallation of the Windows operating system. Dell makes it easy for you to restore the operating system on an Inspiron 2200 to factory default settings.
Shut down the Inspiron 2200, then power it back on.
Wait until you see a blue bar with the web address "www.dell.com" appear at the top of the screen. When you see the bar, immediately press the "Ctrl" and "F11" keys at the same time.
Click the "Restore" option on the next screen. When the confirmation screen appears, click the "Confirm" option. Wait for the restoration process to complete.
In most cases, it takes between 6 to 10 minutes to restore the Inspiron 2200 laptop back to its default configuration and settings.
Wait for the final prompt, then click "Finish." The computer will restart and load the original settings and software configuration.
Accept the End User License Agreement for Windows and click "Next." When the System Restore screen appears, click "OK" to finalise the restoration.
Dell Support: Dell Inspiron 1200 and 2200 Owner's Manual
You should only use the Dell restore function if you have tried all other corrective measure are still have problems with your laptop. The process will erase all data you stored on the computer after purchase.
Jeff Grundy has been writing computer-related articles and tutorials since 1995. Since that time, Grundy has written many guides to using various applications that are published on numerous how-to and tutorial sites. Born and raised in South Georgia, Grundy holds a Master of Science degree in mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Only a third of Americans say Obama is Christian; almost one in five say he's Muslim
President Obama speaking in a Washington church earlier this year.
A substantial and growing chunk of the country believes that President Obama, a self-described Christian, is Muslim, while only about a third of Americans are able to correctly identify his religion, according to a survey released Thursday.
Nearly one in five Americans believe Obama is a Muslim, up from around one in 10 Americans who said he was Muslim last year, according to the survey, conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
While most of those who think Obama is Muslim are Republicans, the number of independents who believe he is Muslim has expanded significantly, from 10 percent last year to 18 percent now.
The number of Americans who express uncertainly about the president's religion, meanwhile, is much larger and has also grown, including among Obama's political base. For instance, fewer than half of Democrats and African-Americans now say that Obama is Christian.
In March 2009, 36 percent of African-Americans said they didn't know what religion Obama practices. Now, 46 percent of African-Americans say they don't know.
"You would think the longer the person is in the White House, the more the 'don't knows' would decline," said Alan Cooperman, the Pew Forum's associate director for research. "But the 'don't knows' are higher now than when he came to office."
The survey was conducted in late July and early August.
Though Obama advertised his Christianity on the campaign trail and early in his administration - including distributing pamphlets about his religion during the 2008 presidential race and inviting the Rev. Rick Warren to his inauguration - he has been less public about his faith since then.
Despite intense media speculation about which Washington church Obama would join, for example, the White House has yet to announce that he has joined any.
"We had eight years of George W. Bush, who was very public about religious debates and high profile about religious practice and that's followed by Barack Obama, who is much lower profile about religious beliefs and practices," Cooperman said.
"It could be that in the relative vacuum of information coming out of the White House about his personal religious beliefs, others step in to feel the breach," Cooperman said. "It allows others who say that 'Oh, he's really this or that' to gain some currency."
Joshua DuBois, executive director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, said Wednesday night that Obama has "expanded in a historic way the engagement of persons of faith by this administration."
The president has given six speeches on faith issues, DuBois said, and has launched the first-ever White House advisory council for the faith-based office, composed largely of religious leaders.
"A lot of these facts are not necessarily what the public and the media are focused on everyday, which is not surprising given the issues we're facing as a country: reforming health care, bringing the troops home from Iraq and the economic recovery," DuBois said in an interview.
False rumors that Obama is Muslim have dogged him since he declared his candidacy for president in 2007. Pew conducted its survey before the president's comments last week about the right of Muslims to proceed with a controversial proposal for an Islamic center and mosque near ground zero.
The Rev. Joel Hunter, a Florida evangelical who is in frequent touch with Obama, says their relationship belies the findings of the new survey.
"He is very definitely a Christian, but a lot of the things he does to work on spiritual formation are simply not public," Hunter said.
Hunter said that he is in weekly contact with the president about his spiritual life, including writing devotionals for Obama and praying with him via telephone. Hunter said he received a call from Air Force One on the president's 49th birthday earlier this month.
"Several of us (Christian pastors) prayed with him over the phone," Hunter said. "We talked about his life and what he wanted us to pray for and it was at his initiative."
Earlier, when the president learned Hunter's grandchild had been stricken with cancer, the Florida preacher said he received a call from the White House.
"He called and told me that he and Michelle were praying for us," Hunter said, referring to the first lady. "I explained that this was an aggressive form of cancer and he pastored me, saying the Lord would be with us through this and that we should trust in God. It was a real reversal of roles."
But Hunter said the administration may want to reconsider its messaging on religion in light of the Pew poll.
"It may be time for them (the White House) to be a little more public about what the president does to be an active Christian," he said.
Filed under: Barack Obama • Christianity • Politics • Polls
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GREAT JOB OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2010 at 9:02 pm |
What does it matter what Religion our President is?! Doesn't it state in the first amendment "Right to religious freedom"? Where does it say in all of the rules/laws governing over how a person can be president does it say that He/she has to be Christian? Why does everyone care? I personally do not care if he is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or even Wiccan so long as he does his job. Shouldnt THAT be what we are concerned about?
Most of the ignorant people who believe this are right-wing bigots who already hate Obama. They also believe he's a communist and a Nazi and that he's not even an American because he wasn't born here. These people are ignorant fools who have been lead by misinformation that's deliberately and maliciously created by the right-wing of the Republican party in an effort to scare people. They are trying their best to equate Muslim with terrorist and it's working with these fools. The White House should not pander to these people, they shouldn't try to correct them ....they should just ignore this because responding to this nonsense does nothing more than add fuel to the fire.
Jami Lives
Really...no really does it matter what religon he is? i just care how well a job he does. is this really breaking number one news. its funnny how in the begining of the month we went from border secuirty problems to 14 amendment problem to anchor baby to terror baby to Obama.
What is wrong with some people? Are they idiots? Pres.Obama is not a Muslim. Even if he was, so what? isn't America supposed to be a country who gives everyone a chance? So why are Americans being so prejudice to Islam and rude to Obama? Because there are those primitive humans who have those primitive human ways. Man, people just need some reason to hate Obama, because they hate Muslims, and God doesn't like haters. Just because Obama's father was Muslim, they try to use that to say he is too. Obama helped the America better, think and look, before Obama where was America and after he was President, America started to get back up on its feet. If you want to hate someone hate yourself and Osama Bin Laden, (Obama haters), because you are no better than the extremist, who act like they are Muslim. You should be ashamed for being rude to your President. Islam is a religion of peace, if a Muslim is violent in the manner that the terrorist are, they are not Muslim anymore.
Despite the interview with Rev. Kirby John Caldwell (who is 1,000% uninformed with the laws of Judaism and Islam) on Rick's List, the truth remains that Obama is a Muslim, albeit an apostate Muslim. As was pointed out by the Rev. Graham, if one is born to a Muslim father (or a Jewish mother), as Obama was, one is a Muslim. Both Islam and Judaism are religions into which a person is born. Christianity is a religion of choice, and not one of lineage. One cannot "convert" out of Islam or Judaism. One can go through the process, one can be baptized, one can practice a different religion, claim they are a different religion, and even change their belief system, however, according to Islam (and Judaism) all that is accomplished is the change of status to apostate. The Islamic world does, in fact, claim Obama as one of theirs (and an apostate to be brought back to Islam, or killed). Christian Baptism has no bearing on the Islamic (or Jewish) world any more than it does on a person's race or gender. Those things are immutable, and non-changeable. That is something Christians have no concept of, as it is a religion of personal choice, and project their beliefs and ideas onto the other two religions, despite the fact that they (Islam and Judaism) do not work that way, as they are predominantly legal and communal systems more than religions. Therefore, once a Muslim (or Jew), always a Muslim (or Jew), and that's forever.
Yozhik
New Poll: 70% of Americans believe that 18% of Americans should be deported to a country ruled by a real Muslim.
DumbAmerican
Not only Obama is Muslim, he is also protected by the black panthers.
There are better things to talk about then figuering out if he is Muslim or not! We have better issues to ttalk about like WORLD HUNGER...WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST.....NOT ASSUMING OR IF HE IS WHO CARES GET A LIFE WHO EVER DID THAT SURVEY OR QUESTION.
Obama hosted a dinner at the White House for Ramadon, but would not stand up for the National Day of Prayer (Pentagon). Actions speak louder than words.
he's admitted in interviews, then the Useful-Idiot interviewer corrects him "you mean Christian". Even if he isn't true, he's an incompetent inexperienced man who never should've been elected. Spare me the "Bush was stupid" intelligent retorts because history is on the side of failure for the Left and if ANY of them would read a history book, they'd learn that all by their little selves. Counting the days till November bwahaha!!!!
bonnetwagon
What did President Obama find WRONG with Islam that he left it to become a Christian ? And why are the Muslims not after him like they do any one who leaves Islam ?
windrider2
The headline ought to read "More Americans Get Stupid". Not surprisingly, the increase in this belief is all taking place at the right wing fringes of the Republican Party. What a surprise. The GOP caters increasingly to paranoia and barely disguised racism in their bid to regain power so they can continue bankrupting the country and transferring what little wealth is NOT in the hands of the rich directly TO the rich, leaving everyone else destitute, including many of their supporters. Tea Party members didn't complain while Bush and the Republicans ran up a $7.6 trillion deficit in Bush's first 6 years. Now they scream as if Democrats simply produced this massive hole all by themselves in just 2 years. The housing market collapsed in 2005 while Republicans controlled everything, but the right wing masses say it was totally caused by liberal Democrats...Republicans had nothing to do with it. I think they are handing out a lot more stupid pills from Fox News these days.
One in five is correct about Obama's religion.
Mike Buck
It is a good thing the poll did not ask people to to distinguish if they thought Obama was Sunni or Shia. President Bush didn't know the difference when he called for the invasion of Iraq so you know the Palin supporters who are "fightin' ta protect our Constitutional rights" would have no clue. These are the same morons who keep demanding to see Obama's birth certificate but didn't know John McCain was born in Panama. They need to fill out an ID TEN T form. Idiots!
Article III of the Bill of Rights
By declaring this a Christian nation you are ignoring Article Three of the Bill of Rights. This country was based on freedom of religion. Who are you to decide what religion a person should accept? Who are you to decide what people should believe in?
Sensible Joe
Americans need to read the Constitution of the United States, Article 6 of which says: "No religious test shall ever be required as a 1ualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
In other words, it doesn't matter, by law of our land, what religion the President of the United States is. What matters is that he/she does his/her job: to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law and put into action legislation passed by Congress and legal interpretation passed down from the courts.
Since President Obama doesn't worship at a mosque, appeal to the Quran, advocate Sharia law, keep Ramadan, abstain from pork or alcohol, or make pilgrimages to Mecca, there's no logical reason to presume he is Muslim. Just as there is no logical reason to presume that his predecessor, who waged offensive war, authorized torture and advocated for the richest over the poorest in diametric opposition to the values of Jesus Christ's gospel, was a Christian.
Susan Blystone
Do they think the American people are stupid? Of course Obama is muslim. This man is a dangerous man and he is setting America up to fall. He bankrupting this country on purpose. The only reason he was elected in the first place was the color of his skin. He is a disgrace to this country and I hate everything he stands for because everything he stands for anti=american. He has got to go.
AndyTheGameIventor
"The only reason he was elected was the color of his skin"?
Yeah, that must be right.... a white guy has an inherent disadvantage when running for office. Been that way for generations in America.
Daisy Murphy
This only proves the growing stupidity of the American public.
No wonder a British scholar referred to Americans as " the stupidest people on earth".
This is supposed to be a secular country.. why should ANYONE have to wear their religion on their sleeve.. like most of the
phonies who do just that.
programmergirl
I used to think Obama was a Christian. But as he fully supports building the Mosque at Ground Zero, did not observe National Prayer Day and the only church we know him to be associated with has a pastor that rants and raves against America. I have strong doubts. The fact that his father is Muslim..... Hmmm.... I do now believe that Obama is Muslim and his policies are all for Muslims to have their way, increase their influence here in the States and do whatever they want to. I never thought I'd say this, but I wish now that Hillary had been elected. I have no doubts about her religion... OR her place of birth!
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Our flowers were beautiful! Ryan and I got engaged in South Africa so I had a protea (South Africa's flower) in by bouquet.
My dress was a Vera Wang found at La Jeune Mariee.
We worked with Beth from Bella Cakes, a friend recommended her. Her desserts were amazing, we had a red velvet cake, and a few different kinds of cupcakes.
There are too many photos that I love to pick just one! But there is a photo of my dad and I hugging that gives me all the feels.
Start planning early! Depending on where in Columbus you want to have your wedding, there are a limited number of spaces big enough for a large wedding.
We worked with some really amazing folks!


Holy Mary & Nalanda Group of Institutions has bought one prestigious and most beneficial, Future Guarantee, Central Govt. of India certified, Standard- Training-Assessment- Reward (Skill Development) S.T.A.R. Program in our campus. S.T.A.R. is a program announced by Govt. of India, sponsored by Ministry of Finance, Monitored by NSDC, Executed by NASSCOM, ESSI & BFSI Sector kill Council. The objective of this program is to encourage skill development for youth by providing monetary rewards for successful completion of approved training programs.


A server could send a multiple keyboard interactive response messages whose total length are greater than unsigned char max characters. This value is used as an index to copy memory causing in an out of bounds memory write error. (CWE-130).
The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the name CVE-2019-3863 to this issue.
libssh2 1.8.1 ensures the current memory index value plus the length of the response message will fit into the memory buffer before copying the value and incrementing the index value.


1. Add images together with the SVG based next/prev arrows to the slider.
2. The required CSS/CSS3 rules for the slider & slider controls.
3. Place the needed jQuery library at the end of the document.
4. The jQuery script to switch between images when the user clicks the next/prev arrows.
This awesome jQuery plugin is developed by Alexis Prevost-Mayn. For more Advanced Usages, please check the demo page or visit the official website.


text:
Finance Bill — Clause 203 — Use of Tax Schemes Which Impact Developing Countries by UK Companies — 17 Apr 2013 at 21:30
The majority of MPs voted against requiring the chancellor to consider a law which would mean UK companies would need to report their use of tax schemes which have an impact on developing countries; and for the government to notify relevant developing countries and assist with the collection of any tax due.
The aim of the clause appears to be to prompt the consideration of new laws to seek to ensure that UK companies do not use schemes which result in them avoiding paying tax in developing countries.
This vote occurred while MPs were considering the Finance Act[1][2]. The text of the rejected amendment which was the subject of the vote stated:
in clause 203, page 120, line 9, at end add—
(4) The Chancellor shall review the possibility of bringing forward a requirement for UK companies to report their use of tax schemes which have an impact on developing countries, including a review of the possibility of bringing forward proposals to require that when such schemes are identified under those rules, Her Majesty's Government shall take steps to notify developing countries' tax authorities and assist in the recovery of that tax. A copy of the report shall be placed in the House of Commons Library within six months of Royal Assent.'.
This would have added the above clause to the end of clause 203[3] (which appears on p118 of the Bill), titled "General anti-abuse rule".
[1] Parliament's webpage on the Finance Bill (now the Finance Act 2013)
[2] Finance Bill as introduced 28 March 2013
[3] Clause 203 of the Finance Bill as introduced 28 March 2013
What are Boths? An MP can vote both aye and no in the same division. The boths page explains this.
Party Majority (No) Minority (Aye) Both Turnout
Con 237 (+1 tell) 0 0 78.0%
DUP 0 3 0 37.5%
Green 0 1 0 100.0%
Lab 0 210 (+2 tell) 0 82.5%
LDem 38 (+1 tell) 0 0 68.4%
PC 0 3 0 100.0%
SNP 0 6 0 100.0%
Total: 275 223 0 78.8%
MPs for which their vote in this division differed from the majority vote of their party. You can see all votes in this division, or every eligible MP who could have voted in this division
Sort by: Name | Constituency | Party | Vote
Name Constituency Party Vote
no rebellions


text:
Home » Ski Resorts » France » Val d'Isere » Getting There
Getting to Val d'Isere
The main gateway airports for Val d'Isere are Geneva and Lyon international airports; both under three hours' drive away. Chambéry and Grenoble are closer but have fewer flights. Bourg-St-Maurice's Eurostar and TGV train station is 30 km away from the resort.
Nearest Airports to Val d'Isere
Val d'Isère is located at the far end of the Tarentaise valley on the Iseran road. The transfer from Chambery airport takes under 2 hours and there are three other international airports within 3 hours drive (in good conditions).
Chambery Airport 144km / 1 hour 55 minutes;
Geneva International Airport 222km / 3 hours;
Grenoble Alpes-Isere Airport 217km / 2 hours 50 minutes;
Lyon St. Exupery Airport 221km / 2 hours 55 minutes.
Airport Transfers to Val d'Isere
Mountain Rescue Airport Transfers
Private and comfortable airport transfers to Val d'Isere from Chambery, Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble airports with the Mountain Rescue. Enjoy a sleek and professional service that offers you sole occupancy of an 8 seater minibus and no waiting for other groups. Child facilities and ski carriage are included in the price and you can even request a DVD player to keep the kids entertained. Last minute bookings available and secure online booking and payment system. Request a ski transfer quote >
GVA Transfers: Ski Resort Transfers from Geneva Airport to Val d'Isere
GVA Transfers' modern fleet of vehicles includes cars, minivans, minibuses and coaches, providing quick and comfortable private transfers for individuals and groups of any size. GVA offer competitive prices, wait if your flight's delayed, and their 24/7 office is available in case your plans change. At Geneva you're always met by a GVA representative and taken to your vehicle, which is just a short walk away due to priority parking. Get a transfer quote and book online >>>
Airport Car Hire / Car Rental for Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is a big resort. Near the centre, the bus service is efficient and free whilst parking is scarce and expensive. But as you go further out having a car has more benefits, and often a parking space is included with your accommodation.
Compare hire car prices and save money with RentalCars.com
RentalCars.com lets you see the best deals from multiple car-hire firms including big brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty. Free cancelations on most bookings and a price match guarantee means you can lock in the best offer. See the latest deals and book online >
Bus transfers from the airport to Val d'Isere
There are regular daily bus service from Geneva and Lyon airports, and a service at weekends from Chambéry – see www.altibus.com for details.
Bus services from Grenoble airport are also concentrated on the weekend – see www.grenoble-airport.com/en/access/shuttle
Getting to Val d'Isere by Rail
The train station at Bourg St Maurice is 31kms (19 miles) away from Val d'Isere. The easiset way to get from the bus station to the resort is via a taxi or private transfer – you can book one online with Ski-Lifts. Or you can wait for a bus. The bus station is close to the train station and buses from Bourg to Val d'Iseres typically take under an hour to reach the centre of Val D'Isere. See www.altibus.com for timetable information and to book a ticket in advance (recommended).
Trains from Paris for Bourg St Maurice depart from the Gare de Lyon. The fastest take just over four and a half hours but most direct ones take between five and six hours, and most indirect ones between six and seven, and involve changing once or twice at Chambery, Aix Les Bains and/or Lyon. see www.voyages-sncf.com for details.
From the UK, Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) operates services to Bourg St Maurice from London St Pancras, which takes between eight and and ten hours. There are some direct trains with no changes, but these can take longer than services with one change in Paris, which necessitates getting from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon. If you take the Metro this is just two stops on RER line D (Direction Melun). Even allowing time to buy tickets and walk to and from platforms, this should not take more than 30 to 40 minutes. But if you have a lot of baggage, a taxi ride might be a better option.
There are also international Thalys train services direct from Belgium and the Netherlands to Bourg. From Southern and Eastern Europe, services from Geneva and Milan go via Chambery.
Driving to Val d'Isere
Having a car in Val D'Isere can be useful if your chalet or hotel is a long way from the centre but you will have to plan in advance where you will park it when you go into the centre because a lot of the centre is either traffic free or for buses only. With a car you can drive to St Foy Tarentaise (good off piste), La Rosiere and Les Arcs which are all within an hour's drive, if you really want a change of scenery. But there is so much lift-linked skiing available in the Espace Killy very few visitors to Val D'Isere feel any need to explore other ski areas. NB: In winter, Le Fornet, at the eastern end of Val D'Isere is the end of the road. There is no through-route to Bonneval-sur-Arc (although there are long distance ski-tours to there).
Distances and times to Val d'Isere are approximately as follows:
Amsterdam 1,185km / 11 hours 20 minutes
Brussels 970km / 9 hours 50 minutes
Calais 1,000km / 10 hours
Frankfurt 680km / 8 hours
Geneva 220km / 2 hours 40 minutes
London 1,160km / 12 hours
Lyon 240km / 2 hours 50 minutes
Milan 275km / 3 hours 30 minutes via A4/E64
Turin 206km / 3 hours via A5
Geneva – via autoroute to Chambéry – Albertville – Moûtiers – Bourg St. Maurice – Val d'Isère
Lyon: via autoroute to Chambéry – Albertville – Moûtiers – Bourg St. Maurice – Val d'Isère
Val d'Isere Taxi Services
Local taxi companies operating in Val d'Isère include:
Taxi Val D'Isere
Phone: +33 (0)629947535
Web: www.taxivaldisere.net
A.B.C Taxi
Web: www.valdiseretaxi.com
Taxis Autocars Nicolas
Web: www.taxi-nicolas.com
AA Taxi
Web: www.taxiaa.com
Etoile des Neiges Taxi
Web: www.etoiledesneiges.com
Delta's new winter service from London to Salt Lake City gives UK skiers easier access to 'the greatest snow on earth'.
Courchevel's New Freeride zone at Les Creux Noirs
New low cost scheduled transfers to Tignes from Geneva airport by AlpyBus
GVA Transfers 10% discount on Geneva Airport transfers for Ultimate-Ski readers
SKISET ScanFeet for better fitting hired skiboots


The Scarboro Community Alumni Association 2018 Reunion is Saturday.
The activities include a parade at 9 a.m., a Fun Day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., a Meet and Greet from 6-10 p.m., and a Banquet from 6-10 p.m. See the flyer below for more information.
JACKSBORO—The Oak Ridge Wildcats shut out Campbell County 28-0 on Thursday to win the Region 3-5A championship, making them a top seed going into the playoffs and giving them home-field advantage in at least the first two rounds, assuming they get a win in round one.


text:
Q: How is lookup table data declared and initialized in SQLAlchemy? Motivation
Take a trivial example where a column of data needs to be represented by an enumerated type in SQL:
+------------------------------------------+
| user                                     |
+----+------+-----+------------------------+
| id | name | age | relationship_status_id |
+----+------+-----+------------------------+
| 1  | John | 27  | 3                      |
| 2  | Mary | 77  | 1                      |
| 3  | Jack | 40  | 4                      |
+----+------+-----+------------------------+

+---------------------+
| relationship_status |
+----+----------------+
| id | name           |
+----+----------------+
| 1  | married        |
| 2  | widowed        |
| 3  | single         |
| 4  | divorced       |
+----+----------------+

Defining (declaring) the tables themselves in SQLAlchemy is relatively straightforward:
from sqlalchemy import Column, ForeignKey, Integer, String
from sqlalchemy.ext.declarative import declarative_base

Base = declarative_base()

class User(Base):
    __tablename__ = 'user'

    id = Column(Integer, primary_key=True)
    name = Column(String)
    age = Column(Integer)
    relationship_status_id = Column(Integer, ForeignKey('relationship_status.id'))

class RelationshipStatus(Base):
    __tablename__ = 'relationship_status'

    id = Column(Integer, primary_key=True)
    name = Column(String)

When initializing the database, tables can be created with a Base.metadata.create_all(engine) directive. The user table would be filled during the application's running lifetime; however, the relationship_status lookup table's data remains constant, and it seems appropriate to "declare" this data along with the table definition.
Yet persisting data to a table naturally requires a session, and unlike the table definitions themselves, SQLAlchemy does not seem to offer any declarative construct for "expected rows" in a given table (naturally, since the majority of tables in any application are like user with dynamic data).
Problem
Using SQLAlchemy, how can one declare both the schema and data of a lookup table before application runtime? Ideally, the solution would involve the creation of some Enum-like construct containing the data that other parts of the application could reference.
Research
The creator of SQLAlchemy proposed the enum recipe. The only apparent downside of such a solution is that one must rely on the enum datatype within the DBMS being used. For the scope of this question, a DBMS-independent lookup table solution is preferred.
A related alternative also proposed by SQLAlchemy's creator is the unique object recipe. Such an implementation ensures that the rows returned by lookup table queries remain without duplicates, but a session object is still required to make any declarations or requests--blurring the separation of concerns between database definition and implementation. Furthermore, clients would all simply need to "just know" what rows to ask for rather than having some sort of enum (within Python) for reference.

The root of the issue may be conceptual rather than tied to SQLAlchemy or Python. In either case, any advice would be much appreciated.

A: First, I'd argue that in most situations, data that is constant and known at application development time is not generally a good fit for storing in a database.  I'd use either a DBMS-based enumeration or a Python-based enumeration and a check constraint to guarantee that each row in the users table had a valid relationship status.
Since you said you're not going to do that, it sounds like you're looking for a way to trigger some inserts at the time that your relationship_status table is created.
I've adapted the after_create example to insert something into a table instead of altering the table.  You should be able to adapt this to go insert your relationship status values.
from sqlalchemy import event
from sqlalchemy import Table, Column, Metadata, Integer

m = MetaData()
some_table = Table('some_table', m, Column('data', Integer))

def after_create(target, connection, **kw):
    connection.execute("insert into  %s values ('1','single');" %
                            (target.name))

event.listen(some_table, "after_create", after_create)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Colored diamonds are all the rage at present. For some couples, purple is a very significant colour and they look for a purple diamond engagement ring to symbolise their eternal love for each other. All colors in diamonds (with the exception of green) are formed due to a chemical impurity. Purple is said to be caused by hydrogen and boron, which are inside the stone. The way these two elements react with the crystal is what causes the purple hue. Like all coloured diamonds, purple stones are graded for colour intensity. With the major gifting holidays around the corner, read on to find out more about gifting purple diamonds.
As with all the other colors, the more intense the purple, the more valuable the stone is. Purple diamonds often have a secondary colour, which is typically pinkish or a greyish tone.
While purple diamonds are more common than red or blue, finding a purple diamond with no overtones would be very difficult. Stones with a secondary colour are less expensive. Regardless of which you prefer, only purchase diamonds from a reputable jeweller or diamond merchant. Many Australians prefer to buy engagement rings from Diamond Brokers Queensland, who are a leading diamond merchant with an extensive collection of coloured diamonds. They can also customise the ring design.
Once you have found the right stones for the engagement ring, you will want to think about the ring design. There are many different settings to choose from. Admittedly, purple diamonds will look great in any setting, and whichever you choose, it should hold the stones firmly. The side stone setting is popular, especially if the ring is made up several smaller stones, with a larger, central diamond. The Pave setting is another that will display the purple diamond in its best light. The Halo setting is great for a purple diamond as it allows more of the stone to receive light. But whatever setting you choose, make sure it is durable and protects the stone. What a perfect gift for the holidays!
Another important part is that all diamonds should have a GIA certificate with the grading details, so always make sure that this accompanies the stones when you purchase them. If you know little about diamonds, it is a good idea to do some online research prior to beginning your search for the ideal purple diamond engagement ring. The best way to go about the purchase of any diamond is to make contact with a reputable online jeweller.
FInally, if you have your heart set on a purple diamond engagement ring, there are specialist online jewellers who can help to acquire the perfect ring. They can help with stone certification and you can be rest assured that your purple diamonds are genuine.


text:
Pepsi-Cola est une équipe cycliste professionnelle américaine puis italienne créée en 1987 et disparue à l'issue de la saison 1989. Elle portait le nom de Pepsi-Cola-Alba Cucine en 1987 et 1989 et de Pepsi-Cola-Fanini-FNT en 1988. L'équipe participe au Tour d'Italie 1989, sans toutefois y remporter d'étapes. Roberto Gaggioli remporte le CoreStates USPRO Championships en 1988 et Mauro-Antonio Santaromita le Tour du Trentin en 1989.

Effectifs

Notes et références

Liens externes

Équipe cycliste aux États-Unis
Équipe cycliste en Italie
Ancienne équipe cycliste

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


With the glare of the summer sun permeating the grounds and the air practically dripping with humidity, one would almost expect the Garden to be rather empty. However, each day Master Gardeners file through its gates to cultivate magnificent plant life, no matter the weather that greets them.
Currently, 430 Master Gardeners log hours at 150 locations inside the Botanical Garden's walls and across St. Louis; Master Gardeners even service some sites across the river in Illinois. Almost 22,000 hours have already been logged in 2017.
"There has never been a time where I asked for volunteers, and didn't get at least one," says Master Gardener Coordinator Holly Records.
As Master Gardener Coordinator since December of 2012, Records has assisted in fostering and expanding the fruitful partnership between the University of Missouri Extension and Missouri Botanical Garden.
"Instructors' presentations are the basis for the sessions, with materials from the MU Extension supplementing those presentations," Records explains.
Training lasts from the first week of January to the second week of May and members are chosen on a first come, first serve basis. The classes cover topics from plant relationships, anatomy, growth and development to landscape and garden design to integrated pest management.
Active Master Gardeners must complete 10 hours of additional education and 40 hours of volunteer work annually.
Records emphasizes that trainees are encouraged to find an interest area while in the program and to go from there when choosing where to volunteer.
The volunteer opportunities available include instruction, outdoor and indoor gardening, answering community members' questions, and much more. In March, all Master Gardeners attend a volunteer fair where representatives of all locations provide information on what is required of volunteers who choose to complete hours there.
Jean Hunt finished her training in May and currently works as a plant doctor in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening. She selected to volunteer there as she also works at a garden shop and gravitated toward volunteering where she could use her previous experience, and new education, to help other gardeners.
Master Gardeners do not just assist when on the clock, but also on a day-to-day basis in their communities.
Community projects count toward annual volunteer hours as well, as the program encourages members to share their knowledge in the public whenever possible. One way many Master Gardeners reach their communities is by teaching at various schools.
Margaret Grant, a chef who also has a degree in education for global sustainability, is a current Master Gardener who directs much of the youth education aspects of the program.
Kids will often run with what they're taught and find new and exciting ways to use what they've learned, as with a school group Grant instructed who saved seeds from pumpkins carved in class for Halloween. They took those seeds, cultivated them in pots, moved them outside to a plot of land, and were able to grow their own Halloween pumpkins the next year.
"This project allowed the children to see how they can grow a cycle of plants that they can use," Grant adds.
In addition to class time teaching, events are held at multiple locations throughout the year to bring in eager students.
One entertaining event held in the Kemper Center for Home Gardening is Cultivating Young Cooks.
Activities include the chance to touch a worm, taste a mushroom, milk a goat, drink kombucha, eat a bug, make cheese, sample chocolate, and much more. The first 250 children who participate in every station will receive an ice cream treat from Serendipity Ice Cream.
The event is free with Garden admission.


D.H.P.A Show are not eligible for entry again.
be shown. The exhibit will be disqualified for any excess or deficiency.
5. All competitors exhibit at their own risk and the D.H.P.A are not liable for any loss or damage regardless of the cause.
show. Judges may cut or taste any exhibit, or withhold any prize which in their opinion is undeserved.
exhibitors card "bit according to schedule" (NAS) with a factual note as to why marked NAS.
secretary. Rosettes will be given for all other classes and will be placed with your exhibit at judging.
10. Any exhibitor with 10 or more paid entries will be issued with a free admission ticket.


Dial in your camber with confidence. These rear camber shims will ensure no eccentric bolt movement during alignment or under high load, thereby guaranteeing your pre-set position stays that way. Five shims are included (0-4mm) to neutralize camber in "normal" position and increase camber in "flipped" orientation.


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Jaskinia Wyżnia Litworowa – jaskinia w Dolinie Miętusiej w Tatrach Zachodnich. Wejście do niej znajduje się w Czerwonym Grzbiecie w Dolinie Litworowej na wysokości 1921 metrów n.p.m. Długość jaskini wynosi 61 metrów, a jej deniwelacja 35 metrów.

Opis jaskini
Jaskinia ma kształt pochylonej pod dużym kątem szczeliny rozszerzającej się w dużą salę. Aby się do niej dostać trzeba z niewielkiego otworu wejściowego zjechać najpierw 3-metrową studzienką, a z jej dna ciasną szczeliną (zaklinowane głazy tworzą tu mosty) do obszernej sali o długości 8 m. Znajduje się tu najniższy punkt jaskini. Z komory odchodzi  niewielki ciąg zamknięty zawaliskiem.

Na jednym mostów w szczelinie znajduje się wejście do jedynego bocznego ciągu w jaskini prowadzącego do Salki za Okienkiem (13 metrów długości, 3,5 metra szerokości, 6 metrów wysokości).

Przyroda
W jaskini brak jest nacieków. Ściany są mokre. W studzience przy otworze rosną mchy i porosty.

Jaskinię zamieszkują nietoperze.

Historia odkryć
Jaskinię odkryli w sierpniu 1969 roku grotołazi z Częstochowy.

W lipcu 1983 roku grotołazi z Warszawy odnaleźli wejście do bocznego ciągu prowadzącego do Salki za Okienkiem.

Przypisy

Jaskinie polskich Tatr
Jaskinie Tatr Zachodnich


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IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year Award: Meeting with the Stars!
13.00-14.00 CET
Please join the IFLA Public Libraries Section as we celebrate the 2020/21 shortlisted libraries for the IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year Award and to hear from previous winners of the award.
It is widely accepted that the library building is a crucially important ingredient in the successful operation of a public library.
The IFLA Systematic Public Library of the Year Award celebrates beautiful and unique public library buildings from around the world. The award is presented annually to the world's best public library – a newly built public library that combines functional architecture with creative IT solutions and includes digital development with local culture. But what makes these exemplar libraries so successful? What can we learn from these libraries and which elements are they most proud of?
These questions and others will be answered during The Public Library of the Year Webinar.
The webinar will be held on 24th of November from 1300-1400 (CET). Representatives from the following short-listed libraries from the 2020-2021 award will be joining the webinar:
Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo Public Library (Norway) and winner of the 2020-2021 edition.
Forum Groningen (The Netherlands)
Marrickville Library (Australia)
Het Predikheren (Belgium)
Ningbo New Library (China)
The 2021 shortlisted libraries are characterised by the sustainable recycling of materials, natural daylight incorporated into the buildings, and many unique, architectural details. You can find out more about the short listed libraries here.
In addition to the impressive 2021-2021 libraries two previous winners of the IFLA, Systematic Public Library of the Year will also join the webinar:
2019 winner Oodi (Helsinki, Finland)
2018 winner School7 (Den Helder, Netherlands)
Looking back on the Public Library of the Year Award 2021
Tags: Events, Best practices, Civil society, Community, Design, Library building design, Library buildings, Library spaces, Public libraries
IFLA Local History and Genealogy Section Webinar: Providing New Insights in the Field of Genealogy in Asia
Get To Know IFLA: Your Questions Answered | Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2023
IFLA Division C Webinar Series for LIS Students – Sustainable Development Goals in the View of LIS Students


i thought it was very beautiful and loved the code feature. very comfy beds. thank you very much!
Was a time constraint on getting our things out of the car so they could park our car.
The hotel was nice for it's age and the price was affordable. The only regret we had was that the children couldn't swim as the pool was closed.
Everything was great - we had no issues. Our floor was newly renovated.
It was awesome from the first minute we arrived. Exceptional staff and beautiful environment.
Close to canal for beautiful walks, runs and bike rides!
Expedia.ca offers a selection of 263 hotels in Glebe. You are sure to find cheap deals and discount rates among them with our Best Price Guarantee. No matter what type of hotel strikes your fancy, we will let you search for your preferred one to accommodate your travel needs.
Expedia.ca will not only save you time, but also money when booking your stay at a hotel in Glebe. Making reservations so you can stay within your budget is easy with us.
Expedia.ca even provides you with a map so you may find hotels in the Glebe neighborhood you prefer.
Go ahead. Enter your travel dates to view the best offers on hotel rooms in Glebe, Ottawa now!


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Rhaphiptera alvarengai är en skalbaggsart som beskrevs av Lúcia Maria de Campos Fragoso och Monné 1984. Rhaphiptera alvarengai ingår i släktet Rhaphiptera och familjen långhorningar. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Långhorningar
alvarengai


Currently ranked as the world's most listened to station on the Internet, Virgin Radio is one of the UK's favourite commercial radio stations. With an increasing number of web listeners tuning in on a daily basis, the need to deliver fast, accurate business content to its servers quickly and securely is critical to Virgin Radio's efficiency and ultimately its success.
As the upsurge in Internet usage continues to rise within the media and entertainment sectors, the demand for high capacity network solutions has increased exponentially. The ability to increase audience size as well as geographical reach makes the reliability of the Internet and fibre networks ever more important. Delivering content to their millions of web listeners is now a vital part of the stations' day to day process and as such, transporting content between Virgin Radio's Golden Square studio and its datacentre in the Docklands, where the content is stored on its web servers, is now a mission critical requirement.
AboveNet was selected to implement a solution (Metro-Express) offering Virgin Radio a host of qualities that would meet the current needs of the station, whilst providing a future proof network capable of supporting any increased demand to the business over coming years. With security, scalability and cost-effectiveness all key factors in Virgin Radio's selection criteria, choosing AboveNet's dedicated solution ensured that all of these requirements were met with the highest level of expertise and customer satisfaction.
Metro-Express, a fully managed optical wavelength service, today provides Virgin Radio with a complete door-to-door solution that is monitored and maintained by AboveNet's highly qualified engineering team 24 hours a day. Owning one of London's largest dedicated dark fibre networks allowed AboveNet to install Virgin Radio with its own, completely private, optical fibre circuit, ensuring Virgin Radio would gain the maximum benefits from their solution.
Installing a dedicated fibre solution also meant that Virgin Radio's constant need for additional bandwidth was satisfied. With current DWDM technology enabling a pair of fibres to be lit to 320Gb, the station's need for a scalable solution was more than met. Privacy and security were also a priority for Virgin Radio and as such were instantly addressed - AboveNet's private networks are not accessible via any industry public network.
Finally, with budget limitations being a key factor for Virgin Radio, AboveNet's solution proved an obvious choice. Unlike SDH, AboveNet's dark fibre solution allows immediate bandwidth growth without having to install new circuits; this can offer huge savings for Virgin Radio moving forward.
By providing a service that is simple, yet meets all of Virgin Radio's criteria, AboveNet was able to implement a solution capable of supporting all current and future business needs. As content within the entertainment sector becomes more critical, the loss of data can not only be disastrous, but in some cases catastrophic to a business and its reputation. AboveNet is working with a number of high bandwidth media companies to highlight data security and how best to transport their critical content between sites.
AboveNet, Inc. provides high bandwidth connectivity solutions for business and carriers. Its private optical network delivers key network and IP services in and among 15 top U.S. metro markets and London. AboveNet's network is widely used in demanding markets such as financial services, media, health care, retail and government.
Virgin Radio is the UK's only commercial rock and pop music station. It can be heard on 105.8FM in London, on 1215AM nationwide, on any DAB Digital radio, via Sky Digital and the cable TV networks and via WorldSpace. Virgin Radio is the world's most listened to station on the internet and can be heard at www.virginradio.co.uk. Virgin Radio is wholly owned by SMG plc.


Woodfines Solicitors' nationally recognised Transport Law team provides legal services to a wide range of road transport businesses in the passenger sector.
Our clients include businesses using private-hire vehicles, hackney carriage, minibuses, coaches and buses both within and outside the scope of PSV / PCV Operator Licensing.
Woodfines are members of the Institute of Licensing and the Confederation of Passenger Transport.
For further information or advice, please contact our Road Transport team.
Crime and regulatory solicitor Mike Hayward was instructed by a Private Hire Vehicle business to advise on a council decision not to grant them an exemption from having to have vehicle signage (including a roof mounted sign). PHV operators are permitted to apply to the local council's licensing team to seek an exemption from having this type of signage.
In this case, the business had been operating within the exemption for over 14 years and have a client base who seek to use their vehicles due to the discreet nature of their vehicles.
The council had refused the exemption on the basis that the vehicles being used did not fall within the exemption regulations i.e. they were not luxurious enough.
Our client appealed this decision to the licensing sub-committee where we successfully argued that the exemption should be permitted. Had the original decision been upheld, our client's business would have been in jeopardy.


text:
ANTARCTICA'S OCEAN
A Virtual Concert to protect the world's last great wildernesses.
#OnlyOneAntarctica
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica 2021, Ocean Unite, Only One, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and SeaLegacy are honoured to invite you to be part of a line-up of performers from around the world for a ground breaking virtual concert to ensure the greatest act of ocean protection in history, in Antarctica's Southern Ocean.
We invite you to lend your voice for a not for profit virtual concert, together with other musicians and ocean advocates to raise awareness of the public on the need to protect this amazing place and with the support of this wider public of music and nature lovers we can achieve the largest act of environmental protection.
The concert will use new never shown before technology, that allows artists to appear as if they are performing on an iceberg in Antarctica.
It will be streamed as live via Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live & Lookport and be widely promoted across social and media channels. The partners alone have a combined following of over tens to hundreds of millions. This will be supported by a global media push in the weeks and days leading up to the concert.
The concert will be hosted by Ashlan Cousteau, journalist, explorer and ocean advocate and Danni Washington, TV host and ocean advocate.
Artists from different music genres will be invited from countries that play a key role in ensuring the protection of Antarctica: Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, UK and US.
How and where will filming happen?
The concert is virtual so to participate all artists will need to come to an agreed studio in their city to perform and be filmed in front of a green screen. The Lookport team will prepare cameras, green screen, musical equipment and everything necessary for shooting in advance.
Artists are asked to perform up to 3 song in a studio in their city.
Influencers can take part in the project by recording a short video message showing support to protect Antarctica.
Can musicians perform if they are in different cities?
Yes, Lookport technology enables all musicians to appear as if they are performing on a shared stage together.
When can filming start?
Lookport are ready to film on any day convenient for artists. We would like all filming to be done by mid March 2021.
Where will the concert be broadcast?
The concert will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook channels and promoted by them to their user base.
What is the key objective of the concert?
The goal is to raise awareness around the need to protect Antarctica and to increase petition signatures in support of creating Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean.
Who is organizing the concert?
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, Antarctica 2020, Ocean Unite, Only One, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and SeaLegacy.
For any technical questions please contact partners@lookport.live
For contracting information please contact Denise Kozlowski: denise@particle.tv
Example of animated Antarctic background
Lookport showreel
In 2021 global leaders have the chance to safeguard nearly 4 million square kilometres of the Southern Ocean. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) will meet to decide on protecting three large areas in the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, and the waters off East Antarctica.
Although these proposals enjoy wide support, some nations continue to delay action. For this reason, we have launched a petition calling on world leaders to protect these areas before it is too late.
Please join the fight to protect one of the world's last great wildernesses.
LOOKPORT
We will create a virtual Antarctica and teleport the South Pole directly into the homes of millions of viewers to raise awareness of this amazing place and to increase the pressure on world leaders to take action to protect it. Virtual Reality-streaming platform Lookport is in charge of technical production for the Antarctica VR concert.
For any technical, contracting or copyright questions please contact partners@lookport.live
LOOKPORT PORTFOLIO
Lookport has extensive experience in creating virtual concerts and online events with the world's largest artists.


This beautiful renovated apartment with the highest qualities is located in Rambla de Catalunya, in the Right side of the Eixample district. It is located on one of the highest floors of a modernist building, so it enjoys plenty of light. The property has an elegant and spacious entrance with elevator and concierge service. With its 243 m2, it has a clear separation between day and night areas.
Upon entering, we find a large hall, after that the living room with big windows and lots of natural light. The kitchen is spacious and equipped with Smeg appliances.
Night area has 3 double bedrooms with their own bathrooms.
In this apartment, we find French wood floors, air conditioning ducts and heating.


Have brought in a lot of lessons learned from using SH&SM, more optional rules, and reorganized adventuring to be more convenient. Layout and proper art pass are still on my TODO list, but not for a while longer.
All fractions now display super/subscript.
Moved to a more useful location.
Explain dungeon depth and Level.
Combined details of Search, Invisible, Stealth, Tracking Scent, Keen Senses.
Made treasureGenerator.html to roll random treasures.
Next Next post: Princess Bride RPG?


text:
Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index Rises, Signaling Solid Small Business Employment Conditions as 2017 Begins
By Marketwired
The Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index continued to increase in January to 100.62, beginning 2017 at the same pace of employment growth it averaged throughout 2016.Click here for high-resolution version
MoreROCHESTER, NY--(Marketwired - January 31, 2017) -
The national index increased two months in a row for first time since February 2016
East South Central and South Atlantic lead regions
Tennessee remains top-ranked state
Atlanta leads U.S. metro areas
At 104.73, Other Services remains far ahead of other industries
The Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index continued to increase in January to 100.62, beginning 2017 at the same pace of employment growth it averaged throughout 2016. Up 0.13 percent in January and 0.10 percent in December, the national index increased two months in a row for the first time since last February as employment improved 0.21 percent during the past quarter. All regions increased in January, except for the South Atlantic, which had a slight decrease of 0.09 percent. Four of the top five states decreased in January, while nine of the bottom 10 states improved. At 104.17, Tennessee has the strongest index and growth rates among states. With moderate gains in January and indexes exceeding 102, Atlanta, Seattle, and Dallas top the metro rankings. At 104.73, Other Services remains far ahead among industry sectors, while the high-paying Professional and Business Services, Financial Activities, and Manufacturing industries are below 100 to start the year.
"The Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index indicates small business employment conditions are beginning 2017 on firm footing, recovering from a slowdown of gains during the fall months," said James Diffley, chief regional economist at IHS Markit.
"The increase in this month's index tracks with the positive performance of other economic indicators as well as overall business optimism since the presidential election," said Martin Mucci, Paychex president and CEO.
National Index
At 100.62, the Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index starts 2017 at the same pace it averaged throughout 2016. Up 0.13 percent in January and 0.10 percent in December, the national index increased two months in a row for the first time since last February. Though growth rates continue to fluctuate modestly, small businesses have experienced strong job gains for more than 60 consecutive months dating back to 2011.
All regions increased in January, except for the South Atlantic, which had a slight decrease of 0.09 percent. Nevertheless, small business job growth continues to trend strongly in the south; the South Atlantic index has been over 101 for 12 consecutive months. The East South Central region increased once again to a record level, 103.43, to continue as the top-ranked regional index for the third straight month. At 100.73, the Middle Atlantic began 2017 with its strongest index level in more than three years. The West South Central, impacted by low oil prices, has declined 1.81 percent during the past 12 months and is ranked last among regions. New England remains the second-lowest ranked index among regions at 99.81, despite two strong increases in December and January, 0.39 percent and 0.21 percent, respectively.
State Employment Trend
Four of the top five states decreased in January, while nine of the bottom 10 states improved. Trending at a consistently solid level, Florida's index is 101.90, up 0.01 percent from last month and 0.06 percent from last year. At 104.17, Tennessee has the strongest index and growth rates among states. Next in the rankings, small business job growth has been strong in Georgia and Washington with indexes above 102. Georgia and Washington have also shown growth, according to data from the BLS. Illinois, Arizona, Wisconsin, California, and Texas all have indexes lower than their January 2016 levels and are currently below the national baseline mark of 100. Showing signs of a possible recovery, however, Texas improved 0.85 percent during the past two months and is back to just under the national baseline, at 99.98.
Note: Analysis is provided for the 20 largest states based on U.S. population.
Metropolitan Employment Trend
With moderate gains in January and indexes exceeding 102, Atlanta, Seattle, and Dallas top the metro rankings, but have trended much differently in recent months. Up 1.38 percent from last year, Atlanta increased to 102.89 and ranks first for the second straight month. After three significant decreases to end 2016, Seattle settled at 102.66 in January. Dallas once again has the worst 12-month growth rate, -3.03 percent, but has four consecutive monthly gains. Baltimore rounds out the top five and has the strongest 12-month growth rate, 3.13 percent. At 97.78, despite ranking last among metros, Houston is now moving in a positive direction. Houston followed a strong December, up 0.71 percent, with an even stronger January, up 0.99 percent. Down a sizable 1.02 percent in January, Tampa dropped to 99.05, its fifth decline in the last six months.
Note: Analysis is provided for the 20 largest metro areas based on U.S. population.
Industry Employment Trend
At 104.73, Other Services remains far ahead among industry sectors, while the high-paying Professional and Business Services, Financial Activities, and Manufacturing industries are below 100 to start the year. Though Manufacturing had the best one-month gain, the industry continued with the worst 12-month growth rate as its index has not had back-to-back gains since 2014. Education and Health Services improved 0.25 percent in January to 101.14, moving up to second place, its best ranking since 2012. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities is up 0.46 percent during the past three months. At 100.02, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities began 2017 above 100 after only spending one month at that level in 2016.
Note: Analysis is provided for eight major industry sectors.
For more information about the Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index, visit the index website. Plus, view and download the January 2017 Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index infographic. Or, sign up to receive monthly alerts on the Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index.
*Information regarding the professions included in the industry data can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
About the Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index
The Paychex | IHS Small Business Jobs Index is released each month by Paychex, Inc., a leading provider of payroll, human resource, insurance, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small-to medium-sized businesses, and IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and expertise, providing analysis of small business employment trends across the U.S. The index analyzes same-store, year-over-year worker count changes to identify and track small business employment trends using real small business payroll data from the Paychex client base. The index is based on aggregated data from approximately 350,000 small businesses with fewer than 50 workers across the United States, one of the largest sample sizes of any small business index or report in the country, and provides timely, accurate insight into national, regional, state, metro, and industry employment activity.
About Paychex
Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, HR, retirement, and insurance services. By combining its innovative software-as-a-service technology and mobility platform with dedicated, personal service, Paychex empowers small- and medium-sized business owners to focus on the growth and management of their business. Backed by 45 years of industry expertise, Paychex serves approximately 605,000 payroll clients across more than 100 locations and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. Learn more about Paychex by visiting www.paychex.com, and stay connected on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About IHS Markit (www.ihsmarkit.com)
IHS Markit (INFO) is a world leader in critical information, analytics and expertise for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world's leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to sustainable, profitable growth.
Source:http://finance.yahoo.com/news/paychex-ihs-small-business-jobs-133000425.html


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Now displaying: September, 2020
New Comic Wednesday September 30, 2020 0
Jace and Manny talk about some of the books hitting comic stores today. Department of Truth by James Tynion IV and Martin Simonds far and away is the best of the bunch and a worthy choice for Book of the Week. We get the second installment of Three Jokers but we don't get a whole lot more answers. How do we feel about the first arc of Wonder Woman finishing up? Len Wein gets a tribute issue re-presenting Giant Size X-Men #1 that is super cool. Joker War Zone gives us a view into Gotham through the eyes of some other Batman family, while Death Metal: Multiverse's End recaps the various crisis's of the DC Universe. Shang Chi returns in his own series while Red Hood's title is coming to a close. Also Jace runs down some other titles you may want to be on the lookout for.
Kickstarter Wednesday - Encoding Bushido 0
Jace and Manny chat with friend of the show Jesse Mesa Toves about his current Kickstarter campaign Encoding Bushido. It starts with the question, could an A.I. robot be honorable when programed with the code of the Samurai? From that seemingly simple concept an entire world of possibility and a thorough examination of what samurai means and how it ties into what it means to be human begins. Plus the guys reminisce and art, the convention scene and Jesse's beginnings as a creator.
Jace runs down a TON of books that come out today, All spoiler-free thoughts about books from Marvel, DC and a few independents. Just what makes Christopher Cantwell's take on Doctor Doom so perfect? What was the final issue of Joshua Williamson's run on Flash all about and what does it have in common with this week's Speed Metal One-Shot also written by Williamson? Why is Canto such a great bedtime story for kids? Does the second issue of Maestro live up tot he promise of the first? How does the first issue of Juggernaut portray Cain Marko, as a hero or a villain? We've been waiting a long time for X of Swords, so does it live up to the hype? Immortal She-Hulk is a must-read for all fans of Immortal Hulk. Daredevil artist Francesco Mobili is a star in the making. Karla Pacheco continues to add the the history of SpiderWoman in the best way possible. Plus Jace covers issues from Image and Aftershock as well. Also he runs down some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for, especially Unkindness of Ravens.
Jace and Manny talk about some books that are hitting comic shops today. What does the future hold for the Catwoman title under writer Ram V and why does it have them both so excited? Why does Jace think this is the perfect time for Milestone to return? What stories from the SUPER-sized Detective Comics #1027 dd the guys like best and do they agree? You;ll have to listen in to find out the answers to all these questions. Also a quick discussion on who will be the face of DC moving forward. Plus Jace gives a rundown on some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for.
Area 51: The Helix Project 0
Jace talks with writer Trevor Fernandes-Lenkiewicz about his current Kickstarter Campaign Area 51: The Helix Project.
New Comic Book Wednesday 9-9-2020 0
Jace and Manny give some thoughts about some of today's comics they have already read, plus a run down of some other titles you might want to be on the lookout for. Just what is Jace's Book of the Week and why is it so surprising? How does the debut of Ultraman from Marvel come across? What are Wraith's ties to the symbiotes? Why is Wonder Woman working with Maxwell Lord? What about the new Superman "villain" Synmar, what is he all about? These are just a few of the questions we will answer as we go over some titles and discuss them WITHOUT spoilers!
New Comic Wednesday 9-1-2020 0
Jace and Manny give you some insight into some of the new comics that are hitting stands this week that they have already read. Falling in love with your phone's A.I. in Lonely Receiver #1, a new take on Black Widow where a fun, classic villain shows up and a third generation comic creator, Emma Kubert, launches an Image series. The Batman story in Justice League has fascinating ramifications for Bruce Wayne's future that likely will go unrealized, as will the potential for what might have been with the Shazam title which is ending in this week's issue #14. Also we get an interesting take on Hellblazer, where it's all about what we can actually see versus what is implied. Finally Jace gives a rundown on some other titles hitting comic shops today you might want to be on the lookout for.
Kickstart Wednesday 0
Jace chats with comic writer David Pepose about his current Kickstarter campaign for his series The O.Z. Described as The Hurt Locker taking place in the Land of OZ, there's so much nuance here. Pepose talks with Jace about the importance of examining trauma in storytelling as well as the impact that real world events have on us that can also be examined in that way. Plus we have incredible artwork by Ruben Rojas as well as great color work and lettering by Whitney Cogar and DC Hopkins, respectively.
Age of X-Man: Prisoner X #1, Domino Hotshots #1 & Uncanny X-Men #13 0
Jace takes a look at three X-Men titles. We see what it means to be imprisoned in the world of the Age of X-Man as Bishop enters a high security facility designed to rehabilitate repeat offenders who won't follow the fascist policies of the world X-Man has created. What do the flashbacks Bishop is having that feel like memories really mean? What about the feelings that he knows some of these fellow prisoners even though he has never met them? All this and some characters that will be familiar to X-fans, like Dani Moonstar, Beast and Polaris! In the first issue of Domino Hotshots Gail Simone and David Baldeon throw in some super spy James Bond vibes, classic super heroines who kick butt and wonderful character interactions, then they shake it all up and what comes out is a fast-paced and fun comic. Plus a surprise guest star appearance on the last page which will have many X-Men fans smiling from ear to ear. Finally, in Uncanny X-Men #13, Matthew Rosenberg, Salvador Larocca and company are developing an instant classic. The book excels in the same way the classic era of Clarment and Byrne did, with spectacular art that serves to enhance a story built on characters and their relationships to each other. Rosenberg's love and passion for the X-Men shines through with every bit of dialogue as does Larocca's with each panel.


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Slice of Life blog Home Slice of Life blog What you need to know about the future of better health
What you need to know about the future of better health
Dr Priya Chagan
TAL General Manager, Health Services, and Chief Medical Officer
What is the outlook for Australians' health, and how will advances within the medical community help ensure we continue moving towards a future of better health?
That's the question we put to a panel of leading health experts and high-profile Australians, to shed some light on the key health innovations and advances in understanding which could shape the future of health in Australia and around the world over the next 10 years.
The rise of 'personal medicine'
A common theme of the discussion revolved around the changing way in which the medical profession is approaching treatment, to tailor it to the individual.
According to Professor Michael Boyer, Chief Clinical Officer at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, the healthcare system is turning towards a more patient-led and collaborative approach to ensure people can access the right expertise, when they need it.
"All medicine is personal, but we're really talking about identifying individual characteristics and making sure we're getting the maximum benefit because we've used the correct treatment [for the individual]," Prof Boyer said.
Better health through understanding
The way in which the world around us is impacting our health was also examined, including the role deeper understanding can play in helping improve overall wellbeing.
Four-time Olympian, Libby Trickett spoke about her own experiences struggling with mental health, particularly as she transitioned into different phases of her own personal life.
"I first experienced depression when I retired from swimming – the transition into the real world is challenging, but the biggest challenge to my mental health has definitely been the transition into parenthood." she said.
Nick Glozier, Professor of Psychological Medicine at University of Sydney, said the experience was a common one: "It's not just about being happy and getting a happy drug, it's about all these other aspects of our life that are really important to a meaningful life."
"Engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement – those are the four pillars of flourishing," he said.
One way Professor Glozier sees this coming to life is through the use of new technology, apps and social media to improve health literacy.
"There are 1,500 apps out there for treating depression, and yet there's only evidence for 32 of them – we need to have a literacy around how we access the ones that work and provide the evidence on those that really do work."
But he said contrary to popular belief, the research on the relationship between social media and mental health suggests it can actually be an important tool in connecting people during recovery.
"There are actually real positives around social media – you have online forums for support groups, you have people who reach out to find what has actually worked for other people."
He said social media can be 'demonised', but in actual fact people gain a lot of autonomy through those online connections.
Dr Sally Phillips, TAL's General Manager of Health Services, pointed to TAL's CORA app, which seeks to connect people with others who have had a similar experience during recovery, to provide support and understanding through their own health journey.
RUOK? Ambassador, Barry Du Bois, endorsed the approach, saying: "To have a belief that somehow, someone is going through something you've gone through and they're okay is a great relief".
Holistic and preventative health
The panel also looked at the important role holistic health is set to play in living well and helping prevent disease in the future.
Dr Phillips said a key part of the future of better health is going to be helping empower people to realise that good health and wellbeing is under their control, and connecting them with the importance of embracing prevention as part of ensuring their best health.
"We look at health holistically at TAL, and for us that means considering physical health, mental health and financial health."
Professor Boyer agreed, saying "I'd like to really see a recognition that good health and wellbeing is something that's actually under our [own] control."
Du Bois, a well-known Designer and TV personality who continues his own battle against a rare and aggressive form of cancer diagnosed at 52, spoke about his own journey in understanding the importance of holistic health.
"I've spread my treatment out across what the medical industry tells me, and what I know I can do for my brain and my respiratory [system] and my nutrition, so it's a really broad thing for me," he said.
Professor Glozier said it's common to underestimate the importance of simple things like sleeping and eating well, when it comes to an individual's overall health outlook.
"Sleep and circadian rhythms are fundamental to our health."
The future of better health
Looking to the future, Professor Boyer said the outlook for cancer patients is improving every day: "If you live to the age of 85, one in two of us will develop cancer – that's the bad news."
"The good news is, in the last forty years the 'five year survival rate' has increased from 48% to 68%."
"We will see cancer go from a disease that you have, where you have treatment and maybe you beat it or maybe you don't, to something that you live with for very, very many years."
One thing all panellists agreed, was that it was down to the individual to understand and embrace those things they could do personally to ensure they are moving towards a future of better health.
But the greatest benefits would come from all of the participants in people's lives – from the medical industry to their service providers – working together to help them live more healthy lives.
Said Dr Sally Phillips: "I would love for us as life insurers, along with our partners, to be an integral part of the health system and a tool in patients' tool bag to make them feel better, either from a prevention or from a support perspective."
To see the highlights from the panel discussion, visit our Future of Better Health page.
TAL is not a health insurer. If you need someone to talk to or have concerns about your mental health, seek help immediately by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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After its formal unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show, we look further into the luxury model and explain the five things to look out for on the new CLS.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the third generation of the premium coupe model, and takes into account the brand's new styling and technology.
Including some of the latest accessories fitted to top-end models, the CLS is due to bring more of the recognisable Mercedes quality that its models are renowned for.
But what are the main features of the new version, and why should you consider it if you're in the market?
What Mercedes does well is ensure that drivers and passengers are more than comfortable when using its vehicles, and the new CLS is no different. Coming with leather upholstery and lots of interior space, it should be well up there with other Mercedes models in terms of indulgence. This is also the first CLS to have five seats, so it's more practical too.
Another bonus is the standard widescreen cockpit, which combines two 12.3-inch screens that goes from the instrument binnacle all the way to the edge of the passenger seat. The screen in the binnacle is fully customisable to suit the driver's needs, and alongside the central display, they are controlled by a touchpad in the stream-lined dashboard.
Coming with a new range of six-cylinder engines, the highlight and most powerful is the 3.0-litre petrol is paired to an EQ Boost 48V electric power system. Adding 22bhp to the 362bhp produced by the engine, the electric system not only enhances the performance of the engine, it also helps save fuel by taking over with some acceleration and deactivating the engine during a cruise. It also recuperates energy from braking so that it is more efficient.
As well as helping drive the car it can take care of some of the vehicle's accessories and features – helping save even more fuel.
The other power options are derived from the same 3.0-litre diesel engine, with 281bhp and 335bhp versions available to customers.
To help with stability and outright performance, all three engine choices are paired with 4Matic all-wheel drive and multi-link suspension to promote a more comfort-based drive from base spec. Air suspension can be fitted as an optional extra, which brings adaptive damping to the setup and means further comfort, as it can soak up the bumps more efficiently.
The flagship of the range is the ideal place to grab technology from, and from the S-Class come some of the top safety features on the market. Active brake assist, lane keeping assist, attention assist, speed limit assist and the Pre-Safe occupant safety system all come as standard with the CLS.
The optional Driving Assistance Plus package adds some of the top features like active distance control, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist and Pre-Safe Plus. These combine to help make the CLS one of the most advanced cars on the road.
Another cool feature is that the CLS uses the camera and radar systems along with navigation data to see how the driver is behaving and suggest assistance systems if they are needed.
If you are the sort of person that needs to be connected at all times, the CLS has a great feature for you. The In-Car Office feature can place you in conference calls and detect locations from calendar events so it can remind you where to go and when. If you need to get into a conference call, the car's system will detect the PIN you need and automatically input it so you don't have to be distracted.


Hi everybody, please participate in our rates poll, on the bottom of the home page. We are really interested in finding out what everybody is charging, in the interests of standardising rates here and trying to make sure that we are getting paid what we deserve here. We provide quality work in South Africa and deserve to be paid accordingly. Thanks guys!!
A nice story from Tanya!
Last night I secured a contract - nothing major (between R150 and R300 per month), however it is the "other" type of reward that I will be getting that really made me excited.
As most of you know, my favourite market where I work is people with disabilities and specifically people with a visual impairment. Three of my current clients and the one that recently died in Russia are blind. I got a call yesterday from a blind lady, her husband is blind, their eldest daughter (Gr 3) is blind and they have a sighted boy going to Gr 1 next year. She is a very involved mother and wish to still be involved with her kid even though she cannot see. She wants to be able to assist him with his homework and need a hand at least until he can read himself.
She send me some stuff which I "translated" into descriptions which she would understand, similar to what screen reading software uses but added some clear indications where these objects would be on the page and how it would look like for the seeing child; in that way she would be able to tell him what to look for. What I did worked for her, and this of course did not surprise me - I know the field, I know the technology.
It was just this awesomeness of a woman wanting to be part of her child's life and then how technology and a virtual assistant's ability to make that dream a reality for her.


A list is a special kind of data type which can contain zero or more elements of any of the other data types recognised in LSL.
Elements in a list do not need to be all of the same type. In the same list, you can store strings, integers, floats, vectors, and rotations, right side by side.
//a list with an integer, a float, a string, and a vector.
List can be directly typecast into string.
BUT, counting to determine an element's place in its list (aka "indexing") starts at 0 – NOT 1.
The position of "Yes" in the above list is 0, "No" is at position 1, and "Perhaps" is at position 2.
Positions in a list can also be counted from the right-hand end progressing to the left by using negative indexes.
Then the position of the right-most entry is -1, and the position of the left-most entry is the negative of the list length.
string LastButOne = llList2String(mylist, -2);   // etc.
Method 1 is the most memory efficient under Mono-LSL. But not under LSO.
Note that prepending the new_item without brackets negates any memory savings in Mono-LSL.
Method 1 will consume more memory than other methods in LSO-LSL.
As of 8/8/2009 Method 7 returns the best memory savings in LSO-LSL.
Methods 2 & 3 compile to the same thing.
Methods 6 & 7 can result in a considerable memory savings in LSO-LSL over methods though there is an LSO-LSL VM bug that causes the string & key typecasts to not stick properly: SVC-1710. (It helps reduce heap fragmentation, which would otherwise result in unusable blocks of heap memory). In Mono-LSL it provides no significant memory advantage or disadvantage.
Depending upon the situation (in LSO-LSL) this method may not provide any advantage whatsoever. If in doubt profile the script with and without using this method.
Note: Concatenation can ONLY be done by executable code in LSL, you cannot use + while declaring a global list.
This method (deleting every few list entries or strides) is preferable to deleting an entry every loop, as the cost of calling llDeleteSubList() is very high. It is up to the scripter to decide what their optimal chunk-size is for pruning an input list, as you will need to balance memory use with delete cost.
will take the TRUE path.
See also 'ListCompare' for comparing if two lists are really equal including the contents.


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Oyster Grill and Bar, Cowes
ReviewsUncategorised 7th August 2011 Matt and Cat
Cowes & East Cowes57 Restaurants168 We don't like24
Matt and Cat were flattered to be invited to try the Oyster Grill and Bar, a pop-up restaurant at Cowes Yacht Haven for Cowes...
Matt and Cat were flattered to be invited to try the Oyster Grill and Bar, a pop-up restaurant at Cowes Yacht Haven for Cowes Week 2011.
At the same time last year they had a delightful experience at Robert Thompson's pop-up at Northwood House – would this year's temporary culinary installation pass muster?
Passing up the OGB's courteous invitation to a preview, M and C just rolled up unannounced – a habit of theirs which, even after all these years, it seems that people don't expect. There's a reason why they do this, you see. Even though it might be true that they'd get the best service and food if they went by appointment, they don't. They walk in, or (if they are organised enough) book a table under someone else's name, or as a part of a party. This modest subterfuge is intended to make sure that M&C don't get too big-headed about any of this stuff. But more importantly, to ensure that the experience they write about is comparable to that of a regular diner off the street.
Oyster Grill and Bar is a substantial set-up in the side of the main hall at Cowes Yacht Haven. It has a good few tables and a bar out on the decking, and some inside. When M&C arrived, it was still early and the place was deserted other than a few staff behind the bar. A young chap popped out and, after his guests had considered the bracing wind, showed them to an indoor table with a nice view over the nearby Mahiki Bar.
Cat, though unharmed, was a bit shaken by this brush with death.
Drinks were produced, and the polite youngster disappeared to get a jug of water too, leaving Matt and Cat alone to study the menu. It wasn't a big menu, although it might have been better if it had been, because M&C got pretty bored of looking at it after twenty minutes and no sign of the staff. The appeal of 'iSpy' eventually palled, especially when it came to iSpy the prices; over half the main meals had an asterisk where the price should be. In small type at the bottom of the menu was the proclamation "dependant on market availability and price". This seasonal fluctuation in price may be tolerable in a restaurant which is open all year but considering that OGB is only open for a week how likely is it that the prices will change in such a short period of time? Other permanent venues manage to keep a consistent price on their seafood. Nonetheless, Matt and Cat made their choices. All they needed now was someone to take their order.
Cat, noting that other later arrivals were having their orders taken, huffed out of her chair and went to the empty bar where her steely glare eventually attracted a passing waitress. Orders were made. Back at the table, Matt had been joined by some friends. Service was looking up as a single glass of water arrived – although, to be fair, the waitress then kindly offered a complimentary bottle of iced water as compensation for the delay.
The waiter who had brought their drinks came over and offered to take a drinks order… It may come as a surprise to students, the unemployed and certain restaurant owners that being waiting staff is a skilled job. Sure, almost anyone can carry plates but that's like saying anyone who knows which way up to hold a pencil can be an architect. Matt and Cat probably had each member of staff come up to their table at some point during the evening which meant that some things were duplicated or forgotten completely. Things like napkins, or cutlery. At these prices, it just isn't good enough.
The RAF had considerately put on their traditional Cowes Week Red Arrows display just where it could be viewed by those waiting for food. Cat went out to stand in the doorway and observe the aerobatics. Turning to go back to her chair, she was startled by an almighty crash as the big Oyster Grill and Bar sign, which seconds ago had been above her head, fell to the ground landing just where she'd lately been standing – if she'd still been there it would have been an end to her reviewing career worthy of Patches O'Houlihan himself. Cat, though unharmed, was a bit shaken by this brush with death. Her friend, who had been outside with her, was given a glancing blow by the long board on its way down. It says something for the attentiveness of the staff that none of them were roused by this remarkable and noisy incident, nor did they come and deal with it until Cat's friend hollered for some attention and a waitress wrestled the sign away. And any expressions of concern and offers of reparations? None, actually. Not even another free bottle of water.
Seafood chowder £6.50
Asparagus £3.50
Lemon sole £21.50
Langoustine quiche £8.50
Coke £2.00
Glass of rosé £5.50
Total: £47.50
Indoors after the excitement of the Red Arrows and the gravity-obeying signage, the starters finally arrived. Matt's seafood chowder was billed as home-made soup full of fresh fish, shellfish, vegetables and lentils, finished with fresh cream and brandy. This was exactly what he got: and plenty of it. It was piping hot, and absolutely rammed with all sorts of good things – including a good handful of mussels and clams in shells, which would have made a meal by themselves. Big chunks of fresh fish were soaked with a tasty, tangy sauce. A very impressive start.
Cat had fresh buttered asparagus. The half-dozen or so slender browned spears lay regimented on their plate in a little puddle of butter. A combination of the light seasoning, creamy butter and grilling gave them an excellent flavour and the texture was just right – not too woody and not boiled to mush.
Both Matt and Cat enjoyed their starters; Matt's was particularly impressive. They were less keen on seeing their empty plates sat at the table for longer than the regulation time. Cat found herself humming Hung Up, a hit for stringy disco cougar, Madonna – "time goes by so slowly…."
Now, a moment's diversion might be necessary here. It's been quite a while since M&C were obliged to rant about a practice that they thought had died out in Island restaurants. There was a time when ordering veg and carbs separately was de rigeur. No longer. When you order a meal, it should come with all components included, or at least a choice of, say, vegetables, potatoes, or salad. And usually that's what you get. Maybe Oyster Grill and Bar were unaware of this, or disagree, because Matt and Cat made the mistake of not ordering anything with their main courses and ended up with pitifully inadequate portions. The waiting staff didn't offer them anything, or warn them that they were ordering half a meal. Even modest eater Cat was displeased with the size of her dinner, and as for trencherman Matt, well, you don't need to know what he thought. In his case, it was a shame, because his fresh whole grilled lemon sole served with lemon butter was really pretty good. The minuscule salad garnish was just enough to cover the flatfish's modesty, but the fish itself was perfectly cooked, moist, tasty and simply presented with plenty of lemon butter.
The Oyster Grill and Bar must have been particularly impressed with their home-made langoustine and clotted cream quiche as they trumpeted its presence on the menu in a personal message to Matt and Cat. Sounds great, doesn't it? Cat, a big fan of The Cream Tea, doesn't take much persuading when there's clotted cream to be had. She was looking forward to this dish and had no hesitation in choosing it.
Regular readers will know that Cat isn't a big eater but when her quiche arrived she was crestfallen. A tiny sector of a modest quiche sat apologetically on the plate with a handful of dressed mixed leaves and a slice of lemon cut surgically thin. The salad was adequate, but the quiche was poor. It was dry, dull and almost lacking in langoustine – apart from a chewy piece which Cat discovered in the last mouthful. Home-made? Perhaps. But that day? Seems unlikely. Any clotted cream had been baked off, leaving the crustacean with the texture of an eraser. It was bland and uninspiring and not worth £8.50. The waiter came over as Cat was pushing the last piece in. "Everything alright?", he asked hopefully. There was a long pause. "I'll let you know", said The Cat pointedly.
Having tweeted their progress throughout the meal Matt and Cat weren't surprised to find their cover almost blown by the arrival of a small boy. "Are you Matt and Cat?", he enquired with courteous deference. He explained that he had been eating in the OGB with his parents, who had been following Matt and Cat's eventful meal by reading their tweets and responded in kind, saying "Portions small & they can't even cook chips. Red Arrows were good though." The lad was sent back to his family to confirm that he had, indeed, located the tweeting reviewers. They came over and introduced themselves. Certainly OGB was proving to be a great place for socialising, even if it was necessary to keep an eye out for falling architecture.
It was the end of the meal; and it had been a bit of a shambles. First hesitant service, then none, then too much. The Red Arrows were the highlight, the falling sign was a dangerous low-point. The starters were great but the mains were over-priced and Cat's was pitiful. They had planned to stay for dessert but were being lured to the Mahiki Bar for cocktails in the VIP area. The arrival of the bill delivered the death blow: £21.50 for the lonely lemon sole. Ouch. Matt enjoyed the fish but at that price he would have preferred it with some vegetables, potatoes or bread, condiments and napkins.
Matt and Cat know very well that pop-up restaurants can be fantastic, exciting and adventurous places – Cowes Week last year proved that. Sadly, this one wasn't any of those things. With Cowes offering so many other great eating-places and good-value meals, Matt and Cat felt let down by the Oyster Grill and Bar.
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Nick Churchill
7th August 2011 #1 Author
Obviously something thrown up to make as much money from Cowes week crowds and no other thought gone into it!!!
Hah i must have walked past when you were eating , Glad i didnt come in , Sounds terrible , Can do much better in Cowes this time of year . .
Matt and Cat respond: absolutely. We made a very unlucky choice – see our earlier article for some much better options!