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Conservation of expected evidence

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Conservation of expected evidence is a theorem that says: "for every expectation of evidence, there is an equal and opposite expectation of counterevidence".

Consider a hypothesis H and evidence (observation) E. Prior probability of the hypothesis is P(H); posterior probability is either P(H|E) or P(H|¬E), depending on whether you observe E or not-E (evidence or counterevidence). The probability of observing E is P(E), and probability of observing not-E is P(¬E). Thus, expected value of the posterior probability of the hypothesis is:

But the prior probability of the hypothesis itself can be trivially broken up the same way:

Thus, expectation of posterior probability is equal to the prior probability.

In other way, if you expect the probability of a hypothesis to change as a result of observing some evidence, the amount of this change if the evidence is positive is:

If the evidence is negative, the change is:

Expectation of the change given positive evidence is equal to negated expectation of the change given counterevidence:

If you can anticipate in advance updating your belief in a particular direction, then you should just go ahead and update now. Once you know your destination, you are already there. On pain of paradox, a low probability of seeing strong evidence in one direction must be balanced by a high probability of observing weak counterevidence in the other direction.

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From Wikitravel
Revision as of 18:09, 28 September 2010 by (talk) (Sleep)

Earth : Europe : Italy : Sardinia : Cagliari
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Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia.

Get in

By plane

Several airlines serve Cagliari Elmas Airport and connect it to many Italian and European cities [3]

  • To and from the airport
    • Taxi:Taxi service in Cagliari is provided by the following companies

Cooperativa Radio Taxi “Quattro Mori”

Scalette Santo Sepolcro, 2 Cagliari Tel. 070 – 400101

Cooperativa Radio Taxi “Rossoblù”

Via Duomo, 19 Cagliari Tel. 070 – 6655

By bus

Bus ARST Azienda Regionale Trasporti free toll 800 865042 info tel. 070 4098327

05:40 06:10 07:05 08:10 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30* 14:45 15:00 15.30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:45

08:45 09:30 09:45 09:55* 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:30 18:30 19:30 20:30 21:00 22:10 22:30 23:00

Get around

Public transportation

Cagliari Public Transportation CTM provides an fast and efficient service to get around in Cagliari city and suburbs.There are about 30 lines of buses and four new metro lines are in progress. At least the bus traffic is amazingly efficient and reliable to Italian standards.

  • Transport Map:

By car

It's really difficult to get parking and drive in rush hour even if road network has been recently improved.

On foot

The best thing you can do is walk through the old city and discover it. Almost everything you have to see in a quick visit of Cagliari can be joined by a pleasant little walk.

You'll be better off wearing comfortable shoes, though. The old town of Cagliari lies in a somewhat steep hill, so you'll be walking uphill or downhill most of the time.

There are clean public toilets in the building on the Pontile Sanita ferry wharf, near the bus terminal.

By bike

Cagliari Bike station In the centre of Cagliari,inside the parking area at the train station

Cagliari is known as "The City of Sun", so you must have a full relaxing day on the wonderful Poetto Beach. This 8 kilometers long beach will excite you and is perfectly equipped to satisfy every your wish. You can get here by buses PF,PQ,3P,9P.

The beach is divided to free parts and 'beach clubs' that charge you with entry fee and rent you umbrellas, deck chairs etc. Prices are around €3 / entry, about €12 for a umbrella, one deck chair and one sun bed. The 'club beaches' clean the sand each night and provide you with showers and toilets too.

Most of the shops are concentrated in a couple of areas: Via Roma and Largo Carlo Felice, the pedestrial roads Via Manno and Via Garibaldi, and the part of town around Via Alghero, Via Paoli and Via Dante. Lots of beautiful shop are concentrated in this areas which could remind you of Copenhagen's Strøget.

There's a LOT of restaurants in the old town area, and you probably will not make a bad selection anyway since the food seems to be top class at least if you enjoy seafood. A dinner for two with little house wine, There's a good pizza place tucked away in the side streets in the Marina district, l'Oca Bianca. You should make a reservation, though.

There's a few places to enjoy lunch salads at the Piazza Yenne, and a wonderful Gelateria if you don't want to eat too heavily during the day. These places double up as decent eateries by night.

  • Cafe Restaurant Van Gogh, coastal road Cagliari Villasimius km 19,4, 070 786082. Traditional Sardinian food that is freshly prepared and beautifully presented, afternoon light meals and salads, lunches and dinners, prix fix lunch menus, Facilities for children, Good parking, Close to beach

The whole area around Cagliari gives host to a number of accommodation options including the world famous Forte village [5] and the stunning hotel le meridien located on the white sandy beaches of Chia.

  • Hotel Tanca Irde [6] Strada per Poggio dei Pini Capoterra, 09012 CA. Hotel Tanca Irde is located on a small hill between the mountains and the sea, within the area of Capoterra and only a few kilometers from Cagliari and its airport. The hotel, which is open all year round, is surrounded by ample grounds containing a swimming pool and private car park.
  • Hotel Villa del Parco, [1]. The Villa del Parco Hotel and its magnificent Thalasso Spa is an oasis of five star luxury and elegance in Sardinia, near Santa Margherita di Pula: for an holidays of pure relaxation and pampering.
  • Cruccuris Resort Località Cruccuris, 09049, Tel: +39 070 7989020, Fax: +39 070 7989018, [7]. The Cruccuris Resort in Villasimius, provides privately accessible rooms in a beautifully landscaped garden, complemented with 4 star services.
  • Stella Maris Sardinia Località Campulongu, Villasimius, 09049, Tel: +39 070 797100 , Fax: +39 070 797367, [8]. The Stella Maris in Villasimius, provides a welcoming holiday destination complemented by 4 star service in the beautiful area of Villasimius.
  • Hotel Palladium, 0039709168040 (fax: 0039709168013), [2]. The three star hotel offers a wonderful respite from the city. It is ideally located close to the SS131 and during your stay you can easily visit Cagliari and the southern coast, the archaeological site of Barumini and other tourist attractions. The Industrial Estate is also easily accessible. The hotel is also well served by bus. The Hotel boasts 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi access, an outdoor swimming pool, a nice garden and a free secure parking garage. The rooms are comfortable and quiet and the staff is welcoming and helpful. (39.378911633142295,9.048528671264648)

Get out

  • Alghero - known for its beautiful beaches and very good food at reasonable prices (4 hour bus trip from Cagliari).Create category
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Polly's Absolutely Worst Birthday Ever

Polly's Absolutely Worst Birthday Ever

Book - 2001
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A fabulous sequel to Polly's Running Away Book. This time Polly's birthday is ruined by chicken-pox. The birthday party is cancelled. Friends are told not to visit. But things do improve and eventually Polly is very happy indeed, having received the present of her dreams.
Publisher: London : Bloomsbury Children's, 2001.
ISBN: 9780747550846
Characteristics: 1 v. : ill. ; 20 cm.
Additional Contributors: Gardner, Sally

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Blue Smoke And Murder

Blue Smoke And Murder

Book - 2008
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Protecting a river guide with ties to the art world, private information collector and reluctant bodyguard Zach Balfour realizes his charge is in more danger than previously known, a situation that pits them against the ruthless multi-million-dollar Western art circuit.
Publisher: New York : William Morrow, c2008.
Edition: 1st ed.
ISBN: 9780060829858
Characteristics: 404 p. ; 24 cm.

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Five Days In London

Five Days In London

May 1940

Downloadable Audiobook - 2005
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In the days between May 24 and 28, 1940, the British War Cabinet held a historic debate over whether to negotiate with Hitler or to continue the war. In this magisterial new book, John Lukacs demonstrates the decisive importance of these five days. Lukacs takes us hour by hour into the critical unfolding of events at 10 Downing Street, where Churchill, who had only been prime minister a fortnight, painfully considered his war responsibilities. We see how the military disasters taking place on the Continent, particularly the plight of the nearly 400,000 British soldiers bottled up in Dunkirk, affected Churchill's fragile political situation and how the citizenry, though only partly informed about the dangers that faced them, nevertheless began to support Churchill's determination to stand fast.
Publisher: [United States] : Blackstone Audio, Inc. : Made available through hoopla, 2005.
Edition: Unabridged.
ISBN: 9781433245725
Branch Call Number: eAudiobook hoopla
Characteristics: 1 online resource (1 audio file (420 min.)) : digital.
Additional Contributors: Howard, Geoffrey 1936-
hoopla digital

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John Robinson’s Political Playbook

County Board Supervisor Katie Rosenberg teases out local official John Robinson’s 3 top rules from his “Political Playbook” as he recounts his start in politics and reflects on his time in office. Get the scoop on how the Robinson and the Rosenberg families are intertwined… (Click the title to read more…)


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With A Side Of Thriftiness

The Life of a HouseWife… with a side of Thriftiness!

Bring Out the FASHION Lover in YOU!

I’ve noticed a lot of fashion on Pinterest as of late.  Many coordinated outfits have been re-pinned and pinned again!  I had to find out how these fashion boards were being created.  Hello POLYVORE!  If you love to dress up, play fashion designer or just be fashionable, this site is for you.  You have a variety of options to create a “Fashion Set.”  This site pulls selections from a variety of online stores for you to coordinate your outfits!  The have a several categories for you to browse thru, with the main ones being:  Tops, Outerwear, Dresses, Pants, Jeans, Skirts, Shorts, Shoes, Bags, Accessories, Jewelry and Beauty.  If you think this is exciting, Polyvore takes it a step further by giving you an option to search by color (70!) or even by price (if you’re wanting to actually make creations to purchase).  I’m loving this site and I hope that you’ll love it too!  You can follow me on Polyvore by clicking HERE!   Release the FASHIONISTA in YOU!

One of the many Fashion Sets that I’ve created!

(posted on my Pinterest “Threads” board)

Leave a comment »


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Five questions to Amy McQuire: on Australia’s two worlds – one for black & one for white

 The Guardian News – Friday December 27, 2013 (originally published 18 Dec)

Amy McQuire
This week on @IndigenousX: Amy

Each week, a new guest hosts the @IndigenousX Twitter account to discuss topics of interest as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. In partnership with IndigenousX, we’re inviting its weekly host to tell us about who they are, what issues they’re passionate about, and what they have in store for us during their upcoming week.

Tell us about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, what do you do?

My name is Amy McQuire and I’m Darumbal and South Sea Islander. I grew up in Rockhampton in Central Queensland but have called Canberra home for the past six years, not counting a brief sojourn to Sydney.

I’m currently editor of Tracker Magazine, an Aboriginal rights-based publication published by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. Previously I worked at the National Indigenous Times, and NITV News as a political correspondent. I’m passionate about developing a strong Indigenous media sector through my work at Tracker and my role on the board of the Australian Indigenous Communications Association (AICA), the peak body for Indigenous media.

What do you plan to talk about on @IndigenousX this week?

I’m hoping to promote a film I believe every Australian should see –Utopia by John Pilger. There is a big, gaping hole in the Australian media landscape for Pilger’s style of journalism. This film pulls no punches: it is the hard-hitting truth about the two worlds in this country – one for black and one for white. The underlying question is how could a nation so rich, be so complacent about their first peoples, who are still mired in poverty?. . .

. . . read complete article . . .


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World Without Syn

A Starblazer Adventures RPG Blog

This is the beginning and the end.

The idea for “World Without Syn” came out of nowhere one sunny Saturday morning as I sat at breakfast with some friends from my play group. We started talking about the sci-fi franchises we loved — some Firefly, a bit of Star Wars, even a dash of Futurama — when the idea came to me of a universe remniscent of Firefly’s ‘Verse, but with a quasi-medieval paradigm instead of a Western one. Add in some goold old-fashioned religious fanaticism, a touch of transhumanism, and you’ve got yourself a game world.

The group liked the idea, and we began trading quips about space inquisitors (a la Dark Heresy) and mobile oppression palaces and so forth. Remembering a race of artificial beings I’d dreamed up long ago for another project — the syngenetics — I remarked off-handedly, “we can call it World Without Syn.”

Ironically, I thought it was kind of a terrible name — I’m painfully aware of the contempt for the “substitute Y for I to make something sound cool” school of thought when it comes to sci-fi (reviled almost as much as the dreaded Apos’trophe), and my remark was made mostly in jest.

The joke was on me, however, as the group loved it. One ran off to tell a friend about it, who immediately came up with a character concept. Before I’d even known what was happening, I’d been recruited into running this game, whether I wanted to or not.

But, of course, I did want to. WWS was originally intended to run on GURPS, but as much as I like GURPS, it didn’t quite fit the heroic, pulp mode that I wanted for the game. I considered Savage Worlds, but find Savage Worlds more suited to one-shots or very short campaigns — plus, there’s just a wee bit too much emphasis on straight combat. I wanted something more. So, when Starblazer adventures arrived on the market, I knew I’d found the right vehicle for the campaign.

Note: Though the game is still running, I let the domain expire in May of 2012, and have ceased updating the project. I am working on restoring the original content to this WordPress blog, and hopefully will have it back soon.

Cheers, and thanks for reading.

May 18, 2012 Posted by | Starblazer Adventures RPG | , , | 5 Comments


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Write It, Work It, Publish It™

Posts tagged ‘promotion’

How Authors Can Benefit From Relationship Marketing

A good way for you as an author to get help to increase your writing business is to develop relationship marketing. This form of relationship building derived from direct response marketing campaigns that focused on client and customer retention, rather than sales.

Since this trend expanded into the writing world, it has proved to be a tried and true way of increasing readership base to gain access to new opportunities, when advertising efforts are applied as part of relationship marketing.

Relationship marketing is essentially pulling your resources together with other authors to help learn, grow and develop your base of ideas and opportunities. Perhaps the most difficult concept for most authors to grasp is that all of your work, no matter how well written is not going to do you any good if no one reads it.

Developing a relationship strategy starts with researching Online sites, where other authors gather for the same purpose to pool their resources and ideas that will generate more publicity for their work. This type of relationship marketing for authors typically is founded on a standard website, but can extend into social networking, blogs, groups and forums.

Indeed, according to Wikipedia: “With the growth of the Internet and mobile platforms, relationship marketing has continued to evolve and move forward as technology opens more collaborative and social communication channels.”

Picture it like you would the fans of a particular series gathering to discuss and promote their favorite TV show. Such an analogy is fairly close to the social structure of working with other authors.

The ultimate goal of relationship marketing for authors is to expand reader engagement. To let your work be known outside your core group and vice versa so that everyone can benefit from having their writings seen by as broad a base of readers as possible.

Forming marketing strategies is fairly straightforward. It is exposing your work to the general author community and linking other works similar to yours on your website or online publication. Such cooperative efforts can yield effective results, as a broader audience base gets to see your work when they otherwise might not.

The social networking aspect of relationship marketing for authors gets into the tips, strategies and other inside information that can help you shape and improve your work. Having a business relationship with other authors is important to know where you stand, and what you can do to improve. Such improvement generally leads to more success outside the inner workings of your collective marketing strategy, because when readers see your advancement; this increases the chances of them recommending your writings to others.

Blogs, groups and forums are a wonderful way to keep communication lines open with other authors, see new trends in the field and even share tips and secrets that can help you improve what you are doing. Plus, social media is growing at an exponential rate, which means you can meet more talented authors to work with and new avenues emerge to connect with readers as well.

Relationship marketing for authors is an essential means of generating more support for your work. As you help other authors, the relationship will go beyond just the promotion of your work, to improving what you do and, ultimately help you to achieve your goals as a writer, which is more exposure for your books.

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

PS. I’d love to hear your views on Relationship Marketing. Please do leave a comment.

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Award Finalist, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at www.writetasticsolutions.com

Your Writing Is Precious… Q & A With Author, Bitten Twice

Your writing is precious, author, Bitten Twice, reminds us. She has written multiple books during the last 3-years and I had the pleasure of doing a quick Q & Q with this talented writer. She was kind enough to share her writing experience and give some tips that we writers can learn from, whether published or unpublished.

Q. When did you decide that you wanted to be an author and is penning books your full time profession?

A. I realized I wanted to write back in 2007 when I tapped out my first novel, but I didn’t understand the ramifications of doing so until 2009. By that time I had two novels fermenting and my father’s passing triggered the need to do something with my writing. That was the time that I set the wheels in motion to become a published author.

I wish writing was a full-time job for me. I would produce much more. Right now I have a shy alter ego that works, and Bitten Twice emerges when the sun goes down.

Q. What part of the writing process excites you the most, for instance, coming up with book titles, creating characters, setting, etc.?

A. The whole thing is pretty exciting. One moment I’m sitting there in front of a blank screen and the next thing you know the letters are dancing all over the page. I have a hunk of a leading man (alive or un-dead) or a saucy leading lady. Either one of the headstrong characters seem to direct their own fate. I think the story is going one way and lo and behold the plot twists and thickens.

Q. Your predominant writing is based on vampirism, why does this genre appeal to you?

A. Ah, the illusive vampire. Vampirism is quite a curious concept. Depending on your values, religious beliefs and demography, the question of vampirism produces different thoughts. But one commonality exists throughout the variety of cultural vampires… blood is involved.  Many times when we think of the vampire we think of the European version, but many more exist.

The genre appeals to me personally because it is an escape from reality. Vampires can be predatory by nature; thirsting for blood. They often have supernatural powers or elements along with sexual allure.

Think of a gentleman in your life today. Imagine if he had a couple of hundred years or more to perfect his abilities to interface with us women. How perfect is that? Knowing when to say all the right things, make the right moves, and possibly when to let us win. Many of the vampires that I work with in my stories have been around for a while and they don’t always get it right the first time, but you can believe they know how to make amends.

Q. Over the last 3-years, you have published 3 books from the Macedo Ink Series, one stand-alone and numerous short stories. What has this achievement done for your confidence?

A. You can’t see me right now, but I’m smiling like I’ve been possessed by the Cheshire Cat. It has been a confidence booster to see that the books have been so well received. In the beginning I was quite timid about releasing my book to the world. So many questions… “What if people didn’t like it? What if they sneered? What if…?”

Well the “what if’s” came and went. Some people loved it, some liked it, and some eh! For me, the majority of readers has embraced the books and has been kind enough to leave feedback in some form or fashion along the way. This feedback has given me the courage to keep writing. Knowing that there are folks out there that are loving the books in the same way that I am enjoying writing them gives me the motivation to continue tapping out the crazy plots and sort out all of the voices that churn in my head.

Q. What steps do you take to market and promote your books, and in your view, how important is marketing and promotion for an author?

A. Marketing and promotion is key. The writing of the book has turned out to be the easiest part. The marketing and promotion is an ongoing and never ending activity. As a self-published author with a limited marketing budget, I always have to be on the lookout for an opportunity to self-promote. Marketing is literally a full-time job in itself.

I use social media to help me. I have a blog that I’m semi-consistent with and I link that to my Facebook and Twitter account. I also use LinkedIn to surround myself with like-minded individuals to increase my circle of influence. If you can find authors in your genre you can guest blog to help promote each other. I don’t do too much on Google+ or Stumble Upon, though once in a while I’ll get an urge to go on there.

I’m a lifetime member of the Florida Writer Association (FWA), so I network with them heavily. Other than that, I use online reader groups to make comments. I try to meet people when I’m out and about and leave flyers in bookstores or coffee shops. I definitely brand; my name is a conversation starter.

Let me not forget the contest that’s currently going on at Goodreads.com. Ten (10) copies of ‘As Blood Rages’ are being given away for FREE. Go here to enter.

Q. Are you involved in any writing groups/community? If so, does this form of interaction help you as an author?

A. I just started a Pembroke Pines chapter of a writing group for FWA. It’s a small group right now, but I’m looking forward to growing it. Writing groups are an excellent means of strengthening your novel/writing. You have instant beta readers who can help you with critiques, they can also help motivate you to reach your goals, help you through writer’s block.

You know in emotional times, both in crisis or extreme happiness you need to engulf yourself with friends to share the emotion. Writing is no different. Who else but a writer will understand the extreme happiness associated with the sale of the first book, or the confusion at the sight of a returned eBook?

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

A. Hone your craft. Keep an open mind. Your writing is precious to you; however, you are too close to be objective. Embrace any criticism from those who are kind enough to give it and learn from it. Know where you want to be as a writer, set achievable goals and work towards them. Develop a sense of urgency and priority. Most of all, understand that no one will ever acknowledge you as a writer unless you recognize the writer in you first and meet the primary requirement – to write.

Thank you Bitten Twice for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your experiences with readers. I enjoyed our time together and thank you, too, for the solid tips.

To learn more about Bitten Twice, visit her website at: http://www.bitten2ice.com/

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2012 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Best-selling author and Founder of Writetastic Solutions is passionate about helping aspiring fiction and non-fiction writers bring out their creative expression to write their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you at http://www.writetasticsolutions.com.

Is Promoting Your Book Causing You Grief?

Many of us writers tend to think that the only way to successfully sell our books is through a brick and mortar bookstore. I’ve since found this to be an illusion. Statistics show that bookstores stock less than one percent of the millions of books available on the market. No wonder promoting your book can cause a lot of grief. But while this is still a viable option, there are many other avenues besides traditional book stores where we can sell books.

Online bookstores such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords, to name three, spring to mind. However, there are other brick and mortar stores such as chemists/drugstores, the airport, and supermarkets – think Walmart, Target and Costco.

In the U.K., for instance, supermarkets sell one in five books according to market share data. The figures for volume share in 2009 that was provided by the three leading supermarket booksellers, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, and based on Nielsen BookScan data indicated that the supermarket sector has more than trebled its share of the book market in the past five years. Granted, it’s not easy to get them to agree to place your book on their shelves, there is a process, but it is doable.

We authors need to get creative to figure out where our efforts will bring the greatest results. We need to work on our brand to get strong promotion materials that can help us stand out among the thousands of new books published annually.

This is doable too. I know this because many successful authors today began by touting their books from the boot of their cars. They did not have the financial means to afford publicists and, or, marketing firms, yet they persevered and overcame the odds. So we can take heart that if we are determined and committed to research, market, promote and network like crazy every day without getting overwhelmed by the immense amount of effort it takes, we can do it.

Write It, Work It, Publish it!

© 2011 Cherry-Ann Carew

WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, NEWSLETTER, MAGAZINE, BLOG OR WEBSITE? Please do, but ensure you include this complete resource box:

Cherry-Ann Carew, aka The Power Writing Coach, Editor, Founder of Writetastic Solutions and best-selling author, helps fiction and non-fiction writers with their creative expression to add value to their books. Learn how her coaching and editing services can help you with your book at www.writetasticsolutions.com.

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(Game #25 – Curry) Red-Hot Curry Burns Gordon

By Peter McClelland

(Milton) – “There’s an old adage that defense wins games but a guy could always say that in the history of sports it’s the team with the most points that usually wins,” said Curry Coach Malcolm Wynn jokingly after watching his team light up visiting Gordon for 96 points and win 96-79.

And this was a game in which Gordon’s offense was very good, as well, but there just was no stopping the Colonels on this final contest of the regular Commonwealth Coast Conference season on a Saturday afternoon in Milton.

The outcome didn’t affect either team’s place in the CCC standings no matter what happened.  Both came in third in their respective divisions.  Curry finishes 11-5 and Gordon 9-7.

Gordon starts the CCC tournament at Salve Regina in Newport RI.  Curry gets to play Colby-Sawyer up in New London NH.  After what I saw of Curry in this one I like their chances against Colby-Sawyer and anybody else in the tournament for that matter!

“We’ve been up and down all season,” said Coach Wynn.  “We wanted to win the CCC South again but a tough loss at home to Endicott and a road loss to Roger Williams last game ended there and so we won’t get a home game in the tournament.  So we wanted to end the regular season on a positive note.”  Trust me, coach, that’s exactly what happened!

It was a tough loss for the Scots because in a game in which their offense was extremely good (they shot 53.4% overall including 41.7% from 3-point land) they still were convincingly beaten.  “This is the best offensive team in our league,” said Coach Mike Schauer after.  “At home you can see how comfortable they are.”

If the Gordon offense was very good, how would you describe the Curry offense??  How about 37-for-56 overall and 10-for-16 from 3-point range!

The Scots started out in a man-to-man but after getting down 20-13 and watching Raheim Lamb (junior-Roxbury MA) dunk three times in the first 7 ½ minutes it was time to try zoning Curry.  It worked last year at Gordon where the Scots won 66-56.  In that one the Colonels had nothing from the outside.

And again in this one the zone seemed to throw Curry off its game for a time.  While the Colonels were adjusting to the zone the Scots turned to instant offense (Mark Beebe-freshman-Clive IA).  He delivered long-range twice and Justin Kaufman (freshman-Redding CT) and Jerry Logan (sophomore-Marietta GA) had successful drives to the basket.  The Scots were trailing just 28-25 with 7 ½ left until halftime.

The rest of the half, however, Gordon found out that this Curry team had an outside game as well.  With James Bartelle (sophomore-Dorchester MA) on one wing and Tim Jones (sophomore-Brookline MA) on the other the Colonels had players who could hurt a zone badly.

By the time those 7 ½ minutes were up both snipers had two treys each and there was the home team comfortably in front, 49-31 at halftime.

Curry got up by twenty (56-36 at 18:10) but credit Gordon, they kept plugging and ran ten straight on their way to making things interesting (60-50) with 15 minutes left.  Justin Kaufman made his patented reverse spin down the lane pay off during this segment.  You thought that maybe Curry had shot its wad and the Scots could make a serious run at taking this game.

But not on this afternoon.  The Scots ran through a miserable series of possessions (5 turnovers in a row!) and there went the Colonels up by twenty again (75-55 at 9:40). A couple minutes later Mike Herr (sophomore-Lampeter PA) hit a three and the Scots were still hanging around down, 77-65, with seven minutes left.

Gordon had gone back to man-to-man by now and the Colonels started penetrating freely.  They rolled up 13 while the Scots got 3.  Along the way Raheim Lamb had yet another dunk.  This game was over.  Actually, Gordon ran off the last eight points to make the final score as close as it was.

Coach Schauer told me afterwards what he thought the problem was on defense.  “What concerned me most was that we kept getting beat on the ball.  We do have guys who can defend.”  This was a game in which all of the one-on-one matchups were won by the home team.  At times they were going to the basket as if it were pre-game warm-ups!

Raheim Lamb is easily the most dominant player I’ve seen in the CCC this season.  He came in leading the conference in scoring (20 per game) and put up 28 against the Scots.  He was 12-for-13 and didn’t miss a shot in the second half.

He was playing for Division One UMass two years ago before transferring to Curry.  “Obviously, a D1 transfer helps you personnel-wise,” understated Coach Wynn.  “But this kid has fit in.  Even though he can dominate sometimes, he’s not demanding.”

Raheim didn’t see the ball nearly as much when Gordon zoned but when the Curry guards broke down their defenders they knew to look for #33 in closer.  He was money in there.

James Bartelle nailed seven 3’s and reached 23 points while Tim Jones had three long-range and a number of lay-ups to tally 19.

As I wrote earlier, Gordon shot well.  Mike Herr (16 points) continued his warm shooting and that bodes well for Tournament Game #1.  Jon Marstaller (freshman-Naples ME) carried the team in the first half (15 points) and ended up with 19.  Jerry Logan had 13 but with a surprising (for him) 5 turnovers.  Justin Kaufman reached 10 points but it took him a team-high 13 shots to do it.

“I think that after what I saw today Curry can beat Colby-Sawyer in the playoffs,” said Coach Schauer.  He also predicted on Thursday night after the Wentworth win that Endicott had beaten Colby-Sawyer.  I have to admit that I disagreed with him on that one.

“I knew that 45% of the shots Gordon takes are 3-point shots and they run their motion as well, if not better, than Endicott runs their flex offense,” said Coach Wynn.  “Up until game-time I was going to have the defense switch on everything but then at the last minute I decided that we would play straight man defense.”

I wonder what Gordon would be like this season if a D1 transfer with the inside game of Raheim Lamb had landed with them?  He would have forced teams to zone and wouldn’t the likes of Mike Herr, Mark Beebe and others have had some nice looks.

One particularly loud fan kept shouting for Coach Wynn to put in #3 Clyde Forde in the first half.  Later he ridiculed Coach Schauer’s tie!  He was an equal opportunity insulter.

Steve Nelson (former New England Patriot) is the Curry AD and he was at the game.  I wish I’d asked him what his take was on the troubling Tedy Bruschi situation.

This is the third year in a row that Gordon has made the playoffs.  The last two times (Anna Maria and Roger Williams) it was one-and-done.  The Scot’s offense has been pretty good lately.  If the defense, that had been allowing only 64 points per game, can be found then Salve Regina can be beaten Tuesday night.

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Murderous kelpies, now half price for summer

It’s July. The sun’s out (except for viewers in Scotland, I suspect). And your to-read pile is in need of a boost for the holidays. Well, read on, friend, for I’ve got just the thing for you…

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Umbrellas of Edinburgh, redux

Last night, I read my story A Beltane Prayer at the University of Edinburgh, as part of the latest fab event since the Umbrellas of Edinburgh anthology launched last autumn. What with having never read this story aloud before and not having done a public reading since October, I was more than a bit nervous.

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Hooves Above The Waves: Out Now!

It’s been exactly a week since I read my little story of kelpies and gruff old men at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. So I felt this would be a good time to put out a few stories for your reading pleasure, and after Wednesday’s announcement… they’re here!

Hooves Above The Waves is available on Amazon and will shortly be available as a physical book from CreateSpace (after a surprisingly large number of you asked nicely for a real proper booky thing). It’ll be coming to other ebook providers from 1st December, just in time for Christmas. Why not buy some dark tales of murderous beasties for your loved ones? An ideal gift, in my not-so-humble opinion, and a little sample of the sort of thing I love to write.

Thanks to everyone who’s been plugging it already, especially my lovely employers who’ve made a pleasing wee dent in my sales graph wotsit. If you like what you read, let me know! And watch this space for more short fiction, and whatever may come of trying to get my novels into the world. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have fictional creatures to herd. Sleep is for October. *fires up Scrivener, cracks knuckles*

So, I heard you like short stories…

…and it’s your lucky day. The Edinburgh International Book Festival might have finished, but I haven’t shoved the kelpies back in the stable yet. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about my fantastic Story Shop appearance in the next post, but right now I have a little something for you…

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Finding home

In less than a month, I read my story at the Book Festival, so I thought I’d write a little bit about myself. That little bit grew into something longer and angstier, and was inspired by a couple of other Story Shop writers opening up about identity, belonging and comfort zones. So, here goes my attempt. Warning: contains Pokemon GIFs.

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Impostor syndrome, or ‘no, you really ARE a writer’

This blog needs the dust blown off it, eh? I’ve been a bit swamped with work and editing, plus this week’s been a strange mix of VIP events I managed to get into, from the Science Festival launch to a book launch featuring several Floris authors. And when I went to the latter, I was struck with the thing all writers dread: impostor syndrome.

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Changes of role

Home » Shed Notices » Changes of role

Changes of role

As handover of SMT editorship from Andrew Charman to Suzanne Bradley progressed, it became clear that the role would need a greater familiarity with the software used to lay the magazine out than had initially been recognised.

Gareth Jones (Webmaster), as a regular user of the software concerned, already has these skills. The decision has therefore been taken, fully acceptable to all involved, that Gareth take over as SMT editor and that Suzanne retain her role as Bulletin Editor. Gareth is now preparing February SMT and Suzanne is likewise preparing February Bulletin.

Richard Huss will provide support to Gareth as required with web work and the need for further support in this area will be reviewed at the board meeting at the end of this month. Richard’s key projects associated with the show, on-line sales of advance entry ticket and design of the new Show web site are complete and content population is in progress, so this change does not compromise these activities.

A further announcement on mailing timelines for the February issues will be made in due course.

2016-10-12T13:53:46+00:00 January 10th, 2015|Shed Notices|Comments Off on Changes of role


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Legal adware. Should you beware of it? (negative opinion)

As you may already know, adware is a special type of software, which has an ability of collecting some certain data and sending it to its owner. Although this may sound dangerous, many corporations are using such technique on the legal basis and have no problems with that. In this article we will try to have a deeper view into this problem.

First of all, let’s make it clear how do these applications work? They work on the legal basis, that’s why it’s a common technique to make user know and agree with that by adding this information to the license agreement. After the user agrees with fact that software with adware’s features will be installed on his or her PC, that application is being installed and prepared for work. Of course, the main aim of every legal adware program isn’t collecting user’s information, but performing some certain “useful” actions, such as adding a toolbar or some other components to the system. Right after that, adware starts searching for specific data (like various statistics, user’s stats, connection info, etc.) and sending this information to the specified address.

Is it really dangerous to have a legal adware installed on your machine? Although it cannot steal such private information, like your passwords or logins, there can be several negative effects caused by such applications. Adware is usually one of the main reasons of computer’s slowdowns, crashes and system instability in whole. To say even more, such components of legal adware, like search bars are usually really annoying and quite useless.

If you’ve read previous paragraphs and decided that adware’s presence on your computer should not be tolerated, you can easily start getting rid of it with the help of modern anti-spyware programs. These are really easy to use, quite efficient and tremendously useful for detecting and removing various adware components. You may even not know how many pieces of adware are inside your PC right now, that’s why strongly recommend you to try using anti-spyware.

All in all, we must say that although legal adware products don’t mean a lot of harm and damage to your PC, it is still a good decision to scan your machine and remove these legal, but really annoying components. We are strongly interested in the health of your PC; so don’t wait until it becomes iron rubbish, full of adware and unable to complete simplest actions quickly.


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Get direct access to the best Dynamics freelancers for less

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365 Freelance ( is the new way – join our new Dynamics platform and search through the hundreds of available contractors, their background, experience, availability & rates. You can also post projects and let them contact you if they are interested. We enable you to connect directly with the freelancers and agree on the terms and conditions of the contract.

Here is why you should hire Dynamics contractors using 365 Freelance from now on:

  1. Save a fortune  – the only charge is a low quarterly membership fee far cheaper than agency charges
  2. Unlimited hire – hire as many people as you wish with no extra payment to us
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Sign up with and find the best Dynamics independent consultants. You have nothing to lose, only lots of money and time to save.

  1. Get direct access to the best Dynamics freelancers for less - The 365 Freelance Blog - Site Root - Microsoft Dynamics Community - […] post Get direct access to the best Dynamics freelancers for less appeared first on The 365 Freelance […]

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Zhuhai Sunlu Industrial Co., Ltd, established in 2013, located in Zhuhai high-tech zone. We are a leading enterprise which specializes in the development, production and sales of 3D Filament, 3D Pen and 3D Printer. Our core team is experienced of additive manufacturing technology and ability of research and development. Moreover, we are also the 3D Printing material R&D base and the organizer of 3D printing materials key technology research projects.

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Pet Shop Boys

As their debut album turns 30, the Pet Shop Boys continue to forge forward with the irresistible dance-pop of their 13th studio album. We sat down with Neil Tennant to discuss the Stuart Price-produced Super and to find out more about their forthcoming ‘Inner Sanctum’ tour.

We didn’t realise “super” is a Latin word, is that right?

It is originally, yes. The original inspiration was Chris’s idea, that having spent a lot of time in Germany, the Germans do say “ah, super”. It’s not a word we use so much in English. Also you can put super in front of loads of other words, like “super hit”, “super mix”. When it comes up in an email, you think, “Oh, that sounds good”. It’s a word that elevates up whatever it is you’re talking about.

And you’re back working again with producer Stuart Price?

Well, we made a random decision three years ago to do three albums with him, so this is the second one. It’s a development from the last one, which was super dance-y. This one is pretty dance-y as well, but it’s got some darker moments too.

Give us an idea of how Super sits with Electric: is there a theme?

It’s produced by Stuart, so it’s got the same sort of energy and electronic soundscape, and it’s probably a bit more electronic than Electric. The vocal was very, very dance-y on this album.

The first single off this album is ‘The Pop Kids’. Can you tell us more about it?

It’s a reminiscence of the early 90s in London. As the singer, I’m not singing about me. It’s a true story about someone I know who came to London to go to university and he made friends with a girl. They used to spend all their time going out to clubs in the evening and people at university used to call them the “Pop Kids”. He told me this and there’s always part of my brain writing a song, so I thought, “Great title for a song.”

How great, to have a song written about you by the Pet Shop Boys! Did you tell him?

Well, I thought I should tell him just in case he thought we’d stolen part of his life. I think he was quite touched.

What was your approach for this album?

We went into our studio with Stuart, and we just went through all the songs and chose the ones that we all thought would make the best album. Not necessarily the best songs, but the songs that would fit together best. We didn’t choose songs that we felt were a bit too pop, or didn’t really fit into this concept of what Electric and Super are.

When you’ve made the record, it’s always interesting what tracks people hit on, and sometimes that can surprise you. We’re just entering that phase now.

How have fans responded to Super so far?

Over the last week or so we’ve had the Super campaign going – and people realised very quickly that it was something to do with us – and I think it is very nice to feel the excitement from people when you have a new album coming out. We’ve never done a campaign like this before, and there were many people actually looking forward to us putting out an album, which was a very nice, warm feeling.

Do you find that, at this stage of your career, you’re making music for yourselves?

All of our albums have been written for us, but sometimes you write something and you think, “This could be a single.” On the very rare occasions that you have to write a single – and it’s very difficult, and normally doesn’t succeed – is in the old days when you’d put out greatest hits albums, and you need a single.

Along with the album there are going to be the ‘Inner Sanctum’ gigs at the Royal Opera House. Why did you choose that venue?

We had a brief conversation with the Royal Opera House about putting on an electronic music festival here, but it was too complicated. Then they came back to us, and asked if we’d like to just do your concert here. We thought it was a great idea because it’s a real contrast with our style of music, in such a famous and cultural space. I think it’s also a theatre which a lot of our fans wouldn’t usually go to. Also, we’ve done a lot of theatrical stuff – we’ve done a musical, we’ve done a ballet, we’ve worked with theatre directors, we always work with a theatre designer and a choreographer, and they’re going to work with us on this – so it also fits in with some of the stuff we’ve done before.

You must be excited about playing these songs live, right?

On this album I can’t wait to perform ‘Inner Sanctum’. We might even start the show with it. It’s so uncompromisingly dance, and euphoric, plus we’ve named the show after it, so I think that’ll be a really great song to perform.

So that’ll be the anthem of the night?

Yes, but we’ll perform ‘Vocal’ off the last album because that’s the most anthemic thing we’ve done.

Are there going to be any special guests on the ‘Inner Sanctum’ tour dates?

We’ve just started to work on ideas for the show, so it’s too early to say.

Do you ever get nervous before going on stage?

This will be nerve-wracking, because this is the first time we perform this show, with no little warm-up gigs in far-off lands that no-one knows about. So the first time we perform will be the first time with an audience, so it will be a bit more nerve-wracking than usual performing in London.

Any pre-stage rituals before you go on?

I always wear a bit of make-up, and I wear it as a sort of armour! We always have stage clothes, and when you put these on it’s like getting into character.

Do you have one particular track that’s your all-time favourite?

I think on the last album, my favourite track of all-time was ‘Vocal’, which was a new song. We made the decision at the first concert of that tour, in Chile, to have that as the encore, which was a bit nerve-wracking, because no-one had heard it before. But everyone went mental, and it was great, it felt like a very powerful song.

2016 is the 30th anniversary of your debut album. Is it a milestone that you’ll be celebrating?

It’s not important to me at all, it just means that we’re very old...

Some of those older songs, if you put them out now they’d still go straight into the top 10.

I don’t know about that! But I think the 30 years has passed very quickly.

April 2016


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New agency to drive jobs growth in SA

A new government agency will drive economic growth and job creation across South Australia, Premier Jay Weatherill says.

The new Department of State Development will be formed by merging two existing departments with the hunt already on for a chief executive.

It will use funds allocated by the state and federal governments to cope with the closure of Holden's manufacturing operations in Adelaide at the end of 2017 to implement the government's job creation plans.

Mr Weatherill says there is a degree of urgency about the work the government needs to do.

"Although we have a period of years before the closure of Holden, we know the period ahead will be very significant challenge for us," he said on Monday.

"We don't have a moment to lose."

As part of the changes, Mr Weatherill says he will also embark on a series of visits to businesses, big and small, across SA to respond to their plans to grow their companies.

Related Articles

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said the government's move was straight out of the Liberals' copybook but did not go far enough.

"We still have 14 government departments and, of course, only 13 ministers," he said.

"This reform doesn't go nearly far enough."

© AAP 2017

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Our Fitness Blog

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How to Avoid Injuries in Your Exercise Routine

    You workout consistently on a regular basis. You put in all the necessary time and effort, but how do you know if you are achieving all that you can and playing it safe? You want to make sure that you are performing at your peak level but not pushing yourself too far, too fast. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself and cause an abrupt end to your fitness routine by going too far beyond your limits. So, if you are a fitness newbie, how will you learn your limits and know if you are safely and correctly performing all the exercises in your workout  routine? It can be difficult, but we have compiled a few tips here that may help you along the way.

  1. You should always complete an adequate warm up. Many people like to skip this important step and just jump right into their fitness routine. However, this could cause you an injury, which could sideline your fitness routine. We all know that you do not need to have a wrench thrown into your fitness routine and suffer an unexpected break from your normal exercise routines. You want to have an efficient and customized warm up that allows your body to get prepared for your workout routine. You need to loosen up and get your heart pumping at a gradual rate before you go in full force, which makes the warm up an essential part of your fitness routine.

  2. Do not be afraid to ask for help. You should not expect to walk into a gym and know everything about it. It is understandable to not know what you should do, especially if you are new to the fitness scene. One of the worst things you could do is go in there and follow around others and copy what they are doing. They could be at a far more progressed level than you, and you could end up injuring yourself from mimicking their routine. One of your options would be to ask the staff at the gym for assistance. This is what they are there for, to help you. They will have the knowledge to help you work the machines and ensure that you do not go too fast or lift too much weight. Another option would be to hire a personal trainer, even if it is just for the beginning to ease you into an efficient workout routine. Their expertise can get you started on the right track and help you set up the perfect fitness plan to achieve your goals.

  3. Use the proper form and posture. There are many reasons that you need to learn the correct way to perform an exercise move. You may not be working all of your muscles correctly if you do not have your form down to a tee, which can affect your results. If you spend long hours at the gym, I am pretty sure that you want to achieve the best results. This can be ensured by properly maintaining your form throughout the exercise. You also want to avoid any costly and unnecessary injuries. If you do not use the proper form, you may end up putting stress on a part of your body that is unable to handle it. This can cause aches and pains along with strains and pulled muscles or even worse. It is important to learn the proper form and posture from day one to make sure that your fitness routine is effective and safe.

    One of the biggest fitness fads today is pushing yourself beyond your limits. However, you need to remember to play it safe. It is fine to work hard and push yourself but do not go too far beyond what you are capable of to ensure that you do not injure yourself. It is easy to get caught up in what somebody else is doing or what somebody else is achieving, but everyone is different, as are their fitness levels and fitness goals. You have to be you and be proud of being you. As long as you know that you are working as hard as you can and achieving all that you can, then you should congratulate yourself. You are working towards your goal and not giving up, which is the perfect reason to pat yourself on the back.


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Akusztik Tv Show

The Carbonfools

Carbonfools gig and TV-Recording in the Renewed Acoustics Serie at the A38 Ship Concert Hall! You can take part in a limited-capacity TV recording in order of registration which is free. All you have to do is to indicate your will to participate. We ask you to arrive half an hour before the start, so everyone can take their seats in time.

By entering the A38 Ship visitors consent to being filmed which may be used for public broadcast or promotional purposes. See our Rules & Policies.


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Keylite Top-Hung Roof Windows

The Keylite Top Hung/Fire Escape Roof Window opens to 45˚. Applications of this window are ideal in roofs with low pitches.

  • Means of Escape - As a means of escape, the window will open to an unobstructed area to accommodate for a safe exit, in the event of an emergency. The opening handle located at the bottom of the window is easily accessible.
  • Ease of Use – The multi stop opening feature allows the user to simply open the window and extend it to any position between 0˚and 45˚ where the window will remain open for maximum flexibility.
  • Integrated Thermal Collar - Unlike other roof windows Keylite’s thermal collar is integrated into the frame. The collar is activated by simply pulling the release tabs for a fast insulation solution, combating cold bridging.
  • Flick-Fit Brackets - Keylite’s unique Flick-Fit brackets are prefitted so you can lift the window straight from the box to the roof and simply select the setting for tile or slate
  • Click-Fit Hood - Simply click the hood under the clips and secure. The cover flashings now require 50% fewer screws than before
  • Recessed Fit as Standard - Every Keylite Futuretherm window is recessed as standard, sitting lower in the roof than ever before.
  • Low Profile Hood - Keylite’s new hood has a lower profile and features a more sculptured design, enhancing its appearance in the roof.
  • Warm Edge Glazing - Every Keylite Futuretherm window now has a warm edge glazing unit as standard, to enhance the windows performance and reduce the occurrence of condensation.
  • All Weather Ventilation - Keylite roof windows all provide trickle ventilation, even with the window fully closed and securely locked. The built in ventilation filter ensures no insects pass into the room, only clean fresh air.
  • Maintenance Free Hinge - The hinge being the most vital component of the window, is the only operational part that moves. Keylite has eliminated the maintenance requirement of this component.
  • Sash Finger Springs - The sash hinge finger spring allows the sash to be installed back into the frame in one smooth effortless motion.

The Keylite Top Hung/ Fire Escape roof window is operated manually as standard, through rotating the handle, located along the bottom of the sash. This operation is made easy by the powerful pneumatic spring system. Although hinged at the top for Fire Escape purposes, the Keylite Top Hung/ Fire Escape roof window retains its ventilation flap and centre-pivoting hinge for cleaning purposes.

Comes with Keylite's 10 year hassle free guarantee.

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Consistent, high quality facilities at all stations

Our plans to improve stations across the ScotRail network mean passengers can be confident that they will be pleasant, secure places with facilities which make journeys easier and more enjoyable. We have surveyed every station to understand the amenities currently available at each one and how they vary in different locations. We then categorised the stations into 10 types ranging from large city stations, to public transport interchanges, commuter stations and small unstaffed stations. Our experience in the UK, the Netherlands and other European countries shows the facilities and assistance customers value and expect varies considerably at each category of station. This depends on how busy the station is and whether it is typically used by commuters, business travellers, by people making leisure trips or for a combination of all three types of journey. As a result, we have identified the investments we need to make at each station to meet customers' requirements.

For example, at unstaffed stations information screens can be particularly important as they may be the only way for customers to know if their train is on time. So we will install screens at 100 stations which don't currently have them. This will mean every ScotRail station will have a customer information system. We will also install new facilities at more than 40 small and medium-sized stations to ensure customers have adequate shelter while waiting for their train.

At transport hub stations serving airports, ferry terminals and major bus interchanges, it is important to take the stress out of journeys by making sure information on connecting transport is easily available. So we will introduce new information desks at these stations with rail staff specially trained to offer advice on onward journeys. We will also include information on ferry and bus travel on the information screens at 30 stations and show timetables for other forms of transport in convenient areas of the station. We understand that it may not be immediately obvious where to go to catch buses, trams and ferries, especially for infrequent passengers. We will make a series of improvements to the pedestrian routes from stations so that access to connecting transport is simpler, better signposted and clearer.

Many of the major city stations will feature similar improvements to interchange stations. We will also significantly improve the station environment at these stations by offering new catering facilities, shops and cafes, as well as new places for customers to work and meet.

At commuter stations, our plans to improve car parking include 1,000 extra spaces at the eight stations where there is greatest need. We will also improve catering services, for example by expanding ticket offices to act as convenience stores as well at over 20 larger stations. At stations without a shop, vending machines will be available. We will make sure there are covered seating areas and provide information on connecting transport at station entrances and exits.

In addition, our stations will provide a consistent standard of security for customers and their property, with every station on the network covered by CCTV. This will mean installing CCTV at 78 more stations, and providing 200 more cameras covering car parks and cycle racks. During the course of the new franchise, we see great potential to build on this 'basic' level of service by working with specialist companies to offer additional facilities designed to fit in with our customers' lifestyle, not just their rail journey. These include business centres with office facilities at city stations; left luggage facilities at larger stations and medium sized 'destination' stations; and collection points for parcel and online grocery deliveries at commuter and city stations. We will also offer new options for travel to and from many stations. For example, we will provide 3,500 additional cycle parking spaces, cycle hire at 10 larger stations and a new taxi booking Cab&Go service.

The effect of our station investment programme will be to provide consistent, high quality facilities customers can rely on to make journeys easier at stations across the ScotRail network.


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    "If you've been injured through no fault of your own you could be entitled to compensation. If you're unsure if you could claim, I recommend you call Accident Advice Helpline."

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    Going on holiday this summer? May as well leave now

    Millions of holidaymakers face huge delays this summer as the government imposes new legislation on border controls.

    From April 8, anyone wishing to leave the country will find that his or her passport is checked in what can only be described as a major security crackdown. Every passport will be scanned by a ferry or train company employee. This physical scanning will create a unique electronic record, which then has to be sent to the Home Office.

    The new measures are expected to bring massive delays to holidaymakers trying to head across the English Channel. The biggest delays are expected at the ports, but there are also issues around train stations and airports.

    The measures are meant to help the government in a number of areas. The government is concerned about foreign nationals who have overstayed their welcome in the country. This is a serious concern, and it does warrant some measures. Police and security services are also interested in new ways to track criminals.

    Expected problems

    But at peak times of the year, such as summer, the technology is expected to bring in huge delays, simply because it is new technology and will suffer the expected problems that new measures create.

    Open Claim Calculator

    For example, there will be issues around families, especially large families that travel together. With seven people in a people carrier, for example, having their passports checked individually will take considerable time.

    Jams of up to 5 miles

    The AA has suggested that travellers add extra time into their journeys, but speculation has resulted in fears that traffic jams of up to 5 miles could result.

    Interestingly, not all holidaymakers will have to undergo such scrutiny. The new checks do not apply to anyone travelling by private plane or boat, or anyone travelling to Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

    All this is part of the Home Office wishing to impose exit checks on travellers who leave the country. The government has maintained that it is working closely with seaports as well as airports to ensure the system is implemented smoothly. But industry experts believe that they could cause hours and hours of delays in what is arguably the worst time of the year to do so.

    Date Published: March 23, 2015

    Author: David Brown

    Category: Holiday accident claims

    Accident Advice Helpline (or AAH) is a trading style of Slater Gordon Solutions Legal Limited. Slater Gordon Solutions Legal Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with registration number 07931918, VAT 142 8192 16, registered office Dempster Building, Atlantic Way, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool, L3 4UU and is an approved Alternative Business Structure authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    Disclaimer: This website contains content contributed by third parties, therefore any opinions, comments or other information expressed on this site that do not relate to the business of AAHDL or its associated companies should be understood as neither being held or endorsed by this business.

    No-Win No-Fee: *Subject to insurance costs. Fee payable if case not pursued at client's request.


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Included in this section are science and nature books that are also found throughout this website in different age and subject appropriate categories. In this section, we have collected all of the many series for your review, all in one location.

  Alphabet and Counting Books for Ages 3-8
Intriguing, beautifully illustrated series for young children. Filled with fascinating stories and tales about a vast array of creatures and their habitats. These alphabet and counting books are perfect for extended care and after school programs, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, preschool and kindergarten teachers, camp leaders, daycare providers and parents.
  Amazing Animal Scientists Series for Ages 7-9
These engaging books combine ecology with scientific principles. Young readers in grades 3-4 see how animals have adapted to their environments. The series explores animals’ use of anatomy, behavior, and engineering to overcome environmental challenges such as escaping a predator, making a shelter, or finding food.
  Animal Helpers Series for Ages 4-8
Many individuals, from early years on, show an interest in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. The books in this series combine amazing photographs with engaging text for readers ages 4-8. Learn about the newest animal care programs in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, aquariums, and raptor centers. Books capitalize on children's natural interest in discovering how individuals go about helping animals.
  Animal Senses and Anatomy Book Series
Includes books in the new animal senses and anatomy series for children.
  Animal Trackers Series for Ages 7-9
Animal trackers learn how to record the habitat requirements, population trends, migration routes, and diets of animals in order to develop effective conservation programs. This series reveals the exciting, cutting-edge techniques that trackers use to study and follow animals in their natural habitats. Grades 3-4.
  Backyard Birds Series for Ages 5-7
Children are universally interested in the birds they see right outside their window or while on the school playground. Within these books, young children ages 5-7 learn basic facts about each bird, including habitat, behavior, life cycle, and identifying characteristics. Engaging text is supplemented with amazing photographs and useful range maps.
  Big Science Ideas Series for Ages 8-9
This series offers an ideal way to help students in grades 2-3 learn about animal diversity, form and function. Captivating text is accompanied by dramatic color photographs.
  Carnivore/Herbivore/Omnivore Series for Ages 8-9
These three books for children in grades 2-3 (ages 8-9) explore the three major dietary preferences found in the animal kingdom. Each features spectacular color photographs plus a 28 minute CD with additional images and a series of interactive questions.
  City Safari Books for Ages 4-7
Who needs to fly to Africa or visit a safari park when there is so much wildlife on our doorsteps? Each book in this series looks at a different wild animal and takes the reader on a “city safari.” Special Spotter’s Clues symbols highlighting key animal behaviors and features are used throughout the books to enable readers to go on their own city safari once they have finished reading. For children ages 4-7.
  Energy Revolution Series for Ages 10-11
Introduces students in grades 4-5 to the fast-changing arena of energy production and use. Each title begins with a definition of the energy form being discussed, followed by challenges associated with each form of energy. This series provides a well-rounded picture of alternative energy sources. Each book features full color photographs and an engaging text.
  Field Guides for Ages 8-adult
Field identification manuals are found in every outdoor enthusiast's bookshelf. Acorn Naturalists carries the latest versions of the Nature Circles® Guides, Waterford Press Pocket Guides, Audubon, Peterson, Golden, Stokes, Sibley, and Kaufman guides. We also offer high quality field guide covers, custom designed to protect your guides.
  Green Team Series for Ages 9-10
Each book in this series encourages children in grades 3-4 to take basic steps to protect their environment and work toward a sustainable future. Each volume features case studies that show how children can take part in addressing each concern.
  Life Cycles Series for Ages 7-9
This acclaimed series takes young readers ages 7-9 through the stages of life that all plants and animals share: starting out, growth, and adulthood. Colorful photographs accompany a rich, flowing narrative. Each book contains a wealth of information in an easy-to-access format.
  Nocturnal Animal Series for Ages 5-6
Five fascinating books for children in grades PreK-2 (ages 5-6). Each features colorful photos, maps, and a simple text that discusses the habitat, life cycle, range, and behavior of each species.
  One Small Square Series for Ages 6-10
This interactive, popular book series effectively teaches children how to observe nature closely at the same time as teaching basic scientific methods. Each has beautiful illustrations to accompany an informative text. Along with habitat descriptions, these books feature suggested activities to extend studies from the classroom out into the field. Ages 6-10.
  Seasonal Math in Nature Books for Ages 5-8
This excellent series for children ages 5-8 introduces math concepts such as numbers, counting, patterns, shapes, measurement, symmetry, spatial relationships, time, and even simple geometry. Each topic is described through observation of natural world, attuned to seasonal events, and presented with poetic prose and beautiful artwork that will keep a child's attention throughout. This collection of four hardcover titles includes Sorting through Spring, Shaping Up Summer, Counting on Fall, and Sizing Up Winter. For children ages 5-8.
  Sticker Books - Eyelike Series for Ages 6-14
Each full-size book features 400 colorful and bold stickers. The illustrated inside back and front covers provide space for creative sticker patterns and the peel-and-place reusable adhesive allows for repeated use. Ages 5 and up.
  Sticker Books - Wild Sticker Books for ages 8-13
These are the most accurate, colorful and reasonably priced stickers available. Each 4 inch x 5 inch booklet contains 40-60 fully identified stickers, measuring 1-3 inches in length. Combine with art or nature projects, decorate letters, collages or envelopes.
  Take-a-Walk Series for Ages 8-13
These hands-on activity books introduce children to the world at their doorstep, teaching them how to keep a field notebook on the plants and animals they discover. Using a hands-on approach, students also learn the skills to identify what they find. These guides are ideal for introducing children ages 8-13 to the world right outside their door.
  Take-along Nature Guides for Ages 5-10
Children ages 5-10 will enjoy the creative activities and helpful identifications found in this series. Each guide is beautifully illustrated and inquiry-oriented.
  Voices for Green Choices Series for Ages 11-14
Offers biographical portraits of individuals who have advanced the goal of achieving a greener, more sustainable world. Each title reveals informed solutions for complex environmental issues. For students in grades 5-8.
  Watch It Grow Series for Ages 4-7
Capture the natural curiosity of young children, ages 4-7, by sharing these image-rich books.
  Weather - Early Childhood Series for Ages 6-7
This series teaches young children in grades K-1 (ages 6-7) about weather through the use of expository language and beautiful photographs. Each book in this series includes word lists, notes to teachers and parents, and useful internet links. These books capitalize on children’s natural curiosity about weather-related phenomena.
  Weather Wise Book Series
Includes books in the new weather wise series for children.
  Women in Conservation Series for Ages 8-10
This series offers insight into the work of four ground-breaking conservationists. Each book looks at what inspired the individual, their methodology and the global impact of their endeavors. Ages 8-11.

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5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist about Your Opioid Prescription

Posted on October 19, 2015

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to further address the nation's opiate addiction crisis, the three-time Emmy® award-winning, The Dr. Oz Show, jointly with the American Academy of Academy of Family Physicians and the American Dental Association will issue a wallet size card as part of Monday's show containing five crucial questions people should ask if they are prescribed an opiate pain killer. Because death from drug overdose has now surpassed traffic accidents as the leading cause of death for people under 50, The Dr. Oz Show reached out to major medical groups to collaborate on developing content that would educate viewers on the proper use of opiates and the risks with these medications. There are currently 1.9 million people in America addicted to prescription opiates, and research suggests four out of five heroin addicts began their addiction with a prescription opiate.

"We need to change the way we think about opiate prescriptions and we need everyone to do their part in managing the risk with these powerful medicines," said Mehmet Oz, M.D. host. "The reality is that many doctors who prescribe opiates for sound medical reasons, myself included, do not have the extensive training on proper patient screening and risk management."

Opiate prescriptions are a group of medications that historically have been used in medicine to successfully treat pain for over 150 years. They include major analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl. Oral medications containing oxycodone and hydrocodone are often prescribed to treat acute pain and post dental procedure pain and are very effective. However, without a proper screening discussion of a patient's personal and family history as well a comprehensive warning about the risks of opiate medication, adverse reactions like acute addiction and accidental overdose are common.

As physicians and dentists address the risks through continuing education, The Dr. Oz Show is advising viewers how to have a conversation about these prescriptions with a doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist in an effort to reduce their risk of harm.

"Pain is very real. It's very different from person to person, and we need to take a good sense of that person and who they are within the context of their family and their community… opiates should be the last resort. There are many other things to think about for pain and sometimes I think that we've under-utilized those," said Wanda Filer, M.D. president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The wallet card with the five questions can be found at www.doctoroz.com, ADA web site www.mouthhealthy.org/painmeds and www.familydoctor.org.

"It is important to remember that everyone's risk factors for addiction vary so its important to speak to your dentist about any prescription you receive for pain and to address your risks," said Ada S. Cooper, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

Also in Monday's show is former congressman Patrick Kennedy whose new book "A Common Struggle" details his personal journey from acute chronic alcoholism and cocaine addiction to recovery as well as his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder. Kennedy engages Dr. Oz in a passionate discussion about how his own personal experience with addiction motivated him to work tirelessly for social change to diminish the stigma around addiction and mental illness and mandate that behavioral health receive equal reimbursement and protection under the law. Kennedy also reveals deeply personal details from conversations with his father, six term Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy about coming to terms with his alcoholism and working on legislation together in Congress around addiction issues.

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Leaf Bowl

Kosta Boda from Orrefors, Sweden
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With its vivid orange and red hues, this leaf is a natural stunner. Detailed and vibrant, it was designed by Ludvig Löfgren as part of his My Wide Life collection, named for his wide-ranging inspirations.

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Dimensions: 6.5 inches high / 16.5 centimeters high

  • Product Code: V03210

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Many of the items you discover here are exclusive to AHAlife, which is what makes our community of designers and artisans so special.

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Candidates in Monetary Race in Final Push Before Election Night

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC

In the race for U.S. Senate, Joe Miller raised more money in August and September than his two main opponents combined, but write in candidate Lisa Murkowski enters the final push before Election Day with the most cash on hand.

Candidates had until the end of business Friday to send in campaign reports detailing how much money they raised and spent between Aug. 5 and the end of September.

The reporting period covers the weeks leading up to the Aug. 24 primary and the following month.  Miller raked in nearly four-times more money than Murkowski did in August and September. After Murkowski lost the Republican primary, national GOP leaders disavowed her and threw their support – both in name and dollars – to Miller as their Party’s winner.

That helped him raise $1.1 million in August and September, a staggering boost from the $84,000 he had on-hand leading up to the period.  But Miller has spent nearly half of his war chest, and entered October with $680,000 in his coffers.

Murkowski started this month with nearly double that on hand: $1.1 million. She waited three weeks after Election Day to launch her write-in campaign, but money did keep coming in.  In August and September she raised more than $300,000.

Scott McAdams, the Democratic candidate, collected more than double what Murkowski did.  He pulled in $660,000, a far cry from the mere $16,000 he had going into August.

McAdams hits the final weeks of campaign season with $400,000 in his campaign’s bank account.

During the last reporting period, Murkowski out-spent the competition, she poured nearly $1 million into her race, while Miller spent $560,000, and McAdams about half that. What the campaign numbers do not show are the interest groups that are spending their own money on the race.

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HPM Sheikh Hasina gives 23 directives to DCs

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given 23- point directives to the deputy commissioners (DCs) while inaugurating the three-day DCs Conference-2017 at the Prime Minister's Office here.

Following are the directives:-

1. Remain alert so that people don't become victims of harassment and deprivation in receiving government services.

2. Work together with public representatives in establishing good governance at the grassroots level.

3. Create new employments by strengthening rural economy so that the people don't become town-bound. Take steps so that the pressure of population on the towns is not increased.

4. Take a motto for development of rural infrastructure and flourishing potential small and medium scale industries as well as alleviating poverty through generating employment.

5. For minimising disparity between the rich and poor, take development programmes in such a way so that the highest number of people can get benefit from it. Ensure a balanced distribution of resources in building a disparity- less society.

6. Perform responsibilities more carefully and strictly for maintaining peace-discipline and stability in all spheres of the life by eliminating militancy, terrorism and communalism.

7. Engage cross section people of the society including local public representatives, teachers of schools, colleges and madrsas, imams of mosques, senior citizens, business leaders, women organizers, members of Ansar-VDP and village police and NGO workers in stamping out militancy and terrorism.

8. Take special measures for the welfare of the disabled and autistic people and disadvantageous communities.

9. Make effective the village courts for providing justice to the common people easily and reduce case log at the courts.

10. Give leadership for development and flourishing information and communication technology to reach services at the people's doorsteps.

11. Take steps for increasing female education rate in all spheres of education and bringing back the dropped out students to the mainstream.

12. Be more active for increasing transparency and efficiency in land administration and management as well as protecting government land.

13. Take all necessary measures for smooth supply of fertilizers, seeds, electricity and fuel etc in boosting agriculture production and take initiatives for popularising the environment-friendly agriculture management.

14. Contain marketing of adulterated food with iron hands and create mass awareness about the unethical acts.

15. Ensure proper application of merit, efficiency and experience in successful implementation of the seventh five-year plan and SDGs.

16. Take right measures at right time for reduction of natural disasters. Raise mass awareness about protecting environment and ensure proper enforcement of laws and rules related to it.

17. Take strict steps for maintaining peace in industrial zones and making uninterrupted transportation of goods and export-import and eliminating muscle power, extortion, tender manipulation and terrorism.

18. Give consumer rights to an institutional shape and curb any efforts to create an artificial crisis in market with iron hands.

19. Implement women development policy smoothly and ensure proper legal steps for stopping violence, torture and hostile attitude against women and checking woman and child trafficking.

20. Ensure scope for education, sports, entertainment and creative cultural activities for physical and mental growth of the children and juveniles. Grow interest of the children and juveniles in history, knowledge and science.

21. Stop drug peddling and trafficking and its abuse strictly.

22. Remain vigilant about protecting government land by increasing transparency and efficiency in land administration and management.

23. Preserve geo-natural beauty and biodiversity of the hill districts alongside expediting their uplift and give proper attention to the development of haor and baor regions. Extend allout cooperation to flourish tourism industry, small and medium size industries and traditional cottage industry.

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol

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Audio Version

When I was discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt at the end of my drinking I made two phone calls suggested by the psychiatrist who examined me; the first was to Alcoholics Anonymous and the other to my GP to arrange after care. The AA contact in the phone directory was a chap called Andy (this was before today’s mobile phones, 24 hour help-line and website). Andy said he would send someone to see me and then he asked to speak to my wife and told her about Al Anon. A few hours later two men knocked at our door. The older man was carrying his Big Book; his young companion told me he had been sober for eight months, which I thought was remarkable. They sat in our living room and told their stories, answered my questions and invited me to a meeting. That was in 1984.

I quickly got a sponsor and he took me with him on 12 Step calls. We went to see a man whose kids let us in and we found him lying on a couch. He looked awful and was clearly very ill. My sponsor knelt beside him and said, “What is the most important thing in your life?” The man groaned, “If only my wife would come back to me.” He was surrounded by empty bottles and cans. He was dying of alcoholism yet his primary purpose was to get his wife back. My sponsor was a zealous 12 Stepper. I’d sometimes think, as he earnestly carried the AA message to some poor soul, “We’re wasting our time here.” But he persevered and none of those apparently fruitless calls failed - because he and I were staying sober. The Step says tried to carry the message and that’s all we can do; the results are out of our hands.

A year into recovery I also joined my intergroup’s 12 Stepper list and immediately began receiving requests from AA’s London telephone service, which covered the part of Hertfordshire where I lived, to contact suffering alcoholics. I would have up to three or four calls a month and they took me far and wide. One man sounded desperate when I spoke to him at lunchtime but when I called to take him to a meeting in the evening he answered the door and said sheepishly, “Awfully sorry, but my wife has asked me to babysit while she goes out tonight.” At death’s door at 1pm – cured at 7pm!

I visited another man who let me into his flat and while I was sharing my experience, strength and hope and explaining how AA worked, he fell asleep. Not knowing what to do, I decided to wait. Eventually he came to and with a look of alarm on his face demanded, “Who are you?”  I said I was from AA and that he had phoned for help. “No I didn’t,” he exclaimed indignantly, “get out of my ****ing flat!”  He’d obviously been in a blackout when he phoned AA. I learned a valuable lesson that afternoon – it’s best not to go on a 12 Step call alone as anything could happen. Fast forward 32 years and I’m still on my present intergroup’s 12 Stepper list but I rarely receive calls. There are more volunteers now, of course, but more significantly many newcomers arrive at meetings after logging on to the AA GB website. Also, in some areas treatment centres seem to have taken over much of our 12 Step work. ‘Clients’ are introduced to the Steps and taken to AA meetings as part of their contract of attendance, which means that AA members sometimes have limited opportunities to meet the suffering alcoholic face to face.

I was privileged to be a telephone responder for four years and was on duty on the ‘graveyard’ shift, from 10pm to 8am on Sunday night/Monday morning. I slept in a different room with the phone next to the bed so my wife was not disturbed. One night I answered the phone and said, “Hullo, this is Alcoholics Anonymous. My name is ****** how can I help?” The man said, “I can’t sleep.” I replied, “Oh dear, do you have a drink problem?” He said, “No, I just can’t sleep.” I said, “Well, we’re Alcoholics Anonymous and we try to help anyone with a drink problem, so why did you phone us?” The man said, “Oh, I tried some of the other help-lines in the Yellow Pages – I’ve just had a chat with the Samaritans – and your number was on the list so I thought I’d phone you.”  I said, “Are you sure you don’t have a drink problem?” “Oh no,” he said, “I just can’t sleep – do you have trouble sleeping?” I was getting a bit exasperated by now and said rather curtly, “Only when someone phones me at two o’clock in the morning. If you don’t have a drink problem I really don’t think I can help” – and put the phone down.  A few minutes later the phone rang again and it was the sleepless one. “I want your name,” he said. I answered, “I told you my name” and he replied, “I want your full name.” “What for?” I said. “Because I’m going to report you to your head office!”

Lots of calls late at night or in the early hours were from drunks and it reminded me of what I was like when I was drunk – you’d be talking to someone who wasn’t there. And I heard lots of excuses why someone could not be an alcoholic or didn’t think AA would work for them. I asked one chap if he’d like to go to a meeting. “Oh no,” he said. I asked him why not. “Because you have to stand up and say you’re an alcoholic.” I replied, “No you don’t.” And he said, “Well, they do on television.” He must have seen a programme with a scene set in an AA meeting, presumably in America. I said he could just sit and listen if he wished. I was sometimes told AA wouldn’t work because the caller was not religious and didn’t believe in God. I’d tell them that I was an agnostic, that the only requirement for membership was a desire to stop drinking and that they didn’t have to believe anything if they didn’t want to, just keep an open mind. Someone said he’d go to a meeting but he’d read that AA claimed to be the only way to stay sober and he wanted to consider other options. I quoted the bit in the Big Book which says, ‘upon therapy for the alcoholic we have no monopoly’ and tried to explain AA’s policy of co-operation with other agencies.

Occasionally I would have a heart-warming conversation with someone who was desperate to stop drinking and I was able to pass on AA’s message of hope. But I sometimes wonder if many of those other late at night or early hours encounters did any good.  I just have to remind myself that ‘When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there – and for that I am responsible.’ I’m grateful that when I reached out for help Andy was there and that now I can be there too.