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10 best national parks for camping
Perhaps your opinionated mother-in-law is coming for an unexpected visit, so you need to retreat – quickly. Or maybe you want to take your family on a summer vacation that won't bankrupt you. Although motivations for going camping may differ, the main goal is usually the same: a peaceful retreat in a scenic natural setting.
But the definition of "peaceful retreat" and desired amenities can vary greatly between individuals: One person's idea of a perfect camping trip could be torturous for the next person. Whether it's backcountry backpacking, austere campsites, or campgrounds with nearly as many amenities as a hotel, you're sure to find your nirvana at one of these national parks.
Acadia National Park: Mountains descend into the sea along a wind-swept jagged coastline inAcadia National Park. Situated in southern Maine, this 49,600-acre park is an outdoor lover's playground with climbing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, among other activities. The park has two camping spots: Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds. Both are tucked into the shade of pine, balsam and hemlock trees and are within a 10-minute walk of the Atlantic Ocean. If you're looking for seclusion, opt for Seawall. Blackwoods Campground is larger (275 sites), located five miles from the picturesque New England town Bar Harbor, and closer to the park's main attractions than Seawall Campground.
Glacier National Park: One of the best parts about camping is witnessing those awesome sunrises. Pitch your tent at Rising Sun Campground and take in the scene near the Canadian border. Care to wake along the shores of Lake McDonald with snow-covered peaks in the distance? Head to Sprague Creek Campground. Or backpack deeper into the wilderness of Glacier's more than one million acres to set up camp at one of the park's backcountry sites. Glacier National Park has more than 1,000 campsites, offering campers a wide range of scenery and amenities. But they all have one thing in common: they are set against a northwest Montana backdrop of receding glaciers, towering Rocky Mountains, and pristine lakes.
Denali National Park: Journey back to frontier days and discover the spirit of America's pristine wilderness when you embark on a camping adventure in Alaska's Denali National Park. Grizzly bears, moose, wolves, black bears, caribou, and wolverines roam this remote subarctic landscape, which is only intersected by one road. Watch golden eagles and peregrine falcons gracefully swoop through the air over glacier-fed streams. Six campgrounds are scattered throughout the six million acre park. Pitch a tent in view of Mount McKinley – North America's tallest mountain with an elevation of 20,320 feet – at Wonder Lake Campground. Slip away from the daily grind and rejuvenate among one of America's truly great last wilderness areas.
Voyageurs National Park: Reaching your campsite within Voyageurs National Park is a unique experience in itself. "BYOB" takes on a new meaning within this arboreal forest in northern Minnesota – the B stands for "Boat". More than 200 developed campsites – including some reserved for houseboat spaces – are scattered among the 500+ islands within the park, and are accessible only by boat. But don't fret if you don't own a watercraft: Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent in the park. With 84,000 of the park's 218,054 acres stretching over water, aquatic exploration awaits you. Don't have a boat, but want to camp? Two state parks adjacent to the national park offer drive-up campsites.
Capitol Reef National Park: Situated in the epicenter of red rock country in south-central Utah,Capitol Reef National Park is lesser known (and less traveled) than surrounding parks. Canyons, domes, natural bridges, and cliffs become your personal playground in the 100-mile long Waterpocket Fold. Although primitive campgrounds and backcountry camping are available, direct your attention to the park's one developed campground, Fruita. The 71 campsites are nestled within a desert oasis. Back in the 1880's, Mormon pioneers planted this orchard that flaunts cherries, apples, apricots, and peaches for your picking. After a thrilling day of canyoneering in the dry desert, return to camp and sink your teeth into a sweet, juicy peach.
Dry Tortugas National Park: Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts take note: You can roll your love of camping and coral reefs into one tropical camping adventure. Situated 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, the 100 miles of Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses five small islands and striking blue waters that are home to coral reefs and a vibrant marine ecosystem. Arrive at the park by boat or plane (typically chartered from Key West), and pitch your tent at one of Garden Key Campground's 10 primitive first-come, first-served sites. Then don your pair of flippers and dive into the water to explore the underwater landscape teeming with nurse sharks, sea turtles, and brilliantly colored fish.
Virgin Islands National Park: This Caribbean 7,000-acre national park stretches across nearly half of the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Crystal-blue warm waters lap against sandy white beaches, which extend into sub-tropical forests. Cinnamon Bay Campground offers furnished campsites, bare sites, and cottages that are set along the beach or tucked back into the forest. If you don't feel like lugging your personal camping gear through airports, rent a furnished campsite – tents, sleeping bags and all other necessary equipment are provided.
Big Bend National Park: When many people think of Texas, they imagine a sprawling, flat landscape stretching into the distant horizon. But situated in the middle of the desert in western Texas, the Chisos Mountains rise toward expansive sky and ancient limestone canyons ripple across flat terrain. Chisos Basin Campground's 60 developed sites are situated among rocky cliffs and are convenient to many trails. And you don't want to miss an opportunity to hike in Big Bend. This national park possesses the most types of bats, birds, and cacti of any national park in America. For a spectacular display of colors peppering this rugged landscape, visit the park during the spring or late summer when wildflowers are in full bloom.
Shenandoah National Park: Located just 75 miles south of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park boasts spectacular vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Numerous scenic overlooks, trailheads and eateries dot the 105-mile long Skyline Drive twisting through the heart of the park. This national park is perfect for individuals and families who wish to go camping but don't want to venture into a rugged wilderness. Four developed campgrounds are conveniently located to some of the park's main attractions, from being within close proximity to Shenandoah's tallest waterfall to being able to pitch a tent atop Big Flat Mountain.
Olympic National Park: Olympic National Park's more than one million acres stretch from glacier-capped summits of the Olympic Mountains down to the Pacific Ocean. The 16 front-countrycampgrounds provide 900 campsites from which to choose. You can camp along the shores ofLake Crescent (Fairholme Campground). Nestle within your cozy sleeping bag among old growth forest at Heart O' the Hills Campground, or unwind while listening to waves lap against a rugged beach (South Beach Campground). Or snag a backpacking permit to hike through one of the wildest places left in the lower forty-eight states. Explore the jagged peaks of high country and walk the weathered beaches dotting the wilderness coast.
by Carri Wilbanks, Special for USA TODAY | Published on May 7, 2014
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Home2018July
America threatens Iraqi banks to impose sanctions in the event of payment of Iran's arrears of electricity
July 31, 2018 Walter
Tuesday 31 July 2018 09:20 pm
The US Treasury refused to deal with the Iraqi banks with Iran in a circular sent to the Central Bank of Iraq in the month of July threatens to impose economic sanctions on each bank has financial transactions with Tehran. By this generalization, the Iraqi government is unable to pay the Ministry of Electricity of debts in arrears To Iran, which prompted Tehran to stop supplying Iraq with energy and the dawn of the recent crisis.
"The US Treasury informed the central bank at the beginning of July not to allow any Iraqi bank to deal with Iran," the local media reported, "threatened to" freeze the bank's funds that violate the instructions issued by the US Treasury. "
The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, earlier, the decline in electricity production in Iraq to 14 thousand megawatts after Iran stopped supplying Iraq with 1,000 megawatts of electricity.
"Iran has stopped supplying Iraq with electricity capacity of 1000 megawatts, which has led to a decrease in electricity and an increase in the need of Iraq," the ministry's spokesman Musab al-Mudar told Iraq News.
"The reason for Iran's suspension of supplying Iraq with electricity is the accumulation of debts and problems in the transfer of funds to Iran," he said, pointing to "high co-ordination with Iran to resolve the problems."
He added that "Iraq's need of electricity in the summer is from 22 to 23 thousand megawatts and the current production is 14 thousand megawatts."
Iraq is increasingly in need of electricity, especially in the summer, which reaches 50 degrees Celsius.
The electrical power system suffers from deterioration due to Iraq's wars and the deterioration of the electrical sy
http://aynaliraqnews.com/index.php?aa=news&id22=102496
Iranian parliamentarian: the country's economy is about to collapse
Twilight News
A member of the Iranian parliament's budget committee Jahan Bakhsh warned on Tuesday that the country's economy is "about to collapse."
This came in a speech before the parliament today, according to reported by the Iranian Workers' News Agency.
"The Iranian economy is collapsing, please be careful. We complain about the government of President Hassan Rowhani for not putting priority issues on the agenda of parliament," Mohbeh Nia said.
Last week, President Rowhani sacked the governor of the central bank, Leila Saif, and replaced him with Abdel Nasser Hamati in an attempt to contain the parallel (black) currency market.
He pointed out that the exchange rate of one dollar reached 112 thousand riyals in the parallel market.
The fall of the local currency coincides with a sharp foreign exchange squeeze and the first US sanctions package will hit Tehran later this month.
The Iranian parliamentarian pointed to the existence of economic problems, especially unemployment and high prices, as well as health and environmental problems.
He stressed that the people facing such problems must be heard.
http://www.shafaaq.com/ar/Ar_NewsReader/3f2acfd8-95bd-4daf-89be-719f03051d75
Abadi does not fear the continuation of demonstrations and reveals the demands of the region to form a government
Date of release: 2018/7/31 21:52
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) The outgoing Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, that his government is not afraid of demonstrations, "revealing" the demands of the Kurdistan region in the formation of the next government. "
"The vast majority of the demands of the demonstrators are legitimate and true and we are in one side and not two sides and serious in achieving the demands and we do not want to absorb the demonstrations until it ends without any result," Abbadi said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
He added that "our commitment to take out the demonstrations is not true and is important because it hears us other useful things and not our goal to stop the demonstrations, but the citizen's right to express his opinion and demands, even if the demonstrators continued their demonstrations throughout the year."
"The duty of the security forces to protect the demonstrations as long as they are peaceful, even if they are against the political system, such as turning it from parliamentary to presidential, or change the constitution or change the administrative system decentralized and give more powers to the provinces and others are demanding the contrary in strengthening the center."
He pointed out that "the most demands of the demonstrators are service and achievement is not difficult and needs to work diligently, such as providing jobs, water, electricity and other services such as building schools and cover streets, sewage, health and others." The demonstrations are a kind of consignment to local and federal governments to provide more services.
He pointed out that "the Committee for the reconstruction and services in the provinces and crisis cells in each ministry concerned to guide the implementation of the demands of the demonstrators as quickly as possible, and today we received the demands of demonstrators in Muthanna province and we are working to implement."
He stressed the "determination of the government accounting heavily in any case gets any decisions related to services and create jobs and facilitate investment will not allow any failure of any official, whatever its position in the state and we have committees to review the work of each one of them and if there is a lull or corruption will take strong measures the frame".
The Prime Minister expressed his "hope of the Electoral Commission to accelerate the completion of the counting and partial manual sorting of the results of the election and the announcement of the results for ratification by the Federal Court so that the winning political forces of the House of Representatives and the election of the presidency of the Council and the Presidency of the Republic and the task of the next prime minister to form a new government."
Abadi pointed out to "his meeting yesterday in Baghdad, the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Nechirvan Barzani, and discussed the files that strengthen the unity of Iraq and its security and stability and the interests of all Iraqis and do not differentiate between one of him and the emphasis on accelerating the formation of the new government and the development of services.
He pointed out that "the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil is fundamental and fundamental and we want to strengthen it and live in one country." He pointed out that "the previous [Kurdish] demands as a referendum and others have ended and are behind our backs and to move forward, everyone should feel that this country is keen to deepen this feeling among all Iraqis of different nationalities and affiliation. "
He added that he discussed with Barzani, "the imbalance in the system of services and unemployment suffered by Kurdistan as well," stressing that "the region is keen to speed up the formation of the government and found them serious in that and did not touch them demands impossible or demands outside the Iraqi demands and was full match in the views on this matter" .
On corruption files, the prime minister revealed his government's intention to publish names implicated in corruption in the media soon.
"We have a basic campaign against corruption and we will soon publish what we have done in this framework, including those who have become impartial and sentenced," he said. "There are two ways to fight corruption. The first is the government, the commissions of inquiry to identify the corrupt and the other in the Independent Integrity Commission associated with the House of Representatives, Integrity and the Supreme Judicial Council and the government do not interfere in the investigations of these parties, a commitment to the principle of separation of powers.
"We have stressed the measures to combat corruption, but the judiciary needs evidence and evidence, and not only the prosecution and the charges," he said.
He pointed out that "the democratic system and freedom are weak and allow corruption and the law must be strengthened to prevent the corrupt use the atmosphere of freedom and free dissemination to tarnish people's reputation of corruption or buy receivables and we need cooperation between the executive branch and the judiciary and the judiciary in the fight against corruption while respecting the separation of powers and this does not prevent cooperation to protect the citizen "We need to strike strong blows against corruption in any reconstruction campaign."
"We are working to meet all blocs to agree on the draft program of the next phase and the program of the government and the House of Representatives and improve the performance of the judiciary and we work on it and emerge from the largest bloc in charge of the nomination of the Prime Minister and we are two or three weeks before the announcement of the results."
Abadi called on the political blocs to be ready on the first day of the new parliament to elect the president of the council and his deputies and then the election of the president and cost the candidate the largest bloc to form a government in record time to take the reform program and continue to provide security and services.
"Our efforts are continuing to pursue terrorism, which is going to break down and we will eliminate the existing terrorist cells," he said
Al-Abadi coalition announces its official position of the supreme reference speech
Release Date: 2018/7/31 20:05 • 478 times read
(Baghdad: Al Furat News) The victory coalition headed by Prime Minister Haider Abadi, announced Tuesday, his official position of the speech of the Supreme Religious Reference.
A statement of his office received the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it that "the coalition of victory held its fifth periodic meeting chaired by the President of the coalition Haider Abadi, where it was confirmed adherence to the national option and reform of the political process in accordance with the demands of the supreme religious authority and the people and the necessities of reform and openness to all political components to achieve Building and reform goals of the state and its keenness to foster dialogue with the political components, based on the electoral programs in question. "
The coalition also "supported the demands of citizens to improve services and seek to secure them and support government measures in the fight against corruption and support for the achievements of the government achieved to serve the state and its citizens."
The coalition called "the Independent High Electoral Commission to accelerate the completion of counting and manual counting and the announcement of the final results, in preparation for the advancement of constitutional benefits."
The coalition also emphasized its unity and cohesion in its internal line to achieve its national project.
The supreme religious authority, in a sermon addressed last Friday, a severe warning to political leaders, the government and the House of Representatives because of the continuing corruption and poor services and the situation of the country in general.
"Everyone knows what happened to the situation in the country and these days are suffering from a variety of problems and intertwined crises. The religious authority has long appreciated what could happen if real and serious steps are not taken," said Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai, the representative of the supreme authority in Karbala. For reform, anti-corruption and social justice ".
Sheikh al-Karbalai also called on the next parliament to take serious steps with reform and to approve the necessary laws. The government should refrain from acting as promised or disrupt the matter in the Chamber of Deputies or the judiciary. The people will only have to develop their peaceful protest methods to impose their will. To the officials supported by all the good forces in the country and then the scene will have a different face than what is today. "
"We hope that there is no need for this, and the reason, the logic and the interest of the country are more than those who are in positions of responsibility and have the decision to do it before it is too late," he said.
Decisions of the Cabinet today include the demands of the demonstrators
Date of release: 2018/7/31 20:20 • 291 times read
(Baghdad Al-Furat News) The Cabinet held its regular session on Tuesday, chaired by Prime Minister Haider Abadi.
"The Council of Ministers continued to discuss the demands of citizens and the decisions taken for each province and start implementing these decisions and the guidance of continuous and urgent follow-up, and voted on funding projects in the provinces of Basra, Dhi Qar, Muthanna and Najaf."
The statement added that "the meeting witnessed the vote on the minutes of the meeting to discuss obstacles to the implementation of the Nabras-petrochemical complex in the province of Basra, which will save thousands of jobs."
The Cabinet also voted to "secure a sum of money to the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works for the purpose of carrying out the maintenance of sewage stations in the provinces."
The statement added that "to support the agricultural sector in the country and facilitate the movement of transport of fertilizers has been voted to allow the passage of transport trucks loaded with local and imported fertilizers for the account of the General Company for Agricultural Supplies (Urea, Dab, compound) without prior security approvals taking the procedures followed by the fundamental controls And the instructions issued by the security authorities regarding the inspection procedures, and allow the passage of the wheels loaded with local and imported fertilizers mentioned above, which are equipped farmers and farmers from the stores of the General Company for Agricultural Supplies in all governorates of Iraq to Farmers and their fields without taking security approvals while taking the procedures followed by the fundamentalist. "
He also voted "to open a consulate general to the Lebanese Republic in the province of Najaf, and change the association of the care of people with special needs to become part of the formations of the disabled and special needs."
The Council of Ministers voted "to approve the recommendations of the committee and the report of the committee to study the status of joint Arab companies contributing to the Iraqi Fund for Foreign Development."
The council voted to "transfer the ownership of the land built on the residential buildings in the Basmaya residential project, and voted to support the seeds of wheat and barley crops."
The Cabinet also voted on "the allocation of 4 billion dinars to the Ministry of Water Resources to achieve urgent and comprehensive maintenance this year to the border security between Iraq and Iran to isolate the water Balzl then 500 million dinars for annual maintenance on the allocations of the General Authority for the operation of irrigation projects and Balzl / The interior and water resources in addition to the environment and the local government of the province of Basra to negotiate immediately with the Iranian side on a joint venture to get rid of the risk of polluting the Shatt al-Arab or the potential collapse of the border.
And voted to compensate projects infected with bird flu.
The Council voted to exclude the materials donated to the Holy Tabernacle from the protection of the product.
The Council of Ministers also voted to allocate land with a large area for an orphanage in Najaf province
Documents: Sadr sets several controls for the next government
Documents: Sadr sets controls for the next government
-07-2018 06:18 PM
The site of (Tigris), on Tuesday, the controls identified by the leader of the Sadrist movement Moqtada al-Sadr to the next government,
According to the documents, it is required that the next prime minister be 'independent' and not be a member of the House of Representatives, and requires that the next prime minister not to be dual nationality and pledge not to run in the upcoming elections.
The political blocs are racing in their dialogues to form the largest bloc and head the new government.
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Eidani: Launch of more than 97 billion dinars from the operational budget of Basra
5:11 – 31/07/2018
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Baghdad – Mawazine News
Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani announced on Tuesday that more than 97 billion dinars will be released from the province's operating budget this year.
"The Ministry of Finance has launched more than 97 billion dinars and this was based on the margin of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance Agency on 2018/7/30 and a reference to the book of the budget department investment expenditure No. 51179 in the history of 2018/7/26 and at the request of the province of Basra Department of Financial and Administrative Affairs by the letter number 1684 in 2018/7/29.
"The book issued by the Ministry of Finance also included taking the necessary to deposit more than 97 billion Iraqi dinars in the current account in the name of the province of Basra, the Department of Finance and Administrative Affairs open at Rafidain Branch Basra Branch / 2 in account No. 347 for the purpose of disbursing the operational expenses for the month July of this year. "
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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SCHEDULE 1B
Appointment of another person...
Changes over time for: Cross Heading: Appointment of another person to make a decision on a review
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, Cross Heading: Appointment of another person to make a decision on a review is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 30 January 2023. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
[F1Appointment of another person to make a decision on a reviewE+W
F1Sch. 1A, Sch. 1B inserted (21.3.2016 for specified purposes, 31.5.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 (anaw 4), s. 41(1)(c)(3), Sch. 2; S.I. 2017/633, art. 5(f)
3(1)At any time before an appointed person has made a decision on a review under section 2D the Welsh Ministers may—E+W
(a)revoke the person's appointment; and
(b)appoint another person under paragraph 1 to make the decision instead.
(2)Where such a new appointment is made, the review, and any inquiry or other hearing in connection with the review, must be begun afresh.
(3)Nothing in sub-paragraph (2) requires any person to be given an opportunity to make fresh representations or to modify or withdraw any representations already made.]


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HomeHolyrood PR TV Episode 42
Holyrood PR TV Episode 42
This week's Holyrood PR TV starts of with a bang with the news of a mini jobs boom in Perth for our client energy efficient heating specialists Direct Savings. The firm which started in a garden shed three years ago, is now a booming company turning over £12million a year and has opened a state of the art showroom in Perth for it's next generation of home heating systems.
Things are also hotting up for Citylets, the UK's leading rental portal, which has launched its new look rental report this week. The report which provides indepth analysis of the private rented sector in Scotland now includes information on smaller local authority areas including West Lothian, Fife, South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.
We got the first look of a new denim boutique in this week's Holyrood Recommends. ALC is on Thistle Street and grabbed the attention of Edinburgh Online Fashion Week just six weeks after opening. Our lucky Aimee got to have a go at trying on the jeans on and they seemed to be the perfect fit.
If you want to find out more about us and what we do why not visit our Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest pages.


They forced Boswell to a three and out to begin the third quarter. Birdville's Brendton Northey picked up 33 yards and two plays later Laderrious Mixon scored from the 3.
But the Hawks didn't convert on a 2-point attempt and trailed 21-19 with 8:14 left in the frame.
Hosea Armstrong gave the Birdville offense the ball back four plays later after his interception. The Hawks stopped Boswell on a fake punt two drives later.
Ethan Ballentine gave Birdville a 22-21 lead with his 34-yard field goal early in the fourth and the Hawks made it 29-21 with 8:21 left after Earle hit Northey for a 26-yard touchdown.
Northey had eight grabs for 88 yards and two TDs while Earle passed for 170 yards. Mixon would finish with 25 carries for 94 yards and a TD.
Birdville (10-1) awaits Friday's winner between Abilene Cooper and El Paso Eastwood.
The Hawks took the opening drive 71 yards in 13 plays and killed nearly half the quarter. Damian Morrell had nine carries with his ninth going for a 1-yard TD run. The extra point was blocked, but the Hawks led 6-0 at the 6:40 mark.
Boswell matched the Hawks' drive with an 11-play and 75-yard drive. Brayden Thomas connected with Diontae Freeman on a 37-yard touchdown pass and 7-6 lead with 3:41 in the quarter.
The Pioneers (6-5) converted three third downs including Freeman's TD which came on a third-and-14.
Birdville fumbled on its second drive and Boswell scored four plays later when Thomas and Freeman hooked up again for an 11-yard strike to put the Pioneers up 14-6 with 2:08 left.
The two teams traded punts before the Hawks cut it to 14-13 on Earle's 23-yard TD to Northey that capped off an 11-play and 64-yard drive with 7:21 in the second.
Thomas threw his third TD pass of the half on the ensuing drive with a 20-yarder to Jordan Naylor to push Boswell's lead to 21-13 three minutes later.
Boswell took that eight-point margin into the break after a 46-yard field goal attempt came up two yards short as time was expiring. Birdville's Damon Lewis had sacked Thomas for a loss of 14 yards.
Thomas threw for 176 yards and three TDs. Freeman had five catches for 86 yards and two TDs and Derrick Berry was the leading rusher with 71 yards, but Boswell was held to 42 yards in the second half.
Carrollton Turner vs. Birdville at the Birdville FA/AC on Sept. 28, 2018.


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Universal Beijing becomes first LEED Gold certified theme park resort
Universal Beijing has become the world's first theme park resort to be certified LEED Gold using the LEED for Cities and Communities rating system.
Universal Beijing Resort's LEED Gold certification comes after years of planning and work to create a more sustainable destination, set to open in May 2021.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an environmental sustainability rating system for cities and communities. It rates progress in reducing carbon footprint and energy use, as well as water, waste and transportation initiatives.
LEED for Cities and Communities evaluates natural systems and ecology, transportation and land use, water efficiency, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, and materials and resources.
Andrew Eitingon, deputy general manager of Beijing International Resort Co, said UBR is an "environment-friendly and sustainable development", with green initiatives used in "planning through construction and operation".
Environmental sustainability at UBR
"Universal Beijing Resort strives to implement innovative measures, using best-practice standards with the end result being a green, energy-saving, and environment-friendly addition to the city," added Eitingon.
"We will continue to work hard to safeguard the blue skies, white clouds, clear water, and green mountains that surround Beijing."
Universal Beijing Resort is focused on reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint. It has more than 170 hectares of green space, while more than 2.7 billion litres of water will be reclaimed on an annual basis.
The resort's greenhouse gas emissions are less than half of the allowed per capita requirement in the LEED Cities and Communities system, achieved through waste recycling, combined cooling heat and power, and a solar PV system.
"We have worked to plan and create a theme park resort destination that is good for the environment, good for our guests and team members and good for our community," said Tom Mehrmann, president and general manager of UBR.
Green theme park initiatives in Beijing
"This is an ongoing effort that will continue long after certification. Our guests, team members and community residents will directly benefit from what we are doing."
UBR has also partnered with the government to create public transport offerings, including a metro station for two lines, new bus stops and routes, and electric shuttle buses for team members.
There are also extensive walkways and bicycle lanes, as well as sustainable housing for team members. In addition, pollution-free soil is used across the site in Beijing.
Universal Beijing Resort recently unveiled its two destination hotels, as well as the dining, retail and entertainment at Universal CityWalk Beijing.
Images: Universal Beijing
Theme park technology
Theme park construction
Theme park investment
Theme park design
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Upcoming Offerings...
This main stage cabaret will celebrate the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century as we pay homage to "The Great American Songbook". This production will be headlined by a Broadway Star Allison Blackwell, who will perform alongside over 40 talented students from across Southeastern Massachusetts! Through song, dance, and orchestration, we will present music from legendary American composers such as Duke Ellington (It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing), Sammy Fain (I'll Be Seeing You), George Gershwin (They Can't Take That Away From Me, Someone to Watch Over Me), Cole Porter (Another Openin', Another Show, Friendship), and many, many more. Enjoy a big band bandstand and our lovely performers decked to the nines as they recreate these popular and enduring songs from the radio, Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond. Your toes will be tapping and your fingers will be snapping as we honor these cultural treasures fondly known as "The Great American Songbook"!
TICKETS - Saturday, Feb 8th
TICKETS - Sunday, Feb 9th
Program "Shout Outs!" Now Available!
Want to send a specialized "break a leg" message to a cast member? "Shout Outs" are $10/30 words, and must be placed by this Sunday, February 2nd in order to appear in the program.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON OUR
42nd Street Tap Clinics
January 12th & 19th
HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Break a Leg Theater Works is in need of Corporate Sponsors, Small Business Patrons, and Donor Families to help keep our unique, life-changing programming alive in 2019!
Make a tax-deductible
DONATION to Break a Leg Theater,
a 501(c)3 Public Charity!
Break a Leg Profile Video
Break a Leg Theater Works is very humbled and honored to have our 4th TV profile debut today on PACTV (Plymouth Area Community Television).
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Inly School
South Shore Equine Clinic
Break a Leg Theater Works


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package org.cthul.parser.lexer.api;

import org.cthul.parser.api.Context;
import org.cthul.parser.api.Input;
import org.cthul.parser.api.RuleKey;

/**
 * Consumes tokens from the input to create a match for the parser.
 * @param <I> input that is consumed
 * @param <V> value that can be obtained from the match
 */
public interface InputMatcher<I extends Input<?>> {
    // <I extends Input<?>>
    // InputMatcher<? super I> tm;
    // tm.scan((Context<I>) c, _, _);

    RuleKey getKey();

    /**
     * Tries to match a part of the input.
     * In terms of parsing, this can be considered an atomic operation.
     *
     * @param context
     * @param start start index, where tokens are consumed
     * @param end (optional hint)
     * @return match, if successfull
     */
    InputMatch<?> scan(Context<? extends I> context, int start, int end);

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Has your life got stuck in a rut that you feel you'll never get out of?
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Indeed, many people draw immense satisfaction from getting their lives to conform as closely as possible to their particular notion of how life 'should be'. And it's also the case that some of us need and want a lot more routine in our lives than others.
But there can come a point when our quest for control, and predictability, turns from being a barrier keeping chaos out to being more like a prison keeping us locked in, wondering if we'll ever get parole. You can have too much predictability. Too much of doing the same things over and over. Seeing the same people over and over. Nothing new to stimulate and challenge you.
The trouble is, even when this realization dawns on you, it's not exactly an easy thing to change! It's human nature to get used to things. We may no longer get much joy out of our surroundings, or our activities, but they're comfortable, we know how to deal with them, almost without thinking. Change requires effort. Not only that, but you can't guarantee the result. And that thought can be very daunting.
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The Transwest Auto Center may be the new kid on the block but it's already proving itself to be an active and innovative member of the Fort Morgan community.
On the business end, the dealership's new Loyalty Advantage Program has given residents a new way to think about driving a car.
Then there's the dealership's service efforts. Whether its been honoring veterans, participating in such events as the Fall Harvest Car Show and Brush Octoberfest or raising needed items for the victims of recent hurricanes, Transwest has been showing that its consciousness extends beyond just selling cars.
The dealership introduced that Loyalty Advantage program, which reimburses its customers for several common expenses that are normally incurred over the lifetime of the car, in June.
"The Loyalty Advantage program helps us not only sell a vehicle but also maintain that vehicle because a well-maintained vehicle, of course, is worth more in the end," Transwest Internet Manager Jason Zedlitz said. "So we don't want to just sell people a car, we want to actually help them keep the car on the road because that's the whole purpose of buying the vehicle in the first place."
All vehicles purchased from Transwest now come with a booklet containing several coupons and reimbursement cards for various expenses such as a new air filter, new tires, towing expenses and even ambulance services.
Zedlitz said the total value of the reimbursements and savings would amount to as much as $4,500 over the life of the average vehicle. The program also includes unlimited windshield wiper fluid for the life of the car and a multi-point inspection and cleaning with every service visit. Customers also get their first two oil changes free and a 30-day "pit stop" check up.
"It might sound like it's very minute things but they amount to a very huge savings later on down the road," Zedlitz said.
Zedlitz said he believes Transwest, which operates five dealerships in Colorado and Wyoming, is the only dealer in Colorado offering such a program.
Part of the motivation for doing so came from the fact that the program would allow Transwest to keep track of the service history of the cars it sells when customers use the program, which is useful if customers later choose to trade the car back in to Transwest. The program also allows Transwest to develop a lasting relationship with its customers.
"We don't want to just sell them a vehicle and be done with it," Zedlitz said. "We want them to be part of the Transwest family. To do that, we have to offer them a premium to help pay for some of the costs that are incurred for service."
Zedlitz said that customers often do not initially understand the program and the value Transwest says it provides. Thus, it has been important for the dealership's sales staff to be able to effectively explain it to customers.
"When they do finally grasp what all it can do and what it's there for, there's kind of a light bulb that goes off and they see the value of it," he said.
The complex nature of the program has led Transwest to view such interactions between its salespersons and customers—rather than advertising—as the best means of promoting the package.
"Without them sitting in front of you or talking to you on the phone about the program it's really, really hard to push the promotion because some people might just see it as a scam when it's really not," Zedlitz said. "That's not what we are trying to do at all."
However, Transwest isn't just a car dealer—as its recent efforts to raise donations in the wake of Hurricane Harvey have demonstrated.
Zedlitz said Transwest has sent two trailer loads of donations down to Texas and will continue to collect donations through the end of September. Zedlitz drove the first round of donations to Texas himself during the weekend after the hurricane.
"It went really well," he said. "The first load that I took down there went to Pearland, Texas, which is south of Houston and it got received really well. There were a lot of people that were very thankful and grateful for for all that we did here. "
Zedlitz said several other local businesses contributed to the effort, including Keefe and Keefe Construction which donated the trailer he drove. He said the donations that are currently being collected will also likely be delivered to victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida and the wildfires in Montana in order to "spread the wealth."
Transwest recently adopted the new marketing tagline "the dealership that cares." If those donation raising efforts are any indication, it intends to live up to the new tagline.
"We just want to show the community that even though we might not be affected by something we still want to be part of what's going on as far as relief efforts and things like that," he said. "We want to be that dealership that actually does care about what's going on outside of the state as well as what's going on inside of our community."


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Home / Feed Posts / Foot Locker 2019 Race Reflections
By Youth Runner
This month's Foot Locker Race Championships had so much to offer, that it's hard to know where to begin with to review. There really is so much that this year offered and it transcends what one might call the norm of racing. Each race in this sport is different and there is always something of note each year. The Foot Locker/Kinney series was a novel idea, when it first began. And the race is still the true national championship for many reasons and on many levels.
This year marked the 41st running, so there is a significant history with which to compare. Much has happened through the years and more than a fair amount has been quite significant. As a venerated event of relatively long duration, the jaded viewer might posture, that he has seen it all. But I submit this year was special. More to the point it is special for more than one reason. This is why it is a bit hard to decide where to look first.
As a longtime runner & coach it is always about the race. Reflecting back on past Olympic coverage there has always been a resentment of the traditional "up close & personal" treatment that gives a focus to a singular person at the expense of the reason the athletes are all there. Bearing that in mind we will focus on the girl's race first.
Foot Locker Girls Race
Essentially from start to finish this race offered excitement. This compelled the true fan to watch almost at the edge of his seat. This was not like a football, basketball or baseball game where a fan go to the concession stand between the action. If you did it during this race you missed exciting action. Credit for that at first goes to Katelynne Hart of Illinois. Hart is not only is the current State champ but also had placed second here last year.
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Katelynne was the predicate for this race and that alone is saying much. This writer had debated coming this year, as my family now lives rather far out of the way & it is expensive to travel & lodge for the better part of the week. When considering this race offered much at least on paper. But one of the major aspects was the group of Midwest girls. I felt this was a special group. Also, Midwest race director Peter Henkes noted this was the deepest field from the region he had seen in 35 years.
The race also offered Taylor Ewert, Ohio's State Champion who was 4th in 2018, Abby Vanderkooi, a Michigan State Champion who was 3rd last year. Plus Zofia Dudek, yet another Michigan champion who turned in eye-popping results all season. To that group was added defending champion Sydney Masciarelli of Ma. Plus Marlee Starliper, the Pa. champion. Starliper had moved her running to a higher plateau this year after placing 13th here last fall. This was a stellar field even looking at just two regions. Furthermore, Tennessee's Jenna Hutchins, the South champion, among others was t be added to the mix.
The Key to a Winning Time
Still the key to making a fast winning time possible was a runner, who was unafraid to set a fast pace & force any challengers to accept the pain that is needed to stay with her. Katelynne Hart did this last year. Hart made it possible for Maciarelli to win in seventeen flat. This was the fastest time since Aisling Cuffe ran 16:53 in 2010. Hart seemingly always set a fast pace. It was anticipated she would once again.
Years ago, Reggie Jackson arrogantly proclaimed that he was the Yankee, who was "the straw that stirred the drink." Whether he was or not is a matter of debate. But, if young Miss Hart is in a race, she stirs liberally. Those, who challenged might say she is more like James Bond & "shakes" rather than stirs but she sure makes things happen & the race interesting from any perspective.
On this morning the die was cast early and Katelynne roared through the half mile mark in 2:26. Few women or girls will ever run that fast and stop. But she forced the field to not only follow her but backed that up with a mile in 5:09. So our hats should all be off to Miss Hart for setting up a most compelling pace.
The Race Challenge
Of course to have a great race it takes one or more runners to accept the challenge. If no one accepts the challenge the race is over baring a collapse. To their credit Zofia Dudek & Taylor Ewert along with Vanderkooi took up the chase-mantle and followed in hot pursuit. Midway through the second loop Hart was forced to cede the lead but she kept battling to stay in contact. Down the stretch Vanderkooi was finally forced to back off as did Ewart Ewert & Dudek briefly held the lead only to have Starliper join her after picking off runners as she got into contention.
From here on in fans would be treated to a stirring and thrilling personal duel. They battled head to head & exchanged the lead a number of times. It was a compelling race of two runners, who were not willing to concede easily & battled back to give fans a thrilling insight into the human spirit, which will not easily concede an outcome.
Different Foot Locker Race Strategies
It was even more interesting as the two final combatants had used different strategies along the way. Dudek was never far from the leader Hart, when the Illinois runner forced the pace. Starliper for her part was well back at the halfway point but had made a push after the half-way mark. Starliper forged a lead going down Upas Hill & at first seemed to have made the decisive move but Dudek reeled her back in on the flat.
Once the battle was joined Dudek was well aware of Starliper's final kick & moved to take the starch out of it. She made a bold move at the three- mile mark & Starliper changed gears to follow. For the last tenth of the mile both were at a sprint. Yet each found something in reserve to accelerate and in response was answered. In a race such as this it is almost a shame to list a winner, yet that is why we hold races.
Amazing Results
Normally, when a race is translated into its final statistics the results are misleading. But these results are still stunning even when reduced to cold hard figures. When the day started only six runners had ever broken seventeen minutes on the vaunted Morley Field Course in San Diego's Balboa Park. (7 if you count Erin Keough who managed to do it in both 1985 and '86.)
The indomitable Dudek soared through the tape in 16:45.0. This made her the fifth fastest runner here of all time. Dudek was not all the far off of Melody Fairchild's record of 16:39. Marlee Starliper clocked 16:46.8. This was not only is the sixth fastest time here ever but by far is the fastest time to ever place second.
Incidentally, for those wondering, the fastest time to fail to win prior to this was run in 2018 by Hart. In 2018 Hart clocked in 17:01. Abby Vanderkooi was timed in 16:55.2 making her the ninth fastest runner here ever. There was never a year, that more than one girl broke seventeen minutes. But on this day three did and Vandy now stands in ninth place. In just one morning the sub-sixteen club had gone from six girls to nine. In terms of pure time this was the greatest gals' race ever.
Gutsy Katelynne Hart
As noted credit for setting up the pace to make a collective assault on time possible should go to the gutsy race of Katelynne Hart. Far more than this are her own accomplishments. Usually, when a runner forges ahead and races, as Wade Meddles of Nevada once deprecatingly kidded of himself charging into the lead on a "fly and die" pace, the valiant runner often suffers & is forced to struggle home.
On this day Katelynne may have been forced to surrender the lead & her time took a hit but she still finished fourth overall. Her time of 17:14 would have won in many years at that. That said by placing fourth this year she moved into a very select group of runners. Remember that she had placed second the past two years, so she has a very enviable three years record.
Foot Locker History
It is the beauty of Foot Locker that runners compete on a fabled & historic course & the race has a venerable history & is not a Johnny come-lately that changes venues after a couple of years and in the 41 years of Foot Locker only five runners have a better record over a three-year period than Miss Hart. Only Melody Fairchild, Marie Lawrence, Amanda White, Lynne Strauss & Erin Keough have performed better.
The best three year records:
1 Melody Fairchild 2 – '88 1 – 89 1 – '90 4
2 Marie Lawrence 2 – '03 2 – '04 2 – '05 6
3 Amanda White 3 – '90 2 – '91 1 – '92 6
4 Lynne Strauss 2 – '79 2 – '80 3 – '81 7
5 Erin Keough 5 – '84 1 – '85 1 – '86 7
6 Katelynne Hart 2 – '17 2 – '18 4 – '19 8
By the way Katelynne 's time from last year of 17:01.0 places her twelfth on the list & is the 11th fastest by an individual. In the end you can look at this race from a variety of perspectives but this was one of the greatest female prep races ever. Consider Jenna Hutchins & Taylor Ewert both clocked 17:16 and Sydney Masciarelli ran 17:19 which would have been good enough to win in a dozen years that the race was held in San Diego. This was a stellar field and a quality race that is one of the great ones.
Zofia Dudek
There is much to learn from Zofia Dudek as well. Much has been made from the fact that she had raced internationally prior to this one and that is a bit misleading, as if so much was expected here & that is not really true. Last fall Zofia did not make it to nationals after placing 18th in the Midwest in a time of 19:09.
Fortune allowed a chat with Zofia's father after Foot Locker. He stated she was happy with her finish the previous year. He noted that this year had been "unexpected" even prior to the qualifier. Certainly her times this fall were impressive from the beginning but all was taken as a pleasant surprise. Obviously to race, as she did she had to believe in herself but there had been no great anticipation. It's a lesson to all runners to train & do your best. Good things can follow even when this is a dynamite year for female prep runners.
Taryn Parks
This year was also special because Taryn Parks of Pennsylvania qualified once again. This allowed her to join a very select group of female runners, who qualified all four years as a prep runner. I remind readers that this is a true high school championship. You only have the four years as a prep to qualify for this race. You also make it due you your own merits & not as the weak link of some team.
Taryn's story is unique in it's own right & valiant as well for this last trip proved to be a challenge. Taryn had qualified the previous three years and seemed to be in great position to stride to her fourth trip. She held a sizable lead over Mia Cochran, who is also a Quaker State runner.
Down the stretch Parks began to struggle and with the finish in sight she fell. Cochran, who at the time was well back & began a sprint to the finish. Parks got on her feet & then fell again losing more space. It seems she got up & fell a third time, which was when Cochran caught & passed her.
Even hearing of the finish at home it was disappointing to think Taryn would not go for a fourth time. But fate lent a hand, as Cochran had been dealing with a hip issue late in the season. The back hills at Van Cortlandt can be grueling, even when in top fitness. And on this day the railroad ties, as they are known, took their toll.
After two days of thought Cochran bowed out and gave up her spot to Parks. Did Taryn deserve to be in – of course she did. We all know it takes a bit of luck to make it four years. Midwest race director Pete Henkes was not there to actually see the race, as he was in Wisconsin. He still spoke with a sense of awe at how Taryn had persevered under duress.
Best Three-Year Performances
In calculating the best three- year performances it was stunning how many notable & even great runners looking back had failed to qualify even three times. There is one famous guy, who made it three times. This was only because a Canadian runner was DQ 'd after placing ahead of him. It's a pleasure to welcome you to the 'Four Year Club' Taryn. Happily, Mia Cochran is but a sophomore & has two more years to make it – good luck in the future and thank you for your integrity.
In 41 years only two dozen girls had managed to qualify all four years as a prep runner. This is a very select club. Still, if the gals have a select club the boys with only two members is downright exclusive. And Graydon Morris joined Jorge Torres this year. In truth there are very few male runners, who have managed to make it three times.
Male Runners
Jorge made is from 1995 thru 1998 and, although he is an Olympian, he is quite proud of the fact still. If truth be truth hardly anyone has had much of a shot at it as very few freshmen have ever qualified. Californian Bryan Dameworth was the first, as he qualified out of the West in 1986. He made it back in 1988 placing fourth before winning in 1989 but in the Regional during his sophomore year, he fell in a mud puddle & lost concentration & there went the first real shot of a guy making it all four years.
Futsum Zeinasellassie qualified as a frosh in 2008 and later placed second in his junior & senior years but he passed the attempt as a sophomore partially to deal with grades if memory serves. Besides that pair the next closest was Utah's Josh Rohatinsky. Rohatinsky finished 11th in the West Regional before earning a berth the next three years.
Notable Racers
Beyond him the guess is Connor Mantz of Utah, who finished 25th as a frosh. Also Andrew Gardner of Washington, who took 31st his first year of high school before earning a trip the next three years. Just by qualifying four times Graydon has set himself apart.
Jorge of course distinguished his career by capping it with a victory in 1998. Though it seemed that Morris might do the same he came up a bit short his senior year. His is still a very special record, when we consider its duration. Torres placed 13 – 5 – 2 – 1 in his four years for a total of 20 points. Morris earned 3 -2 -3 -4 for a total of 12 points, which is distinctly stronger.
Moreover, if you look at his best three consecutive years with 8 points that is even superior to Dathan Ritzenhein's previous record of 8 – 1 – 1 for ten points. From these two perspectives he has the best three and four year records in all Foot Locker history. It will be interesting to see if anyone can top that in the next 41 years.
Josh Methner
Josh Methner of Illinois made his second appearance at Foot Locker after placing sixth in 2018. He came into the race as the Midwest Champion. Methner was also highly regarded after eclipsing the seemingly ancient State record of the legendary Craig Virgin. He was highly respected but many expected challenges from Northeast Champion Patrick Anderson of Pennsylvania, South Champion Judson Greer of Texas, and Carter Solomon of Michigan, who earned fourth last fall.
Still most seemed to assume that Graydon Morris might well be the man to beat. Morris openly admitted that the pressure was off once he had qualified for Nationals. Add to that he had never placed 'worse' than third her in his first three attempts. Though the race might have a few favorites it still appeared wide open as they toed the starting line.
Once the race was underway all those anticipated to challenge where safely ensconced in the chase pack. The pace was hardly telling at any rate, so there was no reason for anyone to fall back. As the race progressed there was a real fear that this might be kicker's race.
Racing's Mental Aspects
One of the key mental aspects of racing is to sense when it is time to make a move. Josh made a move that opened a gap on his competitors. It is assumed it was an attempt to see who might go with him rather than a break to challenge others to stay with him. It must have come as a bit of a surprise, when no one responded to his move. The rest stayed back seemingly eyeing each other.
The leader opened up a gap and then significantly increased his pace, as he began the second half. It was make or break time! It would take a significant effort to reel Methner in once having yielded yardage. Barring a collapse, which given the circumstances seemed highly unlikely, the race was essentially over. It was left for the others to argue about second. Josh won comfortably in a time of 15:08.
It was an excellent example of racing strategy and Carter Solomon earned second by finishing alone in 15:16. Third went to Patrick Anderson, who caught Morris at the end with both sharing the time of 15:18. Judson Greer was the first non-senior with his mark of 15:22 & will be the early favorite for next year's race. Pennsylvanian Colton Sands was the next junior with his clocking of 15:22.
There were only two sophomores in the race but they gave a good accounting of themselves. Gavin Sherry of Ct. took 14th in 15:36. Also Aidan Puffer, who is also from Ct., came home 21st in 15:45. Incidentally Puffer had finished 17th at the Northeast as a freshman the previous year.
The team races have been quite interesting of late with the Midwest putting together formidable teams. Last year the gals dominated the race & this year was more of the same with the Midwest topping the Northeast by a 24 to 42 margin. The Southern gals were a distant third with 63 points.
The Northeast guys squeaked out a very narrow victory after the first five runners from each team tied with 43 points. Gavin Sherry made the difference by being the first sixth man into the chute. This was due to his 14th place finish. Actually, he was right behind his teammate Matthew Farrell, who finished 13th. He was also well ahead of the Midwest's sixth runner who placed twentieth. Coaches often remind their runners, that it's a team race and each man can make a difference. This surely was in evidence on this day.
Foot Locker Freshman
Foot Locker is both a proving ground, as well as an experience to be savored. There were three freshman girls this year, who acquitted themselves very well. Carly McNatt of Florida led the group with her 8th place finish in 17:32. Tatum David of Illinois placed tenth in 17:37 and Karrie Bologa of NY was 11th with 17:40.
In a group of the forty top girls in the US they were all in the top eleven. This is quite impressive. Hopefully they can join in the fun three more years! Even so, everyone, who competes at Foot Locker even one year, becomes part of a running family of sorts.
Sharing Something Special
There is a long line of winged feet that share something special no matter how they fare on a given day. It is underscored by the brilliant program, which features each runner. It also depicts a bit of how they fit into this long history of the race. Once here there is an indelible memory that only a special few can share.
Despite heavy rains throughout Southern California early in the week the course was in very good shape. There were a couple of soft patches on the other side of the road but for the most part the course was firm & dry. There was no issue of dust in the least & there was a fairly heavy cloud cover, that allowed the Sun to peak through momentarily just once. With the temperature at about sixty when the girls took off it was all but ideal for the harriers.
The Foot Locker people always do their best to put on a quality show and the weatherman almost always cooperates. As usual we look forward to the next race in this long-running saga, which through the years has provided a stepping-stone for our future Olympians. This was a special day and well worthy of this great tradition.
Story by Leo Collins
Feature Photo Tarynn Parks
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Category Archives: Q & A with the Industries Finest!
Posted by SeriouslyNails in Q & A with the Industries Finest!
Earlier, I decided to institute a monthly blog post to introduce to you people from the industry.
A blog post in a simple, quick, informative format that hopefully introduces you to the folks who are the backbone of this industry.
Up and comers, industry leaders, manufacturers, educators or artist that all share our love of Nails.
This month I have the pleasure of introducing you to a young lady that I follow on social media. She is definitely a "Up and Comer" in the world of nails.
she shows her true artistic self on many different social media platforms.
As well as being featured in Nails Magazine and Nails Magazine Nail Art Gallery.
I am please to introduce to you, Karalee Chabot.
SN: How long have you been a nail tech?
KC: I graduated from Nail School in February of 2013.
SN: You have been featured many times in NAILS Magazine and NAILS Magazine Nail Art Gallery. What was the date of your first ever edition of NAILS Magazine, and when did you first appear in it?
KC: I entered NAILS Magazine's "Godzilla" nail art contest in late February 2014 and was informed by Hannah from NAILS Magazine on my birthday (03/03 of 2014) that my nails were being featured in the May 2014 issue. This was the first issue of NAILS Magazine I ever received.
SN: When did you start to do the NAILS Magazine 30 day nail art challenges?
KC: According to Instagram, my first entry was 43 weeks ago, so I believe that was around January/February 2014.
SN: What is your favorite medium to work with?
KC: Acrylic paint on Acrylic enhancements.
SN: Tell us your best/favorite client memory.
KC: I can't say I have a specific memory. However, there's nothing more rewarding to me then making clients tear up because they're so pleased with their nails and nail art.
SN: What has been the best piece of advice you have received with regards to the nail industry?
KC: There are a lot of quotes for nail technicians that are posted all over social media. There's a lot one can gain mentally and spiritually from most of these quotes.
SN: What is the percentage of your customers that get nail art?
KC: 98%! But I get that 2% to get nail art by giving them a little something "on the house" and believe it or not, most of the time they become frequent customers requesting nail art. hehe!
SN: How do you manage to be so creative, run your business and take care of your darling daughter? Any secrets that you would like to share with other working nail technicians?
KC: I have always been a creative person, I am an artist. I just took a while to find a way to utilize my talent and make a career out of it. I run my business as a hobby, I have a lot of passion for what I do. Nail art is extremely therapeutic for me. I have also come to figure out that by working based on appointments rather than working 9 to 5 suits me. This schedule I have created for myself has made is so much easier to balance time for my lovely daughter and still have some down time to work on projects for NAILS magazine. Advice for other passionate people out there, no matter what it is you do, don't turn your hobby into work, you may end up hating it and give up. Be positive and think to yourself, "I'm not going to work, I'm going to do what I love most and what I do best". This industry can tear you to pieces, but only if you let it!
SN: If you could do one persons nails, either living or passed, who would it be? What would you do for them in Nail Art?
KC: Nicki Minaj! She's so creative and passionate about her music and fashion. She has that shock factor that I believe I have with my creativity in nail art and would be honored to complete her look with one of my wild off the top nail designs.
Thank you Karalee for sharing your passion and insight about the nail industry. I look forward to many more of your designs on digits.
Here is a special treat for you readers. Besides her perfect portrait of Nicki Minaj, Karalee did a Nicki Minaj Anaconda inspired set of nails. I wouldn't be surprised to see this in a magazine soon!
I have decided to launch a new chapter in the Seriously Nails book.
wouldn't it be great if everyone got a chance to get to know the industry leaders, artists, manufactures and nail enthusiast out there.
And so I asked a couple of people who fit into that category if they would be interested. Everyone said yes!
I was going to talk with Naja and then the two of us decided that since I got the chance to talk with Lucien Henderson about THE NAIL PLATFORM, it might be better to start there.
Beside THE NAIL PLATFORM, Lucien is the creator of Empower Nail Art.
Empower Nail Art is a super thin self-adhesive nail film in varying designs to let your creativity bloom.
A very interesting fellow with a great love for our industry.
So here is my inaugural Q & A post from people in the Nail Industry! Enjoy!
SN:When and how did you get started in the Nail Industry?
LH: The founders of Minx, Inc. introduced me to the nail industry in 2009 and I served them until 2012.
SN: You are the creator of Empower Nail Art! This is a unique product. Where did the idea come from?
LH: I fell in love with the industry and the art, and am a little addicted to wearing it. I knew vinyl films but could not find one that worked with all of the other nail mediums, they all had limits. It turned out that a new material needed to be made, and they only way to test the theory was to make it. Once we had a true nail film that worked well with acrylics, gels, polish and gel polish; it made sense to leave the use of it to the nail artist, so we leave it in un-cut prints and the artists cuts it as desired.
SN: Has the idea for THE NAIL PLATFORM always been in your mind? How was the idea born?
LH: The Nail Platform occurred to me during the 2012 show season. 2010 and 2011 I had run booths with no time to really walk the shows. In 2012 I attended for the first time, and went through the floors with different eyes, I was learning not selling. All I could find was product specific demonstrations — product focused, not skill focused. We have no structure for the independent educators and many of them are amazing. All the isles were packed with crowds watching platform hair artists. We have no answer for that, we don't pump up the pros and inspire the students. The Nail Platform seeks to be a structure for ensemble leading artists to help raise the skills of others, while inspiring and elevating the art. Let's get some action at the shows and let's join up to share our skills!
SN: How did you manage to meet up and join forces with the wonderful people you have taking part in THE NAIL PLATFORM?
LH: A big part of falling in love with this industry was getting to know so many amazing people. I've met them selling, learning, sharing, helping at trade shows, networking events and social media. This community is full of great souls, and I'm blessed to have made wonderful friends.
SN: As a nail artist, and besides Empower Nail Art, what is your favorite medium to work in. For both enhancements and nail art?
LH: I recently completed school and will test soon. Thankfully, I'm getting tons of help from leading professionals! So I'm getting to know how to really use the mediums I've watched for years. I believe they all have their uses given the tech's skill and the client's needs. I like to stay in my safe zone of acrylic for structure then gels or gel polishes. Nail art for me is about layers, with each layer a part of the look I'm creating.
SN: If you could have one client, either living or dead to take care of their nails, who would it be and what service would you give them?
LH: Nice question! I'll be doing my future wife's pedis and nails every week…when I find her!
SN: Ha ha that's a great answer.
Thank you Lucien for taking the time to let my followers get to know you and your dreams a little better.
Best of luck with your inaugural THE NAIL PLATFORM.


Discover artistic figures made of bronze for indoors and out. The bronze statues in the Edition Strassacker stand for high-quality art by famous national and international artists.
Edition Strassacker offers a unique selection of bronze art. All bronze sculptures are published directly with the artists and are only available exclusively through Edition Strassacker.
Take a tour of the World of Art with Edition Strassacker and discover bronze figures from numerous national and international artists. All bronze sculptures are strictly limited and are delivered with a personally signed certificate. These limited-edition bronze sculptures are not only an investment in art, but also a store of value.
Realise your vision in your house and garden or at your business premises and create a special place for a work of art. The bronze sculptures of Edition Strassacker give each establishment its own individual artistic touch.
In the Edition Strassacker online shop, you will discover artistic bronze figures for indoors and outdoors. The bronze statues of Edition Strassacker represent exquisite art of renowned national and international artists.


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text:
int main(int argc, char * argv[])
{
    @autoreleasepool {
        return UIApplicationMain(argc, argv, nil, NSStringFromClass([SOLAppDelegate class]));
    }
}


The official OpenStack Liberty Install Guides are a great way to get hands-on experience with installing and configuring OpenStack by hand. This post describes how to install and configure a local VirtualBox environment for performing the step-by-step deployment instructions found in the guide.
Download and install the latest version of VirtualBox for your host operating system.
From the VirtualBox menu bar, select Preferences.
From the VirtualBox Preferences menu, select the Network icon.
This will automatically create a Nat Network named NatNetwork.
Select the tool icon to modify NatNetwork.
The gateway for the Management network is 10.0.0.1.
Select the + icon to create another Nat Network. This will automatically create a Nat Network named NatNetwork1.
Select the tool icon to modify NatNetwork1.
The gateway for the Public network is 203.0.113.1.
Navigate to the downloads pages for the operating system to be installed.
From the VirtualBox toolbar, select the New button.
Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
Highlight the controller virtual machine and click the Settings button in the VirtualBox toolbar.
If the Acceleration tab is grayed out, enable Virtualization Technology (Intel VTx or AMD-V) in the host machine's BIOS.
Highlight the controller virtual machine and select the Start button. The virtual machine will begin to boot.
Follow the installation instructions for the operating system. Ensure SSH is installed and enabled.
Refer to Host Networking section of the Install Guide for instructions on configuring the Management and Public interfaces for the controller node.
From the VirtualBox toolbar, click the New button.
Highlight the compute virtual machine and select the start button. The virtual machine will begin to boot.
Follow the installation instructions for your specific operating system.
Verify SSH connectivity to the controller and compute nodes.
This section assumes the network interfaces and name resolution on controller and compute have been configured per the steps outlined in Host Networking section of the Install Guide.


OSS 2.0: Driving the Services Revolution is a one-day conference for the service provider looking to adapt and transform its OSS (operational support system) for the emerging world of explosive service delivery. Service providers are constrained – by the inflexibility of their legacy support infrastructures and the cost of integrating new services into them – from fully participating in IP service delivery and the revenue opportunities it represents. Service providers understand that they need to transform their networks, service portfolios, and business operations. Implementing the right support systems is key to this change.


Pink Breeze Punch, a fabulously simple and delicious punch. Perfect to serve at baby showers, wedding showers and just about any party.
Pink Breeze Punch is a fabulously simple and delicious punch that I recently served at a reception that my sister was giving to honor volunteers in our community.
This punch is a quick and refreshing punch. It has only three ingredients; one can of Welch's Strawberry Breeze, one can of frozen pink lemonade and two 1 liter bottles of ginger ale.
When I serve it in a punch bowl, I'll often make an ice ring of ginger ale with a few berries in it to float on top rather than use ice cubes.
In a large beverage pitcher with a whisk, blend the strawberry breeze and lemonade until well mixed. Add the ginger ale. Serve over ice.
Come and join me for Delectable Tuesday, What's Cooking Wednesday!
Thats wonderful mocktail..looks so good and beautiful color. Sure I will try this.
I love to see punch recipes; there just aren't enough good ones. This sounds delicious! thank you for sharing.
This must be a really refreshing drink! I am hosting book club on Sunday evening and my girls will love this.
Thanks for rounding out my Book Club Menu!
I love a good punch; especially a pink one! Thanks for sharing this recipe with Tea Time. It will be a lovely drink for Bible study night. Wishing you a delightful week.
The strawberry breeze flavor is still available in my area, so I am tickled pink! It was DELICIOUS!


Nora Fleming now makes casual entertaining easy! The same Nora Fleming quality and design that you have come to know and love, now offered in MELAMINE! Perfect for outdoor dining and casual entertaining!
Nora Fleming melamine servers are BPA-free, completely food safe, dishwasher safe (though NOT microwave safe,) durable, easy to clean, and chip free! Best of all, they are designed to work seamlessly with current Nora Fleming minis!


text:
<?php

namespace B;

class BookmarkManager
{
    /** @var Array<?string> */
    protected array $config;
    protected DB $db;
    protected string $user;
    protected string $baseDir;
    public string $requestUri;
    public string $subPage = '';

    public function __construct(string $requestUri = '/')
    {
        $getEnv = function (string $key): ?string {
            $value = getenv($key);
            return $value !== false ? $value : null;
        };

        $this->config = [
            'baseDir' => $getEnv('BASE_DIR') ?? '/app/db/',
            'baseUri' => $getEnv('BASE_URI') ?? '/',
            'infiniteScrolling' => $getEnv('INFINITE_SCROLLING') ?? null,
        ];

        $this->baseDir = $this->config['baseDir'];

        if (!is_dir($this->baseDir)) {
            throw new \Exception('invalid baseDir: ' . $this->baseDir);
        }

        if (!is_writeable($this->baseDir)) {
            throw new \Exception('baseDir not writeable: ' . $this->baseDir);
        }

        $baseUri = $this->config['baseUri'];

        if (strpos($requestUri, $baseUri) !== 0) {
            throw new \Exception('invalid baseuri');
        }

        /* cut baseUri from request uri */
        $this->requestUri = substr($requestUri, strlen($baseUri));

        /* cut query string from request uri */
        if (($p = strpos($this->requestUri, '?')) !== false) {
            $this->requestUri = substr($this->requestUri, 0, $p);
        }

        $uriParts = explode('/', trim($this->requestUri, '/'));

        if (count($uriParts) === 2) {
            $this->subPage = $uriParts[1];
        }

        $user = $uriParts[0];

        if (!preg_match('@^[a-z0-9]+$@i', $user)) {
            throw new \Exception('Page not found', 404);
        }

        if (!is_dir($this->baseDir.$user)) {
            throw new \Exception('No such user: '.$user, 404);
        }

        if (!is_writeable($this->baseDir.$user)) {
            throw new \Exception('User dir not writeable');
        }

        $this->user = $user;

        $this->db = new DB($this->baseDir.$user.'/b.db');
    }

    public function getConfig(string $key): ?string
    {
        if (isset($this->config[$key])) {
            return $this->config[$key];
        }

        return null;
    }

    public function getDB(): DB
    {
        return $this->db;
    }

    public function handleAjaxRequest(array $postData): void
    {
        if (empty($postData['action'])) {
            return;
        }

        $action = (string)$postData['action'];
        $error = true;
        $result = [];

        if (!empty($postData['id'])) {
            $id = (int)$postData['id'];
            $result['id'] = $id;
        } else {
            $id = 0;
        }

        try {
            switch ($action) {
            case 'add':
                $result['url'] = (string)$postData['url'];
                $result['force'] = $postData['force'] ? true : false;
                list($url, $desc) = array_pad(explode(' ', (string)$postData['url'], 2), 2, '');
                $this->addBookmark($url, $desc, !empty($postData['force']));
                $error = false;
                break;

            case 'delete':
                if ($id) {
                    $this->db->deleteEntry($id);
                    $error = false;
                }
                break;

            case 'settitle':
                if ($id && !empty($postData['title'])) {
                    $this->db->setTitle($id, (string)$postData['title']);
                    $error = false;
                    $result['title'] = self::formatDesc((string)$postData['title'], false);
                    $result['rawTitle'] = (string)$postData['title'];
                    $result['tags'] = self::formatTags((string)$postData['title']);
                }
                break;

            case 'setlink':
                if ($id && !empty($postData['link'])) {
                    $this->db->setLink($id, (string)$postData['link']);
                    $error = false;
                    $result['link'] = (string)$postData['link'];
                }
                break;

            default:
                return;
            }
        } catch (\Exception $e) {
            $result['message'] = $e->getMessage();
        }

        if ($error) {
            $result['result'] = false;
        } else {
            $result['result'] = true;
        }

        header('Content-Type: application/json; charset=utf-8');
        echo json_encode($result, JSON_FORCE_OBJECT | JSON_UNESCAPED_UNICODE);

        exit();
    }

    public function addBookmark(string $url, string $appendDesc = '', bool $force = false): bool
    {
        if ($this->db->exists($url)) {
            throw new \Exception('Bookmark already exists.');
        }

        try {
            $body = $this->fetch($url);
        } catch (\Exception $e) {
            if (!$force) {
                throw $e;
            }
        }

        if (!empty($body)) {
            $desc = $this->extractTitle($body).' '.$appendDesc;
        } else {
            $desc = $url;
        }

        return $this->db->add($desc, $url);
    }

    private function fetch(string $url): string
    {
        if (($h = curl_init($url)) === false) {
            throw new \Exception('could not init curl');
        }

        curl_setopt($h, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
        curl_setopt($h, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);

        if (($ret = curl_exec($h)) === false) {
            throw new \Exception('could not fetch');
        }

        return (string)$ret;
    }

    public static function extractTitle(string $body): string
    {
        if (!preg_match('@<title>([^<]+)@', $body, $m)) {
            return '(unknown title)';
        }

        $ret = $m[1];

        $enc = mb_detect_encoding($ret, 'UTF-8,ISO-8859-1', true);

        if ($enc !== 'UTF-8') {
            $ret = mb_convert_encoding($ret, 'UTF-8', $enc);
        }

        $ret = trim(html_entity_decode($ret, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8'));

        return $ret;
    }

    public static function formatDesc(string $desc, bool $withTags = true): string
    {
        $desc = htmlspecialchars($desc);

        if (preg_match_all('@#[a-z0-9-_]+@i', $desc, $m)) {
            $matches = $m[0];

            foreach ($matches as $tag) {
                if ($withTags) {
                    $replaceWith = self::formatTagLink($tag);
                } else {
                    $replaceWith = '';
                }
                $desc = str_replace($tag, $replaceWith, $desc);
            }
        }

        return trim($desc);
    }

    public static function formatTags(string $desc): string
    {
        $tags = '';
        $desc = htmlspecialchars($desc);

        if (preg_match_all('@#[a-z0-9-_]+@i', $desc, $m)) {
            $matches = $m[0];

            foreach ($matches as $tag) {
                $tags .= self::formatTagLink($tag).' ';
            }
        }

        return $tags;
    }

    public static function formatTagLink(string $tag): string
    {
        return ''.$tag.'';
    }
}


text:
Contracts and TendersEuropeLNG Vehicles
Bilfinger nets contract to build bio-LNG plant in Germany
Image: REEFUELERY
Germany-based industrial services provider Bilfinger said it has secured a contract from compatriot REEFUELERY to build the latter's planned bio-LNG production plant near the German city of Fulda.
Bilfinger said in a statement the bio-LNG plant would produce up to 180 tons of bio-LNG per day from biomethane derived from municipal and agricultural residues.
REEFUELERY chose the location near Fulda due to its direct access to the MIDAL gas pipeline.
The bio-LNG will be used as an alternative fuel for freight and heavy-duty transportation to reduce CO2 emissions.
According to Bilfinger, the plant can provide fuel for up to 4,500 heavy-duty vehicles.
This saves a total of up to 550,000 tons of CO2 per year compared with diesel fuel, it said.
The plant will have components for cleaning and liquefying the gas, pumps, storage tanks, and devices for refueling the tanker trucks.
Bilfinger will provide engineering, procurement, and construction services for the refueling facility as well as piping construction expertise.
The firm did not reveal the price tag of the deal.
Bilfigner expects the bio-LNG plant to go online in the first quarter of 2024.
Earlier this year, Finland's Wartsila said it would supply equipment for the bio-LNG production plant with a capacity of 63,000 tons per year.
Wartsila said it won the contract in March from REEFUELERY, a joint venture of Erdgas Südwest and avanca, a company focused on sustainable energy and logistics solutions.
The plant would deliver the fuel to Alternoil's network of filling stations for trucks, owned by the avanca group, according to Wartsila.
Alternoil has a large network of LNG filling stations in Germany.
Alternoil
avanca
REEFUELERY
Wartsila to equip PIL's LNG-fueled containerships
Finland's Wartsila has won a contract to supply its LNG fuel gas supply system and other equipment for four...
Wartsila bags bio-LNG plant contract from Scandinavian Biogas
Finland's Wartsila confirmed it would supply its biogas liquefaction technology for a new bio-LNG plant in Monsteras, Sweden. Sweden-based bio-LNG...
Scandinavian Biogas to launch new Swedish bio-LNG plant in 2024
Sweden-based bio-LNG producer Scandinavian Biogas has decided to build a new bio-LNG plant worth about $75 million in Monsteras,...
LNG as Fuel January 19, 2023
Buquebus, Incat working to switch LNG-fueled ferry order to electric power
Argentina-based ferry operator Buquebus has asked Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania to look into the possibility of switching its ferry...


Who doesn't love spinnerbaits? They have the potential for catching bass shallow, deep, in heavy cover and in open water. They can be fished slow or fast and in any season. They are amazingly weedless and appeal to both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Besides all that, they're a lot of fun to fish and easy to make yourself.
So what makes a spinnerbait, a lure that looks nothing like any natural prey of bass, the bass catcher it is? The sum of its parts!
Each individual part that comprises a spinnerbait is essential to creating the "deception" that make bass strike this most unnatural lure. Let's break one down and see what makes these bass catchers tick.
The great majority of spinnerbaits come from the manufacturer with some combination of three or four primary blade styles, Colorado spinner blade, Indiana blade, Willow Leaf and of late the Oklahoma blade. There are other "hybrid" shapes as well though they have not been enthusiastically embraced by the majority of bass fishermen.
Spinnerbait blades are the source of the lure's "flash" and "vibration", which are most important features. Why? Because you must get old bucketmouth's attention if you have any hope of catching him, or her.
Swivels are the small devices that allow blades to spin as the lure is retrieved. A swivel is attached to the end of the spinnerbait arm and to it is attached a blade with a split ring.
Swivels are either barrel or ball bearing in construction with the latter being the better of the two by far. Ball bearing swivels, at least high quality versions, allow maximum rotation while barrel swivels, if of a high grade, will provide very good if somewhat less rotation.
When considering a potential spinnerbait purchase flick the blade. It should spin freely, consistently and without resistance them come to a slow, gradual stop. If not, reach for another as something is wrong with that one.
These little plastic beads serve to separate the metal beads often a part of a spinnerebait anatomy.
Beads are used as separators between the front and rear blades. They are made from metal (silver and gold color), glass (smooth or faceted), and plastic. The latter are sometimes rounded but other times more of a tube than a bead. I find the tube separators to be problematic in that they sometimes, though not always, have flat ends which generate more friction with clevises and other beads inhibiting rotation.
These little u-shaped devices are positioned on the wire arm of spinnerbaits to hold the front blade of a tandem setup. These are produced from (1) folded metal with flattened perforated ends, (2) spring metal, usually brass or brass coated with nickel or (3) plastic that are "quick change" in design.
The wire frames of spinnerbaits are intended as the "rest" for the lead head and the shaft where sliding clevises, beads and the swivel are attached. Historically made from stainless steel they are now made of titanium as well.
Much debate takes place over which is best, stainless steel or titanium. The stainless advocates feel the stainless steel is more flexible and better transmits vibration while titanium is too stiff. They think this actually absorbs and consequently diminishes vibration. Proponents of titanium feel that it is light, strong and won't bend out of shape when catching bass.
In my former life I worked extensively with stainless steel and titanium. I'm aware of the significant differences between the two metals. I'm not sure these differences are such that they would cause any marked difference in a spinnerbait's performance. Seems to me merely changing blade size or shape will have far more impact on presentation than the material the wire is made from.
There is a second debate over which is better, thin or thick wire. Wire that is .035 thick is the standard and used by most manufacturers. Thinner (.032) and thicker (.040) wire is available. It is argued that the thinner wire allows for more vibration while the thicker wire enables a spinnerbait to plow through the thickest of cover.
Most arms are what might be considered "long" measuring 2 1/4", 2 1/2" and up to 2 3/4". These position the blade over the hook correctly. Shorter arms are best for spinnerbaits fished with a "helicoptering" technique along bluffs.
No rocket science here. The size and weight used by an angler is determined by the desired depth and speed they intend to fish. Heavy heads are for depth and speed. Smaller, lighter heads are for fishing shallow and slow. Determine the depth where the bass are to be found and choose your weight accordingly. A good all around weight is 3/8oz to 3/4oz though it's smart to have some lighter and heavier at hand.
Lead bodies come in many shapes and color schemes designed more for catching we bass fishermen than the bass. So pick what catches your fancy after the weight, blade combination, skirt color and hook size are settled upon.
Spinnerbait skirts give spinnerbaits more than just a "pretty face". They add bulk and flair. An active skirt that flairs and undulates serves as an "attraction" to bass.
The fascination many of us anglers have with "altering" out-of-the-package skirts "just so" might possibly be just a "feel good" effort rather than something that makes a bass strike with greater commitment.
Do bass really pay much attention to whether a spinnerbait skirt is 1/4" or even 1/2" shorter or longer than another? I'm not sure. But it is smart, if you're into modifying lures, to leave the skirt long enough to completely cover (by no more than 1 to 1 1/2" in dark water and 1/2" in clear water) a primary and a trailer hook if being used. If the skirt extends much farther past the hook than these lengths you will likely experience "short strikes".
The bulk of a skirt should also be given some thought. In clear water less bulk is desirable. Thinning out 10-20 strands of a spinnerbait skirt, which usually come standard with 40 or so, is an important consideration if fishing clear water. In darker water more bulk is desirable because it gives a larger profile and better generates vibrations that can be detected by bass.
I have to admit. I'm one of those who fiddle with, trim and shape "store bought" skirts and do the same with those I make at home. It's just another part of the very enjoyable "fishing" part of bass fishing and catching.
Hooks on spinnerbaits are generally, or at least should be, strong, wide gap and round bend in design.
The addition of a "trailer' or "stinger" hook to the main hook is considered by most bass anglers to be important for increasing hook ups.
As with all matters of bass fishing, there are multiple opinions about the use of trailer hooks with spinnerbaits. There are those that consider the use of a "trailer hook" to be a form of cheating which diminishes your bass fishing skills. They think the angler should change the shape, size and color of blades or trailer bait to entice stronger, more commited strikes rather than add a trailer hook. Do whatever floats your boat I say. Each of us should fish the lures and techniques that work best for us.
However, Kevin Van Dam, arguably one of the best spinnerbait bass fishermen ever, always uses a trailer hook. I choose to take his lead.
Something you may wish to try is to attach a "treble hook", dressed or undressed, as a trailer hook.
Each component of a spinnerbait impacts its performance. When combined, the sum of these parts and the interaction of each on the other as well as their interaction with the water, forms a spinnerbait that has its own unique profile, flash and action.
The more you know about and understand this the better you will fish them, whether you bought them off the shelf or made your own.
Rods 6'6" in length and rated either medium or medium heavy and which handle lures 1/8oz to 1/4oz and 1/4 to 1oz respectively will meet the demands of fishing spinnerbaits.
I use both baitcasters and spinning reels for my spinnerbait fishing. I spool them with monofilament between 12-17 pounds and always tie directly to the frame, no snaps.
In clear water the use of plastic trailers with spinnerbaits is thought to be a negative, since a small, compact profile is desirable in clear conditions. This line of thought is consistent with the philosophy one should also thin out skirts so the profile is smaller in clear water.
Conversely, the use of a trailer in dark water is thought to be a positive as it increases the lure's silhouette and moves more water which generates vibration.