The Lepak Game is an entertaining card game developed by Rojak Culture, meant to spark passionate conversations that bring out our awesome fiesty Malaysian-ness! We believe that the best way to embrace diversity is to celebrate it by playing together.
This Nov 11, join the developers of The Lepak Game to playtest the Lepak Game expansions (prototypes). We greatly appreciate your feedback to make the Lepak Game even more awesome and we have 3 versions ready for playtesting: Expansion 1.0, Sabah Expansion and Sarawak Expansion. So whether you are East or West Malaysian, head on over and let's have a fun session celebrating our Malaysian-ness!
We are also partnering with the TableTop Game Designers of Malaysia(TTGDMY) where other local game designers will be there to showcase and host playtest sessions of their works-in-progress. Stay tuned for the list of other local games and designers that will be there to join us!
- Have a sneak peek at our expansions!
- Be part of our market research and give us your valuable feedback.
The Lepak Game contains the essence of Malaysia in a deck of cards, guaranteed to spark some serious Malaysian-style fun! It's very easy to play - it's all about your creativity in convincing the 'Boss' to pick your card.
You'll find yourself in boisterous conversations, laughing at inside jokes or reminiscing a truly Malaysian experience with other players.


It's finally here…the Super Lap Scotland, powered by Rockstar Energy Drink Finale takes place on Sunday 9th September. All the previous hard work, counts for nothing as the top drivers in each of the seven SLS classes compete for 2018 titles, and the King of the Hill overall Championship. The event, will also play host to our fourth running of the Paul Walker Tribute, replica cars from the Fast & Furious movies, Car Trackday Sessions, Super Clean Scotland Competitions, Drag Racing and once again we'll be raising funds for Reach Out Worldwide – Paul Walker's own charity.
Last edited by Davey on Wed Aug 15, 2018 7:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
Stick my name down please.


C. Manousos hit by pitch.
D. Vecchio singled to left field; C. Manousos advanced to third.
L. Mastromat reached on a fielder's choice, RBI; D. Vecchio out at third 2b to 3b; C. Manousos scored.
L. Mastromat advanced to second on a passed ball.
G. Berkowitz hit by pitch; K. Nolan advanced to second; L. Mastromat advanced to third.
G. Cardenas to 3b for M. Porcaro.
L. Rivera singled to left field.
G. Hunt to lf for M. Kercher.
L. Bieren reached first on an error by 3b.
L. Rivera doubled to right field; C. Catalanot advanced to third.
C. Kilgore singled, bunt; S. Chiasson advanced to third.
C. Manousos reached first on an error by cf, advanced to second; C. Kilgore scored, unearned; S. Chiasson scored, unearned.
G. Hunt reached first on an error by 3b.
D. Vecchio singled to left field.
K. Nolan singled, bunt; L. Mastromat advanced to second; D. Vecchio advanced to third.
G. Cardenas walked, RBI; K. Nolan advanced to second; L. Mastromat advanced to third; D. Vecchio scored.
S. Chiasson singled to left field, RBI; G. Cardenas advanced to second; K. Nolan advanced to third; L. Mastromat scored.
C. Kilgore reached on a fielder's choice; S. Chiasson advanced to second; H. Magee advanced to third; K. Nolan out at home 3b to c.
C. Manousos reached first on an error by ss, advanced to second; C. Kilgore advanced to third; S. Chiasson scored, unearned; H. Magee scored, unearned.
I. Bonoldi to c for A. Feinstein.
B. Westmorel to p for G. Hogan.
M. Porcaro to 3b for G. Cardenas.
G. Hogan to 2b for G. Berkowitz.
C. Catalanot singled to left field; K. Hatchell advanced to second.
L. Rivera doubled to center field, RBI; C. Catalanot advanced to third; K. Hatchell scored.
K. Brown reached first on an error by ss, advanced to second; L. Rivera out at third lf to c; C. Catalanot scored, unearned.
G. Hunt doubled to left field, RBI; E. Dubois scored.
K. Hatchell singled to left field, RBI; G. Hunt scored.
L. Bieren singled to left field; K. Hatchell advanced to second.
L. Bieren advanced to second on a wild pitch; K. Hatchell advanced to third.
C. Catalanot flied out to cf, sacrifice fly, RBI; K. Hatchell scored.


text:
OrganicMattersMag.com
Organic Matters Magazine
Content from 2001 - 2012
Organic Matters Magazine is one of Ireland's top organic farming magazines published by IOA. Organic Matters Magazine is full of information and articles related to organic farming and the organic food market. The magazine is complimentary to IOA members.
This was the magazine's official website for a number of years. If you would like to be featured in the magazine please contact grace.maher@iofga.org.go to: www.irishorganicassociation.ie/about/organic-matters-magazine/
If you have inadvertently ended up here why searching for Organic Matters the new owners of this domain encourage you to go to the Irish Organic Association's website at: www.irishorganicassociation.ie/
Content is from the site's 2011 - 2012 archived pages., as well as other outside sources providing a glimpse of the type of information this magazine offers its readership.
About Organic Matters
If Organic matters to you then you've come to the right place. Whether you're an organic farmer or gardener, or just have an interest in the environment and the benefits of organic food, you'll find the information you're looking for.
Organic Matters features articles on organic farming, gardening tips, organic recipes, environmentalism and consumer issues and lots more, many of which can be read in our features section.
As well as features from the magazine, our site contains exclusive articles and advice not featured in the magazine or anywhere else such as the series 'What do organic gardeners do about?' and 'Gardening Tips'.
We welcome news, comments and articles for inclusion in the magazine or on the website. Contact us if you wish to submit an item, or have any queries regarding the magazine or this website.
Organic Matters is published quarterly by the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA). Each issue is available through Easons and WNS distribution, from many wholefood shops and market stalls around the country, and by subscription.
Organic Matters is edited by Cáit Curran.
A Family Affair
The Crowe brothers run a variety of enterprises from their family farm near Dundrum in Co. Tipperary. John Paul Crowe talks turkey with Cáit Curran
Hobbling about on crutches is no fun when you have to look after six hundred turkeys, so it's lucky for John Paul Crowe that he has family help at this crucial time of year for a poultry enterprise. A recent broken ankle has slowed him down but he expects to be fully back in harness before the onset of the main Christmas rush.
The resourceful Crowe brothers have developed their Tipperary-based business since converting to organic in 2006, adding pigs, turkeys and occasionally sheep to their existing beef enterprise. TJ looks after the family abattoir and butchery while Eamonn takes care of transport and delivery and John Paul is responsible for the turkeys. "It's our third year to have turkeys," he explains. "We started out with two hundred and increased that to four hundred last year. I thought we could have sold at least another fifty last year so I decided to increase the number again this year. I'm confident that we will have a market for all six hundred".
Even though he reared some white turkeys to begin with, John Paul has opted for all bronze varieties this year. "They are better overall, hardier and easier to manage and have a better flavour," he says. There is demand for all sizes of turkey so he buys in a variety of breeds as day-old chicks to ensure a range of sizes for the Christmas market. "This year I got the chicks on 22nd June which is earlier than last year, but bronze turkeys need the time to grow and develop flavour. They are much slower than white turkeys".
The first six weeks is the tricky period when fatalities are most likely to occur. "There is a lot to learn in the first few weeks. The chicks remain on heat for six weeks and are weaned off by week seven," says John Paul. "Then they are moved to the grower house and have full access to outdoors. They are fed an organic turkey starter for the first period and that is followed by a grower ration until twelve weeks. Then they go on to a mix of wheat, barley, oats and a rapeseed by-product".
Turkey Plucking
Bronze turkeys are very healthy and adapt to the outdoors quickly. "Starting that bit earlier this year was an advantage and the birds have a lovely healthy sheen on their feathers at the moment," he says. "They are out in all weathers but good shelter and good fencing are essential". To prove the point, thirty birds decamped to the neighbours and were missing for three days until spotted in a neighbouring field.
Killing for the Christmas market starts around the 12th December and these birds will be dry plucked and hung for a couple of weeks. The remainder will be killed on 21st December, wet plucked and stored in a cold room awaiting collection and distribution. "We supply some butchers, we have a lot of on line orders and some birds are delivered by courier," says John Paul. "We distribute to Limerick, Cork, Dublin and Waterford. In the run up to Christmas, a lot of customers will call to pick up birds from the farm".
The Crowes supply around 3,000 hams at Christmas and John Paul finds that the turkeys fit well with their market. They keep ten sows and finish about forty organic pigs for Christmas. "There is good demand for organic pork especially from restaurants.
Overall, the demand is good and orders are not down this year. People never stint on Christmas. It's one time of year free from recession". John Paul keeps his organic pork prices in line with free range price levels and finds the demand growing year on year.
The level of organic or even free range pork production is tiny in Ireland compared to the UK where 60% of product is a combination of organic and free range. He feels that there is huge potential for development and a production standard is currently being drafted by Bord Bia. He sees difficulty with keeping pigs outdoors through the winter and envisages some form of housing with limited access to outdoors. "Pigs thrive outdoors in summer but, in our weather conditions, it is more difficult in winter," he says.
Another aspect of the Crowes business is also growing in popularity. They invested in a large spit to roast whole pigs for shows, concerts and events. This proved so popular that they now have five machines on the go during peak season.
The abattoir is a major part of the business and they have an organic licence to kill for their own business and for individual farmers. For the future, John Paul sees the family investing in more on-farm facilities. "It makes sense to have a dedicated abattoir for killing turkeys so that we can do all the processing ourselves. As well as that we will need to invest in more equipment and storage".
With the growing resurgence in self-sufficiency and new small enterprises, the Crowes have added a further string to their bow. "We run a number of courses on sausage making, butchery, smoking and organic pig production," John Paul says. "We usually run our courses in conjunction with NOTS when there is sufficient demand".
Going organic is something that he has not regretted. "Since I became an organic farmer I am a better farmer. I've learned a lot about rotations, soil and the importance of farmyard manure. I'm farming more efficiently and more effectively. Even though the stocking rate is lower, I don't have the cost of expensive inputs. I have to plan in advance all the time and providing the best life for your animals will repay you in the end". He advises anyone starting out to start small and grow with the market. "It's important to know where you are going and to look at the viability of your business. If you don't have a market, don't do it". He foresees the market for organic will always be there as long as it is a quality product. "You are not just selling a product; you are selling yourself and a way of life as well".
For now, once the last customer is out the gate on Christmas Eve, John Paul is looking forward to putting his feet up and enjoying the turkey and ham.
The grain share initiative
In an effort to create a strong, direct relationship with Irish consumers and promote an active partnership that improves food security, a group of Irish farmers have set up the Grain Share Initiative. Nelleke McGrath reports.
This initiative encourages the Irish farmer to grow directly for the end-user while securing proven seed for future harvest and supporting a sustainable way of farming.
Biodynamically produced cereals are grown under the most harmonious conditions without using herbicides, insecticides, pesticides or fungicides. All the consumer receives is clean, vibrantly alive Aszita wheat berries. These can be flaked, sprouted, cooked, or milled into flour. The freshly milled flour contains all the nutrients, enzymes and other ingredients required. No additives are needed.
I asked the following people connected with the grain share initiative of the Biodynamic Association of Ireland to explain what it means to them and I also include my views as Grain Share Co-ordinator:
Ernest Mackey – organic farmer who grows the Aszita baking wheat
Jean Mackey – farmers wife who cares for the farm, the family and BD course participants
Lionel Mackey, son of Jean and Ernest who manages part of the farm
Mattheus Wagter, chairman of the Biodynamic Association and eco therapist
Ernest Mackey
Well, I am farmer and I have a certified organic farm. I've been using organic and biodynamic methods since 1997. It works very well for me in terms of crop health and yield. The absence of herbicides and pesticides gives me a reassuring feeling for myself, my family and my animals. But also I feel happy to sell my produce knowing there are no harmful traces in any of it.
I started with grain share when Michael Miklis spoke to me about his idea of growing grain and sharing with end users. It immediately made sense to me and I offered to grow the grain. The land here is ideal for growing cereal. We've been cultivating winter wheat since 1980 (also some oats, but that's mostly for ourselves on the farm). Grain share is still a pilot project. It's now in its third year, constantly evolving and getting better. I like our farm being a hub of learning for those interested in biodynamic practice. And it gives all of us such a sense of confidence and trust in the land we farm.
Jean Mackey
I've been interested in biodynamic growing for a long time. We cultivate all the vegetables for our family on our own farm. We don't sell the produce but friends often get loaded with goodies to bring home. I can mill the grain with a Hawo mill I bought last year and it's great. Freshly milled flour is the 'bees knees'. Everybody loves the bread I make – it's a simple soda bread, Ernest's mother's recipe. We've used it for years. For myself I make Essene bread. I sprout the grain, then blitz it in the blender, mix it with honey and salt, leave it to rise beside the Aga and when it's ready it's baked in a slow oven – soft delicious bread and easy to digest. It's an ancient recipe and always works well. Having biodynamic workshops on the farm means lots of enjoyment. I prepare some of the meals, and everybody who comes brings a contribution towards the meal, which is fantastic. The kitchen table gets crowded. If it's good weather we all eat outside. It's great fun; we love having people come and join in. Often our family members come too and meet everyone. That's important. We then become one large extended family – as it should be, a farm reaching out to a wider community.
Lionel Mackey
Well, it's something my Dad does and has done for a long time. Part of the farm has been passed over to me last year and this year I am becoming more involved in the cultivation of the grain. I feel excited about this because it means a whole new field of expertise. I am eager to learn more. I've always known about biodynamic practice but now I am ready to become more involved. Grain share means lovely bread my Mom bakes for us all. It's really quite incredible that we grow the grain and eat the bread. It gives all of us such a sense of confidence and trust in the land we farm.
Nelleke McGrath
Grain share for me is an exciting volunteering effort. I started quite green, knowing very little and I learned as I went along. I'm blessed with people having confidence in me to do the volunteering work. I've learned lots about biodynamic practice, growing grain, grain itself and baking bread. Also I've a better understanding of the farmer's concerns and worries. But mostly it's all roses and optimism. Having fresh grain myself, I've become aware of the difference in flavour. I've always baked yeast or soda bread but since getting to know this wheat I've learned to make bread using water, honey and salt only. This makes a mild sour dough bread, slowly fermented over two days. I add a small amount of caraway seed for extra flavour. We all like this bread, it's good with sweet and savoury toppings. I've also started to experiment with Sekowa backferment.
My work for grain share comprises administration of the shares, keeping share holders up to date and helping with biodynamic workshops.
Recently, I started giving talks to community groups on cereals, growing grain, milling grain and baking bread. It's called 'bread for the journey' and that is what this marvelous grain truly provides bread for the journey of life.
Mattheus Wagter
I have been a biodynamic farmer since I was nineteen when, after my father died, I had to take over the farm. I started organic and then converted to biodynamic, a natural, logical progression in my opinion. I learned to be flexible, strong, determined and use my intuition a lot. The latter led me to become an eco therapist.
Eco therapy is a specialised form of sensing the land and actively helping to improve conditions. It's a very new field of bringing together various disciplines to harmonise the farm and improve conditions on all levels. The whole farm is involved here: humans, animals, crops, house, land. In the eco therapy process there is a beginning, a middle and an end. So it's not something that drags on and on. Usually, after the eco-therapy harmonising project is completed I'm asked back for occasional updating consultations. I like to keep in touch with former clients and I like to see how things improve. It's a bit like helping to start an engine and once it's running it keeps ticking over nicely. An occasional fine tune is needed but, on the whole, the farms are running fine. I like helping people and doing myself out of a job at the end of it. I like people learning and then knowing how to maintain their own healthy balance.
Grain share is an important part of the work of the Biodynamic Association for promotion of practical biodynamic application and demonstration. I became chair of the biodynamic association of Ireland in 2010.
Grain share brings members of the association together – we assist each other spraying biodynamic preparations. We make preparations. We harvest, clean and bag the grain. We all network to promote and distribute the grain. It's a joyous fact that we can cultivate good quality wheat in Ireland.
In a wider context, as the Biodynamic Association, we want to increase awareness around this staple food. It's a basic food and also a complete source of nourishment. 'Complete' means that you can live off this whole grain and need very little else. It has all the nutrients the body needs to survive. Regularly we put on bread baking courses to give enthusiastic demonstrations of how well this wheat performs in a variety of baking methods – for instance back-ferment, sour dough, yeast. And the wholemeal flour is also excellent for sweet pastries. This grain is grown with natural vegetation as companions.
Biodynamic sprays are applied at appropriate times to enhance the vitality of the growing crop. What we harvest is truly vibrantly alive grain – excellent for human consumption. The Grain Share Initiative invites interested consumers to invest in next year's harvest. One share equals one hundred kilos of grain – an estimated average cereal supply for an adult for one year.
Into the West
Cáit Curran talks to sheep farmers James and Catherine O'Neill, who are fighting to establish a regional brand for their mountain sheep.
It's an indication of Ireland's lack of food culture that one of the country's finest organic food products has no established market and producers find it difficult to source an organic outlet. That is why James O'Neill has made it his mission to reinstate mountain sheep on the menu and return good old fashioned mutton to its rightful place in the vernacular food language.
Subsistence Farming
Farming 340 ha of mountain land overlooking Killary Harbour near the village of Leenane in Connemara, the stunning landscape provides grazing for his four hundred black-faced mountain sheep. While this might seem like a lot of land and sheep, it is a struggle to eke out a living from the farm. "You can divide that by ten to compare with an average low-land farm," James says. "Our stocking rate is very low and until we have an established market, some form of state support is needed".
The O'Neill family - James, his wife Catherine and daughter Aoife love their surroundings and the farming life. "I did the Green Cert in the mid-80s when it was first introduced and I've always been involved in agriculture-related work," he says, while Catherine found it hard at first to adjust to the rural life when she moved out from Galway city. Their isolated location can be a disadvantage in some respects and the O'Neills and a neighbour had sheep stolen last year when they were absent from the farm for a day.
Distinctive Breed
Black-faced, horned mountain sheep are a distinct breed known for their hardiness and ability to withstand cold harsh winters. They survive well on the mountain, making them as close to a wild domesticated animal as you can get. James is convinced that the herbage the mountain pasture provides gives the sheep meat a unique flavour. "We have different types of heather such as ling and cross leaf, purple moor grass, cripple grass and other varieties and this gives a strong flavour to the mutton," he says. It was the purity of his product that encouraged him to look for organic certification. "There was little difference between how I farmed previously and now, so moving into the organic system wasn't difficult".
His sheep are rounded up about four times a year and if liver fluke presents a problem in a wet year, an additional dose may be needed on veterinary certification. "We don't have quantity but we do have quality," James says. "We don't want to go the route of putting up sheds and feeding to finish stock because that dilutes the flavour of the finished animal," Catherine agrees – "I love mutton. It makes the most tasty stew and our friends are always asking for it. James cooked burgers for the Leenane autumn festival last year and they went like hot cakes".
Marketing Dilemma
Maintaining the distinctiveness of the product presents the biggest problem. "Conventional lamb is fattened and sold after a few months and because such a good marketing job has been done, people associate spring with the time to try new season's lamb," James explains. "We lamb in April and May and it takes eighteen to twenty-four months to finish an animal so we have a limited season usually between August and the end of the year to sell our product. At that stage it is mutton rather than lamb and has had time to develop its exceptional flavour".
At present, most of James' lambs are sold as stores through the conventional mart, and while prices have improved somewhat, the real price premium is being reaped by the finisher. In order to create a sustainable business James knows he must bring his stock to finish to get the full premium.
"Is it sustainable to keep an animal for eighteen months and still get a premium," he asks. "Added to that, can I produce sufficient numbers to consistently supply the market"? What he can sell is curtailed by the need to keep breeding and replacement stock. This could be solved by co-operation among local farmers to increase the numbers of finished sheep available.
"If I could lease more land and make an arrangement with other local farmers so that we could say exactly how many finished sheep we could produce a week, then I would be on the way to making it add up," James says. At present he is co-operating with another local organic producer and is hoping to persuade a few more to convert.
Local Specialisation
Ideally, he would like to see the product sold locally in restaurants and as a speciality of the region. "We would need our own on-farm processing facility and to keep it within the region as much as possible so that it's seen as a food local to the Connemara area in the same way that you see local specialities in other European countries".
Given that food and farming are among the few growth areas in the economy, James thinks it ironic that so little support is available to develop food products. "Leader funding for food is suspended and you would really need some form of support to develop a product like Connemara mutton," he says. Given the demand for Irish mountain lamb in Europe, James sees no reason why an export market couldn't be developed in time. "Consistency of supply is the big problem and enabling farmers to grow that supply is the crucial issue".
Farming Lifestyle
Like all farmers, James is weary of the ever-increasing bureaucracy and regulation associated with farming. "A more sympathetic view of farming in mountainous regions is needed instead of a coverall policy designed with typical lowland farming in mind. The stocking rate of the area must be taken into account," he feels. "The farmer should be allowed to farm and should be responsible for the land and allowed the freedom to farm but he should also pay the penalty if he contravenes regulations".
"What we do isn't for everyone, it's a way of life," Catherine says. "I suppose you could say we are trying to survive in Connemara. I'd like to think that our daughter would be able to inherit a sustainable working farm. What we produce is to as high a standard as you will find anywhere in Europe. It is a struggle and it is stressful but we believe in our product and we
Mad as a March Hare
Barbara Buckley gives an insight into the spring antics of the Giorria – the Irish Hare.
With the turn of the year behind us, followed by a mild January, the wildlife around us is showing signs of spring activity. Although hares are basically nocturnal animals they increase their daytime activity in spring and summer time. Their frolics bring to mind what the Cheshire cat said to Alice when she entered into Wonderland: "In that direction lives a Hatter and in that direction lives a March Hare. Visit either you like; they're both mad". The 'boxing matches' of hares occur between females and males during their frenetic courtship activity. The female tries to fend off the ardent approaches of the male by 'boxing' with her front paws. In fact, it has been suggested that the female is also testing the prowess of the male, checking for the best suitor to sire her litters. This eventually leads to a good chase before they mate or don't! Females have also been seen kicking out backwards at any sly male creeping up from behind. All he gets for his cuteness is a good kick in the gut!
Hares generally rear three litters a year between February and August. Unlike rabbits, they live above ground in sheltered hollows called forms. After a gestation period of forty-seven to fifty-five days, they give birth to two to four leverets born with open eyes. The parents leave their young in the form and as they mature they may move them to other shelter spots closer to their food source. A point of caution here: if you come across two or three healthy leverets crouching under a hedgerow or clump of grass, leave them alone. Their mother is probably close by. An adult, when raised from its hiding spot 'hares' off at alarming speed startling many a pensive hill walker.
Hares and Irish Mythology
Hares have long been associated with Celtic myths and folklore. In fact, the ancient Celts believed the hare represented fertility and growth. It was much later in Christian times that the rabbit replaced the hare as the 'Easter Bunny'. Presumably the rounder fluffier features of the rabbit were more appealing than the quizzical imperious stare of a hare! In one tale, the warrior, Oisin, while hunting wounded a hare in its leg. It escaped and went into a hole in the ground where Oisin followed it. There he found a beautiful young girl attending to a wound in her leg. Other cultures also feature hares. The Buddhists speak of the image of 'the hare in the moon' not the man in the moon.
Identifying Features
The endemic Irish hare measures between forty-five and sixty-five centimetres and weighs about two to four kilos. As in all mountain hares, the female is generally bigger and heavier than the male. Its characteristic long ears are tipped with black and its 'scutt' or tail is greyish white. Its summer coat is generally a more russet brown than its buff brown, sometimes black Scottish relative. Another difference between them is that the Scottish hare develops a white winter coat – to help it blend in with the surrounding snow and the bleached mountain rocks in its habitat. Following our long hard winter last year, many Irish wildlifers were on the lookout to see if the harsh icy conditions led to an increase in whitened hares. Michael Viney, in March 2011, described his first winter white hares although he noted their whitening was not complete. Almost one hundred sightings were recorded in 2011 and are listed on >www.irishhare.org.
Mountain hares generally live in mountainous regions across northern Europe. In Ireland, our hares not only live on hillsides and bogs but are also seen on sand dunes, low lands and rich agricultural farmlands, airports and golf courses and have even been observed in one of the long-term car parks beside Dublin airport. The hares of the North Bull in Dublin are a familiar sight to all who use this amenity. It is believed their distribution in the lowlands and farmlands is due to lack of competition between it and the European Brown hare – a scarce resident of a few northern counties. As a result, our hare has developed an appetite for grasses rather than scrubby heather, twigs and tree bark.
Threats/Pressures
Although the Irish hare is classified in the 'Least Concern' category in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has worked on its numbers here. In 2006 they found an overall mean density of 3.33 hares / km2. In 2007 that number was raised to 7.66 hares / km2. It appears our Irish hare populations are capable of large and rapid fluctuations, and they cite one instance of farmland in Wexford where over ten years (1995 – 2005), densities ranged between 11.1and 50.5 hares /km2. However they believe that changes in agricultural practices from pastoral to intense systems affect their numbers.
What to look out for this spring
Squirrel pox in red squirrels: 3rd case recently discovered in south Co. Dublin. Symptoms are like myxomatosis – pus infected eyes are most noticeable. Report to natureconservation@environ.ie
Tree sparrows: similar to house sparrows but have a rich chestnut brown head with a distinct black spot on each cheek. Numbers are increasing here. Report to info@birdwatchireland.ie
The first flowers on hazel: The intense carmine red of these tiny flowers will brighten your day.
The Cream of Kildare
Grace Maher visits Ballymore Farm, a dairy producer making waves with its range of organic products.
Aidan Harney has been milking cows for the past twentyfive years. Growing up on a farm in luscious surroundings in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare, this was just part of his daily farming routine. He started farming full time in 1999, but after about four years he was unconvinced about conventional farming, "I felt that I was simply producing a commodity product for the market place. I was using expensive fertilisers, which was not sustainable environmentally or economically. As a small farmer I felt that I had no control over the market price, I felt that I could not be competitive unless I was milking 250 cows and if I did scale up to that level I would be completely unsustainable". In 2008 Aidan converted the farm to organic production. It was a leap of faith that transformed his farm and he is now a dairy processor as well as a dairy farmer.
"Organic farming was a natural progression for us, my wife Mary owned a health food shop and we ate all organic food, so converting the farm was almost inevitable," said Aidan. He dropped his stocking rates and his milk output and had the same turnover as when he was a conventional producer.
Organic Dairy Products
Ballymore Farm began to explore the idea of on farm processing at a more commercial level. For many years they had been making butter and yoghurt at a kitchen level. They began to test the waters and started to look at bringing the product to market. "I felt ready to step outside of my comfort zone as a primary producer and add value to my milk product," Aidan says. "I knew that we were producing a fantastic raw material and we saw a gap in the market for high end dairy products". At the same time, Kelly's from Moonshine Organic Farm were selling twenty cows and these were bought by Ian Patterson, a neighbour of Aidans, who has also converted to organic farming and works closely with Ballymore Farm. Aidan and Mary took the opportunity to scale up production and started taking their products to the market. They got a fantastic response and quickly realised that their products had great potential, especially their milk and butter.
"Many people ask us if our butter is like people made long ago but ours is a very different product," said Aidan. At Ballymore Farm they use sweet cream which is immediately separated after milking using a small electric cream separator. It is churned within twenty-four hours of separation in a small churn and then it is kneaded and washed by hand to wash out the buttermilk. "The milk for traditional farmhouse butter is collected daily for seven days, churned and allowed to ferment which gives it a strong ripe taste. Our butter does not have that strong taste; instead it has a richness and texture which is unique. It is extremely labour intensive and can only be produced in small quantities. We call it our single estate butter, coming from a pool of forty-five cows," laughed Aidan. "It is a quality premium product and at the moment we cannot keep up with the demand from customers". Ballymore Farm is the only producer of raw milk butter in Ireland.
The products that Ballymore Farm produces are beautifully packaged and include whole milk, butter milk, raw unpasteurised milk and yoghurt. The certified organic products are available at the local Naas farmers market, Glasnevin's Honest to Goodness market and over fifteen speciality shops in Dublin. They also supply Brooklodge in Wicklow, an organically certified restaurant. The packaging is simple yet eye-catching, and the glass bottles have a nostalgic appeal but are extremely practical. "We offer refills at a discounted price and we take back the bottles from all of our retailers which customers like," Aidan explains. Ballymore Farm formally launched their products on the market in early April and to date sales have exceeded all of their projections and expectations.
Raw Milk
When promoted about the current raw milk debate, Aidan thinks it is a straightforward issue and production must be regulated to ensure quality is maintained. "We are supplying a product that consumers want, we do not actively push it but people come to us looking for it. At the moment it constitutes 10% of our milk sales. If the product is banned then it helps neither producer nor consumer; regulation is the easy answer. I feel that consumers should have a choice between purchasing a raw or pasteurised product".
Ballymore Farm is in its infancy, production-wise. "We need to get noticed, shops don't know who we are. For now we are content to learn the business, production, processing and marketing. We need to figure out how the system works and how we fit into that system. It has been a steep learning curve. We now employ two people and we are looking to expand further. Mary and I soon realised that this business was bigger than the two of us and we decided to take on a business partner, Joey Burke, and she has been fantastic. She has great energy and valuable inputs. We like the idea of working with partners like Joey and Ian as it gives us more options," said Aidan. Ballymore Farm is currently experimenting with smoked salted butter, cheese and other dairy products. At the moment they are milking seventy cows but wish to increase this number.
On a personal level it is a huge transition for Aidan: "I am a farmer who now farms on his days off," he laughs. "However I love what I am doing, it is the reason that I get up in the morning. The satisfaction from talking to customers who love our products is immense. For years I milked cows and now I feel that I am truly completing the chain from farm gate to kitchen table; it is fantastic". With a growing range of top quality products in huge demand, (including selling out at the recent Irish Food Show in Selfridges!), Ballymore Farm is a name to watch out for and with such commitment and enthusiasm displayed by Aidan, Mary and Joey, it is a company bound for success.
Naturally beautiful
Susan Kelly explains why she is committed to producing organically certified beauty products.
Susan Kelly was blending oils and formulating natural skin products since her teenage years so she never had doubts as to where her eventual career would lead. Now her company, Naturamatics, is a leader in Irish organic skin care products.
A qualified aromatherapist and beauty specialist, Susan studied Naturopathy ten years ago in London, and now works with her products as an Aromatherapist and Beautician in various beauty salons in Dublin. "I was always interested in formulating natural face and body products so I guess you can say that it was a lifelong ambition to produce skin care products. I noticed after returning to Dublin from living in London for ten years and then Australia for two years, the lack of quality, and more importantly, certified organic skin care products sold here in Ireland," she says.
False Advertising
Organic certification is vitally important for Susan and she has issues with products sold as organic that do not meet organic standards. "There are skin care products that the majority of health food stores in Ireland are claiming to be organic and biodynamic (because the sales rep told them), and they are perhaps natural, and that's it. My motto is a simple one - if you're claiming to be organic, you should be certified organic. It costs a whole lot more to buy in certified, but you get your cult following of customers who really investigate their food/skin care, and are faithful and full of good word of mouth about a quality organic brand, so it pays off in the end".
Susan points out that "the crops used to produce raw materials for skin care, are different to food crops. These natural ingredients can be sprayed with whatever is needed to grow them the quickest, perhaps cultivated too soon and the quality may be very much substandard. When clever marketing follows with a 'big natural brand', you get the famous claims of: 'contains jojoba', 'made with pure ingredients', 'organic and natural', etc. To be certified is different ballgame, and if a brand is claiming to be, and they are quite big, then why no certification? We are a micro enterprise, and yet we can. The message is simple: mass scale production will always have clever marketing, and a lot of people who will be in search of an answer to their problems, be it with food, medicine, skin care or household products are offered a dream, and very rarely the real deal!"
In frustration at being another fobbed off customer, Susan came up with a business plan in 2009 to manufacture and produce a range of certified organic skin care products. "I didn't have any budget, but managed to secure a loan from the bank, even though I was unemployed at the time. It was mid-recession but they were happy with the business plan and agreed to lend. I approached Fingal Enterprise Board for funding, after the initial set up, and they also part funded some of the expenses, and were very helpful with mentoring for all my business needs," she says. A back to work scheme provided her with the time to sit down and sort all the legalities, licenses, cosmetic testing, and regulations. "This was very important to me, as I didn't want to run off with my fanciful ideas, and be stuck financially later down the line, with loose ends that could spell the end for the business, plus I'm a Virgo, so I am a stickler for perfection!" Susan says.
Susan wanted the products to be the purest on the market, using selected cold pressed oils for different skin types, virgin vegetable waxes and unrefined nut butters. "These precious oils and waxes, cultivated organically, have all their vitamins and qualities intact, which means that I can make 'real marketing claims', considering the quantities in each product, and the benefits of those particular raw materials in their purest state". She continues "I am an Aromatherapist and like to incorporate essential oils into every skin care, body care and household cleaners that I use. The basis for Naturamatics is aromatherapy essential oils in quantitative amounts in each product, and the highest quality oils and waxes that really benefit the mind, body and soul. The concentrated oils go deep into the skin whilst the essential oils work on harmonizing and balancing the skin. They are also absorbed into the blood stream, where you also receive the benefits within the body. I carefully blend these oils to suit mood, skin type and problem, and they have either uplifting or relaxing qualities".
On-Line Marketing
Having started with an enthusiastic twenty-five products, Susan is now producing fourteen. These include a range of face creams and oils for different skin types, lip balm, body treatment oils, night balm, dry skin balm, face wash, cleansing oil and toner.
She finds the response from retail stores in relation to Irish and organic products disappointing. "There are just a few die-hard businesses who support organic in Ireland like Healthfoods, Brooklodge Organic Hotel, Dublin Food Co-op. This has pushed me to social media and online directly to customers, which is proving positive, although still slow. The key is education. People do not understand the dangers of skin care products, toothpastes, household cleaners, deodarants, etc, and how toxic they are to our health. The problem is that they build up over time in our blood streams, lymph glands etc, and may at any time cause damage and illnesses that may not be even recognized.
Susan advises "Choose certified organic, natural household cleaners, and certified organic toothpastes. If it is not possible to find organic in Ireland, then there are plenty of UK, or European Brands that can be bought online, or through your local health food store. And remember to always ask your health food store to stock more organic and Irish brands!"
Organic News
Farm Walks 2012
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture have announced the list of organic farm walks for 2012. The list is perse featuring several farming enterprises but focusing particularly on beef and cereal production on the farms of Paddy Tobin, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny, Gerry Fitzsimons, Kilcogy, Co. Cavan, Mark Duffy, Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, Kay O'Sullivan, Mallow, Co. Cork, John McLoughlin, Trim, Co. Meath, Pat Lalor, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, Oliver Dixon, Claremorris, Co. Mayo; Alan Mooney, Kilcock, Co. Kildare and Patrick O'Connor, Macroom, Co. Cork.
A walk at Thomas Kinsella's farm in Gorey, Co. Wexford will focus on sheep and cereals and horticultural holdings featured include Liam Ryan, Athy, Co. Kildare; John and Sarah Devoy, Roscarbery, Co. Cork; Mayo Abbey Organic Centre, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Gerard and Sylvia Langan, Headford, Co. Galway. Also included is a farm walk at the Crowe farm near Dundrum, Co. Tipperary where pig, turkey and beef production will be presented along with on-farm processing. Sean Condon's farm at Crecora, Co. Limerick will be the dairy demonstration farm.
farm walks
2 Friday, 08 June 2012 18:01
Patrick O'Neill
I would appreciate if you could inform me of the next farm walks in the Mayo, Galway area. Also could you me tell me wher I can find more information on organic farming in The Mayo, Galway area.
Patrick ONeill
CSA A Winner
A Soil Association report in the UK finds that Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers many benefits to members, communities, local economies and the environment. The report - The Impact of Community Supported Agriculture - states that CSA schemes have at least 5,000 members and feed about 12,500 people every year.
CSA scheme community farms help enable communities to take control of their food supply by providing their members with a variety of local, often organically produced food from vegetables and meat, to milk, bread and honey. In fact, two thirds of members are supplied with all, or nearly all, of their vegetable needs through the community farms. In addition the report shows that CSA schemes deliver many other benefits. Bonnie Hewson, CSA Project Manager at the Soil Association, said "this evaluation report confirms that CSA is powerful on many levels. It is a proactive response to concerns around resilience and transparency in the food system and provides a logical step for consumers towards reclaiming sovereignty over the way their food is grown, processed and traded."
As well as adding to food security, members report feeling significantly happier, with over 70% saying their quality of life has improved with the main proportion saying their cooking and eating habits have changed through using more local, season and healthy food. CSA schemes also contribute to local employment showing high levels of employment relative to the land available (equivalent to 0.14 employees/hectare compared with a mean of 0.027 employees/hectare across UK agriculture as a whole). Another major benefit is the security given to farmers enabling them to plan crops and diversify to meet the needs of members.
Carnahalla Award
IOFGA symbol holders Tom and Johanne Coffey of Carnahalla near Cappawhite in Co. Tipperary were the runners up in two categories at the recent LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) awards. First held in 2006, the LAMA Awards were created to recognise innovative local and national projects in the areas of infrastructure, community development, recreation and social impact initiatives.
The Coffeys were nominated in the best heritage project and the best public building categories and were presented with certificates at the awards ceremony.
Since building an interpretative centre and opening the farm to the public, Carnahalla continues to receive a stream of interested visitors each year. The next guided two-mile tour at Carnahalla will be starting at 2.30pm on Sunday 6th of May.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Commentary: Medreset Policy Brief 3 – (EU Policies on Agriculture and Rural Development in the MENA ) - by Karina Goulordava
The European Policy Brief, "EU Policies on Agriculture and Rural Development in the MENA" discusses the current EU policy approaches towards southern and eastern Mediterranean countries (SEM), and how policies can be better formulated in order to both strengthen agriculture and rural development in the SEM, and create stronger ties between SEM and northern Mediterranean countries within these sectors. The brief evaluates the current policy approaches as technocratic and depoliticized. It recommends instead a new lens to policy, one that considers socioeconomic, cultural, and legal contexts.
Of interest in this comment is the relationship between the SEM and northern European countries, and how competitive ties can sway agricultural and rural development policy approaches. As stated in the brief, SEM countries are the largest grain importer for the EU, and a significant importer of dairy and meat products. Thereby, the needs and consumption of SEM countries are crucial for EU grain, meat, and dairy markets. At the same time, SEM countries primarily export to the EU produce (fruits and vegetables) and olive oil. The contrast in import and export of the SEM shows that while the EU exports staple, and high cost and quantity products, SEM countries export more seasonal and also likely cheaper products. Simultaneously, while SEM countries produce little grain, meat, or dairy, northern Mediterranean countries produce large amounts of produce as well as olive oil. Therefore, while SEM countries cannot compete with the EU and specifically with northern Mediterranean countries for their main imports, the northern Mediterranean countries can produce their own produce and olive oil (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece).
Although EU trade policy with SEM countries has become less protective and shifted to development, focusing also on water and rural development, northern Mediterranean and other EU countries still have their concerns. Northern Mediterranean countries do not trust the health, safety standards, and quality of produce from SEM countries. True, SEM countries have different production standards and laws regarding fertilizers. The use of some fertilizers is common in SEM countries, while prohibited in the EU, making export more difficult. If the EU does not shift its agricultural and rural development policies to also include knowledge transfer, training in best practices, and a focus on alternative fertilizers, in the end their policies remain protective and benefit EU agricultural producers. Approaching this also from an environmental perspective, the above-mentioned approach to policies, would benefit the local SEM environment. After all, even if SEM countries do not view the Mediterranean as one shared space, as mentioned in the brief, the sea is in reality shared by the entire region. It has already been claimed by the Greek government that Lebanese pollution has reached Greek waters, and thus a focus on pollution reduction, including in the agricultural sector, would benefit the entirety of the Mediterranean region, and in line with global goals to combat climate change.
Moving further away from a protective trade approach, although knowledge transfer and training from north to south would likely make SEM countries more competitive, it would also improve the quality, safety, and health of SEM products that are consumed by the region's dwellers. Further, if SEM countries were able to produce more of their own grain, dairy, and meat, this could reduce some impact on the environment (although meat and dairy is a high pollutant to the environment globally). Considering the Lebanese case, Lebanon imports 80% of all food products, although it produces almost 100% of its fruit and vegetable needs. Reducing food import could be a focus of EU agricultural and rural development policy in Lebanon.


text:
Die römisch-katholische Kirche St. Brictius ist eine Kirche im Stadtteil Stotzheim der Stadt Hürth. Sie gehört zum Katholischen Kirchengemeindeverband Hürth im Pastoralbezirk Mitte der Erzdiözese Köln.

Kirchengeschichte
Die 1936 erbaute Kirche wurde vom Kölner Architekten Karl Band entworfen und diente als Ersatz für einen im Jahre 1778 errichteten Kirchbau, der sich auf dem Gelände des Stotzheimer Friedhofs befand. Die Kirche ist Brictius von Tours gewidmet, der als Nachfolger des heiligen Martin von Tours wirkte, und deutet damit auf eine frühe fränkische Eigenkirche des Stotzheimer Burghofes als ersten Vorgängerbau dieser Kirche hin.

Bei einem Luftangriff im Zweiten Weltkrieg wurde die Kirche stark beschädigt. Sie wurde 1949/50 deshalb renoviert. Im Mai 1987 fiel die Kirche einer Brandstiftung zum Opfer und wurde im Folgejahr abermals instand gesetzt und am 27. August 1988 wieder geweiht. Die dreischiffige Kirche hat einen Blockaltar aus Sand- und Tuffstein und einen Ambo aus Bronze. Ein 1993 fertiggestelltes Kreuzigungstriptychon des Kölner Künstlers Toni May befindet sich im Altarraum. Die Kirchenfenster wurden von Helmut Lang entworfen.

Orgel
Die Stotzheimer Orgel ist eine digitale Sakralorgel. Sie wurde von der niederländischen Firma Johannus Orgelbouw erbaut und bietet die Möglichkeit unterschiedliche Abstimmungen von Klangfarbe und Lautstärke zu wählen. Sie weist folgende Disposition auf:

 Koppeln: II/I, I/P, II/P
 Spielhilfen: Crescendotritt, Setzer

Glocken
Im Kirchturm von St. Brictius hängt ein vierstimmiges Glockengeläut aus Bronze mit dem Läutemotiv "Salve Regina". Alle vier Glocken wurden 1988 von der Eifeler Glockengießerei gegossen. Vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg gab es drei Glocken, eine historische Bronzeglocke von 1678 und zwei Stahlglocken von 1921, diese gegossen vom Bochumer Verein. Alle drei Glocken gingen durch Kriegseinwirkung verloren.

Weblinks

 St. Brictius bei der Forschungsstelle Glasmalerei des 20. Jahrhunderts
 St. Brictius bei katholisch-in-huerth.de

Einzelnachweise

Brictius
Brictiuskirche
Pfarrkirche des Erzbistums Köln
St. Brictius (Hürth)
Karl Band
Erbaut in den 1930er Jahren
Disposition einer Orgel

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Dr. Sung-hoon Koo is President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Securities, a leading Korean investment company providing financial services ranging from brokerage, wealth management and investment advisory to corporate finance and trading.
For more than three decades, Dr. Koo has worked for Samsung Group, serving in a number of capacities at various financial affiliates. From 2015 to Feb 2018, he was President & Chief Executive Officer of Samsung Asset Management where he adopted stewardship code for the first time amongst Korean asset managers. Dr. KOO had played an important part in leading the industry task force for stewardship code since April 2015 and establishing Korean official stewardship code in December 2016. He also planned and supported the first 'Stewardship Forum' held in Korea on September 2017, where Korean regulators and major financial companies including members of Asia Corporate Governance Association (ACGA) participated in. He had devoted his efforts to the settlement of stewardship code in the Korean asset management industry, creating a fully dedicated stewardship team, first-ever amongst Korean asset managers. Samsung Asset Management is still participating as the active member of Committee on Stewardship Code Development in Korea.
From 2012 to 2014, he was Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of Samsung Life Insurance. From 2004 to 2008 and then 2010 to 2012, he was Head of the Investments Division at Samsung Life, where he led global securities investments. Between these two terms, he served as Head of the Credit Analysis Team, controlling the overall credit quality of domestic and overseas exposure as the company navigated the 2008 global financial crisis. In 2003, He was CIO of Separate Account Team. From 1998 to 2002, he was General Manager of the Asset Allocation Team and Head of the Alternate Investments Team, where he ran an alternative investment group and managed private equity and hedge fund investments. From 1992 to 1997, as Manager at the Office of the Executive Staff of Samsung Group, he worked for Group Treasurer, planned overseas investment strategies for Samsung's financial Businesses and undertook various business developments along with mergers and acquisitions in the financial sector. He joined Samsung Group in 1987 as a financial market researcher, a BOK watcher at Samsung Economic Research Institute.
Dr. Koo holds B.A. (1984) and M.A. (1986) degrees in economics and a Ph.D. (1998) in economics from Korea University. He wrote his doctoral dissertation on Corporate Governance of Commercial Banks in Korea.


Having managed to get a user to successfully download your app is the initial step in establishing a relationship; however, it is not suficient secure regular usage. Conversation needs to be fluid so that the app and the brand continue to serve as important components in the consumers' daily life.
A push mobile marketing strategy is a perfect solution.
Using a push mobile marketing strategy, brands instigate and preserve a relationship via in app conversation with consumers so they will be motivated to interact with the brand on a more constant basis.


Josef Wyler was born in 1965 in a village in the St Galler Rheintal in Switzerland to a sheltered family with a religious father. Josef had a difficult birth and suffered from epilepsy as a child. His early education was also problematic so that he was transferred to a special school for children with learning difficulties, where he stayed for 11 years until 1983. Here he was taught occupational skills, including that of a gardener, which he enjoyed.
At this time he returned to his parent's home, however in 1987 he had the first of many psychotic episodes, from which he suffers to this day. Since 2006 he has lived in a home for the aged, where although he is the youngest, he feels comfortable and accepted.


This handmade rustic framed wooden sign measures approximately 16"W X 16"L X 0.75"D. The frame is 0.5" wide and adds 0.5" on to each side of the sign.
It's amazing how one saying can stay with a person through the day. This sign will make you stop and think and give you courage to go on. This handmade "Trust in the Lord" sign is a perfect reminder when going through hard times. Hang this in your house or give to a friend.
This handmade rustic framed wooden sign is made from a pine board and has a saw tooth hanger attached to the back ready for hanging. There is no vinyl on this wall hanging. This is hand painted, distressed and finished with a wood sealer.


text:
Le pont de Koror-Babeldaob, aussi appelé pont de l'amitié Japon-Palaos ou encore pont K-B (en anglais Koror-Babeldaob Bridge, Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge ou encore K-B Bridge), est un pont à haubans en béton armé. Il est situé aux Palaos, un pays d'Océanie situé à l'est des Philippines, au nord de l'Indonésie et à l'ouest des États fédérés de Micronésie, et relie l'île de Koror à celle de Babeldaob depuis le , date de son inauguration. Construit de  à  grâce à des fonds japonais, il remplace l'ancien pont à poutres en porte-à-faux en béton précontraint terminé en  et qui s'est soudainement effondré le  en tuant deux personnes et en blessant quatre autres. À la suite de cet accident, un pont provisoire flottant a été mis en place afin de rétablir la liaison entre Koror, la plus grande ville du pays, et Babeldaob, sa plus grande île, où se trouve l'aéroport international Roman-Tmetuchl.

Caractéristiques

Le pont actuel est un pont à haubans extradossé dont le tablier et les deux pylônes sont en béton armé. Il a été conçu par Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. et Oriental Consultants Company et construit par Kajima Corporation, les haubans étant fabriqués par DYWIDAG-Systems International USA Inc. Sa longueur totale est de , l'épaisseur de son tablier varie de  au niveau des piles à  au centre de la travée principale et il a couté 26 millions de dollars américains, dont 25 pour sa construction, la conception absorbant le million restant.

Il se trouve dans les Palaos, un pays d'Océanie situé à l'est des Philippines, au nord de l'Indonésie et à l'ouest des États fédérés de Micronésie. Pont routier, il permet de relier les deux plus grandes îles de ce pays, celle de Koror et celle de Babeldaob, connectant ainsi la ville de Koror à la plus grande île du pays, où se trouve l'aéroport international Roman-Tmetuchl, mais aussi la nouvelle capitale, Melekeok, ainsi que la seconde ville du pays, Airai. Il enjambe une passe naturelle de  de largeur et de  de profondeur, le Toachel, entre les récifs coralliens entourant les deux îles et s'appuie sur des terre-pleins tantôt relié directement à l'île de Babeldaob, tantôt relié à l'île de Koror par une succession de chaussée. Ces terre-pleins avaient déjà servi pour le pont écroulé en 1996 et le pont flottant installé provisoirement à la suite de l'accident.

Histoire

Premier pont

Le premier pont, appelé lui aussi « pont de Koror-Babeldaob », mais aussi « pont de Koror » ou encore « pont de Koror-Babelthuap », est achevé en . Il s'agit d'un pont routier dont le tablier en cantilever est composé de poutres-caissons en béton précontraint. Construit selon la technique de l'encorbellement, il est conçu par Alfred A. Yee and Associates et Dyckerhoff & Widmann AG en 1975, cette dernière entreprise participant avec Socio Construction Co. à sa construction, dont le coût a été 5,2 millions de dollars américains.

Vu de profil, le dessous du tablier dessine une portion de parabole tandis que le dessus forme un arc de cercle. Ce tablier a une longueur totale de  dont  pour la travée centrale, chacune des deux travées latérales mesurant . D'une largeur de , supportant une chaussée de  de largeur et incliné selon une pente de 6 %, son tablier dispose d'une épaisseur qui varie de  au centre de la travée centrale à  au niveau des piles. Ce profil le fait culminer à  au-dessus du niveau de la mer, ce qui permet le maintien de la navigation dans la passe récifale qu'il enjambe. En outre, ces caractéristiques font de lui le pont en poutre de béton le plus grand du monde.

Renforcement et effondrement

Mal conçu, le pont se déforme en son centre au fil des ans au point qu'en 1990, le milieu de la travée centrale accuse un affaissement de 120 centimètres, occasionnant une dégradation de la chaussée, affectant le confort des automobilistes et contrariant l'aspect du pont. Dans le courant de l'année 1996, alors que les déformations atteignent 130 centimètres au milieu de la travée centrale, des études sont réalisées pour déterminer le niveau de sécurité de l'ouvrage et son éventuelle réparation. Ces études concluent que le pont est sûr malgré une poursuite des déformations qui atteindraient 90 centimètres supplémentaires sur les cent prochaines années. En dépit de ces résultats, le gouvernement paluan décide de renforcer le pont dans le but de corriger les déformations et de prévenir d'ultérieurs affaissements.

Le renforcement du pont commencé en 1995 et terminé à la mi- conduit à modifier sa structure afin de le transformer en une poutre rigide de béton. Ainsi, le pivot présent au centre du tablier et permettant aux deux parties symétriques du pont de bouger l'une par rapport à l'autre est supprimé, ce qui permet d'obtenir une structure continue en béton. Des câbles sont par ailleurs ajoutés à ceux déjà présents dans le coffrage en béton du tablier afin de corriger l'affaissement de ce dernier sur trente centimètres. De plus, huit joints de compression lui sont ajoutés au niveau de l'affaissement afin de compenser les déformations ainsi que la suppression de la charnière. Enfin, la surface de roulement du pont est corrigée afin d'offrir un meilleur confort aux automobilistes.

Néanmoins, ces travaux n'empêchent pas l'écroulement soudain du pont le  de la même année vers . L'accident fait deux morts, un Paluan et un Philippin, et quatre blessés. Les études des débris recoupées avec des témoignages ont conduit a élaborer le scénario le plus probable de l'écroulement. En premier lieu, la partie supérieure du pont au niveau de la pile du côté de Babeldaob subit un délaminage sur une dizaine de mètres de longueur ce qui force la partie inférieure entre la pile et le centre du pont à se comporter comme une poutre rigide incapable de gérer les forces de cisaillement. Le tablier se brise alors à hauteur de la pile du côté de Babeldaob et la travée brisée s'appuie contre l'autre moitié de la travée centrale, obligeant la pile du côté de Koror à supporter une trop grande compression. L'ensemble du tablier s'écroule alors dans le chenal lorsque cette pile cède à la suite de l'apparition de deux fractures de part et d'autre ainsi que son écrasement à sa base, terminant l'effondrement du pont, qui n'a duré que quelques secondes. L'enquête terminée en 1998 n'a cependant pas permis de déterminer les causes de l'effondrement, notamment en raison des arrangements hors tribunaux entre le gouvernement paluan et les ingénieurs incriminés. Les causes les plus probables sont les variations nycthémérales des températures ou un mauvais alignement des joints de compression mais l'effondrement n'a apparemment pas été causé par les autres travaux effectués sur le pont ni par l'emploi d'un béton de mauvaise qualité.

Pont flottant et construction du nouveau pont

Cet accident coupe les communications terrestres entre la capitale, plus grande ville des Palaos et principal pôle touristique, Koror, et la plus grande île du pays, Babeldaob, où se trouve l'aéroport international Roman-Tmetuchl. De plus, les canalisations d'eau potable et d'électricité qui empruntent le pont sont aussi coupées, privant de ces deux ressources les habitants de Koror, c'est-à-dire environ  personnes. Le gouvernement paluan décrète alors l'état d'urgence et demande une aide internationale, notamment aux États-Unis et au Comité international de la Croix-Rouge, pour résoudre la crise humanitaire qui s'annonce. Un service de ferries est mis en place entre les deux îles jusqu'en , date à laquelle un pont flottant en acier est provisoirement installé par Daiho Corporation pour un coût de 3,5 millions de dollars américains à côté de l'ancien pont. Ce pont provisoire est constitué de barges mises bout-à-bout et comporte en son centre une travée permettant d'assurer le passage de petites embarcations.

À la suite de la visite au Japon en 1996 du président paluan Kuniwo Nakamura qui a lui-même des origines japonaises, le gouvernement japonais annonce fin 1998 qu'il débloque 1,8 million de dollars américains pour déblayer les débris du pont en prévision de la construction d'un nouveau pont. Cette première aide financière sera suivie l'année suivante d'une nouvelle donation japonaise de 26 millions de dollars américains allouée à la construction, un million pour sa conception et 25 pour sa réalisation. Les travaux commencent par la destruction des ruines de l'ancien pont le . Initialement prévue à partir du , la construction du pont à haubans actuel par Kajima Corporation débute à la mi-novembre et ce pour une durée de 26 mois. Les délais sont respectés puisque le , des milliers de Paluans assistent depuis le pont flottant à l'installation de la partie métallique centrale du nouvel ouvrage. Avant la fin du mois, le pont est terminé, à l'exception de la chaussée, de l'éclairage et de la signalisation routière. Officiellement achevé en , le nouveau pont est inauguré le  et ouvert à la circulation le même jour à . Baptisé comme son prédécesseur, il porte aussi le nom de « pont de l'amitié Japon-Palaos » en l'honneur du lien qui unit les deux nations, le Japon étant un allié important des Palaos depuis leur indépendance en 1994. Une fois la circulation rétablie de manière pérenne entre les deux îles, le pont flottant est démonté dans le courant de l'année 2002.

Références

Annexes

Bibliographie

Lien externe

Koror-Babeldaob
Koror-Babeldaob
Koror-Babeldaob
Koror-Babeldaob
Koror-Babeldaob
Koror-Babeldaob
Transport aux Palaos
Histoire des Palaos
Géographie de Koror


text:
Celanese (CE) to Report Q3 Earnings: What's in the Cards?
By Zacks Investment ResearchStock MarketsOct 19, 2021 12:26AM ET
www.investing.com/analysis/celanese-ce-to-report-q3-earnings-whats-in-the-cards-200605555
By Zacks Investment Research | Oct 19, 2021 12:26AM ET
Articles (160304)
Celanese (NYSE:CE) Corporation CE is set to release third-quarter 2021 results, after market close on Oct 21. Benefits from productivity actions, investments in high-return organic projects and strategic acquisitions are likely to get reflected in third-quarter performance. However, the company is likely to have faced headwinds stemming from higher input costs.
The leading chemical and specialty materials maker beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in all of the last four quarters. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 15.9%, on average. The company posted an earnings surprise of around 11.8% in the last reported quarter.
Celanese's shares have gained 39.7% in the past year compared with a 17.6% rise of the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement.
What do the Estimates Say?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celanese's revenues in the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at $2,172 million, which suggests year-over-year increase of 53.9%.
The consensus mark for third-quarter net sales in the Engineered Materials unit is currently pegged at $702 million, which calls for a 33.5% year-over-year increase.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Acetate Tow division is pegged at $139 million, which indicates a 7.8% year-over-year increase.
Factors at Play in Q3
Celanese is likely to have gained from its productivity actions, investments in high-return organic projects and strategic acquisitions in the quarter to be reported.
The company is also committed toward executing its productivity programs that include the implementation of a number of cost-reduction capital projects.
The company's strategic actions that include operational improvement as well as cost savings through productivity initiatives and price-increase actions are likely to have contributed to the bottom line in the to-be-reported quarter. Benefits of acquisitions are also expected to get reflected in the company's third-quarter performance. Celanese is also expected to have gained from improving demand in most of its end markets.
However, the company is expected to have faced headwinds from elevated raw material costs due to supply constraints. It is likely to have faced sustained inflation across many key raw materials as well as supply chain costs in the third quarter. Tight availability of resins, including nylon and glass fiber is expected to have led to a rise in raw material costs in the third quarter. Higher input costs are likely to have hurt margins in the to-be-reported quarter.
The Acetyl Chain segment is anticipated to have encountered challenges from a moderation in the industry pricing. The company might have faced persistent moderation in acetic acid and VAM pricing in China in the third quarter.
The ongoing semiconductor shortage is also affecting automotive production globally. Automotive order patterns of the company are likely to have been affected.
Zacks Model
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Celanese this season. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. But that's not the case here.
Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP for Celanese is -1.93%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings is currently pegged at $4.71. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: Celanese currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Celanese Corporation Price and Consensus
Celanese Corporation price-consensus-chart | Celanese Corporation Quote
Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are some companies in the basic materials space you may want to consider as our model shows these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:
Olin (NYSE:OLN) Corporation OLN, scheduled to release earnings on Oct 21, has an Earnings ESP of +7.45% and sports a Zacks Rank #1.
Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF) Inc. CLF, scheduled to release earnings on Oct 22, has an Earnings ESP of +0.45% and carries a Zacks Rank #1.
Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) Corporation ALB, scheduled to release earnings on Nov 3, has an Earnings ESP of +8.05% and carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Zacks' Top Picks to Cash in on Artificial Intelligence
In 2021, this world-changing technology is projected to generate $327.5 billion in revenue. Now Shark Tank star and billionaire investor Mark Cuban says AI will create "the world's first trillionaires." Zacks' urgent special report reveals 3 AI picks investors need to know about today.
See 3 Artificial Intelligence Stocks With Extreme Upside Potential>>
ClevelandCliffs Inc. (CLF): Free Stock Analysis Report
Albemarle Corporation (ALB): Free Stock Analysis Report
Celanese Corporation (CE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Olin Corporation (OLN): Free Stock Analysis Report
A Stock That Has Fallen Sharply Is Not The Same As A Cheap Stock By Michael Kramer - Jan 21, 2022 5
This article was written exclusively for Investing.comInterest rates have soared, and stock markets have been melting as a result. Rates are likely going to continue to rise,...
Q4 Earnings Halt Bank Stocks Rally By Haris Anwar/Investing.com - Jan 21, 2022
This week, earnings from Wall Street's largest banks showed that the rising cost pressures will likely hurt their margins in 2022, dimming hopes for another solid year for their...
NASDAQ 100 Nearing 'Correction' Territory, 200-Day MA In Nearly 2... By Matthew Weller - Jan 21, 2022 3
We tend to focus on shorter-term performance and trends in our articles, but sometimes it pays to take a step back and look at returns over a longer-term perspective. Going back...
Central Banks Rates
FED 0.00%-0.25% Jan 26, 2022
ECB 0.00% Feb 03, 2022
BOE 0.25% Feb 03, 2022
SNB -0.75% Mar 24, 2022
RBA 0.10% Feb 01, 2022
BOC 0.25% Jan 26, 2022
RBNZ 0.75% Feb 23, 2022
BOJ -0.10% Mar 18, 2022
CBR 8.50% Feb 11, 2022
RBI 4.00% Feb 09, 2022
BCB 9.25% Feb 02, 2022


At The Cosmetic Concierge, the health and well-being of our clients is our top priority. We only use and advocate for the safest products on the market, which is why Dr. Hope Sherie has been an advocate of smooth breast implants from day one. She prefers them greatly over the shaped, rough textured variety to provide clients with safe, natural-looking results. An important health warning from the FDA supports her decision.
The FDA published a notice indicating that there is an increased risk of women developing a rare form of breast cancer with the textured implants. The cancer is called Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. Dr. Sherie has always felt that rough-textured implants would encourage over-scarring and inflammation; the FDA's warning underscores her suspicions about them.
Plus, she isn't fond of the aesthetics of textured implants. Having your breasts shaped the same whether you are lying down or upright is an instant giveaway, in her opinion. Thankfully, clients at The Cosmetic Concierge do not have to worry about the potential cancer risk — the smooth, round implants we use were not linked to BIA-ALCL – or their appearance post-surgery.
While the FDA acknowledged that the occurrence of BIA-ALCL related to textured implants is rare, it is important for women to have the facts when deciding which breast implants to use. The agency does not recommend women remove their textured implants if they already have them; however, if any swelling or lumps are detected within the armpit or breast tissue, an immediate medical check-up is needed. According to the study, BIA-ALCL can appear anywhere from 3 to 14 years after the initial surgery, so patients must receive regular breast exams.
This is a rare kind of lymphoma that develops within the fluid surrounding the breast implant and not in the breast tissue. It is typically contained by the fibrous capsule surrounding the implants.
BIA-ALCL commonly presents as a swelling of the breast and may first occur 3 to 14 years after the textured breast implants were first inserted. It may additionally present as a lump in the armpit or breast region.
The risk is approximately 1 in 5000 women with textured implants may develop BIA-ALCL while approximately 1 in 8 women may develop a form of breast cancer.
It is important that you be well-informed when making any surgical decision. If you are considering breast implants, we'd like to help you safely achieve your appearance goals. Schedule a consultation appointment with us today. Dr. Sherie and her team at The Cosmetic Concierge will explain the process in detail, then walk you through every step with confidence, professionalism and the highest standard of care. Call 980-938-0459 to set your appointment, or use the Contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you.


Welcome to 8tracks radio: free music streaming for any time, place, or mood. tagged with americana, dark, and southern gothic. You can also download one of our free apps to enjoy internet radio on your favorite device.
a girl is a gun.
do not go quietly into that goodnight.


text:
Milos Forman to Helm 'Ponzi's Scheme' About Infamous Scam Artist
by Ethan Anderton
Source: Variety
In the world of scams, there's one name that always stands out, so it's no surprise that Ponzi's Scheme will be given the feature film treatment. Variety reports veteran filmmaker Milos Forman, that man behind such iconic films as Amadeus and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest will direct this story about the real-life of Italian immigrant Charles Ponzi, creator of the eponymous financial scam and the precursor to today's biggest financial scam artists like Madoff and Kenneth Lay. And if that wasn't enticing enough, the script comes from writer Christopher Weekes whose script Muppet Man appeared on the 2009 Black List.
The film will actually be based on Mitchell Zuckoff's biography Ponzi's Scheme: The True Story of a Financial Legend which is summed up right here:
Before Charles Ponzi (1882â€"1949) sailed from Italy to the shores of America in 1903, his father assured him that the streets were really paved with gold - and that Ponzi would be able to get a piece. As journalist Zuckoff observes in this engaging and fast-paced biography, Ponzi learned as soon as he disembarked that though the streets were often cobblestone, he could still make a fortune in a culture caught in the throes of the Gilded Age. Zuckoff deftly chronicles Ponzi's mercurial rise and fall as he conjured up one get-rich-quick scheme after another. Charming, gregarious and popular, Ponzi devised and carried out the scheme that carries his name in 1920 in the open (and with a brief period of approval from Boston's newspapers and financial sector). Many investors did indeed double their investments, as Ponzi would use money of new investors to pay old investors, and Ponzi himself became a millionaire.
Sounds like there's a great story to be told for sure. And even if Forman hasn't reached the same level of quality filmmaking in the past ten years that he's harnessed in decades before, I personally love Man on the Moon back in 1999, and know he still has a gift for working behind the camera. And with this story, I feel like there's a tale along the lines of The Social Network that can come to life on the big screen. That sounds just fine by me. How about you?
Find more posts: Development, Movie News
Here's someone worse than Madoff, read this and forward it to everyone you know: http://texsquixtarblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/who-is-worse-bernie-madoff-or-rich.html
TexTex on Apr 27, 2011
he picks his films carefully and makes singular cinema. for One Flew over The Cuckoo's Nest and Amadeus, i give him the benefit of the doubt on any new film he makes. in the wrong hands the subject matter could be a little dry, but with this talent involved, colour me very interested.
Anonymous on Apr 28, 2011
Sweet bastard this could be amazing. And since it's Forman, no doubt the cast will be superb.
Lebowski on Apr 28, 2011
PayingHyipOnline.com-Make millions liberty reserve and perfectmoney in paying hyips fastest Real Investment HYIP(High Yield Investment Program) is a investment program that anyone can join online and deposit fund, in return themember will earn high interest in short period of time. There are tons of HYIPs on the Internet and most of them are closely,monitored by HYIP rating sites and HYIP forums.You can find HYIPs from those HYIP rating and monitor sites. Liberty Reserve Investment Hyips one of the biggest HYIP rating and monitor sites. If you've searched around the Internet for different ways to make money online, there's no doubt that you've come across the term HYIP . You might have just skipped it and paid it no mind, but if you're reading this article right now, you must have questioned what the term encompasses. HYIP stands for High Yield Investment Programs , which covers all programs, offline and online , that are used to invest money to receive a higher yield than you would normally get at a bank . But that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a safe and solid investment. Look to HYIPs as more like gambling than an investment , and only use money that you can afford to lose. More Details http://www.payinghyiponline.com
serious investor on Jun 12, 2011


» Thank you for visiting our new website!
Lily Nails provides a full array of spa services, including all hair, skin, and nail services. Our mission at Lily Nails is to provide a clean, professional environment where you can come and relax knowing we do our best to provide you with the customized service you want. Lily provides a state of the art facility, where our licensed professionals provide the newest styles and products for your service. When you come to Lily Nails you will experience a friendly environment where we all work as a team to make your stay with us an enjoyable one.
Lily Nails is all about You. Your needs. Your schedule.
Whether you enjoy a long, indulgent manicure-pedicure or just need a fast, friendly nail salon professional to attend to your nails on the run, Lily Nails is the perfect place for you. Our job is to make your stay as enjoyable as possible!
We pride ourselves in our unparalleled sanitary standards.
Take a look around our website and see our varieties of services, features, and testimonials.
Let us know if you have any questions. or concerns.


Life gives us front row seats for every season, emotion, and reaction. Sports as a whole is way for us to shed the dividers, put away the blinders and come together as one. Racing is my sport of choice. Oh, I love football and the crisp air of autumn. But it doesn't compare to the sport of kings. – Is there anything better than a cold beer and a dog covered in mustard and onions watching the baseball game ? – It's all good, but it won't hold a candle to the magic I've witnessed. – Think back just a few short months ago to Belmont Park, when American Pharaoh stormed home to a packed house as the jubilant fans held every type of media device, phone, iPad, and recorder to capture the splendor if only for a moment. We didn't want to forget, and we wanted to share this incredible event with the world. – I can't say I was there, but I've had a front row seat for most of my life watching the race unfold.
They're at the post = Being a track announcer is the most incredible job at the track. If you've have a bad word or a criticizing moment where you'd love to give them a piece of your mind. Make the trek, and go up and see them. Outside of the select marquee callers, I'm sure most would hold the door and welcome you in. They would most probably let you call a race, and when your covered in sweat and it didn't work out as well as you expected, they would grab you and give you a hug and tell you it's alright. We all get the jitters and drop the ball sometimes. – You just pick it up next time and do better. That's it. No magic, no special sauce, and just be yourself.
When you get to the top of your game, or start heading in the right direction, don't forget who helped you along the way. Offer up good advice to any and all who seek the road, and don't start posting your stuff for the world to see and applaud your efforts. If anyone wants to come up, let them share the best seat in the house. It's better to share the ride than take it all on your own. I'm still new to the game even though it's been two years now. I can see improvement, but there is still so much to learn. – It's not about the person behind the microphone, it's all about the four-legged stars and the best athletes in the land.
Don't get down on yourself. Listen to others, but be yourself. Have a mentor who has known the ropes by watching or being one of the best. I have to say this job surprises me. For the folks you watched along the way, you would have sworn they would have given a call with a few helpful hints or professional advice. Just don't hold your breath for that call. – People will pick out a few and hope they are the next behind them. Just don't get down on yourself. It doesn't matter what you make, where you're at, the sight lines, the accommodations, or the lack of fancy equipment. The fans will hear your love of the game in your voice, and just be yourself. For the sake of just trying to help anyone get a foothold. Here are a couple of things I've learned. – Don't be too loud. I fight this every race as the enthusiasm jumps right out of your mouth at times. Just be clear, and as accurate as possible. – Stay away from cute clownery words. They make you laugh from time to time, but if you add too much salt to your dish, it overwhelms the final outcome. – Be open to any and all criticism. Even if you don't like it, you'll make sure they won't complain as much by trying harder every time. – When you pull into the track, and take the elevator ride to the top. Thank the Wagering Gods for the best job in the world. You're not busting rocks, or carrying drywall all day. You're at the races with the best seat in the house. – Enjoy the ride !
The Two John's = I have two good pals at the track. One loves to bet and have a beer or two, and the other likes to focus on work. Both love the game to the core, and have made it their life's calling. One gives advice daily about my efforts, and the other holds his comments a little closer to the vest and says very little. But when he does, it holds golden nuggets to apply daily to become better. – Both guys have helped me along the way, and at the end of the day it is good to pop a beer and just talk about the races. I've handicapped on-air, in radio format, and in written word with both. They both offer up the best advice, and both have their own way of making things happen. – Thank you for the two best friends at the track; John Englehardt, and John McDulin. – Two Irishmen who share their love of the game with a gusto that is rare and harkens back to the old days. – Thanks, guys !
What did you just say ? = I don't care what level you're at, you'll drop the ball from time to time. I would love to tell you all of mine, but there is just not enough time in this life. So here are a few dandy's that I can shoot from the hip. – First, I sit in the next office separated by a thin glass window. You can hear the other person breathe it's so close. I met a new friend with Jeff Riedel who takes entries for the races in the morning, and is a placing judge in the afternoon. Good guy, and he enjoys good conversation to make the day go by. – He is the one who will tell me before the race if there is a tricky horse name, trainer, or owner name. I'm sure glad to have him on the other side of the glass, but he knows all of my little foibles. He loves a good laugh, and doesn't take it out of the inner-sanctum. Just between two guys and he is man enough not to bust me up in public, I hope. – But without further adieu, here are a few off the top of my head that make me want to get better everyday. – Thanks for all of your help and guidance, Jeff !
1. – This just happened the other day. There is a stellar young lady jock at the track, and she was riding like the wind and drawing off at will. Now, you'll have to pull up your big-boy / girl pants and take this as nothing more than fun. – " She cuts the corner and straightens away for the stretch drive. -Julie Burke takes a peak under her legs, and see nobody coming." – Now, this is exactly what was happening, but the laughter from the next booth told me there was something in the call that may make it to You Tube. I went home that night and listened to the race. Oh my, I'm sorry Julie. – I'll never say anything like that ever again. – The very next day she did the same thing, and you can bet dollars to donuts I said she looked over her shoulder !
2. – Grace's Devil. – The name is probably for a relative, some family breeding names combined, or just a neat name for a filly. – As an open minded man not given to bias or favoritism. If you say the name five times really fast, you may hear a new name pop-up. – As the race was getting heated down the lane with three across the track, and the horses names were starting to meld together. -It was at that time the laughter at my expense began once again. – " Ed, do you know what you just said ? – No, what ? – You just said Racist Devil gets up in the shadow of the wire." – My face turned red, and as the laughter subsided. I realized this was a kind way of letting me know others are listening. – Thank you, Jeff and Maquitta for helping me everyday.
3. – Have an open door policy = Most would think this is to see you. – Nope, not at all. I like to share the ride I enjoy. It is kind of like having the best pizza in the world and not sharing a slice with those around you. – When office folks, team members, or a patron comes up. I love to let them see the best seat in the house. – I've had Jeff's daughter call the horses onto the track; when the track was River Downs, we had guest callers come up a time or two per week. – For the callers who snub their nose at this practice, I bet they forgot how silly they sounded first time up. Share the ride, it make things much more interesting.
For the record = I'm not Tom Durkin, and I bet he is glad he's not me ! – I have some friends or those I call friends, who forgot where they came from. As you've attended fine universities and made friends with the best in the game. I have to say I'm envious of such an honor, but I was busy doing other things. – If you want to know the best place to park. That's easy, as I ran parking. – If you really think you, or a want-to-be cohort knows all about the real desires of the players. I was a player development manager who made trips to Las Vegas learning how to best serve the needs of gamblers. If you would like to do a radio show, you'll probably be great. As I had three different radio shows with three different co-hosts, an Internet Radio Show from home, and I would be glad to go on with you talking about the game we love. – I've printed programs, created big parties for our best players, and conducted handicapping seminars where long time bookies would come up at the end and told me they learned something new. I set up trips to gambling destinations for players, and made my self available to shovel snow for cars and patrons to travel safely into the track. I've had the opportunity to meet incredible racing fans who are now friends, met the biggest and best trainers who took their time to be on a local radio show for big race days. I've had the incredible opportunity to have worked for some of the biggest leaders in racing, and picked up trash after the races as our cleaning staff was down with the flu. There is not a call I won't return, and I have won and played in some of the biggest handicapping contests. I won't say no to any opportunity, and there is no job I wouldn't try even if it means failing. – I understand why you wouldn't call an old friend. I'm not as polished, and my words may not flow like fresh sweet honey. But, there is one thing you can always count on from me. I'll always bring my best, and to this day I would still welcome a chat to catch up and talk about how you are doing. You are right. Racing does need some real people who love the game.


A home that is based on stable tranquility, committed love, and kind mercy, makes marriage the best blessing on earth. This home will overcome all obstacles and will only produce good children! I have a feeling that most of the complications and problems that the children have are because of the dysfunctional relationship and the continuous conflicts between their parents!
A reader might ask: Are you saying that emotions are everything and that materialistic means are of no importance? My answer is no. There are a number of other factors that contribute to the success of a marriage, in addition to the above factors.
It is every Muslim's right to seek a big comfortable house that allows him/her to work and be productive. It is every Muslim's right, too, to hate inconvenient means of transportation, inadequate facilities, and a terrible companion!
Religion does not deny the natural human needs of comfort, satisfaction, and happiness. When a man or a woman seeks marriage, he/she should make sure that the things that he/she likes exist in the other partner. If marriage proves that the other partner is good, then how excellent this marriage is! Otherwise, the future of the couple is indefinite.
Marriage is not a passing adventure! It is a life relationship, a firm covenant, and a very serious partnership. What the husband or wife has promised before the marriage should be carried out to the letter after the marriage. Actually, paying the dowry is just an example of fulfilling promises. If a man, for example, promised to be kind or forgiving and portrayed himself in this manner before the marriage, then he has to remain kind and forgiving or at least do his best to attain those qualities after the marriage! God blesses those who are honest and makes their life everlastingly happy. A woman might, willingly, give up her dowry, totally or partially, when she finds out that her husband is a real good and moral person! Since she gave him herself, she wouldn't mind giving him her money.
As I said before, this degree is the responsibility of leadership that the man assumes over his family. Every organization has to have some leadership. It is obvious that a man's leadership does not, by any means, diminish his wife's opinions and needs, whether social or materialistic.
The social obligations of being a married person require certain characteristics. If these characteristics are absent from a certain person, it is better for him/her to remain single. This applies to both men and women. For example, if the woman is stiff, has no compassion whatsoever, and has no consideration to others' emotional needs, then it is better that she remains single because she will not be able to be a good wife and mother! Let us assume that her husband at some point gets a severe sickness and they could not find a hired nurse that is willing to take good care of him. In this case, his wife should be able to be more patient with him than anybody else, kindly takes care of him, and prays for him!
Love's logic is different from the logic of 'mutual benefits' in trade! So many men sacrificed their lives for their families and so many women did the same.


You can race your cars in this cool game on a track that is suspended in the air and if you miss a turn you can get knocked down. You will start with a normal beach buggy car and you have to win the enough races in order to unlock the formula 3 car and the bike. You can upgrade your car if you have enough money and make it the fastest on the track. In the race you can use your boost to gain more speed and you can gain boost by driving without your hands on the wheel. AWSD / Arrows. Z or M to freestyle (to build up nitro) and X or N to use nitro boost.


AireSpring T1/PRI and analog services deliver the advantages of VoIP technology to traditional phone systems, guaranteeing a smooth upgrade path to next generation SIP or cloud-based services in the future. Backed by AireSpring's years of experience and leadership in the telecom industry, this solution offers low rates together with crystal clear call quality and reliable service.
Get the cost savings of VoIP delivered direct to your traditional phone system.