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The Bridge (originele titel Bron (Zweeds) en Broen (Deens)) is een Deens-Zweedse tv-misdaadserie die in beide landen speelt en waarin beide talen worden gesproken. De titel verwijst naar de Sontbrug die Denemarken en Zweden verbindt.

Verhaallijn

Seizoen 1

Op de Sontbrug tussen Zweden en Denemarken wordt een doormidden gezaagd lijk gevonden. Omdat het precies op de grens ligt, moeten de rechercheteams van het Deense Kopenhagen en het Zweedse Malmö nauw samenwerken. De twee tegenpolen die gezamenlijk het onderzoek leiden, zijn de Deense politie-inspecteur en gezinsvader Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia) en de Zweedse, extreem praktisch denkende Saga Norén (Sofia Helin), die kenmerken van het syndroom van Asperger vertoont. De moord blijkt zowel sociale als politieke motieven te hebben, maar de moordenaar wil nog meer bereiken.

Seizoen 2

Er vaart een schip in op een van de pijlers van de Sontbrug. In het schip zitten vijf uitgeputte personen vastgebonden in het ruim. Van een bemanning is geen spoor. Saga Norén ontdekt dat drie van de gevangenen Zweeds zijn en de andere twee Deens. Ze neemt daarom na ruim een jaar weer contact op met haar Deense collega Martin Rohde, waarna hun onderzoek begint. Het vijftal in de boot blijkt opzettelijk te zijn besmet met longpest, de eerste daad van een groepering ecoterroristen. Terwijl er doden blijven vallen, lijdt Martin psychisch nog zwaar onder de gevolgen van de moord op zijn zoon August en het stoïcisme van moordenaar Jens Hansen daarover. Daardoor woont hij al een tijd apart van zijn vrouw Mette en hun kinderen. Saga is in een poging 'normaler' te zijn, gaan samenwonen met een man, Jakob Sandberg. Hoewel ze voordelen ziet in het hebben van een relatie, kan ze de aanwezigheid van een ander in haar huis eigenlijk niet verdragen.

Seizoen 3

Wanneer de Deense Helle Anker vermoord wordt gevonden op een bouwterrein in Malmö, wordt de Zweedse rechercheur Saga Norén op het onderzoek gezet. Anker werd na de moord samen met drie etalagepoppen in een scène uitgestald om zo een traditionele familie uit te beelden. Haar hart blijkt uitgesneden. Anker was getrouwd met een Zweedse vrouw en als pionier betrokken bij een nieuw opgezette genderneutrale kleuterschool. Omdat haar voormalige Deense partner Martin Rohde een gevangenisstraf van tien jaar uitzit, wordt Norén ditmaal voor het onderzoek gekoppeld aan de Deense rechercheur Hanne Thomsen. Ze merkt al snel dat die haar totaal niet mag. Hun samenwerking is van korte duur doordat Hanne bij een huiszoeking bij de zoon van Anker op een landmijn stapt. In het verdere onderzoek krijgt Saga daarom een nieuwe Deense partner in de persoon van Henrik Sabroe. Hij lijdt aan slapeloosheid, ziet nog dagelijks zijn zes jaar eerder verdwenen vrouw en kinderen in zijn huis rondlopen en heeft geheimen. Hij wilde zelf graag Noréns partner worden om haar om hulp te vragen bij het zoeken naar zijn verdwenen familie. Nadat er nog verschillende moorden plaatsgevonden hebben die verband houden met die op Anker, krijgt Saga ook te maken met het plotseling verschijnen van haar van haar vervreemde moeder, die pijnlijke herinneringen aan haar dode zus oprakelt. Tevens krijgt ze te maken met een nieuwe baas, Linn Björkman. Zij vervangt Hans Petterson nadat die ook slachtoffer geworden was van de gezochte moordenaar. Björkman heeft een andere werkwijze dan Hans, de enige persoon in Noréns leven met wie zij een persoonlijke band voelt. Het onderzoek brengt diverse verdachten naar boven: een rechtse vlogger, een verslaafde gokker, zijn zwangere vriendin, het hoofd van een beroepsopleiding die ook drugs smokkelt, een makelaar die een affaire heeft met een zeventienjarige jongen, een zelfhelpgoeroe en een steenrijke kunstverzamelaar.

Seizoen 4

Saga Norén heeft twee jaar in de gevangenis gezeten voor de moord op haar moeder, maar wordt dan door het hooggerechtshof vrijgesproken. Henrik Sabroe is in Denemarken een onderzoek begonnen naar de moord op een hooggeplaatste overheidsfunctionaris, de directeur van de immigratiedienst, die door steniging om het leven is gekomen. Nadat Saga is vrijgekomen, wordt zij herenigd met Henrik en gaan zij samen verder op onderzoek uit in de moordzaak. Tevens besluit zij te gaan samenwonen met Henrik. Na een autorit over de brug krijgt zij ineens een paniekaanval en besluit zij therapie te gaan volgen. Henrik bezoekt regelmatig bijeenkomsten voor ex-drugsverslaafden en daar raakt hij bevriend met Kevin, die in een rolstoel zit. Saga wordt zwanger van Henrik en wil abortus laten plegen. Dit is tegen de wens in van Henrik, waarop zij besluit de baby te houden en deze door Henrik te laten opvoeden.

Tijdens hun moordonderzoek komen zij meer slachtoffers tegen die op een bepaalde manier zijn vermoord. Deze methodes lijken op de wijze hoe gevangenen geëxecuteerd worden. Hierdoor vermoeden zij dat er nog zeven slachtoffers kunnen vallen. Henrik ontdekt een connectie tussen de moorden en een man genaamd Tommy, een gangster en politie-informant, die Henrik nog kent uit het verleden. Tommy had aan Henrik verteld over een komende bendeoorlog, maar de openbare aanklager weigerde deze tip verder te onderzoeken. Dit leidde tot een bloedige bendeoorlog en de dood van Tommy, nadat hij ontmaskerd was als politie-informant. De invloed die Henrik en commissaris Lillian Larsen in deze zaak hadden maakt hen en hun dierbaren nu een potentieel doelwit als slachtoffers. Tevens wordt ontdekt dat Kevin een zoon is van de overleden Tommy.

Saga realiseert zich ondertussen dat zij van Henrik houdt en dat zij met hem verder wil in haar leven. Na haar conclusie dat zij niet in staat is om haar baby op te voeden kiest zij toch voor een abortus tot grote woede van Henrik, die hierna niets meer met haar te maken wil hebben. Saga wil hem toch terug en besluit zijn verdwenen dochters terug te vinden. Tijdens haar privéonderzoek vindt zij een meisje genaamd Astrid. Zij leeft in een kleine gemeenschap en blijkt een dochter van Henrik te zijn. De andere dochter, Anna, is in het verleden gestorven aan de gevolgen van een onbehandelde blindedarmontsteking. Henrik wordt herenigd met zijn dochter en dit maakt hem nu een mogelijk doelwit van de moordenaar.

Saga ontdekt dat de moordenaar de voormalige geliefde is van Tommy. Zij wordt gearresteerd en geeft details prijs over de gepleegde moorden, maar Saga is nog niet overtuigd dat zij de enige dader is en vreest dat er nog een moordenaar rondloopt. Intussen probeert Henrik een relatie op te bouwen met zijn dochter, wat in het begin stroef verloopt. Kevin brengt onverwachts een bezoek aan Henrik en zijn dochter en als Henrik zijn rug naar hem toedraait, staat hij vanuit zijn rolstoel op en valt hen aan. Hij bindt Henrik en Astrid vast en eist dat Henrik toekijkt wanneer hij Astrid doodschiet. Henrik weigert echter te kijken en Kevin schiet dan in haar been en zegt Henrik dit voort te zetten zolang hij niet kijkt. Henrik doet dan zijn ogen open en ziet dan dat Kevin doodgeschoten is door Saga.

Met behulp van de therapeut lukt het Saga van haar schuldgevoel over de zelfmoord van haar zus af te komen. Zij ontdekt ook dat zij een privéleven kan hebben buiten haar politiewerk om. Zij bezoekt Henrik en bekent aan hem dat zij niet zonder hem kan, maar wil hem wel verlaten om dingen te doen buiten hem. Na een belofte om contact te houden verlaat zij Malmö, onderweg stopt zij op de brug om daar haar politiepas in zee te gooien.

Afleveringen

Rolverdeling

Hoofdrollen

Seizoen 1
 Sofia Helin – Saga Norén (politie-inspecteur in Malmö)
 Kim Bodnia – Martin Rohde (politie-inspecteur in Kopenhagen)
 Dag Malmberg – Hans Petterson (commissaris in Malmö)
 Sarah Boberg – Lillian Larsen (commissaris in Kopenhagen)
 Rafael Pettersson – John Lundqvist (medewerker politieteam)
 Puk Scharbau – Mette Rohde (vrouw van Martin Rohde)
 Lars Simonsen – Sebastian Sandstrod / Jens Hansen

Seizoen 2
 Sofia Helin – Saga Norén (politie-inspecteur in Malmö)
 Kim Bodnia – Martin Rohde (politie-inspecteur in Kopenhagen)
 Dag Malmberg – Hans Petterson (commissaris in Malmö)
 Sarah Boberg – Lillian Larsen (commissaris in Kopenhagen)
 Rafael Pettersson – John Lundqvist (medewerker politieteam)
 Puk Scharbau – Mette Rohde (vrouw van Martin Rohde)
 Lars Simonsen – Sebastian Sandstrod / Jens Hansen

Seizoen 3
 Sofia Helin – Saga Norén (politie-inspecteur in Malmö)
 Thure Lindhardt – Henrik Sabroe (politie-inspecteur in Kopenhagen)
 Dag Malmberg – Hans Petterson (commissaris in Malmö)
 Maria Kulle – Linn Björkman (vervangend commissaris in Malmö)
 Sarah Boberg – Lillian Larsen (commissaris in Kopenhagen)
 Rafael Pettersson – John Lundqvist (medewerker politieteam)

Seizoen 4
 Sofia Helin – Saga Norén (politie-inspecteur in Malmö)
 Thure Lindhardt – Henrik Sabroe (politie-inspecteur in Kopenhagen)
 Sarah Boberg – Lillian Larsen (commissaris in Kopenhagen)
 Dag Malmberg – Hans Petterson (commissaris in Malmö)
 Maria Kulle – Linn Björkman (commissaris in Malmö)
 Gabriel Flores Jair – patholoog
 Julie Carlsen – Barbara
 Mikael Birkkjær – Jonas
 Thomas W. Gabrielsson – Niels
 Sandra Yi Sencindiver – Susanne
 Smilla Bak – dochter 1 van Henrik
 Holly Lars Bjarke – dochter 2 van Henrik
 Anders Mossling – Frank
 Fanny Bornedal – Julia
 Iris Mealor Olsen – Ida
 Erik Lönngren – Christoffer
 Lisa Linnertorp – Sofie
 Selma Modéer Wiking – Astrid
 Elliott Crosset Hove – Kevin
 Jenny Lampa – psycholoog
 Lena Strömdahl – Harriet

Algemeen
De serie werd voor het eerst uitgezonden op 21 september 2011 door SVT in Zweden en op 28 september 2011 door DR in Denemarken. In Vlaanderen was de serie vanaf 1 september 2012 elke zaterdag te zien en de tweede reeks in het najaar van 2014 telkens op Canvas.

Tijdens de beginleader klinkt het nummer Hollow Talk van de Deense band Choir of Young Believers.

De eerste twee seizoenen zijn uitgebracht door Lumière met Nederlandstalige ondertiteling in een set van 5 dvd's / 3 blu-rays met een totale speelduur van 600 minuten per seizoen.

Remakes van seizoen 1
In 2013 verscheen een Brits-Franse remake onder de titel The Tunnel. Hierin wordt het lijk niet gevonden op de Sontbrug, maar midden in de Eurotunnel tussen Frankrijk en Engeland. Aan het scenario werd meegeschreven door de oorspronkelijke schrijver Hans Rosenfeldt. De hoofdrollen worden gespeeld door de Britse acteur Stephen Dillane als inspecteur Karl Roebuck en Clémence Poésy als zijn Franse collega Elise Wassermann.

De Amerikaanse remake met Diane Kruger als detective Sonya Cross en Demian Bichir als Marco Ruiz speelt zich af rond de grensovergang tussen El Paso en Juárez.

Externe link

Zweedse misdaadserie
Deense misdaadserie
Zweedse dramaserie
Deense dramaserie
Programma van SVT
Programma van DR


Believe it or not, Kyle Busch won yet another race, yes his 8th win in the cup series. Not only is he dominating the competition, but he is making a mockery of some of the most revered teams in history. Hendrick Motorsports, Childress Racing, Rousch Racing are all looking in awe at what his acomplishments have been this year. Way to go Kyle and way to go Gibbs Racing.


Parents and guardians, spring break has passed and now is the time to plan for summer vacation. The Museum of World Treasures offers Summer Adventure Camp opportunities for a variety of age groups and on different historical topics. Registration ends May 16th; please call 316.263.1311 to sign up or for more information.
This year camp will be offered in two-day sessions, determined by grade level. Please see the schedule below for appropriate dates. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and lunch will be provided on the second day.
Registration is still open. Please call the Museum at 316.263.1311 to enroll your child, or visit our website to print the registration form and permission form and mail with payment. Also take a look at our frequently asked questions. Hurry, enrollment ends May 16th. The Museum cannot guarantee availability of dates or camp t-shirts after this deadline. This is a great educational and fun opportunity for children for all ages.


During the past few years, the role of design as a means of achieving strategic goals and creating competitive advantage has been widely acknowledged, increasing both academic and business interest towards understanding design in business terms as a driver of added value. Despite the widespread interest, the application of and investments in design have remained rather small and the full potential of design rendered benefits has not been acknowledged. These challenges seem to reside in the lack of common understanding of the scope and possible benefits of design as well as a common language between the two different professional fields of design and managers.
This study approaches the existing communication gap of design value from a new perspective by examining the sales interaction between design agencies and their clients with a buyer-driven approach. Hence, the objective of this study is to augment the understanding of sales interactions between design agencies and their clients by better understanding the client perceptions of design.
The theoretical framework of the study builds on research in the domains of design as a knowledge intensive business service, sales as a means of creating mutual understanding, and organisational buying behaviour in the context of business services. Outgoing from this theoretical background, sales is seen as an interactive problem-solving process with the aim of creating mutual understanding by aligning on the customer's and the seller's interpretations of the customer's problems and solutions. The underlying logic is that by understanding design in the scope of the client's overall business and the client's individual perceptions, design agencies can shape their sales practices to align on a mutual understanding of the customer-perceived problems and solutions.
This study adopts a multiple-case study approach with three cases consisting of agency- client couples with three different types of design services: product design, package design, and service design. The empirical data was collected through semi-structured interviews, self- ethnographic observations and analysis of project documentation.
The findings of this study are mainly three-fold. First, this study augments the existing understanding of design purchases by identifying the design industry specific criteria for evaluating design purchases and the organisational, individual, and offering-related factors that affect the selection of these criteria. Secondly, the findings of this study support the theoretical conceptualisation of sales as a problem-solving process, and hence suggests conceptualising the sales of design services as a process based on understanding customer problems and interactively conceiving desirable solutions to these problems. Finally, the findings of this study give a more detailed description of the sales practices applied by design agencies in order to reach alignment with their clients and suggests how these practices can be shaped across different client contexts and design services to most efficiently reach mutual understanding in order for value to emerge.


Jim and Penny Nally's barn was once a sore spot in their troubled marriage, but now is a place of hope.
Can You Fall in Love Again With Your Spouse?
It is hard work, but someone must be willing to be the first to break the cycle if a relationship is to be restored.
Reconciliation and forgiveness are the keys to recovery.
Would They Throw Away 22 Years of Marriage?
Tracey Penrod refused to give up when she learned her husband was having an affair with his ex-wife.


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Home/Articles/Business Development/SBA: PPP Re-Opens to Small Lenders on 1/15 & All Lenders on 1/19
BBC2021-01-14T09:44:55-06:00January 14th, 2021|Articles, Business Development|
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 am ET. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.
Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the agency's ongoing efforts to reach underserved and minority small businesses.
On Friday, SBA will continue its emphasis on reaching smaller lenders and businesses by opening to approximately 5,000 more lenders, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Moreover, the agency also plans to have dedicated service hours for these smaller lenders after the portal fully re-opens next week.
S. Gessner Apartment/Business PIP Meeting, Jan. 19
SBA: Shuttered Venue Grant Webinar, Thursday, Jan. 14
SBA: Economic Aid Act – PPP & EIDL Updates
Get transported overseas at Taste of Tel Aviv
New Life Flight service for police dogs is rooted in Brays Oaks

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Tribune Publishing voluntarily recognizes union representing Courant journalists
By David Owens
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Andrew Julien said Friday evening that the newspaper and its parent, Tribune Publishing, were voluntarily recognizing the Hartford Courant Guild.
"We are voluntarily recognizing the Hartford Courant Guild as the representative of certain newsroom employees at the Hartford Courant and Courant Community,'' Julien said in a letter to newspaper's staff. "We are committed to cooperation as we take these next steps to better serve our readers."
Earlier this week, a group representing Courant journalists submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to form a Newspaper Guild bargaining unit at The Courant. The organizers said 77 percent of eligible employees signed cards backing a union, far more than needed to compel a unionization vote.
The journalists requested an election, which would be decided by a simple majority. With the newspaper's decision to recognize the union, the vote is no longer necessary.
Letter from Courant Publisher Andrew Julien »
In a statement, The Hartford Courant Guild organizing committee said it welcomed the recognition.
"Today, the company agreed to voluntarily recognize the Hartford Courant Guild as a joint collective bargaining unit of nearly 60 members of the Hartford Courant and Courant Community. We acknowledge Tribune Publishing for taking this step, which expedites contract negotiations, and recognizes the overwhelming will of our newsroom to take a seat at the table.
"We look forward to building a more productive and collaborative relationship with the company as we join the conversation shaping the future of the Hartford Courant. We fight for improved resources and support so we can continue to serve our readers to the best of our abilities."
In his letter to the newsroom, Julien said the priority now is to "devote every effort to our readers and our shared future."
"Our future success will stem from our relentless focus on our readers," Julien said. "This is a time for people who are willing to understand the issues in all their complexities to be part of the solution."
Julien also called for broad cooperation in charting The Courant's future, a commitment to digital innovation, and a belief in journalism's ability to improve people's lives. Julien highlighted recent awards for The Courant - including Newspaper of the Year by the New England Newspaper and Press Association, and New England First Amendment Coalition's Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award - as well as investments in reporters and the newsroom.
Founded in 1764, the Courant is the oldest continuously published newspaper in America and the state's largest daily.


We are pleased to tell you that we are now open a little earlier from 8:30am Monday-Friday for takeaway coffee! Perfect if you're parking up and need your morning coffee before you head to work or if you're out cycling and need a coffee stop.
The cafe and workshop will be fully open from 9am, and serving food from 9am too.
We look forward to welcoming all you early birds!


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Berlin film festival opens with Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs
Before the Berlin film festival could begin on Thursday, it was hit by controversy when many objected to the inclusion of a film by award-winning South Korean director Kim Ki-duk, who was fined in December for assaulting an actress on set.
Updated: Feb 15, 2018 10:04:14
Agence France-Presse, Berlin
Isle of Dogs is an animation film by American director Wes Anderson.
Acclaimed US director Wes Anderson's new animated feature Isle of Dogs will on Thursday kick off the Berlin film festival, which is set to be rocked by aftershocks of the #MeToo movement.
With the global cinema industry in turmoil over allegations of rampant sexual misconduct, the 11-day event will be seeking a delicate balance between Hollywood glamour and frank debate in the wake of powerful producer Harvey Weinstein's downfall.
Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, Oscar-nominee Greta Gerwig, Jeff Goldblum and Liev Schreiber, who voice the pack of pooches in Anderson's movie, are expected on the Berlinale red carpet for the world premiere, with stars including Robert Pattinson, Rosamund Pike, Joaquin Phoenix and Isabelle Huppert also set to present new movies.
But even before the opening, controversy erupted over the inclusion of award-winning South Korean director Kim Ki-duk, who was fined in December for assaulting an actress on set.
The actress, who has refused to be publicly identified, has accused the festival -- traditionally a strong champion of Asian cinema -- of "hypocrisy" for inviting Kim to present his latest picture, Human, Space, Time and Human.
Anderson's movie has voiceovers by a host of big names including Bryan Cranston and Bill Murray.
Berlinale 'condemns violence'
Festival director Dieter Kosslick said he had excluded a handful of films because of credible sexual abuse allegations against their directors, screenwriters or stars.
But he told AFP he did not bar Kim because sexual harassment allegations by the same actress against him had been dismissed for lack of evidence, adding that he was seeking more information about an appeal in the case.
"Obviously the Berlinale condemns and opposes any form of violence or sexual misconduct," Kosslick said.
Anderson last opened the Berlinale, which ranks with Cannes and Venice among Europe's top three cinema showcases, in 2014 with the world premiere of The Grand Budapest Hotel, a box office hit which went on to scoop dozens of awards and an Oscar nomination for best picture.
It will be Anderson's fourth turn in competition for the Berlinale's Golden and Silver Bear top prizes following The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Tom Tykwer, one of the German directors behind the blockbuster miniseries Babylon Berlin now appearing on Netflix, will lead a gender-balanced jury including Belgian actress Cecile de France (The Young Pope), Moonlight producer Adele Romanski, Time magazine critic Stephanie Zacharek, Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and Spanish film historian Chema Prado.
The competition features 19 films, four of them by female directors.
Isle of Dogs, made in the stop-motion style of Anderson's much-loved Fantastic Mr Fox from 2009, is set in a fictional Japanese city in which the evil mayor banishes all the hounds to an island garbage dump after an outbreak of canine flu.
Local boy Atari embarks on a rescue mission to track down his beloved pet Spots with the help of the island's furry occupants.
It will be the first animated film to open the Berlinale, now in its 68th year.
Shot on an iPhone
Among other high-profile entries at the event are Damsel, billed as a feminist Western starring Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska, and French noir thriller Eva featuring Huppert as a smouldering femme fatale.
Steven Soderbergh is set to unveil Unsane starring Claire Foy of The Crown in a psychological thriller shot on an iPhone.
British actors Idris Elba and Rupert Everett will each make their directorial debuts with, respectively, the West Indian drug gang drama Yardie and the Oscar Wilde biopic The Happy Prince.
And Norwegian director Erik Poppe will present U - July 22 based on the 2011 massacre by neo-Nazi Anders Behring Breivik and told from the perspective of his 77 victims.
The prizes will be presented at a gala ceremony on February 24 before the festival wraps up the next day.
Last year, a tender Hungarian love story set in a slaughterhouse, On Body and Soul, captured the Golden Bear. It is now nominated for an Academy Award for best foreign language film.
Follow @htshowbiz for more
First Published: Feb 15, 2018 10:03:12
more from world-cinema


Spinal decompression therapy in conjunction with additional modalities effectively relieves the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, by repairing damaged discs and reversing dystrophic changes in nerves. Spinal decompression addresses the functional and mechanical aspects of discogenic pain and disease through non-surgical decompression of lumbar intervertebral discs. Studies verify the significant reduction of intradiscal pressures into the negative range, to approximately minus 150 mm/HG, which result in the non-surgical decompression of the disc and nerve root. Conventional traction has never demonstrated a reduction of intradiscal pressure to negative ranges; on the contrary – many traction devices actually increased intradiscal pressure, most likely due to reflex muscle spasm. The spinal decompression table is designed to apply distraction tension to the patient's lumbar spine without eliciting reflex Para vertebral muscle contractions.
By significantly reducing intradiscal pressure, spinal decompression promotes retraction of the herniation into the disc and facilitates influx of oxygen, proline and other substrates. The promotion of fibro elastic activity stimulates repair and inhibits leakage of irritant sulphates and carboxylates from the nucleus. The most recent trial sought to correlate clinical success with MRI evidence of disc repair in the annulus, nucleus, facet joint and foramina as a result of treatment and found that reduction of disc herniation ranged between 10% and 90% depending on the number of sessions performed, while annulus patching and healing was evident in all cases.
Patients typically undergo 15 to 20 treatment sessions. Each treatment lasts between 30-45 minutes. This, of course, depends on your individual case and is determined by a thorough evaluation. Following each session, a cold pack and electric muscle stimulation may be applied to help pain relief and speed the healing process. It is important to note that many patients get substantial, immediate relief after just a few treatments. Some after just one! The really good news in? This is not something you have to continue to do for the rest of your life! So it is not a big commitment.


Sister Cecilia Argoti Narvaez was kidnapped on February 7th from her community in Mali where she and her sisters administered a large health center in the country. Her whereabouts unknown, the Catholic bishops of Mali are asking the general public to pray and come forward with any information.
BAMAKO, Mali — The Catholic bishops of Mali are asking the general public to help secure the release of a nun who was kidnapped in the country on February 7th.
Sister Cecilia Argoti Narvaez was originally from Colombia, but worked in Mali until she was kidnapped earlier this year. Her fate is still unknown.
"We are exploring all possible paths to obtain Sister Cecilia's release and are calling upon the faithful to keep praying for her," said Father Edmond Dembele, secretary general of the Episcopal Conference of Mali, according to Fides news agency.
Cecilia, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, has served in Mali for 12 years. Her community administers a large health center in the country, as well as a home where they care for some 30 orphans between one and two years of age.
Armed men kidnapped Narvaez in the southern Mali city of Karangasso. The men forced her to hand over the keys to the community's ambulance. The vehicle was later found abandoned. Three other sisters were present at their house but escaped.
Dembele appealed to anyone with information about the kidnappers to contact authorities.
While jihadist groups like Al Qaeda operate in the north of Mali, Karangasso is far removed from their typical area of operations.
Dembele asked the public and the media to help make contact with her kidnappers. The Diocese of Karangasso is also seeking any intermediaries with the kidnappers.
Narvaez and her fellow sisters teach literacy to some 700 Muslim women. They were working on a barn project for times of food shortages, as many mothers in the region die from malnutrition.


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Extra tickets announced for two of Ed Sheeran's Irish gigs
The extra tickets are for his Croke Park gig on April 24th, 2022, and his Páirc Uí Chaoimh show on April 29th, 2022.
24/11/2021 | 11:13 AM James Cox
Extra tickets will go on sale for two of Ed Sheeran's upcoming Irish gigs at 10am this Friday, November 26th.
The extra tickets will include standard and limited premium seats.
Sheeran is set for eight Irish concerts in total. He initially announced four but doubled that after huge demand.
Here is the full schedule for the Irish leg of Sheeran's '+ - = ÷ x' tour, pronounced the Mathematics tour.
Dublin, Croke Park - April 23rd 2022
Dublin, Croke Park - April 24th 2022
Cork, Páirc Uí Chaoimh - April 28th 2022
Limerick, Thomond Park – May 5th 2022
Belfast, Boucher Road Playing Fields – May 12th 2022
"Ed's upcoming '+ - = ÷ x Tour' will see Ed return to stadiums for the first time since his record-breaking 'Divide Tour': taking place from 2017-2019, it officially became the most-attended and highest-grossing tour, ever, by the time of its completion," concert organisers Aiken Promotions said.
"On next year's dates, fans will get to see Ed perform an array of tracks off his upcoming album, '=', live for the first time, and they will also experience a new production set-up with Ed's staging in the round, surrounded by the crowd in each stadium."
Extra tickets for Ed Sheeran's shows in Dublin and Cork on sale Friday, November 26th at 10am from www.ticketmaster.ie
Croke Park,
Limerick,
Páirc Uí Chaoimh,
Thomond Park,
Ed Sheeran Irish gigs
Brendan Cole and Kimberly Wyatt dominate Dancing On Ice leaderboard
Piers Morgan back on breakfast TV as 'tri-continental irritant' in spring
Bill Bailey: Winning Strictly Come Dancing encouraged men to dance
Movie review: Memoria
Kanye West makes 'genius' claims in trailer for Netflix documentary
The Chase star Paul Sinha felt 'relief' when diagnosed with Parkinson's
Jack Whitehall reveals Jungle Cruise character was based on his father


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Super Farming
Living Soil
Grow Cubes
GEOTEA
We are your Living Soil Experts.
Greater Earth Organics GEOTEA Compost Tea Machine
SymSoil, Inc. is the West Coast Distributor of GEOTEA 250 Compost Tea Machine and GEOTEA Complete Activator sold in conjunction with SymSoil Robust Compost.
The joint effort simplifies every Ag industry soil enhancement strategy to increase grower profits while restoring the soil, sequestering carbon, and reducing water needs. Designed for commercial use, the GEOTEA Machine is sold in 24 countries and now available in every state in the country. SymSoil has efficient, affordable products, manufactured with a patented and scalable technology to restore crop and soil specific microbes.
"It is a profound relationship designed to take early adopters to the next level of ROI, bring more industrial classes of landscapers, cannabis growers, vintners, arborists, and more to creating a previously unseen quick change in Ag practice and profits," said SymSoil's Elizabeth Pearce.
GEOTEA's Robert Posthuma added, "I have been in many aspects of the fertilizing business, and traveled internationally learning, educating, and assisting individuals and companies for more than 25 years. SymSoil is the first such partnership I have added to my business. I am excited for both of us and the industry."
Healthy soil affects everything. The quality of the food we eat, the quality of the air we breathe, and health of our rivers, lakes and oceans. When we use too many chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we are destroying our soil – taking the Life out of it. One of the best ways to build, maintain and conserve soil is to put Life back into the soil. Compost Tea does that.
Here's the connection. One acre of healthy soil will contain several thousand pounds of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, micro-arthropods and other organisms that tirelessly transform organic matter, minerals and each other into vibrant, healthy and rich soil that is full of nutrients, water-holding capacity and disease-fighting organisms.
High quality Compost has these same sets of organisms. Plants and microbes exist in an extremely symbiotic relationship. With a GEOTEA Machine, one can safely and effectively extract and multiply these beneficial microbial societies into a liquid solution that can be easily applied to farm fields, orchards, turf, landscapes, greenhouses or anything else that nurtures living plants.
GEOTEA Liquid Biological Amendment (Extract) is an extract made from SymSoil compost and water. While Active Compost Tea has a very short "shelf-life", Liquid Biological Amendment (LBA) can remain viable for up to two months or more. This is because high quality finished and mature compost contains a vast diversity of microorganisms that have gone into different states of dormancy, or suspended animation.
The different kinds of microbes were very active during the actual composting process, but when a compost pile stops heating up and begins to look like "good black dirt", or soil, this an indication that the microorganisms have run out of readily available food resources. With nothing more to eat, they go to "sleep".
If a person makes a compost tea with just water and compost, it is considered an "Extract", "Dormant Tea" or "Liquid Biological Amendment". In the GEOTEA Machine, nearly all of the microorganisms in compost are extracted (dislodged) from the actual compost particles in one to two hours, due to the vigorous action of the patented "Submerged Extractor Dome". Though the organisms are extracted into the liquid, because there are no new food resources, they remain relatively dormant, thus requiring very little oxygen. This is the reason for the ability to be stored for prolonged periods.
When food resources are added such as GEOTEA Complete, or liquid fish, molasses, kelp, etc., the microorganisms sense this new presence of nutrition and begin to "wake up", grow and reproduce. With this new availability of food, the microbiological communities become very active and consume a large volume of oxygen as they vigorously grow and multiply, thus the need for a continual supply of oxygen until they are applied to plants or soil. If starved or limited of this vital oxygen supply, the compost tea quickly becomes anaerobic and conditions will favor the growth of pathogenic organisms instead of the beneficial microorganisms desired. This is the reason why an Active Compost Tea has a very short "shelf-life" (4 to 8 hours) once removed from an active oxygen supply.
Because the microbes in an Active Compost Tea are in the process of growing, multiplying and performing their metabolic activities, they can produce a lot of bio-film, or "slimes and glues". This makes an Active Tea ideal for application to plant and leaf surfaces (foliar spray) because they have the ability to adhere well. When applications are directed onto soil or low lying plants (turf, pasture, etc.), an Extract might be preferred as the organisms will wake up and grow as food resources and environmental conditions allow. Often times, Dormant Tea or Extract is applied along with a food resource to help encourage the microbes to become active and multiply immediately as they hit the soil. Plants devote a lot of energy to produce exudates from their leaves and roots of which are largely comprised of microbial food resources.
The GT250 comes in two models, and you can buy them either with or without a tote (IBC). The GT250.9 is the original machine and is identical to the GT250.12, but has a 9″ diameter Extractor Dome which holds 15 quarts of compost vs. the GT250.12, which has a 12″ Extractor Dome and holds 30 quarts of compost to make an even more concentrated brew. Also available in a 50 hertz model for countries with a 50 hz power grid.
GEOTEA GT250 starting at $4,000.00
When ordering, be sure to mention SymSoil to get the best price and the best compost!
Or fill out the contact form below.
info@symsoil.com
833-SYMSOIL
SymSoil is a soil health company with products and services to improve the profitability of all farmers. Our products are based on a deep understanding of soil science, especially the complete soil microbe biome, and how to improve soil health and solve problems.
Copyright © [2019/20] | SymSoil


Kiva, back on July 23, announced Kiva Maps. To show you what it looks like, consider my own Rickety Kiva Map above. Each of the leaves represents one of my loans all emanating from Kaysville. Neat huh? It is just a Google map so you can zoom in for more detail. In Cambodia I have a number of loans as you can see in the detail map.
Every day over 16,000 people all over the world are viewing Kiva. Kiva Maps also uses the Google Maps API on each Entrepreneur Profile page to show the geographic distribution of lenders to that Entrepreneur. Check it out by clicking "Map View" in the "Lenders to this Business" section.
Kiva did experience some problems shortly after going live with the feature. There were some Internet Explorer issues (as usual), and they also ran up against Google's limit of 15,000 geocoding requests per day very quickly. Seeing Kiva laid out on a map will show how big this thing really is and encourage even more people to participate.
Below is the geographic distribution of lenders for one of my borrowers, pardon me, one of my entrepreneurs. Picks me right out in little old Kaysville.


Lookup Public Records in Tarrant County, Texas. Including Vital Birth and Death Records, Deeds, Probate, Property Records, Mortgages, Liens, Judgments, Marriage Licenses, Voter Registrar, Payroll, Military Discharges.
Tarrant County is located in the state of Texas. The county was formed in 1850 and named after Edward H. Tarrant. The county seat is Fort Worth. As of 2010, the county has a population of 1,809,034. The county has a total area of 902 square miles, 864 square miles of which is land, and 39 square miles is water. The county consists of 74 ZIP codes, with ZIP code 76244 recorded as the one with the largest population. Tarrant County borders the following counties: Denton County, Texas to the north; Johnson County, Texas to the south; Dallas County, Texas to the east; Parker County, Texas to the west; Wise County, Texas to the northwest, and; Ellis County, Texas to the southeast.
Tarrant County's County Clerk needs the applicant to bring any form of identification when applying for a certified copy of birth and death records. The applicant must be a qualified to be able to proceed the wanted action. Notarized Proof of identification is needed to be filled out in completely when applying for a mailed application. The given link is the application form that requires information about the owner and contact details of the one requesting.
Links regarding foreclosures can be seen below. Frequently Asked Questions are also available.
Click on the link below to search records in Public Access that can be displayed, exported or printed in spreadsheet format. Please note only records from 01/01/1970 to present are available using this link. Click help for helpful search tips and detailed how-to videos.
Copy fees for court records: Non-Certified Copies – 50 cents per page, Certified Copies – $1 per page.


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August 20th White Plains Card Show Review Part 4
Hey guys, Drew back here! Time for you guys to see the 2 big Hall of Famers I added to my custom Hall of Fame set! Take a look...
This has been a post I've been dying to write for months now, because I couldn't wait to talk about my story of meeting these former greats to you all. We all had to wait quite a long time because, considering its one of the biggest card shows in the country and many people were there, a lot of people were in line to meet these guys too.
The first Hall of Famer I met that day was former Cardinals All Star shortstop, "The Wizard", Ozzie Smith! Smith, known for his trademark backflips and incredible defensive plays, was larger than life back in his playing days. Fortunately, throughout his popularity and fame, he hasn't changed his personality one bit, as he was by far the nicest and most down to Earth player I've ever met. Before us in line was an older guy with his little son, holding a little toy when he shook hands with Smith. Smith proceeded to have the kid pose on the table while he held his little toy for a picture, and it looked like it was a cool memory for those people for sure.
I came up to Ozzie and greeted him, and did the usual "I made this card of you on my computer, in your honor" deal, because it's always the shy guys way out of being loud and obnoxious to players. He responded by saying that I'm a really creative young kid, and it meant a lot for me to hear that from a guy who was certainly a unique baseball player:
So, I got him to sign my Hall of Fame card and we posed for a picture. Following that Mike did fellow blogger William a favor and got his baseball signed for him by Ozzie, giving him a chance to meet "The Wizard of Oz". We both strongly feel like he was the nicest baseball player we've ever met, and it was a great opportunity and memory for both of us.
My autographed card came out good, and my only complaint is that I didn't reprint it before I got it signed because the printer started to run low on ink as the card completed. You can tell by looking at the color comparison on the far right side of the card. Otherwise, the autograph, plus his Hall of Fame inscription came out awesome, and I'm extremely psyched to add it to the set! Before I get to the other guest we met, here are a few pictures of some of the other signers at the show:
Mets Rookie Justin Turner
Mets Rookie Dillon Gee
Anyway, the second autograph guest was none other than "Mr. Cub", Ernie Banks! When I saw that Banks was on the lineup, I knew for sure I wasn't going to get a whole lot of "gifts" for my birthday, as I instead asked for money so I can save up to meet the legend! I eventually compiled the money, made his card, and went off to wait in line for him in the afternoon. Boy was he slow at signing autographs! It took Mike and I over 2 hours to wait in line just so we could make use of my autograph ticket. Mike ever so kindly stood in line for me since he was done buying stuff and had nothing better to do, as I ran out to buy more before the show ended and I came back with more money than I hoped to have had. The show was about a half hour from ending, with many more people still to go, Banks already having been way past his time allotment, and he decides to get up, and walk around a little bit...
I swear, I have absolutely no idea how I felt at this moment. I thought it was absolutely hilarious some of the stuff he was saying, and the fact that he decided to get up and personalize with a lot of the people still waiting for him, but on the second hand I was worried that he wouldn't finish in time and I ended up losing the price of his ticket! Fortunately, he soon finished joking around asking who was married and who has considered divorce, murder, or suicide, and finally returned to his signing table. (PS, turn up the volume on the video above, so you can hear him!)
So, about a half hour later it was FINALLY our turn to meet him. His price was $90 an autograph, so I guess he was trying to make it worth every penny! The lady in front of us worked in the media section for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and she decided to have a long conversation with him about the old Pirates teams, etc etc. I'm standing there, right in front of Mr. Banks, while he's holding my card and about to sign it, while not having said one word to me yet and continuing the conversation with that lady. He finally turned to me and I said hello, and the usual, custom card deal, and I asked him to inscribe his Hall of Fame year on it. He responds to me by saying, almost as if he was in awe, "You made that?", and I said yeah, and he told me he was really impressed. He finished signing my card and the 3 of us, dad, Mike, and I, all went around the table for a photo opportunity. My dad decides to be the funny guy he is and says "See that kid there (pointing to me)? He's 15, married, and murdered his wife!" Banks turned and stared me down for a good 5 seconds with his jaw dropped until dad said he was kidding and that I would never do that. Banks knew and just said he was going with the joke basically. What a hilarious and memorable meet with "Mr. Cub"!
Overall, Banks really made my day, and it was definitely something I'll never forget. He seemed like a real gentle giant, and had one of the better personalities I've came across in a long time. The autograph came out beautiful and is easily my favorite of the set so far. You can't get a whole lot better than a 14 time All Star who slugged 512 home runs, winning 2 MVPs along the way!
So, my advice is this. If you ever see one of these guys, Smith or Banks, coming around your area for a signing, don't miss out! Both of them are complete gentlemen and class acts, and it was a day I'll never forget...
Labels: August 20th 2011 White Plains Card Show, drewscards, Ernie Banks, Hall of Fame Autograph, Hall of Fame Heroes, IP Autographs, Meeting Former Players, Ozzie Smith
The Lost Collector August 26, 2011 at 1:50 PM
Your customs look great signed, Drew.
William Regenthal August 26, 2011 at 2:24 PM
You're so lucky. Tell Mike that I said thanks again. I never knew Banks was so funny, but man, I was LOLing in my office, haha. Awesome stuff.
Orioles Magic August 26, 2011 at 2:52 PM
It's great that you got to pick up two HOFers in one day!
A2 Wolverine August 26, 2011 at 4:20 PM
Smith and Banks in one day? Nice!
TTM #77- Another Crazy Celebrity Addition!
Mail from The Lost Collector!
August 20th White Plains Card Show Box Break! A&G?
A Fun Contest Over at Schuyler's Stuff!!!
Today's the Day!
American League Cy Young Award Winner eBay Pickup!
Core 4 Autograph Pickup!
Revealing the Rest of the Mysterious Binder...
2011 Topps Diamond Card Pickup!
Bowman's Best Autograph Pickup!
A Mess of Yearbooks Found in the Tubs!
A Couple of 2011 Allen & Ginter Hits!
Speedy Yankee Autograph Pickup!
Autographs Found in the Recent Tubs!
Revealing the Mysterious Binder... A Little at a T...
Getting to Meet a Fellow Blogger and Great Friend!
Ancient Baseball Card eBay Pickup! Yankee Stud!
Inheriting A Collection: Part 2


WHO NEEDS TO COLLECT TOT?
WHO IS A "TRANSIENT" GUEST?
WHAT IF I AM A NEW HOTEL/MOTEL/BED AND BREAKFAST/VACATION HOME RENTAL OPERATOR?
WHEN IS THE TOT DUE TO THE COUNTY?
I DID NOT HAVE ANY GUESTS DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD, OR ALL GUESTS HAVE STAYED OVER 30 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. DO I STILL NEED TO COMPLETE A RETURN?
I AM SELLING/BUYING A HOTEL WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
I AM NO LONGER GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN VACATION HOME RENTAL, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
I MISPLACED MY TOT RETURN AND NEED A REPLACEMENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I AM THE TRANSIENT (GUEST), CAN I BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE TOT?
The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), also commonly known as "bed tax", is authorized under State Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280 and Sacramento County Ordinance 3.08. The tax of twelve percent (12%) of the rent/consideration charged to "transient" guests is an additional source of non-property tax revenue to local government.
Any operator of any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for dwelling, lodging or sleeping purposes, and includes any hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, studio, hotel, bachelor hotel, lodging house, rooming house, apartment house, dormitory, public of private club, mobile home, or house trailer at a fixed location, or other similar structure or portion thereof in the unincorporated area of the County of Sacramento are required to charge and collect the TOT of twelve percent (12%) of the rent charged to "transient" guests..
Transient (guest) is any person who occupies a room for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive calendar days, counting portions of calendar days as full days. (sec. 3.08.020.4 Definitions).
WHAT IF I AM A NEW HOTELIER/MOTEL/BED AND BREAKFAST/VACATION HOME RENTAL OPERATOR?
Prior to commencing operation of any establishment renting rooms, all operator /owners must obtain a General Business License. In addition to the license application form, each owner needs to file a Transient Occupancy Tax Registration form. Except owners of Home Rental Sites need to fila a Home Rental Registration Form. The registration form will include such information as the number and rental rate of the rooms, the name and contact information for the owner(s) and management, and any other information deemed appropriate to the collection of the tax.
The amount of tax due is 12% of the room "rents" received in the applicable reporting period. "Rent" means the consideration charged whether to be received in money, goods, labor exchange, barter, or otherwise, including services of any kind or nature. If there is an additional charge for a room safe or other non-optional amenities these amounts should be included in the taxable room rate.
Each operator/owner should collect the TOT at the time the rent is due from each guest. The amount of TOT shall be separately stated from the amount of the rent charged.
Home Rental Site operators that advertise through a property management company or with online service provider to rent your home or room(s) in your home for a short term vacation rental, collect the TOT as part of the amount charged for the rental listed with the company.
Each operator/owner is required to keep and preserve, for a period of three years, all records as may be necessary to determine the amount of tax liable for the collection and remittance to the County. The Tax Collector or his or her delegated representatives shall have the right to inspect such records at all reasonable times for audit purposes.
Each operator/owner is required to file the TOT return together with payment for the tax collected to the Tax Collector on or before the last day of the month following the last day of the month for which the tax was collected. Example: The last day to file a TOT return for the reporting period of March is by April 30.
If the last day to file your TOT return falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, then your return must be postmarked or delivered to the Tax Collector office on or before 5:00 p.m. of the next business day.
The full amount of the tax collected together with any applicable penalties and interest shall be remitted to the Tax Collector at the time the return is filed.
Yes. Regardless of whether any qualified rents are received for the reporting period a return is required. If you are operating and advertising rooms available for guests, you must file a zero return.
The prospective purchaser should notify the Tax Collector in writing of the sale or transfer date and request a Tax Clearance Certificate, include the name and address and phone number of the purchaser or transferee. If no Tax Clearance Certificate is issued or the tax that is due is not withheld for the county and paid in escrow then the purchaser shall be held liable for any unpaid tax owing on the property.
Returns and payments are due immediately upon sale and/or close of the business for any reason.
For any other changes such as contact information, address changes etc. complete and submit an updated TOT REGISTRATION FORM.
If you decide to stop renting your home or room(s) in your home for a short term vacation rental privately, through a property management company or with online service provider, notify the Tax Collector in writing. Include any proof of closing your account/de-listing your property from the property Management Company or online service provider.
Any operator/owner who fails to remit the TOT within the time required will pay a penalty of ten percent (10%) in addition to the original amount of the TOT. The TOT is not considered paid if payment is not made for the entire amount owed. Partial payments may be returned or held in a suspense account until payment in full is received. Partial payments are not credited to the TOT and all penalties and interest will accrue as if no payment had been received.
In addition to the penalties imposed, interest at the rate of one and one half percent (1.5%) per month or fraction thereof is imposed on the amount of the unpaid tax, exclusive of penalties, from the date on which the payment first became delinquent until paid.
If the payment remains delinquent thirty (30) days after the date on which the payment first became delinquent a second penalty of ten percent (10%) will be imposed, in addition to the amount of tax and the ten percent (10%) penalty first imposed.
The TOT is a debt owed by the transient to the County. Any tax collected by the operator which is not paid to the County is a debt owed by the operator. However, if the operator fails to collect the TOT from the transient, any person, transient or operator, shall be liable for the TOT.
If you need help in determining which zone you are located in please contact our office.
The monthly STMD is due on or before the last day of the month following the last day of the month for which the assessment was collected. The STMD is due for the same period and at the same time as your TOT return and payment. Penalties will be imposed on any hotel operator who fails to remit the assessment by the due date. A penalty of ten percent (10%) of the tax due, plus interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per year simple interest shall accrue daily until the delinquency is paid in full. If the delinquency is not paid within thirty (30) days, an additional ten percent (10%) penalty is added at the beginning of the second month of delinquency, in addition to the monthly interest.
Operators of Home Rental Sites are not required to collect and remit the STMD.
Please contact Report and Account Services Unit of the Tax Collection and Licenses Division at 700 H Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814 or phone (916) 874-7844.
For more details regarding TOT see Sacramento County Ordinance 3.08.


Thanks for stopping by our page! We are a small restaurant located in the historical downtown of Cleveland, MS. Whether it's a quick bite to eat, business lunch or a day out with your family, A la Carte is your place to stop. Our lunch is served from 11am-2pm. If you are in the mood for something light, try our delicious salads or our one of a kind homemade wraps! Are you really hungry? Then our Turkey and Cheddar with our wine and cheese dressing and homemade fries will really hit the spot! Want it to go? We do that too! We also cater. Not to mention, you can buy a pint, quart or gallon of our homemade Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Pimento Cheese and Bake Potato Salad and much more!


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AuthorBen Levitas
Ben Levitas studied at Wits, Hebrew University (BA), London School of Economics (MSc) and Pretoria (MBA). He founded Boston House College and is former Chairman of the SAZF Cape Council.
South Africa's foreign policy is damaging to South Africans
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Theodore Herzl, in his book Altneuland, 1902, linked the struggle for a homeland for the Jews to the struggle by African countries to obtain freedom from their colonizers.
The enduring effects of the Abraham accords in Africa
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Wouldn't it be great if Kids CHOSE to study the Bible on their own? What would it take to help kids make the decision to search for themselves what God wants to say to them through his Word? Below are some of my thoughts that I've wrestled with over the past few weeks on this subject. What do you think?
MODEL WHAT'S IMPORTANT: Kids learn more of what they see you do than they will ever learn by just hearing what you say.
Model the importance of personal Bible study by HAVING ONE YOURSELF.
Model the importance of the Bible by using your Bible in front of them at church. Teach the Bible story FROM YOUR BIBLE (not the curriculum) and read Bible verses FROM YOUR BIBLE not just a resource piece.
Encourage kids to use their Bibles regularly in class, too.
Encourage families to make family Bible study a priority at home. Truth: parents really have the most influence over this… encourage them to be on mission here!
MAKE SCRIPTURE INTERESTING: It should be a sin (it might be) to bore kids with the Bible!
Bring out interesting and unusual facts and customs.
Use all five senses to teach Bible content.
Use a variety of teaching methods and approaches to teach kids in the way God created them to learn.
BEGIN EARLY: Habits began early in life become life-long habits.
Teach kids to treat the Bible with respect.
Teach kids that God's Word is important and eternal.
Teach kids that the Bible is God's letter to them.
Read the Bible to kids and encourage families to read the Bible together.
Encourage them to read their own Bible with fun and easy "homework" assignments. Follow through and consider appropriate rewards.
4. GIVE EVERY CHILD A BIBLE: How can they study their Bible if they don't have one?
Choose an age appropriate Bible. There are tons of Bibles out there. Find a Bible that meets the need of the child.
TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO USE THEIR BIBLES: The Bible is placed on the page differently than any other book they've been exposed to. Make sure they know how to use the Bible.
Help kids know how the Bible is arranged (Testaments/Divisions).
Help kids know how to find book, chapter, verse (I've found that must kids get confused about the column found in many Bibles).


I think I have fallen in love. No, not with some Prince Charming or some knight in shining armor. I have found basking myself in the glory of history. It's a place where the past is immortalized through houses of grandeur, their stories resonating in my pure, Filipina soul. By the time I have stepped back into reality, I was never the same again. I think I have just left a piece of my heart in Las Casas.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan is a place owned by Jerry Acuzar, one of the most succesful and richest men in the province. It was built in 2010 but it is continually being developed until today.
To get there, one has to take a three to four-hour bus ride from the Genesis bus station in Cubao going to Balanga (that would be Php200) and about an hour's jeepney ride from Balanga to Bagac (Php50). Then, take a Php50 tricycle ride to the very site. I recommend you to leave at around 7 am even if the check-in time is at 2 pm. We were very lucky because our jeepney driver had agreed to take us straight to the resort while charging us only Php80 per person.
Stepping through the gates of Las Casas is like stepping back in time. It embodies everything Filipino, right from the building structures, the camiso de chino and the baro't saya the staff are wearing to the true blue Pinoy values they are exemplefying. Their friendliness and hospitality are very welcoming for us. I even felt a little embarrassed when they have asked us to carry our bags to our room.
I couldn't contain my excitement because everything is overwhelmingly IG-worthy. By the time we have entered our overnight abode, I screamed. With that, I was ready with my OOTD. I have to make sure I'd jive well with the place.
A jeep would carry us from the reception, to our quarters and to the little village where las casas (yes, the place literally means "the houses" in Spanish) stand. All houses, which were restored or remodeled, have story to tell. Some of them are linked to our national heroes, some had horror stories but others will just simply bring childhood memories of your old grandma's house where the smell of burning leaves waft in the morning air. I assure you one day is not enough for all of these tours and activities.
One of the tour guides demonstrating some of the most curious things that could be found in an old house.
Murals that replicate the works of great Filipino artists in one of the houses.
It would be good if you spend an overnight stay on the weekend because they have cultural shows on Saturdays and special activities on Sundays. One of them was the carabao race, which we have missed unfortunately. Still, we were able to watch a play at the end of the tour, which is about the value of the Filipino.
Nighttime at Las Casas is very romantic. I don't mind not having a date because the sound of the singing violin from afar is enough to melt my heart. If you're wondering where that sound came from, that was from the open Italian restaurant in the village.
I warn you the food in this place is quite pricey but I can also assure you it won't disappoint you. You just have to choose whether you like Filipino or Italian cuisine. We have chosen Filipino food because it is good for sharing (one viand costs around Php300-Php500 but a cup of rice is Php50). It is very fulfilling because it is tasty and it is really heavy in the stomach.
Breakfast is just as good as dinner. Oh, the breakfast buffet is part of our overnight package so we can have as much bread and coffee as we want. I would say again the food is satisfying and superb. It's enough to keep us going through the rest of the day.
That's daing na bangus with eggs and fried rice, paired with lomi, fruits and coffee, along woth bread and jam. Who says we'll be hungry the whole day?
The sea was not swimmable because the waves were dangerously strong. Don't worry, there's a small pool near the beach where you can waddle for a morning swim.
Even after check-out, we can still tour the place in the afternoon. We did not miss the kalesa ride (about Php75 per person) but we were not able to take the balsa ride (which should have been at Php250) because it was beginning to drizzle. We'd rather horse around the rest of the day.
As always, we took a visit at the souvenir shop. I would have loved to take a picture while wearing a traditional Filipino dress at their Photography studio but the minimum price is Php800 to Php900! Nah, forget it. It's not my pre-nup yet.
Surprisingly, we only remembered to take a bite at around 3 pm (I told you the breakfast is superb!). Let me remind you that puto (rice cakes) at their snack bar costs at around Php110 for every five, small pieces. Kikiam (a type of Filipino dumpling) costs at around Php90! Oh well, we'd be willing to try it for the sake of experiencing them.
We ended the tour (and the picture taking) past 5 pm. If you don't plan to bring a car at Las Casas, advise you not to leave the place around that time because there would be no more jeepney going to Balanga. The last jeepney trip would be around 4 or 5pm. The tricycles did take us to Balanga but it's a bit expensive.
The gateway to the beach.
We all had our hangovers when we had left the place. If only we could stay longer. The place and the experience Las Casas offers are very satisfying. I'd recommend you to take a room for six if you're going with a large group because that only costs Php10,800 or Php1800 per person during the weekdays (rates are more expensive on weekends). It would be great to visit the place with your best travel buddies.
From the left Tina, myself, Lans, Ross and Ritz…all aboard to new adventures.
What I love most of all in Las Casas is its tag, "Pride in the past, hope for the future". Such houses are rarely found in the cities. It is sad many modern Filipinos do not have a sense of history. I admire Mr. Acuzar for keeping the Filipino spirit alive by rebuilding these houses. I hope it is not only the experience the visitors would bring home. I hope everyone who visits Las Casas would also carry the vision Mr. Acuzar has in preserving the Filipino heritage.
The sound of gongs is strongly infusing the festive atmosphere. The bride and the groom were greeting well-wishers who had attended their wedding ceremony earlier. Looking closer at the floor near the stage, a group of men playing gongs were formed in a circle. Old men in baseball caps, traditionally dressed elderly women wearing colored beads, young men in tuxedos, and ladies in satin gowns took turns in dancing traditional dances to the beat. In such a wedding feast in Baguio, no modernity can hinder the rhythmic culture their generations have embraced.
In the definitive Filipino culture, weddings are held as a community event. Almost – if not everyone – in the community are invited to celebrate. The bayanihan system (a classic Filipino attitude where the whole bayan or community helps one another) becomes alive in such occasions. Neighbors would voluntarily help to cook, arrange, and even organize the wedding. While this tradition is slowly dying because more couples are relying on professional wedding coordinators, this concept is still being kept in many rural provinces and cities, including Baguio.
An example of the bayanihan system – locals form a line to pass food to one another in this large gathering at my friend's wedding.
Every Filipino loves Baguio for its cool climate, strawberries, and many popular tourist sites. I love Baguio for its meek and courteous people. Some of them have become my friends and I have the privilege to taste their culture and their way of living.
I had two friends who have recently married at Baguio. Just like how the quaint townspeople of Bulacan would hold their weddings, they similarly hold their matrimony with a community celebration. My province, Bulacan, would have videoke as a form of entertainment while Baguio people would celebrate this occasion with dances and gongs.
Gongs are considered an ancient instrument by city people like me. I am impressed that these people would not use them for production numbers alone. Both elders and youths would join together and strike musical rhythms on it. They are accompanied with traditional dances that love and courtship to mark the occasion.
Food being served to the community at my friend's wedding.
Usually, they would hold their celebrations the whole day, even up to the wee hours of the morning the next day. There is an abundant flow of food, mostly made of pork and chicken, rice, and pansit (a type of Filipino noodles) which the whole community would partake. Locals are not shy to share their talents while everybody would show their appreciation to them. Celebrations would continue at the house of the bride and the groom. Old men at night would chant to call the spirit of the anito (traditional deity) to bless the gathering. As the music and dancing continues, the bride and the groom danced along with everyone. And of course, the visitors are not exempted from joining in the fun.
For the first time, I played the gong. It was heavy for me, but the hypnotic rhythm of the instrument made me enjoy every moment I danced to its tune. I just think I look awkward while dancing. My Instagram post just proves that (sorry I can't upload the video on this blog. So please click the link to find out. I am the lady in the white dress and black blazer in the video).
Baguio people are proud of their artful heritage, as they wear woven Kalinga skirts or intermarry these designs with modern fashion. They love their culture so much the rhythm of the gongs pulse through their veins, willingly dancing along every clanging beat without hesitation. Through the sound of their instrument they become one, bringing into awareness the legacy they carry as Igorots.
Manila, a fascinating city of sights, color, sounds, is nothing as unique as this. The mixture of various cultures has turned this central city of Luzon into a melting pot of obscurity. We have become more in tuned with modernity and Western civilization, losing into consciousness the beautiful, old songs that have been passed down to us through school. Looks like Madonna's Crazy For You has become the local fixture in videoke sessions.
I keep on learning so much from other cultures in my own country. With all regions having their own differences, it just proves that we are a diverse society. I'm glad we have Filipinos who still carry the pride of their heritage. The Igorots are teaching us that traditional hertages are not a myth but they are living, breathing, and are worth to be celebrated for their uniqueness.
Fridays. They're always action packed. In order to get a bus ride home, I am forced to become a Lara Croft running around EDSA. If it is not as freaky as that, then it's not a Friday.
I would have this theory that it goes this way because people can't wait to go home. My other theory is mall sale, which usually does not happen occasionally. So, I'd stick with my first theory. Every Friday, especially in rush hour, commuters fill the roadsides, even the no loading/unloading areas. A lot of those cars and buses move side by side slowly on the road. In Manila, commuters are willing to crowd and stand in a bus for two hours.
People are always in a rush. I wonder what causes us to race against one another to get to a bus. A good seat? A ride home? I'm one of those guilty. I remember how I recalled a zombie scene in Resident Evil 4 when the ladies flocked and almost stuck themselves at the door of an MRT train that paused to give a ride. That was when there was no queue system yet. It was freaky. Like zombies, we can't wait to rush in and gobble that good seat.
Come to think of it, what are we running after? After all, all of us will get a chance to ride or to sit. If our goal is to go home, we will go home. There are buses until late at night. A lot of reasons maybe, like not wasting time. We're excited, I understand. But competing with another just for that ride is even more freaky. We're too impatient to get a good ride. We have lost this sense of patience.
My mom, the calmest person in the world, would always tell me to wait. This irritates me. But when we do, we still get to our destination. No reason to rush, she would remind me, unless it's really urgent. Let me rephrase it, if there's no urgent reason to go, then don't rush.
We all get to where we need to go. Rush and impatience had been in our system for a long time. Can we blame the lagging system of transportation for this? I don't think so. I guess, we all need to relearn how to be patient again. Besides, it keeps us away from road dangers. In the end, we all go home.


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The Origins of Hispanic Heritage Month
Leslie Herrera-Cruz, Columnist|October 11, 2022
This month is Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated each year in the United States! It starts on September 15th and ends on October 15th. This month is dedicated to the culture and history of Americans whose ancestors come from South America, Central America, Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, not many know why we celebrate in the middle of the month or how we should celebrate. So, why doesn't Hispanic Heritage Month start on September 1st?
When the Spanish came to the Americas, they colonized many places. One of their colonies was called the Captaincy General of Guatemala, where Central America is located today. After three centuries of Spanish colonization, Central America declared its independence on September 15th, 1821. Luckily, no war occurred with Spain since it wasn't considered as significant as other colonies. First called Guatemala, it was renamed the Federal Republic of Central America. In 1840, the republic dissolved due to internal conflicts, so five new countries were born: Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th because Central America celebrates its independence that day.
Mexico gained independence on September 16th, 1810. Their independence day is commonly confused with Cinco de Mayo, which isn't a national holiday in Mexico but a celebration of a military victory. Their struggle for independence resulted in a war against Spain that lasted for a decade. After Central America obtained their independence from Spain, the Federal Republic was briefly united with Mexico under the Mexican empire, with Mexico sending troops to ensure this. The Federal Republic of Central America once again declared independence, but from Mexico.
Chile declared independence from Spain on September 18th, 1810. Their fight for independence lasted almost a decade. Belize's independence day is on September 21st, 1981. They declared independence not from Spain but from Great Britain. Previously under Spanish rule, British settlers wouldn't leave, so the Spanish gave the colony to Great Britain in 1783. The colony was originally called British Honduras until it was renamed Belize in 1973 to reflect its Maya heritage.
Another significant date is Columbus Day or Day of Race on October 12th. Originally, it was common to celebrate Christopher Columbus and how he "discovered" the Americas and claimed the land for Christianity. However, many communities would rather honor the indigenous peoples who lost their culture, died of diseases, and were enslaved. It honors the traditions and cultures that were destroyed by European colonization while celebrating and demonstrating diversity. Day of Race has many different names in countries, but it is commonly known to Americans as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Recently, Hispanic Heritage Month has been referred to as Latinx Heritage Month. No term is better than the other, and it's simply a matter of preference. Latinx is still a new and unfamiliar word, so many stick with Hispanic Heritage Month. Some prefer using Latinx Heritage Month as a more inclusive term for Latin America and gender. Either way, September 15th to October 15th is a time for us to celebrate our identities and who we are.
Everyone has their own way of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Rockville High School has Viernes Festivos this month: 9/23 was Día De La Raza, where students came with traditional clothing or jerseys representing their country; 9/30 was Qué Bonita Bandera, where students wore their country's flag/flag colors; and 10/14 is ¡Si Se Puede! where everyone wears red in support of Latinx culture or a college t-shirt. Participating in these activities is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to have fun and see the representation we deserve.


Have a group member read Exodus 30:11-31:18 aloud.
What is your favorite fragrance or smell? Why?
In 30:11-30, God commands a special scent to be blended for use only in the tabernacle. Why do you think He does so? What other senses does the tabernacle appeal to?
Look at 31:3 again. This is the first time in the Bible anyone is described as being "filled" with the Spirit of God. What other attributes does God give to the artisans? Which, if any, are unexpected?
Look again at 31:12-18. What does this section say is the purpose of observing Sabbath? Taking a day off work would require faith and trust that God would give them seven days worth of production in six days time. When their surrounding enemies were working on the Sabbath, Israel would be resting. What virtues would observing the Sabbath help the Jews to develop?
Should worship in the modern church engage the five senses to the degree that the tabernacle did? What are the risks and benefits of involving our senses in corporate worship?
Read Hebrews 4:9-10. With regard to the spiritual concept of Sabbath, what kinds of works does the person of faith rest from? How is trying to earn rest through works different from working as one who has already entered the rest of God through faith?
Set aside a time this week for your family to read Exodus 31:12-18 together and discuss these questions.
// What sticks out to you in these verses? Why do you think the Lord takes Sabbath rest so seriously?
// On a scale of 1 – 10, where does your family rate at keeping the Sabbath?
// Is Sabbath rest the same as doing nothing? Why not?
// What are some ways you can practice Sabbath as a family this week?