LA CENTER — In an effort to help support two remaining card rooms in the city of La Center, members of the La Center City Council voted Wednesday night to approve changes to the city code that allowed for agreements to be signed with each card room that establishes a sliding tax scale.
The vote was a culmination of a series of meetings and proposals that began last year to help keep the city's card rooms in business. In October of 2017, members of the city council failed to pass an ordinance that would have reduced the tax rate on card room revenues from 10 percent to 5 percent for the last three months of the year.
At Wednesday's city council meeting, financial consultant Paul Lewis presented proposed changes to city code and an agreement between the city and the card rooms that would establish a sliding tax scale for the businesses during 2018.
Lewis began by explaining the importance of the card room industry to the city of La Center. Historically, the revenues from the card rooms have made up over 75 percent of the city's annual general fund. However, in 2017 the revenues from the Last Frontier and Palace casinos decreased to 62 percent of the general fund, and 2018 budget projections estimated that the revenues would be only 51 percent, Lewis said.
Lewis attributed this decrease to several factors. Increased competition from the Cowlitz Tribe's ilani casino, as well as a card room in Woodland, have decreased the amount of customers at the La Center card rooms.
Additionally, incremental state minimum wage increases to $13.50 an hour by 2020 have not only increased the wages for minimum wage employees, but also increased costs for the card rooms when they have to increase other wages to maintain the pay scale. Lewis characterized the industry as a "labor intensive business," with each card room requiring an estimated 300,000 hours of labor per year.
Lewis estimated that if one half of all hours were affected by the wage increase, it would cost each business about $328,000 annually.
Lewis also said that requirements for paid sick leave and medical insurance under the Affordable Care Act have driven up costs for the card rooms. According to his estimates, Lewis said that the combined total of the wage and benefits increases cost each card room approximately $500,000 annually.
For the first several months of 2017 before the opening of the ilani Casino, Lewis noted that the card rooms had comfortably high revenues. However, although the 2017 tax revenue of $2,395,000 exceeded the city's budget estimate for the year by $465,000, after the ilani Casino opened, the average monthly revenues of the card rooms dropped.
From May to December of 2017, the average monthly revenues from the card rooms was $850,000, which Lewis said matched the card room revenues for the same period in 2014.
Lewis also situated the tax rate of La Center with other cities in the state. Taxes in the state run from 2 percent to 11 percent, with La Center's original rate being set at 10 percent. Lewis said that several other cities have recently reduced their gambling tax rate. Spokane Valley reduced it from 10 percent to 6 percent, Spokane from 8 percent to 2 percent, Woodland from 5 percent to 3 percent and Moses Lake from 10 percent to 5 percent by 2022, with annual 1 percent decreases.
The council first decided on changes to the city's gambling tax ordinance. The ordinance adopted specifically authorizes the mayor to sign agreements with each card room that establish tax structure changes effective until Dec. 31, 2019. The ordinance also establishes reduced late fees for tax payments. It also references state law and establishes that in the event of nonpayment, the taxes are considered a priority lien against property used in the card room trade.
The late fees have been reduced from 5 percent to 2.5 percent for 1 to 10 days, 10 percent to 2.5 percent for 11 to 14 days, 10 percent to 5 percent for 15 to 20 days, 15 percent to 5 percent for 21 to 31 days and 20 percent to 10 percent for over 31 days. The fee for the first 14 day late payment also is waived by the ordinance changes.
Under the agreements specified by the ordinance changes, a sliding tax scale for monthly revenues is applied to the card rooms. For revenues up to $400,000, the marginal tax rate is set at 5 percent. Revenues of $400,001 to $700,000 have a marginal rate of 7.5 percent. Revenues from $700,001 to $1,000,000 will have a rate of 10 percent. Revenues from $1,000,001 to $1,300,000 are taxed at a marginal rate of 12.5 percent and revenues in excess of $1,300,001 are taxed at 15 percent.
The agreement also establishes a 5 percent tax rate extending up to $800,000 for April through June, to help offset impacts on the card rooms from road construction in the city and the impacts of the full implementation of city utility taxes.
The ordinance also establishes payments to be charged in the event of a card room closure. Before June 30, a closing card room would owe $25,000. Closure from July to Oct. 31 renders a fee of $15,000. The city also must be notified of closure within one hour for permanent closure and two days ahead of a temporary closure.
Lewis said that if the average gross revenues for the card rooms is $850,000 per month in 2018, the effective tax rate would be 6.8 percent. The additional reduction from April to June would create a 6.5 percent effective rate. This equates to an approximately 32 percent to 35 percent reduction in the tax. The card rooms would thus save an estimated $360,000.
Under the plan, the city's revenues are estimated at $1,329,000, and increase the deficit by $243,000. The current budget deficit is $390,000, and the new tax plan increases that to $633,000.
Members of the city council voiced approval for the measure. Council Member Joe Valenzuela emphasized the historical importance of the card rooms to La Center. Since the 1980s, over $40 million were contributed to the city by the card rooms, he said. That revenue has provided for many excellent municipal services, the park and the police department, Valenzuela said.
"It's a gift that they're here," he said, offering support for the measure to keep them in business.
Council Member Doug Boff asked what would happen if one of the card rooms were to close. "We're not in a position to take that risk," he said. Boff also pointed to three months of late payments from the card rooms as a sign of their financial difficulty under the current structure.
"We need to preserve the health of these card rooms," said Council Member Jon Stimmel, while the city works to find a long term solution to reduce its dependence on the card rooms.
Public testimony at the council meeting was largely in favor of the tax changes.
Chris Swindell, general manager of the Last Frontier, thanked the council members for their consideration of his business. "I know it's important that we work together," he said, to keep the card rooms afloat.
Nelda Perryman and Suzi Terrell, however, both expressed a desire for the council to not approve the tax changes. They both cited instances where they alleged tens of thousands of dollars had been spent on projects advocated by Mayor Greg Thornton with little result. Both expressed concern as to how the city was being run. Terrell said that the mayor has only supported the Last Frontier Casino, and done little to support other local businesses. She also said that the reduction would be the first in a series of further tax cuts in the city.
The changes to the city ordinance were approved by a unanimous vote of the city council. Once the ordinance was approved, the council voted to give the mayor the authority to sign agreements with both card rooms establishing the new tax structure. This passed unanimously as well.
Under the new tax system, the changes apply retroactively to Jan. 1, 2018, and the agreements are in effect until Dec. 31, 2018, at which point the tax rate will revert back to 10 percent if a new agreement is not signed.
The text of the ordinance is available here.
The text of the card room agreement is available here.


The purpose of these publications is to answer some questions about Going Into a Nusring Home. It may also help family, friends and caregivers of older adults.
Older adults considering going into a nursing home and their family and friends.
This booklet answers some questions commonly asked about entering a nursing home and applying for financial assistance. It touches on the services offered and explains how the Department of Social Development processes admissions into nursing homes. Information is based on what is available at time of print. It does not deal with other residential facilities such as community residences or special care homes.


This is the second publication and the only one of its kind amongst the Financial Services industry in the Middle East.
The GCC Powers of Construction 2010 contains a plethora of articles tackling numerous imminent issues pertaining to the construction industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council. The publication provides a positive outlook on the construction industry, while including expert views on the opportunities in the region, how to set up in Saudi Arabia, which is seen to be a key market, as well as expert views on where lessons have been learnt and how we see the market responding to the challenges encountered and the role that PPP's will play in the future.


This 3D Animated short film "Dustin" is so cute.
It's a comedy about a Pug who has to arrange with an automatic cleaning robot as his new roommate.
Does your dog has a roommate?
Alphie and Teddy are best friends.
Is your pup a sleepy dog?
This Pug is a greedy dog.
He's enjoying the leftover sour cream from the box!
What makes your pooch drool?
Megan the Pug is just a happy Pug.
She's a rescued dog and now she has a family who loves her.
Does your dog scream like this?
Waffles is a hilarious Pug puppy.
She's desperately trying to pick up a Frisbee.
Her flat face is not helping at all!
Does your dog do this type of silly things?
Barry the Pug is enjoying his bath….
Look at him in the tub having the time of his life!
Does your dog like to take a bath?
These Pugs are having fun in the snow.
Check out how fast she's!
Does your Pug like the snow?
He just wants love, care, and attention!


text:
Impact Wrestling Comments on Recent Meeting With WWE
As previously reported, WWE and Impact Wrestling Officials held a meeting in Stamford, CT last month to sort of open the lines of communication in working together. WWE reportedly initiated the meeting and Impact obliged though they made it clear that they were not there to sell the promotion or any of its assets. It was also reported that the meeting was said to show that the two companies are no longer "enemies" and are likely eager to work together. Impact Wrestling Executive Scott D'Amore recently had this to say on the Wrestling Perspectives podcast:
"Since the beginning of the year, we've done three content deals with WWE. We did the Hardys documentary deal to supply footage to them. We did a deal to supply footage for AJ Styles and Kurt Angle for Table for 3 and we provided footage for Bruce Pritchard's podcast on the Network. I think WWE is seeing that this is a different day for Impact Wrestling and I think, maybe, on the most minute levels, they see they that it's a different day in wrestling. There was a meeting, we got together, we talked, and it was nice to be face-to-face and saying hello. It's 2018, it's a whole different world and there's no reason why people should not communicate. There's really no agenda to it. It's how the business is now, which is tremendous. It's good for us, not just to make a little scratch for providing the footage but, more than that, it's the promotion they give us having it on their Network. That's something that would not have happened two years ago. Finally we stopped with that old school wrestling BS where, 'Oh, you're with him. You can't do nothing with us.' Everybody benefits if there's communication and little bit of respect."
Click Here: Bape Kid 1st Camo Ape Head rompers
Previous PostPrevious WWE RAW Results 10/15
Next PostNext Run Time & Updated Look At WWE Super Show-Down Set, Batista News

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


i went online and searched for "Bruce Almighty" trailers... and found instead parts of the movie for demo purposes.. it was around 10 minutes of the actual movie from the start and it was perfect..
i was going to edit the clip to suit my purpose so after going through the 10 minutes or so, i found the "cheesy inspirational music" scene to be perfect.. warm music, slow motion etc.. its right after the part where they measured the giant cookie (you need to watch the movie to know what i'm talking about)..
the "documentary" ran for about 3.5 minutes and at the end of it was a blank screen with the words "baby..." followed by "would you marry this guy?"
for those of you who might be interested, some pictures of the ring and a couple of hand shots (including the teddy-flowers) can be found in this thread... don't expect to see the video though.. i would just kill myself if a third person was to ever see my (really badly done) "MC Hammer" bit..
Wow! That''s probably one of the best proposal stories I have heard. Congrats!
Our proposal story is so random. We were both just relaxing at home eating junk food and watching TV, when I felt something hard brush against my finger while digging into a bag of chex mix. I pulled it out and it was a greasy engagement ring. I just couldn''t stop laughing! I even forgot to tell him yes. It wasn''t until later that night he was like, "So...you never gave me an answer."
My husband proposed at the dog park that we take our most excellent boy every day. It was late at night so no one else was there. My dog was running around and couldn''t be less interested. But it was magical.
He lived in Boston for about a year, right before we started dating. I used to drive up there every 2 -3 weeks to visit him and that city holds a place in my heart because I feel like we developed our relationship there in its infancy. Our first kiss was on a bridge right near Memorial Drive, right over the Charles River. It was a late night, very cold and he grabbed my arm and we had our first kiss as a couple.
Fast forward 2.5 years, he told me that he was going to kidnap and steal me away for a day. I don''t think he would have even said anything if it weren''t because I mentioned that I was going to visit a friend that weekend. We wound up driving to Boston Friday night. Saturday, we walked around, did some window shopping and he suggested we walk around Cambridge. We wandered over to the river and there was a gorgeous cherry blossom tree at the foot of the bridge. We enjoyed the gorgeous view from the bridge and he took a few pictures. I wound up taking his camera and walking to the tree to take a few pictures. When I walked back, he gave me a great hug and said wonderful things about our future and taking care of each other. Then he took the ring box out and got on one knee... and asked.
It wasn''t glamorous or in a foreign country, but it was us and exactly what I would have liked.
Here''s one more story to share with all of you.
I told my girlfriend that we were going to do an impromptu photoshoot (we''re both photographers) in the hills of Santa Barbara's wine country. Sometimes we spend so much time photographing for others that we often forget to document our own lives. So when time permits and the weather is pleasant, it's really nice to do these random photo trips. Plus she''d be totally unsuspecting of why we were really doing a roadtrip.
That morning we grabbed cameras & coffee and headed out to Los Olivos. I had heard it's a gorgeous area filled with serene views of Santa Barbara, so we thought it would be a nice place to do a meadow shoot. After driving around for a while, we finally found a quiet place in the middle of some open fields. I took a few test photos and then told her it was looking really cool, almost perfect, but I wanted to change one thing. I walked over to her so she could see the camera lcd for herself. As she began flipping through the photos, she came across some photos that I had shot a few days earlier. The lcd images started spelling out the words "annie, will you…" and I got down on one knee.
When we first started dating, we went to Santa Barbara as one of our first weekend getaway trips. We were young and still getting used to the idea of dating each other – everything was fresh with butterflied stomachs in anticipation of what was too come. Now years later, we find ourselves at the same place. Maybe not quite strangers to each other this time, but still with butterflied stomachs, hopelessly excited for what the future holds.
We took a few polaroid photos to remember the moment and then headed off to enjoy the rest of the day in wine country. As we got back into our car, I told her I had one more surprise for her. We were staying the weekend. I had stashed away some of her clothes in a small overnight bag, booked the same hotel that we stayed at years back and we had dinner reservations at the restaurant we ate during our first weekend getaway. I''m told that life is never cyclical and you can never go back, but sometimes it''s nice to try and relive old memories especially when they''re so good. I don''t think either of us will ever forget our weekend and Santa Barbara will always hold a special part in our hearts.
I do not have a proposal story of my own to share (not yet, anyway) but I just had to comment nosirrah''s proposal. That may be one of the most amazing proposal stories I have ever read. Absolutely beautiful and true to your shared passion of photography. Perfect.
Hi everyone - first post here, and more of a planning one See what people think of my idea!!
Currently working in the Whitsundays (tropical australia) and my GF is still living a long way away, but looking to come up shortly for a visit.
I wanted to make an amazing weekend of it, as she has never been to this part of the world and its simply gorgeous this time of year.
Day 1: Short boat ride out to Whitehaven Beach, where we will be dropped off to spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights and exploring.
Surprise overnight stay on Whitehaven, camping under the stars with the world famous beach all to ourselves.
a message in a bottle hidden in the sand, with the proposal written inside - and ring in my pocket.
"Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, your opinion, man"
Aw I love this!! So sweet!
To celebrate the 2 year anniversary of our first date, David booked a wine tour and dinner at the vineyard in Grand Pre. Before arriving at the vineyard, we decided to stop at the botanical gardens by the church just around the corner. Even more beautiful than the gardens was the spot where all the willow trees were, surrounded by ponds with ducks and hundreds of dragonflies hovering above them. I had never seen so many dragon flies in my life! It was so mystical and dream-like, I truely felt like I was planted right in the middle of a fairytale! I even remember sitting there on the bench where he cleared a spot for me of any fallen leaves, looking at the hundreds of dragonflies above the ponds, thinking that I felt like I was in a dream. It was surreal. I will never forget it.
After taking a few pictures of the the ducks, bull frogs and of each other, and after I had sat down on the bench, David crouched down in front of me and his face just inches away from mine, arms around me and looking deep into my eyes had said, " I guess this would be the perfect spot to ask you to marry me", and me not thinking he was actually asking me at that very moment, said something like "Yes it would", and then before I knew it and just like magic he had brought his hand out in front of me holding the ring! Then he asked "Would you marry me?", and of course I said YES!!! Then with his hands shaking he began to put the ring on my finger, but grabbed the wrong hand at first!..lol...he was very nervous! Both of us get choked up reliving that moment and trying to retell the story of how it happened. It was a moment in time we both will never forget, and it couldn't have been more perfect!
Wow, this sounds perfect. Simple, private, and romantic, which the added bonus of being able to visit that exact spot.
I love seeing the mens rings sections. Realizing women are probably the highest jewelry consumers, but men are beginning to enjoy wearing jewelry as well.
Would it be possible to develop sections in the mens department: rings, cufflinks, tie appearal, shirt studs? Just an idea.
A couple of months ago I got a phone call from our best friend, Josh, who still works at the community where we met. He said that they were going to be taping a "reunion" show for all of the old studio employees. The show happened on December 16th after work. We were the last to be interviewed and we went on as a couple. Josh interviewed us and we talked about the jobs we've had since then and revealed our relationship. Then Steve got down on one knee and proposed!
But that's not all-- Our entire family and all of our friends were down the hall in the "Garden Room" for the engagement party... and they had just watched it happen live!
I still can't believe so many people were involved and I had NO idea! He had a special email account set up to coordinate the whole thing, everyone was sworn to secrecy! He even had conference calls with our friends to work out all of the logistics.
He ALSO got me off work on Friday (he proposed on Thursday) so we could start our weekend getaway early. We went to Seven Springs resort for snowboarding and then went to the Steelers game on Sunday. What an unforgettable, amazing weekend.
Nice, Simple and Surprised Her....!!!
hey that was so sweet. i hope mine one proposes me in the same way.
I remembered that SpecialSundae had said that when I proposed I should give her a bottle of Dom Perignon. I went to Costco to try to get it and couldn't find it, as they'd moved it and started to stress out. I was so relieved when I found it. She had been nagging me for months to propose already (as we'd agreed earlier in the year that we'd get married in 2012).
I already had the ring hidden in the house, so I attached it to the neck of the bottle with a ribbon and sealed the box up again, before wrapping it and hiding it in the cupboard to wait for Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, when her brother and my best friend had joined us for dinner, I sat with one eye on the clock planning to fetch the box from the cupboard at five to twelve as it wasn't Christmas Day. Having previously agreed not to propose on Christmas Day due to the stresses of family invasions and a large dinner to prepare, I wanted to sneak it in just before the strike of twelve.
So at five to twelve, or so I thought, I fetched the box from the cupboard (please see her story below) to later discover that the watch I hadn't worn since the summer was an hour slow and I'd proposed at five to eleven.
To all intents and purposes, we'd been engaged for AGES. G had the ring (which my grandma had given to my brother to give to him) and we'd even chosen a venue and had an idea on dates, but the months dragged on and still he hadn't asked that all important question.
On Christmas Eve, we'd invited loads of friends over and I'd made a big meal… but on the night only my brother and his best friend had turned up.
Just after we'd finished the main course, he disappeared into the cupboard and came out with a gift-wrapped box the size and shape of one that would contain a bottle. I asked him if I should open it now or wait for Christmas morning.
My brother was convinced that it was a bottle of whisky and was therefore very keen that the bottle was opened there and then. G agreed that I should open it, so I peeled back the paper on the top of the box to see the words "Dom Perignon 2002".
I burst into tears as I knew what it meant. Both of our guests looked utterly confused.
G told me to go on and finish opening the box. So I did, but it looked like it was still sealed. I looked over at him, expecting him to go down on one knee with a smaller box and say those little words, but he told me to go on opening it.
I split the seal and there, tied to the neck of the bottle, was my lovely ring. By this point G was also in tears and couldn't really get any words out so my brother said, "SpecialSundae, will you marry G?" and swiftly escorted the best friend out of the room so that G could get down on one knee and slip the ring on my finger.
We kept the Dom to share with our parents the next day, but it was a perfect proposal (even if I did have to wait months for it).
Here's the ring with the champagne.
my husband proposed to me in the fridge section of our local supermarket, over some yoghurts.we have been together for 13 years now and married for 8.
I love it .. why the grocery store?
One month and I will let you know how mine goes! brief overview - I am telling my girlfriend I will be out of town that day, while I have all of her girlfriends take her out, breakfast, lunch, shopping, mani/pedi, spa, then at the end of the day I will be waiting for her down by the beach with all of her friends that took her out that day. I will go into detail more once it finally happens so TBA!
I LOVE this!!!! I think this is one of my favorites. It's so sweet and unexpected.
I have planning to propose my best friend for marriage. I think a diamond cocktail ring is a best proposal gift to her. next week we will go together on a beach. i want to propose her there. This is my first proposal so please give me some suggestion.
I was proposed to n the beach in Aruba!
Originally I was going to wait until I had a dog and then put a bow tie on him and train him to hold a banner in his mouth. Unfortunately we bought a cat, so I had to improvise I laminated the proposal and tied it to his collar with the ring sticky taped to it. I threw a bit of paper across the room so he chased it and ended up in front of Lauren. When she picked him up to pat him she noticed the little sign and the ring. She saw me smiling and said "Of course".
We walked into a gorgeous meadow and had a picnic lunch he had packed. After we ate, he said all the nice mushy things he loved about me and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I couldn't have been more excited or happy in that moment! We had some champagne, spent the afternoon just us two, then went out and celebrated with our siblings and my best friend.


text:
Barrow County Schools Calendar
Barrow County Schools Calendar 2023-24 with Holidays
Barrow County Schools Calendar is a traditional calendar, with the academic year beginning in late August and ending in early June. The calendar typically includes 180 instructional days, with breaks for holidays such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break. The district may also schedule early release days or teacher workdays throughout the year.
Barrow County Schools is a highly respected school located in Barrow County, Georgia. With over 18,000 students, the district serves the educational needs of the county's families and is overseen by a seven-member Board of Education. The school's mission is to provide a quality education that prepares students to be successful in the 21st century. The school's focus is on creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, developing strong relationships between students, teachers, and parents, and providing opportunities for students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Barrow County Schools Calendar 2023-24
The district operates 18 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools. These schools offer a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities to meet the diverse needs of the school's students. The elementary schools provide students with a strong foundation in the core subjects of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
Middle schools offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of elective courses, such as music, art, and foreign languages, as well as to participate in athletics and other extracurricular activities. High schools offer a wide range of academic programs, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as vocational and technical education programs.
Barrow County Schools is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education that includes not only academic instruction but also opportunities for personal and social development. The schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, art, and clubs, that allow students to explore their interests and talents. The district also provides a variety of support services, such as counseling and special education, to meet the needs of all students.
The d academic calendar follows a traditional schedule, with the academic year beginning in late August and ending in early June. The calendar typically includes 180 instructional days, with breaks for holidays such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break. The district also schedules early release days or teacher workdays throughout the year. The school year is divided into two semesters, with the first semester typically running from late August to mid-January and the second semester from mid-January to early June. Final exams are usually held at the end of each semester, and students may also have mid-term exams throughout the year.
Barrow County Schools Holidays 2023
Barrow County Schools is committed to providing parents and families with the information and resources they need to support their children's education. The schools hold regular parent-teacher conferences, and the district also schedules other events such as open houses, college fairs, and career days throughout the year. These events are designed to provide parents and students with additional opportunities to meet with teachers and learn about school programs and resources.
In conclusion, Barrow County Schools is a high-quality school district that provides students with a comprehensive education that includes a mix of academic instruction, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for personal and social development. The district is committed to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, developing strong relationships between students, teachers, and parents, and providing opportunities for students to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The Barrow Co Schools Calendar, extracurricular activities, support services, and events all contribute to the overall success of the students.
Barrow County School Holiday Calendar 2023-24
The school year is divided into two semesters, with the first semester typically running from late August to mid-January and the second semester from mid-January to early June. Final exams are usually held at the end of each semester, and students may also have mid-term exams throughout the year. For more information, you can visit – https://www.barrow.k12.ga.us/
The district may also schedule parent-teacher conferences and other events such as open houses, college fairs, and career days throughout the year. These events are typically scheduled outside of regular school hours and are designed to provide parents and students with additional opportunities to meet with teachers and learn about school programs and resources.
Overall, the BCS calendar is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that includes a mix of academic instruction, extracurricular activities, and opportunities for personal and social development.
Filed Under: 2023-2024 Tagged With: Barrow Co Schools Calendar, Barrow County Schools Calendar, BCS Calendar


text:
Home Tags Beyond meat
Tag: beyond meat
Team TVI - January 5, 2022 0
After nearly two years of trials in test markets, KFC is finally launching its own version of plant-based fried chicken alternative - Beyond Fried...
KFC Bullish on Plant-Based Foods, Plans to Launch Vegan Fried Chicken...
Team TVI - September 15, 2021 0
In a media report published recently, the US President of KFC Kevin Hochman said that he is betting big on plant-based foods and plans...
McDonald's Launches its First-Ever Vegan Burger in Partnership with Beyond Meat
Customers in the UK and Ireland will now be able to enjoy the much-awaited McPlant vegan burger.Making its foray into the vegan burger market,...
Plant-Based Foods Market to Hit $162 Bn in Next Decade, Predicts...
Team TVI - August 13, 2021 0
As consumers continue to opt for more plant-based foods due to ethical, environmental and health reasons, the plant-derived foods industry is gaining huge momentum...
Pizza Hut, Beyond Meat Partner to Offer Vegan Pepperoni Pizza in...
Pizza Hut and Beyond Meat have come together to launch a plant-based version of the former's top selling pizza topping – pepperoni – in...
Beyond Meat CEO Suggests Tax on Meat Would Help Tackle Associated...
Team TVI - August 3, 2021 0
Ethan Brown, the founder and CEO of the world's biggest plant-based meat company Beyond Meat, has suggested that a tax on meat would help...
Beyond Meat Launches Plant-Based Chicken Tenders in US Restaurants
Beyond Meat, the pioneer in the global meat substitute market, has announced the launch of Beyond Chicken Tenders in select US restaurants.The new product...
Meat Substitute Market Soars Globally, Slated to Reach $8.82 Bn by...
The connection between public health and animal meat consumption has been brought to the forefront ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, leading to...
Beyond Meat, Oatly Feature in TIME Magazine's '100 Most Influential Companies'...
Team TVI - April 30, 2021 0
Plant-based meat company Beyond Meat and oat milk giant Oatly have made it to the inaugural TIME magazine's '100 Most Influential Companies' list. This...
PETA India Urges McDonald's, KFC and Burger King to Add Vegan...
World's leading meat alternative company Beyond Meat announced its entry into India last week through UAE-based food manufacturer and distributor IFFCO, a subsidiary of...


I read in this thread today about Javadoc code completion and downloaded it here and then installed it right away. As soon as I read about it, I remembered Wilfred Springer on the plane with me to JavaOne last year. We happened to be sitting next to each other and the very first thing he complained about was the lack of Javadoc code completion in the IDE. Well, Wilfred, look here: And here with some documentation: Hurray! Congratulations, Radosław Smogura.
Information for extending the REST Web Service Component Palette: REST Web Service Component Palette CreatePartnerWebServiceModule RESTPartnerSvcRegistration I want to turn the information described above into a tutorial soon.


There have been times where, in a Sherlock Holmes-like discovery, I perhaps naively thought I'd 'solved' the whole thing; at other times the uncertainty would drive me to (probably over-dramatic) tears. My emotions along the way have stretched from enthusiasm and excitement to anger, confusion, resentment, and quite simply apathy.
I can't claim to be one of those people that didn't know anything about God or religion before some sort of divine revelation, road-to-Damascus moment. Faith has always been a part of my life.
I grew up to a Scottish Protestant mum and an Irish Catholic dad – I still question how they managed to recently reach twenty five years of happy marriage – in the South West of England. I attended a Catholic primary school, and then an Evangelical Church of England one, where daily chapel services were part of the unquestionable quotidian.
I have the most fond memories of those early manifestations of faith: my Dad tucking me into bed at night with a kiss and a 'don't forget to say your prayers', feeling every inch the priest when doing a reading at mass on a Sunday and enjoying the glow of carrying the cross down the aisle, playing the princess on the day of my First Holy Communion as an eight year old.
As a Catholic, faith was undoubtedly a routine – but it was a routine that taught me the value of family and community, and of looking after those around you.
Resultantly, it is perhaps unsurprising that I've never been able to shake the idea of there being a 'something else' to life. Discovering a less ritualised Anglican faith in my teenage years was a step towards genuine belief, and during my second term at university I quite literally took the plunge and was baptized. I felt like I had made the final decision on the thing that I had been most uncertain about throughout my life.
Of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I should have known that this wasn't my final answer.
Like many others who have grappled with Faith, and I am certain that most people that describe themselves as 'religious' fall into that category, it has been a bit of an adventure, and I don't doubt that the adventure is over yet.
Like all the best adventures, my pursuit of God has had its wonderful, this-is-the-best-thing-ever moments that had me bounding towards church on a Sunday morning in the style of my two four year old Labradors. It also had its low points, but above all, it has taught me a huge amount – about myself, the world and other people, to say the least.
At its best – those times of utmost conviction – Christian Faith has been a sanctuary and a community; I have made some of my best friends by going to church, felt the most supported, had opportunities to work with the wider community, been able to pursue individual interests, and felt the most secure at times that I would otherwise have crumbled under life's pressures.
I've always had a slightly embarrassing obsession with 'finding my identity', and a huge part of that had been shrouded in all the things I did and the people that cared about me. Coming to university meant having to leave all that security behind, and church became the constant on which I could rely. I am certain that without a Faith in God and the support and community of the Christian church during my first year at university, I may not be graduating this summer, and I am immensely grateful for that.
At its most challenging, Faith has been a burden.
Not because it came with a whole lot of rules and regulations to follow, as is commonly believed by those sceptical towards the Church, but because to me, being a Christian seemed to come with a set of expectations that I had to match.
This is contradictory to the biblical teaching I was receiving, but somehow deep-rooted in what I felt I was being taught was this expectation to conform to a standardised version of 'the Christian student'. This wasn't the sandal-wearing, 'Kumbaya' campfire sort of Christian that you may now be picturing, but a sort of 'cool Christian' that has (wait for it) non-Christian friends(!), and actually does things that other people do, like going clubbing and showing their mid-rift.
Of course, those of you that know me personally, will know that I am never going to fit the 'cool' stereotype, with my obsession with Shakespeare and questionable love of Taylor Swift (#TayTay4lyf), but somehow I felt that to be a Christian I had to stand at the centre of campus with an 'I love Jesus' banner by day and then attend a house party, keeping a close count of what number drink I was on, by night.
I felt I had to be able to relate to all sorts of people, whilst remaining consistent in how I behaved, and that is a mind-screw if ever there was one.
Suddenly, I was regulating my daily actions and making huge life choices – from whether I slept with anyone until I was married to what career I might end up in – not because I wanted to out of love and respect for a God who knew what was best for me, but because I felt a duty to show the world what being a Christian looked like.
I can hear the near-curses of Christians around the globe, passionately fearing that I didn't 'get it'.
But that's just the point. Over a steady course of two years of role-playing, I got sick of just not getting it. I got tired of sitting in discussion groups and Bible studies, one unanswerable question leading to another. I got bored with being unsatisfied with the answers I did come to.
It was draining to watch what I said and what language I used for fear of misrepresenting Christianity and the God I believed in. At the time I thought I was becoming more like the person I was supposed to be, but the more I looked at it the more I didn't like what I was becoming. Although I never lost sight of myself, or changed my personality, I became disillusioned with what I had committed myself to. And to be honest, I was never the most subtle actress anyway.
The biggest thing I've learnt in my exploration of Faith is just to be myself. Not some one I think I ought to be, or someone else's expectations of me. I've also learnt that my Faith doesn't have to be institutionalised; there is a different between Christian Faith and Christian culture.
Ultimately, it's okay not to be okay, and to be sure that the only thing you know is that you are unsure. It's taken years of processing, hours of talking, brilliant friends, boxes of tissues, bottles of wine, a trip to New Zealand, and too many renditions of Shake It Off to count, to begin to learn that, but it's finally sinking in.
Undoubtedly there is a lot more to discover, and things I will never understand – but I do love an adventure.
I read this article and found it very interesting, thought it might be something for you. The article is called Chasing Faith – An Unexpected Journey and is located at http://prancingthroughlife.com/2014/10/27/chasing-faith-an-unexpected-journey/.


The two bottles of French Burgundy sold from the personal cellar of Robert Drouhin, patriarch of the family-run Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy.
A 73-year-old bottle of French Burgundy became the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold at auction, fetching $558,000.
The bottle of 1945 Romanee-Conti sold at Sotheby's for more than 17 times its original estimate of $32,000. Another bottle of the same wine and vintage went for $496,000 moments later at Saturday's auction.
The bottles shattered the previous record fort the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold — a 3-liter (known as "large format") bottle of 1945 Mouton-Rothschild that sold at Sotheby's in 2007 for $310,000.
The sales — along with a bottle of whiskey that sold at Sotheby's on Saturday for $843,200 — shows that demand for the rarest and best trophy wines and spirits remains strong despite global stock market jitters and trade wars. Demand for the top vintage French wines — especially Burgundy — is largely being driven by China, so the sales also suggest that while China's economy may be slowing, China's rich are still spending.
"The new world record established in today's sale is further proof that the demand for wine and spirits of exceptional quality is at an all-time high, and that global collectors are willing to go the extra mile to acquire the rarest bottles of any kind," said Jamie Ritchie, worldwide head of Sotheby's Wine.
Romanee-Conti has become the king of collectible wines, and the 1945 is considered its most prized vintage. Romanee-Conti only produced 600 bottles in 1945, which was the last year before the producer pulled up its older, prized vines and replaced them with younger vines in 1947.
While wealthy Chinese wine buyers drove up prices of Bordeaux in the early 2000s, they quickly shifted to Burgundy, which are much more scarce. Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has led Sotheby's Wine Annual Market Report, which looks at sales and price performance, as a top producer since 2013.
Sotheby's described the 1945 vintage as "concentrated and exotic, with seemingly everlasting power — a wine at peace with itself."
Adding to the value of the bottles sold Saturday was its ownership or "provenance." They were sold from the personal cellar of Robert Drouhin, a legend in the wine world and the patriarch of the family-run Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy. Drouhin originally bought the bottles directly from Romanee Conti, which made for what Sotheby's called "pristine provenance."


My photography world grows as I continue through my middle years. The intangibles in my work are sometimes hard to find unless you really look past a beautiful sunset or mountain scene which I have also enclosed in the galleries. A simple chair, sunlight behind an old jug or an image of someone more intense than a "usual" smile is what I strive for. My photography, now that I am retired, is a passion more than a hobby . I hope you appreciate my various galleries covering many years.
Fantastic pictures! Thanks for posting them.
Looking great here, Richard. A nice website upgrade.
The site is shaping up nicely, Richard. Looks great!
This is amazing, beautiful, and truly mesmerizing. You are incredibly talented. Thank you for sharing this with us to enjoy.
Wonderful work.. And nice to see some Local Photographs.


We've got a nice little AWS CloudFormation template that builds out a SharePoint 2013 Enterprise farm, configures everything nicely, then deploys a custom code solution right over the top of that. We're using public Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) in the template and all has been going well. Then, starting this week, SharePoint 2013 no longer installs as expected and starts failing with a message indicating that .NET 4.5 needs to be installed.
What's that all about? It turns out that Amazon updated their public AMIs over the weekend with a Windows update that includes 4.6. Automatically updated AMIs are a good thing in most cases, but not in ours…and yes, we should be using our very own AMI to avoid just this issue.
I found what that the KB mentioned at the bottom of the first post, KB3045563, did not exist on my AMI. Instead, I had to uninstall KB3102467.
Yet another problem: KB3102467 wasn't listed as an installed update or anywhere else. I was only able to find it with PowerShell's Get-Hotfix cmdlet. It's altogether possible that I overlooked it somewhere.
Anyway, I attempted to run the PowerShell function outlined in that second link, but I kept getting a message about a failing RPC server.
Having learned the hard lesson about copying/pasting from websites and how it usually retains some sort of formatting over the years, I decided to type it all out piece by piece as I needed it for my specific scenario.
Here's a link to the PowerShell that ended up working for me: https://github.com/skaggej/powershell/blob/master/Windows-UninstallNET4.6.ps1.
Hopefully it works for you, too!


text:
Albums By The Murlocs And King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Explore New Sounds
By Ken Tucker
Published July 23, 2021 at 10:16 AM AKDT
Ken Tucker
Ken Tucker reviews rock, country, hip-hop and pop music for Fresh Air. He is a cultural critic who has been the editor-at-large at Entertainment Weekly, and a film critic for New York Magazine. His work has won two National Magazine Awards and two ASCAP-Deems Taylor Awards. He has written book reviews for The New York Times Book Review and other publications.
See stories by Ken Tucker


High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause stroke, heart attack and heart disease and is the largest cause of disability and premature death worldwide.
This type of disease is difficult to detect and may not show any sign for years.
What is actually blood pressure? It is the pressure of blood on the walls of blood vessels (arteries) in any part of the body. The pressure is variable, changing throughout the day and night and is subject to many external and internal influences. Normal blood pressure values, which allows normal life and does not harm the system of blood vessels, is 120/80 and over 140/90 is considered as high blood pressure.
If your pressure is too high, it further burdens the heart and blood vessels. With time, this additional load can damage body organs and cause health problems. If you have high blood pressure and no control over it, you increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. High blood pressure can also cause heart disease and kidney disease and is associated with some forms of dementia.
Most people who have higher blood pressure values are not even aware of it, because we do not have any discomfort symptoms. Occasionally when the pressure is extremely high, you may feel pain and pressure in the head. One of the possible symptoms is flushing, which is a consequence of increased proliferation of blood vessels of the skin due to increased blood flow and bleeding from the small capillaries in the nose. It happens because of the sensitivity of capillaries that fail to withstand internal pressure and shoot it.
Sometimes a person with high blood pressure is easily tired, experiences difficulties in performing everyday tasks and concentrates poorly.
Anxiety and accelerated heartbeat can indirectly warn about increased pressure. Previously mentioned signs normally are present in the early stages of the disease. It is clear that the increased pressure is usually diagnosed accidentally by measuring pressure during a medical examination.
If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, one of the solutions are drugs prescribed by your doctor and second – start to live healthy and thus reduce the pressure. The following six changes in your diet and activity can affect your blood pressure.
Too much salt raises blood pressure, so you can reduce your salt intake. Most of the salt that you consume is not the salt you use to salt food – bread, cereal grains and finished dishes. Do not add salt when cooking or salt your meals additionally. When you buy food, check the labels on the packaging and choose food with low salt.
-Buy fresh, plain frozen, or canned "with no salt added" vegetables.
-Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned or processed types.
-Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends in cooking and at the table.
pasta, and cereal mixes, which usually have added salt.
-Choose "convenience" foods that are low in sodium.
often have a lot of sodium.
-Choose ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are low in sodium.
-Rinse canned foods, such as tuna, to remove some sodium.
Consumption of fruit and vegetable lowers the blood pressure. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Adults should take five servings of fruit and vegetable daily. One meal contains about 80 grams of fruit or vegetable, which is about a palm.
Eat variety of fruit and vegetable. It can be dried, frozen or canned, but beware of extra salt, sugar or fat. The healthy antioxidants, phytochemicals, and vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables work to help control blood pressure. Garlic, onion or beets are great food products if you are willing to lower blood pressure.
If you drink too much alcohol, this habit will increase your blood pressure in time. Recommended value for men is 21 units of alcohol per week and 14 units of alcohol for women. 300 milliliters of beer, a small glass of wine or a shot of fiery liquor are the recommended units.
If it is necessary, lose weight. It will reduce your blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. The best way to lose weight is by choosing low-fat and low-calorie food products and increase your physical activity. There is no need to stick to strict diet rules to lose weight. Define some realistic goals. Make small changes in your diet and physical activity, so you can practice these habits for life.
Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week will keep your heart healthy and reduce your blood pressure. If you can not find 30 minutes to exercise during the day, it may help if you slightly increase your physical activity. Any activity that will make you sweat and run out of breath for a while is ideal.
Managing the stress in your life effectively may help reduce your blood pressure. Mental and emotional stress can raise blood pressure. Meditation and deep breathing can lower it. It has been proven that meditation significantly reduced blood pressure. Yoga is a great de-stressor. If you believe in alternative treatments, try acupuncture.
It is recommended to follow healthy eating plan.
What you eat affects your chances of getting high blood pressure. A healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and lower a blood pressure that is already too high. Set up a healthy eating plan with foods low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods. If you are trying to lose weight, choose an eating plan that is lower in calories.
Remember – YOU CAN DO IT !!!


text:
CFO Jimmy Patronis: State Bomb Squad to Assist with NASCAR Safety Measures
DAYTONA, Fla. - Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced that members of his Division of Investigative and Forensic Services' (DIFS) Bomb Squad Team were deployed to Daytona to help ensure safety during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 this weekend. The DIFS' Bomb Squad consists of 13 Certified Bomb Technicians and three Apprentices. DIFS also has explosive detection K-9s that have been deployed in support of the race.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "As Floridians look forward to watching the best drivers in the world compete in Daytona this weekend, ensuring the safety of Floridians is priority number one. Our highly-trained bomb squad members are second to none and will help ensure the drivers, crew, and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. I can't thank them enough for all of the hard work they do to protect Floridians. I appreciate everyone on our DIFS team, and all of Florida's first responders and law enforcement, who will be working to make sure the event is a success. If you see something suspicious, please inform the nearest law enforcement officer immediately or call 911."
The Department of Financial Services' Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations is a branch of the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services and is responsible for conducting fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other associated crimes statewide. Investigators are sworn state law enforcement officers and are available to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to calls initiated by fire departments, law enforcement agencies and citizens who need assistance conducting fire origin and cause investigations.


Born in North Carolina on October 21, 1988. Javarus was a blessing from the start. He weighed in at 10 lbs. but the doctor said that the scale must be broken he had to be at least 12 lbs. I called Javarus my Wankster my gentle giant because as a baby he was always into things, always out to conquer the unknown. He was not afraid to take on projects or to fail he would say "oh well I tried" I loved that about him he did not let what others say bother him. My Javarus was a talented boy and I have all the medals, certificates and trophys to prove it, I just wish I had him. I love you sweetheart you mom.
my baby and his friends were coming home. I went to the accident and what I remember most was all the police cars and lights flashing, I knew it had to be bad. I asked one of the policemen if I could see my son he said please go to the hospital. I asked a fireman if I could see Javarus and if he was dead the firemen told me we are trying to help him and please go to the hospital . I could look in the fireman's eyes and they told the story my sweet boy was gone. One of the policemen told my son Jamie that it was not looking good for Javarus but there was still some hope.
I drove back home and Jamie and I got in the car together. I screamed, prayed, and cried all the way to the hospital and when we got there I could not believe my eyes there were people everywhere. There had been three accidents and families were crying and wanting answers. When they finally called for the family of Javarus, I stepped up and they said come with me. They told me we will let you see him and beaware he has tubes in his mouth. When I so my baby I cried, rubbed his face and begged him not to die. I was told that he would be airliftted and that he would not live pass three days.
My Javarus had a scrape on his forehead but nothing else I said to myself he will be okay but deep inside I knew my precious baby would not be coming home again. Javarus was sent to Duke Medical Center and my husband and I drove there. I asked God for a miracle and to please not take my baby from me. I went to his bedside I cried more rubbed his hand and made sure the sheet was covering him. I talked to him the best that I could and walked out and broke down in the next room. My husband kept me posted and he would tell me that he would get better. I went back in the room still crying and asking Javarus to get better. He never woke up again.
I had to make some decisions and they were hard ones. On Tuesday November 15,2005 two days after an accident that he did not cause, just a passenger. I took him off life support more test were done and I was informed that he could not breathe on his on. I really fall all to pieces, you see I still had hope.
My sweet baby boy was full of life. We miss him so much. I love you!


In August, FTD conducted its first-ever Intern with Ian Contest. The prize? A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shadow FTD Education Consultant Ian Prosser AIFD as he brought his vision for a luxury wedding to life. FTD encouraged any Member Florist looking to grow their event business to enter the contest.
Ian is one of the biggest names in the floral industry. His design company, Ian Prosser Productions, has assembled up a star-studded client roster that includes Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Queen Elizabeth and Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
When reviewing the contest entries, Nancy Gilbert and her shop, Country Petals in Peconic, New York, stood out to Ian. "She's in a fantastic area with lots of wineries," he noted. "She really has the opportunity to land more wedding business." Nancy excitedly accepted the prize and got ready to be part of the "creative hurricane" that is Ian Prosser Productions.
On October 19 (her birthday!), Nancy flew to Tampa, Florida, to join Ian's team and assist in three weddings and an anniversary party. She hit the ground running. Shortly after arriving at Ian's studio, she was busily designing wreaths of tropical foliage, wrapping a chuppah in curly willow and processing flowers. That night, she enjoyed dinner with Ian before getting a good night's sleep before a very busy day.
It was on a scale beyond imagination!
The next day, at a beach club wedding, she placed the final touches on towering foliage table arrangements and played a key role in creating a tropical display of monstera, elephant ears, ti and palm leaves, hanging amaranthus and glowing gold containers.
Nancy also picked up tips and tricks for everyday use at Country Petals, including stacking her floral buckets in a pyramid for optimal drying and delivering event bouquets wrapped in waxed tissue paper and nestled in plastic cups within a box. This strategy eliminates the need to retrieve glass vases and allows for the bouquets to be assembled farther in advance since the water in the cups keeps them hydrated. Nancy was also intrigued by the way Ian built a bridal bouquet by flipping a bouquet holder upside down to redistribute the heaviness in the front.
Additionally, Ian gave Nancy tips on attracting more local weddings and growing her business. "We showed her how to upsell and create bigger events for herself," Ian said.
Nancy praised the support network around Ian, as well as Ian himself. "His team is lovely, and so is he. He's so lucky to have such good people surrounding him," she said. She said she could see herself in "every single person" on the team because she's accustomed to wearing all of the hats in her small shop.


text:
The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) Level 3 diploma is a Further Education qualification and vocational qualification taken in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The qualification is organised and awarded by Pearson within the BTEC brand and it is equivalent to A-Levels. It is equivalent to the GCE A Levels, more specifically to three A2 awards (when studying for the BTEC Extended Diploma) and the AVCE.

This qualification is taken in order to gain entry to the vast majority of Higher Education providers. Nevertheless, as it is mostly coursework based, the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford may require it to be combined with more traditional qualifications, typically studying for A-levels as well. They are the responsibility of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills in the Department for Education.

Background
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma dates back to the 1930s as a full-time three-year course. After the Haselgrave Report, the Business Education Council (BEC) and Technician Education Council (TEC) took over the accrediting of this qualification (called the "Ordinary National Diploma") and others in the stable, such as the National Certificate, Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma. The portfolio of courses was integrated when the BEC and TEC merged to form BTEC.

The BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) was formed by the merger of the Business Education Council (BEC) and the Technical Education Council (TEC).  The University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC) and BTEC merged to form Edexcel. The Ordinary National Diploma is a vocational qualification at Level 3. It is a course that lasts two years and has 18 units altogether unlike the Advanced VCE that is only worth two (Double Award). This is often a very good alternative way to achieve A Levels in the UK, excluding parts of Scotland.

The course is available from Edexcel and is in many different subjects. This qualification is mainly studied in further education colleges and along with the right passes at GCSE, can qualify for university entry. As BTEC stands for Business and Technology Education Council, the best known subjects for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma are Business and Information Technology. This qualification has become more popular recently, especially with the demise of the AVCE..

Level
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is particularly suitable for those who have strong inclinations towards a particular vocational career, starting with technical level posts and leading, after experience, to supervisory and enterprise management posts. The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is popular amongst school leavers who wish to pursue Nursing, Midwifery or other health professions as the BTEC Health course gives more thorough preparation than A Levels would for the degree course. The work placement element of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is particularly valued by universities considering admissions for these subjects.

The usual entry requirement is at least five GCSE subject passes at A*, A, B or C grades, covering English, Maths and Science. In most land-based industries, science (usually Double Science) will be a preferred subject, together with Maths and English. Equivalent entry qualifications are also accepted, including an appropriate BTEC First Diploma with a merit grade or a relevant NVQ at Level 2 or an Intermediate GNVQ.

Other qualifications and experience may be acceptable for mature students. Mature students are advised, in some cases, to consider a Higher National Diploma (HND) course instead. Career experience frequently leads to an ability to cope with HND level education and the two year commitment can be better spent in acquiring a higher qualification.

It is possible for a student to be accepted onto a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma course without the recommended entry requirements, this is generally the case in students who have left school and acquired a job in the field of the subject that is relevant to the course. If the college is satisfied that the student has the ability to benefit successfully from the course. Students with a good National Certificate or equivalent qualification may be considered for entry to the second year of the National Diploma course in which case "bridging" studies may be necessary.

Subjects
BTEC qualifications are equivalent to other qualifications, such as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) (levels 1 to 2), A Level (level 3) and university degrees (levels 6 to 7). BTECs are undertaken in vocational subjects ranging from Business Studies to Engineering.

Art and Design
The subject alone is available. Other Art & Design BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas include 3D Design, Design Crafts, Fashion & Clothing, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Photography and Textiles.

Business
There are in total 24 Business courses available as a BTEC Extended Diploma. The core subject is available alone, but other Business courses contain other concentrations such as Law and Marketing and Human Resources. Others Business courses include: Administration and eBusiness strategy. eBusiness software concentrations with Business courses are popular.

Construction
BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and The Built Environment Level 3 (that teaches the basics of construction such as civil engineering and architecture), and Building Engineering Services are examples of BTEC Extended Diploma courses available in this subject.

Engineering
There are multiple disciplines of engineering available, such as: Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Health and Care
Health and Social Care, Early Years, Health Studies and Care are the main subjects under the Health and Care courses available. Health Science and Early Years are also available.

IT and Computing
IT and Computing are becoming more popular in community colleges within the UK as the profession is becoming wider and more dominating in all aspects of society and business today. A computing course will usually cover a wide variety of subjects, in contrast to computer science which is focused more on the theoretical side of things. This course is a research-heavy course, meaning there is not much need to actually be taught the content; instead the student can simply use the internet, with the exception of certain modules (e.g. programming and databases).

Land-based subjects
Land-based subjects available include: Countryside management, Land-Based Technology, Agriculture , Animal Management, Horticulture and Blacksmithing with Metalworking. Other land-based courses can be found at the edexcel website.

Media, Music and Performing Arts
There are 16 courses available under these 3 subjects. Some listed are: Media Production with Games development, Interactive Media and Radio. Music Production and Music Technology. Performing Arts with Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre and Design.

Public Services
The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services is designed to prepare learners for employment in Uniformed Public Services by providing the knowledge and skills that would benefit them in recruitment process and the service itself. It provides learners with the necessary education to join the Uniformed Public Services in more responsible and challenging roles such as Police Officer or in the Armed Forces. The course covers subjects such as Equality and Diversity, Citizenship, Discipline, Physical Preparation for the Uniformed Public Services, Law and its impact on the society.

Science
All the subjects include one year of general science followed by units in specialist scientific fields such as Applied Science, Forensic Science, Medical Science and Dental Technology.

Sport
For example, BTEC National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, and qualifications in specific sports.

Travel and Tourism

A whole list of other available subjects can be found at the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Website.

Progression
Possible outcomes include:

Further training and employment
Employment in, or leading to, enterprise management
With further experience, business management
Progression into a degree course

References

Educational qualifications in the United Kingdom

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The games are glitching out!
In "Super Monkey Adventures", collecting bananas doesn't destroy them.
I played Color Quest a bunch and it seemed to be working fine for me, but I am definitely seeing a problem with Super Monkey Adventure. That's super strange, I'll check it out.
If anyone else can reproduce the problem with Color Quest, let me know. I would really like to fix the error if there is one, but I need to be able to see it first.
Ok, I looked into the Super Monkey Adventure game, and it looks like I must have messed it up myself when I playing around with it. Anyway, it's fixed now, I just needed to select the monkey collision target.


text:
On Tape: Billy Graham Tells Nixon of Jewish 'Stranglehold' on U.S. Media
Preacher's comments revealed in new batch of President Nixon recordings.
(RNS) March 1 -- Evangelist Billy Graham, in a tape-recorded conversation in President Richard Nixon's Oval Office, spoke of a "stranglehold" that Jews had on the American media, the Chicago Tribune has reported.
The discussion after a prayer breakfast in February 1972 was included in recordings released Thursday (Feb. 28) by the National Archives.
A Statement by Evangelist Billy Graham
Although I have no memory of the occasion, I deeply regret comments I apparently made in an Oval Office conversation with President Nixon and Mr. Haldeman some thirty years ago. They do not reflect my views, and I sincerely apologize for any offense caused by the remarks. Throughout my ministry I have sought to build bridges between Jews and Christians. I will continue to strongly support all future efforts to advance understanding and mutual respect between our communities.
"This stranglehold has got to be broken or the country's going down the drain," said Graham, agreeing with comments made by Nixon about Jews and how they were perceived to have influenced American life.
"You believe that?" Nixon asked after Graham used the word "stranglehold."
"Yes, sir," Graham replied.
"Oh boy," replied the then-president. "So do I. I can't ever say that but I believe it."
"No, but if you get elected a second time, then we might be able to do something," Graham responded.
The popular evangelist later spoke of his Jewish friends in the media who "swarm around me and are friendly to me." But he added, "They don't know how I really feel about what they're doing to this country."
Graham, concurring with a Nixon claim that the president is faced by a "powerful bloc" of Jews in the media, said: "And they're the ones putting out the pornographic stuff."
The 83-year-old evangelist, who has suffered various medical ailments, told the newspaper through spokesman Larry Ross that he did not recall the conversation and, thus, could not respond.
Scholars learning of the conversation expressed surprise at the comments, the Tribune reported.
"I find this rather stunning," said William Martin, a Rice University professor of religion and sociology who authored "A Prophet With Honor: The Billy Graham Story."
"This is out of character with anything else I have heard Billy Graham say or be quoted as saying. It's disappointing."
Martin Marty, a historian of religion at the University of Chicago called Graham's remarks "inexcusable."
"Did it ever occur to him that he should have countered the president?"
Michael Kotzin, a vice president at the Jewish United Fund in Chicago also criticized the comments.
"One really did not associate him with this," Kotzin said. "Rather than try to direct Nixon in a different direction, he reinforces him and eggs him on when it came to these stereotypes, and that's troubling."
7 Times Faith Shaped America


Engines produce vacuum and over the past 120 years engineers have contrived ingenious ways to harness its power to the engine's induction system. Through a labyrinth of small-bore drillings in the carburetor, the vacuum draws a potent mixture of air and fuel. So formidable is the mixture, it empowers naturally aspirated full-bodied 500cu in race cars to speeds in excess of 213mph in a distance no greater than 1,320 feet!
Although its fumes ignite, gasoline won't burn and produce energy in an internal combustion engine in its liquid form. Instead it needs to be emulsified (mixed with air), atomized, (separated into fine particles) vaporized (transformed to a gaseous state) and compressed in order for it to produce energy. The carburetor takes responsibility for the emulsification and the atomization processes while the vaporization occurs in the induction tracts. In addition, the carburetor must meet the air-fuel ratio requirements of the engine.To emulsify the air and fuel, small-bore drillings are placed in the air entries on the top of the carburetor. They are known as air bleeds. The emulsified mixture is then drawn rapidly through a multitude of small passageways and distributed into the fast moving air stream in the carburetor's throttle bores for atomization. It is discharged through a dozen small ports, three in each throttle bore. They are known as idle, transfer slot, and boost venturi. The idle discharge ports and transfer slots are located in the throttle bores of the base plate and draw their source of fuel from the fuel bowls via the carburetor's idle wells. The boost venturii and their discharge ports are positioned near the top of the carburetor and discharge into the narrowest part of the upper throttle bores. Boost venturii draw their source of fuel from the fuel bowls via the main wells. In the following text and sequence of pictures and captions we identify some of the chief components of the modular, square-bore carburetor, illustrate their functions, acquaint you with common problems that can arise, and tell you how to prevent them.
The number one cause of carburetor troubles is the over exposure of the transfer slots at the idle condition. When increasing the idle speed of a four-barrel modular carburetor, adjust both the primary and the secondary throttle blades. If you adjust the idle speed with the primary throttle blades only, you could upset their position relative to the transfer slots. Some of the adverse effects of an over exposed transfer slot at idle are hesitation, excessive richness, or poor running; it can even negate the idle circuit completely. In the idle condition, when the throttle blades are closed, the transfer slots should give the appearance of a small square when viewed from underneath the base plate.
The Idle-Eze was created by Demon Carburetion chiefly to ease the complications associated with idle-speed adjustment. This device can introduce an extra source of idle air to the engine without disrupting the critical relationship between the idle-speed adjustment screws, the throttle blades, and the transfer slots.The Idle-Eze has access to air above the throttle blades and can transfer it beneath them, if necessary. This introduces an extra source of air to the engine that can alter the idle speed by as much as 500rpm without touching the idle speed adjusting screws.
Set the idle mixture to the highest vacuum by using a vacuum gauge connected to the constant-vacuum port of the carburetor base plate. Slowly adjust the first idle-mixture screw. Make one adjustment only to the first screw. The adjustment should be no more than an eighth or quarter turn. Then leave sufficient time for the carburetor to respond and move to the next adjuster screw. Gradually work your way around the carburetor, making just one, small, slow adjustment to each screw.
After setting the idle mixture, it's time to check the float levels. With the motor running the fuel level should be in the middle of the glass window of the fuel bowl. If it isn't loosen the lock screw on top of the bowl and adjust the nut clockwise to lower the float level and counter-clockwise to raise the float level. Make the adjustment by one flat of the nut at a time and wait until the carburetor has had a chance to respond.
Installing larger pump shooters often eradicates a hesitation at off-idle, but frequently the fault lies not with the pump shooters at all but with incorrect ignition timing.
There are at least two ways of reaching the off-idle position, either gently or suddenly. If the throttle is eased into the off-idle position and the motor stumbles, the idle circuits and the transfer slots are probably too lean. To cure this condition either slightly undo all four idle-mixture adjusting screws to enrich the system or enlarge the idle-feed restrictors in the metering blocks. On the other hand, if the hesitation occurs under rapid acceleration increase the size of the pump shooters. The pump shooters only serve to provide the initial shot of fuel and together with the idle circuits and transfer slots they provide the predominant fuel supply to the motor until the main circuits are operating through the boost venturii.
The pump shooters are also particularly useful during cold starts. One or two depressions of the throttle pedal provide sufficient fuel for starting. A variety of orifices are available, ranging from 0.025in to 0.052in. Usually larger engines use larger orifice pump shooters.
Replaceable high-speed air bleeds aid in tuning the fuel curve. These tiny bleeds work in conjunction with the main jets, emulsifying the air and fuel. The smaller the air bleeds the richer the mixture, which is the opposite reaction when compared with main jets. As air bleeds are reduced in size the carburetor draws more aggressively and adds additional fuel. But installing incorrect orifices in the air bleeds bring you bigger trouble than their jet sizes. It pays not to touch them unless you have access to a dynamometer and can analyze the test results.
Problem: Over exposure of the transfer slot at idle is the chief cause of carburetor troubles. Solution: In the idle condition the transfer slots should give the appearance of a small square when viewed from underneath the base plate.
The Idle-Eze was created by Demon Carburetion to ease the complications associated with idle-speed adjustment. This device can introduce an extra source of idle air to the engine without disrupting the critical relationship between the idle-speed screws, the throttle blades, and the transfer slots.
With the throttle blades slightly open, here are the principal players in the carburetor's base plate. A) The idle discharge ports operate under the throttle blades—one in each port. At idle, when the throttle blades are almost closed, the vacuum created by the cylinders causes low pressure in the induction system and activates the idle circuits. B) At off-idle as the throttle blades begin to open, they uncover the transfer slots which begin to issue fuel, supplementing the discharge from the idle circuits. Both idle and transfer slot fuel circuits continue to maintain their output long after the boost venturii have activated. The boost venturii begin their discharge as the throttle blades open wider. As the furious rush of air travels past the boosters, it creates a low pressure area, which causes them to draw fuel from the carburetor's fuel bowls via the main wells. C) This small orifice located in one of the primary throttle bores is not readily visible when the throttle blade is closed. Connected to the slot F its purpose is to transfer vacuum via a small-bore hose to distributors that operate a vacuum advance mechanism. As the throttle blade opens, it uncovers this port and exposes the distributor to vacuum during cruising and light throttle openings. Modest increases in ignition timing during light throttle openings improve the engine's efficiency. D) These ports are related to the power valve circuit. The power valve, which is closed at idle, adds fuel when the vacuum drops beneath its rating. It contributes to a cleaner idle circuit and reduces main jet orifices by around 8 or 10 sizes. E) This constant vacuum port can be used for numerous functions, including taking vacuum readings while adjusting the idle mixture.
Using a vacuum gauge, adjust each idle-mixture screw to its highest value. Keep moving around the carburetor, adjusting each screw an eighth to a quarter turn and waiting for the carburetor to respond.
The accelerator pump shooters dispense their blasts of fuel through two orifices, aiming their discharge at each outer ring of the boost venturii. This technique is used effectively to provide increased fuel supply for acceleration purposes and for cold starting.
The air bleeds draw air into the idle fuel wells and into the main fuel wells where it emulsifies (mixes) before being discharged through the idle ports and transfer slots in the base plate as well as the boost venturii up in the carburettor's main body.
The boost venturii are carefully positioned in a choked area, an area with a reduced cross-section to increase the air speed. Increased air speed lowers the air pressure at the small discharge orifice in the booster, drawing out the air-fuel mixture into the air stream on its journey to the cylinders.


Insights® Discovery uses a simple and accessible four color model to understand an individual's unique preferences. We measure these preferences based on responses to a short online evaluator. One of the outputs is a 20-page personality profile, which identifies strengths and areas for development. Insights® Discovery has its roots in the work of Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. It is continually validated and refined through research to ensure it is always accurate and deeply insightful.
Insights® Discovery begins by helping you to uncover who you are and how you interact with others. Every Discovery Personal Profile provides information on an individual's strengths and weaknesses, communications style, and their value to a team.
Each profile includes suggestions for development that can be put into practice the very next day. Additional chapters are available to support learning and development across a range of areas.
The use of 'colors' makes it neutral and comfortable to use – this works better than labels used in other tests, which connote positive or negative attributes. The Insights® Color Energies are easy to use, understand, remember and apply to personal development.
It is short (25 questions only), compared to other profile systems, some of which can have as many as 175 questions.
The Profile is very comprehensive, making it useful for multiple purposes.
The accompanying tools for coaching/facilitation are very user-friendly and indeed fun to use.
The Insights® Color Wheel is extremely useful for team building purposes.
We have a conversation with you to help you identify how the Insights® Discovery Profile can add value to your personal development, and we help you to outline your goals.
We share information on our various packages, and then help you to decide on the best option.
We set up the evaluator, and then once you complete it online, we print the profile for you.
We then sit down to review the profile/report with you and help you to understand the insights® from it and answer your questions about the profile.
We check on you from time to time to see how you're doing and how we can support your personal development journey.
Leadership Development Training Workshop organized for a client.
Managing & Leading Self Workshop organized for a client.
Fill this form if you would like to take the Insights® Discovery profile analysis for yourself or your team members.


A Credit Card is to hold your reservation and also secure your service. You will not be charged until the day you use our service. We will apply the final charge once we confirm the final extras such as: Tolls, Parking, Early or Late Fee, Extra Stop or Waiting Time.
What should I do if I cannot locate my chauffeur at the airport?
You should call 877-200-1516 and speak to a dispatcher. Never leave without giving us a chance to locate the chauffeur. Leaving without calling, you will be billed for the full price of the service.
What kind of car we use for economy sedan?
We use Chrysler 300. Lincoln MKS. Mercedes. Or if all sedans are busy we use Chevy Suburban.
What if I lost something in vehicle, do you have a "Lost and Found" department?
We monitor all flights arriving at all airports. Our system automatically updates your reservation with any changes in arrival time. You do not need to call us if your flight is delayed. However, you do need to call us if your flight information changes (e.g., if you are bumped to a different flight or you miss your flight).
We are traveling with children do you provide car seat?
Yes, we can provide the car seat or booster seat depends on your need. We charge $15.00 dollar fee for each car seat or booster seat. But the parents have to set up the car seat in the car.
No smoking is allowed in the vehicle.
No alcohol permitted on the vehicles Day Trips.
No alcohol permitted on the vehicle if any minor (under 21 years of age) is present.
MLS representative/chauffeur reserves the right to refuse service to any passenger for any type of gross misconduct or inebriation.
We suggest reservations be made 24 hours in advance to secure your service. If you have web account you can book online minimum of 5 hours in advance. For last minute reservations, please call us at 877-200-1516 depends on our availability we will do our best to accommodate you.
How do you meet passengers in the airport?
Terminal B: Meet your chauffeur outside the Terminal on the Ground (Baggage) Level in the limousine parking area which is across the the crosswalk.
Terminal E: Meet your chauffeur outside the Terminal on the Ground (Baggage) Level in the limousine parking area which is straight across two (2) lanes of traffic then to the left.
How can I open up an account with Master Livery Service?
b) Corporate or small business account.
You can simply create web account clicking on this link.
Do you have online reservation service?
Yes! Our online reservation system is simple and easy it takes only a minute to book a limo service.
Do you charge extra for waiting Time at Airport Arrival?
For domestic Arrivals: After your flight landed we give you 45 minutes free waiting time.
For International Arrivals: After your flight landed we give you 60 minutes free waiting time. After free waiting time we will add extra waiting time charge.
Yes, all Master Livery Service vehicles are smoke-free.
Are your rates for airport transfers per person?
Our rates for airport transfers are per trip not per person.


Discussion in 'Maps' started by PinQu, Oct 2, 2008.
My first TF2 map! I made it learn how to make cp's and spawn points so don't expect much. It's simple, and small, so I think many games will end with a sudden death. lol Please tell me what you think, and if there's anything needed to be fixed please tell me!
Oi, give back my name.
you really need to drop in some pics when you upload maps here, allows the regs to quickly point out things and make critiques to help you out without having to download and load up every map.
The fact there are hidden points to the center cap from underground is odd but I can see it being fun.
Alot of your brushwork just doesnt line up to each other, it makes it look really thrown together.
try makings parts of your map realistic, and throw in some prop_static models here and there.


Currently, Roku is providing multiple high-quality channels, in which the single channel itself covers all the genres of entertainment such as movies, series, news, sports etc. CBS channel is one of that multiple genre providers. Previously, this channel is named Columbia Broadcasting System, which is basically an American broadcast television channel.
Get this CBS on Roku by following the below-mentioned steps and get all sorts of entertainment right before you on your TV. This channel activation can be done by entering the unique activation code in the cbs.com/roku. To get CBS on roku, proceed further.
To begin CBS On Roku, activate your individual Roku account and link to your streaming device with Roku.com/link. If you are a new user for the Roku, first create a new account in the Roku site.
Turn on your Roku streaming device and enter the channel store in your Roku home menu. In the Roku channel store search tab, type the CBS channel name and select the right one.
Click the 'Add channel' button in the CBS channel homepage to add on your Roku. After undergoing the payment transaction process, you will receive the unique Cbs.com Roku Code on your TV.
Move on to the cbs.com/activate/roku site and enter this activation code without any error.
CBS All access is the subsidiary of CBS interactive network. A wide range of original contents from the CBS library is telecasted via this CBS All Access channel. Over 9000 on-demand TV shows, top movies are also available to stream on CBS All Access. Some of the famous shows are Big brother, Big bang theory, The price is Right, Family Ties, Star Trek Voyager, Twin Peaks etc. Among these programs, Star Trek Voyager has got astounding hit among the audiences.
Not only covering the media entertainment shows, CBS channel is broadcasting the on-demand sports matches, where you can easily get the access for your favorite games. At present, the channel is going to broadcast the Super bowl LIII and NFL related matches for all their viewers. You can find this channel under featured free option in the Roku and get all the sports match contents.
It is an American football game which is going to telecast on coming 3rd February. The match is between the NFC champion Los Angeles Rams and AFC Champion New England Patriots. Watch the exciting match on your roku by accessing CBS channel in featured free category.
It's time to witness the American premier football league matches called the National football league. Get all your favorite NFL matches by activating the CBS Sports on your Roku.
Are you an avid news watcher and eager to get regular worldwide updates on your Roku? CBS news is offering 24/7 streaming news contents from all over the world. It offers programs like CBS morning, CBS evening news, Sunday morning, 48 hours, 60 minutes, Face the nation, CBSN originals. Embracing with all these programs, you can easily get quality news contents and frequent updates on all topics.
With CBS mobile app, you can easily catch all the hottest shows, series and live TV options. Get the app from the app store and subscribe to all sorts of entertainment shows.
Entering Cbs.com Roku Code or unstable internet connection.
First and foremost, check these two factors rectify and again do the channel activation steps from the beginning.
Enter the activation code instantly after receiving it on your TV.
Besides the information in the article, if you need furthermore Roku support and assistance from our team about cbs.com/roku activation, call our toll-free number at +1-844-605-0330.